Candle in the Window: Castles #1 (Medieval)
ByChristina Dodd★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | |
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | |
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ | |
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ | |
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ |
Looking forCandle in the Window: Castles #1 (Medieval) in PDF?
Check out Scribid.com
Audiobook
Check out Audiobooks.com
Check out Audiobooks.com
Readers` Reviews
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
mira
Trouble In High Heels by Christina Dodd is a sultry and delightful story.
Brandi Michaels has moved to Chicago to be near her fiancé. She is barely moved in when she finds out his is marrying another woman that he got pregnant. Brandi decides she is going to have one night in the arms of a stranger. Brandi thinks she has met that man at her honorary uncle Charles McGrath's home.
The lady in red at his lawyer's private party intrigues Roberto Bartolini. When she offers him a night of passion with no strings attached, he does not pass it up. But they both are in for a shock when she has joined the law firm that is set to defend him against charges of being a jewel thief.
Can Brandi trust this man with her heart as well as her life? When her life is threatened Roberto offers his wealth and home as a haven. These two have major trust issues to overcome. Will they be able to do that before danger catches up with them?
Trouble In High Heels is an exceptional book. The chemistry between Roberto and Brandi ignites in every scene.
Brandi Michaels has moved to Chicago to be near her fiancé. She is barely moved in when she finds out his is marrying another woman that he got pregnant. Brandi decides she is going to have one night in the arms of a stranger. Brandi thinks she has met that man at her honorary uncle Charles McGrath's home.
The lady in red at his lawyer's private party intrigues Roberto Bartolini. When she offers him a night of passion with no strings attached, he does not pass it up. But they both are in for a shock when she has joined the law firm that is set to defend him against charges of being a jewel thief.
Can Brandi trust this man with her heart as well as her life? When her life is threatened Roberto offers his wealth and home as a haven. These two have major trust issues to overcome. Will they be able to do that before danger catches up with them?
Trouble In High Heels is an exceptional book. The chemistry between Roberto and Brandi ignites in every scene.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
niloufar afsari
Candle in the Window is a true classic by Christina Dodd. The book is for any fan of Medieval England and a heroine, who even though is blind (and actually from birth and stays that way) is an incredible young lady who finds her self worth and a wonderful love with a knight and lord who matches her in everyway. Saura is the main reason to read this novel. This is such strong heroine who has such a problem as no sight and is able to function above most.
Saura doesn't let her blindness limit her. At times she does seem depressed because she doesn't think she will ever marry or have children. Her stepfather is abusive and hides her away. But then her life has purpose and there is an adventure on the horizon. A lord comes to her to have her help his son William. William was hit on the head in a battle and is now blind. He has given up on life and is practically a shell of his former self. Saura goes to his castle and gives him a reason to live. She wins over his young son and his people, including William himself.
Soon Saura and Williams become lovers, very intense and passionate ones regardless that they can't see each other. But then Williams regains his sight and enemies come out to try to destroy Saura and William's happiness.
Most should enjoy this love story, especially with an exceptional heroine and her hero who wants her love and cherish her for the rest of her days. Saura can be stubborn at times refusing to marry William because she doesn't want to be a burden. Well, William will show Shaura that he means business and that she means more to him then his own life.
There are come comedic exchanges along with suspense and wonderful characters that will stay with you long after you have read this book.
Katiebabs
Saura doesn't let her blindness limit her. At times she does seem depressed because she doesn't think she will ever marry or have children. Her stepfather is abusive and hides her away. But then her life has purpose and there is an adventure on the horizon. A lord comes to her to have her help his son William. William was hit on the head in a battle and is now blind. He has given up on life and is practically a shell of his former self. Saura goes to his castle and gives him a reason to live. She wins over his young son and his people, including William himself.
Soon Saura and Williams become lovers, very intense and passionate ones regardless that they can't see each other. But then Williams regains his sight and enemies come out to try to destroy Saura and William's happiness.
Most should enjoy this love story, especially with an exceptional heroine and her hero who wants her love and cherish her for the rest of her days. Saura can be stubborn at times refusing to marry William because she doesn't want to be a burden. Well, William will show Shaura that he means business and that she means more to him then his own life.
There are come comedic exchanges along with suspense and wonderful characters that will stay with you long after you have read this book.
Katiebabs
Trouble in High Heels (Fortune Hunter Book 1) :: A Novel (The Virtue Falls Series Book 4) - The Woman Who Couldn't Scream :: The Listener: A Virtue Falls Short Story :: Dragon School: The Dark Prince :: Obsession Falls: A Novel (The Virtue Falls Series)
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
amy helmes
While I really enjoyed Christina Dodd's way with words and storytelling, aspects of this book were just too far fetched, and I never did feel like I connected with the characters.
