Customer Reviews

Straight from the Hip (Wheeler Hardcover)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

An amazing cast of characters and an extremely powerful and potent love story as only Susan Mallery can write! This is the youngest sister's Izzy's story where in Lip Service we learn Izzy has been involved in an explosion which has caused her severe vision problems. On top of that, her new found step brother is thought to be the cause as he wants not only to take down her father but the three Titan sisters as well.

I can't say enough positive things about this series, The Lone Star Sisters. Once you begin to read them you'll certainly understand and each book keeps one wanting more which surely is a sign of how talented Susan Mallery is and what's made her loved by this particular reader and reviewer and put her on the New York Times Bestseller list.

Izzy of all the Titan sisters seems the most spirited so when she's kidnapped by the strong, sexy Nick and taken to his ranch, she feels "like she's been tossed out in the trash". How could her sisters do this to her? She can't see, has no home or inheritance like her sisters and now a stranger is taking her, trying to talk her into having surgery which could leave her blind and on top of everything else wants her to work on his ranch taking care of his horses.

The cast of characters from Nick, to his gay PA Aaron, his cook and Rita who is in charge of the stables, are quite the group. Then add to the mix her horrible father Jed Titan, her out for revenge brother Garth who has a friendship with Nick, her beautiful sisters, Lexi and Skye and friend Dana, its fabulous is all I can say.

Life has dealt Izzy lemons in the form of a father who only wants to use her, a dead mother whom when alive never gave her the time of day and now she could possibly live in darkness for the rest of her life even if she has the surgery. However, she turns everything into lemonade and on top of it all falls in love with Nick who has secrets and is tormented by his past.

It's more than a love story; it's a story about why love is important. As Mallery says "love is the only thing that makes us strong. It's all that matters in the end. Who we love and who loves us."

When Nick and Garth's past are revealed it makes one understand why it's hard for Nick to love but only casts more mystery on Garth and why he's out to hurt his sisters even though it's not hard to understand why he wants to take Jed Titan down. However, in the end one gets a glimpse of what the fourth book in the series, Hot on Her Heels is going to be about and I can't wait!

This book was excellent. Susan Mallery did it again. Very poignant and beautiful story. It made me want to cry, laugh, get mad, get happy...Hurry up and get your copy. It keeps you wanting for more, hopefully we'll keep hearing from the sisters and their husbands in Dana's story. And I really want to know what happens to crazy Garth.

The oil platform explosion left Izzy Titan with only 30% sight and mentally shattered; she had been the daredevil of the three Titan sisters and now she lives in shadowy fear. Making her even more frightened is the fact that she believes her half-brother Garth deliberately caused the incident and he will return to finish the job. Still she has to decide on a risky surgery that could restore her sight or leave her permanently blind.

Izzy's concerned sisters Skye and Lexi hire survivor training specialist Nick Hollister to abduct their sibling; he takes her to his ranch. Irate by his cavalier attitude, Izzy lets Nick know what she thinks of him although she quietly tells herself she is attracted to the hunk. Nick feels the same way about Izzy especially as he watches her working with his horses; however regretfully he has ties to Garth.

The third Titan romantic suspense thriller (see Skye in LIP SERVICE and Lexi in UNDER HER SKIN) stars the traumatized Izzy and a man who admires her courage. Their relationship is heat and biting as they are attracted to one another, but she amusingly rips his skin for being part of her sisters' plot. When he insists he loves her; she calmly claims he is a victim of Stockholm Syndrome. With Garth still causing trouble, fans will relish this fine entry as Nick must explain himself to the siblings and the woman he loves; none will listen to him.

Harriet Klausner

I thought the story was ok, I had real high hopes for this book because I loved Izzy's personality in the previous two books. Izzy and Nick were great characters don't get me wrong but after reading Lip Service it didn't meet the expectations I had. I thought they (Izzy and Nick) would have discussed more of Izzy's mother issues but didn't. I loved Aaron, I wish we all could have a friend like him. lol. But I don't think Izzy had a real character arc. All in all, it had its ok parts but for me, it wasn't that great as Skye's story or even Lexie's.

