Heartbreaker Reviews

• Heartbreaker won't break JG's fans' hearts....

  
  By A217AC0LOH4CYY on 2000-06-25
  Julie Garwood's first contemporary chiller is a must read for any Garwood fan. Like many, I was sceptical and wondered if I would like this "new" type of book.

  It's wonderful. Ms. Garwood stays true to her writing style with real life hero and heroine characters, along with her always perfect secondary characters. The suspense and tension is believable and scary, but there's humor, too. Nick's reactions when Laurent agrees with him after he tries to explain to her that she couldn't possibly love him, that it's just the situation they're in is hilarious - "Of course you don't love me.....what do you mean, you don't love me?". Vintage Garwood bantering and I just put the book down and laughed.

  I also know I'm not alone in falling for Father Tom and Noah Clayborne (yes, Clayborne) and am hoping (demanding?) that Noah get his own book as soon as possible.

  It's been rumored that each of the so-called FBI "Apostles", Noah among them, will be getting their own books, but for now, one of Nick's brothers is the next to get his own book. Theo? Please, please let Noah be next.

  Anyway, run, do not walk to your bookstore / internet site to get this book. You WON'T be disappointed.
  
  

• Expected Better

  
  By A2LXYUFE96D43S on 2000-06-21
  A murderer goes to confession asking for absolution for a crime he is going to commit. He chillingly describes how he tortured and killed his last victim. He challenges the priest to notify the authorities. The priest refuses to knowing the he can't reveal what is said in confession. The killer plays mind games with the priest letting him know he has already selected his next victim. This killing will be better, after all, practice makes perfect. The killer is convinced no one can stop him. He wants a challenge. He tells the priest to call his FBI friend to come and take the next victim into hiding. The killer will either follow or look for a new victim. He describes his next victim in such terms that the priest is shocked to realize it is his sister.

  The priest, Tommy Madden, panics and calls in his childhood friend to protect his sister. Nick Buchanan belongs to an elite division of the FBI. He works in a specialized division called the "lost and found." His talent is in tracking the most difficult cases involving lost and abducted children. He comes to his old friend's aid by promising to take care of Laurant Madden. Laurant Madden takes matters into her own hands. She refuses to hide and instead taunts the killer into striking out at her. The FBI agree with what she is doing and provide around the clock protection for her. There are several secondary story lines that are interesting to go along with the plot.

  I have always admired Julie Garwood's writing style. She generally has strong, independent heroines and dashing, brooding heros. I was excited to see her switch over to suspense. The synopsis I read had me hooked on this book long before it came out. In fact, this book was advertised as being released in February, 2000, and was then pushed back. This should tell you how long I've waited for it. Was it worth the wait? No, not really.

  For some reason this story doesn't work. It has its moments, some scary and some funny, but didn't captivate me like I expected which is why I gave it a 3. Laurant is not a believable character. She reminds me of those wimpy heroines from earlier romance novels in the 70s and 80s. Nick, who should have been a strong presence as the tortured FBI agent who has seen too much wasn't much better. I did enjoy the secondary story line with Father Tommy and Noah, the second FBI agent who helps Nick.

  Read or buy this book at your own risk. When I see Ms. Garwood's name on a book, I expect more. I know it can't be easy switching styles of writng, but I expected better.
  
  

• Garwood takes the high road and travels it with flash & dash

  
  By A3P1WJQ3SAXK4V on 2000-08-15
  What? Julie Garwood's "Heartbreaker" is a contemporary romance/mystery? My words when I discovered my favorite writer was stepping out of the mold I associated with her of dark, brooding Earls and fair, fancy Ladies! My next sentence was a half-hearted....."Okay, I'll lay down my money and give it a shot". Thank goodness I did or I'd have missed out on my favorite Garwood book to date!

  Her characters, Nick and Laurant jump at your from the pages...and fill your imagination with fanciful thoughts of actually knowing them along with Laurant's brother, Father Tom and the exciting Noah Clayborne (please let there be a book on Noah...please, please, please?).

  Oh, did I mention the psycho that has designs on Larant....as his next victim? The plot is so intricatly woven by Garwood you'll drive yourself nuts trying to figure out who the "Heartbreaker" is. Great read! Can't wait for her next book....I'm betting it's a sequel to this one.
  
  

• What a great transition.....

