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Partners
Orchid: A Belle
Long before he met her, Matthew Bates loved Laurel Armand. Working with her brought both pleasure and pain, because the sexy Southern belle kept him at a professional distance. Then the rival reporters were thrown together on a case of murder and madness—where much more than love was at stake.
Long before he met her, Matthew Bates loved Laurel Armand. Working with her brought both pleasure and pain, because the sexy Southern belle kept him at a professional distance. Then the rival reporters were thrown together on a case of murder and madness—where much more than love was at stake.
221 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 1985
972 people are currently reading
1604 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,209 books59.6k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
January 5, 2018
Some things just don't age well.
This book was first published in the 1980's and you can feel it. The guy is constantly lighting up another cigarette in the story, which is totally weird. And, everywhere too. He's lighting up in the office, restaurants, inside this non-smoking woman's apartment. I swear he would have lit up in his hospital room if he had to be in one and his doctors would be smoking over him as they used their non-gloved hands and recycled needles to work on him.
Oh, but wait, look at this old ad I found while looking for that one. I checked it out to see if it was real or an internet joke, but it seems to be real.
SMH!
Okay, back to the book.
The story is about a couple of reporters who have a simmering love/hate attraction going. They are working on an investigative story together about a possible murder that was ruled a suicide. We have old-timey newsroom stuff going on with typewriters (not even word processors), ringing phones, people yelling and running around and shit.
You see how important journalistic accuracy is? It is crucial that we know exactly how many pigs were floating down this river. I need to know.
Wait... how were they floating? Did they have little inner tubes? Cuz, that would be adorable. I really DO need to know. Well done, journalism. Well done.
There's also a bit of sexist behavior on the guy's part that wouldn't fly now:
"Would you stop touching me?"
"no", he said.
Just that alone would have her tweeting #metoo these days, but back then she was helpless. She was a lowly woman, so her desires for him to stop being pushy meant nothing. She might as well give up and marry him, have his low-birth weight babies, and give up her career to stand in the kitchen all day mopping and cooking and shit.
I did like some parts of the book, despite the datedness and the fact that I knew who the killer was the second they entered the story. It was set in New Orleans and did a great job giving the feeling of that city and Louisiana. Living in the South has a flavor and New Orleans absolutely reeks with uniqueness. I loved how NR was able to convey that.
Hmm, does it cost more for a haunted one? I'm trying to discourage my in-laws from visiting.
Overall, it was just okayish. I wouldn't run out to get a copy, but wouldn't kick it out of bed for eating crackers either.
This book was first published in the 1980's and you can feel it. The guy is constantly lighting up another cigarette in the story, which is totally weird. And, everywhere too. He's lighting up in the office, restaurants, inside this non-smoking woman's apartment. I swear he would have lit up in his hospital room if he had to be in one and his doctors would be smoking over him as they used their non-gloved hands and recycled needles to work on him.
Oh, but wait, look at this old ad I found while looking for that one. I checked it out to see if it was real or an internet joke, but it seems to be real.
SMH!
Okay, back to the book.
The story is about a couple of reporters who have a simmering love/hate attraction going. They are working on an investigative story together about a possible murder that was ruled a suicide. We have old-timey newsroom stuff going on with typewriters (not even word processors), ringing phones, people yelling and running around and shit.
You see how important journalistic accuracy is? It is crucial that we know exactly how many pigs were floating down this river. I need to know.
Wait... how were they floating? Did they have little inner tubes? Cuz, that would be adorable. I really DO need to know. Well done, journalism. Well done.
There's also a bit of sexist behavior on the guy's part that wouldn't fly now:
"Would you stop touching me?"
"no", he said.
Just that alone would have her tweeting #metoo these days, but back then she was helpless. She was a lowly woman, so her desires for him to stop being pushy meant nothing. She might as well give up and marry him, have his low-birth weight babies, and give up her career to stand in the kitchen all day mopping and cooking and shit.
I did like some parts of the book, despite the datedness and the fact that I knew who the killer was the second they entered the story. It was set in New Orleans and did a great job giving the feeling of that city and Louisiana. Living in the South has a flavor and New Orleans absolutely reeks with uniqueness. I loved how NR was able to convey that.
