Celia JeromeBesprekingen

TROLLS IN THE HAMPTONS was an oddball choice for me to read. Its contemporary fantasy (not quite urban as it deals with mainly 'high end' fantasy creatures like fairies, trolls and elves), but the blurb just didn't pull me in. It kind of peaked my interest, but not anywhere near the level of 'I should read this before anything else'. It was the cover that convinced me; a realistically drawn young woman with the backdrop montage of retro-comic art.

The story takes a little while to get going. Fafhrd the big troll shows up very early on, but the actual plot to the book takes a little longer. The first third or so is taken up with what it’s like to be a moderately successful writer/artist in New York City. I recognized some of the places that Jerome mentions--definitely Penn Station and the LIRR--but I had no idea there was a 'Jitney' bus line from Manhattan to the Hamptons.

The fun begins when Willow arrives back home in Paumanok Harbor (in a truly astounding series of coincidences) and she begins to look at her neighbors and relatives in a new way. It was creepy how everyone seemed to know everything and like Willow I wondered if that was a product of being a nosy small town of the supposed powers they all had.

There are large moments of info-dumping, mostly in regards to the supernatural realm that can get long-winded and exhausting to read. Multiple times I wished that Grant was really speaking to me with his British accent because I'm convinced that's the only reason Willow was able to listen.

One of my few pet peeve tropes is used, of insta-love due to fate or genetic disposition, though Willow is a tough girl to sell. She has a lot of neurosis and that makes her skeptical about anything beyond the animal attraction she feels for Grant. Who from all accounts seems to totally deserve it. I do think Willow held onto her skepticism for far long given the evidence to the contrary, but I don't blame her.

In all this was a diverting read. I'm curious to see how the next book (Night Mares in the Hamptons, due out in May 2011) works itself out. The blurb is another one that doesn't catch me, but it makes me question the ending of this book.

Review originally posted at Night Owl Romance

I unfortunately didn't enjoy this venture with Willow as much as I did the first volume. What had been cute and quirky quickly became annoying and repetitive this time around.

As intriguing as I find Willow's ability as a Visualizer, I would have thought her main goal would have been to learn how to control her power so it didn't run amok like in the first book (A TROLL IN THE HAMPTONS, as you can guess the title tells it all). There is also the matter of her fianc‚e sending a flirty, hot, cowboy to help her...either he has no trust issues in that department or wasn't thinking very clearly.

What I did find entertaining relies mainly in that these books aren't any one genre. Mystery, paranormal, romance, satire...Jerome includes all of this in the Willow Tate novels. The residents of Paumanok Harbor are lively and quirky--they certainly give poor Willow a run for her money as she searches for normalcy in her life once more. Now that she's more or less blossomed into her power they all feel no real need to hide their secrets any more either.

In the end though Willow's neurotic little ticks (which were cute in TROLLS, but quickly wore on me in NIGHTMARES), and unmemorable storyline left me feeling meh by the conclusion. This is a light read, diverting in its own way, but also lacking substance to keep me engaged for long periods of time.

Review originally posted at Night Owl Romance

Please note this is book 4 in the series, I didn't read book 3 FIREWORKS IN THE HAMPTONS, so I'm going into this a little behind the times.

Once again we return to the world of Willow Tate, graphic novelist by choice and Visualizer against her better judgment. Weird things are happening in the Hamptons and Paumanok Harbor in particular, as a string of crimes, rare bird sightings and dolphins giving the heave-ho to surfers. The locals blame Willow for it, despite the fact she doesn't have anything to do with it (which is surprising in and of itself), but that's hard to believe when the events seem to be chronicled in her latest book.

One of the reasons I originally enjoyed this series was because Willow seemed so...interesting. Even before she got a handle on her Visualizer powers, Willow was creative and chaotic. Stuff I can relate to and was happy to read about. As the series has progressed however much of Willow's creativity has been channeled into making sure things don't go haywire. When anything you draw can come to life, or more accurately in most case be drawn to you by magic, it’s hard to want to draw for fun you know?

I want to mention this because it’s partially why I didn't pick up book 3--Jerome has this odd penchant for ending the book with action half-finished. Not like a cliff-hanger per say, more like those old cartoons that would end with 'Stay tuned for the next thrilling adventure!'. For the casual reader this probably isn't a problem, but as a voracious reader it feels silly since if I like book I'll definitely pick up the next one.

As seems to be typical for this series Willow gets herself yet another love interest (or two) and she's surprised by this (though I don't know why since there's been at least half a dozen interested guys in this series), but the romance doesn't overshadow the plot. Jerome is a pseudonym for romance author Barbara Metzger, an author I admire greatly for her historical romances. However I've become less enchanted with her urban fantasy series.

