REVIEW: The Perfume Collector by Katharine Tessaro
LynneC’s review of The Perfume Collector by Katharine Tessaro
Women’s Fiction published by HarperCollins 14 May 13
I picked up this ARC because it had such a striking cover, and because the theme interested me. Perfume and memory. I wear old formula Guerlain perfumes, like Shalimar and Mitsouko, and I used to love Chamade, but it became difficult to get hold of. Samsara’s my everyday perfume. Even though they’ve changed the formula, they still work on me. Other perfumes make me sneeze. Even Chanel No. 5 does, because I think that instead of using whale snot, cat pee and deer sexual organs to bind and deepen, they’re using chemicals because they tell us that they’re the same. But they’re not. They’re shallower. Modern perfumes lack the subtlety that the older ones do, and they don’t bind on the skin. They can smell the same on everyone.
REVIEW: His Final Bargain by Melanie Milburne
LynneC’s review of His Final Bargain by Melanie Milburne
Contemporary Romance published by Harlequin Presents 21 May 13
Here’s a book that was heading for a solid C, then a D, and finally ended as an F. I reserve the F grade for books that contain issues that make me angry, or books that are so badly written it would be an insult to the other books I review if I didn’t F it—this is by an experienced author who has written books that I’ve loved, so it obviously isn’t in the latter category.
REVIEW: The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh by Stephanie Laurens
Veena’s review of The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh (Cynster Sisters Duo, Book 2) by Stephanie Laurens
Historical Romance published by Avon 25 Jun 13
Ryder Cavanaugh is the undisputed lion prowling through London’s glittering ballrooms and appears to have his sights set on Mary Cynster. But Mary has already chosen her ideal mate and Ryder Cavanaugh is definitely not her choice. Suddenly he’s everywhere she goes, including in her thoughts and dreams. Her surefire test of a mate is the lady’s necklace and waltzing. It feels divine in his arms and the necklace seems to warm up every time he’s near. But! but! there must be something wrong somewhere? Yes, there is but not where you might think…
REVIEW: Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfield
Veena’s review of Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld
Adult Literary Fiction published by Random House 25 Jun 13
Being one of three sisters and reading the following quote, “Funny, haunting, and thought-provoking, Sisterland is a beautifully written novel,” it was inevitable that I would pick up this book to read. While I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the character development, I personally find the pace of the story very slow. The events in this story take place over a short span of time with deep insights and trips into the past, though the entire story is related from Kate’s point of view.
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PONDERING: Am I Just Getting Old…
I’m a country music fan. Have been since the early ’80s when I fell in love with Alabama. I went from Rod Stewart, Journey, Barry Manilow, Queen, Abba, and the like to Clint Black, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Michael Montgomery, The Judds, and so many more. It’s been a fun ride. However, I don’t listen to the radio that much anymore – the new artists are getting younger and younger every year, and while I like a few, most don’t thrill me like those ’80s artists. I received a very nice gift last night – free tickets to see Martina McBride, one of the “old school” for me, at a local made-over movie theater. My problem?
REVIEW: The Hunter by Monica McCarty
Veena’s review of The Hunter (Highland Guard, Book 7) by Monica McCarty
Historical Romance published by Ballantine Books 25 Jun 13
Author Monica McCarty continues the daring exploits of Robert the Bruce’s elite Highland Guard with the story of Ewen “Hunter” Lamont, the man responsible for making them appear and disappear like ghosts. He joined the Highland Guard determined to restore his clan’s honor lost through his father’s actions. So when he is attracted to a nun, he fights with all he has to hold his lust in check, only to find that she is no ordinary nun. She is Janet Of Mar, daughter of one of the premier earls of the land, sister-in-law to the king himself, and spy extraordinaire dedicated to the service of Robert the Bruce. Has he just landed himself from the pan straight into the fire?
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REVIEW: Forged in Steele by Maya Banks
Sandy M’s review of Forged in Steele (KGI Series, Book &) by Maya Banks
Contemporary Romance published by Berkley 25 Jun 13
I have a feeling a lot of fans of this series have been waiting for this book. As closed-mouthed, as focused, as dedicated to their jobs all of the other characters we’ve met associated with KGI are, none are as icy and deadly as Steele. I’ve wanted to watch that one woman who has what it takes to crack that exterior, to bring out his protectiveness, and mostly to show him the capacity of the love inside him.
REVIEW: The Time Between by Karen White
Veena’s review of The Time Between by Karen White
Womens Fiction published by NAL Hardcover 04 Jun 13
Chance is a mighty fine thing and I am grateful for the chance that brought this book to me. From the opening pages the author reaches out and grabs me by the short hairs and sucks me into the lives of her characters. The characters are so real and well developed that I could visualize them as real people and emote with them as they live their day-to-day lives burdened by the paths they follow and the choices they make.
DDS REVIEW: Key Trilogy by Nora Roberts
Sandy M’s Duckies Do Series Review of the Key Trilogy by Nora Roberts
Paranormal Romance audiobooks published by Brilliance Audio Jan 09 – Oct 12
I’ve been trying to get back into listening to the multitude of audiobooks I have in a box in the trunk of my car, in the garage, and no telling where else I have some stashed. So I was quite happy when I pulled open a drawer the other day and there sat this trilogy. I was also quite happy over the next few weeks while living dreams and nightmares both with the heroes and heroines of these books. The narrator, Susan Ericksen, of all three books made this trilogy an especially wonderful read.
REVIEW: The Return of Her Past by Lindsay Armstrong
LynneC’s review of The Return of her Past by Lindsay Armstrong
Contemporary Romance published by Harlequin Presents 18 Jun 13
There are DNF books, but I think there ought to be another category—WTF books. This is definitely a WTF.