Brandi is a beautiful tall woman who became a lawyer because when she was young her dad called her stupid and she had heard him speak (highly, sort of) of lawyers so she vows to become one. 14 or so years later, we rejoin Brandi as she's moving to Chicago to be with her fiancée. Who calls her as she's moving into her apartment to let her know that she's to blame for their brake-up because if she'd been around more he wouldn't have slept with this woman who became his girlfriend who got pregnant who he's now married. Oh yeah, and can he have the ring back?
In a fit she goes and pawns the ring, setting into motion her meeting with our hero, Roberto. He's an alleged jewel thief, though also a smooth and gorgeous Italian man... and perhaps more.
Here are my problems with this story- I found myself not believing how Brandi would jump from smart to stupid, and how she didn't pick up on clues that I thought of immediately. Of course, being that I know it's a romance novel I have the 'happy ending' advantage... but still. She does some things and acts in some ways that I couldn't connect to the character I thought she was.
Also I didn't feel why they'd have fallen in love outside the bedroom. Ok, she reminds him of his grandma. So? That's not enough, and I felt like screaming "show me some real love!" throughout.
All that ranting aside, I adore Christina Dodd's storytelling, the supporting characters, most of the plot, and definitely the very end. It's good- just has a few holes and weak spots in this reader's opinion.
Brandi is a beautiful tall woman who became a lawyer because when she was young her dad called her stupid and she had heard him speak (highly, sort of) of lawyers so she vows to become one. 14 or so years later, we rejoin Brandi as she's moving to Chicago to be with her fiancée. Who calls her as she's moving into her apartment to let her know that she's to blame for their brake-up because if she'd been around more he wouldn't have slept with this woman who became his girlfriend who got pregnant who he's now married. Oh yeah, and can he have the ring back?
In a fit she goes and pawns the ring, setting into motion her meeting with our hero, Roberto. He's an alleged jewel thief, though also a smooth and gorgeous Italian man... and perhaps more.
Here are my problems with this story- I found myself not believing how Brandi would jump from smart to stupid, and how she didn't pick up on clues that I thought of immediately. Of course, being that I know it's a romance novel I have the 'happy ending' advantage... but still. She does some things and acts in some ways that I couldn't connect to the character I thought she was.
Also I didn't feel why they'd have fallen in love outside the bedroom. Ok, she reminds him of his grandma. So? That's not enough, and I felt like screaming "show me some real love!" throughout.
All that ranting aside, I adore Christina Dodd's storytelling, the supporting characters, most of the plot, and definitely the very end. It's good- just has a few holes and weak spots in this reader's opinion.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
kaycee
Thoughts
I've read reviews of books before where people complain about the characters jump into to bed right off. I've never read a book where I felt that until now. Brandi is at a party and literally walks up to Roberto and asks to spend the night with him- without exchanging names or anything. I thought that was a little trashy, but like a car accident I couldn't stop reading. The story got better as it went along. The whole time I was wondering what Roberto was up to. The pace is fast, the characters likeable. Roberto's and Brandi's connection is evident throughout the writing. The ending was a complete surprise! This book hints at a brotherhood that develops throughout these following books, but they are all stand alone.
I've read reviews of books before where people complain about the characters jump into to bed right off. I've never read a book where I felt that until now. Brandi is at a party and literally walks up to Roberto and asks to spend the night with him- without exchanging names or anything. I thought that was a little trashy, but like a car accident I couldn't stop reading. The story got better as it went along. The whole time I was wondering what Roberto was up to. The pace is fast, the characters likeable. Roberto's and Brandi's connection is evident throughout the writing. The ending was a complete surprise! This book hints at a brotherhood that develops throughout these following books, but they are all stand alone.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
victoria boundy
Pepper Prescott had her world torn apart at a young age. Her parents were killed and she was separated from her siblings. Pepper has created a new life for herself as a landscaper. She witnesses a murder and runs to the one place she feels safe, the foster home of Mrs. Dreiss.
Dan Graham has been taking care of Mrs. Dreiss ranch since her passing several months ago. He has been recovering from a life threatening injury from his job as a Special Forces soldier.
Dan and Pepper share a past from their teen years. Dan had no idea where Pepper has been. Now that she is back he will do anything he can to make sure she realizes that the ranch is where she belongs.
As danger from both their past catches up to them, they fight to protect each other from harm.
Almost Like Being In Love is a wonderful follow up book to Just The Way You Are. These characters have such depth and passion. You feel their joy and pain.
I really hope Gabriel and Caitlyn stories will follow.
Dan Graham has been taking care of Mrs. Dreiss ranch since her passing several months ago. He has been recovering from a life threatening injury from his job as a Special Forces soldier.
Dan and Pepper share a past from their teen years. Dan had no idea where Pepper has been. Now that she is back he will do anything he can to make sure she realizes that the ranch is where she belongs.
As danger from both their past catches up to them, they fight to protect each other from harm.
Almost Like Being In Love is a wonderful follow up book to Just The Way You Are. These characters have such depth and passion. You feel their joy and pain.