Honestly while it’s refreshing to read a UF that doesn't involve vampires, shifters or the Fae being hunky warriors with long ears I've fallen less in love with Willow and her not always smart decision making skills. This was enjoyable, but nothing too exciting.

This book had such promise, but the (at times) sloppy writing makes me hesitant to recommend this to anyone.

Starts out fairly well but then devolves into trite "Magic in your world? More likely than you think" plot.

Please come to read my review at http://www.myshelf.com/scifi_fantasy/11/fireworksinthehamptons.htm

I adored this book! I found this book in a library used bookstore and picked it up on a whim. I am so glad I did! It is a paranormal tale that is different from most with the main character coming from a lineage of magic but not knowing it because she refused to follow in her family's chosen path. Alas, fate wins out and magic comes knocking at her door. Very cute, easy to read, and I am buying the rest of the series online ASAP!

Actually liked the sample. Hesitant as some reviews say the action and humor in first pages turn into a whiny, angst ridden romance. $7.99 kindle and I've a lot of preorders coming down the wire this summer (plus vacatation expenses) so will come back to in the fall and decide.

(NOTE: For anyone keeping track of my read durations, I feel obliged to point out that this series is not as tough to get through as those long read times may make it seem. In fact, they're pretty quick "beach read" books; I've just been swamped with both work and doing some writing of my own, which has left much less brain space for reading.)

Anyway, this penultimate book in the series is really more like the first half of a double-length finale. While each book has built on the previous volumes and concluded a love story arc, this one leaves the romance unresolved - in much the same way the first book did, actually. I'm presently about a third of the way into the last book, and it's very much a continuation of this one in terms of plot and romance. The threat stems directly from the previous book's events, and the love interest is the same as before. (In fact, books 3-5 make sort of a trilogy in those respects, but book 3 is more "detachable" than books 4-5.)

This middle volume of the five-book series picks up just after the previous one; in fact, the whole series takes place over less than six months. As usual, new weirdness occurs, there's a new guy for Willow to fall for, and things generally (ahem) heat up all around.

Decent enough story, half romance and half paranormal adventure. Second of five books dealing with an artist who's part of a village filled with paranormal talents, and somehow it always falls to her to sort things out when things go sideways.

Graphic novelist Willow Tate can’t believe her eyes when a red-skinned troll appears to leap from the pages of her sketch book and into the streets of Manhattan. Things get weirder when she meets handsome Agent Grant from the so-called Department of Unexplained Events. He says a rift has opened from a fantasy world and the troll has come through to help rescue a kidnapped boy with special gifts. Willow has to help him in this search or disaster will ensue. Thus Willow gets swept up into a chaotic whirlwind involving a whole side to life that she’d only imagined on paper. Can she reconcile her views with this new reality? This entertaining tale will keep you smiling as you read about Willow’s misadventures and her introduction to another world she hadn’t known existed.

It's never good when you've gotten to page 77 and realized that you've been skimming for a while. The premise -- a (well-meaning but destructive) troll comes to life from the drawings of a comic book artist named Willy, after which she becomes involved with the Department of Unexplained Events -- is great fun, but the writing is flat and dull. I think the first-person narration is supposed to be breezy and chatty and a touch snarky, like Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum, but it's too labored -- too much attention to every little movement and thing Willy does, like a point-and-click game, and too much boring, unnecessary inner monologue to drudge through. I picked this up because of the title, thinking it would be hilarious and quirky, but there's too many good urban fantasy books out there to keep reading this one.

Magical interdimensional fireflies--that actually start fires--infest a small, magical town on eastern Long Island, and only Willow Tate can communicate with them. Sort of.

Intermittently engaging.

You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2011/11/nightmares.html

My favorite graphic novelist and Visualizer,Willow Tate,and her cranky Pomeranian,Little Red,are back in book 2 of Celia Jerome’s charming series! This time,three magical white horses are rampaging through Paumanok Harbor at night,causing its citizens to wreak havoc among one another,and giving Willow dreams of a baby horse that may have been kidnapped for nefarious reasons. When sexy cowboy Ty Farraday arrives in town to help Willow locate the horse,Willow’s hormones start acting up in a big way and sparks most definitely fly.

I really enjoyed Trolls in the Hamptons,the first book in this series,so I was eager to crack open Night Mares. Paumanok Harbor is charming as usual,full of citizens that have certain “special” talents,such as one boy who’s nose runs when someone is lying,and a plumber that uses the water in the drains he fixes as scrying mirrors. Paumanok Harbor really is a character in and of itself,and I just love it more and more as I get further into the series. The handsome Brit Grant,of the DUE (Department of Unexplained Events) who Willow fell for in Trolls is across the world fighting Yetis in the Himalayas,and Willow is seriously doubting her feelings for him. He’s the perfect man,right? And he wants to marry her! If that’s the case,then why is Willow falling hard and fast for Ty Farraday? Let me tell ya,I thought Grant was a hottie,but Ty? Whooooowee!
Here’s a quote from Ty at their first meeting:

