Product Description

Archaeologist Emma Fielding is beginning to doubt the wisdom of spending her vacation in England helping friends excavate a twelfth-century abbey, especially when they uncover an all-too-modern skeleton in a nearby medieval graveyard. But it's the second discovery -- of a murdered graduate student recently missing from the dig -- that suggests to Emma that Marchester isn't exactly the quiet riverside town it appears to be. There are dark passions and lethal secrets buried here, heinous crimes that shake the conflicted community to its core. And it's up to Emma, an outsider far from home, to delve into a past that too many people -- including her friends -- would do anything to hide.

Customer Reviews (9)

Expectations Unresolved
I looked forward to reading the second Emma Fielding GRAVE CONSEQUENCES by Dana Cameron once I dried it out. My copy was doused with six inches of rain, maybe I should have left some of the pages damp because the reading was dry and as uneven as the ripples of the paper.
A great premise, missing student, lost saint, and a medieval cemetery, but it didn't hold through the narrative.
Hope the next one is better.
Nash Black, author of HAINTS.

One of the most boring mysteries I've read
I normally don't give up on a book, but I could not make it through even the second chapter of this one. So incredibly boring, I felt the author just kept re-stating things in different words. Everything about it was strange and non-engaging. I put it away and picked up You can lead a horse to murder instead - love it after reading 3 pages. That's how you write a mystery.

Grave Consequences
This book was funny,scary,and interesting all at the same time.The main character, Timothy Murphy, gets scared easily and youcan guess his reaction when he sees his own gravestone. I think that this book is one of the best I have ever read.It was easily understood. I would recommend it to boys and some girls of 8-12.

Once promising...
I have a mixed reaction. The setting of English town and speech, and Prof. Emma Fielding's archaeological project in a medieval graveyard, are both excellently rendered. This has the best representation of field work I've ever seen in a novel, better even than Elkins or Connor. Occasionally the text sparkles with wit: [a scheming archaeologist has] "more machinations than a Detroit assembly line, more plots than a graveyard." However, this story is miscategorized as a mystery, dashing my eager anticipation. IMO it is, rather, an intense novel of emotionally saturated personal relationships, on the fringe of Romance novels. It has a very high talk:event ratio.

The mystery is entirely encapsulated in the cover blurb (a misplaced body and a missing student), and, incredibly, nothing further develops in the first 243 pages (and then Emma grossly mishandles the new evidence). The plot is odd, for it is nearly static. This book is not for someone seeking an EZ read, suspense, action, violence, puzzles, clues, deduction, misdirection, archaeology, plot development, romance, sex, terror, or horror. None of that develops in the course of Emma's many long discussions, and few outward events. Emma, and her author, utterly ignore the police. This book is for oppressive psychological tension, spot-on English invective, feminism, acute observation, and a structure I think is derived from Romance novels (or perhaps the author's deconstructionist colleagues in academe). Emma is a self-confessed "confused" heroine who is short on humor, deductive skills, and solid motivation, but long on intense introspection, heart-to-heart talks, and fearful second thoughts (the source of most feelings of "menace" here). The English are reticent to join in the personal talk. Emma eventually wonders, after prying into the lives of many rather unpleasant people, "why was I getting myself involved in this." I wondered, too, for I did not find her an empathetic heroine, let alone the other characters, and Cameron wasn't making efforts to keep my interest in this slow moving story. Emma merely has a "need" to pry into her friends' affairs, in both senses of the word. There's no final resolution, since Emma's vacation ends before the case is closed! Maybe all this is realistic of unsatisfactory relationships and episodes in ongoing lives. Some might think it cathartic; I found it overwrought and gravely glum.

This is the SECOND book in the series, without SITE UNSEEN there are several fractured (incomplete) relationships in this story, especially with the males. Here, their role in Emma's life is to make opportunistically reassuring phone calls from overseas. I was hugely disappointed.

A pleasant but unfocused mystery
Cameron's main character, Emma Fielding, is an archaeologist who is invited to England for a dig.As the story develops, three sets of remains are uncovered: a saintly woman from medieval times, a man from more recent years, and a graduate student who had been working on the dig.Fielding pokes her nose into these mysteries, encountering contemporary Wiccans (witches) and other local characters.She also gets involved in the marital problems of her hosts.Those interested in field archaeology may enjoy the descriptions of a dig in progress.While the author's writing style is easy and pleasant to read, the mystery elements are not well focused.The ending is anticlimactic. ... Read more

Product Description
Fleeing from her home, young Rae Faith Maddy ran from town to town, covering her tracks, until the trail was cold. Then she settled in tiny Decline, Georgia, where no one knew her past, or her terrible secret. As the years passed, she built a life that was safe, peaceful, and secure. But that all ended the day an arrogant stranger came to town, with a revelation that devastated Rae's world. Now, with nothing left to lose, Rae is following Dallas Calhoun to sultry Glory, Georgia, determined to teach the sexy millionaire a lesson as bitter as the one he taught her. Full-page, full-color "Romantic Times" ad. . ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Not Worth Buying
When I read The Best Revenge, it kind of confused me. The two main characters were always talking about this money that was stolen. When some progess was made, the money thing came back. The heroine never trusted the hero.

There was also a lot of sex from people who were not the main characters. it wasn't romance because the people didn't love or even like eachother. It was just a way of munipulating people for other needs. I thought it was just trashy and unneeded. It was written to give some cheap thrills, but it just grossed me out. I think the book would have done just find without those scenes.

I could not tell how or why the two main characters, Dallas and Rae, felt about eachother. They talked in circles. it got really annoying. I don't recommend this book to anyone. Stella Cameron really disappointed me.

~AWESOME!!~
After reading a preview of the first chapter of The Best Revenge in the back of another book by Stella Cameron, I had to have this book. I was not disappointed. This book had it all. I was literally glued to every page and ended up reading it in one sitting. I could not put it down! Stella Cameron has definitely been added to my list of favorite authors. This book is a definite keeper. I also recommend Guilty Pleasures by StellaCameron.

What a Writer!
Stella shoots straight from the hip and tells it like it is!If you want a mushy plot and unrealistic, flowery speech, then this is not the book for you.However, if you enjoy a story that has some grit and edge, along withcharacters that have depth, you'll enjoy this novel.Stella certainly hasa gift for creating interesting characters and realistic dialogue.

save your money
I'm from a small town.Believe me, not everyone in a small town sleeps with everyone else.This book was filled with sex.I don't have anything against sex.I would, however, like a plot to go along with it. If thisbook had one, could someone please tell me what it was.

Not for the faint of heart
Stella does not write of tame events or mild emotions.The sex is explicit and some times edges into the kinky.If you are looking for a "sweet" read, look elsewhere.If you like a twisted plot, strong, multi-dimensional characters, and a gripping story, I highly recommend this book! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

All Smiles...NOT!
All Smiles by Stella Cameron did not make me smile...I thought it was the worst!I hated most of the characters and thought the plot was stupid.As a rule I generally like Stella Cameron books, but not this time.I thought All Smiles was a major disappointment.If you want to read a few worth while books try anything by Kim Corum, Kate White, or Adele Lang.

