The Reef

The Book:  The Reef by Nora Roberts 

Summary (taken from Nora Roberts Site): 

Tate Beaumont, a beautiful student of marine archaeology, and Matthew Lassiter, a sea-scarred young man, share the dream of finding Anguelique’s Curse, the jeweled amulet surrounded by legend and said to be long lost at the bottom of the sea. Forced into a reluctant partnership with Matthew and his uncle, Tate soon learns that her arrogant but attractive fellow diver holds as many secrets as the sea itself.


What I Thought: 

I always enjoy a Nora Roberts story line and especially enjoyed the elements of treasure hunting and sea life present within this Roberts tale.  And, though, nothing less of a cheesy (yet begrudgingly enjoyable) romance can be expected from this author, I didn't believe this love story.  I understand a basis for lust with two young and attractive people out at sea for weeks or months on end, but why do these two characters love each other?  Their story line felt shallow, rushed, and unbelievable to me.  In fact, Tate and Matthew, the two main characters were actually the only characters I didn't much care for!  All of the rest of the characters were so lively, defined, and realistic that I had a clear picture of them throughout the book.  Buck, the drunken and loyal uncle. Ray, the restless retired father.  Marla, the fiery southern belle.  LaRue, the charming, mysterious canuck. And finally, the very rich and very crazy villain, VanDyke.  Even some of the minor characters left a impact, while the two main characters remain a mystery to the reader.  In all, not her best work, but definitely a fun summer or beach read.

Rating:  6/10

Nerds Like It Hot

The Book:
Nerds Like It Hot by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Summary from the author's website: (http://www.vickilewisthompson.com/)

As the sole witness to a mob-related murder, mousy makeup artist Gillian McCormick needs to disappear if she wants to stay alive. With the help of her octogenarian film star friend Cora Bledsoe, Gillian transforms into a Marilyn Monroe look-alike and books passage on a Nerd cruise headed for Mexico. She also brings along backup; P.I. Lex Manchester and his partner Dante Fiorello, who agree to work undercover as nerds to protect Gillian until the cruise docks.

But once aboard ship, things are far from simple. The cruise is loaded with unusual and suspicious characters, from lusty nerds to cross-dressers, making it nearly impossible to identify a real threat. And when things begin to heat up between Gillian and Lex, will he be able to keep her safe when all he wants to do is keep her for himself?

What I thought:

This book is what you expect from a typical modern romance novel -the characters were likable, the plot line was somewhat predictable, the main couple find themselves in some interesting encounters. I felt the ending was a little sudden and awkward though.

This book it isn't for those looking for a deep read, but it is a cute, light and fun read. Great for beach/pool reading!

My Rating: 6/10