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Buchanan-Renard #8
Sizzle
Lyra Prescott, a Los Angeles film student, is closing in on graduation and facing important decisions about her future. She's already been offered a job at her hometown TV station, an opportunity that could ultimately launch her dream career as a film editor. But heading back home would also mean dealing with her overprotective brothers, social-climbing mother, and eccentric grandmother. Unsure of her future, Lyra dives into work on her final school assignment: a documentary transformed by a twist of fate into a real-life horror film.
After she unwittingly captures a shocking crime on camera, a rash of mysterious, treacherous incidents convince Lyra that she's trapped in a sinister scenario headed for a violent ending. Running scared, she turns to her best friend, Sidney Buchanan, whose connections bring dauntless and devilishly handsome FBI agent Sam Kincaid into Lyra's life. As the noose of deadly intrigue tightens and the feelings between them deepen, Lyra and Sam must place their faith in each other's hands—and stand together against the malevolent forces about to break loose.
After she unwittingly captures a shocking crime on camera, a rash of mysterious, treacherous incidents convince Lyra that she's trapped in a sinister scenario headed for a violent ending. Running scared, she turns to her best friend, Sidney Buchanan, whose connections bring dauntless and devilishly handsome FBI agent Sam Kincaid into Lyra's life. As the noose of deadly intrigue tightens and the feelings between them deepen, Lyra and Sam must place their faith in each other's hands—and stand together against the malevolent forces about to break loose.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
764 people are currently reading
3864 people want to read
About the author
Julie Garwood
181books12.4kfollowersWith more than 35 million books in print and 26 NEW YORK TIMES bestsellers, Julie Garwood has earned a position among America's favorite fiction writers.
Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Ms. Garwood attributes much of her success to growing up in a large family of Irish heritage. "The Irish are great storytellers who relish getting all of the details and nuances of every situation. Add in the fact that I was the sixth of seven children. Early in life, I learned that self expression had to be forceful, imaginative, and quick," says Ms. Garwood.
She began her writing career when the youngest of her three children entered school. After the publications of two young-adult books, she turned her talents to historical fiction. Her first novel, GENTLE WARRIOR, was published by Pocket Books in 1985. Since then, she has branched into other genres including contemporary romantic suspense. Today, her name appears regularly on the bestseller lists of every major publication in the country, and her books are translated into dozens of languages around the world. Her bestselling novel FOR THE ROSES was adapted for the HALLMARK HALL OF FAME television movie ROSE HILL.
Ms. Garwood lives in Leawood, KS and is currently working on her next novel.
Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Ms. Garwood attributes much of her success to growing up in a large family of Irish heritage. "The Irish are great storytellers who relish getting all of the details and nuances of every situation. Add in the fact that I was the sixth of seven children. Early in life, I learned that self expression had to be forceful, imaginative, and quick," says Ms. Garwood.
She began her writing career when the youngest of her three children entered school. After the publications of two young-adult books, she turned her talents to historical fiction. Her first novel, GENTLE WARRIOR, was published by Pocket Books in 1985. Since then, she has branched into other genres including contemporary romantic suspense. Today, her name appears regularly on the bestseller lists of every major publication in the country, and her books are translated into dozens of languages around the world. Her bestselling novel FOR THE ROSES was adapted for the HALLMARK HALL OF FAME television movie ROSE HILL.
Ms. Garwood lives in Leawood, KS and is currently working on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 766 reviews
April 19, 2012
Call me old-fashioned, but when you've got the guts to put a name like "Sizzle" on the cover of your novel, I expect a tale full of sparks and a hefty dose of spice.
This book had as many sparks as wet fireworks and as much spice as vanilla pudding. I wish I could say that the story was a startling new take on an old favorite with quirky, humorous characters and epic intrigue. But, as much as you can call me old-fashioned, you can't call me a liar. "Sizzle" is the same book I have been buying for the last ten years. Yes, it was ten years ago this year that Julie Garwood authored a little book called "Heartbreaker."
Ironically, she's been breaking my heart ever since.
If you haven't read "Heartbreaker," that's OK. You can basically pick up the same plot in "Sizzle," "Slow Burn," "Killjoy," "Mercy," or any of the other contemporaries she has published since 2000. You have the "smart" and "gorgeous" heroine named (insert ultra-feminine, but still slightly masculine name here), who works as a (insert job title here), but stumbles into trouble through no fault of her own when she (insert thing she did here). Then the evil, bad, murderer-dude/chick named (insert sinister name here) decides it is time to kill the heroine because she inadvertently holds the key to bringing him/her down and because murderer-dude/chick's insanity just rolls like that. Here comes the hero named (insert cool, buff, hardened hero name here) to the rescue. You see, he's a (insert job title here that has something to do with an aspect of the law or law enforcement) and he's been (assigned/asked/pressured/blackmailed) to watch over our quirky heroine until above-named murderer is caught (which won't be until the next to the last chapter of the book, in case you didn't know). The one thing our hunky, gun-toting hero didn't count on was the heroine being such a beautiful, witty, gorgeous, unselfish, pretty, funny, and lovely creature that he can't help but put his hands on within five minutes. And, hey, that hero is pretty irresistible himself. So, by page 16, our lovers are checking out the threadcount on the sheets, and by page 132, we are talking serious commitment. The fact that they have spent most of the book dodging bullets and arguing about the heroine's safety should in no way give the reader a sense that they probably won't last long as a couple after the final page is done.
In any case, I have written reviews for Ms. Garwood in the past where I begged her to return to the historical romance world where her characters shined and her storylines were like a cool drink of water after a hot day in the desert. However, like winning the lottery, finding the perfect man, and having someone pay off your maxed out Visa bill by mistake, I have accepted that Garwood writing another great historical is just a dream that isn't going to come true. So, I am not going to ask for that this time. No, I am going to make my plea a simple one.
Pick a different plot.
Please.
Any plot will do. Just not the same one you've been using.
No, really. I mean it.
Don't do it just for me. Do it, Ms. Garwood, for all of those people out there who haven't read your historicals and still think this crap you're churning out is great literature. Do it before they start putting two and two together and figure out that writers do not usually just keep slapping the same plot in a new wrapper and sell it in hardcover for a whopping $25 a pop. Do it while you still have some cred left. Do it for all those starry-eyed individuals who still believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and that you're coming out with a sequel to "Ransom" next year.
As for me and my love of "Sizzle," we've both fizzled out.
This book had as many sparks as wet fireworks and as much spice as vanilla pudding. I wish I could say that the story was a startling new take on an old favorite with quirky, humorous characters and epic intrigue. But, as much as you can call me old-fashioned, you can't call me a liar. "Sizzle" is the same book I have been buying for the last ten years. Yes, it was ten years ago this year that Julie Garwood authored a little book called "Heartbreaker."
Ironically, she's been breaking my heart ever since.