Not the best in the series
I have to say I was very disappointed in this book.More & More (7 Mayfair Square series, 1) and 7B (3rd in series) were much, much better.I disliked Count Etranger immensely. He was overbearing, arrogant, selfish, foul-tempered, and autocratic.I found it incredibly hard to believe that Meg Smiles' had any difficulty in deciding if she should be Jean-Marc's mistress after what she did with him (and to him) in his bedroom the first day she met him.I found that scene in poor taste since it was so soon in their acquaintance. Jean-Marc seemed to know how to say what Meg wanted to hear.For a man who wanted to coax her into being his mistress (because she wasn't socially acceptable as a wife for him) he did a poor job, even shouting at her in front of people on one occasion.

Oddly enough I liked both characters much better in Meg's sister Sibyl's book, 7B.Although Meg seemed a bit arrogant too there (must be hubby's influence). The interesting thing about All Smiles was its introduction of the Count's half-sister, Princess Desiree.I am hoping she gets her own book - with Adam Chillworth as the hero of course!

Keeps you turning those pages!
I just loved More and More ... now the All Smiles! We can't wait to read the next episode I easily fell in Love with all the populace of Mayfair Square, they are very inexplicable, hilarious enjoyable to read about. Stella always has a way of writing that adds fun, mystery and great sex to her books. Meg and Jean-Marc are fantastic together.I also love that Stella doesn't make you wait, wondering, just when they are going to admit they want each other! Stella is a great author and never predictable.... that's why I love her works! I can't wait to hear about the other inhabitants.

Good But Not Cameron's Best
The Mayfair stories are delightful but still not up to Cameron's usual delights.This story is funny, sad, cute and sexy.Jean-Marc and Meg are a delight.He so magnificent and authorative and Meg so assertive andcommanding.It is nice to see a heroine who is not stupid, timid and hasno backbone.

The dialogue is fast paced and the story moves at anadequate pace.Even if not her best, it's a Cameron, what more can I say.

All Frowns
Others have already summarized the story for you. I am simply going to say that I found that there were too many unnecessary sub-plots. Meg, the heroine, went from being a free thinking, independent,and passionate womanwith Prince Jean-Marc one moment, to a "wimp" with others whowere either downright rude or demanding the next. I thought that Cameroncouldn't decide who she wanted as her villian and so one minute it was theghost. The next it was the prince's rude mistress, and yet another time itwas her distant male cousin. I believe that romance books should leave mewanting to rush out and buy the author's next novel. I believe that romancenovels are a neat past time that entertain better than TV and should makeyou cry a little and smile alot. This one just made me tired! ... Read more

Product Description

Just when everything is going beautifully for archaeologist Emma Fielding -- a position at a respected university, a beautiful home in New England, and the warm love of a devoted husband -- her world starts to crumble. What begins as a series of seemingly innocent gestures -- the anonymous delivery of gifts and flowers to Emma's family and friends -- soon progresses to secret, sadistic acts designed to destroy her reputation, her character, and her career.

Customer Reviews (8)

book review
I love this author and have every one of her books. Started when she first published. She writes in the first person and uses only one or two bad words per book. Any violence is NOT descriptive and there is no sex descriptions. I think this book was the first one to even refer to sex. I look forward to many more.

Ashes and Bones by Dana Cameron
I like the character Emma Fielding and her exploits.I love archaeology anyway and adding a little mystery and a good team of workers with her exploits makes for a good read and this one is just as exciting and interesting as her other five.I like how she brings the archaeology finds and explains them at the times of the finds so you can follow her through out the book, you never get lost of the actual theme of the book along with all the unusal happenings that find her.Very good reading.

Winner of a Well Deserved Anthony Award
I have read, and enjoyed, all of the Emma Fielding books.One of my favorite aspects of the series is that, along with a great mystery, Cameron gives the reader the full breadth of the rewards and challenges faced by a working archaeologist.Not only does the reader get to see what it's really like in the field, they get to see all of the hurdles (academic office politics, etc.) that an archaeologist has to leap to get to point of being able to put trowel to soil.I don't see the fact that there's no field work in the story as a miss.

Emma is a smart, competent, confident, career oriented heroine.Emma knows what she wants and she goes after it.Emma is emotionally mature enough to form and keep important relationships.So, what happens when all of that is shaken to the core?You get this taut, impeccably paced, rollercoaster ride of a novel.Cameron has turned the suspense up to eleven in this somewhat darker story.It is a bit different than the previous Emma books, but in a very good way.I hope Cameron continues to write stories in this vein.

Some cheese with that whine?
I agree with the other reviews that this is the weakest of the series.Emma's consistent whining about her life and continual questioning of her motivations, career, marriage, relationships (which are better than most of us have) reaches peak annoyance level in this novel.

Disappointed
I enjoyed all her other books and was looking forward to this one.What a disappointment.If you are reading this series because you like the archaeological aspects, skip this one there aren't any. ... Read more

Product Description
Brilliant, dedicated, and driven, archaeologist Emma Fielding finds things that have been lost for hundreds of years -- and she's very, very good at it. A soon-to-be-tenured professor, she has recently unearthed evidence of a seventeenth-century coastal Maine settlement that predates Jamestown, one of the most significant archaeological finds in years. But the dead body that accompanies it has embroiled Emma and her students in a different kind of exploration. With her reputation suddenly in jeopardy -- due to the ruthless machinations of a disgruntled rival -- and a second suspicious death, heartbreakingly close to home, Emma must unearth a killer among the relics. But that means digging deep to get to dark secrets buried in the heart of the archaeological community -- which, in turn, could bury Emma Fielding.

Customer Reviews (10)

Dig into the Past
Emma Fielding has the opportunity to add an important archaeological site recovery to her accomplishments in Dana Cameron's SITE UNSEEN.
Emma is an archeology professor who is up for tenure. She and her students discover a coin thAT indicates the presence of an English settlement prior to Jamestown on the coast of Maine. Emma is lucky that the site is on the property of a close friend, but when a body washes ashore the work is hauled.
Then her friend is burned to death in her home just after she has made a new will leaving Emma the property. All evidence points to Emma's guilt to establish her career and she must find a killer before she becomes the next victim.
The background information of archaeological site development and the skills necessary for this vital work makes for a good read from a newcomer to the field.
Nash Black, author of SINS OF THE FATHERS.

great book
very easy read will definitely read more by this author, she reminds me of the diane fallon mysteries.

A Good Start
The book begins with an archaelogical dig and a very interesting older woman friend living on the site in an old house stuffed with curios and antiques.I was looking forward to the interaction between Emma and her old friend, and getting the skinny on all those accumulated objects.What a great idea, including an older woman!Maybe she would appear in other books.Alas, she is killed before we get to know her!What a waste of a good character!

The story goes gently downhill from that point.Emma has a tiresome old flame who "looms" in the background and stalks Emma from time to time.I do not care for menace in my reading.I've got the local news on tv for that!I did enjoy the tidbits of history about the British system of forts, and would have enjoyed more info.

Emma dithers and thinks too much.As the story draws to a close, it becomes very melodramatic.Emma is subjected to unbelievable physical pain and distress, rather like a male action-hero.

