Monthly Archives: January 2016

Review: Long Lost

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Long Lost
Long Lost by Linda Castillo
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

A Short Novella Better for Romance Than Mystery

FINAL DECISION: This was a nice little novella. There was a mystery, but it was a simple one without much drama or thrill. For me, the best part was the relationship between Kate and John and their inability to relax.

THE STORY: Kate Burkholder, a police chief and her lover John Tomasetti are taking a well deserved vacation at a bed and breakfast when a 20 year old mystery of a missing woman tempts them away from their relaxation into investigating what happened.

OPINION: Part of my favorite parts of this series is the interactions between Kate and John. Their dark pasts have made their relationship a rocky one. Here, Kate and John have a chance to relax, but their relationship remains tricky for them so they slide into an investigation rather than dealing with their relationship. For me, that was more interesting than the mystery here.

WORTH MENTIONING: This novella is very short. In my Kindle version, 25% was a preview for another book.

CONNECTED BOOKS: LONG LOST is book 4.5 in the Kate Burkholder series. It can be read as a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 3.5 stars.

Review: Gone Missing

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Gone Missing
Gone Missing by Linda Castillo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Scary Heart Pounding Thriller Set in Amish Country

FINAL DECISION: This is one scary book with a ultimate reveal being quite surprising. Having Kate and John be able to spend more time together in a different location helps develop their relationship and shows a different side to Kate.

THE STORY: Something is happening to Amish teens, there have been some mysterious disappearances in Ohio. Kate, with her experience of having been Amish and also being police chief of a town with a significant Amish population is asked to consult on the cases. She will be working with her friend and lover John Tomasetti at his request. When one of the disappearances becomes a murder investigation, Kate fears for a missing teen in her own town.

OPINION: This was a thrilling book. Puzzling and then frightening with a mystery with many layers so that the ultimate solution was not predictable, this book was one that kept me switching between suspects until the end. I really liked that Kate is out of her element here. It allows her to have a different role that doesn’t get bogged down in the practicalities of her normal police work. It also allows her to have a different experience working with John. I am a big fan of the relationship between these two damaged people and I like to see how they are making halting moves towards one another.

The climax of this story was really scary and even though I knew that things would turn out okay (there are more books in the series after all), I still felt the danger that Kate was in.

WORTH MENTIONING: The personal relationship between Kate and John takes a new turn in this book.

CONNECTED BOOKS: GONE MISSING is the fourth book in the Kate Burkholder series. The book is a mystery crime thriller and can read as a standalone. It does, however, contain a continuing personal story about Kate’s reaction to her job and also her relationship with John Tomasetti that continues through the series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

Review: Faking It

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Review: Faking ItFaking It (Dempseys, #2) by Jennifer Crusie
Series: Dempseys #2
Published by St. Martin's Paperbacks on July 11th 2004
Genres: Contemporary
Pages: 448
Goodreads
four-stars

Absolutely Loved It

FAKING IT is the sequel to WELCOME TO TEMPTATION. FAKING IT tells the story of Matilda Goodnight, who comes from a family of forgers, and Davy Dempsey who comes from a family of con artists. These kindred spirits are perfect for one another. The novel is like a screwball comedy with flamboyant characters, a twisty plot and a happy ending. There are multiple romances in this book and it was nice seeing all the pieces come together in the end. I liked the main romance in this book better than WELCOME TO TEMPTATION and I couldn’t put the book down.

While you have some background if you have read WELCOME TO TEMPTATION, reading that book is not necessary to FAKING IT.

I recommend it.

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four-stars

Review: Welcome to Temptation

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Review: Welcome to TemptationWelcome to Temptation (Dempseys, #1) by Jennifer Crusie
Series: Dempseys #1
Published by St. Martin's Paperbacks on July 11th 2004
Genres: Contemporary
Pages: 416
Goodreads
four-stars

Funny and Witty

WELCOME TO TEMPATION is the story of Sophie Dempsey, the oldest daughter of a con artist family and Phineas Tucker, the mayor of the small town of Temptation. This book is funny and witty. The relationship between Sophie and Phin is sexy. They are a funny couple and all the characters in the story are vivid and interesting. I enjoyed the book, but I thought it was more plot heavy than I prefer my romance books. I would recommend the book, however, because it was interesting and definitely worth my time.

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four-stars

Review: Heir to the Duke

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The Duke's First Son
The Duke’s First Son by Jane Ashford
My rating: 1.5 of 5 stars

Not Much of a Romance Here

FINAL DECISION: I found the heroine shallow, immature and unlikeable and didn’t feel and connection between the hero and heroine. Despite its promising and funny beginning, I could barely make it through the remainder of the book.

