Contemporary Books

Faith Castle is a lonely heiress who loves her job as a kindergarten teacher. She's worried she'll never have children of her own. She lives in Silicon Valley, where it's a vicious social circle of haves and have nots, and they're all a bunch of cheating adulterers.

Connor Kingston is a man who came from nothing, and he wants his future children to have a better life than he had. He approaches Faith with a proposition: marriage, absolute fidelity and monogamy, no pain or humiliation, the children she wants, a caring father, and a good solid prenuptial agreement. In exchange, she will convince her father to let him run the company, and will give him whatever wild and kinky sex he wants, as often as he wants. Although he doesn't love her, he definitely desires her, and that's more than she would have expected. His honesty is refreshing, so she accepts his outlandish proposal.

Faith discovers that Connor isn't the opportunistic mercenary manipulator he appears to be. Orphaned and alone in the world, he learned early on that you can't rely on others to give you what you need - you have to get it for yourself. It's easy for Faith to fall in love with a man like that. But will he ever love her back?

I love the way Connor treats Faith right from the beginning. He's honest about not being in love, so it's not like he's being a weasel and lying to her. He treats her with respect and even affection, and he has no shortage of genuine desire for her.

Faith is terrified of what Connor makes her feel, because without the security of love he has the power to take it all away from her. Because she hasn't known him very long, her reluctance is understandable. At the same time, her willingness to try and trust him is admirable.

Both characters are very likeable and intelligent, and the heat between them could melt polar icecaps. I love to see how Faith blossoms as a result of her growing confidence. Everything about this book is fantastic. I loved the author's voice and the pace kept me interested throughout. The Fortune Hunter by Jasmine Haynes is very highly recommended for anyone who likes a really good, spicy contemporary romance.

5 Kisses, 1 1/2 Peppers

~Lindy
Reviewer, TwoLips Reviews, LLC
www.TwoLipsReviews.com

hothotHOT!! I loved everything about this book! Ms. Haynes knows how to grab readers and not let them go until the very last word. Definitely a keeper!

When it comes to erotic romance Jasmine Haynes sets the standard. Her characters are so very real and believable. The sex is hot and sizzling but never meaningless, and this her latest story is no exception. The plot of The Fortune Hunter (wealthy heiress meets fortune hunter) seemed more suited for a historical romance so I was pleasantly surprised at just how well it worked in a contempory setting.

Faith is the type of heroine that almost anyone can identify with. She's a very nice, normal sized woman who also happens to be a little insecure about her looks, and as a result doesn't always realize her own worth.

Connor as the not-quite reformed bad boy is the perfect hero and proves the old adge to be true that reformed bad boys make the best husbands. He's the kind of man who knows what he wants and goes after it, in spite of the fact that he doesn't believe in love it's very obvious that he quickly falls in love with his delightful new wife...

The Fortune Hunter isn't at all like your typical erotic romance, instead it's a hot, sweet, and very tender love story that will leave you believing in ever after long after the story ends.......

The trilogy continues with Show And Tell Coming July 2008 and Games People Play 2009

It was good, don't get me wrong. But the blurb I read that sold the book for me is kind of different than what actually goes on in the book.

"She has only one caveat: she requires his absolute fidelity. But her randy fiance wants to be free to come and go."

That made it sound like that he wanted to have any and as many lovers as he pleased, but in actuality, he just wants an active love life with his wife.

The constant sex started to get a little old for my tastes, but I've always liked more angst and romance than what the book contained, so that's not the book's fault.

But I did enjoy reading it all in all, but it's probably not a keeper.

Faith Castle can have anything money can buy. Her father is rich and
dotes on her. She works as a school teacher, not because she has to
but because she loves children. Almost thirty, Faith despairs of ever
obtaining her life long dream - having a child of her own. While some
women are modern enough to go the single mother route, Faith is not
one of them. She needs a husband first and then a child. The problem
with her dream is that she is not dating anyone who is good father
material and her biological clock is ticking. When she sees Connor
Kingston at a social gathering not only does her clock continue to
tick, but it seems like her heart will beat out of her chest.