The author has talent, but after reading four of her books, they are all much the same.An interesting locale, but characters get lost in a soap-opera mix of emotions, most of which have nothing to do with the plot.She needs a better editor, one who can help her develop stronger characters and an interesting story line.

Good book,mediocre mystery
This book has ALMOST everything I want in a good mystery.It starts off with a great opening paragraph, always a good sign in my opinion. The characters are engaging, and there is an interesting subject to learn about in the form of the archaeology and the academic atmosphere.
What is missing is a good mystery. There is only one suspect, and the denouement is completely predictable, a real disappointment. (It didn't help that the back of the book gave away too much of what little suspense there was.) I was enjoying the other aspects of the book so much I had looked forward to something a little cleverer.
This was Dana Cameron's first book, and if she can learn to plot a better mystery, I think she'll have a good future as a mystery writer. Otherwise, perhaps she should consider a different genre?

Archaeology, academia and murder
1st book in the Emma Fielding series, featuring female archaeologist turned amateur sleuth in New England

During an archaeological dig in Maine, archaeologist and professor Em encounters a thoroughly unpleasant man. After two murders, Em finds herself trying to clear her own name by finding out who was responsible. She's also worried about the effect the case may have when her position comes up for tenure at work. An above average amateur sleuth mystery with an engaging heroine who has both good and bad points in her personality, some other well portrayed characters, a twisty but satisfying plot, and a plausible device for having the character investigating murder. ... Read more

Product Description
The adventures, exploits, and accomplishments of legendary frontiersman Davy Crockett come alive in a fictional portrait that follows Crockett's life from youth, through his rise to political power, to his hero's death at the Alamo. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Crockett, by a Tennessean
The novel "Crockett of Tennessee" is a fictionalized biography of an uncommon American frontiersman who frankly wouldn't be remembered except that he took strong political stances -- very often in opposition with his own best interests.
Cameron Judd has done a good job of sketching the real David Crockett (not "Davy," despite Walt Disney). In a marvelous scene in the book, Crockett meets President Andrew Jackson on a Washington City street after hours and argues with the President about just exactly who has shifted his views.
Crockett carries a good deal of historical weight as the avatar of the Scotch-Irish pioneer who pushes back the American frontier, damn the consequences and the Redskins. Cameron Judd's Crockett is not nearly so simplistic. Like Judd's character, the real David Crockett opposed the relocation of the eastern tribes and refused to take a more conciliatory political position. He lost his last campaign to be re-elected to the U.S. Congress.
In the wake of that campaign, he was quoted as having said, "You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas."
Cameron Judd, a Tennessean himself (graduated Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, TN, if I remember correctly) has given us a novel of a person far more real than the frontier legend of film.

Thumbs down
I read Judd's other book (Boone)about early frontiersman Daniel Boone and liked it so much i ran out and grabbed a copy of Crockett as soon as i could get my hands on it.I expected a similar tale of long hunting and trapping excursions, encounters with Indians, and an overall historical/fiction representation of this great outdoorsman's life.Unfortunately, as I read on, the main emphasis was more on Crockett's political ties and town life.

Might have been a good history lesson for some but sure wasn't what I was looking for.I had to put it down.Get Boone if you can find it.It's a much better book.

Crockett of Tennessee
Since we homeschool this book fit right into our curriculum for daily story time...the kids couldn't wait to hear what would happen next... I found myself sitting up late at night just to read on, as each chapterunfolded to provide dramatic insights about what the life of Davy Crockettmay have been like...This book has creatively woven historical FACT withcreative insight into the thoughts and life of this almost mythicalman...After reading this, we had the opportunity to visit Crockett Tavernnear Morristown,TN, and it really re-inforced thehistory that my childrenabsorbed from this book. We had hoped to read "Boone, a Novel"also by Cameron Judd, but were disappointed to find that it was no longerin print... ... Read more

Product Description
In God Is No Laughing Matter, bestselling author Julia Cameron takes a witty, powerfully honest, and irreverent look at the culture of "spirituality" today and offers insight to enable readers to determine their personal spiritual path. The important thing to remember, she says, is that God is both more humorous and more humane than we've been taught.

With her trademark "sparkling prose" (Publishers Weekly), anecdotes, and helpful techniques, Cameron's thought-provoking essays paint the spiritual journey in a refreshingly clear light. Addressing the way in which spiritual "experts" have clouded the message, her book shows readers how to improve concentration and how to make conscious choices that heighten their individual autonomy as well as enrich their lives and their communities.Amazon.com Review
Ever since she wrote The Artist's Way Julia Cameron has championed the belief that creativity is a spiritual act and even a birthright. If readers ever feel that their creativity is blocked she has always suggested that they look inward for inspiration and guidance. She explains, "All of the tools that I teach are the tools of inner listening.... When people tune in that way, they not only hear their own personality; they also hear a higher octave of guidance."

In a sense, Cameron has always nudged her readers to forge a more conscious relationship with God. So it isn't any surprise that she would eventually tackle this topic head-on in God Is No Laughing Matter. This inspirational book is formatted as a series of essays, and each one ends with a suggested "Experiment" or "Exercise." This essay structure gives the book lightness and approachability, which is fitting, considering that her main premise is that we need to lighten up so that we can better approach God. When challenging the notion that "God is no laughing matter," she writes, "I'm not so sure about that. Look at octopuses, for example. And baboons with those hilarious bright red asses."

Sound superficial? Don't make me laugh. This is actually one of Cameron's most articulate, spirited, and ripened books yet. Although she underscores some of the spiritual advice that's already being said (slow down, simplify, be still), readers will find plenty of fresh and original essays in a book that really matters. --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Humour and spirituality- a great combination
Faith-wise, I'm a bit of a hybrid. I was raised Catholic, but had enough curiousity about spiritual matters to read about other religions and their associated beliefs. I've gone to Mass on Sundays, witnessed Advent Christian services, spent weekends at Hare Krsna temples, and discussed the Kabbalah with Jewish friends. My conclusion is that we're all going to the same place in the end, and God is too big for one religion anyway. So live your life as benevolently as you can, and leave the technical arguments to the theologians.

Julia Cameron's "God Is No Laughing Matter" is not out to replace the Bible or even offer a new interpretation of it. She has written a witty, common-sense guide to living a spiritually healthy life. Cameron alludes to religious texts, Eastern gurus, and other crutches employed by those on a faith-based quest, but neither recommends nor dismisses them. She's basically saying what Shakespeare put so perfectly: "To thine own self be true."

The best!
I loved this book.I savored reading it over a month's time, treating myself to one or two chapters each time.I intend to read it again and actually do the exercises.I found her entertaining, heartfelt, encouraging, and true.Of course some of the descriptions of "types" of people were done as caricatures to make her point; which I believe is to define yourself and your own spirituality, do not let others do it for you.

