The Book Club
Ina (the Club President, sitting down in the front of the photo) and the other Murder One UK ladies (From left: Leonie, Madeline, Tanya, Marta, Gillian, Tina, Debra) meet monthly to thoroughly discuss the selected title (along with some girly gossip and mutual drooling over the main male characters), to share ideas and have some fun, all liberally spiced with food and drink in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The Book Club has been running for almost three years and is always looking for new members. We discuss different genres of books and - as Ina says - we 'allow' diverse opinions.
We have, to date, talked about a host of writers including Sherrilyn Kenyon, Liz Carlyle, Mary Balogh, Chrisitne Feehan, Robin Wells, Robin McKinley, Allison Brennan, & Karin Tabke and many others.
We cordially invite all romance readers to our Book Club meetings!
E-mail or phone us if you want to join in: tanya@murderone.co.uk
Ph:01923 438335
Future Meetings and What We're Reading:
Wednesday, January 18th 2012 at the St. Botolph Building, 138 Houndsditch, London, EC3 at 6.30pm and we are reading Jim Butcher's Storm Front
Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he’s the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the “everyday” world is actually full of strange and magical things — and most of them don’t play well with humans. That’s where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a — well, whatever.
There’s just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry’s seeing dollar signs. But where there’s black magic, there’s a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry’s name. And that’s when things start to get… interesting.
Magic. It can get a guy killed.
Wednesday, February 22nd 2012 at the St. Botolph Building, 138 Houndsditch, London, EC3 at 6.30pm and we are reading Ben Rehder's Buck Fever
Synopsis:
Blanco County, Texas.
It's one week before the start of deer hunting season, and everyone in town has come down
with a case of...Buck Fever.
The fury begins with Red O'Brien and Billy Don Craddock, two drunken poachers who fire a shot in the direction of Blanco County's most important resident: a wide-eyed, white-tailed deer named Buck who lives on the Circle S ranch. Now Buck is on the loose, and no one knows where to find him: not Trey Sweeney, the man who took the bullet meant for Buck, albeit right in the flank of his own deer costume; not Tim Gray, the veterinarian who can't function very long without popping a few canine tranquilizers; and especially not Roy Swank, owner of the Circle S, who wants desperately to find Buck for reasons no one can quite understand. Navigating all this turmoil is Blanco County Game Warden John Marlin, with a little help from his best friend Phil and a beautiful nurse named Becky who seems too good to be true. But when a dead body turns up, the real mystery in madcap Blanco County soon boils down to a single question: Just who is hunting whom?
Wednesday, March 21st 2012 at the St. Botolph Building, 138 Houndsditch, London, EC3 at 6.30pm and we are reading Christina Brooke's Heiress In Love
Synopsis:
When the Ministry of Marriage arranges a match, all that matters is power, wealth and prestige. In the business of marriage, there is no room for love. But even the most prudent plans can go awry.
Jane, Lady Roxdale, has endured one marriage of convenience decreed by the Ministry of Marriage. While she deeply regrets her late husband's death, she is relieved to be free at last. But when a dissolute rake threatens everything Jane holds dear, she must contemplate marrying a second time.
Disgraced libertine Constantine Black inherits his cousin Roxdale's land and title - while Roxdale's prim widow is left all the wealth. Constantine is not a marrying man, but wedding Jane is the only way to save the estate from ruin. Jane resists the smoldering heat between them, desperate not to fall in love with an unrepentant rake. But for the first time ever, Constantine wants more than seduction. He wants all of her - body, heart, and soul.
And Christina Brooke's Mad About the Earl
Synopsis:
Lady Rosamund Westruther has no objection to the match arranged for her by the Ministry - until she meets her intended. Gruff, stubborn Griffin, Earl of Tregarth, is hardly the charming nobleman the classic beauty has dreamed of for so long. While a proper lady can't cry off, she can demand a proper courtship...Griffin is aware of his duty to wed - and more convinced than ever that the lovely Rosamund has no place with a man like him. Built for fields and stables rather than drawing rooms, Griffin doubts he can win her in the polite manner society requires. But with every passing day, the attraction between them flares higher and hotter. Maybe there is more to love than meets the eye...
Wednesday, April 18th 2012 at the St. Botolph Building, 138 Houndsditch, London, EC3 at 6.30pm and we are reading - still to be decided
Our Reviews:
Wednesday, November 23rd 2011 - Anne McCaffrey's Dragonflight
Synopsis:
HOW CAN ONE GIRL SAVE AN ENTIRE WORLD?To the nobles who live in Benden Weyr, Lessa is nothing but a ragged kitchen girl. For most of her life she has survived by serving those who betrayed her father and took over his lands. Now the time has come for Lessa to shed her disguise—and take back her stolen birthright.
But everything changes when she meets a queen dragon. The bond they share will be deep and last forever. It will protect them when, for the first time in centuries, Lessa’s world is threatened by Thread, an evil substance that falls like rain and destroys everything it touches. Dragons and their Riders once protected the planet from Thread, but there are very few of them left these days. Now brave Lessa must risk her life, and the life of her beloved dragon, to save her beautiful world. . . .