THE STORY: Nathaniel Gresham, Viscount Hightower and oldest son of the Duke of Langford is respectable, reliable and takes care of those around him. At the age of thirty, he has decided it is time to get married. Not having found the woman he loves, he agrees to an arranged marriage with Lady Violet Devere, a respectable twenty-six year old wallflower, daughter of an earl and seemingly a good match for the steady Nathaniel. Violet is looking forward to her marriage and the freedom it will allow her. After a lifetime of being under the thumb of her family, especially her controlling grandmother, Violet wants to explore things that haven’t been allowed her — choosing her own wardrobe and friends, drinking and flirting and having fun. Just when it seems like life is going well for Violet, she discovers a family secret that threatens her newfound freedom and her marriage.

OPINION: This was not a book for me. The heroine annoyed me from the beginning. I found her to be immature and selfish. While Violet has married Nathaniel and knows what he expected from their marriage, she decides to make a spectacle of herself and resents her husband’s mature instincts. I understand the the book is attempting to show that Violet will bring fun into Nathaniel’s life, but for me, assisting friends in committing adultery, considering flirting with other men, putting herself into scandalous circumstances is not about fun but about being a child. Even worse, her husband is nothing but kind towards her and yet she resents him. Violet also insists that she is attempting to break free of her family’s control and manipulation and yet she allows herself to be manipulated by everyone around her — except her husband.

For me, there was no real connection between Violet and Nathaniel. They begin the book the day of their marriage and there is no emotional development between them. Instead, this is a book about Violet’s insecurities and immaturity. The sex scenes are tepid and since that is the only part of their marriage that works for Violet and Nathaniel, they are disappointing.

This book started well with a very funny prank committed on Nathaniel by his brothers who steal all his clothes the morning of his wedding and leave him naked. After that, however, the book went downhill for me. I think it is a difference in philosophy. I like a man who is concerned about his responsibilities and I don’t think that it is necessary that responsibilities be ignored, shoved aside and neglected in order to have fun. I found Violet’s worldview shallow and immature and unlikeable.

WORTH MENTIONING: There is a very funny scene where Violet and her friend go bathing in the ocean.

CONNECTED BOOKS: HEIR TO THE DUKE is the first book in The Duke’s Sons series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 1.5 stars.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

Review: Mastered

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Mastered
Mastered by Maya Banks
My rating: 4.25 of 5 stars

Good Beginning to the Romance — But It is Only Part 1

“You only have one job, my angel. Obey.”

FINAL DECISION:

THE STORY: Evangeline Hawthorne has just given her virginity to an absolute jerk who gave her no pleasure and then insulted her. Her friends convince the innocent, naive and sweet 23 year old that she needs to dress up and go to the exclusive club that her ex attends and show him that he has not damaged her and that she is fine without him. When she gets to the club, she ends up meeting Drake Donovan who owns the club. Drake is ruthless, cutthroat and lives his life with no regrets and no weaknesses. He decides that he wants Evangeline for himself. In exchange for her complete surrender, he will take care of her and introduce her to pleasures that she never dreamed up.

OPINION: This book is only the first half of the romance between the main characters. It ends on a cliffhanger. Banks explains that this book was too long and she didn’t want to cut it so it was divided into two books.

MASTERED has a Fifty Shades feel to it, but with much less kink. Evangeline aka “Angel” is incredibly naive and innocent. I did, however, like her character as she is also genuine and compassionate. Through this book we see that she gains the respect and caring for Drake’s partners (who definitely all need books of their own). Evangeline’s motivations are clear. She is a good person who will do anything for Drake.

Drake remains mysterious throughout this book. He has some trauma in his past, but nothing is revealed here. The most about this character is revealed at the end where he does something pretty unforgivable to the heroine. At the end of this book, he needs to seek forgiveness from her so maybe we will learn more about him in Part 2.

As might be expected with a Banks’ book, this book is scorching hot. While Drake participates in the BDSM lifestyle, the depiction here is pretty tame if compared with Fifty Shades. (I also liked the characters more here).

WORTH MENTIONING: This book includes a sex scene between the heroine and another man while the hero watches. This is part of the hero and heroine’s sex play.

CONNECTED BOOKS: MASTERED is the first book in The Enforcers Series. It is also part 1 of 2 of the romance between Evangeline and Drake.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.25 stars.

Review: Anything for You

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Anything for You
Anything for You by Kristan Higgins
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

The Most Kindhearted and Patient Hero Ever

“Connor Michael O’Rourke fell in love with Jessica Dunn when he was twelve years old. The feeling was not mutual.”

