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BB’s Review: The Secret by Julie Garwood

BetaBabe — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:50:33 +0000

The Secret by Julie Garwood

Pocket Books Fiction

New York Timesbestselling author Julie Garwood captures the Highland splendor of medieval Scotland in this breathtaking love story. The inspiration f0r her powerful new novel, Ransom, this classic tale is a passionate masterpiece from one of the best-loved storytellers of all time.

From the back cover: Judith Hampt0on was as beautiful as she was proud and loyal. Her dear Scottish friend from childhood was about to give birth, and Judith had promised to be at her side. But there was another, private reason for the journey from her bleak English home to the Highlands: to meet the father she had never known, the Laird Maclean. Nothing prepared her, however, for the sight of the Scottish barbarian who was to escort her into his land…Iain Maitland, Laird of his clan, a man more powerfully compelling than any she had ever encountered.

In a spirited clash of wills and customs, Judith reveled in the melting bliss of Iain’s searching kisses, his passionate caresses. Perplexed by her sprightly defiance, bemused by her tender nature, Iain felt his soul growing into the light and warmth of her love. Surely nothing would wrench her from the affection and trust of Iain and his clan…not even the truth about her father, a devastating secret that could shatter the boldest alliance, and the most glorious of loves!

I loved this story. Julie Garwood once again grabbed my attention and made me care about all her characters in this story. The deep friendship two small girls cultivated into adulthood, not knowing until it was too late that they were supposed to be enemies, was the strongest of all bonds. Francis Catherine Kirkcaldy of Scotland and Lady Judith Hampton of England were best friends forever. When Judith’s friend is close to term with her pregnancy, she sends for Judith. She wanted her friend to be there with her. Francis Catherine had a terrible fear of dying while giving birth and Judith was too stubborn to let her. When Judith meets the leader of the highlanders who is escorting her to Scotland, she’s immediately taken with his beautiful grey eyes that stare through her soul. Iain Maitland is one of those big tough warriors who doesn’t have time for love…it makes a man weak. We all know the type ladies! But Iain falls hard, whether he wants to or not. There is a lot of background to this wonderful story and you’ll love it. This is a beautiful love story…and a pretty spicy one at that!

Because I will read this book over and over again…I give it 4 cocktails!

Just a note: this book has several different bookcovers. The one above is just one of several.

BB’s Review: A Bend in the Road by Nicholas Sparks

BetaBabe — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:40:12 +0000

A Bend in the Road by Nicholas Sparks

Fiction – Warner Books

“A powerful tale of true love.” – Booklist

“A charming and thoughtful love story…don’t miss it; this is a book that’s light on the surface but with subtle depths.” – Bookloons Contemporary Reviews

“A moving story. Nicholas Sparks fans will love it.” – Bookhaven

“Sparks knows how to tug at a reader’s heartstrings.” – Chicago Sun-Times

“Sweet, accessible, uplifting…expect instant bestsellerdom.” – Publishers Weekly

“A Smoothly written and satisfying novel.” – Romantic Review Today

From the inside cover: Where does a story truly begin? In life, there are seldom clear-cut beginnings, those moments when we can, in looking back, say that everything started. I’m not sure why I feel compelled to tell my story in the first place. What can be achieved by unearthing the past? But I know I must try to tell it, if for no other reason than to finally put this all behind me.

This is above all a love story, and like so many love stories, it is rooted in tragedy. At the same time, it is also a story of forgiveness. And it is my story as well. I, too, played a role in all that happened…

From the back cover: Miles Ryan’s life seemed to end the day his wife was killed in a hit-and-run accident two years ago. As deputy sheriff of New Bern, North Carolina, he not only grieves for her and worries about their young son Jonah but longs to bring the unknown driver to justice. Then Miles meets Sarah Andrews, Jonah’s second-grade teacher. A young woman recovering from a difficult divorce, Sarah moved to New Bern hoping to start over. Tentatively, Miles and Sarah reached out to each other…soon they are falling in love. But what neither realizes is that they are also bound together by a shocking secret, one that will force them to reexamine everything they believe in–including their love.

