Ruth Cardello: Maid for the Billionaire

Maid for the Billionaire
Ruth Cardello
Published November 19, 2011 by CreateSpace
ISBN: 1466398167
220 Pages



Synopsis
Abigail Dartley is not really a maid, she just stepped in for her sister while she was sick, to prevent her from losing her job.  Lil (Abby’s sister) can be a little irresponsible, and since their parents’ death, Abby has played the role of mom – much to the sacrifice of her social life.

While cleaning the big vacant brownstone, the owner, Dominic Corisi - billionaire businessman, comes home. He is angry over the death of his father, and needs something to take his mind off the emotions running through him. Abby seems like a good distraction. However business beckons, and an important deal requires flying to China. It takes more persuading than he was prepared for, but he really wants to take Abby with him. She agrees knowing he’s not looking for anything more than sex, but she senses she can help him, and wants to live a little herself.

Musings
This was a random pick.  Book 3 is in the lists and all of the books had such good ratings, so I decided to try it out. It really was a quality romance novel. It never felt juvenile or whimsical, had a plot, and the motivation for the characters was well built. The steam was good, the romance & humor were there too. I liked the main characters – the good girl cutting lose, the overbearing man being challenged. Plus, billionaire!

Once again, the only thing that bothered me was the ending. The story built, grew, climaxed, dove, and was interesting the whole way – but the last section of the book just happened way to fast, and worked out way to well. Felt a little scooby-do-ish.  I don’t want to ruin it, but practically everything was wrapped up in a pretty bow when it didn’t have to be, especially since this was the first part of a three-parter. It rushed to resolution.

 MAJOR  SPOILER!!

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Abby and Dom make up, step out of the house, and magically there are two helicopters landing on the lawn delivering all the people and answers they want.  Seemed WAY too convenient. 

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I would recommend it to romance aficionados. It was pretty good. 3.5 Stars.

-Rita

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AL Jackson: Pulled

Pulled
A. L. Jackson
Published: April 5, 2012 by Sapphire Star
ISBN: 1938404009
350 Pages

Synopsis
Melanie and Daniel met in high-school and, from that moment, they knew they were all there would ever be for each other. Two halves of the same soul. The tragic loss of their daughter separated them at a young age, but they never stopped craving or loving each other.  They stayed apart, thinking it was what the other wanted. Nine years pass, and through fate or kismet, they are brought back together – but circumstances are not favorable for a reunion. She’s in a loveless marriage, and he is going through his own troubles with another woman, and has poured himself into a meaningless existence at work. They can only hope that love conquers all and will help them, not only get out of their present situations, but get over the tragic past that separated them - so they can finally be together.


Musings
To get into this book you have to be able to accept that the following is real:

               1) True love
               2) Fate/Destiny/Kismet
               3) Soul mates
               4) Intangible connection between people, allowing them to sense each other/share feelings.

Sounds romantic, right?  This book is filled with angst, forgiveness, acceptance, stupidity, emotion… Ahhh!!! The list goes on. This is one of the most emotional books I’ve read in a while. The strangest (and yes, romantic – if you like that) part was this connection between Melanie and Daniel. You know how there are stories of twins that can just sense each other?  They can feel when the other is happy or sad, and communicate without words?  Or loved ones who can tell across great distances when the other has died or been hurt? Well, the connection between our lovers is much stronger, almost verging on paranormal.

I liked that the characters were developed – real fears, real insecurities, and real hardship. The way the story was laid out was really cool. We are in the present, following the current timeline as events unfold, but are given tidbits to build the past through the characters’ memories. By the mid-point of the book, we finally have the whole picture and are able to plunge deeper into the story.

The swapping from Melanie’s to Daniel’s point of view was great for the advancement of the story, but was occasionally sloppy. A couple of times I had to go back a page to figure out whose thoughts I was reading.  Also, some of their angst, reasons for separating, and assumptions were a little weak – verging on non-believable. But then, I can’t put myself into the headspace to understand the emotions Melanie was feeling after losing her daughter.

