Lemonade Castle - Book Reviews

2003-10-04T05:27:00.000-04:00

Waking the Princess by Susan King - 4 & 1/2 Stars (out of 5)

A nice story, intelligent and well-written. I liked it except, for some reason I can not define, I got bored with parts of it - maybe a little too much pining away in it although it had an exciting, and good ending.

2003-09-30T14:54:00.000-04:00

Taming the Scotsman by Kinley MacGregor (aka Sherrilyn Kenyon) - 5 Stars (out of 5)

A very nice book to read - and with laughs. I loved the scene when two groups of men were fighting and two women started swinging swords at each other. The men were shocked and all made peace and stopped to watch the fight -- too funny!

2003-09-28T05:29:00.000-04:00

Slightly Scandalous by Mary Balough - 5 Stars (out of 5)

This was wonderful and fun to read as was another book of hers that I read, Slightly Married. I hope to read all of her other books.

2003-09-25T09:02:00.000-04:00

Wedding the Highlander by Janet Chapman - 5 Stars (out of 5)

Loved this! She keeps getting better and better. Her transplanted Scotsmen are very sexy. I like how she weaves magic into the story. I wish Ian's romance had been a little more developed and detailed, though the story was very, very good. Read this - it's the 3rd in a series. While each one can be read separately, it's best to read them in order.

2003-09-22T10:44:00.000-04:00

Finders Keepers by Linnea Sinclair (aka Megan Sybil Baker) - 5 Stars (out of 5)

Wonderful science fiction romance - a very enjoyable book. I liked this much better than her other book, Accidental Goddess, which was pretty good, too. The plot was well thought out and the book included several likable secondary characters.

2003-09-19T10:31:00.000-04:00

Loving the Highlander by Janet Chapman - 5 Stars (out of 5)

This was better than her first one (rated below). I loved this book all the way through. I can't wait for the next one coming out next month.

2003-09-17T20:24:00.000-04:00

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2003-09-17T20:22:00.000-04:00

Charming the Highlander by Janet Chapman - 4 & 1/2 Stars (out of 5)

This is Janet Chapman's first novel and I am going to read all of them. There's a little time travel and magic in this one where several Scots travel into present time from 800 years in the past. It was a nice book - not as deeply riveting as Karen Marie Moning, but still good enough. I had only one gripe -- the herione is not that likeable. She has the care of her infant nephew and promised the mother that she would give the baby to the father, but balks at the request. I felt so sorry for the father who was grieving at the mother's death and still she did not tell him about his baby. I began to dislike her even though the author tries to present good reasons. I trust her second novel will be better.

2003-09-16T09:45:00.000-04:00

Fountain of Fire by Josie Litton - 5 Stars (out of 5)

Every single one of her books are GREAT and this was just as wonderful to read. Its hard to put down action and romance. I love the fictional kingdom of Akora and England in the 1800's. Her books are perfect fun.

2003-09-13T16:02:00.000-04:00

A Garden in the Rain by Lynn Kurland - 5+ Stars (out of 5)

Her books are treasures and worth keeping. I love the way her characters relate to each other -- the interaction between siblings -- the humor and swordplay -- the ghosts and time travel. This book had all of those things with characters that will be good in sequels and with the return of favorite people from previous books. This is one of the very best romance writers out there. My only wish is for her to write more often.

2003-09-10T17:08:00.000-04:00

The Wedding Chase by Kasey Michaels, Gayle Wilson, Lyn Stone - 5 Stars (out of 5)

All 3 stories in this book were good. I have no complaints. It was nice, easy reading set in the 1800's.

2003-09-07T09:32:00.000-04:00

Accidental Goddess by Megan Sybil Baker (aka Linnea Sinclair) - 4 & 1/2 Stars (out of 5)

This is a romance set in a science fiction and magical future with a powerful heroine. She was a strong character and used a sentient spaceship. They communicated telepathically (not only a good tool to use in a story, I just plain like stories with telepathy in them). I want to read Baker's other books.

2003-09-05T16:54:00.000-04:00

Single White Vampire by Lynsay Sands - 4 & 1/2 Stars (out of 5)

This modern vampire story was funny and light-hearted. While I prefer her stories set in olden times, this one has good insight into how a romance convention works today plus a cute and very funny love story.