Lessons from the Road
Julia Cameron's no nonsense style and shared wisdom on the connection between art and the divine. This is a real woman with her own share of life's ups and downs. Not some guru mystic in the popcorn style spirituality of certain areas of New Age. Forget Marianne Williamson and all the slick over-polished LA style gurus and their mantras. Turn inward and hear what down-to-earth folks like Cameron have to say. Rather this is Cameron's perspective on what the Divine is and is not. And what it is ... is hard work. She likens the method at which lost souls pick up and abandon deep spiritual paths in a matter of months ... as a form of shopping for God. A very refreshing take on how God is a serious force to be reckoned with... and that there are no short cuts to being in the consciousness of spirit. Easy to read but deep and provoking as usual, vintage Julia Cameron.

GOD DEVELOPS THROUGHOUT MS. CAMERON'S SPIRITUAL PATH
From this book to the follow-up PRAYERS FROM A NONBELIEVER: a story of faith, you can read through out the development of Ms. Cameron's faith/spiritual and influence on her work/writing journey. Every book she writes is a journey of the Path. You don't have to be a believer nor a doubter. Each both speaks from her heart to yours. Try reading these two and you will broaden your horizons.

This is the first book I ever threw in the trash
I don't know...but by the title I expected an uplifting, refreshing, original series of thoughts from a very popular artist/writer.What I got instead was a series of negative slaps at countless types of spiritual paths.I am someone who reads a book from cover to cover...well I guess I can abandon that statement now.I tried to read straight through this book but got so sick of each chapter being devoted to making you feel as though by doing nothing toward your spiritual goals you are doing just fine (which is a lovely thought if it ended there) however if you should (God forbid!) be a vegetarian, or do yoga then somehow you are a freak and a phony.She continually refers to these horrible "Spiritual People" as if they (whoever the heck they are) are Nazis.I tried skipping chapters but the theme stayed the same.I finally gave up.
I treasure all books and always think about who the appropriate person will be to receive the book when I am finished (if I'm not keeping it for my own library) so throwing it in the trash so no one else will read it is a big deal.
In fact I was so frustrated by this book I wrote my first review. ... Read more

Product Description

Rule #1: If at all possible, don't pretend to be something you're not. Specifically, don't play dead. Trust me on this one. I did it, so I should know.

Jo O'Connor has spent her whole life moving around. When it comes to new schools, there's not a trick in the book about starting over that Jo doesn't know. But life is about to teach her a new trick: how to disappear entirely.

Rule #2: Always expect the Spanish Inquisition, no matter what anyone else does.

They have to move again. Now. This very night. Jo knows better than to argue. Her dad is the key witness in a major case against a big-time bad guy. But Jo just can't resist one last visit to the school where she's been so happy. All she wants is to say good-bye. That can't cause any problems, can it?

Rule #3: Never assume you can predict the future.

Now Jo's one last visit has landed her smack in the middle of a ghost story. Specifically, her own. By the time it's over, she'll have a whole new set of rules about what's real, what's make-believe, and -- most of all -- what's important. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

acceptable
Simon Pulse Romantic Comedies are always a fun read.These books are not necessarily the best written novels but the stories are always fun and you know you will get a happy ending.I think some adult romances could take a note from these books b/c they are characterized well which is much of the battle in writing any novel since you want your characters, for the most part, to be endearing and relatable.

funny, original teen romance
Josephine Claire Calloway O'Connor has spent her entire life since she was eight moving from city to city.Between third grade and senior year she was in at least two schools each year.Now she's in her second as a senior, and she's hoping that it's her last first day of school.Things start differently.Instead of blending in, she's immediately noticed by the BMOC (big man on campus).She really likes Alex, and he seems to like her.She makes friends for the first time in a long time, and she's loving her life.Then her dad announces that they have to leave.Now.As Jo learns the details of their constant moves and tries to resurrect her old life, things spin out of control.Jo struggles to right everything, while also trying to keep her old- and new- life secret.This book kept you in suspense and turning pages until the end.This is part of the Simon Romantic Comedies series, and I think it is one of the better novels.

disappointed
I'm relieved that I didn't start reading the series with this book because the simon pulse books are actually very good. That's why I was so excited to read this one because this was the first one that came out and I assumed that it would be the best one. I was in for a surprise because althrought reading the book, I got very irritated and even skipped some pages just so I could finish the book already.

First, I had never been much of a fan of the style of writing that involves the lead character babbling to us in the first point of view. A lot of books do that in order to establish the lead character as quirky, fun, intelligent etc. In most books, it does the job alright. However, in this book, it was overdone (in my opinion) and became a major source of my irritation.

Second. The love story wasn't as well-developed. I buy these books for the ROMANCE. However, the only really romantic scene wasn't even that romantic. Instead of romance, I got mostly angst.

Third. I liked the leading man but he played a really small part in the book.

I did like the originality of the plot although the plot was pretty weak and had a lot of holes.

interesting book
Jo O'Connor is constantly moving, so when she finally is in a place she loves, she is not exactly excited about leaving. In one last visit to her friends, she creates quite a fiasco and spends the next couple of months trying to settle things down.This book was interesting, but even so, i found myself skimming over some sections as the dialogue got a little dull and irrelevant to the actual plot of the story.though the story was a little hard to believe at times, it was a fun read, and I enjoyed seeing how Jo was going to get out of the mess she had created.

How NOT to Spend Your Senior Year
"Softly, almost tentatively, their lips touched. I wonder what she's feeling, I thought as I felt my own lips begin to tingle. I think that was the moment I acknowledged the truth. I had fallen, hopelessly, for Alex Crawford," (pg. 32). How NOT to Spend Your Senior Year is an absolute must-read. It combines romance, comedy, and even finds a way to mix in a thriller side. In the beginning, the reader is introduced to the murder mystery. On the happy side of things, we meet two major characters and their love at first sight experience. The story heats up with two fake deaths. Finally, the book ends with a heartfelt kiss and a new romance.
Jo O'Conner is hardly a normal teenager. All her life she has wondered why her small family (her father and she) has always moved to a new house practically every month. It does not end there either. They have moved all across the country. When she finds herself at a new school again in modern-day Seattle, Washington and meets the guy of her dreams, she knows she's into something good. Alex, a "Big Man On Campus," in just one day, shows Jo the meaning of love at first sight. The two of them connect immediately but are torn apart a few hours later. Their tale is one that captures the reader almost right after reading the first line.
Cameron Dokey wrote this book very well. She makes it easy to picture what is happening and what the characters look like. Her novel is written very realistically with real high school life and classes. How NOT to Spend Your Senior Year does not have a lot of characters to keep track of or any confusing plots or scenes. Also, other books seem to grasp the sense that love was in the air, but this one explains how it starts and what exactly keeps it alive. One thing about Cameron Dokey's writing is that she wrote the dialogue in the book in words that high schoolers would use when they were talking to other teenagers and not adult wording. How NOT to Spend Your Senior Year is similar to Niki Burnham's novels, but Cameron Dokey presents her work with greater description and feelings.
I loved every minute of reading this book and would recommend it to any teenager who likes romantic comedies. I say this because teenagers would understand high school life better than younger children and also because of the fact that this book contains slightly teenage themes. It is a quick read and is not too hard to get through. The novel never becomes boring. Overall, I would say this book deserves five out of five stars.
Cameron Dokey's How NOT to Spend Your Senior Year is a must-read romantic comedy that you have to read soon. If you do not, you are missing out on a great novel.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

I Have No Idea Why
I don't know where to start listing the things that irked me in this book.The characters were all mainly unbelievable.I wanted to yell at them all right but it wasn't to warn them but to tell Carolee to stop being so stupid. He ex-husband really did a number on her and she started investigating things when it was almost too late. And the secrets "dear old Sam" revealed added to the strange list of unbelievable scenarios.The scenes played out in Faith's ICU room topped the list of can't believe this.Stella is NOT on my list of must read authors.

