Stacy’s Book Reviews

Paperback: 356 Pages
Genre: Paranormal Romantic Thriller
Series: Dirk & Steele: Book 5

“Eye of Heaven“

by Marjorie M. Liu

Book Five: Dirk & Steele Series

“Liu’s screenplay-worthy dialogue, vivid action and gift for the punchy, unexpected metaphor rockets her tale high above the pack. Readers of early Laurell K. Hamilton, Charlaine Harris and the best thrillers out there should try Liu now and catch a rising star.”

—Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

Back Cover Summary:

Dirk & Steele had a creed: Protect the innocent in secrecy. No member of the Agency was “normal”. Each was an outcast, a pariah, a beneficent shadow living under the sun but rarely in its warmth. “Blue” Perrineau was no different. And now, when it was clear that darker shadows existed in the world–people who followed no rule under heaven–every secret was a liability. Blue would soon see.

They came from all over the world to observe Iris’s lithe, catlike body and her affintiy for wild creatures. But beyond the celebrity of the Las Vegas footlghts, a blackness grew. All eyes were upon her, seeking, judging… coveting. But one gaze was that of a savior, a man of electricity and mystery–a mystery as deep and convoluted as her own. And together, they might yet see the dawn.

Excerpt:

“You always like to spy on girls while they sleep?” Iris asked the darkness. The shadow moved and walked toward the pen.

“I’m sorry,” said the man, quiet. “But I was only trying to help. You shouldn’t be here. Not like this.”

“And you’re my protector?” Iris tilted her head. “I can take care of myself.”

She thought he smiled. “I guess that means you’re bulletproof, then. Nice talent to have.”

“Yeah,” she replied, standing. “I’m remarkable that way.”

He was lean, with broad shoulders and narrow hips, garbed in clothers with dark clean lines that looked highly tailored and expensive. Good taste, if nothing else. A man who was primed and ready for a night in a high-end yuppie club, a martini–shaken, not stirred–in his large elegant hand.

Stacy’s Review:

This is the first of Marjorie M. Liu’s books that I have read; and even though I read this “Dirk & Steele” series out of sequence, I didn’t feel as though I missed a thing.

“When Blue, an electrokinetic and a member of the Dirk & Steele detective agency, is sent to Las Vegas to track down his half-brother, he finds himself embroiled in an organ smuggling plot—and protecting a young beauty who is more than she appears.”
–http://www.marjoriemliu.com/books.html

Liu grabbed me in and held my attention from the very first page. I did not want to put this one down until I had read the entire thing. It was that amazing! I love the way she writes: flawless rhythm, wonderful imagery, excitement, intrigue, and terrific dialogue! The action scenes are ‘on-the-edge-of-your-seat’ good. No. They’re outstanding! What a rush! I nearly forgot that I was reading a romance, and let me tell you… Marjorie M. Liu knows how to build the tension in that department as well.

Everything about “Eye of Heaven” was well worth the read, exceptionally entertaining with an original, interesting plot. Her characters come to life on the pages and will stay with you in your memories for some time to come. I have to say that I enjoyed this book immensely, and can’t hardly wait to read the rest in the Dirk & Steele series.

Heck! I want to read every single book that Marjorie M. Liu has written. I really like this author!

Technorati Tags: Paranormal Romantic Thriller, Eye of Heaven, Marjorie M. Liu, Book Five, Dirk & Steele Series, Review

Paperback: 544 Pages
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Series: The Saga of Recluse: Book Two

“The Towers of the Sunset“

by, L.E. Modesitt, Jr.

“A complex world based on a plausible system of magic.”
–Publishers Weekly

Summary

With the founding of the world of the Recluse and the rise in the discipline of Order Magic, battling wizards, love, and politics mix in a tale that climaxes in a final battle on land and sea.

Stacy’s Review

First of all, I have to say this: L.E. Modesitt, Jr. is a master at creating numerous descriptives for a smile. I had no idea there were so many different ways to do so.

