Book Description
In the life of Precious Ramotswe–a woman duly proud of her fine traditional build–there is rarely a dull moment, and in the latest installment in the universally beloved No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series there is much happening on Zebra Drive and Tlokweng Road. Mma Ramotswe is experiencing staffing difficulties. First Mr. J.L.B. Mate-koni asks to be put in charge of a case involving an errant husband. But can a man investigate such matters as successfully as the number one lady detective can? Then she has a minor falling-out with her assistant, Mma Makutsi, who decides to leave the agency, taking the 97 percent she received on her typing final from the Botswana Secretarial College with her.
Along the way, Mma Ramotswe is asked to investigate a couple of tricky cases. Will she be able to explain an unexpected series of deaths at the hospital in Mochudi? And what about the missing office supplies at a local printing company? These are the types of questions that she is uniquely well suited to answer.
In the end, whatever happens, Mma Ramotswe knows she can count on Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, who stands for all that is solid and true in a shifting world. And there is always her love for Botswana, a country of which she is justifiably proud.
Customer Reviews:
Another triumph for McCall Smith.......2007-09-28
I eagerly awaited this new installment in the series, and was not disappointed, although there were a few parts in this novel that moved slowly. The situations in this novel seemed real, the types of human relationship issues we all deal with on a daily basis. Things are not always lovely, people do disagree and doubt one another, and this novel revealed this underside of humanity. I hope this series will continue, as I am anxious to find out more about Mme Makutsi and her upcoming marriage, and also about the kids, who appeared only briefly in this novel. If you have not listened to the audio, run to your public library and check it out. Lisette Lecat's wonderful voice has gotten me through many long and tedious road trips.
The Best So Far!.......2007-09-20
My husband and I listened to this on our trips to my doctor and we really enjoyed this one. It has more than one subplot, and held our attention. As always, the narrator is wonderful. This series is like comfort food - always satisfying even if it doesn't have the most substance. No profanity, no real violence--just great entertainment.
Another charmer.......2007-08-28
What can I say? This is another charming installment in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. I wish Mma Ramotswe and Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni really existed so I could meet them. At any rate, this series makes me want to visit Botswana. If you liked the other books, you will definitely like this one. If you are starting out, read them in order from the beginning.
Earthy Wisdon.......2007-08-26
Close to the earth, close to what's real and true (if there is ever a 'true'). Very personal to me as I lived in Botswana some years ago for a few years. An authentic rendition of the ways of living and the general 'feeling' of Botswana. I have all 7 of the series and re-read the previous 6 before reading the newest one. I loved the immersion. Mma Ramotswe is wise. Her character is not unique to Botswana but Botswana offers a fine ambience for developing and displaying wisdom. Over the coming years I intend to re-read the series frequently.
Not the best in the series..........2007-08-24
This was a surprise eighth installment to a series that was supposed to end with seven. While I am a big fan of the series, I found this particular book to be disappointing for a number of reasons, most of them related to the plot.
As is his usual set-up, McCall Smith starts a series of mini-mysteries to be solved by the ever-resourceful Mma Ramotswe and/or her colorful assistant, Mma Makutsi. In this book, several characters get their own mystery to solve, some with more success than others. Some of the plot lines break down, only to be gathered up hastily with weak explanations. There is also a lack of continuity between some of the story lines.
While the subplots have some definite leaks, the author's painting of the characters continues to be what makes these books so good. The reader learns a bit more about Mr. JLB Matekoni, although the mystery behind his depression remains as such. Mma Makutsi continues to have enjoyable dialogues with her shoes as she prepares for the next phase in her life. The children, Motholeli and Puso, make only brief appearances, as does Phuti Radiphuti.
There are still a few open loops in the tale of Mma Ramotswe and cohorts, so the author might not be finished with the series. Should there be a next installment, however, I hope that McCall Smith finds a fresh supply of creative plot lines.
Amazon.com
Why don't zebras get ulcers--or heart disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases--when people do? In a fascinating look at the science of stress, biologist Robert Sapolsky presents an intriguing case, that people develop such diseases partly because our bodies aren't designed for the constant stresses of a modern-day life--like sitting in daily traffic jams or growing up in poverty. Rather, they seem more built for the kind of short-term stress faced by a zebra--like outrunning a lion.
With wit, graceful writing, and a sprinkling of Far Side cartoons, Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers makes understanding the science of stress an adventure in discovery. "This book is a primer about stress, stress-related disease, and the mechanisms of coping with stress. How is it that our bodies can adapt to some stressful emergencies, while other ones make us sick? Why are some of us especially vulnerable to stress-related diseases, and what does that have to do with our personalities?"
Sapolsky, a Stanford University neuroscientist, explores stress's role in heart disease, diabetes, growth retardation, memory loss, and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. He cites tantalizing studies of hyenas, baboons, and rodents, as well as of people of different cultures, to vividly make his points. And Sapolsky concludes with a hopeful chapter, titled "Managing Stress." Although he doesn't subscribe to the school of thought that hope cures all disease, Sapolsky highlights the studies that suggest we do have some control over stress-related ailments, based on how we perceive the stress and the kinds of social support we have.
Book Description
how stress affects sleep and addiction, as well as new insights into anxiety and personality disorder and the impact of spirituality on managing stress. As Sapolsky explains, most of us do not lie awake at night worrying about whether we have leprosy or malaria. Instead, the diseases we fear-and the ones that plague us now-are illnesses brought on by the slow accumulation of damage, such as heart disease and cancer. When we worry or experience stress, our body turns on the same physiological responses that an animal's does, but we do not resolve conflict in the same way-through fighting or fleeing. Over time, this activation of a stress response makes us literally sick. Combining cutting-edge research with a healthy dose of good humor and practical advice, Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers explains how prolonged stress causes or intensifies a range of physical and mental afflictions, including depression, ulcers, colitis, heart disease, and more. It also provides essential guidance to controlling our stress responses. This new edition promises to be the most comprehensive and engaging one yet.
