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Stars of Mithra #1
Une femme en fuite: Le premier tome de la saga Le Secrets des diamants
She couldn't remember a thing, not even who she was. But it was clear Bailey James was in trouble. Big trouble! And she desperately needed Cade Parris to help her live long enough to find out just what kind.
The moment the cool-headed private eye laid eyes on the fragile beauty, she almost had him forgetting who he was. If Bailey was a criminal, Cade would eat his hat. But what was she doing with a satchel full of cash and a diamond as big as a baby's fist? And how could he unravel this mystery if he kept tripping over his heart?
192 pages
First published October 28, 1997
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About the author
Nora Roberts
1,209 books59.7k 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 484 reviews
September 2, 2012
This is the 2nd amnesia story from Nora Roberts I've read in two days. So, I kinda expected to find similarities and not really enjoy it. But alas, there were few similarities. Mainly because the character from the other book (Brie from Affaire Royale) wasn't a pussy and Bailey certainly was.
She hires Cade, a private investigator, to figure out who she is and why she has a 100 carat diamond, 1 million dollars, and a gun. But at every turn - every time she makes a little headway in remembering - she wimps out, shuts down, and then gets mad at Cade for trying to get her to remember. Bailey shows a little backbone quite randomly, but eventually gives in... every single time.
But what really pissed me off was how Nora Roberts kept telling the reader the Bailey was so smart, but I swear that girl had not one lick of good common sense. Every time they got another clue about what happened to her or who she was, she immediately jumped to the worst conclusion possible. I can't figure out what the fuck made her think she had kidnapped a child... I just don't get it. She was constantly thinking the worst of herself while admitting she had no knowledge of herself. And Cade was pointing out to her numerous times that she probably wasn't a bad person if she was so worried about being one. Did she accept that sound logic? No. She must be a murderer! A thief! A basilisk!
At this point, I'm going to hide what I have to say behind a spoiler tag because I'm going to refer to specific events. Continue at your own risk.
Now, I really like Nora Roberts. I love her In Death series and have gone all gushing fangirl over numerous other novels of hers. But I don't understand why she keeps writing these weak female characters. Bailey flies off the handle numerous times for no valid reason and it seems like the excuse is that "she's a female and that's what they do"... She's not actually mad about anything specific, she's just frustrated and frustrated women act unreasonable and turn into banshees. Nora has written some wonderfully strong female leads, but the way she wrote Bailey really annoys me.
Brie, from Affaire Royale, dealt with her amnesia with "I'm strong, I can do this, I need to do this, I want to do this. I want to remember."
Bailey, in comparison, dealt with her amnesia with "I must be a bad person. I can't do this, I don't want to do this, please don't make me."
Cade was a decent character. I didn't feel like we really got to know him other than his introduction which basically explained who he was. He didn't seem to develop at all throughout the story, but maybe he was supposed to be that way - a solid, steady anchor for Bailey. I dunno. I liked the way he pushed her to remember and didn't fight his attraction to her. He seemed like a decent guy... that's really all I can say about him.
In conclusion (that always sounds so formal), I can't say I'm a fan of this book. The plot itself was good, the concept, the story, whatever. But the characters were either underdeveloped or weak. I'm having a hard time figuring out why I continued reading this, but I guess the mystery was decent enough to make me want to find out the end. I'm just not happy with the fact that I had to put up with Bailey to do it.
She hires Cade, a private investigator, to figure out who she is and why she has a 100 carat diamond, 1 million dollars, and a gun. But at every turn - every time she makes a little headway in remembering - she wimps out, shuts down, and then gets mad at Cade for trying to get her to remember. Bailey shows a little backbone quite randomly, but eventually gives in... every single time.
But what really pissed me off was how Nora Roberts kept telling the reader the Bailey was so smart, but I swear that girl had not one lick of good common sense. Every time they got another clue about what happened to her or who she was, she immediately jumped to the worst conclusion possible. I can't figure out what the fuck made her think she had kidnapped a child... I just don't get it. She was constantly thinking the worst of herself while admitting she had no knowledge of herself. And Cade was pointing out to her numerous times that she probably wasn't a bad person if she was so worried about being one. Did she accept that sound logic? No. She must be a murderer! A thief! A basilisk!
At this point, I'm going to hide what I have to say behind a spoiler tag because I'm going to refer to specific events. Continue at your own risk.
Now, I really like Nora Roberts. I love her In Death series and have gone all gushing fangirl over numerous other novels of hers. But I don't understand why she keeps writing these weak female characters. Bailey flies off the handle numerous times for no valid reason and it seems like the excuse is that "she's a female and that's what they do"... She's not actually mad about anything specific, she's just frustrated and frustrated women act unreasonable and turn into banshees. Nora has written some wonderfully strong female leads, but the way she wrote Bailey really annoys me.
Brie, from Affaire Royale, dealt with her amnesia with "I'm strong, I can do this, I need to do this, I want to do this. I want to remember."
Bailey, in comparison, dealt with her amnesia with "I must be a bad person. I can't do this, I don't want to do this, please don't make me."
Cade was a decent character. I didn't feel like we really got to know him other than his introduction which basically explained who he was. He didn't seem to develop at all throughout the story, but maybe he was supposed to be that way - a solid, steady anchor for Bailey. I dunno. I liked the way he pushed her to remember and didn't fight his attraction to her. He seemed like a decent guy... that's really all I can say about him.
In conclusion (that always sounds so formal), I can't say I'm a fan of this book. The plot itself was good, the concept, the story, whatever. But the characters were either underdeveloped or weak. I'm having a hard time figuring out why I continued reading this, but I guess the mystery was decent enough to make me want to find out the end. I'm just not happy with the fact that I had to put up with Bailey to do it.
September 30, 2015
This was another enjoyable book by Nora Roberts, a sweet romance with a touch of suspense. The author has successfully made me believe in love at first sight.
I'm floating to Cade...
There was a moment, one blinding moment, when he couldn't seem to speak. He knew he was staring at her, couldn't help himself. His heart simply stood still. His knees went weak. And the only thought that came to his mind was There you are, finally. What the hell took you so long?
I'm floating to Cade...
December 15, 2011
This was a really enjoyable book, yeah not logical that our hero Cade took the amnesiac heroine to his house, whose name seems to be Bailey and that it was love at first sight for him, but sometimes you just gotta go with the flow of the book.
Cade is the black sheep of his wealthy family, he tried things their way, even got married but now he's doing things his way, with his PI business when the woman of his dreams walks in when his office is in a disarray, she cries, is carrying a gun, lot of money and a jewel, but his instincts make him believe her even when she doubts herself.
Bailey's past is a blank and she fears someone is out to get her, while Cade just wants to take care of her and marry her but she is more practical.
I enjoyed it quite a bit, now on to the next friend and the mystery.