The main character, Creslin, lives in a Matriarchal society high in the northern mountains of Westwinds, aptly named the Roof of the World. He is the male descendant of the last Marshall of the Westwinds. Poor Creslin is naught but a mere man, who’s only destiny, (it seems), is to suffer the fate of an arranged marriage–an arrangement made in the hopes of keeping the white Chaos wizards from ruling the world–errr, or the whole of the continent, that is.

Not willing to accept “becoming little more than a prize stud”, Creslin devises a plan to escape his fate. His journey of self discovery transforms into an all out tale of fascinating magic, high adventure, fantastic imagery, a splash of romance, compelling intrigue, life lessons, and lots of awesome, kick-the-bad-guys-ass moments! Creslin is killer with a sword! {grin}

But that’s not all. In becoming his own man, Creslin realizes his full potential as a powerful weather mage. He learns how to be a true leader of his people, a good friend, and a–

Oh, wait! I can’t tell ya that part, it’s a spoiler!

In conclusion: Although there were a couple of slow areas, all-in-all I truly enjoyed reading this book. Modesitt cares about his characters, and thusly, you’ll find yourself drawn into the story of their lives. An engrossing and fully entertaining read!

Technorati Tags: Epic, Fantasy, The Saga of Recluse, Book Two, The Towers of the Sunset, L.E. Modesitt, Jr.

Paperback: 413 Pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Malory: Book 5

“Say You Love Me“

by Johanna Lindsey

Book Five: Malory Series

“A very romantic story to sigh over.”
–Heartland Critiques

Side note: I am covering the “Malory” series in proper sequence. To read the reviews for books one (1) through four (4), please click on the links below:
Malory Novel #1 – ‘Love Only Once’
Malory Novel #2 – ‘Tender Rebel’
Malory Novel #3 – ‘Gentle Rogue’
Malory Novel #4 – ‘The Magic of You’

Back Cover Summary:

Left penniless after her parents’ deaths, Kelsey Langton must now take responsibility for the well-being of her younger sister, Jean. But when circumstance and human frailty conspire to leave them homeless as well, Kelsey is forced to resort to drastic measures. Only by allowing herself to be sold at auction can she rescue her sister’s future–and so Kelsey enters the infamous House of Eros, resigned to becoming the plaything of some well-heeled gentleman.

Lord Derek Malory is the highest bidder for Kelsey’s charms–a dashing rakehell from a family of charming London rogues who draws the sensuous dark-haired maiden into a world of unparalleled pleasures and dangerous rivalries. But Kelsey must scrupulously guard the secret of her highborn past–even as her grace, wit, spirit and beauty entice her new “master” to renounce his scandalous ways …and take a chance on ture love, the most perilous and rewarding gamble of all.

Stacy’s Review:

First off, I have to say that, while I thoroughly enjoy every Malory novel, this one had a couple of different elements that I found quite refreshing. The hero and heroine are both gentle souls. Sure, their passion can heat up the pages, but all-in-all this was a sweet, romantic story that had me pleasantly entertained. Each time I write up my own review, I do a bit of research on what other reviewers have had to say. And sadly, in my opinion, I’ve noticed that some people have missed the true magic of this endearing story.

In “Say You Love Me”, Lindsey has given us a chivalrous hero with undeniable gallantry. Derek Malory has a gentle strength, coupled with a protective nature; thoughtful, romantic and caring. I would have liked for Lindsey to give us more of this character’s depth. But, of what she did offer, I would have to say that Derek Malory is definitely worth sighing over. {smile}

The heroine, Kelsey Langton, seemed to be the major focus of this novel, which put the rest of the characters, (including our hero), into the position of set dressing, (in my opinion). And here we have the portion of this story that spoke to me … Kelsey Langton, while naïve, was not foolishly so. She has an incredible inner strength, coupled with a kind-hearted, gentle nature; a sweet, witty, resourceful and intelligent heroine … very likeable indeed.

And now we come to the villain: Lord David Ashton is a sadistic woman-hater. His heart is as black as coal and his deeds against women are horrific. I think it was quite brilliant of Lindsey to throw this wickedly, sick cretin into the midst of such a sweet, romantic tale. It’s a dash of thrills amidst the romance.

