Review: The Master (Sons of Destiny, Book 3) by Jean Johnson
April 28, 2008
Shannon C.’s review of The Master: Sons of Destiny, Book 3 by Jean Johnson
Fantasy romance released by Berkeley Sensation 4 Sep 07
I absolutely love the Sons of Destiny series. I’ve tried to analyze exactly why this is so that I can write a more coherent review than one that simply says, “OMG read this boook! Now!” So far I haven’t figured out exactly what it is I love so much about the series except that it works.
You can read my reviews for the first two books in the series here and here.
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REVIEW: If His Kiss Is Wicked by Jo Goodman
April 1, 2008
Gwen’s review of If His Kiss Is Wicked by Jo Goodman
Historical romance released by Zebra 1 Sep 07
It surprised me that we hadn’t yet reviewed this book on TGTBTU. We’ve talked about it a lot, and several ducks have it on their list of “all time great books of 2007″ but we haven’t reviewed it. Let me rectify that.
Did I like the book? Yes. Was it the best book of 2007 for me? Not really. Before some of you get out the tar and feathers, let me explain myself.
Tags: 2008, Grade B, Gwen, Historical, If His Kiss Is Wicked, Jo Goodman, Review, romance, September 2007, ZebraReview: The Serpent Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt
March 20, 2008
Gwen’s review of The Serpent Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt
Historical romance released by Forever on 1 Sep 07
This book surprised me. I read the excerpt and thought, “Oh look. Nice, predictable historical. Simple lass nurses wounded aristocrat, they fall in love and live HEA.” So, I wasn’t in a big tearing hurry to read it. Figured I’d get around to it eventually. Well, I finally picked it up. Holy crap. Was I ever WRONG.
This book was surprisingly unpredictable for me. I read it in a day (thank goodness for Spring Break or I’d be looking for a job now).
Tags: 2007, Elizabeth Hoyt, Forever, Grade A, Gwen, Historical, Review, romance, September 2007, The Serpent PrinceReview: The Witch’s Trinity by Erika Mailman
February 29, 2008
Rose’s review of The Witch’s Trinity by Erika Mailman
Historical fiction (hardcover) released by Crown on 25 Sept 07
The Witch’s Trinity is a well told story that grabs your attention and keeps it throughout the book. It shows how desperation can bring out the absolute worst in us and make some do things that in good times would be unthinkable.
Tags: 2008, Crown, Erika Mailman, Fiction, Grade A, Historical, September 2007, The Witch's TrinityReview: Brazen by Maya Banks
February 21, 2008
Nikki’s review of Brazen by Maya Banks
Erotic romance ebook released 4 Sep 07, print release 29 Jul 08 by Samhain
I just love, love, love ménage stories. They are my weakness. They are the ones I finish even if they are bad. They are the ones that have me reaching for Buzzy, my B.O.B. Having read and enjoyed Bad Girl, I was thrilled to find a ménage story by Maya Banks.
Tags: 2008, Brazen, Erotic, Grade B, July 2008, Maya Banks, ménage, Nikki, Review, Samhain, September 2007Review: Kidnapped! by Jo Leigh
February 13, 2008
Alicia’s review of Kidnapped! by Jo Leigh
Contemporary romantic suspense released 1 Sep 07 by Harlequin Blaze
I enjoy Jo Leigh’s writing. Let me say, first, that I’ve only read her Blaze titles. The plots move and the dialogue is enjoyable. I can count on her books when I need to unwind. They don’t ask too much from me.
Tags: 2008, Alicia Thomas, Contemporary, Grade C, Harlequin Blaze, Jo Leigh, Kidnapped!, Review, September 2007, SuspenseReview: Bad Girl by Maya Reynolds
February 1, 2008
Nikki’s review of Bad Girl by Maya Reynolds
Contemporary erotic romance released 4 Sep 07 by NAL Trade
Sandy Davis watches out for people. As a matter of fact, she’s gotten in the habit of watching out for everyone in the building across the street from her condo… through their windows, with her telescope. She feels responsible for them, in a way. And if she happens to see some of their intimate moments and slide her hand into her panties, well, nobody knows but her. Or so she thought. Read more
Tags: 2008, Bad Girl, Erotic, Grade B, Maya Reynolds, NAL Trade, Nikki, Review, September 2007Review: The Return to Troublesome Gulch Books 1, 2, and 3 by Lynda Sandoval
January 27, 2008
Sandy M’s reviews of The Return to Troublesome Gulch (Books 1, 2, and 3) by Lynda Sandoval
Contemporary romance 1 Sep 07, 1 Nov 07, and 1 Jan 08 by Silhouette
I received the second book in this series, not realizing it was part of a series until I was finished with it. But after the emotion I went through while reading this book, I had to find the first and third books immediately. I’m glad I did. All three are full of emotion from laughing to crying to being royally pissed off, but at the end you’re cheering for these characters and their triumphs for truly surviving and living again after a tragic night that changed their lives forever. All three stories take place twelve years after that tragic night.
