Sting by Sandra Brown

Author: Sandra Brown
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Date of publication: August 2016

When Jordie Bennet and Shaw Kinnard lock eyes across a disreputable backwater bar, something definitely sparks. Shaw gives off a dangerous vibe that makes men wary and inspires women to sit up and take notice. None feel that undercurrent more strongly than savvy businesswoman Jordie, who doesn't belong in a seedy dive on the banks of a bayou. But here she is . . . and Shaw Kinnard is here to kill her. 

As Shaw and his partner take aim, Jordie is certain her time has come. But Shaw has other plans and abducts Jordie, hoping to get his hands on the $30 million her brother has stolen and, presumably, hidden. However, Shaw is not the only one looking for the fortune. Her brother's ruthless boss and the FBI are after it as well. Now on the run from the feds and a notorious criminal, Jordie and Shaw must rely on their wits-and each other-to stay alive. 

I have to say that I was mildly disappointed in Sting. It's not a bad read, I just didn't love it.  This author is usually a "go to" for me, Especially when I want a good romantic suspense.  The problem I had with Sting was I felt like I had read this plot before, especially from her.  There wasn't really anything unique about the story.  There are 2 twists in the book, and I called both pretty early on. One of them is so glaringly obvious that I almost rolled my eyes after the reveal.  The other issue that I had was Jordie and Shaw.  The attraction she felt for him was kind of icky.  He is a killer who has kidnapped and manhandled her and she finds yourself attracted to him?  It was just weird and I didn't buy into it.  I found the parts that focused on the FBI agents personal like kind of boring and irrelevant to the overall plot.  The ending was suspenseful, but not enough to raise the overall rating of the book for me.

I have a feeling that avid fans will read it regardless of bad reviews.  I just hope her next one is better. 

Throwback Thursday: Above and Beyond by Sandra Brown

Author: Sandra Brown writing as Erin St. Clare
First published in 1986 by Silhouette

LOVE LETTERS
Tall, brawny, magnificent--with a black eye patch and slight limp that only added to his overwhelming masculinity--Trevor Rule might be the one man who could make Kyla Stroud forget her husband's death in the embassy bombing.

Who would believe that Trevor had fallen in love with a woman he'd never seen--just by reading the salvaged letters of his best friend? He barely believed it himself. And now he had to convince Kyla that he loved her enough to marry her and be a father to her baby.

But even as Kyla was awakened to her love for Trevor, his true identity and the secret he harbored threatened to shatter that love. 

Above and Beyond ended up being just an OK read for me.  I think it was because it got a little creepy for a while.  Basically, Trevor was friends with Kyla's dead husband.  They were both stationed together in Egypt when terrorists bombed the embassy.  Trevor was one of the few survivor's.  Through letters written by Kyla to her husband, Trevor slowly falls for her as he recovers from his injuries.  He decides he must meet her.

The thing that creeped me out was the fact that I kept getting the stalker feeling.  He watches her for weeks before making his move.  Then, he doesn't tell her how he really is...even after they get married.  It was just too weird for me.  The entire story also felt very dated.   I would say skip it.  There are better books by her out there, even the earlier ones.

Throwback Thrusday: Prime Time by Sandra Brown

Author: Sandra Brown (writing as Rachel Ryan)
First published in 1983 by Dell Publishing company

More than anything else, cable TV reporter Andrea Malone wanted a network job. And it could be hers if she gained a coveted interview with the aging General Ratiff -- especially if she uncovered the secret that drove him into seclusion at his Texas ranch. One obstacle was Lyon Ratiff, the general's watchdog of a son. Andrea had a plan, but had no way of knowing how Lyon's unexpected, undeniable effect on her would change everything, how they both would face a storm of suspicion and betrayal -- and how Andrea Malone would have to choose between the ruthless demands of her profession and the equally strong dictates of the heart.

As I was listening to Prime Time, I had to keep chanting to myself that it was written in a different time where the ideas of what was romantic and acceptable in relationships was a lot different than it is now.  The author even makes a note of that in the reprint of the book.  She had originally published it under a different name. I am so glad that times have changed in the world of romance.  

