Holly‘s review of If He’s Sinful by Hannah Howell
Historical Paranormal Romance released by Zebra 01 Dec 2009

I’m really glad to see Howell moving away from her Murray series and into new territory. Though I am concerned that she’s planning to exchange one large, eccentric family for another.

I enjoyed this for the most part. I was annoyed that the characters seemed to act so slowly, for it’s obvious early on who the villain is. Even so, I understood their reasons – they couldn’t act without proof. It just seemed it took them a rather long time to realize they needed to get it.

Penelope was a typical Howell heroine – strong and feisty. I really enjoyed her. She knows her family is odd, and doesn’t blame Ashton for not believing in the things they can do. She did her best to care for her cousins and I really appreciated her strong sense of family and doing the right thing.

Ashton was somewhat of a stick-in-the-mud, but I think that worked within the context of the story. He was conservative and not willing to jump to conclusions or act without proof. I think he was just what Penelope needed. He believed in her, but also tempered her and her family’s need to rush into things without thought.

It really made me angry that her family dumped all their unwanted kids on Penelope. I know things weren’t quite as they seemed in the beginning (Spoiler: The family was sending money and such even though Penelope didn’t get it: END) but it was still frustrating that they went so long without bothering to check in on her, or see how their children were. I was glad to see that was addressed in the end, however.

Although there are many dark elements, the novel is lightened by Penelope’s brothers and cousins. I really want to read about the rest of Ashton’s friends, especially Brant. I hope as the series continues Howell comes back to them.

Grade: B

Secrecy and intrigue ignite dangerous passions in “New York Times” bestselling author Hannah Howell’s seductive new novel…

It is whispered throughout London that the members of the Wherlocke family are possessed of certain unexplainable gifts. But Lord Ashton Radmoor is skeptical – until he finds an innocent beauty lying drugged and helpless in the bedroom of a brothel. The mystery woman is Penelope Wherlocke, and her special gift of sight is leading her deep into a dangerous world of treachery and betrayal. Ashton knows he should forget her, yet he’s drawn deeper into the vortex of her life, determined to keep her safe. But Penelope is no ordinary woman, and she’s never met the man strong enough to contend with her unusual abilities. Until now…

Read an excerpt here.

Lawson’s review of Sold to a Laird by Karen Ranney
Historical Romance released by Avon 24 Nov 09

I haven’t read any of Karen Ranney’s books, but I had this one in my TBR box and thought I’d give it a try. It was definitely different than I’d expected and this is something that happens from time to time. One thing the reader should know going into this story is the title is horrible. It does nothing to describe any part of the story and that does take away a little bit of what the story could have been about.

Douglas Eston is a self made man, but he’s also cautious. So he decides to seek some supporting funding from the Duke of Herridge. What he doesn’t expect is the Duke’s daughter to come in demanding compassion for her mother, the Duke’s wife. The Duke then gives his daughter to Douglas as a wife for agreement to fund Douglas’ business venture. Douglas didn’t expect to get a wife, but he knew he needed to protect the one he suddenly has.

Lady Sarah doesn’t like the fact that she’s been sold as a bride, but she feels safer now out of her father’s sphere of control. When her mother does die, she is at a loss for everything. She has spent her life caring for her mother, following her mother’s example and shielding her mother from her father’s wrath. Sarah now needs to find out who she is.

Sarah then requests to go to Scotland to tell her grandfather of her mother’s death. The journey and stay does help Sarah find out who she is, but it is different than she expected. She also gets to know her husband and finds that he is better than any other she could have asked for. Some of her ideas do make her a snob, but they are more defense mechanisms against her father than anything else.

Douglas never hid his nature from anyone and the conflict over his life and character seems to be a minor part of the story. In fact, Sarah’s issues tend to overwhelm anything else in the book, including her hero. Douglas is an alpha male, but not in an aggressive sort of way. But he doesn’t need to change, as Sarah does, and that relegates him to a lesser part of the story.

The other thing I found out from Karen Ranney’s website is the fact this is the first in a trilogy. They’re all supposed to be tied together because of the Tulloch mirror. This surprised me, as the mirror didn’t seem to have that much to do with the story and was introduced in the second half of the book. I don’t know if I’m interested enough to find out.

Grade: C-

Summary:

Lady Sarah Baines was devoted to her mother and her family home, Chavensworth. Douglas Eston was devoted to making a fortune and inventing. The two of them are married when Lady Sarah′s father proposes the match and threatens to send Lady Sarah′s ill mother to Scotland if she protests.

Douglas finds himself the victim of love at first sight, while Sarah thinks her husband is much too, well, earthy for her tastes. Marriage is simply something she had to do to ensure her mother′s well-being, and even when her mother dies in the next week, it′s not a sacrifice she regrets.

She cannot, however, simply write her mother′s relatives and inform them of her death. She convinces Douglas – an ex pat Scot – to return to Scotland with her, to a place called Kilmarin. At Kilmarin, she is given the Tulloch Sgàthán, the Tulloch mirror. Legend stated that a woman who looked into the mirror saw her true fate.

Douglas and Sarah begin to appreciate the other, and through passion, Douglas is able to express his true feelings for his wife. But once they return to England and Douglas disappears and is presumed dead, Sarah has to face her own feelings for the man she′s come to respect and admire.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Ash’s review of Dangerous Highlander by Donna Grant
Paranormal romance published by St. Martin’s Paperbacks 29 Dec 09

Mixing paranormal with highlanders is something that will draw me in every time, so Dangerous Highlander quickly found it’s way into my TBR pile. The first in the Dark Sword series, Donna Grant sets up a world that quickly gets shaken up and I was glad to go along for the ride.

After reading it, my feelings are mixed but I am hopeful for the series. My first feeling about it was that it was a comfort read, something I could sink into while real life fades away. Then we were given a glimpse of weird crazy witch hair sex and it took me way out of the story. It seemed to go that way throughout the story.

Lucan is a Warrior, a three hundred year old Highlander who has a god inside of him. In his case, he has Apodatoo, god of revenge. When he unleashes his god, it makes him to turn completely black and grow fangs and claws. The same goes for his two brothers, Fallon and Quinn. Lucan is easy to like, he’s mastered his god and is really the only stable one out of his brothers. I do feel like the other two are more interesting, and it seems Lucan is just there to fill in a space. He ends up saving Cara from falling from off a cliff, and so starts their romance. Cara is not totally your typical historical heroine. She doesn’t run screaming into the night when she first learns that there is more in the world than she knew, and she isn’t scared of things she probably should be. Though she does have her moments, such as running away from the big strong Warriors who can keep her safe, in order to protect them. She is, however, an eighteen year old virgin orphan who grew up in a nunnery, so I felt she was allowed to have a few less than bright ideas.

The big bad in this story is Deirdre, a witch who unleashed the gods within the brothers. We  get only a few, but creepy, scenes with her and I felt like it wasn’t enough. We are told she’s bad, but we never really see it. We don’t even really know what exactly she did while she had the brother’s captive. The only thing that stands out about her is that she does some very unnatural things with her hair. The danger always seemed to be in the background, and the final fight scene left me wanting.

In the end I liked Cara, and her scenes with Lucan are what made him interesting. The story as a whole was a bit up and down. I feel like I still need more information on what is going on with the Warriors, magic, and especially Deirdre. She is someone I find equally fascinating and disturbing and I wanted more of her. The emotional conflicts the other two brothers, and the evil plans that Deirdre have in store turned out to be more interesting than Lucan and Cara’s romance.

This story is obviously just the beginning, and with at least two more books in the series it looks like we will have to wait for the real action to start. It is a pleasant read, but I don’t think it sticks out among the paranormal genre. However, Donna Grant has captured my attention with the possibilities of where it could go. I would like to continue with to see where it ends up, and I am especially looking forward to Quinn’s book.