2003-09-04T07:28:00.000-04:00

Barely a Bride by Rebecca Hagan Lee - 5 Stars (out of 5)

A wonderful, happy story (at least most of it was happy) with characters you fell in love with. Even the "bad" guys earned our understanding so there was no real "evil" person. I loved this book. I have not always liked everything this author wrote, but this book was one of those "hard-to-put-down" stories - great from start to finish. One thing I really enjoyed was the wedding. For once an author just didn't say, "....and so they were married...." Instead, we get the wedding details, what they wore, more importantly, how the characters felt, etc. This book was a joy to read.

2003-09-03T09:06:00.000-04:00

The Scoundrel by Claire Delacrois - 3 Stars (out of 5)

This is a sequel to The Rogue and takes a character from that story and puts him in his own story. It is well-written and would normally deserve a higher rating and will likely get good reviews. My main problem is that this is written in first person, which was so annoying that I could not finish the book. Also, the main female character, Evangeline, came off as a whore who slept for gain. This was no sweet innocent. She was hard to like.

2003-09-02T16:00:00.000-04:00

Night Embrace by Sherrilyn Kenyon - 5 Stars (out of 5)

This is about vampires (sort of), werewolves, Greek gods and other creatures mixing in with modern earth. There is much violence, cussing, killing and torture. In the middle of all this is a GREAT romance.

2003-09-01T16:14:00.000-04:00

Where's My Hero by Kleypas, MacGregor, Quinn - 5 Stars (out of 5)

A wonderful collection of three stories, each one fun to read and hard to put down.

2003-08-31T09:33:00.000-04:00

The Lady Chosen by Stephanie Laurens - 5+ Stars (out of 5)

This was a treasure and a keeper. I love Stephanie Laurens' writing style, her wonderful alpha males, her wit and intelligence, the social situations and daring females. She can write about regency England better than anyone. With just a raised eyebrow, her characters speak volumes. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time.

2003-08-29T09:53:00.000-04:00

All Men are Rogues by Sari Robins - 4 & 1/2 Stars (out of 5)

This is a nice historical England book with spies, intrigue and a good story - relaxing reading.

2003-08-26T18:22:00.000-04:00

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2003-08-26T18:20:00.000-04:00

Shadow Game by Christine Feehan- 5 Stars (out of 5)

Currently, Christine Feehan is my very favorite, number one author for her "Dark" series. Each book is a treasure. I have not been as fond of her other stories. They just aren't the same -- part of it is the telepathy. I love telepathy in a story (such as with the dragons in an Anne McCaffrey book). I love how the hero instantly recognizes his mate -- so romantic!

Shadow Game has all of these elements. It was not a "Dark" series, but it was GREAT! I hope she takes some of the secondary characters and writes sequels. This is an excellent, gripping, exciting story.

2003-08-25T14:59:00.000-04:00

Traveler by Melanie Jackson - 5 Stars (out of 5)

This is set in a different earth. It's modern day and their history is much the same as ours, but goblins, trolls, fairies and other magical creatures exist and mingle among ordinary people. At first, I thought I had walked into a sequel and a very complex world, but the more I read, the more I liked it.

Violence, death and drug use are found in this book as well as a wonderful love story with magical elements. I look forward to future books from Melanie Jackson.

2003-08-23T10:49:00.000-04:00

The Wife Test by Betina Krahn - 4 & 1/2 Stars (out of 5)

This is a sequel to The Husband Test which was also great. Both are set in the Middle Ages. Not as many authors seem to be writing for this time period these days, so it was refreshing to read this story. The Wife Test is funny and had me laughing at several points (like the first one). I loved it, but be forewarned -- the hero is cranky and wants to be a monk, therefore, he does not think much of women. He cusses a lot - I wished there had been less swearing. He is irritated and scowling most of the time. I wished he had lightened up a bit, but the humor and happy ending made up for it. There was even a secondary romance. Again, I wished we'd been given a more detailed glance into those characters, especially at the end.

2003-08-21T10:14:00.000-04:00

Fool for Love by Eloisa James - 4 & 1/2 Stars (out of 5)

This is a sequel to Duchess in Love. It would be best to read the first book, but of course, the story stands on its own, as well. She tells good stories with many interesting secondary characters in them. The only minor frustration I have is with these secondary characters. She started on love story with a set of characters in her first book, then continued their story in her second book. Their story did not conclude, though, and other secondary characters were introduced and left with unsolved problems so we expect more answers in a forthcoming third book. I am not happy with the length of time it takes to resolve our secondary characters' love lives. I wish they had happy endings, too.

Otherwise, the main characters are great, entertaining, sensual and fun to read. I recommend this book.