Hmm, does it cost more for a haunted one? I'm trying to discourage my in-laws from visiting.
Overall, it was just okayish. I wouldn't run out to get a copy, but wouldn't kick it out of bed for eating crackers either.
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February 16, 2025
Partners is a stand alone romantic suspense by Nora Roberts. This book is part of my personal challenge to read one paperback off my shelf per month. I’ve had this book for years. It was published in 1985 so I was worried I might not enjoy it as much as her more current work. I was wrong. It drew me right in and kept me guessing right up until the end. My one complaint is that the hero smoked like a chimney and I don’t like it when the characters in the books I read smoke.
Laurel Armand works for the New Orleans Herald which is run by her father. She has worked for the newspaper since she was a teenager in one way or another, working her way up. It’s all she has ever wanted. She now does investigative reporting and loves it. Her one daily thorn is the person she works across from in the news room and who also lives right next door to her apartment. He seems to enjoy irritating her on the daily.
Matthew Bates is thirty years old and also works for the Herald. Opposite to Laurel’s feelings, working across from her every day is his dream come true. Because Matt has been secretly in love with Laurel for the past year. He knows she will be his, he has a plan. He just has to be patient. Because she is the only woman he wants.
“This is right, this had always been right.”
When an upset woman comes into the news room asking for help, Laurel can’t say no. When she realizes she has a personal connection to the case, she knows she needs to be a part of it. Of course, her boss assigns Matthew to work alongside her. As partners!
“A storm was brewing in all of them. It wouldn’t take much to set it off.”
This is the perfect set up for Matthew. It will finally be the way to get Laurel to fall in love with him. The more time they spend together, the more Laurel does realize that Matt isn’t who she thought he was at all. As the case gets more intense, they become closer. But the deeper they delve into the details, the more danger they are in. Whatever closets they are rattling has someone very upset.
In true Nora Roberts fashion, she weaves together a mystery filled with danger and intrigue, with a beautiful romance. Throughout the story, I developed my own theories and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see if I was right or wrong. And I adored Matthew and Laurel. They were perfect together. I ended up loving this. Even though I kind of want to, I’m not deducting any stars for the smoking since it was much more accepted during that time.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Laurel Armand works for the New Orleans Herald which is run by her father. She has worked for the newspaper since she was a teenager in one way or another, working her way up. It’s all she has ever wanted. She now does investigative reporting and loves it. Her one daily thorn is the person she works across from in the news room and who also lives right next door to her apartment. He seems to enjoy irritating her on the daily.
Matthew Bates is thirty years old and also works for the Herald. Opposite to Laurel’s feelings, working across from her every day is his dream come true. Because Matt has been secretly in love with Laurel for the past year. He knows she will be his, he has a plan. He just has to be patient. Because she is the only woman he wants.
“This is right, this had always been right.”
When an upset woman comes into the news room asking for help, Laurel can’t say no. When she realizes she has a personal connection to the case, she knows she needs to be a part of it. Of course, her boss assigns Matthew to work alongside her. As partners!
“A storm was brewing in all of them. It wouldn’t take much to set it off.”
This is the perfect set up for Matthew. It will finally be the way to get Laurel to fall in love with him. The more time they spend together, the more Laurel does realize that Matt isn’t who she thought he was at all. As the case gets more intense, they become closer. But the deeper they delve into the details, the more danger they are in. Whatever closets they are rattling has someone very upset.
In true Nora Roberts fashion, she weaves together a mystery filled with danger and intrigue, with a beautiful romance. Throughout the story, I developed my own theories and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see if I was right or wrong. And I adored Matthew and Laurel. They were perfect together. I ended up loving this. Even though I kind of want to, I’m not deducting any stars for the smoking since it was much more accepted during that time.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
September 20, 2017
It has bit quit awhile since I listened to an audiobook. I had some painting to do and this made my work so much easier. I purchased this book a few years ago and it's been patiently waiting for me to hit the play button.
Partners was written in 1992 and boy we've come a long way since then. I noticed just how misogynistic romance was back in the day. Don't get me wrong I thoroughly enjoyed it, but... there were times I rolled my eyes and wanted to slap the crap out of our hero. LOL!
Anywho, it was a great way to make my chores go faster and it was a great mystery to solve.
