Romance Books

The Host: A Novel

Stephenie Meyer

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 381 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Good, but not great. 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Well...
It was a nice book, and a good read, but...
I was never really engaged in it - I mean, sure I wanted know what would happen in the end, but if someone had told me to put the book down before I read the last few pages - I would have kindly obliged.
It's nice to see Steph Meyer having a go at something other than twilight - but seriously, (and I thought this when reading the twilight series) it's a great idea - but nothing happened throughout it - there was no major twists and turns, no ups and downs that make the ending interesting - and seriously - the best endings are not always the happy ones - and this definitely applies to this story. Really - I absolutely love the twilight series because of its fantastic love story - but the best ending so far has been her first book Twilight - where the readers were left wanting more, yet even that was rather dull - to sum it up - guy and girl fall in love throughout the majority of the book (somewhat interestingly) then big event at the end when girl is almost killed, but things soon return to good old lovely dovely romance... The only thing this serious has going for it is the conflict between a vampire and a human when they fall in love, and the rest of the books just seem to follow on the story. For 'The Host' I thought it was a really good idea, just like the vampire/human idea is, but it took a while to get started, and by the time I'd reached the last couple of chapters, I realized it would never really take off. Although the ending does have a bit of a climax at the end (just like the twilight series) - it felt only like a single ripple in the sea on an incredibly calm day - barley noticeable, and certainly not a wave. And then everything went back to being lovely dovely and even better than before- sorry Steph, but that story ended for me long before I turned the last page.
So - yes I liked it, it was a great idea, and i was intrigued to know how things worked...
but i thought it was a bit bland and boring - a ripple of drama at the end of a book does not make a good book-
and seriously (as above)
'the best endings are not always the happy ones.'

Happy Reading.

Editorial Review:

Amazon Best of the Month, May 2008: Stephenie Meyer, creator of the phenomenal teen-vamp Twilight series, takes paranormal romance into alien territory in her first adult novel. Those wary of sci-fi or teen angst will be pleasantly surprised by this mature and imaginative thriller, propelled by equal parts action and emotion. A species of altruistic parasites has peacefully assumed control of the minds and bodies of most humans, but feisty Melanie Stryder won't surrender her mind to the alien soul called Wanderer. Overwhelmed by Melanie's memories of fellow resistor Jared, Wanderer yields to her body's longing and sets off into the desert to find him. Likely the first love triangle involving just two bodies, it's unabashedly romantic, and the characters (human and alien) genuinely endearing. Readers intrigued by this familiar-yet-alien world will gleefully note that the story's end leaves the door open for a sequel--or another series. --Mari Malcolm

Tribute

Nora Roberts

Amazon Price: $17.16 List Price: $26.95 Not yet published By: Putnam Adult

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Editorial Review:

Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is a long way from Hollywood. And that’s exactly how Cilla McGowan wants it. Cilla, a former child star who has found more satisfying work as a restorer of old houses, has come to her grandmother’s farmhouse, tools at her side, to rescue it from ruin. Sadly, no one was able to save her grandmother, the legendary Janet Hardy. An actress with a tumultuous life, Janet entertained glamorous guests and engaged in decadent affairs—but died of an overdose in this very house more than thirty years earlier. To this day, Janet haunts Cilla’s dreams. And during waking hours, Cilla is haunted by her melodramatic, five-times-married mother, who carried on in the public spotlight and never gave her a chance at a normal childhood. By coming east, rolling up her sleeves, and rehabbing this wreck of a house, Cilla intends to find some kind of normalcy for herself.
Plunging into the project with gusto, she’s almost too busy to notice her neighbor, graphic novelist Ford Sawyer—but his lanky form, green eyes, and easy, unflappable humor (not to mention his delightfully ugly dog, Spock) are hard to ignore. Determined not to perpetuate the family tradition of ill-fated romances, Cilla steels herself against Ford’s quirky charm, but she can’t help indulging in a little fantasy.
But love and a peaceful life may not be in the cards for Cilla. In the attic, she has found a cache of unsigned letters suggesting that Janet Hardy was pregnant when she died—and that the father was a local married man. Cilla can’t help but wonder what really happened all those years ago. The mystery only deepens with a series of intimidating acts and a frightening, violent assault. And if Cilla and Ford are unable to sort out who is targeting her and why, she may—like her world-famous grandmother— be cut down in the prime of her life.

TailSpin (FBI Thriller, No. 12)

Catherine Coulter

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

From the #1 bestselling author, a stunning new novel of secrets, mayhem, and murder.

FBI Special Agent Jackson Crowne is flying his Cessna over the Appalachians, with a very important passenger: renowned psychiatrist Dr. Timothy MacLean; their destination is Washington, D.C. Upon their arrival, the FBI will protect the doctor—and ascertain just who wants him dead.

