Reunion: Once More With Feeling / Treasures Lost, Treasures Found

by Nora Roberts

Once More with Feeling (1983)
It had been more than five years since Raven Williams had laid eyes on Brandon Carstairs, the man who'd stolen her heart. Now he offered her the opportunity of a lifetime–to work with him on his latest venture. And despite the painful ache he brought to her life, Raven found herself powerless to say no. . .

Treasures Lost, Treasures Found (1986)
She was haunted by an unfulfilled dream. . . and the memory of the man who'd first awakened her heart. But to realize her dream, Kate Hardesty needed the help of Ky Silver. Kate had left him once upon a time. Would she now see that they were truly meant to be together?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Anthologies, Chick Lit, Adult

507 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Nora 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.

Reviews

[Kelsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Once More with Feeling:
Two hundred and fifty pages of domestic abuse, basically. If I could reach into a book and stab a character in the face, I would stab Brandon Carstairs.

Over and over and over again, he grabs Raven roughly and refuses to let go even when she tries to run away, he kisses her to shut her up because he doesn't care about her consent, he gets up in the middle of the night and starts having sex with her, barely even waking her up first, "allowing no time for surprise, protest, or response [page 198]" (so he rapes her in her sleep multiple times), and included with all the physical violence, we get heaps upon heaps of emotional manipulation. The man broke up with her in the first place because she refused to sleep with him because she didn't feel she was ready yet and then he spends five years obsessing over it and manipulates her life around for his own personal gain and then REFUSES to listen to her when she explains why this makes her upset.

And then in the end (and several times before the end), SHE'S the one who apologizes for it all.

I'm absolutely disgusted by this book. I don't care that it was the 80s and ~ooh times were different then~ or ~physical violence is the only way he knows how to show his love~ or whatever, there is absolutely no excuse for romaniticization of abuse.

I understand that it was one of Nora Roberts' first published works and having read other works written by her, I know that she doesn't make a habit of romanticizing violence the way she does in this novel, but I still hate this book. I seriously hate it more than I hate probably any other book I've read in recent memory. I know her writing and her characters get better over time, but I can't bring myself to forgive this particular book. I think I'll stick to her more recent works, because the few books of hers I've read from the 80s are just awful in the way they treat their female characters. Women don't need messages like this floating around in fiction when we already get enough of it in real life.

Treasures Lost, Treasures Found:
This one was far less objectionable.

[Tamara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really would give this "0" stars. It's taken me awhile to get through it. Partially because it made me mad to read it. It made me not want to read another Nora Roberts romance book. I had to look back at the first couple pages to see what year it was written; not that it excuses the behavior of the male lead, Brandon and the "victim" Raven. I found the way her "manhandles" and treats her overall is very masochistic and I found her attempt to fight for her voice a very shallow attempt only to give in to him and fall into his arms...I found this to be a very disturbing to read as an acceptable "love story". Yes, times may be different now...while romance novels got me into reading more as an adult, I have found that I find them too shallow and predictable and not what intrigues me now. I've "graduated" to more meaningful reads. Sorry, Nora! Hopefully, your "love story" reads are evolving to truly portray more contemporary healthy relationships. Come on, Nora!

[Anne Calvert · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reunion by Nora Roberts was two books in one. The first, Once More With Feeling, was okay. I am no prude, but detailed sex scenes are just not my thing. This story was too much in that department. The story line didn't interest me very much as well. In the second story, Treasure Lost, Treasure Found, I enjoyed the story line much more and the sex scenes weren't quite as graphic.

In both stories the women frustrate me so much. Just let the guy love you already! Take your chances! He seems like a great guy. That's just how I felt.

In both stories Ms. Roberts is very descriptive of the events, the surroundings, etc. I really appreciated that and enjoyed her ability to let me see what she saw while writing.

My low rating is mainly due to the descriptive manner she wrote in the sex scenes, again too much for me. If you enjoy that, you may enjoy the book.

[JoAnn M · Rating 2 out of 5]

This review is only for Once More with Feeling. I had read Treasures Lost, Treasures Found several years ago. Music star Raven has the opportunity to work with her first love Brandon. They’ll be collaborating on a score for a new musical. Can she get past the old hurts she’s suffered from him? Another one of Nora’s old stories from 1983. The only thing redeeming about it was that involved music.

[Margaret Duarte · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read a Nora Roberts book in years, so I don't know if my tastes have changed or if the two romances in "Reunion" are not Nora's usual good work. I like to learn something new along with being entertained by a riveting story. "Reunion" didn't meet with these standards.

[Fredell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed both both within the book.
I am a true Nora Roberts fan and thought these two captured the essence and character of all those involved with the book.
Very good read for the summer time

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual, Nora Roberts proves her ability to make her stories come alive with believable characters and a wonderful ability with description!

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both stories are cute and entertaining. The tension between characters made it difficult to put down, and each novel had a unique and satisfying ending.

[Kathryn Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was very good, would recommend it to everyone.

[Chayong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really a 2.75. But good job in packing the romance in short novels.

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

2004 - two books - Had It - Read It

[L T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick reading on the beach.. enjoyed both books
Love and romance if you are in the mood.

[Goldie Herechuk · Rating 2 out of 5]

The two stories in this book were typical for Harlequin romances. Very mindless reads.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome. Both stories were filled with great details. They had to rehash the past to see their future. Loved it.

[Sally Ladyman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two stories of lovers parted for years and their reunion. Lovely, beautiful and passionate stories of true love.

[Kathy Blackburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much sex, not enough story.

[Maddy · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf 40% brandon carstairs eat my shorts challenge

[Janet · Rating 1 out of 5]

2 sappy romance stories

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great quick romance stories. Really enjoy Nora Roberts. With a very stressful job it’s nice to just sit and read a books to get away from the daily life .

