Category Archives: Romance

Innocent in Death by J. D. Robb

This entry is part [part not set] of 26 in the series In Death Series
Book Review
Book Review

Book Review of Innocent in Death – 2 Treasure Boxes
In Death Series, Book 28
Publisher: Brilliance Audio, Audible Audio Edition, Listening Length: 12 hours and 7 minutes (400 pages), ASIN: B0019ZWM2E

A well-liked teacher has been poisoned at a posh elementary school, and before long another teacher is found drowned at the same school. Two young girls find the first body, which starts Eve’s path to the identity of the culprit. Meanwhile, on the home front, an old flame of Roake’s has reappeared and she is interested in putting her hooks back into the man she allowed to get away.

To date there are 44 books in the In Death series, with one more expected to be released in February of 2013. These books are crime drama, suspense and romance because they focus on the case Eve is currently working on as well as her and Roake’s personal relationship. This is a futuristic suspense that takes place in 2060 in New York City. The books are told in a third person narrative and they focus primarily on Lieutenant Eve Dallas, but at times the story is also told through some of the other characters including the murderer. They are written by Nora Roberts under the pseudonym of J. D. Robb.

I enjoyed this book, as I did all the previous books in this series. I always know what to expect and Ms. Robb, never fails to deliver. The story is well told, and although there is little action in this book, the story was still interesting. I had no idea who the murderer was until it was revealed, and I was shocked at the direction the investigation lead. I found the side story about Eve and Roake’s relationship to be a great addition.

I recommend Innocent in Death as a good book and even if you haven’t read any of the previous books in the series, you will enjoy this one since the book stands on its own. However, if you enjoy reading futuristic crime drama romance, with a strong female character, then you should read all the books in this series.

To purchase: “Innocent In Death” from Amazon, click here or on picture above


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Memory in Death by J. D. Robb

This entry is part [part not set] of 26 in the series In Death Series
Book Review

Book Review of Memory In Death: 2 Treasure Boxes
In Death Series, Book 25
Publisher: Brilliance Audio, Listening Length: 10 hours and 58 minutes (384 pages), ASIN: B0019ZWM2O

It’s Christmas 2059, and Santa is dead, but that’s an easy case for Lieutenant Eve Dallas. In Memory in Death, the hard case comes later and involves the murder of Trudy Lombard, a woman who was once Eve’s foster mother. She is brutally killed, sometime after she tried to blackmail Roake about Eve’s nefarious past.

To date there are 44 books in the In Death series, with one more expected to be released in February of 2013. These books are crime drama, suspense and romance because they focus on the case Eve is currently working on as well as her and Roake’s personal relationship. This is a futuristic suspense that takes place in 2059 in New York City. The books are told in a third person narrative and they focus primarily on Lieutenant Eve Dallas, but at times the story is also told through some of the other characters including the murderer. They are written by Nora Roberts under the pseudonym of J. D. Robb.

Memory in Death gives the reader more insight into Eve’s life as a child since it provides an avenue for flashbacks to her first experience in child protective services.  Where the woman who was supposed to protect young girls was actually very cruel and abusive and did far more harm than good. This book had a good hook and it kept the reader engaged as it unfolded and developed. There was a good twist at the end, and even though I saw it coming, I still like how it was presented.

The story is well told and interesting, and I recommend this book as a good read. It is a standalone story and the book can be read and enjoyed on its own.   However I recommend you read the books in order to receive the most enjoyment since the story revolves around the characters and they grow and develop in each new installment.

To Purchase: “Memory in Death” from Amazon, click here or on picture above


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Origin in Death by J. D. Robb

This entry is part [part not set] of 26 in the series In Death Series

Book Review: 3 Treasure Boxes
In Death Series, Book 24
Publisher: Brilliance Audio, Listening Length: 10 hours and 59 minutes (384 pages), ASIN: B0019ZWM2Y

Dr. Wilfred B. Icove is renowned for his reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries. He has been dubbed as Dr. Perfect and is loved by everybody.  So who would kill him? Eve wants to find this out after he is found dead in his office from a stab wound to the heart. As Eve follows the trail of clues she discovers the shocking truth about this doctor.