But they don’t make it.

In San Francisco, married FBI Special Agents Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock take an early morning phone call from their supervisor, Jimmy Maitland. Maitland received a Mayday from Jackson in the mountains near Parlow, Kentucky, and sends Savich and Sherlock to see what’s happened.

Agent Crowne is able to bring his plane down in a narrow valley and haul the unconscious Dr. MacLean from the burning wreckage before it explodes. Their crash is witnessed by Rachael Abbott, a young woman on the run after the mysterious death of her father. When Savich and Sherlock arrive on the scene, they find Jackson and Rachael in the Parlow clinic and Dr. MacLean comatose in the local hospital, prognosis unknown. What they do know frightens them: Dr. MacLean was recently diagnosed with frontal lobe dementia, and in the months prior to the crash his behavior had become erratic and alarmingly uninhibited, his ability to maintain doctor-patient confidentiality badly compromised. With a patient list made up of Washington movers and shakers, MacLean’s role as a keeper of secrets is jeopardized as well. Is there someone out there so desperate that they’d kill the doctor for what he knows? It is up to Jackson, Savich, and Sherlock to find out—no matter the cost.

The Hollow (Sign of Seven Trilogy, Book 2)

Nora Roberts

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 86 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

The Hollow 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The only thing bad about this book is that I have to wait so long for the next one.

Nora's stuck in a rut. 2 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I've read every book she's written as Robb and Roberts and this is the only dissapointment. Her metaphysical trilogies have been intriguing entertainment but this was just ridiculous and predictable. The last one isn't out yet and I'll bet I can tell you what's going to happen.

The Hollow 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is a part of a trilogy including Blood Brothers, The Hollow and The Pagen Stone I am waiting to get The Pagen Stone

Nora Roberts - The Hollow 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

In typical Nora Roberts fashion, she weaves the mysterious and the romance in a wonderful way that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the book.

Not Great, but it's still Roberts 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

4 Stars because it was published in paperback. I would have been far less generous if I'd been compelled to purchase a hardcover just because it has Nora's name on it.

Paranormal has never been my favorite genre, however Nora Roberts has always handled it well. What I enjoy most about her stories are the relationships - between guy friends, family, neighbors, community. These are the relationships we so often forget to look at when trying to concentrate on romance and I believe Roberts does a lovely job of reminding all of us.

That being said, this trilogy is definitely not my favorite. The story just lacks oomph! (for want of a better word). I will say it's worth the price of a paperback and a lazy afternoon read!

Editorial Review:

A Mass Market Paperback Original

The New York Times bestselling author of Blood Brothers continues the thrilling trilogy of a town plagued by evil—and the three men and three women brought together by fate to fight it.

Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 6)

J.R. Ward

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 254 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Rather disappointed 2 out of 5 stars.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.

I had looked at some of the other reviews while I waited for a copy of Ward's Lover Enshrined, and I'm afraid I've got to say that I agree with a lot of what's been written in the customer reviews.

Despite the glowing "official" review, Ward has lost something vital through the series that had really hooked me in the beginning. I read Urban Fantasy, other Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Paranormal Romance, along with mainstream fiction novels, so I don't mind the urban fantasy schtick at all. Ward's latest is certainly an urban fantasy novel and I can enjoy that aspect of it. The problem I find is when a book is marketed to be one thing and it turns out to be another. Ward's quality of romance in her storylines has declined drastically. For instance, I found the storyline between Butch and Marissa to be totally two-dimensional and unbelievable. The same holds for Phury and Cormia in Lover Enshrined, and not only is their relationship unbelieveable, it occupies very little of the overall story. Ward couldn't say more blatantly than that she isn't interested in continuing in the paranormal romance genre. If this is not what she intends to convey, I hope she reads and takes note of the customer reviews and rethinks her plot strategies.

My quesiton is why is the book marketed as a paranormal romance? The same happened with, in my opinion, a horrifically bad novel written by S. Squires in which the hero is abused throughout the entire book, the relationship between the hero and heroine is flat and uninteresting, and yet the book itself is marketed to be a "romance."

These stories aren't romance, and publishers are only going to anger their market by continuing with such disasters and disappointments.

I just can't give this book too many stars. I will continue to watch Ward's progress but I don't think I'll be spending money on her work any time soon. I'd rather check it out from the library since I've lost trust in what the product will be that I'm buying.

