Lawson’s review of Passionate by Anthea Lawson
Historical romance released by Zebra 1 Oct 08

Oh how I love Zebra debut books. You never know what you’ll get, it’s usually good, but it’s also surprising, and for $3.99 (soon to be $4.99) it’s a bargain to boot. Who knew that this one, written by and husband and wife, would live up to the back cover and give a great setting, North Africa, and a touching love story for two people who feel they might have had that choice taken away from them?

Lily Strathmore has been lucky to be able to do what she wants for most of her life. Though she has a meddling mother, she has a doting father, and a love of botanical drawing. She spends most of her time with her uncle, a botanist, drawing the specimens for his books. When James Huntington comes to her uncle asking for help about a mysterious flower found in a remote valley in Tunisia, a grand adventure is planned. It is her last adventure, however, as her mother has now left her no choice and she is forced into an agreement with an eligible candidate of her mother’s choosing.

James is on his own mission. Though he does want to find the flower and give his dead grandfather a legacy, he also is searching for journals hidden in the same remote valley that prove his grandfather found the flower many years before. If he does these things, he gains ownership of his grandfather’s prized estate and horticultural collections. It helps that he needs to get out of London to let a small scandal involving a duel die down.

While preparing for the trip James stays with Lily’s uncle, Sir Edward Strathmore, and begins to fall a bit for Lily when she paints his portrait. Though she’s supposed to be a proper young lady, Lily slips a bit because she knows that her freedom is being taken away from her by her mother’s plans for her upcoming marriage. The trip to North Africa provides them both with the outlet for the frustrations of the present, even while James’ past comes to take things away.

While there is a good portion of the setting in England, the time spent in the exotic areas of North Africa are what set this book apart. The romance between Lily and James is sweet, even though they’re both hiding things from each other, Lily more than James when it could come down to making a successful relationship. James works hard to get what he thinks he’ll need to be good enough for Lily, and she struggles with making her own choices or wishing she could be fine with her mother trying to control her life.

This book, for me, was a bit above average due to the settings in North Africa and the love story of James and Lily, especially when they were honest with each other and there were some secondary characters that helped along the romance through some interesting tricks. The villain works well enough, even though his motivations are never fully brought to the forefront, but that makes him a bit more of a rounded rather than flat villain. I’m curious to see where this husband and wife author team go, there were a few openings for some other stories from some secondary characters.

Grade: B-

Summary:
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Temptation…
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Before she must wed, Lily Strathmore decides upon one final adventure—a botanical expedition through the wilds of North Africa with her uncle and his family. In search of a fabled bloom, James Huntington soon joins them. Handsome to a fault and rakish to boot, he has the maddening habit of catching Lily at her most improper. And his sensual kisses are only the beginning of their passionate intimacy…
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True Love…
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Huntington finds the beautiful Miss Strathmore impossible to resist. With each passing day, their desire for each other grows. And in his wildest dreams, Lily is his—and his alone.
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Read an excerpt.

Lynne C‘s review of The Money Man’s Seduction by Leslie LaFoy
Contemporary romance released by Harlequin Silhouette Desire 14 Oct 08

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. LaFoy’s gentle wit and engaging characters made it a delight to read.  I do have a few reservations, but enough later. 

The person not mentioned in the official blurb is Cole’s grandmother, a woman well known as a do-gooder, so much that fraudulent people come to her as well as genuine ones. Cole is anxious to stop her getting involved in another scheme, so when he hears about Emily’s plans for an old person’s community center, he fears the worst and turns up in the small town to sort it out. He soon realizes that Emily isn’t a put-on, and falls for her. Well it wouldn’t be a Harlequin if he didn’t, would it?

I did think that the big turning points in the story – Cole’s acceptance of Emily and a few other things that turn up later (avoiding spoilers here!) were taken gently and quietly. None of the big revelations you usually read in HMB’s.

The black moment at the end was a bit of a puzzle, because (trying desperately to avoid spoilers again) they should have talked, the way they did all through the rest of the book.
Also, LaFoy’s use of wit made both of the main characters very much alike. I never really got a good picture of Cole.

At times the book edged on the sugar, but the ameliorating style meant that my teeth never ached too badly. It is good to get the message that people with money should share it a little, after all. There were some problems left unresolved at the end of the book, and I would have liked some resolution, or an indication of how Emily and Cole would deal with them.

Cole is an investor, and at one point in the story, his description of the portfolio he’d set up for Emily’s charity made me shudder. Events have rather caught up with the investments, and Cole’s hedging strategy (to invest in banking futures – optimal dynamic hedging) was a bit scary, but at least he balanced it a bit, so even in today’s climate they wouldn’t be left with nothing. So the happy ending would still be there.

So a very enjoyable read, and one I would unhesitatingly recommend.  I give it a…

Grade: B+

Summary:
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From his platinum watch to his Italian loafers, Cole Preston looked like a man who meant business.
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And Emily Raines knew he didn’t want her business interfering with his precious family. A man like Cole just couldn’t believe her claim of innocence. Obviously, he had ulterior motives when he began his full-on seduction. But she was happy to play his game. For the tycoon would uncover nothing she didn’t want revealed. And she might just loosen him up enough to open his heart to all kinds of possibilities.
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Read an excerpt here.

Gwen’s review of The Bride Price by Anne Mallory
Historical romance released by Avon 28 Oct 08

I read romances for the whole relationship.  I find it fascinating to read about how two people manage to come together, find something about the other that they like, and then I love to read about how they make it work.  I guess because I’ve not managed to successfully string all those events together in the same relationship that I find it interesting to read how authors think it would happen between their characters.  The books that do it believably well, I love.  The books that skip a part, or skimp on a piece, I’m lukewarm on.  I was red-hot on this book.  Mallory takes me all the way there.

When I read the last page of this book, my first reaction was “HOLY COW! What a good book!” I loved it.  I had that “good book glow” for at least a day afterwards.  I found the hero and heroine completely engaging and wholly believable.  I love the setting, the dialogue, the book’s pacing, and the story arc.  It was all engrossing and unique.  The villains were sufficiently nasty and the good guys were flawed but still honorable.  All the stuff I love in a good story. Have I gushed enough? Seriously – there wasn’t a thing that I didn’t like in this book.

I loved that the hero, Sebastien Deville, secretly damaged or outright ruined the belongings of those people or places he didn’t respect.  Not that I’d do that kind of thing myself, but I sure as hell have thought of it.  Case in point: the book’s premise is a contest amongst eligible, but un- (or under-) titled young men and one of the prizes is an earl’s daughter for wife.  Sebastien finds this mildly repulsive, even as he’s vying for the prize, so while playing cards with said earl, he quietly grinds his still-lit cheroot into the earl’s Aubusson rug under the card table – smelling the slight char the whole time.  Every time Sebastien did one of these well-deserved little rebellions, I cheered him on.  It was his way of getting some satisfaction over being born into the world he was born into – the bastard son of a rich and titled man.  Mallory peppers the novel with a few scenes of this petit crime and it brings a sense of realism to the hero.

I loved that the heroine, Caroline, the “cousin” of the bride-to-be, is independent and a smart cookie.  She remains smart throughout – no TSTL moments even as she’s sabotaging many of the contests that the “grooms” must win to win the prize.  Caroline has learned from the School of Hard Knocks that life can slap you up side the head in the worst way, but she still has a weakness for bad boys (huzzah, sister!).  Caroline never does something easy or out of character.  I adored that these two people – Sebastien and Caroline – manage to come together and craft something lovely from all the ugliness in their lives.

And OH MY GOODNESS! Can you say smokin’ hawt love scenes?  I knew you could.  I’m pretty jaded when it comes to love scenes.  I’ve read enough “insert tab A in slot B” to fill a library – erotica, erotic romance, not-so-erotic romance, etc.  There’s a certain art to writing a love scene and have it be truly passionate and wonderful to read – an art that not every author masters.  Mallory’s love scenes aren’t even all that explicit but they are H-O-T HOT!  Like fan yourself in more than one part of your body hot!   Passionate x10.  In fact, I may have to re-read them (ask Sybil – that’s something I never do), they were that good.

Mallory has written a real keeper of a romance with The Bride Price.  The ending is a corker – Caroline and Sebastien gain some family after all, just not the way they thought they would. I won’t say any more because I’d give too much away, but I loved it.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who can read.  If you’re a fan of reading, you’ll like this book.  Okay, okay, seriously, if you have developed a certain ennui for historical romances, please don’t let it keep you from reading this book.  If you read only the really good historicals, then this is the book for you.  If you’re a fan of Mallory’s writing, you’ve already read it and loved it. So all of you other readers out there, go get it and read it.  You’ll love it, too.

Grade: A+ (because I want to be friends with this hero and heroine)

Summary:
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Winner take all…
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Sebastien Deville, the debauched, dangerously handsome illegitimate son of the Duke of Grandien, has waited his whole life for revenge – and suddenly it is there for the taking. A competition sponsored by the King has all the ton talking. The winner will receive an immense fortune, a newly created title, sponsorship, and a well-born bride – everything Sebastien needs to reclaim his mother’s stolen lands and to wield the colossal power itching beneath his fingertips. His victory is all but assured…until he meets Caroline.
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Caroline Martin knows all about Sebastien, the legendary heartbreaker who leaves women weeping in his wake, and she is determined not to see him win the competition in which he would claim her friend as his bride. Yet sabotage is so very hard to concentrate on when the target’s searing glances promise incredible pleasure and his skillful hands vow unimaginable desire. She knows the danger he presents…the temptation he offers, yet she is willing to risk everything for all she holds dear.
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But Sebastien Deville will do anything to win…and Caroline’s heart may become the ultimate prize.
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Read an excerpt (too small an excerpt, but it’s a good book – get it anyway).

