Romance Books

I read this book without any previous knowledge of who the author was or her background/beliefs/credentials; without reading the reviews and not even being recommended to read it. I read it because it seemed to have useful advice for a woman like me who was not sure what she was doing wrong to her marriage but wanted to fix it.
I do not in any way consider myself conservative, I am not religious, I am not even Christian! Yet, the points made in this book opened my mind to what was wrong and helped me to change my attitude in a way that improved my marriage Immediately...and has helped many, many times since. I keep this book close and read parts of it whenever I find myself feeling selfish, stubborn or bitterly discontent with life and home.
The advice is simple and easy to follow and puts the role of a housewife with children into better perspective. It helped me to change my mind and be the wife I would want if I were in my husbands position. In return, the rewards have been overflowing and I am happier than ever.
Be open to the message and forget where it's from. I don't particularly like the author (now that I know more about her) but my opinion is this, I don't have to like the members of a band to enjoy their song and I don't have to like the actors to enjoy a movie, so why discount this book just because of who wrote it? Read it and improve your marriage.

I am a wife and mother and I totally agree with Dr. Laura's assessments in this book. Other book that helps me about this topic isI Love You. Now What?: Falling in Love is a Mystery, Keeping It Isn't

Amazon delivery was quick, the book is even better than I thought it would be. I was looking for a way to turn my mother's attitude around, and Dr. Laura has the courage to tell it like it is, I really took her words to heart.

I give this book (along with a similar book by another author targeted to men) to young engaged couples (and recommend it widely to others).

A lot of the men read her book. They rave about how well she gets it. She says "men are simple creatures". The men agree (we are simple creatures, truley we are). She explains how to interact successfully with men. The men say she has it exactly right.

First of all, I must admit that I was once a Dr. Laura listener. Yes, I was. I hang my head in shame. But hear me out - I was young, I thought she was a hoot and I swear on a stack of Camille Paglia that she was NOT this insane yet. She slammed people for turning their backs on their gay relatives. She was pragmatic, realistic and actually, once or twice, was kind. Then my radio station dropped her and the years have passed between us. On a lark, I looked her up today and found THIS.

Seriously? Who buys this drivel? According to the pseudo-doc men are nothing more than sandwich chomping cavemen who want to copulate and sleep. Women are somehow able to control these caveman by spending the rest of their lives (and their sense of self) flattering him, giving in to his sexual desires no matter their own needs, subjugating every part of their married life with his needs in mind only.

What woman would do this? What man would want this? Perhaps, if you feel that this will help your marriage, you have a bigger problem than can be solved by a radio shock jock.

It's not a mystery that two people (in any relationship - platonic, married, living together, gay, straight) are in better harmony when they respect each other, listen to each other and strive to treat each other kindly and with love. That's it. If you are one of the millions of simpering women who read this tripe in order to "save" your marriage, I don't even know you and I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that you have bigger problems than your huband needing three squares a day and some hot sex.

If you really feel like your marriage is dying - TALK TO YOUR HUSBAND. If he ignores you then perhaps the marriage isn't worth saving. Why is your next response to turn yourself into some Stepford Wife, mindless, "yes, dear" clone who gives up any sense of independent self to wait on a man hand and foot?

I bet a lot of you smug married ladies are now tsking over my stupdity. Perhaps that's why she's not married, you think, pausing to admire your perfect wedding ring. She's just a man-hating feminist who would never stoop to show a man that she adores him and worships him. In that case, I'll never change your mind.

But let's say that I've never wasted a moment's sleep trying to figure out how to "win" a man or "keep" a man. Having a relationship enhances my life; it does not define it. I have had terrific relationships; I'm still friends with many of my exes. I have a wonderful relationship with a man who I adore and who adores me - but we also treat each other as individuals. We have separate interests and different outlooks and we listen to each other. I don't base my self-esteem on the success of this relationship or on his estimation of me. And I fear that's what so many of the people who buy books like these do - their identity is wrapped up in being "married," in being "a wife." They suppress their own identities to shadow the man in their life. They give up their own desires to fullfill his. And, disgustingly, this sort of book encourages that sort of behavior. It glorifies it. It celebrates it.

Sure, your marriage improved because of these "skills" - what person wouldn't be immediately excited that someone was spending all their time doting on them, loving them and stroking their ego? Heck, even I'd fall for it - FOR AWHILE. But when your husbands realize that you've stopped being you - being the woman he first fell in love with - you're back at square one.