  
  By AGMSAD3UDSJE0 on 2000-07-27
  I'm a longtime fan of Julie Garwood's historicals. When I first read that her newest book was a Romantic Suspense novel, I was ready for disappointment. I just couldn't see how she could make the transition from very sweet and humorous to gritty and suspenseful. I was VERY surprised and pleased with the transition. Ms. Garwood has brilliantly plotted a suspense novel full of twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. Even when you know who the killer really is, you have to figure out who he has become. At the same time Ms. Garwood has woven a very nice love story between Nick and Laurent. The tension from the suspense is relieved with classic Garwood one-liners that make you want to laugh. Secondary characters, such as Laurent's brother the priest and Nick's friend Noah, are well developed and add to lightening the dark side of the novel. All in all, a very good book from a favorite author. Hopefully she will write Noah's story next.....
  
  

• Great but nothing like her historicals

  
  By AFVQZQ8PW0L on 2000-06-20
  He sees them; he wants them; he stalks them; he takes them; finally, he kills them. The dangerous psychopath HEARTBREAKER enjoys murdering his victims. He has already chosen the next woman to add to his demonic list. Father Thomas is in confessional when HEARTBREAKER admits he plans to go after the holy man's sister Laurant. Tommy is so frightened he calls his FBI friend Nick Buchanan for help. Nick promises to serve as Laurant's bodyguard until the monster is caught.

  The savvy Laurant realizes her situation could go on indefinitely. She offers to use herself as bait to draw out HEARTBREAKER, but a ballistic Nick rejects the notion because he refuses to allow her to take such a perilous risk. Instead, with the FBI involved, Nick and Laurant pretend to be lovers to make HEARTBREAKER jealous. While danger stalks them, the pair falls in love, even as the killer sets a trap to destroy Nick and Laurant.

  Among romance readers, Julie Garwood is renowned for her lighthearted Medieval and Regency romps. HEARTBREAKER is different, as the author's first contemporary is a taut suspense thriller that never eases up on the throttle. The charcaters are very complex accepting their current situation in a grave manner, but remain likable. Reminiscent of Brown and Hoag, HEARTBREAKER is heading to all the bestseller lists with Ms. Garwood expanding her already impressive fan base.

  Harriet Klausner
  
  

• Enjoyable read.
  By A3P6XI50S1W1XM on 2000-07-18
  I enjoyed reading this latest novel by Julie Garwood, "Heartbreaker." I was a little disappointed that it was set in the present instead of her usual historical themes. However, once you got into the story, it was not disappointing. I truly enjoyed the insert of the character Noah Clayborne. I can't wait for a story to be written about him! It is always fun to read about beloved characters and their ties to new ones. I think that you should try this book. It won't disappointment you.
  
  
• Entertaining, yet lacking
  By on 2000-11-11
  I enjoyed Heartbreaker, however, I did not feel it was in "Julie Garwood Style". I am a diehard fan of Ms. Garwood's. I own all of her books, and have read each one at least four times. I also read contemporary romance, however. My first love, though, is Ms. Garwood's historical romance. The one thing about her books that I have always loved is my ability to feel a part of the characters, that is why I am able to read them over and over again. My heart is with Jamie and Alec first and foremost, and I was hoping to feel the same about her new novel. I wasn't able to make the connection though. I thoroughly enjoy Ms. Garwood's style of writing, and was somewhat disappointed to read Heartbreaker because it reads very much like a Mary Higgins Clark novel. Not that that is an insult, she also happens to be one of my favorites. However, I read Garwood novels, and always eagerly await the next novel because she makes the reader feel a part of the story. I have cried over many of her novels. I just didn't feel that way with this novel. I truly feel that Ms. Garwood's forte is in the historical romance department. I not only enjoy reading her historical fiction, but I have picked up many historical facts from her books, which is like an added bonus. My hope is to see another novel, or two, in the line of Jamie and Alec! They are by far the best couple Ms. Garwood wrote about, and that book, The Bride (for those who are not as familiar), has been read more than 15 times and is looking a little worse for the wear. Sincerely, A devoted fan
  