2003-08-18T23:54:00.000-04:00

Savior in Time by Samantha Gail - 5 Stars (out of 5)

If you liked the TV show Xeena, Warrior Princess, this book might appeal to you. The herione is a tough, well-trained knight of the future who travels back in time to complete missions for her boss (who looks like Yoda of Star Wars). She has supernatural abilities and kills enemies right and left with her special powers (she even has a light saber). It gets a bit gruesome. She meets her match many centuries back in time, though. While there is a lot of violence, this is a sensual romance. In fact, several secondary characters fall in love. I liked it.

This book has an element I mentioned before that I enjoy -- the story continues long after the couple has confessed love and married. I love to see a relationship deepen and continue. The plot keeps them plenty busy.

As you can tell by now most of my books are given 5 stars. I am easy to please. This may not make for being the best critic, but I sincerely enjoy most author's efforts and am grateful for each book that takes me into another world. I have no desire to write books, just to read and enjoy. My thanks go to all of these authors.

2003-08-18T11:17:00.000-04:00

Stealing the Bride by Elizabeth Boyle - 5 Stars (out of 5)

This book had a stronger, more powerful female lead than many books do. She connived, schemed and did what she could to win the man she loved. I enjoyed the surprises in this and the great way the story played on the title. This was no ordinary "stealing the bride." It was great. My only frustration was a small one. She fell in love with this guy and spent 10 years waiting for him before the story begins. Ten years!!! That was way too long. One or two years would have been better.

2003-08-14T22:31:00.000-04:00

One Night of Scandal by Teresa Medeiros - 4 & 1/2 Stars (out of 5)

I have read and loved every one of her books, especially the two involving time travel (Enchantment and Magic).

One Night of Scandal takes place in historical England (early 1800's). This story has a great beginning - good humor as found in a Julia Quinn book. I chuckled and laughed at her lively characters. As the book went on, it became a little gloomy and I found myself disliking Allegra who was more irritating than loveable. Her problems were just a bit too extreme. Another side character, Harriet, could have used with a happy ending of her own. I felt sorry that she was left dangling.

At any rate, this is still a good book. Read all of her novels.

2003-08-12T21:28:00.000-04:00

Fountain of Secrets by Josie Litton - 5 Stars (out of 5)

This is another great "can't-put-it-down" book. It's the 5th in a series. Read them all! They are set in the early 1800's and deal much with historical England and the invented island country of Akora. It's a wonderful mix of culture with lots of romance and adventure. I hope she writes many more.

2003-08-09T21:55:00.000-04:00

The Star Princess by Susan Grant - 5 Stars (out of 5)

This is the third in a series following "The Star King" and "The Star Prince." All books were GREAT science fiction romances. Read them all.

2003-08-06T17:25:00.000-04:00

To Love a Scottish Lord by Karen Ranney - 5 Stars (out of 5)

This is the 4th in what I think might be a series of 5 books. The first book, One Man's Love, covers the parents of the characters in the other books. I love all the books in this series. Karen Ranney writes so deeply and moving. She has a style like no other. Its almost hypnotic and I almost always cry, even though the books are beautiful. One things I like most is that the story continues long after the couple have acknowledged a love for each other. We get to see their families from previous stories and share in their happiness for a good while before the book ends -- such a nice thing.

Two of her other books are among my very favorites, My Beloved and After the Kiss.

2003-08-04T21:14:00.000-04:00

Shadow Crossing by Catherine Spangler - 5 Stars (out of 5)

The third book set in a science fiction world. I loved them all. Read also Shadower and Shamara. There's a double romance here which makes it extra special. I liked the new little alien life discovered by Rurick and Celie although it didn't have much to do with the story -- it was just cute and did allow the main characters to make a point or two.

Rurick pretends to be an android as a security measure since he is really a crown prince. Celie is a smuggler with a good heart. Never boring -- never slow. It was great from start to finish and it was good to see older characters again.

2003-08-01T11:39:00.000-04:00

Night Visitor by Melanie Jackson - 5 Stars (out of 5)

Ghosts, Time Travel, Fairies, Magic and Scotland figure in this delightful story. I liked it. I had one little wish -- I got a bit confused with the love scenes - wish they were a little more detailed and longer.

2003-07-30T09:38:00.000-04:00

Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale - 2 Stars (out of 5)

A duke suffers a stroke removing his ability to speak. He is mistaken for someone who has become insane and is thrown into an institution where a female worker recognizes that the duke is normal, just having trouble to speak and they begin a relationship. In this book, you see a lot of life in an institution in the 1800's. It is so sad to see the duke frustrated and unable to communicate. He never regains a perfect speaking ability.