Grade: C+

First in a breathtaking new series, the bold and passionate Lucan MacLeod—one of three brothers cursed by dark magic for eternity—is driven by desire for the one woman he dare not let himself possess…

He is magnificently strong—and dangerously seductive. One of the fiercest of his clan, Lucan MacLeod is a legend among warriors, inspiring fear in man and woman alike. For three hundred years, he has locked himself away from the world, hiding the vengeful god imprisoned in his soul. But then, a young lass caught in a raging storm awakens his deepest impulses…and darkest desires.

Cara doesn’t believe the rumors about MacLeod castle—until the majestic Highland warrior appears like a fiery vision in the storm, pulling her into his powerful arms, and into his world of magic and Druids. An epic war between good and evil is brewing. And Lucan must battle his all-consuming attraction for Cara—or surrender to the flames of a reckless, impossible love that threatens to destroy them both…

released May 25

Ash’s review coming soon!

Gwen’s review of The Lost by J.D. Robb, Patricia Gaffney, Mary Blayney, and Ruth Ryan Langan
Anthology released by Jove 24 Nov 09

This anthology came to me by way of Sybil and her bottomless bag o’  books.  It’s an interesting mix of all sorts of stories, some romance, some not. A nice way to while away some time waiting in line at your kid’s school at dismissal time.

I suppose there’s a common theme in the stories, though it’s tenuous.  As I write these reviews I’ll try to point out the things holding them together.  Meanwhile, on with the reviews…

Missing In Death by J.D. Robb
Futuristic Suspense (93-pages)

This is a very good entry in the Eve Dallas world.  It revolves around the mysterious disappearance of a woman on a ferry and an apparent murder with no body.

The story is delightfully twisty and turny, with lots of sleuthing by Eve and Peabody.  The story talks to old hurts and long-held revenge.  It’s a good In Death story – not the best, but still quite good.

Now to the anth title: I suppose the “lost” things in this story would be the body, the woman on the ferry, and the villain’s family.

Grade: B

Summary:

Wile investigating a woman’s disappearance on a New York City ferry, Detective Eve Dallas wonders… if she didn’t jump, and she’s not on board, then where in the world is she?

Read an excerpt here.

The Dog Days of Laurie Summer by Patricia Gaffney
Chick-lit (90-pages)

This was an odd little story.  A tad too long, and not really a romance.  However, it does describe the heroine’s love for her family, and how she falls back in love with them

I classified this as “chick lit” because it’s a nice little tale about how a woman rediscovers the love she has for her life, her family, and her self.  Prior to a literal life-changing event, our heroine, Laurie, was a pretty typical type-A personality.  She worked too much and thought too little about what was really important in her life.  The event shocks her out of this rut and spins her out into a truly odd road of discovery.

I enjoyed this story, though this kind of writing is not really my bag.

The anth title: I’m guessing the “lost” things in this story would be the heroine’s awareness of her family.

Grade: C

Summary:

After recovering from a severe accident, a woman awakens to a world as familiar as it is strange and unsettling.

Read an excerpt here.

Lost In Paradise by Mary Blayney
Paranormal/Inspirational Romance (87-pages)

This was an unusual little story.  It reads quick and has a nice pace, though I found the genre, and thus the book, a little tough to pin down.  It’s a definite “slash” book.

The romance between the main characters is a little convenient and quick.  I know that short stories and anthology entries force an author to truncate some things, but this romance felt even too quick for that.

I called this a “paranormal/inspirational” because it is the heroine’s strong faith in God and her purity that helps break a curse.  Though, in true romance novel fashion, she doesn’t remain a virgin for long with the hero’s manliness on the scene.  And this was part of my personal confusion with the book.  I didn’t know where to stand on it – figuratively speaking.

Good, but not great story.

The anth title: I suppose the “lost” things in this story is the hero and his hope.

Grade: C

Summary:

A man cursed to stay behind the walls of an island fortress finds hope in a nuirse who’s shipwrecked and in possession of the one thing that could set him free.

No excerpt available.

Legacy by Ruth Ryan Langan
Contemporary Romance (88-pages)

This was the only true “romance” of all the stories in the book. And it’s quite good.

I like the heroine, though she is a bit milquetoast for me.  The hero is extremely yummy.  Their romance develops quickly, but is believable.  The plot twists involving her family are a bit silly in their complexity and seeming secrecy, but nonetheless lend a decent amount of suspense to the story.

This is a fun romance to read.

The anth title: the “lost” things in this story are the heroine and her family.

Grade: B

Summary:

In the wake of her mother’s death, a young woman’s travels unearth a family secret buried on the grounds of a magnificent but imposing Irish estate.

No excerpt available.

I liked this anthology. The Robb and Ryan Langan stories make it worth the purchase.  The other two stories are good, but forgettable.  If you’re following the In Death stories, you shouldn’t miss this one.

Overall Grade: B-

Blurb:

Four bestselling authors venture into a world where the rules of love, of time, and of place can be forever lost…

Limecello’s review of Sex Drive by Susan Lyons
Contemporary erotic romance released by Aphrodisia 1 Dec 09

I like that Susan Lyon’s stories are unique. Ms. Lyons is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. First of all, she wrote the Awesome Foursome books. Next, that she writes warm, smart, sexy stories, that have substance. Sex Drive never got too heavy or dull, but it wasn’t a brainless piece of fluff. I liked that. Yes, it was a purely entertaining read, but thought provoking if I wanted it to be. I’m really glad I read this book.

I have to admit, that I put off reading this book for a while. I was super excited about it, because, well, hello. New book by Susan Lyons! Then I read everything from the beginning (as I generally do) – and for some unknown reason I convinced myself it was going to be a rehash of Susan Mallery’s Marcelli sisters books. (The first three. Which I enjoyed a lot… But.) Anyway, I was mistaken. Thank goodness – so, anyway. If the book starts out a bit slowly for you… read on. You’ll be happy you did.

Professor Theresa Fallon is your average woman. Aside from being a genius, she’s been burnt by love, has average looks, an rather average family… she’s pretty normal. However, Theresa is also incredibly loyal, willing to drop everything to go help out her baby sister. She also allows herself to let go a little while on “vacation” – and in her short time with Damien, grows a lot. After she loosens up, and allows herself to become more than an academic, Theresa is a lot of fun, and would be a great friend.

Damien Black is a fantastic hero. I can’t think of many books I’ve read where the hero is an author. He’s pretty happy go lucky, but Theresa helps me see how he could essentially change the world. (Or at least some of it.) And more importantly, Damien steps up to the challenge. You have to respect that. He’s also got a very interesting ethnic and cultural background. I really liked that. He’s also comfortable with himself. Damien likes to play a little too hard, and gets himself in a sticky situation, but owns up to it.

There are certain themes and issues she seems to address in most of her stories that make my social justice loving heart happy. Even happier is the fact that Ms. Lyons is subtle about it. She doesn’t beat the reader over the head, preach, or become pedantic. Ms. Lyons wraps it up nicely in the characters, and makes it part of the story.

Yes, there was a time or two it would have gone over the edge – but Theresa is a professor. She’s also super geeky and way involved in academia. It’d be natural for her to spout off and begin lecturing, rather than discuss a topic conversationally. I also thought it was fun to get a “behind the scenes” peek of Damien’s book signing. Having never been to one, or really thought about it from an author’s perspective, it was nice to get it from Damien’s. Also, that scene gave Damien added depth, and allowed Theresa to see him in a different way.

My problem is that I fear Ms. Lyons has set me up for disappointment. What do I mean by that? Well, I might now expect all stories to have rational discussions, where the characters act reasonably and resolve issues rather than throwing tantrums and causing havoc. (Yes, some gentle sarcasm there.)