A Fifties Point of View
In an era of torrid romance, this story is a cool throw-back to the style of the 1950's.Lots of drama.Lots of trama.Emotionally scarred characters from early childhood and youth events try to cope as adults.However, by today's standards, divorce, infidelity, betrayal, and guilt are old stuff.Even our main character, Carolee, has an old-fashioned name.She is dramatically guilty because she loves her successful career and business travels and is often away from home.Her husband claims to be neglected and divorces her, keeps the child and gets support from Carolee.Not news in 2003.You get the feeling this book was updated from one of Stella's earlier manuscripts. This book is nothing like Glass Houses which was overstuffed with mystery, suspense, murder, and romance on two continents.Tell Me Why is much more provincial.

I still recommend this book as a light read on a summer afternoon when you just want to relax and not think about it. Yes, it is inconsistent (was his name Tom or Ted?) but it's okay, he is not one of the main characters anyway.Not much sex, but lots of longing.Mostly, it is about characters in their 30s dealing with growing up and trying to become responsible adults.Alas, all are not successful.

A trashy piece of garbage!
I can not believe a book like this was allowed to be printed with such smut in it.VERY DISAPPOINTED and I want a refund!

Oh Please!
A completely forgetable book.I was so disappointed!Pass on this one.I'm going back to Nora a writer I can count on to deliver 'Time and Again!'

A story from the heart that made my pulse work overtime!
If you don't want to feel and think, don't read this book.Carolee Burns is a jazz singer and pianist with a world reputation, until she walks into her New York appartment after a tour to discover her husband, Kip, is divorcing her without warning.He wants custody of their daughter, Faith, and to make sure he still gets big chunks of Carolee's money.

Max Wolfe, an ex-professional football player who had a bad accident, has seen Carolee perform and he's more than slightly obsessed with her.She's distant but he feels there's a lot behind all that.

What happens when Max and Carolee start getting involved is tense enough to make you want to start yelling warnings to the characters.They are in a lot of danger and it's leading toward potential murder.

Couldn't put the story down. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Slam-bang story
Solid writing here. Convincing dialogue. Some interesting characters. A mystery. Gets a bit farfetched at the end, but Judd did a good job of laying the groundwork for the improbable events of the last thirty pages. The book is pure entertainment. Don't look for anything more. But it works as entertainment. A good read during travel or on vacation.

Mr. Littlejohn comes to town
Camerion Judd has mastered the western genre as well as stories from America's first frontier. Now he begins tweeking the stories. This has a whole lot of twist and turns. A boy running away, his dad's in prison and as the sports writers say "his whole future in front of him."We find a bone collector, the lady who has been raised from the dead, The snake oil sales man with no morals but lots of history.then the richman with the beautiful but rather wild daughter.

Judd takes all of these through death threats and some murderss, law men and lots of action and makes it seem reasonable.As I said Cameron Judd has mastered the craft well .I look forward to his next.

john acuff
country lawyer

A Hot Story
It's hard for me to believe Cameron Judd is not read and reviewed by more people.He is an excellant story teller. In this one he tells of two lost souls who find each other. A story to kindle your heart. The main character Penn finds two other great friends and lives on. You will find this story hard to break from. ... Read more

Product Description
She lies in a pool of her own blood. More blood decorates one wall in macabre finger paintings. The victim is a fortune-teller from the Little Saigon community of Westminster, California -- it's a seemingly random murder. Detective Steven Bushard wonders cynically if she saw it coming.

When local artist Gia Moon shows up at the precinct with visions of another murder yet to happen, Seven doesn't buy it. Some say Gia's paintings give a glimpse into the next world, but all Seven knows is cold, hard evidence. Then when her prediction comes true, he's left looking six ways from incompetent, and worse -- now it's a serial killer he's after.

But Gia is not all that she seems. A link to her past points to a deranged lunatic whose desire to complete a bizarre collection has become an obsession. Now Seven is locked in a game of greed and murder with a woman he can't entirely trust, and a killer who will silence anyone who gets in the way. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Murder with Extreme Woowoo
Mimi Tran, a psychic in Little Saigon. Westminster, California, is murdered. It's a gruesome murder with ritualistic aspects. WPD has two detectives in murder and robbery - Stephen "Seven" Bushard and Erika Cabral. They are thrown into a crazy world of Vietmanese gangsters, millionare collectors of weird artifacts, a serial killer of psychics, and the world of the extreme woowoo.

Folklore and paranormal arts hold the story together. Cameron Cruise includes incidentals like Cuban folklore for her detective Cabral, but Vietnamese and Greek folklore are the threads that weave and hold the story together.

The one thing that really bothered me was the writer's names for certain characters. First, why do all fictional detectives have a nickname? For example, in this book Seven for Stephen Bushard. Then there is Gia Moon, a psychic in the story. Yes, her name has a meaning and there's a reason she's called that, but all I could think of was Sailor Moon. David Gospel is the rich millionaire collector. But the absolute worst is the name of the fictional mayor of Westminster, Ruth Condum-Cox. It's used to make fun of the character, but would anyone really use that name? Doubtful.

Cameron Cruise is a pseudonym for Olga Bicos, a writer of romantic suspense. This is not a romantic suspense novel and is not meant to be one. It's not simply a police procedural either, because of the occult aspect in the crimes. This book is really about 3 ½ stars rounded up to 4. It is good enough to make me want to read another book by Cruise.

just an average thriller
Some of it is a bit hokey, but it is just a good solid thriller. Nothing to write home about, but a nice way to spend some time in reading.

2 stars
A serial killer is stalking the city and the police's only source of information seems to be found in a psychic's visions. The psychic, Gia Moon, does not only reveal secrets, but hides some of her own, a past that is linked to the killer's, though that is not immediately apparent. Bizarre clues and ancient relics strew the path that leads to a madman, but Detective Seven Bushard must follow that course.

** If you prefer action over characters driving the story, then you will probably enjoy this more than I did. It tends to ramble and have an unsympathetic cast. This is for the fan of hard boiled thrillers, not romantic suspense. **

Amanda Killgore

fantastic twisting police procedural
In the "Little Saigon" section of Westminster, California, homicide detectives Stephen "Seven" Bushard and Erika Cabral investigate the murder of popular fortuneteller Mimi.They see blood symbols on a wall, but not enough by the corpse.The evidence is overwhelming that the victim knew her killer and that in some way a ritual was performed because besides the wall writing, a bird's head was placed inside Mimi's mouth with a gem inside the beak.

