I've had this book by Eve Silver for awhile, having purchased it when met her 2 years ago in Atlanta at RWA, but was never in the mood for a gothic romance until recently, so I finally grabbed it off the TBR pile. The book is set in London, and poor Darcie Finch is desperate to survive. Turning to her sister, a Madame at a bawdy house, as a last resort, she is nevertheless turned away, but given one last chance: go to Dr. Damien Cole, as he may have employment for her in his home. Darcie makes haste in the night to the Dr's home, and indeed he does offer her a position as a maid. But Darcie sees and hears strange and disturbing goings-on, and isn't sure what her handsome yet mysterious employer is all about, but she can't help wondering, even as she finds herself falling for him: is Damien a cold-blooded killer, or a brilliant surgeon? Very dark, and a little disturbing with the medical experiments Damien would perform in his laboratory, though maybe that's just me. It wasn't a bad read, but I couldn't really connect with the characters, though at times I did feel Darcie's extreme desperation and Damien's pain. They were likeable enough, but I just wasn't feeling this book. I would like to read more by this author, and I know her alter ego, Eve Kenin, seems to have a following. So while it wasn't my thing, I would be willing to give her another try.

Jill Shalvis, always a favorite. I really enjoyed the first one, "Flashpoint", which involved an arsonist and the impact it has on the firestation, and this book concludes that storyline to my satisfaction. I adore the firefighters, how close they are to each other, yet sympathize with them for their crazy, exhausting schedules, which I'm sure in some parts of the country, it is realistic. (My heartfelt thanks to firefighters everywhere, some of our most amazing heroes). Jill stays a little more serious here than with some of her Bravas, telling the story of Kenzie and Aidan, former lovers who end up back in each other's lives after many years apart. I enjoyed the continued development of their relationship, their potent attraction to each other, and how now, years later, they've grown up and are finally ready to really love each other. Jill pays tribute to these amazing men and women, and I look forward to reading more about these special firefighters who wormed their way into my heart.

I had seen the preview for this movie several times, and thought it looked funny and interesting. Uma Thurman is recently divorced, and shares her doubts about her future with her therapist, played by Meryl Streep, who tells Uma's character not to be so hard on herself. Uma then meets a young man who catches her eye, but he's considerably younger than her. Still that doesn't stop the two from acting on their strong attraction. While Uma feels guilty, she's also enjoying herself in a way she hasn't in a long time, and Meryl is pleased to see her client so happy...until she finds out the young man Uma is seeing is her own son, then she's not so pleased. It's funny, sweet, poignant, and about two people who meet each other and fall in love, and have to figure out if what they have together is enough to last a lifetime. Not as funny as I'd hoped, but it was still a good movie.

My first book by Colette Gale, and a take on "The Phantom of the Opera", which I have never read or seen, I admit. Not even the Gerard Butler version, which must be a crime. So while I knew the general idea behind it, I don't know what details in this book mirrored those from POTO, and which were different, other than the man that Christine chooses in the end. I liked watching Christine and Erik fall in love, and that Christine knew almost from the beginning that he was the man for her, yet she betrays his trust, and he sends her away, which pains them both. Her other suitor, Raoul, is rich and influential, with a powerful older brother who lusts for Christine himself. All the elements of an intriguing erotic romance. However, I just didn't find it all that erotic. I wanted to, I really did, but I wasn't moved by most of the sex scenes, and at times found myself skimming pages, waiting for it to grab my attention. I loved the books under the other name of this author, but this one didn't capture me, so I don't know that I'll be grabbing the book based on the Count of Monte Cristo. Now I do understand she is writing a book about the legend of Robin Hood, so I might give that one a go (images of Richard Armitage come to mind here).

What are you watching or reading?

Labels: quickie reviews