I really hope Gabriel and Caitlyn stories will follow.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
ross
Christina Dodd's contemporaries are often a hit or miss for me - this one was more a hit than miss due to the great start. It started as a page-turner, but then seemed to meander and fizzle in spots. The tension/steam between the main characters started out with a bang, but then the heroine became weak and a little whiny. Allowing herself to be mistreated by others (father, ex-fiance) and her mistreatment of her mother made her a less-than-sympathetic character. The plot was confusing at times, and not the most believable I've ever read. The pacing slowed down too much in places - I found myself wanting to turn pages to get to the good parts. Since those "good spots" made up for a lot of the weaknesses, I rated it a 3.5, but rounded up to 4.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
yang
When Lord William is blinded in a battle and becomes bitter and withdrawn his father Peter is desparate to find help for his beloved son. This help comes in the form of Saura, a land wealthy heiress who also happens to be blind and at the mercy of her cruel stepfather. Peter convinces her stepfather to allow Saura to travel to William's estate to manage it and soon she has the estate whipped into shape. Peter makes everyone keep silent about Saura's blindness and William is intrigued by this woman who runs his estate but isn't tiptoeing around him like everyone else, she tells him exactly what she thinks. William and Saura start falling in love and then are kidnapped. After being hit in the head, William regains his sight and is determined to marry the beautiful Saura, who fears he only pities her. There is intrigue and conspiracy afoot involving a plot to rid William of his holdings.
This was a sweet clever story...not the most exciting but good still.
This was a sweet clever story...not the most exciting but good still.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
nancy hausladen
Southern magnolia Brandi Michaels has just arrived in cold Chicago to start at her new law firm and live with her medical resident fiance Alan, when he calls her from Vegas with news that he's getting married since his girlfriend is pregnant. Stupidly he asks for the ring back... so Brandi hawks it and goes on shopping spree then to a party to pick up on sexy Italian count Roberto Bartolini to be her rebound guy, unwittingly putting herself in danger.
After a weekend of room service and sex, she returns to find her apartment ransacked, is late for work, and discovers that the man she spent hours in bed with is the jewel thief that she'll have to keep from jail. When he is placed in her custody, the sparks fly, as she discovers that Count Roberto has links to the Chicago mob and might be planning another heist.
"Trouble" is a light romance that is fun at times, but also has an identity crisis. Dodd can't decide if she's writing a comedy or drama. There are so many lost opportunities that would have made it a better story. The secondary characters are cardboard cut outs, including her flaky mother, the Italian curse-spewing mob boss, assorted cliched office workers, lesbian sister, and overbearing father who should be the subject of a mob hit. Brandi herself is a hard character to like - readers will ask themselves how Roberto can be head over heels for such a surly and annoying gal.
After a weekend of room service and sex, she returns to find her apartment ransacked, is late for work, and discovers that the man she spent hours in bed with is the jewel thief that she'll have to keep from jail. When he is placed in her custody, the sparks fly, as she discovers that Count Roberto has links to the Chicago mob and might be planning another heist.
"Trouble" is a light romance that is fun at times, but also has an identity crisis. Dodd can't decide if she's writing a comedy or drama. There are so many lost opportunities that would have made it a better story. The secondary characters are cardboard cut outs, including her flaky mother, the Italian curse-spewing mob boss, assorted cliched office workers, lesbian sister, and overbearing father who should be the subject of a mob hit. Brandi herself is a hard character to like - readers will ask themselves how Roberto can be head over heels for such a surly and annoying gal.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
alexis raynak
Orphaned at age 8, Pepper Prescott had a troubled youth, bouncing around the system and acting out a bit before she eventually pulled her life together to become a successful landscaper in Washington, DC. Her newly ordered life comes to a grinding halt when she witnesses a crime perpetrated by the military self-help author she idolizes. The one bright spot in her checkered past was the high school year she spent on a ranch in Idaho with a foster mother who genuinely loved her, so when she is accused of committing the crime she witnessed, it's the first place she runs to.
Enter Dan Graham, Pepper's first and only love, who was devastated when she ran away from home all those years ago. The son of the owner of the neighboring ranch, Dan felt he needed to leave town after Pepper ran away so he joined the "army". Several years later he returns home, apparently retired from the "special forces", after being seriously injured while fighting "terrorists". He's been looking after the ranch of Pepper's foster mother who has recently died.
We see a touching romance between Pepper and Dan. Normally reunion stories leave me slightly irritated that the protagonists didn't just work out their issues at the time that they split, but things are handled so well here that I really believe these two needed the intervening years to bring them to this point where they could be together. Dan has never gotten over Pepper, and almost from the moment he sees her again, he wants to be with her forever. His attempts to lure her to his way of thinking are steamy and meaningful at the same time. I adore this love story.