This is a wonderful story. It’s about true love, moving one after a terrible tragedy–which we must to survive, and forgiveness. I’m sure you’ve heard of Nicholas Sparks. Many of his books have been made into movies…The Notebook (I loved that one!), A Walk to Remember (my favorite!), and Message in a Bottle (another goodie). He also wrote The Rescue, but I’m not sure if they ever made a move out of that one…haven’t read it yet. This story will keep you interested and tug at your heart strings…you’ll love it! I think in Nicholas Sparks previous life he had to be a woman…he writes so tenderly.

Because this man can write like no other, I give this story 3 cocktails!

BB’s Review: The Infamous Rogue by Alexandra Benedict

BetaBabe — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:45:37 +0000

The Infamous Rogue by Alexandra Benedict

Avon Historical Romance

“A gift for storytelling. Cathy Maxwell

From the inside cover: “Do you want to hang from the gallows…Black Hawk?” She had whispered the last part, indicating her intent to out him if he outed her. She had changed. She would never have threatened him in the past with betrayal. Her own father had been a pirate.

“Do you really want me to hang?” James inhaled the tangy scent of her perfume: a sensuous citrus fragrance that reminded him of the tropical island–and their heated affair. “A man tends to confess his sins when facing death. Would you like me to confess my sins, Sophia?” He dropped his lips to caress her ear with his breath. “Would you like me to reveal my transgressions…with you?”

She shuddered. “You belong in hell, Black Hawk.”

In subtle strokes, he rubbed her spine. “With you at my side, sweetheart.”

From the back cover: They paid no mind to society’s prying eyes…the daughter of a wealthy bandit, Sophia Dawson once lost herself in the arms of Black Hawk, the most infamous pirate ever to command the seas. But now, determined to put her sinful past behind her, she prepares to enter society as the bride of a well-born nobleman who knows nothing of her scandalous youth. All goes according to plan until her ex-lover–now a respectable sea captain but just as handsome and dangerous as ever–appears and once again tempts her with desire.

From the moment he sees Sophia again, James Hawkins wants only one thing: Revenge. He’ll see to it that the reckless beauty pays for abandoning their heated affair. And so begins a battle of wills that can end only in utter ruin…or wicked surrender….

This is one red hot, passionate love story. Emotions run high throughout the entire story. The fine line between love and hate is crossed over and over again in this one. I have to admit…I dogeared more than several pages to go back and re-read them. That’s some pretty spicy writing! The story and it’s characters will keep you interested all the way through to the end.

Because I loved it and will read it again, I give this book 3 cocktails!

BB’s Review: Memoirs of A Scandalous Red Dress by Elizabeth Boyle

BetaBabe — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:50:06 +0000

Memoirs of A Scandalous Red Dress by Elizabeth Boyle

Avon Historical Romance

“Wit, passion, and adventure, Elizabeth Boyle has it all.” Julia Quinn

From the back cover: What if all you have are the memories of a rake…and the scandalous red dress that nearly brought you to ruin? Reminders of the kisses he stole? Or his seductive, rakish smile as he charmed his way into your bed, stole your innocence and your heart? To proper and respectable Philippa, Lady Gossett, such memories are best locked away. At least, so she thinks, until a stranger arrives on her doorstep and offers her a chance to tempt fate once again…to tempt Dash back into her life and quite possibly into her bed…

But the man Pippin loved all those years ago and the man she discovers are hardly the same. Captain Thomas Dashwell has a score to settle with the now-unattached Lady Gossett, the vision in red who has haunted his life for so long–ever since that fateful night when she betrayed him and married another. She’s the one woman he’s vowed to hate until the end of his days…and the one woman he can never forget.

This was a very full story…it is full of colorful characters, brimming with adventure and scandal, love that lasts a lifetime, and sadness peppered in to tug at your heart… all rolled into one great read. Your heart will follow our heroine Lady Philippa Knolles (” Pippin”), now known as Lady Gossett, through her lifetime of ups and downs. You’ll fall in love the rake Captain Thomas Dashwell–or Dash, as Pippin calls him. The story is given to you in pieces. It starts in the present, London 1837, and goes back in time to 1814 when Pippin first met Dash. I have to say, I don’t usually like when stories go back and forth from present to past, but this one kept my interest. I had to know what all had happened. By the end of the book you have the whole story and you’ll make up your mind as to how you want it to all end.