“Honey,I’ll stop flirting as soon as I stop breathing. And you are the prettiest sight I’ve seen in ages. Apple pie and whipped cream,with vanilla ice cream on the side.”
See? Hot tamale,huh? Anyway,I digress. Willow must find this little horse to stop the reign of terror that the mares are causing,she’s been asked to teach a drawing class at the local community center,there may be drug smuggling going on,her mother still hasn’t returned from taking care of her dad,and eventually,she’ll have to deal with Grant. Willow’s got her hands full with this one,and of course,all of this just keeps her farther and farther away from her life back in the city. Night Mares was such fun,and it even got me a little teary at one point. I love hanging with Willow and her eccentric family and friends,and you can be sure I’ll be returning to Paumanok Harbor in Fire Works in the Hamptons,the brand new book in the series! If you haven’t discovered this fun,sparkling series,what are you waiting for?

You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2011/10/review-trolls-in-the-hamptons-willow-tate-1...

I like Willow Tate. She’s a moderately successful graphic artist and writer who’s proud of the New York rent controlled apartment that her books pay for,she’s dating a “nice” guy,and things are pretty good. Until,while sketching,she looks up to see a ten foot tall red troll rampaging down the street. Make that a troll that looks suspiciously like the one that she just drew for her new book. The only problem is,no one else can see the troll,and as she starts glimpsing the big guy (who she dubs Fafhrd) around town,wreaking his particular brand of good natured havoc,Willow starts to wonder if she might be losing her marbles. Then she gets a call from her mom with the news that her dad is ill (they’re divorced),she needs to go and care for him,and won’t Willow come home to Paumanok Harbor to dogsit until she gets back? Willow finds it impossible to say no,especially after her “nice guy” boyfriend Arlen turns out to be not-so-nice. It’s not so bad,though. After all,she gets to stay in the huge mansion being rented by a Hollywood big wig,and there’s a Jacuzzi and pool. However,there are the two poodles with sensitive stomachs and a Pomeranian with an attitude that quickly attaches itself to Willow.

All is not quiet on the homefront,however. Willow soon realizes that the people she grew up with may be more “special” then she always thought,and that she herself may have powers of her own. Powers that certain bad guys will do anything to get their hands on. Add Agent Grant,of the Department of Unexplained Events (DUE),murder,a missing boy,shake it all up,and you’ve got quite a fun cocktail. Willow must do everything she can to find the missing boy,deal with her growing attraction to hottie Agent Grant,coral a gaggle of unruly dogs,and come to terms with the presence of magic in her world. Willow is a flawed heroine,much different from your usual leather-clad,kick ass chick,and that’s ok. She’s a bit neurotic,slightly insecure,and a key part of something much bigger than herself,which would be a hard thing for anyone to adjust to. Willow’s vulnerability is what makes her so likeable. I can see myself being friends with her,totally,and her family is nothing short of fascinating. Willow and Grant’s romance is a big focus (it’s fairly light on the dirty bits,but there are couple),and I promise you’ll be crushing on him too! Trolls in the Hamptons was a breath of fresh air in between your dark UF or Fantasy reads and the humor and quirky characters will have you grinning. It’s not perfect,but then,neither am I,and I always expect a few growing pains in a first novel. I’m certainly game to spend more time with Willow Tate,Agent Grant,and the rest of the Paumanok Harbor gang! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Trolls in the Hamptons to fans of UF that are in the mood for something a little lighter and packed with charm!

Light, funny novel about about a graphic novel artist inadvertantly helping faerie cross the barrier between here and there. She gets caught up with a secret paranormal governmental agency helping maintain world balance and fighting a magical megalomaniac.

Life was fairly unremarkable for Willow (Willy)Tate. She had a Brownstone in New York City, a somewhat boring boyfriend, and a career as a graphic novelist. Until mayhem breaks loose, and Willy is the only one who knows what’s really happening. Cue the sexy British secret agent, Grant, and a rather unexpected set of circumstances that force Willy home to the eccentric town of Paumanok Harbor, where special talents are a dime a dozen. Will Willy be able to save the world from an Evil Genius, and come to terms with her own talents?
I found Willy to be a very likeable character, with a lot of hang-ups and fears. Those fears echoed many of my own fears, so I found it easy to relate to her. While the romance added little tension to the overall story, it provides an interesting look at fate versus free will- and what we are willing to believe (or overlook) for the sake of love. I was a little annoyed with the “even though I don’t trust you, you’re hot, so get in my bed” attitude of Willy. The premise was unique, but a little predictable. Things fell into place a little too easily for my liking. Everyone was in just the right spot, with just the right talent, at just the right time.
Overall, it was a light, enjoyable read, and will probably pick up the sequel.