Things would probably be all right if that was all there was to "Almost Like Being in Love". I like both Pepper and Dan. The problem is that there's a convoluted plot about Dan actually still being active in the army and working with a superior to capture the terrorist he's after. Also, throwing plausibility completely out the window, the crime Pepper witnessed in Washington, DC is in fact connected to the terrorists who are seeking Dan in Idaho. It's just ridiculous. It's distracting. I'm almost angry about it. This could have been a wonderful story. The human side is so well done, the characters are so likeable and have such excellent chemistry--why this crazy plot that detracts from the emotional story?
There's so much inaccuracy here that I don't really know where to begin. Though Dan is referred to as "special forces" in the "army", the way his relationship to the terrorists is described would mean he actually would have been involved in the intelligence community. In "Almost Like Being in Love", the "army" is actually running battle operations within the United States, which is silly, as everyone knows their jurisdiction is only OUTSIDE of our borders--we have internal law enforcement, both local and federal to handle domestic matters--never would anyone in the "army" be authorized to do something like this within the US, and I'm inclined to think that a situation like this if it were outside the US would actually be handled by the CIA not the army. Dan is a lieutenant, but we're never told that he went to school to become an officer and I'm almost afraid the author doesn't know the difference between enlisted men and officers. Another reviewer covered the inter-military inaccuracies, read that review for more information regarding those issues. Also, there seems to be such an effort to remain politically correct and offend no racial, religious, or national group that we don't even know who these terrorists are or what they represent, which is irritating. It's like having a villain in a story and not knowing anything about their motivations or ambitions, only that they're "bad"--it's almost cartoonish. And last but not least, completely contrary to everything that we know about both characters, Dan and Pepper are deliberately drawing "bad" people to their idyllic little Idaho paradise with apparently no thought to the friends, neighbors, and family members who could be threatened by the presence of international terrorists bent on violence. Dan's father actually lives next door to the ranch where Dan has set up his terrorist ambush, but Dan never considers what could happen if the terrorists (who surely are capable of it) hurt his father to get to him.
Really, I'm torn about giving this story three stars. On one hand, the romance between these two great characters deserves to be recognized for how wonderful it is; on the other hand, the laughable terrorist plot deserves a zero. I'm a big Christina Dodd fan, I enjoy her historicals very much and I liked the contemporary prequel to this book, "Just the Way You Are". In the end, I'd say I liked this book more than I disliked it, but I have a hard time recommending it to anyone. If you're a Dodd fan, I'd say check it out and like me you'll probably revel in the romance and try to overlook the other problems. If you've never read Christina Dodd, though, I'd steer you toward "Just the Way You Are" if you want a contemporary or if you want historical romance try "A Well Favored Gentleman" or "Rules of Surrender".
Enter Dan Graham, Pepper's first and only love, who was devastated when she ran away from home all those years ago. The son of the owner of the neighboring ranch, Dan felt he needed to leave town after Pepper ran away so he joined the "army". Several years later he returns home, apparently retired from the "special forces", after being seriously injured while fighting "terrorists". He's been looking after the ranch of Pepper's foster mother who has recently died.
We see a touching romance between Pepper and Dan. Normally reunion stories leave me slightly irritated that the protagonists didn't just work out their issues at the time that they split, but things are handled so well here that I really believe these two needed the intervening years to bring them to this point where they could be together. Dan has never gotten over Pepper, and almost from the moment he sees her again, he wants to be with her forever. His attempts to lure her to his way of thinking are steamy and meaningful at the same time. I adore this love story.
Things would probably be all right if that was all there was to "Almost Like Being in Love". I like both Pepper and Dan. The problem is that there's a convoluted plot about Dan actually still being active in the army and working with a superior to capture the terrorist he's after. Also, throwing plausibility completely out the window, the crime Pepper witnessed in Washington, DC is in fact connected to the terrorists who are seeking Dan in Idaho. It's just ridiculous. It's distracting. I'm almost angry about it. This could have been a wonderful story. The human side is so well done, the characters are so likeable and have such excellent chemistry--why this crazy plot that detracts from the emotional story?
There's so much inaccuracy here that I don't really know where to begin. Though Dan is referred to as "special forces" in the "army", the way his relationship to the terrorists is described would mean he actually would have been involved in the intelligence community. In "Almost Like Being in Love", the "army" is actually running battle operations within the United States, which is silly, as everyone knows their jurisdiction is only OUTSIDE of our borders--we have internal law enforcement, both local and federal to handle domestic matters--never would anyone in the "army" be authorized to do something like this within the US, and I'm inclined to think that a situation like this if it were outside the US would actually be handled by the CIA not the army. Dan is a lieutenant, but we're never told that he went to school to become an officer and I'm almost afraid the author doesn't know the difference between enlisted men and officers. Another reviewer covered the inter-military inaccuracies, read that review for more information regarding those issues. Also, there seems to be such an effort to remain politically correct and offend no racial, religious, or national group that we don't even know who these terrorists are or what they represent, which is irritating. It's like having a villain in a story and not knowing anything about their motivations or ambitions, only that they're "bad"--it's almost cartoonish. And last but not least, completely contrary to everything that we know about both characters, Dan and Pepper are deliberately drawing "bad" people to their idyllic little Idaho paradise with apparently no thought to the friends, neighbors, and family members who could be threatened by the presence of international terrorists bent on violence. Dan's father actually lives next door to the ranch where Dan has set up his terrorist ambush, but Dan never considers what could happen if the terrorists (who surely are capable of it) hurt his father to get to him.