Review:
Anne McCaffrey started writing science fiction in 1967 because she was so dissatisfied with the manner in which women were portrayed in the genre at that time. Restoree’s heroine was a strong willed intelligent woman and after re-reading it again Ina and I found it just as fresh and enjoyable as the first time we read it – and the many times after that! The decision to read an “old” book – Dragonflight was published in 1968 – was driven by a conversation in last month’s bookclub meeting about the development of paranormal and dragons in fiction. If you remember last months book was Thea Harrison’s Dragon Bound. Although paranormal romances are relatively “new” as a genre, dragons in fiction are not and Anne McCaffrey’s dragons are captivating along with her strong female characters.
Debra enjoyed Dragonflight but did not necessarily ‘like it’. Madeline who pointed out the continuity issues of the Pern series puts forward that this is a spectacular success at world building. For those of us who have read the entire series there are serious problems with keeping storylines straight and apart from the original three books – Dragonflight, Dragonquest and The White Dragon – followed by the sub-series The Harper Hall set in the same time period, it is almost better to treat everything else set in the world of Pern as a separate novel, otherwise the lack of continuity could put you off some wonderful books. But this is actually about Dragonflight which has stood up to the test of time. It is as original, fresh and it has not dated at all since the first time I read it in 1984 – and have probably read it once a year, every year, since I first discovered Anne McCaffrey. This is a great book and I’m happy to say it has introduced those of us who had not heard of Anne McCaffrey to her wonderful world of dragons.
PS: It was with great sadness that I realised as we’d been discussing Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonflight that she had passed away a couple of days previously. My hopes of a sequel to Restoree or more books in the Tower and Hive and Petaybee series dies away with one of my all time favourite writers.
Wednesday, October 26th 2011 - Thea Harrison's Dragon Bound
Synopsis:
Half-human and half-wyr, Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the wyrkind and avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their dark Fae enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful-and passionate-of the Elder races.
Review:
This book was universally enjoyed by all. Thea Harrison has crafted a believable and intricate world that has blended fantasy and reality in a deft manner. But the true delight of this book was the characters. She has created an arrogant ancient Dragon who still manages to evoke sympathy and Pia – the heroine – is no weak dweeb. The secondary characters flesh out the story and the plot is interesting and intricate enough to keep you reading speedily to the end. Harrison makes clever use of humour to enhance the story and weeks after reading, discussing the book brought chuckles all around the table – and even more amazing we could whole envision storylines without referring to the book. Read it and enjoy. We look forward to future books – hopefully one continuing Pia’s story…..
Wednesday, August 10th 2011 - Jean Sasson's Princess
Synopsis:
In a land where Kings still rule, I am a Princess. You must know me only as Sultana, for I cannot reveal my true name for fear that harm will come to me and my family for what I am about to tell you. Think of a Saudi Arabian princess and what do you see? A woman glittering with jewels, living a life of unbelievable luxury.
She has gold, palaces, swimming-pools, servants, designer dresses galore. But in reality she lives in a gilded cage. She has no freedom, no vote, no control over her own life, no value but as a bearer of sons.
Hidden behind the vell, she is a prisoner, her jailers her father, her husband, her sons. 'Sultana' is a member of the Saudi royal family, closely related to the King. For the sake of her daughters, she decided that it was time for a woman in her position to speak out about the reality of life for women in her country, whatever their rank.
She tells of her own life, from her turbulent childhood to her arranged marriage - a happy one, until her husband decided to take a second wife - and of the lives of her sisters, her friends and her servants. In contrast to the affection and easy camaraderie amongst the women, she relates a history of appalling oppression against them, everyday occurrences that in any other culture would be seen as shocking human rights violations: forced marriages, servants bullied into sex slavery, summary executions. Princess is a testimony to a woman of indomitable spirit and great courage.
By speaking out, 'Sultana' risked bringing the wrath of the Saudi establishment upon her head and upon the heads of her children. For this reason, she told her story anonymously.
Review:
Immediately we found the writing style of Princess distinctly unrefined, with it becoming increasingly clear that Sasson was merely regurgitating 'Sultana's' original words. We found the novel to neither reflect well on men nor women, both trapped in an ultimately destructive culture. However, for those with limited contact with the women of the veil, the novel proved to be an enlightening if not engaging read. Princess was a quick read, with 'Sultana' revealed as a realistic if not wholly sympathetic character. Princess was a different read for the club, yet one whose subject matter did not agree with all of the members.
Wednesday, September 7th 2011 - Jodi Thomas's Texas Rain.
Synopsis:
The first time Rainey Adams meets Texas ranger Travis McMurray, she steals a kiss and thenhis horse. Now Travis is determined to track down this intriguing woman and bring her back as his bride, but this renegade may be too much for even the toughest Ranger to handle.
Review:
When faced with Texas Rain many of the group found the first pages a struggle, with historical Westerns relatively unknown territory. However, despite initial reservations, the group soon began to enjoy Thomas' gritty realisation of Texas, one that is instantly commendable for its historical correctness. One point of contention was the failure of Thomas in clarifying who rode the fourth horse in the kidnap of Rainey- believed now to be 'old man Nolan' for those readers who are similarly confused! The decidedly 'sugary' style may be off-putting for those looking for a hot and sweaty romance, yet never-the-less Texas Rain is an enjoyable and worthwhile read.