Don't waste money on this book. If you're unhappy, sit down with your spouse, tell him/her you're unhappy. Tell them why. If they don't care, leave. If they agree, figure out TOGETHER how to fix it. Stop relying on these pop-culture answers.

Plus, it's not even well-written, which is the worst thing I can write about a book. She regurgitates radio conversations, caller comments and throws in some sound bites. No effort at all. You'd be better to read Kahlil Gilbran. Read that. Think about that. Forget this.

In my opinion the publishing out of order did the author a favor. If this book had been the first in the series I never would have read the series nevermind pick up the next book. Single white vampire was laugh
out funny! while in this book Mom's mischief in trying to get her daughter cured and admitting her love for her lifemate puts her in danger
thanks to the maniplutive misunderstandings. Such as tying Greg back up
on her bed once her uncle shows up unexpectedly. She almost dies after
being staked at her friends house because of lack of blood for the nanos
to use to feed while fixing the wound. And Greg is awfully forgiving for
someone who is controlled and forced back to a house where he is held prisoner and gift wrapped as a present, as well as constantly having his
mind read. What truly interested me is we finally got to hear some about
Jean Claude in facts instead of just hearing he controled her. True it
isn't flattering but is everything you done in your life flattering? Be honest now. All in all an ok book that moves the series along.

This book rocks, along with the whole series. I have them all and enjoy each and everyone. Thanks Lynsay Sands

I have stopped reading romance novels for quite some time now until this. I love the Argeneaus! The concept about vampires in these books are so fresh and new. That they are HUMANS - only they are IMMORTAL, made these stories very logical. How and why they came about has a very good explanation too. I have read all nine Argeneau Series and was almost sad when Lynsay Sands said Margaruite's story was the last one (the ninth book).

But I think she mentioned she might bring back the Argeneaus in some other stories soon!! Can't wait!

I enjoyed every bit of this book. Unfortunately I read the books out of order. I read "Vampires are Forever" and then "The Accidental Vampire." I looked for the other books in book stores and did not realize they had been on the market for a while. I had to order the first set of books through Amazon. I bought "Vampire,Interrupted" and could not wait to read it. They were all so good. I hope Lynsay Sands continues the Argeneau Series. The books are exciting, funny, and filled with passion.

I really enjoyed this book. It has a good story line and has some humor in it.

I ACTUALLY LIKED THIS BOOK BETTER THAN THE 1ST ONE!!!! I ONLY WISH THAT I GOT MORE FOLLOW-UP INFO ON DA CHARACTER (S) FROM DA CHARACTERS INSTEAD OF MIZ OSCEOLA!!!! I LOVED HOW EVERY HOOD SITUATION TURN'D OUT EXCEPT WOO- WOO, I FEEL HER HUSBAND DIDN'T DESERVE WHAT HE GOT!!! ALL IN ALL I WOULD DEFINITELY RECCOMMED DIS BOOK !!!!!!!

this book was so good that i read it in one day. the 1st and 2nd was hot like fire. i hope that book three can live up.
keep them coming

THIS BOOK IS OFF THE HOOK!! NO DOUBT ABOUT IT! YOU THOUGHT DESPERATE HOODWIVES WAS SOMETHING?? PLEASE! THESE WOMEN HAVE THEM BEAT!! I WAS NOT READY FOR THE HEAT! SO GET READY! READ THIS ASAP!

SHAMELESS HOODWIVES WAS SO BETTER THEN THE FIRST THE GIRLS IN THE BOOK YOU REALLY FELT WHAT THEY WAS GOING THROUGH WITH LIEING HUSBAND AND BOYFIRENDS TO DEALING WITH MOTHER WHO CARE ONLY ABOUT MEN AND NOT THEIR OWN CHILDREN THIS BOOK IS A MUST GET YOU WILL TRULY ENJOY IT.

Another great book. If you like the first one, you'll love this one. Fast pace well written. I can't wait for the third one on the men of Bentley Manor.

This book was a little different from the other anita books before it. I liked it alot. very detailed, and gory.

Looking for a good vampire book after reading Stephanie Meyer's Breaking Dawn, I dove headlong and joyously back into Anita Blake. This one was excellent, again, though it moves more into the long-term action of a series, rather than a one-shot stand-alone as the first books were. Being an epic fantasy fan, I prefer this kind of thing, because it helps keep the characters moving and growing and changing, but doesn't have to have them do it at too frenetic a pace, as happened in, say, Rachel Caine's Weather Wardens series.