Cade is the black sheep of his wealthy family, he tried things their way, even got married but now he's doing things his way, with his PI business when the woman of his dreams walks in when his office is in a disarray, she cries, is carrying a gun, lot of money and a jewel, but his instincts make him believe her even when she doubts herself.
Bailey's past is a blank and she fears someone is out to get her, while Cade just wants to take care of her and marry her but she is more practical.
I enjoyed it quite a bit, now on to the next friend and the mystery.
April 3, 2015
As I was looking for something light to listen to in audio-book, I stumbled upon this older Stars of Mithra series by Nora Roberts. Never heard of it before. No wonder, because it’s an absolute disappointment – too cookie-cutter, too maudlin. The plot elements in themselves aren’t bad, it’s the story that is boring and the relationship between the lead characters that is just too flimsy for words. There’s private eye, Cade Parris, and the amnesia victim Bailey who, at the beginning of the story gets in touch with Parris because she wants to find out who she is, and why she has a precious gem in her possession. She doesn’t remember a thing, and she’s totally guileless, but within a day they can’t keep their hands from each other? Come on, get real (sigh).
I made the effort to listen to it, but I should absolutely remember that more than 50% of Nora Roberts’ writing isn’t really worth a try. But it’s remembering her good stories that always sets a trap for those worthless stories like this one.
I made the effort to listen to it, but I should absolutely remember that more than 50% of Nora Roberts’ writing isn’t really worth a try. But it’s remembering her good stories that always sets a trap for those worthless stories like this one.
October 31, 2023
3.5 stars
November 29, 2016
I took a chance on this late 90s Roberts and was pleased it turned out so well. It's short and light but with a fun story that kept me engaged to the end.
There's a smattering of the supernatural at play, as Roberts sometimes does, and that starts with a touch of insta-love (for Cade, at any rate). Which was kind of necessary as the entire action takes maybe four days. They're intense days, so I actually buy the bond built between Cade and Bailey, even if I had moments of frustration with their mood swings (both of them, Cade with frustration and anger and Bailey with doubt and emotional withdrawal). I liked them both well enough that I stayed engaged and eager for the next piece of the story anyway.
While this has elements of suspense, they aren't terribly strong. Most of the bad stuff is at a remove and . There's no subtlety here, and that turns out to be a good thing; or at least it fit my mood exactly right. There's also little subtlety in setting up the other two books in the series. Again, not a bad thing. I look forward to them and hope they're equally straightforward and fun.
In all a solid four stars, though some of that may be that it hit my mood exactly right.
A note about Steamy: There are two explicit sex scenes, which is about all the story and length could support. That puts it solidly in the middle of my steam tolerance and was about as straightforward as the rest of the book. Again, not a bad thing.
There's a smattering of the supernatural at play, as Roberts sometimes does, and that starts with a touch of insta-love (for Cade, at any rate). Which was kind of necessary as the entire action takes maybe four days. They're intense days, so I actually buy the bond built between Cade and Bailey, even if I had moments of frustration with their mood swings (both of them, Cade with frustration and anger and Bailey with doubt and emotional withdrawal). I liked them both well enough that I stayed engaged and eager for the next piece of the story anyway.
While this has elements of suspense, they aren't terribly strong. Most of the bad stuff is at a remove and . There's no subtlety here, and that turns out to be a good thing; or at least it fit my mood exactly right. There's also little subtlety in setting up the other two books in the series. Again, not a bad thing. I look forward to them and hope they're equally straightforward and fun.
In all a solid four stars, though some of that may be that it hit my mood exactly right.
A note about Steamy: There are two explicit sex scenes, which is about all the story and length could support. That puts it solidly in the middle of my steam tolerance and was about as straightforward as the rest of the book. Again, not a bad thing.
August 4, 2020
So, this was a reread for me after not quite 20 years and I have to say it doesn't pack the same punch. I was tempted to give this only two stars (and this was after remembering how I loved it way back when), but I opted on 3. I love the idea of the gems and stuff NR included in the story about them and what they symbolized, but I guess the older I have become the less and less insta-romance appeals. I mean it is only a couple hundred pages, so I get that you need to get to the romance quick, but a insta-romance with someone who has no idea who she is because she has temporary amnesia and she just happened to be the damsel in distress that," of all the gin joints (swap out detective agency) in all the world"...you get the idea. I guess this trope just doesn't do it for me quite like it used to.
December 9, 2021
Kind of dopey. Not sure why I read it but my stress levels are at an all time high.
July 11, 2023
3.5 stars
September 1, 2023
Hidden Star by Nora Roberts, the first book in the Stars of Mithra series, features one of my favorite tropes in romance. Amnesia plots, though so very unbelievable, are just too much fun for me to resist, and Hidden Star is a great example. While Hidden Star isn't quite perfect, and it is slightly dated, it's also a really fun read.
Cade is a private detective, and he's quite happy with his life, even though his former receptionist quick suddenly leaving his office in a bit of a mess. He's not at his best when in walks Bailey. Bailey doesn't know she's Bailey, because she has amnesia, and she's gone to Cade for help. Cade luckily deduces that this woman's name is Bailey, and the story gets off to a good start.
I LOVED Cade. Cade is exactly the kind of hero I fall for. Cade is responsible and kind, but he can also be tough and make difficult decisions. Cade isn't a jerk, or a player. He's just a man, and I so got on board with that. I also had so much fun when Cade was describing his ridiculously wealthy family to Bailey. It was so fun, and it made it easy to see how Cade is the black sheep in the family.
Cade is a great judge of character (a necessity in his line of work), and he knew what kind of person Bailey was, and I loved the support he gave to her. He never waivered in his belief that Bailey was a good person, even when Bailey worried that she wasn't.
I did not love Bailey as much as I did Cade. Bailey is a bit of a damsel in distress, and that did get a little old. I did like Bailey, though. She’s obviously struggling with the fact that she doesn’t know who she is. She’s kind of a worrier, and throughout her amnesia, she’s worried she’s married, that she has children and that she’s forgotten them. She’s also worried that she’s a murdered. She's got quite the imagination, and she's kind of a worst-case scenario person.
Although Bailey needs to be saved, sometimes she would let her temper out, and I loved that. It stood out all the more because she was so damsel-y (I totally just made that word up, but I'm going with it). There is this one scene where she dumps Cade out of a hammock, and it is fabulous!
I was totally feeling the romance between Cade and Bailey. There is chemistry, but also respect for each other. I wanted them to figure out who Bailey was so that they would know they could be together. The main conflict to their romance is that they didn’t know who Bailey was, and if she was involved with someone.
There is a mystery, of a sort, revolving around who Bailey is and what happened to cause her amnesia. But, honestly, I didn't care all that much about the mystery. The real focus is the romance, as it should be. Hidden Star is narrated by a man, Scott Merriman. While I generally prefer the romance audiobooks to be narrated by women, I did like his narration. He was great for Cade, and good for Bailey.
While I don’t think Hidden Star is for everyone, I think Nora Roberts fans or amnesia-plot-lover would really enjoy this one. Or if you enjoy reading older romances, then definitely look into Hidden Star by Nora Roberts.
