Fantastic Chic-lit!

This is my first Cathy Kelly novel and I can't wait to buy another. I could not wait to read it every day and went to bed early just so I could read my book in peace. I sat reading in bed 'til 1am as I was on the last 3 chapters and had to know what happened. <br /><br />I thought the characters were described beautifully as I could visualise them perfectly. The ending was done brilliantly as I have never read a novel where the death was set so beautifully giving the detail of what the grandmothers sees in heaven. Can't believe anyone would find this book boring-it's great especially wiht thhe chapters relating to when the grandmother was a young woman.

Not a Mistake to Read!!

I love this book, this one is really my favorite from Jill, it made me laugh, cry and left me feeling warm and fuzzy, not depressed. It is a warm well written enjoyable book, and I confess that I have read it quite a few times over the years. What are you waiting for, if you have not already bought, hurry up!

Don't go

Recently Natsuki Takaya has dealt with the relationships of some of the supporting characters... and now it's back to the main trio.<br /><br />And the nineteenth volume of"Fruits Basket" focuses on Tohru's growing feelings for Kyo, even as she struggles to free him from his curse -- and the scorn of the other zodiac members. Though there are some funny moments (mostly from the wonderfully wacky Ayame) growing romantic feelings and past regrets are littered all through these chapters.<br /><br />Heartfelt talks take up a lot of space -- when Shigure tells Tohru about the approaching"last banquet" and the cat's place, she is left struggling with her torn feelings. Kyo has a chat with her kindly grandfather about Tohru, and remembers his own talk with her dead mother. And Shigure has a soul-baring talk with Hatori about the increasingly reclusive Akito, and just what he wants from her.<br /><br />But the romantic tension growing between Kyo and Tohru are stifling Yuki, so he goes shopping out on the town, and eventually ends up visiting his brother. While the brothers talk, Yuki stirs up memories of the first time Ayame realized that his careless words could hurt people. But he isn't the only one -- amid the usual school council hijinks, Yuki finds out about a past conflict between Kakeru and Tohru...<br /><br />In the grand scheme of things, not much actually happens in this volume -- it's mostly about the characters and their feelings.<br /><br />Don't worry. It's not boring, especially since Takaya continues to weave in some darker threads about Kyo's bleak past and future, and his half-hidden regrets about Kyoko. And she lets readers have a look at how the characters are changing as they approach adulthood (Momiji has become the new"prince"). There's a bittersweet flavour even to the lighter chapters, since everything around them is changing so quickly.<br /><br />But don't worry -- despite the darker moments, we still get lots of comic relief like Kyo bashing his head against the wall in exaggerated shame. And there are some deeply romantic moments, like a beautiful flashback to the start of Ayame's relationship with Mine. These moments are exquisitely beautiful without having to be too obvious, and Takaya's delicate artwork only adds to the feeling.<br /><br />But the biggest romantic moments come for Tohru and Kyo. Tohru's inner struggles are further revealed, since she turns out to have some conflicting feelings about her parents and Kyo. And Kyo shows that he's grown out of the angry, self-loathing cat-boy he used to be, while Yuki has become more patient with his brother, and very sweet and loving toward his new girlfriend.<br /><br />And Takaya doesn't neglect the other characters -- Kakeru turns out to be a romantic, Ayame definitely isn't gay, and Momiji has some secret romantic feelings. And Shigure's darker side casts a shadow over the first half of this manga.<br /><br />The nineteenth volume of"Fruits Basket" explores the changing feelings of the characters, even as it inches toward the end. A really stellar, polished little manga.

Brilliant new series

How great - to find another brilliant Vampire series with a change. Absolutely cannot put these down - you will not notice how fast you turn the pages - Loved all of these especially Dante & Tess's story - Well Done Lara, can hardly wait for Book 4.

Fabulous Series

I started my"love affair" of paranormal romance last year when reading"No Rest for the Wicked". This left me absolutely hooked, as I now own every book in print by Kresley Cole!!! <br /><br />I began to 'feel' for the characters and the love scenes are very hot. I definately recommend reading Kresley Cole, but must say that the"Immortals Afer Dark" series is still my favourite. After all - who can resist a sexy vampire or werewolf??