Partners was written in 1992 and boy we've come a long way since then. I noticed just how misogynistic romance was back in the day. Don't get me wrong I thoroughly enjoyed it, but... there were times I rolled my eyes and wanted to slap the crap out of our hero. LOL!
Anywho, it was a great way to make my chores go faster and it was a great mystery to solve.
January 30, 2020
"Partners" is the story of Laurel and Matt.
A witty and banter filled tale between two investigative journalists, we have a H who has always been smitten with the h, but cannot help but tease her at every chance he gets. She does not fear in retaliating, and they continue their love hate relationship.
When a death in the swamp occurs with the h's childhood crush being the epicenter of a possible murder, they work together to solve the Gothic mystery. At the same time, they fall in love, have loads of hot, descriptive sex, confront a crazy killer and escape poisonous snakes.
Enjoyable, funny and intriguing one time read. Has a very eerie feel to it.
Safe
3.5/5
A witty and banter filled tale between two investigative journalists, we have a H who has always been smitten with the h, but cannot help but tease her at every chance he gets. She does not fear in retaliating, and they continue their love hate relationship.
When a death in the swamp occurs with the h's childhood crush being the epicenter of a possible murder, they work together to solve the Gothic mystery. At the same time, they fall in love, have loads of hot, descriptive sex, confront a crazy killer and escape poisonous snakes.
Enjoyable, funny and intriguing one time read. Has a very eerie feel to it.
Safe
3.5/5
August 24, 2018
Un libro increíble. Te atrapa desde la primera página. La prosa de Nora Roberts es pura magia, al igual que las historias y los personajes que crea. Este libro tiene amor, pasión y misterio. He adorado la relación entre Matt y Laurel. Totalmente recomendada.
August 17, 2024
Rating 4.5
Would have been 5.0. I wanted an epilogue. 😞
Some mystery and suspense.
Lovely romance.
Hero saw a picture of heroine when he was in college, it was his best friend/roommates sister and was very intrigued.
These two's dialogue and repertoire was beautiful.
Lot's of chemistry.
Hero and heroine worked at the same newspaper as reporters.
Loved the hero, miss this alpha type of hero in my romance.
Heroine was wonderful as well. Spirited but sweet.
Loved the family theme.
Mystery was secondary, romance was front and center.
Would have been 5.0. I wanted an epilogue. 😞
Some mystery and suspense.
Lovely romance.
Hero saw a picture of heroine when he was in college, it was his best friend/roommates sister and was very intrigued.
These two's dialogue and repertoire was beautiful.
Lot's of chemistry.
Hero and heroine worked at the same newspaper as reporters.
Loved the hero, miss this alpha type of hero in my romance.
Heroine was wonderful as well. Spirited but sweet.
Loved the family theme.
Mystery was secondary, romance was front and center.
August 5, 2022
As an older work, it's not bad. A little over the top with the flowery love scenes, strictly PG-13, but a good mystery, although the mystery could have used a few red herrings to make it more interesting. But you need to remember that this is a romance first and a mystery second. Friends to lovers has always been a favorite trope of mine. In this case I guess it was more frenemies to lovers as Laurel didn't entertain many friendly feelings toward Matt until they ended up as partners on a story.
Laurel Armand is the boss's daughter and his best friend's sister, but that didn't stop his infatuation with her. Matt Bates knew if he was to succeed in his quest for the fair Laurelie, he would have to be patient. Now after a year of trading barbs, they are partnering up on an explosive story and Laurel is not at all happy about it. Investigating a case that the police have already closed can be tricky. When the deceased is the young wife of a man who is considered New Orleans aristocracy, it can get a little problematic, especially when Laurel is an old and dear friend. But Matt is up to take on both Laurel and the murder and plans to finally make his move on the lovely Laurelie. But a murderer is not happy to have their nice need accident questioned and threatens Laurel.
Laurel Armand is the boss's daughter and his best friend's sister, but that didn't stop his infatuation with her. Matt Bates knew if he was to succeed in his quest for the fair Laurelie, he would have to be patient. Now after a year of trading barbs, they are partnering up on an explosive story and Laurel is not at all happy about it. Investigating a case that the police have already closed can be tricky. When the deceased is the young wife of a man who is considered New Orleans aristocracy, it can get a little problematic, especially when Laurel is an old and dear friend. But Matt is up to take on both Laurel and the murder and plans to finally make his move on the lovely Laurelie. But a murderer is not happy to have their nice need accident questioned and threatens Laurel.