Really, I'm torn about giving this story three stars. On one hand, the romance between these two great characters deserves to be recognized for how wonderful it is; on the other hand, the laughable terrorist plot deserves a zero. I'm a big Christina Dodd fan, I enjoy her historicals very much and I liked the contemporary prequel to this book, "Just the Way You Are". In the end, I'd say I liked this book more than I disliked it, but I have a hard time recommending it to anyone. If you're a Dodd fan, I'd say check it out and like me you'll probably revel in the romance and try to overlook the other problems. If you've never read Christina Dodd, though, I'd steer you toward "Just the Way You Are" if you want a contemporary or if you want historical romance try "A Well Favored Gentleman" or "Rules of Surrender".
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
cathryn
When their parents died in a car accident the four siblings were sent to different foster homes. The oldest sixteen years old Hope always hoped she would one day bring them back together, but over a decade later has failed. Eight years old when her parents died, Pepper spent years rotating through the foster child system until elderly Idaho rancher Mrs. Dreiss took her in.
Pepper has become Jackie Porter, successful landscaper using the motivating words of General Jennifer Napier to be all that she can be. At a book signing, Jackie meets her heroine, but when she returns to get a book signed for Mr. Dreiss, she sees the General kill her aide Major Otto Bjerke. Jennifer realizes a witness saw her commit murder, but Jackie escapes.
Jackie is dead and Pepper is reborn as she flees to Mrs. Dreiss' ranch only to learn that her guardian angel died; neighbor Dan Graham has cared for the spread that she has inherited. Though Pepper wants Dan to leave her alone, they fall in love. Jennifer is coming, but so is Hope as both have found Pepper, but who will get to her first.
This engaging romantic suspense will hook readers from the moment Jackie flees for her life. Pepper and Dan are a fabulous pair and the return of Hope and her now husband Zack is terrific. Readers will wonder why Pepper failed to know that Mrs. Dreiss died and also question why the general is selling top secret info without being caught (kept secret for most of the book). Fans will roots for Pepper to survive her ordeal and have a family welcoming with Hope.
Harriet Klausner
Pepper has become Jackie Porter, successful landscaper using the motivating words of General Jennifer Napier to be all that she can be. At a book signing, Jackie meets her heroine, but when she returns to get a book signed for Mr. Dreiss, she sees the General kill her aide Major Otto Bjerke. Jennifer realizes a witness saw her commit murder, but Jackie escapes.
Jackie is dead and Pepper is reborn as she flees to Mrs. Dreiss' ranch only to learn that her guardian angel died; neighbor Dan Graham has cared for the spread that she has inherited. Though Pepper wants Dan to leave her alone, they fall in love. Jennifer is coming, but so is Hope as both have found Pepper, but who will get to her first.
This engaging romantic suspense will hook readers from the moment Jackie flees for her life. Pepper and Dan are a fabulous pair and the return of Hope and her now husband Zack is terrific. Readers will wonder why Pepper failed to know that Mrs. Dreiss died and also question why the general is selling top secret info without being caught (kept secret for most of the book). Fans will roots for Pepper to survive her ordeal and have a family welcoming with Hope.
Harriet Klausner
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
jonathan pyles
This was a great book, one because I have visited castle's in England and Germany, and it's a great book to build confidence in blind people. I had a friend who was blind, she got her degree in Education, and wanted to teach in a School for the Blind, plus my wife is a braille transcriber, so it made the book even more enjoyable to see how people's other senses take over, when one is lost. The book had a great ending too.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
kourtney temple
This book was fabulous. At first I was reticent about reading a book about people with disabilities. I felt that the plot may be to easy and the characters may not be as believable. But after reading this book I found that this was not true. The story was great. I fell in love with the characters they were realistic and strong. The book was extremely funny and adventurous. It also depicted a lot of things that I felt were relevant to the time period, such as the conflict between Henry and Stefan. The great part about this book is that even though it is a period piece it does not completely dwell upon the historical events in the time period. It also a good mystery. I think that it is an accurate portrayal of how people would confront their demons. I would recommend this book to everyone.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
nancy hausladen
When Brandi Michaels was dumped by her fiancé, she knew the best way to get over him was to sleep with a charming man that she would never see again. And she did! But knowing her rotten luck, the man turned out to be her new client. Now a killer is after Brandi, and Roberto, her one night stand guy, could save her, or destroy her.
