Hard to Hold - Stephanie Tyler

Title: Hard to Hold
Author: Stephanie Tyler
Publisher: Dell
Published: 2009
Pages: 370
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Hard to Hold Trilogy - Book #1

Stephanie Tyler is noted for writing about her sexy Navy Seals. She has a Harlequin Blaze trilogy of Navy Seals...Coming Undone, Risking it All, and Beyond His Control. I haven't read these yet...but I am definitely getting my hands on them. Hard to Hold is the first book in her trilogy written for Bantam Dell and after reading this one...the next on is on my To Be Bought list.

I have to say, this wasn't your usual happily ever after book. The hero and heroine have a lot of healing to do from both of their tragic pasts, but in the end...the healing has started and you get the feeling that...well, I don't want to spoil the ending for you...so I will just say it is left to the reader's interpretation.

The book has three storylines going...all converging on one villain. The main characters, Jake and Isabelle, then there is Clutch and Sarah, and Cal and Jeannie. While the story does jump between these three couples...it was easy to follow and the writing flowed smoothly. All the characters are well-developed and complex. Each carrying their own scars from the past and dealing with them in a believable and realistic way. Not only are we treated to romance, suspense, and intrigue, but she goes on to introduce us to the rigors of SEAL training as well. Ms. Tyler seems to know this subject with an in-depth knowledge that added a reality to the story that wasn't bogged down with too much information. I was captivated by the type of training the SEALs have to endure in order to shape the skills needed to survive in any circumstance.

The story opens with Jake having to smuggle Isabelle out of Africa after she was held captive and tortured for three days. She was a doctor for Doctors without Borders and taken by rebel forces. After two months Isabelle has healed from her ordeal, at least physically. She is able to resume her duties and is assigned to the base where Jake resides.

The attraction between Isabelle and Jake was instantaneous from when she first set eyes on her rescuer. However, Jake thinks that Isabelle's interest is due to the fact that he rescued her...but she is determined to show him that it goes deeper. Forced together because Isabelle's attacker is still on the loose, Ms. Tyler does an excellent job of writing about the tension between the two. Jake understands that Isabelle is still healing emotionally from her abuse and tries to control his physical desires. "But nothing could prepare them for the passion this wild..this crazy...this hot!!" Their courtship is fraught with as many complications as their pasts have been. It is a gradual build up that is realistic because of their emotional wounds. But once they reach out to each other...the pages start steaming up!!!

The secondary characters were developed with a depth of character that you usually don't find in other books. They each had their own stories and heartfelt emotions that pulled you into their situations as well. Clutch is a mercenary who works for a secret group in Africa...something he wants to get out of...but the only way out is death. You feel yourself pulling for Clutch and hoping he gets his own happily ever after. Sarah is a photographer in Africa with her own tragic past. The two have an intense relationship that deepens throughout the book.

The ending is infused with plot twists that I didn't see coming. And, of course, there are some issues that aren't resolved in order to make the reader want to pick up the next book and see what further happens with these characters. The next book is about Jake's brother, another Navy SEAL, Nick. And the last book is about the third brother, Chris. They are brothers through adoption, but the connection that they have is close...furthered along with them being SEALS on the same team.

Can you tell that I really loved this book?? I hope that it was brought to the forefront from my review. This is the first book that I have read by Stephanie Tyler but it certainly will not be the last!! I enjoyed her writing style, the suspense throughout the book...both with the antagonist and with the romance between Jake and Isabelle. The secondary stories were excellent and hopefully we meet up with Clutch and Sarah again.



Rating: 4.75/5
Pages: 370
Completed: 1/28/10

Hard to Hold - Stephanie Tyler

http://worldaccordingtobooks.blogspot.com/2010/01/hard-to-hold-stephanie-tyler.html

Naked in Death - J.D. Robb

Title: Naked in Death
Author: J.D. Robb
Publisher: Berkley
Published: 1995
Pages: 314
Genre: Romantic Suspense/Futuristic
Series: In Death - Book #1

Well, I have found a new series to love!! I know, I know...where have I been...this series started back in 1995. Hey, better late than never...LOL.

Nora Roberts is one of my favorite contemporary authors. Usually, I don't like when an author switches genres...but she really kicks butt in writing this series under the name of J.D. Robb!! I also didn't think futuristic would set well with me, but the future that Nora creates is awesome and very believable. The setting is 2058 in New York City. While there have been advances in technology and the law, human nature is still the same. The futuristic aspects are well integrated into the story. You can accept them easily because she doesn't overload you with a lot of technical jargon and detail.