The conflict in the story was great, and it had some truth and sadness to it about abuse people inflict on themselves and each other. It enforces the importance of communication and forgiveness. It was also not all bubbles and clouds, “we broke up and now we’re back together.” It was real life pushing them apart. Experiences, misfortune, family…

I enjoyed the intenseness of their romance. Sappy love yes, but physical love was just as important -that rough need to touch, taste, own, brand. This book had it all. The only thing it lacked was a logical beginning to their relationship. It was love at first sight, devotion at first meeting, and forever ever after. Once you get past that it was pretty awesome.

3.5 Stars. I really liked it, and will recommend it to those interested in the genre.

-Rita

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Jessica Park: Flat Out Love

Flat Out Love
Jessica Park
Published April 11, 2011 (Self-Published eBook)
A SIN: B004W9BYR8
400 Pages

Synopsis
Craigslist is not a trustworthy place to find a living situation - especially if you are a little naive and send first last and security deposit - sight unseen. Julie Seagle realizes her mistake when she finds herself homeless sitting outside of a burrito place wondering where she is going to live for her first semester of college. Luckily her mom's best friend from years past lives in the area, and can put her up while she finds a place. Julie finds herself in a different world. There is something definitely 'off' in the Watkins household, and she does her best to help everyone around her without crossing a line. Celeste, the young daughter in the family has some odd habits, and Julie desperately wants to help her; I suppose because she sees a little of herself in the girl. Matt the middle brother is a nerd who is always studying, but does his best to take care of the family since the parents are very busy and are almost always out. The oldest brother, Finn, is away traveling, and through Julie's conversations with him online - she starts to see the truth about the family, and a dark moment in their past.

Musings
It’s cute and laugh-out-loud funny, but there is no steam here – so don’t jump in expecting a hot and intense romance. I don’t want to do the book a disservice. It was exceptionally good. The use of social networking, IM, and email enhanced the story and let you get a better glimpse into the characters. The story was elaborate and paced. There were no gotcha’s or screw-ups, and I didn’t notice a single typo. The story was very well thought out. Everything connects and keeps you interested and engaged, but it rushed at the end.

Long, interesting story, with a few twists...
                                  -BOOM- big reveal!
                                                -BOOM- HEA!
                                                              -BOOM- over, the end!
                                                                            don’t pass go, don’t collect $200!
                                      Don’t see them interact in an actual relationship.

It’s like it stopped where the story should have started(especially if you want to consider this a romance). And as for that big reveal, it IS exactly what you are thinking from the beginning. And if you are thinking it, it never allows you to enjoy the ride.  In fact it kinda sours the whole thing.
I don’t regret reading it. It really was good for the story it was. But it wasn’t what I was looking for.

3.5 Stars – I’ll recommend it to those that are looking for it.

-Rita

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Tammara Webber: Easy

Easy
Tammara Webber
Published May 24, 2012 (self-published eBook)
A SIN: B0085ZHMA8
304 Pages

Synopsis
Jacqueline (don’t call her Jackie), followed her high school boyfriend to college. She is musical and very talented, but she chose to follow love over logic. Kennedy is her first boyfriend.  He’s political, handsome, and a bit selfish.  When Kennedy breaks up with her to ‘sew his oats’ in college, Jacqueline is heartbroken.  But then, her eyes open…

Lucas is the broody, artsy, bad boy in her class, who she finds actually has a sweet, dedicated and hardworking demeanor. Landen is the smart econ tutor; he’s engaging, funny, and truly interested in Jacqueline, but she’s never met him in person.  All their communication has been via email. Buck is the jerk, Benji the friend.  With all these men swirling around her – Jacqueline has a lot to figure out.


Musings
Easy was a smooth ‘easy’ read (I know, overdone puns are awful, right?).

After just coming off a couple of roller coaster plot lines – this book was a relaxing switch. It wasn’t slow, but the dramatic and shattering ups and downs were softened.  A boy with a troubled past, innocent girl, attraction, secrets… all makes for a good story. This one was sweet and calm, and where I am so used to the dishonesty being the reason the relationship screws up – these characters were crazy honest with each other and worked through things with logic and realism.

The tragedy in Lucas’ history was shocking, and I was surprised to find it at the root of a romance novel, but the author handled it well.  This book has a definite message – one powerful and exceedingly important to women everywhere.  Don’t dismiss it.

