Rating: 
Summary: Great read, yet I have a few qualms
Review: "The Color Of Love" was my first SK read, and up until today, I would have said when it came to the genre of Interracial Romances (which is too often overlooked, IMO), COL was by far the best example of IRs on the market in that genre. But after finishing "Close Encounters," I now feel compeled to add it to the list. The book was a quick, engrossing read (basically read it in 24 hours), with (main) characters that drew me in from their opening scenes. However, for as much as I enjoyed CE, like COL, there are a few complaints I have with the storyline(s):A. Granted, this is only my second SK novel, but I notice that as in COL, it seems (at least to *me*), the male leads are more fully developed/fleshed out characters than the female leads. I found myself caring far more about Lee Grafton than I did Carol Taggart. B. The female leads tend to show a serious lack of common sense w/regards to assertiveness (COL's lead re: the situation with her ex & sister) and saftey (Carol's handling of the DANGEROUS events after the shooting in CE) C. The sub-plots re: the supporting characters seemed out of place, almost forced. D. While "realism" with regards to action IS necessary in fiction of this type, sensationalism is not, IMO; I'm referring specifically to the (violent) encounter between two of the supporting characters. Not only was it unnecessary, but in regards to the (male) character's behavior patterns which had been established, totally unbelievable. Yet, for the above shortcomings I found with "Close Encounters," the book's saving grace is the tenderness and geniune EMOTION the progressing romance between Carol & Lee invokes. I also enjoyed that Kitt TOOK HER TIME re: the romance. The progression was believable, IMO. Looking forward to the next SK novel. Perhaps the *third* time WILL be the charm!
Rating: 
Summary: I must have read a different book...
Review: After scrolling through the other reviews, I'm almost positive that the book I read--although the title was "Close Encounters" and the author was Sandra Kitt--was not the same one. I have read two of Ms. Kitt's other novels (The Color of Love and Between Friends) and was not impressed. I found the heroines lacking common sense and believability. When I bought "Close Encounters", I hoped that I would not find the same with this one. I cannot say that I did. Of the heroines from the three novels mentioned above, Carol Taggert was almost believable. (I say almost because I didn't understand how she could ignore threats after being shot and what she did after a serious attempt on her life was made continues to boggle my mind.) Carol's relationship with her older brother, Wesley, was good. Her relationship with her ex, Matt, was confusing, which made that realistic as well. The relationship with Lee was off to an interesting start and if the focus hadn't shifted to secondary characters in prime moments that would have been better suited for the main characters, I would have almost believed that Lee and Carol were in love. The chemistry existed between the two, but the relationship could have been developed a lot better. Just because two characters have sex early in their relationship does not automatically make what they have a grand love affair. It takes more than that. Other than the bullet that nearly killed Carol, what drew her and Lee together? This is not given in the pages and although I have an active imagination, I still couldn't "imagine" what the answer was in regards to Carol and Lee. As far as male characters go, Lee was okay. He didn't make me swoon and the pat responses he gave to his teen daughter's agonizing dilemma with her mother, didn't endear him to me either. In his thoughts, he wanted to be a good father, but where was the action? He told her he'd talk to her mother about their problems, but he never did. Sure, he hung out with her a few times, but so what? He should have done more. His lack of attention to his own flesh and blood didn't sit well with me and made it difficult for me to care about him. Finally, graphic violence towards women...is it really necessary? Hollywood has made millions from degrading women on film and TV. Must a female author follow their trend? I won't go into details, but what happens to Barbara (Lee's partner) towards the end of the book was unnecessary and added NOTHING to the story. The ending of the novel could have been the same without the sensationalism. Instead of adding to the story, those scenes lessened it. The novels that I find enjoyable, I tend to read again and again, refusing to part with them for anything. If I decide to keep this one, I may need a few years before I can pick it up again.
Rating:
Summary: I must have read a different book...
Review: After scrolling through the other reviews, I'm almost positive that the book I read--although the title was "Close Encounters" and the author was Sandra Kitt--was not the same one. I have read two of Ms. Kitt's other novels (The Color of Love and Between Friends) and was not impressed. I found the heroines lacking common sense and believability. When I bought "Close Encounters", I hoped that I would not find the same with this one. I cannot say that I did. Of the heroines from the three novels mentioned above, Carol Taggert was almost believable. (I say almost because I didn't understand how she could ignore threats after being shot and what she did after a serious attempt on her life was made continues to boggle my mind.) Carol's relationship with her older brother, Wesley, was good. Her relationship with her ex, Matt, was confusing, which made that realistic as well. The relationship with Lee was off to an interesting start and if the focus hadn't shifted to secondary characters in prime moments that would have been better suited for the main characters, I would have almost believed that Lee and Carol were in love. The chemistry existed between the two, but the relationship could have been developed a lot better. Just because two characters have sex early in their relationship does not automatically make what they have a grand love affair. It takes more than that. Other than the bullet that nearly killed Carol, what drew her and Lee together? This is not given in the pages and although I have an active imagination, I still couldn't "imagine" what the answer was in regards to Carol and Lee. As far as male characters go, Lee was okay. He didn't make me swoon and the pat responses he gave to his teen daughter's agonizing dilemma with her mother, didn't endear him to me either. In his thoughts, he wanted to be a good father, but where was the action? He told her he'd talk to her mother about their problems, but he never did. Sure, he hung out with her a few times, but so what? He should have done more. His lack of attention to his own flesh and blood didn't sit well with me and made it difficult for me to care about him. Finally, graphic violence towards women...is it really necessary? Hollywood has made millions from degrading women on film and TV. Must a female author follow their trend? I won't go into details, but what happens to Barbara (Lee's partner) towards the end of the book was unnecessary and added NOTHING to the story. The ending of the novel could have been the same without the sensationalism. Instead of adding to the story, those scenes lessened it. The novels that I find enjoyable, I tend to read again and again, refusing to part with them for anything. If I decide to keep this one, I may need a few years before I can pick it up again.
