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Stars of Mithra #2
Captive Star
Read the second book in the reader favorite Stars of Mithra trilogy from #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts!
Bounty hunter Jack Dakota knows how to handle himself, or at least so he thought. The moment he went to pick up the pretty little bail jumper M.J. O’Leary, he discovered there was nothing easy about the spitfire—or about this case. Someone had set them both up. Now they’re handcuffed together and on the run from a pair of hired killers. M.J. isn’t talking about why the men are after her—not even when Jack finds a gigantic blue diamond hidden in her purse. Everything tells Jack this alluring vixen can’t be trusted… everything, that is, except his captive heart.
Bounty hunter Jack Dakota knows how to handle himself, or at least so he thought. The moment he went to pick up the pretty little bail jumper M.J. O’Leary, he discovered there was nothing easy about the spitfire—or about this case. Someone had set them both up. Now they’re handcuffed together and on the run from a pair of hired killers. M.J. isn’t talking about why the men are after her—not even when Jack finds a gigantic blue diamond hidden in her purse. Everything tells Jack this alluring vixen can’t be trusted… everything, that is, except his captive heart.
299 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 1997
1858 people are currently reading
3340 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 338 reviews
March 7, 2016
The "I love you's" came waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too early. Waay waay waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too early.
March 25, 2016
3.25/5
Nora Roberts is a master of storytelling. She always knows what the readers want. Captive Star is the second installment in Stars of Mithra series, another one of her early writings. In this book, we meet Jack Dakota, a stubborn bounty hunter, and M.J. O'Leary, an attractive, feisty redhead.
Jack and M.J. are a perfect match. I loved that he saw through all her tricks while she always knew what he was up to. I also enjoyed the banter between them, so funny and sparkling.
Even though the sexual tension between them was so intense, too bad, the romance was plain and insipid. However, I loved the end of this book, where . It was a touching moment for me.
Overall, this was a good and pleasurable read. You can read this book as a standalone, but it would be better to read the series in order.
Nora Roberts is a master of storytelling. She always knows what the readers want. Captive Star is the second installment in Stars of Mithra series, another one of her early writings. In this book, we meet Jack Dakota, a stubborn bounty hunter, and M.J. O'Leary, an attractive, feisty redhead.
Jack and M.J. are a perfect match. I loved that he saw through all her tricks while she always knew what he was up to. I also enjoyed the banter between them, so funny and sparkling.
Even though the sexual tension between them was so intense, too bad, the romance was plain and insipid. However, I loved the end of this book, where . It was a touching moment for me.
Overall, this was a good and pleasurable read. You can read this book as a standalone, but it would be better to read the series in order.
December 15, 2011
I wasn't sure I would like this book because I wasn't a fan of the hero at first, Jack is rude, crude bounty-hunter but he was perfectly suited to a totally non-traditional MJ.
MJ has grown up in bars since her family runs one, and she too owns one and tends bar there, she is modern and tough as nails so when Jack comes to pick her up on some bounty claims she fights back and then both of them run into someone trying to kill her.
Jack doesn't know what went wrong but he was given false information and he intends to find out the truth from MJ even if that means hand-cuffing her and trying to intimidate her, at this point I didn't like him, he made a money deal with her after he sees the diamond she has on her.
He also doesn't allow her to tell him what to do, both of them are used to following their own way and Jack is a loner and always has been, so it's weird that chemistry these two share and how they end up forming a deep attachment to each other.
Some scenes were really funny like Jack freaking out when MJ cries, his rough words weren't meant to be rough but show love and even when he tries to give her the slip, they are kind of fighting because they love each other and want to protect the other.
So, despite being different I liked it, now I am going to read Grace's book and finally try and find out who is after them.
MJ has grown up in bars since her family runs one, and she too owns one and tends bar there, she is modern and tough as nails so when Jack comes to pick her up on some bounty claims she fights back and then both of them run into someone trying to kill her.
Jack doesn't know what went wrong but he was given false information and he intends to find out the truth from MJ even if that means hand-cuffing her and trying to intimidate her, at this point I didn't like him, he made a money deal with her after he sees the diamond she has on her.
He also doesn't allow her to tell him what to do, both of them are used to following their own way and Jack is a loner and always has been, so it's weird that chemistry these two share and how they end up forming a deep attachment to each other.
Some scenes were really funny like Jack freaking out when MJ cries, his rough words weren't meant to be rough but show love and even when he tries to give her the slip, they are kind of fighting because they love each other and want to protect the other.
So, despite being different I liked it, now I am going to read Grace's book and finally try and find out who is after them.
January 6, 2016
Ok did aliens take over Nora Robert's body while she was writing this trilogy? While I don't love all of her books generally she at least has likable characters and her trademark writing style. This book was completely empty of that style...it read very dry as far as i got. And the characters! I mean in the first book i wasn't fond of the heroine and could give or take the hero but this hero...not so much. He starts off with a rant against the justice system that is borderline conspiracy theory and definitely boring. Then he busts into the heroine's apartment like a damn vigilante refusing to listen to reason. Then he tells her to be grateful he kidnapped her, handcuffed her to his car, and took her across state lines. Then he decides to help her get out of the mess he inserted himself into...but only if she'll pay him. Pardon my language but what a dick. There was no redeeming him or this series and boy am I thankful this wasnt my first Robert's exposure because I probably would not have given her a second chance after reading this one. DNF
November 4, 2016
M.J. , é tudo menos uma mulher convencional, de ascendência irlandesa é dona de uma bar na cidade onde vive. Transporta consigo um fabuloso diamante que lhe foi enviado por uma amiga.
Jack é um caça-recompensas, um pouco rude, que se vai cruzar e envolver com M.J. numa aventura perigosa de devolução da pedra preciosa ao dono original.
Este é o segundo volume da trilogia “Estrelas de Mithra”. É um livro despretensioso e de leitura rápida. Ideal para uma tarde de domingo.
Jack é um caça-recompensas, um pouco rude, que se vai cruzar e envolver com M.J. numa aventura perigosa de devolução da pedra preciosa ao dono original.
Este é o segundo volume da trilogia “Estrelas de Mithra”. É um livro despretensioso e de leitura rápida. Ideal para uma tarde de domingo.
November 30, 2016
Read Hidden Star first. It's slightly better and will give you what to expect from this one in terms of mildly supernatural insta-love and suspense expectations.
I loved M.J. and Jake. One of Roberts' strengths is in building characters who just belong together. This alone makes the whole predestined insta-love work. And for all I say this is like the first, the differences in the main characters also make it its own story and enjoyable in their own right. Their relationship has a rockier start, for one. Some of that was natural as they start off with opposed goals. But some of it was just awkward awkwardness and the main reason this didn't quite rise to the level of its predecessor. That said, I particularly liked that while Jake got around to recognizing he was completely, hopelessly in love, and was even able to admit it out loud, he still had no idea what to do with that. Which makes sense as he has had no examples of what that means in his own life. So he tries all these amateur things that would normally totally get on my nerves if M.J. hadn't been the perfect match/mate for him (and thus able to circumvent the stupid while making the relationship that much stronger as a result). This made for some great (and entertaining) back-and-forth.
