Friday, November 27, 2015

Mini: Ransom Canyon (Ransom Canyon #1) by Jodi Thomas

Ransom Canyon by Jodi Thomas is one of the books I thoroughly enjoyed reading this past summer. It's a classic Jodi Thomas contemporary with multiple points of view and different story lines running parallel to each other. The setting is a small town, but it does not have the same small-town atmosphere found in her Harmony series. Instead, Ransom Canyon is a western contemporary series, with an emphasis on that western atmosphere.

The different story lines include a heartfelt and lovely romance between, what most readers would consider, a mature couple, while another thread follows a hardworking, college-bound young man and the beginning of a would-be romance with the sheriff's daughter. The sheriff's daughter has her own problems as separated parents face conflicts that affect their lives at home. Additionally, a quirky young ex-con passing through town finds himself beginning a new life at the town's senior citizens' trailer park. Conflicts arise involving all the characters, and a combination of old and modern western-style climax ties everything up.

The romance has its happy ending. However, the rest of the threads are left open-ended to be addressed in subsequent installments. I am particularly interested in Yancy, the young ex-con. He is quirky, cynical, knowledgeable about crime and street life, yet somehow totally inexperienced in what it takes to lead a "normal" life. I gave Ransom Canyon 4.5 stars, or a B+, at Goodreads, so this is a highly recommended read.

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I would like to direct you to Nath's review of Ransom Canyon at Books, Books and More Books. Hers is a thorough review that makes some fine points about the romance and main characters. Please read it and enjoy!

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Juliet Marillier | Blackthorn & Grim Series: Dreamer's Pool #1, Tower of Thorns #2

SERIES RECAP: Bitter magical healer Blackthorn makes a deal with a fey, the powerful Conmael, in order to escape the bowels of a foul prison. In exchange, she reluctantly vows to set aside her plans of vengeance against the man who destroyed her loved ones agrees to assist anyone who asks for her help, as magical healer or wise-woman, for a term of seven years. As she travels north to Dalriada, she is followed by a former prison mate, the hulking, silent Grim, whose only mission in life has become to protect her. Together, they settle in a cottage bordering a mysterious, magical forest and the lands of the Crown Prince of Dalriada.

In Dreamer's Pool, the first book of this fantasy series, a hardened, embittered Blackthorn helps Oran, the Crown Prince of Dalriada, find happiness with his beloved future wife Lady Flidais. Using a mixture of magic and folklore, Marillier weaves a fairytale-style story alongside that of Blackthorn's dark tale of loss, grief, and thirst for revenge. By the end of this first book, Blackthorn and Grim are established companions, not lovers. They become a team whose combined resources -- ingenuity, insight, magic, and loyalty to each other -- are admired and respected.

The story of Blackthorn and Grim in Dreamer's Pool highlights Marillier's excellent writing style, specifically in how she incorporates a fairytale about a prince fighting for his love, into a darker fantasy filled with magic, the elusive fey, and ancient Irish folklore. There is nothing common about this prince's battle though, as there are lies and twists that lead to dangers and dark magic. Blackthorn is the most interesting character in this first book, as the events leading to her devastating, personal story are slowly revealed. Her companion Grim is just as intriguing, however, although we learn enough to love his directness and loyalty, Marillier leaves the details for later. Grim, as a character and as companion to Blackthorn, becomes a grand revelation in Tower of Thorns.

Tower of Thorns continues as Blackthorn and Grim settled in Dalriada, waiting out the seven years' bond to Conmael. They hope that trouble won't find them. Unfortunately, Lady Geiléis and her men arrive from the North seeking help from the Crown Prince. Hers is a strange story about a howling creature trapped in a tower surrounded by an impenetrable hedge of thorns. This creature's howling casts a sort of dark spell on the Lady's lands, killing animals and causing its inhabitants to suffer from terminal depression and disorientation. He has been present for almost two years, and all attempts to drive him away by ordinary means have failed. The prince consults Blackthorn and Grim, and against their better judgment they set off to solve the puzzle of the monster in the tower. Meanwhile, Blackthorn finds herself conflicted when an opportunity arises to seek revenge against the man who destroyed her loved ones and held her in his foul prison, but to do so, she feels the need to lie to Grim in case she has to leave him safely behind.

Although Tower of Thorns again incorporates a fairytale-style storyline along with Blackthorn and Grim's ongoing thread, there are quite a few differences to be found. Marillier's fairytale is not only darker than in her first book, but also more complex. The 'monster in the tower' surrounded by a thicket of thorns sounds familiar, yet it is unique. The writing has a dreamy quality at times, and yet at others, there is an earth-bound sense to it. Marillier achieves this by utilizing different points of view. Lady Geiléis provides part of that dream-like quality through characterization, as well as through her slow narrative of events leading to the advent of the 'monster in the tower.' Meanwhile, Blackthorn's and Grim's points of view, Grim's in particular, bring the reader back to reality within the boundaries of this fantasy.