Connor Kingston is escorting a friend to a party when he sees his
quarry. She is like a lush golden goddess and Connor wants to make
her his. He has thought long and hard about what he wants and he
wants to be the CEO of a big name company. If he has to marry to do
that, then that is something he will do. When he is introduced to
Faith Castle, Connor has no doubts that this is his woman. Now all he
has to do is convince her of his plan and hopefully she will see that
they both can benefit from a marriage not based on love, but based on
a contract that benefits the both of them.

Faith thinks Connor is crazy to even suggest to her what he does.
However, after she thinks about it, she realizes that it might not be
such a bad idea after. She has one stipulation - fidelity, and Connor
has one as well - control of her in the bedroom. Connor assures her
that he will keep his end of the bargain and he desires Faith to agree
to his as well.

A friend of mine suggested I read The Fortune Hunter as I had not
heard of this book. I got a copy, looked at the blurb, and thought
that there was no way I would like story. I thought Connor too
blatant and unfeeling in the blurb and Faith's character seemed a bit
fragile. Imagine my surprise and complete joy when I discovered that
I was wrong. And I was SO wrong. Yes, Connor wanted control of Faith
in the bedroom with no questions asked. Yes, Connor wanted to be CEO
of a company and Faith was his means to an end. But in his achieving
his goal, he realized that he found so much more than he thought he
wanted and he never once lied to Faith. Not one time did he give her a
falsehood and for that reason alone, I fell in love with Connor
Kingston. His ability to bring out the best in Faith, while falling
in love with her, was uncanny in its realism. Faith was an open book
to me and I could undeniably relate to her. She was self conscious
about her looks, which Connor found utterly enchanting. Her confidence
in Connor was unconditional and while I worried about her giving her
trust to him as soon as she did, he proved to me and to Faith that he
was an outstanding choice.

If you have not read The Fortune Hunter by Jasmine Haynes, might I
suggest running as quickly as possible to the nearest bookstore and
obtaining it? Ms. Haynes has a new fan, one who wholeheartedly
without a doubt Joyfully Recommends The Fortune Hunter!

Talia
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Maggie is feeling old. Her kids are out of the house, she's getting hot flashes, and her husband seems to be looking at younger women. Her best friend also seems to be more concern with dating than hanging around Maggie. Maggie is all ready to accept the fate of a mid life crisis when she meets a young woman at a coffee house who seems to need a "motherly" type figure in her life. With true to life descriptions and humor that will make the reader giggle and groan, this grown up chick lit novel is perfect for those who can't wait to get older and those who wish they could stop.

So I'm not a baby boomer. In fact I'm pretty much the same age as the kids of the main characters in this book. You'd think I wouldn't enjoy it because of the generation gap. WRONG. I totally enjoyed this fun and humorous book that women of all ages will enjoy. What I found most interesting about the book was how insecure most women, even Christian women, really are. It seems that everyone is afraid about losing their husband to someone who is younger or who they think looks better than them. Women are always comparing themselves and therefore creating low self esteem. Of course men don't help out with this, as Gordon doesn't really reassure Maggie that he doesn't go for the blond type. The writing is top notch, I felt like I was a part of the story. I also really enjoyed seeing Maggie's relationship grow with Lily. And it was cool to read a mom drinking frappachinos and ending up working behind the counter in a coffee shop. I also love the Chihuahua who pees when nervous! I think it'd be cool to have her as a mom. There are some times where I would get frustrated with her actions, like her getting ticked at her daughter for being friends with her mother in law or when she stalks her best friend while she's dating. But then I realize that Maggie is having empty nest syndrome and is therefore frustrated with her life. It makes me want to learn to make sure to take time to enjoy my own life, and not just focus it on others so that way I know that I am meaningful. Excellent mom/lady lit book that everyone will enjoy.