Oh, and of course, we have plenty of humor too as Derek calls upon his uncles to assist him–the ever-witty James and Anthony Malory. Ya gotta love those two! If you don’t, then there’s something seriously wrong with your funny bone, mate.

I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it–especially to fans of Lindsey’s Malory series.

Technorati Tags: Historical Romance, Say You Love Me, Johanna Lindsey, Malory Series, Kelsey Langton, Derek Malory

”In the course of this life I have had a great many encounters with a great many people who have been concerned with matters of consequence. I have lived a great deal among grown-ups. I have seen them intimately, close at hand. And that hasn’t much improved my opinion of them.”
-The Little Prince

Sidenote: This synopsis, (followed by my review), contains spoilers.

SYNOPSIS:

A little prince from outer space, believing that he has been spurned by his rose, leaves to travel to neighboring planets. He eventually lands on Earth where he wanders through the desert in search of humans, and eventually is found by a fox. The fox teaches the little prince his secret, and the little prince realizes the value of his rose. Whereupon, the prince then meets a pilot (narrator) who has crashed in the Sahara desert. He passes along the fox’s instructions, and is then sent back to the heavens by the bite of a snake.

MAIN CHARACTERS:

The Little Prince

The Little Prince is a pure and innocent traveler from outer space whom the narrator encounters in the Sahara desert. Before the little prince lands on Earth, Saint-Exupéry contrasts the prince’s childlike character with different adult characters by having the prince hop from one neighboring planet to another. On each planet, the prince meets a different type of adult and reveals that character’s frivolities and weaknesses. Once on Earth, however, the little prince becomes a student as well as a teacher. From his friend the fox, the little prince learns what love entails, and in turn he passes on those lessons to the narrator.

The little prince has few of the glaring flaws evident in the other characters, and he is immediately shown to be a character of high caliber by his ability to recognize the narrator’s Drawing Number One as a picture of a boa constrictor that has eaten a snake. Nevertheless, the prince’s fear as he prepares to be sent back to his planet by a snakebite shows that he is susceptible to the same emotions as the rest of us. Most notably, the prince is bound by his love for the rose he has left on his home planet. His constant questioning also indicates that one’s search for answers can be more important than the answers themselves.

The Narrator

The narrator of The Little Prince is an adult in years, but he explains that he was rejuvenated six years earlier after he crashed his plane in the desert. He was an imaginative child whose first drawing was a cryptic interpretation of a boa constrictor that had swallowed an elephant. Eventually, he abandoned art for the grown-up profession of pilot, and he lives a lonely life until he encounters the little prince. He serves as the prince’s confidant and relays the prince’s story to us, but the narrator also undergoes transformations of his own. After listening to the prince’s story about the knowledge the prince has learned from the fox, the narrator himself learns the fox’s lessons about what makes things important when he searches for water in the desert. The narrator’s search for the well indicates that lessons must be learned through personal exploration and not only from books or others’ teachings.

Both the narrator and the prince are protagonists of the story, but they differ in significant ways. Whereas the prince is mystical and supernatural, the pilot is a human being who grows and develops over time. When the narrator first encounters the prince, he cannot grasp the subtle truths that the prince presents to him, whereas the prince is able to comprehend instantly the lessons his explorations teach him. This shortcoming on the narrator’s part makes him a character we can relate to as human beings more easily than we can relate to the otherworldly, extraordinarily perceptive little prince.

The Rose

Although the rose appears only in a couple of chapters, she is crucial to the novel as a whole because her melodramatic, proud nature is what causes the prince to leave his planet and begin his explorations. Also, the prince’s memory of his rose is what prompts his desire to return. As a character who gains significance because of how much time and effort the prince has invested in caring for her, the rose embodies the fox’s statement that love comes from investing in other people. Although the rose is, for the most part, vain and naïve, the prince still loves her deeply because of the time he has spent watering and caring for her.