Psychic Gia Moon comes to the station claiming she had a vision of the homicide and provides information that only those on the case and the killer would know.Whereas Erika thinks Gia is the murderer flaunting her kill, Seven feels otherwise though he admits his partner's logic is sounder than his gut.As they interview Mimi's clients including wealthy antiques collector David Gospel, the case takes spins that make no sense to the two detectives and everyone else associated with it except Gia, who knows the culprit is coming for her next.

THE COLLECTOR is a fantastic twisting police procedural with hints of the paranormal that include red herrings as readers will wonder if David is right that his weird offspring stole a gem from his Eye of Athena map and killed his arcane source Mimi.The multitude of characters seems real as they enhance the investigation into the murder and the jewel while also bringing to life the culture of the expatriate Vietnamese population.Cameron Cruse writes a complex murder mystery that will keep readers attention throughout.

Harriet Klausner

Fantastic Debut
The Collector is a great debut thriller from Cameron Cruise. Page-turning suspense that keeps you guessing until the very end. ... Read more

Product Description
Ellen Shaw arrives in London expecting to join her sister Fiona, who's found her the perfect job managing an antiquarian bookshop. Instead, she finds an empty apartment, and no sign of her sister. The only contact Ellen has is Hugh Weston, Fiona's boss and the bookshop's owner. Though Hugh seems solid and dependable. He remains a stranger she's not sure she can trust.

Hugh has his own theories about Fiona's disappearance. His Grandmother had been murdered only days before, and Hugh suspects Fiona had something to do with it. Is Ellen simply an innocent woman looking for her sister . . . or a partner in the crime, too? But as danger begins to stalk Ellen through the streets of London, Hugh has only moments to decide if she's capable of murder. . . or if she's simply an unlucky pawn who desperately needs his help. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Some Die Telling
I loved the suspense, but the story line dragged until close to the end.

AMust Read
If you stop before the end you will truly be disappointed. The end nothing less than sensational. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review
Setting: Contemporary Key West, Florida
Sensuality: 7

Sonnie Giacano returns to Key West, Florida, eight months after hertennis-star husband was kidnapped and a devastating car crash stoleSonnie's unborn child and threatened her life. Scarred but determined,Sonnie feels compelled to regain her lost memory of that fatefulnight. Former police detective Chris Talon, now a privateinvestigator, takes one look at the vulnerable Sonnie and knows heshould refuse to help her. But fate has plans for Chris and Sonnie ifthey can only manage to unravel the complicated skein of secrets thatconceal the truth about that horrendous night. Too many people,however, have a vested interest in keeping Sonnie uninformed andthey'll stop at nothing, including murder, to ensure that she neverlearns the truth.

The heat and tropical flavor of Key West provide a colorfulbackdrop for the intricate plot that revolves around a refreshingly uniquehero and heroine. Toss in an oily brother-in-law and an evil sister, alongwith a cast of intriguing secondary characters, and you've got a novel withenough suspense and romance to make your reading hours fly by. --LoisFaye Dyer ... Read more

Customer Reviews (42)

Good reading
Quite a good story, in a local I am interested in.All in all a very good book.

WOW - what a enthralling book this is!!! A page-turner that's hard to put down!
Romances that are also suspense thrillers are not my usual genre, yet I was powerfully drawn to the exotic setting of this story and its likeable characters. One of the things that makes this book special is that the story is rather unique, distinquishing it from all the run-of-the-mill books out there that are different variations on the same theme. The compelling plot contained lots of exciting twists and turns: is Sonnie crazy, or is someone trying to drive her crazy; who's on her side and who's working against her; who can she trust? This is the perfect book for a steamy summer weekend, or beach vacation read. The only thing that held me back from rating it a 5 was that at 468 pages, it was a bit too long and slow-paced in some places, and I occasionally felt impatient to find out what was going to happen next.

Gone Crazy or Crazy Conspiracy?
A tragic night filled with hurricanes leaves Sonnie Giacano scarred with physical and mental injuries.The hushed whispers of the doctors told her that she became uncontrollable when hearing about her husband's, Frank Giacano, terrorist kidnapping and crashed her car into a wall, killing her baby.Fighting against family and the voices she constantly hears in her head telling her to die, Key West by Stella Cameron tells the story of one woman's journey to uncover the truth about her past and what happened to her that night eight months ago, with the help of ex-NYPD cop Chris Talon.The question lies in whether she has really gone crazy or is someone conspiring against her to make her seem crazy and get her out of the picture?
This book was an overall easy read despite its twists and turns.Theplot snatches the reader's attention right from the beginning because the author does not dwell too much on past events, except when delivering flashbacks.She goes straight from the accident eight months ago to Sonnie finding the aid of Chris in her search for clues around her house in Key West, Florida, where it all began.There are some parts in the novel where readers might think that she has actually gone crazy.For example, when she hears the nighlty voices and visualizes different images surrounded by balls of fire and smoke, especially one with her husband's face.Her mental instability is also shown when she runs into Chris and starts beating and screaming at him.However, as fast as that thought forms, it just as easily gets erased when Sonnie goes into her unborn baby's room, sees the crib moving and the flailing arms of a baby, only to realize it's a doll.The reader realizes that she isn't going crazy.The flashbacks that Sonnie experiences about that night also contribute to the missing pieces of puzzle.If only she remembered why she wanted to go see Frank that night and how she could be so irresponsible while driving in a pregnant state.The sense of someone always watching her and her half-sister Billy and brother-in-law Romano's urge to get her admitted into an insane asylum also contributes to the suspense of the plot.
As the romance between Chris and Sonnie grow, so does the danger and the desperate situation for Billy and Romano.The mystery added up with a little romance to spice it up equals up to a thrilling book filled with suspenses that will make anyone want to continue reading until the end.

Way too Early
The novel, Key West, had the potential to be a great book.It had the plot that was different, if not unique.It was about a woman who had lost her baby when she was in a terrible crash.She has no memory of the crash, but she was told that she went to the airport to meet her abusive husband when she found out that he had been abducted by terrorists.According to her family she had then sped off and ran into a wall, throwing herself from the car.Now, Sonnie is back and she has to deal with her past, but when she begins to think that maybe it wasn't an accident at all, she has her family begin to invade her and a nosy neighbor trying to be her friend.So to find out about her past, she enlists the help of Chris Talon to help her find out what really happened.

At the beginning of this book, I thought that it had the potential to be a great book, but then when I started reading it, I felt that it dragged and dragged.It took me a lot more effort to finish the book that it normally would have.I think what bothered me the most about this book is that the characters were introduced and while each character was well done and unique, you knew where each one stood.Her sister and brother-in-law were the villians from the start and you knew that.All in all, I thought that the book was okay, but I would definitely try to find a different author next time.

A complete waste of time!
I would give this book a negative if I could.It was without a doubt the worst book I have read.It started okay, but after the first chapter or two, it went downhill fast, and never redeemed itself.This was the first Stella Cameron for me, and I had read such good things about her.Boy!What a let-down.I did however buy a few of her historicals, and they were better.But under no circumstances should anyone read this mess! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (33)

just ok...
a little boring and some of the scenes were backwards--can't be shy and be a lawyer.Anyway, I can barely remember some of the book, but what I do remember makes me wish it had been offered on kindle, for half the price.