This book focuses on three long-term plot threads, one past, one present, one future. For the past thread, it closes the circle started in the third book, Circus of the Damned, because Anita and Jean-Claude have to answer for killing the Earthmover, Mr. Oliver. The rule is that whoever kills a member of the vampire ruling council takes that council member's seat; since the only way to get on the council is to kill one of the current members, only Jean-Claude can take Oliver's place. However, he doesn't want to, and even though he declares it is because he knows he isn't strong enough and would only become the main target for anyone itching to get a seat (which is certainly true), I think his main reason for not wanting it becomes clear almost immediately after we meet two of the council members, the Traveler and the Master of Beasts. Jean-Claude doesn't want to be on the council because these people suck. They are horrid. They are cruel, they are obnoxious, they are arrogant beyond all measure, and worst of all, as Anita points out, they are petty: they worry overmuch about small issues of precedence, they take umbrage at any word that is not purely sycophantic, they attempt to dominate and control and degrade anyone and anything around them. They are the ultimate bullies, but sadly, they have the power to back it up -- power they waste almost completely, because all they do with it is run their petty little games and try to get a leg up in their eternal squabbles. This is the perfect example of the corrupting influence of power.

It was fun to read because Anita has a very salutary effect on the council members: she intimidates one, and manages to find and bring out a shred of decency and honor in the other, and she keeps them from doing too much harm to the supernaturals in Jean-Claude's domain -- which might as well be called her domain, as she continues to take on the role of protector for more and more of the supernaturals, which is the second major long-term plot thread this book follows. She becomes the official leader of the wereleopards, and takes on more of the role of lupa for Richard's pack, a role that gives her the power to fight off the council and be of some use to the werewolves when they need her. And they need her, because Richard has finally turned completely into a petty, vindictive shrew. Okay, okay, she dumped you. She wouldn't sleep with you, and she slept with another guy, a guy you don't like. It hurts, I understand. But come on, already! Richard is so bitter that he is enraged by everything that has to do with Anita; he keeps trying to flaunt himself in front of her -- one of those, "See what you're missing, baby?" posturing things -- and yet the slightest hint of Jean-Claude in her life throws him into a complete hissy-fit. He can't stand the idea of anyone trying to help or control his pack other than himself, and yet he is not capable of handling his pack, because he can't face his own beast and he's turned into such an angry, screaming rhymes-with-witch that he is a terrible leader. One who uses cruelty to get his way, despite all of his high morals, because he is taking out his own pissiness on everyone around him -- I feel bad for the students in his class. The future plot thread sets up the theme of Richard trying to deal with his role in the triumvirate, although all he really tries to do is make them hate him so much that they'll throw him out of the triumvirate and he can go wallow in his self-pity forever and ever and ever. It's pathetic. Anita actually helps him deal with his beast at one point, and she tries again and again to deal with his immaturity, but he won't let her, and he won't let go of any of his rage. Frankly, I can't wait until he is put in his place. They seem to be leaning towards replacing him, which would probably make everyone happy -- except Richard, of course, who will never be happy, never ever ever because Anita didn't sleep with him and that ruined his whole life -- but for that to happen, Richard would have to leave St. Louis or die, since I can't see the triumvirate including any were other than the leader of the pack (vroom vroom) and that has to be Richard, who can't handle either his responsibilities as pack leader or as Jean-Claude's wolf. Unless Richard abdicates -- which he won't, the arrogant putz -- or gets killed. Which would certainly make things easier.

But then, that is one of the most attractive things about this series. Things are not easy. It's kinda like real life, that way. So, here's to Anita, and I hope she muddles through. And personally? I hope Richard gets put down, hard. But I want him to live, shamed and humbled and broken. I want his outside to be as weak and childish as his inside. But maybe I'm just being petty. Oddly, I don't feel bad about that.

Anita Blake books are so good I updated my collection to the hardcovers because I wore my paperbacks out. This is a great series but it is for adult readers.

I love the Anita Blake series, so far each one is better than the last

Laurell K Hamilton certainly has a way with words - her books draw you in and the reader never knows quite where the story is going next. These books are all very unpredictable with unexpected events unfolding and an ever-widening cast of characters.

The ever-widening epithet also describes Anita Blake's powers and responsibilities. Not content with 'merely' being a necromancer, as the books in this series have unfolded she has gained position as a lupa (female alpha wolf), leopard pack leader, vampire human servant and more. However this reader has found that the more this series continues, the more abstract and distant Anita Blake seems. In the first few books it was possible to identify with her as a woman trying to hunt monsters and not to become one. However at this point in the story I have found that Anita has become someone fairly unlikeable with her idiosyncratic set of rules that just don't work for this reader.

