Love Notes by Heather Gunter 3.5/5

Love Notes by Heather Gunter

Genre: Contemporary Young Adult 

Sensuality: 7

This one struck a cord with me. The story was a little ' wordy' sometimes. (If that makes any kind of sense) It was written from two persons point of view, so some information was repeated. Besides that, it was a sweet and slightly unpredictable story.

This story touched on verbal abuse and the scarring it leaves behind. The author was really raw in painting a picture of the Charlie's emotional scarring and issues. And she painted an ideal hero in Mav.

The story was entertaining, and made you want to see what the supporting character's issues are all about.

Give it a shot. It's free for now.

Happy reading.

** This is one of the cleanest YA books I have read in a while. Very refreshing. :) 

Cherish by Catherine Anderson 4.5/5

Cherish, by Catherine Anderson

Genre: Historical Regency Romance

Sensuality: 8.5/10

This one I picked up randomly at a local fair. The synopsis on the back cover does NOT do the book justice. Cherish was first printed in 1998. And it may have been reprinted since then.

I was surprised at how funny it was. When you have two characters like Race and Rebecca who are such polar opposites, comedy is inevitable I guess. She is a sheltered woman of God and he is a formally uneducated rancher of Indian descent.

This story had a few action scenes, tear jerking moments and such ‘sweet’ chemistry. Anderson painted Race as a natural and giving protector. Big, tall and handsome. ;)

Some authors risk prospective readers passing up on great books because of cheesy ‘romantic’ synopsis. Like I almost did with this one.

I’ve read quite a few Catherine Anderson romances over the years. I find she writes such vivid, well-described westerns.

Enjoy!

4.5/5

To Beguile A Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt 3.5/5

To Beguile a Beast, by Elizabeth Hoyt

Genre: Historical Regency Romance

Sensuality: 8

I had a craving for historical regency romance for a while now. This novel was purchased with a little bundle.

I enjoyed this novel. It did have a bit of the beauty and the beast theme going on which made it in no way original. But  I didn’t mind that too much. Most of the characters that Hoyt tends to create are mature men and women with history. I respect that.

The heroine in this one has two children. It was different seeing some situations through the children’s eyes. The chemistry between the main characters was believable, however, the mystery in the story was kind of boring though.

This one is not a wasted purchase at all, but I would have preferred to purchase it from a yard sale.

It was entertaining.

3.5/5

The Lion's Lady by Julie Garwood 2/5

The Lion’s Lady, by Julie Garwood

Genre: Historical Regency Romance

Sensuality: 7

Another disappointing Garwood that had so much potential. I think that her writing style in general is just not my cup of tea. I got pretty far reading this one, but ALAS!  I could not take all of the cheesy moments. Garwood kept alluding to how strong the heroine was, but it was contradictory to how she acted. I could have even imagined how her voice sounded. It wasn’t a flattering voice either.

This book is going to paint a clear picture of how idle some of the upper crust English society was at that time in history.

The heroine basically came to London to get married in order to have her inheritance. That’s pretty much the entire plot of this long drawn-out story.

Disappointing. I remember a novel written by Garwood that was very good. That’s why I gave these recent two a shot.

2/5

The Gift by Julie Garwood 1.5/5

The Gift, by Julie Garwood

Genre: Historical Regency Romance

Sensuality: 6

This was purchased on a recent regency romance splurge. I thought I chose this one so carefully. I failed!

I can’t even finish the novel. And usually I absolutely HAVE to finish a novel despite how terrible it is.

The fact that this story was set at sea attracted me. But that is the only interesting thing about it. The heroine is very silly and clumsy. And she was always screaming and getting away with foolishness like poisoning the crew, almost starting fires and the list goes on.

I believe this book was suppose to read as a funny story. And maybe it was funny at the time it was originally printed.

This one got such high reviews.

I don’t understand how.

1.5/5

The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers 4/5

The Atonement Child, by Francine Rivers

Genre: Contemporary Christian/Inspirational Novel

Sensuality: 2

This author has some interesting stories to share. This one did not disappoint. I am pretty sure it was written quite some time ago, but has been reprinted. Rivers tends to write Christian based stories, not focused on the romantic aspect of relationships, but more about the growth of her characters and their challenges in getting out of everyday tough situations.

It centers around the question, should a female abort a child conceived during rape? Abortion continues to be a sensitive subject. The fact that this novel explored this debate attracted me to the book from the first day I read the synopsis on Amazon. As a female I asked myself what I would do.

It is a Christian based novel, so if you are not into your characters asking God questions, and exploring their spirituality then you will not enjoy this one. I am a Believer, and even I got a little tired of all the praying and bible quotes. (And lightning strikes!) I just want to simply read the story sometimes.

That being said, I am happy I purchased the paperback. I never got bored, but I did find myself glossing over the drawn out mental debates and a couple of the prayer sessions. It’s the kind of book you will probably pass on to family and friends. It brings up so many questions. I want to discuss the issue of abortion with someone now.

Happy reading,

4/5

Blue Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas 5/5

Blue Eyed Devil, by Lisa Kleypas

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Sensuality: 8.5

This is on the top ten of my contemporary (normal) adult romance list. Its not about teeny bopper college or high school kids. But intelligent, motivated imperfect adults.

I love books based in western type settings. This one is in Texas, and has macho, strong willed Texan men in it too. The heroine is a scarred woman though. And the hero had his own sets of past struggles.

But don’t you love books that have a general thread of perseverance and strength running through it? This one has it. In addition to believable chemistry.

This one will not disappoint. The heroine’s two older brothers have their own story too. Just Sugar Daddy (the eldest brother's story) is any good though.

Happy reading,

5/5