Even keeping that in mind, I'm not sure it was enough to save the book for me. I had such a hard time believing that Andrea (Andi) could fall for a man like Lyon.  He was such an ass from the start and never really redeemed himself enough in my eyes. The way this woman was treated by everyone was disgusting.  From her overbearing and sexist boss/friend, to her crew making sexual jokes to her. I applauded her for walking away in the end.  But then I had to hang my head when she just took Lyon back like nothing had happened.  I'm sorry but this isn't one that I can recommend for a throwback read.  There are much better early romances by this author!

Throwback Thursday: Seduction by Design by Sandra Brown

Author: Sandra Brown wroiting as Erin St. Claire
First published in 1983 by Silhouette

Hailey Ashton projects an image that she's on top of everything, but no one realizes that she lives a life of quiet emptiness -- not ready to have a relationship, not willing to give herself body and soul to a man.

Never able to compete with her younger sister, the thoughtless beauty of the family, Hailey opted to be the "good girl." But when she meets Tyler Scott -- her rich, attractive new boss -- she longs to be anything but good. She wants to be chic, smart, and savvy.

Tyler is self-assured with women. But when it comes to being a father, he's got a lot to learn. Hailey Ashton seems perfect. His attraction to her is so powerful he wants her in his arms -- as well as in his daughter's life.

Seduction by Design is one of Ms. Brown earlier romances that she wrote under the alias Erin St. Claire.  For me, it was just an OK read.  I actually thought it could have been a cute story. I liked Tyler and his take charge personality.  I liked the way he wormed his way into Hailey's life.

I would have liked this book more had I liked the heroine.  I found Hailey to be annoying after a while.  Her insecurities really grated on my nerves. For every time that she seemed to be making progress, she would take something the wrong way and slide right back into her insecure self.  I got to the point where I was almost rooting for Tyler to dump her.  Of course, they get their HEA, but it took too long for them to get there for me. 

Mean Streak by Sandra Brown

Author: Sandra Brown
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Date of publication: August 2014

Dr. Emory Charbonneau, a pediatrician and marathon runner, disappears on a mountain road in North Carolina. By the time her husband Jeff, miffed over a recent argument, reports her missing, the trail has grown cold. Literally. Fog and ice encapsulate the mountainous wilderness and paralyze the search for her.

While police suspect Jeff of "instant divorce," Emory, suffering from an unexplained head injury, regains consciousness and finds herself the captive of a man whose violent past is so dark that he won't even tell her his name. She's determined to escape him, and willing to take any risks necessary to survive. 

Unexpectedly, however, the two have a dangerous encounter with people who adhere to a code of justice all their own. At the center of the dispute is a desperate young woman whom Emory can't turn her back on, even if it means breaking the law.

I really think that Sandra Brown outdid herself with Mean Streak!  I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The entire story kept me on edge and kept me guessing.  There were a number so many twists and turns that it had me second guessing myself all the time.  I thought the plot was very well planned out and information was doled out to the reader at just the right times.  I love when a plot has great timing. That is really all I want to say about the mystery because I don't want to give anything away.

My only complaint about the book was the act of infidelity on Emory's part.  I mean, yes her husband was a jerk and was cheating on her, but that wasn't any excuse.  That did bring my rating of the book down a notch.  You all know how I feel about that.  I did want them to be together, but not in that way that soon.  Still, ignoring that, I definitely recommend this latest book by Ms. Brown.  I look forward to seeing what comes next from her!

Throwback Thursday: Sunset Embrace by Sandra Brown

Author: Sandra Brown
First published in  by 1985 by Bantam

They were two untamed outcasts on a Texas-bound wagon train. Two passionate travelers, united by need, threatened by pasts they could not outrun ...

Lydia Bryant --- voluptuous and russet-haired, fleeing from a secret shame, vowing that never again would a man, any man, overpower her 

Ross Coleman --- dark, brooding and iron-willed, with the shadow of a lawless past in his piercing eyes, sworn to resist the temptation of his wanton longings

Fate threw them together on the same wild road, where they fought the breathtaking desire blazing between them, while the shadows of their enemies grew longer. As the wagon train rolled west, the danger to them drew ever closer, until a showdown with their pursuers was inevitable. Before it was over, Lydia and Ross would face death ... the truth about each other ... and the astonishing strength of their love ...