  
• Book reads like it's written by a 19 yr old for 16 yr olds
  By A17CCL42OM917D on 2000-08-10
  How to start! I recently read a book called Riptide by Catherine Coulter that I reviewed in Amazon and said it was the worst book I had ever read (always a slight exaggeration). How quickly I found competition for that claim. The dialogue, though slightly more serious sounded like something out of an Archie, Veronica and Jughead cartoon. The plot, such as it is, involves a confessor telling Tom, a Catholic priest, that he is going to murder Tom's sister, Laurant (a name right out a soap opera). Tom immediately tells his old FBI buddy, Nick, about this awful development. In no time at all, based on no evidence other than the statement of the would be murderer, Laurant and Tom are surrounded by 4 or 5 agents who are going to be with them until this case is solved. (It is not clear what crime has involved the FBI here) Nick has not seen Laurant since she was a "gawky" kid. Guess what, as sure as night follows day, Laurant is drop-dead gorgeous now. Not only that, she thinks Nick is a real hunk, though she is loathe to say it. Tom, the priest, is so handsome that all the high school girls in his school have a crush on him. As Laurant meets the agents who will protect her, they say things like "do you realize how gorgeous you are". She says things like "I'll bet you've killed lots of people". They respond with statements like "after the scumbags meet me, they are a lot worse off than before". You get the picture. When Laurant realizes that her being so closely guarded might frustrate her would be murderer and that he might target other helpless victims, she decides she should act as bait to draw him out to short-circuit his obvious plans. Nick (aren't you shocked) says that is much too dangerous. The FBI, in this book, is about as unprofessional as they have ever been depicted, even though the hero is one of their agents. This is one stupid book. I have never read the author before and she apparently used to write bodice busters. She should stick to that insipid genre. Oh, one nice touch, in this book the heroine is virginal and is saving herself for the right man. You won't have to read all 400 pages to guess who that is.
  
  
• Another excellent work by Julie Garwood!
  By A2B5ISTTL1E4SB on 2000-06-19
  I would call myself very knowledgable when it comes to Garwood's books being that I have read all her books several times. I must admit I was a bit hesitant before reading this book being Ms. Garwood's first contemporary book. However, she proved me wrong with her strong characters and a novel full of suspense. I absolutley loved this book! I strongly recommend this book to both Garwood fans and new readers.
  
  
• TOO BAADD
  By A2IMPCFQH2OMXF on 2000-07-13
  I was disappointed by this novel. I have enjoyed all of Ms Garwood's other books, but this one just did'nt do it for me. Somehow though her female characters are interesting in period novels this one was not believable nor was the romance. I was more interested in the hero's friend than I was the hero although his fear of flight was a nice touch.
  
  
• Touche
  By A1XDB3F2T8CR9C on 2000-06-22
  Being an avid reader of Julie Garwood's books, I was absolutely thrilled to discover that she had written a new novel. Yes, we all know that Garwood can write wonderful historical romances, but could she do the same with a contemporary novel? After reading Heartbreaker, there is no doubt. Julie Garwood is the queen of romance and a master over the written word. The plot of her new book, Heartbreaker, does take a few chapters to unfold. But once it does, watch out! You'll find yourself drawn into the book faster than you can blink an eye. The characters, like in many of Garwood's novels, were very easy to like. The hero, Nick, was the possessive male with a "heartbreaking" smile and a knack for sarcastic humor. Laurant was of course an absolute beauty. And hurray to Garwood for countering that detail by giving her heroin a modest attitude and a witty retort for all those innocent jokes thrown her way. Accompanying the dynamic duo is Tommy, Laurant's brother, and Nick's FBI buddy Noah. Keep an eye on those two ladies. They're hilarious. All and all, I was most impressed. This book has got to be one of Garwood's finest. It contains all the parts that a good romance novel should: intriguing plot, captivating characters, and undeniable love. "Bravo, Julie!"
  
  
• too many cooks in the kitchen
  By on 2000-08-01
  The premise of this book is exciting, but you really have to dig through too many substories (the neighbor's lost dog? give me a break) to get to it. While she tries to wrap all the ends together (the wedding, Nick's previous service as an FBI agent, etc.) it just doesn't gel. If you like this type of writing, try Jayne Ann Krentz instead. There, the humor is clear, the characters are clear, the plots are clear. Garwood's book is like trying to see the road in a storm when your defroster is broken---hazy at best.
  
  
• Electrifying?
  By AK4FKQM328PQE on 2000-07-08
  A blurb on the cover of Heartbreaker describes it as being "electrifying". Not to me. I like my thrillers to thrill, my romances to be romantic, and my suspense novels to be mysterious. To me, this book was none of the above...I found this book very boring...None of the characters add thrills, suspense, or romance to the story. And, never for a moment, was I excited, terrified, or immersed in this book.