Much has been written comparing the little prince’s relationship with his rose to the relationship between Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and his wife, Consuelo, but the rose can also be read as a symbol of universal love. In literature, the rose has long served as a symbol of the beloved, and Saint-Exupéry takes that image in good stride, giving the prince’s flower human characteristics, both good and bad. Because of the rose, the prince learns that what is most essential is invisible, that time away from one’s beloved causes a person to better appreciate that love, and that love engenders responsibility—all of which are broad morals that obviously extend beyond the author’s personal history.

The Fox

The fox appears quite suddenly and inexplicably while the prince is mourning the ordinariness of his rose after having come across the rose garden. When the fox immediately sets about establishing a friendship between himself and the prince, it seems that instruction is the fox’s sole purpose. Yet when he begs the little prince to tame him, the fox appears to be the little prince’s pupil as well as his instructor. In his lessons about taming, the fox argues for the importance of ceremonies and rituals, showing that such tools are important even outside the strict world of grown-ups.

In his final encounter with the prince, the fox facilitates the prince’s departure by making sure the prince understands why his rose is so important to him. This encounter displays an ideal type of friendship because even though the prince’s departure causes the fox great pain; the fox behaves unselfishly, encouraging the prince to act in his own best interest.

The Snake

Even though the snake the little prince encounters in the desert speaks in riddles, he demands less interpretation than the other symbolic figures in the novel. The snake also has less to learn than many of the other characters. The grown-ups on the various planets are too narrow-minded for their own good, and the prince and the narrator edge closer to enlightenment, but the serpent does not require answers or even ask questions. In fact, the snake is so confident he has mastered life’s mysteries that he tells the prince he speaks only in riddles because he can solve all riddles. In a story about mysteries, the snake is the only absolute. His poisonous bite and biblical allusion indicate that he represents the unavoidable phenomenon of death.

“The Little Prince” is a fantastic story that leaves a lasting impression within your soul. Your heart will be forever touched by this thought provoking journey of love, loneliness, friendship, innocence, imagination, and life lessons to be learned. Through the Prince and his tales you will learn much about the dangers of narrow-mindedness, enlightenment through exploration, and about how relationships teach responsibility; (love and friendship). This little book, (barely over a hundred pages), is difficult to define. It requires a child-like faith to comprehend; to fully grasp the importance of perspective…

“Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is exhausting for children to have to provide explanations over and over again. … That’s the way they are. You must not hold it against them. Children should be very understanding of grown-ups.”

That being said, (and as grown-ups tend to have a thing for facts and numbers), this next paragraph may hold a bit of interest for them. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry first published The Little Prince in 1943, only a year before his Lockheed P-38 vanished over the Mediterranean during a reconnaissance mission. His body was never found. This is Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s most famous work; it is also one of the most successful and best-selling titles in the world. It is filled with delightful prose, rich imagery, and wonderful illustrations. It is quite simple, yet profound. More than a half century later, this fable continues to teach little nuggets of wisdom; matters of great consequence and what is truly important in life…

“One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.”

More than likely, I have failed in my attempt to relate the wondrous beauty of this incredible tale, for mere words cannot express the depth of emotion delivered within the pages of “The Little Prince”. This book will make you smile, as well as bring tears to your eyes. It will cause you to rethink your views on living and life, and perhaps, it will bring you to reminisce on the miracle of friendship…

“And when you’re consoled (everyone is eventually consoled), you’ll be glad you’ve known me. You’ll always be my friend. You’ll feel like laughing with me. And you’ll open your windows sometimes just for the fun of it… And your friends will be amazed to see you laughing while you’re looking up at the sky. Then you’ll tell them, ‘Yes, it’s the stars. They always make me laugh!”

Like a dear friend, “The little Prince” is a priceless treasure that will forever remain in your heart.

******

To view this novel online, click here: “The Little Prince”

“Gardner skewers all the clichés of quest-fantasy with wit, style, mordant irony and great glee –this series could have been serialized in National Lampoon, or filmed by one of the Pythons!”
– Spider Robinson

Side note: First off I have to apologize for starting with the third book in this series. My son picked this book up at a yard sale and I thought I’d check it out. I must say, however, that after reading this one; I’m definitely going to seek out the rest in the series!

