Sandy M’s review of In Bed with a Highlander (McCabe Trilogy, Book 1) by Maya Banks
Historical Romance published by Ballantine Books 30 Aug 11

I have anticipated reading this book for a while now. I have had the best time reading Maya Banks’ KGI series and her Colter series. So when I learned she’d be writing a Highlander trilogy, well, needless to say I was in heaven. Highlanders by Maya Banks? How could you not love that???

So imagine my surprise, my amazement that I don’t love this book. I like it. I just don’t love it. In Bed with a Highlander doesn’t have the emotion that I’ve come to expect from Ms. Banks after reading the first three books about the Kelly family, and even the Colters wrung more feeling out of me than Ewan and Mairin do. Now, all that isn’t to say this is not a good book. Maybe my expectations aren’t fair in comparing IBwaH to those other, but what’s a reader/reviewer to do when faced with such a dilemma?

Mairin is the bastard daughter of the long-deceased King Alexander. She’s been hidden away at a convent the last ten years to keep her out of evil hands, due to the very large dowry that would go to her husband should she marry. Her pleasant and uncomplicated life is about to have a total turnaround. There’s always one laird who can figure out how to get what he wants, and Mairin is abducted from the convent and forced to marry said laird. But with some unexpected help, she escapes his clutches only to end up in the hands of Ewan McCabe, another laird but one who doesn’t beat women and children. He will, however, marry her to keep her riches for his clan.

The McCabe clan has been through hell and back, when an attack on them years before nearly decimated their numbers. Ewan has worked hard to rebuild, and this boon of having Mairin land in his lap will cement the future of his people. He quickly learns his intended has a willful streak, disobeying him at every turn. That only makes her more attractive to him, despite the frustration he goes through each time she acts on her own. Mairin begins to love not only her laird but his clan as well. She’s never belonged anywhere before, and what she finds with these people is just what she needs to blossom and grow.

In the midst of all of this, there are attempts on Mairin’s life. Ewan and his brothers work to find the culprit, even accusing a neighboring laird of the dirty work, which tosses their peace talks into chaos. In the bedroom, however, all is right with world. Mairin learns fast and discovers her sexual power over her husband, who fiercely enjoys giving himself over to his wife. These scenes aren’t as steamy as in Ms. Banks’ others books, but they work here. In fact, one time I do feel the emotion I mentioned before is the scenes where Ewan is scared spitless he may lose Mairin and also when they finally admit their love to each other, but this is very late in the book. And I do like the relationship between the brothers. They have each other’s backs no matter what. I also enjoyed the scenes with Crispin, Ewan’s son. He takes to Mairin immediately in their dire circumstances and welcomes her as his mother, no questions asked. The scenes between father and son are also one those of few emotional times in the story.

What I didn’t care for is the dialogue throughout most of the book. Most of the time these characters sound like modern-day folks. Yes, there’s a “’twas” and a “nay” and a few other words thrown in here and there, but there’s no brogue to be found anywhere. Not even a “verra.” Which I would have been happy with even used sparsely. I want more of a feeling of the Highlands in the story and it’s just not there.

We do get a nice setup for the next book in the series, Seduction of a Highland Lass, and I have to say that I’m intrigued after learning that Alaric’s story is not going to go as you think once you’ve finished this book. So that alone will keep me reading. I’m even intrigued after reading the blurb for Caelen’s book, Never Love a Highlander, which isn’t what I expected either. I’m hoping for the unexpected to keep driving me along, since I have to assume the dialogue won’t change in either of those books.

So In Bed with a Highlander has its up and it has its downs. It’s still Maya Banks, and if you’re a fan, give it a try. It may be for you. You won’t know till then.

Grade: B-

Summary:

Ewan McCabe, the eldest, is a warrior determined to vanquish his enemy. Now, with the time ripe for battle, his men are ready and Ewan is poised to take back what is his—until a blue-eyed, raven-haired temptress is thrust upon him. Mairin may be the salvation of Ewan’s clan, but for a man who dreams only of revenge, matters of the heart are strange territory to conquer.

Though the illegitimate daughter of the king, Mairin possesses prized property that has made her a pawn—and wary of love. Her worst fears are realized when she is rescued from peril, only to be forced into marriage by her charismatic and commanding savior, Ewan McCabe. But her attraction to her ruggedly powerful new husband finds her craving his surprisingly tender touch; her body comes alive under his sensual mastery. And as war draws near, Mairin’s strength, spirit, and passion challenge Ewan to conquer his demons—and embrace a love that means more than revenge and land.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Seduce Me in Flames (Three Worlds Series, Book 2) by Jacquelyn Frank
Paranormal Romance published by Ballantine Books 26 Jul 11

I’d been thinking, after reading and reviewing the first book in this series, that while I like it all so far, I’m not going to enjoy it as much as I do the Shadowdwellers series. But this newest book is changing my mind about that. It’s the world of the Shadowdwellers, the use of dreams, along with the characters that make that series so fascinating to me. In this series it’s the characters and their abilities that keep me reading till the early hours of the morning.

Ender is an Interplanetary Military officer, one who likes to play with incendiary devices and blow things up. He’s part of an elite team who are first responders to any and all major events throughout the Three Worlds. His current mission is to rescue the heir to the Allyan throne, a princess who has been incarcerated one way or another her entire life. His way of getting into the “prison” where Ambrea is being held is priceless. Between fighting guards and getting purposely laser stunned, he winks at his intended target and feigns injury. Ambrea is nearly just as stunned at the whole enactment, all without being literally shot.