October 15, 2011
I do not recall ever having read this story before. It is great mystery/suspense and I did not even guess the villain until twenty pages from the end.
The hero's character is admirable, sexy, and intriguing, but not very deeply drawn. I guess this was about the 27th thing Roberts published, so I'm not going to quibble about that. (She must have over 150 by now.) Proof positive that writers get better with experience.
I really liked the heroine. She's a southern belle with a career and a backbone of steel. She begins by finding the hero insufferable, and even after she falls in love with him she still acknowledges that character trait of his. Her granny is a hoot, and provides some great comic relief to the pacing.
This can be found in the three-in-one Suspicious.
The hero's character is admirable, sexy, and intriguing, but not very deeply drawn. I guess this was about the 27th thing Roberts published, so I'm not going to quibble about that. (She must have over 150 by now.) Proof positive that writers get better with experience.
I really liked the heroine. She's a southern belle with a career and a backbone of steel. She begins by finding the hero insufferable, and even after she falls in love with him she still acknowledges that character trait of his. Her granny is a hoot, and provides some great comic relief to the pacing.
This can be found in the three-in-one Suspicious.
July 4, 2020
Me tengo que aplaudir, porque al fin leí un libro de Nora Roberts y supe antes de terminarlo quien era el culpable. Hay que destacar que es un libro corto y con pocos personajes. Pero esta entretenido y al final no lo podía dejar para poder comprobar que mi teoría era cierta.
August 5, 2022
After reading at least 2-3 chapters, I kept thinking "I've read this before" . Then figured, well what the heck, I'm going to finish it any way!!
I had forgotten the ending and so, boy was I surprised! And didn't see it coming...until it did...And those of you that have read It know exactly what I'm saying!
The ending was surprising...And even though I'd read it before, I still enjoyed this story. But of course, I do like Nora so there's that. In my opinion, Nora will keep you captivated. --P/
I had forgotten the ending and so, boy was I surprised! And didn't see it coming...until it did...And those of you that have read It know exactly what I'm saying!
The ending was surprising...And even though I'd read it before, I still enjoyed this story. But of course, I do like Nora so there's that. In my opinion, Nora will keep you captivated. --P/
October 3, 2015
This must have been around the time that Nora Roberts started getting good - because this is a pretty great story. It's obviously dated (it's from 1992!) with people using typewriters and smoking indoors and whatnot. But it's easy enough to look past that to the pretty decent suspense-romance that we get here. Laurel Armand is a journalist working at her father's paper and sort of a Southern Belle who starts out iffy for me, as she's kind of vain and has a touch of self-centeredness, but it doesn't stick with her and it doesn't get on my nerves. She has a moment or two of utter stupidity, but she's not TSTL. Matt works at the same paper as she does, but he had much rougher beginnings. And he's been attracted to her pretty much forever, but is taking his sweet time about acting on it. When they're partnered together to do a story about the death of the wife of a family friend, things get a bit spicier. And the suspense and mystery part of the story definitely keep you reading. Some of this was rather unrealistic in that, how did the cops close this case and not uncover any of the information that these two reporters did? Did they not question anybody or ever go looking for clues?
Interestingly enough (and this is very telling about the story quality) I read this about 10-15 years ago and almost as soon as I started reading it again, the story and things that happen in it started coming back to me. I actually remembered this story. I tend to forget whole books and everything that happens in them years after reading them, so this was definitely good enough to remember.
Interestingly enough (and this is very telling about the story quality) I read this about 10-15 years ago and almost as soon as I started reading it again, the story and things that happen in it started coming back to me. I actually remembered this story. I tend to forget whole books and everything that happens in them years after reading them, so this was definitely good enough to remember.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2024
Matthew Bates and Laurel Armand are both journalists but that's where their common ground ends, so when they're forced to work on an investigation together it will put both of them to the test. PARTNERS is definitely "old school" Nora Roberts but it holds up better than some of her other romances from the 80's and 90's (eye-balling ISLAND OF FLOWERS). I really enjoyed the story and the mystery surrounding the unfortunate death of Anne Trulane. With a setting of New Orleans, Roberts does a great job of creating the atmosphere of the bayou and swamps as well as the genteel nature of southern upper class society.