Tuesday, July 12th 2011
We tried a different day of the week to see if we could tempt more of you to join us but alas - it made not a jot of difference. Still not to worry, the five core members have a great time. We met at St. Botolph Building, 138 Houndsditch, London, EC3 at 6.30pm
S.G.Browne's Fated:
Synopsis:
From the acclaimed author of Breathers--an irreverent novel about fate, destiny, and the karmic consequences of getting involved with humans.
Over the past few thousand years, Fabio has come to hate his job. As Fate, he's in charge of assigning the fortunes and
misfortunes that befall most of the human race-the 83% who keep screwing things up. Frustrated with his endless parade of drug addicts and career politicians, Fate has to watch Destiny guide her people to Nobel Peace Prizes and Super Bowl MVPs. To make matters worse, he has a five- hundred-year-old feud with Death, and his best friends are Sloth and Gluttony. And worst of all? He's fallen in love with a human.
Getting involved with a human breaks Rule #1, and about ten others, setting off some cosmic-sized repercussions that could strip him of his immortality-or lead to a fate worse than death.
Review:
We chose this book as it was written by a male author to compare it with the writing style with the predominantly female authors the members of the bookclub read. It provoked very strong feelings and one of the best book discussions we've had to date. Some of us liked it because its storyline mimicked real life, some of us disliked it because it did not have a linear storyline. We couldn't agree on the ending as to whether it had a definitive end or it ended in a vague open to interpretation way. It was a smooth read and thought provoking when you realised the character Fate is fated to his destiny no matter what he does to try and prevent it. This book has some fabulous one-liners (too many to list) - "Common Sense disappeared in the Vietnam war and hasn't been heard of since." Fated was outside most of the bookclubs comfort zone and some of us moaned a lot at having to read it (I hold my hand up) but saying that it was worth the effort. It was enjoyable, not enjoyable, funny, thought provoking and whether you loved it or hated it, it was still worth reading.
Saturday, June 11th 2011
We met at the St. Botolph Building, 138 Houndsditch, London, EC3 at 3pm for an afternoon of New Zealand culture.
May 18th 2011 - Gail Carriger's Soulless
Synopsis:
Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.
Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire -- and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.
With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?
SOULLESS is a comedy of manners set in Victorian London: full of werewolves, vampires, dirigibles, and tea-drinking.
Review:
The cover caused much debate - where was the voluptuous tanned Italian with the big nose and large bust repeatedly described in the book? The anemic model on the cover looked like she needed a good chiropractor! Set in Victorian London, we felt the language was more era correct, no modern-day slang to throw the whole tone of the book off. The main character Alexia Tarabotti, was very likeable and believable, and her frustration as a woman in Victorian society was well done. Historical, Steampunk (a subgenre of speculative fiction, usually set in an anachronistic Victorian or quasi-Victorian alternate history setting. It could be described by the slogan "What the past would look like if the future had happened sooner." ) and Paranormal genres meshed very well. The secondary characters are as interesting and engaging as Alexia. If you're looking for something different and clever, then the world Carriger has created is for you. Most of us have already read Book 2: Changeless and Book 3: Blameless and are eagerly awaiting Book 4: Heartless due out on the 1st July 2011. M1UK Bookclub universally recommends Soulless.
Attended By:
Ina, Madeline, Debra, Leonie, Beverly, Tanya, a newcomer Tersia - and Tracy in spirit if not body, thank you for your review.
Location:
Marquis of Cornwallis Pub, 31 Marchmont Street, London, WC1N 1AP
Ina was struck with indecision when she realised she had 5 vegetarian options instead of the normal one! Madeline and Tanya voted the Sticky Toffee pudding the best they had ever tasted. Alas however yet again the general hubble bubble of a pub made an elevated conversation hard to conduct, so while we recommend their food and general ambiance, the bookclub will be looking for quieter climes.
April 13th 2011 - Christina Dodd's Just the Way You Are
Synopsis:
When Hope Prescott's parents disappeared, her carefree teenage life vanished forever. She and her three siblings were separated and sent to different foster homes around the country. Now, seven years later, Hope is still searching for them. To support herself, she works for an answering service, and cares for her clients as if they were family. When wealthy businessman Zachariah Givens hires Hope's service, Hope initially mistakes Zack for his butler. Tired of being coddled and flattered because of his money, Zack is charmed by Hope's candor, not to mention her sexy voice, and keeps up the charade. As their friendship turns into passion, Zack is determined to have her, even if that means the unthinkable -- marriage. But when Hope discovers his deception, Zack knows he must solve the mystery that haunts Hope's past in order to convince her that their futures lie together....
Review:
The magnate with moolah looking for true love while in disguise is not a new plot device, however this is an entertaining, well written story. Dodd is always excellent at developing secondary characters as is the case here. Ina assures us that this series (yes this is the first in a series) is one of her weakest, possibly because it was Dodd's first attempt at contemporary romance but to stick with her as the follow on series featuring four brothers (Fortune Hunters) - one of them Gabriel - is everything you could wish it to be - funny, great plots, well written and characters you just want to keep reading about. Leonie, Madeline and I, all new to Dodd, will carry on with the series. For those of you who like a light easy read that raises the occasional chuckle, then this is or you.
Attended By:
Ina, Leonie, Debra, Tanya - and Madeline in spirit if not body, thank you for your review.
Location:
St. Boltolph Building.
March 23rd 2011 - Katia Lief's You Are Next
Synopsis:
He took everything . . . then came back for more.
