This book reads like a Harlequin romance type of book that's been spruced up a bit. Yes, the setting is great, yes, the premise is great, but no, the author didn't deliver. The romantic triangle is plausible and one of the better parts of the story. In fact, the little adventure there is is even decent. The problem is with the pace of the story -- it's rather s-l-o-w, part of the storyline involving another "central" figure, and the author's drifting into "telling" us the story rather than showing.

M.J. (the female) often thinks to herself about how she's grown since she came on the expedition. In essence, rather than showing us how she's grown by contrasting her old actions and feelings with her new, the author feels the need to let the character tell us that she's grown and exactly how she's grown. I'm no great fiction writer so I can't really criticize someone who has published a book, but I thought that authors are supposed to "show not tell" the story. So that really stood out for me.

As mentioned, the adventure was decent, but there wasn't enough of it. Maybe the exotic setting made me expect more adventure. Whatever the case, the book doesn't have it. And what adventure it does have, isn't as exciting as it could have been. In other words, there were short spurts of danger and even shorter spurts of action. Had the author played up those parts, she would also have run up a notch, the readers' adrenaline levels.

In sum, something about this book made me consider it a little on the juvenile side, aside from a steamy scene or two. I honestly think younger readers will really enjoy the book. After all, it's not horrible, it's just not as good as it could have been. However, if you're tastes are a little more sophisticated (aka mature), I suggest you find another book. Or if you want to read this one, head to your nearest library. At least that way, you won't find yourself in my position, thinking about other books you "could" have spent your money on instead.

Texas Oil believes that billions of oil reserves are buried in Ecuador's Oriente section of the Amazon Jungle. The oil is so steep it oozes out of the ground. However, most people feel this is a very dangerous area due to the legendary Uma, natives who keep the region pure from the outsiders. Just ask the families of the three loggers found burned to death in the region.

Texas Oil sponsors geologists (Travis Kincaid, Michael Hunter, and M.J. Callahan) are picked to open up the area. Travis and Michael are legends in the field, while M.J. is on her first trip. M.J. immediately finds herself attracted to the charismatic Michael. However, she also feels a pull towards the bitter but altruistic Travis. As the trio explores the jungle, the Uma threaten their lives. At the same time, their passions flare up, leaving a befuddled M.J. to wonder what is love and whom does she love?

Already a highly regarded fan favorite, Catherine Lanigan has written her best novel to date. The story line is filled with danger, an authentic feel of a little known region, and a sizzling love triangle. The three lead characters are all intriguing in different ways as their motives are fully described within the plot. The Uma add a mystical taste to the novel. With novels like this one, Ms. Lanigan will be her own legend maker.

Harriet Klausner

The problems start nearly at the beginning of the book and continue all the way through. The Colombians or the corrupt politician and sheriff kill everyone, for the smallest of reasons. Someone feeds a cat, they are killed. Someone sees something in the hall, they are killed.

While romantic suspense novels require some suspension of disbelief, California Moon has so many coincidences that reality goes out the window fairly early on. And while publisher Mira goes to pains to showcase author Lanigan as the author of the novelization for Romancing the Stone, the romance in California Moon fails on almost every level.

Finally, the history involving the heroine and her true background seemed absurd as well, something you'd read in a very early Danielle Steel novel, which is not a compliment.

TTFN, Laurie Likes Books

Publisher, All About Romance