A note about Steamy: There are three explicit sex scenes in this one. Which might have been overwhelming in such a quick read only the third was pretty short and straight-forward. So still the middle of my steam tolerance, though trending on the high side.
I loved M.J. and Jake. One of Roberts' strengths is in building characters who just belong together. This alone makes the whole predestined insta-love work. And for all I say this is like the first, the differences in the main characters also make it its own story and enjoyable in their own right. Their relationship has a rockier start, for one. Some of that was natural as they start off with opposed goals. But some of it was just awkward awkwardness and the main reason this didn't quite rise to the level of its predecessor. That said, I particularly liked that while Jake got around to recognizing he was completely, hopelessly in love, and was even able to admit it out loud, he still had no idea what to do with that. Which makes sense as he has had no examples of what that means in his own life. So he tries all these amateur things that would normally totally get on my nerves if M.J. hadn't been the perfect match/mate for him (and thus able to circumvent the stupid while making the relationship that much stronger as a result). This made for some great (and entertaining) back-and-forth.
A note about Steamy: There are three explicit sex scenes in this one. Which might have been overwhelming in such a quick read only the third was pretty short and straight-forward. So still the middle of my steam tolerance, though trending on the high side.
February 11, 2013
It should have been a piece of cake. All he had to do was pick up some pretty little bail jumper who wasn't even bothering to hide. But cynical bounty hunter Jack Dakota soon discovered there was nothing easy about spitfire M.J. O'Leary--or about this case.
Someone had set them both up. Now they were handcuffed together and on the run from a pair of hired killers. And M.J. wasn't talking--not even when Jack found a gigantic blue diamond hidden in her purse. Everything told Jack this alluring vixen couldn't be trusted . . . everything, that is, except his captive heart.
The story moves fast. The characters are all lovable in their own way. There is humor, love, passion, murder, theft, and murder for hire woven throughout the story. Its Nora Roberts at her best. 5 stars!
Someone had set them both up. Now they were handcuffed together and on the run from a pair of hired killers. And M.J. wasn't talking--not even when Jack found a gigantic blue diamond hidden in her purse. Everything told Jack this alluring vixen couldn't be trusted . . . everything, that is, except his captive heart.
The story moves fast. The characters are all lovable in their own way. There is humor, love, passion, murder, theft, and murder for hire woven throughout the story. Its Nora Roberts at her best. 5 stars!
October 10, 2022
10/5⭐
“Ella respiraba trabajosamente. —Le haces la comida a un hombre y le entran delirios de grandeza —”
¡Qué hermosa novela!
Éste libro está dedicado a las mujeres independientes. Al igual que en "una luz furtiva" aquí nos centramos en la segunda amiga M.J. O'leary y va a la par del primer libro en cuanto a los días en que se dan los hechos y la autora profundiza un poco más en el mazdeísmo como mito o leyenda que guarda relación con las estrellas de Mitra. Desde la descripción que hace Nora Roberts en el capítulo uno supe que éste libro sería mucho mejor que el primero porque la historia se inicia con acción, y adrenalina pura más una serie de peleas en el piso a lo señor y señora Smith.
Él es Jack Dakota y se dedica a perseguir fugitivos de la justicia porque es un cazarrecompensas. Tiene una filosofía franca y es directo y está disponible para poner su fuerza al servicio del bien. Ah! está re que te bueno.
“Jack tenía también otras cicatrices. Su cuerpo fibroso y larguirucho tenía las marcas de un guerrero, y había mujeres a las que les gustaba ronronear sobre ellas. Cosa que a Jack no le parecía del todo mal.”
Ella, por su parte, M.J. O´Leary es una mujer fuerte, de armas tomar y para ello necesito un hombre a su altura. M.J. pertenece es amiga de Bailey y Grace, ex compañeras de Universidad. En “Estrella Cautiva” nuestra heroína es perseguida por Jack el cual ha sido contratado para ella ya que supuestamente ella ha burlado la libertad condicional. La cuestión es que ambos terminan descubriendo que le han tendido una trampa y terminan descubriéndose esposados el uno al otro con varios matones detrás suyo que quieren acabar con ellos.
“—Venga, vamos —le retó—. A mí nadie viene a robarme a mi propia casa y se va de rositas.
—Yo no soy un ladrón —Jack apartó con el pie tres melocotones prietos y maduros que se habían salido de la bolsa—. Yo persigo a delincuentes huidos, y a ti te están buscando —levantó una mano en señal de paz, y, confiando en que la chica se distrajera, enganchó un pie bajo la pierna de ella y la hizo caer de culo.”
Y empieza a nacer el romance y todo empieza adquirir estilo culebrón. Vamos conociendo un poco más de los diamantes como por ejemplo que representan el amor, el conocimiento y la generosidad. ¿Cual es cual? Hay que leer el libro.
DESDE YA RECOMIENDO éste segundo libro de la trilogía. Algunos dicen que puede leerse independiente pero yo sugiero que respeten el orden y se lean como corresponde. Además, me lo bebí en pocas horas porque la pareja es chispeante, tienen carácter y la historia de amor es HERMOSA. Me divertí mucho y la pasé genial leyendo a Nora Roberts que como siempre no defrauda. Ahora toca ir por el 3ro.
“Ella respiraba trabajosamente. —Le haces la comida a un hombre y le entran delirios de grandeza —”
¡Qué hermosa novela!
Éste libro está dedicado a las mujeres independientes. Al igual que en "una luz furtiva" aquí nos centramos en la segunda amiga M.J. O'leary y va a la par del primer libro en cuanto a los días en que se dan los hechos y la autora profundiza un poco más en el mazdeísmo como mito o leyenda que guarda relación con las estrellas de Mitra. Desde la descripción que hace Nora Roberts en el capítulo uno supe que éste libro sería mucho mejor que el primero porque la historia se inicia con acción, y adrenalina pura más una serie de peleas en el piso a lo señor y señora Smith.
Él es Jack Dakota y se dedica a perseguir fugitivos de la justicia porque es un cazarrecompensas. Tiene una filosofía franca y es directo y está disponible para poner su fuerza al servicio del bien. Ah! está re que te bueno.
“Jack tenía también otras cicatrices. Su cuerpo fibroso y larguirucho tenía las marcas de un guerrero, y había mujeres a las que les gustaba ronronear sobre ellas. Cosa que a Jack no le parecía del todo mal.”
Ella, por su parte, M.J. O´Leary es una mujer fuerte, de armas tomar y para ello necesito un hombre a su altura. M.J. pertenece es amiga de Bailey y Grace, ex compañeras de Universidad. En “Estrella Cautiva” nuestra heroína es perseguida por Jack el cual ha sido contratado para ella ya que supuestamente ella ha burlado la libertad condicional. La cuestión es que ambos terminan descubriendo que le han tendido una trampa y terminan descubriéndose esposados el uno al otro con varios matones detrás suyo que quieren acabar con ellos.
“—Venga, vamos —le retó—. A mí nadie viene a robarme a mi propia casa y se va de rositas.