This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
Cade is a private detective, and he's quite happy with his life, even though his former receptionist quick suddenly leaving his office in a bit of a mess. He's not at his best when in walks Bailey. Bailey doesn't know she's Bailey, because she has amnesia, and she's gone to Cade for help. Cade luckily deduces that this woman's name is Bailey, and the story gets off to a good start.
I LOVED Cade. Cade is exactly the kind of hero I fall for. Cade is responsible and kind, but he can also be tough and make difficult decisions. Cade isn't a jerk, or a player. He's just a man, and I so got on board with that. I also had so much fun when Cade was describing his ridiculously wealthy family to Bailey. It was so fun, and it made it easy to see how Cade is the black sheep in the family.
Cade is a great judge of character (a necessity in his line of work), and he knew what kind of person Bailey was, and I loved the support he gave to her. He never waivered in his belief that Bailey was a good person, even when Bailey worried that she wasn't.
I did not love Bailey as much as I did Cade. Bailey is a bit of a damsel in distress, and that did get a little old. I did like Bailey, though. She’s obviously struggling with the fact that she doesn’t know who she is. She’s kind of a worrier, and throughout her amnesia, she’s worried she’s married, that she has children and that she’s forgotten them. She’s also worried that she’s a murdered. She's got quite the imagination, and she's kind of a worst-case scenario person.
Although Bailey needs to be saved, sometimes she would let her temper out, and I loved that. It stood out all the more because she was so damsel-y (I totally just made that word up, but I'm going with it). There is this one scene where she dumps Cade out of a hammock, and it is fabulous!
I was totally feeling the romance between Cade and Bailey. There is chemistry, but also respect for each other. I wanted them to figure out who Bailey was so that they would know they could be together. The main conflict to their romance is that they didn’t know who Bailey was, and if she was involved with someone.
There is a mystery, of a sort, revolving around who Bailey is and what happened to cause her amnesia. But, honestly, I didn't care all that much about the mystery. The real focus is the romance, as it should be. Hidden Star is narrated by a man, Scott Merriman. While I generally prefer the romance audiobooks to be narrated by women, I did like his narration. He was great for Cade, and good for Bailey.
While I don’t think Hidden Star is for everyone, I think Nora Roberts fans or amnesia-plot-lover would really enjoy this one. Or if you enjoy reading older romances, then definitely look into Hidden Star by Nora Roberts.
This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
October 23, 2018
So this was technically my first "Nora Roberts" book even though I had read book 1 in her In Death series written under J.D. Robb and loved it too. To be honest I put off reading Nora Roberts for many years, if I was in a used book store or library book sale I just skimmed over all her books. Everyone that reads and even people that don't, know who Nora Roberts is. And when you think Nora Roberts you think swoon worthy romance novels. Now I do read romance but I have been under the impression for years that the type of romance she had written was of the bodice ripping variety with not much else going on. I was wrong, so wrong. Take this book for instance, it was definitely more mystery than it was romance, although romance was involved. I was so caught up in the story line and definitely want to read on in this series. I am collecting all kinds of Nora Roberts books now and can't wait to read them. She is truly an amazing author and I am so sorry that for years I shunned her books without even first giving one of them a try.
May 19, 2014
Heti aluksi on pakko selventää, että hankin tämän sarjan kirjastolle, mutta en löytänyt mistään tarkempaa selvitystä, oliko tämä sarja dekkareita vai romantiikkaa. Siispä oli pakko lukaista tämä, jotta voidaan laittaa oikeaan osastoon. Voi jösses sitä hampaidenkiristystä, kun luin tätä. Voin lämpimästi suositella tätä sellaisille lukijoille, jotka eivät paljoa jaksa perehtyä juoniin, pitävät nopeatempoisesta kerronnasta ja haaveilevat tuntemattomien, uskomattoman komeiden miesten rakastuvan ja ottavan heidät lähes samoin tein. Lisäksi heti päähenkilöpariskunnan tavattua toisensa, mies alkoi kutsua naista kultapieneksi, vaikka naisella oli muistihäiriö, eikä hän tiennyt edes omaa nimeään. Siis onko tuo jonkun mielestä romanttista? Minä en ymmärrä. Lähinnä se, että fiksu, älykäs ja muutenkin omatoiminen nainen lähes muuttui täysin aivottomaksi ja ohjailtavaksi ääliöksi, joka muuttui veltoksi miehen taikakosketuksesta. Todellakin kirjailija/kääntäjä käytti sanaa veltto tuosta naisesta sänkypainin jälkitunnelmissa. Ooh, kuinka romantillista! Luulin myös, että ainakaan tässä kirjassa ei törmää suosikki-inhokkiini naisen ytimeen, mutta *bingo*, kyllä sekin sieltä vähän odottamalla eteen tuli.
Ensiodotusten jälkeen kävi selväksi, että tässä ei ole mitään yliluonnollista tai scifiä, vaikka sarjan nimi on Stars of Mithra. Kyseessä onkin jättikokoiset triplatimantit, joiden ansiosta kolme naikkosta saa omat norarobertsromaaninsa tässä sarjassa. Jännitystä ja murhaa, mutta myös silmänräpäysrakastumisia, komea mies ja kaunis nainen, joka antautuu miehen himolle lähes ehdoitta(turvaseksiä ei ainakaan harrastettu). Kai tämä nyt jollekulle on jotain jännää todellisuuspakoa. Itse en ehkä ole parasta kohderyhmää, mutta onhan ainakin täällä Goodreadsissä tästä ihan pidettykin. Pahinta tässä nyt on se, että kirja kattoi vasta kolmasosan timanttien tarinasta ja koska olen utelias perusluonteeltani, on kait minun sitten kahlattava nuo kaksi muutakin kirjaa, ettei tarina jää vaivaamaan. Toista kirjaa aloittaessani kiristelin aivan yhtä paljon hampaitani, koska päähenkilöt alkoivat himoita toisiaan samalla hetkellä kun näkivät toisensa ensi kerran tapellessaan. Siis niinku!
Ensiodotusten jälkeen kävi selväksi, että tässä ei ole mitään yliluonnollista tai scifiä, vaikka sarjan nimi on Stars of Mithra. Kyseessä onkin jättikokoiset triplatimantit, joiden ansiosta kolme naikkosta saa omat norarobertsromaaninsa tässä sarjassa. Jännitystä ja murhaa, mutta myös silmänräpäysrakastumisia, komea mies ja kaunis nainen, joka antautuu miehen himolle lähes ehdoitta(turvaseksiä ei ainakaan harrastettu). Kai tämä nyt jollekulle on jotain jännää todellisuuspakoa. Itse en ehkä ole parasta kohderyhmää, mutta onhan ainakin täällä Goodreadsissä tästä ihan pidettykin. Pahinta tässä nyt on se, että kirja kattoi vasta kolmasosan timanttien tarinasta ja koska olen utelias perusluonteeltani, on kait minun sitten kahlattava nuo kaksi muutakin kirjaa, ettei tarina jää vaivaamaan. Toista kirjaa aloittaessani kiristelin aivan yhtä paljon hampaitani, koska päähenkilöt alkoivat himoita toisiaan samalla hetkellä kun näkivät toisensa ensi kerran tapellessaan. Siis niinku!