When I brought this novel, I was under the impression that it was a romantic suspense, which it's marketed as. But the book only contained 25 pages of mystery and the rest was all romance. The plot was rather predictable, and the characters were one dimensional, unrealistic, and at times boring. This book had some nice moments, but most of it was pretty silly. The plot itself was very similar to the plot of "Always a Thief" by Kay Hooper, except that the romance in Miss Dodd's book was better in my opinion.
When I brought this novel, I was under the impression that it was a romantic suspense, which it's marketed as. But the book only contained 25 pages of mystery and the rest was all romance. The plot was rather predictable, and the characters were one dimensional, unrealistic, and at times boring. This book had some nice moments, but most of it was pretty silly. The plot itself was very similar to the plot of "Always a Thief" by Kay Hooper, except that the romance in Miss Dodd's book was better in my opinion.
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
ashley sorrondeguy
"Trouble in High Heels" occurs in modern times. It follows a young lady who is jilted by her fiance. Angry, she sells their engagement ring, and spends this money on one fabulous day of pampering, shopping, and seduction.
The opening chapters are fantastic: 5-stars. This novel will appeal to women with a nasty ex-husband or ex-boyfriend. I don't and, perhaps because of this, found the rest of the book slow and borring. The leading lady spends a lot of time blaming her troubles on men. Her mother is delightfully portrayed, which adds a bit of enjoyment to the middle and end of this book. Dodd's early Romance novels were excellent; I suggest you try one of them instead.
The opening chapters are fantastic: 5-stars. This novel will appeal to women with a nasty ex-husband or ex-boyfriend. I don't and, perhaps because of this, found the rest of the book slow and borring. The leading lady spends a lot of time blaming her troubles on men. Her mother is delightfully portrayed, which adds a bit of enjoyment to the middle and end of this book. Dodd's early Romance novels were excellent; I suggest you try one of them instead.
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
danielle bartran
I have enjoyed most of Ms. Dodd's historical romances. I didn't like "Almost Like Being in Love" at all. It wasn't till Pepper's sister, Hope, appears that I realized I neither liked nor finished her story in "Just the Way You Are". I can't remember why for that one. I didn't like Hope, I think. I didn't finish this one either. I skipped around. Hoping it would get better. It didn't. I did check out the ending. <sigh> I should have just left it at the store.
And I can't think of a recent heroine that I've disliked more than Pepper Prescott. Sheesh! That chip on her shoulder was the size of a redwood. I really, really don't like "prickly" heroines. She is awful! Why he loved her, I'll never know.
On top of that, it's hard to believe that she ran away after her first sexual encounter. And that she's still mad at Dan Graham for some reason. In fact, she stays mad at just about everybody and everything. The romance part wasn't very believable. Nor or we told why she kept travelling under an assumed name for so many years. Well, there was the lame excuse that she was afraid to find out her sisters and brother wouldn't want her if she ever found them. Right!
I'm no expert on the army/terrorist stuff that is presented. But, it didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. For me, it was too far-fetched that both sets of villains got together and stormed the ranch. The whole plot is far too over-done.
I guess there are 2 more books to come in this series. Brother Gabriel and baby sister Caitlin. The latter was less than a year old when the family was broken up. I am making a note to self right now to give them a pass.
All in all, I think Ms. Dodd should stick to her historicals. She does so well there where not many do.
And I can't think of a recent heroine that I've disliked more than Pepper Prescott. Sheesh! That chip on her shoulder was the size of a redwood. I really, really don't like "prickly" heroines. She is awful! Why he loved her, I'll never know.
On top of that, it's hard to believe that she ran away after her first sexual encounter. And that she's still mad at Dan Graham for some reason. In fact, she stays mad at just about everybody and everything. The romance part wasn't very believable. Nor or we told why she kept travelling under an assumed name for so many years. Well, there was the lame excuse that she was afraid to find out her sisters and brother wouldn't want her if she ever found them. Right!
I'm no expert on the army/terrorist stuff that is presented. But, it didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. For me, it was too far-fetched that both sets of villains got together and stormed the ranch. The whole plot is far too over-done.
I guess there are 2 more books to come in this series. Brother Gabriel and baby sister Caitlin. The latter was less than a year old when the family was broken up. I am making a note to self right now to give them a pass.
All in all, I think Ms. Dodd should stick to her historicals. She does so well there where not many do.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
maria ch
This is the first Christina Dodd book I ever read; she has remained one of my favorite authors ever since. The book's characters are well rounded, the story has many unique elements and the plot keeps you guessing. You will laugh and you will cry and you will want to read this book again and again. Once you have finished this book, you will be spoiled for choice; as, Dodd has written dozens of romance books over the past 20 years in various genres including historical, contemporary and fantasy.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
irra
Maybe it was my low expectations of this book before I started it but I really enjoyed it. The characters are funny and strong, the plot was smoothly written, and I never was bored. Two things that bothered me- 1. I felt like there was enough material in the book to flesh it out more without losing any of its fast pace. 2. The climatic ending was rushed and Brandi becomes a little grating on the nerves when she rejects her hot guy Roberto for doing the right thing.