  I've read Ms. Garwood before. Her male characters are usually charismatic, her heroines entertaining, her love scenes, sexy. I saw none of that, in this book. To me, two stars may be high. But, the book has a good flow, and the writing itself, is fine...
  
  

• Whatever happened to Julie Garwood?
  By on 2000-07-23
  All my Garwoods are spotted with pool water, bath water and coffee. My daughters and I love these comfort books--they probably have calories. The three of us have shared some hilarious Garwood book reviews. OK, it's not the Bible or even Shakespeare, but Julie is our best friend; we know what to expect. We're not quite sure just what it is about Garwood's medieval Scotland that hits the spot but it really does; no man could ever understand.

  Heartbreaker is a departure -- a stalker story that Grisham and others have done already, and much better. The characters are mere sketches. We know that Julie can make her people quite real (at least until the story is over). Heartbreaker's Laurent is not believable or lovable. Nick would be much better in a kilt. If there was humor tucked in there, I must have missed it. Better luck next time.
  
  

• HEARTBREAKER
  By on 2000-06-20
  NY Times Bestseller, Julie Garwood's romantic suspense, HEARTBREAKER is a true rollercoaster ride of thrills, action and romance. After a psychopath confesses the gruesome details of his previous murders, he reveals to Father Tom that he will sin once again and that he has already staked out his next victim. This time, however, he needs more of a challenge..."Catch me if you can."

  Father Tom calls in his best friend, Agent Nick Buchanan. Nick is a member of a special elite unit that tracks down missing children. He has seen every atrocity known to man and is bordering on the edge of burnout and is ready for a much needed vacation. Nick can't refuse Tom's plea for help because the intended victim is...Tom's sister, Laurant.

  Laurant Madden has made a peaceful life for herself in Holy Oaks, Iowa, but with a sadistic killer after her, she and Nick must pretend to be lovers in order to bait the trap--only the pretending becomes a sizzling love affair that grows hotter has the killer draws nearer.

  Garwood brings Laurant's and Nick's world vividly alive. We care about them, understand them and want them to prevail. HEARTBREAKER is focused, gritty and yes, humorous. You laugh at the same time you get goosebumps. This book is pure Garwood which is storytelling at its finest. If you read only one book this year, make it HEARTBREAKER! YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!
  
  

• Same old story . . . different author
  By on 2000-07-04
  As an avid Julie Garwood fan, I checked my mailbox daily for her newest release. I just KNEW that her contemporary mystery was going to be as wonderful as her previous (romance) novels.

  To say I was disappointed is an understatement. I can't begin to tell you how many times I have read THIS SAME BOOK. 1-Serial killer on loose. 2-Killer goes after heroine. 3-Heroine needs protection by FBI Agent/Police (whatever). 4-Sparks fly between heroine and agent. 5-Will the agent be able to protect the heroine from the psycho killer - Or will she just be another fatal victim?

  Although I applaud Ms. Garwood's efforts at trying her hand at contemporary / mystery, I believe she could have done better than just recycling a story that's been done so many times before.

  If you are a true Julie Garwood fan, I know you will go out and buy this book in hardback, no matter what the reviewers have to say. BUT, be warned... this is NOT the Julie Garwood you know and love! If you can make it, wait until it comes out in paperback.
  
  

• Okay, but not her best
  By on 2000-07-18
  I have been a fan of Julie's for many years, but I must admit, I was also disappointed by this book. Although the plot around the killer was very good, something was missing in the love story between the two main characters. Another novel of Garwood's with a good plot, but with character connection is "Saving Grace" or "The Lyon's Lady." Either one of those would be a better start to see what Julie is about then this new work. Sorry Julie.
  
  
• Where oh,Where did our Julie Garwood go?...
  By A1UWXTNA19I71L on 2000-09-07
  Okay, I am probably the first person to try to sell someone on Julie Garwood, but this book was really disappointing. The last couple of books she has written make me think Julie wrote the first couple chapters and then handed it over to someone else to finish. Where is her style? Normally, when you finish one of her book you feel like you just took a deep breath and you just feel better about life. She really makes you believe that true love, respect and committment can still be found in marriage.

  For this book, everything was very loose and you never really get a real romance between Nick and Laurent. The story line was unbelievable and just not her forte.

