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

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

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: 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

BB’s Review: The Perils of Pleasure by Julie Anne Long

BetaBabe — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:00:31 +0000

The Perils of Pleasure by Julie Anne Long

Avon Historical Romance

“Warm, witty, and fabulous!” – Suzanne Enoch

His life is in her hands…She’s willing to be fearless for a price…but what if the cost is her heart?

From the inside cover:

A rescued rogue…

Scandal has rocked the city of London. Colin Eversea, a handsome, reckless, unapologetic rogue, is sentenced to hang for murder and, inconveniently for him, the only witness to the crime disappears. Then again, throughout history, the Everseas have always managed to cheat fate in style: Colin is snatched from the gallows by a beautiful, clever mercenary.

A captivating captor…

Cool-headed, daring Madeleine Greenway is immune to Collin’s vaunted charm. Her mission is not to rescue Colin but to kidnap him, and to be paid handsomely for it. But when it becomes clear that whoever wants Colin alive wants Madeleine dead, the two become uneasy allies in a deadly race for truth. Together, they’ll face great danger–and a passion neither can resist.

The heroine in this story is Madeleine Greenway. Madeleine is forced to support herself after the loss of her husband and infant son to the plague. She herself gets seriously ill, but survives. She lost her world in that one day–her heart broken beyond repair. Madeleine started doing special jobs for people who could pay her well for her services. She had heard of a gentleman who needed to get a necklace back from his mistress, Madeleine got the necklace, returned it to him and was paid well. Word of her special type of work was passed around those who could pay for it and she was offered job after job. It kept her alive and she decided to save her money to get out of London and take a ship to America where she planned to buy land and start her life over there. She had to get away from the misery of London which claimed her husband and son. Then she was offered a job to save a murderer named Colin Eversea, the rogue of London, from the gallows. He is scheduled to be hung, a huge crowd has gathered to watch, and Madeleine’s detailed wonderful plan works…they get Colin just before he would have been hung. When Colin’s head is finally uncovered, he sees that he is in a small dark room with a woman. Happy not to be hanging from the gallows, he wants to know why he was brought here and why he’s tied up. Who is this woman? He questions her, she is not impressed in the least with who he is or how handsome he is…and Colin is not used to that. She won’t give him her name…says it’s not important or necessary…that they would not be together long. Madeleine is waiting for the gentleman with the final payment to come to get Colin so that she can be done and leave this place. There is a knock on the door, she cautiously unlatches the door and steps back into the dark room. The door opens slowly and through the darkness they see a man with a gun come in…he fires at Madeleine, but Colin manages to push her out of the way at the last minute. The man with the gun quickly backs out of the door leaving Madeleine and Colin wondering what the heck is going on. This is where the real story begins. Madeleine and Colin must flee from this place and find out who tried to kill Madeleine–why would the person who hired her, want her dead…and would he have killed Colin too? Who could they trust? They embark on an action packed journey together to answer the many questions which need to be answered. She saved his life from the gallows, and he saved her life from the man with the gun. Together they answer all the questions, and along the way get to know each other intimately. This story has action, adventure, colorful characters (especially Colin and Madeleine!), humor, and a hot romance. I think you’ll like it!

Because this story tugs at your heart strings, makes you laugh, and has a great mystery or two…I give this book 3 cocktails!

BB’s Review: Charmed by Castle, Foster, Wilks and Beard

BetaBabe — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:45:16 +0000

Charmed by Jayne Ann Krentz writing as Jayne Castle, Lori Foster, Eileen Wilks, and Julie Beard

Berkley Paranormal Romances

Love will put a spell on you…

Out-of-the ordinary love stories from today’s most enchanting authors…

From the inside cover: Bridal Jitters by Jayne Ann Krentz writing as Jayne Castle

In the distant future, an official marriage-of-convenience between paranormal business partners is almost called off–because of love…

Man in the Mirror by Julie Beard

Gazing into an antique mirror, a romance-shy young woman comes face-to face with the right man from the wrong time: a courageous knight of King Arthur’s court…

Tangled Dreams by Lori Foster

To uncover a family heirloom, two ghosts orchestrate a most passionate tryst between a demure lady and the sexy bartender she can’t get out of her mind…

Pandora’s Bottle by Eileen Wilks

A conservative stockbroker harbors a magical secret–one that unbottles his fiance’s wildest desires….

