Sandy M’s review of Playing for Keeps by Shiloh Walker
Contemporary Romance ebook published by Samhain 13 Jan 09

Yes, I’ve had this ebook tucked away on the computer for a year and a half now. Shame on me. But I’m actually glad. Shiloh Walker is one of those authors whose books I know I’m going to like no matter what, even if there’s the smallest, niggling doubt that creeps into my mind on one page that I may not care for what’s happening.  Then on the very next page she’s sucked me in and I’m lost in the story, the characters, and most of all the emotion.

In this case that little doubt came early on, when during a storm Jacob heads over to Dana’s house to make sure she’s okay, finds her and her lover at the back of the house in the rain, but before he can hightail it out of there, Dana is as plastered to him as her clothes are to her, asking him to join in their play. Jake has always loved Dana, she’s always been a part of his life, and if the only way he can have her is to be part of a threesome, so be it.

What’s wrong with that, you ask, that caused my doubt? I had to read a little further past the threesome bit to learn of Jake’s want, desire, love for Dana. Most of the time when I read menage books, it seems they’re written just because the author can write them, no substance or feeling to them. Well, I felt Jake’s emotion surrounding Dana’s invitation and then his acceptance of it, and Ms. Walker gave me huge amounts of substance and emotion.

And that’s just the beginning between these two characters. The heart of this story is surrounding the unplanned pregnancy when the condom breaks during one of their one-on-one love making scenes. Coming to grips with the situation, happier about it than she thought she’d be, Dana hopes Jake is happy about it too. Of course, he is. He’s always wanted a life with Dana, so this is a dream come true, a new beginning.

Dana ousts the other man in her life, asks Jake to move in with her, and begins to plan for the future. Then one of those awful, horrible moments in life happen and their baby is in danger. The gut-wrenching fear this couple goes through and then later their raw grief and anger is palpable. Dana turns inward with her emotion while Jake wants to be together for comfort and love, but our hearts and minds don’t always work the way we hope and want, and these two find that out in such mind-numbing ways.

What makes this story more poignant is the author’s note at the end. Ms. Walker and her husband went through this very thing (though in a very different way), and you can feel their pain and loss in every word on every page. I hope it was somehow cathartic for Ms. Walker, and I admire her for putting her experience into such a beautiful piece of work. I appreciate it that much more for it.

If you’re a Shiloh Walker fan and haven’t read this one yet, do so soon. This is one story you don’t want to miss.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Jacob has always been part of Dana Cochran’s life. They’ve lived next door to each other for years, they’ve dated on and off and now they see each other through work.

But their timing has just never been right, and when Dana invites Jacob over to play with her and Mason Caldwell…things get complicated.

Doctor Jacob McCoy loves Dana. So much so, that he’s even willing to share her with Mason Caldwell. But a red-hot threesome isn’t all that Jacob wants from Dana.

When tragedy strikes their fledging relationship, Jacob has to convince Dana that pushing him away isn’t the answer.

He wants to be in her life forever. And some things are worth fighting for.

Read an excerpt.

Limecello’s Duckies Do Series reviews of the Holidays Abroad Series by Merline Lovelace
Contemporary romances released by Harlequin Nov 2008 – Jan 2009

I quite fancy the idea of Christmas in summer (especially during a sweltering heat wave), so when I read the Duke’s New Year’s Resolution, I realized I was in the middle of a series, and read the other books in the trilogy – The CEO’s Christmas Proposition (Book 1) and The Executive’s Valentine Seduction (Book 3). This is a really cute trilogy that follows a natural progression, and takes place realistically chronologically. I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for Ms. Lovelace’s books in the future. [And yes, I realize for some places at least, summer has disappeared and we're facing bitter cold. So... this is good to prepare for the upcoming holiday season!]

The CEO’s Christmas Proposition (Book 1)
Released by Silhouette Desire 11 Nov 08

While I didn’t find the premise of this story very believable, I nevertheless liked it. The whole winter wonderland aspect really appealed to me, and I also appreciate the “we’re stranded together so our relationship will develop much more quickly” trope. I think that Devon and Cal were characterized nicely, and that each stayed true to him and herself.

Although generally I’m not a fan of this, I really liked how Sabrina and Caroline had parts in this book. Normally I’d say the focus should have been on Devon and Cal, and that Sabrina and Caroline had their own books to be released soon enough. However, Ms. Lovelace writes the characters in so that they fit naturally, and really bolster the story. After all, the entire premise of this series is that Devon, Sabrina, and Caro are abroad because they’ve just started a new business. And they’ve started a new business because they’re best friends, all looking for something different.

I also enjoyed the fact that Ms. Lovelace incorporated the holiday into her story, and the way Cal and Devon treated Christmas really showed a lot about their personalities as well. And yes, led to their relationship as well.

Grade: B-

Summary:
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A case of mistaken identity landed Devon McShay on the receiving end of a mind-blowing kiss—from her new client! CEO Cal Logan was an undeniably handsome man, and despite their business relationship, Devon couldn’t help thinking about kissing him again.
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When a crippling ice storm traps them in Salzburg for Christmas, sharing a room is their only option. And sharing a bed becomes their pleasure. Could this passionate encounter evolve into anything more than a holiday affair?

Read an excerpt here.

The Duke’s New Year’s Resolution (Book 2)
Released by Silhouette Desire 9 Dec 08

I think this is my favorite story of the bunch. First of all, I’m a sucker for a sexy Italian hero. And he’s a surgeon. And he’s a duke. Be still my beating heart.

However, I also like The Duke’s New Year’s Resolution so much, because I liked it — even though the premise of the book has so many things I don’t like. (That makes sense, right?) First, the heroine is/was a heiress, and I cannot stand the “poor little rich girl” character. However, Sabrina isn’t like that. She knows she was wild and bratty when she was younger, and that rebelling openly and publicly in the tabloids against her father probably wasn’t the best thing to do. She also doesn’t particularly feel sorry for herself, but it’s clear her emotional relationship with her father was lacking. That will elicit my sympathy. And it did.

Then there’s the creepy factor wherein Sabrina supposedly looks just like Marco’s deceased wife. (I don’t think this was entirely necessary, but it definitely adds a lot of drama.) It does force the characters, and especially Marco to profess the depth and sincerity of his feelings for Sabrina, which is always nice.  I really like how Sabrina’s past comes to haunt her – I felt that Ms. Lovelace tied all aspects of the story together nicely, and made it believable. It wasn’t all cotton candy and fluff, and the characters had to take responsibility for their actions and pasts.

And you know, the romance and heat and super hot Italian duke/surgeon.

Grade: B

Summary:

The setting was picture-postcard perfect; the hero, bonafide royalty. Sabrina’s worst fear was that she would wake up and discover it was all a dream. Duke—and doctor—Marco Calvetti had almost run her off the road. Now Sabrina was playing houseguest in his Amalfi-coast villa. Marco’s romantic words and skilled hands gave new meaning to the term “bedside manner,” but his brooding eyes hid secret wounds…or was it a secret agenda? Either way, the duke promised her a New Year’s she would never forget.…

Read an excerpt here.

The Executive’s Valentine Seduction (Book 3)
Released by Silhouette Desire 13 Jan 09

I enjoyed this book because the hero grovels. I have this slightly sadistic streak, which makes me revel in the heroes’ suffering. (I think it was because I read too many old school romances starting out, so I always felt that the heroine gave more than the hero.) In The Executive’s Valentine Seduction, Rory has to work for it. But with good reason. I really like who Caro is as a person, although she is off balance for much of the story.

I also love the trope of friends to lovers – and the story here is a loose interpretation of it. Anyway, Caro and Rory definitely have history, and a lot to work through, but it gives them a foundation, and makes the fact that their “forever and totally in love” relationship is established in the course of a few days believable.

Another thing I really appreciated is that Ms. Lovelace featured Rory. We get to see him in action, and it really brings everything together – what Rory does, who he is, the entire purpose of the conference, which is why Rory and Caro meet again. (With some orchestrations on Rory’s part.)

Lastly, I thought there was a sense of finality to this book, and the series, as Ms. Lovelace had Cal and Devon, as well as Sabrina and Marco all go to Rory and Caro in Spain. It was nice the three women get together, and all have their happy ending.

Grade: B

Summary:

Amor was on the menu…

And Rory Burke was intent on having Caroline Walters as the main course.

This meeting he’d arranged in beautiful Tossa de Mar was no mere business transaction. Having learned the truth about his long-ago lover, Rory had gone to great lengths to orchestrate this Valentine reunion in sunny Spain. His plan? To lure Caro back into his bed—as his bride. With his powers of persuasion, the high-powered executive was certain he would get his way—until the power of pasión turned the tables on him….

Read an excerpt here.

I felt that the relationships Ms. Lovelace wrote were incredibly believable, and I liked the focus she had on it. I don’t think I’ve read anything by Merline Lovelace before now, but I know I’m definitely going to look for her new books, as well as her back list. All three couples work individually, and together, and I think it was a very well written series. I like that Ms. Lovelace had such well developed heroines, and that they were satisfyingly showcased. Each story played to the heroine’s strengths, which made for a great romance.

I definitely recommend this if you like reading from the Silhouette Desire line, or if you’d like to try the line out.

Overall Grade: B

Lawson’s review of Tempt the Devil by Anna Campbell
Historical romance released by Avon 30 Dec 08

One can always count on Anna Campbell to deliver an emotional story with a bit of a different view. Tempt the Devil is set in the same world as Claiming the Courtesan, but it’s not a sequel. Another notorious woman, another nobleman and another battle of wills between to very strong people. What comes out by the end is a different sort of story from Campbell, and an unexpected ride.

Olivia Raines is bored with all the men of London lusting after her. They’re all the same, and though she’s a courtesan and used to such things, she doesn’t find any interest anymore in coaxing jewelry out of men and finding young dandies worshiping the ground she walks on. A challenge comes for her last conquest in the form of Julian Southwood, Earl of Erith, a diplomat home for his daughter’s wedding.

Olivia knows what to do to keep a man lusting after her, but she is the one who has rules to follow and when Julian shows that he bows to no rules, Olivia does everything she can to push him away. Julian, though, has his own demons to fight and with Olivia he feels the first cracks in the armor around his heart in many, many years. Though he doesn’t like her rules, he gets past her defenses as well and discovers someone worth treasuring. But can Julian give up some things that he’s gained in coming back to England from abroad to be with Olivia forever?

The potential to be a great, heart-wrenching, emotional story is completely lost in everything else that is happening in this book. Olivia’s rules hide an abused and vulnerable woman, Julian’s actions hide a scared and lost young father who can’t cope with loss. Both act badly on a number of occasions, though not at the same time. The up and down of their actions to each other demonizes one, then the other, than back again and absurd tug of war.

Olivia’s past is horrifying, but it doesn’t justify the things she does to all men, not just Julian, nor does Julian’s past justify how he’s lived his life for the last 20 years and his treatment of women in the meantime. Throw into this Julian’s rocky relationship with his children, Olivia’s many secrets, the censure of London society, Olivia going from wanting him out of her life to demanding everything over a short amount of time and Julian always thinking he’s right and should be the center of the world and it just makes a mud puddle that they’re all struggling way to hard to get out of.

Neither Olivia or Julian are likable characters through much of the book because they are good, then do something bad, then sort of redeem themselves, then hurt someone else, then . . . it just gets to be too much. I suppose I can understand what Campbell was trying to do with these characters, but it comes across as a big mess of shattered expectations, shady actions and the idea that the past justifies your actions and you shouldn’t change.

Grade: D

Summary:

Any man in London would worship her. Yet Olivia is, quite frankly, bored of them all. Despite her many dalliances, she’s never felt true passion, never longed for any lover’s touch . . . until Julian, London’s most notoriously wanton rake, decided to make her his mistress.

From the moment he first saw her, Julian knew he must possess her. And when he discovers her greatest secret, a scandal that could ruin her reputation and end her career, he knows just the way to use this damaging information to his most delightful advantage. He offers Olivia a deal with the devil: he’ll keep her secret . . . if she allows him the chance to show her true ecstasy.

But Olivia must be careful, for Julian has a secret of his own: he will not rest until she is completely, shamelessly his.

Read an excerpt.

Limecello’s review of Private Property (Hauberk Protection Series, Book 1) by Leah Braemel
Erotic romance ebook released by Samhain Publishing 29 Jan 09

I found Private Property through a contest that Moira Rogers is offering (50 series, or something like that). Leah Braemel’s story caught my attention, so I went to My Bookstore and More, and bought a copy. I always enjoy a well written ménage story, and I might be one of the few readers who fervently wishes for more love triangles. (I guess I missed that phase of romance. Well, and it has to be believable.) The premise of the book offers one, and while that’s not really how the story plays out, it’s still an enjoyable read.

Jodi Tyler is an interesting character, and somewhat contradictory on the surface. Supposedly she’s all badass and intimidates the guys she has worked with in the past, along with her previous boyfriends. However, that’s not how I read her, nor would it be how I would characterize her. Nevertheless, the emotions and thoughts that go through Jodi’s mind in Private Property are believable and natural. Jodi believes what she has with Mark is a casual relationship – if even that, because he made it clear there are no strings attached. Even so, Jodi has become emotionally involved, and that puts her on uncertain footing.

Mark Rodriguez is a hero I didn’t like at the opening of the book, but he grew on me. And, he gets put through the wringer. I love a tortured hero. It’s always nice to see a guy get his comeuppance, and Ms. Braemel does a great job of that. I think she does a great job of getting into his head, and having him react very realistically to the situation. I really liked how he went through the natural progression of assessing his emotions for Jodi. And that he exhibited just the right amount of jealousy.

Private Practice is a novella, and the story is only about the one night hookup. It’s a very hot, sexy read, and does its job as a quick entertaining story. I felt I had to slightly suspend my belief to allow for the premise of this story, but the setup of how Jodi is introduced to Sam is quite interesting. I really liked how Ms. Braemel wrote the characters. Both Jodi and Mark have doubts about the situation, and second guess themselves, which adds a nice element to the story.

Nevertheless, the sexploration commences, and Jodi has a grand old time. I like that Jodi is willing to go for it, and the part Mark played in it. Mark sets it up, then has his regrets, but doesn’t take them out on Jodi. It was nice to see mature characters who could take responsibility for their own actions. Of course, there’s a happy ending – and in fact, a sequel. Apparently Sam’ll get his happy ending in Personal Protection, so hopefully I’ll get a chance to read that story as well. If you’re looking for a quick and entertaining read with a lot of sexing, Private Property is a great choice.