When she learns her emperor father has died, Ambrea has a momentary hope that her life may improve. Her brother has ascended the throne, even though Ambrea herself, as the oldest living offspring, should be empress. That moment passes instantly when her sibling and uncle end up imprisoning her just as her father had always done. That’s when her life makes a sudden and very unexpected turn as she puts her fate into the hands of a stranger. That decision is the best of her life, and she is now on her way to the future her birth intended for her.

Though we learn about Ender’s extraordinary ability in the prologue, we truly get to know him and all about his fiery “curse” along with Ambrea as she discovers more about the man who rescued her. His fear is that he will injure Ambrea once they begin to acknowledge their feelings for each other. But she puts all her faith in this man and knows he would never harm her, and she begins to chip away at his fear, giving him options on how to harness his power, giving him the control over it he’s never had. And all of this is occurring as Ambrea begins the precarious balance of ruling her people while keeping her uncle under her thumb.

We also get to catch up with the rest of the IM team, including the Chosen Ones who were introduced in the first book. In fact, I like that they’re now included in missions so that we find out more about their abilities and how they work. I like the teamwork and the relationships Ms. Frank has developed with these characters. They are easy with one another, teasing and laughing, but when Bronse, their leader, calls them together for a mission, they’re all work, their synchronicity seamless and flawless.

I also like that Ender and Ambrea talk to one another. There’s not a big misunderstanding going on, and their trust in each other is solid, even despite their differences in station, let alone their worlds. When Ender’s powers finally fully emerge, it’s all quite impressive, especially more so because he’s kept it a secret all his life, even from his teammates. Of course, there’s plenty left open with the secondary characters for future books, and after reading this story, I’m really looking forward to more in this series.

Grade: A

Summary:

ICY RECEPTION

Ambrea Vas Allay is the rightful heir to the throne of Allay. But when she is summoned home from exile, she discovers that her father, who had executed her mother, has died. Her young half-brother, controlled by their uncle, has taken power. Ambrea is torn by an impossible choice: renounce the crown or waste away in prison. The last thing she expects is to be liberated by a huge, tattooed Tarian—or to feel a searing passion for her mysterious rescuer.

SMOLDERING DECEPTION

Rush “Ender” Blakely loves being part of the elite force of the Interplanetary Militia and the mission to save the princess of Allay. But the tough Tarian hides a fiery secret—a blazing power that makes him literally too hot to handle. He must be crazy to carry a torch for this strong, beautiful princess—when any intimacy between them is bound to be explosive.

BLAZING INSURRECTION

As Ambrea steels herself to take back the throne, does she dare entrust this scorching stranger with the fate of an empire—and, even more so, with her heart?

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Seduce Me in Dreams (Three Worlds Series, Book 1) by Jacquelyn Frank
Paranormal Romance published by Ballantine Books 22 Mar 11

I’m always excited to get a Jacquelyn Frank book to read and review. I started with and love her Shadowdwellers and Gatherers series so far. So you can imagine my surprise when this first book in her new series doesn’t go nearly as high on the excitement meter as those previous books.

Don’t get me wrong, this is still a great read. I think what’s missing for me is the intricate elements of dreams as used in other books. I’ve been swept up in those elements with every story so far in Ms. Frank’s other series. This story is interesting, still has the unusual twists and turns, intriguing characters and other things I’ve read by her to date, but it lacks that weaving in and out of minds and dreams that make the previous series so all-consuming.

Bronse Chapel always wanted to be part of the Interplanetary Militia, even at a very young age. He’s realized that dream and is now the commander of his own elite team, who are first responders to any unusual and difficult problems that crop up in and around their three home planets. Lately his gut instincts have been churning and when his dreams are invaded by a beautiful woman warning him of coming danger, he realizes she’s the reason for his senses being on high alert for some time now, especially when he and his team learn a superior in the IM is sending them on bogus missions for the express purpose of eliminating Bronse himself.

She’s a Chosen One on her world, possessing powers villains would kill for. Ravenna has found out, however, that even those she leads and trusts would betray her and her brother because of those powers. Being held captive to wed such evil, Ravenna is abused and mistreated, and though she’s more than capable of escaping their current situation, her gift is telling her they need to wait for Bronse’s arrival, especially after she begins to appear in his dreams, dreams that seem so very real to both of them. Her visions tell her Bronse is where their freedom, in more ways than one, lies.

What does work in this book for me is the way Ms. Frank brings Bronse and Ravenna together, making it an event of faith and fate. Ravenna has the faith that their meeting will happen; the soldier in Bronse tries to make his own fate, but other forces are working against him when it comes to finding a certain ravishing woman. I do like the fact these characters work together when the time comes, though being an alpha male, Bronse wants to protect Ravenna, knowing she can take care of herself. There’s a number of secondary characters that are all very interesting, especially Bronse’s team. I look forward to each of their books.

Seduce Me in Dreams is a very good book, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. It just doesn’t seem to have the same depth and complexity that I’m used to from Ms. Frank. That won’t keep me from continuing with the rest of the series. I’m still intrigued and captivated.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Dark. Mysterious. Sensual. When Bronse Chapel, the commander of a specialized unit of the Interplanetary Militia, begins to dream about a beautiful and exotic brunette, he wants to dismiss it as being induced by lack of sleep…or perhaps lack of sex. But his instincts tell him it’s something different, something far more dangerous.