Not even being a big fan of Sandra Brown's could make me want to finish this book.  I got halfway through and finally gave up on it.  The main character was a major douchebag.  Now, I know that a lot of the time, the "hero" is an alpha male who comes across as a jerk at first, but then redeems himself about halfway through the book.  In Sunset Embrace, that never happened.  Beware, I'm going to spoil the book for you!

Ross berates Lydia from the beginning, calling her awful names.  I get that in those times, men probably thought that a woman who had a baby with no husband was loose.  I can forgive that.  What I couldn't get past was the rape scene.  Yes...he rapes her.  The worst part?  The next day, Lydia decides that it wasn't all that bad.  Wait, what???  She had bruises, was bleeding and he ignored her pleas for him to stop.  Then she decides it wasn't all bad?  I just couldn't read anymore.   I can't recommend this one.  I say skip, unless you are into that sort of thing.

Deadline by Sandra Brown

Author: Sandra Brown
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Date of publication: September 2013

Dawson Scott is a well-respected journalist recently returned from Afghanistan. Haunted by everything he experienced, he's privately suffering from battle fatigue which is a threat to every aspect of his life. But then he gets a call from a source within the FBI. A new development has come to light in a story that began 40 years ago. It could be the BIG story of Dawson's career--one in which he has a vested interest.

Deadline is Ms. Brown's latest thriller.  I have to say that I really liked this one.  Dawson Scott is a journalist who suffers from PTSD as a result of being in Afghanistan.  His editor wants him to do a story on  blind balloonists, instead, he pursues an old cold case that his godfather never solved.  A man is on trial for murdering his wife and her lover.  The murdered man's DNA is a match to a child's blood found at the scene of the cold case.  The murdered man's ex-wife, Amelia, intrigues Dawson so he decides to stay.

It's a convoluted story, but bare with it because it will keep you guessing.  Just when I thought all of the secrets had been revealed, another surprise was thrown at me.  I loved that about this book. The relationship between Dawson and Amelia was definitely intense and very believable.  The other characters were a nice addition, especially the Amelia's sons.  This isn't one you want to miss, so make sure to check it out!

Throwback Thursday: A Kiss Remembered by Sandra Brown

 

Author: Sandra Brown (writing as Erin St. Claire)
First published in 1983 by Silhouette

After leaving her disastrous marriage behind, Shelley Browning goes back to college to get her degree and comes face-to-face with an unforgettable man from her past. Grant Chapman had briefly taught her in high school ten years earlier. There teacher and student had shared a single, scorching, unplanned kiss that still haunts Shelley's dreams. Now, as irresistible as ever, Grant has just returned to teaching after a stint as a congressional aide in Washington...and sees no impropriety in asking Shelley out. Isn't this what she secretly longs for? Never has Shelley felt more confused about what she really wants or what is best for them both. But a stunning accusation is about to change all that and force Shelley Browning to either take some dangerous risks -- or spend the rest of her life regretting what could have been.

I have such mixed feelings about this book. I wasn't sure I was going to like the idea that  Shelley and Grant had shared a kiss when she was just 16.  He was her teacher at the time. Once I got over that, it wasn't a bad story.  In reality, the kiss was once and spontaneous.  Grant left the school immediately after because he knew he had overstepped.  I had to give him credit for that.  Once he sees a much older Shelley, he realizes her has feelings for her and decides to win her over.  

I actually liked Grant. He wasn't afraid to stand up for what he believed in.  I didn't like Shelley all that much.  She was too wishy-washy for me.  I also thought she jumped to the wrong conclusions about Grant too quickly in the end.  This book definitely shows its age.  Shelley wants o get a degree in banking that would allow her to head a department just for women to get financial advice.  Do they even have something like that nowadays?  

Anyway, for an early Sandra Brown novel, it's not bad.  It is definitely one of the racier novels that I have read from this time period.  The love scenes are much more detailed than usual.  If you missed it, the audiobook is only 4 discs.  Perfect for a the work commute.