Grade: B-

Summary:
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There’s nothing casual about this caper…
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Jodi Tyler has loved and lost too many times to believe in happily ever after. That’s what makes her no-strings affair with her boss so perfect—his power in bed matches his respect for her independence. Still, when he surprises her with a ménage for her birthday, her secret thrill wars with a nagging thought: Why would he so casually share her with another man?
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Even though Mark Rodriguez holds Jodi at arm’s length from his heart, her self-confidence is a turn-on he can’t resist. Inviting old college buddy and future business partner Sam into their bed for one night was supposed to set free her wildest fantasy. Instead he finds the tables turned, forced to watch while Sam brings her to the height of ecstasy.
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Now, Mark’s not so sure he wants to share his treasure…
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Warning: This book contains a woman fulfilling her sexual fantasies—including two men who are happy to tie her up, and be tied up, while using graphic language and floggers.
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Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Liviania’s review of Night Huntress (Sisters of the Moon, Book 5) by Yasmine Galenorn
Paranormal romance released by Berkley 6 Jan 09

This is one series that I’m not in love with, but I do enjoy it well enough.  Part of this is because the narration of the series cycles through the three D’Artigo sisters and I am not in love with oldest sister Camille by any stretch of the imagination.  Delilah’s voice works much better for me, though I’m not entirely sure why.  I think Camille is a little too self-satisfied for me, though it may be something else.  Yasmine Galenorn does do a good job of differing the sister’s voices.  (Other differences, like that of appearance and power, are taken to a ridiculous extreme.) 

The girls are continuing the hunt for the MacGuffin, seals that keep Shadow Wing tucked away in the Subterranean Realms.  But this time Delilah’s lover has been kidnapped in order to force the girls to give up a seal they managed to find first.  Of course, Delilah’s miffed with Chase since he cheated with her after he declared he wanted a closed relationship.  Galenorn’s faeries aren’t the kind to be faithful, and Delilah had her eyes on people other than Chase, like fellow werecat Zachary, who is willing to step in the gap created by Chase’s betrayal.   To make things more complicated, the Autumn Lord has his eye on Delilah as well.

(She does wear an outfit at one point that should turn all of them off.  I don’t care how good looking you are, skin-tight gold lame is not flattering.  The fact that it’s described as such, despite Delilah’s embarrassment, is laughable.)

While the endless hunt for the seals is getting tiresome, two plots got resolved in Night Huntress that I was expecting to get drawn out for a couple more volumes, at the least.  That concession was enough to earn my goodwill for this entry.  (I do dread that they seem to only find one seal per volume.  When they actually direct their energies toward finding a seal it seems to happen quickly, so they could find two or three a book easily.)

This series continues to be entertaining enough to continue to read, though the characters are too shallow and the world-building too shaky for my taste.  I could pick up worse and I could pick up better, but the books are good enough to pick up if your library has them on the shelves.  And I know many people who love the series, so you might give them a chance to see if they’re more your taste than mine.

Grade: C

Summary:
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We’re the D’Artigo sisters: sexy, savvy operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. But being half-human, half-Fae means our supernatural talents always go haywire at the wrong time. My sister Camille is a wicked good witch who attracts men like honey attracts flies. Menolly’s a vampire who’s still getting the hang of being undead. And me? I’m Delilah, a werecat who’s been marked by the Autumn Lord as one of his Death Maidens. And wouldn’t you know it, Karvanak–the demon general who stole the third Spirit Seal–is back. And this time, he’s out for blood…
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The Hags of Fate enjoy seeing me squirm. First, my boyfriend, Chase, mutters another woman’s name in his sleep. Then I discover the Autumn Lord has a very special plan for me. But things go from bad to deadly when Karvanak–the Rāksasa–returns. In order to get his greedy hands on both the fourth Spirit Seal and his former associate, Vanzir, he kidnaps Chase. Now, we have to find a way to rescue the man I love without risking the safety of both Otherworld and Earth…
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No excerpt available.

Other books in the series:

Sandy M’s review of Ecstasy (The Shadowdwellers, Book 1) by Jacquelyn Frank
Paranormal Romance published by Zebra 1 Jan 09

Well, I figured since I haven’t yet read Ms. Frank’s Nightwalkers series that’s sitting on the TBR shelf, I’d better start this new series right now because I have a copy of Ecstasy in hand. Now I’m sorry I haven’t read the first series.  I am awed by authors who have such imaginations to give us books like this. Ms. Frank is up there with Nalini Singh, C.L. Wilson, Karen Marie Moning – just to name a few – for me.

I’m still not sure if I understood everything in this book, it’s so complex. But it’s a powerful book, no matter what. I’m wondering if I had read the Nightwalker books first that might have helped my understanding here some. In this new series we meet the Shadowdwellers, a people who are able to live in two different realities, realscape, their everyday reality, and shadowscape, an alternate reality with no people and no light. They are able to remain in shadowscape for a limited time due to the euphoric state they reach if that time is surpassed.

Trace is a powerful political figure and advisor in his world. He is on the tail of one who wishes to see the destruction of their twin leaders. As Trace fights against that traitor in shadowscape, he is able to see one of the “lost,” humans in a comatose state, and she is able to see and interact with him, something that is not supposed to happen. When he suffers a mortal wound at traitorous hands, it is the lost who heals him by taking on the injuries he sustained.

Having been on her own in a completely dark New York for months now, Ashla is at first stunned at the two men fighting to the death in this strange world she’s in and then elated at having found another person to interact with. Refusing to let a man suffer and die, she uses her gift to save him, even with her mother’s satanic slurs echoing in her mind. What she never expects is the connection she feels to Trace, one he reciprocates, a connection so deep they spend the next few days together in total bliss.

After being hauled back to his own reality to recover from his euphoric madness, Trace thinks to never see Ashla again, but this is when the book really begins to take off, twists and turns are thrown at the reader when least expected, betrayal and mystery are around every corner, and the sensual freedom Ashla finds with Trace is oh-so-passionate.  The relationships throughout the book are intense and very well done, especially that between Trace and his adoptive father.

This is just one of those books that when you turn that last page, all you can say is, “Wow.” Now more than ever I want to start the Nightwalker series. I just know there are great things in store for me there.

Grade: A+

Read reviews of, and information on, the related series, The Nightwalkers, by following its tag.

Summary:
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At one with the darkness, the mysterious Shadowdwellers must live as far from light-loving humans as possible in order to survive. Yet one damaged human woman will tempt the man behind the Shadowdweller throne into a dangerous desire…
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HER WORLD IS TOXIC TO HIM, AND SO IS THEIR ATTRACTION
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Among the Shadowdwellers, Trace holds power that some are willing to kill for. Without a stranger’s aid, one rival would surely have succeeded, but Trace’s brush with death is less surprising to him than his reaction to the beautiful, fragile human who heals him. By rights, Trace should hardly even register Ashla’s existence within the realm of Shadowscape, but instead he is drawn to everything about her—her innocence, her courage, and her lush, sensual heat…
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After a terrifying car crash, Ashla Townsend wakes up to find that the bustling New York she knew is now eerie and desolate. Just when she’s convinced she’s alone, Ashla is confronted by a dark warrior who draws her deeper into a world she never knew existed. The bond between Ashla and Trace is a mystery to both, but searching for answers will mean confronting long-hidden secrets, and uncovering a threat that could destroy everything Trace holds precious …
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Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Gwen’s review of A Perfect Darkness (The Offspring, Book 1) by Jaime Rush (CAUTION! Site has sound when first clicking in)
Contemporary paranormal romance released by Avon 27 Jan 09

This is a new-to-me author and a new series.  Rush also writes romantic suspense under the name of Tina Wainscott (or Wainscott writes as Rush, not sure which).  I have to admit that I never quite connected to this book.  I felt like it was trying to be something it just wasn’t and I’m not sure what.  Read on to find out what just didn’t work for me. 

I started reading this book because the cover was intriguing.  The plot started along some interesting, if predictable, lines – grown children of secret government experiments now being gathered up by mysterious and evil scientist for some nefarious purpose.  These now adult children are thrown together and love blossoms.

I know, I know.  We’ve all read some version of this story before, or at least seen the straight to video movie on Sci-fi Channel late at night on a Saturday, right?  Unfortunately, this one doesn’t venture too far from all these formulas. For a while, it even felt a bit YA to me – except for the sex scenes.  There was a lot of dithering back and forth to some abondoned testing facility and some Sekrit Squirell underground hideout/bunker that the bad guys never seem to be able to find, even though the protagonists drive a very noticeable car right into it several times and never walk out.

Nothing was outstandingly well done in this book.  Nothing was truly awful.  There is a wishy-washy, not-so-convincing romance.  Some comical action.  I never really connected to any of the characters.  The heroine was particularly drab – I didn’t believe in her fear, peril, or  emotions.

I can’t really recommend this book to fans of contemporary paranormal romance.  If you’re a fan of Rush/Wainscott, you might like it.  Me?  Not so much.

Grade: C-

Summary:
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They live ordinary lives, but they are extraordinary. They are the Offspring, children of a mysterious experiment gone awry-and they are in terrible danger.
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A sexy stranger awakens Amy Shane in the dead of night. Lucas Vanderwyck barely has time to whisper a few words before three men burst into her bedroom and drag him away. But what Lucas reveals shatters Amy’s safe little world forever.
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Lucas and Amy share a psychic gift-a gift that could put them in mortal danger. And as they share night after night of savage passion, as a shadowy government conspiracy tracks their every move, they will fight to save each other. But only with their powers of second sight can they escape the terror of a perfect darkness.
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Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

Out of the Darkness, Book 2 – Oct 2009 (read an excerpt here)

Limecello’s review of An Officer and a Millionaire by Maureen Child
Contemporary romance released by Silhouette Desire on 13 Jan 09

Maureen Child is a Desire author whose books I always keep an eye out for. I know I can expect a good, solid read, and I’ve also got a soft spot for Silhouette Desire’s “Man of the Month” series.  I think that Hunter Cabot filled that role admirably, as he was the first man of the month during Harlequin’s 60th Anniversary. It’s also cute because Hunter has appeared in previous books by Ms. Child. And really, for Man of the Month, a hero who actually is an officer and a millionaire? In Harlequin world, this isn’t overkill, it’s a perfect hero. (And hey – I definitely wouldn’t turn down one in real life were he to show up on my doorstep.)

First, however, we’ll talk about Margie Cabot, because everyone knows the woman is (and women!) and are most important to Harlequin. One would think I’d find Margie contradictory, but I rather liked her. She’s snappy when backed into a corner, has a great big bleeding heart, but does her best to put up a good front. Margie’s reactions and face she shows the world runs the gamut. Margie is the town savior (okay, this I had a bit of a hard time believing), is a friend to Hunter’s grandfather, and is able to hold her own against Hunter.

While everyone loves her, Margie still feels alone and adrift. I don’t know that I’d really label Margie’s effort to resist Hunter as valiant, but it’s cute how she initially interacts with him. I have to admit that her “I’ll never find a place to belong, and the orphan in me will never be loved” moping didn’t elicit much sympathy from me, but it did explain why she was racing to put down roots. It’s not that I didn’t feel bad for her, merely that Margie took it a bit too far.

Hunter Cabot is basically your typical clueless hero. We know he’s a stand up guy because he’s a Navy SEAL. However, I didn’t feel that I knew much else about him as a person. He’s incredibly loyal to his team – they’re his best friends, and he loves his grandfather, but he is a bit careless with his relationships. Maybe it’s because he’s a soldier, or like so many people it’s “out of sight, out of mind” for Hunter, but most of Ms. Child’s focus on Hunter was how he felt about Margie, or didn’t want to feel about her. I have to admit, however, I did enjoy his bumbling at the end, with the “why not just stay married?” It was entertaining. That, and his killer ex-girlfriend. It’s always fun to have a hero be embarrassed because he dated a woman – regardless of how hot and seemingly perfect she is.

To be honest, I picked up this book, and put it down again after reading the first few pages. A man who didn’t know he was married? A woman posing as his wife? Really? I’m supposed to believe that? Well, actually, yes, there is a pretty good explanation a few more pages in. (Well, at least one I was willing to accept.) I definitely didn’t know proxy marriages still took place today – and don’t know if they do, but was charmed by the idea. How quaint – and how interesting, right? I liked that Margie wasn’t painted as the villain in this book. (Well, only by Hunter – but it added an interesting dimension for Margie not to be the mercenary gold digger.) I really appreciated the fact that Ms. Child didn’t try to spin some outrageous tale where the heroine is trying to con the hero…

I suppose proximity had a lot to do with bringing Hunter and Margie together, but I liked the little events that pushed them together. For example, how Hunter felt when he overheard women getting catty about Margie. I will say that I’m not entirely convinced of the “Cabot is King” concept – but maybe I just don’t know enough about small towns. An Officer and a Millionaire is a cute story, and I really enjoyed all the secondary characters. They really helped move the plot along, and showed different facets of the character’s personalities.

While I found the end a little bit cheesy, I did like the way Hunter went after Margie. Once he finally decided what he wanted, and realized he was in love, Hunter was a man on a mission, and it was nice to see him get a little riled. I also really enjoyed the banter between the men. I’m enjoying the newest books in the Man of the Month “series,” and definitely hope to see the remainder of Ms. Child’s SEAL team have their own romances. If you enjoy categories, you should read this book, especially if you haven’t already given the Man of the Month books a try.

Grade: B-

Summary:
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Mr. January: Hunter Cabot, Navy SEAL
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Vital Statistics: Tall, rich and…married?
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Mission: Find out who’s been sleeping in his bed.
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The broad-shouldered military man had no patience with games. Margie—Cabot?—had to go. She’d been masquerading as his spouse for nearly a year, living in his house while he’d been overseas. Now all his skills were focused on payback: it would be sweet, swift and sexy.
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But first he’d have that “wedding night!”
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Read an excerpt.

Lynne C‘s review of Stay The Night (The Darkyn, Book 7) by Lynn Viehl
Contemporary paranormal romance released by Onyx 6 Jan 09

I’ve been a long-time fan of the Kyn books, after discovering the first one in a hospital shelf. It almost made it worth going in!

Now Stay The Night is the last one in the Kyn books, although a new series starts later in the year set in the Kyndred universe, so I suspect it’s to reboot the series and maybe start a new series-length arc.

However, this entry isn’t without its faults. There’s a big gap at the beginning, when we miss Chris and Rob’s first night together. She decides to stay, and then it’s fade to the morning. In this case it’s an important lack, because we never really get to understand the link between the two, which, we’re told, is forged by their first explosive night. Since there are some explicit scenes later (including an m/m one) I don’t really understand the omission.