—Yo no soy un ladrón —Jack apartó con el pie tres melocotones prietos y maduros que se habían salido de la bolsa—. Yo persigo a delincuentes huidos, y a ti te están buscando —levantó una mano en señal de paz, y, confiando en que la chica se distrajera, enganchó un pie bajo la pierna de ella y la hizo caer de culo.”
Y empieza a nacer el romance y todo empieza adquirir estilo culebrón. Vamos conociendo un poco más de los diamantes como por ejemplo que representan el amor, el conocimiento y la generosidad. ¿Cual es cual? Hay que leer el libro.
DESDE YA RECOMIENDO éste segundo libro de la trilogía. Algunos dicen que puede leerse independiente pero yo sugiero que respeten el orden y se lean como corresponde. Además, me lo bebí en pocas horas porque la pareja es chispeante, tienen carácter y la historia de amor es HERMOSA. Me divertí mucho y la pasé genial leyendo a Nora Roberts que como siempre no defrauda. Ahora toca ir por el 3ro.
April 4, 2021
* You need to read the previous book to fully understand this entry.
M.J. O'Leary is a hard woman, but with a heart of gold if it comes to her bff's Bailey & Grace. So when Bailey sends her a mysterious, blue diamond and tells her not to let it leave her sights, that is exactly what M.J. does for her friend. Then a rough & tough Bounty Hunter knocks on her door and tells her she needs to come with him. As they can only leave her flat in a hail of bullets and with the fake bounty, M.J. and Jack go on a quest to find out what happened to M.J.'s friends and if the other two diamonds are safe.
Another typical Nora Roberts story, however I enjoyed this one a bit better than the previous one. The romance was more fun and somehow I liked the lead characters more than the previous entries. There is a bit more depth and care with this story and therefore the characters didn't feel completely flat to me, there was a bit of dimension and history to them. There was much more action to this story than to the previous one, So I liked it quite well.
M.J. O'Leary is a hard woman, but with a heart of gold if it comes to her bff's Bailey & Grace. So when Bailey sends her a mysterious, blue diamond and tells her not to let it leave her sights, that is exactly what M.J. does for her friend. Then a rough & tough Bounty Hunter knocks on her door and tells her she needs to come with him. As they can only leave her flat in a hail of bullets and with the fake bounty, M.J. and Jack go on a quest to find out what happened to M.J.'s friends and if the other two diamonds are safe.
Another typical Nora Roberts story, however I enjoyed this one a bit better than the previous one. The romance was more fun and somehow I liked the lead characters more than the previous entries. There is a bit more depth and care with this story and therefore the characters didn't feel completely flat to me, there was a bit of dimension and history to them. There was much more action to this story than to the previous one, So I liked it quite well.
January 8, 2023
Since bar owner M.J. O'Leary and bounty hunter Jack Dakota meet when he's tricked into thinking she's skipped out on her trial, they're necessarily antagonistic to each other. Then they become a solid team/couple, since the same people are trying to kill them both. The sparks are flying, and they end up as a great couple, almost like it's destiny. This is a solid middle book in a great trilogy.
Re-read, re-review January 2023
I like the spark between M.J. and Jack, and now, while re-reading Roberts' In Death series, I see M.J. as kind of a prototype for Eve Dallas. Jack and M.J. have similar chemistry to Eve and Roarke. On its own, the book is great, and it's even better as part of the series.
Re-read, re-review January 2023
I like the spark between M.J. and Jack, and now, while re-reading Roberts' In Death series, I see M.J. as kind of a prototype for Eve Dallas. Jack and M.J. have similar chemistry to Eve and Roarke. On its own, the book is great, and it's even better as part of the series.
December 29, 2018
Qué lástima acabar el año con una lectura tan pésima y decepcionante, y más si es de Nora Roberts.
No sé cómo empezar a explicar todo lo que no me ha gustado porque no hay absolutamente nada positivo que pueda rescatar.
Estrella cautiva empieza con Jack Dakota vigilando a M.J, la amiga de Bailey (primer libro), porque le han contratado para llevarla ante la ley. MJ, en teoría, tenía un novio (el cual estaba casado) y, que por cosas de la vida, ella acaba disparando al hombre. Claro, el que contrató a Jack es una cosa extraña de empresario que se dedica a dejar dinero para pagar las fianzas y, sí, MJ no había pagado ni se había presentado en el juzgado. Así que Jack, como el cazarrecompensas que es, está en todo su derecho de entrar en el apartamento de MJ (y su consecuente destrozo), atacarla y sin escuchar ni una palabra que sale de la boca de MJ: ella no tiene un novio casado, ni ha disparado a nadie, ni nada de eso. La verdad absoluta es aquello que le ha dicho el que le ha contratado y punto. Después de todo esto, aparece un tío enorme que trata de matarlos y a partir de aquí comienza la huida.
Para empezar, diré que Jack es un desgraciado arrogante, egocéntrico, machista, asqueroso pervertido, celoso, un desgraciado y, en resumen, un ser deplorable. El primer pensamiento que tiene nada más ver a MJ es:
¿Qué clase de persona justifica una infidelidad por el aspecto físico de la otra mujer u hombre? "Oh, ¡pobre hombre que no ha podido resistirse al atractivo de esa mujer! ¡Perdonadlo!" Una persona que da que pensar, y mucho más en la página 9 del libro. O sea que Jack y yo no empezamos con muy buen pie, que se diga.
Después de conseguir librarse del matón gigante, ambos salen pitando de la casa de MJ hacia el coche de Jack. Allí, Jack esposa a MJ a la puerta del coche. Dan varias vueltas por ahí hasta que llegan a un motel de mala muerte y, claro, en lugar de preguntar como una persona normal que, por favor, lo acompañe a la habitación para hablar como adultos de lo que les acaba de pasar, la ata con una cuerda, la amordaza y la arrastra hasta la habitación. Pero eso no es todo, porque el hombre no está satisfecho con humillarla y degradarla, quiere más "placer retorcido" y respuestas, para lo cual, ¡sí! ahí está MJ:
Ay, ¡los defectos! qué malos son: cómo justificar el comportamiento de una persona por los defectos. Uf...
¡Vamos, amigo! Y después de que ella le mandara a volar varias veces.
Ah, pero claro, que se me olvidaba.
En estos casos, no te preocupa lo que puedan hacerte, que te secuestren, que te peguen, que abusen de ti. Oh, no, no, no, claro que no, tonta. Lo que te importa es que el tío es guapísimo, tiene un cuerpo de escándalo y besa de muerte. Todo eso después de haber negociado con su amigo el del negocio raro por ella.
Es que todo es tan normal. ¡No sé por qué me escandalizo!
¡Amiga, prioridades! ¡Prioridades!
Por favor, ¿y la manía que tiene de llamarla por preciosa, hermana, princesa, nena?