Sex Drive takes place over the course of a weekend, essentially. But the characters change a lot. Theresa becomes Tezzie with Damien, and it fits. They fall in love hard, and fast, and it’s believable that Theresa is almost an entirely different person with Damien, and that he thinks she’s absolutely stunning and the most beautiful person. I loved reading their relationship develop – so quickly, but also naturally. There are of course uncertainties and some fraught moments, but they work through them.

I cannot wait for the next book(s) in this series, and definitely won’t be making any more assumptions.

Grade: B+

Summary:

When Dr. Theresa Fallon meets a long, lean stranger in business class, she’s suddenly ready for anything. There’s something about Damien Black that makes her want to surrender immediately…Which is why she accepts Damien’s spontaneous offer of a sizzling getaway. All in the name of research, of course. And once the pretty professor slips between the sheets with this hard-bodied man of mystery, she discovers the meaning of the term erotic pleasure…

Read an excerpt here.

LynneC’s review of Shades of Midnight (Midnight Breeds Series, Book 7) by Lara Adrian
Paranormal Romance published by Dell 29 Dec 09

After the disappointment of the last book about Andreas Reichen, in Ashes of Midnight, there is a return to form in this book. I like this series, which is more straightforward than others, keeps its heroes on this side of believability and contains some strong heroines to match the hero.

Alex is a bush pilot, flying over her patch of Alaska when she sees what looks like a body on the ground and discovers a whole family has been massacred. She recognises the attack as a vampire attack, because her own mother and sibling were killed in the same way, but since the attack she’s suppressed the memory.

Kade, who has been a member of the Order for a year, is sent to his home territory in Alaska to investigate the killings. He takes time to visit his Darkhaven, where his parents are in charge, but they know nothing about the killings. Kade left home partly because he was aware that his twin brother, Seth, was growing darker.

With the conflicts set up, I settled down for a good read and on the whole I wasn’t disappointed. I enjoyed the new setting, a new place for the Breeds to enjoy but I couldn’t help wondering what they did in the sunny part of the year, when nights are so short. Maybe that’s when they go on vacation.

I liked Alex, with her courage in the face of her problems and her determination to make the best of her life without getting all Pollyanna about it. She has a skill which she uses to the best of her ability and it does become an important part of the story.

I wished the conflict between Kade and Alex had led to more. Kade is a Breed, and half Alex’s family was murdered by vampires. She can’t see the shades of grey that Kade believes in, she sees only in black and white. I wanted to see her progression from certainty to healthy questioning, but she fell into bed with Kade and he made everything better for her.

The sex/love scenes are tender, passionate and well written and by the time they make it to bed you’re ready to follow them into the bedroom. The sexual tension between the two was well built up to, but the conflict that occurs afterwards is a little artificial and the denouement a little messy.

But I enjoyed the exploration of the characters of two wounded but still fighting people, who come together with more than a biological imperative. The story was predictable, but good enough to keep me turning the pages and it was nice to see the other Breeds in the story, but without obvious sequel bait.  I’ll definitely be looking out for the next in the series.

Grade: B-

Summary:

In a frozen wilderness steeped in darkness, the lines between good and evil, lover and enemy, are never black or white but drawn in SHADES OF MIDNIGHT . . .

Something inhuman is stalking the frigid Alaskan wilds, leaving unspeakable carnage in its wake. For bush pilot Alexandra Maguire, the killings stir memories of a horrific event she witnessed as a child and evoke in her the inexplicable sense of otherness she has long felt but never fully understood . . . until a darkly seductive stranger with secrets of his own enters her world.

Sent from Boston on a mission to investigate the savage attacks and stop the slaughter, vampire warrior Kade has his own reasons for returning to the frigid, forbidding place of his birth. Haunted by a secret shame, Kade soon realizes the stunning truth of the threat he faces–a threat that will jeopardize the fragile bond he has formed with the courageous, determined young woman who arouses his deepest passions and most primal hungers. But in bringing Alex into his world of blood and darkness, Kade must confront both his own personal demons and the even greater evil that could destroy all he holds dear.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Liviania’s review of The Christmas Present by Tracy Wolff
Contemporary romance released by Harlequin Superromance 8 Dec 09

I understand the logic that if marketing says something sells, you should do it.  Harlequin didn’t become the powerhouse it is by making random decisions.  Still, I don’t see the point in packaging Tracy Wolff’s latest with a generic couple in front of the tree and the generic title The Christmas Present.  It hides the surprisingly dark story from the people who might enjoy it most. (It might also cause some people to be upset due to the trigger-y first chapter.)  There is an offscreen rape/murder, attempted rape, a shooting, and some other acts of violence.  The Christmas Present is not for someone looking for a fluffy holiday romance. 

The Christmas Present resembles a crime thriller, where the emphasis is placed on the romance rather than the detective story.  (That isn’t to say the plot is half-baked.  The ending to the whodunit is a bit weaksauce, but the crime elements are generally menacing, logically connected, and further the central relationship.  Plus, most of the mystery isn’t about whodunit but about finding mitigating factors and reasonable doubt.)  Diego is a young, low-class Mexican accused of brutally raping and murdering his pregnant girlfriend Esme.  Rafael Cardoza is the man who runs a community center and acts as Diego’s guardian, hoping his ward won’t be wrongfully sent to jail as he was.  Vivian Wentworth is the attorney forced to take the pro bono case by her firm despite the fact she’s a divorce attorney.

Vivian pulls the proceedings together.  As the opening, in which she is nearly raped, shows clearly, she is an outsider, over her head and vulnerable.  However, she’s also tenacious, clever, and generally the kind of lawyer kids like Diego need but will likely never have.  As in most stories of this type, things can get over the top.  But Vivian is a grounded and sensible presence, which made the story more convincing to me.

Rafael is very alpha male, but lacks some of the more annoying characteristics of that type.  He judges Vivian harshly at first, but it makes sense given his history with rich white girls.  He’s well aware of the class and race lines in the United States, and not happy about them.  Especially not when it hurts the kids he’s trying to help.  It’s hard not to like who a guy who clearly having papa bear urges and trying to protect his young.

I read this one very quickly, as absorbed in Vivian and Rafael’s pursuit of justice as I was in their attraction.  I have no idea how accurate the court stuff was, but Wolff sounded like she knew what she was writing about, which is enough for me.  The only time I came out of the story was when one passage reminded me that the book was set during December.  Until that point, I’d totally forgotten that I’d picked it up expecting it to be a holiday romance.  (I remembered Sherry Thomas recommending Wolff in her newsletter once, so I had the author’s name in the back of my head.)

I’ll definitely pick up another book by Wolff.  I may also start reading the Harlequin blurbs closer, as clearly the title and cover can’t be relied on.  (I knew this, but old habits are hard to break.)  This book contained a number of things I enjoy, including racial tensions and action, as well as a convincing romance.  The Christmas setting wasn’t saccharine, but a bittersweet reminder that even as the season draws people together, there are still bad things happening out there.  As The Christmas Present is a Harlequin, there is a happy ending.

But Wolff makes her characters earn it.

Grade: A

Summary:

Rafael Cardoza needs a lawyer. A good one well versed in criminal law is the only hope to save the wrongfully accused kid from Rafael’s community center. So how does he end up with uptown divorce attorney Vivian Wentworth? The chances of her successfully defending this case are slim to none. If Rafael were smart, he’d show Vivian the door.

Too bad his attraction to her is clouding his judgment. And when he can finally see past his libido, he realizes that there’s more to Vivian than her family name and her designer clothes. In fact, she’s working so hard to clear the kid’s name, they just might win. It’s the best Christmas gift Rafael could receive…or would that be Vivian agreeing to stay with him?