It’s great to see Alex and Michael again, and to read the end of their story arc but although I was rooting for Robin and Chris, I never really got their link. I wasn’t interested in them as a couple, although I loved their separate characters, as first introduced, Robin as lawbreaker, Chris as FBI upholder. But she never reconciles her first thoughts, that she can’t be with someone who breaks the law. Somehow “I love you” seemed to make up for it all, and I’m afraid I don’t buy it. I really would have liked to see more of Robin and Chris together, interacting and learning about each other.

The story is excellent, but it doesn’t read as an “end of series, everybody happy” book, so I expect the next entry, which is slated as a new series, is really the continuation. I really wanted more of John in this book, after the revelations of the last one, so I hope he’ll feature in the next story. I have a feeling John and one other character will feature as a central couple soon.

When she is writing action and plot, Viehl is one of the best, with a sarcastic edge that never runs into the snarky. However I didn’t appreciate the cutting of one POV to another at critical points in the story. It just annoyed me to switch from one of Alexandra’s revelations to a completely different part, rather than heightening the tension, but this is Ms Viehl’s style, so I guess I will live with it, since her writing style is so good otherwise.

I love the way she travesties all the “my lords” and deference by having the newcomers like Alex and Chris ignore or send it up, and the way the older lords accept it. Her immortals are how I imagine people who live many lifetimes to be – somehow apart and different, not always au fait with the times. It works much better than the shallow, modern concepts you can find in other paranormals. I can’t believe in an immortal hero who loves AC/DC but never listens to classical music, for instance, which, after all, was the pop music of another time. Veihl never does this, and she gives her immortals the perception of someone who has lived long but not always prospered.

The high council segments could have been boring, but thanks to a new plot development were anything but. Viehl makes us feel with Alex, the ennui at attending a high-powered conference as a spare wheel, and her delight at being offered something useful to do, then her horror when she sees what it is.

On the whole, I found it a good read, although the characters of Robin and Chris were underdeveloped. A lot of paranormal romance authors are moving into urban fantasy, where the romance is less important, and Viehl, could be one author who would do this well. I’ll certainly be there for the next book, whatever she offers.

Note – I don’t read the Stardoc books, although I keep meaning to. Very few SF authors hold much for me, I’m afraid (except for Linnea Sinclair, who got me hooked early on and continues to hold me in her thrall). But I will give these a go, one day.

One thing from the blurb – Chris’s name isn’t Christina. That’s quite important, as Rob spends a lot of the story trying to find out what Chris is short for.

A B for this one as a great story, but C- for the romance. So I think we’ll settle on an overall…

Grade: B-

Read reviews and info for books in this series by following the series tag.

Blurb:
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Outlaw, immortal vampire, and art thief, Darkyn Lord Robin of Locksley has evaded authorities for the last 700 years. At the moment, he’s falling for undercover federal agent Christina Renshaw, who has no time for an affair. She hopes to snag an elusive art thief, but soon has no choice other than to join forces with Robin.
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When the chase becomes dangerous, both will have to choose between losing each other and losing everything they value…
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Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

Gwen’s review of Witch Heart (Elemental Witches, Book 3) by Anya Bast
Contemporary paranormal romance released byBerkley 6 Jan 09

There is one thing I have come to depend on with these Elemental Witches novels from Bast: I will always be entertained.  There is always something unique, something that is more than meets the eye, and something that is just plain fun to read.  Total escapist entertainment. Love that when it happens. 

Our heroine, Claire, was introduced to us in the second novel – she’s the human who helped Thomas free himself when he was held captive by demons in their plane of existence (a.k.a. Eudae).  Claire is very powerful in all four elemental magics: earth, air, fire, and water.  She’s forced to Earth because of some internal uprising in Eudae, but not before her “captor” forces a ball of demon magic into her genetically manipulated body.  A magic that can be used as an ultimate weapon on Eudae by any of the demon castes – if they can catch her, that is.

Our hero, Adam, is a fire-witch bad boy with a wickedly irreverant sense of humor and a wickedly well-earned reputation with the ladies. All covering for a heartbreaking loss before he joined the Coven. Adam is sent to retrieve Claire when she finds herself locked up in a mental hospital once she’s forced to Earth.  Adam is attracted to the heroine, Claire, despite himself – she’s totally not his normal type.  But she is brave, honest, and unvarnished – all qualities he has come to miss in people.

Bast does a good job developing the emotional side of this relationship. There’s some paranormal attraction going on, but these two characters also seem to really like each other.   The love scenes, when they finally do happen, are smokin’ hot.  I sincerely believed in the relationship and was very glad to see things evolve the way they did.   I really liked these characters by the end of the book and that isn’t something I can always say, sadly.

There is some really terrific action in this book.  It’s a pursuit novel – when Claire was forced to Earth, two of the really bad warrior caste demons managed to follow her.  These two bad guys, Kai and Tevan, are some seriously bad bad guys and chase our hero and heroine all over the upper Midwest US – mayhem and murder following them like a bad diaper rash.  Handsome, huge, and evil.  Too much fun, really.  And I actually found myself sympathizing with them there at the end – just a li’l bit.

Through Claire, her pursuers, and her captor/father (a.k.a. Rue), we learn quite a bit about demon culture on Eudae.  I expect this to take us to even more interesting places in future books.  It’s KILLIN’ me that we have to wait about a year in between these books, but I can wait if the storytelling remains as good as we have had in the first three books in the series.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good pursuit novel, paranormal romance, or folks that are simply fans of Anya Bast.  It’s another winner.
Grade: B

Read more reviews and information of this and other books in the series by following the series’ tag.

Summary:

With the immense powers of an earth witch, Claire isn’t destined to be a demon’s handmaiden. Yet this has been her fate since she was six, when her warlock mother brought her to Eudae. Now as an adult, she’s about to discover her true power-and how far others are willing to go to take it away…

As part of a mission with the Coven, Adam Tyrell rescues Claire from her enslavement-and finds himself immediately taken with the beautiful witch. But this charming playboy soon learns that it’s easier to steal Claire from demons than win her heart, for her life as a servant has ravaged her spirit. But with Adam determined to protect her from the warlocks who want to harness her magick for evil, Claire’s resistance starts to give way-and they find themselves in the heat of danger, surrendering to the lure of their deepest desires…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

Sandy M’s review of Lone Star Woman by Sadie Callahan
Contemporary Western Romance released by Signet 6 Jan 09

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Sadie Callahan is a pseudonym for Anna Jeffrey. I’ve only read one of Ms. Jeffrey’s books, so I was curious when I came across Lone Star Woman. There isn’t an underlying mystery or that type of thing in this book. It’s about a woman who has trained and worked and waited her life to someday be able to take over a portion of her father’s ranch, pull her weight, do what she feels she’s destined to do. Falling in love along the way really wasn’t in the plan, but life can surprise a body sometimes.

Jude is on her way toward a destiny she’s finally realized she’s going to have to make herself. Her grandfather and father don’t seem to value what she has to offer the Circle C, always turning her down when she knows she can help to make things better, so she’s going to buy land of her own and start from scratch. She’s going to have her own ranch like she’s always wanted, her dream come true.

On her way, though, she finds someone else on her property.  By the looks of it, the man thinks he’s going to be staying a while, and when she finds out it’s Brady Fallon, nephew of the previous deceased owner, her heart breaks a little bit more. He has every right to be where he is, and her dream dissolves into nothingness. And when she realizes her grandfather isn’t about to play fair where Brady and his land are concerned, she feels a need to help the handsome cowboy just to even the playing field, even after he comes to work for the Circle C.

Brady isn’t quite a low as he can go on the life sucks scale, but he’s close. When his ex-wife wants a divorce, things were going fine until her high-powered father steps in. Next thing Brady knows, not only did he no longer have a wife, he also didn’t have his son or his business. So when word came he’d inherited land from his elderly aunt, Brady is determined to make a go of it to finally have a place for the father-son visits he looks forward to when his visitation dates come up. He’ll even take the help of the beautiful Jude Strayhorn, though he knows once her father gets wind of their goings-on things will go straight to hell again.

I enjoyed both of these characters. They’re the type who never quit when they’re down, and their down is so very different from the other’s. Jude was born with the proverbial silver spoon while Brady has worked for everything, only to lose it. But dreams shattered, rich or poor, are still dreams shattered. These two are also good together. They felt real whether they were working side by side, making love, or arguing.

Jude is not one to be pampered, she wants to be out on the ranch doing the physical labor like everyone else involved, but it’s her father who nixes that idea every time. He knows how hard the work is and what it does to someone day in and day out and he doesn’t want his daughter old before her time. Brady agrees, and it’s not until events work against her and she needs Brady’s help that she realizes it herself. I liked the fact she fought for herself when needed, but she’s also intelligent enough to know when something won’t work like she’d always thought; there’s something else in life worth having and working for.

This is not one of those super-WOW! books, but it’s a nice love story of two people who belong together, have a time getting there, but once they do make it, nothing will keep them down and the fight has been worth every single roadblock they’ve overcome.

Grade: B

Summary:

Jude Strayhorn, the smart, free-spirited daughter of the Circle C’s CEO, intends to own her deceased neighbor’s abandoned ranch, the 6-0. When she catches a stranger trespassing, she discovers, to her dismay, the too-handsome cowboy is not a criminal, but an heir with plans of his own…

Although it’s been years since Brady Fallon set foot in Willard County, rebuilding the 6-0 means everything to him. Until, that is, he encounters the beautiful Jude Strayhorn. To make ends meet, he hires on as a Circle C ranch hand, only then realizing it’ll be harder than he thought to avoid a tangle with the boss’s daughter—especially one who wants the 6-0 for herself.

Read an excerpt.

C2’s review of When a Stranger Loves Me (Pembroke Palace Series, Book 3) by Julianne MacLean
Historical romance released by Avon 27 Jan 09

I should say before I start my review that I picked this book up by mistake. I confused the author with someone else. As it turns out, Ms. MacLean is new to me. But I love me a good amnesia plot so my faulty memory didn’t bother me too much. Onward!

Lady Chelsea Campion was exiled to the Jersey Islands after a scandalous elopement left her ruined in the eyes of society. She has made the most of her seclusion by indulging in her passion for writing – she aspires to be published someday. In the meantime, she lives quietly with her mother (and brother and sister-in-law, when they are in residence), takes long walks along the beach and writes as much as she can.

As the book begins, Lady Chelsea’s peace is beginning to crack around the edges. She has just received a letter from a creepy, older hygiene-challenged cousin informing her that, since apparently her brother and his wife are not capable of producing an heir, he will marry her and thereby allow the earldom to remain in late father’s bloodline by passing through her. She has no intention of marrying the creepy cousin and takes a walk along the beach to think. During her beach stroll, she finds a gold watch that looks new and still works. Curious, she investigates a nearby sea cave and finds a naked, wounded, and unconscious man. Like any wise young miss, she checks out his boy bits before running for help.

The doctor is called in to patch up the man’s wounds and provide instructions for his care. Chelsea volunteers to sit with him, since he needs to be watched in case he regains consciousness. Her mother protests but eventually gives in after Chelsea asks her how it would be possible for her to be more ruined than she already is.

The stranger awakens and Chelsea discovers that he has no memory of his life or identity. He doesn’t remember how he came to be near the Jersey Islands or how he ended up naked in the sea cave. As he recovers from his wounds, Chelsea comes up with an idea to solve the problem of the creepy cousin (her mother says it is her family duty to marry him, whether she wants to or not).

Chelsea goes to her brother to discuss her scheme. She thinks she should seduce the stranger and get pregnant. She would then give the child to her brother and his wife to raise as their own – instant heir! This would eliminate the need for her to marry the creepy cousin and remove him from their lives completely, since he would no longer be her brother’s heir. Her brother very reluctantly agrees.

And so the seduction begins. As you might imagine, he isn’t unwilling. Over the following weeks, the handsome stranger’s health improves but his memory remains blank. “Jack” (well, he can’t just be “Hey, you”, after all) and Chelsea continue to spend time together – in bed and out – taking walks on the beach and picnicking on the grounds. He discovers he has a talent for sketching and spends time doing that while she writes nearby. But clouds hover on the horizon…

The information Chelsea’s family sent to the London newspapers after they found him has been seen by Jack’s family. His brothers have been looking for him (a side note: Oh noes! I have stumbled into the middle of a series!!). When his oldest brother and sister-in-law arrive, he discovers his name is Blake and he is the son of a duke! His father has told his sons they all must marry before Christmas (it’s early summer in this book) or they will lose their livelihoods. All his wealth will go to a horticultural society. His brother has come to take him back to the family seat.

Just before his brother arrived, Blake overheard an argument between Chelsea and her mother. He mother was insisting that Chelsea go to his bed immediately, since it was her fertile time (ewwwww) and do her best to get pregnant. He confronted her about the plot, of course, and a shouting match between them brought her brother in to defend her. Punches were thrown but before conclusions could be reached, the brother’s arrival was announced.

Since they needed to leave immediately, Blake insisted on Chelsea accompanying them. He wanted to keep an eye on her until she it was known whether or not she was pregnant. He refused to go along with any part of her scheme to pass off a child as her brother’s.

Soon after arriving in at the family home, some visitors arrive. Blake’s wife (?!) and her brother also saw news of a gentleman washing ashore after a storm and have tracked them back to the estate. Blake explains that he has no memory of anything that happened before and tries to reacquaint himself with his new wife (he was lost at sea on their wedding night) and brother-in-law.

Over the next few days, Chelsea finds out whether or not she is pregnant, star-crossed lovers are acknowledged, a murder attempt is revealed and a drug smuggling enterprise is uncovered.

All in all, an enjoyable read – a bit too much info-dump but it was a necessary evil, I suppose, for those new to the series (like me). Still, picking up this book was a happy accident and now I’ll have to pick up the first two in the series to get up to speed. If you enjoy old-school romances and amnesia stories, try it!

Grade: B

Summary:
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I saved his life . . . and I had much to demand in return.
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When he washed up on shore, I knew my prayers had been answered, and that I, Lady Chelsea Campion, need no longer fear poverty and heartbreak. To secure my family’s estate, all I needed was a child. Handsome, clearly noble-born, and with no memory of his previous life, the mysterious man was perfect. All I had to do was visit his bedchamber and seduce him. I had expected him to be a skillful, scandalously wonderful lover, but once in his arms I was overcome by something more than mere passion. I had fallen hopelessly, desperately in love.
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My plan has gone shockingly awry. But I will not give up a man who makes me feel such wicked ecstasy. No matter his true identity, no matter the secrets he struggles to remember, I will do anything in this world to make this stranger love me.
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Read an excerpt HERE.

