Romance Reviews Long and Short Reviews

West With the Wind by Cindi Myers

2012-02-01T04:15:00.007-05:00

West With the Wind by Cindi Myers
Publisher: Musa Publishing
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (248 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

More than gold awaits two lovers at the end of the trail.

Mariah Tate and her dog, Worthy, persuade veteran guide Campbell Jefferson to let them join his expedition headed to California. Camp can't say no to the beautiful widow, but his need to protect her soon clashes with her need to keep secrets. Mariah left more than bad memories behind in Pennsylvania and her growing attraction to the stoic but surprisingly sensitive Camp forces her to face up to the consequences of the choices she's made. Camp doesn't know what Mariah's hiding, but he's determined not to let the only woman who ever made him want to settle down get away. He pursues her across the prairies, through stampedes, Indian raids, desert drought and mountain snows. In the gold camps of California, Camp will discover Mariah's secret, and prove the love she wants most isn't out of reach.

Mariah Tate respects and depends on wagon master Campbell Jefferson’s ability to guide her to California. Determined and practical, Mariah plans for a new start far from her old home. She does more than her share of work on the trail, but Campbell soon learns that trying to control Mariah is like trying to control the wind.

Her persistence and Campbell’s sensing something different about her makes him forego many of his long-standing rules. He allows her to join the wagon train, even though she is a twenty-four-old woman traveling alone. Of course, she does have Worthy, her dog that looks like a wolf and is totally devoted to her.

Cindi Myers uses many of the usual elements that western historical readers are familiar with, but all these become incidental as the characters come alive as they are tested to their limits on the life-changing journey from Independence, Missouri to California. Their attitudes about how to handle their emotional baggage as well as their physical baggage pretty much determine who makes it to California and who succumbs to the rigors of the journey.

Mariah is a survivor and an optimist, but the burden of guilt she carries overwhelms her at times. Worthy seems to sense her moods and is always there to help her regain her emotional balance and her courage so she can move on. Worthy proves his ‘worth’ in many ways as the story unfolds—especially in the episode with the Sioux Indians--spellbinding.

Campbell, handsome and rugged, has a wildness about him. He says he hates taking wagon trains to California, but he feels compelled as if he has no choice. He is ready to settle down with peace and quiet after this, his seventh trek across the country. He wants Mariah, who stirs a never-before-known passion in him, to come with him when they get to California, but he knows something in her past holds her apart from him.

The secondary characters are a kaleidoscope of personalities, hopes, dreams, and strengths. The “me-first” attitudes of a few bring disaster more than once. The gambler St. John and Crystal, who travels with him, and the elder Latham prove to be antagonists on a par with the Indians. They do present mega challenges for Campbell and Mariah.

West With the Wind propels the reader along, at times gently and at other times in emotional or physical storms that are breath-holding happenings. The descriptions of the environment leave no doubt about how difficult the trek across half a continent is, but most of all the characters-good and bad-seem so real with their flaws and foibles that make the reader feel as if they are personal acquaintances.

Once again Cindi Myers entertains with her smooth, compelling writing style as she takes the reader on a vicarious trip that keeps one turning pages.

Pride and Passion by Charlotte Featherstone

2012-02-01T04:10:00.014-05:00

Pride and Passion by Charlotte Featherstone
Publisher: Harlequin Books S.A,
Genre: Historical, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (378 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Amaryllis

Lucy Ashton had long ago given up her quest for true love. In the rarified society of Victorian England, Lucy plays the game—flirting, dancing and dabbling in the newly fashionable spiritualism. Even marrying when—and who—she's supposed to. If the stuffy Duke of Sussex cannot spark the passion she craves, he can at least give her a family, a home of her own, and a place to belong. But when her polite marriage reveals a caring and sensual man, Lucy begins to wonder if she can indeed have it all.

But Lord Sussex is not the man the London ton has come to admire. And Lucy has some ghosts of her own, as well. Thus, when a blackmail scheme turns to threats of danger, the newfound peace of the Sussex marriage is cast upon the rocks. Passion has a price, Lucy learns. And not all ghosts stay buried.

Pride and Passion is a Victorian romance with a paranormal twist. It has a rich historical feel and wonderfully lush atmosphere.

Lucy, the heroine, is in love with someone she shouldn't be. She’s a loyal person, so it’s easy to see why she resists falling in love with Adrian. It becomes even clearer why she holds herself back when he is so painfully proper with her. How can someone love another person who is not sharing himself fully? It is easy to sympathize with Lucy and to understand why she does the things she does. She works hard to keep herself from falling for Adrian and tends to view him in a light that helps her to do that.

Adrian is a sweet, strong if somewhat priggish gentleman with a tortured background. He’ll need to show a lot more passion if he is to turn Lucy’s heart away from her first love. Once Adrian warms up however, he’s pretty hot. He’s most skilled with his tongue and by that I mean he speaks beguiling words of love and sex to Lucy. That’s one of the sexiest parts of their coming together. The sex itself is moderately spicy, not overly erotic and very romantic.

Speaking of romance, the love story is satisfying. The moment when Lucy comes to see how much Adrian cares for her and to what length he is willing to go for her, is deep and poignant. Her inner change was very moving. The paranormal aspect never takes over the romance and I liked that very much.

This is my first book from Charlotte Featherstone and I would gladly read the others.

A Time to Love by Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

2012-01-31T04:10:00.013-05:00

A Time to Love by Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy
Publisher: Champage Books
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (181 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Orchid

Reclusive songwriter Samuel Baird lives on a remote Arkansas mountain drinking his life away. The last thing he wants is a woman to complicate things but during a spectacular thunderstorm, a woman arrives just in time to save his life. She says she comes from the late 1800's and he thinks she is crazy but Annie still manages to gain his attention and affection. To reach a happily ever after, Samuel and Annie must overcome several obstacles, past and present, but in the end, they find the happiness that they seek.

Samuel Baird is disillusioned with life. Betrayed and divorced by his wife and the loss of his job, he has retreated to an isolated cabin on Rich Mountain where he buries his sorrows in the whiskey bottle. Several years later he dreams of a woman. When the real woman turns up in the middle of a storm Samuel thinks he's dreaming but she's still there in the morning.

Anna believes she has come forward in time over 100 years but Samuel finds this difficult to believe. He admits Anna is a bit strange in the way she speaks and some of her actions. How can he prove she's wrong? Will he be able stop himself falling in love with this orphan from the storm?

For a man who has no respect for himself, our hero is soft and gentle when it comes to Anna. He doesn't want to frighten her and finds it nice to have someone look after him for once. Unexpected visitors, family problems and illness force both of them to face the truth and ask if there is any future for them.

I'm not sure whether I really liked Samuel, but Anna was sweet and tender; the type of woman I'd want to have as a friend and neighbor. At first I thought the story would be too introspective but as I read on I found it pulled me in until I wanted to find out what would happen next. The scenery surroundomg the main characters was vivid. I could see the view from the cabin deck, the lodge on the top of the mountain and the cemetery. The author has a way with words that brings the story to life.

This is a lovely soft romance with no highs or lows, but it does have an element of doubt. How can a woman who believes she's from the past cope with modern day equipment and morals? What can Samuel offer to any woman when he buries himself in the bottle instead of facing his fears?

There's no "daring do" in this book. To me the ideal time and place to read it would be curled up beside the fire on a winter's evening so I could relax into the moment and enjoy a cosy love story.

Dance Macabre by Susanne Saville

2012-01-31T04:05:00.006-05:00

Dance Macabre by Susanne Saville
Publisher: Decadent Publishing Company, LLC
Genre: Historical, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (74 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

London, 1897

Caught in a web of poverty and injustice, Lily Rafferty takes employment in a dancehall. Though she loathes being viewed as a pretty piece of meat wrapped in silk for the enjoyment of the West End gentlemen out for a bit of slumming, she can't help but feel her luck is about to change.

Rhys Trevan Morgan, Viscount Talfryn is a vampire with a mission. Another supernatural creature prowls the night leaving a trail of blood and gore in its wake that eventually leads him to London's East End and to the Barbary Coast dancehall. He doesn't need the distraction of coming to the aid of a young woman forced to strip and parade herself on stage for the voyeuristic pleasure of the club's wealthy patrons.

Soon, the momentary distraction becomes a craving Rhys can't resist and he wonders if the fair Lily will be the end of his frightful curse or the vehicle of his destruction.

This was a cute little story filled with light drama, an interesting twist and a heroine not afraid of what she needs to do to survive. Well, okay, she was a little skittish until a hero with an icy demeanor stepped in to even the odds. The by-play between the secondary characters was like a tennis-match and it kept the pages flipping.

Lily is the heroine. She’s not a typical heroine for the period romances I usually read. She’s not a governess, nor part of the ton. No, the leading lady is an orphan down on her luck and, way back then, a woman without a family or protector had little option for decent employment. The emphasis is on decent. The author’s set up of the environment that this little tale takes place in was well done. The despondent atmosphere came through loud and clear as well as Lily’s eventual acceptance of what she’d need to do if she wanted to eat. What I liked about her character was her feistiness. Even though she was trying to give herself a mental pep-talk about doing what she had to, her inherent goodness and sense of right and wrong still battled within her. She wasn’t broken yet and I liked that. The best thing about this story is that she didn’t have to completely let go of her principles, only her inhibitions. I found out that there’s a lot more chutzpah in Lily’s backbone than I at first believed. And, she has one heck of kick.

The man with the stiff and noble bearing is Talfryn. He’s an exercise in contradiction. At first he’s harsh, then there’s a hint of a thaw and then he gets all growly and intense. Well, more intense. He’s fighting a literal internal battle and the author came up with an awesome explanation of his condition. It made this tale all the more interesting because it means that perhaps there might be another story out there with an even bigger battle in the offing. As it was, in Dance Macabre the exploding conflict came at a time I least expected it. It sure made me sit up and take notice and I really enjoyed that. It was an unpleasant surprise for the protagonists but it sure made for some great reading for me.

The most romantic element was Lily’s eventual reaction and sacrifice on Talfryn’s behalf. That was very interesting, even if it was a bit bloody. I also liked how it ended as it was filled with a combination of impressions: sweet, saucy, pragmatic, hopeful, a touch of shy and eventually a healthy dose of joy.

The editing was good, the pace brisk, and watching the hero and heroine come together was a delight. The villain wasn’t who I thought it would be but there was a point in the first altercation that makes made me question something that Talfryn revealed to Lily later in the story. Did the clothing protect him? Why didn’t it affect him earlier? These questions are being deliberately obtuse because I realize that if I ask what I really want to ask, it’d be a spoiler and I don’t want readers to miss out on the surprise. But there is something that seems amiss and I wonder if other readers will catch it too. No matter whether the answer is yes or no, the action and light drama really worked and I had a great time.

Dance Macabre is a compact book of action, surprise and spicy romance. The author’s descriptions provided a real feel for the ambiance of the dance house – depressing and resigned with a coating of false bravdo. Lily stuck out like a fish out of water and I was so happy to have Talfryn rescue her even if it was a bit unconventional in manner. I had fun, was entertained and enjoyed the hero’s fight with himself. Happily for both Lily and me, he lost and the rest was delicious reading. I’d recommend this short novella to paranormal romance readers in a heartbeat -– it has a little bit of the best of everything and is time well spent.

Princess Charming by Nicole Jordan

2012-01-30T04:05:00.006-05:00

Princess Charming by Nicole Jordan
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (343 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

Thanks to the mischievous meddling of his matchmaking sister, Ashton Wilde meets a damsel in distress during the midnight magic of a lavish ball. But Maura Collyer isn’t looking for a prince—or an intimate pairing with any member of the scandalous noble Wilde family.

Intrigued by Maura’s beauty and daring, Ash is determined to aid in the rescue of her beloved stallion, gambled away by her wicked stepmother to an evil viscount. As their adventure becomes rife with peril and passion, Ash suspects he’s found his heart’s desire.

Even though her dearest friend may be her self-proclaimed fairy godmother, Maura is mortified at being pushed into a romance with a notorious rake such as Ash. Dashing and charming, he comes to Maura’s rescue just in time to help her steal back her precious horse. As they flee across the countryside, she can’t resist his sweet seduction. But is her prince playing a role in a fairy tale to test an improbable theory, or is the love awakening in her heart proof of her own happily ever after?

Maura Collyer may seem a “Cinderella type”, but in truth she is a strong woman of action in an age when women, especially commoner women, regardless of their talents and intelligence, had little power or position in society. Maura does what she has to do, according to her way of thinking, and is willing to suffer the consequences. Her innate sense right and wrong and her sense of humor and sense of self-worth help her in times of despair. However, her pragmatic approach to life is not enough to stop her heart from loving Ashton Wilde, even though she tells herself he is off limits.

When her best friend’s brother, Ashton Wilde, the eight marquis of Beaufort, rides to her rescue, partly to appease his managing sister Katharine and partly on principle, both he and Maura get jarred out of their comfort zones.

Ashton, known for his outrageous roguish ways, long ago became bored with the “same-old, same-old” English Ton society. He gets an adrenaline and testosterone rush as he helps Maura rescue her adored and prized stallion, Bold Emperor. His “take-control” ways get challenged often by Maura, since she is used to giving orders and managing her own racehorse breeding stables. Theirs is a relationship that sizzles even though they both claim it is only a temporary arrangement.

The plot develops smoothly in Princess Charming as the primary characters drive the action with vivacious, intriguing personalities, with wit, and with intelligence that outwit antagonists like the selfish step-mother and the supercilious snob, Viscount Deering. These antagonists do make life difficult for Maura. Many of the secondary characters, especially the Wilde family are compelling. A tragedy early in the Wilde clan’s lives made them a tight-knit family. Each of their personalities adds to the richness of the story. They are an interesting, wild, intelligent, and mysterious assortment of “can-do” people.

Ash and Maura’s honest, open sexual attraction to each other and the steamy love scenes are incredible “time-outs” from the social posturing, malevolent maneuvering, and family meddling. Princess Charming races along with fun, emotional upheavals, underhanded deeds, and unending social strictures.

Nicole Jordan’s “just-right” adjectives, her subtle metaphors and captivating descriptions propel the reader along in a vicarious experience that makes the heart race and often brings a smile or chuckle. But most of all, it takes the breath away with a love that promises the best is yet to come for the hero and heroine.

Delightful entertainment!

Downsizing by W. Soliman

2012-01-30T04:00:00.007-05:00

Downsizing by W. Soliman
Publisher: Musa Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (238 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Dianthus

Fat girls aren’t supposed to have fun.

Maxine Small is invisible in a crowded room because no one can see through all the extraneous layers of fat to the sensitive girl lurking beneath. No one except local heartthrob Noah Fenwick. But he too lets her down when he ups and marries Maxine’s best friend—her pretty, skinny best friend whom he always pretended to hate.

Maxine runs away to university and doesn't see Noah again for ten years. Slim now, she returns to her home town as a successful lawyer, hoping to lay the ghost that’s Noah to rest.

With three children, Noah is trapped in a loveless marriage with no escape clause. Drawn toward him as strongly as ever, Maxine learns the true reasons behind his marriage to Cassie but, with the children being used as human bargaining tools, there’s nothing Noah and Maxine can do about their feelings, is there?

Life is never easy, especially when you are the nerdy heavy girl in love with the town hunk. Maxine’s love for Noah has nothing to do with his looks and more to do with the man he is when only she is around. With her tender heart Maxine fell hard for Noah, but kept her feelings to herself waiting for the fall out that she knew was bound to happen.

After life pulls her away from all she knows for thirteen years, she is finally coming back to bury the ghosts of her past. What she finds, though, could be her undoing. Will Noah catch her before she falls again?

Noah knew he would never love anyone like he had Max. She knew him in a way that no one else ever really could, and her leaving torn him apart. He never really got over her. When he hears Max is back in town, Noah knows this is last chance to finally tell her just how much she means to him, and he is willing to fight so the ugly duckling can see just how beautiful she is to this prince. When life comes crashing in on him and Max, will everything he wants slip through his fingers again?

This was a great story that really pulled me in from the first It was wonderful to watch Max grow from the shy girl in love with the popular boy to the powerful woman coming home to find her place in the world. Ms. Soliman really hooked me in as a reader, and made her characters so believable it was hard to see the story end.

I’ve never read anything from her in the past, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this book really set the bar high for me. The deep emotion, the three-dimensional characters and the well-written plot really left me wanting more from Ms. Soliman and I can’t wait to read more of her works in the future. She would make a great addition to anyone’s reading list.

Landed by a Flyboy by May Williams

2012-01-27T04:00:00.009-05:00

Landed by a Flyboy by May Williams
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
Genre: Recent Historical
Length: Short Story (55 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Bertie Stevens has problems. Her brother is MIA in the war in Europe, the bank threatens to foreclose on her home, and the pilots from the local airbase think her resort's beach is some kind of landing strip. Still, she keeps her little resort in beautiful Cape May running through the dark years of WWII. When Captain Greg Marsh comes to quarter at her estate, he's an unwelcome symbol of the war right in her kitchen. The angry sparks flying between them at first soon turn to sparks of another kind when the passion they feel for each other can't be denied. Bertie's always sworn she wouldn't get involved with a military man. Will Greg's handsome face, confident swagger, and sincere personality cut through her reservations?

Landed by a Flyboy has angry bankers, a hunky Naval officer, and a lot of twists and turns.

There is a lot going on in this snazzy little book. I nabbed Landed by a Flyboy because I have a love of pilots and an interest in all things from the WWII era. May Williams manages to combine the uncertainty of the times with some interesting characters in this short story.

As I said, this is a very short read. If you’re looking for lots of description, then this book might not be for you. Yes, I got an idea of where the book took place, but I didn’t really feel like I was there.

Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot going for this book. Greg is an interesting character. I liked that he wasn’t perfect and wasn’t above letting Bertie know exactly how he felt. The scene where he worked on the car was my favorite because it was sexy in a “being taken care of” sort of way. I sighed happily after reading that scene.

As much as I loved Greg, I had some issues with Bertie. She’s in a strange situation. Granted, her brother is missing. Granted, she’s carrying a huge load. Still, I wasn’t sure why she was so angry at Greg from the very beginning. Greg comes across as a perfectly decent guy, but if there was more explanation as to why she keeps a cool distance I might have been able to identify with her more.

Still there were moments of sweetness and heat that I’m glad were there. I got to see the blossoming feelings between Greg and Bertie and it was fun.

If you want to take a sentimental journey through wartime 1940’s, then this is the book for you.

Trouble at the Wedding by Laura Lee Guhrke

2012-01-26T04:20:00.006-05:00

Trouble at the Wedding by Laura Lee Guhrke
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishing
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (380 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Book Rating: 4.5 Books
Reviewed By Dianthus

Annabel is about to marry the perfect man . . .

The last thing Miss Annabel Wheaton desires is true love. She learned the hard way that love makes a woman foolish and leads only to heartache. That’s why she agreed to marry an earl who needs her money. He’s got a pedigree and a country estate, and he won’t ever break her heart. There’s only one problem . . .

Christian isn’t about to let her marry that pompous prig . . .

Christian Du Quesne, Duke of Scarborough, thinks the stubborn heiress is about to make the biggest mistake of her life, and he’s determined to stop her. Tempting beautiful women is Christian’s forte, after all. When her family offers him a nice sum of money to stop the wedding, he’s happy to accept.

Falling in love with Annabel was never supposed to be part of the bargain . . .

Annabel Wheaton is new money. After her father hits it big in goldmines, she is thrust into a world of riches that were never thought possible. Growing up dirt poor in a tin roof shack, the idea of more money than she could spend in a lifetime is almost impossible to imagine. But she is learning money can’t buy you class, and it sure can’t buy you love. All money can buy you at the end of the day is heartache and an air of falsehood. With one broken heart and a failed marriage under her belt will the idea of giving love a second try be worth gambling on or is this a sign that she needs to cash in her chips?

Christian Du Quesne, Duke of Scarborough, is living a life that he never planned. After the death of his older brother he must step into the role of Duke and it has left a bitter taste in his mouth. Being a notorious rake, gambler and all around bad boy is something Christian has relished in, but now he has to grow up overnight. After one look at Annabel, Christian knows that he must possess her. There is something about her that calls to the real Christian, and not this man he has had to become.

This was a wonderful book and it was a pleasure to read. The characters were really well thought out and the story line moved at a nice, believable pace that really worked with the time period of this tale. I would have liked to see how things turned out for Christian and Annabel after the wedding, i.e. babies, Dinah’s coming out party, etc. But outside of those possible hanging details (which could make for a follow up story to this book) I truly enjoyed this read. I have read Laurie Lee Guhrke before and this book just reaffirms my thoughts that she is an author to follow and that nothing of hers will disappoint a reader. This is a book that would be great to reread and recommend with friends looking for a new author.

Deadly Obligations by Tamara McHatton

2012-01-26T04:15:00.008-05:00

Deadly Obligations by Tamara McHatton
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Action/Adventure, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full length (151 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

A Green Beret captain, Garrett Jensen, has two great loves in life...one is his career, the other is his family. The continual demands--and absences--as the commander of a Special Ops unit become too much for his wife, Catherine, and although she will always love him, she files for divorce, wanting a normal and safe life for their girls. But danger, wrapped in the guise of Garrett's latest assignment, strikes too close to home, and husband and wife must team up again, against the deadly drug underworld, in order to save their children. Their enemies are within, and without, but which is which is the ultimate question.

Garrett thought everything at home was just fine. He’d never been more wrong about anything in his life.

When Garrett came home from his latest assignment, he discovered his personal life was in shambles. Not only had his wife, Cathryn, filed for divorce, but she’d moved the kids out of the house they’d shared together. I felt Garrett’s pain and confusion as he walked through the rooms of his empty house. However, Cathryn had suffered a great deal in Garrett’s absence. I couldn’t help but wonder if Cathryn and Garrett would be able to see past the pain and find a way to work things out, or if their marriage would become another statistic.

Cathryn and Garrett are two of the most stubborn characters I’ve ever come across. They both have completely different views on their marriage and history together, and this causes frequent arguments. In fact, Garrett and Cathryn spend so much time fighting and lashing out at each other that it was a little hard to get into the story at first. I found myself taking breaks from reading Deadly Obligations because I needed to pull away from the intensity of the fights. The thing that kept me coming back to the book was my curiosity as to how things between them would turn out, and the hope for a happy ending.

I liked Garrett. He’s a strong, loyal, and passionate man, but I found myself shaking my head over his actions many times as I read. I admired his dedication to the military, but disliked the fact that he took his wife and children for granted. He assumes Cathryn and his daughters are fine while he’s away on missions, but it takes something as drastic as his wife filing for divorce to get his attention. Even when he learns of her plans, he arrogantly believes he can swoop in and smooth everything over. However, I was very pleased that Garrett lost a bit of his ego as the story progressed. Very gradually, he began to see things from Cathryn’s perspective and then he truly began to make up for lost time.

I admired many things about Cathryn. She’s a loving mother willing to do anything to protect her little girls. Even when she doesn’t feel strong, she makes sure that her girls are okay. She only cries behind closed doors. Though she suffered a terrible loss, Cathryn still manages to hold her life together. That sort of strength is hard to come by.

When Garrett and Cathryn stop fighting, they make a good team. After they learn their daughters have been kidnapped, they work together to bring them home. While it wasn’t exactly practical for Cathryn to be on such a dangerous mission, I’m glad she convinced Garrett to let her go. It gave her a chance to see the harsh reality of Garrett’s work and gave her some much needed insight into his character.