Shannon C.’s review of Bound by Steel (Emissaries of Belthalas, Book 2) by Kirsten Saell
Erotic fantasy romance eBook released by Samhain Publishing 14 Oct 08

I’ve long been a fan of Kirsten Saell, both as a person and as a writer. I love her take on fantasy romance, which is both sexy and believably fantastic. This third book set in the same universe as Crossing Swords and Healer’s Touch is no exception. It’s not as strong an entry in the series as some of her other books, but a weak entry in this series is still better than some other fantasy romance I’ve read.

This book picks up where Crossing Swords ended, with Lianon and Gil living with their servant, the young, skittish Kaela. Kaela’s slowly healing from her brutal rape, and she still sees herself as completely unlovable. Lianon wants to give her all the love she can, but Gil isn’t so sure, being afraid that his wife will love Kaela more than him. But when danger threatens Lianon, Gil and Kaela are drawn closer together.

I really liked what Ms. Saell has to say about gender overall throughout this book. There are lots of characters here with different sexual preferences. There’s Lianon, who still prefers to identify as male to strangers, there’s the more feminine Kaela, there’s straight male Gil and then there is the gay couple that is introduced later in the story. All of these people have complex relationships, and for the most part I really liked seeing them come together.

I thought the romantic dynamic between Gil, Lianon and Kaela was especially well-done. I liked that none of them were entirely sure what they were doing, but made it up as they went along. And though much of Kaela’s healing happens through sex, I liked the definite tenderness between her and her partners.

I also liked where Ms. Saell is taking the plot. I’m not sure there’s much more to happen for Gil and Lianon and Kaela, but the idea of Gil going into politics was an interesting one. Also, I liked that the villain gets exactly what they deserve, simply because it needs to be done, and that Lianon is the one to do it. I also liked that another character, who might have been pegged as a villain in another book was simply portrayed as a misguided man doing what he thought was best.

I do have a few nitpicks, though. Every time Lianon called Kaela “my lamb” or “my *insert other animal name*” I kept getting thrown out of the story, especially since the animal name changed several times. It seemed kind of out of character for Lianon in the first place, and was just a bit cheesy for me. I also question the need for the introduction of a couple of M/M scenes, which didn’t actually seem to serve any actual purpose in the story other than to announce possible sequel-baiting. I also felt the book dragged just a bit, without that sense of tight plotting that I got from the first two books.

Those all being said, this was a good entry in the series and provided some much needed closure for Gil and Lianon and Kaela. I can’t wait for Ms. Saell’s next entry in this series, and if you like well-written fantasy romance, you should give this a go.

Grade: B

Read more reviews for this series by following its tag.

Summary:
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A night of brutality destroyed her innocence…can the love of two people heal her wounded spirit?
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“I’ve been thinking about Kaela…”
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There they are—the words that lead Gil to suspect his wife Lianon is falling in love with Kaela, the beautiful, traumatized young woman they rescued from certain death six months ago. Gil has no idea how to compete with a woman for his wife’s affections, and part of him ceases to care as Kaela begins to work her way under his skin.
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Kaela’s sweet innocence fills a chasm in Lianon’s soul she hadn’t even realized was there. As she gently helps Kaela rebuild her shattered confidence, Lianon begins to believe healing the young woman’s wounded spirit could be the key to wholeness for all three of them. If Gil agrees to follow her lead and help Kaela discover her own feminine power.
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But even as they all succumb to their growing desire, Gil and Lianon are drawn against their will back into the intrigues and vendettas of Belthalas’ elite. With Lianon’s life at stake, Gil must weave a dangerous path between one adversary’s ambition and another’s lust for vengeance.
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Success will save Lianon…but could cost them Kaela.
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Warning: This title includes explicit sex, including f/f, m/m, m/f/f, anal sex; bad language; questionable politics; violence; stringy, overcooked lamb; a dog with a major drool problem; and one seriously well-deserved comeuppance.
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Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

Sybil’s Review of Caught (Gemini Men, Book 1) by Jami Alden
Romantic Suspense released by Brava 1 Oct 08

I first became interested in this series back when Jami Alden told us about her new Brava trilogy. The excerpt grabbed me. What can I say?  I am a sucker for a smartass heroine. I know, this shocks you.

Toni is a computer geek used to using her keyboard kungfu to get what she needs where as Ethan is more used to using his smile. They are brought together when 17 year old Kara Kramer turns up missing.  As the daughter of one of Gemini’s clients, Ethan is called in to help. Toni shows up with the recent ex Mrs. Karmer (Toni’s PI services helped her become a wealthy ex). Both Toni and Ethan have their own pasts to color their view of Kara’s disappearance, neither really knowing if there is anything more here than a kid looking for attention, trouble or if she has found it. Her parents swear she is a good kid, with good grades and a good web page on FacePlace called V-Club, where she has promised to stay a virgin until marriage. While the dad blames it on the mom for being a drunk and the mom blames dad for being too busy screwing his assistant, Ethan takes charge, or tries too.

What follows is an interesting, fast paced tale with a twist, a ‘ripped from the headlines’ feel to it, and a heavy dose of nothing ever dies on the Internet.  So you know those nekkid pictures?  Yeah, don’t post them or at least make sure she really is over age. I am pretty sure there was something of a plot hole regarding the FacePlace posting but I am not really familiar with Myspace or Facebook so I could be wrong and my kungfu is so not that good. So I just nodded and went with it. Computer geeks of the world might not. The photo stuff is cool though, but again, totally over my head. It did what I like in a good suspense story, which means it kept me turning the pages and made me think.

The characters are grand and might be one of Jami’s strongest points. She does amazing men. Really I would say Ethan, Derek and Danny are all great male characters who get along like brothers and sound like men. When they are together there is a serious lack of hand holding and tea, the language is more than a bit rough and something you might expect from ex-military men. Jami Alden has a great way of giving you their history without a bunch of info dumping or allowing the other brothers to over take the story. You want to know more about them but they don’t steal the show from the romance.

And the romance was good and the h/h are given a nice amount of time together, something that is often lacking in romantic suspence but it is still the weakest part of the a strong story. She had a great set up. A strong female, and a yummy hero who falls hard. It is grand. Downfall is Jami Alden has four days to work with so it is a tough sell and the push/pull does get tedious. The love scenes are smoking and when they are together they click, but it is hard to buy why it is love over lust. In the end though I have to admit I wanted to believe and I’m really happy to have Kept to start next.

On a final note, I was amused because when I closed the book I thought it reminded me of Shannon McKenna’s older books and on the cover of Caught there is a quote from… Shannon McKenna.  Are you paying attention McKenna fangirls?

Grade: B-

Summary:

Got an investigation situation? Call the Gemini Men: Ethan and Derek Taggart. Yeah, they’re twins. Double the trouble and twice as sexy—women can’t get enough of them or their older brother Danny, who keeps ‘em in line when things get wild. The three Taggart men are hot, hard, and ready to take on all comers…

Ex-military. Tall. Chiseled. Intelligent and arrogant. And so hot he’s on fire. That’s Ethan Taggart. Male to the max. Toni Crawford, computer genius turned PI, can’t stop looking at him and Ethan’s returning the favor. Nice and slow. Those piercing blue eyes of his are about to melt her down but…nothing doing. Toni has to stay cool. Focus on the assignment: the teenage daughter of a multimillionaire just vanished in plain sight. Chasing down leads, investigating every freaky angle, pushing past the boundaries of a hellish underworld of sex and drugs, Ethan and Toni are forced to work closely to stalk an unseen enemy with a taste for cruel games. Risking their lives to save the missing girl is only half the battle. Their blazingly sensual attraction grows every second, until there’s no turning back. Their passion is about to explode…and Ethan and Toni soon find that danger breeds the hottest desire of all…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in The Gemini Men trilogy:
, Book 3: Unleashed by Jami Alden (29 Sep 09)

Gwen’s review of Where There’s Fire by Maureen McKade
Contemporary romantic suspense released by Berkley 7 Oct 08

I have enjoyed McKade’s historical romances, but I had never read her contemporaries.  I’ve been a little overrun lately with the paranormal (you’ll see those reviews eventually), so it was nice to have a change of pace.  Clean the palate, so to speak.  And was I ever glad to be able to do it with this gem. 

This was just a terrifically fun read with a great romance, three-dimensional characters, exciting suspense, and lots of action.  It was perhaps not as steamy as most of the books I read.  I mean, there’s romance and passion, just not as much detail or time spent there as many novels.

The premise of the book – hero with amnesia and heroine with mommy issues – is not exactly new ground, but McKade does a fine job of keeping it fresh.  In fact, both “conditions” are dealt with deftly and woven into the plot with nary a trope-like moment to be found.  I never rolled my eyes at the hero and was able to squelch my urge to pummel the heroine.  Both pluses in my book, considering the potential to overuse the plot devices.  In fact, I was very sympathetic to both characters for their predicaments.

In addition to the personal demons chasing our main characters, there’s real-life bad guys after one or both of them.  I think perhaps more time could have been spent in the heads of the baddies, to give us a more rounded view of the plot, but that doesn’t detract too much from the book.  That’s just a personal preference of mine – I like to know what motivates all the characters and want that 360-degree view of the world I’m reading about.  This one was a little light on the motivations and “evil”.