Author Diann Hunt pens the words of Hot Flashes and Cold Cream with both humor and honesty, as she describes a fifty-something woman in the grip of menopause. Maggie Haydn's world turns upside down into a despairing heap of cellulite, as her search continues to find something that will spare her the pain of life change. Her pursuit accelerates into a full blown rat race.

Sipping her favorite beverage at the new coffee house makes a dent in her meaningless days of waiting for her overworked husband to return home. While the superficial makeovers never touch the deepest longing of her heart, she hardly expects her out-of-style elderly, widowed neighbor to strike a cord within her. Tired of running, Maggie pauses long enough to notice that Elvira, after all, is fashionably dressed in expressing God's love to others. Maggie is ready for a real change!

Maggie's husband Gordon and her best friend Lily nearly go out of their minds trying to help Maggie keep her balance in her topsy-turvy world. Her college age son and newly married daughter love their mom, too, but hope she doesn't go completely over the edge.

I nearly ran out of breath trying to keep up with Maggie's agonizing pace of going everywhere, never really getting anywhere. Finally, she comes to terms with her age, her appearance, and her attitude toward life. At times, I wanted to say, "We've heard this before!" It seems that was the author's creative technique -- to wear out the reader as much as it exhausted her main character, so that, in the end, we could all breathe a huge sigh of relief.

I commend this book to the Maggie Haydens who are struggling with an empty stage of life. Hunt's character Elvira will point the reader to Jesus Christ, at center stage in her own life. - Cheryl Cecil, Christian Book Previews.com

This book was funny and relaxing and I enjoyed reading it. The author kept me laughing while at the same time wondering what was coming next for Maggie. I can't wait to read another book by D. Hunt.

Great book, if you are close to menopause it's a must read.

Diann Hunt uses humor and zany situations to make us laugh at aging. Maggie Hayden gets herself into one scrape after another with her misguided caring. Hunt drew me into this story so well, Maggie became real. I cared about her. So much that there were times I wanted to slap her. She drove me nuts with her inability to get a grip, yet I laughed all the way.

Besides having a wonderfully intriguing title, Hot Flashes and Cold Cream is a page-turner of a book. You can't wait to see what Maggie gets herself into next. Thanks you, Diann, for this hilarious romp through aging.

I'm sorry so say that The House at Pooh Corner isn't quite as good as the Winnie-The-Pooh book that preceeds it. It spends a lot of time on the new character Tigger. Too much if you ask me. Even though Tigger is a darn cute fellow in words and pictures, I thought the first Pooh book to be much more balanced out, and to be honest, I didn't think Tigger to be as funny as the other characters. He's only funnier than Rabbit, and that's not saying much. Rabbit's darn plain when compared to that crafty Brer Rabbit of the Uncle Remus books.

Actually, maybe Tigger isn't the problem. It's just that some of the middle chapters of the book are quite bland. Two, Three, and Five don't stand out very much, and look rather ordinary. However, Eight, Nine, and Ten more than make up for the bland chapters and suddenly this book becomes well worth reading. Eeyore's even funnier in his second appearance than his first, and Milne does such a great job giving personality to even the most inanimate of objects. The man's a darn good writer, let's face it.

And, my goodness, Chapter Ten really gets you thinking. Where is Christopher Robin going? Is entering into the grown-up world really so bad? What will the forest do without him? It's very subtle, but you can tell it's important too.

I think my favorite thing about the Pooh books is the entire universe is pretty much limited to 8 or so different individuals. Pooh wakes up and says, "Let's visit everybody to wish them a Happy Thursday!" He can do that because there are only like 8 people in the whole world. It sure makes things a lot simpler having so few people.

The Pooh books make simplicity beautiful. They seem to be set in a very limited technological environment with a heavy emphasis on nature. Heck, everyone there lives in a tree, for goodness sakes.

The House at Pooh Corner is yet another book in the Pooh series. This book is ok, I say this only because it's not as good as the original Winnie-the-Pooh, (When We Were Very Young, etc.) But with A.A. Milne's storytelling and Ernest H. Sheppards fantastic drawings you can't go wrong.

