Wicked Good Time

Rating:
Summary: Good Formula Romance, Not Much of a Mystery Story
Review: Hard charging park ranger Miki Jamieson is assigned to investigate reports of harrassment being directed at ultra-rich, influential Christina Reynolds. Miki is a closeted lesbian (at least as far as her job is concerned), Christina might or might not be a repressed bi-sexual. The story, though told in third person, focuses on Miki as the viewpoint character, so we don't know what any of the other characters are thinking, only Miki. And Miki, though decent to the core, is pretty clueless when it comes to emotions, her own and others. Is Christina straight? Might she find Miki attractive? Will they ever wind up together?

This is a formula romance: competent type comes in to save beautiful, vulnerable type being threatened in huge old house - the only difference being that in this story both the savior and the savee are women. And it's okay it's formula. Anything can be done well or poorly, and this is a pretty good example of the formula. Diana Braund has a deft touch for characterization, her dialogue rings true, her characters are believable and likable, the ongoing maybe-relataionship between Miki and Christina is enjoyable to read. And while some other pieces of lesbian fiction (the Nancy Clue/Cherry Aimless books come instantly to mind) are essentially meanspirited in that every straight man is a horrible, stupid, violent sexist, in Braund's world, while there are a few jerks (what would a mystery novel be without bad guys?), in general the good male characters are, well, good guys. This is refreshing. The book's only real drawback is that the mystery isn't much of a mystery, its resolution a serious anti-climax. This a good lesbian love story - that could have been a great book if it were as successful a mystery novel as it is a romance.

Rating:
Summary: Wicked and Good
Review: I enjoyed every bit of this book. It was passionate and well-plotted and well-written. Christina is a bit mysterious, but that was part of the wicked goodness of the story. And a lovely woman in a park ranger's uniform ... okay, who *hasn't* had that fantasy? I'll be looking for more from Braund after such a pleasant experience.

Rating:
Summary: Wicked Good Time is an enjoyable read!
Review: This is my first Diana Tremain Braund book. I was pleasantly surprised. The characters are well developed and the scenery is great. This book shows that a perfect amount of description can be obtained without overkill.
The characters keep you pulling for them to get together. This of course is the basis for any great lesbian romance book. It will not disappoint you.
The mystery portion is a bit predictable but entertaining none the less.
I definately suggest this book to anyone who loves lesbian romance.