by misscz on April 13, 2009
in 1 Star,2 Stars,3 Stars,4 Stars,5 Stars,Christine Feehan,Christine Merrill,Eve Kenin,Georgette Heyer,Housekeeping,Jessica Andersen,Kelly Hunter,Lori Devoti,Nalini Singh,Penny McCall,Sharon Ashwood
Being behind on reviews has had an unexpected plus side.
By having that gap between finishing the book and when I actually sit down to put my thoughts on paper, I have a better take on which books stay with me. Since I have to refresh my memory on some points, I usually have to do a little re-reading. If I really love the book, I tend to keep reading after I found whatever it was that prompted me to refer to the book. That’s a bit annoying, since I should be writing, not reading. The harder it is for me to put aside the book, the more likely the book is going to be a 5-star book, flaws and all.
With that in mind, I’m going to go ahead and give ratings to the books I’ve already posted. I’ll eventually update the individual review posts. Reminder: anything I give a 3-Star or above is a guarantee that I will try other books from the author.
Five Stars: LOVED!
- Dawnkeepers (Jessica Andersen)
- Bedded for Diamonds (a.k.a. Priceless) (Kelly Hunter)
- Ravenous (Sharon Ashwood)
- Dark Crusade (Lori Devoti)
Four Stars: Liked a lot!
- Driven (Eve Kenin)
- An Unladylike Offer (Christine Merrill)
- Ace is Wild (Penny McCall)
Three Stars: Enjoyable Read
- Slave to Sensation (Nalini Singh)
- Cousin Kate (Georgette Heyer)
- Shadow Game (Christine Feehan)
profile
Bedded for Diamonds
Author: Kelly Hunter
UK Title: Priceless (Modern Romance Series Extra)
UK ISBN: 978-0-263-85001-7
UK Publisher: Harlequin Mills & Boon
Copyright: 2006
N. A. Title: Bedded for Diamonds
N. A. ISBN: 978-0-373-82068-9
Published in N. A.: 2008 (Harlequin); 185 pgs.
Series: Harlequin Presents Nights of Passion
Sensuality: Warm
Who: Erin Sinclair and Tristan Bennett
Where: Australia
Bedded for Diamonds (AKA Priceless) is about Tristan Bennett, the youngest of Hallie Bennett’s (Wife For a Week) four older brothers. Tristan had a couple brief appearances in Wife For a Week, but it is not necessary to read that book first.
Tristan is an undercover operative with Interpol. After his last assignment in Prague — which ended badly — Tristan is in need of some serious down time. He returns home to Australia, on his sister’s advice, to find some peace and think about his future. Tristan is a wounded soul, and he’s not sure if he has it in him to go back to undercover work.
Priceless
As for finding peace at home instead of London, he’s not as convinced as Hallie about that possibility. Home has it’s own bad memories of a mother who died and a father who was never the same after. On plus side, his siblings are in far flung lands and dad’s on sabbatical in the Greek Islands. Tristan will have plenty of uninterrupted free time to come to a decision.
Erin Sinclair drives luxury taxis in Sydney, but she is also an aspiring jewelry designer. There is a design competition coming up and Erin plans to make a gem buying trip the following week. After picking up a gorgeous if somewhat broody passenger at the airport, her brother calls to inform her that he cannot accompany her as her co-driver/bodyguard. She doesn’t think she can get a replacement at such short notice and canceling is not an option. She rather get the stones in person than rely on on-line auctions. Desperate, she asks her passenger — who heard her side of the phone call — if he’d like the job.
Tristan points out the obvious, reminding her that they just met and she doesn’t know anything about him. Not that she didn’t try to get him to talk about himself during the car trip. He stubbornly avoided her attempts to draw him out. Erin knows she was being overly impulsive and tells him to forget she asked. But Tristan is now curious and intrigued by the sunny, friendly woman. She explains her predicament, and Tristan offers to help her — if she truly cannot find someone else. Naturally, Erin doesn’t find anyone who can make the trip and subjects Tristan to a brunch date with her mother — her idea of a screening process.
