Post Reading: Danger, Sweetheart - MaryJanice Davidson

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Danger, Sweetheart

Author: MaryJanice Davidson 

Published: May 10th 2016 by Piatkus

Source: Publisher

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This city boy's about to get a taste of country life . . .

Blake Tarbell has a town to save. Rich, carefree, and used to the Vegas party lifestyle, Blake is thrown for a curve when his former cocktail-waitress mother pleads he go back to her roots to save the town she grew up in. Blake's used to using money to solve his problems, but when he arrives in Sweetheart, North Dakota, this city boy has to trade in his high-priced shoes for a pair of cowboy boots - and he's about to get a little help from the loveliest lady in town . . .

Natalie Lane's got no time for newbies. The prettiest gal to ever put on a pair of work gloves, there's nothing she can't do to keep a farm up and running. But when a handsome city-slicker rolls into town with nothing but bad farmer's instincts and good intentions, Natalie's heartstrings are pulled. She's about to teach him a thing or two about how to survive in Sweetheart. And he's about to teach her a thing or two about love.

THE REVIEW

A literary trope is the use of figurative language – via word, phrase, or even an image – for artistic effect such as using a figure of speech. The word trope has also come to be used for describing commonly recurring literary and rhetorical devices, motifs or clichés in creative works.

We love them. We hate them. Literary tropes have been a point of debate among readers and reviewers alike over the years. Some see them as lazy writing and some simply adore them. And there are others who believe that plot and thematic tropes when done right, can be quite successful.

MaryJanice Davidson's Danger, Sweetheart is full of common tropes found in the romance genre. 45 of them, actually. Yes, you read that right.

Post Reading: The Obsession - Nora Roberts

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Obsession

Author: Nora Roberts

Published: April 14th 2016 by Piatkus

Source: Publisher

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She changed her name. She changed her life. But someone won't let her go. The brand-new novel of love, drama and hope from legendary Nora Roberts. 

Naomi Carson is a survivor. As a child, her family was torn apart by a shocking crime. It could have destroyed her, but Naomi has grown up strong, with a passion for photography that has taken her all around the world. 

Now, at last, she has decided to put down roots. The beautiful old house on Point Bluff needs work, but Naomi has new friends in town who are willing to help, including Xander Keaton - gorgeous, infuriating and determined to win her heart. 

But as Naomi plans for the future, her past is catching up with her. Someone in town knows her terrifying secret - and won't let her forget it. As her new home is rocked by violence, Naomi must discover her persecutor's identity, before it's too late.

THE REVIEW

With over 200 books under her belt Nora Roberts has mastered the art of story telling. However, when you release this many books it's only natural that your books get somewhat formulaic. Nevertheless, it's formula that works pretty well for Roberts. Whenever I'm in a reading slump I can count one of Robert's contemporaries or her In Death books to pull me out so it's no surprise that I enjoyed her recent release, The Obsession.

Post Reading: The Moment of Letting Go - J.A. Redmerski

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Moment of Letting Go 
Author: J.A. Redmerski 
Published: August 11th 2015 by Piatkus
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You can follow the rules or you can follow your heart...

Sienna Murphy never does anything without a plan. And so far her plans have been working. Right after college, she got a prestigious job and gained the stability she'd always craved - until work takes her to the sun-drenched shores of Oahu and places her in the path of sexy surfer Luke Everett. For the first time, she lets her heart take control. Drawn to his carefree charm, she makes a spontaneous and very un-Sienna-like decision to drop everything and stay in Hawaii for two more weeks.

Luke lives fast and wild. When he meets Sienna, he's convinced that some no-strings-attached fun is just what she needs. As their nights quickly turn from playful to passionate, Luke can't deny the deep connection he feels. But there's a reason Luke doesn't do long-term. He can't promise Sienna forever, when the enormity of his past has shown him just how fragile the future can be . . .

THE REVIEW

I hated it. I loved it. 

Post Reading: The Liar - Nora Roberts

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Liar
Author: Nora Roberts
Published:  April 16th 2015 by Piatkus 
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When her husband Richard dies in a freak accident, Shelby Pomeroy is devastated. But his death reveals a horrible truth - Richard was a liar and a cheat. Now Shelby is left with the consequences - huge, terrifying debts and mounting proof that her late husband betrayed her in every conceivable way.

Heart-broken but unbowed, Shelby is determined to fix her problems - if only for the sake of her gorgeous little daughter Callie. Returning home to Tennessee and the family she thought she'd lost for ever, she discovers a new sense of strength and freedom. And hope, too, in the handsome form of carpenter Griffin Lott - a straight-dealing man who couldn't lie to her if he tried.

But not everyone is thrilled to see Shelby Pomeroy back in town. And when a shocking act of violence is traced back to Richard's shady business, it becomes clear that she is not safe from him, even in death. With her life in danger, Shelby must face the lies of the past - or lose everything.

THE REVIEW

The Liar follows the story of a pretty and talented lead singer,Shelby Anne Pomeroy in a small town band. When Shelby meets the charming Richard Foxworth, she falls hard and fast in love with him. Smitten Shelby leaves Rendezvous Ridge, TN for Richard and his promises of love. 