The ending isn't what I thought it was gonna be. Apparently, Garth is going to make an appearance in the next book called Hot on Her Heels, so now we have to think of him as a romantic lead?! I don't know about this one, because we spent all our time in the first three books not liking him and now he gets his own happy ending? (I don't know obviously, if that's the way its gonna go but, it's still gonna be hard for me, atleast, to come around to his "good" side.)

So I gave this book 3 out of 5 stars. Lip Service I think did a better job of conveying an emotional journey of the characters where this book tends to loose me in some of the "fluff" of it all.

Izzy has always felt as if she didn't belong. She is the one Titan sister who seems to live life outside of normal boundaries, and is seen as the family daredevil. Well her latest job, underwater welder on an oilrig, leaves her partially blinded when the rig she is on blows up. Now her sisters are fearful that she is giving up on her life. She has an opportunity to have vision saving surgery but not only will she not even consider it, she has taken to sitting in her temporary room and not moving.

The sisters do the only thing they can think of, hire Nick to help her learn to live with her vision, or decide to have the surgery. Nick is a no nonsense ranch owner who harbors his own secrets. One of which could tear apart his and Izzy's budding romance. When he keeps the secret and the two fall in love, in spite of their stubbornness not to, will his secret tear them apart?

I was anxious to read Izzy's story, Straight From The Hip, but was a bit disappointed by it. I personally found Izzy to be a bit of a spoiled brat, which I didn't get from the earlier books and Nick to be a jerk. But once I got past that I thoroughly enjoyed the story and devoured it rather quickly. As usual Ms. Mallery writes a story that pulls you in and won't let you go, and makes you want the next book in the series "yesterday". I look forward to the release of "Hot On Her Heels", with the honorary "Titan Sister".

Note: Straight From The Hip is the third in the "Lone Star Sisters" stories but could easily be read as a standalone story.

Tanya
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

This series is about 4 women (3 who are sisters) who have dealt with their Evilish father for years. They are all grown now and in each novel they finally realize that thier father will never love them but they do have a family and can have a great life. This is Izzy story the youngest who was in a oil rig accident and now is partial blind. Her sister's send her to ranch therapy kind-a place where they hope she will get the courage to have surgery which could restore her sight. Izzy and and owner of the Ranch Nick have chemistry from the 1st second - by Nick is friends with the family arch-enemy... Lots of twists and turns - great writing... Enjoy! Can't wait for book 4 of the Lone Star sisters series Hot on Her Heels (Lone Star Sisters)-- due out Oct 27, 2009.

If you enjoy this genre I would also suggest: True Love and Other Disasters, One Reckless Summer: A Destiny Noveland True Love and Other Disasters.

This is the best book in the Lone Star Sisters series by far. I didn't really care for Izzy's character in the two previous books, but this book gives you a bit more insight about her. She is also the only sister to really stand up to their horrible father, which was well worth the wait! Nick's character had lots of issues but was still likable. And more light was shed on Garth's character, which was quite interesting. I can SO see a romance brewing between him and Dana, which I hope will be explored in the final book. The first two books were a bit flat to me, but this one is a lot better. Enjoy!

This is the 3rd installment in the series. Under Her Skin and Lip Service are the other 2. Start at the beginning and enjoy the whole story of the Titan Sisters. I thoroughly enjoyed all three and am waiting for another one. There is so much more to tell. Susan Mallory writes romance novels that keep you interested.

Was really impressed at the shape the book was in, I didn't expect it to be like new. Will order again from here.

This series is a must read for romance readers. I love Susan Mallery's writing and this series is fantastic! This was my favorite story out of the Titan sister's books. Nick is a character that is to irresistible not to fall for.