Category Archives: Romance

Mobipocket, Goodreads, 2 Treasure Boxes, Romance, Suspence

Rapture in Death by J. D. Robb

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

Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes
In Death Series, Book 4
Publisher: The Penguin Publishing Group (Electronic Edition: July 2001), EBook: 451 KB, Language: English, ISBN-0-7865-0165-0

Lieutenant Eve Dallas has a number of suspicious suicides which she is sure are murder.  She must convince her commander to let her investigate and then with the help of her aid she is following a trail of dead bodies.

Rapture in Death is the fourth book in the In Death series by J.D. Robb, to date she has written 38 books in the series with book # 39 to be released  November 30, 2010.   I have read most of these books and found them all to be enjoyable and well written.  This book falls into both the suspense and romance categories as the book focuses equally on the case Eve is currently working on as well as Eve and Roake’s relationship.  The books are told in a third person narrative that focuses primarily on Lieutenant Eve Dallas, a dedicated and talented homicide Lieutenant. At times, the author also gives us insight into some of the other characters including the murderer. The books are written by Nora Roberts under the pseudonym of J. D. Robb.

Eve follows the clues and the murders to find out who is committing them and why. Eve and Roake are also targeted. There is plenty of action with a very intense scene where Eve tries to save a woman from jumping off of a building. The story has a good build up with plenty of excitement including a bit of a twist at the end.  Throughout the story there are plenty of hot sex scenes between Eve and Roake including a pretty dark one.  The book continues to develop the characters of Eve, Roake and Peabody but the story centers more around solving the mystery than developing the characters.

The book is well written with a good climax at the end that was quite suspenseful. Robb keeps us guessing as to who the culpit is and how they are committing the crimes.  Eve and Roake are now married and it is fun to read their interactions.  The sex scenes were well written but a bit darker as required from this plot.

This is a standalone book, and I am sure that if you read it you would be quickly reading the previous books in the series. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about strong female lead characters and enjoys a suspense story. But if you are looking to solve a mystery along with Eve then you will be disappointed since you cannot solve this book on your own. J. D. Robb keeps too much information out which makes this is impossible, but the story is well written and certainly enjoyable. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading romance since there is a fair bit of this as well as some hot sex scenes between Eve and Roake.

3 Treasure Boxes, Historical Fiction, Romance, Suspence, Goodreads

Immortal in Death by J. D. Robb

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

Book Review: 3 Treasure Boxes
In Death, Book 3
Publisher: The Penguin Publishing Group (Electronic Edition: August 2003), EBook: 487 KB, Language: English, ISBN-0-425-15378-9

Lieutenant Eve Dallas has a new homicide to investigate, but this time the suspect is her best friend the cute, funky Mavis Freestone. This is a futuristic suspense that takes place in 2055 in New York City. 

Immortal in Death is the third book in the In Death series by J.D. Robb, to date she has written 37 books in the series with book # 38 to be released in November 2010.   I have read most of these books and found them all to be enjoyable and well written.  This book falls into both the suspense and romance categories as the book focuses equally on the case Eve is currently working on as well as Eve and Roake’s relationship.  The books are told in a third person narrative that focuses primarily on Lieutenant Eve Dallas, a dedicated and talented homicide detective. At times, the author also gives us insight into some of the other characters including the murderer. The books are written by Nora Roberts under the pseudonym of J. D. Robb.

While this investigation is going on, Eve is preparing to marry the gorgeous and very successful Irishman known only as Roake. This is a new and interesting facet to Eve’s character.  She is extremely tough and a highly dedicated law enforcer.  Previously she has spent very little time focusing on her feminine side but this upcoming wedding is forcing her to deal with that aspect of her life. The parts of the book that deal with Mavis facing potential charges for murder are very touching and brought a tear to my eye, especially when Eve is forced to treat her as a impersonal suspect.  Eve really hates doing this, but she is forced to this action to prove that she is unbiased which will ensure that she remains the Primary Investigator.

The book is well written and the characters are all well developed. It is during this book that the series adds Officer Peabody as Eve’s aid.  She is cute, efficient and has a quirky sense of humour. The book shows a lot of growth within Eve herself as she opens up new parts of herself.  Parts that she has kept locked away for years due to the terrible abuse she suffered as a child. The book does a good job of following Eve around as she investigates the multiple murders and the ending was every interesting as well as quite unexpected.  This part of the story-line built well with a good climax at the end which included some good action and fast thinking on Eve’s part. I really enjoyed reading about Eve’s growth and discovery of her childhood.  It is also fun to read about the interactions between Eve and Roake.  The sex scenes were well written and quite moving.