To date there are 43 books in the In Death series, with one more expected to be released in September of 2012. These books are crime drama, suspense and romance because they focus on the case Eve is currently working on as well as her and Roake’s personal relationship. This is a futuristic suspense that takes place in 2059 in New York City. The books are told in a third person narrative that focuses primarily on Lieutenant Eve Dallas, but at times the story is also told through some of the other characters including the murderer. They are written by Nora Roberts under the pseudonym of J. D. Robb.

There are many things that I love about this series, but the characters are my favorite aspect. Eve Dallas is a strong woman who has experienced a horrendous past, and she has found a way to not only live but to thrive.  I enjoy reading about these characters and I love how they relate to each other. The banter that goes on between Eve and her partner Peabody is usually amusing. Roake, Eve’s sexy, and incredibly successful husband is an interesting and delightful character. Their relationship and interactions are always entertaining. Also the hot love scenes between Eve and Roake are fun to read.

There were many startling and unexpected events within this story line.  The book examines the idea of cloning and the manipulation of human genetics. It shows what can happen when men play at being God. I never saw what was coming, but I loved how Eve follows the evidence and how the story unfolded.

This is a standalone story that had many twists and turns, numerous shocking events as well as an exciting ending. Origin in Death is a great addition to the In Death series and I recommend it as a very good book.

Favourite Quote:

““No, no, no.” As they passed, nearly shoulder to shoulder, Nadine managed to shake the box. “Brownies. Triple chocolate.” “Bitch.” Eve sighed. “Five minutes.” “Surprised you didn’t just rip it out of her hands, then thumb your nose at her,” Peabody commented. “Considered, rejected. Too many witnesses.””

 

To Purchase: “Origin In Death” from Amazon, click here or on picture above


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Survivor in Death by J. D. Robb

This entry is part [part not set] of 26 in the series In Death Series

Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes
In Death Series, Book 23
Publisher: Brilliance Audio, Listening Length: 12 hours and 18 minutes (384 pages), ASIN: B0019ZWM3I

A little girl gets up in the middle of the night to sneak an orange fizzie drink, and this act saves her from a brutal death, but it doesn’t save her from witnessing the ruthless death of her family. Eve is on the case to find out who committed these horrendous acts, and at the same time, she is protecting this little girl from falling into the hands of these butchers.

To date there are 43 books in the In Death series, with one more expected to be released in September of 2012.  These books are crime drama, suspense and romance because they focus on the case Eve is currently working on as well as her and Roake’s personal relationship. This is a futuristic suspense that takes place in 2059 in New York City. The books are told in a third person narrative that focuses primarily on Lieutenant Eve Dallas, but at times the story is also told through some of the other characters including the murderer. They are written by Nora Roberts under the pseudonym of J. D. Robb.

The story was well told, starting out from the point of view of the little girl who ends up witnessing the murder of her family.  Then it follows Eve as she tracks down the who and the why of these killings. There was a little bit of suspense, particularly in the end. I always enjoy reading about Eve; I like her character and I enjoy how she interacts with the people around her.

If you enjoy reading In Death books, then Survivor in Death will not disappoint. It was the usual Eve Dallas story and I recommend it as a good read.

To Purchase: “Survivor In Death” from Amazon, click here or on picture above

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Divided in Death by J. D. Robb

This entry is part [part not set] of 26 in the series In Death Series

Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes
In Death Series, Book 21
Publisher: Brilliance Audio, Listening Length: 12 hours and 13 minutes (371 pages), ASIN: B0019ZWM42

Reva just found out her husband was sleeping with her best friend and she decided a little revenge was in order. But when she got there, she was shocked to find their murdered bodies. Immediately after, she blacked out and when she came too, she was holding the murder weapon.  She knows she didn’t kill them, but she also knows it doesn’t look good. Reva calls Roake, her boss, for help and he gets Eve onto the case to find out who killed Reva’s husband and why.