Customer Reviews:
Science even a Poly Sci Major can understand.......2007-09-28
Sapolsky presents a complex subject in language that a most people can understand, right along side the technical text. Thus, this old Poly Sci major finally understands the biology behind stress eating, even if I don't understand all the 12 syllable words in the next sentence. This is the way text books should be written. This is the way other books should be written -- understandable by people of many levels, not just the other specialists.
Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers .......2007-09-27
I agree with DR. Oliver Sachs who said on the back of the book, Dr/Professor Sapolsky is the best writer if physical science today. It is not for the faint of heart. He makes the subjects very clear, but it helps if you already have some science background because he brings you up to date on the current causes of the plagues of modern civilization (stress filled lives leading to the heart, cholesterol, diabetes, obesity etc. problems.
Awesome writing for a text book........2007-07-08
This book was chosen as the text book for a college course I took. It was awesomely written, very factual and easy to understand. And funny... Let me tell ya. I would gladly have read this for recreational purposes, but the fact that it was required to read it and it was so easy made it that much better.
Haven't read yet.......2007-06-27
Got the book quickly but am reading so many other things right now I haven't had a chance to read this one but I'm looking forward to it!
Fascinating.......2007-05-21
Prof. Sapolsky way of teaching makes one feel he is sitting in the classroom at Stanford. This book has the same ambiance.
Glad I own it.
Average customer rating:
- GOOD READ
- That's not writing, it's typing.
- Better than Hot Blooded
- Excellent sequel to Hot Blooded
- Sequel to "Hot Blooded"
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Cold Blooded (Zebra Romantic Suspense)
Lisa Jackson
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ASIN: 0821769340 |
Customer Reviews:
GOOD READ.......2007-06-01
I LOVE HER BOOKS. HAVED READ A BAD ONE YET. READ EVRY ONE OF HER BOOKS I GET MY HANDS ON.
That's not writing, it's typing........2007-02-15
I gave this one star because you don't get the option of no stars. The book is a combination of a Harlequin romance novel and a Friday the 13th movie, and not any better written than either. I provide a few examples for the disbelieving. Ms. Jackson's characters frequently "plunge" their hands into their pockets or sleeves. Does a person really do that? I think not. Perhaps "shove," perhaps "force," on occasion, but certainly not all the time. In addition, Ms. Jackson's heroine drives a Ford Ranger. The engine of that Ford Ranger is always "rumbling." Ms. Jackson has obviously never listened to a Ford Ranger. The engine of a Ford Ranger "hums," or perhaps "whines" if you rev it up to a high RPM, but it does not "rumble." The only engines that rumble are old Detroit iron V-8's. A Camaro with a 327 rumbles, or a Mustang with a 390 rumbles, but a Ford Ranger does not rumble. Finally, what are Camel straights? I've never heard the term. I asked a number of people who work at gas-and-go marts. They didn't know what I was talking about. I assume what Ms. Jackson means is Camel regulars, or no-filters. Perhaps "Camel straights" is a New Orleansism, but I don't think so.
When you add that kind of tin ear for reality and dialogue to characters with all the substance of stick figures, the book is masochistically painful to read. It reminds one of the time Truman Capote was on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Carson asked Capote's opinion of some current pot-boiler on the NYT bestseller list. Capote's response was, "That's not writing, Johnny, that's typing."
Better than Hot Blooded.......2007-01-17
I really enjoyed this book, couldn't put it down until I finished it. Was so different than Hot Blooded.
Another serial killer is loose in New Orleans, this time he is killing women on All Saints day, and however the saint's die, that is how he kills the women he kidnaps.
Olivia Bechet was inherited her Grandmother's ability to see things before they happen, like esp.
Olivia sees through the eyes of the serial killer, she sees the awful murders while they are happening.
The police think she is a fake, a loon, until she talks to Rick Bentz, who solved the Rosery Killings in Hot Blooded.
Rick is skectical at first until the murders are exactly like Olivia has described.
Rick wonders if she could be involved, or knows who the killer is.
The killer dresses as a priest and Rick has a half-brother who he hates that is a priest.
Olivia starts investigating on her own and meets a priest that happens to be Rick's half-brother. She thinks he is too good-looking to be a priest.
Olivia is attracted to Rick, and James, Rick's brother. But Rick has sworn off women, booze, and smoking. James is a priest so he is untouchable, or is he?
Things spark between Rick and Olivia, and then he dumps her. She gets close to James, but can't go through with it.
The murders in this book were really grewsome. There were so many suspects that it was hard to figure out who the killer was.
Although the epilogue made no since at all, it was a good book.
Give it a try.
Excellent sequel to Hot Blooded.......2006-03-09
NOPD Detective Rick Bentz takes center stage in this explosive sequel to "Hot Blooded." A visit from a woman who claims to have second sight and has "witnessed" a murder has Bentz and his partner Rueben Montoya rolling their eyes. When they respond to a murder identical to what she described, they soon become believers. Each killing is styled after a martyred saint.
Olivia Benchet inherited more than a rickety old house from her grandmother - second sight skipped a generation and beckons at her door, "seeing" the murders, usually from the victim's point of view. Bentz has been burned by love. Still smarting with his wife's infidelity with his brother (that resulted in the birth of his daughter), the last thing he wants is to get involved with Olivia. When both throw caution to the wind, they don't worry about what will happen the next morning. Citing that it was a mistake, Bentz tells her they cannot do it again.