Ravenna is the leader of the Chosen Ones, a small group of people from her village born with extraordinary powers. She doesn’t know that draws her to Bronse’s dreams night after night, but she senses that he and his team are in jeopardy. Ravenna can help him, but first Bronse must save the Chosen Ones from those who plan to use their powers for evil. Together, Bronse and Ravenna will be unstoppable. But Ravenna is hiding something that could endanger them all.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of The Ranger (Highland Guard Series, Book 3) by Monica McCarty
Historical Romance published by Ballantine Books 28 Dec 10

I’m so thoroughly enjoying this Highland “black ops” series that Monica McCarty has created. She’s taken actual events in history and integrated her idea of the elite and dangerous fighters needed during some of Scotland’s blackest days, giving each hero a military or superhero “power” to make him a mean, lean fighting machine. On top of that, Ms. McCarty has taken her stories to the next level, twisting the lives of the hero and heroine in such a way that the emotion is wrung out of you till there’s nothing left. Then there’s only happiness all around.

We, of course, met Arthur Campbell in The Chief where he trains with those hand chosen by Robert the Bruce to be part of his new Highland Guard. Arthur’s special abilities are a sort of Spidey sense, able to detect danger and people and the like seemingly out of thin air, which has caused problems for him in the past with folks becoming suspicious when he does his thing. Therefore, he spends a lot of time alone, it’s just easier that way. During the training, Arthur is tossed out of the Guard – there’s no tolerance for any behavior but following the rules and learning what they need to know. As I felt at the time, we find out in this book that it was all a setup so that Arthur could infiltrate the English, spy where needed to give Bruce and his men the edge in his quest for the crown and trying to keep peace in the Highlands.

Arthur’s latest assignment is to insinuate himself into the good graces of John of Lorn to learn what he can to hasten Bruce’s conquest of the man. He’s been waiting for this opportunity for fourteen years after witnessing his father’s death at Lorn’s hands. Vengeance has been so much a part of his consciousness for so long that not even coming face to face with the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen can deter him from his path. He’s relieved that Anna, Lorn’s daughter, doesn’t recognize him from a dangerous encounter a year before. He couldn’t leave her at that time to walk into the middle of an ambush, and now he may pay for that with his life.

So Arthur does the only thing he can – he avoids Anna or ticks her off, anything to keep her distracted. But things just don’t work that well for him. Circumstances happen that require both his extraordinary senses and his incredible speed, and Anna is much too perceptive – and irked that he appears to dislike her – so Arthur must be even more careful around her than he’s ever been before. But the woman has her own ideas, over and above what her father has asked of her, which is, of course, unbeknownst to Arthur. She sees things in him that no one else does, things he’d rather have left alone. Arthur’s tightrope becomes more precarious by the moment in this mission he never wanted to begin with.

What makes this book for me is the situations Arthur finds himself in that require the use of his abilities. More than once he saves Anna’s life with those abilities and that makes Anna suspicious. She never could imagine what she learns about this intriguing enemy of her family, though. The emotion between them goes back and forth between longing and hurt, because Arthur wants to do the right thing when it comes to Anna, even if there really isn’t a right way that will turn out any way but bad for her. But the man puts what he can into it, refusing to fail in his mission. The action scenes are done very well, sword fighting and flying arrows at the worst times.

The historical research that’s going into this series is incredible. Ms. McCarty has interwoven her characters into past reality that makes reading it a delight, even despite the dire circumstances of the time. I believe this is her best work to date, giving these characters such an emotional roller coaster in life to get through. It all actually seems impossible at the end, but then that’s why we read romance, for the impossible to happen.

Grade: A+

Summary:

The legend of the Highland Guard continues…

Handpicked by Robert the Bruce to help him in his quest to free Scotland from English rule, the Highland Guard is an elite fighting force unlike any the world has ever seen. They are the best of the best, chosen for their superior skills in each discipline of warfare. As the tides of war turn, one elite warrior is all that stands between victory and defeat.

Embedded deep behind enemy lines, Arthur “Ranger” Campbell is Bruce’s secret weapon as he wages his final assault on the enemies who stand against him. Recruited to join the Bruce’s secret elite fighting force for his prized scouting skills, Arthur’s razor sharp senses and ability to blend into the shadows make him the perfect spy. But when this shadow warrior must infiltrate the clan of the chieftain who murdered his father, his heart is locked on revenge. Inside he faces unexpected resistance from the sweetest of obstacles—a honey-haired siren who is his enemy’s daughter. But the vivacious, enchanting Anna MacDougall is a woman whose skill at uncovering deception rivals his own.

Intrigued by this ruggedly handsome newcomer to her father’s forces, Anna accepts the challenge his determined indifference to her arouses. Though anxious for the war to end and yearning for a quiet life with a good man to love, Anna is drawn to this mysterious knight whose eyes devour her but whose words push her away. But as danger, treachery, and the threat of looming war draw them closer into each other’s passions and secrets, a warrior made of steel must make a choice from the heart: love or revenge.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Infamous by Suzanne Brockmann
Contemporary Paranormal Romance published by Ballantine Books 27 Jul 10

Because I’m a book ho, I’ve read only one Suzanne Brockmann book, the first in her Troubleshooters series, The Unsung Hero, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and then subsequently vowed I would continue with the series as often as I could. Of course, life, the thousands of other books strewn around my condo and piled high in my storage unit, and a million other things got in the way of that vow, and Infamous is the only other Brockmann I’ve read to date. That’s okay, though, because I love this book. It’s her first paperback in six years, it’s full of action, a ghost that could be hero of his own book, and it’s vintage Brockmann, expertly giving us two romances instead of one.

A.J. Gallagher’s great-grandfather, Jamie, has been vilified in history as a murderer, thief, kidnapper, and any other number of criminal activities, all thanks to the real culprit from his day, Silas Quinn, who has been portrayed as a knight with the proverbial white hat on the proverbial white horse. A movie is in production regarding Quinn and his story, and A.J. has come to the set in Arizona to set some facts straight with Alison Carter, the consultant on the film who touts herself an expert on Quinn. He’s there at the behest of his great-grandfather, an apparition who has been appearing to A.J. for a while now, wanting the truth to finally be known.