I actually enjoy Winnie-the-Pooh and The House At Pooh Corner much more as an adult than I did as a child. Maybe this is because I was not properly introduced to them at an early age. I am sure that the Disney shorts set some preconceptions in my head (namely, that these are merely childish stories). I think that the original Winnie-the-Pooh features from Disney are wonderful gems, but they do, nonetheless, depart significantly in overall character from Milne's stories. It is also true that there is a great deal of cleverness and insight here that I did not discover or appreciate until I was grown up.

It turns out that these are beautiful, masterly crafted tales full of witty dialogue, lively songs, gentle landscapes, and real warmth. Shepard's lovingly rendered illustrations do not simply complement the stories, but are easily the equal of Milne's narratives.

I look forward to reading these books to my boys--when they are ready for them. In the meantime, I am quite content to snuggle up with these tales myself, again and again.

This classic is listed under the age group of four to eight, and as a Poohphile I am quite appalled that it is. Winnie the Pooh books have such wit, wisdom, and humor that gets better every time I read them. Their not just for children, they are for everyone. Over the years, Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet, Tigger, Kanga, and Roo have become some of my dearest chums. I once heard someone say, or perhaps I read it, that "books are like dear friends, and who has too many friends?" I am quite inclined to agree with that statement. This book is a dear friend of mine and I hope that you shall make it yours. :)

I was participating in an on-line discussion on the subject of the single book that had influenced us each the most.

The book that first came to my mind was "The House at Pooh Corner". It seemed rather silly, but after considerable reflection I decided it was probably the correct answer after all.

The book was read to me by my Dad before I could read, and I still re-visit it occasionally fifty years later. In fact, I wouldn't be adverse to using it's ending as my epitath.

In Revere is the coming of age tale of Anthony Benedetto and his extended Italian-American family, yet it is also the account of the city of Revere, Massachusetts some forty odd years ago.

Merullo intertwines the two into one entity. Benedetto, orphaned at a young age becomes enmeshed with not only his sizable family of uncles, aunts and cousin's but within the atmosphere that defines Revere. In doing so he creates a conflict that Anthony has to comprehend to sort out the person he genuinely is.

The troupe of characters Merullo has tenderly created is difficult to abandon. The uncle with the oversized personality, who speaks with the grace of a bull and not a 'r' in sight! The Italian grandparents are drawn with out and out perfection, gracefully quiet, yet they have skillful unspoken wisdom that Merullo conveys to the reader with charm and lure.
(Yes, I'm from New England and yes, I had Italian grandparents!)

Revere itself will be a place difficult for the reader to leave behind, from the main street called Broadway, (I have many wicked memories of Broadway...especially during the Blizzard of '78!)...to the richly ornate church of St. Anthonys to the fine grains of sand of Revere Beach; all of these are calling cards to the young Anthony's experiences.

This book is a slice of modern, everday history. A well crafted, impeccably researched and laugh aloud story that is highly enjoyable regardless where you are from!

I am love with this story, the characters came to life, with the town of Revere playing a major character in itself. I identified with the character Anthony Benedetto and his family and laughed out loud many times as well as wiped away tears. I literally could not put this book down, and although I am a Bostonian I know this book will capture the heart of anyone anywhere. Roland Merullo is an excellent story teller, his other books are every bit as enjoyable as this one.

I haven't even finished In Revere, In Those Days, yet I already wanted to review it/recommend it. I am in love with this book. Merullo's writing is exceptional--he captures complex emotions in spare, concise sentences through his careful and perfect word choice. The characters are so well-developed they feel real--and wonderful and interesting. I would love to meet Grandpa Dom. Yes, this book is nostaligic and written like a sentimental memoir--that's part of its appeal to me. I hope I find Merullo's other books (I plan to read A Little Love Story next)as wonderful--perhaps it is this family's story specifically that draws me in. When I have finished the book, I'll re-check this assessment, but for now, I can not say enough about this novel if you enjoy beautiful and clean writing, a complete, well-drawn family, and nostaligic tales of how the dynamic of family relationships affects your life path.