Other books in the series:

Limecello’s review of Kiss of a Demon King (Immortals After Dark, Book 6) by Kresley Cole
Paranormal romance released by Pocket on 20 Jan 09

This is the sixth book in Kresley Cole’s series Immortals After Dark, and I enjoyed it very much. I coveted Rydstrom’s book, and I think his story fit him perfectly. I also neglected all sorts of other things I was supposed to be doing in order to read this book. In fact, I’ve been in a massive reading funk, but still read Kiss of a Demon King – which should give you some indication as to how much I liked it. So you should read it too, if you haven’t already done so.

I have to admit, the beginning of the book, and even about the first third were just “good” not great in my opinion- yet I couldn’t put the book down because I wanted to know what happened next. I also gradually became more and more invested in the story. I’ve always had a soft sport for Rydstrom – I mean, who wouldn’t feel sympathy for a king who has been trying to reclaim his throne for centuries? And while Sabine isn’t exactly lovable at first, she’s something like a cute, but repressed (in terms of affection) kitten with enormous[ly] sharp claws. (She grew on me.)

Sabine, the Queen of Illusions, is on the side of evil. There’s a lot of uncertainty when it comes to Sabine – not just because of her magical powers. Sabine herself is a mix of contradictions and facades, much like the illusions she weaves. It helps to know what motivates her, and controls her, which really makes her more likable.

I have to admit, while I didn’t initially love her personality, I respected her. And it’s always a good thing to have a strong heroine  – especially one that is an equal to the hero. Sabine truly is a character that has been shaped by her circumstances, but rather than getting mopey about it or shrinking into herself, she takes on the world. You have to admire that. And really, Sabine isn’t as bad as everyone thinks. Though I like that she revels in the fear and dislike she inspires.

Rydstrom is also a contradiction, but in a different way. He’s also the quintessential good guy. Rydstrom’s personality is the opposite of what you would expect it to be considering his appearance and physical attributes. However, I really liked that Ms. Cole had Rystrom really let go in Kiss of a Demon King. (And after comporting himself so nicely for the past five centuries, I’d say he was entitled to some bad behavior.)

I loved that Rydstrom was so conflicted. (I’m sadistic that way.) It was amusing how appalled he was by his own behavior, and surprisingly, it didn’t bother me that he continued on in the same manner to reach his goals. Tenacity is something else I admire. (And the way Ms. Cole wrote it, Rydstrom isn’t being a hypocrite- he’s just shocked by his own behavior and out of character responses.)

For Rydstrom and Sabine, it really is a case of opposites attract. While at the core they’re both good, the way they approach life and their priorities differ vastly. It is incredibly entertaining watching them get to know each other, and reading about one trying to understand the other’s motives. And you know, the first half or so of the book is a sexual battle of wills, which is always fun. First we have Sabine taunting Rydstrom, complete with a dungeon and chains. Then Rydstrom takes his turn with a whole new reason for bondage – and his torture/revengs, while twisted, is a bit sweeter, as part of his purpose is to get to know Sabine.

Are you intrigued yet? Because you should be! As I said, I really like the Immortals After Dark series. In fact, I’ve enjoyed the series so much I’ve felt compelled to discuss each and every book. While I can’t stand long series, I have to admit I eagerly anticipate the next IAD story. *Faint* I just went to Ms. Cole’s site to check. We’ve got a long wait – next is A Deep Kiss of Winter, which is only a novella, and it comes out November ’09. It is Murdoch (yay!) and Daniela’s story. And the next full length novel, Pleasure of a Dark Prince will be released January, 2010. So if you haven’t read the six previous books, you’ve got time to catch up.

Grade: A

Read reviews, excerpts, and other information on this series by following its tag.

Summary:
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His obsession: the enchantress who surrenders her body, but not her heart.
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After Sabine, the Queen of Illusions, lures and traps Rydstrom Woede in her lair, the ruthless warrior fights to resist her seduction.But his fierce demon nature lusts for her delicate body and won’t be denied. Even as Rydstrom plots to escape, he still intends to claim Sabine as his own—on his terms.
Her downfall: the battle-scarred demon who vows to keep her at all costs.
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When Rydstrom breaks free, her abducts Sabine, turning the tables. Now she’s the one struggling to resist his delicious torment. With each relentless encounter, Sabine hungers more for her merciless adversary.
They were never supposed to want each other this much…
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If they can defeat the sinister enemy that stands between them, will Sabine make the ultimate sacrifice to save her demon? Or will the proud king lay down his crown and arms to keep his sorceress?
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Read an excerpt here.

Other books in the series:

… and Not That Innocent, a new anthology with by Kresley Cole, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter, and Sharie Kohler, coming 21 Jul 09.

Holly‘s review of Devil of the Highlands by Lynsay Sands
Historical Romance released by Avon 27 Jan 09

Years ago I read a novella featuring Lynsay Sands and Hannah Howell. Though it was enjoyable, it featured vampires – something I’m practically allergic to. I was under the impression that Lynsay Sands only wrote vampires, so I didn’t bother to look for anything else by her. Recently Sybil suggested this book and I decided, ‘oh, what the hey.’ Even though I’m not big on vamps I enjoyed the novella I read by her. I was pleasantly surprised that this wasn’t a vamp book at all, but a fun, light historical. 

Evelinde was freaked out when she realized her evil stepmother was marrying her off to the Devil of Donnachaidh, but it isn’t long after meeting him (or realizing who he really was, since she didn’t realize during their first meeting) that she realizes the rumors about him are wrong. He isn’t an awful beast of a man. He’s actually very considerate. He also awakens serious passion in her. The problem is that he doesn’t say much. Or, well, anything really. He’s the strong silent type. He believes a man should be judged on his actions, not on his words. Which is how he got his reputation. He just let people assume the worst about him. So Evelinde is basically dropped in a new place with nothing and no one and a husband who doesn’t speak to her.

Evelinde was a great heroine. She’s spunky and feisty and not afraid to stand up for herself, but she wasn’t stupid or rude. She was kind and generous and really rather sweet, though she definitely had a temper. The constant battles she has with Cullen to get him to talk to her were hilarious. I loved that she was open and honest with him from the beginning. Instead of lying to him or letting him come to his own conclusions she always told him exactly how she was feeling and what she was doing.

One of the things that really stands out for me about this book is that Cullen really cared for Evelinde right from the beginning. He didn’t fall in love with her until later, and he was completely baffled by her throughout, but he didn’t shy away from her or avoid her or whine and complain because he didn’t want to be in love. He just went on about his day. That was definitely refreshing.

The villain was easy to figure out, but I enjoyed watching the hero and heroine puzzle it out. I didn’t find it boring or tedious, though I do think the romance is the main focus.

Overall this was a cute historical romance reminiscent of Julie Garwood’s earlier works, without the stilted writing. I’d definitely recommend it.

Grade: B+

Summary:

They call him the Devil . . . He is the most notorious laird of Scotland: fierce, cold, deadly . . . and maybe even worse. Yet Evelinde has just agreed to wed him. Anything, she thinks, is better than her cruel stepmother. Though Evelinde should be wary of the rumors, she can’t help but be drawn to this warrior . . . for the Devil of the Highlands inspires a heat within her that is unlike anything she has ever known.

They may call him whatever they wish, but Cullen, Laird of Donnachaidh, cares only for the future of his clan. He must find a wife, a woman to bear him sons and heed his commands. He has no need for beauty or grace, but one taste of his lovely bride’s sweet lips and the sultry feel of her skin arouse an untamed passion. Perhaps there’s more to marriage than he thought . . .
Read an excerpt.

Shannon C.’s review of Biting Nixie by Mary Hughes
Paranormal erotic romance eBook released by Samhain Publishing 13 Jan 09

I love fresh takes on paranormal romance. Nothing is more boring to me than same-old, same-old, so I am delighted to report that Mary Hughes’ debut from Samhain is, at least in my experience, one of the more unique eBooks I’ve read. While it’s not without its flaws, there’s a lot of potential. Fans of solid world-building will enjoy this book, and people who like books that are funny should also give it a try.

Nixie, our narrator, is five feet nothing and full of attitude. She’s a carefree punk musician living in Meier’s Corners, a small Midwestern town. She gets railroaded into helping raise funds for a major festival the town is putting on when the mayor promises that, in exchange for her organizing the event, he’ll help bring her band, Guns and Polkas, to wider exposure. The festival organizing won’t be easy, and Nixie’s life is further complicated by Julian, a staid, boring lawyer who has come to town, who is definitely much more than he seems.

When Mrs. Giggles reviewed this book, she had a problem with the voice, thinking it seemed too YA for an erotic romance. I can see where she’s coming from, and the hurricane of pop culture references got a little tired after a while. Nixie also reminds me of a hyperactive small dog, constantly running around and going off at the mouth when she didn’t need to. But at least she was capable of saying swear words more heated than “darn”, and she didn’t come across as a 50-year-old woman trapped in a much younger body. Plus, there’s quite a bit to like about her. Her struggle to figure out how she can still be herself all the while taking on that dreaded responsibility felt very true for this mid-twenties reader. And despite the attitude, she did seem to be a genuinely good person who just needed to grow up a little.

Because the story is written from Nixie’s POV, Julian was a little harder for me to connect with. I liked him well enough, but he won’t be on my list of memorable heroes. That being said, I enjoyed what backstory he got, and I like that, through him, we get a lot of the paranormal world, which doesn’t take itself too seriously. Also, the sex in this book was squirm-in-my-chair hot.

I enjoyed the secondary characters. A lot of them were caricatures–from Nixie’s overbearing German mother to the mayor to the villains, but some of them were quite fun nonetheless, particularly Dirk Ruffles, the bumbling but clueless policeman with a hidden talent. I also liked the glimpse of Nixie’s friend, police officer Elena, and I was curious about her story. In fact, there’s a lot more Ms. Hughes could do with the setting of vampires in a small Midwestern town, and I hope she will, especially since, as I mentioned earlier, the world-building is excellent. There’s a lot I’ve seen before, but it was all explained in a way that felt fresh and unique and, most of all, made sense.

This isn’t the best paranormal romance you are ever likely to read. But it is entertaining and sexy and fresh. I hope Ms. Hughes writes more, because I can’t wait to see what else she brings to the table.

Grade: B

Summary:
Nitro? Meet glycerin…

A Biting Love Novel

Punk musician Nixie Schmeling is a hundred pounds of Attitude who spells authority a-n-c-h-o-r and thinks buying insurance is just one more step toward death. So she really feels played when she’s “volunteered” to run the town’s first annual fundraising festival. Especially when she finds out it’s to pay for a heavy-hitting, suit-wearing lawyer—who’s six-feet-plus of black-haired, blue-eyed sex on a stick.

Attorney Julian Emerson learned centuries ago that the only way to contain his dangerous nature is to stay buttoned up. He’s come from Boston to defend the town from a shady group of suits…and an even shadier gang of vampires. But his biggest problem is Nixie, who shreds his self-control.

Nixie doesn’t get why the faphead shyster doesn’t understand her. Julian wishes Nixie would speak a known language…like Sanskrit. Even if they manage to foil the bloodthirsty gang, what future is there for a tiny punk rocker and a blue-blooded skyscraper?

And that’s before Nixie finds out Julian’s a vampire…

Warning: Contains more eye-popping sex, ear-popping language and gut-popping laughs than can possibly be good for you. And vampires. Not sippy-neck wimps, but burning beacons of raw sexuality—this means passionate blood-heating, violent bloodletting, and fangy bloodsucking. Oh, and cheese balls. Those things are just scary.

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of The Viscount Claims His Bride by Bronwyn Scott
Historical Romance released by Harlequin 1 Jan 09

Bronwyn Scott is becoming a favorite author for me. While I enjoyed this book, it doesn’t have the flare that, say, Pickpocket Countess has. The characters are very likable and well written. It’s just the story itself that doesn’t quite live up to her earlier titles.

I remember how much I liked Valerian, Viscount St.Just, in Libertine Lord, Pickpocket Miss and really looked forward to his story. Compared to the storyline in that book, I think that’s why I’m just a tad disappointed in this one. There isn’t the action, the same connection between the hero and heroine as in the previous story. I’m not sure if that’s because of the friends-become-lovers factor or what. I actually liked that part of the story, though. The opening pages gives us some wonderful emotion when Val must break Philippa’s heart as he steps aside for her marriage to another that will save her family financially.

Val leaves England that night, becomes a spy and diplomat for the next nine years before he’s had enough and wants to come home.  Philippa does marry her duke, whose money saves her family, and she enjoys a nice but passionless marriage until his accidental death. Once Val finds upon his return home that Philippa is free, his goal is to win her love again. He plans to tell her the circumstances surrounding his previous behavior, but things keep getting in the way, the worst of which is another suitor of Philippa’s. He finally does tell her and that’s when things begin to perk up. So the first half of the story just doesn’t move like Ms. Scott’s previous books.

The second half is much better, Val and Philippa getting to know one another again, their love re-blossoming, but unexpected danger lurks in the form of her former suitor, who hatches a plan to remove Val from the picture. He does a credible job of that, but I was a little irritated with Philippa’s lack of faith in Valerian. A man she’s known most of her life, even though he’d been gone for nearly a decade, a man who is honorable to the core, a man who’s just confessed his love for her while her doubts are instigated by the man she’s known only a few years and who has more to gain with Val gone, which she acknowledges only a few pages later. The only thing that kept me from really going to town on Philippa is she doesn’t let doubt cloud her logic when working out for herself the difference between Val and a madman. This state of mind doesn’t go on forever as it does in some books, so I forgave her a little for that.

Even though things do pick in this part of the book, it still doesn’t shine as much as Ms. Scott’s aforementioned books. Though Philippa is a fairly strong heroine, I enjoyed Nora from Countess and Sophie from Libertine Lord much more. I wanted more out of Val’s trial; Lilya and Constantine’s testimony would have been heartwrenching in that scene. We do get back to the emotion felt in the first chapter when the villain is finally taken down, but it was a long wait. But this is still a nice story.  And I will still be reading Ms. Scott in the future.

Grade: C+

Read Wendy’s review here.

Summary:

For years Valerian Inglemoore, Viscount St. Just, lived a double life as a secret agent on the war-torn Continent.

Returning home, he knows exactly what he wants—Philippa Stratten, the woman he gave up for the sake of her family….

But Philippa isn’t the naive debutante he left behind. His rejection stung deeply, and now she is suspicious of his intentions. Valerian realizes he must wage a tough battle if he is to finally claim her, once and for all, as his bride!

