Customer Reviews

Sweet Love Survive

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

 

 

I read this book out of the order of the Kuzan series, but I'm not sorry I did; I looked at each book individually; happily, Susan Johnson makes it possible to do so. What I mean is, you don't have to read the first book (Seized by Love) to understand the second (Love Storm) or read the second to understand the third (Sweet Love, Survive). I was impressed by the author's placing the story in post-Tsarist, revolutionary Russia -- I've never yet read another historical romance author who used this setting (except Dr. Zhivago, but that's another kind of book!) Kind of nice, to get away from Regency England; the 19th century and medieval settings. I wish more romance authors would take a crack at a setting like this.

Just an aside, I thought I would laugh through the book about a hero named Apollo (for Pete's sake, Apollo!), and kept thinking if only his name were Alexei or something suitably Russian... but Ms. Johnson is so skillful I forgot about the non-Russian sounding name & thought it suited him perfectly...couldn't imagine him being called anything else, after getting along in the story.

I just really enjoyed this story: it moved right along, it had a strong plot & I loved the characters...it had everything I want in a romance-read, basically. It's NOT a "gentle, romantic" read, but if you're in the mood for swiftly-paced action, this is a good choice. It's a very good choice for "escapist" lit. I found myself really intrigued & had to keep reading, even when I had other things to do!

I can read whatever Susan Johnson writes. I like the steamy scenes, the thrill, romance and some of the history. My dream is to become a writer and as an afro-american, I would like to write exactly like her. I started reading books on a daily basis 10 years ago and no one compares to her. Being a single parent, I get a lot of joy out of reading her books. Most people don't like the sex scences but, I enjoy it a lot. We're not living in the period she writes about in her historical novels but sex is real. Those who don't like the sex scences too bad because this is 1999. Keep up the good work Susan, and encourage others to write like you. I have every book you've written and until you publish another one I'll be bored. If you know of other writers that likes to write bold, sexy, steamy romances like you do please let me know. The authors that are listed as writers that write like you don't compare. No offense ladies and gentlemen but, get with the times and make it hot. I only started reading your books in May and it has been a delightful summer having your books around.

Ms Explorer94

This was actually my least favorite of the Kuzan series (Seized by Love, Love Storm). I skimmed through much of the war description because I really didn't find such depth of description pertinent to the story. I also thought Apollo and Kitty were both a little flaky and trite. But I did like the fact that Apollo was immediately able to admit his love for Kitty. Occasionally I don't mind, but usually I get tired of the typical romance theme of: I don't want to love her so I'll treat her like [dirt].
Don't skip this book, but read the other two first. It's always best to read in order!

If you're a lover of Susan Johnson books, I'd say the best bet would be to leave this on the bookstore shelf and pick another Susan Johnson book. This was not an enjoyable read at all...and if it would have been one of the first SJ books I'd read, I may never have discovered some of her better books!

The story in a nutshell is that Kitty's husband is having an affair, one that has been going on since before she married him (but she does not know this). He's a captain in the army during the revolution in Russia, so she does not see him very much. During three days she meets his friend Apollo and has an affair of her own.

The story basically stops there. From this point forward in the book, it seems more like Susan Johnson is just writing fluff to fill out the remaining 200 pages of the book. At 4 other points in the book, the story could have ended, but she just kept dragging it out. I thought I'd never reach the end of the story.

The sizzle in the book isn't very sizzly. The characters have some dimension, but you don't really care too much one way or the other about them. The storyline flounders.

This is not one of SJ's best or even mediocre attempts. I wouldn't waste my [money].

This book in the series is as steamy as the last two. I liked it better as it Apollo differed a bit from the previous two generations of Kuzan men, while still retaining the characteristics that made all of the Kuzan men so irresistible.

It's a good read! Loved the story plot and the interaction between Kitty and Apollo. I always seem to enjoy Susan Johnson books.

This was actually my least favorite of the Kuzan series (Surender My Love, Love Storm). I skimmed through much of the war description because I really didn't find such depth of description pertinent to the story. I also thought Apollo and Kitty were both a little flaky and trite. But I did like the fact that Apollo was immediately able to admit his love for Kitty. Occasionally I don't mind, but usually I get tired of the typical romance theme of: I don't want to love her so I'll treat her [poorly].
Don't skip this book, but read the other two first. It's always best to read in order!

Like I said the first and second time about Sasha and Nikki, Susan where do you come up with this stuff! Apollo is by far the best let, not only does he sleeps with his friend's wife, falls in love with her, then rescues her, has a child by her, and then sacrifices his life for his baby when the its life is in danger! Whew ! Now that is a man!!! Thank you Susan! NDW

Favorite scene with Kitty-
Killing the guard on the train.

Favorite scene with Apollo-
The final showdown with the General who dishonored Kitty.

Together-
Giving birth.

What did you like about Kitty-
Her love for Apollo and her baby.

What didn't you like about Kitty-
I didn't think her that strong of a female. She seemed to depend a lot on Apollo to protect her.

What did you like about Apollo-
His immediate love for Kitty. And giving up his work for Kitty at the end. He wasn't like all other SJ heroes I've read. He had his moments, but not like the other heroes.

What didn't you like about Apollo-
Although he did redeem himself by the end, he was a typical hero who was selfish. And he didn't believe Kitty when she said the baby was his.

I could not read the paart just after he was captured (got it from a library those pages where missing:-( ) But till that point i loved it. Dayna McNeilly