Showing posts with label Lisa Kleypas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lisa Kleypas. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Triple Shot of Kleypas
Okay, I finally succumbed and read me some Lisa Kleypas. At
the Bosun’s nag…er…urging, I read Sugar pop, then Blue Eyed guy and Silver Tongued
whatever.
(Go ahead, slap me now. If I get around to it, I’ll look the
real titles up and fix this. If not? I’ll face the music. Or the Bosun will go
into our blog and fix it for me.)
So! What did I think?
Great characterization. Wonderful sense of place, grounded
in tiny details that really plant your feet in Texas. (The only thing I didn’t
care for. I mean…Texas? They think they’re all that when everyone knows
California is where it’s at!)
Loved the heroine in Sugar Daddy. Loved her voice, got her
to the marrow. But felt she was made one dimensional in the tiny guest
appearances made in the next two books. Which I understand, because you can’t
have the guest star hogging the camera. But her man remained constant with
dimension, and she felt phoned in. (I’m just sayin’!)
Blue Eyed – Not sure I bought the easing of her well-earned
complication phobia. But…wow. Liked his persistence and again, the details in
this book was incredible. Kleypas says so much with so few words. The real
hominess of her prose is a delight.
Silver Tongued – Felt a little inconsistence with the guy
presented in book two. You know, the hero? He had enough lines in book two that
I wasn’t sure she’d kept true to the man she created when she gave him his own
book.
And now that you’re all totally mystified… I read all three
of these books in three days. Which means…nuance probably flew right over my
head. Character names also went in one eyeball and out the other. If I were a
scrupulous book reviewer, I’d go look them up, along with my favorite lines. (I’m
not, this is more an impression of some books than a review.)
I commented to Terrio that I thought them very simple love
stories.
I felt her bristle across the continent.
Now, to me, simple doesn’t mean bad. It means…not
complicated, not convoluted, not a dozen layers to keep track of, no uber
villains or maniacs…no aliens. Just a love story. I really nicely told love
story, very fleshed out and told in exquisite detail. In language that wasn’t
pretentious, overblown or trying to be witty. It just was enough.
I like books like this. I like that I can just read them
without a need for a period dictionary nearby. They take my mind away from
where I am, without causing me undo stress. (Jim Butcher takes me away, and
wrings me out and makes me feel apprehensive about what is going to happen to
Harry. For example.) Kleypas didn’t. I never had a doubt where things were
going, but it was interesting to find out how they got there and to enjoy the
skill at which she drove this bus.
Thumbs up for all of them!
So, you rotten crew.
You badgered me into reading Eloise James. You pestered me into SEP. I was cajoled
into reading Jennifer Crusie. I willingly picked up Kristen Higgens (dogs on
the covers) and I’ve read Jill Shalvis after she was a guest on the ship. Who
is next? And when are one of you going to try one my favorites?
Thursday, March 26, 2009
I Heart Lisa Kleypas
It isn’t surprising that Lisa Kleypas is a finalist for a 2009 Rita award for Seduce Me at Sunrise. The story is poignant, passionate, and wonderfully written. I discovered the magical writing talent of Lisa Kleypas by accident. I bought a copy of Mine Until Midnight while browsing at Waldenbooks. The description of Cam Rohan sealed the sale for me. From the first page, I fell in love with her writing voice. Her ability to create original plot lines, and unforgettable characters, inspires me every time I read one of her books. I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Lisa, but from watching interviews I find her as delightful as her writing. To witness the passion in her expression as she describes how much she enjoys writing is refreshing, and indicative of her ability to execute emotional depth in her characters.
Tuesday, March 31, is the release date for Lisa’s next book in her Texas contemporary series. Smooth Talking Stranger is the story of Jack Travis. Jack is the brother of Haven and Gage Travis, who are characters from the two previous books in the Texas series. Ella Varner becomes the primary caregiver for baby Luke when her sister Tara abandons him. Ella approaches Jack Travis to question his paternity for Luke. Ella’s life is turned upside down with excessive monetary support from Jack. However, life isn’t so easy for Ella. She finds dealing with 2 am feedings and dirty diapers, is far removed from the life she knows, but more of a blessing than she could have ever realized. Mix it up with some rehashed memories of an abusive childhood, a boyfriend who has the compassion of driftwood, a sexy Texas millionaire who has much more to offer than a pile of money, and the return of some memorable characters like Hardy Cates *swoon* and Haven, this has the potential to be another Lisa Kleypas masterpiece.
If you would like a review from someone who is fortunate enough to have already read Smooth Talking Stranger, wonder over to Smart Bitches Trashy Books and read SB Sarah’s tasty review of this literary treat. While you’re there, take the time to check out the Save the Contemporary Campaign. A contemporary title is featured every month. It’s a great way to spread the goodness of contemporary romance. If you recommend a contemporary title, or pass on a link to the campaign, you are eligible for prizes. What a fun way to promote contemporary romance!
The countdown is on. The minutes are ticking away. It’s not as long as it has been. Very soon, I will hold in my hot little hands a copy of Smooth Talking Stranger. I know I won’t be disappointed. Lisa Kleypas never disappoints!
Lisa, I confess, I want to be just like you when I grow up! Congratulations on your nomination for a 2009 Rita Award:)
Are you a Lisa Kleypas fan, and if so, are you anticipating this book? If you have never read her work, what are you waiting for? If you have already read this book, please share your review!
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