Read an excerpt.

Shannon C.’s review of Last Hope by Moira Rogers
Paranormal erotic romance eBook released by Loose ID 6 Jan 09

Standard Disclaimer: I consider the two writers that make up Moira Rogers to be personal friends. I still think I can make a go of writing an honest review, but if you disagree, you might want to read some other review. That being said, while I did enjoy this book, a number of things held it back from reaching the pinnacle of awesome that I know this author duo can reach. 

The setting of this novel is Mystic Ridge, which seems to be a sanctuary for paranormal creatures of all kinds. A group of humans who aren’t fond of supernatural beings have been attacking shapeshifters and other psychics, but they make the mistake of going after a dominant werewolf woman. Nurse and empath Kiara is called onto the scene in order to treat her, and in so doing runs into Adrian, a private investigator and werewolf. Adrian wants to catch the people responsible for the killings, but he doesn’t count on his wild attraction to Kiara.

There was a lot I liked here. The world feels concrete, and I never once felt like these characters lived in a vacuum. It is refreshing to note that both characters have friends outside of each other, a fact I often lament in other books I’ve read. Both Adrian and Kiara are likeable, and I felt both were equally well-drawn. I also like that these two constantly subvert several paranormal tropes, like that there’s no downside to having sex with an empath, and having female characters who aren’t always bowled over by the alpha-ness of their men.

My problems were largely subjective. I felt that the conflicts between Kiara and Adrian were largely irrelevant. Kiara is always completely understanding, and Adrian is domineering in a way she finds sexy. The result was that, though I did like them both, together they just weren’t very interesting to me and I didn’t get that thrill from knowing that a couple of characters I’ve been rooting for are finally going to find happiness.

My other major beef with the story is that it all felt like something I’d read before. I can think of several books with supernatural-hating humans. I can think of others where werewolf politics play a major role. This book does not set itself apart from anything else.

I’m glad to see that this writing duo is going to start doing more urban fantasy in the future. I think their voice will work better in that genre than it does in paranormal romance. Still, this isn’t a bad book, and if you’re a fan of hot shapeshifters, you should definitely check it out.

Grade: B-

Summary:
Sex has always been awkward for Kiara, mostly thanks to a strong empathic gift that men seem to find far more interesting than the woman who possesses it. Tired of men who assume a psychically shared orgasm is the end of their responsibility, she’s spent the last few years concentrating on her job. But when her latest patient brings her face to face with a shape-shifter private investigator with sexual energy to spare, she can’t resist the temptation to offer him what she senses he wants: her absolute surrender.

The last thing Adrian needs is a distraction. His latest case has taken a turn for the fatal, and the pretty psychic nurse is looking like she might be the next victim. But no alpha could resist her trusting submission, and what starts as a passionate one-night stand turns into something far too deep. When it turns out the only way to keep her safe may be to declare himself the leader of Mystic Valley’s shape-shifting wolves, he’ll have to decide if he’s ready to accept one responsibility he never wanted–even if it means losing her forever.

Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Strong violence.

Read an excerpt.

Limecello’s review of Only Tyler (Circle of Friends, Book 1) by Jess Dee
Erotic romance eBook released by Samhain on 20 Jan 09

This is the first book to Jess Dee’s new two part series “Circle of Friends”. Only Tyler is the second book I’ve read by Jess Dee, and I enjoyed it immensely. I knew that I wanted to read more of her books after I read Photo Opportunity, and jumped at the chance when I saw her name – and also the premise of this book.

I’ve always been passionately fond of a good love triangle (likely carry over from adoring Cyrano De Bergerac), so that combined with a new Jess Dee book was irresistible. I absolutely adored the opening to this book. There’s a real warmth to all the characters – and yet the story has a lighthearted and humorous vibe. It all works very well – and fits the setting of Down Under.

The heroine Kate is a well written character. She’s smart, kind, and generally has her head on straight. Unfortunately, there were [about] two chapters where I wanted to smack her. I’d just finished another book with a similar problem, so my tolerance level was low. Luckily, the beginning and end soothed my irritated soul.

What bothered me about Kate was that she could be a bit melodramatic — as well as wishy-washy. I wish her character would have been just a tiny bit stronger, and that she had been more honest with herself. The fact that Kate continued to perpetuate the farce of her relationship with Steve after she and Tyler essentially got back together was a bit much for me. But still, and aside, Kate is quite likable. It was nice that Kate could be independent, and had her own life outside her emotional ruin with Tyler. It’s also not too difficult to forgive her emotional confusion between the two men she loves. (In entirely different ways.)

Tyler was a great character. Well written, well meaning, and a great match for Kate. He was human, and reasonable. Willing to give his all to win back the woman he loves, yet not abrasive about it. I respected the Tyler who made a decision and decided to go for it. (His reasons for leaving while potentially understandable, were a bit weak.) Tyler also has personality and depth. He’s smart, driven, pragmatic, and… yes – extremely sexy. (Come on, that is a major positive!) He’s sweet, and caring, and I loved his emotional depth. Ms. Dee did a wonderful job of portraying Tyler’s dilemma between wanting to build a life with the woman of his dreams, and not destroying the precious relationship he has with his best friend. And you know what? Tyler’s just fun – and it’s always good to read a story with a hero like that.

One thing I didn’t like in the book was all the intrigue and secrets-  pertaining to Tyler and Pen. I can understand it, but when detached from the story itself — or reflecting back on it after having read the story, it seems like its main purpose is to draw the reader to getting the second book — which I think is unnecessary. I want to read Circle of Friends: Steve’s Story regardless of that – and possibly despite the lures. And as I said before, the drawn out misunderstanding between the characters. It was slightly reminiscent of those comedic sequences on a sitcom in the not so wonderful sense. Then there were the issues that could have been resolved with five words, but instead were ignored and then turned into major productions.

Okay, and normally I don’t say anything about them — and be objective here — especially not about eBook covers, but I really liked the cover for this book! Kudos to Scott Carpenter! And also, another thing I generally don’t mention — the dedication. In these times, I think it will resonate with a lot of readers/people.

Anyway, this was an extremely cute, feel good read – with well developed characters, as well as an extremely well written story line. I found Only Tyler hard to put down and am eager for the next book. (Yes, I went and read the excerpt for Steve’s Story!) A good love triangle is one of my favorite story lines, and I think they’re all too rare these days. (Notice I wrote good.) I found the relationships between all three believable, and I definitely recommend this book to any fan of Ms. Dee’s writing, as well as anyone else looking for a great contemporary romance.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Love…or friendship? Does she really have to choose?

Katelyn Rosewood is facing a moral dilemma, one that’s six-foot-two, sexy as sin—and her fiancé’s best friend. Katie spent a lot of time getting over Tyler Bonnard, but now that he’s back in Sydney, he’s turning her carefully reconstructed world upside down.

Her relationship with Steve Sommers may be short on heat and desire, but after Tyler left her two years before, she’ll take security and solid friendship over wild passion any day. Except Tyler seems to have a good—if outrageous—explanation for why he’s returned.

After a tragic family secret tore him out of Katie’s life, Tyler is glad to be back with his two best friends. But one thing is out of place: Katie’s in the wrong man’s arms. And if her reaction to his return is any indication, she’s not quite over him. Which could mean hope for Tyler, heartbreak for Steve…

And another devastating loss for Katie, who must choose between the man to whom she’s committed her future, and the man who still holds her heart.

Warning: Keep a tissue or two handy while reading this book. While it does contain a few steamy love scenes, the rest of the story might just make you cry. 

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in the series:

Shannon C.’s review of Mean Streets by Jim Butcher, Simon R. Green, Kat Richardson, and Thomas E. Sniegoski
Urban fantasy anthology released by Roc 6 Jan 09

This anthology features four prominent private investigators currently with series in the urban fantasy market. Headlining this book is Jim Butcher, with another Harry Dresden story, and Kat Richardson, Thomas Sniegoski, and Simon R. Green finish out the anthology. Anthologies aren’t particularly my bag, but this one didn’t really have any stories that completely failed to work for me, and it was a relatively quick read.

The Warrior by Jim Butcher

I’m not a particular fan of the Dresden Files, and I haven’t read past the second book. There’s no really good reason for this beyond just personal taste, but still. This story involves a mad priest kidnapping the daughter of a friend of Harry’s in exchange for a couple of magic swords. I thought the whole idea, which involves the exploration of faith and what it means to do good works was well-executed. Harry’s a likeable narrator, and I’m almost tempted to go back to the Dresden books I haven’t read yet. But not quite, since whatever element is in these books that doesn’t quite work for me is here, too. But still, this isn’t a bad way to start the anthology.

Grade: B

Summary:
New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher delivers a hard-boiled tale in which Harry Dresden’s latest case may be his last.

No excerpt available.

The Difference a Day Makes by Simon R. Green

This was my favorite story in the anthology. Easily. We first meet John Taylor, private eye and denizen of the Nightside, in a bar where he’s having drinks with his friend Dead Boy. Their night gets more interesting when Liza Barclay enters. Liza has no memory of her life before stumbling into the Nightside, and the only clue she has to her identity is a torn-up picture of her husband Frank. John Taylor offers to assist Liza, because he’s a chivalrous guy and he’s drawn to how well she seems to be coping with the weirdness that is the Nightside.

When I read this story, I felt like I was reading what would result from the pen of Charles de Lint’s evil twin. The Nightside really isn’t a place people want to visit, but I felt Green conveyed a real sense of magic and wonder in this quick tour of it. I want more, and this is the only story in the collection that had me wanting to start in on the author’s full-length work.

Grade: B+

Summary:
Nightside dweller John Taylor is hired by a woman to find something she lost—her memory—in a thrilling noir tale from New York Times bestselling author Simon R. Green.

No excerpt available.

The Third Death of the Little Clay Dog by Kat Richardson

I started Greywalker some time ago, and found it to be interesting but not overly compelling, which is how I felt about this story in the Greywalker Universe. This time, our protagonist is Harper Blaine, who can see into the realm between life and death. She’s compelled to travel to Oaxaca, Mexico, when she is written into an eccentric woman’s will. All she has to do is leave a clay dog figurine on a man’s grave and stand vigil over it all night and she’ll receive $30,000. She’s intrigued by the odd request, and she needs the money, so off to Mexico she goes. There, of course, things turn out to be a lot more complicated than she thought as she finds an intriguing mystery, a teenager with a bad attitude, and a ghost dog.

I liked this story well enough. In the end, I was left smiling and satisfied, which is really all I can ask for in a short story. I felt distanced from Harper herself, but I did like the secondary characters and I found the story’s description of Mexican culture fascinating. I wasn’t too lost even though I’ve never read the series.

Grade: B-

Summary:
National bestselling author Kat Richardson’s Greywalker finds herself in too deep when a “simple job” goes bad and Harper Blaine is enmeshed in a tangle of dark secrets and revenge from beyond the grave.

Read an excerpt.

Noah’s Orphans by Thomas E. Sniegoski

I wanted to like this story more than I did, but I just couldn’t get over the high concentration of cheese such a short story offers. First there’s our protagonist, Remy Chandler. (Get it?) He has a dog named Marlowe, and he is, wait for it, a private investigator. Also, he’s a former angel struggling to live as human, except stupid things like the apocalypse keep getting in his way. Now Noah (of the Ark fame) has been murdered, and Remy gets drawn into heavenly affairs once again.

There were things I did like. Remy seems like a nice enough guy, and the death of his wife and his struggles to come to terms with it were well-written. And I loved Marlowe, who acted in a believable doglike fashion.

What I didn’t love so much was the ham-handed religious stuff. I feel like I’ve read this kind of story in a much more subtle incarnation, and the result left me cold, and uninterested in keeping up with the series.

Grade: C

Summary:
For centuries, the being that we know as Noah lived among us. Now he is dead, and fallen-angel-turned-detective Remy Chandler has been hired to find out who killed him in a whodunit by national bestselling author Thomas E. Sniegoski.

No excerpt available.

Overall, this was a good anthology. The Greene and Butcher stories are the best of the bunch, and even the Sniegoski piece has its moments.

Overall Grade: B

Summary:
From four of today’s hottest fantasy authors—all-new novellas of dark nights, cruel cities, and paranormal P.I.s.

The best paranormal private investigators have been brought together in a single volume—and cases don’t come any harder than this.

New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher delivers a hard-boiled tale in which Harry Dresden’s latest case may be his last.

Nightside dweller John Taylor is hired by a woman to find something she lost—her memory—in a thrilling noir tale from New York Times bestselling author Simon R. Green.

National bestselling author Kat Richardson’s Greywalker finds herself in too deep when a “simple job” goes bad and Harper Blaine is enmeshed in a tangle of dark secrets and revenge from beyond the grave.

For centuries, the being that we know as Noah lived among us. Now he is dead, and fallen-angel-turned-detective Remy Chandler has been hired to find out who killed him in a whodunit by national bestselling author Thomas E. Sniegoski.

Limecello’s review of What I Did for Love by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Contemporary romance hardcover released by William Morrow on 27 Jan 09

Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ newest novel What I Did for Love has been a long time coming. It’s set in Hollywood, loosely like her recent re-release, Glitter Baby. The stories are in no way tied together, but you might see some familiar characters. Ms. Phillips is one of my favorite authors, though I’ve noticed many of her more recent books would fall into “women’s fiction” rather than romance. (This makes me sad.) As usual, Ms. Phillips’ novel has a wealth of well developed characters, and the hero, Bram, and heroine, Georgie, are quirky and fun to read.

Georgie York is a Hollywood has been. She won her place as America’s sweetheart playing Scooter in the show Skip and Scooter. She hasn’t done anything big in seven years (since the show ended), and each film she’s been in since has been worse than the last. However, what really has Georgie down is her actor ex-husband’s actions. Georgie has surprising strength, but I felt that either she wasn’t completely developed, or I didn’t have a absolute grasp on her character. She seems to deceive herself a lot, though she does protect her emotions.

One thing I wasn’t too keen on was how Georgie often played the victim. She’s so pathetic and sad – but then in the end becomes this emotional pillar, without much of a rhyme or reason. Though I suppose that could be attributed to actually falling in love? I did, however, really like how Georgie drew on her Scooter character. It was a fun trait.

Bramwell Shepherd is a really fun hero. He played the kind and debonair Skip, but was the exact opposite in real life. Bram is misunderstood by pretty much everyone. There seem to be only two people who see Bram for who he truly is – and one is blinded by her hero worship. The thing is, Bram has changed a lot, but he acted so badly starting fourteen years ago, that nobody can look past that. (Yes, Georgie and Bram were on the tail end of being child stars.)