Because I really liked this one and everything about the story made it worth reading–I give this story 4 cocktails!

BB’s Review: Puppy Love by Jane E. Jones

BetaBabe — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:46:10 +0000

Puppy Love by Jane E. Jones

This is one witty, hilarious, and fun short story! The main character, Sarah, has a missing dog named Casper Salt. The storyline is about just how far Sarah will go to recover her beloved dog. I loved the descriptions Sarah gave to her neighbors…one was “all kinds of crazy” (when I read that, I figured Sarah lived in MY neighborhood!), and another was described as a “hunky muffin” (okay, so maybe she doesn’t live in my neighborhood!). Anyway, I laughed out loud reading this one. I caught myself smiling and laughing throughout the entire short story. My only complaint is…it’s too short–I want MORE of a good thing. Loved it Jane. Please let there be a sequel. The readers will relate the main character to several of their friends…and maybe even themselves. If you are a dog lover…or any kind of pet lover…you will understand the lengths you would go to get your much loved pet back.

Because I’d like this story to continue on and on…I give this short read 4 cocktails!

Rita J’s Review – Silent Thunder

Rita J. — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 17:31:59 +0000

Silent Thunder – Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen

From the inside cover:

It was the assignment of a lifetime……

Brilliant marine architect Hannah Bryson has been given a priceless opportunity. A U.S. maritime museum has just acquired the former pride of the Soviet fleet, the decommissioned submarine Silent Thunder, for public exhibition. Hannah must inspect every inch of this legendary nuclear attack sub and design modifications that will make it safe for the thousands of expected visitors. Enlisting the aid of her brother, Connor, they examine the enormous vessel and delve into its long and lethal history.

But it was a trap…..

On a routine check, Connor discovers a mysterious message behind one of the ship’s panels. But before he can figure out what it means, there’s a deadly assault on Silent Thunder… The U.S. Government warns Hannah against it, but she’ll stop at nothing to find the ruthless mastermind behind the plot. Even if it means joining forces with a mysterious man who may be even more dangerous than the enemy she has sworn to bring down. As Hannah finds herself caught in the crossfire of an epic standoff, her only hope for survival is to unravel Silent Thunder’s explosive secret. But someone’s willing to kill to make sure Silent Thunder stays silent…..

Although I have read other books by Iris Johansen, this is my first with the duo, Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen. Silent Thunder is a murder mystery adventure and so it held my interest for the most part. I was able to get through the book in relatively short time but found it easy to put down. I can say that it wasn’t the most suspenseful and intriguing book I’ve ever read and the book took a couple turns that I could’ve done without but find myself rooting for the characters til the end. Overall, it was a good read but not quite intriguiging as other books that I’ve read of the same genre.

Even though it wasn’t the thrill ride that I truly adore, it was still a good read. I give this book 3 Cocktails.

BB’s Review: Something Wonderful by Judith McNaught

BetaBabe — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:42:20 +0000

Something Wonderful by Judith McNaught

Pocket Book Fiction

“A mesmerizing tale…” – Publishers Weekly

“An extraordinary story.” – Rendezvous

“Judith McNaught is truly the spellbinding storyteller of our times.” – Affaire de Coeur

From the back cover: Bestselling author Judith McNaught masterfully portrays a remarkable heroine, and an unforgettable passion, in this powerfully moving love story–one of her most beloved novels of all time!

The tempestuous marriage of Alexandra Lawrence, an innocent country girl, and Jordan Townsende, the rich and powerful Duke of Hawthorne, is about to face its ultimate test of tender loyalty. Swept into the endlessly fascinating world of London society, free-spirited Alexandra becomes ensnared in a tangled web of jealousy and revenge, stormy pride and overwhelming passion. But behind her husband’s cold, arrogant mask, there lives a tender, vital, sensual man…the man Alexandra married. Now, she will fight for her very life…and the rapturous bond the alone can share.

