TRIBUTE

G.P. Putnam’s Sons (2008), 451 pages, $26.95 (hardcover)
Warning: Do not begin this book late in the day – unless you plan to pull an all-nighter. Because once you start “Tribute,” you won’t want to put it down.
Which, of course, makes it no different from any other Nora Roberts’ book.
“Tribute” is precisely what readers have come to expect from Roberts’ annual hardcover books: A good idea spun into a captivating story with engaging characters that will quickly become a favorite.
Cilla is the granddaughter of a bigger-than-life movie star, who famously committed suicide at her farm house retreat in Virginia. Cilla earned her own fame and fortune as a child TV star and heroine of a few horror movies.
But by the time Cilla arrives at her grandmother’s Virginia farm, she’s a carpenter intent on restoring the house and grounds where grandma once burnt cookies and allegedly romped with Steve McQueen.
Across the street lives Ford, famous himself in comic book circles as the creator, artist and author of a super-hero series. He doesn’t know “an Allen wrench from a Crescent” and tells everyone he stays away from tools for the good of mankind. He has firm opinions on what kind of kryptonite is more deadly to Superman and has an “active dislike of Jar Jar Binks.”
And he meets his soul mate the day he saunters across the street to check out Cilla.
Cilla’s grandmother had legendary parties at her farmhouse and was a celebrated presence in the small town. People there were either awed by her, or hated her.
Cilla encounters both groups.
Apparently one in the latter group doesn’t want Cilla to bring the house back to life, and she starts getting harassed, to escalating degrees. Roberts’ does a great job of making Cilla self-sufficient enough to handle the nastiness herself, but turning Ford into an acceptable knight-in-shining armor as well.
The dialogue between Ford and Cilla is snappy, witty and just plain fun. And Roberts’ inserts enough light-hearted scenes to balance the suspense.
In summation, this is a must-read. Which should really come as no surprise.



Overall rating: 5 of 5 hearts. Nora Roberts does it again, meshing compelling characters with an intriguing story that will keep you from being able to put the book down. The romance is more fun that sweet, but there’s enough sweetness to elicit a few “ahhs.”

Hunk appeal: 10-plus, in a non-traditional sort of way. Ford is basically a geek, or nerd. He likes Star Wars, comic books and knows about different types of kryptonite. But he’s always there for Cilla, understanding and appreciating her.

Steamy scene grade: XXXX. Really appreciates her.

Happily-Ever-After: Good. Cilla and Ford are actually well on their way to happily-ever-after before the suspense portion of the book is solved. You’re likely to be a bit surprised when the identity of the villain is revealed, but not that the story ends well.

Also this week …

THAT SUMMER PLACE, by Debbie Macomber, Susan Wiggs and Jill Barnett (1998, paperback) – 4 of 5. This three-story anthology is tied together by a rental house used by a trio of couples on a San Juan Island off the coast of Washington.
The stories are all pure romances, easy reads and will make you want to spend some time at Rainshadow Lodge.
All three couples meet (or are reunited in one case) on the island. In Barnett’s story, Catherine takes her daughters back to the house where she spent several summers with her family – and fell in love with Michael. The house is a bit run down and more dilapidated than it was when she was younger, but Michael isn’t.
After that opening story, the house is renovated and becomes Rainshadow Lodge, a charming escape for the next two couples. Macomber has Beth and John sharing the house due to an unexpected series of events. And finally, workaholic Mitch summons free-spirited Rosie to the island and house for business, which soon becomes pleasure – and lifelong love.

RETURN TO SUMMERHOUSE

Pocket Books (2008), 425 pages, $7.99 (paperback)
Three more women get the chance to find the answers to “what if” in Jude Deveraux’s “Return to Summerhouse.”
Three strangers convene for a few days in Maine, sent there by their therapist. Each woman had experienced trauma, and each is struggling to return to their happy lives.
Amy has a 10-plus husband and two wonderful sons, but struggles to deal with a miscarriage.
Zoe awoke after a car wreck with amnesia, and discovered an entire town hated her. But she doesn’t remember why.
Faith is a recent widow who still has to deal with a domineering and unpleasant mother-in-law.
The three women meet Madame Zoya, and get the chance to go back in the past and change their destinies. Amy returns to the 1797, to save the life of one of her husband’s ancestors. She takes Zoe and Faith along with her, and while they’re each entitled to their own trip as well, both discover the keys to their destinies on that trip to 1797.
Long before readers come to care about the characters, you’ll become intrigued by their stories. You’ll find yourselves impatient to uncover the women’s secrets, and eager to read their happily-ever-afters.
It’s a different sort of book that still manages to offer enough romance in an easy read that is most definitely appealing. It’s the sort of book that will linger in your mind for years, the kind you’ll recommend to friends.