Y celoso a más no poder de un tal Bailey. Después de todo lo que le hace a MJ, ¿en serio tiene toda la cara de ponerse celoso de otro hombre (que en realidad es la mejor amiga) de la vida de MJ? ¡Últimas noticias! Os conocéis de hace menos de 24 horas. Y ella te odia. Y tú a ella. Pero, ay, que se me olvidaba, ese ingrediente de amor instantáneo 24 horas no puede faltar en una novela, porque ¡qué disparate!
O sea, literalmente, se están diciendo te quiero 24 horas después de conocerse y, lo que es peor, salido de la nada. De repente se están matando y no se soportan que ¡BUM! aparece un te quiero. No sabía si reír o llorar de lo absurdo que es todo. Varias páginas después de eso, MJ tiene este maravilloso pensamiento:
Disculpa mientras voy a reírme.
¡24 HORAS, AMIGA!
Mi cerebro todavía no lo ha procesado. No sé si es que se niega o le resulta imposible.
Ay, pero es que están en una relación, se dicen te quiero, han pasado milenios desde que se conocen, y ella no confía en él. ¿Por qué será? No comprendo.
La forma de tratar a MJ también deja mucho que desear. Y también por parte de ella, porque siendo la mujer fuerte que es, permite que lo haga y parece que le sigue el rollo (o es que no lo ve de lo cegada de amor que está). Aparte de la humillación de antes, está constantemente mandándola a callar, la deja de estúpida o la menosprecia, sobre todo cuando a MJ le da un bajón y le da por llorar (una reacción completamente normal después de todo lo que le ha pasado, machito).
No sabe cómo tratar a MJ cuando llora, así que decide quitarle importancia a lo que está sintiendo, hacerla sentir mal, menospreciar sus sentimientos, y amenazar con irse y, prácticamente, obligarla a que pare.
Madre mía, madre mía, madre mía.
Vaya joya de hombre.
MJ ha tenido que soportar que tú la atacaras en su propio apartamento, aguantar a dos tipos que la quieren matar por una maldita joya, le han disparado y perseguido, la humillación de Jack y sus esposas, sus mejores amigas están perdidas y no sabe nada de ellas... Es ABSOLUTAMENTE normal que en algún momento se rompa. No por ello él tiene que hacerle sentir mal por estar llorando, por preguntarle por su maldito orgullo y amenazar con irse solo porque él no "sabe" cómo tratar a una mujer llorando y eso lo hace sentirse como un estúpido. Y él es un machito que sabe hacer de todo, no le gusta fallar, ¡vamos! es un hombre. Los hombres no tienen que soportar lloriqueos. Por Dios, como si las lágrimas fueran radiactivas.
Bua, en serio, qué hombre.
Lo peor es que justo después de eso, Jack recapacita porque ¿cómo va a dejarla? y ella, con toda su cara y su orgullo, le dice, literalmente:
No sé cómo reaccionar a eso.
Y claro, como Jack es un macho de pura cepa, no hace nada mal. Yo sé, yo no me equivoco, yo no hago nada mal, yo, yo, yo, yo.
Además, Jack era super pesado y repetitivo, siempre haciendo referencia al aspecto físico y cuerpo de MJ. Continuamente. Era exasperante.
Y en serio, ¿ese final era necesario?
Todo un despropósito.
No sé cómo empezar a explicar todo lo que no me ha gustado porque no hay absolutamente nada positivo que pueda rescatar.
Estrella cautiva empieza con Jack Dakota vigilando a M.J, la amiga de Bailey (primer libro), porque le han contratado para llevarla ante la ley. MJ, en teoría, tenía un novio (el cual estaba casado) y, que por cosas de la vida, ella acaba disparando al hombre. Claro, el que contrató a Jack es una cosa extraña de empresario que se dedica a dejar dinero para pagar las fianzas y, sí, MJ no había pagado ni se había presentado en el juzgado. Así que Jack, como el cazarrecompensas que es, está en todo su derecho de entrar en el apartamento de MJ (y su consecuente destrozo), atacarla y sin escuchar ni una palabra que sale de la boca de MJ: ella no tiene un novio casado, ni ha disparado a nadie, ni nada de eso. La verdad absoluta es aquello que le ha dicho el que le ha contratado y punto. Después de todo esto, aparece un tío enorme que trata de matarlos y a partir de aquí comienza la huida.
Para empezar, diré que Jack es un desgraciado arrogante, egocéntrico, machista, asqueroso pervertido, celoso, un desgraciado y, en resumen, un ser deplorable. El primer pensamiento que tiene nada más ver a MJ es:
La chica sacó una bolsa del coche y Jack pudo contemplar una bonita vista de su firme trasero. Sonriendo para sus adentros, se dio un golpecito con la mano en el corazón. No era de extrañar que aquel capullo del contable le hubiera puesto los cuernos a su mujer.
¿Qué clase de persona justifica una infidelidad por el aspecto físico de la otra mujer u hombre? "Oh, ¡pobre hombre que no ha podido resistirse al atractivo de esa mujer! ¡Perdonadlo!" Una persona que da que pensar, y mucho más en la página 9 del libro. O sea que Jack y yo no empezamos con muy buen pie, que se diga.
Después de conseguir librarse del matón gigante, ambos salen pitando de la casa de MJ hacia el coche de Jack. Allí, Jack esposa a MJ a la puerta del coche. Dan varias vueltas por ahí hasta que llegan a un motel de mala muerte y, claro, en lugar de preguntar como una persona normal que, por favor, lo acompañe a la habitación para hablar como adultos de lo que les acaba de pasar, la ata con una cuerda, la amordaza y la arrastra hasta la habitación. Pero eso no es todo, porque el hombre no está satisfecho con humillarla y degradarla, quiere más "placer retorcido" y respuestas, para lo cual, ¡sí! ahí está MJ:
Sus labios rozaron la boca de MJ y se apartaron levemente. Esperaba que ella diera un respingo o se resistiera. Era evidente que Jack estaba pulsando todas las teclas que asustaban a una mujer, lo cual era deplorable. Pero de eso también se ocuparía más tarde. Solo quería presionarla un poco, conseguir que cantara antes de que los mataran a ambos. Y si de paso obtenía un poco de retorcido placer, bueno, en fin, uno tenía sus defectos.
Ay, ¡los defectos! qué malos son: cómo justificar el comportamiento de una persona por los defectos. Uf...
¡Vamos, amigo! Y después de que ella le mandara a volar varias veces.
Ah, pero claro, que se me olvidaba.
En estos casos, no te preocupa lo que puedan hacerte, que te secuestren, que te peguen, que abusen de ti. Oh, no, no, no, claro que no, tonta. Lo que te importa es que el tío es guapísimo, tiene un cuerpo de escándalo y besa de muerte. Todo eso después de haber negociado con su amigo el del negocio raro por ella.
Es que todo es tan normal. ¡No sé por qué me escandalizo!
¡Amiga, prioridades! ¡Prioridades!
Por favor, ¿y la manía que tiene de llamarla por preciosa, hermana, princesa, nena?