If you haven't read "Heartbreaker," that's OK. You can basically pick up the same plot in "Sizzle," "Slow Burn," "Killjoy," "Mercy," or any of the other contemporaries she has published since 2000. You have the "smart" and "gorgeous" heroine named (insert ultra-feminine, but still slightly masculine name here), who works as a (insert job title here), but stumbles into trouble through no fault of her own when she (insert thing she did here). Then the evil, bad, murderer-dude/chick named (insert sinister name here) decides it is time to kill the heroine because she inadvertently holds the key to bringing him/her down and because murderer-dude/chick's insanity just rolls like that. Here comes the hero named (insert cool, buff, hardened hero name here) to the rescue. You see, he's a (insert job title here that has something to do with an aspect of the law or law enforcement) and he's been (assigned/asked/pressured/blackmailed) to watch over our quirky heroine until above-named murderer is caught (which won't be until the next to the last chapter of the book, in case you didn't know). The one thing our hunky, gun-toting hero didn't count on was the heroine being such a beautiful, witty, gorgeous, unselfish, pretty, funny, and lovely creature that he can't help but put his hands on within five minutes. And, hey, that hero is pretty irresistible himself. So, by page 16, our lovers are checking out the threadcount on the sheets, and by page 132, we are talking serious commitment. The fact that they have spent most of the book dodging bullets and arguing about the heroine's safety should in no way give the reader a sense that they probably won't last long as a couple after the final page is done.
In any case, I have written reviews for Ms. Garwood in the past where I begged her to return to the historical romance world where her characters shined and her storylines were like a cool drink of water after a hot day in the desert. However, like winning the lottery, finding the perfect man, and having someone pay off your maxed out Visa bill by mistake, I have accepted that Garwood writing another great historical is just a dream that isn't going to come true. So, I am not going to ask for that this time. No, I am going to make my plea a simple one.
Pick a different plot.
Please.
Any plot will do. Just not the same one you've been using.
No, really. I mean it.
Don't do it just for me. Do it, Ms. Garwood, for all of those people out there who haven't read your historicals and still think this crap you're churning out is great literature. Do it before they start putting two and two together and figure out that writers do not usually just keep slapping the same plot in a new wrapper and sell it in hardcover for a whopping $25 a pop. Do it while you still have some cred left. Do it for all those starry-eyed individuals who still believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and that you're coming out with a sequel to "Ransom" next year.
As for me and my love of "Sizzle," we've both fizzled out.
February 26, 2010
Would someone please find my favorite author and bring her back!!
I fell in love with Garwood's historical romances. They are fun and exciting while exhibiting a wonderful depth when exploring her characters, their actions and the feelings behind them. That is undoubtedly why I am so disappointed with this book. There is NONE of that present here. Her flare, depth and understanding of her characters is non-existant! Instead of drawing us into the emotions behind the characters actions, all we get is surface sex - with no substance beyond.
In "Sizzle", Lyra (heroine) is supposedly a strong young woman who does not condone nor participate in quick sex, one night stands or the like. She is very picky when it comes to men because she desires a lasting type of love instead of the jump-into-bed with anyone type she sees all too often. Then, she meets Sam and falls into bed with him ONE DAY after first introductions, has steamy sex repeatedly over the next two days and Voila', she's deeply in love...and we are to leap that chasm, how? It's not the sex that bothers me so much as the lack of any depth in every other aspect of the so-called relationship that makes it impossible to understand and believe. The thriller side of the story is just as shallow. It borders on silly.
If this were my first foray into Garwood's writing, I would promptly dismiss it and avoid any books of hers in the future but I have read her at her best and know how well she can write a story. She has dozens that prove her talent, maybe that's what makes this disappointment that much harder to bear.
I fell in love with Garwood's historical romances. They are fun and exciting while exhibiting a wonderful depth when exploring her characters, their actions and the feelings behind them. That is undoubtedly why I am so disappointed with this book. There is NONE of that present here. Her flare, depth and understanding of her characters is non-existant! Instead of drawing us into the emotions behind the characters actions, all we get is surface sex - with no substance beyond.
In "Sizzle", Lyra (heroine) is supposedly a strong young woman who does not condone nor participate in quick sex, one night stands or the like. She is very picky when it comes to men because she desires a lasting type of love instead of the jump-into-bed with anyone type she sees all too often. Then, she meets Sam and falls into bed with him ONE DAY after first introductions, has steamy sex repeatedly over the next two days and Voila', she's deeply in love...and we are to leap that chasm, how? It's not the sex that bothers me so much as the lack of any depth in every other aspect of the so-called relationship that makes it impossible to understand and believe. The thriller side of the story is just as shallow. It borders on silly.
If this were my first foray into Garwood's writing, I would promptly dismiss it and avoid any books of hers in the future but I have read her at her best and know how well she can write a story. She has dozens that prove her talent, maybe that's what makes this disappointment that much harder to bear.
February 17, 2020
4 Inept Hitman Stars
The youngest Buchanan sister, Sydney Buchanan is assaulted by a couple of thugs, who it turns out are looking for her friend and roommate Lyra. Lyra Prescott, a film student has inadvertently made herself the target of some very nasty individuals. Scared for her friend, Sydney calls in the FBI Calvary (aka the Buchanan clan), who in turn puts FBI Agent and family friend Sam Kincaid on the case of keeping Lyra safe.
I loved this book, it had a bit of everything. Sam and Lyra are great, Lyra's grandmother "GiGi" is a breath of fresh air and very endearing, a swoon worthy hero with a sexy Scottish brogue, an entertaining inept bungling hitman, some shady businessmen, and a film professor who has a ego the size of Texas.
All in all, another great read. There are many twist and turns and engaging storyline(s) which make this a fun read.
* Narrated by the very talented
* Originally read: July 2011
The youngest Buchanan sister, Sydney Buchanan is assaulted by a couple of thugs, who it turns out are looking for her friend and roommate Lyra. Lyra Prescott, a film student has inadvertently made herself the target of some very nasty individuals. Scared for her friend, Sydney calls in the FBI Calvary (aka the Buchanan clan), who in turn puts FBI Agent and family friend Sam Kincaid on the case of keeping Lyra safe.
I loved this book, it had a bit of everything. Sam and Lyra are great, Lyra's grandmother "GiGi" is a breath of fresh air and very endearing, a swoon worthy hero with a sexy Scottish brogue, an entertaining inept bungling hitman, some shady businessmen, and a film professor who has a ego the size of Texas.
All in all, another great read. There are many twist and turns and engaging storyline(s) which make this a fun read.
* Narrated by the very talented
* Originally read: July 2011
August 12, 2023
Once again Julie Garwood ties her contemporary characters to characters from her Historical Romances. This time the tie is to with a decedent of Alec Kincaid, our hero Sam Kincaid, and a minor character Jack MacAlister whose ancestor appeared in . I just love that! I listened to the audio and narrator Susan Denaker did a wonderful job, especially with Sam. His accent was soooo smooth and sexy. The heroine, Lyra, was self-possessed and seemed to others to be so self-assured even if on the inside she was really rattled. The suspense plot kept me guessing, wrongly, to the very end.