Former Detective Karin Schaeffer has nothing left to live for after serial killer Martin Price destroys all she holds dear. Known as "The Domino Killer" because he leaves dominoes as a clue to his next victim, Price doesn't stop until an entire family is destroyed. Even when he's locked away in prison, the shadow he casts over Karin's life keeps her in constant darkness.
Then a policeman brings news to her door: Price has escaped. Karin knows where he's headed because of the message he left behind last time, scrawled in blood, on her bathroom mirror -
You are next.
But Karin Schaeffer refuses to run and hide. She feels no fear and has nothing left to lose. And so she waits. She won't stand by and let Price harm any more of her family. And she won't rest until she's put him back behind bars forever . . . or until one of them is dead.
Meeting place still to be decided. Please contact me if you would like to order a copy of the book.
Review:
This book was a slight departure for the group as it is not a romance and it was in the first person which some of the group dislike. This book is very much the story of Karin, the central protagonist, and her journey back from the grief she has allowed to isolate her from the everyone and everything around her. The early scene of suicide by serial killer seemed to annoy some as it made Karin's character appear weak. The character appeared frequently to be self indulgent. This was not a scary thriller and the middle of the book seemed to wander. The plot seemed to get a bit lose and then the author quickly pulled the loose strings - the killer is in jail but the book isn't finished, quick get an accomplice, fall in love, and solve the crime. The end was a bit neat and trite.
Attended By:
Ina, Leonie, Debra, Madeline and Tanya
Location:
St. Boltolph Building - still just as wonderful.
February 16th 2011 - Christina Henry's Black Wings
Synopsis:
As an Agent of Death, Madeline Black is responsible for escorting the souls of the dearly departed to the afterlife. It's a 24/7 job with a lousy benefits package.
Maddy's position may come with magical powers and an impressive wingspan, but it doesn't pay the bills. And then there are her infuriating boss, tenant woes, and a cranky, popcorn-loving gargoyle to contend with.
Things start looking up, though, when tall, dark, and handsome Gabriel Angeloscuro agrees to rent the empty apartment in Maddy's building. It's probably just a coincidence that as soon as he moves in demons appear on the front lawn. But when an unholy monster is unleashed upon the streets of Chicago, Maddy discovers powers she never knew she possessed. Powers linked to a family legacy of tarnished halos.
Powers that place her directly between the light of Heaven and the fires of Hell...
Review:
This book engages from the beginning and holds you. Who cannot relate to a heroine that may have magical powers but faces mountains of paperwork - in triplicate - with each death and has a pain of a boss. I always knew that life - or rather death - would be invaded by bureaucracy. Leonie says “No sex, great. She writes fantastically about an everyday person that holds you from beginning to end” Tanya says “This really flows. It’s not as in depth as Nalini Singh’s Angel series but I read it and enjoyed it so much I immediately wanted to read it again.” As for the lack of sex (which made for a great story instead of sex scenes with a bit of plot holding them together) there was one scene that bought a snigger when Gabriel gets his ‘happy’ while Madeline blacks out. Bummer. JB, the boss, who may be good looking but the whole control freak bureaucrat is enough to turn any sane woman off, including our heroine Maddy. But then who needs a man when you have Beezle – we all want one. Every girl should have a gargoyle. So when a gargoyle says “he’s a handsome devil” – go literal babe!
The more we discussed this book the more it became apparent Christina Harris is touching on some pretty deep issues – the perception of a just and forgiving god - or perhaps we had just had too much bubbly! However it was universally agreed (Madeline is away in Thailand this month) that this was an enjoyable read from beginning to end. As this is Ms Henry’s first book we hold high hopes for her and we have all ordered the second book due at the end of July 2011.
Attended By:
First there were six - but Madeline ran off to Thailand for a wedding, then we were five - but then Beverley went to the cinema, then we were four - but Debra was struck down with a stomach bug, so we were three - Ina, Leonie and Tanya Stone.
Location:
We met for the first time at Leonie's workplace in the new St Botolph building. Well I thought my new office was nice but this was pure luxury - which is why we're going back next month. Food, drink, girlish chatter, our own meeting room with biscuits, coffee and orange juice. What more could you ask for? A big thank you Leonie, we'll be seeing you again in March.
January 19th 2011 - No book to discuss this time as we decided just to meet for a drink and get together. We met at The Betjeman Arms, Unit 53, St. Pancras International Station, Pancras Road, London, N1C 4QL. It was easy to find, the dining room was lovely and quiet (the vibration from the trains every now and again was entertaining), comfortable and they didn't mind if only some of you had something to eat. The food was tasty and I can recommend the lemon curd tart although the combination of a strawberry sauce (which luckily Madeline had asked to be kept separate) I didn't like at all. I didn't like the service charge being added to the bill either, I think this is something you as the customer should decide. Would we go back - yes we would.
15th December 2010 - Laura Bickle's Embers
Synopsis:
Truth burns.Unemployment, despair, anger--visible and invisible unrest feed the undercurrent of Detroit's unease. A city increasingly invaded by phantoms now faces a malevolent force that further stokes fear and chaos throughout the city.Anya Kalinczyk spends her days as an arson investigator with the Detroit Fire Department, and her nights pursuing malicious spirits with a team of eccentric ghost hunters. Anya--who is the rarest type of psychic medium, a Lantern--suspects a supernatural arsonist is setting blazes to summon a fiery ancient entity that will leave the city in cinders. By Devil's Night, the spell will be complete, unless Anya--with the help of her salamander familiar and the paranormal investigating team--can stop it.Anya's accustomed to danger and believes herself inured to loneliness and loss. But this time she's risking everything: her city, her soul, and a man who sees and accepts her for everything she is. Keeping all three safe will be the biggest challenge she's ever faced.