Very enjoyable

I've read 'Persuading Annie' and 'Acting Up' of Nathan's books and thought this was more enjoyable than the former. PA was OK, but I found that in this one the chemistry between the leading characters was particularly fascinating.<br /><br />One has to suspend disbelief in some parts, but still, I found the novel so unputdownable, that I'll give it a 5.

will make a great addition to any romance fan's library!!!

The stories heroin Kate Hardesty was a successful professor, after her father dies of a heart attack she discovers her father's dream which has life changing implications for herself. She returns to the island (Ocracoke Island) where her father has invested years of research on a lost sunken ship named Liberty, and reunites with her first love (Ky Silver) Several years pass and she realizes that not much has changed within him. She struggles to fight the feelings she once had for him and asks if he would join her in fulfilling her father's dream. It would take long for Kate and Ky to realize they needed each other in and off land. On a quest for lost treasure amidst danger at Sea and fire in their hearts; these two people from different worlds discover that the treasure they are both in search of can't be found in gold at the bottom of the Sea. Treasures: Secret StarTreasures Lost, Treasures Found by Nora Roberts will make a great addition to any romance fan's library!!! I would also recommend reading Tino Georgiou's bestselling novel--The Fates--if you missed it!

fake book

I used to like Marian Keyes but thought this book was horrible. It was a nasty attack on Los Angeles by a woman who's clearly never lived there. Horrible, vile and twisted. It has really put me off this Irish dwarf

Good for a first attempt

I agree with the reviewers who said that this was not one of her best, as she had a way to go in developing her style and characters. I have never really warmed to Claire. Some of her asides seem a bit too clever-clever,and the way she blows hot and cold with Adam is cruel. I agree with James when he says: 'Living with you was like living with a spolit, demanding child', with her constantly wanting to go out partying.<br />Rachel may be a depressed, paranoid, selfish cokehead when we first meet her, but she seems more human and more rounded somehow. Maggie and Anna are more sympathetic too, but I've never liked Helen either.

Wow, oh wow, did I love this book

Okay, I still love"Hunger" better, because Lachlain be my man, but Bowe is super hot too. Dooooona. I love that so much. And the plot! Twists, turns, a real big twist near the end that I did not see coming. And a heroine who actually IS strong, not just"strong because the author says she's strong" kind of thing. Now I have to reread the first two and read it again. Also, if you missed reading Tino Georgiou's masterpiece--The Fates, go and read it.

I'm not a big fan of Nora Robert's

but I gave it a try after my husband read it and said he loved it. I'm glad I read Holding the Dream because it was a really good novel. I could not put it down. This book had me on edge and I couldn't help wanting to read more. There were even many times when I actually had in depth conversations with my husband about the book after I had finished it, which is a rarity. If you like books like this I would also suggest reading Tino Georgiou's masterpiece - The Fates, which my husband and I also enjoyed very much.

Better then I expected and quite good fun but still not great

I was given this book with a few other chick lit type books and had fairly low expectations of it when I read it. However, I liked the story and thought that it could be believeable.<br />To my surprise i found myself liking Samantha, although I wasn't convinced that she was a top lawyer<br />There were a few details which were badly dealt with which kept annoying me throughout the story - run off to the country fine - leave your flat fine - but it didn't feel right that she didn't go and get anything from the flat at all - not just no clothes but nothing.<br />I felt that the ending was completely predictable but i guess it had to be - Easy way to pass the time of day.

Excellent follow up

"Kiss Of Crimson" is the follow up to"Kiss Of Midnight", a series very much in the Black Dagger Brotherhood mode, with vampires fighting foes, in this case renegade vampires, and trying to protect the humans amongst whom they live. The first book's similarities to J R Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood seemed rather over the top but this book was different, less like the BDB and more of its own story.<br /><br />Dante, the hero of this book, is one of the vampire warriors who fights against the Rogues. When he finds himself injured he has to take the blood of a young vet that he finds in her clinic - but after he's done this he realises she's one of the Breedmates and consequently he has, in some ways, bound himself to her. Things get more complicated when Tess Culver and Dante meet again and he realises that her ex-boyfriend is involved in the production of a new drug, Crimson, which seems to be having serious effects on the young male vampires of the Darkhavens. In fact it appears that Crimson is causing some of these young males to turn into Rogues.<br /><br />Dante and the other brothers are searching for the cause of the Crimson, along with Sterling Chase, a male member of the Darkhavens, but Dante finds his path tangled up with Tess Culver. However she's already had a frightening experience with a vampire and he's afraid of causing her more problems, especially as he knows she won't want him. But there's more to Tess than meets the eyes and her skills as a vet may have more behind them than just study and training.<br /><br />This book, although focusing on Dante and Tess, also gives us insights into Sterling Chase and his long-term love for his brother's widow, Elise. Elise is apparently the heroine of the next book in the series,"Midnight Awakening", and I hope that Chase will also appear in that book as he was an interesting new character.<br /><br />The writing style in this book was always enjoyable with great pacing, interesting locations and events and a rather touching romance between Dante and Tess. There were less scenes from the viewpoints of the Rogues or Minions, most of what we learned was either from Tess or Dante.<br /><br />This is a very enjoyable series, especially now that it appears to be parting ways from its rather close relationship to the Black Dagger Brotherhood and finding more of its own voice. Lara Adrian's writing is good and her characters are varied and interesting. Originality isn't necessarily her strong point but there aren't that many truly original stories in this genre. Fans of the Black Dagger Brotherhood should love this series too!