February 17, 2017
Había olvidado que había leido una trilogía de esta escritora. Esta novela es la primera de otra trilogía (también relacionada con 3 mujeres). Terminé esa trilogía por disciplina y esta novela me dejó con la misma sensación.
Creo que la trama es bastante buena, pero -para mi gusto- la autora, con tal de escribir novelas ligeras de leer, pierde detalles que podrían convertir a la historia en algo mucho mejor.
Los personajes me resultaron demasiado irreales... pero de eso se trata escribir para el escritor: poner lo que quiera poner.
Creo que la trama es bastante buena, pero -para mi gusto- la autora, con tal de escribir novelas ligeras de leer, pierde detalles que podrían convertir a la historia en algo mucho mejor.
Los personajes me resultaron demasiado irreales... pero de eso se trata escribir para el escritor: poner lo que quiera poner.
April 19, 2021
Actually 4.5 stars
Nora Roberts's Stars of Mithra trilogy starts off with an old soap opera trope -- amnesia. Though in the case of gemologist Bailey, the emotional trauma of witnessing a murder was enough to make her not want to remember anything. Kudos to Roberts for having Bailey have a note in her pocket with her first name on it, so at least they know that much. Plus, she and Cade have chemistry and the action is just plain fun. This is a great novel that stands up to repeated readings.
Nora Roberts's Stars of Mithra trilogy starts off with an old soap opera trope -- amnesia. Though in the case of gemologist Bailey, the emotional trauma of witnessing a murder was enough to make her not want to remember anything. Kudos to Roberts for having Bailey have a note in her pocket with her first name on it, so at least they know that much. Plus, she and Cade have chemistry and the action is just plain fun. This is a great novel that stands up to repeated readings.
September 8, 2015
Această serie are ca subiect povestea a trei stele din Mithra, un fel de diamante albastre, ce, laolaltă, ar putea aduce putere şi nemurire celui care le posedă. Stelele sunt pietre foarte vechi, ce odată se găseau fixate într-un triunghi de aur, aşezat în mâinile unei statui a lui Mithra, zeul antic person al luminii şi al înţelepciunii. Se spune că
„cele trei stele sunt un mit, o legendă născută din trinitate, deşi unii savanţi credeau ferm în existenţa lor descriindu-le drept simboluri ale iubirii, cunoaşterii şi generozităţii.”
Primul volum are deja în „posesie” prima piatră. Eroii noştri nu trebuie decât să-i afle secretul şi să afle cine o doreşte cu atâta patos, încât ar ucide pentru fiecare dintre cele trei.
„Cade nu era într-o dispoziţie nemaipomenită când femeia visurilor sale intră în birou.” Cam acestea sunt primele cuvinte, ei bine, prima frază, prin care debutează cartea şi sunt cât se poate de sincere şi adevărate.
În ciuda situaţiei materiale extraordinare şi a petrecerilor fastuoase la care mama sa îl tot bate la cap să meargă, Cade Parris preferă mai degrabă viaţa de detectiv particular, pe care o practică în micul său spaţiu închiriat, care seamănă mai curând cu o magherniţă decât un birou. Ceva total opus vieţii de acasă. Acesta rezonează mult mai bine cu liniştea şi echilibrul pe care i le oferă investigaţiile sale, de cele mai multe ori banale, decât cu isteria şi insistenţa necruţătoare a rudelor. Telefoanele necontenite ale mamei şi ale surorii sale nu-l ocolesc nici măcar atunci când se presupune că lucrează.
Dacă mai adăugaţi şi o secretară care şi-a dat demisia, deşi oricum era preocupată mai mult de manichiură decât de propria muncă, un calculator care-i dă bătăi de cap doar pentru a-i face în ciudă, un condiţionator defect, un tavan găurit, o căldură dogoritoare, o cafea uitată pe foc, nişte cioburi, o pilă de unghii ascuţită şi un ghiveci ce-i stă în cale, aveţi reţeta perfectă pentru un viitor dezastru, am putea spune, sau pentru o viitoare…dragoste la primă vedere?!
„Femeia aceasta frumoasă, fără trecut, care apăruse din ploaie, păşind în biroul lui era un vis împlinit, se gândi el.”
„Iată-te, în sfârşit. Ce naiba ţi-a luat atât?” au fost primele cuvinte nerostite care i-au trecut prin minte, atunci când, în biroul său, sub forma unei „domniţe aflate la ananghie”, s-a materializat o zână blondă, ce l-a năucit total. Ceva ce nu i-a fost dat să trăiască niciodată. Cel puţin, până în momentul de faţă.
Tânăra care a nimerit în biroul detectivului nu-şi aduce aminte nimic din viaţa ei. Nici măcar propriul nume. Asupra sa, are un diamant destul de neobişnuit, fiind uşor de confundat cu un safir, peste un milion de dolari şi un pistol. Nu are habar cum a intrat în posesia acestor lucruri, dar are disperată nevoie să afle cum s-a întâmplat una ca asta. Tot ce ştie este faptul că s-a trezit în acea dimineaţă, într-o cameră de hotel, doar cu hainele de pe ea şi cu o geantă, iar femeia care se holba din oglindă, nu-i transmitea niciun sentiment cum că ar cunoaşte-o de undeva. În plus, găseşte în haina sa un bileţel, un posibil nume, Bailey, pe care Cade i-l atribuie ei, după ce o pune să scrie câteva cuvinte.
„Trebui să se stăpânească să nu o ia în braţe şi să n ducă înăuntru. Vedea imaginea clar – bravul cavaler, apărătorul doamnei sale, ducând-o în braţe în castel, la adăpost de toţi balaurii care îi făcuseră rău.”
Mii de întrebări şi frământări îi trec prin mintea confuză, fără nicio şansă în a le putea opri. Se gândeşte doar la ce este mai rău. Nu ştie dacă a participat voit la vreun jaf sau la vreo răpire. Nu ştie dacă este vreo criminală şi a ucis pentru preţioasa piatră, care nu face decât să-i transmită sentimentul ciudat că ştie destule în privinţa ei. Nu ştie dacă are pe cineva acasă care o aşteaptă sau care deja a început s-o caute, atunci când i-a observat lipsa. Nu ştie dacă şi-a întemeiat o familie sau dacă este singură. Nu ştie nimic.