Read an excerpt here.

Warning: The excerpt contains the attempted rape that I think is trigger-y.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of The Maid’s Lover by Amanda McCabe
Historical romance short story ebook released by Harlequin Historical Undone 1 Dec 09

Amanda McCabe is quickly becoming one of my go-to historical authors when I’m in the mood for “different.”  Her latest short story for the Undone line features the criminally underused Elizabethan England locale to tell the story of two clandestine lovers.

Anne Percy may be related to nobility, but she’s a poor little orphan girl with few prospects.  There isn’t a lot of joy in her life, until she hooks up with Robert, Viscount Langley, a darling in Queen Elizabeth’s court.  These two cannot keep their hands off each other, arranging secret trysts in the woods near Anne’s home.  However the girl does see the writing on the wall.  She has zero prospects, while Robert is an heir – one expected to make a spectacular match.  He says they just have to be patient, but as the woman in this 16th century affair, she has everything to lose.  So even with her heart breaking, she cuts him loose.  Months later, now living at court, Anne has once again fallen under Robert’s spell – and this time, he’s not letting her get away.

This is ultimately a story about two people unwilling to compromise and communicate with each other.  Robert says they need to be patient, while Anne wants to scurry off and elope.  He’s definitely the more prudent of the two, but it’s easy to understand Anne’s fears.  Her and Robert have spectacular sex together, but he’s not exactly falling on bended knee declaring his undying love for her either.  Still, I couldn’t help but think that Anne was being a bit rash and silly – especially when later in the story she pulls a stunt to gain Robert’s attention.  Why she does this I have no idea.  I mean, the guy has sex with her in a hallway after a dinner at court and she still thinks she doesn’t have his attention?  Trust me cupcake.  You do.

What McCabe does exceedingly well is write about this time period.  It was downright refreshing to read about the Elizabethan era, and the excitement at court surrounding the Christmas holiday.  It’s a setting you don’t see every day in historical romance, and the author must have really thrown herself into research to include some of the interesting details that are found in the story.

Ultimately this was an OK read that kept me entertained on my lunch break.  The chemistry between Anne and Robert really sizzles, but there were moments when I was a touch annoyed with our fair heroine.

Grade: C+

Summary:

Anne Percy lived for her secret trysts with Robert, Viscount Langley, heir to a wealthy earldom and star of Queen Elizabeth’s court. Only then could she forget her life as a poor orphan at the mercy of her noble relatives and lose herself in the delights of his body. Every time they came together, it was just as passionate and wonderful as their first encounter. But even though Robert seemed to want her as much as she craved him, marriage appeared to be one thing they couldn’t share.

Now the lovers are reunited at the Queen’s Christmas feast—where Robert vows to show Anne they should never be apart…and to give her a very sensual Christmas Eve surprise.

No excerpt found.

Other books in this series:

Lynne Connolly’s review of Count Toussaint’s Pregnant Mistress by Kate Hewitt
Contemporary Romance released by Mills & Boon 18 Dec 09

Another appalling title and a daft blurb as well, because it doesn’t address the real story. The blurb doesn’t discuss a book that I ever read. So here’s my take on it.

Luc is mired in depression, but being an alpha male, he doesn’t know how to express it other than ignoring it and immersing himself in work.

Abby is a concert pianist who loves her music but hates her life. When her father mismanages their money, she uses it as an excuse to run away and try to live a more ordinary life.

Luc and Abby meet when Abby is beginning to realise that her life has to change. She spends the night with him, or a few hours anyway, but when he discovers that she’s a virgin, he uses the excuse of going to buy protection as a reason to step away. However a few months later, he seeks her out again, and this time she gets pregnant.

This story has a lovely lyrical tone to it. The first few chapters are wistful, but with a hope I found enchanting and I read on. There are some problems, such as the pacing and the waves-on-the-seashore love scenes. Modern readers tend to expect a little more than vague descriptions of lovemaking, especially when the love scenes are an important part of the book. And sometimes the motivations seemed a little contrived, such as when Luc seeks Abby out. It would have worked better for the plot had the pregnancy happened when they first met, but I did enjoy Luc’s change of heart and his realisation that he couldn’t take Abby’s virginity and then walk away, as he fully intended to do. So I wouldn’t have changed it, just firmed up the part where Luc decides to seek out Abby.

But I don’t want this to put you off reading it. The author’s style is lovely, and it works really well with the theme of music and loss. I enjoyed the realistic description of the pregnancy too, with a full understanding of modern obstetric techniques, and I really liked that Luc (French) and Abby (English) could speak each others’ language fluently. Sometimes, with all the Mediterranean billionaires and sweet English misses I wonder about the language difference.

I’m giving this one a B because of the problems of the pacing and the love scenes falling flat, but I’m adding a plus because it was a lovely, sweet read with a fluent style that I’m eagerly looking forward to reading more of.

Grade B₊

From passion…to penniless
and pregnant!

French Count Jean-Luc Toussaint had never seen such a beauty! Under the glare of the spotlight, the spirited performance of the waif-like pianist mesmerised him. He wanted to taste that passion for himself!

Swept off her feet by the Count, Abigail Summers naïvely thought she’d be forever wined and dined at his château. Instead, the unassuming starlet found herself penniless, pregnant…and waiting with bated breath for the brooding Frenchman to read the tabloid headlines and come thundering back to take what was his…

Sandy M’s review of The Phoenix Charm (Magic Knot Fairies, Book 2) by Helen Scott Taylor
Contemporary Paranormal Romance published by Love Spell 29 Dec 09

It’s official, Helen Scott Taylor has become my newest favorite author. She has the magic touch, as far as I’m concerned, to give readers terrific characters, a unique storyline, and a lovely romance. This second book in her series is every bit as intriguing and charming as her first. If you haven’t read her yet, you should. If you’re not, you’re missing out on something very special.

Cordelia, the Pisky wise woman, is left in charge when the King and his wife are out of town. She’s always been drawn to Michael, the King’s twin, but because she’s half water nymph, she’s always kept her allure warded so havoc won’t ensue because men, including Michael,  lose control around her. In the Pisky realm there’s an accidental portal breach to the underworld, and because the King is not in attendance to help seal it, his son Finian is taken to ensure closure.

Michael is a lover of women, the clan storyteller who has a voice full of glamour that can entrance nearly any being. He’s always been free of responsibility, but when young Finian is placed in danger it’s up to Michael to rescue his nephew, even give his life if necessary for the return of his brother’s son. Journeying with Cordelia, her familiar and her ward, as well as Nightshade, a vampire who is blood bonded to Michael, they walk right into danger, death, and enlightenment, the last two courtesy of Michael’s father who bestows on him the Phoenix Charm, along with the knowledge Michael needs to finally know who and what he is.

I think I like this book even a little better than the first in the series, The Magic Knot, and I loved that one. Michael grows and steps into himself at first with doubt, then with stoicism, a little fear, and eventually a lot of pride. He’s one terrific hero. His love for his nephews is just as moving as his growing love for Cordelia, and she is the perfect heroine for him. She has her own battles to face, but when the chips are down, she’s as selfless as can be.

There is a side story for Nightshade that caught me off guard.  It’s tender and happy and I was completely taken with it. We also meet another son of Troy, who I thoroughly enjoyed. I’m hoping his story is what we might get next. He’s definitely hero material.

Good versus evil, life and death, magic, fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, love of every kind imaginable, and, of course, romance are all just a smidgen of what you’ll find in this book. The writing is simply perfection, the emotion is raw and heartrending, the story is something you’ll not find anywhere else. You cannot miss by giving this book — this series — a chance. I think you’ll like it every bit as much as I did.

