Karen Rose Romantic Thrillers

As a writer of Romantic Thrillers Karen Rose has got to be one of the best, and believe you me, I read a lot of authors and a lot of books. I have now read every one of her books and have enjoyed every last one of them. She has a good grasp of words and uses them to excellent effect, drawing the reader into the story, and bringing it to life. Both the thriller and the romantic aspects are well written and compliment each other well. My only caveat to this, and this is a personal thing, is that I could do without the graphic sex scenes which I feel detract from the story line. It's a shame, as without them I believe these books would be much better. However, I realise others may disagree with me.

Her latest book, Silent Scream, is the story of David Hunter (a firefighter) who we met in previous novels, and Olivia Sutherland who we met in Karen's last book. However, if you have not read any of the previous novels this is not a problem as this book can be read truly as a stand alone novel. For those of you who have read the previous books you will enjoy reading David and Olivia's story. The plot revolves around a group of four young people who set fire to a building and then discover that there is the body of a young girl inside. They think they have got away with this but are then blackmailed by someone who videoed the whole incident. The plot is, of course, much more intricate and involved than this and Karen unfolds the story like the true professional she is. Alongside this is the story of David and Olivia's relationship, which is as complex as the murder plot. I found myself liking them and rooting for them all the way. I can't say too much about the other characters without giving the plot away, but trust me, every character comes across as true to life. I found both story lines to be gripping and I could not put this novel down. In this book there is slightly less emphasis on the sex and I believe the book is the better for it. It is easier to get caught up in the romance of the storyline and concentrate on what is happening in the thriller.

I would highly recommend all of Karen Rose's books. She is an excellent author with a good sense of plot, and a highly developed sense of what will keep the reader reading. I look forward to her next book. If you like thrillers with an element of romance then get these books. You wont regret it.  

Stephanie Plum

For various reasons I have been out of the picture, as far as blogging is concerned, for the past few weeks. This has given me a lot of time to read and the latest Stephanie Plum Novel by Janet Evanovich has reminded me of everything I love about these books. The latest, Sizzling Sixteen, is as madcap and hilarious as the fifteen previous offerings. Those of you who love these novels will know what I mean.

For those of you, where the books have managed to slip under your radar, then here is a brief resume. Stephanie Plum is a rather hapless and eccentric bounty hunter, who, despite managing to be rather hopeless at her job, still manages to get her ma or woman as the case may be. She has an on again, off again boyfriend, a cop called Joe Morelli. Her other love interests are a sexy Cuban called Ranger, and someone called Deisel who seems to appear from nowhere every now and again. The cast of characters surrounding her become more and more eccentric, my two favourites being Lula and Grandma Mazur. Lula is an ex prostitute turned file clerk, who "helps" Stephanie catch her skips. Her giant size body, squeezes into a vast array of midget size clothes. Grandma Mazur, is Stephanie's mad grandmother who I wouldn't even start to describe. If I say one of her favourite pursuits is going to viewings at funeral parlours and causing havoc you should get the drift.

In this book Vinnie who owns the bail bond agency has been kidnapped and the kidnappers are looking for a ransom to return him. Stephanie, Lula and Connie (the office secretary) set out to find him with a little help from Morelli, Ranger and a supporting cast of Hobbits. No I am not joking. I laughed until my sides were aching.

If you find you want to read these books and haven't done so before then start with one for the money and work your way up until you reach sixteen. You wont regret it. Janet Evanovich has a rare talent. As an aside, one for the money is being made into a film starring Katherine Heigl. I had a little difficulty imagining it at first as Katherine is Blonde and Stephanie is a dark haired Italian. However, a makeover is afoot and I think it will work. More details here.

Stephanie Plum Movie

I personally can't wait for the movie to come out as it will be just as hysterical as the books I am sure.