Lt. Eve Dallas is a tough homicide detective. Just coming from shooting the perpetrator of a domestic violence gone bad, she is summoned to the scene of a cold-blooded murder. It is the murder of a U.S. Senator's grand-daughter who was a prostitute. Thus starts the dynamic mystery and adventure of Lt. Eve Dallas. After another prostitute is murdered in the same manner, Eve is determined to find the serial killer at all costs. In steps Roarke, who is on the short list of murder suspects. All evidence points to him. Roarke is somewhat of an enigma. He is a self made billionaire, with no background data available. He's Irish, gorgeous, and can be very charming, but he is also ruthless in his business dealings and is someone not to be crossed. Thus starts the relationship between Eve and Roarke.

That's all I'm going to give you on the plot...words can't describe the intrigue and suspense involved in this book. Usually this doesn't happen to me...but I was totally surprised at the ending. Had me guessing right up to the last few pages when all was revealed.

I can't wait to start the next one in the series and see what Lt. Dallas is up against in Glory in Death.



Rating: 5/5
Pages: 408 (eBook)
Completed: 1/3/10

Naked in Death - J.D. Robb

http://worldaccordingtobooks.blogspot.com/2010/01/naked-in-death-jd-robb.html

Born in Fire - Nora Roberts

Title: Born in Fire
Author: Nora Roberts
Publisher: Jove
Published: 1995
Pages: 447 (eBook)
Genre: Romance
Series: Born Trilogy - Book #1

You know, it is getting harder and harder to review Nora Roberts' books. There is only so much you can say about what a terrific writer she is...then your reviews start sounding the same. So, I guess I will give you a brief synopsis of the book, and then tell you why I liked the characters. As far as her writing goes...well, by now you should all know how much I really love reading her books...LOL!!

Born in Fire is the first book in the trilogy of three Irish sisters. Maggie has grown up enduring the hate and belittling of her mother. She allows her fiery spirit to show through her art of glass blowing, creating magnificent works that catches the eye of an art dealer, Rogan. Not only does her work intrigue him, but the artist herself captures his attention. Maggie is moody, full of spirit, and gets lost in her work...Rogan is sophisticated, dedicated to his time schedule, and goes after what he wants with failure not being an option. When the two clash...it's fireworks!!

I love the way Nora Roberts captures the Irish dialect without it interrupting the flow of the story. The bits and pieces of the creative process in glass blowing adds to the story without getting bogged down in heavy descriptions. The character development and the relationship between Maggie and Rogan are believable and realistic. Maggie has a charm that is endearing to the reader...and I fell in love with Rogan and his almost OCD right from the start. The story is set in Ireland which I absolutely love...and the secondary characters add a quality to the book that has me wanting to read the next in the trilogy to see what happens to them...especially the mother (I hope she gets what she deserves!!!).



Rating: 3.75/5
Pages: 446 (eBook)
Completed: 1/21/10

Born in Fire - Nora Roberts

http://worldaccordingtobooks.blogspot.com/2010/01/born-in-fire-nora-roberts.html

Dead in the Water - Stuart Woods

CELEBRATE THE AUTHOR

For my January Celebrate the Author Challenge, I chose Stuart Woods. Mr. Woods was born January 9, 1938 in a small southern town in Manchester, Georgia. He finished his first novel, Chiefs, in March of 1981, and it was made into a six hour television series for CBS. I think he is best known for his series...Stone Barrington. He also writes several other series...Ed Eagle, Will Lee, Holly Barker, Rick Barron, and Ted Fay. You can go to his website and read more about his biography and see a backlist of his books.

I have only read his Stone Barrington novels and absolutely love them!! In honor of Stuart Woods birthday this month, I read Dead in the Water...the 3rd in the Stone Barrington series.

Title: Dead in the Water
Author: Stuart Woods
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 1997
Pages: 325
Genre: Thriller/Suspense
Series: Stone Barrington - Book #3

"Stuart Woods has created no better known or loved character than the ex-cop Manhattan attorney and investigator whose work treads the thin line between the respectable practice of law and the dark side of humanity."

Couldn't have said it better!! I love Stone Barrington (even though he is sort of a womanizer - LOL)!! Some reviewers said that they figured out the story before Stone did...but I have to tell you...it kept me guessing until the very end!!! Dead in the Water had so many twists and turns that kept my pages turning. I could not put this book down.

I haven't read a Stuart Woods book since last year, but that will not happen again. The writing style makes for a thrill ride through suspense and intrigue. He constantly adds new elements to the story to keep the plot moving at a fast pace right up to the fantastic ending.