To date there are 43 books in the In Death series, with one more expected to be released in September of 2012. These books are crime drama, suspense and romance because they focus on the case Eve is currently working on as well as her and Roake’s personal relationship. This is a futuristic suspense that takes place in 2059 in New York City. The books are told in a third person narrative that focuses primarily on Lieutenant Eve Dallas, but at times the story is also told through some of the other characters including the murderer. They are written by Nora Roberts under the pseudonym of J. D. Robb.

Divided In Death connects Eve’s professional work and her personal life. Roake is keen to help out Reva, especially when the murder seems to be related to Reva’s job as a security specialist at Roarke Enterprises. This story includes all the usual In Death elements; steamy sex scenes between Eve and Roake as well as detailed detective work to find the killers and the usual banter between characters.

This is a standalone story that starts out as a mystery and then leads up to an exciting and well executed ending.  I recommend this book as a good read and as a requirement for any In Death fans.

To Purchase: “Divided in Death” from Amazon, click here or on picture above.

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Big Jack by J. D. Robb

This entry is part [part not set] of 26 in the series In Death Series

Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes
In Death, Book 20
Publisher: Brilliance Audio, Listening Length: 8 hours and 21 minutes (320 pages), ASIN: B0039OZFHW

There have been several deaths, one of them at the home a successful writer who has just released a book concerning a decades old jewel theft.  It just so happens that the jewels have never been recovered and someone wants them. Now Eve is on the trail of both who committed these murders as well as what happened to the jewels.

This is the J. D. Robb half of the book Remember When, which includes both a Nora Roberts part and a J. D. Robb part.  The J. D. Robb portion was later released as Big Jack. To date there are 43 books in the In Death series, with one more expected to be released in September of 2012.  These books are crime drama, suspense and romance because they focus on the case Eve is currently working on as well as her and Roake’s personal relationship. This is a futuristic suspense that takes place in 2059 in New York City. The books are told in a third person narrative that focuses primarily on Lieutenant Eve Dallas, but at times the story is also told through some of the other characters including the murderer. They are written by Nora Roberts under the pseudonym of J. D. Robb.

The story was interesting and Eve Dallas’s style while she is working is always good reading. The identity and motive of the murderers was made know fairly early on, it was just a matter of Eve and team following the details in order to locate the culprits.

Big Jack is a standalone book and can be either read alone or in conjunction with Remember When. It has an exciting story which piques the interest of the reader from the first page and continues to develop up to an exciting ending.  If you enjoy a good crime drama then you will enjoy this book, it is also a great addition to the In Death series.

To Purchase: “Big Jack” from Amazon, click here or on picture above


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The Pub Across the Pond by Mary Carter

Book Review: 3 Treasure Boxes
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc., Listening Length: 12 hours and 12 minutes (336 pages), ASIN: B005QXEXHC

 

Ronan McBride loses the family pub in a bet and he can stop it from falling into the wrong hands by raffling it off to an American. Carlene Rivers is the lucky winner, and she has won more than just a pub. The only problem is, not everyone in Ballybeog wants her there.

 The Pub Across the Pond is Mary Carter’s fifth novel. It is a romance and is introduced in the prologue as “the greatest love story ever told in Ballybeog”.  The story is told in a first person narrative by Declan, a minor character, he is telling Carlene Rivers tale, she is the main protagonist. The story takes place in present day Ireland. wants her there.

Ronan is gorgeous, but he is also irresponsible and a bit of a loose cannon. Carlene has never won anything in her life, in fact she always considered herself unlucky, until now. I knew how the story was going to end after the first page, but how it unfolded was unique and took a few unexpected turns.  At times I thought the dialogues included way too many, “he said”, “she said.” On the whole the characters were appealing.

This is a standalone book with an interesting premise. I liked how the story unfolded and I was curious to see how it was going to get to the finish line. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a light romance.

 

To Purchase: “The Pub Across The Pond” from Amazon, click here or on picture above

Only The Strongest Survive by Ian Fox

Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, File Size: 522 KB, Print Length: 250 pages, ASIN: B006AO1QKS

Emely Donnovan is a successful business women with many enemies. Her cut throat business tactics have made her a target for revenge. The Langdon brothers, who lost their business due to their own carelessness as well as Emely’s machinations have decided to make her pay. This is the story of her journey through torture and redemption.

