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495 reviews by:
karlabrandenburg
Another in the Brothers Sinister series, we follow Sebastian and Violet.
In 1826, a lady is supposed to be seen and not heard. She is not supposed to be educated or intelligent and is meant for breeding the next generation. When Violet breaks the mold, she is quickly quashed by society, until Sebastian presents her ideas as his own-until he feels like a fraud and refuses to continue.
Courtney Milan's writing style is fluid and easy to read. The reason this only gets 4 stars is that while I look to romance as an escape, as a beacon that "good men" do exist somewhere (and I'm married to one, so I know it to be true), Violet pushed me to distraction. The groundwork was laid for Sebastian, growing up with Violet, "worshiping her from afar," so I kind of get it, but there comes a breaking point. I know I'd reached it and I'm not sure why Sebastian didn't. In the end, Ms. Milan did a good job of presenting her case, and the resolution was satisfying, but too many times I wanted to shake Violet. And yes, I understood what her issues were. I do want to say hooray for Violet's mother, who wasn't quite the tyrant she was painted to be originally.
Definitely worth the read, but be prepared for a somewhat unlikeable heroine.
In 1826, a lady is supposed to be seen and not heard. She is not supposed to be educated or intelligent and is meant for breeding the next generation. When Violet breaks the mold, she is quickly quashed by society, until Sebastian presents her ideas as his own-until he feels like a fraud and refuses to continue.
Courtney Milan's writing style is fluid and easy to read. The reason this only gets 4 stars is that while I look to romance as an escape, as a beacon that "good men" do exist somewhere (and I'm married to one, so I know it to be true), Violet pushed me to distraction. The groundwork was laid for Sebastian, growing up with Violet, "worshiping her from afar," so I kind of get it, but there comes a breaking point. I know I'd reached it and I'm not sure why Sebastian didn't. In the end, Ms. Milan did a good job of presenting her case, and the resolution was satisfying, but too many times I wanted to shake Violet. And yes, I understood what her issues were. I do want to say hooray for Violet's mother, who wasn't quite the tyrant she was painted to be originally.
Definitely worth the read, but be prepared for a somewhat unlikeable heroine.
BookLife Prize for Fiction
http://booklife.com/project/cookie-therapy-17302
Plot/Idea: 9 out of 10
Originality: 9 out of 10
Prose: 10 out of 10
Character/Execution: 10 out of 10
Overall: 9.50 out of 10
Assessment:
This captivating, heartwarming contemporary is perfect blend of romance and poignancy as a couple effectively addresses the aftereffects of tough choices from their past. Timely and relatable topics elevate the story above ordinary. This well-crafted novel is supported by deftly crafted secondary characters, small town charm, and consistent pacing, while sensitive issues are handled with grace. While this book works very well as a standalone, readers will be interested in reading the entire series.
http://booklife.com/project/cookie-therapy-17302
Plot/Idea: 9 out of 10
Originality: 9 out of 10
Prose: 10 out of 10
Character/Execution: 10 out of 10
Overall: 9.50 out of 10
Assessment:
This captivating, heartwarming contemporary is perfect blend of romance and poignancy as a couple effectively addresses the aftereffects of tough choices from their past. Timely and relatable topics elevate the story above ordinary. This well-crafted novel is supported by deftly crafted secondary characters, small town charm, and consistent pacing, while sensitive issues are handled with grace. While this book works very well as a standalone, readers will be interested in reading the entire series.
Reading this series is sort of like watching a soap opera, serial television. The reader steps into Thunder Bay and immediately meets all the people in this small town and becomes connected to their lives.
As much as this isn't my normal reading fare, I have to say I have enjoyed reading these books, with The Newcomer picking right up where the previous on left off. We have a first-hand look into the very real struggles of teenagers, responsible adults, irresponsible adults, town gossip and more. I really enjoyed this book, and look forward to the next in the series
As much as this isn't my normal reading fare, I have to say I have enjoyed reading these books, with The Newcomer picking right up where the previous on left off. We have a first-hand look into the very real struggles of teenagers, responsible adults, irresponsible adults, town gossip and more. I really enjoyed this book, and look forward to the next in the series
I've read other of the Jaded Gentlemen series and enjoyed them, although as I read this and [b:David: Lord of Honor|17854305|David Lord of Honor (Lonely Lords, #9)|Grace Burrowes|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1380477305s/17854305.jpg|42447649] made an appearance, I remembered being put off by Letty's secrecy and stubbornness. David and Letty put in an appearance in this story, and the reader gets a peek at upcoming "jaded gentlemen," but I'm afraid this is the last in this series that I will read.
Overall, the story was good - don't get me wrong. Especially into the second half of the novel. I appreciated the intrigue and the guessing at secret identities. That was well done, and the reveal was very satisfying. What put me off was the similarity to other characters in her other novels. It's the same unorthodox job for a woman that she's fighting society to do, and the perverse way she says "you have to stop kissing me" after a peck on the head and he proceeds to kiss the rest of her face until he takes an actual kiss. Then she pats his erection! That's not usually the way you say no... which brings me to his seduction of her. The old "I'm not going to dishonor you" while he frees the beast and does everything but.
