Book Review: Pray by Linda Howard

Pray
by: Linda Howard

This book was an awesome installment to Linda Howard's novels. It was an intense ride, full of murder, mayhem and love.

The story is about Angie Powell, a blunt and honest trailblazer, who has made her home and runs her business in Montana. Except business hasn't been going well for her. In fact its very life is being drained away by rival businessman Dare Callahan.

After having served in the military, Dare has settled down in Montana and currently life and business is good. There's only one problem, he wants Angie and she'll have nothing to do with him.

When Angie takes her last clients of the year out on a hunt, things take a turn for the worst and her very life is put in danger. Fortunately Dare is camping near by and comes to the rescue. Their lives take an turn when they are forced together in a fight for survival.

Wow, this book was awesome. The rough, no holes bared, Dare was a joy to read and get to understand. He's attitude was perfectly paired with the sarcastic whit of Angie, whose survival instincts in intense situations saved her life on numerous occasions.

Their relationship was worst at best before they get shoved together and the tension soars whenever they interact.

What was great about this novel:
The storyline was smooth and the transitions between scenes and timelines understandable and didn't detract from the story
The character depth and flaws were believable
The 'base' steps were covered before the couple reached their first sex scene
Both main characters had strong personalities buy did not over power each other

What I didn't like about this novel:
The bear in this novel had it's own internal thoughts and at times it detracted from the storyline, although I do understand why this point of view needed to be added.
The bear seemed like more of a villain in this story then the human villain trying to kill her
Dare is phsyically scared from his time in service and although she touches on it, I wish she had brought these scars a bit more to the readers attention instead of sprinking them in throughout the story

I give Prey by Linda Howard a 5 out of 5 in storyline/romance and a 4 out of 5 for bedroom steaminess.

Find out more about Linda Howard and her novels by clicking here.

Book Review- Rainshadow Road

Rainshadow Road
by Lisa Kleypas

This novel focuses on Sam Nolan, vineyard owner and Mark's brother from Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor (the first book in this series) and Lucy Marinn, a local glass artist who creates her own special form of magic. Coming out of a long term relationship with a boyfriend who had cheated on her, Lucy isn't looking for another go no where relationship, especially with someone as charming and not into commitments as Sam. Sam grew up in a house with two alcoholic parents and has decided that he never wants to go through what they did and has sworn off all forms of commitment no matter what he feels for Lucy.

This was a great second installment of Lisa Kleypas Friday Harbor series. Sam was charming and a wonderful male character to read and learn about. Lucy was a strong female character who had to learn first how to enjoy life before she could fully appreciate Sam and all he has to offer. When she vows to never tie him down and Sam finds he can't stay away from her, life gets interesting.

This book was a joy to read and I couldn't put it down. The relationship between Sam and Lucy was extremely realistic, hot and Sam was such a romantic easy going flirt I wish I could meet him in real life.

My one complaint is the magic both Sam and Lucy had a depth and meaning for the characters individually, but didn't really add anything to the storyline except to have Lucy finish the large stained glass window in the living room. I'm hoping that in her next novel in this series, Dream Lake, combines everything in such a way to make a round polished picture of the vineyard house and the brothers who live there.

I give this a 5 out of 5 for storyline/romance and a 5 out of 5 for bedroom steaminess.

If you'd like to read more about this author and her books, please click here.

Book Review- Awaken to Pleasure

Awaken to Pleasure (Silhouette Desire #1602)
By Nalini Singh

This novel introduces Taylor Reid, a woman whose unpleasant experiences with dating and desire have left her scared and unable to cope with real desire. She struggling to overcome her conniving step father as he attempts to battle her for custody of her younger brother and her unwilling desire for Jackson. Jackson Santorini, a famous film director has desperately wanted Taylor for years but has lost his belief in trust and love a long time ago.

I really enjoy Nalini Singh's novel and after having first read her Phy and Changeling novels then picking up her earlier Silhouette novels, I continue to be amazed at her writing style and technique. Every character has its own unique voice and you feel as if you are actually listening to their internal thought processes as opposed to watching the scenes play out.

She is the first author I recommend when asked for suggestions on reading material, and one of the only authors that I lend out my books and want returned (normally I just give them away to interested parties). She is one of the people I'd like to meet before I die (the other is Liam Nelson, and don't worry I'll stop gushing soon). I highly suggest reading this novella. It won't disappoint and kept me reading to the end.

I give this book a 5 out of 5 for storyline/romance and a 4 out of 5 for bedroom steaminess.

If you'd like to find out more about this author and her other novels, please click here.