Judith McNaught never ceases to amaze me. Here again she writes a unique storyline with wonderful different characters whose lives are thrown together through no fault of their own. Our heroine, Alexandra Lawrence, saves the life of Jordan Addison Matthew Townsende, the Duke of Hawthorne, in quite a hilarious way. Of course, at the time she has no idea who he is. It sets off a chain reaction in both of their lives that changes their futures forever. This story has such detail and twists and turns that it will keep you reading to find out who is going to do what next. You will sympathize with Alexandra because of her treatment by her unloving father and mad mother. Together these two characters alone keep you hooked. You will truly love this one!

Because Judith McNaught once again made my heart melt in this wonderful love story, I give this story 3 cocktails!

BB’s Review: After Midnight… By Maggie Shayne

BetaBabe — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:45:24 +0000

After Midnight by Maggie Shayne

Silhouette Romance

This book contains three complete novels!

From the inside cover: Miranda’s Viking: Yesterday, Viking warrior Rolf Magnusson had been perfectly preserved in a glacial cave. Today, he sat in scientist Miranda O’Shea’s living room, all six feet seven inches of him hot to the touch–except for his ice-cold heart. But Miranda knew one way to thaw it out…

From the back cover: What in the world was she going to tell the others? “Sorry, guys. The find came to life. I’m afraid you can’t have him.” “Miranda’s Vikingis a fresh, exciting work that crackles with originality and creativity.” – Affaire de Coeur

From the inside cover: Kiss of the Shadow Man: Her memory erased in an “accident,” Caitlin Rossi discovered a husband she no longer knew–yet fuzzy images of Dylan’s burning passion penetrated the darkness. Then Cait realized there had been no accident–and someone might try again!

From the back cover: “Please just say it. I’m never going to get my memory back, am I?” Kiss of the Shadow Man is “a crackerjack novel of romantic suspense.” – Romantic Times Magazine

From the inside cover: Out-of-This World Marriage: Thomas Duffy had lost his faith in everything–until Janella landed in his life. She was full of otherworldly charm and a purity that tugged at his rusty heartstrings. Though their marriage was a facade, Thomas might learn something about love from his out-of-this world wife.

From the back cover: “No one must ever know about me, Thomas. Not ever.” In Out-of-This-World Marriage. “Ms. Shayne demonstrates an absolutely superb touch, blending fantasy and romance into an outstanding reading experience.” – Romantic Times Magazine

Praise for Maggie Shayne:

“A major talent on the rise.” – Romantic Times Magazine

“Maggie Shayne is better than chocolate. She satisfies every wicked craving.” – bestselling author Suzanne Forster

“Maggie Shayne is a bright, shining star that makes other stars seem dim by comparison.” – Affaire de Coeur

This book contains three complete novels by the same author! The surprising thing is that they are all totally different stories and very entertaining. Each story is long enough to make you know it’s characters, but short enough to get to the “good stuff” quick! I enjoyed all three stories.

Because Maggie’s writing kept my interest from the very first page to the very last page of each story, I give this book 3 cocktails!

Interview with our very own BB (BetaBabe)!

Pamela Sweet — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:19:47 +0000

Happy Thursday friends! Today, I’d like to share with you my interview with good friend and fellow book lover, BB! She’s been reviewing books here at Texty Ladies every Friday for some time now and I thought you might like to get to know her better.

How do you choose which books to review? First of all, I read mostly romance books (all levels). I go to a book store and randomly choose approximately 10 romance books by different authors, different types…historical romance, paranormal romance, etc. I have found many new authors that I really like that way. Then I also pick out several books which I have not read yet by favorite authors such as Julie Garwood, Judith McNaught, Jeanine Frost, Christine Feehan, etc.

In your opinion, what makes a terrific read? A book that has me so interested in the story that I can’t put it down. One that keeps my interest from front cover to back cover. I love good characters with humor, passion, and great dialogue.

Do you think a story must always have a “happily ever after?” I know that’s not realistic, but yes. For me at least. I don’t believe most women want to read a book that has a tragic ending. It’s a let down. I think real life can be tough and everyone gets a turn on the downside at one time or another in their life. I read for enjoyment. I would never recommend a depressing book to another reader.

How many books do you read each month…week? One to two a week. Depends how thick they are!

