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He's a reclusive writer whose imagination creates chilling horror novels. She's a down-on-her-luck actress reduced to staging kids' puppet shows. He knows a dozen ways to kill his characters with his bare hands. She knows a dozen ways to kill an audience with laughs. But she's not laughing now.
Annie Hewitt has arrived on Peregrine Island in the middle of a snowstorm and at the end of her resources. She's broke, dispirited, but not quite ready to give up. Her red suitcases hold the puppets she uses to make her living: sensible Dilly, spunky Scamp, and Leo, the baddest of bad guys. Her puppets, the romantic novels she loves, and a little bit of courage are all she has left.
Annie couldn't be more ill prepared for what she finds when she reaches Moonraker Cottage or for the man who dwells in Harp House, the mysterious mansion that hovers above the cottage from a windblown cliff. When she was a teenager, he betrayed her in a way she can never forget or forgive. Now they're trapped together on a frozen island along with a lonely widow, a mute little girl, and townspeople who don't know how to mind their own business.
Is he the villain she remembers or has he changed? Her head says no. Her heart says yes.
It's going to be a long, hot winter.
Susan Elizabeth Phillips soared onto the New York Times bestseller list with Dream a Little Dream. She's the only four-time recipient of the Romance Writers of America's prestigious Favorite Book of the Year Award. A resident of the Chicago suburbs, she is also a hiker, gardener, reader, wife, and mother of two grown sons.
Such sass is Phillips' calling card, and since her 1994 football romance It Had to Be You, she’s been stitching threads of humor into her romance novels.
"I'm not a particularly funny person in person. I can't tell jokes, but it just seems like it happened when I started to write," she told The Romance Reader in 1997. "It wasn't anything that was planned. I'm a very intuitive writer; I just sort of let the characters talk to me, and they started saying funny things, so I wrote them down."
A schoolteacher until her first son was born, Phillips began writing in the early 1980s with her best friend and neighbor. The two were both regular readers and decided to try their hand at a book of their own, plotting their story during nightly bike rides with their toddlers in tow. They got the name of a publisher at Dell who liked the book and published it under the pen name Justine Cole.
Her friend moved into a legal career, but Phillips continued writing and publishing, this time under her own name. She released what she calls her "big books," titles like Fancy Pants and Honey Moon featuring Hollywood starlets and jet-setting London socialites.
Her stories, she has said, moved outside of the mainstream after that. She gives her romantic characters emotional wounds and personal difficulties that often impede their inevitable happy endings. But without such obstacles, there would be no story.
"I've grown increasingly interested in writing about family dynamics and much less interested in sticking a psychopath with a gun in any of my books," she said in an interview with the web site iVillage. "Technically, I've simply learned how to capitalize on my own distinctive voice and how to be a better storyteller."
The healing process that the characters go through is what makes the novels work. "Creative plotting adds sparkle, and entertaining, well-drawn secondary characters round out the novel, but it is the growing, healing relationship between the protagonists and how they finally form a family that touches the heartstrings and makes this contemporary romance an unforgettable read," the Library Journal wrote in a review of Phillips' 2000 book First Lady.
The dialogue, she has said, is also important. The exchanges in romance novels are satisfying to women who love to communicate, she told USA Today. "Women really like to talk. That's one of our processes. We talk to gather information. Women love the connection that comes from conversation," she said. "My husband says we broadcast. He thinks through things before he talks, but he says women just kind of broadcast until they zero in on what they want to say."
Phillips has also disputed the notion that romance novels are nothing more than books about "throbbing thighs." They aren't about sex, she told the Chicago Tribune in 1992, but are instead complicated fictions about women taking charge of their lives and being the stories' heroes.
"The woman always wins the man," she said, "and he always gets tamed in the end."
Though two of her books -- It Had to Be You and This Heart of Mine -- have football plots, Phillips doesn't consider herself much of a sports fan. "In my mind, if you don't have to wear mascara to do it, it doesn't count as recreation," she told Book Page.
Her family helps her keep the details straight. Husband Bill was her technical adviser on describing Dallie Beaudine's golf game in Fancy Pants, and son Zach's interest in knives, guns, and dead insects surfaced in Teddy, the son of the novel's leading lady. He also wrote and recorded a companion CD to her title This Heart of Mine, which is available from her web site.