Review:
We chose Laura Bickles Embers because the main character had what we considered a 'real' job and we thought she might be an ordinary person that we could relate to. However, little did we know she needed counselling because of intimacy and committment issues. So far so Anita Blake. Most of us have enough of these in real life - why do we need to read about it (barring those in good relationships)?
Some of us are tempted to buy book two while some members of the book club who had read the book in November struggled to remember the main plot points. It was agreed that there had to be a book two due to the hanging ending.
We all agreed that we would like a salamander - one of the better rounded characters - to keep us warm.
This was a story with lots going on but no cohesive plot.
Attended By:
Ina, Madeline, Debra, Leonie, Beverley and Tanya Stone
Location:
We met for the first time at a pub in Wells Street which is just off Oxford Street called the Adam and Eve. Ina, Madeline & I (Tanya S) visited the pub last Saturday and it was quiet, lovely bar staff and surprisingly not very busy. Talk about the Jekyll and Hyde of pubs. It was heaving with people, so many people you had to plan a detailed expedition before you tried going to the loo, it was baking hot (as you can see from the photos and my lovely red complexion), it was soooo loud - and really it had nothing to do with our age - you had to shout to make yourself heard, the drink was overpriced, the food not only overpriced but mediocre, the only positive thing to say about the experience - the bar staff were still lovely. As our first experience meeting in a pub, it was off-putting to say the least but we still managed to have a good time and thats what counts. We will continue on in our search for the ideal meeting place - pubs, peoples places of work, coffee shops - anywhere we can find and any suggestions anyone has would be welcomed with open arms.
17th November 2010 - Dee Henderson's True Devotion
Synopsis:
Kelly Jacobs has already paid the ultimate price of loving a warrior; she has the folded flag and the grateful thanks of a nation to prove it. Navy SEAL Joe x201C;Bear x201D; Baker can't ask her to accept that risk again x2014;even though he loves her. But the man responsible for her husband's death is back; closer than either of them realize. Kelly is in danger, and Joe may not get there in time.
Uncommon Heroes: Welcome to a world where friendships go deep, loyalties stand strong, and uncommon heroes perform the toughest jobs in the world. Dee Henderson's military romance series provides a detailed passage into the world of the military and homeland heroes, and those they love.
And Wanda Brunstetter's A Sister's Secret
Synopsis:
Grace is the oldest sister in the Hostettler family. Having put her rumschpringe (running around years) behind her, she has returned to Holmes County, joined the Amish church, and begun a new life. For the past four years, everything has been going fairly well, until the day she sees an English man who knows enough of her past to jeopardize her future. Will Gary Walker's passion for Grace destroy more than one life? Amish man Cleon Schrock is planning to marry Grace, but ignorant of her past. Will love and faith triumph over shame and deception in Holmes County?
Review:
This month we were inspired yes that is because we had the choice of one of two inspirational novels. Dee Henderson’s True Devotion (NAVY) and Wanda E.Brunstetter’s A Sisters secret (AMISH). There was a bit of a poll with Ina and Madeline being the most vocal (no surprise there) with Ina coming out with very inspired feelings Madeline not so much. So lets hear it for the Amish over the Navy. Sorry, Wanda actually made God seem like it was part of the characters life as opposed to a stuck on after thought. However what was universal was that all of us found them charming to read stories especially that they focused on people who weren’t about designer handbags and how tight his buns are. In fact these books were so uplifting that I just can’t come up with a sarcastic comment!!!! A sad note someone has displayed less than Christian behaviour by “retaining” the Amish book. Oh dear.
13th October 2010 - Leslie Esdaile's Sister Game
Synopsis:
Philadelphia newcomer Darien Jackson may be young, gifted, and beautiful, but she's also maxed out on her credit cards, behind on her car payments, and unable to make the rent on her swanky apartment. Worse, her older (less flashy) sisters refuse to bail her out even one last time. On the bright side--if you could call it that--a year-long dating dry spell has kept one area of her life drama free. Then a repo man arrives to tow away her Diamante--and Darien suddenly faces the tall, hard-body chocolate Adonis who's about to drive away with her car...and her heart. Successful entrepreneur Maxwell Ferguson has came up the hard way via a big Georgia family and a life that is all business and no pleasure...until one look at foxy Darien knocks him on his fine behind. A flirty spendthrift, she's just what he--and his disapproving family--don't want for his wife. But Darien may just be what too-serious Maxwell needs to bring laughter to his days and passion to his nights. Do they have a chance? Only if love can change the odds, his kin, and her credit rating...