Laurel was a feisty, competent, and passionate woman who speaks her mind and stands up for herself. I really enjoyed her battle of wills with Matt who she finds to be arrogant and obnoxious. What Laurel doesn't know is that Matt has desired her ever since they met. Matt is a bit heavy-handed but overall he's fairly liberated and enlightened for a romance hero from the 80's.
Laurel was a feisty, competent, and passionate woman who speaks her mind and stands up for herself. I really enjoyed her battle of wills with Matt who she finds to be arrogant and obnoxious. What Laurel doesn't know is that Matt has desired her ever since they met. Matt is a bit heavy-handed but overall he's fairly liberated and enlightened for a romance hero from the 80's.
February 11, 2024
Now this is more up my speed!
Laurel Armand- young, beautiful, and ambitious reporter working for the Herald, a paper company which her family owns. She has a rich family and almost a Southern royalty background.
Matthew Bates- self-made, hardened, came from dirt-poor New York and struggled all his life to get where he is now.
One look at Laurel’s picture and he’s a goner. Now his tactic is to annoy her and compete with her until he can finally make his move and confuse her into wanting him too.
Nora Roberts wrote this enemies-to-lovers story like a true pro. Even if this is one of her older novels, it still sings a lot of hear-flipping and smile-inducing moments for me. Throw in a murder mystery and this book has become a fast-paced 12-chapter long read that can be devoured by thriller lovers and romantic lovers alike in one sitting.
4.5 stars
Laurel Armand- young, beautiful, and ambitious reporter working for the Herald, a paper company which her family owns. She has a rich family and almost a Southern royalty background.
Matthew Bates- self-made, hardened, came from dirt-poor New York and struggled all his life to get where he is now.
One look at Laurel’s picture and he’s a goner. Now his tactic is to annoy her and compete with her until he can finally make his move and confuse her into wanting him too.
Nora Roberts wrote this enemies-to-lovers story like a true pro. Even if this is one of her older novels, it still sings a lot of hear-flipping and smile-inducing moments for me. Throw in a murder mystery and this book has become a fast-paced 12-chapter long read that can be devoured by thriller lovers and romantic lovers alike in one sitting.
4.5 stars
October 4, 2020
It was fun to get back to the 80s for this book. I also enjoyed the New Orleans plantation and swamp setting, a bit southern gothic with the mystery and strange disapperance in the creepy swamp. Excellent writing as always.
April 2, 2025
I wasn't sure I was gonna like this book, but I loved it. It had so many twists and turns and surprises. I had read some reviews of it and they had said it was dated, but that did not bother me. It was a great story. I think many people will enjoy.
September 26, 2021
Old fashioned romance
September 9, 2022
Another Nora winner,
Filled with sexual tension and a great mystery. You’ll love Partners whether you’re a romance fan or a mystery fan.
Filled with sexual tension and a great mystery. You’ll love Partners whether you’re a romance fan or a mystery fan.
July 18, 2018
A great reaf
Roberts always provides an intriguing story with some very intimate romance thrown in as well. She did not disappoint with this story.
Roberts always provides an intriguing story with some very intimate romance thrown in as well. She did not disappoint with this story.
March 16, 2020
Una lectura entretenida, mezcla de suspense y romance. Que, aunque sin duda no es la mejor obra de Roberts, tiene mucho de su esencia.
Matt y Laurel, no parecen llevarse del todo bien, pero bajo toda esa enemistad, hay una tensión que rápidamente se transformará en pasión cuando tienen que trabajar en un historia juntos. Pero, mientras investigan una muerte en la que no todo es lo que parece, muchos fantasmas intervendrán para tratar de frenarles. Viejos amores infantiles y antiguas traiciones y pérdidas harán su camino más difícil.
Un historia que atrapa con su misterio y su romance en medio de la mágica ciudad de Nueva Orleans.
