The Secret Lives of Doctors' Wives by Ann Major

Hmmm. I have mixed feelings about this book. It managed to keep me entertained yet there were times I also wanted to burn it. I am in nursing school to become a registered nurse so anything medical and mystery is interesting to me. The main lady in this story is an RN and I just hope to God I never have a nurse like her taking care of me.

Synopsis (from barnesandnoble.com): Pierce Carver was one of Austin's richest, most successful surgeons. And he was going to marry trauma nurse Rose Marie Castle and put her aching feet into glass slippers. Unfortunately, the doctor had a weakness for the allure of youth and feminine perfection. He jilted Rose Marie three years ago, and she's still dreaming of revenge....
And things are looking bad for Rose Marie. The night Pierce died she was inside his magnificent home, half naked and very willing to accept his apologies. Now she's the prime suspect. Worse, her high school sweetheart is the investigating detective. But if Rose Marie didn't kill the not-so-good doctor, who did? Between his ex-wives, his angry stepchildren and the deep, dirty secrets driving their lives, somebody resorted to murder. And it looks as if Dr. Carver kept the biggest, baddest secrets of all....

My thoughts: Okay where to start? First of all I HATED Rose. She was a horrible choice for a leading lady. She is shallow, selfish, insecure, and idiotic. I found myself more than once while reading this book cursing her for her stupidity. Secondly, Pierce was an ass. Third, Rose has an old flame who becomes the investigator on the case. His name is Michael Nash. I think he is a fool. He pines after Rose who does nothing but think of only herself all the time. Rose has a daughter named Carmen who is a mess. Carmen has a daughter who she doesn't really want. With Rose and Carmen let's just say the apple does not fall far from the tree. I would have liked more insight into Carmen's world though. Now that I've bashed out all the dislikes of the book I will discuss the strong points. This story is like a sick and twisted soap opera. No matter how disgusted with Rose I was, I could not help but want to read more. There are some twists and turns you do not expect at all. Overall this is a strong who-dun it. If you can stomach the nausea Rose may cause the book is good. The cover is interesting and got my attention. I may or may not read another Ann Major book. Only time will tell.

Shoots to Kill by Kate Collins

After reading Kate's dissappointing book 6 in her flower shop mystery series (see my other review), I was a bit hesitant to read this one. I am happy to report that Kate is back on top with this book. This book was my second favorite book so far. This book is entertaining from the beggining to end. I only hope the next book in this series is as good.

Synopsis (from barnesandnoble.com): Eight years ago, Abby Knight babysat for a problem teen named Elizabeth. Today, Elizabeth's back, with a new name (Libby) and a whole new life (stolen)—namely, one that already belongs to Abby. Libby's even trying to steal Abby's boyfriend, Marco. But imitation really becomes the sincerest form of trouble when Abby finds herself the accused dupe in a bizarre murder plot.

I liked the new nemesis Elizabeth aka Libby in this book. It brought in a fresh perspective which I found very entertaining. It almost seems as if Abby is maturing a little bit and that is a good thing. I am the same age as Abby, 26, and I find myself forgetting that she is supposed to be the same age as me. I always consider her to be younger, but I am glad that she is finally growing up a little bit. I would like her and Marco's romance to bud (pun intended) a little more. Maybe move from a "G" rated romance to a "PG-13".

A Rose from the Dead by Kate Collins

I just happened to stumble upon Kate Collins Flower Shop Mystery series a while back. Before reading the first book I thought it seemed a little cheesy. But after reading the first book Mum’s the Word, I was hooked. I definately recommend this series. Although, don't let the synopsis trick you into thinking this series is romance. While the main charcter Abby does have a man you will not be reading any steamy love scenes. This series is a light hearted mystery. The series order is-

1. Mum’s The Word
2. Slay it with Flowers
3. Dearly Depotted
4. Snipped in the Bud
5. Acts of Violets
6. A Rose from the Dead
7. Shoots to Kill
8. Evil in Carnations
9. Kate is working on book 9

Synopsis (from the publisher): Abby Knight is attending the Midwestern Funeral Directors Associations regional convention, where the associations intensely disliked chairperson is found dead in a locked casket, her signature rose missing from her hair. Abby's determined to find out who loved the victim—and who loved her not.

While the first book is the best of the series book 7 was my second favorite. All of them were stellar books except for this one. I was disappointed in this book. Some of Kate’s books are laugh out loud funny- not this one. Most of the time the books are quick reads and keep me entertained from beginning to end. While reading this book I had to force myself to get through it completely. I almost felt like this book was written by someone else. I am happy to say that Kate is back to her usual engaging writing style in book 7. Honestly, unless you are one of those anal people (like me) who just have to read the books in order I would say skip this one and go straight to book 7. I cannot wait to read book 8 and I hope I am not disappointed. Also I must give props to whoever does the cover artistry for this series. All the covers have been very nicely done.