Stone goes to St. Marks to embark on a sailing vacation. While waiting for his live-in girlfriend to arrive, something very strange happens. A beautiful young woman sails into the harbor, entirely alone on a large yacht. "The problem is, though she arrived alone, she had departed the other side of the Atlantic in the company of her husband."

Sir Winston Sutherland, the minister of justice, wants to put her on trial for murder. And Stone is all that stands between Allison and Sir Winston's evil intentions.

A must read!!



Rating: 4.75/5
Pages: 325
Completed: 5/23/10

Dead in the Water - Stuart Woods

http://worldaccordingtobooks.blogspot.com/2010/01/dead-in-water-stuart-woods.html

The House on Tradd Street - Karen White

Title: The House on Tradd Street
Author: Karen White
Publisher: New American Library
Published: 2008
Pages: 329
Genre: Fiction/Paranormal/Romance (slight)
Series: Tradd Street - Book #1

The rich descriptions, colorful characters, and historical detail make The House on Tradd Street an exceptional read!! She weaves in elements of the paranormal, and suspense, along with a light romance...meshing it together which intrigues and delights. I think non-romance as well as romance readers will enjoy this book. Set in magnificent South Carolina, Karen White has written a magical story of heartache, dark secrets, and wounded souls.

Realtor Melanie Middleton sees ghosts...not that she would admit that to anybody. However, she is going to have to tell someone because she has just inherited a house filled with ghosts anxious to tell her their story.

Jack Trenhom is a writer obsessed with unsolved mysteries. Under the the disguise of investigating the disappearance of the mother of the deceased owner, he charms his way into Melanie's life and home. But the real reason behind Jack's investigation has a malevolent ghost making his presence known.

"Now Jack and Melanie need to unravel a mystery of passion, heartbreak, and even murder. And they must hurry...for an evil force - either dead or alive - lies in wait."

I loved this book for so many different reasons. The witty banter between Jack and Melanie had me laughing out loud. The strained relationship between father and daughter kept me hoping for a reconciliation. Delving into the characters' pasts had me pulling for some sort of closure. The ghosts had me cheering for good vs. evil. And the whole mystery behind the house had me turning the pages to see the outcome. I couldn't put this book down. I can't wait to read the next in the series - The Girl on Legare Street - to see what transpires between Melanie, her mother, Jack, and her grandmother's ghost.



Rating: 5/5
Pages: 329
Completed: 1/19/10

The House on Tradd Street - Karen White

http://worldaccordingtobooks.blogspot.com/2010/01/house-on-tradd-street-karen-white.html

If He's Wicked - Hannah Howell

Title: If He's Wicked
Author: Hannah Howell
Publisher: Zebra
Published: 2009
Pages: 357
Genre: Historical/Paranormal
Series: Wherlocke Book #1

A little bit different than what I am used to with Hannah Howell...with the paranormal aspect...however, it was a great read. Little did I know that this was the first in either a series or trilogy. There are so many great characters in this book that I hope she revisits some of them in future books. The suspense flowed smoothly and there was a great build up until the final confrontation. The growth in the passion and relationship between Julian and Chloe flows seamlessly throughout the book. I loved the secondary characters in this book...they added a depth to the story that if one were to be deleted...a part of the story would be missing.

Chloe Wherlocke has visions...glimpses into the future...and the one she recently has foretells a terrible plot against Lord Julian and his newborn son. The baby is left for dead with Chloe's dying sister and her psychic gift helps her to save the child.

Lord Julian still believing that his son is dead, knows that someone is trying to kill him. Several attempts have been made already. He suspects his cheating wife and her lover are behind the plot but has no proof. But then a captivating, dark-haired stranger warns him that a sinister plot does exist, and Chloe exposes a devastating secret that will have Julian believing in her abilities.

As they work together to devise a plan to save Julian, they cannot deny the attraction that grows each moment they are together. Chloe knows that Julian, an earl, could never love her...but she still risks everything to save him or lose Julian forever.



Rating: 3.75/5
Pages: 357
Completed: 1/16/10

If He's Wicked - Hannah Howell

http://worldaccordingtobooks.blogspot.com/2010/01/if-hes-wicked-hannah-howell.html

Library Book Sale!!

Our library in Cincinnati had a huge book sale this weekend. I went to the preview sale on Thursday night and then spent the whole day Friday there...rummaging through boxes, searching through the stakes, and picking through the piles on the tables to find the perfect books to go in my collection. I was able to complete some of the series that I have been looking for, found some new to me authors, and grabbed a few from my favorite authors' backlist. And the whole lot (38 books - 5 hardback and 33 paperbacks) cost $15.00!! All in all a couple of good days!!