Lyra Prescott is a film student in a graduate program in Los Angeles. She is nearing graduation, and the professor is an arrogant bully no one likes. In order to score brownie points and because the topic appeals to her, Lyra choses to film a short documentary on a park Professor Mahler has a poster of in his office. On her first visit to the park, Lyra discovers a dystopian dumping ground. How did a beautiful park become an urban wasteland? Lyra seta about researching and filming the activity at the park. Unknown to her, what she captured on her camera has put her life in danger.
On her way to visit her grandmother, Gigi, in San Diego, Lyra comes across a woman throwing all the possessions from her upscale home out and when Lyra tries to tell her the items are quite valuable the woman tells her take them or she'll just burn them. Lyra comes away with some 1st edition classic books, CD's and DVD's. Returning from her visit to her grandmother, Lyra finds her apartment broken into and her roommate, Sydney Buchanan, being held hostage. The men were waiting for Lyra. Lyra saves Sydney, but the men escape. Sydney calls her brother for help.
In rides White Knight, FBI Agent San Kincaid as a favor to Sydney's brother. Sam agrees to act as bodyguard to Lyra while the police investigate. But the attacks escalate, and Sam and Lyra are both in danger. Sam fights the attraction he feels for Lyra, he is not interested in getting involved with anyone, but even trying to run isn't going to help. Lots of moving pieces but the police have only a partial solution as to who is after Lyra and Sam discovers she is still a target and now unprotected.
Lyra Prescott is a film student in a graduate program in Los Angeles. She is nearing graduation, and the professor is an arrogant bully no one likes. In order to score brownie points and because the topic appeals to her, Lyra choses to film a short documentary on a park Professor Mahler has a poster of in his office. On her first visit to the park, Lyra discovers a dystopian dumping ground. How did a beautiful park become an urban wasteland? Lyra seta about researching and filming the activity at the park. Unknown to her, what she captured on her camera has put her life in danger.
On her way to visit her grandmother, Gigi, in San Diego, Lyra comes across a woman throwing all the possessions from her upscale home out and when Lyra tries to tell her the items are quite valuable the woman tells her take them or she'll just burn them. Lyra comes away with some 1st edition classic books, CD's and DVD's. Returning from her visit to her grandmother, Lyra finds her apartment broken into and her roommate, Sydney Buchanan, being held hostage. The men were waiting for Lyra. Lyra saves Sydney, but the men escape. Sydney calls her brother for help.
In rides White Knight, FBI Agent San Kincaid as a favor to Sydney's brother. Sam agrees to act as bodyguard to Lyra while the police investigate. But the attacks escalate, and Sam and Lyra are both in danger. Sam fights the attraction he feels for Lyra, he is not interested in getting involved with anyone, but even trying to run isn't going to help. Lots of moving pieces but the police have only a partial solution as to who is after Lyra and Sam discovers she is still a target and now unprotected.
February 8, 2010
This book is standard Garwood contemporary material. Main ingredients: 1) A single, Adonis-like FBI agent, with an aversion to long term commitment. 2) A young beautiful independent woman in need of a bodyguard. 3) One or both have a connection the Buchanan family. This recipe does not bother me. In fact, I like how I can read one of her books and know what I am getting and am happy with it. Comfort reads, maybe? I am not sure. I was pleased with this one. It is a quick read, and didn’t disappoint.
Sam is appointed Lyra’s bodyguard because he just happened to be in the L.A. area at the time, and was doing a favor for his friend Alec Buchanan. He’s an FBI agent. (duh). He has dual citizenship in the US and Scotland and has a dreamy Scottish brogue that becomes more pronounced when he is stressed in any way.
Lyra is a grad student in film. She becomes the target of bad guys and she has no idea why. She lives with the sister of one of the Buchanan brothers. Her parents are superficial a-holes that care nothing about her. Due to this, she is very close to her grama, Gigi. Gigi is a loveable character throughout the story.
Sam and Lyra make a great couple and I was rooting for them the whole time. The villain was not who I suspected it to be in the end, so that is always good.
Also, if you are a fan of Garwood, you’ll be pleased to know that Sam is a descendant of one of her awesome Highlanders from her many historicals. It’s been a few years since I read those, so I do not know which one.
Sam is appointed Lyra’s bodyguard because he just happened to be in the L.A. area at the time, and was doing a favor for his friend Alec Buchanan. He’s an FBI agent. (duh). He has dual citizenship in the US and Scotland and has a dreamy Scottish brogue that becomes more pronounced when he is stressed in any way.
Lyra is a grad student in film. She becomes the target of bad guys and she has no idea why. She lives with the sister of one of the Buchanan brothers. Her parents are superficial a-holes that care nothing about her. Due to this, she is very close to her grama, Gigi. Gigi is a loveable character throughout the story.
Sam and Lyra make a great couple and I was rooting for them the whole time. The villain was not who I suspected it to be in the end, so that is always good.
Also, if you are a fan of Garwood, you’ll be pleased to know that Sam is a descendant of one of her awesome Highlanders from her many historicals. It’s been a few years since I read those, so I do not know which one.
July 4, 2010
This is the third romance novel I've read. Even though three different authors write them, they are amazingly similar. The first character, the woman (W), meets the second character, a man (M) who is a number 10 hunk with substantial and secure income. W is thin and beautiful. At the end of the book, they get married. These are "girl gets boy" stories.
Other similarities:
Each book contained several soft porn passages - about what you'd see in an R rated movie, but with a narrative of the emotions and feelings of the participants in action.
2 of the 3 - W had children; the third had nieces and nephews. The children love M and M is very good with children and teaches them manly things.
M is "mysterious." There is something about M that W thinks she doesn't know. W is tortured deciding whether she loves M. This goes on pretty much throughout the book.
In the end, M turns out to be clean as a whistle, they get married and move to a house on a beach. Except in the third one, where they get married, move to M's home in the Highlands of Scotland, where M's home turns out to be a Medieval castle!! M has been born into the landed gentry; of course, M had an intriguing Scottish accent throughout the book. His accent made W moist.
Other similarities:
Each book contained several soft porn passages - about what you'd see in an R rated movie, but with a narrative of the emotions and feelings of the participants in action.
2 of the 3 - W had children; the third had nieces and nephews. The children love M and M is very good with children and teaches them manly things.
M is "mysterious." There is something about M that W thinks she doesn't know. W is tortured deciding whether she loves M. This goes on pretty much throughout the book.
In the end, M turns out to be clean as a whistle, they get married and move to a house on a beach. Except in the third one, where they get married, move to M's home in the Highlands of Scotland, where M's home turns out to be a Medieval castle!! M has been born into the landed gentry; of course, M had an intriguing Scottish accent throughout the book. His accent made W moist.