I would recommend this book to all my girlfriends. It was really good. 3.5 Stars

-Rita

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Jamie McGuire: Beautiful Disaster

Beautiful Disaster
Jamie McGuire
Published May 26, 2011 (Self-Published eBook)
A SIN: B0052VUNHC
361 Pages



Synopsis
Abby Abernathy has a past she is trying to bury, so she moves to a new town with her best friend in tow, adopts a cardigan, attends college, and swears off trouble. Travis Maddox is trouble on legs. He is a womanizer, a fighter, and an anger management needing head case.  When they meet, they challenge each other in weird ways and there is an immediate friendship. A lost bet forces them to share a living space for a month and in the course of that time their friendship is cemented beyond their expectations. Then come the challenges of other people, underground fighting rings, a dangerous stint in Vegas, and a couple brushes with death. This story is a roller coaster ride of ups, downs, I love you, I hate you, I need you, breakups, makeups, and savage intensity.


Musings
I gotta say I had mixed feelings about this one. As is the trend with most successful, self-published works lately– the story was freaking awesome, but the flow, editing, and general organization left something to be desired.

I liked that the book didn’t gloss over how couples fight, how they can love each other to death – but simultaneously hate each other. The characters were emotional, the reactions believable, and the writer actually put time into building a connection between the two main characters!!!  Yes – interaction, budding relationship, a lasting connection observed over time!  It may have been destined, and they had the same instant earth shattering connection as other fictional couples – but like real people, they weren’t declaring their undying love by day 2. I really appreciated that, and it in no way took away from how powerful their relationship was.

However – this tale was a bit creepy. I think the roommate sums it up exceptionally well…

“Do you know what co-dependency is, Abby? Your boyfriend is a prime example, which is creepy considering he went from having no respect for women at all to thinking he needs you to breathe…It’s dangerous to need someone that much. You’re trying to save him and he’s hoping you can. You two are a disaster.”  - Kara, pg. 232.

The hero(?) is Travis Maddox, a overprotective, violent, moody, intense, manic, crazy person. Oh and did I mention codependent?  He fights in an underground fighting ring, over-reacts to every threat to disturb his precious girlfriend’s peace, and should have been arrested on assault charges at least 3 times in the course of the book. I’m a little worried about how this will make young readers feel/act. I can sense that it is honest. These people could be real, their pasts make them what they are and allow them to accept each other – but in no way should the general population think irrational violence is in any way good or romantic. A younger reader may romanticize the fights, but a jaded person can recognize that sometimes crazy needs crazy to be happy – but that doesn’t make them any less crazy.

The Vegas/Mob bit was interesting, but felt out of place with the entirety of the story – probably not necessary. The writer could have found other ways to motivate the characters and give them back story without mucking up the roller coaster ride that is this book.

I really enjoyed it, and might recommend it to others who like similar stuff - 3.5 stars.

-Rita

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Kelly Armstrong: Men of the Otherworld

Men of the Otherworld
Kelly Armstrong
Published January 27, 2009 by Spectra
ISBN: 0553807099
369 Pages

Synopsis
A six year old boy came across a werewolf and asked to be bitten, deciding it would be better than his current situation. Clayton didn't count on becoming a wild child, barely able to survive in the woods on his new wolf instincts.  Years later, someone came along and took an interest in the strange wolf-child. Jeremy tamed the little beast and initiated him into a pack of 'civilized' werewolves. Throughout time, trials, and tests of everyone's patience, eventually Clayton earned his place as one of the most loyal and fearsome members of the Pack.



Musings
Out of all of Kelly Armstrong's Otherworld characters, the wolves are my absolute favorite. This book is a compilation of short stories surrounding the Wolf Pack's men. The best part, we find out about Clayton's childhood. How he became a werewolf, how he met Jeremy, and where and why that undying sense of loyalty was developed. 

I particularly enjoyed these stories because you get to better understand the way Clayton thinks. He is a wolf, inside and out. His choices and actions are driven by instinct, but human sentimentality and empathy are not in his emotional toolkit--and that's okay.

After reading about Clayton's childhood in Infusion, Savage, and Ascension - we get to find out more about Jeremy's special abilities in Kitsunegari. In Clayton's case, we got to find out when he was bitten, but in Jeremy's we found out about how he was conceived, and where his strange powers of perception come from.

