Limecello’s review of Caught! by Lori Foster
Contemporary anthology released by Harlequin 1 Oct 08 (reissue of two older categories)
I tend to enjoy Lori Foster’s writing, and have been looking forward to this book for a while. It actually didn’t contain the stories I thought it would, but in a way that was better, because I’ve never read Taken! or Say Yes before. The stories themselves are cute and enjoyable, but overall not very memorable. But, they definitely serve as a quick, fun read. Harlequin seems to be republishing a number of older stories, and this is a great opportunity to buy a few that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to find. It was nice to be able to read two of Ms. Foster’s older books. They make an interesting and enjoyable comparison to her current novels.
Taken!
Originally released by Harlequin Temptation 1 Aug 98
Dillon and Virginia are both very likable characters, and have a unique relationship. First of all, Ms. Foster turns the proverbial tables in that Virginia is Dillon’s boss. It’s a lot of fun because both of them have incredibly strong type-A personalities. Dillon is “undercover,” however, so he has to yield to what Virginia wants (at first). But once the situation escalates, Dillon lays down the law.
I felt that both the characters were very well developed. You got a sense of who they were – their character, and what they stood for. Dillon and Virginia are both people you’d like and respect. The secondary characters were a bit weak, but the focus is mostly on Virginia and Dillon. The plot of Taken! is interesting, but seems a bit far fetched. Still, the romance is there, and the reader definitely believes Dillon and Virginia have a strong emotional connection. (And it doesn’t hurt they’re incredibly compatible sexually.) I also liked the ending. It was unexpected, but perfectly fitting. A nice way to wrap up the story and character’s situations.
Grade: B-
Summary:
Things are heating up between security expert Dillon Jones and the notorious Virginia Johnson! They’re trying to find out who framed Dillon’s brother for embezzlement. As they search for the truth, Dillon can’t help but draw closer to feisty Virginia. His code of honor is barely keeping him in check…but leave it to a take-charge woman to take what she wants!
Say Yes
Originally released by Harlequin Duets 1 Mar 00
Sara and Gavin have an incredibly normal, and almost mundane story – but at the same time it’s entertaining, and draws you in. Sara and Gavin live in a small town and I believe the entire book is set in Sara’s home. And it takes place over a number of days – but at no time does the plot stagnate. I enjoyed Say Yes because it focuses entirely on Sara and Gavin’s relationship, with no unnecessary distractions such as deranged gunmen or serial killers, etc. I also liked it because stories where the hero pursues the heroine are my favorite.
Gavin knows he could have something special with Sara from the start. Unfortunately, at the time they meet, both are in relationships. The book begins with a resolution of that issue, and it’s so very entertaining to read how Gavin worms his way into Sara’s life, and all his clever machinations. I liked Gavin’s family, and the secondary characters were interesting enough. What I didn’t like as much was Sara’s issues and hang ups. While they’re valid, the way they were written detracted a bit from my level of empathy. Nevertheless, this is a cute story that I enjoyed reading. For those of you who like animals and/or pets, there are a number of furry friends in this book that add a lot of character and humor.
Grade: C-
Summary:
After finding her—now former—fiancé in bed with another woman, Sara Simmons decides that love and marriage just aren’t for her. What she needs is a hot fling. Enter hunky next-door neighbor Gavin Blake. But Gavin is playing for keeps, and he’s vowed to hold out for more than sex. Begging isn’t Sara’s style…but she will if he won’t!
If you’re looking for a book that’s fun and lighthearted, with some heat (but not too much) this book is perfect for you. There’s enough plot to keep you engaged, but the focus is definitely on the character’s relationships. It’s a “throwback” to romance from an older era, but I look at that as a positive. It’s nice to have a simple story that is what it is. I’ve enjoyed most of Ms. Foster’s backlist and this is no exception.
I recommend this book to any Ms. Foster fans as well as those who liked the older Harlequin books (or recent ones as well).
Overall Grade: C+
You can read an excerpt here. (No really, just scroll down a bit – it’s by the product description.)