Back Cover Summary:

“Something in the air is pretty scary.
The sun is gone, the wind’s contrary.
It’s quite excting, we must confeth.
It must be time for a date with Death!”

Strange have been the travels of Wuntvor, hapless apprentice to the mighty mage Ebenezum. Strange indeed his journeys in search of a cure for his master’s malady of magicks!

Yet stranger still the road that lies ahead!

For Wunt has caught the cold eye of Death himself, who seeks to add the Eternal Apprentice to his morbid minions. To lure the lad to his dread domain, the Relentless Reaper has captured the wizard in his grim grasp!

Now, if the Fates (Mary Jane, Victoria and Hortense) allow, Wuntvor will strike out for Death’s Kingdom, to engage the Specter in strange and noisy contests, so that Ebenezum might be spared.

But Wunt must walk the alleys and lanes of the Afterlife with caution, lest he stumble into a gutter and lose Death’s game … permanently.

Stacy’s Review:

Wow! This was, by far, the funniest book I’ve ever read! Every single page had me in fits of giggles! Really, Craig Shaw Gardner is seriously twisted, and I love it!!!

A Disagreement With Death is the third book in “The Ballad of Wuntvor” series. But honestly, you can read this book and not feel as if you are missing anything.

The story begins with a showdown between Wuntvor, the Eternal Apprentice (a wizard), and Death. Death covets Wuntvor’s soul, which, up to this point had been unattainable. Death has spirited Ebenezum (master mage/wizard) to the land of the dead, and now expects Wuntvor to exchange his soul for that of his master. So Wuntvor sets out on a journey to find a way to rescue Ebenezum without sacrificing himself.

Wuntvor begins his travels with this cast of characters:

Snarks – a Demon (Has a sharp, acerbic tongue & sarcastic wit.)
Tap – a Brownie (Has a penchant for shoes.)
Hubert – a Dragon (An entertainer, of sorts.)
Alea – a Damsel (Beautiful, of course, and not at all in distress.)
Richard – a gentleGiant (Self explanatory really.)
Norei – his beloved, a Witch (Sensible, intelligent, sweet & quite the kisser.)
Hendrek – a Viking-type warrior (Has a ‘headbasher’ mentality.)
Seven Dwarves – (Singing is in their contract.)
Jeffery – a Wolf (Licks his lips at the thought of tasty snacks, you know; pigs, little girls dressed in red, grandmothers.)
Cuthbert – a talkingSword (Detests blood and ichor, and recently … ectoplasm.)
Brax – a salesDemon (Likes to beat upon a drum.)
Guxx – a dreaded rhymingDemon (This one lacks a sense of humor, go figure. btw … he’s lost his ability to rhyme.)
Mother Duck – a semi-Villianous threat. (A bit of a harpy, really.)
And last, but not least … a Ferret. Yup, you heard right.

Etiquette is as important to wizards as it is to anyone else. Say, for example, that one of your numerous vistitng in-laws criticizes the upkeep of the home. You, or course, should smile graciously at this remark, and pleasantly reply that you will be more than glad to turn them into a broom.
–From Ask Ebenezum:
A Handy Compendium of Wizard’s Do’s and Don’ts,
fourth edition,
by Ebenezum,
greatest wizard in the Western Kingdoms

“We are traveling now through the Region of Unrelieved Grayness!” our guide explained. “At least that’s what they call it hereabouts. With a name like that, it’s no wonder property values around here are so low!”

“It’s too bad we need this guy to take us to your master,” Snarks whispered in my ear. “Otherwise, we could strangle him.”

After a fair amount of insanity, and several pages into the book, Wuntvor’s companions dwindle down to a party of four (Five, if you include the ferret). From here, they determine that they must meet with ‘Plaugg’, a marginally magnificent god who resides somewhere in Heaven. But first, they have to figure out just how to get to Heaven, so that ‘Plaugg’, the inconsequentially majestic minor deity, can tell them how to get the the Kingdom of Death in order to resuce Ebenezum.

