Category Archives: Realistic

November 21, 2016 · 1:59 am

Quote-tastic Monday: I Agree Stephanie!

Turbo 23

I am going to have to start with the quote on this one.  I’ll give you short review at the end.

Grandma Mazur wants Stephanie to go with her to the viewing of a murder victim and she doesn’t want to go.

Plus, I don’t share Grandma’s enthusiasm for viewings.  The flower smell makes me nauseous.  I don’t like looking at dead people.  And I’m not all that excited about talking to live people.

And that’s where she nails it in my opinion.  The flowers give me a headache.  Dead “things” and that includes people creep me out.  And I don’t particular like to talk to a bunch of people at once.  Particularly in situations of high emotion.  I just don’t deal well with a lot of drama.

Having made my quote contribution for the week, I have to say a little about the book.  I was really disappointed in it and I am not sure why.  From the first page, it just didn’t read like a Stephanie Plum book.  I am a huge fan and always preorder the books, but this one just didn’t do it for me.  I kept thinking that there is no way Evanovich wrote this book.

Again, I don’t know why.  All the regular characters are there:  Joe and Ranger, of course, Lula and Grandma Mazur, and a few that we met in previous books.  The lines were right.  She destroys a car.  Everything is normal Stephanie.

It just wasn’t right.  Did I enjoy it?  Yes, but it didn’t have the magic I expect from Stephanie Plum.

Will I buy the next book?  Of course, but I’m looking forward to the new Knight and Moon more.  The title is Dangerous Minds and it is scheduled for publication in June.

Anyway, read Turbo Twenty-three if you already a fan.  Just don’t expect much.

 

“Quote-Tastic Monday” is a meme hosted every Monday on Herding Cats & Burning Soup. Head on over there to see what everyone else is posting about this week.

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October 24, 2016 · 1:37 am

Quote-tastic Monday: Dominance Never Dies by Lexi Blake

“Quote-Tastic” is a meme hosted every Monday on Herding Cats & Burning Soup. Head on over there to see what everyone else is posting about this week.

This is the eleventh book in the Master & Mercenaries series.  These books are serious security/BDSM romances which are actually hysterically funny.  I wouldn’t like them nearly as much if it wasn’t for the humor in them.  It’s not the situations that are funny necessarily.  It’s the lines and the characters reactions to each other.

Anyway, this book had a number of lines that I loved, but I’ll just give you one of Mia’s.

She should have damn well known that cleaning up after a couple of murders was definitely women’s work.

And that’s the closest any of these characters get to being a stereotype.

I highly recommend this series, BUT READ THEM IN ORDER.  The story lines continue from book to book and you will be totally lost if you try to pick up somewhere in the middle.  Of course, the books are so great that reading the entire series will be a treat.

By the way, book twelve Submission is Not Enough comes out this Tuesday, October 25th and I cannot wait.

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October 23, 2016 · 6:47 pm

Under the Mistletoe (Lucky Harbor, #6.5) by Jill Shalvis

Under the Mistletoe (Lucky Harbor, #6.5)Under the Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Title: Under the Mistletoe
Author: Jill Shalvis
Series: Lucky Harbor, #6.5
Pages: 80
Publisher: Forever Yours
Date: December 4, 2012

Summary:

JUST ONE MORE KISS

There’s no place like home for the holidays. And the Lucky Harbor Bed & Breakfast is bursting with festive lights and good cheer. But for Mia, Christmas is turning out to be anything other than merry and bright. Her recent break-up with her boyfriend Nick has made her return bittersweet. But then a surprise arrives, when Nick follows her to town bearing gifts-and asking for forgiveness.

Nick grew up without a family of his own so he’s overwhelmed by the love that Mia receives from all her relatives, gathered together to celebrate the season. Under their watchful eyes, Nick finds earning back her trust the hardest thing he’s ever had to do. If he succeeds, he will receive the greatest gift of all, Mia’s love for a lifetime.

Review:

Four times! I have read this book (novella/short story) four times and never reviewed it. And it so deserves a review.

Under the Mistletoe is Mia’s and Nick’s story. If you are a fan of the Lucky Harbor series, you will remember teenage Mia. I always loved Mia and her boyfriend Carlos. I really thought they would end up together.

But people grow up and sometimes they grow apart.

Mia moved to New York to go to school and met Nick. Like Mia, he was given up at birth but unlike Mia, he never had a loving family of his own. Needless to say, he has issues and it is those issues that almost cause him lose Mia.

This is a great little story. It’s sweet and heartwarming. We get to see many of the characters (including Lucille) from the earlier books.

And, of course, it has a happily ever after.

Oddly enough, this one stands alone. I am compulsive about reading book series in order, but if you want a charming read and you haven’t read the others, you can still enjoy this one. But why would you want to? Read them all. You won’t regret it.

