Thursday, August 5, 2010

Cape Seduction - Anne Carter (Kindle)


When it comes to magnificent structures, lighthouses have got it all...they are majestic, historic, mysterious, and romantic. Solitary protectors, beacons of hope. That is why I'm so enchanted with them, and what originally drew me to Pam Ripling (pen-named Anne Carter). Pam loves her lighthouses, and began weaving them into her writing projects with Point Surrender, a story of love, ghosts, and a lighthouse.

Rebecca Burke is a successful photojournalist with her sights set on featuring the crumbling and decaying Dragon Rock Lighthouse in an upcoming publication. It is surrounded with a colorful and mysterious past...it was the location of a 1940's romance thriller film called "Cape Seduction", which starred an promising actress named Darla Foster. Strangely, it was soon after the shooting of the film that Darla was last seen alive.

Matt Farralone is the handsome lawyer who represents the current owner of the lighthouse (and friends with Amy and Case from Point Surrender, who make a cameo appearance). Matt is charged with ensuring no one sets foot near the property, which inspires Rebecca to cook up a crazy scheme to bamboozle him. What she didn't count on was actually LIKING the guy (but let's face it, we the readers can see it coming a mile away!). She also didn't count on the paranormal-like visions of a beautiful, young, dark-haired woman who seems to be compelling her to get inside that lighthouse at all costs.

We are transported back and forth through time, from the current day with Rebecca and Matt, to 1948, when the movie Cape Seduction was being filmed. Darla's slightly kooky but childlike presence, her ambitious desire to become a star, and her fateful relationship with her dashing co-star Jordan Kent is slowly revealed to us. And all the while, there is an ominous undercurrent - we know things are going to go well for this misguided but charming young woman.

Reading a paranormal romance is a real departure from my typical fare, but it was pure enjoyment! The paranormal aspects are subtle - just enough to give you a little tingle. The romance isn't too sweet, but with lots of chemistry. I will warn you that the romantic plot is predictable and full of outlandish coincidences, worthy of an eye-roll and some out-loud commentary. This didn't deter me nearly as much as it should have though, because the characters were interesting and likable. The real star of the show here, and the reason why I continue to think about this novel long after I've finished, is the lighthouse.

The Dragon Rock Lighthouse was inspired by the real-life St. George Reef Lighthouse in Northern California. The lighthouse sits on a reef six miles from the coast, built in the late 1800's, and is only accessible by helicopter. (This is the only off-shore lighthouse in the world with public access. You can visit via helicopter for $195pp.) You can only imagine the misadventure that could occur in such a location, with its isolation and exposure to the crashing waves. The atmosphere doesn't get any more tangible and more memorable.

If I didn't know better, I'd think that the ghost of Darla was beckoning me to visit.



4 out of 5 stars


15 comments:

caite said...

did someone say lighthouse?!
btw..after a long time away, lighthouse posts will recommence this Sunday at a lovely shore breeze (shameless self promotion).

now, paranormal romance..I don't know. Not my normal fare either. But if you say it is good, I have to trust your opinion

bermudaonion said...

I'm not sure about paranormal romance either since I'm not very fond of regular romance. I think you do need to visit that lighthouse, though!

Trisha said...

Paranormal romance is definitely a genre I enjoy unlike the previous two commenters; although my paranormal romance usually involves more strange beings than time travel. I still think I'll add Carter to my wish list.

Zibilee said...

Oh, I love lighthouses too! I bet this would be an interesting read for me and although I rarely do paranormal romances, there seem to be a lot of interesting aspects to this book. I am glad that it was a book that stuck with you. I will have to see about loading it up on my Kindle too!

rhapsodyinbooks said...

I don't know; I think I'm kind of paranormaled out!

Pam Ripling said...

I hope it's not too taboo for the author to check in here! I just want to thank Sandy for her lovely review, and to mention that the "paranormal" elements have to do with a spiritual presence, nothing more. The term "paranormal" has taken on so many different meanings of late, encompassing vampires, were-creatures, shape-shifters, etc. There is no time-travel in this book.

As for the romance being predictable, I have to laugh with you, Sandy. I guess it is, but then, most romance books are!

Thanks again for your kind words and I'm glad you were still thinking about it afterward, and for the better of two possible reasons...!

Pam/Anne
http://beaconstreetbooks.com

Jenners said...

Just checking to see if Caite saw this ... yep. OK.

Melissa said...

I don't usually do paranormal either and lighthouses are ok, but not something I have a huge attraction too as I've always been landlocked, but but the off shore lighthouse by helicopter sounds interesting.

Ana S. said...

lol, I love Jill's comment - I'm afraid that might be the case with me as well.

PS: You're currently reading two of my favourite books (Middlesex and How I Live Now)! Can't wait to hear what you think.

ds said...

Hmmm...you, lighthouses; Darla, Rebecca...Like Kathy, I'm not one for romances, much less paranormal ones. But I can see you putting that lighthouse on your list!

Iliana said...

There is just something about lighthouses isn't there? I don't really read paranormal romances either but still it's good to keep a good book in mind in case I want to try something a bit different! Glad you enjoyed this one.

Beth F said...

Oh I'm so glad that Pam has offered up another great read!

Darlene said...

I did miss this post somehow. This book sounds fantastic. I for one don't get tired of paranormal happenings woven into a story. These kinds of books are the perfect break for me. I'm glad you enjoyed it so much.

Mary (Bookfan) said...

Sounds like a lovely "take me away" read. Thanks for the heads up!

Seduction said...

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