FINAL DECISION: Emotional and at times heartbreaking, this is the story of a man who is willing to wait and care for the woman he loves, even when she turns from him again and again. A story that spans decades, I love how Higgins brings to life this small town with all the complexities and relationships involved and gives readers a hero that is imminently loveable.

THE STORY: Connor O’Rourke has loved Jessica Dunn for years. She never looked at him until they were adults. Then they have been involved in a secret on again off again relationship. As the book begins, Connor asks Jessica to marry him and she says no. Finally, he has had enough of her pushing him away. But the truth is that he has loved her for so long that he doesn’t know how to do anything else. At the same time, Jessica begins to realize that Connor has always been there for her. What will she do if he isn’t there any longer?

OPINION: When I read a Kristan Higgins book, I am always surprised by how much I like them. The plots themselves tend to be straightforward and simple, but the execution and depth that she brings to the characters, the emotions and the relationships are incredibly moving.

As readers follow the story of Connor and Jess, it seems that they are destined to be star-crossed or cursed. Over and over again, they seem to be getting close and then events tear them apart. The beauty of the story is that ulitmately, Jess has to make the decision to trust in the future and not allow them to be torn apart.

I found Jess to be a frustrating heroine because she is difficult to get close to. The daughter of alcoholic parents, she had to handle things far too young and did it far too poorly at times. In a lovely manner, the motivations behind Jess’s decisions become clear. There are no excuses here, merely understanding and compassion. Being the “slut” in high school, Jess has poor self-esteem and sacrifices herself again and again for those she loves. For years, she has been the parent of her mentally challenged brother in a relationship that is filled with love and guilt and selfish need. HIggins has thoughtfully set out this complex relationship. There are no simple answers here and that is what makes it great.

In compensation for the difficult heroine, Higgins has given readers one of the most adorable heroes ever. Kindhearted and caring, Connor has always been there for Jess — even when she rejected him. He deeply cares for those around him and is incredibly patient with Jess. Friend, lover, companion — Connor is willing to be whatever Jess will allow him to be in her life. Thankfully, Higgins has given Connor a complicated and difficult relationship with his father who has a new family of his own. This keeps Connor from being too perfect and also his neglectful father is part of the motivation for Connor being so dedicated to others.

This book spans decades and there is no single moment when things become perfect for these two. Instead, this book is about working through problems, believing in one another and taking the leap of faith even when things go wrong again and again.

WORTH MENTIONING: Fans of the series will enjoy the small updates on the locals including the couples from the previous books in the series.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ANYTHING FOR YOU is the fifth book in the Blue Heron series. Although this book is connected with the other books in the series, it can be read as a standalone as everything you need to know is in this book.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

Review: Breaking Silence

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Breaking Silence
Breaking Silence by Linda Castillo
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Thrilling Mystery Basesd in Amish Country

“This was one of those times when justice will make for a very cold bedfellow.”

FINAL DECISION: Emotional, gripping and at times really scary, BREAKING SILENCE is a great addition to a fantastic series. Kate is a strong woman who can be admired even as her world is at times spinning out of control.

THE STORY: Kate Burkholder, police chief of a small town has seen the burden of recent cases beginning to wear upon her. She is drinking too much and has almost constant insomnia. A tragic accident on an Amish farm results in several children being orphaned. When what appears to be a horrible but routine accident turns into a murder investigation, Kate’s own past being raised Amish and her natural sympathy for the orphaned children make her determined to find out what happened to this family. A possible connection to a recent string of hate crimes against the Amish bring Kate’s friend and lover John Tomasetti to town.

OPINION: Every book in this series is compelling. The close emotional connection that Kate has to these cases makes the drama more immediate and also tears at Kate as a character. The reason I like these books is because the journey that Kate is on. I can read a standard mystery anywhere. What I like is compelling characters who I can care about. I am enthralled by Kate’s difficulties and her developing relationship with John. The mysteries drive the drama but I like these books because they give me more than a whodunnit. This book has a twisty mystery and more insight into Kate’s psyche.

WORTH MENTIONING: I enjoy how the book moves between Kate’s first person narrative and the third party narrative of other characters. This is true throughout the series, but I think this technique gives Kate’s voice primary emphasis while including the views of other characters.

CONNECTED BOOKS: BREAKING SILENCE is the third book in the Kate Burkholder series. It can be read as a standalone although there are ongoing relationships and issues concerning Kate that are played out throughout the series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

Review: Pray for Silence

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Pray for Silence
Pray for Silence by Linda Castillo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Everything You Could Want in a Crime Thriller/Mystery

“Some cases are more complicated than others.”