Rating: 
Summary: Endearing interacial love story
Review: Carol a black women is shot accidentally by Lee a white police officer when she is caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Even though the case is under investigation Carol and Lee fall in love as he tries to protect her from a killer and deal with the department about him and her and the case. This story could have been so much more if only Sandra had focused more on Carol and Lee and not so much on other forces. I still loved the story because the storyline is my favorite type of story, but next time Sandra lets read abit more about the interaction of the couple and not so much about ex's and other things going on.
Rating:
Summary: keeps you reading
Review: Close Encounters has a Danielle Steel feel to it, and it's clearly aimed at a female audience, though I have to admit I liked it. Author Sandra Kitt had a good police advisor (I am a retired police officer) as all of the police action and procedure is accurate. Kitt is a black woman. She says that she enjoys putting white and black people together in intimate relationships in all her books to see what happens. That is what made this book much more than an average police yarn. Good, easy read.
Rating: 
Summary: This Book Has Everything....Action...Suspense...Romance !
Review: Close Encounters is a wonderfully well written story. Sandra Kitt does a great job of pulling the reader into the story. I was positively mesmerized by the story. I read Close Encounters from cover to cover. I could not put this book down. Carol Taggert happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and is shot during a police undercover operation. Carol is a single African American woman who is struggling with family issues and still sleeping with her ex-husband. Lee Grafton is the cop who thinks he shot Carol during a drug bust by accident. He may or may not be the shooter but he visits Carol several times and realizes that they have a connection. Carol's ordeal is explosive because the cop who shot her is white and the NYPD has a horrible reputation in the black community. Carol realizes that the shooting has given her a second chance at life. Lee also struggles with his career choice. Can he continue to be a police officer? Close Encounters moves at a very fast pace. The supporting characters are involved up to their necks in action and the story proceeds full speed ahead. I can't wait to get my hands on another Sandra Kitt book.
Rating:
Summary: Sensuous & Riveting
Review: Close Encounters is an arduous interracial romance tale sagaciously laced with excitement and suspense. Without omitting societal prejudices and stereotypical presupposes, Sandra blends a poignant love story that embraces more than the common obstacles that many interracial couples endure. Close Encounters over flows with vivid situations that will leave you anxious and intrigued. Carol Tagart and Lee Grafton are thrust together one night during a heinous situation that changes both of their lives forever. Against all odds, they fight unrelenting adversaries that threaten their relationship, their character, and their existence. What I like most about this novel is the engrossing and passionate story line that deals with a myriad of delicate subjects, and the graceful and pivoting way that the story is told. The added subplots of suspense were thrilling and riveting. Make sure that you block off plenty of time to read this book because once you start, you won't be able to stop reading until the very last page.
Rating:
Summary: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS . . . OF THE BEST KIND
Review: Few authors have the talent of a Sandra Kitt. Her body of work from the beginning proves that she deserves to be regarded with the same respect as authors such as Nora Roberts. Ms. Kitt grabs you from the first paragraph and doesn't let you go until the final word. If I find nothing else new on the mass market, I reread a Sandra Kitt novel, especially The Color of Love. What's really scarry is that Ms. Kitt doesn't even seem to have hit her stride yet. What we're encountering up close and personal in Ms. Kitt's work is a legend in the making.
Rating:
Summary: enlightening story with a twist of fate
Review: first of all, i have to say i have read all of sandra kitts book and all of them was very remarkable and interesting and not only that but informative stories. i like the way she does her research on any topic she writes and how i enjoy her books. anyway close encounters was distinguis novel that covered an accidental shooting of an innocent victim and how the police and others were handling the case...it has interesting characters who leaves you guessing and wondering what will they do next..carol was an unbiased person, that even though her ex husband and brother was pressuring her to sue the city, she did a lot of soul searching for forgiveness and even though she hasnt forgotten the incident but she did forgive and fell in love...now that speaks a lot about a person's heart *S* lee has changed too and you'll love him for being a caring policemen because we sure dont emphasize enough on the ones who are dedicated to their job *S* its a very interesting story, go pick it up at a book store or library..i guranteed you will not be bored. *S*
Rating:
Summary: Comfortable - reading
Review: I enjoyed the story of Carol Taggert and Lee Grafton, I would have liked her to be a little more comfortable with her family at her age, and he a little more satute. But overall it was a good read.
| 