It’s a total laugh fest … with a ‘party-line’ crystal ball, the Three Fates, minus one that just couldn’t hack it anymore, to a bunch of ‘punch-line delivering’ dragons. Every page is a gem!

Back Cover Summary:

Does your child have uncontrollable worries and senseless rituals? Do you feel helpless and frustrated as you struggle to understand and help your child stop the bizarre doubts and habits that take over his mind and his life? Your child may be one of millions of children suffering from OCD. Now, there is hope and help for your child.

Dr. Aureen Wagner brings you the latest scientific advances in the treatment of this beguiling disorder along with her many years of experience in treating children and teenagers. Using the metaphor of the “Worry Hill”, for which she has received international recognition, Dr. Wagner presents a powerful step-by-step approach that countless children have used successfully to regain control from OCD. She provides parents and children with the blueprint to take charge of and master OCD. Her skill, compassion and expert guidance will give you new hope, energy and resolve to conquer OCD.

• Unlock the power within you and your child to overcome OCD
• Practical, clear and easy-to-understand steps
• The latest scientifically proven advances in recovery

Stacy’s Review:

My son has struggled with OCD/OCPD for the past eight years and counting. This book is a must-read for parents of children with OCD, and or OCPD. I highly recommend it. This opinion is based upon the benefits that my son and I have received by using the ‘strategies & solutions’ in this book. Upon my recommendation, my son’s therapist read this book. He stated something to the effect of this being one of the best written books on the subject. He too, found it highly worthy of recommendation and praise.

Dr. Aureen Wagner writes in an easy-to-understand manner. She is clearly a well-educated, skilled and compassionate clinician. As I read this book, I was gripped by the case stories presented within. They touched my heart and brought a mass of tears to my eyes. I understand, and completely relate to the pain and torment these children deal with on a daily basis. I’ve been there with my son. It is a continuous battle. But, this book not only gave me hope, it showed it to me as well, and I thank the author from the very depths of my being.

I keep this book ‘always handy’, ready to reference on a moment’s notice. It is way too easy to get caught in the vicious OCD cycle, lose your composure and therefore lose your ability to understand and assist your child. It is a gut-wrenching feeling of pain, frustration and sorrow when we are made to feel helpless in protecting our child. OCD constantly threatens our ability to do so. Dr. Wagner’s insight, compassion, understanding and knowledge are a God send. She gives us the tools necessary to fight back and overcome.

Even if no one in your family has OCD, I still recommend that you read this book. Those of us that suffer the trials and tribulations of this disease, would greatly appreciate your effort to understand. “OCD, like Asthma or Diabetes, is a legitimate illness that impairs coping and functioning. Children with OCD don’t derive any pleasure from their condition and are not doing it just to be difficult. They are genuinely anxious and do not have effective coping skills.” – Dr. Aureen P. Wagner, Ph.D.
An excerpt :

Sadly, the stigma of mental illness still pervades our society. It’s a dark and lonely place that no one walks in, except those who have been in your shoes. Having a family member with a mental illness is a different experience than having one with a debilitating physical illness. If your child has diabetes or cancer, you may be able to discuss it openly with family and friends without repercussion; you will generally meet with sympathy, not suspicion or blame. Tell someone your child has OCD, and you will get a hundred and one opinions, and very little understanding. Even close family and friends may assume that OCD is a character flaw or weakness that can be corrected with good discipline.

It’s almost impossible to explain OCD to others because it’s so bizarre and unreal. It’s so far from most people’s normal experience that they simply cannot relate to it in the abstract. So you are left alone and lonely, longing for someone to talk to and understand, but with little support or empathy. Suddenly, even family and friends seem so remote and distant because there is little overlap between your world and theirs.

- Quoted from the above titled book.

”What To Do When Your Child Has Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder”, has a plethora of useful information, as well as strategies and solutions that work! I cannot even begin to cover the mass of topics covered within these pages. A must read for all! An excellent tool for combat and recovery! A must have for parents and teachers! Please, please, please … read this book!

