Wednesday, March 29, 2017

First Star I See Tonight - Susan Elizabeth Phillips

First Star I See Tonight
by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
 

A couple years ago, purely by chance, I heard that a
writer I had heard of, but never read, was making an
appearance at a book store, a ways from me. I had not 
lived here very long and not familiar with the area at all.
I called one of the few friends I had made at the time.
And we went to see Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
 
She was hilarious. A fabulous person to go see and I 
highly recommend you do the same if you ever have
the chance.
 
You will then know the person that writes these books!
Fabulous characters. So much to visualize as you read!
But not so much detail that it's boring. I found myself
so deep into the story that I thought I must surely be
living in that neighborhood, that apartment building,
that city. I could see The Spiral in my head as I read.
 
Piper Dove is an interesting one of a kind woman with
no fear. Well, she might be afraid of one thing. But it
surely is not men or hard work.
 
 
Cooper Graham has 'the' life. A successful popular
athlete who retired at the top of his game. Now, men
and women alike line up for the chance to talk with him
or get into his nightclub, The Spiral.
 
 
Coop has never met a woman like Piper. She has no concern
for his fame or fortune. Piper just needs a job and the chance
to do it well. To build a clientele and reputation in the business.
 
First Star I See Tonight is wonderful. Full of feelings and friends.
When it
comes right down to it, Coop needs to be tougher and stronger
 than ever before in his life. Piper has to be more brave and trusting than
she has ever been.  
Can they do it? They each will have to follow a path they did
not want and courageously give over if they really
wish to have the love of a lifetime. But can they do it??
 
 
I bought this book used from my library.
Review by Lisa Hutson


Saturday, March 25, 2017

Saving Mr Banks - Movie Review

Saving Mr Banks
Movie Review
 

Saving Mr Banks is not a romance story. But it is
interesting and full of emotion. It also has a
wonderful ending. Which I find is my top reason
for reading romantic stories.
 
 
I was so torn about seeing this movie. If it is bad
or I am disappointed in it, I cannot unsee it, can I?
In the end, I am thrilled to have seen it. I own it
and watch it regularly. I really thought it was going
to be all about Walt Disney. But it is not really. Nor
is it really all about Mary Poppins. What it really is,
is impossible to explain without giving it all away.
 
Probably your library will have it. I don't believe
it is on Netflix or anyplace like that.
But I can tell you, likely it will be a big
surprise and perhaps you will want to buy
a copy for yourself.
 
Review by Lisa Hutson
 
 



Thursday, March 23, 2017

Susan's Review of The Secret of My Seduction by Caroline Linden

The Secret of My Seduction by Caroline Linden
A Scandalous novella
March 21, 2017

Rule #1: Be discreet

No one suspects Bathsheba Crawford of being the anonymous author of a wickedly scandalous series of naughty novels. But she is.

Rule #2: Do not fall in love

When she approaches her publisher, rakish Liam MacGregor, with an indecent proposal, he's shocked. But he accepts.

Rules were made to be broken …


The requirements for their affair are simple: complete secrecy and no romantic attachment. But the more they see each other … the more pleasure they find in each other's arms… the harder it becomes to remember the rules …



Susan's Review


Bathsheba Crawford has a dilemma. As the author of the popular Tales of Lady X series, she needs to spice up her stories to hold her reader’s interest. Bathsheba understands that she needs to experience passion in order to describe it. She discusses her idea with her publisher Liam MacGregor and propositions him!

Caroline Linden is a terrific writer! This fast-paced novella is a sexy read with two fabulous characters! Bathsheba is described as plain and is able to capitalize on this feature when she attends social functions. She hears gossip that she is able to incorporate in her stories because no one notices her. I loved watching her gain confidence in herself as she and Liam began their affair! Bathsheba describes Liam as a rake but, there are glimpses of his true character and family relationships during the story. Loved the clever dialogue between the characters as they push each other’s buttons. The couple’s chemistry sizzles! Caroline Linden writes an excellent story-she blends fantastic dialogue, meaningful social commentary and sensual romance in The Secret Of My Seduction.

So what happens when an experiment turns to true passion? Pick up your copy of The Secret Of My Seduction – and find out!

If you enjoy authors Katharine Ashe, Tessa Dare and Lisa Kleypas—you will love this novella! 


Reviewed by Susan Gorman 
Edited by Brian McGee 
ARC provided by the author. 


About the Author: Caroline Linden was born a reader, not a writer. She earned a math degree from Harvard University and wrote computer code before discovering that writing fiction was far more fun. Since then, the Boston Red Sox have won the World Series three times, which is not related but still worth mentioning. Her books have been translated into seventeen languages, and have won the NEC-RWA Reader's Choice Beanpot Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award, the NJRW Golden Leaf Award, and RWA's RITA Award. She live in New England.