3.5 stars
I have been reading Susan Elizabeth Phillips's (SEP) books for a long time and I really liked the sound of Heroes Are My Weakness dark brooding author and quirky/funny heroine. While we did get the great story you come to expect from SEP it didn't capture my attention as much as her previous books did. I loved the feel of the book, the isolated Maine island, the Gothic novel feel, the mysterious happenings and the secondary characters. What I wasn't in love with was the chemistry.
I really liked Annie's character. She was down on her luck, desperate even, funny, witty and had a great backbone (Didn't love the puppet dialogues in her mind, but the puppets do come in handy in the story). Theo's character just felt tragic and mysterious. It took a while for me to even want to get to know his character and when I did, I never really understood all the reasons behind his actions, but I did start finding myself wanting more time with him. When these two characters were fighting and immersed in pissing matches, it was great. The chemistry and then lack of spark with the heat/sexy times was unfortunate. I never really "got" why Annie would let Theo close, she spent a lot of the book terrified of him. My other issue was when they were together, there was no heat in there interactions. I might have felt more chemistry if we got to read a bit more of their "togetherness". (What can I say, this girl likes her sexy times in books).
Heroes Are My Weakness was a good story. I liked getting stuck on a Maine island in winter and feeling like you were struggling along with Annie, while trying to solve the mysterious happens throughout the book. I enjoyed how the story rolled out (even though it was a bit long), but something kept throwing me off between Annie and Theo. I am glad I read this book, it was a great escape and I will continue to read SEP books in the future.
If you are a fan of SEP you will enjoy this slightly darker Gothic feel to the story, and you know you are getting characters with depth, spunk and baggage. If you have never read a SEP book before this would be a good place to see if you like her writing style before diving into her enormous back list. Heroes Are My Weakness was a good read that makes you glad it is still summer time and not buried in snow up on a remote island in Maine.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.A modern day Gothic romance that's sure to make readers swoon.
I've been on a Susan Elizabeth Phillips' binge lately, and was SO VERY EXCITED when a copy of Heroes Are My Weakness showed up on my doorstep!
What I Loved: This cover fits perfectly with the story, and as a reader, I love when the bookish people involved make that connection.
Heroes Are My Weakness has all of the elements I've come to expect (and enjoy) from a Susan Elizabeth Phillip's story; witty humor, quirky characters and steamy romance. However, this one is a little darker, right down to the horror writing novelist and the creepy house he lives in that may or may not be haunted.
And then there are the puppets...
I really liked Theo and Annie! She has her fair share of quirks, a somewhat cutting sense of humor but she manages to see the good in people even when they don't deserve it. Theo is tall, dark and broodishly handsome, the epitome of Gothic romance hero. Their shared history and their occupations provided for some thoroughly entertaining situations. The mystery element was intriguing and I enjoyed watching Annie and Theo try puzzle out what was really going on on the island as well as what was happening between the two of them.
It's always fun to read a story where the characters start out as frenemies only to discover things (and people) are not always what they seem. Susan Elizabeth Phillips' fans will not be disappointed!
What Left Me Wanting More: Nothing.
Favorite Quote(s):
"I'd be glad to, except I have trouble cutting up dead bodies. All that bone."
"He gave a long sigh. "And with those chilling words, the raging fire in his loins vanished."
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.CarolASM
Posted Wed Sep 03 00:00:00 EDT 2014
One of my favorites. The characters were extremely well developed and evolved throughout the story. It had a bit of everything: Romance, fear, caring, friendship, healing, suffering...the works. The puppets were hilarious and completely appropriate. All in all, a thoroughly good read.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Tue Aug 26 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I Also Recommend:
Antoinette, “Annie” to her friends, is at the end of her rope, ending up on a solitary road in the middle of a blizzard on an island she only knew as a child. Her mother has died, leaving behind a small cabin filled with bad memories but quickly becomes the only refuge Annie has. When she returns to her former childhood home, she is assaulted by the memories of her mother and the presence of her former crush, Theo Harp, only creates a more tense situation.
Theo has overcome a very sinister childhood to become an accomplished horror author. He lives a truly solitary life and is still dealing with the death of his twin sister and the suicide of his wife. Unused to any disruptions in his lonely existence, he is disturbed by Annie’s return to her childhood home that coincidentally is just down the hill from his very own mansion. Theo and Annie come together in an explosion of murderous intentions, revealed secrets, a little laughter and a whole lotta love.
From the very beginning, you can tell this isn’t your usual Susan Elizabeth Phillips book. There is a very dark tone even in the first few pages that isn’t readily apparent in Phillips’ other novels. While it was very different for me, and at times I couldn’t believe my “go to” author was the actual author of what I was reading, the book worked for me.