This story contains all the complexity of the previous stories, if more. The love-triangle is settled for the moment so more time is spent on the difficulties of Anita's life as she juggles her varied tasks. She is asked to investigate a possible supernatural firestarter, she finds herself getting involved with were-leopard and werewolf politics and her lover, Jean-Claude, needs her help with the European Vampire Council. The level of violence in this book seems rather over-the-top at times and some aspects of the plot seem rehashed from previous books, plus I have serious doubts about Anita's sanity and her self-awareness as to her limits. The author's skill in telling the tale lift this book above many in this genre but I didn't feel it was a patch on the first four in the series.

Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2008

I really enjoyed this book. It is J.D. Robb at her best. I strongly recommend this to anyone who has become a fan of the J.D. Robb series. You won't be disappointed.

This was another great read by Nora Roberts. I love all of her books.
The only reason I rated 3 stars, is because the cover clearly states this book should be 2.99. When I recieved the product, I saw on the receipt I was charged 4.98 by Amazon, and that is supposed to be after the buy 3 discount! I'd say they made some money on that sale!

Along with many others, I am truly disappointed by the "mini book". With an item like this, you need to advertise the number of pages. The idea of paying $3.99 for postage, and receiving the package with only $1.14 on the package made me feel like a real idiot. It will be a VERY LONG TIME before I order anything from AMAZON again.

I ordered this book without looking at the number of pages. I assumed for $5 it was a full length book. It is not. It is 90 pages and it says boldly on the cover $2.99 great deal! I paid $4.98 so that isnt a great deal at all. Save your money and buy another book.

Bought this J. D. Robb book for wife. She was disappointed in it's length, it's not a novel but a novelette. Upon reading it, however, she found it enjoyable. For someone that doesn't like reading 400 page books, this is just fine.

I literally couldn't put this book down until I read the last page. There were some definate surprises in store. I've said this in my reviews about the other two books, that I really cared about these characters, and this book didn't change that. I am sad to see them go. Brenda's writing was supurb as always and the ending was satisfying. Its always irritating to be hooked on a series of books only to find you've wasted your investment of time and be let down by the conclusion. Thats so not going to happen here. Read these books in order if possible and be prepared to go on a non-stop ride.

DEAD RIGHT is a complex, layered page-turner about good and evil and family and love. Wonderful male characters! I loved the heroine's brother and the hero! I couldn't stop reading until the last page!

I've enjoyed all three of these books in the "Dead" series. Brenda Novak writes well and her characters seem real. I couldn't put the books down. Throughly enjoyed all three!!

This book is a terrific ending of the 3-book series.
Enough information to bring back the complete storyline from the previous two, and a true type ending.

Can't wait for more from Brenda Novak!
PJ

Madeline has waited 20 years to find out what happened to her father, the town of Stillwater's much respected reverend, she knows that he would have never willingly left her. The town has always thought her family murdered the reverend but she is not willing to believe that her beloved step brother, sisters or Mother had anything to do with it. They are her only family and they have always cared for and loved her.

When her fathers car is discovered in a nearby quarry, his body is no where to be found, but the trunk holds some vile secrets. Madeline reaches the end of her rope and hires a well known Private Detective from California named Hunter. She wants some answers so she can put the past behind her.

The conclusion to this gripping trilogy was suspenseful and more than a little disturbing. Some of the scenes were really hard for me to read and at one point I thought I would be sick. Madeline gets the answers she's been seeking, but they aren't easy to stomach, for her or the reader. The reader has known what happened 20 years ago since the first book, but as Madeline finds out the truth; the reader is granted a lot more detail.

Ms. Novak added a small twist to this story I wasn't expecting and I thought this tale was the best of the bunch. Despite the upsetting subject matter, I was completely enthralled. I was really curious how she was going to handle Madeline's story and if she would leave her in the dark or how she would have her face the truth about her father, she handled it beautifully.

This was one of the better suspenseful trilogy's I have read. I thought the storyline was exciting and the characters delightful. Watching the truth unfold from book to book was thrilling, a little heartbreaking and very emotional. This is a series well worth the read, Enjoy!

Dead Silence (The Stillwater Trilogy, Book 1)
Dead Giveaway (The Stillwater Trilogy, Book 2)

Cherise Everhard, June 2008

This book should be required reading for every married, single person or in relationship- male and female. Excellent insights - I couldn't put it down. It's a quick read - written well - enjoyable and greatly informative. There's a ton of wisdom packed in its pages!! The book provides a great process for uncovering the qualities of better relationship. Some of the topics and methods discussed in the book include discovering various roadblocks to effective communication, being truly empathetic,learning the art of powerful, open-ended questions, assertiveness skills.The second part is all about sexuality and techniques, it helps my sex issues with my partner. Every chapter is really amazing. I have read this author before and she continues to have very good principles to share. It will bless your life.
In fact, I bought several copies for my friends. It will make a great gift. Very helpful and fun to read!