The story arc evolves nicely and the romance develops mostly without romantic formulas, with the exception of the electric-charge-the-first-moment-they-touch thing (while he’s a rather scruffy homeless guy and she’s a cop?  hmmm…).  Once both characters were largely cleaned up, I enjoyed the development of their relationship.  I liked how they fell into a good rhythm and friendship – something we all strive for.

I also liked the ending – very much.  McKade lets her heroine be who she is, even until the last few pages.  And McKade lets the hero not so much as save the heroine as they both save each other.  They’re both very emotionally damaged people who manage to find each other and hang on for dear life.  This story of salvation is very real and quite nice to read.

This was a very good romantic suspense.  I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a change of pace, and fans of the genre and the writer.  It’s time spent with a couple of terrific characters in a very taut plot with a great ending.

Grade: B+

Summary:

McKade’s most scorching novel yet.

Shattered by her mother’s death-and the fact that the killer got off scot-free-Detective Shon Alexander is prepared to take the law into her own hands. Nothing will get in her way. Not her badge, not her big arson investigation, and definitely not the mysterious witness who seems to see right through her.

No excerpt found.

Sandy M’s review of Any Time, Darlin’ by Julia Barrett by Julia Barrett
Contemporary Romance ebook released by Cerridwen Press 30 Oct 08

This is one of those books that has parts you like and then it has parts you really don’t care for.  It always seems too that those latter parts are what ends up making a book just an average read.  I may remember most of what happened a day or so after finishing this one and while writing this review, but I really don’t think I’ll be able to recall anything about it next week.

The biggest thing that bothered me in the beginning was the fact that the hero, who is a paramedic and helps rescue the heroine after she’s been beaten, has an immediate reaction/connection to her. She’s only seventeen years old.  As much as I liked and maybe even admired the hero because of who he is and his profession, I just couldn’t get past the bit that he wants this young girl, especially in her condition.  It just didn’t sit right with me.  Now, later in the book a friend does spell it out for him that because of everything she’s gone through and due to her age, he needs to back off and leave her alone, let her get her life together, she needs time, the usual you get in a romance novel.  Being the man he is, he does take that advice to heart and four years pass before they see one another again.

You’d think that since he did eventually do the honorable thing, and he even questions his attraction to her himself, that that would have helped me out with my dislike of that aspect of the book, but for me it just came too late in the story.  I already had that thought in my head way too long before his honor stepped up, so that idea of it all just didn’t work for me.  Also, the dialogue in the beginning of the book seemed off, the conversations sounded awkward at points.  And the characters did and said things that seemed contrary to what was known of them at certain times in the first half of the book.

But then there was a nice turnaround and the second half of the book was actually not bad at all.  This is the four years later and Jake and Devlin come face to face after all they’d been through together.  She’s still young, 22 (he’s 29), but at least that sat better in the whole scheme of things for me. I really liked the fact that they didn’t beat around the bush after being apart for so long.  They knew individually they had feelings for one another and from the moment of renewed eye contact, those feelings were still there and they barely made it to the airport parking lot before they had their hands all over each other, which was actually a pretty darned good scene.  In fact, the love scenes in this book were all pretty darned good; the one in the garden at the bridal shower is my favorite.  It wasn’t all sex in getting to know one another again, however.  They did talk and did some of the normal things couples would do upon being reacquainted.

The ending came and went little too quickly for me.  A good portion of the book is spent waiting for the villain to return to exact his revenge, a lot of it from his point of view, but once he gets back into town there’s more scenes of the preparation of his revenge than his actually executing it.  When he finally gets his hands on Devlin again, it seemed to be all over before it began.  It just wasn’t balanced enough with all his other goings-on leading up to that point.  I did like the majority of the secondary characters, with the exception of Janice, Jake’s ex-girlfriend.  The author tried to redeem her in the end, but it was just too late by that time.  I didn’t like her one bit, though I am still glad she had a conscience when it was called for.  I also think a couple of the stunts she pulled to get back at Jake and Devlin were just too much, especially the over-the-top scene at the mall with Devlin.

There’s just too many things that didn’t quite work for me to grade it any higher.

Grade: C-

Summary:

A young runaway is found unconscious. Jake McKenna is one of the first responders. She’s desperately ill and has been beaten and sexually assaulted. Jake saves her life and is determined to protect her from the man who is equally determined to destroy her. Ultimately Jake realizes he must allow her to make her own decisions about her future, though it breaks his heart.

Devlin Barre survived the destruction of everything she held dear then learns she has been given into the care of the very person who stole her life. Her risky escape nearly kills her. One man brings her back, Jake. She loves him, but he has his own path to travel. Devlin refuses to become a burden. Brokenhearted, she leaves to rebuild her life.

Years later Jake and Devlin meet again. Has their connection survived? What of the monster who attempted to destroy Devlin? He’s still waiting for the opportunity to finish what he started.

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of A Seduction at Christmas (Scandals and Seductions, Book 1) by Cathy Maxwell
Historical Romance published by Avon 28 Oct 08

Yeah, I know Christmas is said and done, but this book just came in the mail and something pulled me toward it, made me open it up and start reading.  I finished it in less than 24 hours.  This is a fun, light-hearted read cut with a swath of danger and has very engaging characters.  It’s my first book by Ms. Maxwell, and after the joy I received from this one, I’m looking forward to reading more in the future.

I really enjoyed both leading characters.  Fiona is a Scottish woman on her own in London, making her own way since her father’s death left her in dire straits.  She’s learned life is hard for those not born of nobility and for those who have fallen from it.  She had a chance to leave England with her rebel brother who sought escape with his wife to America, but she chose to stay because of the destiny she felt she would have because of one man.  A man who she’d only seen once in her life, momentarily at a ball years before.  She’d never forgotten the Duke of Holburn, but her faith has paid off and she’s finally come face to face with him once again.

The Duke, Dominic Lynsted, has been after one man for the past nine years, the one who stole the symbol of his inheritance and whose betrayal caused Nick’s hardness and uncaring attitude.  We hear about more than witness his rakish and scandalous ways, however, and we learn that perhaps he’s not nearly as bad as the ton paints him through both Fiona’s eyes and that of certain members of his family. Thinking he’s about to have his revenge at last and regain possession of his prized property, he’s surprised when he finds a beautiful woman instead.  Fiona is a woman who is proud and strong and he remembers the one and only time he’s ever seen her.  Wanting more time with her, however, is the start of their need to flee for their lives and of their seduction of each other along the way.

For Fiona her love comes fast and strong because of her attraction for this man over the years. She’s had feelings for him for so long that it takes only a few acts of kindness before she’s totally lost her heart to Nick.  He takes only a little more time to fall, wanting her trust first and swearing to protect her from the danger that’s following them all over London. They are an engaging couple, and though they each have their moments of vulnerability, they persevere both in love and danger.  The twist at the end wasn’t totally a surprise, but it and its aftermath do cause some heartache.  And there is a heartfelt scene between Nick and Fiona after all is revealed that sums up their love and relationship beautifully.

I look forward to the coming books in this series.  This one was a very pleasant surprise.

Grade: A

Read Limecello’s review here.

Summary:

She never expected it would come to this. Desperation and an empty stomach forced Fiona Lachlan to agree to a plan that ended up luring the wickedly notorious Duke of Holburn into trouble. Everything went terribly wrong, and now she has found herself posing as his ward! And while she swore nothing could make her desire a scoundrel, even if he was a duke, she is now drawing ever closer to the one man she cannot have .

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Limecello’s review of A Seduction at Christmas by Cathy Maxwell
Historical romance published by Avon on 28 Oct 2008

I haven’t read anything by Cathy Maxwell in a while, so I’m not quite sure what prompted me to pick up this book, but I’m glad I did. I’ve been in a reading slump recently, where books I thought I might like, I don’t enjoy at all. Or I’ll be enjoying a book, then halfway through, completely lose interest. What makes A Seduction at Christmas unique, is that I read it cover to cover in two days. One might say that this book got me out of my reading slump – and just in time for the the matching holiday.

The plot isn’t anything outrageous or unheard of, but the way Ms. Maxwell tells the story makes this novel fun and engaging. There are a number of serious topics and issues to be addressed, but but the overall tone and atmosphere is rather lighthearted. I enjoy a book where the characters have a sense of humor, and don’t take themselves too seriously. (Not a comedy, but simply that they aren’t pompous.) The main characters are likable and the secondary characters provide depth and support admirably.

Fiona Lachlan is a bit hard to figure out – not that she’s cryptic or mysterious, but simply that I didn’t have a definite grasp on her person. She seems quite level headed and sensible, which I appreciated. However, she fell in love extremely rapidly, in what I felt was a somewhat unbelievable manner. It’s all too quick and personally I didn’t think it really fit in with the way Fiona handled everything else in her life. Still, it’s refreshing to have a heroine that is generally sensible – although she did have some moments that may cause eye rolling. Regardless, I thought that Fiona is a terrific heroine, and I’d enjoy reading more like her.

Dominic Lynsted, the Duke of Holburn or “Nick” to his friends, is not the character you’re expecting. He’s set out as scoundrel and a rake, but I didn’t see it. I know that’s how he’s described and every respectable person in the ton thinks he’s entirely disreputable, but it didn’t match his actions in the novel. Throughout, the people who know Nick say he’s nothing like what the public believes. Also, that he stopped carousing and hell raising years ago. I suppose it helps merely to have the reputation. He’s kind, caring, has a wicked sense of humor, and an incredible responsible streak. Nick’s a hero any girl would like to meet, and any guy would like to be friends with. He’s also incredibly lucky at the gaming tables, so what’s not to like about that?