Ian Fox has written several books in the suspense category.  Only the Strongest Survive is not only suspense but it is also a love story. It is told in a third person narrative, primarily from the point of view of the main protagonist, Emely Donnovan, but at times it moves over to the point of view of the main antagonist, John Langdon.

This is an interesting tale which is intriguing from the first page. The story follows several unique avenues and I was never quite sure where the story was going or how it was going to end. There is plenty of action throughout the book as well as several hot sex scenes.  I liked the characters and I felt there was a good character arc for both Emely and John.

This is a standalone story which builds quite nicely up to an exciting and satisfying ending. I recommend this book as a good read.

 

To Purchase: “Only the Strongest Survive” from Amazon, click here or on picture above

Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue by Stephanie Laurens

This entry is part [part not set] of 1 in the series Cynster Sisters Trilogy

Book Review: 1 Treasure Box
The 16th Cynster Novel
First Volume in the Cynster Sisters Trilogy
Publisher: Harper Audio, Listening Length: 15 hours and 14 minutes (448 pages), ASIN: B005JVYPME

 

Heather Cynster is an independent woman, yet she is still searching for a husband. Tired of looking in the more refined reception rooms, she decides to sneak out to a soiree in the Ton, in what some consider to be a den of iniquity. While there, she is kidnapped by a mysterious Scotsman. Lucky, Viscount Breckenridge witnesses the event. He is at first her nemesis, but quickly becomes her hero.

Stephanie Laurens has written numerous books and series, including several Harlequin Romances and all of them in the romance genre. The story is told in a third person narrative primarily from the point of view of Heather Cynster and at times Viscount Breckenridge as well as a few other characters. The story takes place in 1829 in England and often refers to The Ton. This was Britain`s high society during the Georgian Era and its primary focus was on social standing with rigid social rules.

The book had an interesting beginning, with the introduction of the mysterious Scotsman. Heather is introduced and as we learn a little about her we become curious to discover more of her character. I enjoyed the beginning of this book much more than the middle or ending which I felt were slow and dragged on.  The book became really Harlequinny as it progressed and there were prolonged sex scenes, which in my opinion were too frequent without enough focus on plot. Although the book is considered a period piece, I felt the writing was somewhat forced with dialogue that does not realistically project how people would interact in 1829.  They really seemed to talk more like how people talk today.

This is a standalone book, with an unoriginal plot and a pretty standard ending. If you enjoy reading run of the mill romances with lots of gratuitous sex scenes, then you will probably enjoy this book. For myself, I will not be reading any more books in this series.

Imitation in Death by J. D. Robb

This entry is part [part not set] of 26 in the series In Death Series

Book Review: 3 Treasure Boxes
In Death Series, Book 19
Publisher: Brilliance Audio, Listening Length: 12 hours and 44 minutes (320 pages), ASIN: B0019ZWM4C

Someone is imitating famous serial killers and performing copycat murders.  The same person is leaving a note at each gruesome death scene addressed to Eve.  Lieutenant Eve Dallas is a tough, smart, likable homicide detective, and she is being taunted to find the killer before she becomes the victim.

To date there are 42 books in the In Death  series, with one more expected to be released in February of 2012.  These books are crime drama, suspense and romance because they focus on the case Eve is currently working on as well as her and Roake’s personal relationship. This is a futuristic suspense that takes place in 2059 in New York City. The books are told in a third person narrative that focuses primarily on Lieutenant Eve Dallas, but at times the story is also told through some of the other characters including the murderer. They are written by Nora Roberts under the pseudonym of J. D. Robb.

This was an enjoyable installment in the In Death Series. There were numerous possibilities as to who the murderer was, we knew it was one of them but not which one. Robb kept us guessing right up to the end. The side story on Peabody was intriguing; she was studying to write her detective test while helping Eve solve the case.

Imitation in Death is a standalone book with a good exciting story which developed with a good pace up to an exciting ending.  If you enjoy a good crime drama then you will enjoy this book, it is also a great addition to the In Death series.

To Purchase: “Imitation In Death” from Amazon, click here or on picture above
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