Mistaking the good looking cowboy as an extra on the film, Alison scoffs when she discovers his true reason for seeking her out. She’s done her homework and knows Quinn and his times up one side and down the other, plus A.J. has no proof, at least any he can produce without delays in filming.

In between all of this, Alison inadvertently witnesses something so innocuous she doesn’t even realize it, and bizarre events begin to happen, all jeopardizing her life, no one figuring it all out until it’s nearly too late. It’s when she and A.J. grow closer and Jamie begins to put two and two together when attempts on Alison’s life escalate that A.J. is forced to tell her about his resident ghost. Fearing she’s given her heart to a mad man, Alison retreats from their budding relationship.

But when they find themselves on the run while trying to fit puzzle pieces together that started it all, Alison becomes a believer when Jamie is suddenly their lifeline. I love all three of these characters. A.J.’s past keeps Alison at bay, until the next time he touches her. She is determined, however, not to fall in love with him because of his past. These are very moving scenes from both characters’ points of view.

Then comes the confession of A.J.’s ability to see Jamie, which, along with the bad guys getting closer and closer, and once again the emotion these two fight and eventually embrace is gut wrenching.

Jamie himself is definitely hero material, as A.J. eventually proves to Alison, causing her to rethink the history she thinks she knows. And in a do-or-die situation, Ms. Brockmann pulls a twist you don’t see coming.

Mixed in between A.J. and Alison’s love story are letters written by Melody, Jamie’s wife, chronicling their lives, when and how they met, how they escaped danger even back 100 years before, how they fell in love. I really enjoy how Ms. Brockmann intertwines stories like this. It seems effortless, seamlessly moving from to the other, adding another dimension to the entire story as it goes along.

If you’re a Suzanne Brockmann fan, do not hesitate in picking this book up. You’re in for one hell of a good time.

Grade: A+

Summary:

When history professor Alison Carter became a consultant to the film version of the Wild West legend she’d dedicated her career to researching, she couldn’t possibly know that she would not only get a front row seat to a full-blown Hollywood circus, but that she would innocently witness something that would put her life in danger. Nor did she expect that a tall stranger in a cowboy hat would turn the movie — and her world — completely upside down…

A.J. Gallagher didn’t crash the set in dusty Arizona to rub elbows with Hollywood’s elite. Unable to ignore ghosts from the past that refuse to stay buried, A.J. came to put an end to the false legend that has tarnished the reputation of his family. But when he confronts Alison, sparks fly. And when she becomes targeted by ruthless criminals, suddenly she and A.J. must face the intense attraction that threatens to consume them, in order to survive the danger that threatens their very lives.

Read an excerpt.

Limecello’s review of Surrender of a Siren by Tessa Dare
Historic romance releaseded by Ballantine on 25 Aug 09

I’ve enjoyed Tessa Dare’s previous stories, both Goddess of the Hunt, and Legend of the Werestag. Unfortunately, I did not like Surrender of a Siren as much. Initially I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book. Although Sophia grew on me in Goddess… that didn’t really translate for me in Siren. A number of factors combined just made me rather indifferent to the book. Then again, everyone kept calling it the “goats on a boat” book… and of course … who could think of anything but “Get these mutha effin’ goats off this mutha effin’ boat!!!” That actually gave it a positive association for the humor- and I did like all the parts with the goats. Anyway, onward!

Sophia Hathaway is a great character in Goddess of the Hunt. She’s smart, spritely – in that she has a puckish sense of humor, is beautiful, perfect, and a good friend. You want to hate her there, but just can’t because she’s so much fun. Maybe Sophia needs female companionship to shine, or something, but being the only woman on the boat with the book taking place with the characters sailing across the ocean…. not so good.

It pains me to say, but I couldn’t help but think “Sophia sucks as a person” near the end of the book. She’s clueless, selfish, spoiled, knows it …and doesn’t particularly feel bad about it. In fact, there’s a part where Sophia reflects on her failings as… well a person, really, and then goes “oh- well but it’s ok because now I’m in love with Gray!” While I can see the logic that she doesn’t have regrets overall, I didn’t like that she brushed off everything. Although Sophia does redeem herself slightly in the end, I was too annoyed with everything she’d done to let it go. I didn’t feel her final act truly excused what she did throughout.

Benedict “Gray” Grayson is a character I had difficulty understanding. I know he’s supposed to be the “good guy” because… well he’s the hero. But to be honest, my first impression of him was someone who was rather smarmy, and this continued throughout the book. There’s a scene where he and Sophia talk about how many women he’s been with, and he honestly has no idea.

Other than being physically attracted to Sophia, I’m not quite sure why he’s drawn to her. (Although he does admire her easy camaraderie with the crew members.) I felt bad for Gray because he does what he thinks is best for his family, and others, but has trouble explaining his actions so those he’s helping aren’t necessarily grateful. I thought it was noble, and rather sweet how sentimental Gray truly is, and the relationship he has with his half brother Joss. Grayson is the golden boy you initially have a hard time liking, but as his character is revealed, he grows on you.

The setting didn’t help my like (dislike) of this book. Ships and transatlantic journeys are not sexy. You can’t bathe for days if not weeks – or longer – it smells, it’s hot, there were goats in the next living quarters… I think the overall tone affected how I felt about it as well. Sophia and Grey didn’t trust each other. Grey and Joss had conflict. There was conflict between the crew and the Grayson brothers. It was draining. Mostly, the fact that Gray and Sophia had such a tenuous connection made it difficult for me to believe in their romance. Sure, they were physically attracted to each other (in basic terms, they were both the most attractive people of their sex on the boat). The crew was supposed to be charming, but other than Davey they didn’t really have much personality. Also, pirates – or privateers, which is what they really were… aren’t appealing. Scurvy? Not sexy. (Yes, I realize I may have over thought things.)