I felt that actual conflict of the story paled in comparison to the interaction between Fiona and Nick. I never truly felt that they were in danger, or that there was a serious problem. But that didn’t bother me. The unveiling of the culprits also held less punch than the way Fiona and Nick dealt with the aftermath. However, their conversation afterward is one of my favorite parts in A Seduction at Christmas.  I’m happy to read a romance with great characters, and a focus on the relationship and romance between the hero and heroine. In that regard, Ms. Maxwell delivers admirably.

I believe this is the second book in a series. To be honest, I don’t feel the burning desire to go read the first book, but I definitely want to read the next one. And… likely the one after that as well, if the hero is who I think it is. (I’m not trying to be cryptic – I’m simply not sure, and the information is not yet posted.) Ms. Maxwell has a lively and witty writing style that is entertaining, and lighthearted, but not vacuous. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical romance, especially ones with a lighter tone.

Grade: B+

She never expected it would come to this

Desperation and an empty stomach forced Fiona Lachlan to agree to a plan that ended up luring the wickedly notorious Duke of Holburn into trouble. Everything went terribly wrong, and now she has found herself posing as his ward! And while she swore nothing could make her desire a scoundrel, even if he was a duke, she is now drawing ever closer to the one man she cannot have . . .

“Beware of innocence!”

The Duke of Holburn had spent years heeding this warning, and in doing so, managed to avoid the virginal young ladies who had been put in his path. But now his wild ways have gotten him into real danger. There are killers at the door and a temptingly beautiful woman in his arms. He is about to find himself seduced . . . and he isn’t quite sure he wants to resist this time.

Read an excerpt here.

Devon’s Review of Snowy Night With a Stranger by Jane Feather, Sabrina Jeffries and Julia London
Historical romance anthology released by Pocket Star 28 Oct 08

I may just be a convert to Christmas-themed anthologies. Many love them, but I have always avoided them like the plague, assuming them to be filled with miracles, “God Bless Us Everyone” treacle, and assorted schmaltz. No doubt it is because my heart is “three sizes too small.” However, after plowing through two anthologies in a weekend, I’m ready for more. Fun! These three tales (by new-to-me authors) all feature characters stranded for the holidays, unexpectedly finding love.

A Holiday Gamble by Jane Feather

While journeying back to his family seat in Northumbria, the new Viscount Allenton, Ned, is hampered by snow and thieves. He is forced to take refuge with a nearby landowner, Roger Selby. He quickly discerns that nothing is what it seems: not his jolly host Selby, not innocent revelers and revelry, and not Selby’s beautiful, diffident ward, Georgiana.

This was a very interesting story. The setting and characters were vivid and a bit unusual. Feather does a great job of portraying the vulgarity and underlying menace of Selby and company. Ned was good beta hero: handsome, but unassuming, and a sharp, intelligent and crafty fellow underneath. He was a great foil for Georgiana, who is quite crafty herself, and has been surrounded by brutish louts. They made a good pair, though I found the leap from interest to true love to be a bit sudden. The story kept my interest and kept me guessing just enough as to what Georgiana and Roger Selby were about.

Grade: B

Summary:

Jane Feather leads an unwitting Yuletide traveler down a twisting path….

Edward Vasey, Viscount Allenton, is journeying precariously through a snowstorm when his coach is overtaken by high-waymen! Robbed of his money, Ned takes refuge at Selby Hall, where a spirited beauty with a shocking secret may steal something more — his heart.

No excerpt found

When Sparks Fly by Sabrina Jeffries

Heiress Elinor Bancroft, her aunt and young cousins get into a carriage accident on their journey. An overbearing, rough fellow, covered in soot, comes to their aid. He turns out to be Martin Thorncliff, “The Black Baron”, and Ellie and her family end up at his estate, where they must remain through the holidays, while the aunt recovers from a broken leg. Ellie is irritated and intrigued by the abrasive Thorncliff. Why is he so grumpy? Why does he hate Christmas? And why is he called “The Black Baron?”

This story was lighter in tone than the first, and featured some familiar elements. Ellie is the spirited, smart wallflower type, unable to interest any man but fortune hunters. Thorncliff is a tormented guy, suspected of nefarious deeds, but a big old teddy bear underneath. But it didn’t feel tired and clichéd, just fun. I didn’t even mind the passel of children running about, as they moved the story along and weren’t too cutesy. (There’s a funny nod to “God Bless Us Every One” too). A cute read with a nice romance.

Grade: B

Summary:

Sabrina Jeffries unlocks the heart of an embittered lord….

When a coach accident strands heiress Elinor Bancroft at the home of the notorious Black Baron, she discovers the Christmas Day heartache that darkened his soul years ago — and her generous heart brings a festive air to his home and reawakens his spirit to love.

Read an excerpt

Snowy Night With a Highlander by Julia London

Lady Fiona Haines is forced to return to Scotland to search for her brother, who has been accused of adultery with the Princess of Wales. Worse, she must call upon the odious Duncan Buchanan to help her get to her family home in the Highlands. But Duncan has changed a great deal in the intervening years, emotionally and physically. Could he now be a man Fiona could love?

Och, if that Scottish dialect doesna get on m’ nerves a bit. It gets to be a bit much when every character talks like that, but after awhile my distraction started to fade. I like road romances and this one kept my interest. The hero and heroine were a bit one-note: Duncan was so angst-ridden and Fiona was so perky, with all her little stories. Duncan’s transformation at the end was a bit speedy. One second he’s hiding in the shadows, the next he’s throwing a huge party. An okay read.

Grade: B-

Summary:

Julia London sends a debutante into the wintry Scottish wilds….

Searching for her rakehell brother, an earl lying low in the wake of a scandalous affair, Fiona Haines is led by a rugged Highlander who obscures his scarred face. As they journey on, Fiona draws closer to her brave, enigmatic protector — but will fury or passion ignite when he reveals his identity?

Read an excerpt

A solid B all the way. While none of the stories blew me away, all three were entertaining and featured solid romances and good characterization. Worth a look by Christmas and historical fans.

Overall Grade: B

Book Summary:

Warm up on a winter’s night with three passionate love stories from three shining New York Times bestselling authors!

Sandy M’s review of The Scarlet Spy (Merlin’s Maidens, Book 3) by Andrea Pickens
Historical Romance published by Forever 1 Oct 08

This is my first book by Ms. Pickens, and I’m not sure the third book in her series was the place for me to start reading her.  The writing is good, the concept interesting, the characters likable, and the previous books in the series are explained well enough to follow what’s gone before, but there’s just that little something missing to make this a great book.

I really like the idea of Merlin’s Maidens, a school that takes in young girls plucked from the slums of London to trains them in every conceivable discipline to be spies for the Crown.  This book started out well, getting to know Sofia, the latest Merlin to be given a mission, and also her superiors and what her mission will be.  But once Sofia gets to Town and begins her spying, things get a little bogged down with meeting all the players while she gives the hero a cold shoulder, which is logical since she doesn’t want anything or anyone to get in her way while figuring out her next move.

All of this just took a little too long, however, and I found myself wishing things would just get a move-on to the action.  I did enjoy Sofia’s character, though.  She’s been trained well, has a cool head, and can see herself through most any situation thrown at her, even trying to keep her wits when her attraction to Lord Deverill Osborne comes at her out of the blue.  Even at this point with Osborne involved, things didn’t really begin to move until much later during their first love scene.

The top dog at the academy chose Lord Osborne for Sofia’s entree into Society because of his connections and likability throughout the ton.  What he doesn’t bargain for is Osborne’s curiosity about the Contessa Sofia Constanza Bingham della Silveri, Sofia’s alias while on this mission,  and his attraction to her, especially when she doesn’t fall for his winsome personality and charming good looks like every other woman does.  At first he decides to let her go her way, but that old curiosity just won’t let him go his.  Once he, basically, pushes himself into her business, that’s when the book begins to take off, but at this point it’s more than halfway though.  I did enjoy Dev and Sofia’s love scene in which she decides if she has to give her virginity up during this mission, she wants it to be Dev.

From here on out the action is pretty steady with both characters involved and a twist thrown in for good measure.  I just wish it had all started a little sooner.  It didn’t have to be anything on par with the ending action, but just something more.  The only thing I do remember from the first part of the book is when Osborne spies Sofia galloping like the wind on an early morning ride because she needed to be away from the confines of the balls and musicales and other boring stuff.  Terrific scene.  Too bad there weren’t more like it.

I do have the first two books in the series and I plan to read them.  I want to see how the series started out, of course, but also how those characters and their missions were handled compared to this one.  I will read Ms. Pickens again.  I do enjoy her writing.  She has a new series in the works that involves, once again, smart women in a man’s world and doing most everything better than the men.  I’m always willing to give those types of stories a try.

Grade: C

Read Lawson’s review here or by following the Merlin’s Maidens series tag.

Summary:

The most ladylike of “Merlin’s Maidens,” Sofia possesses a natural grace and grandeur to go along with her deadly arsenal of martial skills—which makes her the perfect choice for undertaking a dangerous dance of deception through the highest circles of London Society. Assigned to investigate rumors of government corruption, she must spin through the glittering ballrooms of the Mayfair and the sinister slums of the city in search of the truth. One misstep on her part could prove fatal. Sofia knows she can’t afford any distractions as she works to unravel the tangled web of deceit and lies . . . but keeping the sinfully sext Deverill Osborne at arm’s length is a real test of her mettle.