Olivia suddenly finds herself attracted to two men when she seeks assistance from a local priest, and has some undecidedly unholy thoughts about him. No one is more shocked than she when she learns that Bentz and Father James are brothers.
Soon Bentz finds that both his daughter and his lover are handpicked to be the next martyred saints. Will he be able to get to them in time?
Like other readers, my main criticism is that there was no reason for the killer's actions, other than he was psychotic. Be warned - it is not for the faint of heart - the killings are ritualistic and sadistic. Author Jackson has managed to pen a sequel as exciting as the first, and the best part is that it is not necessary to read the first novel - it is excellent and can stand on its own (though the epilogue might throw you off...).
Sequel to "Hot Blooded".......2005-07-30
This book was definently worthwhile reading about the same characters chasing yet even more twisted murderers in the city of New Orleans. Follow along as Detectives' Rick Bentz and Rueben Motoya chase around the villians that are haunting the night.
Definently a great sequel to the first novel, "Hot Blooded".
Average customer rating:
- The Naked Earl Is a Dont...
- cute
- I was expecting so much more....
- The Naked Earl
- A loopy yet adorable love story done regency style (C+ Grade)
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The Naked Earl (Zebra Historical Romance)
Sally MacKenzie
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ASIN: 0821780751 |
Customer Reviews:
The Naked Earl Is a Dont..........2007-09-25
The Naked Earl has all of the literary elements you look for when you are purchasing a book. It has an interesting storyline and creative characters.The story starts off strong with the promised earl naked inside the lead character's bedrooom and then proceeds to go down hill. I had to make myself finish this book. I skimmed through several passages and eventually skipped a couple of pages just to finish reading this book. The author's characters and plot stagnant and come to a complete crawl after the first few chapters. The book has its moments but does not fit within the historical fiction genre. Some of the events are unrealistic. Robbie and Lizzie the main characters are tiresome. Without some of the secondary characters I probably would not have finished the book at all.
cute.......2007-08-18
I thought the characters were funny and endearing. It was like a slapstick romp through the pages. Unusual to have an inexperienced hero...not many authors lean that way. Overall, enjoyable, but you will definately need to read it with an open mind and not expect it to be historically correct.
I was expecting so much more...........2007-07-05
The Naked Earl simply does not live up to it's press or promise. Both the title and jacket description alluded to so much more than what was delivered within the pages. The Naked Earl left me cold and wondering if those who write those glowing "must read..." jacket comments actually read the book. It seemed to me as if the sex scenes were written first and then a plot was loosely weaved around those scenes. While the first few pages were indeed captivating, the rest of the book dragged on. I kept reading, hoping that the magic of those first few pages would reappear. I was sadly disappointed.
The Naked Earl.......2007-06-12
I'm not much of a Romance reader (though I read a few, mostly K. Woodiwise) but the "Naked" in the title got me interested. Robbie (is that his Christian name? I don't think anyone called him anything but that as a first name) is and Earl, and loves Lizzie, his best-friend's sister. Lizzie has been in 4 seasons (so she is 20 or 21) and doesn't accepts any proposel of marriage because she is waiting for Robbie to propose. Of course, neither knows the other loves him/her. Robbie has a problem though, and is practically as chaste as the virgin Lizzie. Both attend a house party. There are a lot of secondary characters; one is aunt Bea, who is in her 60's and never married. But she knows more about men then a spinster aunt should know. And it might be a good idea that more authors portray older people having sex. There is the harpy Duchess of Hartford, who hates Lizzie; the Duchess wanted to marry Lizzie's brother, Duke of Alvord, but wasn't able to so she marries another Duke who is freakin' old. The baron who is holding the house party wants to get this Duchess in bed, so I'm surprise that a person who is a villian actually has something good happen to her. Though there is other villians, Felicity, who will do anything to get Robbie to marry her. The other is Andrews, whom Lizzie turned down his proposal. Andrews almost rapes Lizzie in the book. But many of these secondary characters (even main ones) appeared in other books by the same author. The disappointing thing was that in the beggining of the books I thought both Lizzie and Robbie would get caught (he hides himself in Lizzie's room, after Felicity tries to compromise herself with him) and almost get caught again. It takes Lizzie almost getting raped, but caught with her drawers down (as it were) before Robbie proposes. Though I'm curious with what will happen with Aunt Bea. Maybe next book.
The book isn't too agnsty, and most of the book's events take up less then a week (though at the end it takes 1 month for the mains to consumate their marriage). I really hate books that takes months for the mains to get together. Also, I really couldn't tell this was a regency romance, except for the mention of the ton.
A loopy yet adorable love story done regency style (C+ Grade).......2007-05-08
Sally Mackenzie has a knack for writing very loopy regency style romances. They are overall fun to read and not be taken seriously. So, if you want a good read with some outlandish scenes that will give you a good chuckle, this book is for you.
Robbie our hero has a "small" problem. The least of his problems is trying to get tied down in marriage. But certain parts of his anatomy won't work the way he wants it to. The poor guy can't get over an embarrassing moment he had ten years ago, so he is bereft that he will remain alone and never have sex again.
Lizzie is the sister of Robbie's childhood friend (Her brother James was the hero in The Naked Duke). She has loved Robbie forever and is ready for him to marry her. Well, this almost happens as Robbie falls into her window naked trying to escape from a spinster harpy who wants him for his money. (Just read the first chapter and you will understand.)