February 14, 2010
More like 3.5 stars. I really liked Lyra and Sam - they were so cute together!! What I didn't like so much was Milo's POV in the story - it just wasn't really needed in my opinion. Such a waste of pages. It almost felt like Garwood needed to fill the space and that's what she came up with (which disappointed me). I'm a huge fan of the Buchanans so it was nice to visit with that family again. Lyra's grandmother Gigi is a hoot!! I also liked the fact that Garwood made Sam's character a direct descendent of Alec Kincaid from her historical book The Bride - pretty cool! The suspense aspect of the book was pretty weak too - I had it figured out very quickly. Quick, easy read though and if you've been following the Buchanan series, you should enjoy it too.
August 20, 2023
Film Student Lyra Prescott is close to finishing her classes. She just needs to submit a short documentary for her degree. Her subject is a once beautiful city park that is now an illegal dumping ground for garbage. Lyra sets up a hidden camera to capture people illegally dumping at the site. That's when things start getting weird. There is a series of incidents that threaten Lyra's life. Lyra's roommate contacts her brother who sends an FBI Agent to protect Lyra. Agent Sam Kincaid is just here as a favor for a friend. He knows someone wants Lyra dead, but not why. Sam and Lyra must stay one step ahead of a killer.
This is the eighth book in Julie Garwood's Buchanan-Renard series. I liked the characters, especially Lyra and Sam. I found the inept hitman to be humorous. Lyra's parents were unbelievable and should have had more page time. I figure out early in the story the identity of the person who wanted Lyra dead.
Unfortunately, the plots for these books have become cookie-cutter. I feel like I'm reading the same story over and over. Individually the books are fine; but as a series, I'm finding them repetitive. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
September 18, 2014
This is a cute story, it flows well, and the characters are actually pretty likable. I appreciated the fact that the heroine isn't a moron. She's not balking at having a bodyguard or trying to get away from him (like a complete idiot). There could have been more, though. More suspense, more danger, more emotion from the MC's. Still, not a bad way to pass the time.
December 29, 2016
Truth be told, I only write reviews for books I really love or books I really, really, REALLY don't like. I wish I could say I was writing this review because I loved the book. I have been a huge Julie Garwood fan for years and years. I love all of her historical books, especially the highlander books. I still go back and re-read them from time to time. Her modern books... not so much. I have read all them in the Buchanan-Renard series up til now, but... I. Just. Can't.
In comparison to her older books, and honestly, how can you not compare, a huge something is missing. In fact many somethings are missing. Humor. Originality. Interesting plot line.
It feels like in this book, in order to beef it up, Garwood has thrown in so many unnecessary sub-plots just to make it more interesting. The problem is, none of them are interesting. I don't care her grandmother is stealing holy water. I don't get why there is a sub-plot with Lyra's parent. I don't know why the little garden is thrown in. Then there is the bumbling assassin who thinks he's James Bond. Add to that the main plot of someone being after Lyra. While I'm sure Ms. Garwood would wrap all these up nicely in the end, there just one problem. I don't care. I don't care about any of it.
I hate to say it, but Ms. Garwood seems to have adopted a formula for her newer books. While the details may be different, it's still the same over all formula and it's just not interesting. So for the first time ever I DNF'd a Julie Garwood book. My book lover heart breaks... the disappointment is real.
Here's hoping Ms. Garwood finds her inspiration again soon.
In comparison to her older books, and honestly, how can you not compare, a huge something is missing. In fact many somethings are missing. Humor. Originality. Interesting plot line.
It feels like in this book, in order to beef it up, Garwood has thrown in so many unnecessary sub-plots just to make it more interesting. The problem is, none of them are interesting. I don't care her grandmother is stealing holy water. I don't get why there is a sub-plot with Lyra's parent. I don't know why the little garden is thrown in. Then there is the bumbling assassin who thinks he's James Bond. Add to that the main plot of someone being after Lyra. While I'm sure Ms. Garwood would wrap all these up nicely in the end, there just one problem. I don't care. I don't care about any of it.
I hate to say it, but Ms. Garwood seems to have adopted a formula for her newer books. While the details may be different, it's still the same over all formula and it's just not interesting. So for the first time ever I DNF'd a Julie Garwood book. My book lover heart breaks... the disappointment is real.
Here's hoping Ms. Garwood finds her inspiration again soon.
May 2, 2013
1.5
(Audio version)
This was a true wholesome, housewife romance complete with the Scottish prince and warrior with a castle and titles, contented climaxes, a rich and loving grandma, a heroine to whom everyone wants to make love and a hero who experiences the height of passion just from having and as soon as the heroine touches him there.
*GAG* (and not in the good way)
A fantastical mystery and a slap-stick comic relief bad-guy rounded out my experiment on the other side. Every element was weak and on the whole this wondrously bad.
(Audio version)
This was a true wholesome, housewife romance complete with the Scottish prince and warrior with a castle and titles, contented climaxes, a rich and loving grandma, a heroine to whom everyone wants to make love and a hero who experiences the height of passion just from having and as soon as the heroine touches him there.
*GAG* (and not in the good way)
A fantastical mystery and a slap-stick comic relief bad-guy rounded out my experiment on the other side. Every element was weak and on the whole this wondrously bad.
November 28, 2016
I think this is one cute suspense book XD
Of course as usual I liked both main characters, the heroine was the mach type who likes to take care of herself and the people she cares about regardless to her safety. The hero was the by the book type of guy and oh how I loved him, the accent was divine XD
- I liked how the heroine was self possessed and seemed to other so self assured even if on the inside she was rattled XD
- I LOVED the hero, and he's the first one in the series with the Scottish lineage that actually knows, becoming a laird and having a keep covered that, but there were scenes I loved even thought nothing important happened, liked when he was with Jack MacAlister, I loved that scene cause it made me recall the Kincaid and MacAlister brothers from the Lairds' Fiancées series, and now their descendants are standing together, ignorant of that long forgotten fact but still became friends.
- And again Julie Garwood concocts an amazing suspense story that keeps the reader anticipating the ending and the unmasking of the villain
- I liked how comfortable he was with the grandmother, and how she took to him instantly, plus the scenes that happened there were funny especially how the heroine keeps telling the hero they can't fool around cause the grandmother doesn't like it XD
- Her parents were a real piece of work, like seriously they are living in their own fantasy world, not only them but the puppet Milo he certainly lived in his own fantasy, how he first saw her then liked her then she became his love and at the end HE left her so he can save her life! he was an entertaining piece to the story XD
BTW what's with the guys and "I need to protect you" sentence every time they wanna go wear a condom? can't they just say I need to wear one or I need to cover up or something, cause every single one of them said it
Overall, *thumbs up*
Of course as usual I liked both main characters, the heroine was the mach type who likes to take care of herself and the people she cares about regardless to her safety. The hero was the by the book type of guy and oh how I loved him, the accent was divine XD
- I liked how the heroine was self possessed and seemed to other so self assured even if on the inside she was rattled XD
- I LOVED the hero, and he's the first one in the series with the Scottish lineage that actually knows, becoming a laird and having a keep covered that, but there were scenes I loved even thought nothing important happened, liked when he was with Jack MacAlister, I loved that scene cause it made me recall the Kincaid and MacAlister brothers from the Lairds' Fiancées series, and now their descendants are standing together, ignorant of that long forgotten fact but still became friends.