Tame and somewhat dated.

Midnight Awakening reads like an average series romance. Perfunctory is the word I would use to describe it. I cannot believe this novel comes from the same pen what wrote in the lurid tattoo-sucking scene in Kiss of Crimson.<br /><br />`Widow' romances are rarely much good and this is no exception. The heroine Elise subjects Tegan to one of the most outrageous teases I've ever read. First she comes on to him like she's ready to do the deed. Then at the last moment she changes her mind, runs away, and then comes back to finish the business! I thought her actions at the time almost amounted to the sadistic torture of a guy who admits he hasn't had sex for 500 years. I don't like that kind of thing.<br /><br />And lookee. The Order has got it's very own groupie, hanger-on. Chase. Just like Butch in the BDB. And he's just as much of a brown-noser. I want him to die. Or be the first Rogue to infiltrate the compound. But I just know he's going to get his own story some time in the future. <br /><br />As an experienced romance reader I found Midnight Awakening to be such an eeeeasy read. However. Be aware that the story still has the quota of soft-core and violence required by the genre. But not too much of either. Neither is the heroine brutalized by the baddies. I think that's what I found a bit much in Crimson. When Tess got munched by the Rogues. Not to mention the imagery of blood that was thrust into the tattoo-sucking scene. All a bit too much for me. But. Wow! What an imagination on someone's part. Nothing like that in Midnight Awakening. Thank goodness. Sort of.<br /><br />What is good is the non-romance plot. Something about a book and an ancient alien vampire. Marek gets his just deserts but someone worse is due to take his place. However like so often, the thrills and tension do not make any appearance until well over half way into the book. It was wonderful how all the riddles were solved by the females.<br /><br />I absolutely did not get the character of Andreas. I kept expecting that continental creep and his floosie to turn bad. He takes up far too much of the novel for what is essentially a cipher role.<br /><br />Absolutely not a patch on Kiss of Crimson. But perfectly acceptable nonetheless. And it was Tegan who turned out to be a cardboard cutout not Elise. I found it all a bit one-dimensional and...simple. <br /><br /><br />

Fantastic!!!

Karen Rose is an extremely brilliant writer. I can never seem to put her books down and finish them within days of buying them.<br /><br />'Have you seen her?' is written so well and is very gripping. Steven Thatcher becomes involved in a horrific investigation, something he will never forget. He mixes with work, love and his family. <br />Im not so great at writing these but i will just say that the book is excellent and i strongly recommend it for those who love detective/murder stories!!

A fun romp..

Romances readers are going to love this book. Ms Jefferies takes the"classic rake" and makes him a hero to die for. In order to get his niece away from his demented family's control, he has to convince a bluestocking teacher that he is what is best for his niece. To that end, he has to teach her young charges at the all girl's school"rake lessons" but it is the teacher who gets a lesson that will change her life and she forces him to realize that he needs her for more than a reference.<br /><br />These protagonists are typical for romances, but Ms Jefferies adds some unique humorous twists that the seasoned romance reader is going to savor. The story is fast paced, a wonderful blend of action and narrative with a surprise twist at the ending. Ms Jefferies doesn't disappoint. If the reader wants to escape for a few hours of reading enjoyment then this is a must read, they won't be disappointed<br />

Great start to the trilogy

First of the Templeton Sisters story and its a great one. You will fall in love with Josh and the rest of the family. Great Read.