While this book is getting tremendously good reviews on Amazon.com, and ends happily, I could not handle the constant sorrow and frustration. I felt so bad for the duke and frustrated with Maddy's overly religious attitude -- too much to enjoy reading this. It is not light reading even though many reviewers said it was the best romance they'd ever read.

This author is extremely talented. It might be the best romance you ever read. For me, it was a page-skipper. I skipped to the happy ending -a gut-renching, tear-jerking ending, but a very happy one, at least.

2003-07-29T10:24:00.000-04:00

Cherished Invader by Samantha Gail - 5+ Stars (out of 5)

Wow!! This book blew me away. It was perfect, set in a science-fiction world with people who have psychic abilities such as telepathy and more. I loved the secondary romance going on, as well. This was a keeper book, too. Usually finding a book this good is rare, but if it keeps up, I'll have to build an extra room onto this house to store all of the books.

My only disappointment was that this scenario would make a good basis for sequels. An overall issue is not resolved at the end of the book -- the reader is led to believe there might be sequels, but when I checked the publishing list, her next book does not appear to be one. I hope sequels will come, but whatever different worlds the author creates, I bet they will be GOOD!

2003-07-26T11:02:00.000-04:00

Heart Thief by Robin D. Owens - 5+ Stars (out of 5)

This is a keeper (one of those rare books that I keep forever instead of give away when I'm done). I don't have much space, so a book really has to be special to keep. This is a sequel to Heart Mate released last year. Heart Duel, the next book, is coming out in May of 2004. I hate the long wait!!!

Ruis and Ailim live on a fictional world where almost every one has magical powers. They've lost the art of science (which is Ruis's specialty since he is one of those very rare people who has no powers. In fact, he is a Null meaning other magic can not work in his presence). Ailim can read emotions and gets great relief in Ruis's presence. I can't begin to describe all of the ways I love this book, but I especially enjoy the science fiction and magical aspect in the amazing world Robin creates.

It was enjoyable to see again the characters from Heart Mate and see how they were doing as they blended into this story. Keep writing, Robin! You are one of the best and deserve the awards you've won.

2003-07-22T09:34:00.000-04:00

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2003-07-22T09:28:00.000-04:00

Fountain of Dreams by Josie Litton - 5 Stars (our of 5)

I could not put this book down. It's the 4th in a series of books set in the early 1800's and dealing with the fictional land of Akora and England. I loved seeing past characters with grown children of their own and the families they raised.

I am not a great details reviewer, but this blog is mostly notes to myself. This will be a book worth rereading. I enjoyed the characters here and wished more of them found their one true love besides the main two characters (such as Shadow and Andreas, two guys I would like to see married off, too!).

2003-07-21T11:55:00.000-04:00

To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn - 5 Stars (out of 5)

This book was typical Julia Quinn - funny and sweet. Widowed Phillip is looking for a mother for his two children and Eloise is looking for a chance to get away from "it all." They've been writing for a year when Phillip invites Eloise to his home to see if they can get along and possibly marry. Of course, nothing is quite what one expects.

I am glad she mentions older characters so we can touch base with how they are doing. There's even a crisis with a child of Benedict's.

2003-07-17T10:12:00.000-04:00

A Man to Call my Own by Johanna Lindsey - 5 Stars (out of 5)

This is a change from her regular style because it is a western novel. I am not a big fan of western novels in general, preferring the Regency England or Middle Ages time periods. But this is Johanna Lindsey! I had to read it.

Two identical twin young heiresses from the "civilized East" were placed in the care of their aunt in Texas after their father died. It was her job to approve whomever they might wish to marry.

She did a wonderful job with this -- the good and evil twin sisters entertained us and fit right in with the western scene (when they were "fighting it out" one time in their bedrooms and the other house occupants chuckled over it because, after all, this was Texas and that kind of thing was normal).

I laughed and agonized over the misunderstandings, but it was a rare book that I stayed up late, late at night to read.

2003-07-14T14:27:00.000-04:00

Lover Beware By Christine Feehan, Katherine Sutcliffe, Fiona Brand, Eileen Wilks - 5 Stars (out of 5)

Wow! This collection of 4 stories was amazing. They all had one element in common, stopping a murderer. Usually, I only like Christine Feehan's Dark series, but her story, Magic in the Wind, was wonderful! The women in a large family are witches and they are falling in love, one at a time. This story is about the first and oldest one to fall in love. The book hints at sequels to come with her 6 sisters.