I would recommend this series of short stories to anyone already familiar with Kelly Armstrong's Wolf Pack. Overall a great read adding depth and value to the full length novels.

-Rita

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Dakota Cassidy: Accidentially....

The Accidental Werewolf
Dakota Cassidy
Published February 5, 2008 by Berkley Trade
ISBN: 0425219305
326 Pages


Synopsis:
Book One (The Accidental Werewolf) stars Marty, a door to door cosmetics saleswoman. Marty gets bitten by a 'dog' while walking her teacup chihuahua, and with the help of her friends and a mysterious kook claiming to be the dog that bit her, she comes to terms with her changes. There is good conflict in this story, and Marty shows real strength of character when dealing with an unaccepting wolf pack and a jealous... *ahem* female dog.




Book Two (Accidentally Dead) stars Nina a cranky, foul-mouthed, not afraid to tell it like it is, diva who gets bitten by a vampire while completing his dental work. She wakes up the next morning with new hunger cravings, and is forced to seek out her mysterious patient. With the help of her friends, and some serious whining and denial, Nina accepts her new lifestyle, AND the hunky vampire. Oh, and this one follows the same patterns of the jealous girl from his past, and the challenges and drama that presents.




Book Three (The Accidental Human) stars Wanda, a conservative, insecure divorcee. Wanda is terminally ill, and is bitten by a vamp AND a werewolf in the attempt to save her life. Who knew that along the way she would find her own paranormal HEA.





Book Four (Accidentally Demonic) stars Casey, Wanda's sister. Casey gets Demon blood spilled on her and begins levitating and shooting fire out of her fingertips. She too has to deal with the 'other woman' before getting her HEA.





Book Five (Accidentally Catty) stars Katie, a divorcee who is bitten by a cougar. This 41 year old veterinarian becomes a cougar in more ways than one.







Musings
These books were super cute, and yes - I cringe as I type that, but it's true.  I read them out of order, which I do not recommend. (The correct order is listed above).

Cassidy's writing is sophomoric, but it makes for a quick, fun read. These books did help expand my vocabulary though!  I learned the proper use of the word 'Hawt' (as in: he is so damn hawt!) and 'Evah' (as in: he has the cutest butt evah!). I also learned more romance novel jargon than I had ever gotten in a single dose. I know what a HEA is (Happily Ever After), and a TBR (To be read) list. There are more, but those are the ones that stick in my mind.

Writing style aside, the stories were fun (if totally far fetched). A group of girlfriends who met while working at the same kooky cosmetics company (Avon calling!), get their own paranormal infections, followed by their HEA in each book.

My favorite of the group was the Accidental Human, with Werewolf being a close second. I enjoyed the differences in Human compared to the other novels, and connected with the character.  In Werewolf, I think the writing was better, and the ideas more thought out. The novels tend to go downhill as they progress.
Overall - I might recommend them, if they are your style.  :)  3.5 Stars.

-Rita

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Christopher Pike: The Cold One

Definitely not for children, this book, one of Christopher Pikes early novels, is a dark story about a soulless being that sucks the life out of others.

The biggest disappointment, is at the end of my copy, it promised a sequel - which a little googling discovers was never written.

I actually found this book at a Half-Price Bookstore, and just thumbed through a few pages. I was instantly sucked in, bought the book, and read it in a little over a day. It starts off really interesting, as each of the first few chapters tells the story of a different person, and as you read it all gets tied together. By the end, you are going - "really? Didn't see that one coming!"

Read it.

New Moon (Book 2)

New Moon was my least favorite of the Twilight books. It has been almost a year now, since the first time I read this book, and even though I have read it at least 5 times since then, it is always the bump in the road to get the the next novel. I actually have sticky notes permanently fixed in my copy, telling me which parts to skip over. These are of course all the parts without Edward, Alice, or any of the Cullen family.

New Moon picks up where Twilight left off. Bella (the lovestruck human) and Edward (the heartbreakngly beautiful vampire) are happy, but Edward still worries he is risking Bella's life with his nature, and her humanity with his presence. He is again proven right, when something as simple as a paper cut causes a family member to strike out at her, and he must defend her against his brother. He finally decides that she would be better off without him, and leaves her with the idea he doesn't love her anymore. And she believes it. Bella goes though emotional torture. The pain of losing her great love, her reason for existing, drives her into a deep depression - worse than that, really.