Most of the books I picked where in either great or near perfect condition. Anyway, I took a couple pictures of my haul, and I'll list the titles with links to Amazon so that you can read the description if one interests you. However, I am not an affiliate of Amazon so I don't get any monetary compensation if you choose to order one. (Just thought you'd like to know... ;-) )

1. Out of the Dark by Sharon Sala
2. Kiss of Darkness by Heather Graham
3. Heart of Winter by Diana Palmer
4. The Third Circle by Amanda Quick (part of the Arcane Society series)
5. Stealing Shadows by Kay Hooper (1st book in the Bishop series)
6. High Country Bride by Linda Lael Miller (1st book in the McKettrick series)
7. All Night Long by Jayne Ann Krentz
8. Lavender Morning by Jude Deveraux (2009)
9. Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas (Completes my Wallflower series)
10. Waking up in Charleston by Sherryl Woods
11. One Perfect Gift by Kathleen Morgan (part of Culdee Creek series)
12. Shotgun Bride by Linda Lael Miller (2nd in McKettrick series)
13. Talk of the Town by Karen Hawkins (2008)
14. This is All I Ask by Lynn Kurland
15. Summer in Eclipse Bay by Jayne Ann Krentz (3rd in Eclipse Trilogy)

1. That Holiday Thing (Anthology) by Macomber, Woods, Carr
2. Tempt me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas (3rd book in Hathaways series)
3. In the Highlander's Bed by Cathy Maxwell
4. The Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe
5. Firefly Beach by Luanne Rice
6. McKettrick's Choice by Linda Lael Miller (4th book in McKettrick's series)
7. Secondhand Bride by Linda Lael Miller (3rd book in McKettrick's series)
8. Always by Jude Deveraux (3rd book in Forever Trilogy)
9. The King of Torts by John Grisham
10. The Glass Lake by Maeve Binchy
11. The Manning Sisters by Debbie Macomber
12. Sooner or Later by Debbie Macomber (#2 in Deliverance Company Trilogy)
13. Out of the Storm by JoAnn Ross (3rd in Stewart Sisters Trilogy)
14. It Happened One Night by Lisa Dale (2009)
15. "F" is for Fugitive by Sue Grafton (starting my collection of hers)
16. Never too Late by Robyn Carr
17. A Dark Love by Margaret Carroll
18. The Carpenter's Lady by Barbara Delinisky


NOT SHOWN:

1. The Appeal by John Grisham
2. The Last Juror by John Grisham
3. I Heard that Song Before by Mary Higgins Clark
4. Crazy in Love by Luanne Rice
5. Satisfaction Guaranteed by Lucy Monroe

Library Book Sale!!

http://worldaccordingtobooks.blogspot.com/2010/01/library-book-sale.html

Questions

Blanche over at There's no Such Thing As Too Many Books has posted some great questions she received from her reading group. Here they are:

1. What author do you own the most books by?

2. What book do you own the most copies of?

3. What fictional character are you secretly in love with?

4. What book have you read more than any other?

And here are my answers:

1. I believe the author I own the most books of is Nora Roberts, although Barbara Delinsky is running a close second.

2. I only own one copy of each of my books.

3. The fictional character that I am secretly in love with is Stefan Dalakis from N.J. Walters' Dalakis series...the book is the third in the series and is called...Stefan's Salvation. And of course there is Jamie from Outlander.

4. There are two books that I reread...Colters' Woman by Maya Banks and Love at First Flight by Marie Force.

I would love to know what your answers are...copy the questions and then leave a comment here with your link!!!

Questions

http://worldaccordingtobooks.blogspot.com/2010/01/questions.html

Mailbox Mondy - 1/11/10

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia over at The Printed Page. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do).

I haven't participated in this for a long time...keep forgetting to post all the eBooks that I buy...I guess because they don't actually show up in my mailbox.

However, I received a gift certificate from Amazon for Christmas and I spent half of it the other day and guess what showed up this week in my mailbox??





1. Hard to Hold by Stephanie Tyler
2. Dark Guardian by Christine Feehan
3. Suddenly by Barbara Delinsky
4. The Only One (Anthology) by Christine Feehan



I also belong to the Rhapsody Book Club and my shipment from their end-of-year sale came in:





1. A Highlander Christmas by Janet Chapman
2. Dream Trilogy by Nora Roberts
3. Dead After Dark (Anthology) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
4. Everlasting Kiss by Amanda Ashley
5. If He's Wicked by Hannah Howell
6. Rewriting Monday by Jodi Thomas

All in all...a pretty good week!!!