Y celoso a más no poder de un tal Bailey. Después de todo lo que le hace a MJ, ¿en serio tiene toda la cara de ponerse celoso de otro hombre (que en realidad es la mejor amiga) de la vida de MJ? ¡Últimas noticias! Os conocéis de hace menos de 24 horas. Y ella te odia. Y tú a ella. Pero, ay, que se me olvidaba, ese ingrediente de amor instantáneo 24 horas no puede faltar en una novela, porque ¡qué disparate!
Tenía muchas cosas en las que pensar, se dijo MJ. Su amiga había desaparecido, tenía en su poder un diamante azul y la habían perseguido, tiroteado y esposado. Y, además, temía estar enamorándose de un cazarrecompensas de mirada torva que conducía como un maníaco y besaba como un sueño. Un sueño húmedo y caliente.
Y apenas sabía de él más que su nombre.
O sea, literalmente, se están diciendo te quiero 24 horas después de conocerse y, lo que es peor, salido de la nada. De repente se están matando y no se soportan que ¡BUM! aparece un te quiero. No sabía si reír o llorar de lo absurdo que es todo. Varias páginas después de eso, MJ tiene este maravilloso pensamiento:
Tenía que aprender a delegar en él ciertas cuestiones, se dijo MJ. En eso consistía un compromiso, una relación.
Disculpa mientras voy a reírme.
¡24 HORAS, AMIGA!
Mi cerebro todavía no lo ha procesado. No sé si es que se niega o le resulta imposible.
Ay, pero es que están en una relación, se dicen te quiero, han pasado milenios desde que se conocen, y ella no confía en él. ¿Por qué será? No comprendo.
-Ahora no estoy en deuda contigo solo por mí. Debería haberme dado cuenta antes. Estoy en deuda contigo por Bailey, y también por Grace. Las he puesto en tus manos, Jack.
-No te pongas sentimental, cariño. Me saca de quicio.
-Te quiero.
-Demonios. Ahora supongo que querrás que yo también te lo diga.
-Supongo que sí.
-Te quiero. ¿Qué significa MJ?
-Mira, Jack, la pasión y las declaraciones de amor son una cosa, pero aún no te conozco lo suficiente para decirte eso.
La forma de tratar a MJ también deja mucho que desear. Y también por parte de ella, porque siendo la mujer fuerte que es, permite que lo haga y parece que le sigue el rollo (o es que no lo ve de lo cegada de amor que está). Aparte de la humillación de antes, está constantemente mandándola a callar, la deja de estúpida o la menosprecia, sobre todo cuando a MJ le da un bajón y le da por llorar (una reacción completamente normal después de todo lo que le ha pasado, machito).
-Tengo que contactar con ella. Tiene una casa en Potomac. No creo que esté allí. Supongo que estará en su casa de campo, pero...
-Cállate. Cállate hasta que estemos a salvo, ¿quieres? Dios, qué boca tienes.
-Me has dado un susto de muerte -masculló, furioso por las emociones que se agitaban dentro de él-. Cállate. Cállate. No quiero hablar de esto.
-Eso no tiene sentido. Si tenemos que...
-Vamos a hacer esto a mi modo.
-Oh, qué sorpresa. Solo estoy preguntando...
-Pues yo estoy harto de contestar. Muy harto.
No sabe cómo tratar a MJ cuando llora, así que decide quitarle importancia a lo que está sintiendo, hacerla sentir mal, menospreciar sus sentimientos, y amenazar con irse y, prácticamente, obligarla a que pare.
-Lo cual significa que aparecerá en alguna parte -Jack comenzó a acercarse a ella, pero al ver un brillo en sus mejillas, se detuvo en seco como si hubiera chocado contra una pared de cristal-. ¿Qué haces? ¿Estás llorando? -Era una acusación, proferida con una voz ribeteada de abyecto terror.
MJ se limitó a cruzar los brazos sobre el pecho y se abrazó los codos. Toda la excitación, la tensión, la frustración de la búsqueda se había convertido en pura desesperación.
-Quiero que dejes de llorar. Ahora mismo. Lo digo en serio. Lloriquear no va a hacerte ningún bien -ni a él tampoco. Aquello lo aterrorizaba, le hacía sentirse estúpido, torpe y molesto.
-Déjame en paz -dijo ella, sofocando un sollozo-. Vete.
-Eso es justamente lo que voy a hacer. Si sigues así, me marcho. Hablo en serio. No voy a quedarme aquí, viéndote hacer pucheros. Domínate. ¿Es que no tienes orgullo?
Madre mía, madre mía, madre mía.
Vaya joya de hombre.
MJ ha tenido que soportar que tú la atacaras en su propio apartamento, aguantar a dos tipos que la quieren matar por una maldita joya, le han disparado y perseguido, la humillación de Jack y sus esposas, sus mejores amigas están perdidas y no sabe nada de ellas... Es ABSOLUTAMENTE normal que en algún momento se rompa. No por ello él tiene que hacerle sentir mal por estar llorando, por preguntarle por su maldito orgullo y amenazar con irse solo porque él no "sabe" cómo tratar a una mujer llorando y eso lo hace sentirse como un estúpido. Y él es un machito que sabe hacer de todo, no le gusta fallar, ¡vamos! es un hombre. Los hombres no tienen que soportar lloriqueos. Por Dios, como si las lágrimas fueran radiactivas.
Bua, en serio, qué hombre.
Lo peor es que justo después de eso, Jack recapacita porque ¿cómo va a dejarla? y ella, con toda su cara y su orgullo, le dice, literalmente:
Jack... gracias por dejar que me desahogara. No me has hecho sentir como una idiota. Así que gracias.
No sé cómo reaccionar a eso.
Y claro, como Jack es un macho de pura cepa, no hace nada mal. Yo sé, yo no me equivoco, yo no hago nada mal, yo, yo, yo, yo.
-¿Por qué estás dando vueltas? Deberías haber girado a la izquierda en esa esquina. ¿Es que has olvidado cómo se llega?
-No, no he olvidado cómo se llega. A mí nunca se me olvida cómo llegar a un sitio.
-¿Por qué paras aquí? Estamos a varias manzanas de distancia. Mira, Jack, si tienes la testosterona baja y te has perdido, no te lo reprocharé. Puedo...
-No me he perdido. Yo nunca me pierdo. Sé lo que estoy haciendo.
-Les he dado. Se están retirando.
-No, yo les estoy dejando atrás. Deja que yo me ocupe de esto, ¿quieres?
-No vas a dispararles. Podrías darle a algún coche.
-Yo le doy a lo que apunto. Ahora, ponte el cinturón y cierra el pico.
Además, Jack era super pesado y repetitivo, siempre haciendo referencia al aspecto físico y cuerpo de MJ. Continuamente. Era exasperante.
Y en serio, ¿ese final era necesario?
Todo un despropósito.
April 27, 2020
CAPTIVE STAR is the only book by Nora Roberts that I own so far, and I bought it simply because I liked the cover. (I have the original edition, which was SILHOUETTE INTIMATE MOMENTS #823, Dec. 1997.) This was the second book in "The Stars of Mithra" trilogy; the first was "Hidden Star" (SIM #811) which I've not read, but that didn't hamper my enjoyment of this one.