The Other Sister (Return to Troublesome Gulch, Book 1) Read more
Review: Kidnapped! by Jo Leigh
November 20, 2007
Devon’s review of Kidnapped! by Jo Leigh
Contemporary romance published 1 Sep 07 by Harlequin Blaze
Tate Baxter is beautiful, young and the only daughter of one of the richest men in the U.S. However, her privileged existence brings her no joy. As the victim of two kidnapping attempts, fear, anxiety and her father’s overprotectiveness have made Tate a virtual prisoner in her Carnegie Hill penthouse. She is surrounded by a cadre of servants and aides, most of whom carry concealed weapons.
One of the bright spots of her day is chatting with Michael Caulfield, her chauffeur/bodyguard, who accompanies throughout her day. She’s even got a little crush, but is too afraid to make a move. Michael enjoys Tate’s company, and is attracted to her as well, but in addition to her panic disorder, the status difference seems an insurmountable goal.
But Tate is fed up with living in fear, and agrees to a fake “kidnapping”, suggested by her therapist, in order to help her overcome her phobias. When the “kidnapping” goes horribly awry, Michael is close at Tate’s heels. He swoops in for the rescue, only to find that he is more involved than he had thought. Trapped on a yacht to the Cayman Islands, Tate and Michael are free to explore their attraction, as well as help Tate discover a strength she never knew she had. Their future looks bright, if they can survive that is.
I am often persuaded to pick up Blazes. They have a more ‘contemporary’ feel than many harlequins, and catchy plot descriptions. However, in the effort to amp up the sex level, the reader is treated to absolutely ridiculous plot devices (love potions, sex-themed hotels). Kidnapped! was quite different. On a certain level, it was quite a dark book. Tate had lived through two kidnapping attempts, one with particularly tragic consequences, and so lives like a recluse at 24. This ain’t no silly neurosis, it’s debilitating anxiety. It was interesting to watch her take control back, and to recognize her own strength.
Mike was a great hero: strong, intelligent and likable, and able to see Tate for who she was. I liked that their previous relationship was based on conversations in a limo, a meeting of the minds. Having them stuck together in a room provided a good setup for them to get to know each other even more. Their romance was sweet and sexy.
Kidnapped! was a real page turner. I read it very fast, wanting to see what happened with the kidnapping and with the relationship. I found the subplots interesting. Mike’s dysfunctional relationship with his brother Charlie was an interesting mirror to Tate’s relationship with her father. I wasn’t entirely convinced that Mike would be attracted to Tate at the beginning. Think she’s a great girl, yes, but she was such a timid mouse! But by the end, I believed in them. My big quibble was the ending, which was abrupt. Mike angsted and angsted over whether they could be together, then it’s just, “Okay. Swell. The End.”
Jo Leigh’s name often comes up as one of the best Blaze authors. I know I will definitely be reading her again. Kidnapped! packed a lot into its brief length–emotional depth, interesting characters, and a lot of action. I hope best friend Sara gets the next book, and I look forward to reading it.
Grade: B
Read excerpt here.
Tags: 2008, Contemporary, Devon, Grade C, Harlequin Blaze, Jo Leigh, Kidnapped!, Review, September 2007, SuspenseGuest Post: Elizabeth Hoyt on writing Simon Iddesleigh
September 11, 2007
Elizabeth Hoyt, the wonderful and gracious author of The Serpent Prince, The Leopard Prince, and The Raven Prince, has written this Guest Post for The Good, The Bad, & The Unread.
We will also post a Hoyt contest later today, so check back with us. And now, without further ado, allow me introduce Elizabeth Hoyt! Read more
Tags: 2007, Elizabeth Hoyt, Guest Author Post, September 2007, The Serpent Prince