  Julie...Please do us a big favor...We love you, go back and write the type of books that only you can write...About Love and Hope and the beleif that happily ever after can really exist.
  
  

• Don't read it before bed!
  By on 2000-09-12
  Julie Garwood is by far my favorite author, and I have been a devoted fan from the first chapter of "The Bride." Unfortunately, I was not fully prepared for the turn her new book has taken. This book is not the type of thing I enjoy reading (particulary before bed), because to be honest it scared the heck out of me, and that's not what I'm looking for.

  I take the blame for not taking the storyline more seriously, but truthfully, I thought the scary stuff would be secondary. It's not, and it's exactly the type of thing that young women fear.

  My favorite qualities of Garwood's past work have always been her ability to tell the story through the woman's eyes. To show her heroines as bright and witty individuals. I do not think that this story, told from the omniscient perspective, achieves the same respect for and closeness with the heroine I have previously enjoyed.

  My main point in writing this review (having never written one before) is simply to warn readers that this book may not be what you expect. So, double check before you lay down the money for the hardback copy. Personally, I'm hoping she goes back to historical romances. No one can write them like she does.
  
  

• A change for Garwood
  By A3ALGTMKWC15MY on 2000-09-15
  I have two copies of all her Julie Garwoods books, this will be the first one that I do not get a second copy of, and if I had known ahead of time I would have waited for the paperback. The writing is good, her style aparent, however, I wanted to read a romance, not a thriller. Many romance authors seem to jump ship and leave readers who adored them behind. I hope that Ms. Garwood does not plan on this in the future, as she is my favorite author. The storyline is based on a seriel killer who is stalking a single woman, Laurant. He tells her brother, a priest, what he is doing. Laurants brother calls in his FBI friend, Nick, to protect his sister. Although there is an attraction between the two, there is not enough play in the book with it to become entranced. There is also a lot of time spent on the killers thoughts, more than I wanted to know... So, needless to say, I was disappointed, however, I am anxiously waiting,(fingers crossed) for her next book.
  
  
• Boring
  By on 2000-11-15
  As I was reading this book I kept thinking I had read it before. It was so similar to a lot of other murder mystery books. I did not find it unique or interesting in any way. I had to force myself to get through it. I absolutely loved her other books and have been reading them for a second time. Those other books were unique and I loved them, especially Ransom and The Bride. I was anxiously awaiting this new book but was thoroughly disappointed.
  
  
• Heartbreaker!
  By on 2000-07-06
  Very disappointing. I expected much better from Julie Garwood.
  
  
• Good, but not her usual style
  By A1KGDMOB2CJEE2 on 2000-06-30
  First of all, let me say that I liked the book. I just didn't LOVE it, as I have all her other books. I've re-read them all, and will again, but I'd be surprised if I re-read Heartbreaker. I missed the humor that permeates her other books -- I've been know to laugh out loud at times. While reading Heartbreaker, I chuckled once or twice, but that was it. And while her other books have had "bad guys," they were secondary to the plot-line, and usually the impetus for the two characters to admit their love. In Heartbreaker, the danger is on almost every page, and colors almost every scene. This, in turn, limits her secondary characters -- they aren't as vivid or interesting because they are needed to move the serial murder plot-line along. Again, I liked it, but if you read Julie Garwood for 1) her humor, or 2) a light-hearted love story, think twice about buying this. Get it from the library.
  
  
• Disappointing!
  By AFHBC6B6JPGQ4 on 2000-07-14
  I have to tell you right off the bat that I was really looking forward to this novel. I believe that this is the first comtempory romance novel that Garwood has written. The premise is something right up my alley. Close your eyes and imagine: A priest is in the confessional; he is bored and sweaty from the heat, waiting patiently for his time to be up. Right as he is ready to get up and call it a day, a man steps into the confessional "Bless me father, for I will sin, I'm a heartbreaker" Not only does this heartbreaker give the name of the victim he will murder next, he implores the priest to involve his best friend, Nick Buchanan from the F B I. And the victim...the priests beloved sister. So imagine my disappointment when I actually finished Heartbreaker and it is more like a Hannibal lite novel. The characters fall in love with each other just a little too quickly for my tastes, but I should have know being the writer is a romance novelist and not a horror writer. Garwood fans will have a rare gem of a book, but for us others, best to skip it!
  