Do you read genres other than romance and its subgenres? I love a good mystery…who done it…but I do like one that has a romance in it.

Will you review genres other than romance? Yes. I just prefer the interaction between a man and a woman within a story.

Do you have any favorite themes or character types? You’ll laugh…but I have two very different favorites. First, I love stories with castles, knights, and warriors, along with a strong female lead. Second, I love stories about the paranormal, vampires, Carpathians, and the walking dead, with a strong female lead. I credit my diversification to wonderful writers…which I listed above in your first question–who write totally different types of stories! I never thought I would like vampire/Carpathian stories until I read stories by Jeanine Frost and Christine Feehan. Now I’m hooked. I was always a Julie Garwood/Judith McNaught story junkie.

What does a character need for you to care about him or her? They need to be complex. Not just a fluff character. They have to be different from the other characters in the story and enough depth and background on the character for you to really know them.

What do you do when a story doesn’t grab you right away? I stop reading. I won’t waste my precious relax time on a boring story (I’m the same way with movies). I always read the back cover of a book to see what it’s about. I know my taste and I have picked pretty good stories so far. That is my recommendation to all readers. Read the back and if that grabs you…the story will most likely grab you.

What do you do when you’re not reading? I’m happily married to a wonderful man who I adore and who adores me (yes, I know this is very rare and I’m definitely one of the lucky ones). We spend fun time with our two grown children and their significant others. I am a very social person and constantly plan small group get togethers in or outside our home. We both work full time – reading is my relax time, he watches movies. I personally think books are so much better than what’s on TV lately!

Will you review ebooks? If so, how does a writer submit one for review? I wasn’t born with the writing gene…so I became a reader. If you are an up and coming romance writer and want an honest opinion of your story from an “average Joe”…well, that’s me — send it to our Texty Ladies site and add Attention: BB / Story. I will read your story and give you my personal review. I will keep it totally confidential and not forward it to anyone. I realize your story is your work product and for my eyes only. (Also, if I catch any typos I’ll let you know those too…before it goes to print!)

Thank you for sharing more about yourself, BB! I always look forward to your book reviews and can’t wait to dig into some of your recommendations.

Again, BB’s reviews are posted every Friday. She’d love to hear from you!

I will also be interviewing our newest reviewer, Rita J., so please look for that soon.

Happy reading!

~ Pamela

Rita J.’s Review – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Rita J. — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:32:56 +0000

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – J.K. Rowling

The conclusion to the Harry Potter series is The Deathly Hallows. At the close of The Half Blood Prince, Dumbledore is dead and the battle between Voldemort and Harry continues. Harry, Hermione and Ron continue the quest to find the remaining Horcruxes so that Voldemort can finally be destroyed. Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven that Harry knew and they discover that even the Ministry of Magic can’t be trusted. Harry, Hermione and Ron must continue the mission that Dumbledore sent them on alone. During their quest, they stumble upon the legend of the Deathly Hallows and their path to find the Horcruxes collides with their search to discover the truth to the legend as well as taking them on adventures they could only dream of. The final battle between good and evil has begun and Harry, Hermione and Ron must find a way to finally defeat Voldemort.

Because of the upcoming release of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, I thought it appropriate to do a review of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows. I am a huge fan of the Harry Potter series and the final chapter of this series was not disappointing at all. Even though it is somewhat lengthy, it has to be so that you as the reader can see the struggles that Harry, Hermione and Ron have to endure to find a way to defeat Voldemort. I loved the entire series and can only wish that these books had been around during my youth so I could have imagined myself as a young wizard attending Hogwarts. These books have everything that a reader could want; suspense, drama and intrigue. I was on pins and needles every chapter and couldn’t stop reading because I just absolutely had to know how Harry was going to get himself out of the precarious situation he found himself in time and time again. I was very satifsfied with how Rowling was able to answer alot of questions that were raised in previous books. There is plenty of heartache that brought me to tears, but we all know in life that anything worth accomplishing is not without pain and tears.

Even though I had read the book when it was released (stayed up until 2:00 in the morning to finish it!) I was still captivated and couldn’t put the book down. I have to give this final book 4 Cocktails.