Puedes encontrar mas reseñas en mi blog: https://airaserra.com/
Matt y Laurel, no parecen llevarse del todo bien, pero bajo toda esa enemistad, hay una tensión que rápidamente se transformará en pasión cuando tienen que trabajar en un historia juntos. Pero, mientras investigan una muerte en la que no todo es lo que parece, muchos fantasmas intervendrán para tratar de frenarles. Viejos amores infantiles y antiguas traiciones y pérdidas harán su camino más difícil.
Un historia que atrapa con su misterio y su romance en medio de la mágica ciudad de Nueva Orleans.
Puedes encontrar mas reseñas en mi blog: https://airaserra.com/
April 30, 2022
I wanted to enjoy this book, but as others said, it didn't age well. Reading this in 2022, when it was published in 1985 just doesn't seem to work.
Matthew seems to be a chain smoker, always lighting a cigarette, putting one out, and relighting. I don't think that would have been attractive then either, so it's confusing as to why it's such a big part of his character. He also keeps saying he's going to "have" Laurielle which boarders on obsessive. Even more so since he "fell in love" with her picture when she was underage.
At times, the way Matt talks to Laurie is walking a fine line of emotional abuse, and it was just hard to wrap my head around. 2.5 stars, only because I enjoyed the mystery part of this story, the "love" part of it was far fetched, and obsessive.
Matthew seems to be a chain smoker, always lighting a cigarette, putting one out, and relighting. I don't think that would have been attractive then either, so it's confusing as to why it's such a big part of his character. He also keeps saying he's going to "have" Laurielle which boarders on obsessive. Even more so since he "fell in love" with her picture when she was underage.
At times, the way Matt talks to Laurie is walking a fine line of emotional abuse, and it was just hard to wrap my head around. 2.5 stars, only because I enjoyed the mystery part of this story, the "love" part of it was far fetched, and obsessive.
December 18, 2023
El libro no es malo, pero tampoco es la gran cosa. Básicamente el libro se resume en que dos personas se tienen TREMENDAS GANAS DE DARSE COMO CAJÓN QUE NO CIERRA y que ellos tienen que resolver un misterio de un caso de hace 10 años. Literalmente en una página se concentran en el caso y en la otra se olvidan de todo y se dan bien fuerte. Quedé así OwO en todas la escenas del delicioso. *SPOILER* y la verdad se me hizo MUY estúpida la razón por la que Marion hizo todo. Conclusión: El libro es muy estrambótico y la verdad no soy de leer este tipo de libros, ya que mayormente soy de leer libros BL con ese tipo de escenas, entonces se me hizo muy incómodo leer esas escenas en este libro. Pero bueno 3/5 ✓.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2020
Matthew Bates, a reporter for a New Orleans newspaper, is partnered in a possible murder story with fellow reporter Laurel Armand. The two often verbally spar in the office, but must work together when a woman implores them to investigate her sister Anne’s untimely death. Nora excels in her ability to build a setting with this mystery set in the Lousiana bayou. To hear a full discussion of Partners listen to Season 1, Ep. #15 "Nora Roberts: The Mysteries of 1985" of Romancing the Shelf, a Nora Roberts podcast: https://romancingtheshelf.libsyn.com/
January 19, 2015
Já não lia um livrinho destes da Nora há muito tempo e convenhamos que este esteve a altura das expectativas, gostei do Matt e da Laurel e da picardia entre os dois tanto no trabalho como na forma como a autora cria a relação entre os dois, a avó dela era uma "peça", muito engraçada a senhora...
Quanto ao desfecho final no que ao crime diz respeito era previsível ser aquela personagem culpada, está dentro do que se esperava com sinos a tocar em fundo e casamento a vista...
Quanto ao desfecho final no que ao crime diz respeito era previsível ser aquela personagem culpada, está dentro do que se esperava com sinos a tocar em fundo e casamento a vista...
September 22, 2014
Gostei muito deste livro! Além de romance com 2 protagonistas cativantes, tem uma história policial/mistério por trás que foi bastante interessante. Além disso, isto tudo se passa no ambiente quente de Nova Orleães e dos pântanos, um cenário que, para mim, é o mais romântico possível.
March 31, 2016
Great story, couldn't put it down!!!!
Love Nora Roberts and this is her at her best. Holds your interest with romance, mystery and suspense. Hidden motives add to the surprise ending!!! For sure can't go wrong with this choice.