Overall rating: 4 of 5 hearts. Deveraux does a masterful job of blending the women’s lives, and turning the trip back to 1797 into a happy existence in 2008. While the characters grow on you, the story captures your attention right away.

Hunk appeal: 10-plus. We’ll call Stephen and Tristan (you can decide if they’re the same) the only real heroes, and both were understanding and loving men. But while romance played a part in all three women’s lives, it was really a story that didn’t dwell on the hunks.

Steamy scene grade: X. Actually, more like PG.

Happily-Ever-After: Very good. Lives that needed fixed are – even if it’s only a tinkering. They leave the summerhouse happy, and happier.

Also this week …

HIGH NOON, by Nora Roberts (2007, paperback) – 5 of 5. With her new hardcover due out next week, “High Noon” is now available in paperback. This is a high intensity, well developed and superbly written story that will ensnare you from page one and won't let you go until the final page. Nora Roberts does a masterful job of entwining Phoebe and Duncan's romance while spinning a suspenseful story of an evil man's plot to destroy Phoebe. This book is actually more of a suspense novel than a romance story, but romance readers won't feel cheated.
There are two scenes in the book that may be very disturbing to many readers, and may need to be skipped due to the graphically violent nature.
In the first, Phoebe gets attacked in the stairwell of her precinct. You'll see it coming, and just skip ahead.
Much later, Phoebe's ex-husband gets kidnapped and chained to a grave. Skip ahead.
Otherwise, be sure to read every word. Despite Phoebe’s distractions of work, of being stalked by a madman intent on killer her, dealing with an eccentric family, being a single mom and being manipulated by a dead relative through her will, she finds time to secure her future with her soul mate – who is pretty understanding about all the stuff in Phoebe’s life. The characters are well-developed and come alive right away. The dialogue is quick and witty in times, insightful and emotional at others.
It's simply a well-written book with an intriguing plot and unforgettable characters.
If you didn’t read it in hardcover, get it now.

DUCHESS BY NIGHT

AVON BOOKS (2008), 366 pages, $7.99 (paperback)
What happens when you take a prim and proper duchess and introduce her to one of the country’s most notoriously scandalous rogues?
You get a deliciously scandalous romance, of course.
Both Harriet and Jem (Lord Strange) were introduced earlier in previous James’ books. Harriet is a duchess, the widow of a man who loved chess more than her and committed suicide. Jem lives in a notorious house where orgies and wickedness are rumored to occur on a daily basis.
When Harriet’s friend concocts a plan to get her missing husband to return home, Harriet volunteers to accompany her. The plan? To visit Lord Strange’s house of iniquity. It works, and sets up James’ next novel in the Desperate Duchesses series.
But this book is about Harriet and Jem.
Harriet arrives at Jem’s house disguised as a young man – which causes Jem some angst at first. He eventually uncovers the truth (and Harriet) and the couple embarks on an affair.
Life in Jem’s house is unlike anything the prim and proper Harriet has ever experienced. But it’s like a scandalous vacation for Harriet, and while she cherishes her time there with Jem, she knows she can’t live that way forever.
And she can’t hide her identity as a duchess from Jem forever either.
Jem dislikes dukes and duchesses, so Harriet is reluctant to reveal her true identity. When she does, Jem doesn’t react very lovably.
But that just sets up the final four chapters (plus an epilogue) that are wonderfully romantic and in which Jem makes more than adequate amends for sending Harriet away with a broken heart.


Overall rating: 4 of 5 hearts. A romantic and fun story about two characters worthy of true love, but who have had a difficult time finding it. The supporting cast is delightful and the story is charming.

Hunk appeal: 10. Jem has his demons that unwittingly control his life. It’s nice to discover that he doesn’t completely live up to his wickedly and scandalous reputation – completely. He’s not totally gallant with Harriet all the time, but by the end he’s totally besotted and devoted.