  
• Another sadistic killer
  By on 2000-07-18
  I mean, what is up? I enjoy Julie Garwood's books, or at least, used to enjoy them. Her last few books have been an extreme disappointment and this one clinched it for. It's very unbelievable. I find the love that "blossomed" between Laurant and Nick so unrealistic; the descriptions and dialogue were juvenile....this one isn't even worth borrowing at a library. A total waste of time. I don't know about you fellow readers, but reading about sadistic killers brutalizing women isn't my cuppa tea.
  
  
• A GREAT SUCCESS!!
  By on 2000-08-15
  All of us have watched our favourites (Judith McNaught, Sandra Brown, Linda Howard, Mary Jo Putney, etc.) move into the realm of contemporary suspense and fail miserably in the attempt. I am happy to report, contrary to the dismal statistics, Julie Garwood emerges Victorious!! She has succeeded admirably with her new book Heartbreaker. So many wonderful "Julie-isms" are still to be found here. Take this for example:"Tommy heard all the commotion and came running, Noah hot on his trail. As soon as Nick had told her brother what she'd done, Tommy joined in the shouting match, but she held her own and stood up to them. Pete and Noah came to her assistance, flanking her sides like protective guardians." How many times haven't we seen Julie's heroines walk through a castle bailey boxed in by her protective knights? All of Garwood's familiar, loved elements are here. Laurant and Nick, the main characters have lots of sizzle; the plot is very exciting and the action swift. The ending is left wide open for Noah's story, the other hunky FBI agent. So, as far as I'm concerned, her next novel can be historical or contemporary - I think we can trust Julie to DO IT RIGHT!
  
  
• Shallow, slow and lacks focus
  By A22IPP98D9J5HD on 2001-09-06
  "Heartbreaker" was mediocre, and drawn out. It started very slowly, and the author spent way too much time describing people, events and other details that end up being irrelevant to the plot.

  There were quite a few superfluous characters. For example, the role of Pete could have been eliminated, as he's just an older non-priestly version of Tommy. And, the sub-plot involving Jules Wesson never really went anywhere and eventually just fizzled. What was the point of including Jules at all?

  My final gripe is that, although FBI agents are a big part of the story, she never delves very deeply into the actual investigation. We're rarely told anything about suspects, clues, etc. She mentions an FBI profiler was working on the case, but we never find out anything about the results of his investigation, nor do we hear anything about the results of the crime scene investigation. This would have been interesting and would have at least given me, as a reader, clues to the ending.

  Overall, I think the book lacked adequate depth, focus and direction. I'm disappointed, as I generally like Julie Garwood's books very much.
  
  

• A disappointing "thriller."
  By A39WZWOG7L5QAY on 2001-11-12
  I'm a longtime Garwood fan, but this book was a disappointment. The "bad guy" character was unconvincing and there was very little of the classic Garwood romance wound into the story. It was either a bad romance novel or a very bad murder mystery -- take your pick. Garwood should stick to the historical romances, her true forte.
  
  
• A Great Contemporary Debut For Julie Garwood
  By on 2000-06-26
  Julie Garwood has entertained readers for years with her historical romances. Her long awaited contemporary debut does not disappoint!

  If you enjoy suspense, plot twists and a good romance, HEARTBREAKER is a must read.

  When a killer confesses to Father Tom that his next victim will be the priest's own sister, Father Tom calls his good friend FBI agent Nick Buchanan to protect Laurant. Headstrong Laurant does not want to sit back and be protected...she wants to use herself as bait to catch the Heartbreaker.

  HEARTBREAKER has enough romance to satisfy Julie Garwood fans and enough plot twists to keep the reader intrigued and wondering. The main characters, as well as secondary characters, are human and likable. I have a feeling we may be seeing secondary character Noah in the future.

  Good job, Julie!
  
  

• Disappointing contemporary debut
  By on 2000-07-04
  I eagerly awaited Ms. Garwood's contemporary debut, but have to say that I was disappointed. Neither the hero nor the heroine are endearing -- they are both caricatures with no personality to complete them. Frankly, Father Tom and Noah were the most interesting characters and they weren't around enough to keep the plot from dragging.

  I can't put a finger on exactly what went wrong -- the book opened well. But there were too many pages spent on subplots that weren't really relevant and characters (like the FBI guy in charge) whose presence was useless as a plot device.

  I'd steer clear of "Heartbreaker" until released in paperback, or read it at the library.
  
  

• Mercy
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