- And again Julie Garwood concocts an amazing suspense story that keeps the reader anticipating the ending and the unmasking of the villain
- I liked how comfortable he was with the grandmother, and how she took to him instantly, plus the scenes that happened there were funny especially how the heroine keeps telling the hero they can't fool around cause the grandmother doesn't like it XD
- Her parents were a real piece of work, like seriously they are living in their own fantasy world, not only them but the puppet Milo he certainly lived in his own fantasy, how he first saw her then liked her then she became his love and at the end HE left her so he can save her life! he was an entertaining piece to the story XD
BTW what's with the guys and "I need to protect you" sentence every time they wanna go wear a condom? can't they just say I need to wear one or I need to cover up or something, cause every single one of them said it
Overall, *thumbs up*
February 16, 2017
Polisiye olarak düşünürsek vasatın altında idi..Ama yazarı Özlemişim İskoçyali FBI ajanı Sam'e kimse kül yutturamaz... Lyra'yi sevdim ....Bu seri mahvedildi diyorum....
February 20, 2010
Garwood combines romance, action and slapstick humour into a book.
In the first chapter we are introduced to a couple of FBI agents, and it seems like the genre we're reading is going to be action. Then we meet the film student female protaganist and are presented with potentially the most boring plot ever: studying parks.
So far the book hasn't been too bad, the handling of the characters backstories is somewhat clumsy but we sense potential for some suspense. Then we are introduced to Milo.
Milo is an apparent serial killer whose intro consists of three slapstick murders where poor Milo gets bitten by dogs, trips over funiture and generally stumbles like Mr Bean around the story. By this point its impossible to take any of Sizzle's plot seriously, especially when almost all of it is super-human sex between the film student and the main FBI agent.
The plot is so shallow as to feel mildly ripped off even when only loaning the book, the prose is childish and in the end the only real joy of the book was finishing it.
In the first chapter we are introduced to a couple of FBI agents, and it seems like the genre we're reading is going to be action. Then we meet the film student female protaganist and are presented with potentially the most boring plot ever: studying parks.
So far the book hasn't been too bad, the handling of the characters backstories is somewhat clumsy but we sense potential for some suspense. Then we are introduced to Milo.
Milo is an apparent serial killer whose intro consists of three slapstick murders where poor Milo gets bitten by dogs, trips over funiture and generally stumbles like Mr Bean around the story. By this point its impossible to take any of Sizzle's plot seriously, especially when almost all of it is super-human sex between the film student and the main FBI agent.
The plot is so shallow as to feel mildly ripped off even when only loaning the book, the prose is childish and in the end the only real joy of the book was finishing it.
June 1, 2017
The eighth addition to Julie Garwood's Buchanan/Renard series. Lyra Prescott is a LA film student and roommate of Sydney Buchanan. While working on her last film project for her class, it becomes apparent that someone wants something they think Lyra has and now her life appears to be in danger. So FBI agent Sam Kincaid arrives on the scene as a favor to Alec Buchanan to play bodyguard. Loved it. I enjoyed the interaction between the H/h and the romance that grew a little too fast. The suspense was good and I was a little surprised at the "mystery" at the end.
September 6, 2020
Great twist at the end!
And I will always be a sucker for a Scottish accent *swoon*
And I will always be a sucker for a Scottish accent *swoon*
June 24, 2017
I liked it. BUT.
I'm kind of tired of romance stories where ... one partner is all onboard, and wants nothing more than to be together, and openly throws him/herself at the other... and the other partner is reluctant, doesn't want a relationship/commitment/responsibility/etc. And then, at the end, the reluctant one goes "oh wait, I do want you" and ta-da, they are together.
The reason I'm tired of it is because, the vast majority of the time, the reluctant partner has been hurtful or dismissive over and over and over. And the eager partner has been telling him/herself "never again, I'm done with being hurt" ... but just keeps throwing him/herself at the reluctant partner if the reluctant douche shows the tiniest bit of affection.
I think I'm just tired of the power imbalance. You've got one bending over backwards to make the other notice/love him/her. And when the reluctant partner finally comes around, s/he never has to do anything to win back a person s/he has hurt over and over.
I've read this formula in countless romance novels. In this case, Lyra was the eager partner and Sam was the reluctant partner. And he really strings her along. I mean... one steamy look and she's falling over herself to be with him, but then afterwards he's dismissive of her - - until he just can't stand it and has to have her again. He bats his eyes, or walks up and stares down at her, manfully kissing her ... and she jumps in again.
I feel like this badly undercuts the eager partner - they are a damn doormat, with zero willpower, apparently unable to resist the magical penis. And the reluctant partner is also undercut - he's a self-absorbed asshole, who doesn't care at all about stringing the other along. And you can't said he didn't realize. Sam repeatedly says he knows that she's not the type for casual sex, or that she wouldn't be so uninhibited with him if her emotions weren't engaged. Does that impact his behavior at all?
No.
Another point of contention, outside the romance: I have finally started realizing just how many loose ends Garland is leaving in the series. I was okay with it in individual books, because I almost always read series, and so ... I'm comfortable with overall plot threads, things that remain open from book to book. But these things are never picked up again. Like ... off the top of my head, I can think of:
- Killjoy - what the fuck happens with Jilly?
- Shadow Dance - the stolen treasure was a running theme in the book. It ends with Jordan saying she figured it out... and then ... nothing. Never mentioned again.
- Fire & Ice - okay, the doctors developed some kind of superhuman serum? This seems like a big deal, but as a plot thread, there is zero followthrough. It wasn't even clear that the police ever understood that that was a thing. So who has the super serum? Does it work? Wtf?
And now in this book...
Now in ANY OTHER series, I'd assume this B-plot would wrap in the next book, because series, right? But now, I expect we will never hear anything about it again... especially since both Sam and Lyra have no real connection to the Buchanan family. The only other couple that has had no connection thus far - John Paul and Dr. Mike - has never been mentioned again. So... yeah.
*sigh*
***3 stars***
I'm kind of tired of romance stories where ... one partner is all onboard, and wants nothing more than to be together, and openly throws him/herself at the other... and the other partner is reluctant, doesn't want a relationship/commitment/responsibility/etc. And then, at the end, the reluctant one goes "oh wait, I do want you" and ta-da, they are together.
The reason I'm tired of it is because, the vast majority of the time, the reluctant partner has been hurtful or dismissive over and over and over. And the eager partner has been telling him/herself "never again, I'm done with being hurt" ... but just keeps throwing him/herself at the reluctant partner if the reluctant douche shows the tiniest bit of affection.