Though I don't particularly love the two professional reviews listed here, I like the phrase "omniscient rememberance" that's used in one of them. That's part of the beauty of this novel: in addition to finely-drawn characters and places, and a lovely cadence to the sentences on the page, the author beautifully presents both the text and the subtext of the story at once, so that you are caught up in the richness of the lives that are presented within.

I loved this book for its nostalgia, for its acute observances of the life around the main character, Anthony, for the questions it brought up around my own family, and for the skilled technique in the writing itself.

A wonderful, wonderful work.

"In Revere, In Those Days" is the best novel I have read in years...sensitive, dreamy, with all the love and rough edges of growing up, and all the hopes and sorrows of adulthood. Merullo just draws you in to the Benedetto family and Revere. The story is told through Anthony's eyes and the family emerges and developes as Anthony matures and understands his clan with more clarity. Despite the troubles that surround his Uncle Peter and his cousin Rosalie the love and care that root the Benedettos are evident. It's a tale of another time, another place, that any baby-boomer will recognize.

I love Karen Kingsbury's works...she's a God-sent to our generation. I'm always very inspired by her books and feel the presence of God every time I read her novels.

I'll recommend it to everyone, irrespective of your religion...just read and be blessed.

This is one of my favorite books of Karen's and I have a lot of her books. I highly recomend it. I couldn't put it down. This book is a must have. I can relate to the story very strongly.

THIS BOOK IS A MUST IF YOU HAVE READ A THOUSAND TOMMORROWS. I REALLY ENJOYED THE UP TIMES AND ALSO THE DOWN TIMES. IT IS VERY LIFE LIKE AND IF YOU HAVE EVER HAD A CHALLENGED PERSON IN YOUR LIFE YOU WILL RELATE TO THIS STORY.

Just Beyond the Clouds
Written by: Karen Kingsbury
Published by: Hatchette Book Group USA
ISBN: 978-1-59995-677-0

Reviewed by: Stephanie Rollins for ReviewYourBook.com
"A Book of Rebirths"
5 stars

I do not think that I am a very emotional person, but this brought me to tears each time I picked it up. I embarrassed myself by acting like a blubbering fool while finishing it over lunch at a small restaurant. The waitress commented that it must a great book. I replied that it was one of the best I have ever read.

In "Just Beyond the Clouds", Cody and his parents teeter between encouraging independence for Carl Joseph and wanting to baby him. Carl Joseph has Down Syndrome. Descriptions of the disorder are woven into the plot. I now have a profound respect for those with the disorder and their caretakers.

Carl Joseph's parents separated because of the stress of the disorder. They reunite as a family--stronger than ever. Cody has grieved over the death of his wife for years. He comes to realize that his deceased wife would have wanted him to keep on living and loving. Elle lost herself in love only to find her self left at the alter with 300 guests waiting. She eventually realizes that not every man is married, a jerk, or gay. Throughout the book, the only ones who have a clear grasp on love are Carl Joseph and Daisy, his Down Syndrome girlfriend.

Rarely do I come across an author that has so much God-given talent. "Just Beyond the Clouds" flows so smoothly, as if writing it was effortless. Each character is developed so well that the reader develops a relationship with them. I would really like a sequence to this. Grab a box of tissues and read!

This is a good story though the one thing that bothered me was Cody's reason for falling in love. On p. 294 it said that "part of his attraction for Ali had been her illness and that he might protect her, shelter her. She needed him..." and then a few paragraphs later the story went that Cody "wanted to shelter Elle, the same way he sheltered Ali (because of her broken heart)."

And Cody surely loved his brother Carl Joseph... How many times was it repeated, "I just love that kid." I just feel that this story was "told" more than "shown". He surely showed his love, but it was told that he did many more times than necessary.

It also just made me wonder why Cody had to love people that were weaker or needier than him. It seemed he had the classic rescuer complex.