I must mention that I was not entirely happy with the way the story ended. I won’t spill the details, but I will say this: Garrett and Cathryn go through a lot of pain and turmoil throughout the story. In the last chapter of the book, they are finally on their way to finding some peace and happiness together. However, on the very last page something happens that could rip it all away again. Usually, I’m okay with an open ended conclusion, but after a book as intense as Deadly Obligations, this last minute twist felt unnecessary. I have to assume the author is planning a sequel, but it doesn’t make the ending easier to swallow.

Despite this issue, I thought Deadly Obligations was a good book. I liked Cathryn and Garrett, and I enjoyed watching them learn to work together and rediscover their romance. I recommend Deadly Obligations to anyone looking for an intense military themed suspense.

Words Spoken True by Ann H. Gabhart

2012-01-25T04:37:00.006-05:00

Words Spoken True by Ann H. Gabhart
Publisher: Revell
Genre: Historical, Inspirational
Length: Full Length (353 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

Adriane Darcy was practically raised in her father's newspaper offices. She can't imagine life without the clatter of the press and the push to be first to write the news that matters. Their Tribune is the leading paper in Louisville in 1855. Then Blake Garrett, a brash young editor from the North with a controversial new style of reporting, takes over failing competitor the Herald, and the battle for readers gets fierce.

When Adriane and Blake meet at a benefit tea, their surprising mutual attraction is hard to ignore. Still, Blake is the enemy, and Adriane is engaged to the son of a powerful businessman who holds the keys to the Tribune's future. Blake will stop at almost nothing to get the story--and the girl. Can he do both before it's too late

Love is a light that keeps the darkness of evil at bay. However, memories of fear in a dark closet and echoes of the words—God does not listen to bad girl’s prayers—rules Adriane Darcy’s response to many things that happen. In spite of this psychological hang-up, Adriane is a strong twenty-two-year-old woman who uses her unique talents as she helps her father, Wade Darcy, run the Tribune, a popular newspaper in mid-nineteenth century Louisville, Kentucky. The burden of guilt she carries about her mother and step-mother threatens to sabotage her chance at happiness The time comes when she must make a decision, “honor thy father” and marry the man he wants her to marry or marry the man she loves, for “God is love”. Her struggle almost debilitates her, but courage and faith keeps her doing the best she can in a troubled time. What an incredible vicarious introspective experience the reader has with Adriane!

Blake Garrett, the editor of the Herald newspaper in Louisville, is in direct competition with the Tribune, but in love with Adriane. He came from New York and brought with him his own share of guilt that impedes his ability to feel worthy to love. However, he knows the first time he sees Adriane Darcy that he has loved her all his life, he just had not known it until he saw her. In his efforts to print the truth, he creates dangerous enemies that have a strong hold on Wade Darcy and also Adriane. His tenacity and unflagging energy gets him into trouble, but they also help him find a way to survive and thrive for himself and for Adriane when it seems the dark has truly absorbed all the light in their lives.

Ann Gabhart weaves a beautiful tapestry of a tale with the golden thread of love shining among the varying dark shades of evil in political corrupt, prejudice, and disregard for human life. The iridescence of Adriane and true blue of Blake woven in with the golden thread make a beautiful design, while the pastels of society ladies create part of the landscape design that seems to get mixed with the dark designs of evil. However, some of the secondary characters have varying shades of golden threads, some rather tarnished and some finely polished with age, and some even a little dirty and unpolished, but they enrich this compelling story.

Wade Darcy’s love for Adriane seems to have become tarnished over time as his precious Tribune becomes his first love. The old polished gold is Beck, longtime friend of Wade Darcy and his right hand man in the pressroom. He loves Adriane (Addie to him) as if she were his own daughter. He has shielded her, taught her, shown her how faith in God sustains in all things, and protects her with his very life when needed. The unpolished gold that twines itself near Adriane in the tapestry is Duff, the Irish lad who is loyal to Adriane and guards his family as best he can in troubled times, while the dirty gold is the dog Mr. O’Mallery who never agreed to belong to anybody, but is always there for Adriane when she needs a friend to listen to her.

Antagonists Coleman Jimson and Stanley Jimson and their henchman make up the dark evil as they contrive to control. The horror of the “slasher” who kills young Irish girls, the rioters who roam the streets killing and burning made many dark scenes in the tapestry. They create a terror that makes the heart rate jump into high gear.

Ms. Gabhart’s beautiful, thought-provoking story brings to life a time in American history not often remembered—a time when the right to vote, so taken for granted in our day, was not a given. It was a hard-won privilege. In a unique way, she weaves inspirational bits and pieces into the lives of the characters in this time in history and does it naturally and simply, giving the story a rich texture.

Words Spoken True has subtle foreshadowing, exquisite metaphors, and remarkable characters who have their flaws. Some of them steal the heart, others are frightfully mean, still others are fluff that drift with the whims of society. Most of all, there are those who make a poignant impact and linger in the mind long after the book has been read and put on the shelf, more than likely, to be read again and again.

Murdering Eve by Kelly L. Lee

2012-01-25T04:15:00.019-05:00

Murdering Eve by Kelly L. Lee
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (358 pages)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Sunflower

Eve Moore is very likely going insane. In one week's time, she has clear memories of surviving a murderous attack by her dead husband's mistress, teleporting to another Realm, learning her best friend isn't human, and uncovering the existence of trolls, Titans and mythical Gods. If she hadn't gone off her nut, Eve wouldn't be coming to grips with the fact that her mother had an affair with an immortal and she is apparently their love-child.

But since she's getting pretty comfortable with it all, she figures she's probably strapped down somewhere cold and antiseptic with drool dribbling down her chin. Except if she's locked in sanitarium, as she must be, why is she so damn scared of the God of War who threatens to send her soul to the Underworld? And why does the mere glance from a gorgeous man, one that she was tasked to find and return to Olympus, set fire racing through her veins?

Whether it's reality or lunacy, Eve has no idea, but she is on one hell of a ride. If only she could get that red-headed harlot who tried to kill her the first time to cease and desist on the murder attempts, she could enjoy her psychosis in peace…

You know you've had a bad day when your car breaks down and leaves you stranded in the middle of nowhere. Or when you've had the worst week at work dealing with coworkers. That's bad, right? At least you weren't a victim of attempted murder and learned information that would change the way you see the world forever. Yeah, that's a tough week. The heroine in Murdering Eve has gone through hell and back, and it isn't even over yet.

A country song came to my mind while reading this story, one that talks about finding who your friends are when a string of bad luck occurs. Just when I thought things would get better for this heroine, a new surprising element popped up and the chaos began again. Eve is one tough cookie, though even if she'd prefer to live in the state of denial, and chalk it up to a wickedly crazy dream.

Eve is matched with a man that defied an order for the greater good and is paying his price. He's a man with no regrets. Whit Blackstone is a strong willed man who listens to his gut and heart. Where does that get him? Sent to earth to live among the humans. Now that Eve has discovered some truths that might have been better left untold, he has found a purpose in what was supposed to be his punishment.

This book puts an exciting new twist to the contemporary fantasy world. The characters drew my attention in, along with the fast pacing of the plot. There's plenty of action and suspense to go around as well. Eve and Whit make for a great leading couple, and the cast of characters, good and bad, kept me intrigued the whole way. Ms. Lee is an author to watch! In this thrilling and enchanting beginning to what looks like a new series, readers have a chance to fall in love with a world unlike ours, one with a simple good vs evil plot, but the elements that make up this storyline takes a fresh unique spin.

I look forward to more books from the author. If you enjoy a contemporary fantasy novel that explores a new take on mythology and characters that fly off the pages then don't miss Murdering Eve.

Familiar Light by Sarah Balance

2012-01-25T04:10:00.015-05:00

Familiar Light by Sarah Balance
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (35 pgs)
Heat Level: Hot
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Jasmine

Seven years of longing comes down to just one night.

Laney Kent returns to Barrier Shoals hoping to reunite with her first love, Bridger. She anticipates his reception might be chilly, but what she doesn't expect is to become the victim of a deadly obsession … or that this night with Bridger could be her last.

Bridger Jansen tangled a lot of sheets trying to forget about Laney, but his heart knew what the rest of him refused to admit: he could love no one else. He's determined not to forgive her for leaving him without explanation, but when he fails to protect her from a vicious attack, the person he can't forgive just might be himself.

Have you ever fantasized about your first love and wondered what would happen if you hooked up again? So does Laney. And she intends to find out.

I read this author for the first time not too long ago and immediately fell in love. I love her style, her writing and her voice. She has this amazing talent for drawing you in and making you fall in love with her characters in a very short space. Her talent also extends to telling a full story in a very short format that doesn't leave you feeling like something was missing. That's not easy to do in short novellas that usually equal less than fifty pages. Ms. Ballance's writing is the kind that leaves me thinking about the characters, and the story, long after I have finished it. She has gone on my “must read” list and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she will write a full length novel at some point, because it would be one to remember, without a doubt.

I loved all of the characters in this story. Even Holden, the secondary character, came through loud and clear with his own sexy style. Bridger, the lead male, is a sexy “man's man” who seems more like a cowboy transplanted to the beach rather than the beach bum that I expected given the locale. Laney is a strong, yet vulnerable, girl next door. The type that I would have been friends with in high school and kept in touch with long afterwards. The setting is great as well. With the beach as a backdrop, which (in my mind) projects the sense of relaxation and calm, you quickly realize how sinister it can be and the author portrays both very well. Also, what has the potential to be spookier than an old lighthouse?

The idea that Laney would return after seven years and that her relationship with Bridger would immediately pick back up where it left off seems somewhat unrealistic, but Ms. Ballance manages to convince me it's possible with finesse. Given their connection and the circumstances, it's not necessarily an unreasonable consequence of the situation. The fact that Bridger seems to be at odds with himself over what he wants and what he believes should happen make it believable. The story line of the serial killer is suspenseful and creepy and the perfect catalyst for the two of them coming together.

Without giving anything away, it looks like this has been set up to be a series, so we will get to revisit Bridger, Laney and Holden at some point in the future. Personally, I can't wait and I will be watching for the next book. If you are looking for a new author, or a just enjoy a short, quick, enjoyable read then definitely check out 'Familiar Light'. You don't know what you are missing if you pass this book, or this author, up.

Liar’s Guide to True Love by Wendy Chen

2012-01-24T04:15:00.005-05:00

Liar’s Guide to True Love by Wendy Chen
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary
Heat Level: Sweet
Length: Full length (238 pgs)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed By Dianthus

Wedding planner Cassandra Hanley is in the business of making other people's dreams come true. But for some reason, whenever she meets a potential mate of her own, she finds herself telling little (and not so little) white lies. She's not trying to sabotage her relationships on purpose: as a people pleaser, she just naturally tells men what she thinks they want to hear.

When Cassandra meets Nick, she's determined to be herself this time—until she learns he abhors weddings. So she recasts herself as an advertising exec, and now she's scrambling to cover up the lie...with more lies.

Into the tangled web wanders Cassandra's college sweetheart, Kevin. Kevin, the one man who knows the real Cassandra, and loves her anyway. Could he have been The One all along?

Torn between the past and the present, Cassandra is about to learn that you can't plan the perfect life the way you can plan the perfect wedding.

Always the wedding planner but never a bride. That doesn't sound quite right. Being a wedding planner should be a truly rewarding career. Who wouldn't love spending each day helping create the "Big Day" for couples everywhere? At least that's what Cassie wants to believe. Until recently, Cassie has never seen it as anything but something she was really good at and enjoyed doing. And if she's able to make a living while she was at it, than it's two birds with one stone. Adding a relationship to her already hectic life could bring her to her breaking point. The only thing more exciting would be if a blast from her past sent her straight over the edge!

When an old flame, Kevin, comes out of the woodwork, he tempts Cassie to reconnect and question why they ended things all those years ago. Kevin wants her to believe that he has grown up/changed but the mixed signals he keeps sending is slowly driving Cassie crazy. Cassie gives new meaning to "analyze 'til you're paralyzed". Could he be for real this time, or is he just using her as a filling while waiting for the next best thing to come along?

Then there's Nick. He's a new guy in town, and newly single. Nick has a past too, and has no problem keeping secrets from Cassie all while trying to get to know her better. Don't judge Nick too harshly just yet. Cassie could teach him a thing or two about telling lies.

With a group of four friends, lots of emails and texts over her love life, Cassie may just find that she is better as a solo instead of adding a plus one to her date book.

This was a cute story that showed how every girl needs a great group of friends to help her go from girlhood to finally becoming an adult. And when that doesn’t always work, late nights with a bottle of wine can make any situation easier to understand. Okay maybe not, but it made for some pretty funny scenes. I really enjoyed this work. The characters were realistic and the story line itself was unique and kept me interested up until the last page. The only thing that I wish was that Wendy Chen would have finished out the last scene between Cassie and her friends and not left such a cliff hanger. Not once did I find the story lagging or forced. If some light chick-lit is what you're in the mood for, Wendy Chen's debut novel should fit the bill nicely.

Murder and Lies by K.R. Bailey

2012-01-24T04:10:00.024-05:00

Murder and Lies by K.R. Bailey
Publisher: Siren Bookstrand
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (161 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rated: 4.5 Stars
Review by Snapdragon

After Vienna’s shocking death, Maggie Benson never thought her world could get any darker. The sheriff determined it was suicide, but Maggie cannot accept that. When her diner is vandalized and her cook is hurt, her world begins whirling out of control. She is plunged into a world of deceit where she is followed and her home broken into.

When Wilson Beaumont shows up, Maggie is immediately drawn to him, but senses he is hiding something that has to do with Vienna. Wilson is searching to find answers about his daughter and thirteen million dollars missing from the Longstreet Bank. If he doesn’t find the money soon, he knows he will be killed.

Wilson and Maggie must find a way to trust each other in order to survive. But after all the murders and lies, is it too late to uncover the secrets that threaten their future together?

It starts with murder, but stumbles toward love: K. R. Bailey’s “Murder and Lies” opens with the shock of a friend’s death – but it is far more than a simple murder-mystery. Maggie Benson is an appealing main character from the start. She helps people, and is simply heartbroken at her young friend and employee’s death. Her motivation, in the beginning, is obvious.

Wilson Beaumont has a whole different problem: money. And not just lack of money – it's lack of a whole lot of money, and there's a good deal of trouble headed his way because of it. Of course, it’s the dead girl who has the information he needs… a dead girl who is more to him than he wants known at first.

The town of Twin Rivers hardly seems the sort to have this drama land in its midst. It really has such charming aspects – and the author describes things beautifully. The flickering light of campfires for example, or the day-to-day operations in the diner all work to set the mood. This is a town of kindly folks too, like like Sherriff Anderson and Lindsay.

However, the distant specter of a menacing bank owner looms over all for contrast; there are the ruthless, as well.

At first, we feel a bit angry that Wilson brings all this to the quiet town – right to Maggie’s little diner, in fact. However, it isn’t long before we suspect that it was Vienna who first brought the trouble. Who to trust will become central to uncovering what really happened. Each new revelation throughout throws even more intrigue into the mix. Although Maggie becomes more and more attached to Wilson, she also discovers (or thinks she discovers) more and more about him. And it is not all good. The interplay between the two is engaging and utterly believable – conversations both reveal and raise our suspicions. We readers know how we want things to go, but increasingly, we wonder if these people are who we think they are.

There are a couple of lose threads. For example, I can’t help wondering how or why Wilson became so sure that Maggie could help reveal what really happened. The great point is that the interaction between the two moves the plot forward. This is not at all a mystery overlaid with a romance; each piece is integral to the plot.

A matter of trust; a matter of the heart. “Murder and Lies” does deliver on the suspenseful mystery, but doubly so on the feelings of the heart. This is an absolutely gripping romance. A must read, for sure.

Barely Dreaming by Stephanie Beck

2012-01-23T04:05:00.008-05:00

Barely Dreaming by Stephanie Beck
Publisher: Beachwalk Press, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (94 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

As dreams come alive, trouble lurks around the corner.

When Neela Raymond and three of her college girlfriends take a camping trip over spring break, they're abducted by a group of men and held captive for a week. At least that's what Neela's been told—she can't remember any details of the horrifying event. But one thing is very apparent—during that week she became pregnant. Afraid of the possibilities, Neela finds it difficult to attend classes, eat, or sleep.

When Neela finally falls asleep, she wakes in a dream world, where she finds Gabe O'Shay. Though she can't remember him either, something in her recognizes him.

Gabe and Neela are best friends of a different sort. Created in Neela's mind when she was just a child, Gabe has always been her dream friend, growing as she did, to eventually become the man of her dreams.

With Gabe's help, Neela's memory begins to return, and ugly truths emerge. Snagged in a violent, illegal scheme, Neela will have to struggle for survival. The nightmare is not over yet.

Meanwhile, Gabe has managed to find a tear between the dream world and the real world, but will he arrive too late to help his Neela?

This story didn’t just keep me on the edge of my seat, it left me with two chewed nails. I only do that when the suspense is so high, I can’t sit still and I’m torn between walking with the heroine as she experiences the drama or jump to the safety of the ending. I was incredibly tempted to cheat but I’m glad I didn’t. I would have missed all the action.

Barely Dreaming is a fascinating and unique set up because it takes my least favorite storytelling device, the dream sequence, and turns it on its ear. In this book, the dreaming creates the hero and he comes to life for real. There are so many pitfalls to this idea, the main one being, if he’s a dream hero then he’s going to be perfect and can do no wrong. In essence, be really boring. Ms. Beck’s avoidance of that is canyon wide. Gabe is truly a delight and he is autonomous. He thinks for himself, does for himself and isn’t a puppet of the heroine at all. Loving someone doesn’t mean you’re a door mat and Gabe is as far from that as a person can get. Proof of that comes later in the book when a reader discovers what else the hero has been doing when he’s offstage.

The best thing about the hero is his respect of Neela, the heroine. He teaches her so much through their shared times in her dreams and it comes in handy. In fact, Gabe teaches the heroine about her strengths and not only encourages it, but is able to nurture and guide her on a great many defensive tactics. Of course it begs the question of how and when could he have possibly learned all that he did to even teach her if all he knows or should know, comes from Neela’s mind? That’s one murky area that never gets explained and I’m not too sure it can be. This is, after all, fiction and a fantasy so in that respect, anything and everything is possible. And, since this is a really cool story, I accepted what the author presented at face value.

Neela is a victim, a hero and a woman of great belief. She’s a victim due to something really nasty happening to her. She’s a hero because she stood up to fight against evil criminals and didn’t let them ruin the good things in her life. And it’s because of her solid and stalwart belief that not only is Gabe real but so is his love for her. It’s the ultimate example of the true power of love – it crosses boundaries and makes the impossible, possible.

The way Ms. Beck chose to have Neela remember her trauma was distinctive as I don’t believe it’s ever been done before – a dream using a dream to cure amnesia. How cool is that? How’d she even come up with that idea? In any event, I found it clever, entertaining and refreshing. Of course there was nothing refreshing about what she remembered once she did. It was a nightmare, but I enjoyed how the author had Neela react and the choices she had her make. Nothing stupid about her and when push came to shove, the heroine was ready to stand up and fight. I loved it when she surprised her step-mother and got a kick out of it when Neela’s step-mom surprised her right back.

Speaking of Neela’s family, that dynamic was woven beautifully throughout the story. I loved the author’s descriptions of her dad and baby brothers. That whole family picture was wonderfully wholesome and healthy, filled with love and baked goods. It gave the book a wonderful depth of character and it was easy to see why she fought so hard to protect them. It provided a layer of substance to the plot and added to the viability of the conflict.

And what a conflict it was. It’s dastardly, sick and twisted and provided intense drama. When it was gradually revealed what those creeps were up to, it made me feel very uncomfortable. Like I said in the beginning of the review, I didn’t want to read in a continuous manner because I was getting so jumpy. That means the writing was effective – it got me to react, and it made my skin crawl. Kudos to the the author for writing so well so that the identity of the villain stayed hidden until she wanted me to know.

The most delightful aspect of the book comes from the times when Gabe and Neela are together in the lulls between the action. Their loving is beautiful, sweet yet passionate, and well written. I’m glad Ms. Beck took turns in each of the protagonist’s point of view because it made their declarations of love all the more special and meaningful.

Barely Dreaming is an intense story of love, action and mystery that really makes an impact. Neela and Gabe are a wonderful couple and I had the best time reading about their together times. There is a solid emotional connection between the two that jumps off of the pages. It gives readers that something extra special that makes a lasting impression long after you’ve read the happily ever after. Ms. Beck is a new-to-me author and I’m quite impressed with her writing style. I’m very happy I read this book and hope other readers will be just as pleased when they pick up their own copy of Barely Dreaming. It’ll be worth it.

Ivy League Cowboy by Helen Hardt

2012-01-23T04:00:00.021-05:00

Ivy League Cowboy by Helen Hardt
Publisher: Musa Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (162 pgs)
Heat Level: Hot
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Reviewed By: Dianthus

Dusty doesn't fear the feisty bull...but his owner's another story.

Dusty O’Donovan, an accomplished bull rider, isn’t afraid to ride El Diablo, a feisty stud whose owner, Zach McCray, is offering $500,000 to anyone who can stay on him for a full eight seconds. Though Zach refuses to let a woman ride his bull, he's intrigued by the headstrong Dusty, who he last saw when he was thirteen and she was six. Sparks fly when they’re together, but will Dusty’s secrets tear them apart?

Being a part of a rodeo is something to definitely keep your blood pumping, but when you’re a girl in a man’s world having to fight for every chance you get you learn to pick and choose your battles wisely. For Dusty O’Donovan, she has been fighting for everything in the last five years: for the chance to prove herself, for one more day of living, for everything. Will running into friends from her past bring the joy that she needs to brighter her days or will it lead to more heartache that she can’t handle?

For Zach McCray being a cowboy is a way of life for him. Though he did go away to Harvard for schooling the idea of owning a ranch has been in his blood for as long as he can remember. Until the day he ran into Dusty at the rodeo, he figured his life was about as full as it could get, but she turned his life upside down from the first smile. Growing up with Dusty and her brother Sam, there was always something about her that called to Zach. Seeing her again after seventeen years confirmed that he was sunk without a fight, he fell head over heels without an idea it was happening. Could making Dusty see his love be the best thing for the two of them or will her secrets and evasions make this relationship something that could never work?

While this story did start off a bit slow I was surprised at how simple it was to get into. The characters were easy to relate to, and although at time the country slang of “darlin’” that Zach seemed so fond of did get a bit old, it is something you hear in the south.

I did like that Helen Hardt made the characters so easy to fall for, and not completely perfect; she made them human and it made the story that much more enjoyable in the end. Having never read any of her works before, I was pleasantly surprised by this story and find that I will be looking for more stories by her in the future.

The Last Romanov by Dora Levy Mossanen

2012-01-20T04:25:00.007-05:00

The Last Romanov by Dora Levy Mossanen
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Historical, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (368 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Cholla

For almost a century, Imperial Russia has captivated the imagination— the ruthless execution of the royal family, the disputed survival of the heir: it’s a cinematic chaos that the masterful Dora Levy Mossanen unravels for her readers. Taking readers deep into tarnished grandeur, The Last Romanov follows Darya, a wise old beauty whose time spent with the Imperial family has haunted her entire life. When the murderous events unfold, Darya is plagued by the prophecy made by the Empress’s advisor, Rasputin. She must find the missing Tsarevich Alexis Romanov and restore the monarchy or risk losing her own life.