Grade: A+

Summary:

HE’S PURE TEMPTATION.
Cordelia has sworn she’ll abstain from looking into Michael’s future–particularly when the image in the gilded smoke of her divination mirror shows him half naked. Yet she can’t resist watching the sexy rascal slowly running his hand down his ribs, over his abdomen, flicking open the button on his jeans with a little flourish like a magician performing a trick.
SHE’S TRYING TO RESIST.
Respectable wise woman Cordelia restrains her secret water nymph sensuality with the Celtic symbols painted on her skin. But Michael’s powerful fairy glamour leaves her breathless, off balance, struggling for control. When Gwyn ap Nudd, the Welsh King of the Underworld, steals away Michael’s infant nephew, Cordelia must work with him to save the child. But how can she trust her instincts with Michael tempting her to explore the hidden elemental depths of her nature and insisting that she believe in the power of…The Phoenix Charm.

Read an excerpt. (scroll down halfway & click link)

Other books in this series:

Limecello’s review of Double the Heat by Lori Foster, Deirdre Martin, Elizabeth Bevarly, Christie Ridgway
Contemporary romance released by Berkley Trade 1 Dec 09

I’ve actually been waiting for this book since I read Double the Pleasure. A new Winston story? Heck, a new Lori Foster novella? Yeah – I was curious. Stories by Deirdre Martin, and Christie Ridgway were just a bonus. As well as Elizabeth Bevarly – I’d never read her books, but have heard good things-  so I was excited about this anthology.

Hart and Soul by Lori Foster

I liked this novella- and enjoyed it generally more than Ms. Foster’s more recent new stories. In fact, it reminded me again of why Ms. Foster was one of my favorite romance authors. I really enjoyed the romance in the story, and felt that the hero and heroine were well matched. As for the plot – that was definitely lacking and much less believable.

Hart Winston and Lisa Vogle are great characters. Hart is charming, clueless, and hot. He’s the guy everyone loved- the guy who gets everything he wants – and you don’t hate him because underneath it all he really is a nice guy. Lisa is smart, sweet, and likable. It helps that Hart has to grovel early on, and realizes first that he’s in love with Lisa. (This after his whambamthankyouma’am and disappearing act.)

The fact that Ms. Foster manages to get the reader past that is impressive. However, the reason why Lisa finds it “so imperative” to contact Hart is a let down. And the “action” thrown in to keep things interesting falls flat. I really could have done without it.

Nevertheless, Hart and Soul was ultimately just a quick, fun read, but not memorable. I had to skim through the novella again to remind myself of the key points to write this review.

Grade: C

Breaking the Ice by Deirdre Martin

The story had so much potential… but I couldn’t get over the fact that there was so little romance. Lennie Buckley and Sebastian Ivanov just… seemed a bit off for me. They started off as friends, and while they’re physically attracted to each other I couldn’t go with the emotional attraction. Lennie and Sebastian only hung out a few times – and to their, and Ms. Martin’s credit, they hold off on getting physical. Specifically, Sebastian originally is just looking for a friend, who is female. Lennie happens to be mistaken as his “meet and greet” and they hit it off. They’re determined to just be friends, but Lennie makes a move on Sebastian. He holds her off, and they just hang out – both lead busy lives.

A few weeks (I believe) later, they’re meeting each other’s family, and dating. And having sex, now. And then, Sebastian tells Lennie about his lack of job stability, and she goes crazy. Lennie is pretty bitchy, and I thought extreme, even for fiction. They have nothing to do with each other for three months… and then – they’re together again! O_o

But even more than that, their personalities didn’t seem to mesh. Lennie’s so focused on school, and a bit odd. Sebastian is, well, chivalrous, and doesn’t get Lennie’s love and fascination with retro and vintage clothing – and she’s a clothing designer. He’s a hockey player. Basically, I never really believed in Lennie and Sebastian’s romance, or that they’d work. Sad. I did love the cameo appearances by the other Blade players though.

Grade: D

Double Booked by Elizabeth Bevarly

If Ms. Bevarly’s writing is consistent, I’m sorry to say that she’s not the author for me. The premise of the story is cute, and I could get behind the “opposites attract” concept – but Double Booked was a bit much for me. I actually put the book down for a bit.

Amanda Bingham and Max Callahan are… well, spastic. I’m pretty well known for being random, and these characters made even my head hurt.

Amanda was so much a workaholic, that she was unreal. It just didn’t make sense that someone so smart, capable, and put together would cower like she did and kow tow to her boss. Yes it was part of her “character” – but otherwise, why?

Also, Max seemed to be too extreme as well. The listless, good for nothing bum, who only cares about getting laid and having a good time. He seems to be a loser, but then isn’t – and it almost seems like the sole reason his depiction changes, is because Amanda is attracted to him.

She’s so determined to have a fling, and avoid Max in general, working and ignoring her vacation- and then at the end Amanda does something completely out of character, and they’re in love. Maybe it was the length – basically the word limits that hurt this book – which may have been the pitfall for the other stories… but it just didn’t work for me here.
I could believe Amanda and Max as a vacation fling much more than a couple that would go back home to Chicago and stick together.

Grade: D

Original Zin by Christie Ridgway

John Henry Hudson, and Zinnia Friday are fantastic characters. This was also my favorite story by far. It was also the shortest novella in the book, which makes me incredibly sad.

Ms. Ridgway has a lot of humor in her story, but it’s also realistic. I was amused and entertained, but not rolling my eyes because situations were over exaggerated. Zinnia luckily goes by the name “Zin” and she has some hang ups. While skating the edge of believability, it works. Zin’s parents are hippies. She has a brother and sister. Kohl and Mari. Whose full names are Kohlrabi and Marigold. Those poor, poor children. Nevertheless, Ms. Ridgway sticks to her theme, and builds around it. This makes me believe the story, rather than making things seem hokey.

John Henry Hudson is your typical stick in the mud executive, but he’s got a sense of humor. I like that there’s a slight twist of him being something of a hound dog. Not in general – just that he’s super attracted to Zin and has decided to go after her with all of his considerable focus.

Zin and John Henry are actually quite compatible and similar. Both driven, workaholics who follow the rules.

I have to say… I love Zin. I love that she looks out for herself, that she gets mad and gets it out- and chooses what is best or most practical for her. She chooses her career, not love. Which elicits something of a “you go, girl!” response in me. But don’t worry – romance wins in the end, and there’s a happy ending. And it’s great. Suffice it to say, I’m determined to read more of Ms. Ridgway’s stories.

Grade: B+

Really, if you like these authors – Ms. Ridgway’s alone is enough to recommend reading this book. I really liked parts of each novella. I can definitely see myself re-reading sections… but unfortunately when taken as a whole, I found myself underwhelmed by a few of the stories. Has this turned me off the authors? No. I’m glad I read the stories – especially Hart’s, as it’s another Winston story and connected to the anthology Double the Pleasure – and even more so Ms. Ridgway’s Original Zin because it’s such a good read.

Final verdict? Eh – it’s ok. :X If you love the authors – read it. Get it from the library, thumb through it at the book store before you make your decision – do what you like. It’s worth reading. Worth $15.00 of reading… I’ll let you decide.

Overall Grade: C-

Summary:

What could be more fun than a game between friends- or lovers? In these four sexy stories of mixed-up couples and mistaken identities, it’s not about winning, but how much you like to play.

With a brand-new novella featuring Hart Winston, whose switch with his identically hot twin brother has landed him in some serious foul play, it’s a safe bet that in the game of love no one is going to follow the rules.

Read an excerpt by Lori Foster here.
Read an excerpt by Deirdre Martin here. here.
No excerpts from Ms. Bevarly or Ms. Ridgway, who both desperately need to update their websites.