Astfel, printre numele a mulţi alţi detectivi din cartea de telefoane, Bailey îl alege tocmai pe Cade Parris, numele acestuia transmiţându-i putere şi siguranţă. Simte că el este persoana potrivită care ar putea să o ajute să afle cine este cu adevărat şi ce i s-a întâmplat de au ajuns acele obiecte pe mâinile ei. Poate, pe parcurs, pe măsură ce-i va da de cap situaţiei în care se găseşte, va fi în stare să-şi aducă aminte de cea care stă ascunsă în spatele pânzei de umbre ce s-a aşternut peste amintirile ei, nelăsând-o să vadă dincolo de ea.
„Putea să fie o nesăbuinţă din partea ei să aibă încredere în bărbatul acesta, să-şi încredinţeze viaţa în mâinile lui, aşa cum o făcuse. Dar avea, într-adevăr, încredere în el. Nu numai pentru că lumea ei se rezuma la el şi la ce îi spusese el, ci pentru că toate instinctele îi spuneau că era un bărbat în care putea să se încreadă.”
Deşi nu este primul angajament ce pare a fi extrem de complicat, mai ceva ca un puzzle cu numeroase piese, Cade simte că, de data asta, nu doar mintea sa va fi cea pusă pe tavă şi servită pentru rezolvarea misteriosului caz, ci şi inima sa. Este total şi iremediabil vrăjit de frumoasa tânără ce are mare nevoie de ajutorul său.
De când se ştie, femeile n-au reprezentat niciodată „mai mult” în viaţa sa, ele fiind doar de distracţie. Însă, acum, totul s-a schimbat. Cupidon a avut mare grijă să-l ţintească şi pe el, fără a-i da ocazia să se pregătească pentru iminentul impact ce avea să vină.
Totuşi, nu se poate lipsi nici el de frământările ce-l apasă. Dacă, într-adevăr, ea este o criminală sau este căsătorită şi cineva o caută disperat de absenţa ei sau o aşteaptă frumos acasă, atunci ce va face? Va renunţa la femeia care a reuşit să-i fure inima atât de uşor sau va ţine piept oricui ar sta în calea fericirii şi dragostei ce s-au ivit în sfârşit şi pe cerul său întunecat? Cum va putea să mai trăiască liniştit, când Bailey se va afla apoi în braţele bărbatului ei, bărbat care nu este el?
„- Din experienţa mea, sărutul nu e ceva înspăimântător, decât dacă vorbim despre bunica Parris, caz în care e absolut terifiant.”
Lucrurile iau o întorsătură urâtă, atunci când tânăra începe să primească ameninţări cu moartea. Aşa că, pentru a o ţine ceva mai departe de acestea, Cade decide să o ia cu el acasă. Astfel, va putea s-o protejeze mai bine, fiind mai tot timpul în atenţia lui.
Bineînţeles că, pe celălalt plan, cel amoros, propriile lor sentimente cam scapă de sub control şi aceştia se pierd în intensa vâltoare pricinuită de acestea. Va afla Bailey cine este cu adevărat şi ce se ascunde în spatele obiectelor aflate în posesia ei? Dar preţiosul diamant? Va pica oare pe mâinile cui nu trebuie? În final, vor putea cei doi să fie împreună, după elucidarea cazului sau o vor porni pe drumuri total opuse?
O lectură uşoară, extrem de relaxantă, ce are darul de a ne captiva atenţia de la primul cuvânt până la ultimul. Umorul, sarcasmul şi replicile pline de spirit se împletesc într-un mod absolut delicios şi, alături de pasiunea arzătoare ce înfloreşte în sufletele personajelor noastre, ne conduc pas cu pas spre fiecare piesă de puzzle, reuşind ca, într-un final, să aflăm o parte din misterul ce însoţeşte „stelele din Mithra”!
Link: https://bookysme.wordpress.com/2015/0...
Primul volum are deja în „posesie” prima piatră. Eroii noştri nu trebuie decât să-i afle secretul şi să afle cine o doreşte cu atâta patos, încât ar ucide pentru fiecare dintre cele trei.
„Cade nu era într-o dispoziţie nemaipomenită când femeia visurilor sale intră în birou.” Cam acestea sunt primele cuvinte, ei bine, prima frază, prin care debutează cartea şi sunt cât se poate de sincere şi adevărate.
În ciuda situaţiei materiale extraordinare şi a petrecerilor fastuoase la care mama sa îl tot bate la cap să meargă, Cade Parris preferă mai degrabă viaţa de detectiv particular, pe care o practică în micul său spaţiu închiriat, care seamănă mai curând cu o magherniţă decât un birou. Ceva total opus vieţii de acasă. Acesta rezonează mult mai bine cu liniştea şi echilibrul pe care i le oferă investigaţiile sale, de cele mai multe ori banale, decât cu isteria şi insistenţa necruţătoare a rudelor. Telefoanele necontenite ale mamei şi ale surorii sale nu-l ocolesc nici măcar atunci când se presupune că lucrează.
Dacă mai adăugaţi şi o secretară care şi-a dat demisia, deşi oricum era preocupată mai mult de manichiură decât de propria muncă, un calculator care-i dă bătăi de cap doar pentru a-i face în ciudă, un condiţionator defect, un tavan găurit, o căldură dogoritoare, o cafea uitată pe foc, nişte cioburi, o pilă de unghii ascuţită şi un ghiveci ce-i stă în cale, aveţi reţeta perfectă pentru un viitor dezastru, am putea spune, sau pentru o viitoare…dragoste la primă vedere?!
„Femeia aceasta frumoasă, fără trecut, care apăruse din ploaie, păşind în biroul lui era un vis împlinit, se gândi el.”
„Iată-te, în sfârşit. Ce naiba ţi-a luat atât?” au fost primele cuvinte nerostite care i-au trecut prin minte, atunci când, în biroul său, sub forma unei „domniţe aflate la ananghie”, s-a materializat o zână blondă, ce l-a năucit total. Ceva ce nu i-a fost dat să trăiască niciodată. Cel puţin, până în momentul de faţă.
Tânăra care a nimerit în biroul detectivului nu-şi aduce aminte nimic din viaţa ei. Nici măcar propriul nume. Asupra sa, are un diamant destul de neobişnuit, fiind uşor de confundat cu un safir, peste un milion de dolari şi un pistol. Nu are habar cum a intrat în posesia acestor lucruri, dar are disperată nevoie să afle cum s-a întâmplat una ca asta. Tot ce ştie este faptul că s-a trezit în acea dimineaţă, într-o cameră de hotel, doar cu hainele de pe ea şi cu o geantă, iar femeia care se holba din oglindă, nu-i transmitea niciun sentiment cum că ar cunoaşte-o de undeva. În plus, găseşte în haina sa un bileţel, un posibil nume, Bailey, pe care Cade i-l atribuie ei, după ce o pune să scrie câteva cuvinte.
„Trebui să se stăpânească să nu o ia în braţe şi să n ducă înăuntru. Vedea imaginea clar – bravul cavaler, apărătorul doamnei sale, ducând-o în braţe în castel, la adăpost de toţi balaurii care îi făcuseră rău.”