This is a standalone book, and I am sure that if you read it you would be quickly reading the first two books in the series.  I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about strong female lead characters and enjoys a suspense story.  But if you are looking to solve a mystery along with Eve then you will be disappointed since you cannot solve this book on your own.  J. D. Robb keeps too much information out which makes this is impossible, but the story is well written and certainly enjoyable.  I also recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about a bit of romance since there is a fair bit of this as well as some hot sex scenes between Eve and Roake.

1 Treasure Box, Romance

H.R.H. by Danielle Steel

Leave a comment

Book Review: 1 Treasure Box

This book was pretty slow moving and at the end I thought, is that all? It is a tale of Princess Christianna, royalty of a small European nation.  It is her journey of coming to terms with her heretage and responsibility and of course there is a love interest that is fraught with problems.  The was not much depth to the characters and the story was really contrived.

I thought the events leading up to the end of the book were all rather convenient, if also a bit sad.  All in all, I would say the book was pretty mediocre.

Book Review, 1 Treasure Box, Romance, Public Library, Goodreads

Toxic Bachelors by Danielle Steel

Leave a comment

Book Review: 1 Treasure Box
Publisher: Random House Audio,Listening Length: 10 hours and 26 minutes (336 pages), ASIN: B000BVGTU8


The book was mildly entertaining and the characters were ok, but not as well rounded or defined as I would have liked.  The story centers on 3 male friends who are all very different from each other but they have a bond and they spend each summer together cruising on a luxury yacht meeting girls and partying.

It was fun to read about life on the yacht.  The story shows the progression of relationships with each of the guys as they meet various different girls in their travels both on and off the yacht.  I could not really understand the name of the book and how it relates to the story as I did not feel all the characters were “Toxic”.

The book was pretty mediocre and transparent but the ending was satisfying

To Purchase: “Toxic Bachelors” from Amazon, click here or on picture above

Happy Holidays! Download a FREE audiobook today!

3 Treasure Boxes, Romance, Suspence

Naked in Death by J. D. Robb (Nora Roberts)

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

Book Review: 3 Treasure Boxes

In Death, Book 1

I really like the writing, the characters and the premise of this book.  It has an interesting twist on a romantic suspense in that this is a futuristic suspense with a unique heroine, Eve Dallas, a homicide lieutenant in 2058 in New York City.  During an investigation she suspects the gorgeous, sexy and very successful Rouke as committing the crime.

The initial meeting between these two is fun to read. While uncovering what really happens she and Rouke get to know each other better and there is lots of hot steamy sex between them. But also throughout the book, Lieutenant Dallas is tracking down the serial murderer of 3 prostitutes.  The storyline of both the investigation and the relationship between Dallas and Rouke keep developing throughout the book and are interesting to read.

The book is a complete story unto itself, which is always satisfying to read. But, the story of Dallas and Rouke continues in the next book, with Dallas facing another murder to solve.  I am looking forward to reading the next book.

3 Treasure Boxes, Historical Fiction, Romance

The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon

Leave a comment

Book Review: 3 Treasure Boxes

Fifth Book in the Outlander Series

The saga continues in the same exciting and entertaining fashion as the previous novels.  It is 1771 and the story continues immediately following the fourth book with Brianna and Roger being formally married.  The American Revolution is imminent and Claire, Roger and Brianna all have foresight as to what is going to occur so it helps them all prepare.

We find that many storylines that started previously are brought to a conclusion during this book. I thought there was a pretty gruesome part concerning Roger and it makes me wonder if he could do it all again would he still follow Brianna into the past.

I really enjoyed reading about how they lived their lives in 1771 and of course the romance and sex is always fun to read about. The book came to a good conclusion and was overall very satisfying

4 Treasure Boxes, Historical Fiction, Romance, Goodreads

Voyager by Diana Gabaldon

Leave a comment
This entry is part [part not set] of 4 in the series Outlander

Book Review: 4 Treasure Boxes
Third Book in the Outlander Series
Publisher: Dell; First Edition edition (October 1, 1994), Paperback: 1072 pages, ISBN-10: 0440217563, ISBN-13: 978-0440217565


I loved this book, it is truly a romantic tale. Since it was revealed at the end of the last book that Jamie could still be alive in the past, the beginning of the book  goes back and forth between the present and the past showing what both Claire and Jamie are up to.  Claire has a hard decision to make, leave her daughter and attempt to find Jamie or stay with Brianna.

There are currently seven books in the Outlander series and book eight is expected early in 2013. These books are all considerate historical fiction, but they also include plenty of romance.  The story is told in a first person narrative by the main protagonist, a English woman, Clare, who has time traveled in Scotland to just over 200 years into the past.