Enter Jacob. Bella can breath again. She has found a kind of weak love in her shaggy (soon to be werewolf) friend. He, of course, feels more than friendly, and Bella contemplates letting it go there, just to try and fill the void, but she will never really love anyone as she did Edward. She imagines she can hear him scolding her when she does stupid and risky stunts, so she keeps putting herself in danger to get her auditory hallucination fix. She takes it one stunt too far, and even though she is saved by Jacob, Edward believes she has killed herself and decides to follow her.

He goes to Italy, to pester an ancient group of vampires in the hope that they will literally put him out of his misery. Alice and Bella have to race against the day to try and save his life, and reunite the lovebirds.

As I said, not my favorite of the books, but still a good story. I am definantly a member of "Team Edward" because I want to see the pure, fairytale love. I do know a lot of Jacob fans though, who feel he is the better man and should ultimatly win Bella's affection.

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I saw the funniest thing today. A little old lady hobbled out of her dilapidated old Lincoln past a bumper sticker fixed to the trunk that read "I drive like a Cullen" I think I almost peed myself laughing. These stories really do resonate with every age. In fact, the main age group of followers is not the young teenagers I expected, but the 30-somethings.

Twilight (Book 1)

I absolutely HATE that this is the first book that I am choosing to post about, but I figure honesty is good for me. It is also what I am currently reading, since New Moon hits theaters this weekend. (I always re-read before a new book or movie release).

I had never heard of Twilight before the first movie came out. In fact, before I saw the movie, I was making fun of all the tweeners who just went ga-ga over the whole thing. Curiosity won out, and a few weeks after it opened, I drug some friends to go see it with me. It was actually pretty bad. Can you scream teeny bopper sexual tension? BUT it had a good story. The basic idea was intriguing, if not narcotic. I decided to read the books.

I read Twilight, the first book in the series, in one day. The writing is not that strong, so it makes for a very easy read, and the ability to lose yourself in the story. You can tell Stephenie Meyers, the author, loves classic romances from the ilk of Jane Austen (by the way Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book - ever). The themes of undying and ill-fated love bleed through her story and touch the heart of a reader already so familiar with them.

So - definitely a girly book.

The story is about a girl, wise for her years, who moves to the rainiest town in the continental US (if not the whole world). She falls for the beautiful vampire, (not knowing what he is at the time) and he falls for her (knowing exactly how yummy she is), despite his raging desire to kill her. He goes back and forth deciding which is better, to be with the object of his affection, putting her at risk - or leaving her alone, guaranteeing her life. She suffers from insecurities ranging from do I stink, to does he really love me...

As usual, hormones win out.

But his fears come true when another vampire begins hunting her, set on killing her slowly and painfully. The story culminates with the handsome, thirsty vampire hero having to suck her blood to save her life. And they live happily ever after... at least for this book.

Let me follow my snarky synopsis with the fact that I absolutely loved it. I would recommend it to anyone with an open mind, and a perchance for endearing love stories (especially vampire love stories). The cast of characters is fun and creative, and there is always someone you can identify with or love to hate. This book made me smile as I read it, and I absolutely craved certain happenings. Believe me when I say, the movie does not do it justice.

I did have some bones to pick though. Since when do vampires sparkle in sunlight? I was always of the mind that vampires were supposedto turn into crispy crtters when exposed to UV rays. And if his saliva was venomous, how exactly did the kissing work, in any way that was satisfying? I do applaud the ideas of special, enhanced powers - sensing and influencing emotions, mind reading, and seeing future events. But sometimes the thread of these 'powers' was a little blurred.

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Did you know this whole series started from a dream? I think that holds some of the draw for me, because my best stories were bread from dreams. Chapter 13 "Confessions" was the dream Meyers had one random night, and the rest of the book grew out of it. A few short years later, she is rich and famous, and her characters are household names.

As a bonus to those who do decide to read it (or have already read it) - check out Stephenie Meyers' website. She posts the first half of her rough draft to the companion novel - Midnight Sun.