27 January 2010

Book Review: Romantic Mysteries

Okay, this post is not at all about romantic mysteries despite the title; it's actually two mini-reviews for a graphic novel and a romance novel.  Completely unrelated books, except that I don't have much to say about either one, and hence the mini-review.

Elizabeth Lowell is one of my fall-back romance authors.  Whenever I get in a reading rut, where nothing appeals to me, I read a romance novel by Lowell, Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown, or Jayne Ann Krentz.  I was having quite a bit of difficulty picking up a book, so when I stumbled across this unread Lowell book, I decided to give it a try.

Sweet Wind, Wild Wind is the story of Lara Chandler and Carson Blackridge.  Lara loved Carson in her innocence and he betrayed her.  Now she has come back to chronicle the history of the Rocking B Ranch, the land both she and Carson called home in their youth.  Carson is determined to win Lara back, but as Lara begins to trust him, she finds herself wondering if she's about to make the same mistake again.  All in all the plot is pretty basic and the sex is pretty good, so it's an above average romance novel in my opinion.  If you are looking for a quick, brainless, steamy read, go for it.

Buy  |  Borrow  |  Accept  |  Avoid

Sweet Wind, Wild Wind counts for the 100+ Reading Challenge

Fern Britten is a private researcher (investigator has too many negative connotations) who has been dubbed the Heartbreaker.  In his line of work, jealous lovers prevail, and it is his unfortunate duty to reveal the truth...which often is less than pleasant.  Britten is determined to stop dealing with paranoid lovers (even if they are rightly paranoid), but when he gets involved in a case of suicide, blackmail, and of course jealous lovers, he may be in way over his head.

I adored the artwork in this graphic novel.  It was dark, noirish, and creative, with beautiful perspective shots.  I was a bit less taken with the story itself which seemed a bit...contrived.  The case Britten receives is, lo and behold, tied to a case he worked on in the past, and the path of clues and connections seem a bit too easy for me.  And I have absolutely no idea what's going on with Britten's partner, Brulightly, who is....hmmm...I'm not sure I should say what he is.  But I have no clue why he is what he is, and I'm not sure if I'm supposed to think Britten is crazy or what.

Buy  |  Borrow  |  Accept  |  Avoid

britten and brulightly counts for the Graphic Novels Challenge, 100+ Reading Challenge, Reading Resolutions

6 comments:

  1. haha, Britten and Brulightly made me laugh with the setup, but the mystery itself was beyond me. Beautiful artwork, though.

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  2. I bet I read classic romance novels once or twice a year. I find that I make snarky remarks to myself the whole way through. I know, not very open-minded...

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  3. I have Britten and Brulightly on my TBR. It's been there forever--sent along by a publicist ages ago. I started reading and loved the artwork, but I wasn't so taken with the story either (or the lettering style!). I'll get back to it sooner or later, though. We'll see how it goes.

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  4. Amanda - I agree. The artwork was fantastic.

    Sandy - There is nothing wrong with snarky remarks. I actually eye roll during romance novels, and yet I still enjoy them.

    Andi - The artwork is definitely awesome, but I can see how the story didn't grab you. I read it all in one sitting so there was no choice of whether or not to pick it up again.

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  5. I've read Britten and Brulightly twice because I didn't see the ending coming at all. I think Brulightly is what he is because Britten has no close relationships with anyone. It seems like he needs Brulightly to stop him from hitting bottom which he does.

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  6. Vasilly - Maybe I should re-read it more slowly and see how I feel. I can definitely see your point about Brulightly being what he is because of Britten's issues.

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