I liked that Bram tried, but he wasn’t desperate. It hurt, but he was willing to let everyone believe the worst of him. I think part of it was that he was so horrid before, protests to the contrary weren’t believable. Still, I found it a bit predictable. I liked that Bram was vulnerable, and human. He’s quite matter of fact, and rather revels in his nefarious characterization everyone has attached to him. It was nice that Bram was a broken character who comes into his own. And actually is pretty much changed when the novel begins. Nevertheless, Bram’s inner reprobate does still exist. His maneuvering gets him photographed at lunch with Georgie, and his machinations end up with the two getting married. He’s charmingly rogue-ish.

I liked the wide variety of secondary characters, though some, like Meg Koranda (the child of Fleur and Jake from Glitter Baby) seemed a bit superfluous. That being said, I liked Chaz (Bram’s housekeeper) and Aaron (Georgie’s assistant). And thought that their romance was very cute and sweet- and yes, foreseeable. The same with the romance between Paul (Georgie’s father) and Laura (Georgie’s agent/ex-agent). Lance (Georgie’s ex-husband) and Jade (his new wife) exactly fit the roles they were supposed to play, but Rory Keene I think was my favorite secondary character. (And dare I hope she’ll get her own novel?) Yes it does seem like all the characters are Georgie centered, but Bram holds his own. It had to be that way. (And it was nice to see how Ms. Phillips used the characters to reinforce her story line.)

I really enjoyed the themes that Ms. Phillips had throughout her novel. It was interesting to read all the subtext, and especially complicated, as Georgie generally had a Skip and Scooter script running through her head – whether an actual episode or ad libbed – concurrently with the present. It was also nice how so many of the secondary characters interacted with each other, and how they were developed.

One thing I found a bit off was the lack of romance throughout the novel. (Again – the women’s fiction angle?) I actually felt that Paul and Laura got the most for their story – and the best emotional connection, which is a bit sad because they have rather small roles. I would have liked a bit more introspection on the part of Georgie and Bram. They realized that they got along well, and were incredibly compatible sexually… but there was little emotionally. Aside from general human concern, I wasn’t 100% sure that they cared for each other until pretty much the bitter end. Still, the antics that Georgie and Bram get into are entertaining, and they draw you in. While the way the two get together is unusual, its believable and makes sense for the two of them.

The ending, however, was wonderful. I liked the dramatic finish, along with the fact that Ms. Phillips took the reader to a natural conclusion. The way she had Georgie and Bram act was very well planned, and their split might be one of my favorite parts. It was nice that all the character issues were resolved, and of course there was the requisite wild-eyed, dramatic declaration of love by the hero. Bram’s was actually rather complicated, and happened in stages.

I actually did enjoy the novel very much, and I believe read it in one sitting – it was hard to put down. I’m sure I don’t need to recommend this book to fans of Ms. Phillips – you’ve probably already read it.

Grade: B+

Summary:

It’s not easy being famous when your life is falling apart… Georgie York has been dumped by her movie star husband, her own film career is tanking, and her public image as a spunky romantic heroine is taking a serious beating.

What should a down-on-her-luck actress do? NOT go to Vegas…NOT run into her detestable former co-star—dreamboat-from-hell Bramwell Shepard…and NOT get caught up in a ridiculous incident that leads to a calamitous elopement. Before she knows it, Georgie has a fake marriage, fake husband, and maybe (or not) a fake sex life.

It’s a paparazzi free-for-all, and Georgie’s non-supporting cast doesn’t help. There’s Bram’s punk-nightmare housekeeper; Georgie’s pushy parent; a suck-up agent; an icy studio head; and her ex-husband’s new wife, an international do-gooder who just might win the stupid Nobel Peace Prize!

As for Georgie’s leading man… Bram, with his angel blue eyes and twisted black heart, has never cared about anyone but himself. Still, he’s giving the performance of his life as man in love—thanks to the half a million dollars she’s paying him. It was official. She’d married the devil. Or had she?

Two enemies find themselves working without a script in a town where the spotlight shines bright…and where the strongest emotions can wear startling disguises.

Listen to Ms. Phillips read the first chapter here.

Sybil’s review of Highland Warrior (The Campbell Trilogy, Book 1) by Monica McCarty
Historical Romance released by Ballantine 27 Jan 09

Highland Warrior is the first novel in Monica McCarty’s 2nd back to back Scottish trilogy. Before I do anything I must give mad props to Monica for the amount of research she has put into her tales and to Ballantine. At a time when many publishers are cutting pages, word count, and more it is beyond delightful to see Ballantine allowing an author pages to show she did her homework and provide some background to readers who would like to know more. Hell people, there are footnotes in the author’s notes! For those of you lusting for more knowledge, you can find it on Monica’s site. The Lamont has decided it is time for his daughter to marry and the Highland gathering at Ascog would be the perfect place for her to find a husband, at least that is the hope.  Argyll’s Henchman, Jamie Campbell, figures the games are the easiest way to discover if clan Lamont is hiding the outlaw Alasdair MacGregor.  Jamie knows the last thing Lamont would want is his daughter married into a clan he has been feuding with for years.  Hopefully the unease will make finding the outlaws that much easier.

Problem is after Jamie helps Caitrina out of a tight spot, they can’t get their mind off each other.  Like many long term family feuds, it is hard for them to connect their feelings for how they are suppose to feel about ‘certain’ people or actions.  As well as each character has to learn that rumor isn’t fact and to learn not judge a book by the cover.  This is much harder to do when Jamie learns that Alasdair isn’t with the Lamont Clan and rides out, only to return to a mess of mass destruction his brother creates when it turns out that Jamie was in fact correct.

I had a tough time getting into Highland Warrior for a few reasons. First because the ‘Romeo & Juliet’ theme has never been my favorite type of plots. I know given the time period being torn between clans was not at all odd but man it generally goes on forever so knowing that going in, it was tough sitting down for, because when it works it works well and when it sucks – it is HELL ON READER EARTH. And, dude, I have books to read. The first two chapters are also clunky, so it was easy for me to put the book down, but once it hit about chapter four I was into it and I liked it (Highland Outlaw is my fave).

Monica McCarty has done her homework and her history is amazing and believable. Catrina is a fully drawn character who goes from spoiled, would-be bride to would-be savor of her clan. I would love her a hella lot if it wasn’t for the really dumbass thing she does toward the end that made me want to shake her. I did understand it but thought Jamie had earned her trust by then and it seemed really just too ‘this needs to be done for the plot’. Jamie was grand. Almost too much so.  He is a yummy highlander hero all the way around but totally understanding and wants Catrina to trust him for him.  And he is good with a sword.

I have now read all three novels (can’t do a Duckies Do Series since they aren’t all out yet) and ‘THE BIG MISUNDERSTANDING’ plays something of a part in each one of them (not so much the middle book). I think this has more to do with trust issue, which leads back to the feuding families and centuries of bad, bad blood. From what I understand Clan Campbell is often cast as the ‘bad’ guys in romance novels with the Lamont and MacGregor clan’s more in riding in the hero seat. McCarty does an excellent job of showing, war isn’t easy and it is rarely black and white.

Highland Warrior isn’t a perfect book but it is a great start to a fabulous trilogy and what she does well is wonderful.

Grade: B- 

Summary:

The ruthless enforcer of Scotland’s most powerful clan, Jamie Campbell is the most feared man in the Highlands. Raw physical strength coupled with cunning political acumen make him a powerful force with whom few men will dare to reckon. Determined to see the Highlands tamed of its lawlessness and unrest, Jamie’s objectives are clear: under the guise of seeking the Chief of Lamont’s daughter’s hand in marriage, discover whether the Lamonts are harboring any outlawed MacGregors. But guise turns to desire when he meets the beautiful spitfire who rules the household with a dainty iron fist. The fierce Highlander never expects that the woman he wants above all others will test his duty and loyalty to his clan to the breaking point.

Cosseted and adored by her family, Caitrina Lamont has no intention of abandoning her beloved father and doting four older brothers for a husband-especially a Campbell. But Jamie Campbell is nothing like the parade of suitors that Caitrina’s father usually traipses across their hall. His raw masculinity threatens her in a way no man ever had before. But when Caitrina’s idyllic world is shattered, could the man she blames for her tragedy become her only hope for the future?

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

Sandy M’s review of The Magic Knot by Helen Scott Taylor
Contemporary Paranormal Romance released by Love Spell 27 Jan 09

Red alert! Red alert!  New author on the scene.  Make that a terrific new author.  Helen Scott Taylor’s debut book is a terrific read.  It has everything from Irish twin brothers to the Queen of the Tuatha Dé Danaan to a greedy, evil father to the pisky who are on the brink of elimination.  Oh, the love and the magic is pretty darned good too.

Sometimes in picking up a book I don’t read the back cover.  It’s a book for review that I have to read, so I pick it up and I begin.  When I took a look at the cover of this book, I thought it was an historical.  I got a really nice surprise on the first page that threw the historical out the window and plopped paranormal down in its place.  I was actually glad then and as I got further into the book that I hadn’t read the blurb.  This book flows so naturally on its own, I didn’t need any help to begin with.

Niall O’Connor and his twin brother Michael are half Tuatha Dé Danaan and half leprechaun.  Michael is the free spirited one who the ladies go for.  Niall is the responsible one, currently making sure their Queen doesn’t harm his brother or their leprechaun sister, Ana, because he refused the Queen’s advances.  That’s why they left Ireland and are now living in Cornwall. The further away the better to stay out of her clutches.  Niall’s routine has hit a snag, though, when he delivers his quarterly payment to Tristan Jago for the spell to keep his siblings safe.  A pisky has entered Cornwall and Tristan wants the fairy brought to him, so he blackmails Niall into doing so.

But the pisky Niall encounters is nothing like he expects.  Rose Tremain is a financial investigator, she helps people in trouble, which is why she’s in Cornwall at the Elephant’s Nest.  Though she does find problems with the way the books are handled and the owner has a beautiful face and a killer smile, it’s his handsome and dangerous-looking brother who fires up her libido.

When she snoops to get to the bottom of Michael’s financial fiasco, she finds Niall’s Magic Knot, which is so like her own.  All it takes is a touch of those stones and she’s put in motion a connection to him that is so deep, so all consuming that it takes everything Niall’s got to keep her at arm’s length.  He has to keep his family safe and getting involved with a pisky who doesn’t realize her powers and who has secrets just won’t work, especially when he finds out who her father is.

The pace really picks up when Niall and company head to Ireland to face the Queen for information to save Rose’s piskies.  Once there and faced with danger and vindictiveness from every direction, their bond only grows stronger and Rose’s inner fairy and magic begin to emerge. What an adventure that was for all the characters involved.  The Queen is one freaky goddess who’s right-hand man is the twins’ father, another story that takes on a life of its own.  One of my favorites is Nightshade, a vampiric nightstalker from Rose’s childhood.  This is the first book in Ms. Taylor’s new series, so I’m assuming we’ll get Michael’s story, but I hope she’ll also give us Nightshade’s book.  He’s definitely a character who needs some love.

This is just one of those books that captivates you from the first page.  It’s different, emotional, full of evil but with plenty of love to counteract those bad guys.  Ms. Taylor is going on my autobuy list for sure.

Grade: A+

Summary:

When Rose discovers she is the Cornish pisky queen and her father is a dark druid who has imprisoned her people in portraits, the race is on to discover the fairy lore needed to release her people before her father destroys the piskies forever.

She seeks help from the sinfully sexy Irish fairy twins, the O’Connor brothers. Niall’s faint air of menace flutters dark thrills of anticipation through her, but does he want to kiss her or kill her when she accidentally touches his Magic Knot and forges a mystical lovers’ bond with him? And can she resist the seductive glamor of his mischievous brother Michael?

With the survival of the Cornish piskies in her hands, Rose must escape from a vampiric, winged fairy, outwit The Queen of Nightmares and surrender her mind, body and spirit to Niall to release her hidden inner fairy. The Tarot cards warn he will stab her in the back, but when she’s in his arms, the last thing on her mind is death.

Read an excerpt.

Liviania’s review of Plum Spooky (Between-the-Numbers Stephanie Plum) by Janet Evanovich
Contemporary mystery released by St. Martin’s 6 Jan 09

The Between-the-Numbers Stephanie Plum books have always been fun but less satisfying that those in the actual series.  For one thing, none of the previous three cleared 200 pages.  There’s only so much you can put into such a short novel, making each of them seem rather spare.  Plum Spooky, on the other hand, is over 300 pages and much more similar to one of the main novels.  That is, aside from Diesel.

The BtN books include a supernatural element not present in the rest of the canon.  In them, super bounty hunter Diesel teams up with Stephanie to get their skips.  Stephanie is on the trail of Martin Munch, short, geeky, and nonthreatening.  Diesel is after his partner Wulf, who kills people by twisting their head around.  Meanwhile, Stephanie has other skips to catch and a monkey to take care of.  I do like that unexpected characters, like Carl the Monkey, reoccur in this series.

On the romance side, Plum Spooky ranks pretty weak.  Morelli is out of the way taking care of a wayward brother.  Ranger shows up in a professional capacity only.  Stephanie is attracted to Diesel, but the two have never done anything together and probably never will since it wouldn’t gel well with the main series. Side-couple Lulu and Tank are experiencing relationship troubles as their wedding approaches.  They might end up having as much trouble making it to the altar as Stephanie.

Bounty hunter antics are in full swing.  Bad things happen to Stephanie’s cars, as is usual.  Vegetables get thrown.  Lulu and Tank fail to be inconspicuous.  Carl proves to be more intelligent than your average monkey.  Wulf really is creepy.  While less dangerous, Martin is often equally creepy since he’s pretty eager to get it on with unwilling women.  Janet Evanovich does wrap the case up but leaves things open for the next BtN novel.  There was a large gap between Visions of Sugar Plums and Plum Lovin’ but it now seems like there will be one between every one of the numbered novels.

If that’s the case, I’m glad for the increased page count.  It allowed Evanovich to expand upon the main case and devote attention to each skip.  Plum Spooky felt more like it belonged with the series than the previous three BtN novels.  (Really, if you upped the romance and deleted the mentions of Unmentionables it would be a main novel.)

Most of the reason I love the Plum series is the odd people Stephanie manages to become involved with and the over-the-top situations.  Plum Spooky delivers very well on both of those counts.  Those more interested in the Morelli-Stephanie-Ranger love triangle would probably be better of skipping it.  Plum Spooky is a lightweight novel, but it made me laugh and it’s fun to visit the characters in a new adventure without having to wait a full year for the main novel.

