By J.D. Robb
G.P. Putnam’s Sons (2009), 342 pages, $26.95 (hardcover)
In a beloved series that only gets better with age, “Promises In Death” is perhaps the best of the 28 books about Eve and Roarke.
And that will probably last until the 29th book is released.
The “In Death” books have everything a romance suspense fan could want: A gritty and gutsy heroine, with just a tad of vulnerability known only to her true love; an unbelievably charismatic and gorgeous hero who happens to be the richest man in the universe and always knows the right thing to say and do.
And their complete and total devotion to each other.
These books have wit, humor and a support cast of intriguing, beguiling and lovable characters that reach through the pages and bring you right in there with them.
The books are set in the future – we’re up to 2060 in this one. While the stories are in no way science fiction, it does allow J.D. Robb – aka Nora Roberts – to have a bit of fun with futuristic devices.
And “Promises In Death” is definitely a fun read.
And much more.
There’s no tension between Roarke and Eve in this book – well, except when Roarke leaves a panicked Eve “alone” in their house-full of women gathered for a bridal shower, while he takes the groom and friends to Las Vegas for the bachelor party.
Like many other parts of the book, the repartee between Eve and Roarke in that scene is priceless and worth marking to read over and over and over again.
In fact, better find lots of markers – there are many scenes you’ll want to re-read.
Overall rating: 5 of 5 hearts. The romance is endearing, witty and memorable. Eve and Roarke are in definite sync and their passion and love wafts from the pages. The suspense is riveting, and will keep you enthralled and guessing until the end.
Hunk appeal: 10-plus and beyond. Roarke is the measure that all other heroes fail to measure up to.
Steamy scene grade: XXXX. And beyond.
Happily-Ever-After: Very good. The worst part is, you don’t want it to end. However, Eve solves the murder investigation – with the help of Roarke, of course, and some of her friends. And as always, Roarke is there to take Eve home. It’s like he says, “We’re perfect for each other.” Just like these books are perfect for romance readers.
Also this week…..
Montana Creeds: Logan
by Linda Lael Miller (2009 paperback) 3-plus of 5 hearts.
Linda Lael Miller has crafted another set of cowboys to woo and wow her readers. Although the advertised connection to her McKettrick series is rather tenuous, the Creed brothers stand on their own rather well. The first of the trio of rugged former rodeo heroes is Logan. He’s the first to return to his family ranch, which has been sorely neglected since the brothers parted ways, and left town, years earlier. After making his name on the rodeo circuit, becoming a lawyer and making a fortune with an online legal service, he’s determined to return the ranch to glory, and make his family name a proud one. To do that, he has to make amends with his brothers. A much more pleasant task, though, is wooing Briana, a single mom and neighbor. The next two installments of this series will come out in consecutive months.