Mailbox Mondy - 1/11/10

http://worldaccordingtobooks.blogspot.com/2010/01/mailbox-mondy-11110.html

Bloggiesta Ole!!

A little late...but I am joining in the Bloggiesta festivities that started yesterday and is running through tomorrow. I have been visiting the blogs already joined and have learned a lot of new ideas for my blog.

The Bloggiesta is being hosted by Natasha at Maw Books Blog. This is the second edition to this event and it is fantastic!!

This event is designed to make time to revamp your blog...whether it is weeding out your Google Reader, cleaning up your sidebars, writing posts to be posted in the future, catching up on reviews...whatever tasks you've been putting on the back burner due to time constraints...now is the time to do it. Head on over to Maw Books and read the introductory post and join in the fun!!!

Tasks:

• Add tabs to my header on this blog - DONE - 1 hr. (a whole load of thanks goes to Molly at My Cozy Book Nook for directing me to BlogU where there were super easy instructions for this task!!!)
• Added LinkWithin on this blog - DONE - 10 min.
• Created a Wish List in Google Docs - Here - 1 hr. (still a work in progress - have to find my other lists that are floating around - LOL)
• Created Naked in Death book review to be published at the end of the month - DONE; Created Mailbox Monday post to be posted on Monday - DONE; Created Before Sunrise review on Challenges blog - DONE - 1 hr.
• Updated my Challenges spreadsheet to include new challenges I've joined - DONE - 30 min.
• Downloaded spreadsheet from Fyrefly's Book Blog that keeps track of my reads; pages read; audiobooks; hours listened; and makes really neat graphs comparing year to year!! Updated it with 2010 reads - DONE - 30 min.
• Created Blogoversary button - DONE - 10 min.
• Cleaned up the sidebars of my Challenges blog - DONE - 1 hr.
• Deleted my "Reading Projects" blog...hadn't updated it in over a year. - DONE
• Created "Currently Reading" in my sidebar - DONE - 15 min.
• Added all my Google Reader subscriptions to my Blog Roll (super easy...thanks Aarti at Book Lust for showing me how!!!) - DONE - 10 min.
• Added a Copyright statement to the footer of my blog (mini challenge) - DONE - 5 min.

Well, the festivities are over...I am pretty pleased with all that I got accomplished on my blogs.

My Stats:

• Worked 5 hours 5 minutes
• Completed one Mini Challenge
• Commented on 30 blogs
• Read almost all the blogs in Mr. Linky

I really liked how Natasha from Maw Books gave us links to both the new mini challenges as well as the older mini challenges from the first Bloggiesta!! Gave me a chance to read tips that I missed out on. I plan to get on the ball and sign up early for the next Bloggiesta!!

Thanks so much, Natasha, for a great weekend!!!

Bloggiesta Ole!!

http://worldaccordingtobooks.blogspot.com/2010/01/bloggiesta-ole.html

Before Sunrise - Diana Palmer

Title: Before Sunrise
Author: Diana Palmer
Publisher: HQN
Published: 2005
Pages: 296
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Another Native American story...didn't know it was until I started reading the book. I am not a seasoned reader of Diana Palmer. I think this is only the second book I've read of hers. So, I don't have the feeling that all her books are starting to sound the same...as some reviewers have expressed recently. I enjoyed this book...the relationship between Jeremiah and Phoebe, the Native American history, and the suspense.

In Phoebe's final year of college, she thought her future would include Jeremiah. They promise to meet each other in DC to continue their relationship and build a future together. Little did Phoebe know that 3 weeks after that promise, she would receive a newspaper clipping of Jeremiah's marriage to another woman. Three years later, they meet again and dormant desires spark again.

Phoebe is an expert in Native American culture, so when an anthropologist calls claiming to have made a discovery of a Neanderthal skeleton in her area she is skeptical. But before she can investigate, the man that called her turns up dead on the Reservation - and the FBI sends Jeremiah Cortez to investigate. "Phoebe can't forget the heartache he caused, but neither can she deny the aching need he arouses with the merest touch."

This was a comfy cozy read...nothing too spectacular...but it captivated my interest and I finished it in one sitting. The passion between Phoebe and Jeremiah is hot and steamy. I loved the humor that was woven into the story also. All in all a good story when you are in the mood for a "feel good" book.



Rating: 3.5/5
Pages: 296
Completed: 1/8/10

Before Sunrise - Diana Palmer

http://worldaccordingtobooks.blogspot.com/2010/01/before-sunrise-diana-palmer.html