Familiar Valentine (Harlequin Intrigue, 502)

Rating:
Summary: A Light, Fun Romp
Review: "Familiar Valentine" is Caroline Burnes' latest tale of Familiar, the crime-solving cat. While it isn't as complex or rich as her other books, it is an entertaining story. Celeste Levert is a woman on the run from a man who insists on marrying her. Dan Carson is a man on an undercover assignment--who can't resist helping a damsel in distress once Familiar points him in her direction. But with danger chasing both of them, together might just be the most dangerous place they can be.

The story moves very fast--too fast for me to believe it actually. But even when the story isn't too grounded in reality, Familiar is, and his wise comments are just as on target as ever. (I loved when, just when I was thinking that their relationship was moving too fast, Familiar said the same thing!) I especially liked Celeste, who, like so many Burnes heroines, gets a great moment to show just how tough she is in the climax. Of course, we know Dan is Celeste's Mr. Right, not her fiance (I almost died laughing when I realized what her married name would have been--a very nice touch on Ms. Burnes' part), and the connection between them is a bit obvious. But there are enough twists and turns, and you can never know who is good and who is bad, to get us to the end. A bit too unbelievable and not her best work (I'd start with "Familiar Fire" or "Too Familiar" first), but a funny, entertaining read nonetheless.

Rating:
Summary: A Light, Fun Romp
Review: "Familiar Valentine" is Caroline Burnes' latest tale of Familiar, the crime-solving cat. While it isn't as complex or rich as her other books, it is an entertaining story. Celeste Levert is a woman on the run from a man who insists on marrying her. Dan Carson is a man on an undercover assignment--who can't resist helping a damsel in distress once Familiar points him in her direction. But with danger chasing both of them, together might just be the most dangerous place they can be.

The story moves very fast--too fast for me to believe it actually. But even when the story isn't too grounded in reality, Familiar is, and his wise comments are just as on target as ever. (I loved when, just when I was thinking that their relationship was moving too fast, Familiar said the same thing!) I especially liked Celeste, who, like so many Burnes heroines, gets a great moment to show just how tough she is in the climax. Of course, we know Dan is Celeste's Mr. Right, not her fiance (I almost died laughing when I realized what her married name would have been--a very nice touch on Ms. Burnes' part), and the connection between them is a bit obvious. But there are enough twists and turns, and you can never know who is good and who is bad, to get us to the end. A bit too unbelievable and not her best work (I'd start with "Familiar Fire" or "Too Familiar" first), but a funny, entertaining read nonetheless.

Rating:
Summary: Fear Familiar Series MEOW!
Review: FAMILIAR VALENTINE - Caroline Burnes

A velvet Valentine's night, a threatening attacker -- and suddenly, Celeste Levert found herself swept to safety in Dan Morgan's strong arms. He promised to keep her safe and secure, but couldn't offer his heart -- until a black cat played Cupid...

Rating:
Summary: Weird, but highly entertaining.
Review: Hey, in todays' world, who needs reality? This is a book that can relieve you of your troubles. It takes you from the here and now and places you in the world of a genius cat. Would that I could own a cat such as Familiar! Though sheer fantasy, Caroline's book is a delightful read. It'll make you smile.