What could happen in today’s Russia if there had been a surviving member of the Romanov family? This is the question that Dora Levy Mossanen asks in The Last Romanov. She takes you through the last years of the Imperial Couple’s rule, up to the moment of their execution… and possible survival of the teenaged Tsarevich, Alexis Romanov. Prepare yourself for one wild ride through history as Darya tells her tale and makes her search for the missing Tsarevich!

Darya believes it’s her divine destiny to guard and protect the young Tsarevich Alexis Romanov from everything that might possibly oppose his eventual ascension to the Imperial throne of Russia. She’s so focused on her duty to the royal family that she often sacrifices things important to her for their benefit. While this is an honorable and often required trait in a member of the royal household, it also shows a single-mindedness that might not always make for a good companion, either. She lets her care of, and eventual search for, Alexis Romanov consume the remainder of her life. Darya is, on the other hand, a loyal and caring caretaker to Alexis as well as a devout and dedicated soul.

Darya’s one distraction from the young Tsarevich and the Imperial Family is her one true love, Avram. Their romance is fiery and passionate, made even more so by the fact that he is a forbidden Jew. For someone of her standing to be involved with a commoner was unheard of at that time, but for this commoner to also be a Jew? It was pure scandal. Darya and Avram do not let this come between them, however, showing both grace and the strength of true love to overcome all obstacles. The way the keep finding one another, despite the odds and political crisis of the time, is both magical and hope for us all.

However, despite Darya’s complete obsession with the young Tsarevich and what became of him, her story is one of the most interesting I’ve read in a long time. This era of history, and the Romanov family itself, has long been a curiosity of mine. To find such an imaginative and intriguing story set during this time and involving this family was a happy surprise for me. Filled with both wild and the more sedate historical characters plus just a touch of the mystical, The Last Romanov brings magic and history together in a spectacular way.

The Last Romanov is a wonderfully well-written read for any lover of history or even just someone who believes in the impossible.

The Girl Most Likely by Jana Richards

2012-01-19T04:20:00.010-05:00

The Girl Most Likely by Jana Richards
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (146 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed By Dianthus

Cara McLeod, the girl most likely to have the perfect marriage, is now divorced and, in her own words, “fat, frumpy, and over forty.” The thought of facing former classmates—and the ex-husband who dumped her—at her high school reunion terrifies her. Cajoled into attending by her kids and her best friend, Cara enlists help at the gym to lose weight and look great for the reunion. Personal Trainer Finn Cooper is more than willing to help—but does he have to be so to-die-for gorgeous?

Finn thinks Cara is perfect just the way she is. She’s everything he wants in a woman, except for one thing—she can’t get past the fact that he's eight years younger. To Finn, age and weight are just numbers. But can he convince Cara the numbers she worries about add up to only one thing for him—love?

Cara McLeod isn’t having a great year so far, heck make that decade. Not only has her husband left her for a younger woman, she can’t see her toes anymore and her mother won’t leave her in peace about anything for even a day. Then, to put the icing on the cake she has a dead end job and two teenage daughters who aren’t her biggest fans. To say that Cara is having a bad decade is putting it lightly, but will a chance meeting with Finn Cooper finally make Cara see that she is worth more than her dress size? Or will the years of trying to be the perfect person for everyone be too hard of a hurdle to overcome.

Finn Cooper hasn’t always been the person that is today; the personal trainer on a mission to save anyone wanting to take his help is something new for him. After meeting Cara at her job, he is compelled to know more about her. She just seems so lost and he knows just the thing to make her see what a great person she is. When her high school reunion comes up, will that be the finally push that she needs to take the leap of faith Finn is asking of her? Or will finally hitting her limit with both her mother and ex-husband be the jet fuel that takes her back to the person she used to be? The only question left will there be room in the new Cara for Finn?

This was a great story with good morals attached to it. Not only did Jana Richards make the reader feel for her characters but she made the transformation that both Cara and Finn have something so realistic that anyone can see the great changes they both came to.

Not once did the story feel forced or feel as though Ms. Richards was trying to make a point in her work, but the characters really felt like they were the ones telling the story and it made the book that much easier to get into. Jana Richards is a new to me author and if this is the norm for her I will definitely be on the lookout for more works by her, and The Girl Most Likely would make a great addition to anyone’s keeper shelf.

Secrets of the Lost Summer by Carla Neggers

2012-01-19T04:15:00.011-05:00

Secrets of the Lost Summer by Carla Neggers
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (373 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

A wave of hope carries Olivia Frost back to her small New England hometown nestled in the beautiful Swift River Valley. She's transforming a historic home into an idyllic getaway. Picturesque and perfect, if only the absentee owner will fix up the eyesore next door.…

Dylan McCaffrey's ramshackle house is an inheritance he never counted on. It also holds the key to a generations-old lost treasure he can't resist…any more than he can resist his new neighbor. Against this breathtaking landscape, Dylan and Olivia pursue long-buried secrets and discover a mystery wrapped in a love story…past and present.

Curiosity about others’ secrets just keeps niggling sometimes--even when we know “we all have a right to our secrets”.

Olivia Frost’s simple letter to an absentee owner of property near her sets in motion curiosities and sends ripples of unease through some people in the picturesque community of Knights Bridges in New England—not the least of whom is the ninety plus-year-old Grace Webster, the now-retired English and Latin teacher of Knights Bridge.

Carla Neggers acquaints the reader with intriguing, complex characters that cope with their secrets and needs in ways that tease the senses and stir emotions into a restlessness that whets curiosity and keeps one turning pages. Even the secondary characters have secrets—some who are dead left secrets that influence lives even now.

Olivia Frost almost forgets her own self-worth and forgets to help herself as she helps a “friend” who takes advantage of Olivia’s energy, talent, and goodwill. This life-changing experience turns Olivia’s life in a new direction. She ventures out to try to make her dream for The Farm at Carriage Hill come true. In so doing, she ushers in the breathtaking, bigger-than life Dylan McCaffrey.

When millionaire Dylan McCaffrey gets a letter about property he doesn’t know he owns his curiosity is piqued. He wonders not only about the property but also about the woman who wrote the letter and why his deceased, treasure-hunter father bought the property when he was a confirmed nomad. His curiosity takes him from Coronado, California to New England. His straightforward thinking, ability to read people and his integrity make him invaluable to his genius partner Noah Kendrick and serve him well in his sojourn at Knights Bridge. He quickly notes that some of the people there feel threatened by his interests. He deems it wise to not underestimate them—besides he is not sure he wants to dig deep enough to learn the truth about why Duncan McCaffrey had invested in property in a place like Knights Bridge.

Dylan does know that his feelings for Olivia are not a fleeting attraction. It is an intangible that seems to have a life of its own—intense, exciting, unrelenting in its demand to be nurtured.

The psychological hang-ups, emotional needs, and coping devices of the many characters keep the things in a whirl (even Buster, Olivia’s dog his share). The anxieties, fears, and longings drive the actions of Olivia’s mother, and sister Jess. How they cope makes enthralling reading. Even the paper with colored dots on it becomes meaningful.

However, one of the most captivating characters is Grace Webster. How she copes and has coped through the years is amazing. Her book that is locked away tells a poignant story—a story that started in the 1930s but entangles lives of the now. What Dylan learns from her is not English or Latin. It’s an incredible, heart-touching love story and story of displacement.

Carla Negger’ exquisite writing style, her ability to create lifelike characters, and a many-layered plot make Secrets of the Lost Summer mesmerizing. With skilled use of wry humor, intense undercurrent romance, and titillating mystery, engaging dialogue, and setting that is somewhat of a character in itself, Ms. Neggers weaves together an irresistible tale. Splendid reading!

The Lord of Illusion by Kathryne Kennedy

2012-01-18T04:15:00.006-05:00

The Lord of Illusion by Kathryne Kennedy
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (425 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

HE'LL DO ANYTHING TO FREE HIS PEOPLE... Lord Drystan Hawkes dreams of fighting for England's freedom from the endless evils of the Elven Lords. But first he must find the beautiful slave girl who holds the secret to his quest.

SHE HOLDS THE KEY TO HIS LIBERATION... Enslaved for years in a realm of illusion, Camille Ashton has learned to trust no one. But she's truly spellbound when she meets Drystan, and somehow when they are together, she can see what's true.

From Kathryne Kennedy, acclaimed by critics as "absorbing" and "impossible to put down," The Lord of Illusion opens ups to an enchanting world with characters that live and breathe between the pages.

How does one take a battered and abused woman and teach her to love? The answer is: very slowly and with as little magic as possible. Thing is, that’s hard to do when she’s stuck in a magical world as a slave and the master is a psychotic magic wielding elf with fits of paranoia. But Drystan wouldn’t be the hero he is if he didn’t try. And that is only one of the amazing journeys that a reader experiences on this final wild ride in a world where England is riddled with Fey power plays.

That’s been the overall story arc throughout this amazing series by the talented Ms. Kennedy – to free England from the elves’ maniacal rule. It’s been a long struggle with many great warriors dying for the cause and this story is no different. There are some very unexpected fatalities that occur and although they weren’t English, they were noble and honorable just the same – in their own way. But I get ahead of myself.

Even though there is a hero and heroine, Drystan Hawkes is the man who made the most impact on me. Whereas the heroine, Camille, has been in the magical part of England all her life, the hero has not. His experience is so unusual because he’s magically affected, even so far away. There’s a reason for that but I’m not saying how. Because of it and the fact that he’s in the small non-magical part of England, he ended up being a victim of prejudice and fear. It’s isolated him from society and he’s practically lived his life vicariously through books. How then can a man of limited actual experience jump into the middle of an active rebellion and expect to defeat the demented elf, save the girl and free England? Sounds complicated and it is which is why I’m so impressed with Ms. Kennedy’s writing. She kept a tight rein on all the plot threads while thoroughly entertaining me.

Give Camille her due, she’s had a horrific life. She’s truly been abused mentally, physically and socially. In a way, she reminded me of that Shirley Temple movie way back when the rich little girl was pampered and well treated but as soon as it was thought she was a pauper and orphaned, bad, nasty things happened until her daddy was found alive and she was rescued. Camille wasn’t as fortunate because her rescue will come years and years after her secure world was ripped from her. What I admired about her was her determination to rise above slave status. It took sheer guts to get knocked back as many times as she was only to get up and start over again. That kind of strength of character deserves to be rewarded and it is, with Drystan.

Drystan has an in as to what special handling Camille needs and that is where the romance begins. It’s a slow dance of trust building peppered with small gestures of respect and kindness. He shows the heroine admiration and gives her back honor and a sense of self worth. Does she trust it? No. That provides plenty of character driven conflict that kept me turning the pages.

The external conflict is varied. It bounces between secondary characters of ill intent and the main Fey lunatic, Lord Roden. There are magic battles, sword battles and lots of other kinds of action to keep a reader enthralled. There is a good support cast too which really rounded out the book.

Then there are the moments when fledgling love leads to tentative touches and soft caresses. I enjoyed that writing immensely. Again, Ms. Kennedy captured the emotions of her characters and shared it with readers with effective dialogue, descriptions and action, making the scenes come alive. When Camille finally allows herself to express her love to Drystan, it was beautiful, passionate and dare I say, quite inventive. The part with the Arabian Nights was deliciously naughty and I loved every word because it was so sexy and sensual.

The big climactic battle did not disappoint. It was hectic, frenetic and desperate. All the important characters came together from the previous books in the series to help out. There are tears, suspense and ultimately, jubilation. What happens to the elves wasn’t what I expected at all. But, the author proved once again that they just aren’t human. The comment about the scepters gave me pause and I’m filled with speculation. I am also very curious as to how England is going to look, sound and feel post-elf. I hope Ms. Kennedy has some secret plans to visit once again. Something that was said leads me to hope for the possibility.

The Lord of Illusion is sensory nirvana. I totally enjoyed Drystan’s idea of romantic ambiance and found it dreamy and delightful. I loved the descriptions and the author’s ability to capture emotions and translate into words just how much the hero loved the heroine. Some of them were truly poetic. When the action started and the swords started swinging, again, Ms. Kennedy made me feel like I was in the thick of it. The happily ever after was everything I could have hoped for and it ended the series on a solid note of hope, joy and optimism for the future. I’m going to miss this mad, magical world of England and I thank Ms. Kennedy for a wonderful reading experience.

3 Christmas Wishes by Beth-Ann Mason

2012-01-18T04:10:00.010-05:00

3 Christmas Wishes by Beth-Ann Mason
Publisher: Tri-Destiny Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday
Length: Short Story (114 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

It’s Christmas time and Lacey Jude is not only out of a job, but she and her five-year-old son have also been evicted. When the reverend of her church says he knows of a widower who is willing to let them stay through the holidays, her apprehension is overridden only by the drive to provide a warm and safe place for her son for Christmas.

Robert Martinez left the small town as soon as he graduated and hardly looked back. As a founding partner of one of New York’s top advertising firms, he lives his life on his own terms. Going back home brings him face-to-face with a harsh reality; you can rarely have everything your own way.

Coming from such different worlds, will Lacey and Robert find a way to make the Christmas wishes of the people they love most come true?

Warning: 3 Christmas Wishes is like a Hallmark movie, but with spice. The crafting of the characters that populate this heartwarming holiday story was pure creative genius. It’s hard to describe, but Ms. Mason has given readers a treat by imbuing all the people in the story with a true life-like feel and substance.

At first, I thought this was going to be an inspirational story, it’s not. Oh, it inspires all right, just not what a reader will think at first glance. 3 Christmas Wishes has heart, believability and that elusive something that every writer hopes to achieve. To call this book a romance is an understatement because it’s so much more. It’s a great story about two people who heal, who discover and embrace the true meaning of family, love and Christmas miracles.

Dominic is the crotchety old man that a reader will meet first. Ms. Mason took excruciating care to show a reader just how sad, lonely and heartbroken the man is. The descriptive word choices that the author used were so vivid, I felt like I was right there. It was a true joy to see a man resigned and looking forward to death do a complete turnaround and find a reason to live again.

Next, is Lacey, the heroine. In these days and times, it’s very easy to imagine a woman such as she. A single mother, she tried her best to support herself and her son but no matter what she did, she couldn’t catch a break and during the Christmas season found herself relying on the charity of strangers just to survive. I could sense her frustration, her yearnings and her worry that her best just wouldn’t be good enough for her son, Xavier. The heroine doesn’t wallow in self pity – she had her moments, who wouldn’t? But she always put her son first and the author again used words that made the strength of her mother’s love jump right off the pages and into my heart. Lacey truly was a special woman and deserved to have something go right in her life.

Now, just because I said that Lacey is sweet and loving doesn’t mean that her character didn’t have a temper. Wow, that was fun! I mean, I felt like fist pumping the air when she said what she did to Dominic’s son, Robert. What a great attitude; she had spunk, fire and a passionate personality with a need to defend those she cares for. Again, the author played that scene to the max and it was very effective.

Robert is, at first, a jerk. First impressions were not good but the author gave me a chance to see inside Robert’s head to find out what made him tick. Turned out there’s pain and he’d been running from it for years. It’s emotional and evoked sympathy for him. The hero truly was looking for love ‘in all the wrong places’ and after meeting Lacey, the truth of it bopped him on the head like a felled tree. The conflict then stems from the hero’s complete bumbling of the situation. For a man who’s a genius at making money and living the fast life he had no clue about dealing with real people without agendas, shallow friendships and who don’t play emotional games. And nothing brought that closer to home than his interactions with Xavier.

Xavier is an absolutely adorable child. In fact, he’s the catalyst for quite a lot of the plot movement. His innocence, his unpretentious ideas about Christmas gifts and decorating, and his enthusiasm to embrace life in its simplest forms made me want to grab a stuffed Teddy Bear and hug it while I continued reading. His character enhanced my enjoyment because the author accurately captured his sweetness. However, along with a boy’s capacity to show the lightness in life, there’s also the downside of that poem, ‘snips and snails and puppy dog tails’. Like his mom, Xavier had a temper and it was at that moment, Robert truly started to become a hero in my eyes. That last sentence holds a lot more meaning once you’ve read the scene.

I really wanted to give this book the highest rating but two things held me back. One, the editing wasn’t perfect – almost, but not quite. Second, the volatile nature of Lacey and Robert’s first meeting and subsequent placement of passionate anger and actions in juxtaposition to the scenes of kissing and physical loving seemed a bit too fast a transition to be believable. The segue from one high emotion to the other seemed choppy. Despite those two issues, this story rates high on its ability to satisfy my expectations of what a feel-good holiday story should be. I enjoyed the wonderful and spicy descriptions of when Robert and Lacey do come together in physical loving and found the hero’s loss of control quite sexy and romantic.

The happily ever after is one of those ‘Kodak Moments’. You know the kind, sentimental, full of joy and captures the best of things? In fact, it reminded me of older television Christmas specials, from the Waltons to Little House on the Prairie. Christmas miracles can and do happen and the best stories are ones that leave that glow of happiness in your heart long after you’ve turned the last page. 3 Christmas Wishes delivers on that promise. If you were hoping to find that one holiday story that embraces the very nature of what the season is about, then read this book. I’m so very glad to have read it. Now, pardon me, I’m going back to hugging my Teddy Bear.

Romancing the Hero by Cate Masters

2012-01-17T04:10:00.016-05:00

Romancing the Hero by Cate Masters
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (72 pgs)
Heat Level: sensual
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Freesia

For romance writer Jody Feather, love is wonderful—on the page. Her books are instant bestsellers and readers love her delectable hero, Jake Emerson. He’s the kind of man who knows exactly how to please a woman. The kind of man who doesn’t really exist. Or at least not for Jody—she’s too busy writing about delicious heroes to find one of her own.

When a man shows up on her doorstep claiming to be Jake Emerson, Jody’s hormones shoot sky high. This would-be hero is everything she imagined him to be, and when Jody takes him to her book signing, readers swoon. But Jake only has eyes—and compliments—for her. Before long, Jody stops doubting his story and starts doubting her sanity.

When Jake convinces her she is overdue for love, Jody begins to wonder—instead of just writing about adventures, has she conjured one?

A steamy cast of characters pulls the reader right into Romancing the Hero, and doesn’t let go until the final page. Cate Masters’ romantic novella, an homage to the classic romance movie Romancing the Stone, will make you believe that your fantasies can come true.

The well-written characters--feisty Jody Feather, best-selling romance writer who’s dissatisfied with her love life and perfect hero Jake Emerson--are captivating from their initial meeting. Jody is a woman in desperate need of romance and love, so she created the perfect man for her novels. Now, every perfect inch of him is standing on her doorstep. What is an author to do? Jody has some wonderful ideas, but settles for letting what she assumes is a hired actor escort her to a writer’s convention. Things get more complicated when Jody’s ex-boyfriend shows up and she sees a clear choice between the two men.

The novella leads you excellently right down the garden path--is Jake really an actor, or is he stud-come-to-life Jake? I really liked how Ms. Masters’ tight plotting keeps you guessing, up to the very end. And we are pulling for Jake and Jody to get their happy ending. I'm a romance lover, tried and true, and read for the HEA payoff. While, in some ways the ending could be construed as a Happy For Now, I confess to being disappointed by the ending of the book and that's a shame, because Ms. Masters is a very good author and Romancing the Hero is a fun, well-written story.

Jake's Revenge by Mary Suzanne

2012-01-17T04:05:00.023-05:00

Jake's Revenge by Mary Suzanne
Publisher: Devine Destinies
Genre: Historical
Length: Short Story (40 Pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 3.5 Books
Reviewed by Geranium

Jake Carson has idealistic ideas about traveling west from his home in Boston and taking on the role as a cattle rancher. He succeeds in acquiring what he sets out to do, but feels bitterness toward three of the men he’s hired to help on the cattle drive. They shoot his two friends, rustle his cattle and then shoot him. Jake is left to die along the hot dusty trail. When Jake survives, with the help of the Ute Indians, his only thought is revenge. What will happen when he faces the three in a shootout on the dusty street of Salt Lake City? Will this satisfy the revenge eating him up inside?

Jake Carson's dream of becoming a cattle rancher has just become a reality when two of his men are shot and he is left for dead. His cattle are rustled, and now, by golly, he's bent on revenge. Jake's story of survival, revenge, and finding love makes a satisfying, quick read, and the story moves along at a lively pace.

Jake and Yani, a Ute Indian maiden, are complex and well-developed characters. Yani wants to please her family, but that would mean giving up Jake. Jake knows that Yani isn't free to choose him, so he keeps his distance. Yet they have a hard time keeping apart.

The setting, 1850's Utah Territory, is vividly drawn out and sufficiently exotic that it held my interest throughout. Even though I've never been to Utah, Ms. Suzanne's writing helped me to clearly picture the vast expanses. Yani's dilemma, whether or not to submit to the traditional marriage arranged by her tribe, or to give in to her feelings for Jake, is one many readers, whatever their ethnicity, can relate to. I'm far from an expert on the history of the Old West, but the scenario depicted in this novel feels gritty and real.

It was obvious from the beginning that Easterner Jake is naive. He never considers that the cattle rustlers have already shot two of his men and would have no problem with shooting him as well. It seemed a little convient that when his life is on the line the Utes take him and nurse him back to health when they seem to barely know him. Still, this was a minor question in my mind and didn't really hinder my enjoyment of this lively tale.

The author did an excellent job of building up Jake's motivation and determination for revenge. I had no doubt that he would be ready, willing and able to shoot the three bad guys if and when he ever caught up to them. Apart from the revenge factor, I pulled for Jake and Yani to have a happy ever after.

I couldn't help but want more. This story felt like a novel compressed into the space of a short story. The tale begins with a bit of an info-dump, three pages of straight back story, before we get into the guts of the tale, where Jake is driving his cattle to Salt Lake City to sell. However, Mary Suzanne knows how to tell a story. Once past the initial three pages, I couldn't put it down so I encourage other readers to push on through.

The end felt real and satisfying, and I thought about Jake and Yani long after I finished reading. If you're looking for a quickie to pass the time, this story won't disappoint.

Compulsively Mr. Darcy by Nina Benneton

2012-01-17T04:05:00.021-05:00

Compulsively Mr. Darcy by Nina Benneton
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (351 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

For anyone obsessed with Pride & Prejudice, it's Darcy and Elizabeth like you've never see them before!

This modern take introduces us to the wealthy philanthropist Fitzwilliam Darcy, a handsome and brooding bachelor who yearns for love but doubts any woman could handle his obsessive tendencies. Meanwhile, Dr. Elizabeth Bennet has her own intimacy issues that ensure her terrible luck with men.

When the two meet up in the emergency room after Darcy's best friend, Charles Bingley, gets into an accident, Elizabeth thinks the two men are a couple. As Darcy and Elizabeth unravel their misconceptions about each other, they have to decide just how far they're willing to go to accept each other's quirky ways...

A smooth read with plenty of eccentric and quirky characters, this story was a meaty delight with a hero and heroine I enjoyed getting to know. Compulsively Mr. Darcy had moments of sheer literary genius that took turns making me smile, sigh or laugh out loud. Some of Ms. Benneton’s turns of phrase were brilliant and utterly entertaining.

Darcy, a/k/a Will, was a wonderfully developed hero with compulsion issues that took turns at amazing me, making me giggle or completely fascinating me. The author put a very human spin on what other people would term, ‘crazy behavior’. In fact, it was very clear that the behavior did not define the man and that really impressed me. It certainly led to situations down unusual paths and I felt quite grateful that the hero had the money to indulge his particular needs because they certainly presented challenges not everyone could overcome without it. Despite his controlling tendencies, Darcy has a good heart, good moral fiber and he’s incredibly sexy. In fact, the author’s way of describing his actions in moments of passion were highly enjoyable.