Because Robbie has these issues he tries to stop Lizzie from her marriage minded ways, but that doesn't stop them from kissing and touching everywhere and anywhere they can get their hands on.
Along for this ride is a secondary cast of characters that are beyond believable. You will laugh and roll you eyes at their antics along with hoping Robbie can get over his trauma and be with Lizzie, a very sweet girl who adores him for just being him and not for his title or money.
One high point is that Mackenzie writes her heroes that are almost as innocent and naive as their heroines- meaning no over experienced men who have a thousand women under their belts.
So for oversexed characters and campy conversations you will not find in any other romance historical, enjoy a few laughs with this campy story.
Katiebabs
The Naked Duke (Zebra Debut)
The Naked Marquis
Average customer rating:
- GOOD READ
- lame
- Little slow at first but then really gets going
- Bad
- Slick & fast-paced - will keep you glued!
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Hot Blooded (Zebra Romantic Suspense)
Lisa Jackson
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ASIN: 0821768417 |
Book Description
First One Dead Body...
A prostitute lies strangled in a seedy French Quarter hotel room. Miles away, in a rambling plantation house on the sultry shores of Lake Ponchartrain, popular late-night radio host Dr. Samantha Leeds receives a threatening crank call. All in a day's work for a celebrity. Who would think to link the two?
Then Another...
A second hooker's corpse turns up. Samantha's ominous caller persists, along with a mysterious female claiming to be a woman from her past -- a woman who's been dead for years. With Detective Rick Bentz convinced that the serial killer prowling the shadowy streets of New Orleans is somebody close to Samantha, she doesn't dare trust anyone. Especially not Ty Wheeler, her seductive new neighbor who seems to know more about her than a stranger should.
...And Another
Somebody has discovered Samantha's darkest secret. Somebody is convinced that lives must be sacrificed to pay for her sins. So far, the victims have been strangers. Prostitutes. But as a cunning, cold-blooded killer grows bolder, Samantha wonders in dread if she will be the next to die...
Customer Reviews:
GOOD READ.......2007-06-01
I LOVE HER BOOKS. CAN'T PUT HER BOOKS DOWN. READ EVERY ONE OF HER BOOKS I CAN GET MY HANDS ON.
lame.......2007-03-27
I hope Hot Blooded is not indicative of all her writing.
It was painfully derivative, with cookie cutter good guys and bad guys.
The heroine has no discernible qualities that would make you want to root for her.
The ancillary characters are one-dimensional and not very appealing.
I have a couple more of her books I picked up in the discount bin. I hope they have a little more umph to them.
I finished it, but it was by no means a good read. At all.
Little slow at first but then really gets going.......2007-01-27
I give this 4 stars because the beginning is rather slow and drags on a little too much.. From about pg. 100 or so on, things really get going and this novel turns into a real hot romantic psychological thriller. Ms. Jackson develops the characters well and the story is anything but predictable.
Bad.......2007-01-17
I have always liked all of Lisa Jackson's books, but this one was too unreal.
Hookers are being killed in New Orleans. The killer uses a rosery to choke them.
The killer calls himself John, he kills women and then he calls into Dr. Samantha Leeds's radio show. And John also starts calling Sam at home and leaving mail and cakes for her.
The people think it maybe someone close to her or a stranger she has just met.
The problem I had with this book is:
1 Samantha Leeds is a weak character to be a psycologist.
2.The police tell her to keep her doors locked, don't go out alone, and don't talk to strange men she doesn't know.
3.What does she do, she meets a man that has moved on her block, and she gives him her phone no., goes out on a boat with him and sleeps with him.
Please, if I had a serial killer after me, I would not give out my no. or invite strange men to my house. Let alone go out with him on his boat over night and leave my doors unlocked.
And Sam was suppose to be the one with the college degree.
I am going to read Cold Blooded next since I ordered them together and see if it is worth reading.
I know from some of the other reviews that other people liked this book. I guess it was just disappointing for me.
Slick & fast-paced - will keep you glued!.......2006-03-09
Late night radio psychologist Samantha Leeds is drawn into a serial killers web when she starts receiving threatening letters and phone calls from a listener who goes by the name of John. John is actually a psychopath who holds Sam responsible for the death of a teenage girl who called into her show in Houston a decade earlier, and Sam was not able to reach her. In order to get Sam to repent, John strangles several hookers with a deadly rosary.
She gets involved with Ty, her sexy neighbor, and unbeknownst to her, he has sought out Sam with plans to use her for his own research to probe into the teen's death. When they start sleeping together, Ty realizes he has crossed the line, but fears that if he tells her the truth, she will hate him.
Working with NOPD Detectives Rick Bentz and Rueben Montoya to investigate the crime, Sam's ratings start to flourish with each phone call from John. As they race against the clock to learn John's real identity, Sam is not sure if she can trust those closest to her, including her estranged brother, her assistant, and the station owner, who wants to capitalize on John's presence for the ratings bonanza it has become.
This slick and fast-paced thriller tosses out so many possible baddies, that readers will be guessing until the very end.
Average customer rating:
- Funny Tale of Revenge
- When justice is Denied.
- Lighten up
- Payback
- perfect
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Payback (Zebra Romance)
Fern Michaels
Manufacturer: Zebra
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ASIN: 0821778765
Release Date: 2005-08-30 |
Customer Reviews:
Funny Tale of Revenge.......2007-07-09
This second installment of The Sisterhood series does not disappoint. In fact, this one gives us two "paybacks" to enjoy. I agree with one reviewer who said, "lighten up!" These books are fiction, fun, escapist reading. Could they really happen? Probably not, but it still is fun to imagine. To get the full benefit, read Weekend Warriors first.