There is a lot going on in this one, so bear with me a moment. Crazy siblings, homicidal wives, mistaken identities, greed, lies, crucial family dynamics, hidden fortunes, unknown fathers, and a whole lot more make up Heroes Are My Weakness. Theo and Annie’s relationship takes a backseat sometimes, but it builds slowly and surely. Not as sexy as some of her other books, I found myself enjoying the mysteries as they unfolded and was satisfied with the outcome of the story.
A different tone from other Phillips books, Heroes Are My Weakness takes on a whole new world where no one is safe from the machinations of others. Theo and Annie have led fairly disastrous lives but through no fault of their own, but lets face it, without their pasts they wouldn’t have ended up together. Different than her own novels, but no less special, Seppie fans will find her newest one no less intriguing than her famed Stars series.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Mon Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 2014
A beautifully written and layered story. My only complaint is the ending feels a bit abrupt.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Thu Aug 28 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Sep make me laugh and that is why I love her books but this one missed the mark. I didn't laugh much at all - too dark. Theo isn't even a little bit appealing until late in the book and in light of the story the title is confusing to me. Still I love her books and have confidence I will love the next one.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Wed Aug 27 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Halfway thru the book and i keep thinking, when is this story going to pick up. Where is this story going ? There isnt anything about the two main characters that is interesting as of yet. Came to the reviews to see if anyone else feels this way. Someone please tell me that it gets better because as of right now page 120 its boring. Sorry sep i love your books but this one is soso
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Mon Oct 06 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I really loved this book. It seemed so fresh and different and all the characters were so well developed. I loved Annie's puppets and how she used them to speak her thoughts. I particularly loved the change in Leo's puppet, it mirrored Annie's relationship and feelings towards Theo.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Fri Oct 03 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Definitely not up to her normal standards. Ten days later and I can't even remember the plot!
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.deeeee
Posted Wed Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Years ago, Theo and Annie had a teenage love relationship, until Theo tried to kill Annie.
Fast forward, Annie's mother has passed away and Annie has to go back to the island that is the "scene of the crime". Unbeknownst to Annie, Theo is living in the main house again. In order to keep her mother's cottage, Annie must stay in it for two consecutive months each year as stipulated by the will.
As much as Annie would love to leave the island, she needs this two months to get her life back on track, to get healthy and find the "legacy" her mother left for her at the cottage.
Of course, Theo and Annie have numerous encounters. Annie's cottage is broken into and other suspicious events occur which reinforces Annie's negative feelings about Theo, yet the passion still simmers and burst into flame all these years later.
SEP has woven a "can't put it down" tale once again.
deeeee
Posted Tue Sep 30 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Years ago, Theo and Annie had a teenage love relationship, until Theo tried to kill Annie.
Fast forward, Annie's mother has passed away and Annie has to go back to the island that is the "scene of the crime". Unbeknownst to Annie, Theo is living in the main house again. In order to keep her mother's cottage, Annie must stay in it for two consecutive months each year as stipulated by the will.
As much as Annie would love to leave the island, she needs this two months to get her life back on track, to get healthy and find the "legacy" her mother left for her at the cottage.
Of course, Theo and Annie have numerous encounters. Annie's cottage is broken into and other suspicious events occur which reinforces Annie's negative feelings about Theo, yet the passion still simmers and burst into flame all these years later.
SEP has woven a "can't put it down" tale once again.
Anonymous
Posted Mon Sep 29 00:00:00 EDT 2014
SEP knocks it out of the park again! Quirky, unforgettable characters featuring a gothic setting -- one of her trademark humorous, heartwarming, steamy stories that stays with you... Loved, loved Theo... A hero that made my knees weak!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Fri Sep 26 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I loved this book and was sorry when I finished it; it is difficult to find romance that is so well done. While it was darker than most of her other novels, I thoroughly enjoy Gothic romances, and Rebecca was one of my favorites. This novel has many similarities, although it has the refreshingly quirky characters for which SEB is known.
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Posted Wed Sep 24 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Get a free pink ipod
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Mon Sep 22 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I have read all of Ms. Phillips books and loved her Chicago Stars Series (football themed). Loved the one about the golfer and the girl dressed in the Beaver costume... But this book is so different, I was totally unprepared for it... I expected another sports themed story and some humor... This was a little deep from what I usually read but it was beautifully written and I enjoyed it once I got into it... It did have the HEA that I enjoy but a lot of sadness to get there... Will continue to read anything this gifted author writes...