Thank you.

“Creates Fairy Tales That Come True.”
– Romantic Times

Side note: I am covering the “Malory” series in proper sequence. To read the reviews for books one (1) through three (3), please click on the links below:
Malory Novel #1 – ‘Love Only Once’
Malory Novel #2 – ‘Tender Rebel’
Malory Novel #3 -’Gentle Rogue’

Back Cover Summary:

As wild and reckless as the most incorrigible of her male cousins, Amy Malory has reached a marriageable age and has set her sights on a most inappropriate mate: the straight-laced American ship captain who once nearly had her Uncle James hung for piracy.

Warren Anderson is shocked by the brazen advances of his despised enemy’s beautiful niece. Though determined to resist her; he burns for the enchanting British minx. And an impassioned heart implores him to surrender to a love that could stoke the smoldering fires of a family feud into a dangerous, all consuming blaze.

Stacy’s Review:

Well, it seems that this book has received many mixed reviews. I would venture to guess that this is because the hero and heroine are near complete opposites, with about a twenty year age difference. Some people simply cannot get past that last fact. Personally, I venture into every novel with an open mind. I don’t have any set ideas on how the characters should behave if they were real, living, breathing human beings. Heck folks, this is fiction.

The Magic of You is definitely a “Malory” novel, with all the hilarious, somewhat predictable, yet fun antics of Lindsey’s characters. Amy Malory is quite incorrigible in her blatant pursuit of Warren Anderson. This is a fun twist in which the heroine pursues the hero with a bold, optimistic determination. She’s mischievous, charming, spirited, and blatantly honest. Amy is a gal who knows what she wants and makes no bones about going for it; an admirable trait, in my opinion. Besides, Amy has a special talent for matchmaking, and putting that gift to personal use doesn’t fail her here. One of the few Malory’s blessed with the rumored gypsy blood, Amy is a raving beauty on the outside, coupled with a delightful, compassionate minx on the inside. She’s one of my favorite heroines in the Malory series.

Warren is an unhappy, brooding grouch. The events of his past, (of course), have soured him on any notions of love or romance. Some have stated that his nature was a bit over-the-top, but I disagree. I believe that it was in perfect accord with how his life had unfolded thus far. Warren Anderson has substance. He is a caring, compassionate, intelligent, strong-willed, man with plenty of warmth locked up in his tarnished heart. All he needed, he found in Amy Malory.

This is a fun, fast-paced, adventure-filled romance. And quite to my delight, Lindsey has tossed in plenty of Anthony & James Malory’s entertaining banter as well. A thoroughly enjoyable read!

Back Cover Synopsis:

Private investigator Jimmy Miles works the Hollywood nights. His new client is the desperate daughter of a dead man. Her father was executed for a long-ago murder – and she wants Jimmy to uncover the truth about the crime and the real killer’s identity. But this case isn’t’ the only mystery keeping Jimmy up at night…

The shadowy world Jimmy inhabits is full of secrets, shared with a restless few who also roam the L.A. nightworld. They call themselves Sailors. Jimmy Miles is one of them. And he is about to discover the truth about himself.

And for a Sailor that can be a frightening thing …

“Strange, haunting, cool – and very hard to put down.”
– Michael Marshall, author of “The Straw Men.”

My Review:

First of all I have to say this … “ARGH!!!”

Secondly, I’ll say this … I now know why Michael Marshall said that this book was ‘hard to put down’. Because you are made to be constantly reaching for the point, any point really! Let me save you some time; Life happens. Yup, that’s about the gist of it.

Yes, this novel had some really strange, cool, and somewhat spooky stuff going on. The author has a sense of humor as well, which is always a plus in my book. (pun intended) But, truth be told, I had to wade through a ton of useless descriptions (my opinion). I found myself skimming over several paragraphs of descriptors just to get to the meat of the story. And, well, I was left with a sense of … “That’s it? Really? That’s how you’re going to end this?” … and then I simply heaved a weary sigh. The only reason I finished this book is because my husband read it first, and he asked me to read it as well. One of those, “Hey Hon, tell me what you think of this, will ya?” Next time I may not be quite so accommodating. At least not without asking questions first, such as; “Does this book suck big bananas?”

