Monica Jackson - Kristin James - Samantha James
Jackson, Monica - LOOK OF LOVE, THE (BET Arabesque - 12/99) (4)
Part owner of a fledgling nursing agency, Carmel Matthews is
a two-hundred-pound-plus RN and single mom of two, who is
struggling to meet the challenges in her life. One such
challenge is Dr. Marvin Reynolds—proof that doctors make
the worst patients. But as horrible and insulting as he may be, the agency is all-important to Carmel and it badly needs the
high fees he can afford to pay. The only bright spot in caring for Dr. Reynolds is seeing his drop-dead-gorgeous son, Steve, on a daily basis.
Steve Reynolds, a renowned plastic surgeon in Atlanta, is smitten the first day he sets eyes on his father's nurse; but a recently failed marriage has left him cautious about expressing his feelings. Even so, he admires Carmel's grace, poise, and breathtaking beauty; not to mention her voluptuous body. What more could a man want? Carmel doesn't see herself as Steve does, however, and she struggles to lose weight to make herself worthy of his attention, while trying to deal with the problems that keep her turning to food so often.
THE LOOK OF LOVE is a sensitive yet sexy romance with a unique heroine and a to-die-for hero. Add two sets of interfering parents and a manipulative ex-wife, and you have a book that cries out for a place on your keeper shelf. Monica Jackson has done for romance what author-actress Camryn Manheim has done for the image of full-figured women. She has created a believable story that challenges the notion that only a svelte heroine can have a steamy, romantic romp and find everlasting love. ~Olivia Holton for Bookbug on the Web
James, Kristin - WORLDS APART (Silh. Int. Mom. 89) (4)
Jessica Todd collapses one day and is told by a doctor that she is killing herself—that she must get away from the pressures of her job for a month of rest and relaxation and start living a healthier life. Jessica travels to New Orleans to stay at her mother's home while she's away, and meets a man named Kyle Morrow who is painting the property. She just assumes he is a handyman—a very handsome and virile handyman. Kyle insists on taking her to dinner, and so begins their relationship. They have a marvelous six weeks together, until she announces she's returning to work and they must say goodbye.
You can always count on Kristin James for fantastic lovemaking scenes and this book sure does have them. What a hunk Kyle is! She had to be crazy to think she could go back to her old way of life and leave him behind. Some people have to learn things the hard way. ~Review provided by Romance Reviews
James, Samantha - ONE MOONLIT NIGHT (Avon - 1998) (4)
After the murder of her father by a gypsy, Olivia Sherwood must support herself and her blind sister, Emily, so she is forced to take a position as maid at Ravenwood Hall. She is hired to help ready the Hall for its new earl, whose upcoming arrival has everyone nervous; and gossip is rampant among the servants and the villagers because the earl is half gypsy and an illegitimate son. On the way home from the Hall ONE MOONLIT NIGHT, Olivia is nearly run down by a speeding coach. Stepping from the coach and coming to her aid is a tall, dark-haired, blue-eyed man—the Gypsy Earl, Dominic St. Bride. On the following day, while being introduced to his servants, Dominic recognizes Olivia and chooses her to show him around his new home.
Over the next several days, Dominic and Olivia encounter each other both at the Hall and in the village, and their attraction for one another begins to grow. But their budding relationship has many obstacles to overcome. Olivia doesn't quite trust the earl's intentions, and she's afraid to tell her sister, Emily, of her feelings for him. She has also come to realize that Dominic's hatred for his late father has consumed him, and that he needs to put it aside before he ruins his life. As for Dominic's feelings concerning Olivia, he is certain that this sweet, prim and proper lady couldn't possibly love him for the man he is—a lost soul who isn't sure if he belongs in the gypsy world or the "gadjo" world.
Samantha James spins a fascinating tale that is peopled with memorable characters and enriched by her clever storytelling. The hero and heroine must overcome many obstacles before they can find happiness: prejudice and fear, misunderstandings, and even a threat to their lives. There is also a secondary romance involving Emily, which is quite enjoyable. If that isn't enough to keep you swiftly turning the pages, the author adds some very sensual love scenes that are sure to make your temperature rise. ONE MOONLIT NIGHT is a feel-good read that will capture your heart and make you yearn for a Gypsy Earl of your own. ~Sharon Laird for Bookbug on the Web
James, Samantha - PROMISE GIVEN, A (Avon - 1998) (3+)
The setting is Medieval Scotland, a time when clans battled against each other and the common enemy was England. Oftentimes brutal, life was circumscribed by birth order, gender and class. For motherless Sabrina, second daughter of the cold and unloving chief of clan Kincaid, life meant keeping out of trouble whenever she could or otherwise suffering the consequences. Despite the circumstances, Sabrina possessed an acute intelligence and a fiery spirit that would not be dampened.
Fostered with Sabrina's family at an early age, Ian returns to Dunlevy keep as The MacGregor. His intent is to claim Sabrina's older sister, Margaret, for his bride—thus forming an alliance between the clans. Betrothed to Margaret since childhood, he fully intends to honor his obligation, but it is the winsome and fiery Sabrina who tugs at his emotions. When Margaret suddenly disappears and is presumed dead on the night before the wedding, Ian follows his heart and marries Sabrina. She remembers Ian well. He was the "Highland Prince" of her childhood. Ian had once given her much needed kindness and companionship, and she felt a kinship with him that she had never found with another person. However, Sabrina also remembers his betrayal—when he made a solemn promise to her that she believes he didn't keep. Although she agrees to be his wife, in the ensuing months, unforeseen circumstances conspire to convince her that Ian cannot be trusted. What follows is the story of two uniquely drawn characters learning to trust, love, and be loved.
Samantha James writes with a flowing style and just enough historical detail to flesh out what is, at the heart of A PROMISE GIVEN, a timeless love story. Although the resolution was somewhat predictable in regard to the elements of mystery in the story, she has used detailed word pictures, coupled with an understanding of human nature, to create a tale that will satisfy lovers of medieval romance. ~Connie Ramsdell for Bookbug on the Web
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