Gwen’s review of Divine Misdemeanors (Meredith Gentry, Book 8 ) by Laurell K. Hamilton
Urban fantasy hardcover released by Ballantine 8 Dec 09

Laurell K. Hamilton’s Merry Gentry novels typically revolve around the politics of the Unseelie Court.  A couple of the early books were more about Merry’s Men and her day job working for a private detective agency.  There are many LKH fans who, after the last few Merry books that were all about sidhe politics, were begging for a return to the private investigation roots.  With DM those beggars get their wish. 

I’m not sure what side of that fence I sit on – politics or private life.  I enjoy reading about Merry’s problems juggling all those men.  I also enjoy reading about the utterly foreign and Machiavellian sidhe courts.  With both, there is a significant sex element.  Merry has TONS of mystically enhanced sex with all sorts of creatures big and small.  It all normally combines to be a rather wild tale that is fun to read.

DM is certainly a return to Hamilton’s roots.  Merry and her men meander their way around a serial murder mystery involving the fey.  The PI agency that Merry works for is brought in for expert advice.  Things happen, sex is had, and the mystery solved.  End of book.

What I think LKH is trying to do with this entry in the series is show how Merry is growing into her role as leader of the sidhe.  In spite of her rejection of the crown(s) in the previous book and frequent verbal rejections of the title in this book, it becomes apparent that Merry still subconsciously feels she will have to be queen.  Her actions, decisions, and general behaviour in DM all point to Merry eventually accepting the crown(s).

If feels like DM is one of those “bridge” books that transitions the Merry Gentry story into the next big phase.  If I had a crystal ball, I’d say that the next book will have Merry giving birth to her twins – no doubt in some crazily mystical method – and something significant will happen on the throne(s) front.

I enjoyed this book, but felt the sex scenes were a little forced and not as hot as previous books.  And let’s be honest, we read Merry Gentry partially for the rampant sex.  Also, the “mystery” is a bit obvious.  It’s resolution is a little confused and facile.

Even with the flaws, this is a very readable book and an interesting entry in the Merry Gentry world.  I do not recommend the book if you haven’t read any of the other entries – it’s not a standalone book.  However, if you’re a fan of Merry, you should read it to see how she continues her evolution into the queen of the sidhe.

Grade: B-

Read more reviews and information on this series here.

Summary:

You may know me best as Meredith Nic Essus, princess of faerie. Or perhaps as Merry Gentry, Los Angeles private eye. In the fey and mortal realms alike, my life is the stuff of royal intrigue and celebrity drama. Among my own, I have confronted horrendous enemies, endured my noble kin’s treachery and malevolence, and honored my duty to conceive a royal heir—all for the right to claim the throne. But I turned my back on court and crown, choosing exile in the human world—and in the arms of my beloved Frost and Darkness.

While I may have rejected the monarchy, I cannot abandon my people. Someone is killing the fey, which has left the LAPD baffled and my guardsmen and me deeply disturbed. My kind are not easily captured or killed. At least not by mortals. I must get to the bottom of these horrendous murders, even if that means going up against Gilda, the Fairy Godmother, my rival for fey loyalties in Los Angeles.

But even stranger things are happening. Mortals I once healed with magic are suddenly performing miracles, a shocking phenomenon wreaking havoc on human/faerie relations. Though I am innocent, dark suspicions of banned magical activities swirl around me.

I thought I’d left the blood and politics behind in my own turbulent realm. I had dreamed of an idyllic life in sunny L.A. with my beloved ones beside me. But it becomes time to wake up and realize that evil knows no borders, and that nobody lives forever—even if they’re magical.

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in the series:

Liviania’s review of Newly Fallen by Megan Hart
Paranormal romance released by Spice Briefs 1 Dec 09

I’ve followed the advice of several of the other duckies in the past.  Today it was limecello’s turn.  Anyway, I know that limecello loves Megan Hart.  Megan Hart just released a Spice Brief, the perfect way to try out her writing without committing to a large page count.  This is only my second foray into the Spice line, so it was also a chance to get a feel for that.

Let’s start with the line.  I’m clearly not an expert, but I believe the Spice books are spicy, the closest thing Harlequin publishes to erotica.  While Newly Fallen includes several explicit sex scenes, they don’t really set off my spicy meter.  They’d be fine in almost any romance, though slightly less concentrated. However, I have never been one to read a story for the sex scenes.  (Not that a good sex scene isn’t a bonus.)

Lilly Gold is celebrating Hanukkah alone when a man falls into her yard.  We’re given a brief explanation that she’s always accepted unusual things to explain why she isn’t freaking out that she has a strange naked man in her yard that knows her name.  But hey, I’ll go with it.  It’s a short story and Hart needs to move onto the relationship as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, the romance fizzled for me.  Lilly and Zacharias played games some before falling into bed, but it still seems like most of their interaction was the sex.  I’d buy that it was good and thus they wanted to develop something different, but instead there was instant falling in love.  It felt too easy.

Hart’s writing was competent.  I was excited to see a Hanukkah story instead of a Christmas one.  I enjoyed that Hart used the holiday in a meaningful way instead of leaving it as window dressing.  The story was sweet.  But in a short story about a miraculous love, I need to believe in the love and I didn’t.  I found it very disappointing.  (Perhaps it’s lime’s fault for talking her up so much!)

As it is, I still need to try a full-length Spice.  But I probably won’t go for a Hart first.

Grade: D+

Summary:
Faced with spending her first Hanukkah alone, Lilly Gold wishes for a miracle that would change her life just a little bit. Then her prayers are answered–in a big way–when the most perfect naked man appears in her yard during a blizzard.

Zachariah tells Lilly he’s been sent to be–and do—anything she wants. And for eight passionate days, trapped together by the snow, he does just that, giving Lilly all the pleasure she could have hoped for. But when their holiday is over, only another miracle can keep their affair from ending, too…
No excerpt found.

Limecello’s review of The Maverick by Diana Palmer
Contemporary romance released by Silhouette Desire 8 Dec 09

I’m pretty sure people believe that Diana Palmer is one of my favorite authors. This statement isn’t true. It’s more that Ms. Palmer is almost a compulsion – like a drug I can’t quit. I know there are other Palmer addicts out there, so you know what I’m talking about. Many people read a book by Ms. Palmer and think “I don’t get the hype.” But generally, every story has something about it that makes it special. I’m sorry to say, that The Maverick wasn’t one of these surprise gems.

Both the hero and heroine have had appearance in previous books by Ms. Palmer – her seemingly never ending Long Tall Texan series. (I do not lie- I’m pretty sure there are more than 60 interconnected stories at this point, and that’s low balling it.)

I’m going to talk about the hero, Harley Fowler, first because he’s been a part of so many previous stories. Harley seemed to be perpetually unlucky in love. He’s dated practically every heroine from when he first appeared, to now, when he finally gets his own book. I don’t want to say it, but I’m a little disappointed. (Not as much as others, based on reactions I’ve seen – but… still a bit let down.) Harley has surprising depth, and the reader knows him to be a good guy. He used to be cocky and immature, but now has grown into a respectable, and likable man. Harley knows what is important in life, and doesn’t care about image or what other people think of him in regards to what is “in” or “fashionable.” All of these characteristics are things you look for and want in a hero, but unfortunately Harley just falls a bit flat here.

Alice Jones I believe was a medical examiner, but regardless, she also has appeared in a number of previous books. She’s quirky, has an off kilter sense of humor, and essentially weirds people out. Alice uses her off beat humor as a way to amuse herself and cope with the cases she deals with. I understand that. However, Ms. Palmer takes it too far in the book. I don’t think there’s a single instance where someone doesn’t walk away from Alice. The reader feels beaten about the head with Alice’s supposedly “fun and sassy” personality, that simply isn’t. Alice is just… weird. I get that she’s supposed to be whimsical or idiosyncratic… but it reads as if Alice, or Ms. Palmer is trying too hard. (And sadly without succeeding.)