I like Elle as a character. She is consistent in how she would react to a possible love interest in light of her being so hurt in the past.

I love Karen Kingsbury's works...she's a God-sent to our generation. I'm always very inspired by her books and feel the presence of God every time I read her novels.

I'll recommend it to everyone, irrespective of your religion...just read and be blessed.

This is one of my favorite books of Karen's and I have a lot of her books. I highly recomend it. I couldn't put it down. This book is a must have. I can relate to the story very strongly.

THIS BOOK IS A MUST IF YOU HAVE READ A THOUSAND TOMMORROWS. I REALLY ENJOYED THE UP TIMES AND ALSO THE DOWN TIMES. IT IS VERY LIFE LIKE AND IF YOU HAVE EVER HAD A CHALLENGED PERSON IN YOUR LIFE YOU WILL RELATE TO THIS STORY.

Just Beyond the Clouds
Written by: Karen Kingsbury
Published by: Hatchette Book Group USA
ISBN: 978-1-59995-677-0

Reviewed by: Stephanie Rollins for ReviewYourBook.com
"A Book of Rebirths"
5 stars

I do not think that I am a very emotional person, but this brought me to tears each time I picked it up. I embarrassed myself by acting like a blubbering fool while finishing it over lunch at a small restaurant. The waitress commented that it must a great book. I replied that it was one of the best I have ever read.

In "Just Beyond the Clouds", Cody and his parents teeter between encouraging independence for Carl Joseph and wanting to baby him. Carl Joseph has Down Syndrome. Descriptions of the disorder are woven into the plot. I now have a profound respect for those with the disorder and their caretakers.

Carl Joseph's parents separated because of the stress of the disorder. They reunite as a family--stronger than ever. Cody has grieved over the death of his wife for years. He comes to realize that his deceased wife would have wanted him to keep on living and loving. Elle lost herself in love only to find her self left at the alter with 300 guests waiting. She eventually realizes that not every man is married, a jerk, or gay. Throughout the book, the only ones who have a clear grasp on love are Carl Joseph and Daisy, his Down Syndrome girlfriend.

Rarely do I come across an author that has so much God-given talent. "Just Beyond the Clouds" flows so smoothly, as if writing it was effortless. Each character is developed so well that the reader develops a relationship with them. I would really like a sequence to this. Grab a box of tissues and read!

This is a good story though the one thing that bothered me was Cody's reason for falling in love. On p. 294 it said that "part of his attraction for Ali had been her illness and that he might protect her, shelter her. She needed him..." and then a few paragraphs later the story went that Cody "wanted to shelter Elle, the same way he sheltered Ali (because of her broken heart)."

And Cody surely loved his brother Carl Joseph... How many times was it repeated, "I just love that kid." I just feel that this story was "told" more than "shown". He surely showed his love, but it was told that he did many more times than necessary.

It also just made me wonder why Cody had to love people that were weaker or needier than him. It seemed he had the classic rescuer complex.

I like Elle as a character. She is consistent in how she would react to a possible love interest in light of her being so hurt in the past.

I love Karen Kingsbury's works...she's a God-sent to our generation. I'm always very inspired by her books and feel the presence of God every time I read her novels.

I'll recommend it to everyone, irrespective of your religion...just read and be blessed.

This is one of my favorite books of Karen's and I have a lot of her books. I highly recomend it. I couldn't put it down. This book is a must have. I can relate to the story very strongly.

THIS BOOK IS A MUST IF YOU HAVE READ A THOUSAND TOMMORROWS. I REALLY ENJOYED THE UP TIMES AND ALSO THE DOWN TIMES. IT IS VERY LIFE LIKE AND IF YOU HAVE EVER HAD A CHALLENGED PERSON IN YOUR LIFE YOU WILL RELATE TO THIS STORY.