Steamy scene grade: XXXX. He has his wicked and scandalous moments.

Happily-Ever-After: Very good. Watching Jem realize how much he loves Harriet is touching and hearing him beg her forgiveness is sweetly satisfying. The epilogue is sweet.

Also this week …

OBSESSION, by Karen Robards (2007, paperback) – 3-plus of 5. This is a welldone book, heavy on intrigue with interesting characters and a suspenseful plot. The romance, however, is rather understated. Still, it's there. And if you're in the mood for a lot of suspense with a dab of romance, this is the one to read. If you do want to read "Obsession" and you want to be totally surprised, stop here -- and definitely don't peek at the end of the book.
One night, Katharine is awakened by bad guys who beat her up looking for something she knows nothing about. She escapes and finds herself with a weird sort of amnesia ... or something.
Dan, a neighbor, becomes a pal and helps her flee the danger she senses is following her. Most of the book is about Katharine dealing with weird mind stuff, trying to figure out why she doesn't remember certain things, why she has certain feelings and why she feels like she's living in someone else's body. As a romance, it's rather weak. But as a good read, it's rather strong. It keeps you guessing and wondering.

UNDER THE BOARDWALK

POCKET BOOKS (1999), 469 pages, $7.99 (paperback)
“Under the Boardwalk” is an anthology headlined by Linda Howard, and a great book to read on or beyond the boardwalk.
Five short stories are combined in this book that’s reappearing on shelves for the summer reading season.
They’re all easy reads brimming with pure romance.
“Blue Moon,” by Howard is the story of a small-town sheriff who falls in love with a mysterious woman living alone in the woods by a river. Mysterious circumstances bring them together during a stormy night, but there is nothing mysterious about the passion and love they find at first sight.
“Castaway,” by Geralyn Dawson is a familiar plot, reuniting a couple who married young but was torn apart by a well-meaning father. Years later, Hannah seeks out Drew on his deserted island to ask for a favor. Drew is not happy to see the woman who annulled their marriage….or is he?
“Ruined,” by Jillian Hunter, has Sydney finding the man of her dreams after being shipwrecked with friends. Rylan is OK with that role, but there is one small problem: Sydney is engaged to marry a duke. This one gets a bit weird at the end, but it’s OK.
“Buried Treasure,” by Miranda Jarrett may be the weakest of the five stories, but fans of her series on the Fairbournes may enjoy the tie-in with this story. Miriam is set to do the rational thing and marry a boring, but reliable man. Then her true love, Jack, shows up, returning after years of pirating. He’s determined to win her back. She’s determined to resist. But no one can resist love.
“Swept Away,” by Mariah Stewart, puts Jeremy and Jody at the beach for an idyllic vacation – where they both consummate the love and passion they have for each other. Not much tension or mystery here, but Stewart does manage a good ending.




Overall rating: 4 of 5 hearts. These timeless stories are perfect beach or pool reads. Nothing but sweet, pure romance.

Hunk appeal: 10. It was about the best they could all do in the short number of pages they had. Brody (“Blue Moon”) was trusting and understanding; Drew (“Castaway”) tender and forgiving; Rylan (“Ruined”) dark and protective; Jack (“Buried Treasure”) dashing and determined; Jeremy (“Swept Away”) loving and dependable.

Steamy scene grade: XXX. Again, only so many pages.

Happily-Ever-After: Good. All ended well, if not a bit rushed.

Also this week …

WAITING FOR NICK and CONSIDERING KATE, by Nora Roberts (2008, paperback) – 5 of 5. These older stories (1997, 2001) have just been re-released in a two-for-one offer. These were sequels of Roberts’ beloved Stanislaski series. “Waiting for Nick,” is the story of Natasha and Spence's oldest daughter, Freddie and Nick LeBeck, whom we met in "Falling for Rachel" as Rachel’s’ brother-in-law. Freddie falls for Nick at age 13, in "Falling for Rachel," and waits until age 24 to make her move. It freaks Nick out at first, but eventually he realizes that he's loved Freddie for a long time, too.
Kate is Natasha and Spence’s youngest daughter, who at age 25 and returns home after a successful dancing career and in “Considering Kate” embarks on her own romance with the handsome carpenter in town, a widower with a precocious 6-year-old. (Like mother, like daughter.)