Love Nora Roberts and this is her at her best. Holds your interest with romance, mystery and suspense. Hidden motives add to the surprise ending!!! For sure can't go wrong with this choice.
May 19, 2018
Re-read
3.5 stars
Guessed the killer
3.5 stars
Guessed the killer
February 1, 2017
A good quick read. I love trying to guess who the killer is!
April 9, 2018
I love when Nora writes from the male point-of-view. Some of my favorite “book boyfriends” are written this way, because we can truly get inside their head more. (Even though she still writes them in the third-person narrative.)
I also love when she brings the witty back-and-forth banter between the two romantic leads. Of course, both Matthew and Laurel are beautiful and perfect, but the wit is what can set them apart from any other romantic characters in the same situation. And that’s where Nora truly shines.
Another thing I enjoy, is the men that “fall in love” with the elderly women in these stories. Not romantic, necessarily, but just as a “if only you were younger” situation. It’s so sweet in a way that I don’t know that other authors can get away with.
This is one of her early “cross-overs”, not quite romance but definitely not genre mystery novels. And, again, she shines. She writes a great romance, to be sure, but she engages the reader far more effectively when it’s more than just the romantic angle. It amazes me how she can take the formula, and shift it just so.
The mystery itself kept me guessing through most of the book. I felt like it was too obvious to be who I felt it was… and I guess you’ll just have to read it to find out if I was right. I came away feeling satisfied with the ending, mostly, and overall, I really enjoyed this one.
I also love when she brings the witty back-and-forth banter between the two romantic leads. Of course, both Matthew and Laurel are beautiful and perfect, but the wit is what can set them apart from any other romantic characters in the same situation. And that’s where Nora truly shines.
Another thing I enjoy, is the men that “fall in love” with the elderly women in these stories. Not romantic, necessarily, but just as a “if only you were younger” situation. It’s so sweet in a way that I don’t know that other authors can get away with.
This is one of her early “cross-overs”, not quite romance but definitely not genre mystery novels. And, again, she shines. She writes a great romance, to be sure, but she engages the reader far more effectively when it’s more than just the romantic angle. It amazes me how she can take the formula, and shift it just so.
The mystery itself kept me guessing through most of the book. I felt like it was too obvious to be who I felt it was… and I guess you’ll just have to read it to find out if I was right. I came away feeling satisfied with the ending, mostly, and overall, I really enjoyed this one.
September 6, 2021
💐 Laurel works as a journalist in New Orleans. She's a confident and hardworking woman whose only competitor is her colleague and her brother's old friend, Matt. She can barely tolerate to be in the same room as he. When Susan approaches Laurel with the request to investigate her sister Anne's death, she is determined to leave no stone unturned. But her boss appoints her as Matt's partner, who is already engaged in the investigation. Together, will they be able to solve this murder mystery?
💐This is my first read from the bestselling author Nora Roberts and Mills and Boons. I was looking for something light and relaxing so it was perfect for that purpose. I really liked the character of Olivia, she's my favorite 💝. All the characters were beautifully crafted but I didn't really like the character of Matt. The narration was smooth and the language was simple. The ending was unexpected but nothing wow. There were a lot of steamy moments in the book which, I felt, could have been minimized. I loved the simple and elegant book cover. The book contains 330 pages and 12 lengthy chapters but can be finished in one sitting. Overall, this book was a beautiful blend of romance and mystery with family centered themes. If you are a fan of enemies to lovers troupe, slow burn romance and steamy moments then you may try this one.
💐This is my first read from the bestselling author Nora Roberts and Mills and Boons. I was looking for something light and relaxing so it was perfect for that purpose. I really liked the character of Olivia, she's my favorite 💝. All the characters were beautifully crafted but I didn't really like the character of Matt. The narration was smooth and the language was simple. The ending was unexpected but nothing wow. There were a lot of steamy moments in the book which, I felt, could have been minimized. I loved the simple and elegant book cover. The book contains 330 pages and 12 lengthy chapters but can be finished in one sitting. Overall, this book was a beautiful blend of romance and mystery with family centered themes. If you are a fan of enemies to lovers troupe, slow burn romance and steamy moments then you may try this one.
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