Though they are attracted to one another, once Erin learns he’s a cop, she has second thoughts about allowing him to accompany her. Not that she hates cops, it’s the fact she doesn’t want to get involved, as she tells her mother, with a “passionate crusader.” One who is so committed to his job, that he has nothing left for family and loved ones. One that can’t, or won’t, talk about his job even if he’s suffering.
Tristan is exactly that: he cares deeply, but he’s closed off and doesn’t let people get close to him. Yet Erin, with her generous heart and optimistic outlook, is just what he needs in his life. She understands the pressure and the difficult choices in his line of work. She knows how to reach through his walls and bring balance to his life. The question is, will he let her into his life.
This is the second book I’ve read by Kelly Hunter, and I really loved it. Funny at times and sweet. Pat the cockatoo is priceless. If you’re looking for a Harlequin Presents that doesn’t feature an extremely rich, arrogant CEO or royal, this is the perfect book. Tristan may be overprotective and stubborn, but he’s also a sweetheart of a guy who knows how to be supportive. Erin isn’t shy nor is she weak.
One final note: the North American title is very misleading, to say the least. Erin’s gem buying trip doesn’t involve diamonds at all — she buys opals and sapphires. Diamonds don’t enter the story until near the end.
Favorite Quotes:
“You do realize that bird is in love with you?”
– Erin, to Tristan, regarding Pat
Started: 11 February 2009
Finished: 11 February 2009
Rating:
LOVED IT !!
Wife For a Week
Author: Kelly Hunter
Copyright: 2006 (Harlequin); pgs. 186
Series: Harlequin Presents: The Eligible Bachelors
Sensuality: Warm
Who: Nicholas Cooper and Hallie Bennett
During Nicholas Cooper’s last trip to Hong Kong, the daughter of his potential business partner made a pass at him. To fend her off, Nick invented a wife. Now, he’s about to close the deal, which means he’s got to go back to Hong Kong — with a wife.
Hallie Bennett works at a high-end shoe store. She meets Nick when his mother, who is shoe-shopping, comes into the store with him in tow. Hallie and Clea, the mother, hit it off right away and Clea thinks she’s be the perfect “wife” for Nick (Clea’s not-so-secret agenda is to have grandchildren — the right pretend wife could become the real deal, thus leading to babies). Initially, Hallie thinks the pair is crazy, but eventually agrees to meet up with Nick later to give her final answer. They talk about themselves and their families, getting to know each other. Ultimately, Hallie agrees and some ground rules are established.
I was charmed by the book and there were several laugh-out-loud moments for me. I liked Nick, Clea, and Hallie. Nick’s a nice guy, really. He talks to Hallie and listens to her. And he’s not happy about misleading John Tey regarding his martial status. But exactly how do you tell a widower that his eighteen-year-old only child made a pass at you? What if John thought that they should marry? An issue comes up that puts Hallie in potential danger. Though Nick rather handle the situation, Hallie convinces him to let her handle the problem herself — and he sits on the sidelines. Hallie, having lived in the over-protective shadow of four brothers, needs to know she can take care of the mess she made without interference from them or Nick.
This is my first Presents. I was drawn in by the excerpt: Hallie, in the shoe store, talking to the pricey shoe just before Nick and his mother walk in. I will definitely read more from this author.
Favorite Quotes:
“He’s loaded.”
“Well, yes. But is he creative?”
“You should see his tax returns.”
– Clea, Hallie (re: Nick)
“What does Tristan do?”
“He works for Interpol.”
“Paper pusher?”
“Black ops. But he’s a pussycat really.”
Sure he was. All black ops specialists were pussycats. It was such a caring, non-confrontational profession.
– Nick, Hallie (re: Tristan, her brother)
Started: 30 June 2008
Finished: 30 June 2008
LOVED IT !!
Rating:
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