AAR

[jenniferdar]

The "worst romances" thread got me wondering about Coulter's newer books which seem to be thrillers. Although I think she's an excellent storyteller, I couldn't stomach the rapist-heroes of her historicals. What are her new contemporary books like? Are they romantic suspense or just plain thrillers? Do the heroes rape the heroines in these?

Thanks!

[Tinabelle]

I have read all of Coulter's FBI thrillers and have enjoyed them. Obviously, in a series that has 12 books and a 13th due out next month, some are better than others. I would give the series an average grade of "B."

The heroes and secondary male characters are all "politically correct" - no rapists in sight! They are often FBI agents so they are manly men but are respectful to the women and protective. The heroines are modern women who are intelligent, independent, and have their own careers. The only males that exhibit bad behavior are the criminals.

Despite some very serious stories, there is humor in the books as well. I enjoy the recurring couple in the story - married FBI agents Dillon Savitch and Lacey Sherlock. You always get a little bit of their romance in each book and a main romance between a new h/h in every story.

As far as how much romance vs. suspense? IMHO it is pretty well-balanced because the h/h are usually together for the entire book and we see the relationship develop. That is kind of a tough question to answer since everyone's take on that is different. The suspense and the relationship are pretty intertwined. Some might say the balance tips in favor of the suspense.

As with any author/book, the best way is to give them a try and see how you like the tone and feel of the book. I am looking forward to the new book Tailspin and will definitely buy it. And even though there are recurring characters, the books can definitely be read as stand-alones.
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[jitterbug]