The recipient of all that passion and focus is the heroine, Dr. Elizabeth Bennet, a/k/a, Lizzie. What a fun character! She’s impulsive, emotionally passionate, tender hearted and has a sparkly snarky wit full of cheek and sauce. My absolute favorite aspect of her personality was her acceptance of Darcy’s compulsive behavior. Her viewpoint was refreshing, very positive and optimistic with a healthy dose of understanding and acceptance. I wish there were more people like Lizzie to interact with people with emotional/neurological conditions – the world would be a much more compassionate place. As it is, in Compulsively Mr. Darcy, the heroine’s own special quirks bounced off rather nicely against the hero’s propensity for intense focus.

That was one of the most romantic things ever. There’s a part where Lizzie wakes up to find him staring intently at her in the night. She asks him why, but I didn’t get an answer until later in the book. It was so sweet and special and totally expressed the best of what readers hope to read when they open up this kind of book. For a man with a hard time in expressing himself, when he does, it’s beautiful.

On the other hand, when they finally consummate their love, it’s really awesome. What makes it so is in three parts. There’s the buildup and tease, there’s the discovery and wonder of the physical magic they make when they finally let go, and then there are the parts when Lizzie makes Darcy lose control. Those were fun and well worth reading more than once. I applaud Ms. Benneton for her clever use of language in describing some of those scenes. Most were well done but there’s one that excelled beyond expectation. In fact, it’s rather hysterical and delightful all at the same time. Whenever I saw the word “broth” I nearly fell off my chair. I’m not sure what the author was thinking or how she came up with it, but it’s priceless. In fact that whole germ thing was truly inspired. That was the best piece of writing, ever.

The secondary characters are wow. Just, wow. There are Lizzie’s sisters and Darcy’s cousin, Richard, and best friend, Charles, all of whom should have their own stories. Then there are the vile characters that stir up the conflict to a diabolical fever. I am very pleased and satisfied as to the means in which the author had the villains get their comeuppance. I got the sense that the author could have elaborated on that a bit more, but by doing so, it would have switched this from a straightforward fun romance into romantic suspense. Certainly there were some juicy tidbits that were fascinating to ponder; however, I’m glad Ms. Benneton wrote this story as she did.

Some might argue that Lizzie’s ability to navigate though those prickly parts as being too easy but I found it charming. In real life, some folks are so sunny and positive that other people will do what they can to help that person just because it makes them feel good. Lizzie inspired that in others and it’s what made her such a terrific partner for Darcy. I had the best time reading about Mrs. Ching and the pickles. The fact that the author included tweezers and armpits had me rolling on the floor. I never knew when Ms. Benneton was going to inspire a great scene of sexual frenzy for the main characters and what the triggers would be. Reading became an adventure to guess where or what would inspire Mr. Darcy or Lizzie.

Although this story is touted as a modernized and spunky version of Pride and Prejudice, I can’t speak to that as I’ve never read any of Ms. Austin’s work. Yes, I know, many consider that being a philistine. I’m basing this review solely on the merits of Compulsively Mr. Darcy itself. I enjoyed the whole experience and had a jolly good time watching Lizzie and Mr. Darcy navigate being in their first real loving relationship and all the emotional mayhem that happened along the way before they finally figured out the whole man/woman thing.

Hands down, Compulsively Mr. Darcy is a must read book for lovers and fans of classic romance. The story delivers characters with quality personalities, a conflict that has substance without being dark and a happy ever after that ends with a giggle. It’s well rounded, entertaining and thoroughly lovable. I’d recommend this book as a must read, even for those like me, who’ve never read a Jane Austin book. Thank you, Ms. Benneton, for a story that had such wonderful heart, I read it in one sitting. It’s that good.

Struck By Lightning by Charlotte McClain

2012-01-16T04:25:00.007-05:00

Struck By Lightning by Charlotte McClain
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (161 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed By Dianthus

Sometimes a dream life is really a nightmare.

Rebecca has big plans. She's going to be a famous artist, even if she has to sell her soul to do it. And so far, it's working for her. She's gaining notoriety in local art circles, but the "crap art" she's selling makes her miserable. Ducking into the local fire station during a rainstorm, she finds the perfect way to distract herself--a hot firefighter with a big ego begging to be toyed with.

Dan would be the first to admit he has a big ego, but there's something about Rebecca...

Hunting her down after that first kiss in the rain turns out to be the easy part. Making her happy might be impossible. But Dan is willing to do whatever it takes, including helping her buy back her soul.

Maybe it was the rain, maybe it was the uniform. Or maybe Rebecca and Dan were simply struck by lightning.

Can doing what you have to in order to pay the rent really make you a happy person in the end? This is a question that has plagued Rebecca for quite some time. As a starving artist, making “fine art” to make the rent is something that she feels is necessary but with every piece a tiny bit of herself slowly dies. Will a chance meeting in the rain with a sexy Paramedic turn things around for Rebecca or will he become another complication that she doesn’t need in the day to day grind?

Dan has always been a skirt chaser, and up until the last couple of months that has been enough for him. As a paramedic his life doesn’t really have a normal schedule, but with age comes wisdom and the understanding that at some point he will want to settle down. Watching the rain one night, a woman comes to him soaking wet and asking to do an experiment with him. Intrigued, Dan can’t seem to resist her. But when lightning strikes will these two get burned out or will the burn be just what they both needed in the end.

This was an interesting book that kept me guessing from beginning to end. With each page I was left unsure when it came to the character of Rebecca. One minute she would show her true feelings for Dan, but than in the next breath she would push him away and become exceedingly distant. At points this made the story a bit confusing to read, but in the end make the book that much more enjoyable with the uncertainty of how things would end.

Charlotte McClain is a new to me author, and I can say after reading this story that I will be on the lookout for other works by her. This was a refreshing twist to the normal HEA of romance, and it didn’t disappoint in the least.

The Girl Who Remembered Horses by Linda Benson

2012-01-16T04:20:00.006-05:00

The Girl Who Remembered Horses by Linda Benson
Publisher: Musa Publishing
Genre: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (220 pgs)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Aloe

In a world that has forgotten the ancient bond between horses and humans, can one girl’s dreams make people remember?

Several generations into the future, Sahara travels with her clan in a barren environment where recyclables are bartered for sustenance, and few remember horses or their connection to humans. But Sahara has recurring visions of riding astride on magnificent animals that run like the wind.

With the help of Evan, a young herder from the Gardener's Camp, Sahara discovers a crumbling book containing pictures of humans riding horses and learns her visions are real. Confronting a group of hunters led by hot-headed Dojo, Sahara rescues a wounded horse, but the animal escapes before it can be tamed.

Sahara is labeled a foolish dreamer and almost gives up her quest. Following horse tracks into a remote ravine, she finds wild dogs attacking a dying mare, and must drive them off in order to save the foal. Now she must attempt to raise the young animal, finally convince her clan of the ancient bond between horses and humans, and learn the secret of her true identity.

Sarah has dreams about animals she’s never seen before. They are magnificent looking, can run like the wind, and she envisions herself riding them. But if she tells anyone about the dreams, they will think she’s crazy.

Ms. Benson picks an intriguing premise for her story line. She places the story in the future, after all cities have been destroyed by a killing flu that crossed the land, and the only survivors behave a lot like the American Indians did long ago. There are nomadic tribes and tribes that stay in one location and grow all the vegetables for the group as well as raise animals. The two tribes share their goods and it keeps them alive and in pretty good health. The author’s words take you to an imaginary world in the future that’s dangerous and unusual and holds your attention as you follow Sarah’s challenges.

The author has made Sarah an individualist, which makes her even more fun to read about. Sarah looks beyond what the tribe has now to what might help them become even more successful. The author also gives Sarah a love interest in the form of Evan, a non-nomadic male who looks after the animals and feels the way Sarah does about them. He’s a good man who cares about Sarah and helps her through rough spots.

Ms. Benson focuses on the people of the times and their emotions. The story would be stronger with more detail of life before the war and an expanded description of how these tribes evolved. The author’s words flow well and her story has realism, so just a bit more detail would have fleshed out the story and helped the reader’s understanding of the situation the tribes faced.

Ms. Benson creates a determined enemy for Sarah. He is a strong, swift hunter who has interest in her older sister and finding food for the tribe. He thinks Sarah is foolish to think horses can be tamed; he just wants to kill one to feed the tribe. Sarah butts heads with him several times and Ms. Benson’s use of this conflict draws you in and makes you care about Sarah.

This is tale of a journey from childhood to a young adult that catches your attention with an interesting plot and plenty of challenges for Sarah. You’ll have to read the book to find out why Sarah knows about horses. You’ll also be glad you did.

She Tempts the Duke by Lorraine Heath

2012-01-16T04:05:00.026-05:00

She Tempts the Duke by Lorraine Heath
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Genre: Historical, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Full Length (355 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Kennedia

Three young heirs, imprisoned by an unscrupulous uncle, escaped—to the sea, to the streets, to faraway battle—awaiting the day when they would return to reclaim their birthright.

Sebastian Easton always vowed he would avenge his stolen youth and title. Now back in London, the rightful Duke of Keswick—returning from battle a wounded, hardened, changed man—cannot forget the brave girl who once rescued him and his brothers from certain death.

Lady Mary Wynne-Jones paid dearly for helping the imprisoned young Lords of Pembrook, and she remembers well the promise she made to Sebastian all those years ago: to meet him once more in the abbey ruins where they shared a bold, forbidden kiss. While Mary is now betrothed to another, a friendship forged with dark secrets cannot be ignored. Unexpected passion soon burns dangerously between them, tempting Sebastian to abandon his quest for retribution and fight for a love that could once again set him free.

Lorraine Heath's, She Tempts the Duke is a remarkable tale of a young friendship that stands the test of time and circumstance and transforms into a riveting love story. I was unable to put this book down until I had read the last page, it had a tortured hero, a tenacious and loyal heroine and an incredible love story that captivated me.

Ms. Heath’s prologue to this story sets up the premise of this book beautifully while hooking her readers in right of way. We are introduced to the three lords of Pembrook during their escape for their lives, with the help of courageous twelve-year-old Mary Wynne-Jones, their neighbor. Skip ahead a dozen years and the boys are now grown up and have returned to reclaim their birthright -- more specifically, Sebastian and the title of Duke of Keswick -- and to get retribution from the uncle who wanted them dead so he could claim the title.

Sebastian Easton has returned to London to claim his birthright as the Duke of Keswick, however he has not returned as a civilized gentleman. He has been to war and has the scars both physically and emotionally to show for it. Sebastian has lost his left eye and the left side of his face is scarred and mutilated. Sebastian believes that no woman could love him, but he must find a wife and produce an heir. He did not anticipate his feelings of lust for his childhood friend Mary who is engaged to another man. Mary has grown up and become a very beautiful woman and a temptation Sebastian is finding harder and harder to resist.

Lady Mary Wynne-Jones is a character with courage, strength and grace. We are first introduced to Mary as a brave girl of twelve who rescues the Easton brothers from the tower where they are being kept. She manages to free the lords of Pembrook and they escort her home and then flee into the night. Mary has not forgotten the three boys she rescued that fateful night and fears they have died after not receiving word from any of them in the years since that fateful night.

While attending the ball being given by the treacherous uncle of the boys she saved, everything changes; the Lords of Pembrook crash the party. Mary is shocked by their return, and hurt that they did send her word of their survival. Mary is engaged to be married; however, with the return of Sebastian into her life she begins to question her choice of husband and what her feelings toward Sebastian mean.

Lorraine Heath has created a beautiful, romantic tale of two people who have survived years of being apart physically but were always in each other’s hearts as childhood friends. After being reunited, Mary and Sebastian discover that their friendship has changed into something so much greater. The two fated lovers each take a journey of self discovery in this scintillating story to learn what they want from one another and what that means to their budding relationship.

She Tempts the Duke is very well written, using the point of view of both the hero and the heroine. The story flowed well and kept me interested and anticipating the next event.

I was very impressed with how Ms. Heath created a regency novel that isn’t bogged down with constant references to the “Ton”, but uses its existence to bring her characters together with its infernal societal rules. The dialogue was well written and realistic giving each character a distinctive voice in the story. The main characters were well rounded individuals that made me sense their emotions and struggles throughout the unfolding events. Ms. Heath also gave her readers insight into the secondary characters, specifically Sebastian’s brothers, Tristan and Rafe, giving her readers a little foreshadowing into their stories. Overall this was a great Regency romance complete with treachery, intrigue and a climactic ending.

I am a discriminating regency romance reader, depending on the story and the author’s writing style; I either hate or love them and I loved this one and intend to go looking for more by Ms. Heath. I also eagerly await Rafe’s and Tristan’s stories.

If you enjoy regency romances that are well written and have characters that will pull at your heartstrings, run out and get She Tempts the Duke, you will fall in love with the Lords of Pembrook and their struggles to return to “Polite Society”.

Redwood Bend by Robyn Carr

2012-01-13T04:20:00.023-05:00

Redwood Bend by Robyn Carr
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (377 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

Katie Malone and her twin boys' trip along the beautiful mountain roads to Virgin River is stopped short by a tire as flat as her failed romance. To make matters worse, the rain has set in, the boys are hungry and Katie is having trouble putting on a spare. As she stands at the side of the road pondering her next move, she hears a distinct rumble. The sight of the sexy, leather-clad bikers who pull up beside her puts her imagination into overdrive.

Dylan Childress and his buddies are on the motorcycle trip of a lifetime. But the sight of a woman in distress stops them in their tracks. And while the guys are checking out her car, she and Dylan are checking out one another.

In one brief moment, the world tilts on its axis and any previous plans Katie and Dylan might have had for their futures are left at the side of the road.

Picking up the pieces and moving on again and yet again is not Katie Malone’s favorite thing to do. But she can and will do it for her twin sons and for herself. She will find stability for them. However, on her way to this stability, her life takes a detour into a quagmire of emotions—a quagmire that almost swamps her at times. The remarkable people of Virgin River give a little assistance and she comes out wiser, stronger, and heart whole. Best of all the reader gets to travel this road with her—an awesome trip.

On a cold rainy night on a narrow mountain road near Virgin River, single mother Katie has a flat. When four motorcycle riders stop to help, her heart gives a jump of fear then it gives another kind of jump. One of the rider’s is Dylan Childress, long ago child movie star she's spent much of her teen years idolizing.

He is tempting, but movie stars are not faithful or stable enough to be depended on for rearing a family. Still, he's a “major hottie” with his long, lean, beautiful body, twinkling crystal blue eyes, and sexy swagger. Her much loved Green Beret husband had been dead five years and her last male friend had made her question her judgment, making her decide she’d just be happy raising the twins and living without a man in her life. But Dylan causes her body to hum with longing.

Dylan was snatched away from movie stardom by this grandmother Adele while he was still in his teens. To keep him from being ruined by Hollywood, she took him to the wilds of Montana where he soon learned he was not a “little god” that everyone fawned over. He learned to work and fit in with other kids his age. Now he owns a charter plane service and airport in Payne, Montana but feels his bad genes make him unfit to be a family man, so he avoids commitment. Yet, the confident, feisty, little rain-soaked woman he meets on that narrow mountain road near Virgin River spins his life out of control. Katie Malone makes him feel things that scare the daylights out of him.

Whether by destiny or chance, Katie and Dylan are both in Virgin River, a place that works miracles with lonely, messed-up hearts. There is a special magic there that wiggles its way into the hearts and minds of flawed yet admirable people and gives them hope and courage. It lets love tiptoe in on little cat feet and settle into hearts where it abides for a lifetime.

Katie and her twin boys come to Virgin River to be close to her brother Conner who has been the boys’ dependable male connection all their lives. He is like a big, solid oak that they can lean on. Katie, although independent and confident, knows the twins need their uncle. Yet keeping Conner out of her personal life is a challenge, especially when Dylan becomes more than a passing fancy to Katie.

The humor that threads its way through Redwood Bend makes it sparkle. Ms. Carr’s use of it to augment personalities is a delight as she captivates with sights, sounds, smells, tastes and so much more. She creates a wonderful sense of place. The emotional upheavals and the sputtering starts and stops of Katie and Dylan’s relationship keep the reader turning pages and sometime wanting to give advice.

Redwood Bend is a vicarious experience that lifts the heart and makes one happy that love finds a way even against tremendous odds. If you have read books of the Virgin River series, you’ll feel like you’ve had a special reunion with some characters you’ve met before. If you haven’t read this series then Redwood Bend is a perfect place to start.

Sex, Lies and Midnight by Tawny Weber

2012-01-13T04:00:00.003-05:00

Sex, Lies and Midnight by Tawny Weber
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (218 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Born into a con artist family, Maya Nicholas abandoned the grifting life to live on the straight and narrow (and somewhat dull) years ago. But when her family is threatened—and the swindlers are on the verge of becoming the swindled— Maya swings into action. All she needs is a stand-in boyfriend, and the charming, tasty-as-sin Simon Barton will do quite nicely, thanks.

But Simon has a little lie of his own. He's FBI, and Maya is his inside track to her less-savory relations. It's a mutual using, which quickly turns into a scorching mutual attraction.

In fact, their naughty little sexcapades are the only things they aren't faking!

I’ve been hoodwinked in the most delightful manner. Ms. Weber turned a new page in her ability to grab a reader’s attention by doing the unexpected. I’m used to seeing a certain technique to engage my interest and she didn’t use it! I’m not sure if it’s because this is the second book in the series and having such a terrific start in the first book, Sex, Lies and Mistletoe, she decided to see where her heroine led her in Sex, Lies and Midnight. Turns out, it’s an emotional path paved with the hopes of a young girl, led down the road of an awakening that crushed her perceptions of what life really was in her family, and the determination of a fully grown woman to be the very antithesis of how she grew up. Thing is, there’s someone out there that refuses to believe that Maya Nicholas is anything but the nice, law-abiding and vanilla-bland woman she presents. And they’d be right.

Maya is a powerhouse of contradictions. She has bottled and corked her passion and energetic nature to fit in, to be normal and to have the perfect life, and she’s bored out of her mind. She’s learned to control every aspect that she can and despite her best intentions, Simon, Mr. delicious FBI man, unravels her bit by bit. Throw in a phone call from her brother and the boulder really picks up speed down that slippery slope and it sends Maya straight back to where she ran from, with a hunky complication in tow.

I realize that this story is all about Maya and her reconnecting to her family but Simon was the best one to watch. Ms. Webber presented a man who is focused single-mindedly on one goal, to take down Maya’s father, the infamous Tobias Black. He’ll do anything, say anything, to get what he wants and no dire and mysterious warnings from Hunter, another cloak and dagger alpha hottie, will stop him. It’s that whole journey of Simon’s that intrigued me. Maya was the catalyst who taught him that there really were more important things in life, like love, happiness and the pursuit of well tossed sheets.

Ms. Weber’s classic sense of humor is alive and well. Plenty of times I giggled but this time it had a warmness to it and a deeper romantic feel. I’m not sure if it’s because the focus of the story was about a woman’s bruised love for her father or what, but it was very satisfying on a different level than the first book.

What has not changed is the potent writing that the author has when it comes to physical bonding and expressions of love. My expectations there were solidly met. I enjoyed the teasing build up and how Simon and Maya felt by what they saw in each others’ eyes. Pure romance. That means that the story is told in each their point of views, which I really enjoyed seeing as things get really complicated when the external conflict hits the fan. It was nice to know where each stood even if they didn’t know it about the other.

Even though this is the second book in a mini-series, it stands by itself. The author used some of the secondary characters to fill a reader in on the background but this story is definitely about Maya and Simon and is thoroughly enjoyable. If anything, it might make a first time reader want to read about Maya’s brother, Caleb. I loved the dialogue and was entertained by the light drama.

Sex, Lies and Midnight is sheer fun with a delightful mix of love, humor and drama. Maya and Simon made a great couple and I like how they were written. There’s one more lamb to bring back into the Black fold and I am eagerly looking forward to figure out if he’s as bad as everyone is making him out to be. Ms. Webber has created a fascinating dysfunctional family and I love how she’s orchestrating their reunions with that mysterious criminal story arc. Sex, Lies and Midnight is pure entertainment that ends with a smile.

Next Of Kin by Sharon Sala

2012-01-12T04:20:00.013-05:00

Next Of Kin by Sharon Sala
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (336 pages)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Sunflower

Beth Venable has seen too much. Witness to a major mob hit, she's placed in protective custody until the trial. But after her third safe house is riddled with bullets, she goes off-grid to save herself. What the FBI can't do, her kinfolk will.

The beautiful but forbidding Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky welcome Beth back, dirt roads and rustic shacks a world apart from L.A. But her homecoming—even her blissful reunion with strong, silent Ryal Walker—is made bittersweet by the fight she's brought to the clan's doorstep. Hidden in a remote cabin with the man she's always wanted, Beth begins to dream of a new life: her old one. But after so long, with such dangers stalking her…impossible.

But love can distill life down to its essence: an elixir of pure hope, nerve—and the will to survive.

Have you ever been in the wrong place at the wrong time? Everyone does that at some point in their life. Walking in on something you may not want to see, a conversation you'd rather have not heard. But imagine seeing something that will change your life, and send you on he run, a wild goose chase, and fear for your life. That's the case with Beth Venable, and this is her story.

She lived a rather normal life in Los Angeles. She's got a job she enjoys, and keeps mainly to herself. She's just another face in a sea of people that live there. Until one night. She happens to witness something that's shocking and horrifying- and now she needs to be kept safe until the person is caught and can be put away. Imagine being thrust into a life on the run, where everywhere you turn, you don't feel safe. Beth doesn't have a choice anymore. The less anyone knows about her location, the better.

The tension is thick right from the start. It only gets more intense as the story goes on. We know the inevitable is going to happen, it's just a matter or where, when, and how. Ms. Sala creates an atmosphere of suspense, and a mix of emotions as Beth is reunited with family she was yanked away from years ago. She's also face to face with her high school sweet heart, the only man she's ever loved.

Ryal is swoonworthy. He's the type of hero that every girl longs for. Loyal, noble, and a fierce protector. His feelings for Beth haven't changed one bit, so how could he turn down a chance to help her? Their first few encounters are tense, as both were deceived years ago, and they needed answers that hadn't been available until now.

Next of Kin sets the stage for a fast paced read. I couldn't tear myself away from the story. Ms. Sala's characters are so well created that there were knots in my stomach, tears in my eyes, and a smile on my face. It's a story of second chances, and being in the wrong place at the wrong time might lead one back to something they once had. Beth and Ryal's adventure en route to the happily ever after is going to take some teamwork to stay ahead of the danger. Hold on to the reigns tightly, because this is one crazy ride.

If you're a fan of romantic suspense and need some excitement, here's your chance. Grab yourself a copy of Next of Kin, but be warned- you may not leave your seat for awhile. This is a read in one sitting kind of book!

Texas Pride by Leigh Greenwood

2012-01-12T04:15:00.009-05:00

Texas Pride by Leigh Greenwood
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical
Length: Full Length (353 pgs)
Heat Level: sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Aloe

A PRINCE AMONG MEN

Carla Reece had never met anyone more infuriating in her life. The blond giant who swaggered up to her door had no right to take over half her ranch - no matter how stupid her brother had been gambling it away in a high-stakes poker game. Her new foreman claimed to be some foreign royalty who promised to leave in a year. Still, a year was way too long to spend with a man who made her madder than a wet hen and weak in the knees all at the same time.

A HELLION AMONG WOMEN

Ivan may have charmed everyone in town into thinking he was the perfect gentleman, but Carla knew better. There had to be a chink in his armor-a red-hot passion under that calm, cool gaze. But once she finds it, she may be in for more than she ever bargained for...

Carla has been taking care of the ranch since her parents’ deaths and can’t believe that her brother would be so dumb. He bet his half of the ranch with a gambler in town and lost it!

Mr. Greenwood writes a well-paced story with lots of action, a smoldering romance, cultural differences and a good look at western history. There is enough in this book to hold your interest until the end.

Carla is a strong young woman fighting for acknowledgement and acceptance in a world of men. They don’t think she should be running a ranch by herself and most men want to marry her for her land. She’s a strong, opinionated woman who has a good head and knows she will most likely have to marry. She’s holding out for love, but there aren’t many choices in her town.

Ivan is Polish and an impoverished prince who has agreed to stay on gambler’s property for one year. According to the contract he signed, the property will become his at the end of the year and he can then sell it and return to Poland with enough money to resume his princely status.

As soon as Ivan shows up at the ranch, Carla’s hackles are up. She wants no man to take over half the ranch and she’s going to fight the contract. Ivan is patient and he thinks she’s pretty, so he makes camp and waits for Carla to come to terms with the contract.

The main characters find a mutual attraction, but there are too many things going on for them to pursue it actively. You have men coming in to stay on the gambler’s land to hunt Mexicans and bring back stolen cattle. Carla and Ivan’s dance of love has sparks not only from the romance. The gambler isn’t really gone.

The author works the various facets of his plot together in a seamless style that reads easily and enjoyable. Why not take a trip through Texas with a few grins and a few guns and see how the story works out? Mr. Greenwood is a word master at this type of story. You’ll have fun reading it.

Death Legacy by Jacqueline Seewald

2012-01-11T04:10:00.010-05:00

Death Legacy by Jacqueline Seewald
Publisher: Gale Cengage Learning
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (298 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Aloe

This fast-paced mystery/thriller features Michelle Hallam who heads a unique consulting firm she inherited from her deceased uncle, a former intelligence agent. Called to the French Riviera for business under mysterious circumstances, Michelle meets Dr. Daniel Reiner, a handsome young psychiatrist. They have a strong physical attraction but Michelle remains wary of being involved with him. Daniel’s friendly, warm personality and urban wit stands in contrast to Michelle’s outward facade of cool cynicism. In New York, Michelle reconnects with Dr. Reiner when she sends him a referral, her client, Nora Parker, who has asked Michelle to look into the suspicious disappearance and possible death of her husband. The complex case involves both Michelle and Daniel in espionage, international intrigue, and murder, placing their lives in jeopardy. The novel combines elements of suspense, mystery, and romance.

Michelle Hallam is an Englishwoman with secrets. She has taken over her Uncle’s consulting firm after his death. The new man in her life has no idea just how dangerous she is…

This author immediately throws her main female character into action in the first few pages and keeps you glued to the story from there on out. Michelle has odd talents; an exceptional talent for self-defense, an intelligence that her Uncle has expanded by sharing knowledge, and a talent for making enemies.

The story begins on the French Riviera where she meets Dr. Daniel Reiner, her love interest. She has no time for him, no time for love, and wants him to go away. Every time she turns around, he’s there again. He’s even following her around the countryside. He is a bit handy in her investigation, but she doesn’t need him. Or does she?

Intrigue, espionage, murder and more litter the trail that this author wends her characters down. Michelle is trying to find out if a woman’s husband really died or if it was a hoax and he’s still alive. The fact that he had a life his wife didn’t know about doesn’t help her task.

Ms. Seewald writes a busy story with lots of twist and turns. I enjoyed the pace of the story as well as the bantering between the two main characters. This story will draw you in and keep your attention to the end. The author knows how to make her words dance across the page.

If you’re looking for an exciting mystery/thriller, this book will work fine for you. Why not grab a copy and walk through the fog of mystery with Michelle?

The Scarred Heir by Denise Patrick

2012-01-10T04:10:00.011-05:00

The Scarred Heir by Denise Patrick
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (265 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

Double trouble—with a twist.

Two months. Just two more months and Sarah Standish will be twenty-one and free to come out of hiding. Not long ago she was on the brink of marrying the man of her dreams—until she discovered his complicity with her uncle’s plan to gain control of her missing father’s substantial fortune.

A wounded man appears at the inn where she lives under an assumed name, and she’s shocked to discover it’s her would-be groom. He seems to have no memory of her, yet her traitorous heart remembers.

Max Dayton awakens from a fevered dream to find a vengeful angel hovering over him. When he realizes she’s mistaken him for his twin brother, his protective instincts kick in. There must be some reason his brother assumed Max’s identity…and some connection to this dazzling beauty and the father she insists is not dead.

In a quest to untangle the twisted trail of lies that threw them together, Sarah and Max journey to London, where the mystery grows darker and deeper. And the fragile beginnings of love are threatened by a secret someone would kill to keep.

Escape from a despicable uncle, evading an unwanted marriage, mistaken identity, kidnapping, and lies galore are all part and parcel of The Scarred Heir.

In hiding after running from the church, Sarah Jane Jessie Matilda Elizabeth Standish has only about two months to stay hidden until she can claim her inheritance and manage it as she pleases. She wants her independence. With the help of Betsy, her maid, Sarah had found a safe haven at the Old Road Inn, an out-of-the-way place where she works as a maid and has a tiny room. No one looks for a lady in this situation. Then a wounded lord arrives that she recognizes. How could the man she ran from at the church have found this inn? Although a nervous wreck, Sarah has come too far to give up. A cat and mouse game begins that escalates to exciting, sensual encounters that intrigue.

Max Dayton, though a highly decorated war hero, still carries a burden of guilt about the death of a young girl and about not having stayed in communication with his father after running from what he thought he had done and going to war on the continent. Only at the insistence of a friend had Max return to England to unravel the mess he thought he’d made of his life. Laid up for a week in the Old Road Inn, Max begins to realize that what his twin brother had told him all these years was not in sync with reality. In London and at his family estate, he uncovers even more discrepancies.

As the antagonists wreak havoc in Max and Sarah’s lives, she wavers on her long-held desire for independence and he rethinks his decision to never marry. At his ancestral home, long buried facts come to light. They shed a whole new light on his life.

Denis Patrick takes many familiar elements of early nineteenth century English plots and weaves them together with twists that pull the reader into the story. Once in a while the pacing and side stories detract a little, but Max and Sarah’s remarkable love story and some shocking truths makes The Scarred Heir great entertainment.

Deliver Me From Darkness by Tes Hilaire

2012-01-10T04:05:00.006-05:00

Deliver Me From Darkness by Tes Hilaire
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (323 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Aloe

A STRANGER IN THE NIGHT...

He had once been a warrior of the Light, one of the revered Paladin. A protector. But now he lives in darkness, and the shadows are his sanctuary. Every day is a struggle to overcome the bloodlust. Especially the day Karissa shows up at his doorstep.

COMES KNOCKING ON THE DOOR

She is light and bright and everything beautiful—despite her scratches and torn clothes. Every creature of the night is after her. So is every male Paladin. Because Karissa is the last female of their kind. But she is his. He may not have a soul, but he can't deny his heart.

Roland has fallen about as far as angel can; he’s now a vampire. He’s still a Paladin Warrior, but they will have nothing to do with him. In fact, they’d be willing to kill him. But they have something he wants…

Ms. Hilaire has written a fast paced story about good and evil and the gray parts in between. All her characters are strong in mind and body, and she makes the love interest very real and very challenging. I especially liked the fact that while the Paladins could not interact with Roland because he was fallen, he still had friends who helped him when times got tough. We all need friends like that.

Roland is happy living in the safety of his home and avoiding the sun. He works hard on containing his blood lust. Then his Paladin buddy shows up with a woman he wants him to protect. Roland wants no part of it. He also finds that he’s very attracted to her and he can’t be. No one wants someone like him. Especially not the last Paladin woman…

You get the devil, vampires, merkers and more on the bad side. You have the Paladins and one fallen angel on the other side. Karissa turns into the prize the two sides are fighting over. The battle is ugly. When the author throws in a few secrets on the Paladin side and it gets even more interesting. Ms. Hilaire makes her words dance as she weaves a great fantasy tale that is a real pleasure to read.

Another fascinating point in the story is that there was a prophecy made long ago that Karissa is part of. Of course, no one has interpreted the prophecy correctly.

I was pleased when the end of the book sets up the scene for the next Paladin adventure. I’m already looking forward to that! I’m also adding this book to my permanent library; it’s that good.

Claws and Effect: Diaries of an Urban Panther by Amanda Arista

2012-01-09T04:10:00.014-05:00

Claws and Effect: Diaries of an Urban Panther by Amanda Arista
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (332 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Violet Jordan Rule #2 of being a superhero: Find reliable sidekicks

Dear Diary,

Once I took down Haverty, the Primo of the city, I thought life was going to get better. After four assassination attempts, I’m thinking not so much. Haverty's pack needs a new leader and I've just about run out of reasons why I'm not right for the job. Besides, having loyal followers would definitely help me fight off whoever's out for my blood. Especially since my boyfriend is always busy playing White Hat to every wanderer except me. It's nice that he thinks I'm tough enough to handle my own business, but a little extra back up would be nice.

So now I just need to figure out how to mentor new shifters, run a pack, keep my "real" job, and have some sort of personal life. I guess it's all in a day's work for this horror movie writer-turned-shapeshifting panther.

I can’t believe the bad guys aren’t really bad and in fact turn into heroes. Who does that kind of thing? Ms. Arista does in her latest tale that proves that sequels really can be as good as the original. In fact, except for the heroine, Violet, and the hero, Chaz and a few of Violet’s friends, everyone else is brand new or just about. Truthfully, Claws and Effect is even better because now I know who I’m dealing with – or so I thought.

One of the best things I can say about this newest story is that it’s not what I anticipated. Sure, the relationship between Violet and Chaz is still evolving and growing; I expected that. What I couldn’t predict was the direction the author had her characters go in. What I couldn’t foresee was the changing nature of the original bad guys and the roles they played in this current book. I should have hated them like Jessa, Violet’s best friend; certainly I had plenty of ammunition to do so. But Ms. Arista had her heroine discover her true strength within and her basic personality isn’t one of hate or anger or spite but forgiveness, humor and love. In the first book, I saw a woman in the who was afraid and initially unsure of her destiny and would have preferred to bury her nose in a screenplay and shut out the world. Towards the end, she rose up to meet and defeat evil and discovered some amazing things about herself. Claws and Effect took me along with Violet as she faced some more home truths about herself and the life she now has to live.

Here is where I’ll share that not only is this story told in first person point of view but that it’s wickedly effective. So much so that at first I thought I was seeing things and almost thought I caught a major scene / editing error. Because I was restricted to Violet’s POV, I didn’t find out what was really going on until she did. It took awhile but once I got to that part, I was floored and thoroughly amazed. My actual words were, “That is SO COOL!!” So, my advice is: wait for it. It’ll knock your socks off because after that point, the action speeds up and the Prima attitude really comes out to play. Of course, none of that would be effective if Ms. Arista didn’t have such tight control of her writing. Her choice of words, use of details and fast paced dialogue kept the energy high and my heart rate up.

Be amazed. Readers will be reading the polished version whereas this review is based on the ARC. As expected there were numerous typos and silly misses but the most astounding fact is that this story is so well told, intricately plotted with characters that grabbed my heartstrings and imagination, and was delivered with such passion and intensity that editing glitches were a nonissue. I unequivocally adored Claws and Effect and will be buying the finished version for my keeper shelf.

That being said, a word about the heroine, Violet - what a sweetheart! Okay, so that was three words. I really enjoyed her ability to garner loving and healthy friendships by being true to what makes her so special. Violet actually cared about those around her. She stepped out a limb more than once in this book and could have seriously gotten hurt, well more hurt that she was, but she did it anyway because that’s what heroes do. They just do what has to be done because it’s right, because someone needs to and it’s never done for the glory or gains for themselves. They have this need to help. That’s Violet. And it’s why I think she’s one of the better female heroines out there in bookland. She feels real to me.

For those that really swooned over Chaz in the first book like I did, be prepared to have your faith in him shaken. Things are not what they appear but for awhile, you couldn’t convince me of that. Again, some really great writing from Ms. Arista. I had no idea where the relationship between Chaz and Violet was going to end up especially when Myers came on the scene. Talk about complications and conflict.

I also liked the connection conflict and the use of italics to differentiate it from the active story. The question is, is it real? Something tells me that the next book in the series is going to be very creative and intense because I think “he” might come back. And won’t that just ruin Violet’s day.

I realize that I’ve made references to the previous book in the series and it might scare some readers into thinking that this tale might not be a good stand alone. I think it can. The author makes the characters explain to readers the key points they need to know to feel included. The only thing that won’t have depth of understanding is just how unusual Chaz and Violet’s relationship is. I am glad to say that their little worry is resolved and things can now progress to a more passionate expression of their love. As it is, this story is filled with love, romance and true commitment. I’m happy.

Claws and Effect is a jewel in the paranormal romance crown. It’s a story that sparkles and shines from the talent that is Ms. Arista. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop. I simply had to know what was going to happen to Violet and Chaz. Were they going to make it? Was Chaz going to commit to Violet? Was she even going to survive the choices she had to make in this story? So many questions kept getting answered chapter after chapter with new ones being asked and explored. I am enchanted by the world Ms. Arista has created and the characters she’s peopled it with. This book is a work of art and the series is a wonderful addition for paranormal romance fans who want an effective balance between the conflict of darkness and the light of love. This story has it all and I’m eager for more.

Eternal Obsession by Ann Lory

2012-01-09T04:05:00.022-05:00

Eternal Obsession by Ann Lory
Publisher: Champagne Books
Genre: Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Historical
Length: Full length (151 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed By Dianthus

Kelly Matthews has every intention of forgetting the ravishing vampire who’d stolen her heart a year ago, but their blood bond will not let her forget. Add the fact that her dance company would be performing in his home town of Paris, France. Kelly fears what will happen if she sees him again and worse…what if she doesn’t?

A punch in the nose is the last thing Jacques expects when he comes face to face with Kelly for the first time since leaving her a year ago. Now convincing her that he made a mistake and getting her back into his life is the hard part.

But another weaves his way into Kelly’s mind. She is the very image of a love lost to him one hundred fifty years ago and nothing will stop him from reclaiming her. Jacques is determined to protect her, but his new enemy—once a friend and a teacher—is older and stronger and Jacques will risk all to ensure Kelly remains forever his.

Break my heart once, shame on you. But break it twice, and shame on me for giving you a second chance. That is the motto that Kelly Matthews has lived by since Jacques Deveraux vanished from her life over a year ago. He was the man of her dreams, and after willingly giving over not only her heart but her blood to save him, he just left without even an explanation. Will meeting him again soften Kelly's heart or is it too damaged to be opened again?

Jacques has been in love with Kelly since the first day he met her, and hasn’t been able to stop thinking about her once in the time since he left her. If only she could understand that he is protecting her by staying away. Word comes to him that Kelly will be back in Paris, and no matter the consequences Jacques can’t seem to stay away. The light inside Kelly draws him, and nothing will stand in his way of having her for eternity this time. Will a man from Jacques’s past put the love of his life in mortal danger or can Jacques keep her safe long enough for her to know the truth about him as the man he is?

I have been a fan of vampire themed books, since before Twilight and the Sookie Stackhouse days, and this book reminds me of why I love the genre. I found I was rooting for Jacques and Kelly to get together in the end almost from the first meeting. Ann Lory really made this a story to get into, and I was sucked in from the beginning and dreaded the end of the book. I would love to see more stories about this band of vampires, maybe even a series to tell the stories of everyone else involved in the gathering of Kelly and Jacques. Ann Lory is an author to watch out for, and would make a great addition to any vampire lovers’ collection.

Heaven Sent by Jessica Damien

2012-01-09T04:00:00.017-05:00

Heaven Sent by Jessica Damien
Publisher: Whispers Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (332 pages)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Sunflower

Guardian angels. How many miracles have been worked by these wondrous beings? How many lives have been saved, how many destinies have been formed?

And how many mistakes have been made?

Ben’s not quite an angel yet; he’ll have to save an awful lot of souls before that can happen. And he’s not off to a good start. After causing the death of his subject, he has to face Michael’s wrath and team up with Dorian, the man who was supposed to have lived for another forty-two years.

But Dorian takes it in stride. He becomes smitten with the lovely Alexa, a unique young woman who should never have been born of human parents, but because of a merry mix-up, the powers-that-be must retrieve her so that she can begin to learn her place in the heavens. The world is depending on her.

Dorian realizes soon enough that he has a rival, and Donovan is no light-weight. An angel from way back, when the world was young, he’s virile, handsome, and darkly mysterious. Is he just toying with Alexa? Are his secrets dangerous to humanity?

When an evil and vengeful entity makes its presence known, they’re all going to have to depend blindly on each other for the survival of the world and each other, in spite of all the unknowns, in spite of all the ill feelings.

The journey to become a full fledged angel is not easy as one believes. It's not instantaneous perfection. One doesn't die and simply become an angel without earning it first. Heaven Sent is like the bloopers section of a movie. It doesn't just show all the hits, it goes through the misses.

The book has a few central characters. Ben, an angel-in-training, Dorian, an accidental death, and Alexa. Its lighthearted, witty charm lured me in, and I laughed out loud in many spots. This is a fresh and different spin on a tale of angels and heaven. Romance takes a backseat in this story. The characters were delightful and the pacing stayed steady the whole while.

Ben is just one of those guys who sometimes, no matter how he tries, can't seem to get it right. It's what makes him easy to relate to. He doesn't always see the big picture, and he makes mistakes. But all the while, he's a good natured man. One thing leads to another, and a chain reaction of events has him working with Dorian.

Dorian had his share of problems, and even though he's dead before his time, he takes it well. He jumps in to help at a drop of a hat, and he guides Ben at times, and other times is guided.

Overall, this novel was engaging and fun. Ms. Damien takes things into a whole new level in this nicely crafted world, and puts real life situations in with a little mischief from those that not everyone can see.

If you enjoy a paranormal book with a bit of comedic elements, then surely you don't want to miss Heaven Sent?

Last Spy Standing by Dana Marton

2012-01-06T04:45:00.010-05:00

Last Spy Standing by Dana Marton
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Full Length (217 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

Black ops specialist Mitch Mendoza had thought this South American rescue mission would be routine. But the jungle held unexpected dangers: deadly snakes, armed drug runners and Megan Cassidy. The undercover CIA agent had legs for miles and a hidden agenda—one that interfered with Mitch's plans. So though he was a lone wolf, he had to keep her close, or risk letting his mission fail. After years of working alone, Mitch found himself distracted by Megan's steely resolve and her soft curves. And he couldn't afford that. Not if he wanted this assignment to be a success…and get both of them out of the jungle alive.

Adrenaline-charged from start to finish Last Spy Standing is heart-stopping at times. Megan Cassidy and Mitch Mendoza both bent on completing their missions, butt heads often yet when the chips are down; they make topnotch partners.

Dana Marton dumps the reader into the South American rain forest with drug runners and killers on every trail--plus, every natural enemy imaginable: snakes, spiders, and big predators. Even the vegetation and terrain can be dangerous. The reader’s vicarious trek through the jungle, into drug lords’ strongholds and gunfights, some with maybe a little ‘overkill’ on the killing, makes one breathless. Of course, having a twenty-two-year-old whiny, spoiled college boy to get out of a mess he got himself into ups the stakes for surviving since he has no common sense.

Mitch Mendoza, a hard core operative for the black ops group Special Designation Defense Unit, is on a mission to get Zak Macy-Goodman, the Kansas governor’s son, away from a drug lord and back home alive. Mitch is a loner whose success rate is A-1. He does not make commitments or forever promises, but Megan Cassidy, undercover CIA operative, stirs his blood and tests his resolve.

He runs afoul of Megan who has been undercover a year. She has two missions, one professional and the other personnel and she needs Zak to move her missions along to completion. Even though she works in a male-dominated profession, she is self-sufficient, sassy, totally focused to the point of being snarky and mean if thwarted. Deep-down she has a sense of humor, but not when it comes to business. As she deals with the intrepid Mitch Mendoza, a long-unrealized sexual need threatens to undermine her focus. She tamps it down but her body still tingles with emotions that drive her to want more than her job.

Dana Marton’s intense, compelling writing style creates gut-wrenching, frightening scenes that often are vicious. However, she also creates spine-tingling love scenes...imagine making love in a hammock.

Her brash, determined, strong hero and heroine are memorable in their tenacity, endurance, and loyalty. Ms. Marton uses a dark side of modern day reality for a setting as she creates a fast-paced, riveting suspense and romance that is attention-gripping.

Guarded Hearts by M. J. Fredrick

2012-01-06T04:40:00.011-05:00

Guarded Hearts by M. J. Fredrick
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Full Length (169 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

What does she fear more, surrendering her privacy or her heart?

Texas Congresswoman McKenna Jones’s life is in danger when her father’s old enemy surfaces. She’s the target of revenge and narrowly escapes a kidnapping attempt. She's advised to go into hiding until the threat has passed, but her fight to get an important bill passed forces her to stay right where she is. When Ethan Riggins is assigned to protect her it may be a sacrifice on her privacy, but it's no real hardship since he's sinfully sexy and easy to work with.

For Ethan Riggins, it's a struggle to keep his distance from the congresswoman. McKenna is his assignment, and his friend’s daughter. She also happens to be smart, driven and beautiful. Being around her makes him want to loosen the reins on his emotions, which he's kept in check for far to long.

When the threat escalates, Ethan and McKenna have to take charge of the investigation so they can discover if a happily-ever-after is in store for them?

The kind of man congresswoman McKenna Jones doesn’t want is whom she has fallen in love with. She does not want a marriage like her parents had with all the yelling and hurting and then separation—all of which she had to endure as a child. She has carried many emotional scars into adulthood. Consequently, when her father has one of his operatives be her bodyguard, McKenna plans to have as little to do with him as possible. She has and likes to have control as does Ethan Riggins, the bodyguard. But control seems to take a holiday as these two share close quarters.

M. J. Fredrick has the adrenaline pumping and the heart racing from page one in Guarded Hearts.

While McKenna is trying to get a bill passed to do good, others are working overtime to do evil—to her. Her father’s past misdeeds have caught up to her. Her father, John Klein, a counterterrorist, has always been too consumed by his work. He has nothing to give of himself to his family. His emotions have been “on ice” for so long he cannot thaw them. Yet, he pulls out all the stops in an effort to protect McKenna. However, his failure to give enough information to her or to his best operative Ethan Riggins, gets a lot of people hurt or killed—not even he is invincible.

McKenna’s heart and brain are out of sync when it comes to Ethan. His operative mode is too much like her father’s for her to consider getting emotionally involved with him. But his demeanor with his family shows a different Ethan—gentle, loving, fun and full of humor. His gentle, soothing voice and touch can melt away her resolve.

Ethan Riggins knows from experience that marriage does not fit with his job and he certainly knows the boss’s daughter is off-limits. But he admires the beautiful, brave, caring, but stubborn McKenna with her determination and she is sexy as all-get-out. There is something about her that undermines his rigid control and all his rules.

Ms. Fredrick tells a spellbinding story. Of course, I wanted some resolution for McKenna and her parent’ dysfunctional relationship so she could lay her bad memories to rest and move on to a happy-ever-after without them and didn't entirely get that. However, with adrenaline revved up and love scenes that are earth shattering, Guarded Hearts is a page turner—great entertainment that I heartily recommend!

Because of You by Cathy Maxwell

2012-01-06T04:35:00.008-05:00

Because of You by Cathy Maxwell
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (375 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

Is a reckless rogue worthy of the love of an innocent enchantress?

Pretty Samantha Northrup knows it is her duty to marry—but the chaste English vicar’s daughter secretly desires to be swept off her feet by a man whose kisses leave her breathless. And when a seductive stranger arrives at her door one stormy night, Samantha’s neat and orderly life is turned upside down—especially when she finds herself in a most compromising position . . . and is forced to marry a man she barely knows!

Samantha is unaware that her mystery bridegroom is Yale Carderock, the dashing, disinherited rakehell son of a duke, banished by his father years before. Now Lord Yale has returned—wealthier but only somewhat reformed—and he is bewitched by his lovely new bride’s awakening sensuality and innocent fire. But can this marriage of convenience be something more . . . and can a confirmed cad and society outcast truly change his ways enough to merit the lady’s tender love?

“It’s not right to hold on to the past when it’s done and over” is easier said than done, especially when the future holds so many scary unknowns.

The village of Sproule is Samantha Northup’s world. She has never even been to the next town. In early nineteenth century England, an over-the-hill, unmarried vicar’s daughter has limited possibilities when her father dies leaving her penniless and homeless. Even though she is a healer and the people in the village and surrounding community depend on her able, gentle care, the squire’s wife says, “…you’re a thorn in our side…” after an unfortunate incident. The villagers demand she marry the man who put her in an untenable position and he agrees, saying he will take care of her—which relieves the villager of a responsibility of seeing she is respectably housed and fed. Samantha saved his life and finds him irresistible. When he kisses her—her first kiss, it opens a Pandora’s Box. He is like a narcotic in her blood. He is her destiny, she is sure. Her naiveté leaves her open for heartbreak.

Yale Carderock, disinherited son of the now-dead duke of Ayleborough, owes his life to Samantha. He also finds that this stubborn woman, in dowdy clothes and humble in her service to others, is a sensual, hot-blooded woman—a treasure. With her fresh wholesomeness and her quickness to forgive others, she enthralls him. He fully intends to keep his word and to take care of her honorably—he just doesn’t plan to take her with him.

Plans get derailed when the present duke of Ayleborough, Yale’s brother Wayland, arrives in the village. Old hurts, regrets, expectations, guilt, and well-intended lies wreck what had been Samantha and Yale’s special relationship.

In London, the overwhelming society “niceties” in the duke’s house have Samantha drowning in the “do and don’t rules” while she is trying to come to terms with Yale’s intentions. He will see her settled and well cared for then he will be off to sea and to his Ceylon business. She tells herself she must learn to live with a broken heart.

An amazing secondary character is Fenley, a long-time man-of-service in the Carderock household. He understands Yale, but he sees Samantha’s love for Yale and her breaking heart. He tells her “Love is not something you can cage”. He helps her realize love enriches the spirit giving it meaning and depth. He encourages her to look passed the fears, doubts, hurts, and see love for what it is—bright, pure, and beautiful—a gift.

Yale’s awakening to what love really is comes when he sees Samantha with his extended family. He breaks a dinner date with the prime minister of England to be at his wife’s side. He finds that his forgiving, one-of-a-kind Samantha gives meaning to his life. When his business is dealt a crushing blow and he has to start over, Samantha’s love, stubbornness and determination buoy him up. She makes him feel complete and accepted unconditionally.

Cathy Maxwell is an awesome story teller. She connects the reader with the characters so the reader feels as if she is sharing emotionally fraught actions and love scenes—so special. She even makes secondary characters seem real. She also works in a touch of whimsy and magic here and there—the green pixie paperweight should not be discounted—just in case.

Because of You is spellbinding and memorable—smooth, captivating reading.

The Night Is Mine by M. L. Buchman

2012-01-06T04:30:00.014-05:00

The Night Is Mine by M. L. Buchman
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (416 pages)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Sunflower

NAME: Emily Beale
RANK: Captain
MISSION: Fly undercover to prevent the assassination of the First Lady, posing as her executive pilot.

NAME: Mark Henderson, code name Viper
RANK: Major
MISSION: Undercover role of wealthy, ex-mercenary boyfriend to Emily

Their jobs are high risk, high reward:

Protect the lives of the powerful and the elite at all cost. Neither expected that one kiss could distract them from their mission. But as the passion mounts between them, their lives and their hearts will both be risked...and the reward this time may well be worth it.

Normally flying in and out of danger, the new assignment for Captain Emily Beale is not what she expects. And then starts the mystery in The Night Is Mine, a first book in a new romantic suspense series. Is the world ready for Captain Emily Beale? Because ready or not, here she comes.

Is it really still a man's world out there? Emily is angry about the way she's being treated, especially after a segment featuring her doesn't show the exciting parts of her career. Emily is fierce, brave, and a woman I would want watching my back if ever need be. She knows how to stay on the outskirts of danger.

The hero of the book is Major Mark Henderson. My first impression of him wasn't all that great. He redeems himself towards the end of the book, but in a way at first I was hoping Emily would end up with someone else.

For a suspense book, the action didn't really pick up until a few chapters in. But once that happened, it turned into a good story. The cast of characters all had their mysterious appeal to them, and it was questionable why Emily was chosen for the job of protecting the First Lady, when she's usually in the captain's seat of an aircraft. There is a history between Emily and the President, which had me wondering.

Despite a slow start, The Night is Mine is filled with quite a bit of suspense and intrigue. It was interesting to see Emily's reaction to being a bodyguard and undercover when it's normally not her thing, but she pulled it off well.

If you enjoy a romantic suspense with a military feel, then don't miss your chance to read The Night is Mine.

The Silent Hills by Derek Thompson

2012-01-06T04:25:00.012-05:00

The Silent Hills by Derek Thompson
Publisher: Musa Publishing
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (18 pgs)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Aloe

Let’s just say that I am a prospector of sorts. A successful one, who has never cheated anyone who did not ask to be cheated, never conned anyone who did not delight in thinking that they were conning me.

The mist clung to my face and I felt a cold resolve settle in my chest: my decision was made – he had to die.

He’s always on the move. He settles in one place for a bit, pulls his con, and moves on. He never expected to find himself trapped in one town…

This story has the flavor of a Shirley Jackson story. Mr. Thompson’s short story is just as captivating and horrifying as Ms. Jackson’s work. She wrote “The Lottery” which was about a small town, and so i Mr. Thompson’s setting.

When the main character moved to Harlton, he used the name Peter Marlow. He’d left his past behind again, had enough money to survive for a while, and he liked the quiet little town that hid in the hills. He was sure he was safe there; he was wrong.

I really enjoyed the “old days” flavor of this story; the author depicted it perfectly. Mr. Thompson also did an excellent job of taking a man who thought he was fooling all the locals and turning the tables on him. Without the main character even realizing, he was slowly being manipulated into a murder. Since this is an eighteen page story, that makes Mr. Thompson’s writing very effective. He spares no detail or description that is unnecessary, but he sends shivers up and down your spine as you and Peter Marlow both realize that the local citizens had planned even further ahead than he had.

This is the story of a bad marriage, a bad man, abuse and rape, and the poor woman who married him. Mr. Marlow’s safe little town has teeth.

I had no idea exactly where this story was going as I read along. The author had hold of my mind and enjoyed messing with it. I thought “they couldn’t be.”; “he wouldn’t!”; “why did that do that to him?” and I was still surprised by the ending. This may be a short writing piece but it’s an excellent story. Get yourself a copy and see if you can anticipate the ending. I bet not.

Voodoo Bones by Melanie Atkins

2012-01-06T04:20:00.013-05:00

Voodoo Bones by Melanie Atkins
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Short Story(52 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rated 5 stars
Reviewed by Snapdragon

Noel Galliano has always wanted her own business, and despite critics who believe she won’t succeed, opens a tiny French Quarter voodoo shop. What she doesn’t count on is finding a dismembered corpse upstairs. Detective Mathieu Bergeron is considered a failure around the district station, until he puts away the Bayou Ripper. Then another mutilated body is found, and both his arrest and competence are thrown into question. Matt and Noel must work together to solve this terrifying crime in the Big Easy...and along the way, they fall in love.

Detective Matthieu Bergeron has to be the best leading man I’ve bumped into in ages and all I can say is: I hope Ms. Atkins is planning a sequel. His utter professionalism might mask his quick temper, but he’s truly an old-style man’s man.

Lucky for him, cute Noel Galliano finds him a gorgeous hunk of man, right from the first meeting. Less lucky is that this ongoing investigation threatens to get in the way. Matt seems perfectly competent, but some unique challenges crop up. And Noel is a driven soul – she seems ordinary enough at first, but she has goals. Both Characters are strong and believable with everyday baggage, like regrettable family ties and personal motivations, and this quickly acknowledged attraction.

The plot centers around a grisly crime, and intrigue blends with suspense throughout. Although clues abound (and action aplenty), the crime is completely unpredictable and has some real edge-of-your-seat moments.

Although the characters and puzzle keep you enthralled, the details of the location are also exceedingly well done. Ms. Atkins has a take-you-there style, and at the end of this, you’ll feel you’ve toured New Orleans in autumn; smelled the aromas, heard the sounds.

Ms. Atkins presents a fresh take on the classic crime story, with a heartfelt romance that refuses to take a backseat. No matter what type of reading you prefer, you will find this well-written novella completely engaging. Make this one a must-read.

Glory and the Rake by Deborah Simmons

2012-01-05T04:35:00.008-05:00

Glory and the Rake by Deborah Simmons
Publisher: Harlequin Regency
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (280 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

Miss Glory Sutton has two annoyances in her life. One: the precious spa she's determined to renovate keeps getting damaged by vandals. Two: Oberon, the arrogant Duke of Westfield—the man assigned to help her find the perpetrators.

Oberon has no interest in this independent, troublesome woman! And Glory couldn't be less interested in the enigmatic rogue!

As they get drawn deeper into the mysteries of the spa, they too must reveal their secrets in order to uncover the truth. And then, perhaps, the legend of the waters will come true!

Whether Queen’s Well is magical for romance or cursed is of little consequence if Glory Sutton fails to reopen the long closed spa. Another little issue is “The Queen’s Gift” that some people make light of and others are deadly serious about. The elusive culprit keeps everyone on edge, but not all for the same reason. The Dowager Duchess is not so much concerned about Queen’s Well reopening as she is about the continual mishaps messing up her plans for her son, Oberon Makepeace, the Duke of Westfield.

“Girlish nonsense” is not for Glory Sutton. She’s the glue that keeps her family together. She sees to the finances, manages the household, and does her best to raise her younger brother Thad. Little unnerves her. She is confident and in control then along come Oberon who makes her unease and stirs up feeling she knows are impossible to give in to. He is a duke of the realm and she is a person of no nobility and moreover trying her best to be a woman of trades—if she could just get the spa open.

Oberon, emotionally turned off since his father’s death some years ago, has all but abandoned his family other than seeing they have a grand life style. His mother, not above machinations to get what she wants, sets in to stir up her son’s emotions, in hopes of his becoming a true son to her again and also give her grandchildren. Oberon, intelligent with keen instincts, is not ignorant of her scheming. His commitments and obligations in London have sharpened his skills in ferreting out secrets, in gauging people’s words, and in testing them for loyalty. He is a master at protecting himself emotionally and physically. Yet he can be witty and charming when it suits his needs.

Glory’s dream to reopen Queen’s Well, once called Aquae Philtri (water of love) seems doomed. As she and the acting magistrate, The Duke of Westfield work together to get to the source of the vandalism, housebreaking, and attempted murder, neither plans for the “magic” of the Queen’s Well waters having any influence on them. The awakening of love with lots of misgiving gets mixed in with danger, and an intriguing back-story that grips the reader’s imagination.

A few of the secondary characters enliven the plot. Thad and his unsavory friends from London, Glory’s Aunt Phillida with her insistence that the well is cursed, gives Glory cause for concern rather than giving her solid support. Randolph Petit, the duchess’s fellow conspirator, is the duchess’s cousin and friend who gives her his unconditional support even though he grumbles at times. He does have a sort of sympathy for Oberon, but not enough to thwart the duchess’s plan. Other characters like Dr. Tibold, Miss Thorpe, the reverend’s daughter, touch the main character’s lives. However, the people in the back-story—long dead—are the ones that keep the mystery and suspense bubbling. Moreover, they bring some twists and surprises to the plot that gives a “rightness” to things—some that have waited a long time to be acknowledged.

Glory and the Rake entertains in true Regency style while giving the reader a special tidbit that involves “The Queen’s Gift”—captivating reading.

The Rodeo Man's Daughter by Barbara White Daille

2012-01-05T04:30:00.015-05:00

The Rodeo Man's Daughter by Barbara White Daille
Publisher: Harlequin American Romance
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (184 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

When Caleb Cantrell left home as a dirt-poor teenager, he never thought he'd return as a wealthy rodeo star.

As a matter of fact, he didn't think he'd return at all. The accident changed all that. It ended his career, nearly ended his life and rekindled a bitterness he thought he'd left in the dust long ago.

To rebuild, Caleb has to go back to where it all began—back to Flagman's Folly, New Mexico, and back to his high-school sweetheart, Tess LaSalle. But a ten-year-old secret stands between them, one that could hurt everyone Tess loves, especially her daughter…their daughter…the one Caleb never knew existed.

No rodeo ever required the courage Caleb needs now—to forgive, to forget and to start over again…if it's not already too late.

Caleb Cantrell’s need to prove he is “somebody” not just the bastard son of the town’s whore drove him as he became wealthy as a rodeo rider. After ten years, he returns to Flagman’s Folly New Mexico. He cannot believe how unconcerned the people are about who he was “back then”. They just seem to be proud of his success—all except Tess LaSalle, the girl he’d left behind. She acts like she wants him gone.

Tess did want him gone. His touch stirred unwanted feelings that she put away long ago. His words when she went to Gallup rodeo to tell him she was pregnant still burn like acid in her heart. He’d said his winnings would save him from having to go back to a “one-horse town with one-horse folks in it”—she was and is one of those “folks”. He’d gone on to bask in his new celebrity status with trophies, buckle bunnies, and most importantly, money. She’d gone home and put her life together with meticulous care. Now she copes with financial worries, with a weak real estate market, with her mother, Rosalyn’s struggling bed and breakfast Whistlestop Inn, and with her prickly, stubborn, sometime belligerent preteen daughter, Nate.

Nate is precious and loved even though she is a handful at times. She and her friends are “cowboy-crazy” and to them the world is wonder when the rodeo star Caleb Cantrell comes to town. Nate is at the age when issues are black or white—no shades of gray in between. Her emotions are volatile and coming to terms with the shocking changes in her world has her reeling and makes her super difficult at times.

The many secondary characters help move the story along. Rosalyn and Aunt Ellamae create a conspiratorial humor as do Nate and her three best friends. They all love Caleb’s self-centered rodeo stories. Judge Baylor, Sam Robertson, and others help Caleb gradually let go of the “chip on this shoulder”. Dana Wright and Joe Harley prove to be tried and true friends of Tess and support her in some really tough situations.

For some reason, I did not feel that I was having a vicarious experience with the characters. I felt I was on the outside looking in on conflicts but with little else going on—rather like a Mexican Standoff. However, the U-turn Caleb makes that shows his maturation and his ability to stop thinking about just himself and what he wants and needs makes the story come alive. It also shows Nate in a whole new light that reveals her redeeming qualities. They become far more likeable characters. They both do some amazing growing up.

Barbara White Daille has a smooth, expressive writing style with subtle metaphors, humor, and a setting that seems authentic. Her sense of small town living is right on, and made this book a worthwhile read.

Mind Over Matter by S. J. Clarke

2012-01-05T04:25:00.012-05:00

Mind Over Matter by S. J. Clarke
Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (164 pages)
Heat Level: sensual
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Sunflower

For three years, Rebecca McKenney grieved the loss of her daughter. Now, a vision showing Sabrina three years older, suggests her baby is still alive, and the FBI agent who gave up the search is the only one who can help find her. Rebecca once witnessed a psychic connection between Agent Cooper and her daughter. She only hopes their fragile bond remains – and that the coward has the decency to pursue it.

Special Agent Dan Cooper, haunted by a tragic mistake made early in the investigation, agrees to help Rebecca to ease his conscience, if nothing else. Together they fight inner demons, all too real bad guys, and an attraction neither wants to admit to. Each step closer to finding her daughter unearths widespread deception and an evil so vile it threatens to break Rebecca's spirit. The thought of having her daughter back in her arms is all that keeps her going. Until she learns the horrifying truth – her daughter is scheduled to die in mere days.

The townsfolk say Rebecca isn't right in the head after the loss of her child a few years ago. Often times they'll find her in the same places, acting as if her daughter is still there. It's sad and heartbreaking. She just can't let go.

As a mother myself, I can't imagine the pain this heroine endures. To suffer such a loss and never get over it is an unthinkable horror. When she begins having strange visions, I wondered if it was all in her mind. Was there was a chance things could actually work out in her favor by the end of this story? Or were the readers being set up for false hope?

Dan Cooper is reluctant to believe Rebecca, but the relief I felt that he decided to help her kept him in my good graces. He wanted to protect her, and prepare her for anything that would come out of this. The sparks between them came later.

The real suspense element didn't come until about a third of the way through the book. The first few chapters were spent on Dan and Rebecca trying to pull of a charade so others didn't know what they were really doing. It wasn't until the real search began that the pacing picked up quickly. The rest of the story went by fast from there, and I was caught up in the pages, needing to know what they were going to find next.

The villains had a bigger agenda than I'd imagined, and the ending caught me off guard. The author created lots of action throughout most of the book, though the characters weren't as well developed as they could have been. I really never got a major sense of who Dan was. There wasn't a lot of conflict between the hero and heroine. The biggest conflict was with Rebecca, trying to find her child even though everyone else accepted the fact that she was dead.

Overall, the story line was interesting and filled with twists and turns. If you enjoy a romantic suspense with light paranormal aspects, then you may enjoy Mind Over Matter.

The Duke is Mine by Eloisa James

2012-01-05T04:20:00.008-05:00

The Duke is Mine by Eloisa James
Publisher: Harper Collins
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (400 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Honeysuckle

Destiny will be decided between the sheets in this all-new tale of “The Princess and the Pea.”

For Olivia Lytton, betrothal to the Duke of Canterwick—hardly a Prince Charming—feels more like a curse than a happily-ever-after. At least his noble status will help her sister, Georgiana, secure an engagement with the brooding, handsome Tarquin, Duke of Sconce, a perfect match for her in every way . . . every way but one. Tarquin has fallen in love with Olivia.

Quin never puts passion before reason. And reason says that Georgiana is his ideal bride. But the sensual, fiery, strong-willed Olivia ignites an unknown longing in him— a desire they are both powerless to resist. When a scandalous affair begins, they risk losing everything—Olivia’s engagement, her sister’s friendship, and their own fragile love. Only one thing can save them—and it awaits in the bedroom, where a magnificent mattress holds life-changing answers to the greatest romantic riddle of all.

Two Dukes for this Duchess in training. One who suffers from a mental deficiency and yet has strong emotional desires to bring glory and honor to his family. The other who has such an abundance of intellect he has trouble comprehending delicate emotions in people he meets. She’ll either be the caretaker for the one or source of constant consternation for the other. In the end, a love and courage neither one expected turns this clever retelling of The Princess and The Pea into an adventure that spans two continents.

Fans of Eloisa James have come to expect her characters to be surprising and bit quirky. She’s outdone herself in The Duke is Mine. Olivia’s character is almost too liberated for the time period she lives in. Rather than acting the part of a future duchess she tends to say the first thing that pops into her head. She’s brash and yet sensitive, she’s courageous but caring and it all works for this novel. Olivia is brought up knowing she has a duty. She’s accepted the fact that her life will never be her own but at the same time she’s determined to be true to her own personality to severe displeasure of her parents.

Quin as the hero had me a little concerned in the beginning. He doesn’t come across as being a leading man at first. To be honest he allows his mother to pretty much run his life while he whiles away the day considering math theories. Like Olivia, Quin is bound by duty. He has homes, lands, tenants and his mother to provide for. Thanks to his mother, his life has always been staid and organized. Then fate brings Olivia into his organized world. Can he learn to embrace her bold personality? Will he find the courage he didn’t know he possessed when love and honor lead the way.

The Duke is Mine is one of those stories that you aren’t sure why you enjoy it, but you keep reading because it’s so different from a typical Regency romance. I knew I liked Olivia from the beginning. She was refreshing and yet I knew she couldn’t possibly end up with Rupert. She wasn’t meant to be any man’s caretaker or brooding mare. Rupert is precious but he just isn’t meant for Olivia. I can’t say anything bad about Rupert’s character because he is so earnest and his disability is certainly not his fault. The fact that they have been promised to each other since before birth on top of the fact that their parents are determined that they wed no matter what, kept me reading. It’s also what will have me re-reading this terrific book again.

This isn’t a light read but it is a fun read, if that makes sense. The dialogue is pretty humorous and just when you think the story is all about Quin and Olivia finding love you remember Rupert is still in the picture. You won’t want to miss the exciting and fantastic conclusion. This is a perfect book to pick and read on a cold winter’s night but be forewarned you may lose sleep to finish it in one setting. The Duke is Mine is the third Fairytale revisited by Ms. James along with a couple of novellas. If clever, unique, fun stories are what you crave than this is the series for you.

Arrow that Flies: Blood Brothers in Christ Book One by Sadie and Sophie Cuffe

2012-01-05T04:15:00.011-05:00

Arrow that Flies: Blood Brothers in Christ Book One by Sadie and Sophie Cuffe
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Inspirational, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (145 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

As undercover agent, Jackie Duncan, ferrets out environmental activist Rand Adams and his turbulent plans for the logging town of Stellar’s Ford, she sees double when identical twin, Robbie, assumes his brother’s identity. After nearly getting skewered by an arrow at a tree-spiking site, Jackie’s list of suspects grows, and her rural childhood haven boils over with protests and arson. At every turn, Rand Adams is a step ahead of her.

When her investigative work won’t turn the tables, Jackie stubbornly befriends this would-be enemy and discovers, though they share the same face, Robbie is not his volatile brother. But who is he, and will their fragile love and common faith be enough to weather the arrival of brother, Rand, and his claims of being a kidnapped pawn in a cat-and-mouse game that's about to turn deadly for all of them?

Robbie is a changed man, but a wounded soul from his past lurks in the darkness waiting to take revenge.

Sadie and Sopie Cuffe set the stage for an exciting mystery from page one when Robbie’s carefully ordered world is thrown into chaos by the kidnapping of his estranged twin brother, Rand. The message delivered on the end of an arrow is truly chilling and had me eagerly turning pages. As if posing as his brother and trying to keep the situation in Stellar’s Ford from boiling over weren’t enough, Jackie crashes into Robbie’s life. Jackie is there to help, but her presence only complicates matters. Even worse, Rand’s kidnapper now has Jackie in her sights. Will Jackie and Robbie discover the person behind the arrows before it’s too late?

Robbie is a hard nut to crack. It was clear from the start that Robbie is a good man, but he seemed very distant from those around him for a large part of the book. He bottles his emotions up and connects with animals far more easily than people. He’s even on bad terms with his own twin. However, as the story progressed, it became clear that Robbie is hiding a wounded heart. The revelations concerning Robbie’s past aren’t brought to light until close to the end of the book, but the journey is certainly worth it.

I liked Jackie immediately. Robbie compares her to a tornado, and I completely agree. Jackie is one of those people who cares for everyone around her, but completely forgets to take care of herself. While her desk is a complete mess, Jackie isn’t scatter brained. She’s smart, sharp, and more than a match for any challenge that comes her way.

The list of people who could possibly be behind the events at Stellar’s Ford is quite long. It seems that everyone has a strong opinion about logging the trees in the area. Each suspect has a good motive, and I had a hard time sorting out who was the true culprit. Like Robbie, I was very surprised to discover that the root of all the problems goes back much further than anyone imagined.

Robbie and Jackie are complete opposites, but they do have one important thing in common, their mutual faith in Christ. When Jackie and Robbie first meet, they don’t really like each other. They both had a lot on their minds and they each suspected the other of being up to no good. Jackie and Robbie keep each other on their toes and their teasing banter is quite entertaining. When they profess their faith to each other, their relationship takes a very positive turn. For most of the story, Jackie and Robbie’s bond grows slowly, but naturally. However close to the end of the story, everything seems to be put on the fast track. Given that the pace of their relationship was slow through most of the book, it didn’t seem to fit that they would suddenly make such life changing decisions without knowing more about each other. I would have liked to see Jackie and Robbie spend more time together outside of the crisis at Stellar’s Ford. Despite this issue, I really enjoyed watching Jackie and Robbie grow together and have no doubt that their happy ending is meant to be.

Arrow that Flies is certainly an exciting mystery. The pacing was well done, the characters were extremely likable, and I was kept guessing until the very end. Anyone looking for a romantic suspense with a heartwarming ending should give Arrow that Flies a try.

Freefall by Mary Eason

2012-01-04T04:25:00.010-05:00

Freefall by Mary Eason
Publisher: Champagne Books
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (124 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Orchid

Special Agent Rainie McClain wants out. Out of The Agency. Out of the shadow life that has consumed her for far too long. Walking away from The Agency means letting go of the only man she’s ever loved, her husband, Captain Roc Branson. But at thirty-eight, Rainie has seen all the violence and death she can handle. And after discovering she’s pregnant, she just wants a normal life. But what can be normal about the reappearance of a long lost brother who may or may not be a sadistic killer, the heartrending demise of her marriage, and the web of lies that grows until she no longer knows who to trust? It’s vital that she discover the truth soon...because what she doesn’t know, just might kill her.

Agents with the Agency must not get involved with each other. Rainie and Roc were unable to abide by this rule. They fell in love and got secretly married, but now things are going sour.

Rainie's brother Justin disappeared when she was a child, but he's now reappeared. Unfortunately Rainie thinks he is also Jeremiah Silver, the leader of the FLA terrorists. Her husband, Roc, is keeping something important from her, but she is also keeping something from him. She's pregnant but knows Roc will never leave the agency and be content with a family life.

Through lies, deceit, danger and espionage Rainie tries to work out what she really wants. A life with the Agency or life as a single parent. Her decision is made harder by her brother insisting things are not as they seem and that she is being lied to. Roc asks her to trust him, but then disappears on Agency work. Rainie has to decide who is telling the truth and who she should trust.

Freefall kept me mystified and on edge to the end. Fast moving with action, danger and love I was never sure what was going to happen next. Never mind that Rainie didn't know who to trust, I didn't know who she should trust either. One thing I didn't feel at ease with was she did a lot of internal thinking which slowed the story down.

On the whole Freefall is a good read if you like your romance mixed with action, adventure and suspense. I would definitely read another book by the same author.

She Can Run by Melinda Leigh

2012-01-04T04:20:00.012-05:00

She Can Run by Melinda Leigh
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (323 pages pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

One bad decision turns Elizabeth Baker from a soccer mom into a fugitive. Five years after the death of her young husband, Beth marries a charming congressional candidate. But Beth accidentally learns a secret about her new spouse, a secret he’ll kill her to keep. Now she and her children are running for their lives. She takes a job as caretaker on a secluded estate, but her plans to hide are complicated by the sudden death of her elderly boss and her attraction to the ex-cop with well-defined biceps, mussed hair and deep, dark chocolate eyes who inherits the property and becomes her new boss.

Still reeling from the accident that has him out of work as a cop, former homicide detective Jack O’Malley is blindsided by the death of his favorite uncle and the inheritance of a dilapidated mansion, complete with a suspiciously nervous caretaker and her two children. He is even more unprepared for the tug at his heart every time Beth enters the room. When Jack’s instincts tell him something is wrong with his new employee, he begins to investigate. As he uncovers the shocking details of Beth’s life, a local woman falls prey to a serial killer and Beth is the victim of a frightening attack. Jack resolves to keep her and the children safe—whatever it takes, if only he can figure out a way to win her.

She walks in on her husband then gasps. Next thing she knows, she's
running for her life. This is a story that starts out with a bang and
doesn't let up. Its quick pace brings a reader along on a suspenseful ride.
Will Beth Baker and her kids outrun the senator? He has all the power and
money, and he must stop Beth permanently or risk his secret getting out.

Beth shows up at the home of a nice old man who hired her to be his estate
keeper. She doesn't expect to find him dead. Jack O'Malley, a cop retired
due to an injury, greets her in his uncle's place. He inherited the estate
and wants Beth to stay on. They grow close, but she doesn't tell him her
real name and the fact that she's running.

Beth is tough. She shows her courageous nature often and is easy to like and admire. Jack is charming. He doesn¹t push Beth because he sees her acting brave in the face of an intolerable situation. Tender, sensuous emotions develop between them.

To add to the tension, there¹s a serial killer on the loose, and his next
target is Beth.

This story is written well. The subplot fits in nicely with the main one to
keep things rolling. The romance is endearing. She Can Run is a
page-turner as attempts are made on Beth's life. A dash of the paranormal is thrown in with the introduction of Beth's psychic uncle when he receives his visions. The bad guys are despicable, but how many exactly are there? A surprise awaits readers at the end.

Readers of romantic suspense would most certainly enjoy this exciting story.

Home Front by Kristin Hannah

2012-01-04T04:15:00.016-05:00

Home Front by Kristin Hannah
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (384 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Camellia

All marriages have a breaking point. All families have wounds. All wars have a cost. . . .

Like many couples, Michael and Jolene Zarkades have to face the pressures of everyday life---children, careers, bills, chores---even as their twelve-year marriage is falling apart. Then an unexpected deployment sends Jolene deep into harm’s way and leaves defense attorney Michael at home, unaccustomed to being a single parent to their two girls. As a mother, it agonizes Jolene to leave her family, but as a solider she has always understood the true meaning of duty. In her letters home, she paints a rose-colored version of her life on the front lines, shielding her family from the truth. But war will change Jolene in ways that none of them could have foreseen. When tragedy strikes, Michael must face his darkest fear and fight a battle of his own---for everything that matters to his family.

At once a profoundly honest look at modern marriage and a dramatic exploration of the toll war takes on an ordinary American family, Home Front is a story of love, loss, heroism, honor, and ultimately, hope.

Choices made whether right or wrong, good or bad, have to be lived with regardless of the cost. Home Front takes the reader into Jolene and Michael Zarkades’s struggles—struggles so true to life in our time in history. The depth of emotions that cuts to the quick soon had me looking for a box of tissues.

Deployed to Iraq, reservist Jolene, a Black Hawk pilot, leaves behind an angry, confused, self-centered twelve-year-old daughter and a vivacious little four-year-old daughter that just wants her mommy. She carries with her the words of her lawyer husband: “I don’t love you anymore”. Duty-bound to the army that gave her security and a sense of purpose and place at age eighteen when she was homeless and penniless, Jolene’s inner conflicts rage while outer conflicts prove vicious and life-threatening day after day and night after night.

Michael, a successful lawyer, works long hours and earns high fees and feels he is doing his part in the family. He has little concern about missing his daughters’ special events and parties. He knows very little about nurturing his children. With Jolene’s deployment, his life changes drastically. He loves Betsy and Lulu, but feels emasculated having to tend to their needs—like fixing meals, doing laundry, seeing to their school needs, shopping for groceries and on and on. Even with his mother’s super good help, Michael feels overwhelmed. He had always known Jolene was a woman of great strength but never realized all the things she did. Even worse, in the recesses of his mind, the words “I don’t love you anymore” nag at him. His wife has gone into harm’s way without his support, He and the girls let Jolene go away with full knowledge of their displeasure with her, while Tami Flynn, Jolene’s best friend and co-pilot had deployed with her husband and son’s resounding support and love that was reaffirmed at every opportunity.

Jolene, with no support other than that Tami can give her, serves and protects with skill and unrelenting determination as she tries to keep herself and her crew alive as they fly missions in a raging war zone.

The Black Hawk is shot down in enemy territory!

The action in Iraq and on the home front changes the dynamics of the Zarkades family as well as the lives of the secondary characters. Some of the secondary characters are unforgettable. One’s heart goes out to the trouble little twelve-year-old Betsy suffers when cruel things are said about her mother. The precious little Lulu, who plays invisible and staunchly declares that Betsy is not her boss, copes without her mommy in unique ways, but heartbreaking tears still flow at times. Mila, Michael’s mother, is a treasure. She is the one family member that always has and continues to support Jolene. She loves and understands her daughter-in-law. She loves her son dearly but sees his faults, yet is never failing in her support. She is a firm anchor for Betsy and Lulu. Many other characters, like Keith Keller, the young veteran with PTSD; Chris Cornflower, the eccentric psychiatrist—a former POW; the wise and caring physical therapist Conny help to shape the lives of the members of the Zarkades family

Kristin Hannah takes the reader on a vicarious journey with characters that seem to come alive. They struggle to find their way through territory mined with explosive issues like marriage not nurtured, parenting, heartbreak, grief, forgiveness, and just “plain-old” coping with whatever life brings. All through Home Front the themes of we do the best we can with what we have to work with and sometime all we can do is hold on are lifelines the characters hold on to as they work their way toward and find that deep-abiding love—love that survives in spite of all the emotional and physical trauma.

Home Front is an amazing story that truly touches the heart. It is a keeper.

Opera Macabre by Michelle Rodriguez

2012-01-03T04:30:00.009-05:00

Opera Macabre by Michelle Rodriguez
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (380 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Count Aiden de Lazarus has grown apathetic to the world around him and the monotony of immortal life. Determined to regain his zest for vampiric pursuits, he chooses a mortal girl and bites her with the intent to drain her. Instead, her intoxicating taste and enchanting beauty stirs feelings he has long buried. Scared by such mortal feelings, he gives her to another vampire as payment for a debt.

After eight long years, Bianca is still living a cursed life—singing on stage in Alexi's profitable opera and enduring the bites of the undead as part of his undercover auction when the stage lights dim. Doomed to become Alexi’s vampire bride, her future is bleak.

Aiden is horrified to find Bianca still alive and Alexi’s prized possession. Her image has continued to haunt him. Now he must find a way to free her from the life he unwittingly condemned her to and prove that he, unlike the vampires she has known, can be a man worth loving.

Aiden has vowed to protect Bianca from Alexi, but can Aiden protect her from himself?

From the moment I read the blurb for Opera Macabre, my interest was piqued. Curious as to how Bianca could ever come to love the man who stole her life, I eagerly started reading. Once I delved into the pages, I discovered two characters filled with despair. However, when they meet, the chemistry between them was immediately apparent. For the first time in their lives, Aiden and Bianca began to hope that there might be something more to life. Aiden’s new found purpose is Bianca’s well being, but can Bianca ever truly trust a vampire, especially after she learns Aiden’s role in her situation?

Poor Bianca! Her situation was so tragic and completely out of her control. She presented a haughty façade, but the moments when she broke down into tears were truly moving. Though she lamented her situation, Bianca did not let Alexi crush her spirit. Instead, she grew into a beautiful and talented woman. Obviously she was unsure of Aiden and his motives when they first met, but it wasn’t long before she realized that she and Aiden were destined to be together. I enjoyed watching her drop her mask and really open up to Aiden.

Aiden was the perfect hero for Bianca, and yet he was the very reason that she needed rescuing. Guilt ridden by what he had done to Bianca, Aiden vowed to rescue her from Alexi’s clutches. He never expected to fall in love with her. Aiden then struggled to balance out the hunger he felt for Bianca as a man versus the hunger he felt as a vampire. I admired Aiden’s resolve, self control, and loyalty, but I do wish he had been more honest with Bianca at the start. Aiden and Bianca fall in love before he had the opportunity to tell her that he is the one who gave her to Alexi in the first place. As I watched their relationship grow, I knew Aiden’s deed would come to light eventually, and I couldn’t help but think that their relationship was being built around a lie. This made it very hard to relax and enjoy the romance of their relationship. Despite this issue, I thought Aiden and Bianca had a very powerful romance that culminated in some very moving and well written love scenes.

Ms. Rodriguez created a wonderful secondary character in Rufus. Though he doesn’t have the strength of a vampire, he cared for Bianca as if she was his daughter. Rufus became so real in my mind that I could see him fussing around her in his brightly colored suits, and I could even hear his voice when he called her “butterfly.” He was a truly enjoyable character.

As I neared the climax of the book, I had a pretty good idea of what sort of turn the story would take. However, Ms. Rodriguez put in some twists that were completely unexpected. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but I will say that Aiden and Rufus find an interesting way to rescue Bianca and thwart Alexi’s evil scheme.

I’m glad I had the opportunity to read Opera Macabre. The characters were compelling and the romance was passionate and spicy. Fans of paranormal romance should certainly give Opera Macabre a try.

Night of Turmoil by Judi Phillips

2012-01-03T04:25:00.018-05:00

Night of Turmoil by Judi Phillips
Publisher: Whispers Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (43 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Snapdragon

Chelsea O’Malley, an English as a Second Language teacher in Tunis, Tunisia, is always prudent, never reckless. Her adult ESL Student, Malik Bourjamaa, aspires to a career in news journalism, hoping to facilitate change in his country. While attending a protest march during the uprising in Tunis, Malik is wounded, infuriating Chelsea and causing her to admit she desires to be more than his teacher. Can she throw caution to the wind and speak truth to a political system out of control?

Phillips’ unpredictable romance Night of Turmoil, is a visit to a foreign land in the throes of change, and yet, romance is romance, in whatever time and place.

Chelsea O’Malley is an ESL teacher and seems at home in Tunisia – but also, cautious. She is in a changing world, with enormous political changes underway, and she is well aware peaceful protests could lead to violence. Driven by a desire to understand people and their religion better, she took a position in the city of Tunis. She didn’t expect to find love… and suddenly, she is no longer a cautious teacher, but risk taker; adventurer.

Risk comes at a price. What starts as a bit of a ‘message’ story quickly becomes a dramatic tale of danger and love, personal hopes and general freedoms. The sights and sounds of this foreign land provide an exotic backdrop to this engaging tale. The scents of jasmine and orange blossoms fill the air. The people, the good and the bad, are realistically presented. Events, harsh but true to life, are recounted. This is well-written, with clarity and sympathy, and is very readable.

Night of Turmoil is also very timely, dealing with issues of freedom, revolution and the unrest common to many places in the world today. Ms. Phillips presents a very contemporary view of life and the struggle for freedoms in modern times.

Although a bit grim at times, Night of Turmoil is a bit of a window to another world – and an engaging an interesting story as well.

Traitors by Michelle L. Levigne

2012-01-03T04:20:00.010-05:00

Traitors by Michelle L. Levigne
Publisher: Mundania Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (176 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Orchid

Lord Edrix Faxinor regretted his brilliant diplomatic insight the moment he realized it landed him in the role of ambassador to Sendorland, the hereditary enemy of his country, Reshor. Still aching from the death of his betrothed, he set sail in the hopes of bringing peace between the two warring nations.

Arriena of Traxslan was the lowest of the low -- a poor relation, living on the charity of her domineering, cruel cousin, Lord Mordon Traxslan. She had dreams of being a scholar, despite the "sin" of being born a woman, with supposedly limited intelligence.

Then her cousin offered Arriena a chance to have some choice in her future -- but it could cost her life. Because she resembled Faxinor's dead betrothed, she was ordered to enchant and ensnare him, to give Sendorland power over him, and force him to betray Reshor.

Arriena had grown up unable to trust anyone. Could she trust Edrix with the truth, and possibly her heart? To save Arriena, could Edrix risk becoming a traitor?

Two very different countries with a common border. Reshor: where men and women are treated as equals, able to train for warrior or priest and still marry and bear children. Sendorland: where women are the property of men, to be used as bargaining pieces or in any other way their male relatives see fit.

The parents of Arriena from Sendorland die and her cousin Mordon inherits the estate. He permits Arriena to study as long as she restricts herself to old useless scrolls. Mordon has a plan to trap the Ambassador from Reshor into betraying his country.

Edrix is the Reshor Ambassador. He is attracted to Arriena but thinks she has been thrown in his path for ulterior motives. As he gets to know her he falls in love with her but can see no future for them.

With no choice but to obey her cousin, Arriena must decide whether to betray her country or help the man she is falling in love with. Edrix has to discover how he can win Arriena and rescue her from the evil society of Sendorland.

The minor characters were involved in the main story but also had their own problems to solve. Jeshra, the King of Reshor's niece and a Sword Sister has to protect the King's heir. Prince Rafnar, the heir, is trying to represent his father in Sendorland. Other minor characters enrich the book with very solid reasons behind their appearance.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author portrayed both main characters delightfully. Arriena presented as a beautiful, but shy young woman. Beneath the shyness and obedience to her cousin, she had a determination that nobody but her slave servant was aware of. Edrix is a man to rely on, someone to confide in who will protect the woman he loves. Throughout the book I hoped Arriena and Edrix would find the happiness they deserved, but the author kept me guessing right to the end.

Definitely an action, adventure romance that kept me enthralled to the last page.

Sierra Bride by Suzanne Barrett

2012-01-03T04:15:00.012-05:00

Sierra Bride by Suzanne Barrett
Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (207 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed By Dianthus

Widowed rancher Wade Guthrie needs help raising his unruly young daughter and advertises for a housekeeper. Instead, he finds himself saddled with a mail order bride.

Irish immigrant Corrie Kiernan needs a place to hide. Witness to a brutal murder at the mill where she worked, she’ll do anything to escape the killer who now threatens her life, even if it means marrying a stranger and weaving a web of deception. Falling in love with the handsome rancher is easy, but can a man who values honesty above everything else love a woman whose life is a lie?

Can a relationship be based on lies and still survive? When Cordelia comes to California under the guise of a mail order bride for Wade Guthrie she is running from something so dangerous that looking over her shoulder is a constant. But will marrying Wade be enough to keep her safe or will she only be putting someone else in the crosshairs too? And if she falls in love along the way, what place does love have in a relationship of convenience and protection?

Wade never wanted to marry again. After losing his first wife, his heart was done with being hurt, and he had his daughter and his ranch to think of. When his friend comes up with the idea of hiring a lady’s maid for Charity, Wade is on board, until Dan-his attorney-tells him he is to marry the girl before she can teach his daughter how to be a lady. What has he gotten himself into? Upon meeting Cordelia, a tightness in his chest starts and soon he can’t stop thinking about the Irish beauty that came for him. But when questions start being asked and no answers add up, can Wade trust this woman who has made him want to live again, or will she be the end of the life he has tried to make for his daughter?

This was a good book, set in the late 1800’s, and while the idea of mail order spouses is foreign to me, Suzanne Barrett really did a great job of making the story pull me in as a reader. The characters were very real and the story line was full and paced well with the events that were happening. I liked that both main characters, Wade and Corrie, had secrets and instead of pushing them apart it only brought them closer in the end. The added addition of Wade’s daughter was interesting but still believable since no child wants a new parent after losing someone close. I have never read anything by Suzanne Barrett before but after reading this story I will be looking for more of her work. This story was very enjoyable and I was sad to see it end so soon. This book will not disappoint anyone who wants to have a great historical romance read.

Hidden Summit by Robyn Carr

2012-01-03T04:10:00.009-05:00

Hidden Summit by Robyn Carr
Publisher: Mira Books
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full length (347 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

Sick of running into her cheery ex-husband and his new wife, Leslie Petruso accepts a job at the Virgin River branch of Haggerty Construction and takes the high road right out of town. Now she's got Paul Haggerty's business running like a well-oiled machine. In fact, things are so busy Paul jumps at the chance to hire an extra set of hands.

Just like Leslie, Conner Danson has been burned by love. But if Leslie was disappointed by her relationship going bad, Conner was decimated. He's got no time for women…although he spends an awful lot of time pretending not to notice Leslie. And she's pretty busy "ignoring" the chemistry between them.

According to Conner and Leslie, they have only one thing in common—they're done with love. But everyone in Virgin River can see that things are heating up at Haggerty Construction. And as far as Paul Haggerty can tell, the best thing he can do is hang on to his hard hat and watch the sparks fly!

Broken hearts and wounded souls that find their way to Virgin River discover a place with its own unpretentious, homespun magic. It is certainly not a community of saints. It is a community of flawed but caring people who create the magic in many ways—from helping an abused, single mother with housing, food, and even protection to just the good-humored courtesy of putting the seat down on the toilet. Somewhere amid this magic, love abides and wiggles its way into the hearts and lives of those who once seemed broken and wounded.

Conner Danson and Leslie Petruso come to Virgin River and work for Paul Haggerty in the construction business. Both of them arrive with emotional baggage that derailed their lives, but in different ways. Conner, who feels like he is being “punished by the whole universe”, is in hiding, waiting to testify against a powerful man in Sacramento. Moreover his business was burned down, and he is separated from his sister and her twin sons for whom he feels responsible. His secretive ways set him apart for a short time. But his six foot two “warhorse” physique with his handsome face and deep sexy voice, spontaneous charm, and his “what you see is what you get” manner make him too interesting to not notice. Even Leslie Petruso notices him and she has come to Virgin River disenchanted with men.

Leslie, the long-time office manager for Haggerty Construction’s main office in Grants Pass, comes to work in Paul’s young, fast-growing branch of the business. She needs to escape her ex-husband who won’t leave her alone even though he has remarried and has a child on the way. His narcissistic ways pass all reason. She’d kowtowed to his needs and ambitions for years then he set her aside for a “new model”. Leslie’s self esteem and confidence were demolished. Any idea she might have harbored about being able to give and receive sexual pleasure vanished. Even though her self-image is in tatters, she sets to work to put Paul’s office (a mobile trailer) in order. Her innate sunny disposition nature reemerges as she cleans floors, organizes files, and wins over the all-men crew. Her sense of humor and caring nature come out of hiding also.

In tiny increments, Leslie and Conner get to know each other. Both skittish of long-term expectations, they move along with humor, easy camaraderie, and poke fun at themselves, e.g. ”What a couple of go-gathers we are”. They progress from planting flowers in her yard to “friends with chemistry” to breathtaking love making that makes HIDDEN SUMMIT sparkle and sizzle.

The undercurrent of suspense about Conner’s danger of being found and killed and Leslie’s self-absorbed ex-husband’s outrageous pursuit of her builds tension and keeps one turning pages.

The secondary characters, many of whom a reader of the Virgin River series recognizes, make the story come to life. They reinforce the idea “that our biggest blunders can end up being the best thing that ever happened to us”. What fun it is to visit Jack’s Bar and find that Preacher is still the same eccentric cook as well as getting to catch up with what’s been going on with other vicarious friends in Virgin River.

The antagonists cannot be ignored, but they cannot override the magic that makes Virgin River that special place where love blooms. If you have not read other books in the Virgin River series HIDDEN SUMMIT is a good place to start then work your way backward to learn about other characters with captivating love stories and, of course, look forward to the next book REDWOOD BEND to find out more about Katie, Conner’s sister, and her twin sons.

Robyn Carr creates fascinating, life-like characters and strong, gripping conflicts with subtle humor, exquisite descriptions, and breathtaking, world shattering love scenes. Her books are keepers.

Nopeming Shores by Margie Church with J. Andrew Lockhart

2012-01-02T04:25:00.016-05:00

Nopeming Shores by Margie Church with J. Andrew Lockhart
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing, LLC
Genre: Paranormal, Contemporary
Length: Short Story (137 pages)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

An IED snuffed out Gabe Holliway's life, but couldn't destroy his love. Using his unique gift, Gabe struggles to help his young wife, Lily, rebuild her shattered future.

But when Gabe's ghost reaches out to her, Lily fears she's lost her last hold on sanity. Can she trust what she discovers and what her heart says? When she sees Gabe face-to-face, can she believe her eyes?

When love transcends death, the answers are found in Nopeming Shores.

He's watching her from the afterlife. He may have died, but she's dead inside. Losing him creates devastation that doesn't seem to ever go away. Can he possibly help her in his spirit state?

Mysterious things start happening. Can she figure out what's going on, and receive the message that has crossed the veil to reach her?

Lily Holliway was in love with her husband Gabe and still is. When he died a soldier in Afghanistan, her love carried on. She quits her job, but her best friend convinces her to take a low-key job in a flower shop. She befriends the owners and through day-to-day projects, putting together beautiful bouquets, she works through her pain.

She meets a charming man and befriends him. He's very interested in her, and when she says she¹s not ready to move on yet, he's understanding.

The emotions in this tear-jerker story are tender. This is a tale of inner strength and finding happiness again within oneself. Hope of new romance is on the horizon, but this story does not focus on that. It's more about healing.

There's a very interesting scene where Gabe gets a few hours to approach Lily in corporal form. They share one last passionate night. The depth of feeling is stunning.

By the end of Nopeming Shores, the reader feels how Lily has made progress. The reader experiences her hope. It's a well-written book that is sure to delight readers who enjoy stories with inspiring characters trying to find their way again.

Hold Me If You Can by Stephanie Rowe

2012-01-02T04:20:00.008-05:00

Hold Me If You Can by Stephanie Rowe
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (359 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

The third in a paranormal romance series packed with danger, sensuality and clever twists features Nigel Aquarian, a warrior with an artistic bent, and Natalie Fleming, a chocolatier who has a new lease on life. But her freedom comes with a dangerous gift she doesn't want.

Nigel and his fellow warriors have only just escaped imprisonment when an even worse threat emerges. Natalie is the only woman who can help Nigel–but she's also the one most likely to bring him down.

If a reader is looking for a book that teeters on the edge of a cliff, keeping them off balance with suspense and daring do, then this story will be worth checking out.

First, this is a part of a series but a new reader will have no problems with feeling connected to the storyline or characters. They are going to be consumed with Nigel and Natalie because the author focused solely on them. There are references to the previous book but in a natural way during conversations between characters so everything flows and is connected as it should.

For readers of the series, this book isn’t as funny but the tortured heroes are just as tortured and aggressive about escaping Mari’s influence in the Den as they ever were. Mari is a leftover villain who thinks she’s not evil or twisted or mean. I’ll let readers judge for themselves what role she truly plays once they’ve read this story. The author had my feelings for Mari’s character bouncing back and forth like a tennis match. I’m still not sure which side of the net I’ve landed on.

For Natalie and Nigel my sentiments aren’t as ambiguous. I liked Nigel. I’m warm to Natalie. I found Ella to be intriguing, and Christian is a man who needs saving. Pascal and Blaine haven’t been twisted in emotional pain enough to get their own story…yet. I’m betting that Christian is next. And I really want to know who he’s going to end up with because this book introduced some incredible options that beg to be explored. I’m already hooked for the next installment.

The author’s creation and use of smut, deedubs and dream genies continues to be ingenious and unique. The idea of men being part metal and having the ability to do amazing things with their bodies still entertains and fascinates. I never know what the author will come up with next. I can’t even guess. Ms. Rowe has an exceptional imagination.

Even with all the praise, Hold Me If You Can is a rollercoaster. After awhile, I got tired of the few steps forward and many steps back that Nigel and Natalie take on their journey to their happy ever after. Granted, it was suspenseful and many times dramatic; most certainly it’s well written. But, eventually I got inured to all the self flagellation and lack of confidence they both had in themselves. It slowed the story down and lasted too long. The ending didn’t seem like it had enough time to feel complete, to be enjoyed. The protagonists went through so much emotional and physical hardships, I had hoped for a more emotionally satisfying ending. I didn’t get it. Yes, they finally realized they loved each other and the final chapter had some cuteness to it, even a bit of humor. But there wasn’t enough of what I needed to keep the happy glow alive longer than it took to close the book.

Hold Me If You Can is a page turner. It has thrills and chills and quite a few fun parts to keep a reader entertained and interested. Natalie and Nigel are a vibrant couple with some quirks that make having a happily ever after a challenge to achieve. It’s how they eventually accomplish it that will amaze readers and keep them on the edge of their seats. It’s a book worth reading.

Night of the Fox by Ashley J Barnard

2012-01-02T04:15:00.012-05:00

Night of the Fox by Ashley J Barnard
Publisher: Champagne Books
Genre: Historical, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (210 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Orchid

Jared Dunefaellan, Captain of the king’s standing army, has managed to carve out a name for himself. After several victories, he is feared and respected, and is about to reclaim Wiekken’s most prized city, Lleweyan. But he is running out of time; already his genetic disease is maturing, changing him into the hateful man his father became. Before he can win the war, however, he’ll have to first conquer his addictions of alcoholism, sexual dysfunction and extremely distracting feelings for his best friend. In the meantime, Tarika is being forced to wed a tyrant, and Nathaniel reveals a shocking secret that throws their world into chaos. Everything comes to a head on a pirate ship of all things, and the prophecies surrounding Jared and Tarika play out in surprising, and occasionally disastrous, ways.

Demons, wars and relationship tangles form the basis of this book. Set in an age when wars are fought with swords from horseback, two countries try to overcome each other in battle. Love tangles unravel then become entangled again.

Jared fights for the Wiekkenians against their enemy - the Danarsic army. There are many women in his life but the one he loves is Tarika the King's illegitimate daughter. She loves Jared but also loves Nathaniel who returns her love. Other women appear in Jared's life but every day he has to fight the demon within.

He leads his army through thick and thin, always aware of his demon and afraid it is becoming stronger. The story is filled with intrigue, treason and betrayal, both in love and in the war.

Temptation appears in many forms for Jared. He is enamored of Seline, leader of the Danarsic army. Tarika holds his affection but this does not stop him taking other women to his bed.

In the Prologue, Jared suggests it would be best to read the previous books before starting this one. This option was not open to me but I assumed it would be like previous series I'd read - confusing at first but becoming clear the further I got into the book.

At first this appeared to be the case, but parts of the background of the characters were still a mystery by the time I reached the end of the book. This spoilt my enjoyment as I had no idea of the reasons for some references. For example no explanation was given for why Jared kept mentioning London and Earth when the inference was he'd been born and brought up on this planet.

Night of the Fox is not a light read. It has depth not usually found in romances. Although I found parts of the book confusing, I did enjoy reading it. The depth of the characters in this part of their lives was well written, making me feel their pain, their love and their reactions to others around them. On the whole a good story but you definitely need to read the previous two books before you embark on this one.

Ghosts Of Boyfriends Past by Vivi Andrews

2012-01-02T04:10:00.008-05:00

Ghosts Of Boyfriends Past by Vivi Andrews
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: contemporary, paranormal
Length: Full Length (180 pages)
Heat Level: sensual
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Sunflower

Letting him in could mean losing him forever.

Elizabeth “Biz” Marks has the magic touch when it comes to matters of the heart—except her own. In a slightly tipsy fit of loneliness, she once tried to harness a little love mojo to work in her favor. Instead the spell mutated into a nightmarish curse that kills off her boyfriends on her favorite holiday: Valentine’s Day.

With three permanently ex-boyfriends on her conscience and another hearts-and-flowers holiday approaching, the last thing she needs is a too-gorgeous-to-be-true reporter snooping around.

Biz just has extraordinarily bad luck, or she’s a bona-fide Black Widow who bumps off her boyfriends for a chunk of the inheritance money. Either way, Mark Ellison is sure there’s a story here. Especially when his attempts to charm her send her into a panic.

The harder Biz tries to keep Mark and his beguiling dimples as far away as possible, the harder he digs to get at the truth. Now she’s beginning to wonder if his is the love that will finally break the curse...or if she’ll be burying her heart along with him.

Biz Marks has a secret. She's cursed. No, really she is. If you don't believe me, just look at her past. Three deaths in three years, all on the same day each year! Suspicious yet? Mark Ellison thinks so, and he's gone to seek the truth behind these mysterious deaths that have one thing in common- Biz.

Biz is a funny character. I absolutely loved her. She once tried to use a spell in her favor, and let's just say the results were not at all what she expected. So her once favorite holiday is now a day of doom. No one can know who she is and what she's done, and more importantly, she doesn't care for this particular holiday anymore, nor will she let a man near her around the time. She's got enough ghosts -- and I do literally mean ghosts -- to deal with now.

This reporter isn't about to give up though. Mark is determined to find out everything he can about this woman and if she's responsible somehow for these deaths of her exes. What he doesn't expect is an attraction to this odd and mysterious woman. Hmm. This could lead to trouble, perhaps.

Ghosts of Boyfriends Pasts is a light paranormal romance, and very enjoyable. The cast of characters were a delight. I love how the more Biz pushes Mark away, the more he comes back for more. Oh yes, these two can't keep away from one another, no matter how much Biz tries. She does everything within her power to keep Mark out of death's grasp. She just might even tell him something that she'd rather keep quiet.

Once you read this cute story, you'll never think of Valentine's Day the same again. And if you've ever stated that you were cursed, that may be nothing compared to Biz Marks. Want a little ghostly humor in your romance? Readers will find all that and more in Vivi Andrews' book Ghosts of Boyfriends Past. Read at your own discretion. I hope you're not afraid of a few lingering spirits....

Kitty’s Greatest Hits by Carrie Vaughn

2012-01-02T04:05:00.008-05:00

Kitty’s Greatest Hits by Carrie Vaughn
Publisher: Doherty, Tom Associates, LLC / Tor
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Paranormal, holiday
Length: Full Length (258 pgs)
Heat Level hot
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Kitty Norville, star of a New York Times bestselling series, is everybody’s favorite werewolf DJ and out-of-the-closet supernatural creature. Over the course of eight books she’s fought evil vampires, were-creatures, and some serious black magic. She’s done it all with a sharp wit and the help of a memorable cast of werewolf hunters, psychics, and if-notgood- then-neutral vampires by her side. Kitty’s Greatest Hits not only gives readers some of Kitty’s further adventures, it offers longtime fans a window into the origins of some of their favorite characters.

In “Conquistador de la Noche,” we learn the origin story of Denver’s Master vampire, Rick; with “Wild Ride,” we find out how Kitty’s friend T.J. became a werewolf; and in “Life is the Teacher,” we revisit Emma, the human-turned-unwilling-vampire who serves the aloof vampire Master of Washington, D.C.

This entertaining collection includes two brand-new works: “You’re On the Air,” about one of Kitty’s callers after he hangs up the phone; and the eagerly awaited “Long Time Waiting,” the novella that finally reveals just what happened to Cormac in prison, something every Kitty fan wants to know.

This book is a must for Kitty fans. A simple statement, but it really does apply because Ms. Vaughn presents a bunch of short stories that showed the development of what we now know and love about Radio D.J, and my favorite werewolf, Kitty Norville.

I included in the page count the explanations that the author included at the end of all the short stories because they read well, are entertaining by themselves and provided greater insight as to what was going on at the time she wrote them. It was a fascinating process.

There are too many to write a review for individually and even though I rated the heat level as hot, most are spicy or sensual but since one made it to the hot level, the whole book has to be labeled as such.

I really enjoyed Ms. Vaughn’s personal interpretation of the Bible story, Daniel and the Lion’s Den. In fact, it was perfect because it made so much sense and it worked with the ‘facts’ as we know them. It was fun.

Actually, I'm really sick of books about zombies but I found myself completely engrossed in Ms. Vaughn's twist on the subject. It was a breath of fresh air and she even touches base at the end of the book as to the research she's done and why she took the stand she did. I like her version a whole lot better because I agree with the author -- it's waaay scarier.

What I found intriguing and had me bouncing in my seat were the stories that had Rick in them. Surprisingly, there is quite the undercurrent about his character. I’d read the one about the military lab and the unicorn and the selkie in another anthology but never could I have imagined that the vampire in that had any connection to Kitty’s world. Call me floored.

Ms. Vaughn saved the best for last and that is the story about Cormac. Oh, Wow! To be able to get inside his head? To get his point of view from inside prison? What an amazing ride. And to finally find out about how he and Amelia came together was awesome. The tale gripped me and had me reading wide-eyed through the whole thing. Also, I found those little comments that Cormac made relating to Amelia absolutely delicious. I sense a sub-plot and I have high hopes that the author isn’t just teasing her fans but will someday figure out how to bring that to light in a way to satisfy romantics at heart. As it is, this story alone was worth waiting for.

Between Rick and Cormac, they made the purchase of this book a winner and I’m a very satisfied reader. Some publishers have books out on popular series that don’t contribute much to the forward movement but re-hash what’s already been written. Kitty’s Greatest Hits doesn’t do that. I found value in understanding more of the background while at the same time it presented me with new questions and interest in the series.

A cute addition to this anthology is the behind scenes look at one of Kitty’s callers on the radio show. It tickled me because I DID remember the caller- though I can’t remember which book it was in – and I had an ‘awww’ moment at how it ended. I enjoyed it and thought it clever of the author. Why? Because it created a more solid world-building atmosphere where a reader could feel like a part of it; like they could travel to another city somewhere and actually find some of Kitty’s world. Or see it someday on the silver screen. When an author can successfully incorporate other mundane aspects of the world her characters live in and still entertain, garner interest and make them feel like they’re still visiting Kitty and pals, it’s well done and worth taking the time to read.

Another great lure is the background tale of the relationship between Ben and Cormac. They’re cousins but it’s more than that. Based upon the series, I understood that they’d been through a lot and they always had each other’s backs but there is one tale that brings understanding as to just how far back it goes, and the trials and tribulations they survived to get to the point of being where they are now in the series. Fascinating stuff.

Kitty’s Greatest Hits is the best book to get for fans of the series, especially if they have a special place in their hearts for Cormac, Ben and Rick. Those three guys are a trifecta for Kitty. Each one has a role that showcases the heroine’s growth as a character and this book explores for readers just how special they are. Add in those other intriguing tales from the author’s imagination and this is a real winner that entertains as well as informs. I can’t wait until the next Kitty adventure!

Sins of the Highlander by Connie Mason and Mia Marlowe

2012-01-02T04:00:00.016-05:00

Sins of the Highlander by Connie Mason and Mia Marlowe
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (324 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

ABDUCTION

Never had Elspeth Stewart imagined her wedding would be interrupted by a dark-haired stranger charging in on a black stallion, scooping her into his arms, and carrying her off across the wild Scottish highlands. Pressed against his hard chest and nestled between his strong thighs, she ought to have feared for her life. But her captor silenced all protests with a soul-searing kiss, giving Elspeth a glimpse of the pain behind his passion—a pain only she could ease.

OBSESSION

"Mad Rob" MacLaren thought stealing his rival's bride-to-be was the perfect revenge. But Rob never reckoned that this beautiful, innocent lass would awaken the part of him he thought dead and buried with his wife. Against all reason, he longed to introduce the luscious Elspeth to the pleasures of the flesh, to make her his, and only his, forever.

With two clans against them burning for battle, they must find a way to join together—body, breath, and soul. Or both will be made to pay for the…
SINS OF THE HIGHLANDER

A familiar plot with breath-holding twists and turns sets Lady Elspeth Stewart and Laird “Mad Rob” MacLaren on a path of danger in the harsh Scottish terrain with pursuers hot on their heels. Hidden caves, hungry wolves, tricky waterways, and jealousy in Dark Castle along with superstitions heighten the likelihood of death as the story unfolds.

It's quite an adventure for Elspeth who had resigned herself to be wedded to and bedded by a man she meet for the first time at the altar of the church where the priest is to perform the ceremony. She becomes an innocent pawn in a revenge plan when “Mad Rob” on an ill-tempered black stallion rides into the church and snatches her away before vows are finished.

The blatant taking of Laird Lachlan Drummond’s bride is meant to be an insult for all to see. Rob MacLaren is a man on a mission. Drummond had stolen Rob’s wife of two weeks and she died at the Drummond castle. Rob doesn’t even know where his beloved Fiona is buried. Although Rob is laird of the impregnable Caisteal Dubh (Dark Castle), his life is empty and his grief does not abate. He wants revenge. He considers “an eye for an eye”, but cannot bring himself to harm an innocent. He has no idea what a wreck the innocent Elspeth will make of his plan and how near they will come to death before their adventure ends.

Elspeth’s loyalty and sense of duty to her family cause her to mark the trail Rob takes her on. She knows her arranged marriage is to help form a strong alliance that is supposed to benefit her father whom she loves very much. She feels she has a duty to him if not to the man to whom she was to be wed. However, Rob’s gentle, exquisitely tender touch stirs to life a new feeling that makes Elspeth know, he values her just for herself not for material gain. She begins to reevaluate her priorities.

The secondary characters play significant roles in pivotal happenings as the hero and heroine journey through a maze of dangers, growing pains, and, at times, seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Mrs. Beaton, Rob’s housekeeper, is a mighty force that is malicious, while Normina, a lowly servant in the Drummond castle, knows much and says little, but she is not to be discounted. Many others captivate and make the story exciting to read as they aid or impede the hero and heroine along the way.

SINS OF THE HIGHLANDER is fast-paced and full of strong emotions. Connie Mason and Mia Marlowe weave in snippets about Elspeth’s gift of “Sight”, the superstitions about witches, the control fathers and husbands have over females, along with the culture and “pecking order” in a Scottish castle. These create an undercurrent of impending peril and a sense of urgency that keeps one turning pages.

Their graphic descriptions make the story throb with life. An example is the crossbow wound that Elspeth gets as she tries to protect Fingal, the deer hound, from her fiancé and the subsequent efforts made to save her. The wolves’ attack and so many more terrifying happenings keep the pulse pounding. More especially, the love scenes are spine tingling as Elspeth is awakened to what true love is and Rob finds that his heart did not die when Fiona did.

SINS OF THE HIGHLANDER is a vicarious experience that sizzles and pulses with life — completely enthralling.

Kiss Me Goodnight by Patti Ann Colt

2011-12-16T04:50:00.011-05:00

Kiss Me Goodnight by Patti Ann Colt
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (300 pages)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4.5 Books
Reviewed by Sunflower

SUMMER LEFEY blazed to the top of the art world with her painting genius. When she returns to Echo Falls, Texas, for her grandfather’s funeral, she collides with her childhood crush – now a sexy cop. He snares her heart with romance and passion, but falling in love isn't enough. To have him, she must return to a place she never wanted to go.

TOM APPLEGATE, a dedicated police officer, relishes small-town life and longs for the happiness his parents have. When he reunites with Summer, he thinks he’s found the missing piece of his dream, but falling in love only complicates matters. To have her, he must give up the home of his heart.

Friends, career, family…Can one make the ultimate sacrifice for love?

Texas is a big place, but it's filled with little towns with the small town magic, the long lasting roots of family, and love. Welcome to Echo Falls, Texas, the town featured in Kiss Me Goodnight. This is my first visit there, and I fell in love with the people that make up Echo Falls. Especially the Applegate family.

Summer LeFey was once a part of Echo Falls. But the desperate desire to go after her dream to paint took her far from Texas, and severed the connection she had with her grandfather. It's been years since she's spoken with her grandfather, after he made it clear how he felt when Summer left. Now it's time for Summer to come home. Summer is tough, she's committed to her painting, but she doesn't apply the same heartfelt emotion she puts in her art into her real life. And until she meets Tom and gets a glimpse of his close knit family, she never knew what she was missing.

Tom Applegate had a good relationship with Summer's grandfather. His feelings towards Summer are a bit hostile and angry at first, but once he gets to know her and spends time with the woman, his emotions quickly change. He knows he shouldn't get involved with her. There's a reason she stayed away from Echo Falls for so long, so does he really have a chance at getting Summer to stay? His dreams revolve around Echo Falls, and her grandfather's house. Complications arise.

Kiss Me Goodnight is an excellent contemporary romance with a bit of a suspense element. Ms. Colt created such believeable, intriguing characters that readers are sure to fall in love with. I sure did. Summer and Tom's story grabbed me by the heart and held on. Reading about such a family as Tom's kept a smile on my face. I loved this book and want to go back and find the others that belong in the Echo Falls Series. I hope that the author weaves more tales in this wonderful Texas town. My heart has been stolen by Echo Falls and it's charming people, but that's all right with me. I don't mind a bit!

Readers, if I may make a suggestion. Hurry and get yourself a copy of Kiss Me Goodnight. This touching, warm and fuzzy making love story grabs hold and stays near and dear to the heart if you'll only let it in.

Unscripted by Natalie Aaron & Marla Schwartz

2011-12-16T04:45:00.021-05:00

Unscripted by Natalie Aaron & Marla Schwartz
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (283 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4 Books
Reviewed By Dianthus

As a producer on a reality dating show, Abby Edwards knows that true love is a myth. Her career and her friends are all she needs. Right?

When her screenwriter ex makes a hit movie based on their relationship, Abby's faults are projected on screens across the country. Suddenly the fact that her job depends on orchestrating hot tub hook-ups doesn't seem so impressive.

Her friends rally to help. Zoë thinks she needs to meet a guy. Stephanie suggests an attitude adjustment. Nancy wants her to get in touch with her inner Goddess. Abby knows they mean well, but she prefers to focus on her work. Unfortunately, she's already embarrassed herself in front of her new boss, Will Harper, who she would find totally crush-worthy if he weren't so irritating.

Abby's about to be reminded that life doesn't follow a script—and good things happen when you least expect it...

Can you really believe in love when you work for a show that proves love is just another commodity to be bought and sold? Living in a big city, working for a reality TV show, Abby Edwards runs into that question all the time. Not believing in love just becomes easier when working in this industry. Until one day when Will Harper comes into her life and things get all turned around. Ten years, filled with life, friends and love happen and then our two characters met again in a meet cute way. Will the same feelings from that long again still be there or will their show be cancelled before it even makes the cut?

This was a great read that really showed what talented writers both Natalie Aaron and Marla Schwartz are. Not once did the story drag or move too quickly, and the story line itself was so believable that it really drew me in. Quite a few times I laughed out loud at the characters, I cried along with them, and felt like these were people that I would know in the real world.

It was a real pleasure to get to read this book, and I know that anyone else who gets the privilege to read this will feel the same way. These are two authors to look out for, not only for their natural talent but also because they know just how to weave a good story without making it look like work in the least. This book will definitely go onto my keeper shelf and I will be looking for these authors again.