When justice is Denied........2007-06-11
The Sisterhood is back for their second search for justice for their members who have been denied by the system. Julie Webster is a high-profile doctor who is facing a death sentence administered by her philandering husband. For her there can be no justice, she has lost her career and may lose her life to AIDS.
As Julie grows weaker and more fragile from the disease her friends, through the financial help of Myra Rutledge search for other mates in U.S. Senator Mitchell Webster's extramarital affairs, so they can be warned to seek help. He is being considered as a vice-presidential running mate when The Sisterhood extract their payback.
Fern Michaels' "Payback" is a sharp read, with twists and turns for late night and beach enjoyment.
Nash Black, author of "Qualifying Laps" and "Taxes, Stumbling Blocks & Pitfalls for Authors, 2007.
Lighten up.......2007-02-13
After reading a lot of the reviews on "Payback", I think many of the readers missed the point. This is a 'just for fun story' (fiction), fairy tale, I enjoyed every minute of the read. Different from the usual trivia. Looking forward to more.
Payback.......2007-02-02
I love Fern Mickaels. Her writing makes me feel like I'm part of the sisterhood. To get the full impact of the story you need to read Weekend Warriors first. I have a group of friends that will stand by me through thick and thin. I just wish we had the power that these ladies have. I plan on listening to the whole series. My commute to work is so much more fun now.
perfect .......2006-12-16
this is wonderful. You can hear the whole book in one day. I have everyone of them on CD. I am now waiting for the next one. Can hardly wait
Average customer rating:
- My Word WhatTrash!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- This is Bad...
- This is Bad...
- Fast Reading
- Great book. Could read it again.
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Vegas Sunrise (Zebra Fiction)
Fern Michaels
Manufacturer: Zebra
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ASIN: 082177672X |
Customer Reviews:
My Word WhatTrash!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2005-11-23
For the last 5 years I have read 1 book a week. This is by far the worst book I have ever read. The other reviewers who thought this had some merit are dreaming at best. I could write better and as you can tell from this review I can't write. If I ever have a labotomy, I will read this again and reconsider my review.
Trash. Lousy. Junk. Can I rate this less than 1 star?
This is Bad..........2001-05-14
You ever listened to one of those audio books that is so bad, yet you have find out how it ends? This is it. Maybe it's because I haven't listened to the other books, but the author gives a great recap that I didn't have to worry about that. My problem was that the characters were totaly unlikeable and there were tons of inconsistantces. First of all, the characters. I didn't like anyone, though Ruby wasn't too bad. Like parts of the story, some of them get a little inconsistant. At first Fanny is a strong-willed woman and then reverts to a pathetic figure when the plot demands it. I also think Ms. Michaels wasted Celia. What could've been a decent woman who happened to be a bit of a goldigger is quickly revealed as your run-of-the-mill femme fatale. I know that I probably have a lot of the fans mad, but continue to hear me out. That over, now the consistantcies. If this family is so rich, how come they act like they're poor? I'm no expert on rich folks, but I think that a family as wealthy as them wouldn't expect their wives to clean and cook. Also, Thronton Chickens is suppose to be a multi-million dollar business then why does it seem that Ruby is doing all the work for what seems like it's described as a small farm. And Celia's baby, I think Ms. Michaels was hinting that it was Birg's even though he hadn't touched since she they got back from that jungle. There's some other things I'd mention, but I don't have the room. Let's just say the only reason this book doesn't fail is becasue of the great recap of everything and you still want to find out how it ends. Love, Yaoi Huntress Earth
This is Bad..........2001-05-14
You ever listened to one of those audio books that is so bad, yet you have find out how it ends? This is it. Maybe it's because I haven't listened to the other books, but the author gives a great recap that I didn't have to worry about that. My problem was that the characters were totaly unlikeable and there were tons of inconsistantces. First of all, the characters. I didn't like anyone, though Ruby wasn't too bad. Like parts of the story, some of them get a little inconsistant. At first Fanny is a strong-willed woman and then reverts to a pathetic figure when the plot demands it. I also think Ms. Michaels wasted Celia. What could've been a decent woman who happened to be a bit of a goldigger is quickly revealed as your run-of-the-mill femme fatale. I know that I probably have a lot of the fans mad, but continue to hear me out. That over, now the consistantcies. If this family is so rich, how come they act like they're poor? I'm no expert on rich folks, but I think that a family as wealthy as them wouldn't expect their wives to clean and cook. Also, Thronton Chickens is suppose to be a multi-million dollar business then why does it seem that Ruby is doing all the work for what seems like it's described as a small farm. And Celia's baby, I think Ms. Michaels was hinting that it was Birg's even though he hadn't touched since she they got back from that jungle. There's some other things I'd mention, but I don't have the room. Let's just say the only reason this book doesn't fail is becasue of the great recap of everything and you still want to find out how it ends. Love, Yaoi Huntress Earth
Fast Reading.......1998-10-20
I read this book without having read the 2 previous books in the series. It was fairly easy catching up on who the characters were. One thing I found annoying is that during conversations, characters would bring up things that other characters had done throughout the book, but there seemed to be no relevence to the conversation. It is almost as if Miss Michaels was trying to remind the reader what had happened previously. It seemed unnecessary to me. I am, however, looking forward to reading Vegas Heat and Vegas Rich.
Great book. Could read it again........1998-08-15
Vegas Sunrise was really great. Enjoyed the whole series of these Vegas books by Fern Michaels. They just keep getting better. Loved the way she did this one though. Would love another one. Onto Finder's Keepers next.