Throwback Thursday: Envy by Sandra Brown

Author: Sandra Brown
First published in 2001 by Warner Books

Book editor Maris Matherly-Reed receives a tantalizing partial manuscript submitted by a writer identified only as P.M.E. Curiosity compels her to track down the author, Parker Evans, and work with him to complete the tale. But as the story unfolds, Maris becomes convinced it is more than just fiction. When someone close to her dies, the presence of evil looms even closer

Envy reminded me why I love Sandra Brown.  This book was really enjoyable.  Maris is an editor who reads manuscript that intrigues her.  She seeks out the author to persuade him to sign a contract.  Parker isn't the most cooperative person in the world.  Personally, I thought Parker was a breath of fresh air.  I loved his gruffness.

One of the things that I thought was neat about the book was the story within a story.  As both books progress, the reader begins to wonder how much of the novel within the novel really happened.  It's loaded with so many twists that my head was spinning. But in a good way! My only wish is that there was an epilogue.   I would have loved to see more of Maris and Parker together. If you missed this one, definitely give it a try!

Throwback Thursday: Words of Silk by Sandra Brown

Author: Sandra Brown
First published in 1984 by Harlequin

Laney McLeod's life changes the minute she finds herself stuck in a high-rise elevator in Manhattan. Fighting her rising panic, she relies on a handsome stranger to help overcome her claustrophobia. The man, Deke Sargent, is just as attracted to this beautiful and vulnerable woman as she is to him. 

When the power comes back on, Deke and Laney find themselves in a passionate embrace that soon leads to a night of love in his apartment. Shocked at her own brazenness, Laney disappears the next morning. Months later, she receives an even greater shock: Deke shows up with an astounding announcement. 

Words of Silk is a fairly decent early offering by Sandra Brown.  It was originally published under her pseudonym, Erin St. Claire  It is a bit dated in its attitudes toward unwed pregnant mothers. I know it was the times, but it was still.  Nowadays, if a kindergarten teacher became pregnant while unmarried, she wouldn't fear losing her job over it. The love scenes were steamy, yet the terminology is laughable. My advice? Just remember the year it was written and go with it.

I was prepared to hate Deke.  It seems that he took liberties with a drunk Laney, but as the story progresses, you find out that she remembers everything that happened that night and she was a willing participant.   I actually liked Deke.  Yes, he does bulldoze his way into Laney's life, but he recognizes that he needs to do that in order to break down her steel walls that she has around her.  I was rooting for him and loved the way he wooed her.  

This throwback is a quick read.  I listened to the audio and it's only 5 hours long. Not a huge investment of time.  Why not give it a shot?

Review: Low Pressure by Sandra Brown

Author: Sandra Brown
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Date of Publication: September 2012

Bellamy Lyston Price was only 12 years old when her older sister Susan was killed on a stormy Memorial Day.

Now, 18 years later, Bellamy has written a novel based on Susan's murder. It's her first book, and it's an instant sensation. When a sleazy reporter for a tabloid newspaper discovers that the book is based on a real crime, Bellamy's identity - and dark family secrets -- are exposed.

 Suddenly, she finds herself embroiled in a personal conflict and at the mercy of her sister's killer, who for almost two decades has gotten away with murder...and will stop at nothing to keep it that way.
 
Low Pressure is the latest offering from Sandra Brown. Ms. Brown is one of my reliable authors who I know will give me a good solid read.  I wasn't disappointed.  I really enjoyed the book.  The mystery is solid and I loved the twist at the end.  Actually, there are a few twists in the book so that I was kept guessing right up until the end.   

I loved the characters.  Bellamy is haunted by the past and attempts to jog her memory by writing a book about her sister's murder.  The problem is that the book stirs up a lot of questions.  Was the right man convicted?  And what is it about that day that Bellamy can't remember?  I thought she was strong heroine, although her thoughts about her relationships with men were a bit misguided.  I have read in some reviews that readers thought Dent was a jerk.  I have to disagree.  I loved his character.  He wasn't afraid to be blunt and he made me laugh numerous times.  His behavior toward Bellamy and her family, IMHO, was justified.  He had been wrongly accused and treated appallingly by them after Susan was murdered.  Yes, he comes across as a jerk, but he isn't really.

I ended up listening to the audio book.  Stephen Lang narrates and did a very nice job.  I've heard him before on other audiobooks and enjoy his voice.  If you haven't read anything by Ms. Brown, why not start with this one?  You won't be disappointed.