Needless to say, she decides to attempt to go back and find Jamie and due to research she is fairly certain where to find him.  It is a very brave thing for her to do since it has been 22 years since she last saw him and anything could have happened in that time. It is really touching the nervousness she has when they first meet again.  I could really relate to Claire’s insecurities surrounding this event.

There are many touching scenes between the two as well as some sexy ones as well.  The story moves around over the globe covering many advertures by the couple and with trouble following Jamie around it leaves room for lots of excitement. We learn more about how the stones work and there is some interesting parts concerning mystism.  Claire is also a doctor now which makes her ability to help people in the past even greater than in the first book.

The ending is quite thrilling with an interesting twist that leaves you wanting more.

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

Historical Fiction, Romance, 3 Treasure Boxes

Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon

Leave a comment

Book Review: 3 Treasure Boxes

Fourth Book in The Outlander Series

Interesting historical novel with absorbing characters and adventures. This book immediately follows events from Book Three and it takes place in America in 1767. It also briefly comes back to the present and further builds on Brianna and Rogers characters and relationship. 

Brianna discovers some distressing information about her parents and decides to go to the past and join them.  Roger, who realizes he loves her, decides to follow.  The book is about their journey, both to past and together in the past, they have a number of unpleasant events that both bring them closer together and separate them. Claire and Jamie also have a number difficulties to overcome and of course there is an enjoyable level of romance between them plus the usual number of hot and heavy scenes.

It is always delightful to read about living in the past and to join in the life of these entertaining characters. The book had a good ending and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

3 Treasure Boxes, Historical Fiction, Romance, Goodreads

Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

Leave a comment
This entry is part [part not set] of 4 in the series Outlander

Book Review: 3 Treasure Boxes
Second Book in the Outlander Series
Publisher: Dell; First Edition edition (November 2, 1993), Paperback: 976 pages, ISBN-10: 0440215625, ISBN-13: 978-0440215622


An enjoyable story with some interesting twists.  Twenty-two years have passed in Claire’s life after the end of the first book but it takes place in 1968 and introduces 2 new characters, one of them being Claire and Jamie’s daughter Brianna.

There are currently seven books in the Outlander series and book eight is expected early in 2013. These books are all considerate historical fiction, but they also include plenty of romance.  The majority of the story is told in a first person narrative by the main protagonist, a English woman, Clare, who has time traveled in Scotland to just over 200 years into the past. At times it moves into a third person narrative for the other main characters including Jamie, Claire’s husband, Brianna, Claire’s daughter and Roger, Brianna’s love interest.

The book moves back and forth through time with a flash back to 1743 where Claire explains to Brianna how she came to be in the present and the truth of her heritage. There is a fair amount of reference to historical events and how our characters relate to what is happening, considering that Claire already knows what the outcome will be.

There is lots of action and plenty of sexy parts between Claire and Jamie. There are also some very endearing and heart-rendering parts in the book as well. The ending is quite startling and leaves room for the story to continue.

To Purchase: “Dragonfly in Amber” from Amazon, click here or on picture above

4 Treasure Boxes, Historical Fiction, Romance, Goodreads

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Leave a comment
This entry is part [part not set] of 4 in the series Outlander

Book Review: 4 stars
First Book in the Outlander Series
Publisher: Dell; X edition (June 2, 1992), Paperback: 850 pages, ISBN-10: 0440212561, ISBN-13: 978-0440212560


I loved this book and have read it several times.  I thought the writing was interesting, and it had an interesting twist taking place in both modern (albeit not too modern as it was more like mid-1940s) and past (1743) times. I really liked the characters, it was a wonderful romance with some pretty sexy scenes. The book was also full of lots of action and intense thrilling parts.

There are currently seven books in the Outlander series and book eight is expected early in 2013. These books are all considerate historical fiction, but they also include plenty of romance.  The story is told in a first person narrative by the main protagonist, a English woman, Clare, who has time traveled in Scotland to just over 200 years into the past.

The main protagonist is Claire a nurse who worked in the army as a nurse during the second world war, it starts out just after the war with Claire and her husband in Scotland on a holiday where they are trying to re-acquaint themselves with each other after being separated by the war.   The other main protagonist is Jamie a sexy, manly Scotsman who lives in 1743 Scotland.  Claire somehow ends up in 1743 Scotland after being mysteriously transplanted by the stones at Craigh na Dun.

The story follows Claire’s adjustment to living 200 years in the past and there are plenty of antagonists in the book to keep the story flowing. It was interesting to see Claire adapting her modern knowledge of healing to what was available to her in 1743.  I really enjoyed the book and the book had a great ending.

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