Average customer rating:
- Appreciation for doing a good job
- Sizzling suspense
- fast pace romantic suspence
- Great mystery, but flat characters
- Couldn't even finish!
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Unspoken (Zebra Books)
Lisa Jackson
Manufacturer: Zebra
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0821764020 |
Customer Reviews:
Appreciation for doing a good job.......2007-05-24
I recieved my book very quickly and the book was in excellent condition.
Thanks The book lived up to Lisa Jackson, and was an excellent read.
Sizzling suspense.......2006-05-25
Shelby Cole fled her aptly named hometown of Bad Luck, Texas ten years earlier, and settled in Seattle. When she receives a mysterious package in the mail containing pictures of a child bearing resemblance to the one that she was told she lost in childbirth, she returns home to confront her meddlesome father the judge. While there, she runs into Nevada Smith, the man she has always loved, and who may be the father of her child. Nevada is the town bad boy and former deputy, unaffectionately referred to as a "no good half breed" (far too often-it got so redundant). He never felt deserving of Shelby, but together they vow to find their daughter and find their way back into each other's heart.
A witness in a murder comes forward to recant his testimony on his deathbed, which frees Ross McCallum, the man who vied for Shelby's attention, brutally raped her, and could also be the father of her child. With Ross free, and Nevada the arresting officer, Nevada is soon being sought for questioning by the police who suspect that he did the deed then framed Ross.
Jackson adds sizzle and plenty of suspense as Shelby and Nevada seek justice for the relationship and child that was denied them. It is an emotional story with the requisite happy ending, but they experience plenty of anguish along their road to happiness.
fast pace romantic suspence.......2006-03-03
This was a great book. The story was great the charaters were great. The only thing about the book that was bad was the repetitve words.
There is a woman, Shelby Cole, who gets a strange package in the mail and hightails it back to Bad Luck, Texas. The town were she grew up. The plays she had vowed to herself she would never return to. She needed to confront her father.
Then there was Ross McCallum who was about to be a free man after he was convicted of murdering Ramon Estevez ten years prior.
Nevada was at home when he heard the news from Shep, the deputy who was planning on running for sherrif the next year. Nevada and Shep had never gotten along. Now he was here telling Nevada to watch his back because of Ross.
Then there is Lydia, the Cole's maid. She had practicaly raised Shelby. She knows all the family secrets and won't tell. Well at least that is what Shelby and Nevada think as they work together to find out the secrets of the Cole family.
Then there is a reporter who is writing an artical on the Estevez murder. But she seems to have her own personal reasons, besides the story, to be in Bad Luck, Texas.
If you want more, I recommend you to pick this book up. You will not be sorry. There is so much going on through out the story that you never get bored. You just keep turning the pages.
Great mystery, but flat characters.......2005-11-01
I always enjoy Lisa Jackson's contemporary romantic suspense novels, and I thought this was perhaps one of her better. As other readers have said, it hooks you from the first page, and only becomes more suspenseful the longer you read.
The mystery aspect was very well done. Jackson does a great job of creating a suspensful small town atmosphere and the reader, along with the characters have the uneasy feeling of waiting for the villan to be revealed.
However, despite the fact that I found this to be a complete page turner, I can't give it five stars because the characters were so one dimensional. We got to know Shelby, the heroine, more than any other character, but I frankly found her to be snappy and whiney. Yes, horrible wrongs have been done to her, but she took them out on people who were not to blame. How often did we have to see her "jerking/hitching" her thumbs towards her chest while saying "I have rights!" There just didn't seem to be a whole lot to her. Nevada had the potential to be very likable and endearing, but unfortunetly descriptions of him were pretty repetitive. The same is true of all descriptions in this book. I often felt like I was reading the same section over again.
I think part of this may be due to poor editing. I've noticed more grammar/spelling problems in Lisa Jackson books than any other author. In this book, there was a particularly obvious mistake, in which the main character is shocked by a new piece of information that is "news to her." Several pages later, she "relearns" this information in a scene nearly identical to the preceding episode. It's like the first one never happened. Not the end of the world, but as I start to notice a pattern of editing problems in her books, it because increasingly annoying.
Still, as others have said, this is great for a fun, quick read. I'd definetly recommend it!
Couldn't even finish!.......2003-10-21
I am in disbelief of all of the positive reviews here. Someone lent this book to me and all I can say is that it is awful. The whole Texas cliche - please don't get me started! I tried to keep reading just to see if it got any better but this is one seriously laughable book. Great if you are into trashy romances and soap operas.
Customer Reviews:
Can you say twit?.......2007-08-20
This is the first book in a long time that I have been tempted to give the old heave ho, but believe me, it deserved it. The female lead, (I won't say heroine because she doesn't deserve it), Caroline, has to be the dumbest twit who ever lived. Not only isn't she a virgin, she has another big secret she failed to tell her husband. I won't spell it out here, but I can't believe it. For her to just go blithely along and allow a duke to marry her was just too dumb to be believed. She had to know there would be some kind of fallout from doing this. She wasn't marrying the local blacksmith or vicar. He was a duke, for heaven's sake. People tend to notice what dukes do. Not only did she have another man in her past, she, at times, couldn't seem to make up her mind which man she preferred. That is the kiss of death in a romance novel for me. Once you find your man, you stick to him. How probable is it that in the future, she might find another man she would like to marry. After all, she already has found two.
Perhaps you can tell I did not like this book. My reviews are not usually this heated, but I feel robbed. I picked this book up thinking it would be good and didn't get some others. And, I see this one isn't worth anything on re-sale. Come on Lorraine Heath, Julia London, and Lisa Kleypas. You have new books out soon and you 3 have never disappointed me. I can't wait!!