I liked Alice and Harley as individuals, but didn’t think they had any chemistry as a couple. It seemed as if Ms. Palmer had a check list – one she uses for every book, and made sure she hit the high points, and let the rest go. Harley used to be a jerk, but now he’s matured and ready to settle down. Check. The heroine falls in love with the hero first. Check. The heroine is inexperienced [generally a virgin- which yup, she is here] – check. (And it’s not that I have an issue with the concept – simply that there seems to be no reason for it here. Other than… Alice’s social skills or lack thereof may have guaranteed that happenstance.) Someone is murdered/there is a horrific crime committed in Jacobsville. Check. The townspeople all come out en masse – check.

Alice proposes to Harley – jokingly- I believe the first time she meets him, and every subsequent time. Their first meeting is incredibly antagonistic, and yet suddenly they become friends. And more than that, they begin dating, and hello they’re all over each other. O_o Oh and Harley just so happens to be a senator’s kid, though he’s been estranged from his parents for over a decade. Don’t worry – they reconcile by the end of the book. Of course. (Oh- check mark here too.)

This isn’t the worst Diana Palmer book I’ve read, and by no means one of the worst books in general I’ve ever read. I’m just sad that it’s very disjointed, and essentially not up to par for other books by Ms. Palmer. The flow isn’t quite there, and too much is happening at once, in too short a time period. As a result, the plot, romance, and pacing of the book are all shortchanged.

If you’re a die-hard Diana Palmer fan, or love Harley, read this book. It’s cute, and explains a lot about him. If you’re wondering if you should try out a Diana Palmer book, stay away from this one. She has so many better ones out there.

Grade: D-

Always in the middle of trouble, be it during roundup or at Jacobsville county dances, Harley Fowler emerges unscathed. Until he meets whirlwind, top-notch investigator Alice Jones, who is trying to solve a murder involving the one family Harley doesn’t want to talk about—his own. Suddenly he’s in the midst of mayhem—and all he can think about is protecting Alice. But the stubborn woman is unappreciative of his efforts. What’s a confirmed maverick to do? Is seduction the solution?

Read an excerpt here.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Her Colorado Man by Cheryl St. John
Historical romance released by Harlequin Historical 01 Dec 2009

Cheryl St. John is, hands down, my number one comfort author.  Her books are the equivalent of a cold winter night, snow falling outside, wrapped in a blanket, cuddled up on the sofa, drinking a mug of hot cocoa.  There is just something about her stories that rich deep down and strike an emotional cord in me.  Her Colorado Man continues that tradition, although I will admit it took me some time to wrap my mind around the jaw-dropping conflict.

When Mariah was 18-years-old she found herself pregnant.  The only soul she told was her grandfather, who promptly suggested she go to Chicago to attend “school.”  She lived there for a year, and when she returned home with young John James, she discovered grandfather, as a way to protect her and his new grandson, had concocted a make-believe husband.  He had a friend, Otto, working as a postmaster in Alaska, and asked him to come up with a name.  In return, Otto would write the occasional letter “home” to keep up appearances.  It’s an elaborate lie, but one Mariah agrees to.  The truth isn’t an option, so she agrees to become Mrs. Wesley Burrows.

Unknown to them is that there really is a Wesley Burrows.  He went to Alaska looking for gold, but quickly learned that delivering mail was a more reliable way to make money.  After an accident leaves him confined to bed, his backlog of personal mail is delivered to him.  Otto is no longer around to intercept them, so among his mail are letters from young John James.  Reading those letters, from a young boy who desperately needs a father, causes something to break for Wes.  He gets better and writes a letter to Mariah’s grandfather.  He’s coming to Colorado to be the father that John James wants and needs.

As one can imagine, this news is a bit upsetting to Mariah.  She had no idea Wesley Burrows was “real,” and the idea of welcoming a stranger into her life is unacceptable.  Yes, using his name was wrong, but what does he want?  What are his motives?  She doesn’t know this guy from Adam, how can she possibly trust him?  Why is he really doing this?

That’s the rub, of course – and it’s easy for the reader to understand how Mariah feels, because Wes’ decision is pretty fantastical.  Not just any man would drop his whole life to become a father just because a boy needs one.  However the author makes it work by explaining more about Wes.  What his life has been like, the accident, and how those letters from John James gave him so much comfort that he wanted to comfort the boy in return.  Admittedly he doesn’t think this plan all the way through.  He thinks, “I can be this boy’s father.” He doesn’t think, “Um, but what about the boy’s mother?” That’s ultimately what gets sorted out over the course of the story.

How willing the reader is to buy into this conflict will determine how well the book will work for them.  It worked fairly well for me because St. John sells it so well.  It also worked thanks to how fresh and lively this setting felt to me.  This is no run of the mill western. Mariah’s family is a large, lively, close-knit German clan that happens to run their own brewery.  Mariah works there, as does almost every single family member.  The brewery atmosphere, the trip to Denver the family takes for business, made this story feel so fresh and different compared to some of the other historical romances I’ve read this year.

At the end of the day, this story delivers exactly what I’ve come to expect from a Cheryl St. John book.  Good, hard-working characters who aren’t prone to hysterics, compelling conflict, and a tenderness that runs through the romance.  The plot and conflict of this story are a bit of a stretch at times, but it’s to the author’s credit that even this cynical skeptic ended up swallowing the idea.  I finished the final page thinking to myself, “Sure, that could have happened.  Hey, maybe it did happen?  And ::sigh::, what a nice story.”

Grade: B

Summary:

When eighteen-year-old Mariah found herself pregnant and unmarried in her small Colorado town, she disappeared. One year later, she returned with a baby—though minus the “husband” who had conveniently ventured off to Alaska’s gold fields to seek his fortune….

But now, with handsome adventurer Wes Burrows turning up and claiming to be the husband she had invented, Mariah’s lies become flesh and blood—and her wildest dreams a reality!

Read an excerpt.

Lynne Connolly’s review of High Powered, Hot Blooded by Susan Mallery
Contemporary Romance published by Silhouette Desire 8 Dec 09

A powerful businessman, Duncan didn’t like ultimatums, unless he was making them. But the board demanded his public image change. When he encountered sweet kindergarten teacher Annie McCoy, he knew she’d make him look like a perfect angel, though it would take some devilish manipulation.

Once he had Annie playing his pretend mistress, Duncan needed to make her his real-life lover. Could a grouchy CEO cultivate the charm necessary to win the woman he’d almost destroyed?

Susan Mallery is one of my favorite Harlequin authors. Sometimes she gets a bit too sweet for me, and everything turns to sugar, but this is a Christmas book, and I do like a bit of sweet stuff at this time of year.

This is a Scrooge-like Christmas story, except Scrooge isn’t that Scrooge-y. Duncan is more misunderstood, and he’s a good businessman. Most of his problem is bad press.

I liked Duncan, but he isn’t that much different to many of the other Harlequin Presents heroes. Rich, ruthless, a tycoon. But I have to confess I’m a sucker for that kind of hero, when he’s well done and Duncan was well done. And he never hurt the heroine. For me, the turning point between alpha and alpha jerk is often when the hero hurts the heroine, especially when he does it intentionally.

Annie was right on the cusp of annoyingly sweet, but she lands on the good side. Not too cloying, despite being a kindergarten teacher the story isn’t awash with ankle biters and there isn’t a baby McGuffin. Good points for me.

Duncan hires Annie to be his girlfriend to get him some good press. I liked that he was straightforward about the offer and she wasn’t stupid about it. She took the deal. It did annoy me that she planned to give away her expensive wardrobe after the job was up. Nah, who’d do that? True, kindergarten teachers don’t have much call for cocktail dresses and ball gowns, but hey, hanging them up and gloating is fun, too.