Just Beyond the Clouds
Written by: Karen Kingsbury
Published by: Hatchette Book Group USA
ISBN: 978-1-59995-677-0

Reviewed by: Stephanie Rollins for ReviewYourBook.com
"A Book of Rebirths"
5 stars

I do not think that I am a very emotional person, but this brought me to tears each time I picked it up. I embarrassed myself by acting like a blubbering fool while finishing it over lunch at a small restaurant. The waitress commented that it must a great book. I replied that it was one of the best I have ever read.

In "Just Beyond the Clouds", Cody and his parents teeter between encouraging independence for Carl Joseph and wanting to baby him. Carl Joseph has Down Syndrome. Descriptions of the disorder are woven into the plot. I now have a profound respect for those with the disorder and their caretakers.

Carl Joseph's parents separated because of the stress of the disorder. They reunite as a family--stronger than ever. Cody has grieved over the death of his wife for years. He comes to realize that his deceased wife would have wanted him to keep on living and loving. Elle lost herself in love only to find her self left at the alter with 300 guests waiting. She eventually realizes that not every man is married, a jerk, or gay. Throughout the book, the only ones who have a clear grasp on love are Carl Joseph and Daisy, his Down Syndrome girlfriend.

Rarely do I come across an author that has so much God-given talent. "Just Beyond the Clouds" flows so smoothly, as if writing it was effortless. Each character is developed so well that the reader develops a relationship with them. I would really like a sequence to this. Grab a box of tissues and read!

This is a good story though the one thing that bothered me was Cody's reason for falling in love. On p. 294 it said that "part of his attraction for Ali had been her illness and that he might protect her, shelter her. She needed him..." and then a few paragraphs later the story went that Cody "wanted to shelter Elle, the same way he sheltered Ali (because of her broken heart)."

And Cody surely loved his brother Carl Joseph... How many times was it repeated, "I just love that kid." I just feel that this story was "told" more than "shown". He surely showed his love, but it was told that he did many more times than necessary.

It also just made me wonder why Cody had to love people that were weaker or needier than him. It seemed he had the classic rescuer complex.

I like Elle as a character. She is consistent in how she would react to a possible love interest in light of her being so hurt in the past.

This might be one of the best love stories that I have read. I really enjoyed the relationship between Michael and Kylie. I really liked that fact that Michael was vunerable and not the careless and experienced hero of most romance novels. I liked how Kylie also got her backbone back at the end of the book. They both helped each other get their lives back and it was a great read. I just finished the book today and keep going over my favorite parts of the book.

Highly recommend this book and although I am looking forward to her follow-up novels...although I don't expect they will come close to this one.

My grandmother used to tell me stories of her village in Ireland and this book came close to her descriptions...I love it!

I'm just sorry it took me this long to get to Dorien Kelly's wonderful book. This is a book to be savored -- beyond the setting and a real (and not always rosy) depiction of small-town living, she gives us a hero to die for in Michael, and a near-saintly woman who is still someone you can sympathize with in Kylie. And the conflict is both believable and heart-breaking. I can't wait until the sequel in March!

I picked up this book at the airport because it had an intriguing title. For once, I lucked out and found an excellent book. This is an author worth pursuing. I was delighted to find that this is the first in a trilogy. It was a beautifully written book. The main characters are very human. Their tragic pasts are overcome by the end of the book without syrupy prose and syrupy sweet or too-quaint characterizations of small town village people. The description of life in West Ireland felt realistic. The main and supporting characters had flaws and shared an ironic sense of humor which I found refreshing. Beware, this is a very quick read. You will be left wanting more.

THE LAST BRIDE IN BALLYMUIR is one of the the best books I've read this year. The writing is so poised and elegant it must be savored like a rich dessert. Kylie and Michael's love story is told with a grace that is both straightforward and achingly emotional. The realistic Irish setting is a delight and the romance is sweet, warm, sexy and completely believable. I can't wait for the next BALLYMUIR book!