A Fun Read.......2007-08-12
I have just finished reading Ms. O'Riley's novel and enjoyed it greatly. Although there are similar plot lines and plot shifts as other historical romances I was delighted when the pivotal secret was revealed. The resolution of this final secret kept the end of the novel moving forward and I was anxious to finish it. Ms. O'Riley did a lovely job of depicting Victorian England and all its intricacies while putting the reader right in the ballroom, or Newgate Prison, with the characters. I look forward to her next novel.
great debut!.......2007-08-11
I've only recently started reading romance novels, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I truly thought I had the entire plot figured out halfway through and was pleased to discover I could not have been more wrong about the outcome! Her writing style is gourgeous too- lots of great details that bring that period of time alive. I liked that her characters were well developed and that their choices truly helped further the plot line. The love scenes were fun too! I highly recommend this book and look forward to her second novel!
Ah...fabulous.......2007-07-05
This was one debut worth every hour spent reading it...delicious!
Caroline Armstrong is a beauty who holds a few life-altering secrets that she is too embarrassed to share due to the damage they would inflict on her "still recovering from a huge scandal" family. After the deaths of her parents, she is whisked away to her relatives in London. For her first London Season, her grandmother has uber high hopes she and her younger sister will marry well and rid the family of a previous scandal.
However, Caroline does her utmost to appear unappealing to every man she meets as she is unwilling to wed but dares not tell her grandmother.
Then she meets the wonderful, astoundingly handsome Duke of Woodborough Alexander Woodward who also appears to not want marriage. However from their first meeting, it is apparent they are enthralled with one another and despite their mutual desire to not be forced to wed, they are drawn inward. Alexander devises a plan that will get their families off their backs by having he and Caroline "appear" to be courting and therefore get the gals off his back and the gents off hers.
But is all what it seems? Can Caroline get passed her own past secrets to allow the "most handsome man she has ever seen" into her heart?
Well, wouldn't be nice of me to give the ending away...suffice it to say, there are numerous obstacles in their path...namely secrets withheld and a very jealous woman who deems herself the only one for Alexander and she is willing to do anything to make Caroline pay the price for seemingly taking Alexander from her.
This is a must read and I hope this author has more works out soon!
A fantastic read.......2007-06-30
A wonderful debut. Caroline Armstrong has her secrets, and those secrets won't allow her to ever be able to build her life again and get married. Alexander Woodward, Duke of Woodborough, is tired of the mindless chits and their scheming mamas, who want to capture him in their net.
Alexander and Caroline meet on the terrace, in a party. They're both alone and find themselves getting acquainted and a friendship blooms between them. After confiding in each other with some of their secrets, Alexander requests to seal their secrets with a kiss.
Later that night, Caroline is shocked to learn that Alexander is a duke. She had kissed a duke! And the next morning Alexander shows up at her auntie's house, where she lives and he has a proposition for her. Since both of them do not wish to get married, they would pretend to be betrothed until the season is over, then they could break it up. In this way both Caroline and Alexander would be free during the season, and would be able to avoid all the head aches of match making. Caroline hesitantly agrees.
Only what Caroline doesn't know is that the duke has other ulterior plans, and that his courting of her is no act at all, for he truly wishes to marry her at the end of the season. And he will do all in his power to win her trust and woo her so that she'd accept his offer and marry him.
This is such a fantastic read, once I started I couldn't put it down. Alexander's love for Caroline was true, deep and just all around wonderful. And her love for him as she fights against her doubts and the secrets which come back to haunt her later in the book. And just when I thought that I had figured out her secrets, a twist was revealed towards the end of the book that took me by complete surprise. I really didn't see that coming!
A delightful romantic read! (And yes Alexander had a mistress, but he directly broke up with her once he started pursuing Caroline. If he hadn't broken up with his mistress the rating for this book would have gone down, and it wouldn't have been a keeper for me. But Alexander was always faithful to Caroline, even when she thought that his courting was just an act). A great hero, and a great heroine (although I felt that she should have trusted Alexander completely, sooner).
I can't wait to read more books by this author!
Average customer rating:
- Second in the "Rogues" series
- ZZZZZZ
- ...again once bitten twice shy....
- putting the alpha male on trial
- Beth Was A Great Woman!
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An Unwilling Bride (Zebra Historical Romance)
Jo Beverley
Manufacturer: Zebra
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ASIN: 0821767240 |
Customer Reviews:
Second in the "Rogues" series.......2007-04-07
This is the second book that I've read by Jo Beverley and it's the second in her series "the Company Of Rogues"; the first book, "An Arranged Marriage", didn't really work for me but this second book was much better.
Lucien de Vaux, Marquess of Arden and heir to a dukedom, is about to offer marriage to a young lady when his father stops him. His father orders him to marry an unknown schoolmistress, Beth Armitage, for reasons that are a surprise and a shock to him. When Beth is visited by the Duke of Belcraven and forced to agree to the marriage she believes that her life is almost at an end - a woman who agrees with Mary Wollstonecraft's views on the rights of women can hardly fit well into an aristocratic household. She is afraid of the Marquess, that he could be violent towards her as well as having power over her as her husband.
Lucien and Beth have several weeks together as an engaged couple before the wedding and these are detailed in the story - their conversations, arguments, misunderstandings and fears about the future. And yet as time goes on Beth learns to understand a little more about the responsibilities of the Marquess and to appreciate his intelligence, learning and wit. But even after the wedding all isn't necessarily well, particularly when Beth finds herself helping one of her old school pupils and throwing herself into danger in the meantime.