I read each of the four paranormal romance stories and loved them all! They cover everything from futuristic marriage contracts, to stepping through a mirror into the past (I guess not only Alice gets to go through a looking glass), to ghosts, to a genie . I can’t give you more detail because they are four short great stories which are very different. The paperback has a total of 339 pages…so, it’s a quick read. Great for on the way to work and back or during your break at work (which I do both!). Would also be great for on the plane or in the car if you’re lucky enough to go on a vacation (which I’m not…dang!).

Because I really loved all four very different short story lines, I give this book 3 cocktails!

BB’s Review: Duchess By Night by Eloisa James

BetaBabe — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:40:42 +0000

Duchess By Night by Eloisa James

Avon Historical Romance

“Her style is exquisite, her prose pure magic. Nothing gets me to a bookstore faster than a new novel by Eloisa James.” Julia Quinn

From the back cover: A Mischievous Charade…

Harriet, Duchess of Berrow, is tired of her title and the responsibilities that comes along with it. Enough with proper tea parties and elegant balls; what Harrie really wants is to attend an outrageous soiree where she can unleash her wildest whims and desires. But to attend such an event–especially if the event in question is Lord Justinian Strange’s rollicking fete, filled with noble rogues and rotters, risque ladies and illicit lovers–would be certain scandal. That’s why she must disguise herself…”

Looking forward to a night of uninhibited pleasure, Lord Strange is shocked to discover that beneath the clothes of a no-good rake is the most beautiful woman in the room. Why is a woman like her risking her reputation at his notorious affair? And can he possible entice her to stay…forever?

Our heroine in this story is Harriet. She’s a Duchess and is bored stiff. She has to present the proper manners, look, cloths, and actions. She hates it. She is a widow and is now ready to experience some of what life has to offer. She doesn’t want to be a duchess any more. Her friends, the Duchess of Cosway and the Duke of Villiers, talked Harriet into coming with them to spend some time at a true rake and rascal’s home–Lord Justinian Strange…”Jem” as his friends call him. Jem’s home is full of actors, dancers (clothing optional), scientists, and others who come to party–eat, drink and whatever/whenever. There are no rules at this house and everyone loves it. So, Harriet decides to go. She wanted excitement. She knew she couldn’t go as herself, a duchess, so the three of them come up with a disguise. Harriet goes as a young man. Her name is Mr. Cope. Villiers introduces her as his young relative from the country whom lived with his mother…explaining his more effeminate ways. It’s hilarious. Harriet loves the breeches and other male clothing Villiers has made for her. She feels such a freedom playing a man. She can come and go as she pleases and ride a horse astride and not sidesaddle. Total freedom. She doesn’t want it to end. When she meets Jem. She notices how handsome he is. She couldn’t help staring and had to pull her eyes away…since she is now a man and didn’t want any attention drawn to herself for staring at him. Villiers has Jem keep an eye on his young relative while he recovers from an illness. Jem decided to make a man out of Cope. He starts teaching Cope to fence, race horses, and how to play various games with the other men at the house. Jem starts to have feelings toward Mr. Cope and it sickens him. He tries not to notice Cope’s curly hair, slender fingers, and blue eyes. He figures he has to take a mistress soon…because he has never had feelings for a man before and doesn’t like it one bit. Harriet loves deceiving everyone. The young ladies staying at the house try to get Cope into bed….if they only knew! As Harriet/Cope spends time with Jem, she falls hard for him and his little daughter. Things start to get very complicated–and hilarious! There is so much to this story that I can’t give away. It is so good. There is a hot romance, love, tears, and every emotion in between. A great detailed story which you will enjoy reading to the end!

Because this story is so unique and has great characters, I give this story 3 cocktails!