FINAL DECISION: A satisfying mystery combined with continued revelations and painful parallels to Kate’s past and those of her lover John. PRAY FOR SILENCE is a worthy sequel to the first book in this series.

THE STORY: Chief of Police Kate Burkholder straddles two worlds. Having grown up Amish, she understands and respects the people, but she also rejected the life and now lives apart from them. Ten months after the horrific events in SWORN TO SILENCE, things have returned to normal except that Kate has an on again off again lover in John Tomasetti and Kate’s own demons seem closer to the surface. Painters Mill is struck by another horrific event as a whole Amish family is brutally murdered. The Platt family had moved to Painters Mill only a year ago and now an entire family is wiped out. Although the family seemed normal, Kate knows that every family can harbor dark secrets.

OPINION: This is one scary book. There are many twists and turns which make is a great mystery. What makes is a great thriller is how haunted Kate is by her own past and how that intertwines and makes more immediate the murders here. Not only is there a difficult murder mystery to solve but readers also get more revelations about Kate’s own past, her shaky mental stability and the way that the past seems to bleed into Kate’s work. More about John’s own problems are revealed as he has weaned himself from his addiction to prescription drugs but instead suffers debilitating anxiety attacks. I loved how these two closed people warily circle one another wanting and fearing a connection between them. The emphasis in this book is always on the crime but it is always shown through the first person narrative of Kate. The personal connection is what makes these crimes especially relevant and keeps them from being intellectual exercises.

WORTH MENTIONING: There are some graphic depictions of violence involving murder and rape.

CONNECTED BOOKS: PRAY FOR SILENCE is the second book in the Kate Burkholder series. It can be read independent of the first book in the series, but there are ongoing stories that make this book richer and for that the books should be read in order.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

Review: Sworn to Silence

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Sworn to Silence
Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Compelling, Thrilling Mystery with a Touch of Romance

“I dream of death.”

FINAL DECISION: A good mystery mixed with a troubled and competent chief of police, secrets that threaten her career and perhaps her life and scary drama. Clear, well written and complex, this story kicks of the series and made me immediately want to read the next book.

THE STORY: Kate Burkholder grew up Amish in simple innocence until she was brutally attacked at the age of 14. The aftermath of her attack led her to rebellion and a crisis of faith and had her leave the Amish. She has now returned to her hometown — no longer Amish but now the Chief of Police. When a serial killer murders a woman in a way that is reminiscent of the Slaughterhouse Killer from sixteen years ago, the town panics that the killer has returned. Kate, however, knows that the Slaugherhouse Killer is dead, but can’t tell anyone else. What she doesn’t know is who is killing women now and why are the killings so similar to those of the Slaughterhouse Killer?

OPINION: I ended up buying this book on a lark because Amazon had it as a Daily Deal at a reduced price. I like tough women who solve mysteries so I decided to try this book out. I am incredibly glad I did because this book was fantastic. I immediately bought the rest of the series and plan on reading them soon.

Having grown up Amish and then rejecting that life, Kate lives with a foot in each of the worlds that collide in the town of Painters Mill, Ohio. A small town with a significant Amish population, she has to navigate the tricky politics and cultures that intersect in the town.

Kate also has dark secrets that have haunted her and her family for years and which have caused a divide that along with her rejection of the Amish life, have left her alone even with her family living in the same town.

For a mystery novel, I ask that the solution not be obvious but also that once the reveal happens that the solution makes sense. This book meets that standard. Readers should also be aware that there are some graphic depictions of the crimes and some graphic violence during the novel. I didn’t think it was overly graphic and it was appropriate for the subject matter and not gratuitous.

There are some quirky secondary characters that bring necessary humor to the story without taking over. Also, readers are introduced to John Tomasetti, who works with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation. John is addicted to prescription drugs and alcohol after the murders of his wife and children and is sent to help with the murder investigation under the assumption that he will fail. His own dark past is also an issue here and readers are left to wonder if John will help solve the crime or destroy Kate’s career.

All the questions and problems with Kate and John’s pasts are not resolved in this book — neither is their relationship, but this is the first book in the series and it appears that more will be explored in future novels.

WORTH MENTIONING: After reading this book, I recommended it to my mother. I told her it reminds me of J.D. Robb’s In Death series (without the futuristic elements) and Kay Hooper’s SCU series (without the paranormal elements). So if you like either of those, try this.

CONNECTED BOOKS: SWORN TO SILENCE is the first book in the Kate Burkholder series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.