This book was sent to me by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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October 11, 2016 · 7:31 pm

Back to Buckhorn (Buckhorn Brothers, #5.6) by Lori Foster

Back to Buckhorn (Buckhorn Brothers, #5.6)Back to Buckhorn by Lori Foster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Title: Back to Buckhorn
Author: Lori Foster
Series: Buckhorn Brothers, #5.6
Pages: 88
Publisher: Mills & Boon
Date: August 1, 2014

Summary:

For odd-girl-out Zoey Hodge, the best thing about Buckhorn, Kentucky, was leaving it behind. And now she’s back—at least until she can nurse her mother back to health and hightail it out of there anew. But there’s one person she doesn’t mind seeing again. Garrett Hudson was one of the few who was always kind to her. Now he’s a firefighter—still one of the good guys, but with a sexy alpha charm that’s tempting her inner bad girl.

In school, Zoey was smart, witty and unafraid to be herself. Garrett fell hard back then, and he’s falling even faster now. As far as he’s concerned, there are all kinds of reasons Zoey should stick around. Her pet grooming business. Her mom. And the chance for him to prove that he can be her real-life hero in every way that matters…

Review:

I have been reading Lori Foster’s books for years and they are always enjoyable. They’re funny, but not fluff. There is always some type of serious subplot going on. Most of the time there is an animal involved which I love. And did I mention they are HOT? They are hot and sexy without being overly explicit. Explicit doesn’t bother me, it’s just these books aren’t. For example:

Zoe has been swimming in the lake and still has her very small bikini on. Garrett is trying to pull her into his arms.

“After resting her hands on his shoulders, she hesitated. ‘I don’t want to get you wet.’

‘Funny.’ He leaned down until she felt his breath. ‘I can’t say the same to you.’

Like I said, hot, not explicit.

This set of books is about the second generation of men from Buckhorn. Their dads, the original Buckhorn brothers, make an appearance and although they only have short scenes, they are just as appealing as they were in their own books.

All of Lori Foster’s contemporary romances are great. They’re the type of books you pick when you want a quick, good read. Something you know you are going to enjoy. She nails it everytime.

I do believe it’s time for a complete re-read of this series. In other words, it’s time to have fun.

This book was sent to me by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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October 10, 2016 · 5:34 pm

A Killer Closet by Paula Paul

A Killer Closet: A MysteryA Killer Closet: A Mystery by Paula Paul
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Title: A Killer Closet
Author: Paula Paul
Series: n/a
Pages:
Publisher: Alibi
Date: October 11, 2016

Summary:

Irene Seligman loves the warmth and beauty of her Southwest hometown, but only one thing could make her quit her prestigious job as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan to return there: the guilt applied by her demanding mother, Adelle. After Adelle’s most recent husband dies, leaving her with nothing, Irene decides to take a break from prosecuting criminals to move back to Santa Fe and open an upscale consignment store. With Irene’s determination and her mother’s eye for haute couture, they’re sure to make a killing.

But on the day of the grand opening, Irene discovers the body of one of Adelle’s friends in her storeroom. And although the intrigue causes business to boom, when someone else from Adelle’s social circle is murdered, Irene begins to suspect her mother might be in danger too. Ever the protective daughter, Irene investigates her mother’s friends, suspicious that they’re hiding more than designer clothes in their closets. But as she gets closer to uncovering some real skeletons, Irene might not live to regret coming home again.

Review:

“There was a dead woman in Irene’s Closet.”

As soon as I read the first line of this book, I thought it was going to be good.

Boy, was I wrong?!

Only two of the characters were likable: Irene and Angel and I didn’t even like Irene all that much. Even the good guys got on my nerves.

The setting is Santa Fe, New Mexico and at times the book read like a travelogue. I’ve been there. Santa Fe is gorgeous, but all the extraneous information did nothing to advance the story.

And another thing, Irene runs an upscale consignment shop, and I mean upscale. We’re talking Prada, not Liz Claiborne. Of course, the clothing was integral to the subplot about her store, but I thought the multiple descriptions of how much she charged in contrast to what something cost retail were unnecessary.

There were contradictions and repetitive statements. Maybe these will be caught with editing, but a beta reader should have caught them before the book went to reviewers.

I have read another book by Paula Paul, Medium Dead, and I really enjoyed it. It was the fourth in a series, but still managed to hold my interest. This book is nowhere near the same quality. Unfortunately, based on my opinion of A Killer Closet, I am done. I won’t waste my time on another book.

This book was sent to me by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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October 6, 2016 · 5:01 pm

Quote-tastic Monday: And yes, I know it’s not Monday

Thursday!  Thursday’s the new Monday, right?  Lord, I hope not.  I’d hate to go through this week again.  Anyway, better late than never comes this week’s Quote-tastic Monday.  (And no, I’m not discussing the fact that I missed last week altogether.)