Review:
“Sister ain’t got game” should be the name of Leslie Esdaile’s atrocious work overloaded with clichés. Is this just reverse racism, not a single white person, couldn’t the waiter have been white. The central character reels from being a slut that doesn’t put out to being overcome with morals and just soooo misunderstood but soooo brave in the face of lesser mortals who could not possibly understand how wonderful she really is. I feel a bout of Madeline’s nephew projectile vomiting coming on but rice cakes won’t sort this one out. The only thing going for it is that she is even handed, as all her characters are galling. Madeline’s pennyworth: One of the sub-plots evaporates without resolution. In such a short book, keeping track of the storylines shouldn’t be such a problem. The only positive item we could find to say about this book is safe sex is mentioned and being caught naked by your housekeeper or any other member of the family did sound believable. Don’t do it dear reader at the end you will be turned forever from black contemporary romance.
15th September 2010 - Alice Kimberly's The Ghost & Mrs McClure
Synopsis:
The first book in the Haunted Bookshop series:
Penelope Thornton-McClure manages a Rhode Island bookshop rumored to be haunted. When a bestselling author drops dead signing books, the first clue of foul play comes from the store's full-time ghost-a PI murdered on the very spot more than fifty years ago.
Is he a figment of Pen's overactive imagination? Or is the likable, fedora-wearing specter the only hope Pen has to solve the crime?
Review:
This month’s book had us torn. Some of us (Ina, Debra and the two Tanya’s) enjoyed it others (Madeline) felt that the loose ends were frustrating. We enjoyed dissecting the technique of injecting into a plastic bottle. Research revealed the following:
Ø A diabetic needle will bend before it goes through the plastic
Ø The nut extract is an oil and will therefore float and is a brown colour and therefore will cause discolouration!!!
Ø The cat on the cover should be GINGER not grey.
Ø Why must authors write under multiple names do they have an identity crisis or something?
There was certain poignancy to the knowledge that the two main protagonists can never be really together but as that is out of the way if you read the next books its interesting to see the character develop and the stories get better.
18th August 2010 - Teresa Medeiros's Breath of Magic
Synopsis:
Precocious Puritan and aspiring witch Arian Whitewood spends her lonely nights dreaming of magic and excitement. She gets more excitement than she bargains for when she crash lands straight out of a witch hunt into the 20th century and the arms of Tristan Lennox, a relusive billionaire. Arian blows through Tristan's climate-controlled existence like a breath of magic, only to discover that the spell he weaves around her heart is more compelling than any enchantment.
Review:
This month choice was an oldie but a goody. Teresa Medeiros’s Breath of Magic is a time travelling romance with several twists and no I’m not going to tell you what they are, buy the book! But the real secret of time travel is via computer technology in case you wonder but many of the twists relate to the characters and here is one Medeiros strengths, her characters even the secondary ones are likeable and you are really interested in what going to happen to them. As for the love scenes the general consensus is that this is deftly handled suitable to the story and yay does not contain lessons in anatomy. But for all you that think this sounds to good to be true and we have gone soft (we haven’t slaughtered a book in months), Madeline didn’t like it…
21 July 2010 - Nalini Singh's Angel's Blood
Synopsis:
Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux knows she's the best—but she doesn't know if she's good enough for this job. Hired by the dangerously beautiful Archangel Raphael, a being so lethal that no mortal wants his attention, only one thing is clear—failure is not an option...even if the task is impossible.
Because this time, it's not a wayward vamp she has to track. It's an archangel gone bad.
The job will put Elena in the midst of a killing spree like no other…and pull her to the razor's edge of passion. Even if the hunt doesn't destroy her, succumbing to Raphael's seductive touch just may. For when archangels play, mortals break…
Review:
For all you fans of stroppy blondes with snappy comebacks this is the one for you. Nalini Singh’s Angels’ Blood is a new twist on the overflowing and quickly becoming hackneyed sub genre of paranormal romance. Here she presents angels as an example of absolute power corrupts absolutely. These are not cosy characters and I don’t think you would want to take them home to mum but the story is complex enough not to insult you while maintaining your interest to the end. Madeleine was amused by the snide play against Buffy believe me Elena is tougher and smarter. Most of us (move it Tanya) have already bought and read the next Elena and Raphael (what else would he be called) and eagerly await the supporting characters stories. Congratulations Nalini on an innovative and entertaining story.
16 June 2010 - Cindy Gerard's Show No Mercy
Synopsis:
The sexy heroes of Black Ops, Inc., a covert private security team, sizzle in New York Times bestselling author Cindy Gerard's electrifying new romantic suspense series.
THE SULTRY HEAT...
Only two things can compel journalist Jenna McMillan back to Buenos Aires after terrorists held her captive there just
months before: a rare interview with a shadowy billionaire and the memory of the dark and dangerous man who saved her....
HIDES THE DEADLIEST THREATS...
Bad guys, bombs, and bullets are Gabriel Jones's way of life. But he'll never forget the brash redhead he rescued not so long ago...or the passionate kiss they shared before he sent her packing....
AND EXPOSES THE DEEPEST DESIRES.
Now, forced together by a bombing at the National Congress, Jenna and Gabe confront the urgent longings that simmer between them. But this surprise meeting is no coincidence. A ruthless enemy stalks them with deadly precision. The question is... if they make it out alive, will Gabe turn his back on Jenna...again?
Review:
This months book was a special ops book, Cindy Gerard’s Show No Mercy. Are we getting more mellow in the group!!! We all enjoyed this; she seemed to have done her homework. Ina could verify the medical stuff, yep antibiotics do not fix everything if you are running around and not taking care of the wound, as for the weapons none of us could claim an expertise there but it all seemed pretty legit. It was agreed that it drove you to buy others of her books, which is always a good sign. We noted with interest that her sentences were quite short in contrast to Georgette Heyer last month who assumed that readers have a longer attention span than the average goldfish. Having recently had to do some assignments with tutors who keep banging on about “short attention grabbing” sentences this could be a generation thing.