However, the ending really did a lot to change my mind about/redeem the book. While Sophia fleeing was not entirely unique, I did like the reunion scene. And the courtroom scene before that was nice too – Sophia “regained” her self assurance, and “used her powers for good” – which was a pleasant turn of events. The flow of the book, and tone were nice – it’s well written, but I couldn’t get over the slow plot, and my dislike of the characters. While I get the title, I also don’t think it’s  that fitting, and it always felt a little strange for Gray to be calling Sophia “Sweet” and “Siren.”

I did like the descriptions of the ship, and felt that the journey was quite realistic. The day to day life, hailing of other ships, and dealing with natural disasters – lightning, storms, they were exciting, and kept Surrender of a Siren from being like every other sea-faring historical book. The vignettes of Sophia sketching the crew of the ship were also nice. It felt like Sophia was more herself at those times. Otherwise, I didn’t find the whole deception plot, and her flight from England very engaging.

I know I’ll read A Lady of Persuasion because I’m very curious as to what Isabel Grayson’s character is, and how her story will play out… but I’m not sure about Tobias Aldridge, based on the blurb in Siren. I think what didn’t help was the fact that I found the beginning of Surrender of a Siren somewhat slow. I started reading it, but put it down for a while. In a way I enjoyed the interaction between the secondary characters, or the Gray and Sophia’s interaction with the secondary characters more than their interaction with each other. This isn’t my favorite book by Ms. Dare -if you read Goddess of the Hunt it’s an interesting follow up (Lucy has a cameo appearance at the end), and I definitely think you should read it if you plan to read A Lady of Persuasion as well.

Grade: D+

Summary:

Desperate to escape a loveless marriage and society’s constraints, pampered heiress Sophia Hathaway jilts her groom, packs up her paints and sketchbook, and assumes a new identity, posing as a governess to secure passage on the Aphrodite. She wants a life of her own: unsheltered, unconventional, uninhibited. But it’s one thing to sketch all her wildest, most wanton fantasies, and quite another to face the dangerously handsome libertine who would steal both her virtue and her gold.

To any well-bred lady, Benedict “Gray” Grayson is trouble in snug-fitting boots. A conscienceless scoundrel who sails the seas for pleasure and profit, Gray lives for conquest—until Sophia’s perception and artistry stir his heart. Suddenly, he’ll brave sharks, fire, storm, and sea just to keep her at his side. She’s beautiful, refined, and ripe for seduction. Could this counterfeit governess be a rogue’s redemption? Or will the runaway heiress’s secrets destroy their only chance at love?

Read an excerpt here.

Limecello’s review of Goddess of the Hunt by Tessa Dare
Historical romance published by Ballantine Books on 28 July 2009

I heard a lot about Tessa Dare’s debut book, Goddess of the Hunt, and I definitely think that it lives up to the hype. Ms. Dare has a unique, enjoyable writing voice, and the story is well thought out and engaging. Goddess of the Hunt is a unique “friends to lovers” story, and I’m a major sucker for that trope. (Actually it’s almost more like frenemies to lovers…) I’ll probably re-read the book soon, in fact. Now, on to the good stuff.

Lucy Waltham is a tomboy, and not entirely sensible, but eminently practical. The opening of the book has Lucy going to Jeremy’s room to practice seduction techniques on a mutual acquaintance (Toby). She’s not so much foolhardy, as reckless and young. However, the way Ms. Dare writes Lucy makes her charming and refreshing, rather than totally clueless or TSTL. I admit that Lucy does some things that made me shake my head, but she’s driven by her emotions, and I found that admirable. Generally I don’t like the clueless hoyden heroine, but Lucy is so much more than that. She’s finding herself (she’s only nineteen), and has such a warm heart. You have to forgive her for her mistakes, especially because she realizes she made them.

I love the emotionally stilted hero. He makes me want to smack him, but I love him anyway. Jeremy Trescott, the Earl of Kendall is exactly one such character. He feels so much, but past experiences have taught him, and even forced him to be emotionally void. I love that he has so much trouble expressing himself, but is still more emotionally aware than so many of the other characters. Jeremy simply is – he’s comfortable with himself, and doesn’t try to conform to the expectations or opinions of others. It’s a very attractive quality, as is his need to take care of Lucy. (Even though he bumbles it and does come off as rather overbearing.) Jeremy has a very interesting past, and I enjoyed reading about it and seeing how it contributed to the man he became.

Something I really appreciated was the fact that Ms. Dare’s characters are realistic, and sensible. There wasn’t some great miscommunication which dragged the conflict out to ridiculous proportions, or made it worse that it should have been. Even though, for the vast majority of the book, the characters indeed do not communicate with each other, and generally misunderstand the others intentions and feelings. It truly should have vexed me, but instead I found myself being entertained. The secondary characters are a lot of fun, and I’m glad they’re in the subsequent books as well.

Although I did feel that the final resolution was a bit rushed, what made me believe the romance was how very attuned to Lucy Jeremy was. He saw her for who she was, and knew her before she really knew herself. I found it very believable that Lucy actually thought herself in love with Toby out of habit. Normally I’m annoyed when the heroine is so sure she’s in love with one person, only to find out she isn’t really. Here, Ms. Dare lays out the plot in a meaningful and compelling way.

