KARMA by Carly Phillips

Serendipity, #3
Publisher: Berkley
Date published: May 2012
ISBN: 9780425247907
Contemporary Romance
Paperback
Obtained by publisher
Reviewed by T.Barringer


Serendipity, New York is the setting for KARMA, the third book in Carly Phillips’ latest popular series of contemporary romances. Officer Dare Barron has had a crush on Liza McKnight since high school. So why is it that every time she comes in to bail out her loser brother, Dare finds himself openly showing his disgust over Liza enabling his behavior? Probably because Dare and Liza’s brother share a dark secret that neither seems to be able to move past. But when Liza’s brother brings danger to her doorstep, Dare steps up and appoints himself as her protector. It is time for all secrets to come out.

Carly Phillips’ KARMA is part love story, part suspense and a show of just how far some people are willing to go for family.

The three main characters all share a twisted and complicated past. Guilt over the death of a classmate has followed all three and its effects are starting to show on all of them. Liza feels responsible for her brother. Her parents’ continuing to blame Liza for all his shortcomings only makes things more difficult for both of them. Liza’s brother, Brian, is pretty much a waste of skin and pulls her into every bad idea he comes up with. Dare is the ultimate hero. He is strong, loyal, ethical, responsible and all too prepared to play the part of lover and protector.

The storyline is light and entertaining in parts, twisted and dark in others. There is mystery and danger on just about every page. The emotional baggage the characters all carry will pull at readers’ heartstrings. And there is just the right amount of humor to keep things interesting.

Carly Phillips’ KARMA is a fast paced and fun read that contemporary romance fans are sure to enjoy.


THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW

DESTINY by Carly Phillips

Serendipity

Publisher: Berkley

Date published: January 2012

ISBN: 978-0425245743

Contemporary romance

Mass Market Paperback

Reviewed by Valerie

Obtained by publisher

The only thing that Nash Barron is happy about his brother’s wedding is the fact that he sees Kelly Moss again. Nash has just discovered that he has a half sister. In fact, Kelly’s mother had an affair with his father and now, Tess, a 13 year old is running with the wrong crowd and Kelly needs the help of Nash and his brothers. With Kelly and Nash coming together often, they are having a hard time not to give in to the feelings growing between them. But Nash feels that getting involved with Kelly could harm the relationship he is building with his half-sister and Kelly feels that Tess should come first. Kelly is also keeping a secret, a secret from her past that she is sure Nash would never forgive her for.

This is a heart-warming story with well written characters and lots of emotions. Carly Phillips has a knack of writing a story that worms into your heart and stays there. Her characters are multi-dimensional and I enjoyed watching them grow throughout the story. She also gives her readers a sweet romance with some very sensual moments. Nash is a bit of a tortured hero and carries some grudges against one of his brothers. He as a bit to go to realize that maybe he was part of the problem and put his troubled past behind him. Kelly is struggling with what she thinks is best for Tess and there is that secret she is carrying with her too. The cast of secondary characters give the book depth and life. Although I am not a big fan of contemporary romance, I do enjoy a well-crafted story and this certainly was it! I know Ms. Phillips fans will be very happy with this book.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

DESTINY by Carly Phillips

Publisher: Berkley
Date published: January 2012
ISBN: 9780425245743
Mass Market Paperback
Contemporary
Reviewed by Angie
Review Copy Provided by Publisher


Carly Phillips once again takes readers back to Serendipity, New York in the second novel in her latest series. The small town holds this readers heart hostage and as usual Ms. Phillips did not fail to deliver a great tale and leave me waiting impatiently for the third novel, KARMA, which will be released in May 2012.

As we return to the quaint little town of Serendipity, Nash the second Barron brother lets his tale come off the pages as he finds himself falling in love with the one woman who is off limits. As Nash mends his relationship with his brother Ethan (SERENDIPITY, Book 1) he finds himself drawn towards his new found sister Tess's guardian and half sister. They are not related by blood, yet the new family ties he is trying to build with Tess are holding him back from letting his heart get involved. Tess is still fragile, working her way from juvenile delinquent to teenager with a future and he does not want to jeopardize her mental well being in any way.

Nash has a unique story to tell, and Ms. Phillips has done a beautiful job of bringing him to life. She gives you insight into his mind, and the minds of those who loves and wants to protect. When he learns of long ago lies, he is wrenched to learn his entire world was not what he believed it to be - and has to come to terms with the past, in order to create a future for himself, his brothers and the woman he has come to realize he cannot live without.

This is a great beach read! Coming out in the winter makes it the perfect book to take on vacation - and to savor each word. A tale with a happily ever after ending that is designed to leave you wanting more… and more…

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

SERENDIPITY by Carly Phillips

Publisher: Berkley
September 2011
ISBN: 9780425243831
Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Angie
Obtained from Publisher


Faith Harrington is the princess of the hill. When her father is accused of fraud and ruins the lives of many in the town of SERENDIPITY she comes home with her head hanging knowing she is innocent. While not everyone in the town is willing to give her a chance, this is the only home she has ever known and she is determined to prove her worth. She comes home to find herself and open her own business as an interior designer; she no longer has a trust fund and must make her own way in the world.

Ethan Barron grew up on the wrong side of the tracks in SERENDIPITY but has come back to make amends to his younger brothers whom he left behind when he joined the military. He has not only grown into a fine man, but he wants his family in his life. When he buys the Harrington mansion, he knows he has something to prove and is determined to do it right this time. He has turned his life around - from failure, outcast and deadbeat to wealthy, businessman and wants everyone to know he is back for good.

Faith and Ethan went to high school together, but ran with different crowds; one kiss when he was eighteen is enough for Ethan to know she is the woman he always wanted. Faith however only knows he scared her then - and has the ability to steal her heart again now. When they meet again, she tries to stay away, but he offers her the job of redesigning her childhood home - and while it may bring heartache, she knows she needs this job to get her business off on the right foot.

SERENDIPITY is one of the cutest novels I have read in a long time! It takes a classic good girl, bad boy and brings them together in a tale of love and dreams. Well written, it may be filled with classic overdone story lines, but it packs a few good twists and turns and leaves the reader with a smile on their face. When a woman shows up at the door with a teen in tow and informs Ethan that she is his sister and he needs to take care of her, readers will snap to attention and get a good glimpse of the man Ethan has become - and will lead him back to his family.

Ethan's two brothers are characters to be reckoned with since they were left behind when he took off at eighteen. Both younger, they landed in foster care after their parents death - which they blamed on Ethan. As the three brothers get to know one another again, the drama heats up and left this reader reminded of her family and the ups and downs over the years. Without family, most of us would never survive, yet Ethan shows what an upstanding man he is, making him an awesome hero for Faith to give her heart. These two are characters worthy of loving. The next book is Nash Barron's story, DESTINY coming in January 2012!

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.