I don't read romance novels, but in the case of Dorien Kelly's "The Last Bride of Ballymuir," I made an exception. To my great joy I found a tale of haunting truth told honestly, a message of hope forged into being, where none should exist, and a new writer of whom I shall expect much. The lion's share of the action in this tale is internal: that of the struggle of its two main characters. Both seek to overcome reputations earned, rightly or wrongly, find the courage to stand for themselves, one another, and the right to eek out a bit of happiness in a small town which holds staunchly to its quirky ways. Michael Kilbride's evolution throughout this novel is nothing short of heartwrenching. He is a "throw away" child who must learn not to give up on himself. Kylie O'Shea, in classic Irish form, is fighting the ghost of a past not of her making. She is a true heroine, willing the carry the cross of her shame, rather than run from her home. One could compare this work the the epic Irish classic "Deirdre of the Sorrows," wherein two lovers must run the risk of tearing apart the very fabric of thier lives for the hope of a love that will stand for all time. Dorien Kelly's Ireland is the one I remember, the one I ache for, and through her writing, the one I can find myself standing upon once more. Only twice have I read a novel in which I have missed the characters for days afterwards. The Last Bride in Ballymuir is one of those two.
I sense, the next two in Kelly's triolgy will do likewise.

Sean OTuathal
Writer, Poet, Literature Teacher

This is no E Lynn Harris novel by any means but I must say it is well written, Engaging, Shocking, Real, and Exciting. My hat off to Stanley Bennet Clay. Thanks for giving us good quality fiction.

Stanley,
Thank you for "Looker." The characters were as real as the pages and
paper on which they were written. Your knowing and seeing of Black gay Men's lives made the book a page turner. The tapestry of lust, love, pain, joy, anger, betrayal, safe hatred, sardonic sex, rage, crime, and bliss wove a tale reminiscent of what "real" Black gay men know to be our truths. Never before have had I read such a description of Black gay men living on the periphery of our community; while we exist in its midst.
Bran was a man undamaged by the gay experience, simply reluctant to love.

Most importantly you aptly connected the lives of varying generations
of "WE".
Love unrequited and finally realized and revealed. A love based on friendship. Wow!


Do it again,

Borris Powell
New York

Well I must say. I enjoyed this book immensely.I didn't won't this book to end,hey clay what about a part two?????? You have another loyal fan,please keep the books coming.God bless you and much more success.

I enjoyed this book immensely. It kept me engaged and I couldn't put the book down until the end.

Stanley Bennett Clay is a masterful writer, but he's more than that. He is a wicked and compelling storyteller. With this his 3rd novel, SBC is at his best. The way that he so gingerly and brilliantly handles a myriad of characters--Omar, Brando, Shane, Dee, Mrs. Fant, Miss Zara, Eli, Vanessa and William and a few others AND their varied storylines--love unrequited, past pains and parental hurt, betrayal, bisexuality, without losing his stride OR his fire, is just commendable and makes for a wonderfully rich and page-turning read had me finishing off this morsel of a masterpiece in a matter of days! KUDOS AND ACCOLADES!!!

p70. This book just did not pull me in. The plot was not interesting enough. Recovering widow meets hot divorced grumpy man - yeah that is OK but I am already on p70 and nothing is happening of interest. They get drunk, go to the grocery store, try to buy shades, get oil in their furnace, get a table, yeah yeah yeah - whatever I am bored. So much for a contemporary novel - I liked Jennifer Blake's Louisiana Dawn and Jen Hollings Shadow Warrior historical fiction so much more!

I liked the book; thought it was realistic while entertaining. Difficult to put down once you get into it. Thought an epilogue would have helped.

I've read a lot of books, but this is the first I've reviewed. I love this book, for every reason reviewers before me said: the characters aren't perfect, the story is more "real", etc. I got sucked in at the very beginning and have already re-read it soon after finishing it. It's a very well written story. I am glad I own this book, versus checking it out from the library.

This is one of my all time favorite romance books. I think it is mostly because of the realness of the story and the author's ability to capture your interest from start to ending. I couldn't put it down. The ending brought a chill.........you won't be sorry with this one.

This one you'll love also. He's rough around the edges, but he gets straightened out. He just needed a little love. He has a bit of a dirty mouth but I managed to love the book.