If this had been the first I'd read in this series, I might have enjoyed it more, but after reading a couple of them, it seemed like the same old thing.
Overall, the story was good - don't get me wrong. Especially into the second half of the novel. I appreciated the intrigue and the guessing at secret identities. That was well done, and the reveal was very satisfying. What put me off was the similarity to other characters in her other novels. It's the same unorthodox job for a woman that she's fighting society to do, and the perverse way she says "you have to stop kissing me" after a peck on the head and he proceeds to kiss the rest of her face until he takes an actual kiss. Then she pats his erection! That's not usually the way you say no... which brings me to his seduction of her. The old "I'm not going to dishonor you" while he frees the beast and does everything but.
If this had been the first I'd read in this series, I might have enjoyed it more, but after reading a couple of them, it seemed like the same old thing.
Robyn Carr has her own unique style, and with it, the reader is transported to Thunder Point, a town everyone would want to live. I read this as part of an anthology, and in reading all three, you become embroiled in the lives of the townsfolk.
Fans of Ms. Odell’s Triple-D Ranch series will appreciate the latest installment, revisiting old friends like Derek and Sabrina, Cecily and Bryce. In this third installment, we take a closer look at wise-cracking Cowboy Tim.
Down on her luck and running out of options, Rebecca Morgan comes to the ranch as a cooking school student. She’s willing to sacrifice everything, including her own happiness, for her sick nephew. When she comes across one of the dirty, smelly, less than serious about anything cowboys, she’s not sure what to make of him.
Tim’s a free-wheeling, love-em and leave-em type, not ready for a real relationship and still practicing for his real life. Ex-Army, he is happy to join his other Army buddies at the Triple-D, where he can work out his PTSD herding cattle and otherwise helping out at the ranch. The new cooking school student catches his eye, but she’s clearly not interested in his brand of optimism. When circumstances bring them together, Tim recognizes Rebecca’s struggles with her learning style and offers to help.
The story deftly covers the struggles of ranch life, of being a cowboy, and the camaraderie and loyalty among men who have served together in the military. Tim’s PTSD was handled with skill. Tim’s gentleness when helping Rebecca study was endearing. Rebecca’s control issues played out well, giving us a keen insight into her motivations and personality. As a sniper, readers can see how Tim is accustomed to doing things alone, but in the end the Ranchers to the Rescue show up to rescue Tim from himself.
Ms. Odell’s writing is clean and well-edited, her characters well drawn against a beautiful Colorado backdrop.
Down on her luck and running out of options, Rebecca Morgan comes to the ranch as a cooking school student. She’s willing to sacrifice everything, including her own happiness, for her sick nephew. When she comes across one of the dirty, smelly, less than serious about anything cowboys, she’s not sure what to make of him.
Tim’s a free-wheeling, love-em and leave-em type, not ready for a real relationship and still practicing for his real life. Ex-Army, he is happy to join his other Army buddies at the Triple-D, where he can work out his PTSD herding cattle and otherwise helping out at the ranch. The new cooking school student catches his eye, but she’s clearly not interested in his brand of optimism. When circumstances bring them together, Tim recognizes Rebecca’s struggles with her learning style and offers to help.
The story deftly covers the struggles of ranch life, of being a cowboy, and the camaraderie and loyalty among men who have served together in the military. Tim’s PTSD was handled with skill. Tim’s gentleness when helping Rebecca study was endearing. Rebecca’s control issues played out well, giving us a keen insight into her motivations and personality. As a sniper, readers can see how Tim is accustomed to doing things alone, but in the end the Ranchers to the Rescue show up to rescue Tim from himself.
Ms. Odell’s writing is clean and well-edited, her characters well drawn against a beautiful Colorado backdrop.
Where everybody knows your name
Robyn Carr has her own unique style, and with it, the reader is transported to Thunder Point, a town everyone would want to live. I read this as part of an anthology, and in reading all three, you become embroiled in the lives of the townsfolk.
Robyn Carr has her own unique style, and with it, the reader is transported to Thunder Point, a town everyone would want to live. I read this as part of an anthology, and in reading all three, you become embroiled in the lives of the townsfolk.
The problem with reading a Jill Shalvis novel is that I have trouble putting it down! In this third of the Heartbreaker Bay series, she writes a compelling story of two people who have fortresses around their hearts, brought together under extreme circumstances, circumstances that shaped the rest of their lives. Tough-as-nails Elle won't let anyone close, she can't afford to, and Badass Archer can't afford to show any chinks in his battle armor. Their characterizations are written consistently throughout, their only weakness? each other. Loved it. Love the depths she can drill into POV, love the friends who respect them and help them, while still honoring their personalities. Another great book from Jill Shalvis.