Mii de întrebări şi frământări îi trec prin mintea confuză, fără nicio şansă în a le putea opri. Se gândeşte doar la ce este mai rău. Nu ştie dacă a participat voit la vreun jaf sau la vreo răpire. Nu ştie dacă este vreo criminală şi a ucis pentru preţioasa piatră, care nu face decât să-i transmită sentimentul ciudat că ştie destule în privinţa ei. Nu ştie dacă are pe cineva acasă care o aşteaptă sau care deja a început s-o caute, atunci când i-a observat lipsa. Nu ştie dacă şi-a întemeiat o familie sau dacă este singură. Nu ştie nimic.
Astfel, printre numele a mulţi alţi detectivi din cartea de telefoane, Bailey îl alege tocmai pe Cade Parris, numele acestuia transmiţându-i putere şi siguranţă. Simte că el este persoana potrivită care ar putea să o ajute să afle cine este cu adevărat şi ce i s-a întâmplat de au ajuns acele obiecte pe mâinile ei. Poate, pe parcurs, pe măsură ce-i va da de cap situaţiei în care se găseşte, va fi în stare să-şi aducă aminte de cea care stă ascunsă în spatele pânzei de umbre ce s-a aşternut peste amintirile ei, nelăsând-o să vadă dincolo de ea.
„Putea să fie o nesăbuinţă din partea ei să aibă încredere în bărbatul acesta, să-şi încredinţeze viaţa în mâinile lui, aşa cum o făcuse. Dar avea, într-adevăr, încredere în el. Nu numai pentru că lumea ei se rezuma la el şi la ce îi spusese el, ci pentru că toate instinctele îi spuneau că era un bărbat în care putea să se încreadă.”
Deşi nu este primul angajament ce pare a fi extrem de complicat, mai ceva ca un puzzle cu numeroase piese, Cade simte că, de data asta, nu doar mintea sa va fi cea pusă pe tavă şi servită pentru rezolvarea misteriosului caz, ci şi inima sa. Este total şi iremediabil vrăjit de frumoasa tânără ce are mare nevoie de ajutorul său.
De când se ştie, femeile n-au reprezentat niciodată „mai mult” în viaţa sa, ele fiind doar de distracţie. Însă, acum, totul s-a schimbat. Cupidon a avut mare grijă să-l ţintească şi pe el, fără a-i da ocazia să se pregătească pentru iminentul impact ce avea să vină.
Totuşi, nu se poate lipsi nici el de frământările ce-l apasă. Dacă, într-adevăr, ea este o criminală sau este căsătorită şi cineva o caută disperat de absenţa ei sau o aşteaptă frumos acasă, atunci ce va face? Va renunţa la femeia care a reuşit să-i fure inima atât de uşor sau va ţine piept oricui ar sta în calea fericirii şi dragostei ce s-au ivit în sfârşit şi pe cerul său întunecat? Cum va putea să mai trăiască liniştit, când Bailey se va afla apoi în braţele bărbatului ei, bărbat care nu este el?
„- Din experienţa mea, sărutul nu e ceva înspăimântător, decât dacă vorbim despre bunica Parris, caz în care e absolut terifiant.”
Lucrurile iau o întorsătură urâtă, atunci când tânăra începe să primească ameninţări cu moartea. Aşa că, pentru a o ţine ceva mai departe de acestea, Cade decide să o ia cu el acasă. Astfel, va putea s-o protejeze mai bine, fiind mai tot timpul în atenţia lui.
Bineînţeles că, pe celălalt plan, cel amoros, propriile lor sentimente cam scapă de sub control şi aceştia se pierd în intensa vâltoare pricinuită de acestea. Va afla Bailey cine este cu adevărat şi ce se ascunde în spatele obiectelor aflate în posesia ei? Dar preţiosul diamant? Va pica oare pe mâinile cui nu trebuie? În final, vor putea cei doi să fie împreună, după elucidarea cazului sau o vor porni pe drumuri total opuse?
O lectură uşoară, extrem de relaxantă, ce are darul de a ne captiva atenţia de la primul cuvânt până la ultimul. Umorul, sarcasmul şi replicile pline de spirit se împletesc într-un mod absolut delicios şi, alături de pasiunea arzătoare ce înfloreşte în sufletele personajelor noastre, ne conduc pas cu pas spre fiecare piesă de puzzle, reuşind ca, într-un final, să aflăm o parte din misterul ce însoţeşte „stelele din Mithra”!
Link: https://bookysme.wordpress.com/2015/0...
February 7, 2017
P.I. Cade Parris has finally met the woman of his life. She's gorgeous, frightened out of her mind, carrying a bag full of cash, a gun, and a huge diamond, and has no idea who she is. The only clue to her identity is a piece of paper with the name Bailey on it.
Now, since she's the woman of his life, and he's finally found her, Cade has no intention of letting her down, but as the two start piecing together clues to Bailey's identity and the reasons behind her strange fear of lightning, it soon becomes obvious, she's seen something she shouldn't have...
I loved it.
The premise with the amnesiac heroine, her penchant of thinking the worst about herself, and the hero determined to do anything in his power to discover who she is and what she's embroiled in, was great. The plot and story were tight, intense, and intriguing, with a flawless pacing, and a great voice and narrative style.
But, as it's usual with NR's stories, what I loved most were the characters.
Although her past is a mystery, Bailey's present was wonderfully done, her character, her nature and her true intentions shown through even the murkiest of suspicions, and her hero, Cade, was NR at her best. Funny, quirky, steadfast, determined, and just the right amount of stubborn to persevere in everything life and Bailey threw in his way. I loved how he simply accepted his feelings for her without qualm, without reservations, his love for her was a simple fact for him, and he was okay with it. I also loved how he stubbornly refused to let her go, no matter what nonsense she uttered, and how determined he was to keep her no matter what.
This first story in this trilogy was pretty light on the suspense, and high on mystery, but the three little glimpses of the main villain we got were intriguing, and the scene introducing the next story, delivered quite a promise.
Can't wait to dig in.
Now, since she's the woman of his life, and he's finally found her, Cade has no intention of letting her down, but as the two start piecing together clues to Bailey's identity and the reasons behind her strange fear of lightning, it soon becomes obvious, she's seen something she shouldn't have...
I loved it.
The premise with the amnesiac heroine, her penchant of thinking the worst about herself, and the hero determined to do anything in his power to discover who she is and what she's embroiled in, was great. The plot and story were tight, intense, and intriguing, with a flawless pacing, and a great voice and narrative style.
But, as it's usual with NR's stories, what I loved most were the characters.
Although her past is a mystery, Bailey's present was wonderfully done, her character, her nature and her true intentions shown through even the murkiest of suspicions, and her hero, Cade, was NR at her best. Funny, quirky, steadfast, determined, and just the right amount of stubborn to persevere in everything life and Bailey threw in his way. I loved how he simply accepted his feelings for her without qualm, without reservations, his love for her was a simple fact for him, and he was okay with it. I also loved how he stubbornly refused to let her go, no matter what nonsense she uttered, and how determined he was to keep her no matter what.