I think I'm just tired of the power imbalance. You've got one bending over backwards to make the other notice/love him/her. And when the reluctant partner finally comes around, s/he never has to do anything to win back a person s/he has hurt over and over.
I've read this formula in countless romance novels. In this case, Lyra was the eager partner and Sam was the reluctant partner. And he really strings her along. I mean... one steamy look and she's falling over herself to be with him, but then afterwards he's dismissive of her - - until he just can't stand it and has to have her again. He bats his eyes, or walks up and stares down at her, manfully kissing her ... and she jumps in again.
I feel like this badly undercuts the eager partner - they are a damn doormat, with zero willpower, apparently unable to resist the magical penis. And the reluctant partner is also undercut - he's a self-absorbed asshole, who doesn't care at all about stringing the other along. And you can't said he didn't realize. Sam repeatedly says he knows that she's not the type for casual sex, or that she wouldn't be so uninhibited with him if her emotions weren't engaged. Does that impact his behavior at all?
No.
Another point of contention, outside the romance: I have finally started realizing just how many loose ends Garland is leaving in the series. I was okay with it in individual books, because I almost always read series, and so ... I'm comfortable with overall plot threads, things that remain open from book to book. But these things are never picked up again. Like ... off the top of my head, I can think of:
- Killjoy - what the fuck happens with Jilly?
- Shadow Dance - the stolen treasure was a running theme in the book. It ends with Jordan saying she figured it out... and then ... nothing. Never mentioned again.
- Fire & Ice - okay, the doctors developed some kind of superhuman serum? This seems like a big deal, but as a plot thread, there is zero followthrough. It wasn't even clear that the police ever understood that that was a thing. So who has the super serum? Does it work? Wtf?
And now in this book...
Now in ANY OTHER series, I'd assume this B-plot would wrap in the next book, because series, right? But now, I expect we will never hear anything about it again... especially since both Sam and Lyra have no real connection to the Buchanan family. The only other couple that has had no connection thus far - John Paul and Dr. Mike - has never been mentioned again. So... yeah.
*sigh*
***3 stars***
March 13, 2015
Author:
First published: 2009
Length: 320 pages
Setting: Contemporary. Los Angeles.
Sex: Frequent. Reasonably explicit but not erotica.
Hero: FBI Agent. Scottish accent.
Heroine: Film student.
Bubblegum.
Tastes nice but there's really nothing to it.
Enjoyable. Easy. Sexy. Nice "suspense". Good characters.
Nothing remarkable.
Nothing complicated.
Nothing nail-biting.
Just bubblegum.
Garwood's Contemporary Series:
Book 1 - Laurent Madden and Nick Buchanan
Book 2 - Theo Buchanan and Dr Michelle Renard
Book 3 - Avery Delaney and John Paul
Book 4 - Alec Buchanan and Regan Hamilton Madison
Book 5 - Kate MacKenna and Dylan Buchanan
Book 6 - Jordan Buchanan and Noah Clayborne
Book 7 - Sophie Rose and Jack MacAlister
Book 8 - Lyra Prescott and Sam Kincaid
Book 9 - Dr Ellie Sullivan and Agent Max Daniels
Book 10 - Olivia Mackenzie and Grayson Kincaid
Book 11 - Peyton Lockhart and Finn MacBain
Book 12 - Cordelia Kane and Aiden Madison
Book 13 - Allison Trent and Liam Scott
References:
Author's website:
(ISBN 978-0-345-50077-9)
-CR-
First published: 2009
Length: 320 pages
Setting: Contemporary. Los Angeles.
Sex: Frequent. Reasonably explicit but not erotica.
Hero: FBI Agent. Scottish accent.
Heroine: Film student.
Bubblegum.
Tastes nice but there's really nothing to it.
Enjoyable. Easy. Sexy. Nice "suspense". Good characters.
Nothing remarkable.
Nothing complicated.
Nothing nail-biting.
Just bubblegum.
Garwood's Contemporary Series:
Book 1 - Laurent Madden and Nick Buchanan
Book 2 - Theo Buchanan and Dr Michelle Renard
Book 3 - Avery Delaney and John Paul
Book 4 - Alec Buchanan and Regan Hamilton Madison
Book 5 - Kate MacKenna and Dylan Buchanan
Book 6 - Jordan Buchanan and Noah Clayborne
Book 7 - Sophie Rose and Jack MacAlister
Book 8 - Lyra Prescott and Sam Kincaid
Book 9 - Dr Ellie Sullivan and Agent Max Daniels
Book 10 - Olivia Mackenzie and Grayson Kincaid
Book 11 - Peyton Lockhart and Finn MacBain
Book 12 - Cordelia Kane and Aiden Madison
Book 13 - Allison Trent and Liam Scott
References:
Author's website:
(ISBN 978-0-345-50077-9)
-CR-
June 24, 2011
Okay, so the plot has been adequately set up. If you have read any romance novels whatsoever, you have an idea of where things are headed. And, oh yes, “Sizzle� was adequately named for the heat between Sam and Lyra. There are just enough details for the romance to keep things steamy and provocative, but not too much to make me ashamed of reading it.
The romance itself is nothing mushy or gushy. It was all practical with none of the sappiness. There is just a strong sense of attraction, both physically and mentally, between Sam and Lyra. How could there NOT be? Both characters are described as having perfect bodies. Sam has that whole heroic persona going for him with rugged features and sensitive personality, not to mention a Scottish accent to top it all off. Can you say, swoon?
Yes, yes, Lyra is a very pretty and intelligent girl with a good heart, but who can pay attention to her with Sam Kincaid around?
Alright, enough about Sam. Let’s talk about the comic relief, Milo � the absent minded assassin. I actually called attention to myself a handful of times from laughing out loud while I read the antics and mishaps he gets himself into, not to mention his delusional fantasy of having a relationship with a woman � Lyra � who he barely had a conversation with. It’s just too humorous to keep the laughter bottled inside.
Word of warning: expect to draw attention to yourself while reading this book. Whether you are panting over Sam, blushing from the flirtation between Sam and Lyra, or laughing at the incredulous schemes of Milo, people are liable to stare at you and ask, “What are you reading?�
Don’t worry; it is all definitely worth the risk of onlookers.
Thank you, Garwood! I haven’t had this much fun reading a book in� oh, let’s not think how long it’s really been.
-EZ Read Staffer Amelia
watch the video review:
The romance itself is nothing mushy or gushy. It was all practical with none of the sappiness. There is just a strong sense of attraction, both physically and mentally, between Sam and Lyra. How could there NOT be? Both characters are described as having perfect bodies. Sam has that whole heroic persona going for him with rugged features and sensitive personality, not to mention a Scottish accent to top it all off. Can you say, swoon?