Grade: B-

Summary:
Turn on all the lights and check under your bed. Things are about to get spooky in Trenton, New Jersey. According to legend, the Jersey Devil prowls the Pine Barrens and soars above the treetops in the dark of night. As eerie as this might seem, there are things in the Barrens that are even more frightening and dangerous. And there are monkeys. Lots of monkeys. Wulf Grimoire is a world wanderer and an opportunist who can kill without remorse and disappear like smoke.

He’s chosen Martin Munch, boy genius, as his new business partner, and he’s chosen the Barrens as his new playground. Munch received his doctorate degree in quantum physics when he was twenty-two. He’s now twenty-four, and while his brain is large, his body hasn’t made it out of the boys’ department at Macy’s. Anyone who says good things come in small packages hasn’t met Munch. Wulf Grimoire is looking for world domination. Martin Munch would be happy if he could just get a woman naked and tied to a tree. Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum has Munch on her most-wanted list for failure to appear in court.

Plum is the all-American girl stuck in an uncomfortable job, succeeding on luck and tenacity. Usually she gets her man. This time she gets a monkey. She also gets a big guy named Diesel. Diesel pops in and out of Plum’s life like birthday cake – delicious to look at and taste, not especially healthy as a steady diet, gone by the end of the week if not sooner. He’s an über bounty hunter with special skills when it comes to tracking men and pleasing women. He’s after Grimoire, and now he’s also after Munch. And if truth were told, he wouldn’t mind setting Stephanie Plum in his crosshairs. Diesel and Plum hunt down Munch and Grimoire, following them into the Barrens, surviving cranberry bogs, the Jersey Devil, a hair-raising experience, sand in their underwear, and, of course . . . monkeys.
Read an excerpt here.

Limecello’s review of He’s Just Not That Into You: The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo
Self-help released by Simon Spotlight Entertainment 7 Sep 04 (Re-released in paperback on 6 Jan 09)

This book was written and published in the hey day of the hit show “Sex in the City” — regardless of if you liked it or not, it was big. And especially, one episode, where the line “he’s just not that into you” was delivered. It seems so simple, but obviously, it isn’t. If it were easy, we wouldn’t have all those self-help books (especially the eleventy billion versions of this one), or sad people in shitty relationships. I’ve never read a self-help book (other than this one, if it counts) – I read He’s Just Not That Into You for entertainment, but for much of it, I just kept thinking “yes!” There’s so much common sense packed in this punchy little book, and a lot of quippy lines as well. And yes I posted the hardcover image, because that’s what I have and I like it more – but I linked you to the paperback, because I’ve always got your back when it comes to saving money.

I’ve basically said all that can be said about this book – it describes situations, or rather, “real people” (no idea if this is true – but at least one seems made up) send in letters asking for advice, and Greg answers them. At the end of each “chapter,” both Greg and Liz say their part. Greg is quite optimistic, and Liz is the sympathetic voice. She’s the one that gets it and can commiserate with all the crappy relationships. Although – Greg has also lived it, which I suppose gives him credibility.

Having described the book, really the best thing is to read it. Is it the best self help book out there? I wouldn’t know. But I’m also going to hazard a guess and say “no.” However, it does offer great advice, and if you so choose, I think that could help you rid your life of a lot of drama. Or, you might have a girlfriend – or a number of friends – in crappy relationships, that might need a swift kick in the pants – or the reality check He’s Just Not That Into You offers.

Now, I’m going to share with you some of my favorite lines.

If he has a problem with anything in your relationship, he’s supposed to talk to you about it, not put-his-penis-in-a-strange-vagina about it.

If You Don’t Believe Greg:
100% of guys polled said they had never accidentally slept with anyone. (But many of them wanted to know how this accident could occur, and how they can get involved in such an accident.)

And from another chapter (Uh oh to the romance authors…):

“Bad Boys” are bad because they’re troubled, as in having little self-respect, lots of pent-up anger, loads of self-loathing, complete lack of faith in any kind of loving relationship, but yes, really cool clothes and often a great car. (Ed note: From a former bad boy.)

Next – and I firmly believe a number of these can be applied to platonic relationships as well.

Dear Captive Audience,
You are so lucky to be with such an exciting guy. You get to watch him perform conversational masturbation on you. Hot. He’s clearly as impressed with himself as you are.

And lastly:

…being lonely, being alone, for many people, sucks. I get it, I get it, I get it. But still I have to say, that, yes, my true belief is that being with somebody who makes you feel shitty or doesn’t honor the person you are, is worse.”

I haven’t read this book in a long time – over four years? But I picked it up because the movie comes out today. (When I first heard about it my reaction was wtf? How can they even make a movie of the book? And I still don’t know. I also hate how there’s a clip in the previews that talks about “myspace” equating a booty call. Uh, no. I hate myspace. And also, you don’t know immediately if someone myspaces you. And if you do, your life is sad – read this book.) I’m glad I re-read it. It was entertaining, and fun, and its a feel good read. This isn’t the most brilliant peice of American literature ever written, but it’s still a good reminder for every woman out there. (And maybe guys should read it too, to get a clue.)

Grade: A-

He says:

Oh sure, they say they’re busy. They say that they didn’t have even a moment in their insanely busy day to pick up the phone. It was just that crazy. All lies. With the advent of cell phones and speed dialing, it is almost impossible not to call you. Sometimes I call people from my pants pocket when I don’t even mean to. If I were into you, you would be the bright spot in my horribly busy day. Which would be a day that I would never be too busy to call you.

She says:

There is something great about knowing that my only job is to be as happy as I can be about my life, and feel as good as I can about myself, and to lead as full and eventful a life as I can, so that it doesn’t ever feel like I’m just waiting around for some guy to ask me out. And most importantly, it’s good for us all to remember that we don’t need to scheme and plot, or beg anyone to ask us out. We’re fantastic.
.
You can listen to an excerpt from the audio book here. (Scroll down).

Sandy M’s review of A Highlander of Her Own (Daughters of the Glen, Book 4) by Melissa Mayhue
Time Travel Romance published by Pocket 27 Jan 09

I became an instant fan of Melissa Mayhue’s with her first Highlander book.  Loved everything about it.  Then she only got better with her Guardians in the next two books.  Those became my favorites.  While Ms. Mayhue’s writing is still on the rise, this time, in A Highlander of Her Own, something has happened and I wasn’t left as bowled-over as I had been after finishing her previous books.  You have no idea how it pains me to say that.

I realize that our favorites stumble every now and again in their writing, but to say it out loud or put it in writing makes it all the more distressing.  The writing itself, the storyline, the time travel, which is my a favorite read of mine, are still on par with what I’ve come to expect from Ms. Mayhue.  What didn’t work quite so well for me this time are the main characters.

They’re likable, you feel for them now and then.  But they had the same feeling as those from the first book in the series.  Modern woman gets tossed back in time and has a hugely hard time with the Highlander’s he-man attitude. Said Highlander doesn’t want or need a wife and only wants to protect the aforementioned modern woman. And the difference in the first book is the heroine decides to kick some serious ass and brings her military father and brothers along to help her out. This current book doesn’t give us that kind of wow factor.

While that is a stumbling block for me this time around, I know I’m also comparing it to the two Guardian books, Highland Guardian and Soul of a Highlander.  These books take a little different direction, away from the Glen, and focus on the portal between the human and fae worlds which are guarded by the strong, silent type Highlanders.  There’s terrific action in them, love the characters, even down to the most secondary ones, the villain is satisfyingly evil, and they’re just plain old fun to read. Maybe it’s not fair to compare the books, but I’m not sure I can’t not do that anymore after getting a taste of those Guardians.

We met Caden MacAlister in Soul of a Highlander when his family is betrayed by his betrothed.  So when Ellie wishes for a Highlander of her own and is thrown back to his time, he’s decided he can’t trust women and will never marry. Ellie is a descendant of the High Prince of the Fae but has just recently been given her magic powers, which includes an affinity to animals’ feelings and thoughts, all of which Caden is fine with.  Magic runs in the blood of his family.

My biggest problem with Ellie is if she wants a Highlander like she reads about in her romance novels, she should know he’s going to be a chauvinist to the core.  However, by the time she acknowledges this, it’s just too late. She’s been irritated with Caden one time too many for the way he is. She’s an intelligent woman and letting his attitude piss her off as many times as it does just fell flat after a while.

Caden is guilty of the same type of thing. Once his aunt tells him Ellie is of fae blood and she’s there to find her one true love, he gets it in his head his brother is that love.  I know he’s lost trust in women, but it would seem to me he could take another look at his aunt and his sister — then Ellie — and realize that, really, not all women are like his former betrothed.  He just waits too late to come to that enlightenment. Other than that, I did like Caden’s character the best. He’s next in line to be laird, takes his responsibility seriously — though he does guilt himself to death half the time — and the scenes when he’s held captive are quite compelling.

I really enjoyed the side story of Laird Blane and Lady Catriona’s romance.  I wish there had been a little more to that.  I hope Ms. Mayhue is going to write Drew’s story.  He’s Caden’s brother who was severely injured in the betrayal I mentioned before.  That’s a story that can be different and emotional, especially from a modern woman’s point of view. There’s a lot of other nice points in this book, the bathhouse scenes are quite nice, as is the mystery of the infected sheep and Ellie’s solution to it, Ellie’s gift with animals, and Lady Roslyn’s not-so-magic interference.  The he-man/modern time points of view, if kept for future books, just need a new twist to make them interesting again.

All of this said, I still look forward to Ms. Mayhue’s books. She’s given me some wonderful times in my reading and I know she will do so again.

Grade: C+

Summary:

TEXAS, PRESENT DAY. Ellie Denton’s world has spiraled out of control. A strange new birthmark, animals talking to her, and her mother’s ex-husband laying claim to the family ranch have her thinking life can’t get more complicated. But Ellie doesn’t know the birthmark’s connection to her Faerie ancestors. Complicated takes on a whole new meaning with her innocent wish to find her true love.

SCOTLAND, 1304. Caden MacAlister has more trouble than he can handle. With his brother held for ransom and the laird missing, the last thing he needs is another problem. But the Fae have other plans.

A mysterious woman shows up in his stables, sent by Faerie Magic to find her true love. Fighting his attraction, Caden insists she’s meant for one of his brothers. With his history, he has no desire for a woman in his life—especially a woman sent by the Fae.

Only the magic of the Fae can determine whether Ellie will find a Highlander of her own…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

C2 (C-Squared)‘s review of Dark of Night (Troubleshooters, Book 14) by Suzanne Brockmann
Romantic suspense hardcover released by Ballantine 27 Jan 09

Anyone who has ever visited my personal blog knows I’m a Suzanne Brockmann fan. I’m not a crazy stalker fan grrl or anything – *innocent look* – I’m just enthusiastic. I like all the interwoven stories and the whole deep point of view thing. And I say it’s impressive that all the characters are so real and clearly drawn that it is often easy for the reader to know, without her telling us, who is speaking. No cookie-cutter characters to be found here! 

So, of course, I was anxiously awaiting the release of Dark of Night, the newest Troubleshooters book. Now, before I go any further, I will warn you that this post will be filled with spoilers. Did you catch that, gentle readers? **FILLED WITH SPOILERS** I don’t know how else to do it. I admire and appreciate those reviewers who managed to write up their thoughts without spoiling it for the rest of us – especially since it took my book 3 days to get to me. Grrr. I mean, honestly, they get Harry Potter books to those who pre-order on the day of release. Can’t they do that for all hard covers? *Deep breath* Sorry! That’s a topic for another day. Back to the matter at hand – and remember HERE BE SPOILERS!!

**  YOU’VE BEEN WARNED! **

Dark of Night picks up almost exactly where the previous book, Into the Fire, left off. So we have the Troubleshooters trying to deal with the loss of one of their own. However, Jimmy Nash isn’t dead. He’s badly injured, yes, but quite alive. Jules Cassidy, everybody’s favorite FBI guy, knows that the key to keeping Nash alive long-term is to keep him “dead” until the people targeting him can be found and stopped.

So, a plan is set in motion. A select few know the truth about Nash and are guarding him at a safe house in the desert. Sam and Alyssa (and their new baby), Tess, Jules and Robin are there. The only other person who knows the truth is Decker – until Tracy figures it out, too. Yup, Suz takes the ditzy blonde secretary stereotype and turns it on its ear. And throws Decker and Tracy together in a major way.

At the same time Sophia and Dave are dealing with their grief over Nash, their relationship takes a romantic turn. Yes, Dave has loved Sophia forever but she is, finally, returning his interest. Like, really really returning it. But, poor Dave, right when it looks like he’s going to be happy, the bad guys grab him. Thinking they can get info out of him about Nash – or trade him for Nash, if he’s alive like they suspect. The torture scenes were uncomfortable to read, I must say. Yikes. Thankfully, they were brief. And we are shown some new facets of Dave’s character. He has a lot more in common with the rest of the Troubleshooters men than I had realized. He isn’t just a brain, after all.

And the race is on – find Dave, catch the bad guys, get Nash out of the line of fire, couple up the couples. With most of the SEALs out of the country, there is only a small group of Troubleshooters available to help. Still is there any doubt of the outcome?

The bad guys are dispatched. Dave is found – he dispatched some of the bad guys all by his tortured, infected self. And we get two new happily ever afters, one hinted at and one brand new, plus a bit of closure for an existing couple.

Closure for Nash and Tess – finally, the things that have kept them from moving forward (Nash’s secrets) are out of the way. In my opinion, I think that was the main purpose of the bad guys and Nash’s death. Since Nash was “dead” (and truly injured), he had to sit by and wait for the his team to take care of the bad guys. He had plenty of time to think about things – and get some advice from Love Doctors Sam and Kenny “Wild Card” Carmody. Talk about good times!

Our hinted coupling – when Dave is kidnapped, Sophia has a chance to realize she had only fooled herself into thinking she was settling for Dave. She figures out that he really is the guy she wants.

Our brand new couple — Decker and Tracy’s — whole romance happens in Dark of Night. They see in each other things they didn’t realize they wanted or needed. Deck needs someone who isn’t in awe of him. Someone who sees the real person behind the awesome Chief Decker, Navy SEAL. Tracy needs someone who sees beyond the packaging to the real person and brain underneath. And appreciates her chattiness. I totally believed their romance, even with all the other stuff happening in the book.

What? Is that screaming I hear?? Something about Decker and Sophia being meant for each other? Puh-leeze, people. What, exactly, are you basing that assumption on? I have never been a fan of that pairing – chemistry, they lacked it – so to see Suz moving those characters in a different direction made me happy. I understand that isn’t true for all readers. Whatever. You have to trust the author to take her characters where they need to go.