This first story in this trilogy was pretty light on the suspense, and high on mystery, but the three little glimpses of the main villain we got were intriguing, and the scene introducing the next story, delivered quite a promise.
Can't wait to dig in.
April 3, 2021
When Cade Parris finds a woman with memory loss, a big diamond, a gun and around one million dollar in cash in his office, he cannot help himself but to help her find out about herself. He immediately falls in love with her and even through the woman appeared to have gone through a traumatic event, they grow towards each other. The rare diamond turns out to be so much more than expected and some will kill to keep it for themselves.
For me, this was a typical Nora Roberts romance. There is a detective-y part to it, but it isn't really written into any depth, the main focus here is the romance and how these two characters come together. This is the 4th time I read this ( last time was a couple of years ago), and I can certainly see were I matured as this story doesn't appeal to me that much anymore. Yes it is enjoyable, but comparing this to her current work it never goes into any depth or makes you care about these characters.
For me, this was a typical Nora Roberts romance. There is a detective-y part to it, but it isn't really written into any depth, the main focus here is the romance and how these two characters come together. This is the 4th time I read this ( last time was a couple of years ago), and I can certainly see were I matured as this story doesn't appeal to me that much anymore. Yes it is enjoyable, but comparing this to her current work it never goes into any depth or makes you care about these characters.
March 10, 2018
Pretty good read. Good characters, suspense, twists and turns, a little action, emotions, and a HEA for the characters but leaves you hanging a little with the story line. This was written well and pulls you in pretty quickly. Definitely something you might want to read the entire series together. Don't have to, but I don't like hanging for very long, it sometimes makes me want to throw the book, even if books are sacred. Have fun and enjoy!
October 6, 2025
Hidden Star is the first book in the Stars of Mithra. Bailey found Cade in the phonebook because she needed a private investigator to find out who she was. They needed to discover what caused her amnesia and to stop the people who wanted her dead. This one is a great start to a romantic suspense trilogy!
November 12, 2020
Classica lettura statunitense molto leggera e scorrevole. Un po' meno elaborata di, ad esempio, Mary Higgins Clark ma lo stile è quello.
Si legge in pochi giorni e lascia poca traccia, è più o meno come vedere un'episodio di un telefilm.
Può essere utilizzato in momenti che non richiedono particolare concentrazione e sostituisce un fumetto, niente di più ma risulta piacevole.
Si legge in pochi giorni e lascia poca traccia, è più o meno come vedere un'episodio di un telefilm.
Può essere utilizzato in momenti che non richiedono particolare concentrazione e sostituisce un fumetto, niente di più ma risulta piacevole.
December 11, 2018
Interesting mystery by Nora Roberts.
March 30, 2022
Hidden Star
3.5 Stars
Private detective Cade Parris is not surprised when a beautiful woman with a bag full of cash and a gun walk into his office. What does confuse him is the fact that she has no memory of who she is and just happens to have a huge blue diamond in her bag as well. Who is the mysterious woman - an innocent victim or a dangerous femme fatale?
One of Roberts’ earlier books that is entertaining enough but may not stand the test of time as there is nothing particularly memorable about either the plot or the characters.
Bailey James is a typical good-girl type with borderline obsessive compulsive disorder. Given her nature, the fact that she has lost her memory is particularly disturbing to her and it must be said that she copes quite well with it under the circumstances. Nevertheless, she is one of the more bland heroines in Nora’s repertoire.
Cade Parris is simply too good to be true - wealthy, independent and handsome. That said, his actions do not make sense. What man opens his house, his arms and his heart to a perfect stranger who is obviously in some serious trouble? The whole love at first sight trope is not sufficient to explain his choices.
The suspense plot is secondary to the romance. This is not a problem in and of itself, but it turns out to be quite complicated with several villains and agendas. While some of the issues are resolved albeit in a rather anti-climactic way, others remain open so that the trilogy can continue.
All in all, a good enough read for a rainy day.
3.5 Stars
Private detective Cade Parris is not surprised when a beautiful woman with a bag full of cash and a gun walk into his office. What does confuse him is the fact that she has no memory of who she is and just happens to have a huge blue diamond in her bag as well. Who is the mysterious woman - an innocent victim or a dangerous femme fatale?
One of Roberts’ earlier books that is entertaining enough but may not stand the test of time as there is nothing particularly memorable about either the plot or the characters.
Bailey James is a typical good-girl type with borderline obsessive compulsive disorder. Given her nature, the fact that she has lost her memory is particularly disturbing to her and it must be said that she copes quite well with it under the circumstances. Nevertheless, she is one of the more bland heroines in Nora’s repertoire.
Cade Parris is simply too good to be true - wealthy, independent and handsome. That said, his actions do not make sense. What man opens his house, his arms and his heart to a perfect stranger who is obviously in some serious trouble? The whole love at first sight trope is not sufficient to explain his choices.
The suspense plot is secondary to the romance. This is not a problem in and of itself, but it turns out to be quite complicated with several villains and agendas. While some of the issues are resolved albeit in a rather anti-climactic way, others remain open so that the trilogy can continue.
All in all, a good enough read for a rainy day.
August 26, 2023
I enjoyed the fast pace of the book and the characters and how they interacted. There were a few places where the logic was questionable in that I felt the pace was disrupted by unexpected behavior or dialogue on the part of the hero or the heroine, i. e., there was no build up to cause the reader to expect the reaction that one or the other had. It was a bit disconcerting, because Ms. Roberts' main strengths are, in my opinion, the smooth flow of her writing and her imagery. The flow wasn't always smooth in this book. The main characters, Bailey (What a great name!) and Cade, are easy to like. I particularly loved Cade's reaction the first time he saw Bailey. "There you are. What took you so long." as if he had been waiting to meet her forever. I also loved that Bailey is fragile. She cries easily. She doesn't face up to problems that are too terrible to contemplate. She is not a super-heroine who can handle everything that is thrown at her as MJ does. She needs help. And she accepts it.
February 4, 2017
Yeah, I'm rating this one even though I didn't finish it.
But I feel like I have too, because the insta love is strong in this one. He sees her, and already he knows he's in love. Same for her. And it takes them three day . And while this insta love is happening, the hero actually doesn't know a single thing about the heroine because SHE HAS NO MEMORIES. And they're fighting or having incomprehensible mood swings ALL THE TIME. So no, I couldn't do it.
I love Nora Roberts, she created one of my literary otps, Eve and Roarke from the in death series, but this romance completely sucks. It pretty much accumulates all of Nora Roberts worse traits into one barely readable story. Individually, I can enjoy these things in her novels, or ignore them, but this is just...