I was unprepared for this book, which is a dynamite read. Based on the cover, one might assume that this is a romance novel with some mystery element to it, maybe like an old Alfred Hitchcock movie. Nope: think Quentin Tarantino instead (but without the swearing). Much of this book read like a "men's adventure" or hard-boiled crime novel.
Our hero is Jack Dakota, a bounty hunter whose assignment is to bring in a woman named M. J. O'Leary. The problem is that Jack has been set up, fed false info by the person who hired him, so when Jack busts M.J. at her apartment for skipping bail, she has no idea what he is talking about. She assumes he is a mugger or potential rapist, and a knock-down drag-out fight ensues between the two. Soon they are on the run from two hired goons who are trying to kill them both, in order to steal a rare diamond in M.J.'s possession: one of the three Stars of Mithra (the other two diamonds are the subject of the other two books in the trilogy).
For the first few chapters, Jack has M.J. handcuffed to prevent her from escaping until they eventually trust one another, and finally of course fall in love. One of my favorite scenes is early on in the book when they are hiding out in a motel with the TV playing in the background (just in case she decides to start screaming for help). When Jack empties M.J.'s purse, he notices a Sue Grafton paperback ("good book, by the way," he tells her, as she's handcuffed to the bed, "I won't tell you the ending") and then they watch the TV for awhile. The channel is having a monsters and heroes marathon for the July 4th weekend, so first there is a dubbed "Hercules" movie playing, followed by a Japanese monster movie -- and we actually get a short paragraph describing the movie as they watch it.
I kept picturing Brad Pitt as Jack Dakota while I read the novel, or maybe Matthew McConaughey -- someone cool and laid back who wasn't going to get pushed around. M.J. has red hair, full lips and catlike eyes, so I was thinking maybe someone like Scarlet Johansson in the role, but M.J.'s confident attitude, athletic figure and long legs made me think of someone like Angie Harmon instead (though Angie has black hair, not red). The woman depicted on the front cover seems too delicate-looking and the guy looks too well-groomed.
I've said in the past that I've never been one to swoon over the characters in a romance novel, and have never felt this burning desire to see the hero and heroine jump in the sack, whereas many romance readers do feel that way and that's a big part of the genre's appeal. Well, I take it back: I wanted to see these two get it on. Part of the reason may be because I was picturing them as these larger-than-life stars, another may be because the sexual tension between them was off the charts due to the characters' similar personalities and their aggressive physical and verbal reactions to each other. I didn't want to see the loner Jack Dakota remain alone at the end, and I didn't want M.J. to let him walk away.
I read this novel with no preconceived notions about Nora Roberts other than knowing she was popular and prolific. Now I know that her popularity is totally deserved. The writing in this book was excellent, not just the pop culture references, the great lines of dialogue, the page-turning quality of the narrative, the lyrical descriptions of the lovemaking, but also the little observations about life that would occasionally find their way onto the page. An example (page 164): "Occasionally she would see houses behind the roadside trees, glimpses only, as if they were hiding from prying eyes. She wondered about them, those tucked-away houses.... It was one way to live, she supposed. But you had to tend that garden, mow that lawn. She'd never lived in a house. Apartments had always suited her style. To some, she supposed, an apartment would seem like a box tucked with other boxes within a box." This sounds like the thoughts of a real person, not just a character in a story.
So, why am I giving this book 4 stars instead of 5? I've found that my 5-star reads tend to be thicker books (this novel only runs 248 pages) and historical romance (which tend to be more impressive to me due to the research required). Also, I doubt that this is the best book that Nora Roberts has ever written (great as it is) so I'm going to say 4 stars for now and can always revise my rating later if necessary.
I was unprepared for this book, which is a dynamite read. Based on the cover, one might assume that this is a romance novel with some mystery element to it, maybe like an old Alfred Hitchcock movie. Nope: think Quentin Tarantino instead (but without the swearing). Much of this book read like a "men's adventure" or hard-boiled crime novel.
Our hero is Jack Dakota, a bounty hunter whose assignment is to bring in a woman named M. J. O'Leary. The problem is that Jack has been set up, fed false info by the person who hired him, so when Jack busts M.J. at her apartment for skipping bail, she has no idea what he is talking about. She assumes he is a mugger or potential rapist, and a knock-down drag-out fight ensues between the two. Soon they are on the run from two hired goons who are trying to kill them both, in order to steal a rare diamond in M.J.'s possession: one of the three Stars of Mithra (the other two diamonds are the subject of the other two books in the trilogy).
For the first few chapters, Jack has M.J. handcuffed to prevent her from escaping until they eventually trust one another, and finally of course fall in love. One of my favorite scenes is early on in the book when they are hiding out in a motel with the TV playing in the background (just in case she decides to start screaming for help). When Jack empties M.J.'s purse, he notices a Sue Grafton paperback ("good book, by the way," he tells her, as she's handcuffed to the bed, "I won't tell you the ending") and then they watch the TV for awhile. The channel is having a monsters and heroes marathon for the July 4th weekend, so first there is a dubbed "Hercules" movie playing, followed by a Japanese monster movie -- and we actually get a short paragraph describing the movie as they watch it.
I kept picturing Brad Pitt as Jack Dakota while I read the novel, or maybe Matthew McConaughey -- someone cool and laid back who wasn't going to get pushed around. M.J. has red hair, full lips and catlike eyes, so I was thinking maybe someone like Scarlet Johansson in the role, but M.J.'s confident attitude, athletic figure and long legs made me think of someone like Angie Harmon instead (though Angie has black hair, not red). The woman depicted on the front cover seems too delicate-looking and the guy looks too well-groomed.
I've said in the past that I've never been one to swoon over the characters in a romance novel, and have never felt this burning desire to see the hero and heroine jump in the sack, whereas many romance readers do feel that way and that's a big part of the genre's appeal. Well, I take it back: I wanted to see these two get it on. Part of the reason may be because I was picturing them as these larger-than-life stars, another may be because the sexual tension between them was off the charts due to the characters' similar personalities and their aggressive physical and verbal reactions to each other. I didn't want to see the loner Jack Dakota remain alone at the end, and I didn't want M.J. to let him walk away.
I read this novel with no preconceived notions about Nora Roberts other than knowing she was popular and prolific. Now I know that her popularity is totally deserved. The writing in this book was excellent, not just the pop culture references, the great lines of dialogue, the page-turning quality of the narrative, the lyrical descriptions of the lovemaking, but also the little observations about life that would occasionally find their way onto the page. An example (page 164): "Occasionally she would see houses behind the roadside trees, glimpses only, as if they were hiding from prying eyes. She wondered about them, those tucked-away houses.... It was one way to live, she supposed. But you had to tend that garden, mow that lawn. She'd never lived in a house. Apartments had always suited her style. To some, she supposed, an apartment would seem like a box tucked with other boxes within a box." This sounds like the thoughts of a real person, not just a character in a story.
So, why am I giving this book 4 stars instead of 5? I've found that my 5-star reads tend to be thicker books (this novel only runs 248 pages) and historical romance (which tend to be more impressive to me due to the research required). Also, I doubt that this is the best book that Nora Roberts has ever written (great as it is) so I'm going to say 4 stars for now and can always revise my rating later if necessary.