Yes, yes, Lyra is a very pretty and intelligent girl with a good heart, but who can pay attention to her with Sam Kincaid around?
Alright, enough about Sam. Let’s talk about the comic relief, Milo � the absent minded assassin. I actually called attention to myself a handful of times from laughing out loud while I read the antics and mishaps he gets himself into, not to mention his delusional fantasy of having a relationship with a woman � Lyra � who he barely had a conversation with. It’s just too humorous to keep the laughter bottled inside.
Word of warning: expect to draw attention to yourself while reading this book. Whether you are panting over Sam, blushing from the flirtation between Sam and Lyra, or laughing at the incredulous schemes of Milo, people are liable to stare at you and ask, “What are you reading?�
Don’t worry; it is all definitely worth the risk of onlookers.
Thank you, Garwood! I haven’t had this much fun reading a book in� oh, let’s not think how long it’s really been.
-EZ Read Staffer Amelia
watch the video review:
December 28, 2011
My Review:
I listened to this book on audio (unabridged.) This was an 8-disc audio version and it was literally disc #3 before I felt like the story even began. Everything before that was simply setting up the story. To me, that seemed a little extreme and made it really difficult to become immersed in this story. In fact, it took a whole month before I listened to the entire story, because I just didn't ever get that caught up in the story.
But, overall, it was an enjoyable audiobook and I truly loved the narrator and how she did the accents. Her Scottish brogue for Sam was gorgeous!
I personally think that this is a book that gets too bogged down in the details. The hit man and how horrible he is at his job; the couple who are holding the garage sale; the nitty gritty details of Lyra's class assignments with all of her different options, debating the camera angles, etc....there was soooo much time spent on describing the minute details of these things, and overall, I just don't think that they helped to move the story forward at all.
I loved Lyra's and Sam's characters and would have loved the book if we could have just spent all that extra time with them. I even really enjoyed Sidney (Lyra's roommate) and her bodyguard Max...they would have been enjoyable.
There were moments when this book simply shined and gave me a glimmer of what it could have been, but unfortunately for me, it simply just fell flat. The overall saving grace of this audiobook for me was the incredible narrator. I never thought that a girl doing a male's Scottish brogue could be sexy, but it so was! Hehe!
I listened to this book on audio (unabridged.) This was an 8-disc audio version and it was literally disc #3 before I felt like the story even began. Everything before that was simply setting up the story. To me, that seemed a little extreme and made it really difficult to become immersed in this story. In fact, it took a whole month before I listened to the entire story, because I just didn't ever get that caught up in the story.
But, overall, it was an enjoyable audiobook and I truly loved the narrator and how she did the accents. Her Scottish brogue for Sam was gorgeous!
I personally think that this is a book that gets too bogged down in the details. The hit man and how horrible he is at his job; the couple who are holding the garage sale; the nitty gritty details of Lyra's class assignments with all of her different options, debating the camera angles, etc....there was soooo much time spent on describing the minute details of these things, and overall, I just don't think that they helped to move the story forward at all.
I loved Lyra's and Sam's characters and would have loved the book if we could have just spent all that extra time with them. I even really enjoyed Sidney (Lyra's roommate) and her bodyguard Max...they would have been enjoyable.
There were moments when this book simply shined and gave me a glimmer of what it could have been, but unfortunately for me, it simply just fell flat. The overall saving grace of this audiobook for me was the incredible narrator. I never thought that a girl doing a male's Scottish brogue could be sexy, but it so was! Hehe!
January 7, 2019
So, I’m reading this and am like, something is off. I couldn’t point my finger to what exactly felt off while reading but then read a review where someone said that the author tended to tell you what happens instead of showing it in spots, and that’s exactly it. Also, the author kind of summarizes scenes instead of writing them (with incorporated dialogue), so you end up with a whole lot of narrative writing and not much else. Which I don’t particularly like 🤷🏻♀�
I had a hard time feeling the chemistry between the MCs: for some reason I just didn’t. 🤷🏻♀� It takes a while for them to meet, too, so the first 20% of the book is dedicated to laying the groundwork, so to speak. About half way through the author throws in the love at first sight curve... 🙄 🤮 Here is an actual quote: “What worried him most was that he knew it wasn’t lust. Okay, it was lust, but also something more.� ... that’s ONE day after meeting her for the first time. One day. 🤦🏻♀� 🙄 Definitely not my cup of tea. 😬
I feel like I should also mention this Milo character. He’s one of the guys looking for the heroine (no spoiler - it’s clear from the beginning) and he’s so stinking stupid. I know that’s how the author wanted to portray him but he’s such a lousy, idiotic criminal, I just couldn’t find any credibility in this plot line tangent.
I didn’t read the epilogue.
I’m pretty sure by midnight today I will have forgotten everything about this book 🙄 Only reason Im giving this 2 stars is because I finished it.
I had a hard time feeling the chemistry between the MCs: for some reason I just didn’t. 🤷🏻♀� It takes a while for them to meet, too, so the first 20% of the book is dedicated to laying the groundwork, so to speak. About half way through the author throws in the love at first sight curve... 🙄 🤮 Here is an actual quote: “What worried him most was that he knew it wasn’t lust. Okay, it was lust, but also something more.� ... that’s ONE day after meeting her for the first time. One day. 🤦🏻♀� 🙄 Definitely not my cup of tea. 😬
I feel like I should also mention this Milo character. He’s one of the guys looking for the heroine (no spoiler - it’s clear from the beginning) and he’s so stinking stupid. I know that’s how the author wanted to portray him but he’s such a lousy, idiotic criminal, I just couldn’t find any credibility in this plot line tangent.
I didn’t read the epilogue.
I’m pretty sure by midnight today I will have forgotten everything about this book 🙄 Only reason Im giving this 2 stars is because I finished it.
January 4, 2010
If I had never read any of Julie Garwood's books I would have really enjoyed Sizzle, however I've read them all, so was very disappointed.
Her last few contemporary romances, including Sizzle, have the following plot:
Beautiful, wealthy, modest young Woman somehow becomes involved in something dangerous, the Buchanan's are called and they assign protection by someone in or close to the family. Man protects woman, spending a few days together, they fall in love but Man doesn't believe in love, there's a weak mystery somewhere, Man leaves when everyone but the Man thinks the mystery has been solved, Man realizes a few days later that mystery is still open and arrives just in time to save Woman from the real threat.
The characters are also always very similar, just change the names:
Woman - rich, beautiful, young and doesn't think money or looks is important (of course this may be because she's never been without money and has always been beautiful) - no defined personality
Man - handsome, tough FBI/lawyer that carries a gun - no defined personality.
This template may be a time honored and proven success, but Ms. Garwood, please try something different! With your talent you could do something much better.