Overall, Trouble in High Heels was not a waste of money and could go on the keeper shelf if its still good after a second reading.
Overall, Trouble in High Heels was not a waste of money and could go on the keeper shelf if its still good after a second reading.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
diane killion
Trouble in High Heels by Christina Dodd is another amazing novel by this author. Brandi moves to Chicago to be near her fiance and start her career as a lawyer. She doesn't have the boxes unpacked before her fiance calls to tell her he is in Vegas and married. Brandi decides a hot night with a strange will help her get past the break-up. Everything goes wrong - this novel has jewel thievies, great love scences, mystery and murder. Check out her next novel Tongue in Chic coming February 2007.
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
melissa gale
I thought that this book had unbelievable potential, but I just couldnt like it no matter how much I wanted to. I absolutely loathed the characters.. I thought that Saura was annoying and William was such a pig I wanted to jump right into the book and belt him upside the head..needless to say, I did not finish this ..why waste time reading something I dont even like a little when there are so many amazing stories out there to be read??? I have many books by Ms. Dodd and I have enjoyed the majority of them..sadly, I cannot say the same for "Candle in the Window" This is not a book that I would recommend.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
krystal palmer
I LOVED this book! It was well-researched, well-written, DIFFERENT, and so moving that I actually cried in places. Kudos to Christina Dodd for giving herself a tough assignment (a medieval heroine with a disability) and turning it into a story of romance, passion and tenderness. I have read other books by Ms. Dodd and enjoyed them, but this is BY FAR the best of them all. THANK YOU!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
ricarda
I really enjoyed this! It is light, funny, suspenseful, and has a wonderful historic feel cloaked in contemporary settings. Great read. This was my first Christina Dodd novel, and I will definitely be buying more.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
yolanda
This seemed like a really good premise. The set up for the story was pretty good and I found it interesting. It was when the "meat" of this story unfolded that I think it fell apart. The main character became a self-concerned twit that spent most of the book having too emotions--Anger and self pity. I felt this book would have been much better with a more likeable main character.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
davin malcolm
The strong character of Pepper and her tragic story had me from the first page. This book has a very seductive cover but the story line, although it contains some romance is so much more. It is about family relationships and some military schemes are incorporated as well. This is the first book I read by this author, and I really enjoyed it.
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
gwendolyn
Well, normally I really love Christina Dodd's works, but this one just didn't do it for me. At all. Frequently the writing was choppy and distracting (a la Cathrine Coulter), and the story as a whole I just found weak. True, I loved the first 150 pages or so, when Saura first went to "help" William, but then he conveniently got his sight back and it all just went to pot. I'm very suprised too, because Christina is usually a much better writer than this.
Though this wasn't enough to put me off this author entirely, I'll definately be checking to see whether the books I pick up in the future of hers are the early attempts or her better, later works. My advice, if you just HAVE to read all of C. Dodd's books, wait until this one shows up at your local library. Don't waste your money.
Though this wasn't enough to put me off this author entirely, I'll definately be checking to see whether the books I pick up in the future of hers are the early attempts or her better, later works. My advice, if you just HAVE to read all of C. Dodd's books, wait until this one shows up at your local library. Don't waste your money.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
vicki weiner
I really enjoyed "Castles In The Air" by Christina Dodd and looked forward to reading this book. However, I wasn't very impressed. There were a few funny moments and the overall story was good but it didn't grab my attention. I finished the book but it was a slow read. Not a bad book but not a keeper, in my opinion.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
nix muse
I have enjoyed all of Christina Dodd's stories in this series. The characters are all well described. I especially liked how Brandi did not just break down when her fiance took off and married someone else. She just plain goes out and finds a new life. Good for her.
Count Roberto Bartolini is also a loveable "hero." I like how his character plays out and especially the end of the story.
The suspense is well written and believable. If you liked the other books in this series, you will certainly like this one as well. I have enjoyed every book written by Christina Dodd that I have read so far.
Count Roberto Bartolini is also a loveable "hero." I like how his character plays out and especially the end of the story.