Jill Shalvis’ new book The Trouble with Mistletoe came out this past Tuesday (Okay, two Tuesdays!  I’m behind in everything!) and I read it on its release day.  The fact that I was in the middle of another book which I need to finish for review did not matter.  It was a new Jill Shalvis people.  There are priorities after all.

Anyway, Keane is petsitting/has inherited a cat from his aunt and he has no idea on how to care for her.  The cat is destroying his house and is not hesitant to show her opinion of Keane.

. . . And then she . . .” He trailed off and appeared to chomp on his back teeth.

“What?”

“Took a dump in my favorite running shoes.”

Willa owns a pet salon and gift shop, so he goes to her for help.  Unfortunately for him, she knows and hates him from high school . . . and he doesn’t even remember her.  Not the best situation in which to be asking for a favor.

Fortunately for Keane, Willa is a soft touch particularly where animals are concerned.

“What’s her name?” she asked.

“Petunia, but I’m going with Pita.  Short for pain in the ass.”

I love it!  It reminds me of the old Disney movie “That Darn Cat” in which the cat was called DC for Darn Cat.  The original pre-Disney version was That Damn Cat or at least that is what I have heard.

Anyway, the book is wonderful and the second in her Heartbreaker Bay series.  Grab it.  It’s lots of fun.

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August 29, 2016 · 1:45 am

Quote-tastic Monday: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

Alright, this one is totally different from my normal reading material, but I am hooked.  It’s funny, as in odd, not humorous.  I have no interest in creating anything whether it is writing, painting, music, etc.  I told a friend who is an art teacher once that all artists need an audience and that is my job.  I am happy with that role.  This book however really has some good nuggets.  Some of them are her words and some are quotes from other people.  Either way, I am enjoying them.

This week’s quote is actually a quote of a quote of a quote.  I am quoting the author who is quoting Erica Jong.

Take your life in your own hands and what happens?  A terrible thing:  no one to blame.

I have read variations of that thought before.  Years ago, I read a passage in “something” where the author was bemoaning that she wanted to write a book, but did not have time.  Her friend told her she would find the time for anything she really wanted to do.  She said the advice made her mad because she knew it was true.

That has stuck with and I have a feeling this quote by Jong will as well.

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August 15, 2016 · 6:05 am

Quote-tastic Monday: The Summer Bride by Anne Gracie

This is the fourth book in the Chance Sisters series and as far as I know, it is the last.  However, there is definitely room for at least one more book.

Anyway, I have to say that Flynn is my favorite hero from the series.  I loved them all, but he is such a scamp, he outshines them.  Oddly enough my quote does not involve him and Daisy, but Flynn and Lady Beatrice.  Lady Beatrice is an elderly woman who has taken in and claimed the Chance sisters.  She has the most personality of all of the characters in my opinion.  Anyway, she forced Flynn to attend a dancing lesson with the sisters because she knows he does not come from a privileged background and assumes he needs all the help he can get.  She is proven wrong (something that rarely happens) at a ball the very next night.

“Why did you not tell me you knew how to dance?”

Flynn smiled.  “I never tell a lady what she doesn’t wish to hear.”

She snorted again.  “That little habit — if it’s true — is going to get you into a lot of trouble then.”  Her beady old eyes twinkled up at him.  “I look forward to it.”

“So do I, ma’am, so do I.”

Didn’t I tell you he was a scamp?Summer Bride

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August 14, 2016 · 8:20 pm

It’s Here! Or almost . . . Curious Minds by Janet Evanovich and Phoef Sutton

I reviewed Curious Minds several weeks ago, but the release date is finally here – August 16th.  That’s this Tuesday people.  You do not want to miss this book.  You can read my review here and the publisher sent me a cute trailer to include as well.  Enjoy . . . and yes, there really are zebras.

You can find the trailer on YouTube by clicking here.

Curious Minds

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August 8, 2016 · 6:21 am

Quote-tastic Monday: The Spring Bride by Anne Gracie

Although I have read other books since last week’s Quotastic, this week’s quote is from the same series.  Her books are not memorable because of the quotes, but every now and then one just jumps out at me and I think “I have got to use that one.”  With no further ado,

Jane has rescued a dog of dubious breeding from a pack of young men who were torturing it.  Zachary cannot believe she means to keep it.  He is thinking to himself,

In his experience, ladies of quality kept overbred bundles of dainty fluff, not — he looked at the dog again — whatever this was.  There was a Staffordshire or bulldog somewhere in its ancestry, he’d wager.  Along with a dozen other breeds.  And possibly a warthog.  Whatever, it was not a dog for a lady.

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