There has been some talk that Ms. Dare’s writing is reminiscent of Jane Austen’s, and upon further reflection, I think it’s because of her characterizations and settings. (In fact I’ve mentioned it before.) There’s the house party, and well, you have to read it. Of course Goddess of the Hunt also very loosely follows the general story line of Pride and Prejudice, where the spunky nobody heroine Lucy/Elizabeth marries the wealthy, coveted gentleman Darcy/Trescott. (However there’s the major difference of a lot of sexual tension, and much more fun, improper behavior.)

Although this is a minor issue, in a way I’m most impressed that Ms. Dare made me like Sophie, who is the heroine in her next novel, Surrender of a Siren. Sophie is “the other woman” initially in Goddess of the Hunt, and I’m quite loyal to cannon, so I started out disliking her. Sophie seemed too perfect, and then… well a bit strange. (I’m looking forward to reading about her eccentricities.) Sophie’s story has a great twist in Goddess of the Hunt which lays the framework for Surrender of a Siren, as well as A Lady of Persuasion (the third book).

You have to admire and be impressed with an author who manages to subtly, yet decidedly lay the foundation for a trilogy in the first book. It helps they’re all being released back to back, because I don’t think I can wait any longer to get my hands on Ms. Dare’s books. I really enjoyed Goddess of the Hunt, and recommend it to fans of the genre, as well as romance in general. There’s something refreshing about Ms. Dare’s writing that I think should be experienced.

Grade: B+

Ever the bold adventuress, Lucy Waltham has decided to go hunting for a husband. But first she needs some target practice. So she turns to her brother’s best friend, Jeremy Trescott, the Earl of Kendall, to hone her seductive wiles on him before setting her sights on another man. But her practice kisses spark a smoldering passion—one that could send all her plans up in smoke.

Jeremy has an influential title, a vast fortune, and a painful past, full of long-buried secrets. He keeps a safe distance from his own emotions, but to distract Lucy from her reckless scheming, he must give his passions free rein. Their sensual battle of wills is as maddening as it is delicious, but the longer he succeeds in managing the headstrong temptress, the closer Jeremy comes to losing control. When scandal breaks, can he bring himself to abandon Lucy to her ruin? Or will he risk his heart, and claim her for his own?

Read an excerpt here.

C2’s review of Hot Pursuit (Troubleshooters, Book 15) by Suzanne Brockmann
Romantic suspense released by Ballantine 28 Jul 09

In Suzanne Brockmann’s latest Troubleshooters book, we become reacquainted with The Dentist, a serial killer who likes to claim the teeth of his victims – sometimes before he kills them. We first heard about The Dentist in a bonus short story featuring Sam and Alyssa that was included at the end of Flashpoint. In Hot Pursuit we learn that Alyssa is part of a task force trying to track down elusive Dentist. What Alyssa doesn’t know is that The Dentist has developed a fixation on her and has started making plans.

The events bringing Sam and Alyssa back into contact with The Dentist start out innocently enough – or do they? A New York assemblywoman has been receiving threats and needs her security beefed up. Since she happens to be a good friend of Savannah van Hopf Karmody (heroine of Out of Control, for those not familiar with the whole series), the Troubleshooters team takes the job. It seems like a nice easy assignment that will let Sam and Alyssa and the rest of the gang help out a friend of a friend while spending some time in New York City. But when do things ever run so smoothly for the TS Inc., faithful reader? As always, in the Troubleshooters world, there is a lot going on.

First things first – the team assigned to assist Assemblywoman Maria Bonavita with her security issues: Sam Starrett and Alyssa Locke (along with baby Ashton), Izzy Zanella, his not-so-loving brother-in-law Danny Gillman, Jay Lopez, and Tony Vlachic. Gillman is recovering from an injury that has left him with nightmares and blackouts. Stress from a potentially career-ending injury plus the usual Zanella-induced stress does not make Danny a happy boy.

To distract himself and, perhaps, get some happy (or something), Gillman decides Jenn, the assemblywoman’s chief of staff, is a prime candidate for an assignment-long fling. Jennilyn LeMay is not a dainty, delicate flower. She is what some would call real-sized (“statuesque”, thinks Dan). She isn’t focused on her appearance, she doesn’t date much, she’s the pal in the background of her friends’ lives. Needless to say, when the gorgeous Danny starts flirting, Jenn is suspicious of his motives. But our Dan is a smooth talker and good with the rationalizing so she agrees soon enough.

There are those (you know who you are) who would say Gillman is an ass and a player and only out for what he can get with the least effort expended. I choose to think he has issues stemming from his childhood and more recent traumas and just needs a bit of therapy to help him deal in a more constructive way so he can recognize the good thing right in front of him (which he almost does, without the therapy). Yeah, yeah…yell at me in the comments.

In the meantime, the security threat to Assemblywoman Bonavita has taken a gruesome turn and the team springs into action to catch the person responsible. The FBI is called in on the case and you know what that means, don’t you? Jules! Ah, faithful reader, he is my very favorite person in the Troubleshooters world. A TS Inc. book without Jules is like a day without sunshine. Plus Robin is along for the ride – and to provide babysitting services – since things in NYC have become dangerous and Sam and Alyssa will be busier than they anticipated.

We find out what has been going on elsewhere in the Troubleshooters world…new babies, weddings, promotions, etc. We also get an update in the Izzy/Eden saga. Izzy, we learn, has made several trips to Germany to try to talk to Eden; so far, no luck there. Oh, Izzy…he just breaks my heart. He’s still the same in Hot Pursuit – always with the jokes and smart comments and impromptu songs – but his sadness shows around the edges. I don’t think it’s a spoiler (since it’s all over the interwebs, by now) that his book is next in the series. Let me take a moment to say YAY and Snoopy dance with joy!