The suspense is well written and believable. If you liked the other books in this series, you will certainly like this one as well. I have enjoyed every book written by Christina Dodd that I have read so far.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
gerald berke
One of the most interesting hero i have ever "met". Funny, smart and fresh. The plot is surprising and the reader can not put the book down. The end is great and we get sad when we turn the last page.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
bibliosaurus
I really loved this book. I was disapointed how easy it is to identify the villian because that's usually the best part of her books but overall it was good. The main characters are likeable and the story was heart warming because it delt with overcoming a handicap. Like other reviewers I concur that it's easier to see this is her earlier work but the true Christina Dodd fans see how far she's come in ten years. I have read all but three of her books and I've never been disappointed.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
caleb smith
This book is simply the best contemporary Christina Dodd has written. I still like her hsitoricals better, but Brandi is a woman who gets angry at her ex-fiance and does something about it. I was really cheering for her. Then she realized how much in trouble she was, and the action takes off. Roberto was rich, privileged, and not what he seems at first, and I was able to put myself in Brandi's place as she stumbled on one piece of evidence after another. TROUBLE IN HIGH HEELS - two thumbs up.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
jordan raskopoulos
After reading this book I was surprised at some of the negative comments by other reviewers. I thought this book was really entertaining and it kept my attention throughout. The main characters had great interactions (both verbally and physically!). Although at times the plot may have been a bit of a stretch (lawyer having to babysit her client because the judge did not like the client's comments about the American's legal system, etc.), the book as a whole was so fun I could overlook it. In genernal, I thought this book was one of Ms. Dodd's best modern day romances to date - as good as some of her historical ones. If you are looking for a fun, sassy, exciting, fast read, do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
olivia aveni
No one--I repeat no one!--writes better heroines than Ms. Dodd. Pepper is smart, funny and utterly adorable. And as always, the love scenes are really intense and made me blush! I love this book. It is fresh and fast-paced, and is the perfect summer treat.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
amy romanoski
The story was very entertaining at the beginning and it was easy to really like Saura because she was witty, charming, and very independent despite being blind and ostracized by her uncle for her disability. However, by the middle of the story she falls out of character. She becomes self-consious of her blindness and doesn't feel worthy of marrying William, who regains his sight. I usually enjoy reading Christina Dodd's books but this one I haven't been able to finish because I had a problem with Saura's insecurities.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
alyson mccartney
No one--I repeat no one!--writes better heroines than Ms. Dodd. Pepper is smart, funny and utterly adorable. And as always, the love scenes are really intense and made me blush! I love this book. It is fresh and fast-paced, and is the perfect summer treat.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
melanie berlin
The story was very entertaining at the beginning and it was easy to really like Saura because she was witty, charming, and very independent despite being blind and ostracized by her uncle for her disability. However, by the middle of the story she falls out of character. She becomes self-consious of her blindness and doesn't feel worthy of marrying William, who regains his sight. I usually enjoy reading Christina Dodd's books but this one I haven't been able to finish because I had a problem with Saura's insecurities.
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
trista gibson
Oh gee, my lover is an Army intelligence expert, but gee, I just can't tell him the truth about a murder I witnessed done by an Army General. I can't trust anyone - even a man who says he loves me and has proven it. All she seems to be good at is whining. This is one of those books that you just want to throw against the wall. Don't bother with this one!!
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
sylvia nash
I usually love any books written by Christina Dodd. But, this must've been from her earlier stuff. I didn't like the writing nor the story. It seemed to drag. However, I happen to love her more recent stuff.
Please RateCandle in the Window: Castles #1 (Medieval)
Just eight years old when she was torn from her home and family, Pepper became a ward of the system, moving from one foster family to another, each experience adding a layer of resolve and determination to never trust anyone other than herself. That resolve faltered the year she was sent to live in Diamond, Idaho. For a while, Pepper found a home with her foster mother, Mrs. Dreiss, and a youthful passion with the town's most popular son, Dan Graham. But when they finally gave in to their feelings for each other, Pepper's fears and insecurities got the best of her, and she ran away from Diamond and the boy she loved.
Nine years later, Pepper Prescott is calling herself Jackie Porter, and she is the owner of a successful landscaping business in Washington, D.C. Taking to heart the teachings of her favorite role model, General Jennifer Napier, Pepper has disciplined her body and mind to achieve her objectives. That new life is destroyed, however, the night Pepper goes to a book signing to meet her idol. Inadvertently witnessing the General kill her aide after being accused of treason, Pepper is spotted and barely escapes. Knowing she is a marked woman, Pepper decides to return to the last place that felt like home...Diamond, Idaho.
Dan Graham has spent the last nine years trying to forget Pepper and not really succeeding. Now in the military as part of an anti-terrorist unit for the Special Forces, Dan is home on medical leave and is keeping a promise to the late Mrs. Dreiss to care for the ranch until Pepper returns to claim it. Now Pepper's back, and the past is about to collide with the present. For these reunited lovers have an unresolved past to deal with and enemies to vanquish.
The second installment in Christina Dodd's series about the Prescott family, ALMOST LIKE BEING IN LOVE is part action thriller and pure exhilarating romance. Pepper and Dan are impetuous, strong-willed characters made interesting by their all too human flaws. Interspersed throughout the story is the continuing search for her siblings by Hope, the eldest sister, whose story, JUST THE WAY YOU ARE, started the series. Missing siblings, reunited lovers, terrorist plots -- all come together in this intense, powerful story sure to become one of your favorite summer reads.
TheSchemer