OVERNIGHT MALE

HQN (2008), 330 pages, $6.99 (paperback)
Sift through paragraphs that take too long to set up the story, the sentences that do little to move the story along, and you’ll find the bones of a good story.
You just have to muddle through that sifting.
The opening scene is a good example: It takes 54 pages and three chapters for the hero and heroine to be introduced and to set up their assignment. That was roughly 52 pages too long.
The gist of the story is a good one. Super spy legend Lila’s mission is to capture super bad guy Adrian, who actually turns out to be a better hunk than Joel, unfortunately.
Lila is partnered with geeky Joel, who is more of a researcher than an agent, on the assignment which takes to her a small college where she poses as a student.
Lila and Joel’s search for Adrian is the weak link here, and it would have been much better if more pages were devoted to their relationship, than the pursuit of a man determined to take control of the planet – and who engages a team of geeky, annoying college students to help him do so.
Those who read “You’ve Got Male” and “Express Male” when they first were released three years ago, will be happy to catch glimpses of the characters from those books. (Even if the glimpse of Marnie from “Express Male” is very fleeting. And even if you have to do all that sifting.)
The ending is a bit surprising and a bit different from most good-guys-chasing-bad-guy stories. And it’s the best part of the book.


Overall rating: 2-plus of 5 hearts. It gets a bit of a nudge because of its good ending. Unfortunately, you have to muddle through 300 pages to get there. The idea is good, the heroine intriguing, but Lila never really lives up to her reputation. And Joel just comes across as inept – most of the time.


Hunk appeal: 10-minus. Again, after besting super-spy Lila in the opening scene, Joel just comes across as inept – most of the time. His position on relationships is cool, and he says the right thing – most of the time. But he just comes up short – most of the time.

Steamy scene grade: XXXX. But not all of the time.

Happily-Ever-After: Very good, especially for those who read “You’ve Got Male” three years ago. Very interesting finish for the “bad guys” and our couple is set for their happily-ever-after.


Also this week …

BODY LANGUAGE, by Suzanne Brockmann (1998, paperback) – 5 of 5. This pure-romance by Brockmann recently has been re-released, and will have tears streaming down your face. Bad-boy McCade rides his motorcycle into town intent on letting his best friend, Sandy, know he realized he loves her. But before he does, Sandy tells him she’s found the love of her life. McCade tries to help Sandy land the guy, but love gets in the way. Once they pledge themselves to each other, they still have a few bumps (this is where the tears will fall) to get over before they can enjoy their happily-ever-after. There is no intrigue here, no mystery, just 100 percent pure, have-the-tissues-handy romance.

THIGH HIGH

SIGNET (2008), 383 pages, $7.99 (paperback)
The setting is what readers will really fall in love with in “Thigh High.”
New Orleans comes alive in this contemporary story by Christina Dodd, and even if you’ve never crossed Bourbon Street or walked along the French Quarter, you’ll find yourself wanting to be there.
Nessa is a native of New Orleans, growing up in an historic house as a member of an historic family. Her two 80-something aunts are beloved eccentrics who define the city as much as Mardis Gras and gumbo.
Nessa is a friendly, honest woman who works in a bank managed by an aggravating, manipulative and less than honest woman. During Mardis Gras each year, other branches of her bank are robbed by costumed, eccentric robbers, who only ask for small amounts of money.
The bank owner isn’t nearly as amused as many of New Orleans’ residents.
That owner, Mac, decides to come to New Orleans to investigate the robberies – incognito. And since Nessa is his No. 1 suspect, he tags her to assist him in the investigation.
His suspicion of her is the problem.
Of course, Mac falls for Nessa. And vice versa. But Mac never relinquishes his suspicion of Nessa, never trusts her – and never reveals his identity.
Mac had ample opportunity to rescue Nessa from her nasty boss, to ease her anxiety and be a 10-plus hero. But he never did, at least not until the very end. In fact several times, he was the source of her sadness and anxiety.
And for one short period of time he was quite unforgivably nasty to her.
But he learned that you don’t mess with genteel, weathered Southern ladies. Especially a protective 100-year-old housekeeper who knows how to twist ears.
The story is humorous, thanks mostly to those genteel, weathered Southern ladies. There’s a bit of mystery to it, and Nessa is so likeable that you want her to get her man. You just might find yourself wishing a time or two that it wasn’t Mac she wanted.