12 May 2010 - Any Georgette Heyer title
Review:
This month we were all tasked with reading any thing we wanted of the redoubtable Ms Heyer. The volume of work alone is daunting but no matter what we read (except for Tanya who kept falling asleep on the train) we found them charming and enjoyable. Leonie is getting back into historicals after reading hers! So another winner all around. Not a surprise as generations of readers keep coming back to her. Truthfully both Ina, and the two Tanyas' initially struggled with the language but once into the flow could not put them down (except for sleeping beauty). At work Ina attempted to improve her vocabulary thanks to Georgette and got the "Ugh" look, vexed apparently no longer being in common use. The lack of any discernable sex scenes was found to be refreshing and the focus on plot as opposed to being interrupted mid plot by tonsil hockey et.al was acclaimed by all to be a bonus and not missed at all.
14 April 2010 - Lisa Kleypas's Smooth Talking Stranger
Synopsis:
HE’S ONE SMOOTH TALKER…
A billionaire playboy, and all-around ladies’ man, Jake Travis has a reputation as big as the state of Texas. He drives too fast, lives too hard, and loves too many women to count.
SHE’S ALL BUSINESS …
In her advice column, and her love life, Ella Varner is always practical. So when she’s left holding her reckless sister’s baby, she decides to ask Jake Travis to take a paternity test.
THE TIME FOR TALKING IS OVER. . . .
Ella is instantly struck by Jake’s bold good looks and easy charm—but she’s not falling for his sweet talk. This big sexy tomcat needs to take responsibility for his actions, and Ella’s making him stick to his word. Now if she can only ignore the unspoken attraction that smolders between them…
Review:
Well the days are longer and bright and so is this book, brighter that is. Not a bad word to be said about this book we all really enjoyed it. If you are looking for something that is a joy to read and a great de-stressor this is the one for you. Ina and Madeline were already committed fans of this author (of course there had to be an argument of her historical vs. contemporary but we both love all her stuff except for the dodgy time travel one). The rest of the group all expressed a desire to read more of her works. A resounding success congratulations Lisa the first book in the clubs history that got a unanimous thumbs up.
March 2010 - Linnea Sinclair's Gabriel's Ghost
Synopsis:
After a decade of piloting interstellar patrol ships, former captain Chasidah Bergren, onetime pride of the Sixth Fleet, finds herself court-martialed for a crime she didn’t commit–and shipped off to a remote prison planet from which no one ever escapes. But when she kills a brutal guard in an act of self-defense, someone even more dangerous emerges from the shadows.
Gabriel Sullivan–alpha mercenary, smuggler, and rogue–is supposed to be dead. Yet now this seductive ghost from Chaz’s past is offering her a ticket to freedom–for a price. Someone in the Empire is secretly breeding jukors: vicious and uncontrollable killing machines that have long been outlawed. Gabriel needs Chaz to help him stop the practice before it decimates Imperial space. The mission means putting their lives on the line–but the tensions that heat up between them may be the riskiest part of all.
Review:
It was a relief to find that on this St Patrick's Day we had managed to pick a book with a green cover and more cleverness yes, prepared to be shocked folks we quite liked this one! Most of us struggled to get through the first chapters but having finished it we all felt that it was worth the effort. Rather a lot of time on spaceship mechanics (not something we felt we would ever use but hey who knows) and could do with more character development. We spent the entire book getting told how tortured Sully is and that he is very obviously hiding something. Then in a rather rushed end it all comes out and there is talk of the bonding between Sully and Chas that could mean his death if broken?
It is also very evident that Linnea is attempting to suck us into buying all the rest of the series. Sorry Linnea most of us just find that annoying. Please take note of this authors you are just exasperating us. You can write a series and have each stand alone as good stories. Overall a positive result for Linnea and regardless of what is written above at least two will be purchasing more of her books.
February 2010 - Sarah McCarty's Caine's Reckoning
Synopsis:
The Hell's Eight is the only family he's ever needed, until he meets the only woman he's ever wanted . . . Caine Allen is a hardened Texas Ranger, definitely not the marrying kind. But when he rescues a kidnapped woman and returns her to town, the preacher calls in a favor. One Caine's honor won't let him refuse. From the moment he beds Desi, Caine knows turmoil will follow. Desi might have the face of a temptress, but she also has a will of iron and while she needs his protection, she's determined that no man will control her again. They establish an uneasy bond, but it isn't enough for Caine. He wants all Desi has to offer. He wants her screams, her moans, her demands . . . everything. Yet there's still a bounty on Desi's head, and keeping her sexually satisfied is proving easier than keeping her alive.
Review:
Yet another delightful trot down the path of improbability. For gods sake we have a heroine who has been imprisoned raped and tortured for a year but don't worry within hours of meeting the hero she's having sex (anal and anyway he can get it). Some of the positions so odd as to defy the physical skills of a yogi. The group seemed to particularly enjoy the fact that in an attempt to understand the physics of it all Ina was on the ground hands and knees trying to figure out were all the bits were. Still in the dark. Doesn't even work as a western and as for the time spent on the manufacture of hair conditioner in the 1800s um yes that time might have been better spent on character development because the general feeling was that at the end of the book you activity disliked him and she inspired no sympathy. Please send us some ideas for GOOD books.