The underlying story about the ’Sailors’ was intriguing, and would make for an interesting RPG character, to say the least. Jimmy Miles is a ‘hard-boiled detective’ with a ‘supernatural’ twist. He hangs out with MENSA members and street people that are of a similar make-up as he. And, he has a penchant for classic, hot-rod cars with Hemi engines.

You know, I never re-sell or give away any book that I’ve read. I keep them, proudly, in my library. But this one is gonna be a first. So, in conclusion, if you don’t mind trudging through mounds and mounds of useless descriptions, and you think you would enjoy a supernatural/detective/murder/mystery, then by all means … pick up this book. Or better yet, take my copy … Please!

“Experience the storytelling magic that makes each and every Johanna Lindsey novel impossible to put down.”

Back Cover Summary:

The most desirable beauty in the land, wildly unpredictable Megan Penworthy has set her amorous sights on Ambrose St. James, Duke of Wrothston – a man she has never met but has every intention of marrying. No other suitor will satisfy her – especially not the common, if uncommonly handsome, horse breeder, Devlin Jefferys.

Posing as lowborn Jefferys to escape a potentially fatal confrontation, Ambrose is enthralled and infuriated by the brazen, duke-hunting redhead. Without revealing his true identity, the notorious rogue vows to foil Megan’s plans to wed the man of her dreams – never imagining the enchanting schemer would turn out to be the only woman he would ever dream of marrying.

Stacy’s Review:

“Man of My Dreams” was a fun read. The formula was fairly predictable, but none-the-less entertaining. It was a ‘push me – pull you’ kind of romance. You know, where the hero and heroine have a strong physical attraction right from the ‘get-go’, but they find that antagonizing each other is a much more rewarding sport than a roll in the hay. Well, at least that’s the case through about half of the book.

There are quite a few chuckles to be gained within the pages of this book. The characters are definitely memorable, and fun. The sexual tension, which leads into sizzling chemistry between the characters, grabs you with a few Wow! moments. Grab a glass of ice water and enjoy! Also, this book introduces the outrageous character of a Scotsman by the name of Lachlan MacGregor. His story is continued in ‘book two’ of the ‘Sherring Cross’ series, and another must read for Lindsey fans.

Overall … A frolicking good read!

“Sheer delight … As always, Ms. Lindsey gives us what we want – A memorable, wonderful read that brings us laughter and joy.”
– Romantic Times

Back Cover Summary:

Still mourning her mother’s death, Kimberly Richards is incensed by the determination of her father, the Earl of Amburough, to marry her off as quickly as possible – just to please the jealous lover he plans to wed. And since Kimberly harbors a deep-seated dislike of gold-diggers and the whole distasteful state of affairs, the feisty young heiress already despises the “worthy suitor” she encounters at Sherring Cross Estate: Lachlan MacGregor, the dashing, newly impoverished Laird of Clan MacGregor.

A tryst with the handsome, haughty Lachlan seems dubious at best – especially since the rogue has designs on the married Duchess of Wrothston. But strange turns and outrageous circumstances promise to lead a woefully mismatched pair to a wildly unexpected destination – where a hard, resisting heart can open to the true glories of love.

Stacy’s Review:

“Love Me Forever” was a memorable read, filled with sexy, fun, endearing characters. There were plenty of twists and turns, outrageous behavior, guffaw wrenching humor and just plain ol’ fun!

The heroine in this story was not … (did you catch that?) … not a raving beauty. She was an average looking gal that radiated an inner beauty. She did, however, have a smile that garnered attention, and enhanced her outer appearance. The hero, Lachlan MacGregor, was a hoot! Ya gotta love this guy!

Once again Johanna Lindsey has created characters that come to life! Lots of fun! An awesome read!