April 21, 2024
Next up in the SoM series is M.J.'s story and she's a little feistier than Bailey. I mean, I kinda think M.J. could argue with a literal brick wall and probably win the argument. The lady likes to know what's going on and she's not about to take anything from anyone. Even the guy who's supposedly trying to help her.
To be fair, Jack really was trying to help her once he realized the bail jumping thing he'd been sent to pick her up on was bogus. It's just that these two didn't get off to the best start and they're both a little adversarial and I think they might picks fights as foreplay. Which works for them, so have at it, you two!
The biggest roadblock is that M.J. is in the dark about who's after her and what lengths they'll go to. It's only Jack's ability to think on his feet (and when bullets are flying) and his impressive getaway driving skills that give her the chance to start digging down into what's going on. Cut off from her two best friends (and de facto sisters), M.J. has to rely on a man who pushes all her buttons (and then some) and who stirs her up something fierce.
In other words, there's a WHOLE lot of tension being slung around and it doesn't take long before THINGS HAPPEN.
One more diamond and the lady who's currently in possession of it to go! Let's do this!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
To be fair, Jack really was trying to help her once he realized the bail jumping thing he'd been sent to pick her up on was bogus. It's just that these two didn't get off to the best start and they're both a little adversarial and I think they might picks fights as foreplay. Which works for them, so have at it, you two!
The biggest roadblock is that M.J. is in the dark about who's after her and what lengths they'll go to. It's only Jack's ability to think on his feet (and when bullets are flying) and his impressive getaway driving skills that give her the chance to start digging down into what's going on. Cut off from her two best friends (and de facto sisters), M.J. has to rely on a man who pushes all her buttons (and then some) and who stirs her up something fierce.
In other words, there's a WHOLE lot of tension being slung around and it doesn't take long before THINGS HAPPEN.
One more diamond and the lady who's currently in possession of it to go! Let's do this!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
May 31, 2022
Captive Star was an amazing follow up to Hidden Star featuring a romance between a bounty hunter and the woman he was set up to capture.
M.J. O’Leary has never been the patient type, so when a man follows her into her apartment claiming he’s there to detain her for jumping bail, M.J. starts swinging. Bounty hunter Jack Dakota took this job thinking it would be easy money but after meeting M.J., Jack realized he had no clue what he was getting into. When hired killers show up in the middle of their confrontation, the pair find themselves on the run. While on the road, the pair slowly begin to trust one another but will they be able to get past the secrets between them in order to find love?
Growing up, M.J.'s family ran a successful bar which led to M.J. eventually opening up her own. M.J. enjoys her work and she's good at it. I liked how tough M.J. was and that she didn't take crap from anyone. At the same time, she's smart enough to know that she can't take on two hired killers by herself. Jack has been on his own for a long time and isn't used to working with anyone else. The nature of his profession means he's usually alone and he likes it that way. Jack is definitely on the gruffer side and at times was a little too pushy with the "my way or the highway" nonsense, but I did like him overall.
M.J. and Jack develop an attraction for one another quite quickly despite their circumstances. Jack at first still believes M.J. is a bail jumper while M.J. knows she's innocent and thinks Jack is the man who basically kidnapped her. As the truth is revealed, the pair start to trust one another and their romance began to progress quickly at that point. Jack does try several times to leave M.J. behind to deal with the situation on his own which was frustrating but thankfully M.J. let him have it for that. This story overlaps somewhat with the first book and we see some events from a different perspective. We don't get a ton of information about who the overarching bad guy is, so I'm looking forward to the next book to get resolution on that front.
Overall Captive Star was an enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to reading the final book in the trilogy, Secret Star, soon.
M.J. O’Leary has never been the patient type, so when a man follows her into her apartment claiming he’s there to detain her for jumping bail, M.J. starts swinging. Bounty hunter Jack Dakota took this job thinking it would be easy money but after meeting M.J., Jack realized he had no clue what he was getting into. When hired killers show up in the middle of their confrontation, the pair find themselves on the run. While on the road, the pair slowly begin to trust one another but will they be able to get past the secrets between them in order to find love?
Growing up, M.J.'s family ran a successful bar which led to M.J. eventually opening up her own. M.J. enjoys her work and she's good at it. I liked how tough M.J. was and that she didn't take crap from anyone. At the same time, she's smart enough to know that she can't take on two hired killers by herself. Jack has been on his own for a long time and isn't used to working with anyone else. The nature of his profession means he's usually alone and he likes it that way. Jack is definitely on the gruffer side and at times was a little too pushy with the "my way or the highway" nonsense, but I did like him overall.
M.J. and Jack develop an attraction for one another quite quickly despite their circumstances. Jack at first still believes M.J. is a bail jumper while M.J. knows she's innocent and thinks Jack is the man who basically kidnapped her. As the truth is revealed, the pair start to trust one another and their romance began to progress quickly at that point. Jack does try several times to leave M.J. behind to deal with the situation on his own which was frustrating but thankfully M.J. let him have it for that. This story overlaps somewhat with the first book and we see some events from a different perspective. We don't get a ton of information about who the overarching bad guy is, so I'm looking forward to the next book to get resolution on that front.
Overall Captive Star was an enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to reading the final book in the trilogy, Secret Star, soon.
April 14, 2023
My beautiful late nan owned every single one of Nora’s books.
So when she moved in with us for her last few years we spent the time reading our way through every single one together.
Granted they are not the type of books I like to read, but they were still really good and sweet.
So when she moved in with us for her last few years we spent the time reading our way through every single one together.
Granted they are not the type of books I like to read, but they were still really good and sweet.
December 12, 2018
Şimdi geri dönüp ilk kitabı okumam ve en son da üçüncü kitapla final yapmam gerek çünkü taktım bile.
January 15, 2019
Good! I originally read this when it was first published and enjoyed it very much! Now I find Jack's actions with M.J. at the beginning a bit abusive.
April 19, 2019
Well, those were two different, interesting characters not usually seen. They worked it out in the end. Hmmm. Despite that, still an interesting little series.
June 29, 2021
As lighthearted, and sometimes almost silly, as these books are, they are entertaining, so I will now keep an eye out for the third book of the series.
February 23, 2023
A cheesy old school sort of instaluvy type but it was okay. :)
January 4, 2025
Entertaining and intriguing read, light and easy read
January 23, 2021
⭐⭐⭐💫Me encanta el enfoque porque ahora sabes que fue de MJ.
March 14, 2021
Cant go wrong with a Nora book! Nothing else needed! LOL
November 25, 2020
It was good until around 50% and the I love you’s were dropped crazy soon and then everything fizzled. I’m done with this series. Sometime vintage Nora is a crapshoot.
December 17, 2018
Second in the series. I didn’t like it as much as the first one.
January 24, 2025
Jack and M.J.
Absolutely loved the book.
Two hard-nosed main characters.
Each so fiercely independent.
Loved the banter and the development of the relationship.
Both the main characters remind me of Eve and Roarke from the In Death Series.
