Book Review: Just A Hint - Clint by Lori Foster

Just A Hint--Clint - Lori Foster

Synopsis:
When schoolteacher Julie Rose is kidnapped by a bunch of thugs who plan on ransoming her for a large sum, Clint Evans and his best friends Mojo and Red, are hired by her ‘fiancé’ Robert Burns to find and retrieve her.
But there is more to the story than meets the eye, especially when Robert insinuates that the person behind Julie’s kidnapping could be the infamous mobster Asa Ragon, and suggests that Clint find a way to get rid of him.
Realising that there is an ulterior motive behind Robert’s ill-conceived theories, Clint approaches the mobster and, through him, is able to locate and save Julie.
At Robert’s insistence, Clint also finds a place for her to stay out of danger, at least until the mastermind of the kidnapping plan is found.
But Clint and Julie soon find their lives on the line as the person behind Julie’s kidnapping decides to seek vengeance following her rescue, and despite Clint’s strong resolve, he finds himself falling in love with feisty and seductive Julie, and she with him. With a little help from some of Julie’s friends, they have to work out who is out to get Julie, and stop them before it’s too late.

What I gained from reading this book:
This story is a classic ‘damsel in distress’ tale, despite Julie’s feistiness and ability to fight for herself. The fact that she has a wealthy background, while Clint is from the wrong side of the tracks also makes this story more appealing to readers, as it brings together some of the different elements of society, and shows that love can blossom between people from opposite ends of the scale.

Positives:
This novel includes small time thugs, neighbourhood mobsters, wealthy estate owners, out of control gambling addictions, illicit love affairs, and of course, an exciting love story, so it is very appealing to readers on many fronts.

Negatives:
Clint can come across as hardheaded, and his no-nonsense approach to violence when defending the woman he loves can be a bit over the top at times. But these characteristics are representative of most of Lori Foster’s male characters, so readers will just have to take it in their stride.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Genre: Romance

Recommended for: Any woman who fancies herself as a damsel in distress, waiting for her knight in shining armour to rescue her.



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Book review: When Bruce met Cyn by Lori Foster

When Bruce Met Cyn… - Lori Foster

Synopsis:
Beautiful and fiery Cynthia Potter, otherwise known as Cyn, is only seventeen when she runs away from home, and her mother’s abusive boyfriend Palmer Oaks. Living in squalor and selling her body to make ends meet, she begins to view all men as the same, and as a result becomes extremely distrusting and disillusioned.
After five years of living in this fashion, and with enough money finally saved, Cyn decides to travel to the small town of Visitation in North Carolina, hoping to start life anew and leave behind the horrible memories of her past.
While there, she meets Bruce Kelly, a preacher who has spent most of his life helping women in need, although he has met none as independent or sexy as Cyn.
Determined to help her assimilate into the close-knit community, Bruce has to resist his growing attraction to her, hoping to show Cyn that he can give her the respect that she deserves.
But their growing relationship comes under threat when Cyn’s past comes back to haunt her, and she finds her life, and the lives of her newfound friends, in mortal danger.

What I gained from reading this book:
Cyn is a survivor of domestic abuse at the hands of her mother’s boyfriend, as well as the local reverend, and regrettably this theme still resonates in today’s society, where adults who hold a position of trust sometimes abuse children and manage to get away with it. Unfortunately for Cyn, no measures are taken to protect her until she decides that enough is enough and she stands up for herself.
While it is unlikely that many abused children will have the ability to stand up for themselves against cruel adults, this only serves to show that we, as a society, have to be aware of domestic abuse and be vigilant about uncovering such mistreatment.
Bruce sees the trauma that Cyn has faced as a result of this abuse and strives to show her that he, unlike Palmer Oaks and Reverend Thorne, is in the majority of good and moral men. He helps to boost her confidence and self-esteem, effectively driving away any lingering fears of neglect or distrust.

Positives:
The character of Cyn is sassy, strong and fiercely independent, despite the problems that she has faced during her young life, and this creates an instant rapport between her and readers. There is also plenty of sexual awareness between Cyn and Bruce from the beginning, which makes their developing relationship even more exciting.

Negatives:
People looking for an instant romance may be disappointed as it takes quite a while for Bruce to show Cyn exactly how strong his lust for her is. Out of fear of showing her disrespect or taking advantage of her, he holds off on their first kiss for as long as he possibly can, although I believe this only serves to heighten the sexual tension.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Genre: Romance

Recommended for: Any fans of Lori Foster




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Book review: Simon Says by Lori Foster

Simon Says - Lori Foster

Synopsis:
Simon ‘Sublime’ Evans is an ex-SBC (Supreme Battle Championship) fighter whose chiselled good looks have made him the poster-boy for all sorts of endorsement deals, and the object of many women’s affections.
When Simon discovers that his girlfriend of five years has cheated on him, he decides to rejoin the fight circuit to fulfil his sudden need for physical competition, and begins to focus on the gruelling training schedule ahead.
However, his training is interrupted by the arrival of stunning and gutsy Dakota Dream, who has been hired by her former stepfather (and Simon’s biological father) to find him. Simon has no plans on making the situation easy for her, and flatly refuses to help her, but after somebody attempts to kill Dakota, Simon finds himself doing everything he can to protect the strange woman who has captured his heart.

What I gained from reading this book:
Fame and fortune has its downfalls, as the author rightly shows in this novel. Simon’s life is always in the spotlight- whether he is being filmed in television interviews, promoting energy or sports drinks, or attending VIP parties. In every instance, there is somebody on the side trying to get a taste of the fame that engulfs him, and I think it is important to note that, despite all the hubbub that surrounds his celebrity, Simon manages to stay grounded amidst his close friends and family. Even more important, Dakota’s relationship with Simon is based on love, appreciation and, eventually, trust. This is significantly different to the basis of his relationship with Bonnie, the ex-girlfriend, who favours the spotlight that shines over him, rather than whatever good qualities he possesses.

Positives:
Dakota’s secret, dark past provides an interesting storyline in this otherwise ordinary tale of love and fame. Readers will want to keep on reading to discover exactly who is after her and why, and to see how Dakota’s history affects her relationship with Simon, as their love progresses.

Negatives:
Some of the themes of violence and abuse that come from Dakota’s past may be unsettling for some readers, especially if they have experienced similar situations to the ones that she did. However, Dakota’s strength and ability to overcome these experiences is encouraging, and helps to ease the pain of what she went through- therefore recreating the storyline from being one of abuse to one of courage and resilience.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Genre: Romance

Recommended for: Anybody interested in a romance where the woman has to overcome obstacles from her past, in order to help her current relationship survive.



Australians can buy the book by clicking the picture below: