REVIEW: Lessons After Dark by Isabel Cooper
Sandy M’s review of Lessons After Dark by Isabel Cooper
Paranormal Historical Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Apr 12
While most of this book has interesting points, mischievous magical children, and demons waiting to break through to the human world, what it lacks is hero and heroine interaction to make the romance between them the mainstay of the story.
EXCERPT: The Rebel Rancher by Donna Alward
I’ve been wanting to read Donna Alward ever since I picked up her One Dance with a Cowboy. The cover and the title hooked me. Alas, I haven’t been able to sit down with that one yet. So when I had a chance to read The Rebel Rancher to review, I wasn’t about to let it pass me by.
Ms. Alward gives readers two oh-so-very-likeable characters who have suffered through life in very different circumstances and who come together at this moment in their lives. They try to fight their attraction to one another because they’re so convinced a relationship between them won’t work, but when something is meant to be, the harder you fight, the more ground you seem to lose.
Ty and Clara have a difficult time with this discovery, especially considering their pasts and how they allow those memories to still rule their lives at times. When they’re together, though, whether it’s exploring what’s between them or in those moments of pushing each other away to keep hurt and heartache at bay, you can’t help but feel for them and cheer for them. This story is full of emotion, one that leads everyone around by the heart.
Summary:
Unlocking the rebel’s heart
With his break-your-heart smile, Ty Diamond is trouble that Clara Ferguson shouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole. The black sheep of the Diamond family, rodeo star and rebel, he’s got a reputation that should have Clara running scared – not straight into his arms!
Ty knows he needs to take it easy with Clara – her past has left her with a bruised heart and determined never to rely on a man again. But Ty isn’t all he seems – and his gentle side shakes Clara’s resolute independence to breaking point…
Now meet Ty and Clara…
GUEST BLOG: Fashion Challenged…by Donna Alward
Every time RWA National Conference comes around, the talk swerves to clothes, shoes, weight loss…yeah. When I heard that How a Cowboy Stole Her Heart was nominated for a RITA® award, I immediately thought “I have to lose twenty pounds and find a dress.” This resulted in several twitter consultation sessions with friends with a lot more fashion sense than me.
REVIEW: The Rebel Rancher by Donna Alward
Sandy M’s review of The Rebel Rancher (Cadence Creek Cowboys, Book 2) by Donna Alward
Contemporary Romance published by Harlequin Romance 5 Jun 12
This is my first Donna Alward book, and I find the heartwarming story here quite charming. Her characters burrow under your skin quickly, and you find yourself sinking deeper into the sofa to live and love with them.
REVIEW: Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh
C2’s review of Tangle of Need (Psy/Changling, Book 11) by Nalini Singh
Paranormal Romance published by Berkley 29 May 12
When two wounded wolves come together, will it mean happiness for them both? Or more heartbreak? In Nalini Singh’s newest Psy/Changling book, we find out.
EXCERPT: The King’s Mistress by Sandy Blair
If you’re a Scottish historical fan, you shouldn’t miss reading Sandy Blair‘s books, especially The King’s Mistress. If you treasure the feel of Scotland when you read, when you meet characters, when you become engrossed in a story, you’ll want to pick this book up very soon.
Geneen is the plain, sensible sister, who now has to counteract her twin’s huge, national faux pas – carrying King Alexander’s child, Scotland’s heir. Plans made to become the playful, full-of-life Greer, Gen meets the newest wrinkle to make sure those plans go awry – Britt MacKinnon, the King’s captain of the guard.
The spark of attraction for this woman confuses Britt. He never liked her when she cavorted around Edinburgh Castle. But now there’s something different about her, and he’s going to discover what it is. Thus begins their dance of attraction to romance and ultimately love, all enjoyed amid danger and fear.
Summary:
The long way home could be the shortest road to ruin.
The king of Scotland is in a snit. Which means Britt MacKinnon, proud captain of the king’s guard, has an onerous task: fetch Alexander’s favorite paramour back to the royal bed—now. Never mind that the crown should be about the business of getting a legitimate heir. Especially since England’s Edward I would love nothing more than to seize an empty Scottish throne.
When the handsome soldier appears on her doorstep, Geneen Armstrong has to think quickly. Her twin lies abed in her cottage, pregnant with the king’s bastard. If the barren queen learns the truth, the foolish girl’s life won’t be worth a farthing.
She must somehow transform her graceless, plain-spoken self into her vivacious, talented sister. Then, after the court is convinced she carries no child, use her herbal knowledge to sour the king’s taste for her sister’s company—for good.
By the time Britt realizes this unusually articulate, ungodly stubborn woman is the wrong woman, tendrils of attraction have already tightened into a bond. A bond that will be tested when the king’s unexpected death puts Scotland’s very destiny at stake—and unleashes an ever-tangling web of court intrigues, secrets…and lies.
Now see exactly what Gen is up against and her motivation to make all right with her world…
GUEST BLOG: Tales from the Caves #2: The Scot’s and Mine
Awhile back I was in my cave banging away on the computer, tracking down pirated copies of my books, the Scot came in and placed a lovely green apple martini on my desk. Grinning, he said, “I heard you cursing up here and thought you could use this right about now.” What a guy!
REVIEW: The King’s Mistress by Sandy Blair
Sandy M’s review of The King’s Mistress by Sandy Blair
Historical Romance published by Samhain 5 Jun 12
Sandy Blair is known for her Scottish romance novels with paranormal elements and her humor, which are infused into her books. She knows how to keep a reader entertained. This time with The King’s Mistress, instead of her humor-filled paranormal romances, we get a lovely story woven into and around the fabric of Scottish history.
REVIEW: Lucky in Love by Jill Shalvis
Laura C’s review of Lucky in Love (Lucky Harbor, Book 5) by Jill Shalvis
Contemporary Romance released by Forever 22 May 12
I just love Jill Shalvis. Her characters are all so down-to-earth you can almost imagine meeting them. At least the women. I never have the luck to meet men like her heroes! Mallory Quinn is a good girl who’s determined to take a single walk on the wild side. Ty Garrison is only in Lucky Harbor for a short while, so he’s not looking to get involved with anyone or anything. But Lucky Harbor has a way of changing things around.
REVIEW: The Fireman Who Loved Me by Jennifer Bernard
Liviania’s review of The Fireman Who Loved Me (Bachelor Firemen, Book 1) by Jennifer Bernard
Contemporary Romance published by Avon 24 Apr 12
Part of the reason I love romance novels is that they’re great to relax with. Not every romance novel is fun, but the majority are. It’s not a genre that takes itself seriously, which is fine by me. I saw a book titled The Fireman Who Loved Me and thought it would be a great way to spend an afternoon. Hard-hitting newswoman meets rugged fire captain? Bring it on.