Although the second book in the series it wasn't really necessary to have read the first - this book works well as a standalone story. Set at the time of the battle of Waterloo and with some really interesting historical insights (particularly with regard to the running of a ducal household and the family's interaction with their servants), the story of an arrangemed marriage turning into a love match is one that works in any era. I wasn't entirely sure when the love arrived between them - it wasn't entirely clear - and the Marquess wasn't always a sympathetic character (violence towards his wife, even in extenuating circumstances, isn't very heroic). However it was well paced and interesting and the characters grew and changed through the book, and some of the side characters (like the Duke and Duchess) also having some resolution. It's a good read but not brilliant but one that lovers of regency romances will probably appreciate.
ZZZZZZ.......2006-10-14
Ok I love Jo Beverly books! And I give this one 3 stars for the story writing/plot in general, but I love a hard core romance and this one well I just had to take long breaks in betwwen chapters because it got so slow!!! Now if your someone who dosn't mind waiting for the 21st chapter just to FINALLY read about the couple making love then you might like this but the fact that I had to get thru like 400 out of 462 pages or whatever just to see this happen was distressing. And then when I FINALLY made it there nuthing! he holds her then its over you get no detail about it at all. AHHHHH....Anyway at least it had a story to it. It just draged on and on and on well you get the point. It just felt like more of a Hmmm..regular book than a historical romance or any romance!
...again once bitten twice shy...........2006-08-24
Oh boy...where do I start...I have read the reviews (unfortunately after I read the book) and I'm leaning heavily towards the unpopular zero star option for this book. Since I'm not on Amazon for a majority contest, I can care less if this review provides me with more "not helpful" votes.
The feeling of anticipation I normally get when reading a good book of growing attraction between the protagonists was close to nil in this book. There was of course plenty between the Hero and his mistress, as beautiful and kind and graceful with "honor"
<-----Yeah JB gave her plenty of honor) as she was, I found myself wishing She and Lucien got together.
Again I was thoroughly angered by the fact that the book was mostly from the Heroine's prospective for pages and chapters at a time and specks of the Hero's for paragraphs within the chapter.
I found it very difficult to like this Heroine. Like someone else pointed out, BOTH parties were forced into the unfortunate circumstance, what was the point of her behavior and refusal to be cordial towards the Hero after he asked her time and time again.
What really was the point of her cutting off her nose to spite her face??????
The physical violence was another aspect of the entire book I felt was very poorly dealt with. The first time violence is displayed is NEVER the last, and for Ms Beverly to give the misconception that all turns out well is very disheartening. I cannot even fathom my mind around how "romance" can be amalgamated into the life of two people when one is the abuser and the other the victim?????
Now the historical inaccuracies, as other reviewers so accurately put it, on what planet would someone in the Regency Era have had more than a bath a day????? More often than not, people merely washed up as opposed to taking full baths.
This is major issue I had a problem with, the introducing the Wife to the mistress...****gasp***** not only that, they become the best of friends.... is this not complete madness!!!!!
This is the second book I have read in the series and I'm not going any further, in the first book there was incest/rape, now this where two step siblings get married/domestic violence???? I guess in this case Ms Beverly tries to carry out her fantasy and make a better justification for it....No more Beverly for me.
putting the alpha male on trial.......2005-10-28
I think this is one of Jo Beverley's best books - maybe her best. It's a very daring book, for the genre, but not because Lucien is an alpha male with a potential for violence - that description would cover most romance heroes pretty well; certainly it's nothing unique.
No, the reason why An Unwilling Bride is daring is because instead of just picking up the old cliche (alpha male, potential for violence) Beverley decides to put it on trial: what happens when the dreamy alpha male crosses the thin line that most romance authors so delicately avoid? What happens when the heroine is someone like Beth, who has strong feelings about her own independence and rights? Beth is very well contextualized, but she gives the readers the opportunity to ask the one big question that almost every book in this genre ought to pose us: how can you reconcile the desire to be free and respected with the desire for an alpha male?
This is essentially what the book is about. Everybody - every mother, girlfriend, and companion - offers to protect Beth and punish Lucien for his transgressions. There is no 'tolerance' for violence and the sheer number of words devoted to the topic of Lucien's potential & actual violence should show that this is not a question of a 'wife beater' - although I think that it should be obvious that the alpha male hero and wife beating jerk are not totally apples and oranges.
I think Beverley ends up arguing that the difference between the hero and the jerk isn't that one has the potential for violence and the other doesn't; rather, it's a matter of self-discipline, nobility of spirit, understanding of right and wrong. Lucien isn't perfect, but he understands those things, and that's why he's ultimately a hero.
I don't think Beverley really dealt sufficiently with Beth and Lucien's feelings; this is probably the consequence of dealing so thoroughly with their beliefs. There's almost no steam, but the way that Beverley describes Beth and Lucien when they dance, or engage in a battle of the wits, is amazingly done and incredibly erotic.
And, of course, the book is a lot of fun - plenty of other Rogues make apperances, it's excellently structured (I think Beverley sets up the quotation from the Rape of the Lock as the premise of the novel and its inclusion is really cleverly done), very smart, and Beth is a wonderful heroine - really smart and sweet.
Beth Was A Great Woman!.......2005-03-04
Beth had deep reservations about marrying the Marquess of Arden, she wasn't sure she even liked the guy. And of course, she couldn't ignore the fact that he was extraordinarily good-looking, and there was no getting around the fact that she was considered a "Plain Jane."
In spite of this, these two managed to make a successful marriage, after getting past a few serious hurdles, mainly due to Lucien's insecurity. This was a great, great book.
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