Editorial Review:

As Primale of the Chosen, the fiercely loyal Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of his race. But his first mate, the Chosen Cormia, wants not only his body but his heart for herself. As tragedy looms over the Brotherhood’s mansion, Phury must decide between duty and love…

Sundays at Tiffany's

James Patterson, Gabrielle Charbonnet

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 89 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Horrible 1 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

First I'd like to make it clear that I love fantasy. However, I read better fairy tales when I was a child. This book was written at about the 3rd grade level.

While forcing myself to finish, because I could easily see where it was going, I skimmed through much of the book.

Don't waste your time.

Sweet story 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

What a beautiful way to spend a weekend reading this fairy tale. The book is enchanting, lovable and very sweet. A beautiful love story that transcends time and space. Too bad I do not remember if I had an imaginary friend, I would have loved to have one like Michael. if you are a romantic you will love this book.

Editorial Review:

As a little girl, Jane has no one. Her mother, the powerful head of a Broadway theater company, has no time for her. She does have one friend-a handsome, comforting, funny man named Michael-but only she can see him.

Years later, Jane is in her thirties and just as alone as ever. Then she meets Michael again-as handsome, smart and perfect as she remembers him to be. But not even Michael knows the reason they've really been reunited.

SUNDAYS AT TIFFANY'S is a love story with an irresistible twist, a novel about the child inside all of us-and the boundary-crossing power of love.

Death Angel: A Novel

Linda Howard

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

In Linda Howard’s gifted hands, second chances, unexpected romance, and unrelenting action combine into a riveting new novel of suspense. In Death Angel, bad girls can wake up and trust their hearts, bad guys can fight for what’s right . . . and dying just might be the only way to change one’s life.

A striking beauty with a taste for diamonds and dangerous men, Drea Rousseau is more than content to be arm candy for Rafael Salinas, a notorious crime lord who deals with betrayal through quick and treacherous means: a bullet to the back of the head, a blade across the neck, an incendiary device beneath a car. Eager to break with Rafael, Drea makes a fateful decision and a desperate move, stealing a mountain of cash from the malicious killer. After all, an escape needs to be financed.

Though Drea runs, Salinas knows she can’t hide–and he dispatches a cold-blooded assassin in hot pursuit, resulting in a tragic turn of events. Or does it?

Left for dead, Drea miraculously returns to the realm of the living a changed woman. She’s no longer shallow and selfish, no longer steals or cheats or sells herself short. Both humbled and thrilled with this unexpected second chance, Drea embraces her new life. But in order to feel safe and sound–and stop nervously looking over her shoulder–she will need to take down those who marked her for death.

Joining forces with the FBI, supplying vital inside information that only she can provide, Drea finds herself working with the most dangerous man she’s ever known. Yet the closer they get to danger, the more intense their feelings for each other become, and the more Drea realizes that the cost of her new life may be her life itself–as well as her heart.

The Darkest Pleasure (Lords of the Underworld, Book 3)

Gena Showalter

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

They keep getting better!! 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

At the beginning of the series I was a little let down by the Darkest Night, but I have to say the last two books have been absolutely amazing. I think The Darkest Pleasure is my favorite book in this series, the level of detail is great and in the end everything really pulls together. All I have to say is keep them coming and it is going to be painful to wait till May 09' for the next book. Oh well...I will just have to read Acheron a hundred times till then.

extremely dark exciting romantic fantasy 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Reyes has known for millenniums that his immortal life is ugly as he hosts the demon Pain ever since he and dark warriors destroyed Pandora and released her box's content. However, after all this time, he faces his most difficult dilemma. He wants Danika Ford like has never desired a woman before, but will have to kill his possessed long time comrade Aeron who contains the demon Wrath while the Titans demand he murder the woman.

Reyes has kept her alive from the crazed Aeron, but feels he failed his mission when Hunters capture her; probably to use as bait. He has avoided her, but now must risk his existence to save her life. However, he also wonders why the Gods need this woman and her family dead.

The latest Lords of the Underworlds saga (see THE DARKEST KISS and THE DARKEST NIGHT) is once again an extremely dark exciting tale in which Gena Showalter's earth seems genuine. The hero is a fascinating brooding protagonist who for the first time since his fall has a sliver of hope although he does not know it as all he can see is battling Aeron to keep him from harming his courageous Danika yet struggles not to harm his long time friend. Though a stand alone, romantic fantasy fans who appreciate a modernization of ancient myths should read the previous two novels; not only are they excellent, they provide depths to this reading pleasure.

Harriet Klausner

Editorial Review:

Reyes is a man possessed. Bound by the demon of pain, he is forbidden to know pleasure. Yet he craves a mortal woman, Danika Ford, more than breath and will do anything to claim her—even defy the gods.