As we race toward the end of the book, there is police brutality, bodies are found, and people are being stalked. Characters are kidnapped and their would-be rescuers seem to be off on a wild goose chase, as the Dentist’s evil plan comes to its climax. Will the good guys win? Will everyone survive?? What are you looking at me for? Go read the book!

Grade: A

PS: The blurb for this book makes it sound as if Alyssa is the main focus of Hot Pursuit but I didn’t find that to be true. Yes, she is a main character and at the center of a good bit of the action but I think this was Danny Gillman’s book. After you read it, come back and tell me what you think.

Summary:
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Alyssa Locke is no stranger to dealing with danger. As team leader of the nation’s number one personal security company, Troubleshooters Inc., she’s seen more than her share of action, survived plenty of close calls, and holds her own with the best of them–and against the worst of them. Guarding lives is her game, and no one plays it better. But her toughest challenge will be protecting herself from a serial killer she’s been after for years–known only as “The Dentist”–who is determined to make her his ultimate trophy.
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The assignment was supposed to be an easy one: teach self-defense techniques to a newly elected assemblywoman and her chief of staff after a political controversy generates a blizzard of hate mail–including death threats–from hotheads and cranks. But as soon as she mobilizes her squad of moonlighting Navy SEALs in New York City, Alyssa begins butting heads with the hard-case cop who thinks that the Troubleshooters are chasing shadows.
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Until they discover a dead body. And then another. Now Alyssa really has her hands full bodyguarding two independent, busy women, managing a murder investigation, and trying to find time for her husband, Troubleshooters operative Sam Starrett, and their infant son. Meanwhile, it wouldn’t be a Troubleshooters operation without romantic sparks and heated rivalries–and any time the SEALs of Team Sixteen are involved, there are plenty of both.
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But then, while investigating a suspect, Alyssa is ambushed and suddenly finds herself imprisoned by The Dentist. Cut off from everyone she loves and relies on, Alyssa must call upon all of her strength and skill to survive this final confrontation with the sadistic monster, meanwhile trusting that her Troubleshooter teammates, led by her beloved Sam, will reach her before it’s too late.
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Read an excerpt HERE!

Other books in the series:

Sandy M’s review of Howling at the Moon (Tales of an Urban Werewolf, Book 1) by Karen MacInerney
Contemporary Paranormal Romance released by Ballantine 26 Feb 08

I so enjoy it when an author gives me her own unique spin on things, something I haven’t really read before, and Ms. MacInerney does that quite well in this first book in her werewolf series.  And she does it with a fun and quirky heroine who has a terrific sense of humor.

What was a little different for me in Ms. MacInerney’s werewolf world is her shifters don’t heal nearly as fast or as cleanly as others I’ve read in the past, and Sophie, the heroine of the book, has to shave quite a bit to keep her hair/fur growth under control.  But what was hilarious about it is that when she shaves her legs as often as she does, when she shifts she’s a wolf running around town with no fur on her legs!  Now, I’m sorry, but I laughed quite a bit at that the couple of times in occurs in the story.  Can’t you just see that?  A huge, furry wolf, legs shaved clean.  Now, that’s funny.

Also, when Sophie is tagged by a dogcatcher with a tranquilizer gun, she knows she’s probably going to end up with a scar.  With Sophie’s sense of humor, she laments the fact she’ll have that butt scar while she’s being chased by the dog police. The same is true when she’s attacked by a “made” werewolf, this time she’s left with a scar on her neck, plus a couple of other places, where the bites occurred while in her wolf form. I enjoy it when an author takes license and has a good time writing her book.  I have a good time reading it, and I don’t care if it’s not all that believable.  Laugh-out-loud funny and believable just don’t go together all that well in this book.  I don’t need believable to have a good time.

Sophie is an auditor who’s hopefully going to have a corner office soon. She’s also half werewolf, half human, and her life is beginning to fall apart, starting with the arrest of her mother for murder.  At the same time she’s hunting clues to prove her mom’s innocence, she also meets her first real live werewolf, a hunk as a human or lupine.

Because her father has been scarce her entire life to keep her and her mother safe, Sophie has never really had any kind of education about werewolves. Except for what she’s read and what she sees on TV, and we all know how factual that kind of information is.  And while she truly wants to be more human than wolf, hence a human boyfriend, she has thousands of questions for Tom, a full-blooded werewolf who causes Sophie’s blood to pound just by being in the same vicinity.  They both lust after each other, but because Heath and Sophie are practically engaged and Tom is seeing Lindsay, Sophie’s best friend, they only share a kiss or two throughout the book.  Which drove me as insane as it does Sophie.  I wanted more between them and Sophie would be content with her rolls in the hay with Heath for the time being.  Alas, we have to wait until the next book to experience all that animalistic loving.  It will be something else to see Sophie finally lose her cool and devour Tom.  At least I sure hope it happens then.

We also have to wait to find out a little more about Tom.  He’s almost as mysterious as the killer in this storyline.  We only know he’s a lone wolf at this point, enforces a pack’s wishes for the right sum, and will eventually be Sophie’s love interest after the demise of the love triangle we have now.   ‘Course, as sexy as he is, I really didn’t care all that much that I didn’t know a lot about him.  Him and his wolf eyes, his secretiveness, along with his protectiveness of Sophie, makes him great hero material.  Sophie’s current guy, Heath, is the strong, sensitive type, but because I’m a shifter girl, he just doesn’t do it for me like Tom does.  We do get an ending to this storyline with the mystery being solved, but for the romance we have to hang on a bit longer.  The secondary characters are just as quirky and fun, especially Sophie’s mom, who’s a witch and optimistic her spirit guides will keep her out of jail.