But I feel like I have too, because the insta love is strong in this one. He sees her, and already he knows he's in love. Same for her. And it takes them three day . And while this insta love is happening, the hero actually doesn't know a single thing about the heroine because SHE HAS NO MEMORIES. And they're fighting or having incomprehensible mood swings ALL THE TIME. So no, I couldn't do it.
I love Nora Roberts, she created one of my literary otps, Eve and Roarke from the in death series, but this romance completely sucks. It pretty much accumulates all of Nora Roberts worse traits into one barely readable story. Individually, I can enjoy these things in her novels, or ignore them, but this is just...
April 11, 2015
I lovvvved this book! It's pace was fast, simple yet complicated and reading it was like a fun ride! I won't stop until I'm done with the trilogy. It has suspense, terror, passion, love, sex and all the elements that makes a book worth reading! Cade's casual indifference towards his family with shrewd and witty comments and Bailey's obsession with being neat and her expert talent at worrying knits their love story into a beautiful and colorful sweater! I'm so glad I got my hands on this book and I would read it again someday!
October 14, 2014
Loved these characters, and can't wait for the next book in the Star of Mithra Series
October 5, 2015
Frumoasa cartea, mi-a placut. Si asta in ciuda numărului mic de pagini...
deals
January 9, 20168 January 2016: $1.99 on Kindle
May 6, 2022
Hidden Star was a fantastic start to the Stars of Mithra series featuring a romance between a woman with amnesia and the P.I. she hires.
When Bailey James wakes up in a hotel room, she has no idea who she is or why she's carrying a bag containing over a million dollars, a gun, and a huge blue diamond. Desperate for help, she hires private detective Cade Parrish to find out who she is and what happened to her. Unsure who they can trust, Bailey and Cade begin working together to dig into the events that led to Bailey's memory loss. Fearing she may be a criminal, Bailey won't allow herself to acknowledge the feelings she's developing for Cade or the ones he has for her. As Bailey and Cade get closer to uncovering who she is and what happened to her, someone dangerous is right on their trail.
Cade has always been the black sheep of his family which led him down a different path to becoming an investigator. I liked that Cade didn't put up with his family's meddling and simply did as he pleased. I will say he was a bit harsh at times in describing his family members but after meeting them that made sense. Very little is known about Bailey at the start of the book but despite the situation she's in, she manages to remain quite calm. As the book goes on we get little bits about Bailey's life and who she is.
Cade and Bailey's romance develops fairly quickly despite the fact Bailey has no idea who she is. For Cade, it's basically love at first sight but for Bailey it takes a little bit longer for her to accept her feelings. I liked that Cade fell first and that he was unapologetic about how he felt. I enjoyed the progression of the couple's relationship and that the pacing of the story match the advancement of the romance. The plot of uncovering Bailey's identity was interesting and I thought Bailey and Cade worked well together. When we learn how Bailey ended up with the diamond and over a million dollars, I found the story to be an intriguing one. The confrontation with the bad guy is well done and their connection to Bailey was a surprise. We also learn of an unknown person operating in the background who is behind everything which I found to be a great choice. I'm looking forward to seeing how the overall storyline progresses in the other books.
Overall Hidden Star was a great start to the series and I'm looking forward to picking up the next book, Captive Star, soon.
When Bailey James wakes up in a hotel room, she has no idea who she is or why she's carrying a bag containing over a million dollars, a gun, and a huge blue diamond. Desperate for help, she hires private detective Cade Parrish to find out who she is and what happened to her. Unsure who they can trust, Bailey and Cade begin working together to dig into the events that led to Bailey's memory loss. Fearing she may be a criminal, Bailey won't allow herself to acknowledge the feelings she's developing for Cade or the ones he has for her. As Bailey and Cade get closer to uncovering who she is and what happened to her, someone dangerous is right on their trail.
Cade has always been the black sheep of his family which led him down a different path to becoming an investigator. I liked that Cade didn't put up with his family's meddling and simply did as he pleased. I will say he was a bit harsh at times in describing his family members but after meeting them that made sense. Very little is known about Bailey at the start of the book but despite the situation she's in, she manages to remain quite calm. As the book goes on we get little bits about Bailey's life and who she is.
Cade and Bailey's romance develops fairly quickly despite the fact Bailey has no idea who she is. For Cade, it's basically love at first sight but for Bailey it takes a little bit longer for her to accept her feelings. I liked that Cade fell first and that he was unapologetic about how he felt. I enjoyed the progression of the couple's relationship and that the pacing of the story match the advancement of the romance. The plot of uncovering Bailey's identity was interesting and I thought Bailey and Cade worked well together. When we learn how Bailey ended up with the diamond and over a million dollars, I found the story to be an intriguing one. The confrontation with the bad guy is well done and their connection to Bailey was a surprise. We also learn of an unknown person operating in the background who is behind everything which I found to be a great choice. I'm looking forward to seeing how the overall storyline progresses in the other books.
Overall Hidden Star was a great start to the series and I'm looking forward to picking up the next book, Captive Star, soon.
April 21, 2024
A book with found family, priceless jewels, and a teeny-tiny case of hysterical amnesia? SIGN ME UP. Actually, sign me up for the whole series (which I read back to back, so been there, done that, if you know what I mean) and let's see where these diamonds take us.
First off, Bailey had a stroke of luck (or was it something else?) when she picked Cade as the PI to ask for help. With no memory of what led to her waking up in a dingy hotel room with a diamond that people would kill for her in purse, things could have gone very differently. But she picked Cade and he was up for the job of helping her shake her memories loose and figure out what had caused the disconnect.
On Cade's end, he knew Bailey was something special the moment she walked through his door. The more he learned about her (and she learned about herself, come to think), the harder he fell. While Bailey had some very real fears that she might be a criminal (because why else would she had a diamond, cash, and a gun on her), Cade is certain from the get-go that she was innocent of whatever crime she thinks she might have committed.
It just takes time, patience, and fighting through the block Bailey had thrown up to protect herself to get to where they needed to be.
That said, this is only the start of the story. With two other diamonds out in the wild, there's plenty more danger and wild times to come. Not going to lie, I AM READY!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
First off, Bailey had a stroke of luck (or was it something else?) when she picked Cade as the PI to ask for help. With no memory of what led to her waking up in a dingy hotel room with a diamond that people would kill for her in purse, things could have gone very differently. But she picked Cade and he was up for the job of helping her shake her memories loose and figure out what had caused the disconnect.
On Cade's end, he knew Bailey was something special the moment she walked through his door. The more he learned about her (and she learned about herself, come to think), the harder he fell. While Bailey had some very real fears that she might be a criminal (because why else would she had a diamond, cash, and a gun on her), Cade is certain from the get-go that she was innocent of whatever crime she thinks she might have committed.
It just takes time, patience, and fighting through the block Bailey had thrown up to protect herself to get to where they needed to be.
That said, this is only the start of the story. With two other diamonds out in the wild, there's plenty more danger and wild times to come. Not going to lie, I AM READY!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
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