Woman Hater-3 starsIf Winter Comes-1 star *DNF*Technically I didn't finish this. But since this is an anthology of 2 books and I was only interested in Book 1, I'm shelving it as 'read'. lolAfter my very rough experiences with Heartless and Lawman I swore off Diana Palmer. Woman Hater was one of the books I previously had on my TR list before I stopped reading her work. But this book accidentally fell in my hands when I found it on the free books cart at my library, I saw it as a sign and decided to give Palmer another shot. Again. *sigh*Woman Hater was bearable, even with it's extremely misogynistic hero and dated anachronisms. But in If Winter Comes it was even more obvious, with the sexist undertones and a heroine who has the charisma of oatmeal and self-worth of a hologram. SMH. And what the hell was it with all the 'in my days' remarks? I'm sorry Diana Palmer but men in their 30s are NOT old or geriatric. The age thing was so obsessively picked apart in both books with the heroes having to constantly defend their age. Both guys are in their mid thirties yet are treated like they are past their prime and close to retirement. WTH? These guys are not geriatric. Enough of that nonsense please. In If Winter Comes the dated anachronisms are like sledgehammers and once again--like every other Diana Palmer story--you are left wondering what decade this story takes place in. The hero offers to take the heroine disco dancing. -_- Disco dancing. O_o This was written in 2006, maybe it's a culture thing in Arizona? *shrugs* Anyways I gritted my teeth and just bared it until I came across this little ‘gem’: "Gosh, news travels fast!" she gasped. "Did you hear that I pushed him under the table and raped him?""No, did you?"She sighed. "Unfortunately the tables are extremely small." In what world is this considered acceptable? Making a rape joke written by a female author no less is disgusting, offensive and irresponsible. I've made no bones about how this author's particular writing tropes have rubbed me the wrong way in my other reviews. I don't believe in romanticizing abusive relationships or reading about meek heroines who have no personal identity or back bone outside of "getting the man." Every writer has his/her own quirks & flaws and that’s fine for some, but DP toes the line of offensive with severely skewed dated stereotypes and to slip this in here was like a bucket of ice water. It's a contemporary setting with a supposedly educated modest less experienced 'country mouse' heroine who's a hard working reporter which makes it even worse and nonsensical. The sexist and misogynistic themes is difficult enough, but having a female character in your book say that and so blithely??
What do You think about Heart Of Winter (2006)?
If Winter Comes by Diana Palmer Carla is a young reporter who is still learning the ropes. Her assignment is the city political scene and this puts her right into the Mayor's domaine. Bryan's a widower and since his wife and daughter's death has given all his attention to his job as mayor. There's something about the quirky new reporter on the beat that sparks his attention and he finds he's eager to be with her and does all he can to pursue a relationship. All is well, until Carla has to turn a story that could ruin Bryan's career. Though, I really enjoyed this lovestory, I found it didn't have the intensity I've come to expect from Ms. Palmer. A very good read though. ~~~~Woman Hater by Diana Palmer This is by far my favourite Diana Palmer to date! Nicky and Winthrop both have pain and betrayal in their pasts, and shy away from commitment. I loved how Nicky slowly brought Winthrop some light in his life and how their relationship builds until neither can live without the other. Ms Palmer has a remarkable talent for creativing sizzling chemistry that adds delicious tension that continues at a high level throughout the story.This is one Diana Palmer book that should not be missed!
—Kay