A lovely quick read.
Absolutely loved the book.
Two hard-nosed main characters.
Each so fiercely independent.
Loved the banter and the development of the relationship.
Both the main characters remind me of Eve and Roarke from the In Death Series.
A lovely quick read.
February 7, 2017
M.J. O'Leary is an easy target for an expert bounty hunter like Jack Dakota. She's not even trying to hide, waltzing around town with apparently no worry on her mind. Well, she's about to see that skipping a bond should be a worry.
Unfortunately for both of them, M.J. didn't skip a bond, but it's obvious someone's getting pretty desperate to get their hands on her for forging enough papers and siccing a bounty hunter on her. Or maybe they just want the blue diamond, worth a fortune on its own and priceless when it's combined with the other two, in her purse, sent to her by her best friend. A best friend that's suddenly missing, her apartment ransacked, and yet another friend AWOL.
So what's a girl to do when she's saddled with a diamond she doesn't particularly want, but needs to keep safe, and cuffed to a rough-around-the-edges, captivatingly handsome bounty hunter? Well, brace herself and enjoy the ride.
This was nothing like Hidden Star , the first book in this trilogy. For one, everything happened even faster than in the previous one (going from kicking each other's asses to I-love-yous in about a day), and the main leads were nothing like Bailey and Cade. M.J. was tough-as-nails, didn't listen to orders, knew exactly who she was and what she wanted, and didn't trust easily, while Jack was simply Jack, rough, tough, gruff, didn't care what means he used to get what he wanted, but there was a tender core underneath the steely exterior, a core he showed only to the woman who captured his heart.
Did I think the romance was rushed? Depends on how you look at it. If we go by the timeline (a weekend at best), yes, but then, the first book in the trilogy also happened in the same weekend, and could also be deemed unrealistic and rushed. But if we look at it from the point of view of what and how much happened in this short amount of time, everything seemed longer, and there are those heightened sense of imminent danger and high amount of stressful situations to take into account.
Yes, as far as the romance happening with the speed it did, there was a huge amount of disbelief to be suspended, but we're talking about fiction here. And fiction of entertaining sort, so I was happy to suspend anything that needed to be.
Because the story worked. It was rushed, it was hectic, it was dangerous (more so than the first book), but it was fun, exciting, and hot, and I loved every single sentence of it.
The pacing was spot-on, the plot tight, the characters wonderful and perfect for each other, the mystery kept on being mysterious (who is the guy pulling all the strings, I wonder), what needed to be solved was solved, and now I only have one more book to go. And I can hardly wait to read the conclusion to this amazing trilogy.
Unfortunately for both of them, M.J. didn't skip a bond, but it's obvious someone's getting pretty desperate to get their hands on her for forging enough papers and siccing a bounty hunter on her. Or maybe they just want the blue diamond, worth a fortune on its own and priceless when it's combined with the other two, in her purse, sent to her by her best friend. A best friend that's suddenly missing, her apartment ransacked, and yet another friend AWOL.
So what's a girl to do when she's saddled with a diamond she doesn't particularly want, but needs to keep safe, and cuffed to a rough-around-the-edges, captivatingly handsome bounty hunter? Well, brace herself and enjoy the ride.
This was nothing like Hidden Star , the first book in this trilogy. For one, everything happened even faster than in the previous one (going from kicking each other's asses to I-love-yous in about a day), and the main leads were nothing like Bailey and Cade. M.J. was tough-as-nails, didn't listen to orders, knew exactly who she was and what she wanted, and didn't trust easily, while Jack was simply Jack, rough, tough, gruff, didn't care what means he used to get what he wanted, but there was a tender core underneath the steely exterior, a core he showed only to the woman who captured his heart.
Did I think the romance was rushed? Depends on how you look at it. If we go by the timeline (a weekend at best), yes, but then, the first book in the trilogy also happened in the same weekend, and could also be deemed unrealistic and rushed. But if we look at it from the point of view of what and how much happened in this short amount of time, everything seemed longer, and there are those heightened sense of imminent danger and high amount of stressful situations to take into account.
Yes, as far as the romance happening with the speed it did, there was a huge amount of disbelief to be suspended, but we're talking about fiction here. And fiction of entertaining sort, so I was happy to suspend anything that needed to be.
Because the story worked. It was rushed, it was hectic, it was dangerous (more so than the first book), but it was fun, exciting, and hot, and I loved every single sentence of it.
The pacing was spot-on, the plot tight, the characters wonderful and perfect for each other, the mystery kept on being mysterious (who is the guy pulling all the strings, I wonder), what needed to be solved was solved, and now I only have one more book to go. And I can hardly wait to read the conclusion to this amazing trilogy.
August 27, 2023
The writing in the second book of the series is definitely as smooth as I have grown to expect from Ms. Roberts. Other than one jolt, the pace was fast and even. The jolt came because at the end of the first book, the first stone had been returned to the Smithsonian but in this book, they put both stones together when Bailey and MJ are reunited. What happened to the Smithsonian? Other than that, I really like the characters in this book. I can identify with aspects of both and I absolutely loved the "You go first", "No, you" dialogue between Jack and MJ when they are trying to admit their feelings for each other. I had to laugh.
July 5, 2013
At one point in the novel, the male lead says to the female lead, "I don't need a damn play by play." I thought, you're exactly right, and closed the book.
The fem. seems to do nothing but act silly, state the obvious, and narrate what's happening as it happens. The characters aren't challenging or unique. Yes, the fem. lead is supposed to be a good fighter, but she doesn't seem very bright (not that the male lead does either).
This book found its way into my hands as a library ebook, and only stayed so long because I was battling insomnia. This is the second Roberts book I've tried and found less than engaging.
I don't think there will be a third.
The fem. seems to do nothing but act silly, state the obvious, and narrate what's happening as it happens. The characters aren't challenging or unique. Yes, the fem. lead is supposed to be a good fighter, but she doesn't seem very bright (not that the male lead does either).
This book found its way into my hands as a library ebook, and only stayed so long because I was battling insomnia. This is the second Roberts book I've tried and found less than engaging.
I don't think there will be a third.
May 11, 2016
MJ O'Leary is wondering what her best friend is up to, sending her a giant, priceless diamond, when she's jumping by Jack Dakota, bounty hunter. Before she can convince him she's not a bail jumper, they are both attacked by a giant of a man and go on the run.
The duration of the chronological events in this book is probably 48 hours and I'm going to spoil it for you. After essentially kidnapping MJ and then blackmailing her into agreeing to hire him and then "forcibly seducing" her so that she feels womanly and ravaged, with the occasional bout of action between sex(y) scenes, many of which have MJ handcuffed and at a physical disadvantage, they get engaged.
No.
The duration of the chronological events in this book is probably 48 hours and I'm going to spoil it for you. After essentially kidnapping MJ and then blackmailing her into agreeing to hire him and then "forcibly seducing" her so that she feels womanly and ravaged, with the occasional bout of action between sex(y) scenes, many of which have MJ handcuffed and at a physical disadvantage, they get engaged.
No.
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