Series Week - T T edition - Texas! series by Sandra Brown

 

For this week's Throwback Thursday, I am reviewing the Texas Tyler Family series by Sandra Brown.  They were all originally published between 1990-1992 by Fanfare. Even though the books are set in the 90s, they aren't too out dated and are still enjoyable today.

Last May for Throwback Thursday, I reviewed the first book in this series, Texas! Lucky.  Here is what I said:

"Texas Lucky! is an earlier work by Sandra Brown that was re-issued recently. I am a fan of Ms. Brown's earlier works, but I thought this one was just OK. I didn't really like either of the characters. Neither of them had many redeeming qualities. Lucky was just too much of a player for me. Devon was kind of annoying. I didn't really buy into the relationship between Lucky and Devon. I thought it was based more on lust than anything. Frankly, I wasn't sure what Devon saw in him. I thought Devon's reasons for not wanting to alibi Lucky were kind of lame. The mystery was probably the only thing I did like in the book. The tragedy at the end killed the HEA for me. I'd rather end on a high note. I haven't read the others in the series, maybe it gets better? "

Well things did get better.  The next book, Texas! Chase was more emotional and  enjoyable.  I liked Sage and really felt for him in his dilemma about letting go of his love for his dead wife and learning to love his new one.n  For some people, I think Claire buying his house may seem a bit weird and stalkerish, but I can understand why she did it.  She felt responsible for his wife's death and wanted to make a home for him someday to try to make up for it.  Misguided?  Yes, but not weird.  I liked their relationship.  While it starts out as a marriage of convenience, they both learn to set the past aside and really care for each other.  The addition of all of family members, rounds out the book nicely. I also liked the little mystery the runs through the book.  It lent some excitement to the book.

The last book of the trilogy, Texas! Sage was the best out of the three books.  I liked Sage and Harlan the most out of the three couples.  They were both stubborn and their banter was amusing to watch.  Their attraction is very strong and it is easy to see how they end up together.  I liked the air of mystery that surrounded Harlan.  Sage was a little spoiled, but I really felt for her.  Her family still sees her as a little girl, even though she is a grown woman with a master's degree.  It was nice to see how she manages to prove them wrong.    I liked their HEA.  It was really sweet.


The series as a whole is pretty enjoyable.  All three books are on audio and are only 5 or 6 discs long.  If you missed this series, give it a shot. 

Throwback Thursday - Tomorrow's Promise by Sandra Brown

Author: Sandra Brown

First Published in 1984 by Mira

It happened the way attraction happens best: suddenly, passionately, uncontrollably and unforgettably. 

Thousands of feet above the ground on a crowded flight to Washington, D.C., radio personality Keely Williams felt the irresistible pull of handsome congressman Dax Devereaux. They were speaking at the same congressional hearing about Vietnam soldiers listed as MIA. Tragically, Keely’s husband was among the missing soldiers. He had been her childhood sweetheart, her future, her love&#151:and then the unanswered question Keely dedicated her life to solving.

Until there was Dax. And the possibility of a new future. But could Keely allow herself to love again, and still honor the man of her past?

Given the content of Tomorrow's Promise, this book is definitely dated.  It's hard to ignore the time it was written since it deals with MIA soldiers from the Vietnam war.  I have mixed feelings about this book.  I loved Dax.  He is such a sweet guy and any woman would be a fool not to fall in love with him.  His attraction to Keely is instant and even though she fights it at first, it is instant for her as well.  I felt badly for him as I wanted to see him with Keely.

That was about all I liked about the book. In the end, I had a few issues.  Keely's husband has been missing in action for 12 years.  She has no idea if he is alive or dead.  She was married to him for 3 weeks before he went off to war and his helicopter went down over the jungle and his body was never found.  She has stayed faithful to him for 12 years.  While I'm not sure what I would do personally, all I could think in my head as I was listening to this was "It's been 12 years!! He's probably dead.  Isn't it time to move on?"  Keely's character annoyed me.  She was such a martyr and so depressing.  She says she feels guilty about having feelings for another man, but she keeps making out with the Dax.  The back and forth of her feelings got tiring.  Also, the whole idea of scandal was laughable.  Just because you are fighting for the MIA families to not have their spouses declared dead, doesn't mean you can't move on with your life. I doubt the general public would hold that against you.