Post Reading: Hero - Samantha Young

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Hero
Author: Samantha Young
Published: March 5th 2015 by Piatkus
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Alexa Holland’s father was her hero—until her shocking discovery that she and her mother weren’t his only family. Ever since, Alexa has worked to turn her life in a different direction and forge her own identity outside of his terrible secrets,. But when she meets a man who’s as damaged by her father’s mistakes as she is, Alexa must help him.

Caine Carraway wants nothing to do with Alexa’s efforts at redemption, but it’s not so easy to push her away. Determined to make her hate him, he brings her to the edge of her patience and waits for her to walk away. But his actions only draw them together and, despite the odds, they begin an intense and explosive affair.

Only Caine knows he can never be the white knight that Alexa has always longed for. And when they’re on the precipice of danger, he finds he’ll do anything to protect either one of them from being hurt again…  

THE REVIEW

The general consensus among the readers of Samantha Young's On Dublin Street series seems to be highly positive. I haven't had the opportunity to find out what the winning formula of this Goodreads Choice Award winning author is so I was pretty excited for Hero.

Post Reading: Obsession in Death - J.D. Robb

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Obsession in Death 

Author: J.D. Robb

Series: In Death #40 

Published: Jan 12th 2015 by Piatkus

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A crisp winter morning in New York. In a luxury apartment, the body of a woman lies stretched out on a huge bed. On the wall above, the killer has left a message in bold black ink: FOR LIEUTENANT EVE DALLAS, WITH GREAT ADMIRATION AND UNDERSTANDING. 

Eve Dallas is used to unwanted attention. Famous for her high-profile cases and her marriage to billionaire businessman Roarke, she has learned to deal with intense public scrutiny and media gossip. But now Eve has become the object of a singular and deadly obsession. She has an 'admirer', who just can't stop thinking about her. Who is convinced they have a special bond. Who is planning to kill for her - again and again...

With time against her, Eve is forced to play a delicate - and dangerous - psychological dance. Because the killer is desperate for something Eve can never provide - approval. And once that becomes clear, Eve knows her own life will be at risk - along with those she cares about the most.

THE REVIEW

David Baldacci thought Obssesion in Death was a 'gut-searing emotional drama'. Stephen King seems to be a die hard Eve Dallas fan because he thinks Dallas is '....tough as nails and still sexy as hell'.

I wouldn't be lying if I said that Obsession in Death is one of the best murder mysteries that I've read in a long time.

Irish Magic, Love and Horses

Author: Nora Roberts
Publisher: Piatkus
Release Date: October 2nd 2014
Series: The Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy #1
Source: Publisher
Synopsis:

With indifferent parents, Iona Sheehan grew up craving devotion and acceptance. From her maternal grandmother, she learned where to find both: a land of lush forests, dazzling lakes, and centuries-old legends.

Ireland.

County Mayo, to be exact. Where her ancestors’ blood and magic have flowed through generations—and where her destiny awaits.

Iona arrives in Ireland with nothing but her Nan’s directions, an unfailingly optimistic attitude, and an innate talent with horses. Not far from the luxurious castle where she is spending a week, she finds her cousins, Branna and Connor O’Dwyer. And since family is family, they invite her into their home and their lives.

When Iona lands a job at the local stables, she meets the owner, Boyle McGrath. Cowboy, pirate, wild tribal horseman, he’s three of her biggest fantasy weaknesses all in one big, bold package.

Iona realizes that here she can make a home for herself—and live her life as she wants, even if that means falling head over heels for Boyle. But nothing is as it seems. An ancient evil has wound its way around Iona’s family tree and must be defeated. Family and friends will fight with each other and for each other to keep the promise of hope—and love—alive…

Review: Dark Witch - Nora Roberts

Nora Roberts is an author who's books I've read and loved over the years. She is one of those authors I associate with high school along with James Patterson, Danielle Steel, Jeffery Archer, John Grisham and Agatha Christie. Ah, good times.

Dark Witch is set in Ireland and I instantly fell in love with the beautiful setting. Roberts painted a spell binding picture and her writing bought this lush countryside to life. Iona, the protagonist relocates from America to Ireland to reconnect with her ancestors. She finally feels at home but everything is not as simple as it seems. Iona learns that the evil sorcerer who pursued her ancestor the dark witch, Sorcha is back. And this time the evil Cabhan has his sights set on Iona. Iona's destiny is interwined with her that of her cousins, Branna and Connor. The Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy follows the journey of these three cousins as they band together to fight this great evil.

Long Live the King and Queen

Author: J.R. Ward
Publisher: Piatkus
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #12
Published Date: 26 August 2014
Source: Publisher
Synopsis:

In the darkest corners of the night in Caldwell, New York, a conflict like no other rages. The city is home to a band of brothers born to defend their race: the warrior vampires of the Black Dagger Brotherhood . . .

Wrath and the Brotherhood are locked in an epic battle over his throne and the very future of the vampire race.

Review: The King - J.R. Ward 

After I finished Twilight I was on the hunt for less sparkly and more kickass vampires. I found them in J R Ward's The Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Once I finished Dark Lover, I binge-read the rest of the books. Every year I eagerly anticipate the moment when Ward announces a new addition to the series.
Yes, BDB is that addictive - Run while you can guys. I know that I am far too gone and can't save myself.