Good for a first novel
I'm one of the reviewers that back this novel for its realism. I'm sure even in 2009 there are black women who feel pressured by family and friends to 'stick to black men' the irony being black men feel no such pressure and date whoever the hell they want. It's about time black women had the same attitude. The secondary characters were entertaining especially the siblings, Desiree the heroine a typical middle child, quiet, peacemeaker and people pleaser, I had to wonder where her backbone went, Sasha the baby and the rebel in the family and apt to speak her mind, Dominique the elder sister with the 'perfect middle class' life, bossy and a bit of a controller in her sister's life, and Marcus Junior the eldest and only brother with his own problems. Different issues are raised, office dating, interracial dating, dating your supervisor, sexual harresment. I liked the hero Tyler tho he did come across as too perfect, would have been good to read things from his perspective as well. The love scenes are well written, sensual but not too erotic, tho I felt they fell into bed too quickly.
Just a few corrections to make for the writer, England and its colonies did have slavery, it ended in 1807, so please readers ignore that peice of misinformation that England did not have slavery, it was the English, Spanish and the Portguese who created the Middle Passage route with African traders. Also the myth that African men have a problem with washing and smell, either the writer really believes this or she was exposing the ignorance of the character who spouted such drivel.

Say Yes to Never say Never
It's about time authors started writing realistic plots that deal with the problems normal women have every day.We're tired of lackluster novels filled with nothing but sex and no storyline.This novel has a message.It deals with sexual harassment in the workplace.It also deals with stereotypes. The main character Desiree Diamond has the perfect man.The only problem is he won't marry her.She gets fed up and ends it.Then she throws herself into work as a paralegal and meets her soul mate.Only she didn't know that.

Never Say Never has it all.The intricate relationship between sisters and their influence on our lives. It also portrays the strong black family unit.No baby mama drama here.A family that has values and love each other even though they disagree on many issues.Ms. Cameron deals with the race issue as well as homosexuality, transgender, and corporate america.

Ok..Read...But I Have Read Better
This book was an ok read. Tyler's character was great. Desiree not so good. She is somewhat boring..Lacks drive..Sometimes the scenes did not connect. The subject seemed to change without notice...I also didnt like that it took nearly half the book for them to start dating...Would have liked to have saw that in the first few chapters..Not to bad. But I have read better IR romance novels.

Can love pull them through?
Never Say Never follows the relationships of Desiree Diamond. Desiree is an intelligent, sophisticated, black woman who knows exactly what she wants out of life. Her so called fiancés failure to commit forces her to reevaluate her situation and broaden her horizons. Tyler is the perfect man, educated, tall, sexy, sweet & caring. One thing that makes Desiree hesitate is that Tyler is white. Desiree and Tyler have obstacles to overcome with family and friends expecting their relationship to fail. At the end Desiree finally realizes that her happily ever after doesn't have to be with a successful black man. It is with the man who cherishes her.

I really enjoyed this book. This book gives hope to people that have lost hope of finding their true love. Sometimes it's right in front of your face but because of your own personal hang ups, you can push it away. I love the strength of Tyler. It was refreshing to read about a man that didn't run away from love. He didn't have excuses to not follow his heart.

I do feel that the book could have had more drama. I would have enjoyed it a little bit more if there was just a little bit more road blocks for their relationship before they reached their fairytale ending. Outside of that this was an excellent love story.

Reviewed by:
Shaprice McKelvy
www.rwabookclub.com
rwabookclub@yahoo.com
... Read more

Product Description
Shattered by the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor, the U.S. is rebuilding its fleet while the badly damaged Submarine Division Seven holds the line against the Japanese Navy. The loss of even one more submarine could be devastating--and every enemy ship that slips through means more lives lost. But Lieutenant Commander Jack Tremain is determined to whip into shape a boat that's returned from a hellish patrol and make the Japanese pay--even if this is his last mission ever. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Sub Thriller
The books by Cooke are very good from cover to cover.I loose interest in most books right away. I read all of Cooke's books and he has re kindled my interest in reading. In fact, I am eager to find another author that can match his quality. I would rate all of his books 5 star+.Buy all of his books and enjoy his well written stories of submarine life of a WW2 submariner.

Unbearable Suspense;Excellent Submarine Tale
The book grabs you early and takes you on a whirlwind ride of a tale involving a "hard luck" sub and how the crew, despite no small amount of inner intrigue and turmoil, rises to the occasion, culminating in a suspenseful climax.Cooke draws his characters nicely and helps you form opinions about each.His knowledge of submarines and their unique brand of warfare helps carry the plot along.And the plot absolutely zings as it flows.Great story.Great read.

Great WWII Submarine series
This was a great WWII submarine series to read. Pride Runs Deep, the first novel in the series sets the stage for the second novel, Sink the Shigure which picks up where this novel leaves off. They kept my interest all the way through.

Victory at Sea for Submariners
This was truly an enjoyable yarn of men at war in submarines.The author, a qualified submariner, seems to know his stuff, although I am in no position to critique the many technical details of this novel.The author does master the trick, in the genre established by C.S. Forester of Horatio Hornblower fame, of weaving technical details, issues, and problems into the story without getting in the way of the storyline.This is a trick not all authors master, but here, Cooke succeeds.

The storyline itself is engrossing.I served in the military, but not in war and not in the Navy, but as a company-grade officer I can attest that Cooke's description of the interaction between officers and men, and officers with one another, rings true.Cooke manages to hold the reader's interest both in the storyline, and in the interactions between the numerous characters.I could not put this one down.

Cooke's prose is not perfect, nor are his characterizations.Tremain is just a little too much the perfect submarine skipper, the bad eggs are pretty bad.On the other hand, Captain Ireland is exactly the kind of manipulative son-of-a-gun that you sometimes find in the military or elsewhere.I will also note that there is a bit of similarity between Tremain's initial introduction to his crew, and the similar scene in the movie Twelve O'Clock High.Cooke's female characters (really only one) are pretty sketchily drawn.

I really enjoyed this one and recommend it to anyone who likes tales of men, war, and the sea.

Good read not great
CJ Leach has said it all very well in his review above. I agree completely.The negatives are "simple" characters",near cliche situations (relationshipwise, not action), and some tech details - well, the author is a nuke sailor, not a diesel boat sailor. But he has done very well and I'll read his other work.

Nit-picky details: the boat is called 244, and crew appreciates the good work the builders at Electric Boat did. EB built govt plan style boat. Then later, mentions it was built at Portsmouth (different construction plans/style entirely). Says it's a Balao.

The real 244 was an EB Gato with different name. If it were me, I would have not mentioned the # and left it at the fake name, and straightened out just which type of boat she was: EB Gato or Portsmouth Balao.

But good action, imaginative stuff and reads pretty well. Finished in 3 days of lunches and night reading. ... Read more

Product Description
The Marquis of Granville's deadly efficiency makes him invaluable to the Crown. But his latest mission has nothing to do with his work for England and everything to do with avenging the murder of two members of his family. Killing would be too good for Bernard Leggit, the wealthy and corrupt merchant responsible for their deaths. Granville has a better plan: Seduce the old man's young wife, Hattie, then let society know about their affair. For Leggit, living with shame will be worse than death.