[Katie Brooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Almost a DNF… there are two books here. The first was awful. Zero stars. The second was a cute 90’s rom-com. Maybe 2.5. I’m not sure what compelled me to finish, but I did. Bleh.

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a favourite.

[TrixieB · Rating 1 out of 5]

CW toxic masculinity, sexual abuse with noncon kissing after being told explicitly no

I mean the CW says it all. She says no and he ignores her.

Conceited, arrogant, abusive

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reunion by Nora Roberts
Two book by the same author:
Once More With Feeling
Raven Williams, tanned gold from the CA sun she is a musician and has the chance to work with an old boyfriend who is to produce a show.
Brandon, she's not seen him in years and she remembers the heartache when they had broken up.
She's not sure she can do the show and put their old relationship in the past.
She also has other responsibilities and she has a lot to juggle to do it all.
.
Treasures Lost, Treasures Found
Her father had just passed away but she had gotten the summer to spend with him off the coast of NC. She had fallen in love with Ty, the boat captain.
Her father's legacy was left to her: Kathleen Harveston the maps he had drawn of treasures that he knew were there.
Ty Silver had even taught her to dive. He liked his current lifestyle, got to do what he wanted, when he wanted.
She had a doctorate in English and had sent him a message about her father, his death and she needs his help in something that she'll talk about when she sees him next.
When she becomes deathly ill he vows to take care of her...
Love the procedure of how they discover things and the diving..

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once More With Feeling: 1 stars.
Despite the fantastic title (Buffy!!!), I did not enjoy this book one bit. Maybe because of everything with the 50 shades movie, but this was pretty borderline abusive if not completely i.e. "He knew he had to do something with his hands or he'd hurt her again. He watched as she unconsciously nursed her arm where he had gripped her." (p.251). I found parts difficult to read (like when he doesn't even wake her up to have sex?!?), and there wasn't much of a plot. Brandon was controlling and just really unappealing, and Raven was weak and I didn't like how her inexperience was handled.

Treasures Lost, Treasures Found: 4 stars.
On the other hand, I loved this one. It was classic Nora. Kate was great and Ky was delicious and the character development was on point and the story had just the right amount of adventure (although was the shark really necessary?)

[Bonnie Staughton · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Reunion" by Nora Roberts is actually 2 books--"Once more with Feeling" and "Treasures Lost, Treasures Found". Both are concerned with 2nd chances and lovers coming back together after being apart for several years.

I've read many Nora Roberts books and "Once More with Feeling" is so far only the 2nd one that I really didn't care for. When Brand is so needy that he comes very close to violence to try to seduce Raven, I got very nervous and the story was no longer interesting for me. Although I wanted to stop reading, I did continue on and this fear in me that Raven was going to come to harm occurred a few more times before the story ended.

"Treasures Lost, Treasures Found" was much more entertaining for me. Even though Ky made his feelings known to Kate and she tried her best to keep everything on a "professional" level, you could tell that he truly loved her, missed her and would keep her safe. I wanted this story to keep going.

[Adam · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nora Roberts taught me a lot about relationships that I didn't know before. Mostly, she taught me that sexual assault is the gateway to a healthy relationship, which I didn't fully appreciate before. So that's what I learned from this book. "Seriously" though, this is actually a "collection" of 2 previously published Nora Roberts' "novels," both of which focus on the theme of "reunion." After a break-up and a long period apart, two couples reunite for highly unlikely "professional" reasons and fall in love all over again. Doubts are inflamed and overcome, ravaging ensues. I really approve of Nora Roberts selling her books in these 2-in-1 compilations, because if I had to review 2 separate books then Nora Roberts would've gotten a cumulative 2 stars from me. But as it stands, she's only getting the one.

[Janelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Once more with feeling - this book wasn't bad in the beginning, but the last three chapters were really annoying. The main characters fought about annoying things and had annoying principles and I get that it's the 80's, but wow just pick up a phone. Back then it must have been hard to love because of all the miscommunication due to a lack of basic connection. And leaving for 5 years because he couldn't get into her pants? Oh, sorry, because of her lack of "trust" in him. No. Did not like the reason for the 5 year gap. Unnecessarily lengthy.

Treasures lost treasures found: I made it halfway through this book before I lost complete interest. Remember The Reef? How interesting that was? This book had none of that and for only being 200 pages it spend 150 before even heading to the boat. Such a lack of adventure! Couldn't get me to keep turning those pages.

[Cyrisse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once More with Feelings

It had been more than five years since Raven Williams had laid eyes on Brandon Carstairs, the man who'd stolen her heart. Now he offered her the opportunity of a lifetime - to work with him on his latest venture. And despite the painful ache he brought to life, Raven found herself powerless to say no...

Treasure Lost, Treasure Found

She was haunted by the unfulfilled dream... and the memory of the man who'd first awakened her heart. But to realize her dream, Kate Hardesty needed the help of Ky Silver. Kate had left him once upon a time. Would she now see that they were truly meant to be together?

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Both books are about relationships from the past connecting again in the present. The first book, Once More With Feelings, was a four-star effort from the 1980's. A most enjoyable read. The second, Treasures Lost, Treasures Found, did not quite gel for me, so I give it two stars. Being a scuba diver myself, the underwater part of the story did not come alive. I felt there wasn't enough about the poor visibility in the water around Ocracoke Island, the odd old-English accent of the natives, and the feeling of being totally cut-off from the normal world that is one of my fondest memories of Ocracoke. I almost wish the book had been set in the Florida Keys instead.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the first story in this book better than the second. Once More with Feeling is a shorter story that is different than other Nora Roberts novels. I thought there was too much similarity between Treasures Lost, Treasures Found and The Reef.