Yes, there were some small issues with the book — the bad guys were a bit too all-knowing, and some of the violent acts were a bit gruesome (not gory just icky). But acts of violence are like that, I suppose. To make an impact, they have to be uncomfortable for those who witness them. And yes, it was almost too fast-paced. Another 50-75 pages would have been welcome… not that I’m greedy.

Where does that leave us, gentle reader? With the story arc that began in Flashpoint all wrapped up and waiting impatiently for Hot Pursuit — coming this summer — of course! Let me take a moment to say how very glad I am that Suz has moved to two releases a year. Yay!

Grade: A-

Blurb:

Badly shaken after the loss of one of their own, the men and women of Troubleshooters Inc. go up against their most deadly opponents yet – the clandestine organization called The Agency. Blackmail, extortion, murder: The Agency’s black-ops sector will apparently stop at nothing to achieve their objective. But this time they’ve gone too far and hit too close to home.

Led by former Navy SEAL Lawrence Decker, a team of investigators – from FBI agent Jules Cassidy and former CIA operative Dave Malkoff, to Troubleshooters Sophia Ghaffari, Tess Bailey, and even receptionist Tracy Shapiro – band together to uncover the truth, and bring the killers to justice.
But the stakes are raised even higher when Decker barely escapes an attempt on his life. It soon becomes clear that the hunters have become the hunted – and the Troubleshooters are no longer just solving a crime – they’re fighting for survival.

Read an excerpt HERE.

Other books in the series (mass market paperback referenced where available):

and Book 15, HOT PURSUIT, Ballantine, Summer 2009

Sybil’s review of The Sins of Lord Easterbrook (The Rothwell Series, Book 4) by Madeline Hunter
Historical romance released by Dell 27 Jan 09

The Sins of Lord Easterbrook is a novel I have been waiting for since “the end” of The Rules of Seduction. Christian, Marquess of Easterbrook is a puzzle, an enigma, you know there is such a story there to be told.  Who is this man who walks around ‘half dressed’, obeys no rules but his own, does not suffer society and still manages to remain in favor.  He IS Easterbrook. And Madeline Hunter made us suffer through three books to get here, it is a damn good thing they were good books. Of course the problem that always leaves us with is… does the book live up to the wait?

To be completely honest, I got a few chapters into the book and was some what annoyed and put the book down. In fact I didn’t make it back to the book for a few weeks because I thought The Sins of Lord Easterbrook was going to take a turn off into a paranormal direction. It was rather short-sighted of me and I didn’t give the book enough of a chance, once I picked it back up and decided to just see where the author was taking us (and did learn that no woo woo was involved in Easterbrook’s Sins) it was all good.

The book opens with Lord Easterbrook trying very hard to find his ‘center’ and his valet pretty much thinking his job sucks.  There is a disturbance in the force so to speak and next we know Lord Easterbrook is having Leona Montgomery kidnapped (in a most polite way) off the street and taken to his home for a chat.  There she learns Christian, Marquess of Easterbrook, is really Edmund the same man who once stole her heart a life time ago and who she thinks might hold a key to why she is now in England.

This all happens in the first two chapters of the book.

As always she [Madeline Hunter] has wonderful characters, awesome detail and grand attention paid to her research.  Or she fakes it really well .  For someone like me who has pined for a character for as long as I have, and she did make me wait a good long while to get Christian’s HEA, she delivered and delivered well.

I know it seems like I am not giving you a ton of detail and I almost feel like I should say “sorry” but seriously – I put this book down or at least a month after waiting 100 years for it – you think I am going to give you spoilers?  READ it.

Grade: A

Read more info and reviews of this series by following the its tag.

Summary:

Only a desperate mission could bring Leona Montgomery face-to-face with the scoundrel whose dangerous sensuality once sent her fleeing from his arms. But she has under-estimated Christian, Marquess of Easterbrook. As irresistible as ever, his past swathed in mystery, Christian has his own plans for the woman he has waited seven years to claim. Yet once desire reignites, bringing a dangerous secret into the open, Leona will find herself bound to the seductive nobleman in ways she could never have imagined. Seven years have changed nothing: this man can tempt her to ruin with just one touch. With Leona’s reputation and hopes for her family’s salvation in tatters, she must follow the only course left to her…even as each step brings her closer to a shattering truth and a passion she can no longer live without.…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

LauraJ’s review of My Favorite Phantom by Karen Kelley
Contemporary paranormal romance released by Brava 1 Jan 09

Karen Kelley has quickly become one of my favorite comedic authors. I know without a doubt that I am going to spend a lot of time laughing and occasionally snorting while reading one of her books. It’s been a couple of books since she has tackled humor with ghosts (Double Dating With the Dead) so I was glad when she penned another ghost story. I was hoping for her to bring back Dixie and Wesley, the ghosts from DDWtD (and I’m still hoping someday she will — hint hint). No Dixie and Wesley in this book, but still a very funny and very entertaining read.

In this newest book, history professor Peyton Cache needs to hire someone to get rid of a ghost that is haunting his house and he needs this done quickly before an important dinner party he is hosting to win a potential grant. He’s up against another professor, a wannabe proper Englishman with a bad fake British accent. He calls Ghost Be Gone the only ghost exterminators in a 500 mile radius.

Kaci Melton arrives at Peyton’s house expecting to find a stodgy old professor and Peyton is anything buy old and stodgy. She doesn’t usually go out to actually rid houses of ghosts, that’s her dad’s job. She runs the back office and invents equipment for her dad, but her dad has gotten in a tight spot with a loan shark named Guido and Kaci is sent by her father to Peyton’s to get rid of the ghost and hide out until her dad is able to payoff Guido. Now as long as she can keep Peyton from finding out that little tidbit and the fact that she is actually afraid of ghosts then everything should be okay.

Almost immediately there is an attraction between Kaci and Peyton and this attraction quickly progresses when after an encounter with Peyton’s ghost Kaci ends up in his bed.

This book took me a little longer to get into (but I really think that was because of my mood), but by the third chapter I was having a hard time putting it down. The last 3 books I have read by Mrs. Kelley have been her alien/Planet Nerak which I loved. They were silly, fun books with outrageous situations. This book also shows off Mrs. Kelley’s gift for humor. She has a way of bring out “zingers” in what would seem like a more serious situation.

Kaci, although afraid of ghosts, knows how important this job is to help her father. She’s very likeable with her quick wit, finds she has a lot more determination and courage than she thought.

Peyton, while not quite the stodgy professor Kaci expects, he’s still seems a little uptight at first. But when Kaci reveals that she is indeed afraid of ghosts, Peyton wants to fire her but Kaci’s determination makes him decide to give her another chance. Peyton has other motives as he finds that he is attracted to her. This man knows how to talk to a woman. The love scenes are very hot thanks to Peyton who is an expert at using words to get Kaci hot and excited.

The secondary characters are Daniel, a co-worker and competing professor for the grant money and Edward the ghost. Daniel will probably remind readers of someone they work with, the one that seems more important and valuable than he really is. Kaci handles him quite nicely. Edward is quite mischievous in his haunting (remember the green ghost at the hotel in “Ghostbusters”?), but didn’t quite grab me as Dixie and Wesley did in DDWtD. I liked their interactions with the main characters and with each other more.

This was a very funny book that will have you laughing out loud in many places and warming up your cold winter nights. I’m not sure when Mrs. Kelley will be coming out with her next new book, but I’ll be waiting for it anxiously.

Grade: B+

Summary:

When professor Peyton Cache bought a big, gloomy, romantic Victorian house, he should have expected a ghost. He certainly got one, the kind that likes to float his undies around and drop slime in the stairwell for fun. But the professor can’t let the rest of the faculty know he’s lost his mind, so he hires a ghost hunter on the down-low. But somehow, when he booked a ghost hunter, he didn’t think that he was getting a live-in leggy blonde with an attitude like a Jersey gangster and a body like a pinup poster…Kaci Melton needs to hide out for a while, and where better to disappear than a haunted house on one of her dad’s ghost-hunting jobs? All she’ll have to do is deal with a crabby old professor for a couple of days and kick out one measly ghost. Two problems: the professor is a tasty young guy with piercing blue eyes, six-pack abs, and a penchant for talking dirty. And the ghost scares the panties off her…actually given the professor, maybe that’s not a problem. But if she can’t tell him the truth – and she can’t – how is she going to get him to keep up all that wonderful sex? Especially when she’s starting to kinda like him…

Read an excerpt here.

LauraJ’s review of Winter Heat by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jade Lee, and Anna DeStefano
Contemporary romance anthology released by Harlequin 13 Jan 09

Vicki Lewis Thompson is an auto-buy for me. Seriously she could write an instruction manual for how to cook Pop-Tarts and I would buy it. So, I guess that makes me a fangirl, huh? As for the other authors in this anthology, I have read one of Jade Lee’s books, a Harlequin Blaze, but Anna DeStefano is a brand new author to me.

All three stories take place at a secluded ski resort in Colorado. The owners who have named the resort Weekend Pass, named because of the time the couple spent together skiing on his weekend passes while he served in the military. In order to promote the resort the hold a poetry contest. Three winning couples will win a weekend at the resort and help promote the resort by doing such things as readings of their poetry and posing for photographs for travel magazines. Unfortunately for the owners the promoters have decided to the ski resort as a hip, party place and have brought in the Queen of parties, Maddy Luv (think Paris Hilton, but prettier and a little smarter). She plays a role in helping the couples find their ways together in each story.

Weekend Fling by Vicki Lewis Thompson

In this story Josh and Tracy are co-workers who enter the contest after their marketing firm looses out to the firm that won the bid to promote Weekend Pass. Knowing that the other firm will mess up the promotion they want to be there to offer up their firm’s services. But once they reach their assigned cabin, Josh and Tracy realize that the owners think that they are already a couple.

I’ve said it before (and I will probably say it again, and again, and again), but friend to lovers stories are my favorite. Josh and Tracy both fight the attraction they have to each other. They don’t want to ruin their working relationship or their friendship. Ms. Thompson keeps us anticipating them finally giving in. I like that it didn’t happen quickly and that we got to watch their inner battles of should I or shouldn’t I. My only complaint with this story is that it was too short, but overall a great story.

Grade: A-

Weekend Tigress by Jade Lee

In Jade Lee’s story Liz is a kindergarten teacher who decided to explore further the way of the tigress. She is given some help from her aunt, a tigress, when she gives her a special comb to wear on her trip to the resort. Liz knows about the way of the tigress and has recently decided to learn more. Matt, a TSA agent and son of the resort owners, knows what the comb means, but is convinced that either Liz is lying or she is out to trap him. So what would a good agent do, but not let her out of his sight.

This was the steamiest of the three stories. I loved Matt and Liz. He was fighting his desires while at the same time he was convinced that he had a national threat on his hands. Liz is a mild mannered kindergarten teacher who has decided she wants break away from the mild mannered teacher to explore her sexual side. While I’m not sure that it was suppose to be funny, the situations and Matt’s paranoia made me laugh. Very hot, enjoyable story.

Grade: A

Weekend Meltdown by Anna DeStefano

When the third winner of the contest and her guest show up Felicia is not what Tony expected. He had only seen her picture in the promo posters in the resort lobby something about her sparked his interest until she steps out the limo and appears to a high maintenance woman, something Tony is definitely not interested in. Felicia is given a makeover prior to arriving at the resort thanks to her gay best friend and guest for the weekend. She’s not so sure of her makeover, but wants to shed her boring corporate look. Tony’s job is to save the weekend that has turned into a publicity nightmare for the owners not get cozy with one of the guests. But the two are putting off enough sparks to torch the resort. It couldn’t hurt if they doused that fire a little.

I had a little more trouble getting into this story than the first two. I think having not read anything by this author before through me off in the beginning, , but after the second chapter I got hooked. While I had laughs from the first two, this one was a bit more serious, but still not heavy on the seriousness. I think I’m going to be adding more from this author to my tbr pile.

Grade: B+

This is great book to warm you up on these cold winter nights. A three stories were wonderfully written and well connected to each other with the characters from other stories showing up throughout the book. Maddy Luv doesn’t find her love in this story but she does play a prominent part in bringing the couples together especially in the third. I loved that all three authors kept her consistent as the ultimate party girl, but all three also showed her more vulnerable side (to varying degrees). The other main secondary characters are the Walkers who own the resort. We don’t get to see much of them any of the stories, but in each one they also give relationship advice.

Overall Grade: A

Summary:

Unforgettable…  For two cynical best friends who believe beginning an affair would be too much of a cliché…until they decide to share a vacation—and a bed!

Unbelievable…  For a schoolteacher eager to exchange her schoolmarm nature for that of an insatiable tigress and the undercover agent who knows how to bring out her wild side!

And completely mind-blowing!  For a corporate gal looking to shed her office shackles with the one man who can’t afford to get carried away…

Read an excerpt here.

As mentioned in the January 2009 Scoop column, the website celebrating Harlequin’s 60th birthday went live yesterday!  And to celebrate, Harlequin is offering sixteen titles for free!  Books can be downloaded in pdf, epub, lit or ereader.  And though it doesn’t seem o be up yet, soon the books will be available for the iPhone through Stanza.

The titles that can be downloaded are:

Once a Cowboy by Linda Warren (Harlequin American Romance)

Slow Hands by Leslie Kelly (Harlequin Blaze)             

His Lady Mistress by Elizabeth Rolls (Harlequin Historical)

Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch by B.J. Daniels (Harlequin Intrigue)  

Price of Passion by Susan Napier (Harlequin Presents)        

The Bride’s Baby by Liz Fielding   (Harlequin Romance) 

Snowbound by Janice Kay Johnson (Harlequin Superromance)

Baby Bonanza by Maureen Child (Silhouette Desire)  

Kiss Me Deadly by Michele Hauf (Silhouette Nocturne)

Stranded with a Spy by Merline Lovelace (Silhouette Romantic Suspense)

Dancing in the Moonlight by Raeanne Thayne (Silhouette Special Edition)

A Very Special Delivery by Linda Goodnight (LoveL Inspired)

Homespun Bride by Jillian Hart (Love Inspired Historical)

Hide in Plain Sight by Marta Perry (Love Inspired Suspense)

Irresistible Forces by Brenda Jackson (Kimani Romance)

Speed Dating by Nancy Warren (Nascar)

So what are you waiting for? Go! This is a great opportunity for Harlequin newbies to try it out, or to try a line you wouldn’t normally read.