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Fri Sep 19 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I have read all of Susan Elizabeth Phillips' books. This is now one of my favorites. I must say that is took a while to get the feel of Theo but it kept me guessing. I agree it not as funny as her other books but I did not put it down until I finished it. I loved it!
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Posted Fri Sep 19 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
Annie is returning home to lay claim on a home from her past that she must inhabit for 60 days per an agreement between her mother and step father. She must return to this house in the dead of winter on an island off of Maine and tough it out while having memories of her childhood haunt her. Theo is a part of these childhood memories that are haunting and he is living in his family's home trying to work on his next novel.
Their love story was great. I loved the ups and the downs and the realizations they each had to make to get to where they ended up. My favorite secondary character was a young, sweet girl named Livia who had been through a lot, but actually helped the other characters learn more about themselves through her. She wins a prize for top secondary character in my book.
BooksnKisses
Posted Fri Sep 12 00:00:00 EDT 2014
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 1/4
REVIEW:
How Annie Hewitt got her groove back.
It started with the death of her mother and a required trip to Peregrine Island. A trip she is making under duress, not only fulfill the terms of her mothers agreement with Mr. Harp but also to find what her mother called “her legacy”. To say that Annie is thrilled would be an understatement. But a girl has to do what she has to do to survive. And that means facing the demons of her past.
Blood and gore are Theo Harps lime light.
Theo is back on Peregrine Island to write a follow up book to his wildly popular horror novel. But nothing is going right for him. Exceptionally now that Annie Hewitt is back on the island. But as hard as he tries Theo can’t stay away from her.
I am ashamed to say that this was my first Susan Elizabeth Phillips book and the first book that I listened to that was narrated by Erin Bennett. I was fortunate enough to get a copy of Hero’s are my Weakness from the publisher and started reading. Then I found it on audible. Since I had a long drive in front of me I picked up the audio version too. So I got to read and listen to this book. I will say that on the audio version the puppets were just a tad bit freaky in the beginning. But I grow to love them just as much as I loved Theo & Annie. But I think at times the puppets took over a little too much. But it worked. I am very happy that I read/listened to this book. I look forward to more of Susan’s books and I will be watching for more books narrated by Erin.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Harbor Collins along with the audio version I purchased from Audible in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Anonymous
Posted Wed Sep 10 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I've always loved SEP and she didn't disappoint with this book. :)
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.kydirtgirl68
Posted Thu Sep 04 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Annie is back in Maine for two months. She has no where to go and she is looking for the legacy her mother left behind for her. She has to stay on the island for two months or lose her mother's cottage. In the hardest part of winter staying is hard enough but someone doesn't want her there. She believes it is Theo. He tried to kill her years ago and she doesn't trust him not to try again. Theo is on the island to get away from the loss of his wife and to write. He doesn't want to be around anyone and doesn't want to be bothered. He has a past he will never live down as a troubled teen on the island. Annie and he have a past but he wants a future with her. Annie begins to see he may have changed and they heat things up. However someone wants her gone and she has to look deep inside to see if she believes it is Theo or if he truly is a changed man.
Annie has many problems. She has been put down all her life by her mother and others. She only has her puppets for company and uses them to be different personalities she wishes she had. She doesn't give up and is stronger than she thinks. Once she cares for someone she does all she can to help them. Theo has a dark past and that past never seems to leave him. He is a broody man and seems like a dangerous jerk for a while. I liked when he started showing the real him. The one who could joke and have fun. He is a great guy who helps others most people just don't give him a chance.
I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't a light romance and as really a darker book. The author did a fantastic job with the setting and pace of the book. I seems it is a mystery in many ways as to who wants Annie gone. I liked the dark, creepy feel I got reading it. I could easily picture how hard life could be on the island in the winter. There is love as Annie and Theo can't seem to stay away from each other even when they have their past between them. Those lighter moments add the perfect touch to the rest of the book. I can say I saw some of what was going to happen but as far as who was trying to get her to leave I was surprised by. I ended up really loving Theo and Annie and kept hoping for the best for them. f your looking for something a little darker but is still a great read with love try this one.
Overview
An isolated island off the coast of Maine.
A man.
A woman.
Puppets. (Yes, puppets…)
And…
A mysterious house looming over the sea . . .
He's a reclusive writer whose imagination creates chilling horror novels. She's a ...