For the first time, I, and you will too, know how to "be" in a relationship. After having tried so hard in different ways in the past, Iam's (the author) way just lead me there in no time, and with ease. The book is thick and I thought that it maybe pack with "fyi, or good to know" but it's nothing like that. I read every single word; this is too real.
This book is a gem amongst books teaching about NOW WHAT? After WE said: I LOVE YOU, it teaches "how to be love and loved" not just descriptive information.
I am surprised that more people have not found this book...it is excellent. You could use the concepts of the book to create the relationship of your dreams. I recommend this book to everyone!

I also recommend Sex and the Perfect Lover: Tao, Tantra, and the Kama Sutra

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2MUJO4VDU1KKJ Just to refresh your memory, a Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry. The Americanized form consists of three lines. The first line contains five syllables; the second line seven syllables; the third line five again.

I hope you enjoy watching this Haiku Review. After writing reviews with hundreds of words, it can be challenging to sum up a book with a mere seventeen syllables.

Brian Douthit
Author Of Perfectly Said: when words become art

When I thought there were not any more sex "techniques" or "tips" about love I could learn from a book, this book just amazed me.
This book literally blew me away with its freshness, compassion,expert solutions and clarity. This is the relationships book I Love You. Now What?: Falling in Love is a Mystery, Keeping It Isn'tI had been waiting for a long time. From the first page I could put it down
This book just transformed my relationship and it is never going to be better than after reading it.

This book is full of eroticism, joy, tips about sex and love. This book is a manual comprising great knowledge for a wonderful relationship with your partner and, most fundamentally, with yourself. In the first part, the book offers solutions in the form of techniques, testimonies and advice to help people to grow spiritually and psychologically, and feel loved. It will also help you understand, change and transform the negative feelings you have about yourself and your partner, for the sake of harmony. The second part of the book is dedicated to different very creative sex techniques that can contribute to improve a relationship, be it a new flame or a well-settled relationship.

This is one of the most intriguing books I have read in recent years. I was attracted to this series because I know of Gary Smalley's work and found it interesting that he would combine real-life counseling and fictional characters. Frankly, I think it was a genius idea because we are having more people read and discover helps for their own lives because they are willing to read fiction when they wouldn't read other books. I love the way that the main characters seek God's leadership before making any decisions and follow his will. God's way is the best way is driven home by having those who willfully disobey what they know God's will to be and suffer the consequences. I simply could not wait even one night to get the following book when I was through with one. Therefore, I went and bought all 13 available books in the series so I would never have to wait.

I am very disappointed with the book. I agree with the original critic - it reads more like a self-help book than a literary novel. The adultery, alcohol described in the book seem very unrealistic and organized to create certain points that the author wants to get across to the reader. I would find it hard to believe if this author has any real understanding of the circumstances that they try to describe in the book.

Read this book in 3 days, only because I had to go to work otherwise I would have stayed up all night. It's not one of those you can't put it down, edge of your seat type of novels, however, I did find it stimulated my own sense of right and wrong, forgiveness level and the ability to see God in everything. The way it is written puts you in the place of the characters and how God works in their lives even if you can't always hear Him. And even when you do, do you take what is said and act upon it? I can't wait to read the rest of the series... On to book Two!

Karen Kingsbury is an amazing storyteller. I became hooked reading this series and now read just about everything she publishes.I have not traditionally chosen "Christian Fiction" but, Karen Kingsbury has shown that these authors have great merit!

Karen Kingsbury's book "Redemption" was like a self help book in story form. I liked how the message of redemption and hope were well written about, and might be encouraging to anyone struggling in a relationship.

I did, however, have a couple of complaints with "Redemption". First, Kari who decides to stay with her unfaithful husband makes a noble choice, but at times comes across as too much of a saint. Yes, she sheds some tears and has doubts and fears, but for a woman who has been dealt such a big blow the depth of her hurt seemed minimal.

Another complaint I had was that I had a hard time really identifying with any of the characters. Although I have to say Tim, the unfaithful husband, seemed the most real in his struggles with God and himself.

"Redemption" in the end was not a bad book, it just didn't spark anything in me. I do have a friend, though, who loves the whole series, and it has really ministered to her.