Overall rating: 3-plus of 5 hearts. Nessa and her loveable and eccentric supporting cast are enough to make this a worthy read. But Dodd does an exceptional job taking readers to New Orleans, and that’s what will make you glad you read “Thigh High.” As for the romance? Good enough, although there are a couple of drawbacks there.


Hunk appeal: 10-minus. Speaking of drawbacks….Mac definitely has his rough spots, and there are times he makes readers very angry. He redeems himself somewhat at the end, but after some of his antics there just isn’t enough groveling to pull him up all the way. Some readers may not like the way Mac worked his way through college. Although Nessa didn’t seem to mind.

Steamy scene grade: XXXXX. Nessa definitely didn’t mind.

Happily-Ever-After: Good. Miss Maddy (the 100-year-old genteel Southern lady) makes Mac pay for his transgressions better than anyone. And he makes some pretty sweet declarations at the end.


Also this week …

BOSS MAN, by Diana Palmer (2005, paperback) – 3 of 5. This one is attached to Palmer’s series about the cowboys in Jacobsville. Blake Kemp is the town lawyer, a curmudgeonly sort who lost his first love years before. Violet is his secretary, and can’t understand the contempt her boss seems to hurl her way. Of course readers recognize it as a sign of true love, but it does take Kemp a while to begin treating Violet nicely. Mr. Romance he never becomes, but Violet seems to be happy by the end.

BLUE SMOKE AND MURDER

William Morrow (2008), 404 pages, $24.95 (hardcover)
Elizabeth Lowell does many things well.
She creates compelling characters that captivate and entertain readers..
She pens snappy and witty dialog that makes readers smile and laugh.
And she researches exceptionally well.
Too well.
Because the drawback of reading most of Lowell’s recent books is that too much of her stories are devoted to sharing that research with readers. In “Blue Smoke and Murder” the topic is the art world – fraud, and the eccentricities and obsessions of collectors.
Lowell does weave all this into a rather interesting story that sends Jill and Zach on quite an adventure where they dodge bullets but don’t even try to avoid Cupid’s arrows.
Jill inherits a trunk of mysterious paintings when her great-aunt mysteriously dies. She soon figures out that the unsigned canvases are the reason her aunt was killed. When her life is threatened she calls in a favor from Joe Faroe (“The Wrong Hostage”) who sends St. Kilda operative Zach to protect her.
Of course, the romance sparks flare right away, despite the fact that Jill is in danger. And most of their courtship is spent moving around during an investigation, as they try to A) keep Jill alive, B) find out who the artist of her paintings was, C) why someone is willing to kill and be nasty to get them.
It’s all a bit convoluted, but understandable. And while the romance is tepid, you like Zach and Jill enough that your romantic interest is adequately piqued to keep reading – and that dialog is fun too, even though sometimes that’s used to deliver long lectures on the art world.
Suggestion: Just skip those.



Overall rating: 3-plus of 5 hearts. Jill and Zach make it worth reading, even though it’s not a real mushy or lovey-dovey type relationship. The art stuff does get tedious at times, but sift through that and you’ll find an intriguing, well-written story.


Hunk appeal: 10. Zach takes care of Jill from the onset, and is obviously a good guy. He respects her, protects her, and cares for her.

Steamy scene grade: XXX. Definitely cares for her.

Happily-Ever-After: Good. The romance subtlety developed so there was no grand finale for that, just a sweet ending that let you they’re together even though there is no mush and gush (or four-letter words or four word questions.) The intrigue finishes rather intensely albeit not real surprisingly.


Also this week …

NO ORDINARY MAN, by Suzanne Brockmann (1990, paperback) – 3 of 5. This is another blast from Suzanne Brockmann’s past, when she wrote more pure romances for Harlequin. Jess is a divorced mom who takes in a tenant to help make ends meet. When Rob moves in, she’s immediately intrigued and smittened. He’s a mystery man who deftly avoids talking about his past and seems to take two steps away from her every time he takes one step closer. While they’re dancing around a relationship, a serial killer is terrorizing the area and while Jess adamantly defends Rob and insists that she knows there is no way it’s him, she can’t keep help but have the tiniest of doubts at times – especially when investigators insist it’s him. But despite that, she remains his ally and at the end, that earns her a happily-ever-after.