The main and, most importantly, the key secondary characters involved, are on the grey side, not black and white. Blackthorn and Grim are further developed in this second book. In Marillier's hands, Blackthorn's bitterness becomes a palpable thing, however as her courage is challenged, the depth of her inner strength and vulnerabilities are revealed. Grim's emotionally devastating backstory, on the other hand, is fully disclosed to the reader in Tower of Thorns. As this story progresses, his character becomes a stronger force within this series, as well as more endearing to the reader. Hidden agendas are a theme in Tower of Thorns, ensuring that Lady Geiléis' character, unlike Oran's in Dreamer's Pool, is as grey as grey can be. She is not the only one though, because the fey, and even the monster and other characters involved in this excellent fantasy, play a double game.

The events, as they unfold, are rendered in such a way as to convey a real sense of danger to both Blackthorn and Grim. It keeps the reader wondering about that final piece to the puzzle. There are unexpected twists to the end of the fairytale, as well as to Blackthorn's plans for revenge. So that, even if the reader believes predictability will factor in, they may just change their minds once the end is reached.

Conclusion: Although I enjoyed Tower of Thorns a bit more than Dreamer's Pool due to its complex plotting and characterization, both books in this series are highly recommended.

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Note: I read Dreamer's Pool back in March 2015, and Tower of Thorns this month, November 12, 2015.

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Update, Brown-Eyed Girl by Lisa Kleypas, Him by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy

I've been away for a couple of months on an unscheduled hiatus due to more changes taking place in my life, good ones this time. In September, I gave notice at my old job and that triggered a super busy time for me since I had clean-up to do before leaving, causing other concerns and stress factors. Then, at the beginning of October, my new job began at a new law firm and that has thrown my whole schedule off kilter. I am adjusting, but it all takes a bit of time. Additionally, October was a month of personal anniversaries that I needed to get through. I did just that with help from family and friends.

READING UPDATE: My August reading was prolific compared to other months in 2015. My favorite books were Ru by Kim Thúy and Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy. In September my reading took a dip again but I still managed to read more than a few books, with From the Ashes and Bloodlines (Boystown #6 & #7) by Marshall Thornton making it to the top of my list. And, as expected, October was not a great reading month. I read 2.5 books during the last days of the month with Persuasion by Jane Austen, a highly enjoyable reread, as the sure favorite.

I am going to begin again by posting short reviews for two books I read in August. I will continue by posting reviews of my latest reads and impressions of selected books read within the past few months.
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Brown-Eyed Girl (Travis Family #4) by Lisa Kleypas

Brow-Eyed Girl ties up the Travis family saga with Joe Travis as the romantic hero, however, the main focus is the heroine Avery Crosslin from whose first point of view perspective the novel is narrated.

Avery carries baggage affecting her as an adult. In her case, its neglectful parents and a traumatic experience with an ex-fiance. Add those negative experiences and the result is a woman who no longer believes in love and has zero interest in developing relationships with men. Avery is a woman in hiding. She hides her curves behind unfashionably large clothing and avoids men by turning them down flat. No problem, right? Well, not when it comes to Joe Travis.

Avery runs a successful wedding-planning business and meets Joe Travis at a wedding for wealthy clients. Outwardly, Joe seems to be an easygoing man whose purpose is to live a "normal" happy life without the excess the inherited Travis fortune affords him. Whatever it is about Avery that strikes Joe's fancy, whether it is her physical appearance or personality (we don't really know), Joe is relentless in his pursuit. Joe is understated in his pursuit, but it is understood that he is used to getting what he wants. Avery plays a game of dodge until they end up having an affair. Joe does not seem conflicted about his feelings, however, while Avery begins to fall for Joe, her reluctance to commit to a serious relationship becomes the main conflict between them.

I read Brown-Eyed Girl when it first released and enjoyed reading it. As a light contemporary romance, the book works, and as such I recommend it. I was able to understand Avery's cautious stand to a certain degree, while liking Joe for his easy going, loving understanding, and subtle but relentless pursuit. The secondary romance, involving Avery's half-sister and business partner Sophia, is definitely a plus to this contemporary romance as it provides tension and some lovely romantic drama.

Unfortunately, as part of the Travis family series, Brown-Eyed Girl is a much lighter read. It lacks the impact, emotional depth, and memorable characterization Kleypas achieved with Sugar Daddy and Blue-Eyed Devil.

Him by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy

How do I say this? I could just say I loved, loved this book, but know more must be said. Him is fun, cute, sexy, and romantic. It is one of my favorite reads of the year. A sports-related gay romance that provides just enough hockey details for fans, but does not overwhelm readers who do not follow the game.

Wes and Jamie met as boys at hockey camp and became best friends. A homosexual encounter during their last summer at camp results in estrangement and hurt feelings. They meet again as college seniors as opponents on the ice. The rest is one of those unforgettable "friends to lovers" romances filled with memorable characters, amusing situations, plausible conflicts, and sexual tension along with sexy and romantic moments.

Bowen and Kennedy collaborated to create this New Adult gay romance and, in my opinion, created two beautiful characters. However, because there are two writers involved format and dialog must be considered. In Him, the alternating chapter format works, as it avoids that confusing head hopping style I so dislike. As a result, the characters' voices and personalities are distinctive, and thoughts and emotions are clearly conveyed to the reader. Wes and Jamie are portrayed as neither too young nor too old for their age. Culturally, they fit right in with young men within their age group. The secondary characters make a positive impact, however, because this romance is written from the first point of view perspective of the two main characters, the focus is firmly maintained on Wes and Jamie, as well as on the emotional changes taking place in the friends to lovers relationship. Highly recommended.