I had fun with this book, even if I didn’t get my true happy ending right now.  As long as I know it’s coming and I get a few good laughs in the meantime, I can hold on for a while.  On the Prowl is the second book in the series and is to be released November 2008, not all that long now.  Of course, I have to hope that everything moves in the direction I’m anticipating, depending on how many books there are in the series.  Please don’t keep me waiting too long for some wild and sexy love scenes, Ms. MacInerney.

Grade: B

Summary:

Romance is about to get a little hairy.

Sophie Garou seems to have it all: a great job at a prestigious accounting firm, a closet that rivals a Nordstrom showroom, and a terrific boyfriend who isn’t afraid to use the “M” word. There’s just one little itty-bitty problem: Sophie is a werewolf—and her time of month has a whole new meaning.

Needless to say, life among yummy flesh-and-blood humans is no piece of steak . . . er, cake!, but regular doses of wolfsbane tea and a mother who runs a magic shop have helped Sophie keep her paranormal pedigree under wraps. Still, when a sexy, golden-eyed werewolf prowls into town, Sophie finds herself struggling to keep her animal impulses in check—not to mention trying to keep things on track with her super hot (and super human) lawyer boyfriend. What’s more, someone is threatening to expose Sophie for what she really is. And when her mother is accused of selling a poison-laced potion, Sophie must sniff out a culprit before the fur hits the fan.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Lawson’s review: Her Only Desire: A Novel by Gaelen Foley
Historical Romance released by Ballantine Books 07 Mar 27

Exotic settings, daring missions, court intrigue, and breathtaking escapes can make for a great story. Unfortunately in Her Only Desire these things don’t tie together well enough to have the neat little bow at the end of the book.

Georgiana Knight, or Georgie, is named after her scandalous aunt Georgiana (from the Knight Miscellany series from Foley). Her aunt is her idol, and she reads a book of essays about how “wedlock is padlock”. Georgie is introduced tearing through a spice market in Calcutta on a horse on her way to saving a dear friend from suttee.

Georgie is fiercely loyal to her friends, very intelligent, and has serious abandonment issues because her mother died when she was young. Her father and brothers also go off and leave her alone most of the time and she feels like an orphan. Her fears usually trigger some sort of panic induced asthma attack which she can only end through yoga.

Since she’s left on her own a lot, she’s pretty spoiled too. Very used to getting her own way (hence the intervention in suttee, even if it is a barbaric and demeaning practice, it used to be very sacred to Indian life) and expects to charm every male around her to fall at her feet.

Ian Prescott, the Marquess of Griffith, is a diplomat in Calcutta on his way to stop a war between a majarajah and the British army in India. When he sees Georgie tear through the spice market he follows and narrowly saves her from an angry Indian mob.

Ian has been a secondary character in the other Knight books. He’s noble, proper, but he’s got a fiercesome and passionate dark side. Ian’s really not all bad, he’s noble, honorable, and has a fiercesome (but slightly dark) passionate side. He works well enough as a leading man in this book.

When Ian continues on into India’s interior for his diplomatic work, Georgie follows even though Ian told her to stay in Calcutta for her safety. Court intrigue, daring missions and breathtaking escapes follow. Georgie is forced to leave her beloved India halfway through the book and the rest of the story unfolds in England.

The pacing and tone of Her Only Desire never really take off. There is action, action, dialogue, travel, description, description, action, description, more description, and I take some time looking up stuff on the internet about India and the courts of the majarajahs. I spent about as much time reading about Indian history and culture on the net as I did reading the first half of the book.

The second half was alright, but we don’t find out that Ian has a deep dark secret until the last quarter of the story. It’s slightly hinted at sure, but he’s not too tortured about it until that last quarter of the book.

Neither Georgie nor Ian are very well developed, some of the Indian secondary characters seem rather sketched and stereotypical. The scenes in England are pretty mundane and predictable. There is some good action, but again, the pacing is not what it could be.

What was very well done in the book was descriptions of locations (India), fashions, and food. I was more excited about dinner scenes than I was the sex scenes (and given that Georgie’s inner dialogue tells us she’s read the Kama Sutra and is obsessed with sex this is probably a bad thing). The food just sounded so tasty. Foley always does a good job with description of setting and other things, but the characters lacked development and the idea they would have long lasting chemistry doesn’t really fly.

Maybe the Knights should have ended with Jack’s story, because this branch of cousins doesn’t seem very interesting.

Grade: C-

From the exotic splendors of India to the elegant ballrooms of Regency London, celebrated author Gaelen Foley pens the enthralling tale of a luscious beauty who has sworn never to call any man her master, and the powerful marquess whose passion threatens to conquer her. . . .

Born into the wealthy British ruling class of India, Georgiana Knight is as unconventional as she is beautiful. She has sworn not to marry till she meets a man who will treat her as an equal–but that vow doesn’t appease her sensual curiosity. When Ian Prescott, the Marquess of Griffith, arrives on a mission to defuse the threat of war, she is immediately drawn to the mysterious and darkly handsome diplomat, and cannot resist provoking the hidden lust that smolders beneath his cool surface.

Ian is mesmerized by Georgie’s alluring mystique but burdened by a dark secret. And she is a temptation he cannot afford. But when she becomes entangled in his mission, she must be secreted away to England for her own safety. Georgie finds herself in the unfamiliar world of aristocratic London, where Ian becomes her guide, her confidant . . . her seducer. His incendiary kiss sets her soul on fire, and Georgie knows she will never be satisfied until she has made this magnificent man her own.