Handsome, witty, charming, Osborne—dubbed Lord Sunshine by his peers—is the darling of the ton. So when he is asked by the Marquess of Lynsley to introduce a lovely young Italian contessa into Society, he is only too happy to oblige. A little harmless flirtation is all part of the game. However, he soon suspects that “Lady” Sofia is playing with fire. She seems drawn to the dark, dissipated side of city life, and when he catches her stealing valuables from a gentleman’s study, he torn between what to think. Should he believe the worst? Or should he trust the tantalizing murmur of her words . . . and the sultry, sensuous whispers of her body?

Light and dark, truth and lies. To unmask the clever conspirators, Sofia and Osborne must overcome a number of hidden dangers, including their own growing passion . . . which may prove the most dangerous force of all.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Lawson’s review of Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James
Contemporary romance released by Berkley Sensation 7 Oct 08

This is the debut novel for Julie James, who seems to have a knack for having things with a legal setting. It also has to do with the always good story of the super famous movie star with a heart of gold. The characters are realistic, especially for being set in Hollywood, the dialogue is snappy and there’s enough sizzle to satisfy that fall sexy craving.

Taylor Donovan is a successful associate lawyer sent from her Chicago law firm to handle a sexual harassment lawsuit, as her specialty is employment law. Taylor is asked by the senior partner to help out a personal friend and advise an actor about an upcoming legal thriller. Though Taylor is under pressure to keep up with the information from her case, she does the favor for her boss to look good for her future with her law firm and becoming a partner. When the actor blows her off, twice, to go spend a long weekend in Vegas, Taylor has no time for him in no uncertain terms.

Jason Andrews has never been told no, at least not since he came to Hollywood. When Taylor refuses to see him after he didn’t show to their appointments, he thinks he can charm his way into getting her do what he wants. Taylor is different than the star-struck women he’s used to, and when she puts him in his place, he’s intrigued. Though he does do some things that would win any other girl, Taylor remains outside his charm.

I liked Taylor a lot. She didn’t let anyone boss her around, even her boss, and she let everyone know she was smart enough and capable of doing anything thrown at her. Though she’s career driven, she still had relationships with her family and three best friends in Chicago. When Jason tries to get what he wants, she effectively shuts him down using logic and intellect, rather than any sort of womanly wiles.

Jason starts off a petulant, spoiled superstar. He knows that he can get any woman he wants, any part he wants and any other thing he wants at the time. When Taylor proves a tough nut to crack, especially after a failed attempt to make her jealous, just being himself is what wins Taylor’s time. He’s loyal to his best friend Jeremy, a screenwriter, who he knew when they were in college together. What shows underneath is a good guy, if someone far to used to getting anything and everything whenever he wants it.

The villain worked well enough in the story, if someone who’s overly ambitious and desires to be famous more than to be respected. The story between Taylor and Jason, weaving her legal career, her case, his movie career, the paparazzi and life in L.A. was a good story. The only problem with the book was a personal grind for me. Though it’s a romance, that doesn’t mean there has to be sex. And there’s not a lot of sex scenes, but with the chemistry between Taylor and Jason, I wanted there to be some horizontal mambo going on. They sparkle and the payoff really isn’t there, but it doesn’t take away from the rest of the story.

Grade: B+

Summary:

COOL. CALM. COLLECTED.

Nothing fazes Taylor Donovan. In the courtroom she never lets the opposition see her sweat. In her personal life, she never lets any man rattle her–not even her cheating ex-fiancé. So when she’s assigned to coach People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” for his role in his next big legal thriller, she refuses to fall for the Hollywood heartthrob’s charms. Even if he is the Jason Andrews.

CONFIDENT. FAMOUS. IRRESISTIBLE.

Jason Andrews is used to having women fall at his feet. When Taylor Donovan gives him the cold shoulder, he’s thrown for a loop. She’s unlike any other woman he’s ever met: uninterested in the limelight, seemingly immune to his advances, and shockingly capable of saying no to him. She’s the perfect challenge. And the more she rejects him, the more he begins to realize that she may just be his perfect match. . .

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of Immortals: The Haunting (Book 7) by Robin T. Popp
Contemporary Paranormal Romance published by Love Spell 28 Oct 08

I know I said in my review of the prior book, The Crossing, in this series that I was a little disappointed the stories are no longer focusing on the Immortal brothers we’d followed all this time.  But, even though I still would have liked to have seen more of them, the stories and action these authors have come up with make me forget that disappointment.  Demons are still the bad guys, but there are others besides those sexy Immortals out there who can defeat them.

We met Mai in The Darkening; she Lexi’s best friend and helped the gang defeat the demon who’d kept Tain imprisoned for so long.  She’s also a wood nymph and loves men and sex.  But after her brush with death, she’s changed her ways and is waiting for Mr. Right to come along.  Her self-imposed no-sex rule isn’t as bad as she thought it would be.  Only because other problems have cropped up since she helped save the world.

Her magic is nearly nonexistent and she’s having hallucinations all the time.  Her therapy really wasn’t working, so she’s determined to go back to news reporting and she’s on the track of a story that will blow local politics wide open.  That’s when things begin to happen.  She’s attacked in her apartment, she’s seeing crazy things — words written on her bathroom mirror, images in other mirrors — and she’s having the most erotic dreams of her life.  Wanting to get to the bottom of those dreams, she searches the internet and finds Nicholas Blackhawk, a spirit walker.

Nick runs his own security agency instead of following in his father’s footsteps as shaman for his people.   He’s also a chameleon, able to blend into any situation in most any form, and can also transport himself into various spiritual planes, as well as people’s dreams.  Not expecting to hear from Mai again after their first botched and embarrassing meeting, he’s surprised to hear from her asking for his help when a friend has gone missing.  The next thing he knows is he’s caught up in a many-angled mystery and he finds himself attracted to Mai. They enjoy one night together before he realizes the woman in his dreams is his spirit mate, and it’s not Mai.  It’s a friend of hers.  Knowing his mate is that close, he can’t in good conscience continue such a relationship with Mai, but being around her and not able to touch her is one of the hardest things he’s ever had to do.

So much happens in this book, I’ve only skimmed a part of the surface. The plot is complex, moves rapidly, and gives the reader a surprise or two along the way.  All the characters are written very well, even the jerk of a super in Mai’s apartment building.  Nick is the most interesting just because of his spirit walking, which he does numerous times during the book.  We do get to see Lex and Darius again a few times; they show us what true friends are.

I thought I was going to be a little ticked off at the end concerning my happily ever after, but I was still rewarded for my lack of faith in such a top-notch author. I’m really looking foward to the last book in the series, The Reckoning, due out late February next year.  With all three authors coming together in one book, it should be quite awesome.

Grade: A

Summary:

Random flashes of unearthly light. Ominous messages written on steamy mirrors. Assailants lurking in shadows. Mai’s hallucinations are becoming a little too real – the last one almost killed her. She’s faced ancient demons and rogue vampires, but this kind of dark magic is more powerful than any she’s seen. Mai also senses someone else trying to help her, a dream walker who comes in the night to soothe her fears. And fulfill her wildest fantasies. But who is he? As the danger and desire escalate, Mai is determined to find him—for only together can they stop…THE HAUNTING.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Gwen’s review of The Captive Heart (The Border Chronicles, Book 3) by Bertrice Small
Historical romance released by NAL Trade 7 Oct 08

Those of you who know me know I cut my historical romance teeth on Bertrice Small and Roberta Gellis.  Both authors occupy a special place in the bookcase in my heart.  Now, imagine my frustration and disappointment when I pick up one of their recent books and discover my tastes have completely changed!  I felt like wailing, “Say it ain’t so, Joe!”  So here is not so much a review of the book as a review of how my tastes have changed. 

Now, I’m not completely naive.  I know Small is Queen of Purple Prose.  What I didn’t realize was how completely amethyst, violet, lilac, heliotrope, and royal her purple could be.  My notes on this book say it all, “GAH! Purple prose x 100.  semen = “love juice” HAHAHAHA!!” I had a very difficult time keeping a straight face thru the love scenes.  Sometimes I just plain laughed myself silly.  Now, I know this makes me seem like I’m not a fan.  I am a fan!  I just have grown to prefer more straight-forward language in romance novels.

My next note says, “Unnecessary historical details x 50.  Ridiculous plot twists x 10.  Meandering plot. Wandering story arcs. All strung together like a grade school construction paper chain – one that’s been put together with clumpy, smelly school paste, dull blunt nose scissors, and a kindergartner.”  I think I must have been having a bad day.  Anyone who knows Small’s writing knows she writes in these big sweeping story arcs that encompasses not only her characters’ story, but the story of the times.  I guess I’ve come to better appreciate a more intimate story – one that stays focused on the lead couple and their immediate environs.  I have history reference books for the bigger picture – I don’t want my romance novel to be one.

What all this boils down to is I have changed.  Not significantly, but enough that I’ll leave the Small’s to my hazy, pleasant memories and stay focused on what I like now.

I can recommend this book to fans of Small’s writing.

Grade: D no, C  no D  okay C

Summary:

The year is 1461, and the winds of war rage across England, uprooting Alix Givet, the daughter of Queen Margaret’s physician, and the rest of Henry VI’s court. Alix’s plight becomes bleaker still when, out of duty to her queen, and to her ill, widowed father, she’s locked into a loveless marriage to a cruel Northumbrian. But when her luck changes, Alix has another chance to flee-this time to save herself. Escaping north over the border into Scotland, she throws herself at the mercy of a dark and brooding laird who might provide the everlasting love of her dreams-if she can warm his cold heart.

No excerpt found on author’s or publisher’s site.

