Maureen McKade repeatedly told me, A Reason to Believe, wasn’t the same as A Reason to Live.
And well, duh. If she gave us the same book – again. We might like it the first time. Maybe the second. But most people don’t want the same basic story over and over and over. I say most because Stephanie Laurens is in Hardcover and still selling like hotcakes.
I haven’t reviewed A Reason to Believe yet. And I am just not sure how I plan on doing it. How much to give, how much to imply, how much to just let the reader discover on there own, how…. ouch my head hurts (really nothing to do with thinking too much but hey it works here *g*)
At one point I thought about making a list of people (well I did it but haven’t posted it) to say I think such and such will like it such and such won’t. hmmm oh just for the hell of it and to later see how off I was *g* well if they read it. **when I say will like I am thinking: A+ to C, will not: C- to F**
Jane – will like. Erika – will not like. Keishon – will like. Beth – will like. BevQ – will not like. Holly – will like (if she reads westerns)
That was about as far as I got. So for those who know who Erika is and read her blog bet you can guess something about the heroine right away. Hee of course I could be totally wrong but I am pretty sure about most of those except Holly.. she is a toss up and BevQ (who’s site is so adults only she needs a cover page LOL).
It isn’t a pretty read. It isn’t easy, fluffy or fun, although it isn’t a depressing read. I think most of the actions of the characters are very much of the time period. At the same time, Maureen doesn’t let the ‘history’ over come the characters, it isn’t historical fiction.
I really want the chance to finish rereading it before I put up a review. Wendy has up a great review. It will explain why I think many a romance reader will not be able to love this book. But it could be too spoilerish for some… not sure… I am a spoilerwhore so I suck at that stuff. If you hate westerns and hate spoilers in your review go read it and tell me what you think. Or just tell me what you think about reviews and spoilers *g*.
Wendy’s review can be found here:
Hurting the One You Love
It isn’t an easy read. It isn’t as tough as A Reason to Live was and I would love to know if people were expecting that or wanting another ARtL. And honestly if it wasn’t a western and by an author who’s writing I have enjoyed in the past, it is possible this is a book *I* wouldn’t have read it. But that is a whole other post and I really must be off to work.
Oh… hmm… Gwen would like this. Lawson probably would not sure how she is about the old west.
Absolutely agree that reading about Dulcie and Rye wasn’t easy. These are flawed people, but I think it’s like people we love and know in real life who are flawed. Because we love them we accept them anyway, want the best for them and hope they get their HEA. At least I do in my life. I was rooting for this couple all the way. Fortunately for us Ms. McKade didn’t skimp or leave unexplained how and why they each came to be the way they are.
I liked the book. Won’t miss the next one. Am a McKade fan for sure. But, no one should read this book thinking it is A REASON TO LIVE. I read the excerpt for A REASON TO SIN at the back of this one. Can I say I’m intrigued?
One of my requirements for a “keeper” is if I have the desire to reread it. I don’t see myself rereading A REASON TO BELIEVE, but the more I think on this story the more I think I’m going to bump up my final grade. The only aspect of the story that didn’t really work for me was the sub plot regarding the heroine’s father – and I suspect that’s just one of my personal quirks. But after posting my review, and reading some of the comments, I find myself thinking, “Yeah, well how many stories like this are out there in Romance Novel Land?” The answer? I think they’re few and far between. So kudos for McKade for having the guts to write this story and these characters – because she doesn’t sugarcoat a thing and frankly should be acknowledged for that.
Hmmmph! I do SO read Westerns. I thought the Cowboy Up! anthology from Torquere Press was DAMN fine reading! In fact, I find myself lurvin’ on a LOT of their Western stories. So there! ;P
Tell you what, Sybil. I’ll make sure my next Tuesday Trio can’t offend even YOUR delicate sensibilities, okay?
*insert maniacal, evil laugh here*
I was saving it for my cruise next week… should I read it now instead of while sitting on the deck in the sun? I have to admit I’m completely intrigued now… *book is staring at me from across the room*
hmmm I don’t know Beth…
What ‘type’ of book do you like to take with you on vacation? I wouldn’t say this is depressing, won’t leave your mind for months, downer of a novel. It is a romance. It does end HEA. But it will make you think and it can be tough in spots (although NOT A Reason to Live PTSD tough).
I would say read it now :).
I take all kinds of books on vaca. This time I’ve got a pile of westerns (mine, all mine!!!). I just started One Real Cowboy by Janette Kenny (met her in Dallas, she’s adorable) so I might have time to read it before I leave Friday, if not then I’ll just bring it with me. Thanks for the rec, Syb!
I’m behind in my bloghopping, so I didn’t see this til now.
I’m highly curious. I remember reading Wendy’s review and being intrigued then, too.
Maybe I’ll read it. 🙂
You should! You need to read more westerns.