I think in the end, this one was just OK for me.  There were other things that I didn't agree with in the book, but I don't want to turn this into a political rant.  It's a pretty fast listen as I was able to finish it in a day at work.  It's not her best, but see for yourself.

Throwback Thursday: Charade by Sandra Brown

Author: Sandra Brown

First published in 1995 by Hachette Books

A medical miracle gives TV personality Cat Delaney more than a new heart. With her second chance at life Cat trades Hollywood for San Antonio, where she hosts a TV show for children with special needs. Here she meets Alex Pierce, an ex-cop turned crime writer-and the first man to see her as a woman since her surgery. But her new world turns sinister when fatal "accidents" begin killing other heart recipients, and a mysterious stalker starts shadowing her every move. Soon Cat realizes Alex may-or may not-be her most important ally and that her new heart comes at a terrible price: a tangled web of secrets and someone determined to take her life.

This was a great book!  Just when I thought I had the whole story figured out, Ms. Brown threw another curve my way.  I have to admit that the beginning as a bit confusing.  The story begins by hopping around to a few different stories and they seem be disconnected.  I always try to trust in the author and I was glad I did.  Stick with it because it all makes sense in the end.  


I liked Cat's character.  She is a survivor and turns her sucess into something for the good.  I loved her and Alex together.  Their attraction was instant and steamy from the start.  I loved Alex.  He is so the typical writer and is the first person to like Cat for who she is, not because she is a star or a transplantee.  


I listened to the audiobook and I loved the narrator! This one will keep you guessing.  Try it out!

Lethal By Sandra Brown

Author: Sandra Brown
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing 
Audiobook: Hachette Audio
Date published: September 2011

When her four year old daughter informs her a sick man is in their yard, Honor Gillette rushes out to help him. But that "sick" man turns out to be Lee Coburn, the man accused of murdering seven people the night before. Dangerous, desperate, and armed, he promises Honor that she and her daughter won't be hurt as long as she does everything he asks. She has no choice but to accept him at his word.

But Honor soon discovers that even those close to her can't be trusted. Coburn claims that her beloved late husband possessed something extremely valuable that places Honor and her daughter in grave danger. Coburn is there to retrieve it -- at any cost. From FBI offices in Washington, D.C., to a rundown shrimp boat in coastal Louisiana, Coburn and Honor run for their lives from the very people sworn to protect them, and unravel a web of corruption and depravity that threatens not only them, but the fabric of our society.

Lethal is the latest offering from Sandra Brown.   This was a great book! The story had me riveted from the beginning.  Ms. Brown keeps you guessing throughout the entire book.  I wasn't sure who to trust and what to believe. The mystery was fast paced and well thought out. The twist in the reveal was such a surprise and I love that in a book, as you all know!  There are some humorous situations that help to break up the intensity of the story. The characters were so well written and likeable.  I liked Coburn the most.  He is a gruff, jaded and tells it like it is.  Honor is a great match for him and the perfect person to break through his rough exterior.  I loved reading his reactions to 4YO Emily.  That little girl could melt anyone's heart.  

I'm going to admit this book loses a star for me because of the ending. Other people thought that it was satisfying, but I felt totally cheated and left hanging.  I went through the entire adventure and I want my HEA.  Once you read it, you will understand what I mean.

The audio is narrated by Victor Slezak.  I have heard him on other audiobooks and have always enjoyed his performance.   Even thought I hated the ending, I definitely recommend this one.  Who knows? Maybe you will love it.

Throwback Thursday: Not Even for Love by Sandra Brown

Author: Sandra Brown writing as Erin St. Claire
First published in 1982 by Pocket Books

Not Even for Love is a playful story about love at first sight. Jordan Hadlock is surprised to find a fellow American outside her bookshop in Switzerland especially one so ruggedly handsome. Whats even more surprising are the feelings this stranger, Reeves Grant, awakens inside of her.

First a comment on the cover..I think it has to be the raciest one I've seen  from the 80s so far.  At least, out of the ones I have featured for Throwback Thursday.  In fact, I like this one.  It doesn't make me giggle.   Overall, I liked this story.  I do like "love at first sight" tales. There are plenty of pretty steamy love scenes packed into this book. In fact,  I think they are some of the best love scenes I have read by Ms. Brown.