Other books in the series:

Gwen’s review of Mercury’s War (Breeds, Book 16) by Lora Leigh
Futuristic paranormal erotic romance released by Berkley Sensation 7 Oct 08

This is another excellent Breeds book.  It reads fine on its own, but you’ll get more from the story if you’re familiar with the Breeds world.  However, while excellent I have a few reservations about the development of the heroine’s story arc.  This is a complaint I rarely have with a Leigh book, so it surprised me to have it here. 

I love Mercury as a hero.  He is a standoff-ish, very controlled character when the story starts.  Due to trauma from the labs and chemicals they had him on, he’s suppressed his inner animal so ruthlessly that, while he looks more like a lion than his counterparts, he acts the least like one.  It’s no spoiler to say that by the end of the book, he’s come to recognize his beast and has come to a balance and peace with that side of his nature.

Mercury’s journey isn’t possible without meeting Ria.   She’s equally controlled and shut-down at the beginning of the book.  Her control results from wearing dowdy clothing and ruthlessly dressed hair. She only lets her true feminine nature come out when she’s alone, if then.  The circumstances of her life makes her want to blend in to the background, where it’s safe from rejection and attention.  She’s an expert code-breaker and this “gray” exterior allows her to be particularly effective when sent on assignments by the Leo, her boss.

Mercury makes it his mission to pull Ria out of her shell – let her be the woman outside that he knows she is on the inside.  The mating heat the two are going thru make it imperative that she accept her, and his, true natures.  This in turn causes Mercury to come to accept his true nature.  This reluctant blossoming is a sweet part of the story that we don’t always get in an intense Breeds book.  Breeds are hyper-sexual – this one is no exception – and full of action and adventure – we have that too – but seldom sweet.  It was a nice change and made for a really good story.

What bothered me, and it’s a small quibble now that I think about it, was that the heroine’s true nature isn’t really hinted at earlier in the story.  That made me doubt not trust it entirely when it was revealed.  It felt a little deus ex machina, but, again, didn’t detract too much from the story for me.

I found this Amazon.com review to be interesting.  If what it says is true, it explains a few things that I’ve seen in evidence in the last few Breeds books – namely, the lack of buttsecks.  Now, this could be simply because Leigh saves those particular tidbits (eww) for her non-Breeds books, or there could be some veracity to the reviewer’s opinion that Berkley wants a more “mainstream” erotic bent (heh) to the Breeds series.  Regardless, there is far less of the extreme sex in War than we’ve seen in the past.  Not that there isn’t some seriously hot action going on — Mercury is one seriously hawt hero.

Leigh has given us another hot Breeds story with trademark excellent action and good character development. I’m looking forward to Book 18, Coyote’s Mate, coming Feb 2009.

Grade: B+

Read reviews and other information on this series by following the Breeds series tag.

Summary:

Someone has been slipping the Sanctuary’s secure information to a pharmaceutical company. Now it’s up to Ria Rodriguez to pose as a clerk and uncover the leak. Yet she has no idea of the danger she’s about to encounter-or the passion she’s about to ignite in one of the greatest Breeds ever created.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series (in rough reading order):

Lawson’s review of Like No Other Lover (Pennyroyal Green, Book 2) by Julie Anne Long
Historical romance released by Avon 28 Oct 08

Like No Other Lover is the return to the world of the dueling families of the Everseas and the Redmonds, both residents of the fictional village of Pennyroyal Green. Unlike the first book in the series, The Perils of Pleasure, there is no intrigue other than the scheming of various characters in the book. A story that follows the developments of the characters and their growth is always something that grabs me in a book.

Miles Redmond is shocked when he sees Cynthia Brightly after two years. Especially in his hometown and in the company of his sister. The icy beauty had been the most sought after beauty of the season, but Miles overheard her dismissing him for wealthier prospects and he dismissed her because of his pride. When he sees her again, he knows it must be due to some sort of scandal and she has been shunned in London. Which gives Miles the upper hand in making her see him as more than a dull second son.

Cynthia is on her last hope for a husband. Though she had been engaged, she behaved badly and thus lost her standing in society. The invitation to the Redmond house party is her only way to escape the fate of going to Northumberland to be a companion to a cranky old woman. Things look bleak when Miles not only rebuffs her charm, but sees through the mask to her mercenary desire for a husband. They instead begin to work together to get Cynthia a husband and for Miles to accept his dutiful fate.

Miles, though a second son, seems to be the anchor of the family. He’d gone off to the South Seas for some scientific research, especially into bugs and things, and made a small fortune on his own. His family is dealing with the disappearance of Lyon Redmond, and Miles never felt adequate enough. He decides to step up and be the heir his father wants, even marrying a girl he likes well enough, but his father wants more for the money her father can bring to his investment club.

Miles is a likeable hero, if more of a subdued one. Not overtly strong, but a quiet strength in a hero makes him a good guy. Cynthia is exactly as she seems in the beginning. She’s desperate, mercenary and knows her best quality is her beauty and her charm. What makes her sympathetic is the slow revelation of her background and the exact reasons why she’s become desperate and mercenary. Her choices, in the end, make her a better person and show that she’s learned to depend on herself rather than on a husband.

As much as I liked the hero and heroine, the secondary characters added more to the story. Miles’ siblings Jonathon and Violet are funny, Cynthia’s potential suitors Lord Milthorpe, Lord Argosy and Mr. Goodkind show even though Cynthia is mercenary, she tries to see the good in everyone, and Lady Georgiana, Miles’ intended, is very nice, if misguided in her affections.

What comes across in the end though, even with Miles, Cynthia, the secondary characters and the fun of a house party story, unfortunately it’s missing something. I don’t know if maybe it was some predictable elements of the story, perhaps only good chemistry, not steam it off the page or the length it took for Miles to really see the truth behind Cynthia’s actions. Though it’s a nice story, and something I would recommend, the something missing that I just can’t place makes me a trifle uneasy and unfortunately brought down the grade.

Grade: B

Read other reviews of this and other books in the series by following the Pennyroyal Green series tag.

Summary:

Now or Never. . .

It’s the last chance for Cynthia Brightly, the ton’s most bewitching belle. Driven out of London by a secret scandal, she must find a grand husband at the Redmonds’ house party before word of her downfall spreads all over England. Unfortunately, someone at Pennyroyal Green is already privy to the whispers of broken engagements and dueling lovers: Miles Redmond, renowned explorer and—thanks to his brother’s disappearance—heir to the family’s enormous fortune.

Miles set his sights on Cynthia once, at a time when the ambitious beauty thought herself too good for a second son. But now he’s heir apparent, relishing his control. He strikes a bargain with her: he’ll keep Cynthia’s steamy secrets and help her find a husband among the guests—in exchange for a single kiss.

What could be the harm in a simple kiss? Cynthia is about to discover that it’s enough to unleash fierce passion—and that Miles Redmond is most certainly like no other lover in the world.

 Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

and Book 3, Since the Surrender, August 2009

LauraD’s review of To Seduce a Sinner (The Legend of the Four Soldiers) by Elizabeth Hoyt
Historical Romance published by Forever 28 Oct 08

Elizabeth Hoyt already has already made such a name for herself in the romance community that it’s hard to remember she’s only published four books prior to this one. They have all been outstanding, and she is an auto-buy author for me.

Jasper Renshaw, Viscount Vale, has just been stood up at the altar. Again. Melisande Fleming gathers her courage and suggests to Vale that he marry her instead-and Vale, who just wants to produce an heir, says yes. Little does he know that Melisande has loved him for years, even when he was engaged to her best friend. Nor does he know that he will quickly become fascinated with his reserved young bride.

These are simply two wonderful characters. Jasper isn’t a typical romance rake, although he is tortured and does his share of carousing. He’s a solid, loyal, dependable man with a sly sense of humor and plenty of patience. Melisande is intelligent, as well as lovely. She knows just how to play Jasper in order to intrigue him, and the scenes in which she slowly seduces him are a treat to read. Melisande has a history that Jasper doesn’t know about, and she is at heart a very sensual woman. While it’s not readily apparent that behind her practical mask lies a seductress, once Jasper realizes her inner nature he embraces her fully.

The majority of To Seduce a Sinner is the wonderful evolution of Jasper and Melisande’s relationship from society marriage to a true love union of equals. The dialogue is a treat to read, often amusing and always clever. The book is the second in Hoyt’s Legend of the Four Soldiers series, and the mystery thread from the first book continues. It fits very nicely within the love story, and the conflict it creates between the couple is dealt with beautifully. Once they’ve admitted to themselves that they are in love, both Melisande and Jasper stand up for one another in ways that made me want to cheer out loud.

A truly heroic hero and a smart, sensual heroine. A romance novel in which the relationship develops without too much melodrama. Secondary characters that add to the story. Very sexy love scenes. A mystery that makes sense, and doesn’t require the heroine to be imperiled. Go get this book, if you haven’t already! The Elizabeth Hoyt stack on my keeper shelf grows…

Grade: A+

Summary:

THE ONE THING HE CANNOT REVEAL
For years, Melisande Fleming has loved Lord Vale from afar . . . watching him seduce a succession of lovers, and once, catching a glimpse of heartbreaking depths beneath his roguish veneer. When he’s jilted on his wedding day, she boldly offers to be his.

TO THE ONE WOMAN HE MOST DESIRES
Vale gladly weds Melisande, if only to produce an heir. But he’s pleasantly surprised: A shy and proper Lady by day, she’s a wanton at night, giving him her body-though not her heart.