Fiona Brand's story, After Midnight, about two people who had fallen in love 7 years ago, but were already married to others was a bit disturbing at first, but I loved the intensity and passion and forgave the original premise. I will read more of her books -- well written!

One story in this collection I disliked - that was Hot August Moon by Katherine Sutcliffe. It felt more like a prologue, not a story. The main bad guy was never brought to justice, the couple did not resolve their relationship and the author asks everyone to read her other book to continue with the story. I was also unhappy with the extreme violence and very graphic murder descriptions and the woman in the story smoked. I know some people will like this, but this wasn't my kind of enjoyable story.

Eileen Wilks blew me away! She's amazing and she's onto something with her werewolves. In her world, they live in the modern-day and are known by the populace in general. Much like in Feehan's Dark series, a werewolf recognizes his lifemate instantly by smell. The story was passionate and exciting. I am going to read everything she writes from now on. Those who love the Dark series will love this.

2003-07-09T12:54:00.000-04:00

A Scandalous Lady by Rachelle Morgan - 3 & 1/2 Stars (out of 5)

The basic premise is that a young girl living and stealing on the streets of England in 1887 and belonging to a gang is found by an impoverished baron who brings her home then gives her honest employment. It was a sweet story, but I guess I was a little tired of the "My Fair Lady" plot. Still, I liked the characters. This was obviously a sequel to one of her previous books, but it stands alone just fine.

2003-07-03T12:40:00.000-04:00

Just the Way You Are by Christina Dodd - 4 & 1/2 Stars (out of 5)

Christina Dodd is one of my favorite authors. I think I have read nearly everything she has published, but I was a bit disappointed that this was a modern-day novel. I am used to her historical books and was not expecting a modern-day setting. This was surprisingly good, covering the male perspective well (I just love it when the guy falls in love first). The story is left open - not all problems were resolved. It's obvious that several sequels will come out of this. I look forward to them, but I hope she returns to the past eventually. My all-time favorite book of hers was Rules of Engagement in the Governess Series.

Just the Way You Are is getting very mixed reviews on Amazon.com. If you have never read Christina Dodd's older books, you would probably enjoy this one.

2003-07-01T08:19:00.000-04:00

Adventures of a Scottish Heiress by Cathy Maxwell - 3 Stars (out of 5)

This book was okay. I liked it fine and it held my interest, but it is not one of my keepers. It was not quite as intelligent as I would like - maybe a little air-headed and written with the kind of storyline that seemed more in place 10 years ago. I would recommend it if you can't find anything better.

2003-06-30T17:49:00.000-04:00

My 5 favorite authors are:

Dara Joy - wish she could get more Matrix of Destiny books written!
Christine Feehan - I will NEVER get tired of her Dark series. Romance at its best!!
Karen Marie Moning - Love all of her books especially, Kiss of the Highlander
Glenna McReynolds - Prince of Time and all of the others -- all great!
Linda Howard - It's rare that I like a modern mystery romance, but her books are a cut above the rest.

Other fantastic authors include Stephanie Laurens, Christina Dodd, Kathleen Nance, Robin D. Owens, Susan Grant, Donna Fletcher, Karen Whiddon, Lynn Kurland, Johanna Lindsay, Catherine Coulter's historical line, Julia Quinn, Karen Ranney, Josie Litton, Victoria Alexander, Virginia Henley, Iris Johansen (her romance series), Hannah Howell, Suzanne Enoch, Sabrina Jeffries, Eloisa James, Claudia Dain, Amanda Quick, Jayne Castle (an author with several names) and more. A touch of magic, time travel or science fiction adds to the book as well as being set in olden times. There are very few modern romance novels that work for me - I guess they are just too hard to believe.

What I like in a book is a happy ending, but also with witty conversation, a little humor and intelligent writing. (Lynn Kurland's interactions between siblings is delightful -- so funny!) I don't like too much angst -- Julia London comes to mind here. She is an excellent writer, but her stories give me ulcers with all the hate and misunderstanding that comes near the end. I have to be in the mood to read one and sometimes I skip over the worst angst parts.

I don't like to criticize too much. It's hard being an author. I have no wish to be one -- I just want to enjoy my escapes from reality and I deeply appreciate those talented writers who graciously provide these escapes.

2003-06-30T17:34:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Lemonade Castle! I like to sit out on the front porch and sip a lemonade while reading a good, happily-ever-after romance novel. Please join me as I finish and review each book I read.

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