Danika is on the run. For months she's eluded the Lords of the Underworld, immortal warriors who won't rest until she and her family have been destroyed. But her dreams are haunted by Reyes, the warrior whose searing touch she can't forget. Yet a future together could mean death to all they both hold dear.…

Blood Noir (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 16)

Laurell K. Hamilton

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 217 Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Lost her Literary Compass 1 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

It would be easy to say that Laurell K. Hamilton is a bad writer, but that would be untrue. She is a good author and reading some of her earlier works in the Anita Black series you can easily see where she excelled and what propelled the series' popularity. Unfortunately, where these books now fail is in structure.

Telling vs. Showing: A basic tenant for good writing is the ability tell the story through the characters actions and reactions versus an author telling the reader what's happening. After many pages of three way sex, one participant says to another (and main character), Anita Blake: "You are so uncomfortable with sex Anita..." Huh? What?? This after not just any old ménage a' trois, but one tinged with light bondage. The statement just throws the reader off because that is not what the story has said so far.

Talking Heads: "Dr. Phil's approach to relationships and the supernatural." I've never read a book that devoted entire chapters to whether or not to have sex. When deciding to have a ménage a' trois or not - does one person really say to another, "And you, Anita, what's your motivations?" Ms. Hamilton usually does a nice job with her dialogues, but these type of statements are awkward and happens several times through out the book.

Failed plot points: There's repeated references the Vampire Council and Anita jeopardizing Vampire master Jean-Claude's position by her not being a better "human-servant." Much conversation is dedicated to this. Toward the end of the book she and friend, Jason, are mistakenly targeted by another vampire leader and attacked. There are no real repercussions on the council level to this - especially after the leader and his own human servant are killed. Why?

Anger Management: In regards to Richard tantrums: Can we please move on? Every book there is some sort of over the top emotional, angry argument with Richard and his love/hate relationship with Anita. Although for several books, we've known that this is due to the psychic link between he, Anita, and Jean-Claude; Richard has taken on some of Anita's emotions. Although I was grateful that we have some resolution here (Anita re-absorbs the rage) Richard does the same thing, but under a different guise (now Anita's "ardeur" or succubus ability is shared). Richard as an emotional slave and whipping boy is getting old.

False Advertising: In the book flap of Blood Noir the description leads a potential reader to conclude that the book is about battling or dealing with Marmee Noir, the "ancient [and very scary] mother of all vampires." However when Marmee finally makes her metaphysical appearance (3/4th of the way through the book,) in context to the entire story, the action surrounding this is relatively brief.

I am again disappointed by this latest in the Anita Blake series. Although I understand that the author would not want to go back to what she wrote earlier in her career, but I do think that a quick review of the first six books may remind Ms. Hamilton of what made this series so popular in the first place. I hope in the future to see (1) a real plot (beginning, middle, and end), (2) tightened dialogues, (3) try to get some middle ground between narrative portions and overly long yacking to communicate important plot points. The last few books have basically been soft porn connected by weak attempts at a story line. I continue to be hopeful for future books by Ms. Hamilton.

Editorial Review:

Readers can’t get enough of the #1 New York Times bestselling author.

A favor for Jason, vampire hunter Anita Blake’s werewolf lover, puts her in the center of a fullblown scandal that threatens master-vampire Jean- Claude’s reign—and makes her a pawn in an ancient vampire queen’s new rise to power.

Snuff

Chuck Palahniuk

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 67 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

What the hell happened? 1 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Do you enjoy reading "clever" porn titles based on hit movies? Do you enjoy reading facts (true or not) about famous Hollywood actors that do nothing to advance the plot whatsoever, but take up about a quarter of the writing? Do you enjoy one dimensional characters, who by the end of the novel you still don't care about? If you answered yes, this book is for you.

I was so bored by this book that it took me two months to read and it is only 197 pages long! I had to force myself to finish only because I have read everything else Chuck Palahniuk has ever written. There really is no story here. Just a bunch of, shall I say "dudes" standing around for about 200 pages. Also, (Spoiler Alert) how can a book be title Snuff and no one dies.

This is a huge disappointment.

Editorial Review:

From the master of literary mayhem and provocation, a full-frontal Triple X novel that goes where no American work of fiction has gone before

Cassie Wright, porn priestess, intends to cap her legendary career by breaking the world record for serial fornication. On camera. With six hundred men. Snuff unfolds from the perspectives of Mr. 72, Mr. 137, and Mr. 600, who await their turn on camera in a very crowded green room. This wild, lethally funny, and thoroughly researched novel brings the huge yet underacknowledged presence of pornography in contemporary life into the realm of literary fiction at last. Who else but Chuck Palahniuk would dare do such a thing? Who else could do it so well, so unflinchingly, and with such an incendiary (you might say) climax?