Hattie Leggit married her odious husband in a devil's bargain to save her parents from debtors' prison. She has a scheme for freeing herself from this private misery, but foiling Leggit is taking too long. The opportune arrival of the dashing Marquis of Granville inspires a daring new plan: Pretend to engage in a very discreet affair with Granville and make her freedom the price for not flaunting their liaison in society.

When Hattie responds to him, Granville smells his revenge, but nothing goes as he had planned. Hattie drives him wild with need, until he finds himself forgetting his purpose. Although desire is new to Hattie, she manages to resist surrender -- until love and yearning conquer all doubts. But will they join forces in time to outwit a vicious enemy with more murder in mind? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Great story - told with wit.
I loved this book. Cameron paints a vivid picture of the historical period.John and Hattie are a sensual and funny couple,thrown into absurdly ridiculous predicaments, and yet the reader longs for them to work their troubles out.Interesting secondary characters add to the layering and Hattie's husband is pathetically wicked.Dishy sex and a satisfying ending make this a fun read.

Deserving of no stars whatsoever
Really, this was one of the most poorly written books it has ever been my misfortune to attempt to read. Yes, attempt, because over halfway through, I finally decided that I had wasted enough time hoping it would improve.

This book must have been accepted for publication solely on Ms. Cameron's name -- and perhaps the premise, which was not realized well at all. The writing here is so amateurish as to be not laughable, but annoying in the extreme. This is my first (and probably last) Cameron book, so I have to wonder how someone who writes so badly became a bestselling author.

Even without the deplorable writing style, the characters here are inconsistent and unlikeable. The hero comes across as weak and rarely acts according to the descriptions of him. The heroine is dull and totally unconvincing. As a reader, I could never care what happened to them, as long as they finally left me alone.

This is one of those books I definitely regret buying. The saddest thing is that I bought its sequel the same day; I don't know if I'll ever summon up the courage to crack it open.

Definitely Had Potential!
I rate this book 2 1/2 stars.

The storyline is good, though it was greatly underdeveloped to make it an attractive read.The characters and how they relate and/or interact certainly had more potential, but it was unremarkably written.

Getting to the root of the plot is rather exasperating and only moderately explained.Many times I was left wondering what one circumstance had to do with the other and the purpose of some characters.The writing style did not efficiently flow as I found myself having to re-read something to get the gist or understand the author's meaning.

It definitely could have been a great book.

Couldn't agree more
Didn't like the hero, John, weak and he could only think with what was between his legs.Hattie was strong and smart with John but then so weak with her horrible husband.There was no development with these two characters, specially in the emotional/love area.It was all lust with nothing redeeming, nothing that wanted these two to get together, really.The Aunts, Albert and Snowdrop were great characters.The story could have been so good.First book I've read by this author.Probably wouldn't read another.Too bad, it had so much potential. I hate spending money on and wasting time on a book that's premise could have been so good.I am wondering if it is Mira.I can't think of a historical romance I've enjoyed/had any depth from this publisher.

Couldn't agree more
Didn't like the hero, John, weak and he could only think with what was between his legs.Hattie was strong and smart with John but then so weak with her horrible husband.There was no development with these two characters, specially in the emotional/love area.It was all lust with nothing redeeming, nothing that wanted these two to get together, really.The Aunts, Albert and Snowdrop were great characters.The story could have been so good.First book I've read by this author.Probably wouldn't read another.Too bad, it had so much potential. I hate spending money on and wasting time on a book that's premise could have been so good.I am wondering if it is Mira.I can't think of a historical romance I've enjoyed/had any depth from this publisher. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Reading Winspear
The English tendency to say 'eh' after each sentence is unavoidable when reading Violet Winspear. Even her bad novels, like Valdez Marriage, are good for vivid portrayal of place and atmosphere. But there is something about the writing that is not sufficiently modern.

Melodramatic and overwrought
A young girl is lured to the side of a school friend by his overbearing brother.She is blamed for the accident which crippled him, even though his uninvited groping caused the car accident.Add to this a dour housekeeper, sexy distant relative and an ancient mansion, and you have an unimaginative melodrama.

A very intense romance novel
Cupid's Revenge, by Ruth Jean Dale is one of the most interesting romantic novels I have ever read.If you're a romantic novel type of person, then this is the novel you have to read.The book is abourt an ex-rodeo starand all-around ladies' man named Jason Cameron.This cowboy is very youngand attractive and he moves back to his hometown which is Cupid, Colorado. He is very popular and will-liked; especially by the females.The guys arejealous of him and he is always the center of attention.His friends andfellow ranchers consider him too much competition on the romance front. They want him to fall for one woman and leave the rest for them.He doesfall for one and he falls hard.Her name is Diana Kennedy and she is alsovery beautiful.She's a newcomer who's just bought the local honky-tonk. There are plenty of sparks flying between them, but Diana's not sure shewants any of them to catch.When she arrives in Cupid, he notices thisbeautiful steanger, so cool and in control.He knew he'd love to be theone who fractured that control and he couldn't take his eyes off her.Theystarted off on the wrong foot and he tried very hard to win her heart butall she would do is send negative vibes.He eventually falls in love withher but she is a very independent person and thinks she coul live without aman.She has to always be in control.She's had bad experiences in thepast and told herself that she wouldn't fall so easily.He was chasing herand it was very obvious.She didn't show any interest but deep down shewanted him.He proposes to her and she doesn't accept.He leaves heralone for good.This story is excellent.I would like to continue but Ido not want to give the ending away.You should find out for yourself. This is the type of book that makes you want to keep on reading and findout what happens next.I enjoyed reading this book very much and highlyrecommend it.I liked how it kept me in suspense, which made me tocontinue reading and finish the book early.It gives you very detaileddescriptions so you can picture the character or event in your head.It'san awesome book. ... Read more

Product Description

THE THRILLING CONCLUSION OF THE CARRIGAN BROTHERS SERIES

HELL ON THE RANGE

Liam and Joseph Carrigan's quest to find their long-lost Uncle Patrick ends when they finally reach western Montana. Their joyful reunion is short-lived, however, as Patrick is embroiled in a bloody land war with powerful rancher Bret Ellison. Liam and Joseph take up their uncle's cause in their own ways: Liam leaning toward hard action, and Joseph wanting to use diplomacy to find out why Ellison despises their uncle so viciously.

After Joseph's attempts at playing peacemaker lead to his being taken hostage by Ellison, Patrick valiantly turns himself over in exchange for his nephew, placing himself at the mercy of his worst enemy. Now, after enduring all the trials of the trail, the Carrigans risk losing the only family they have left. Their last hope is a daring shoot-and-run rescue that can only end with one side the final victor -- and the other side dead. ... Read more

Product Description
Plotting for control of the family movie studio, Powar is unaware that her promiscuous mother, Honey, has been secretly engineering everything in Powar's life, from her first job to her first sexual encounter. Reprint. ... Read more