IS HIS DEEPEST NEED . . .
Determined to learn her secrets, this sinner starts to woo his seductive new wife-while hiding the nightmares from his soldiering days in the Colonies that still haunt him. Yet when a deadly betrayal from the past threatens to tear them apart, Lord Vale must bare his soul to the woman he married…or risk losing her forever.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

To Desire A Devil, Book 4, Nov 2009

Limecello’s review of Power Play (New York Blades, Book 8 )by Deirdre Martin
Contemporary romance released by Berkley on 7 Oct 2008

Big news – we may have found a potentially never ending series that doesn’t annoy me. Power Play is Deirdre Martin’s eighth New York Blades story, and I’m still really enjoying the series. A huge part of this may be that Ms. Martin’s novels are each stand alone. To be honest I wasn’t sure how to receive this book – I wasn’t in love with the previous few novels in this series, and the premise definitely didn’t make me want to fight someone for the book. However I’m so glad I read Power Play. In fact, I sat in my car (in the cold) between work and class so I could read undisturbed. Yes – it was that good.

Monica Geary is a soap opera star. She’s something of a diva and your stereotypical actress egomaniac, but incredibly likable. In fact, you can’t even hold Monica’s love of the spotlight against her. Monica is self aware and self deprecating, so that aspect of her personality becomes almost endearing. Monica is very nice, and rather regular, aside from the fact that she’s been in the public eye and a leading lady for an entire decade. She’s hit a rough spot, and is struggling to deal with it. I really liked Monica’s personality, and feel that she’s a well developed character. Talented, nice, well respected, yet still has some insecurities and day to day woes.

Eric Mitchell is quite the character on all fronts. It’s almost as if he has a split personality, and throughout the book there seems to be a “good Eric” and a “bad Eric.” On the surface, Eric looks like a jerk. He’s self centered, incredibly arrogant, and even worse, Eric believes that he has to act that way so people (including his teammates) will like and respect him. At times, Eric is too easily influenced by what people think of him, but in the end, he’s a good guy. Eric can be incredibly sensitive and intuitive, and does feel deeply. Something that helps give Eric depth is his empathy, and how much he cares about his family.

The story behind Power Play is incredibly cute and sweet. The characters are interesting and engaging, and the secondary characters are a lot of fun as well. There are a number of cameo appearances by characters from the other New York Blades books, but if you haven’t read the previous books the reader isn’t left confused. I loved the premise behind Monica and Eric’s relationship – the mutually beneficial business arrangement to boost their popularity. Monica has to deal with a usurping bimbo starlet, and Eric has to deal with the animosity of fans and teammates because he was traded for one of their favorite players.

While Eric and Monica are very different, their personalities fit. Their interaction is volatile and very entertaining. It’s sweet how bumbling and inept Eric is at first, when he tries to act self assured and desirable. He thinks it’ll attract Monica, when really it make her want to smack him. Circumstances, however, throw the two together with great results. Later, once they develop an honest relationship, the antics Eric engages in to win back Monica are exorbitant and entertaining. The side story with Eric’s parents and his twin brother Jason is quite enjoyable as well. Added to all the colorful characters found in Monica’s acting friends, and you have a satisfyingly full story.

I did think Monica got a tiny bit overly maudlin at times, and insecure. That, and the drama near the end of the book with her acting job – some things seemed a bit rushed and random, but they definitely didn’t detract from Monica and Eric’s romance. Accordingly, I was very happy with the story. The newest addition to the New York Blades series is very well written – I’d have to say I enjoyed it a lot more than some of the previous ones, and it was along the same lines as to what made me like the series in the first place. There were a lot of hockey hijinks, and humor as well. I recommend that anyone who likes a fun and entertaining contemporary romance read this book. Especially if you like Ms. Martin’s writing and hockey.

Grade: A-

Summary:

They were acting when they met. They dated under false pretenses. But their attraction was all too real.

As a leading soap opera actress, Monica Geary is good at faking it. But pretending to fall for NHL star and notorious playboy Eric Mitchell is going to be her hardest role ever. Yet she has no choice, for she desperately needs an edge in order to maintain her daytime diva status.

Eric Mitchell is a man in demand. First he was traded to save the New York Blades, and now the publicity department has loaned him out to help save Monica Geary’s career. What no one knows is that one of People magazine’s hottest bachelors is also a closet soap opera fan. He’s had his eyes on Monica for years-and can’t wait to get his arms around her…

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in the series:

Devon’s review of Red Fire (Gods of Midnight, Book 1) by Deidre Knight
Paranormal Romance released by Signet Eclipse 7 Oct 08

Sometimes I feel like a broken record. I say the same things over and over. My review of Red Fire is sure to contain certain phrases I’ve used before, lots. The first entry in new series featuring a brotherhood of immortal Spartans, Red Fire contained some intriguing elements, yet managed to put me to sleep several times. Those who enjoyed “Troy,” “300” and anything involving sweaty, fighting, loin-clothed Greeks will enjoy, but there were some issues.

Ajax Petrakos was one of seven Spartans, along with his King, Leonidas, who is rescued from death at the battle of Thermopylae. The war god, Ares, offers them immortality and the opportunity to protect their people from evil. Twenty-five hundred years later, Ajax has grown weary of his existence. The only thing that keeps him going is the promise of a true love prophesied many years ago. Soon he will meet her, but they will face a capricious god and a legion of demons to be together.

Although the brotherhood of warriors thing has been done to death, the set-up was interesting. There were several intriguing characters introduced, like Leonidas, River (Ajax’ servant in life and death), and the Delphic Oracle who advises them. Ajax’ destiny is found in present day Savannah, Georgia, in a young woman from a family of demon hunters. I found her family interesting as well, particularly their staunch faith, an aspect rarely touched on in paranormals.

Unfortunately, the hero and heroine, not so interesting. Ajax was a standard broody guy, supposedly a rogue, though we don’t get to see too much of it. I felt that we didn’t get to know his heroine, Shayanna Angel. That’s the problem with predestined love. It didn’t really matter what she was like, Ajax loved her before he knew her. For Shayanna’s part, she seemed like she fell in love with Ajax because she was so impressed with his devotion to her. Another instance of a romance getting the shaft in favor of world building.

I found the pacing to be uneven. There were times I was really involved, but as I mentioned, I fell asleep several times as well. Perhaps it was because the major villain was so annoying and whiny. Combined with the bland romance, it was a recipe for a stupor. The book moved around a lot, so just as you were getting into one storyline, the scene shifted. But I enjoyed the backstory, the worldbuilding, and there were some genuine flashes of humor that I liked. There were also some pretty hot love scenes, some with Ajax in raptor-man form!

The next book will feature River, a character I really liked, so I will definitely try it. I found Red Fire to be pretty average, but those who enjoy series about brothers in arms, or who like a bit of Classical history should definitely give it a try.

Grade: C+

The summary:

Eternity has become a prison for Ajax Petrakos. Centuries after he and his Spartan brothers made their bargain for immortality, Ajax struggles to maintain his warrior’s discipline. His only source of strength is his hope that he will soon meet the woman once foretold to him—the other half of his soul, Shay Angel.

Ajax searches for his destined mate on the haunted streets of modern-day Savannah, but he isn’t the first to find her. Shay, the youngest of a powerful demon-hunting clan, can see the monsters that stalk the steamy Southern night—an ability that draws the deadly attention of Ajax’s worst enemy.

As she and Ajax race to solve a chilling prophecy—one that could spell Ajax’s death if they don’t succeed—a fated passion arises, threatening to sweep away everything in its path.

Read an excerpt

Sandy M’s review of A Knight Well Spent by Jackie Ivie
Historical Romance released by Zebra 1 Oct 08

This is my first book by Jackie Ivie.  I do have her other books in the TBR pile, have wanted to get them read — have ogled the covers whenever I see them — but it’s the usual too many books, too little time.  I’m about to remedy that.  I enjoyed Ms. Ivie’s writing style, full of richness with terrific characters and a lovely historical feel, and her humor, even during very dramatic scenes, is certainly a plus.

Rhoenne is a battle-scarred Norman knight who has been gifted with a fiefdom for standing by his king in Scotland when he meets a beautiful, young woman, a healer, whom he desperately needs at the time.  After an extraordinary experience with her, he heads home to a castle full of people who’d rather see him dead than lording over them.  To his amazement his brother shows up with his healer in tow, ready to make her his own.  Rhoenne steps in, taking control and making sure she’s safe by claiming her for his own.

The difference, however, is Rhoenne will not truly be claiming her because of a curse in his family — the women die after giving birth to a Ramhurst heir, and he refuses to let a woman die in such a way.  But being near her is too much to bear, so he hands over control of his home to her healing ways and his days and nights are spent patrolling his land, settling disputes, and wanting something he can never have.  When he waits too late to make her his in name, however, his world is split wide open with betrayal at its core.

Never knowing that life could be so beautiful, Aislynn happily runs her laird’s home while doing her best to further her way into his heart.  She knows of the curse that frightens Rhoenne, but only the fates can make that kind of judgment.  When he finally acquiesces she finds heaven with this man who has her love.  But when word comes he is to marry the king’s daughter, Rhoenne digs in for the long haul, determined to live his life his way and still maintain everything he has and wants.  Rhoenne’s best friend and second in command, Harold Montvale, makes her see that nothing good can from the stance Rhoenne has taken against the king, and she agrees to his plan to save Rhoenne by giving up everything she holds dear.  But traveling far and wide with a man whose guilt is as deep seated as her own takes it toll and by the time Rhoenne finds them, it may be too late for them all.

