Title: Sizzle
Author: Julie Garwood
Genre: romance
Release: 12/09
Format: hardcover
For: personal choice
Synopsis: (from book jacket)
Lyra Prescott, a Los Angeles film student, is closing in on graduation and facing important decisions about her future. She's already been offered a job at her hometown TV station, an opportunity that could ultimately launch her dream career as a film editor. But heading back home would also mean dealing with her overprotective brothers, social-climbing mother, and eccentric grandmother. Unsure of her future, Lyra dives into work on her final school assignment: a documentary transformed by a twist of fate into a real-life horror film.
After she unwittingly captures a shocking crime on camera, a rash of mysterious, treacherous incidents convince Lyra that she's trapped in a sinister scenario headed for a violent ending. Running scared, she turns to her best friend, Sidney Buchanan, whose connections bring dauntless and devilishly handsome FBI agent Sam Kincaid into Lyra's life. As the noose of deadly intrigue tightens and the feelings between them deepen, Lyra and Sam must place their faith in each other's hands—and stand together against the malevolent forces about to break loose.
The Good: Julie Garwood always makes strong likable characters and these two are no exception. The side characters, such as Gigi and the glimpse of former main characters, is great. I thoroughly enjoyed all the scenes that involved not only Gigi but the previous "stars."
The mystery/suspense was convoluted enough in this one that I finally didn't guess the bad guy before halfway through the novel, which was a first with a Garwood suspense.
The Bad: The synopsis doesn't quite match the book, at least in my humble opinion. So I was misled on what was going to happen where and felt confused for much of the beginning of the book. I spent quite a few chapters wondering if this was the part where she actually delved into the mystery the cover promised.
Secondly, they don't develop a relationship throughout the book, it is just there. Some sort of cosmic connection that manifests itself in overwhelming lust and true love. (yeah that was sarcasm)
I prefer when she actually takes the time to make the people work at their romance and it would have been nice had these two actually spent some time together before deciding they were destined to have really hot sex and a happily-ever-after.
Overall: I enjoyed the read, even when I spent much time confused. Garwood's characters are always interesting with a strong personality and great sense of humor. While I was dissatisfied with some parts of the book I still have to stay it is a good one to read, especially if you have read her other contemporary romantic suspense novels.
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