January 2010 - Karen MacInerey's Howling at the Moon
Synopsis:
Romance is about to get a little hairy.
Sophie Garou seems to have it all: a great job at a prestigious accounting firm, a closet that rivals a Nordstrom showroom, and a terrific boyfriend who isn’t afraid to use the “M” word. There’s just one little itty-bitty problem: Sophie is a werewolf–and her time of month has a whole new meaning.
Needless to say, life among yummy flesh-and-blood humans is no piece of steak . . . er, cake!, but regular doses of wolfsbane tea and a mother who runs a magic shop have helped Sophie keep her paranormal pedigree under wraps. Still, when a sexy, golden-eyed werewolf prowls into town, Sophie finds herself struggling to keep her animal impulses in check–not to mention trying to keep things on track with her super hot (and super human) lawyer boyfriend. What’s more, someone is threatening to expose Sophie for what she really is. And when her mother is accused of selling a poison-laced potion, Sophie must sniff out a culprit before the fur hits the fan.
Review:
Members of the book club have bought all three books in the series due to a combination of curiosity and being left hanging after the end of the first book. It was clear to members of the club that Ms MacInerney had planned all three books in such a way that to feel you had finished the story all books had to be read. Other members of the book club didn't care enough about the characters to give a monkeys.
While an interesting marketing ploy, as noted above, this could leave readers frustrated or annoyed. Or indifferent. An enjoyable read - candyfloss for the eyes - with amusing notes. A bare-arsed werewolf running through the streets was memorable. However, the werewolf is one of the most hapless and accident-prone werewolf ever written. The fashion focus on handbags and BMWs was considered by all to be a limp-wristed following of "fashion Romance" drivel. None of the book club care enough about shoes and handbags to care if these accessories get lost. Loss of credit cards and phones and keys were not mentioned.
This is a book full of potential plot additions that don't get developed - even across all three books.
December 2009 - Cathy Maxwell's A Seduction at Christmas
Synopsis:
She never expected it would come to this
Desperation and an empty stomach forced Fiona Lachlan to agree to a plan that ended up luring the wickedly notorious Duke of Holburn into trouble. Everything went terribly wrong, and now she has found herself posing as his ward! And while she swore nothing could make her desire a scoundrel, even if he was a duke, she is now drawing ever closer to the one man she cannot have . . .
"Beware of innocence!"
The Duke of Holburn had spent years heeding this warning, and in doing so, managed to avoid the virginal young ladies who had been put in his path. But now his wild ways have gotten him into real danger. There are killers at the door and a temptingly beautiful woman in his arms. He is about to find himself seduced . . . and he isn't quite sure he wants to resist this time.
Review:
A light piece simple to read" is the most benign comment made during the meeting. The more negative comments ranged from "characters that you didn't care about" "forgettable storyline" to "offensive treatment of abuse of women". The details were shoddy too no reader was able to determine which year this story was set in or even the decade. Apparently the abuse of the heroine was dealt with in more seriousness in a former book but the way it was mentioned in this book has nearly prompted a protest to the Romance Writers of America. The plot was multi-stranded but no strand was thought out properly, presented clearly or resolved with anything like a logical end. This felt like a book written over the weekend during a party by Cathy and all her friends while indulging in the seasonal cheer of mulled wine as after all this was set at Christmas time. Bah Humbug, to be so predictable. However not all was lost. We liked the fight between the two dogs, go Tad I think he deserves his own fan club. Certainly he was the only one who showed any common sense.
November 2009 - Charlaine Harris's Sweet and Deadly
Synopsis:
Now best known for her New York Times-bestselling Sookie Stackhouse novels, Charlaine Harris garnered an unusual degree of acclaim with her first novel -- the story of a murder that embroils a small-town reporter in a mystery that hits close to home.
Catherine Linton came home to Lowfield, Mississippi convinced that the untimely deaths of her parents in a car accident was no accident -- but nobody believed her. So she stayed, taking a job at the local paper, to try to both convince the sheriff that she was right-and maybe convince herself she was wrong. After all, her father had been the town doctor, loved (she always thought) by all. To think he was killed was to think that one of her friends or neighbors has harbored some deep resentment toward him. Then she finds the dead body of the women who had been her father's nurse for many years. Obviously murdered. Now Catherine knows that she was not wrong about her parent's death. Someone in Lowfield has a terrible secret, a secret worth killing for. Not once, not twice, but -- when another body is found -- three times. And the killer won't hesitate to add more victims to the list, as Catherine gets closer and closer to the truth.
Review:
A very mixed reaction to our book of the month - Sweet & Deadly by Charlaine Harris. It was one of Charlaine's earlier novels, written in 1981 & her writing skills have quite obviously developed since she wrote this. Her array of characters including the heroine came across as very flat & no one had any sympathy or really cared what happened to any of them. Her skill in setting the scene is very evident though - concise & informative, & she keeps the plot going without getting bogged down in endless descriptions. It was interesting to see how Harris has developed as an author, as some of us have read her later work, & to see that authors can get better instead of hitting the big time early on in their careers & then churning out drivel because they know fans will still buy it in the never ending hope that the next one must be better then the last one!