I really liked Reeves character.  It is fun to see a guy fall hard and fast. He is a fun-loving guy who has a good sense of humor.  However, I didn't care for Jordan.  I thought she was a bit wimpy.  She went from one bad marriage to almost marrying another man just like the first one.  For someone who was willing to move to a different country for a fresh start, she had no courage to speak her mind with Helmut and let him dictate her life for her.  I also detested how she strung Helmut along.

I listened to the audio version of this one.  It's a quick book with only 5 CDs.  Worth listen if you want a fast romantic indulgence.      

Throwback Thursday - Tempest in Eden

Author: Sandra Brown
First Published in 1983 by Jove

A renowned artist's model, Shay Morrison thinks nothing of exposing her body to inspire great works of art. Hidden inside her, where no one can see, is the pain of a failed marriage. Then she accidentally walks in on Ian Douglas as he steps from a shower. Every gorgeous bit of him is immediately apparent — as is his disapproval of Shay. What isn't so obvious is his profession: Ian is a minister in a very staid community. Challenged and hurt, Shay decides to seduce him. But waiting for her are the traps of her own weaknesses and the potent force of sexuality ...


I have been mulling this one over for a few days. I'm not sure I liked the characters all the much. Shay is a nude model and Ian is a minister. In the beginning, Shay comes across as a beautiful, confident woman. She enjoys life and what she does for a living. After meeting Ian, she becomes uncertain and almost clingy. I didn't really understand why she would switch all of a sudden because of a man she met one weekend. I thought her behavior in the beginning was appalling. Honestly, why would a minister like Ian even think twice about a woman that acted like that toward him? Because he lusts after her. Being a minister, he won't sleep with her because they aren't married. So, guess what happens? They jump into marriage without really knowing each other and then wonder why they have issues after.

Tempest in Eden is not Sandra Brown at her best. I've read better. You have to love the cover though!

--Kari

Throwback Thursday - Love Beyond Reason

Author: Sandra Brown (writing as Rachel Ryan)
First published in 1981 by Dell

The very sight of him made her weak with desire --- this "brother-in-law" she barely knew. What cruel fate drove her into his arms and tempted her to yield to his outrageous demands?

Jason Manning's arrogance knew no bounds. First he expected her to give him their orphaned niece, the child she had vowed to raise alone. Now he demanded that she marry him ... or lose the child in court! How could she trust another Manning? Yet how could she resist him? Katherine hated him with a burning passion ... yet her treacherous heart kept whispering "Yes!"

First, I have to admit that the original cover for this book makes me giggle. What were they thinking? The covers have improved over the years, but this one does reflect the times, doesn't' it?

Anyway, the story is pretty good, yet typical of the time. I liked Jason and Katherine's relationship. But the whole," let's get married so we can avoid losing the child to my parents" was a bit unbeleivable. It's worth a peek if you want to read Ms. Brown's early works. Her writing has much improved since.

--Kari

Throwback Thursday - Temptation's Kiss

Author: Sandra Brown
First Published in 1983 by Jove Books

Megan Lambert can deal with her high pressure job as sales manager for an Atlanta radio station. She just can't handle her antagonism toward Josh Bennett, a major advertiser. Now he wants a meeting with her, and she doesn't know why. Josh is many things . . . powerful, handsome, and arrogant...but predictable isn't one of them. Suddenly, Josh makes a demand that puts Megan's career on the line and sets the emotional stakes so high they send her reeling. She's about to enter a world of limos and luxury, deception and false hope...and games of passion that can break a woman's heart when the wild card is love...

Temptation's Kiss is another early book by Sandra Brown. I did enjoy this one. I liked Josh's character better than Megan's. I thought she was a bit wimpy for the "tough" business woman that she was trying to make herself into. I also thought she was a bit naive when it came to her late husband. This may be be the result of the time in which it was written. I liked Josh's pursuit of Megan. It's always nice to see the man know what he wants when it comes to love; none of this, "do I or don't I. This is a nice little romance and I think it's worth picking it up. I picked up the audio version because I couldn't find a paperback copy of it.
You may have to peruse the used books stores for this one if your library doesn't have it.

--Kari