I didn’t like the motivation for Annie, or rather, I didn’t like the way it turned out. Got a bit sugary there. Annie’s brother works for Duncan, and he’s embezzled money from the company. I didn’t buy that Duncan would have covered that up. If there are shareholders, then he has no right to. He does report to a board, although that seems to consist of family members.

Anyway, that doesn’t take up much of the story. The main focus, as it should be, is the development of the relationship. And that was fun. Mallery does interaction and dialogue really well. I loved some of their exchanges.

So all in all, a fun Christmas read and I’ll give it a fun B.

Grade: B

Mr. December: Duncan Patrick, CEO Scrooge

His Objective: Lose the “bah humbug” attitude

His Plan: Find the right (temporary) mistress

A powerful businessman, Duncan didn’t like ultimatums, unless he was making them. But the board demanded his public image change. When he encountered sweet kindergarten teacher Annie McCoy, he knew she’d make him look like a perfect angel, though it would take some devilish manipulation.

Once he had Annie playing his pretend mistress, Duncan needed to make her his real-life lover. Could a grouchy CEO cultivate the charm necessary to win the woman he’d almost destroyed?

Limecello’s review of To Tame Her Tycoon Lover by Ann Major
Contemporary romance published by Silhouette Desire on 8 Dec 2009

I read this book, and am so happy about it. I’ve been on this Nawlins/Creole kick, and grabbing To Tame Her  Tycoon Lover seemed serendipitous. I could be mistaken, but I’m a little surprised Ann Major wrote it. I really enjoy her stories- but this one was really sexy. (Or, I thought so – more than her usual book, maybe?) I loved the setting, loved the characters- it was just what I wanted.

Cici is a heroine that is likable, but I’m not entirely sure how I feel about her. Could I be any more vague? Likely. Cici is smart, caring, sweet, kind – and rather realistic… but in a way she’s selfish too. Those human traits make her a dynamic character, and I actually found that endearing… but I suppose I felt she fell for Logan too quickly again. Maybe she was lying to herself saying or thinking it could all be physical. I liked her, Cici has a great personality- I just think she caved a bit too easily.

Logan is an idiot. I want to say douche bag… and maybe he is. He just makes me so angry. I’m a little surprised by how much I like this book, considering how upset I am with Logan. However, I didn’t dislike him. Credit that to Ms. Major’s writing ability. Logan is confused, a jerk, high handed, lost, and really a hero who doesn’t seem to be much of a hero. He seduced a girl on purpose – so she wouldn’t get with his twin. And ruin the family. He’s estranged from his twin, essentially cheats on his girlfriend (who, incidentally, he is planning on marrying…), he hasn’t apologized for his actions… but through all this Logan still seems redeemable, and is. Truly. He feels guilty about it – just has a hard time putting things together and admitting how he feels – even to himself.

I will have to say… the ending flopped a little bit for me. I can’t help but think that  Cici forgave Logan a little too easily. He abandoned her again. Granted, he was doing it “for her own good” – and sometimes I get that and am ok with it… but not here. Idiot. That, and the focus on Jake and Alicia. I suppose I’m hoping for a sequel of sorts detailing their relationship – but in a way, not, because it was extraneous to this story. I didn’t appreciate the hooks for another sale. Perhaps I’ve become oversensitive to such things because I’m [mad] at series…but that bugged me. Also it’d be too pat what with Cici’s “they’re perfect for each other- both do-gooders” throwaway comment. (Don’t worry, that’s not a spoiler)

I suppose it doesn’t seem like it, but I really liked this book. There is so much going on. I’m always impressed by the star harlequin authors who manage to put a complete story that is well paced into such a little package. Cici and Logan both have side stories to the central romance. The secondary characters are developed and integral. The romance and physical relationship between Cici and Logan is suitably established, and satisfactory. I definitely plan on re-reading this book.

Grade: B+

As a girl from the wrong side of the bayou, Cici Bellefleur had loved one Claiborne brother…and been romanced by the other. Foolishly, she’d given Logan her innocence only to learn his seduction was but a means to an end. It was a betrayal she’d never forget—or forgive.

Discovering Cici had returned caught Logan by surprise…as did learning his desire for her had not diminished with time. Years before, he’d led her on to keep her away from his twin brother. Yet now the tycoon vowed to have Cici once again…this time to please no one but himself.

[Sorry - no excerpt. Ms. Major's website really needs updating.]

JenB’s review of Dark Side of Dawn by Kathryn Smith
Paranormal Romance released by Avon 24 Nov 09

I loved Before I Wake, the first book in Kathryn Smith’s Nightmare Chronicles, so much that I placed it in my top 5 books for 2008. I bought copies for friends and practically forced them to read it, and I’m pretty sure I frightened the author with my fangirl squeeing.

In Before I Wake, Dr. Dawn Riley had to face her past and come to terms with the fact that she couldn’t escape who–and what–she was. She met a man who needed her–and several creatures who wanted her dead, she was reacquainted with her absentee father (who just happened to be Morpheus, the god of dreams), and she was forced to use newly discovered powers in a world she hadn’t visited much since childhood. No pressure, right?

Dark Side of Dawn is a direct continuation of Before I Wake, taking place only a few weeks after the close of the first book. For this reason, I highly recommend reading BIW before DSOD (you won’t be sorry!). As DSOD opens, Dawn is interrupted from training with her sexy dream-world mentor Verek when her new boyfriend Noah tells her a terrible thing has happened to someone from his past. As this person is important to Noah, Dawn reluctantly agrees to help, despite her own conflicting feelings.

In the midst of training in the dream world with Verek, searching out the bad guy, learning to reconcile her dream-warrior side with her human side, and feeling out her growing romance with Noah, Dawn also learns her acts from the previous book have made even more enemies for her in the Dreaming. Prominent members of the governing body want her unmade, which basically amounts to death. And did I mention Dawn has some family drama to deal with in the human world as well?

We learn a lot about Dawn, Noah, and Morpheus in this second installment of the Nightmare Chronicles. Dawn’s powers are constantly growing and developing and surprising everyone around her. Noah has some interesting powers of his own. And Morpheus has a past that he hasn’t shared with his half-human daughter.

Ms. Smith really outdid herself with this book. Any complaints I had about the first book are completely cleared up in Dark Side of Dawn. Most importantly, the name-brand dropping is nearly nonexistent this time, which makes Dawn much more likable and real. Noah has hidden depths, and I’m really hoping they’re developed some more in the third installment. I also want to know more about sexy Verek. I found myself completely surprised at the resolution of nearly every plot thread in this book. I consider myself a pretty cynical reader, so I really admire the author’s ability to pull one over on me without resorting to cliches or bringing out the good ol’ deus ex machina.

Without a doubt, Dark Side of Dawn is the most captivating book I’ve read all year. In fact, so far, it’s my favorite book of 2009. I’ve already read my ARC twice, and I still plan to buy a copy of the paperback on November 24 for my keeper shelf. Yes, it’s that good.

Grade: A

Life can be a nightmare. Literally.

On the surface, it might seem like I, Dawn Riley, have it all. I’ve got a great job, a boyfriend who loves me . . . but my family life is a different story.

As the mortal daughter of the King of Dreams, I have an ability to exist between both worlds . . . which is terrifying to some. Now the Nightmare Council claims I’ve broken their laws and is threatening to have me “unmade.” And if that’s not bad enough, I need to track down a vicious criminal responsible for several savage attacks—before he finds me.

I’m lucky enough to have Noah by my side, and he’ll do whatever it takes so that we can have a future together. In the end, though, this is my battle. The fate of a world rests upon my shoulders, and it seems the best that I can hope for is not to die in my sleep . . .

Read an Excerpt