Her last few contemporary romances, including Sizzle, have the following plot:
Beautiful, wealthy, modest young Woman somehow becomes involved in something dangerous, the Buchanan's are called and they assign protection by someone in or close to the family. Man protects woman, spending a few days together, they fall in love but Man doesn't believe in love, there's a weak mystery somewhere, Man leaves when everyone but the Man thinks the mystery has been solved, Man realizes a few days later that mystery is still open and arrives just in time to save Woman from the real threat.
The characters are also always very similar, just change the names:
Woman - rich, beautiful, young and doesn't think money or looks is important (of course this may be because she's never been without money and has always been beautiful) - no defined personality
Man - handsome, tough FBI/lawyer that carries a gun - no defined personality.
This template may be a time honored and proven success, but Ms. Garwood, please try something different! With your talent you could do something much better.
October 10, 2012
Sizzle is the eighth book in the Buchanan series, it follows Lyra and Sam. Lyra is a film student who gets mixed up in something that she doesn't understand. When her and her roommates� apartment gets broken into, her roommate calls her brothers the Buchanan brothers. They send Sam as a bodyguard for Lyra until they can find out what is going on. People keep trying to kill Lyra and Sam keeps saving her. They are instantly attracted to each other and as time goes on they start growing attached. Lyra is a beautiful girl who is not conceited and she doesn't use her beauty to get what she wants. She is funny and has insecurities that are normal and real for any woman. Sam is a larger than life gorgeous hero, he has some emotional insecurity, yet he is aware of them. They are good together and it’s not just about the physical attraction. You would feel the emotional pull that they have towards each other. The book is exciting and has a surprise at the end that I didn't think was going to happen. I really liked this book and would read it again.
May 15, 2011
I enjoyed this. There was a tendency to tell what happened rather than show in spots and I was actually taken aback by it in the first chapter. Kind of like 'surely I didn't just read a line that basically said "after that they became best friends!" The banter between the hero and heroine was lovely. I liked the bumbling hitman. I was pleased that he didn't turn out to be a crazed stalker but rather gave her up to keep her safe. I did feel like the dead wife of the hero was given such short shrift that there was really no point in having her in there at all. The epilogue was too pretty like a 5 year old was telling a story. "And he lives in a castle, and he's a Laird oh and then he's an Earl."
Still an amusing way to spend the evening.
Still an amusing way to spend the evening.
June 17, 2016
4 stars, mostly because I loved the hero. He was so hot, calm, sweet and gorgeous that it was worth reading the book just for him. He reminded me so very much of Alec Kincaid, guess I'll be reading The Bride again. I just wish Ms. Garwood decides to start writing historicals again. In this book though, the mystery was well built. The heroine was kinda sweet and sensible. Definitely better than the one in Fire and Ice . A good time-pass read.
December 17, 2014
OMG this book has the most hilariously inept assassin I've ever read. So damn funny! This was a really busy story with threats coming from all directions and a sexy, but tense relationship. I really wasn't expecting the humor, so now I need to check out the rest of this series to see if they're just as entertaining.
October 11, 2023
The couple: Sam and Lyra
Romance trope: bodyguard
Series: Buchanan-Renard
Length: ~9.5 hours
Plot: Lyra Prescott is almost done with school when her apartment is broken into and her roommate is hurt. The criminals appear to be looking for her and so her roommate asks her FBI brother to help. Her brother sends Sam Kincaid, another agent, to act as Lyra's bodyguard until they can figure out what's going on. But the sparks between Lyra and Sam could be as damaging as the crimes themselves because Sam doesn't know if he can love again and Lyra doesn't know if she can accept less.
Commentary: This was trademark Julie Garwood romantic suspense, light on the spice but strong on connection. I think that I still prefer earlier entries in this series - they seemed funnier (although I wonder if it's because this was an audiobook version whereas I read the others). I do think the narrator did a great job. I'll admit, I like my romantic suspense about 60% suspense and 40% romance. This felt about 75/25. I thought there were scenes that dragged. There was a lot of Milo, and in the end he didn't matter a whole lot. He was a red herring that took up a lot of time that could have been devoted to developing the relationship between Sam and Lyra.
Previous book in the series:
Next book in the series:
Romance trope: bodyguard
Series: Buchanan-Renard
Length: ~9.5 hours
Plot: Lyra Prescott is almost done with school when her apartment is broken into and her roommate is hurt. The criminals appear to be looking for her and so her roommate asks her FBI brother to help. Her brother sends Sam Kincaid, another agent, to act as Lyra's bodyguard until they can figure out what's going on. But the sparks between Lyra and Sam could be as damaging as the crimes themselves because Sam doesn't know if he can love again and Lyra doesn't know if she can accept less.
Commentary: This was trademark Julie Garwood romantic suspense, light on the spice but strong on connection. I think that I still prefer earlier entries in this series - they seemed funnier (although I wonder if it's because this was an audiobook version whereas I read the others). I do think the narrator did a great job. I'll admit, I like my romantic suspense about 60% suspense and 40% romance. This felt about 75/25. I thought there were scenes that dragged. There was a lot of Milo, and in the end he didn't matter a whole lot. He was a red herring that took up a lot of time that could have been devoted to developing the relationship between Sam and Lyra.
Previous book in the series:
Next book in the series:
February 5, 2024
Didn’t love this. The mystery was underwhelming, I guessed the villain pretty quickly despite not knowing exactly why. I always didn’t get the sense of urgency or like I’m on the edge of my seat feeling. I didn’t really care very much. The relationship was underdeveloped and moved too quickly (I love you within like what, a week? Come on now) and, of course, based on sex. Sigh. And the comparisons to old wife, although not a main point and not mentioned frequently, bugged me. The story didn’t actually start until about 20% into the book and let me tell you, I was bored out of my mind.
This is technically dual POV but to be honest, the way it’s set up is kind of annoying. We’ll be in one pov and suddenly we get a one liner from opposite pov (she’s so hot, her ass is so hot, her whatever whatever) and added not much except to reinforce interest from mmc. And the “villain� pov was so long and painful I halfway zoned out most of the time.
I mean, it wasn’t terrible but it wasn’t as fun to get through either. I read the last book a while ago but I think I enjoyed it more than this one.
This is technically dual POV but to be honest, the way it’s set up is kind of annoying. We’ll be in one pov and suddenly we get a one liner from opposite pov (she’s so hot, her ass is so hot, her whatever whatever) and added not much except to reinforce interest from mmc. And the “villain� pov was so long and painful I halfway zoned out most of the time.
I mean, it wasn’t terrible but it wasn’t as fun to get through either. I read the last book a while ago but I think I enjoyed it more than this one.
May 30, 2017
Not a big fan of her decision to start her new books at page 75-ish. The characters don't even meet until then. I'm binging, so I've taken to jumping to page 100 to get to the story, and third book I've done this to, and it seems to be her new pattern. Still like the books, but that's a chunk of prose I'll never read. When backstory becomes the story, it's no longer romance. Maybe that's the point. She's moved away from it. But, you highland books are sooooooo good, I keep looking for the next one she'll write that compares to them.
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