I really liked the love story in this book.  Rhoenne does his best to stay away from Aislynn because of his belief, but, as he tells her, he’s just a man and can’t resist being with her, but I feel it’s more than that.  They’re meant to be together, and that’s what makes her betrayal all the more painful for both of them.  Even when he finds her again, as much as he tries to hate her, he just can’t.  It’s not in him to do so.  I also liked how it’s Aislynn who has the fortitude to take over and run the castle, even commanding some of Rhoenne’s men, and it’s Rhoenne who is lax in making sure his orders are followed, even by his own men, let alone the villagers.

Montvale nearly steals the show in every scene he’s in.  He’s one man who can talk a blue streak, but there’s humor in every word and there’s a reason behind most of it.  It’s also his love of and friendship with Rhoenne that makes his later scenes in the book so powerful.  This is a great cast of characters in a lovely, rich story.  I look forward to other books by Ms. Ivie.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Scotland 1141. A Norman king’s attempt to rule the Highland clans is making his favorite knight’s job difficult, indeed–and this is before a woman of mystery lays siege to the warrior’s heart…

She lives to heal..  He’s a giant of a man; what’s more, he’s the enemy. These truths should be enough to send Aislynn running far and fast from the wounded stranger in the woods. But he needs her help–and the reward he bestows changes her forever…

He fights to the kill…  Formidable knight Rhoenne Guy de Ramhurst has been “gifted” with a fiefdom–and the unenviable task of taming the rebellious Highlanders that populate it. He also has a castle full of dissidents, led by his own half brother. Yet these challenges pale in comparison with attempts to forget the healer who saved his life and captured his heart…

And one love rules them both…  Rhoenne believes a family curse places any woman he loves in mortal danger. When Aislynn is abducted by his profligate sibling, Rhoenne becomes her protector–even as he tries to resist her. But Aislynn has secrets of her own–and as deception and danger swirl ever closer around them, the truth may be their only salvation…

Read an excerpt.

Devon’s review of A Mermaid’s Kiss (Mermaids Series, Book 1) by Joey W. Hill
Paranormal Romance released by Berkeley Sensation 4 Nov 08

Joey W. Hill was one of the first erotic romance writers I ever read, and she is definitely one of the best. Her writing is extremely sensual, but also very emotional. Her books emphasize the vulnerability of forming a sexual and romantic connection with another. It takes trust and a leap of faith to open oneself up completely to another. Hill’s books also celebrate the joy of being completely accepted by another. While A Mermaid’s Kiss was less sexually intense than some of her other works, it’s a fascinating and sensual romance about losing one’s faith and then having it restored through the love of another.

Jonah is a Prime Commander of the Angels. He has spent thousands of years fighting evil, usually in the form of the Dark Ones (demons). He has grown weary of his existence, and is starting to lose his faith in the Lady, the Highest Power whom he serves. No longer seeing the point of it all, Jonah allows himself to fall deep into the sea when one of his wings is severed during a battle with the Dark Ones. He knocks into Anna, an isolated half-human, half-mermaid, who is awed and intrigued and determined to help Jonah.

The first fifty or so pages were slow. The writing style felt very formal, almost like a fairy tale, and I found it hard to get into. The book really picks up with the introduction of Anna’s ally, the prickly seawitch Mina. I loved Mina and I’m so psyched she gets her own book (A Witch’s Beauty, January 2009). Mina’s visions set Anna and Jonah off on a road trip inland to a place where Jonah can be fully healed. The “road romance” is one of my favorites, because although they meet people and have adventures, the focus is on the hero and heroine and the relationship development.

Jonah was an intriguing, larger than life hero. He is so old and powerful, but he has lost his way. He feels an immediate connection to Anna, so much younger and less powerful than he, but who is full of passion and faith in the goodness of others. She makes him feel again. Anna annoyed me at times. She was almost Mary Sue-ish, and just so good. She seemed a bit weak at times too. What kept me from disliking Anna was the wicked sense of humor she exhibited, and the fact that she never took any crap from Jonah, Mina, or anybody. In fact, she always gets her way. It was very clear that Anna’s quiet strength was exactly what Jonah needed. Their romance was great.

The road trip part of the book really held my interest, but towards the end, it started to flag, during what should’ve been the big climactic battle. It got a bit confusing, and I wanted things to move along already. I also have to mention that one part squicked me out a bit. Don’t want to be spoilery, but it involves Anna’s shapeshifting abilities. Despite that, I loved A Mermaid’s Kiss. It had a well-realized fantasy world, great secondary characters as well as the hero and heroine, and a sexy, moving romance. I recommend it to fantasy/paranormal fans, and I’m really looking forward to the next one.

Grade: B+

The Summary:

The angelic Jonah has been battling the Dark Ones for centuries. But his noble spirit has begun to tire with the weight of war—allowing a Dark One to strike a blow that severs his wings and knocks him into the sea.

Anna is a Daughter of Arianne—a direct descendant of the mermaid of legend. Anna’s longing for love compels her to risk her very life to protect and hide the fallen Jonah. And the longer Jonah delays his return to the heavens, the more Anna’s secret passions are tempted.

But as she falls more in love with him, Anna wonders if she’s destined to lose her heart and her dreams to save Jonah’s soul…

Read an excerpt

Limecello’s review of Mistaken Mistress (Saxon Brides, Book 1) by Tessa Radley
Contemporary romance released by Silhouette Desire on 14 Oct 08

I was excited about this book, and am so glad I read it. When I found out Tessa Radley had a new series coming out as an off-shoot of the Blackstones from the Diamond Down Under series, I was thrilled, especially since Ms. Radley’s book, Pride & A Pregnancy Secret was my favorite from the DDU series. Not only that, but who doesn’t love a story about a wine making family from Down Under? More to the point – Mistaken Mistress is the first book in Ms. Radley’s Saxon Brides trilogy, and its an excellent start. 

Alyssa Blake is a great heroine – and she’s incredibly nice. (A lot nicer than I would have been, definitely.) I love how human Alyssa is – the book starts out with her in a very volatile and uncertain situation. Rather than being brassy and abrasive, Alyssa is nervous, but squares her shoulders and does the best she can. The reader immediately empathizes with Alyssa. It doesn’t hurt that her life and experiences make her a very interesting character that you’re eager to read about. She’s smart, self made, vulnerable, and yet stubborn. Alyssa is her own person, and can definitely handle anything and everything that’s thrown at her. Alyssa definitely isn’t a door mat, but she’s not in your face and aggressive. She’s quite likable and admirable. It was nice to read about a character that had strong beliefs and is willing to stand by them.

Joshua Saxon is a hero’s hero. He’s rich, smart, someone everyone loves and looks up to – and did I mention rich? He’s a wine mogul, that seems cold and standoffish, but has a heart of gold. From the time we meet him, Joshua clearly has a number of nuances and complexities to his character to be discovered. I love how instant his attraction to Alyssa is, and then how he reacts once he finds out who she is. Joshua’s reactions are realistic and natural, but regardless of how people take them, the reader knows his heart is in the right place. I loved that Joshua was very stern, but truly a soft touch. He’s also dynamic in that he can act like a jerk, but shows remorse for treating someone unfairly. Joshua is affectionate once you get past the reserve, and sorting through the layers really helps forward the plot.

The story of Mistaken Mistress is rather complex, and very engaging. There’s a lot going on, but at no time does the plot become confusing or overbearing. It’s definitely something you have to read for yourself. It was also nice that the Alyssa and Joshua have a strong and instant reaction to each other, but it isn’t smooth sailing for them. Joshua believes Alyssa to be someone she isn’t, which creates tension between them. Add to that a scathing article Alyssa wrote about Joshua and Saxon Family Wines previously, and you have a great story on your hands.

I have to admit, at times I was a tad annoyed at the actions of the characters. Alyssa was something of a martyr. Yes, she promised not to disclose certain facts, but it did annoy me as to all the abuse she had to take. (Though I understand that she had to, and it was part of the story.) Nevertheless it never got to the point of overbearing. I also had a slight problem with the Saxon parent’s actions, but that was also a minor issue. Lastly, the complete about face in regards to Joshua’s actions, btu those are based on him learning some crucial information that changes his opinion.

The romance in Mistaken Mistress is very satisfying. Physical attraction is there from the start, but their emotional connection develops slowly, and is very believable. Joshua and Alyssa get to know each other and it’s clear they genuinely like each other, though they did not trust one another at first. It was also nice how Ms. Radley uses circumstances and the current situation to bring characters together.

Ms. Radley seems to have perfected the category romance. A great story, the perfect length, just enough to keep you interested – I can’t wait for her other novels (especially the rest of the Saxon Brides trilogy). Mistaken Mistress covers enough to be a believable and satisfying story, without choppy scenes or plot lines. The characters are developed, but at no point is the story bogged down by unnecessary description or imagery. I’m pretty sure I stayed up until 4 am to finish this book, and it was worth every minute. I definitely recommend this book if you like the Silhoutte Desire line, Ms. Radley’s books, or a nice contemporary romance that’s a quick read that’s well written.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Joshua Saxon, the arrogant millionaire who ran New Zealand’s premier winery, believed Alyssa Blake had been his late brother’s mistress. But the true connection between Alyssa and the Saxons was even more shocking.

From the first moment they met, both Alyssa and Joshua had been shaken by a passion that could not be denied. But what could the future hold for a man and woman with so many secrets and lies between them…?

Read an excerpt here.

Connie’s Quick Quack review of A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick
Contemporary women’s fiction released by Kensington 30 Oct 08

When Evelyn Dixon’s marriage ends abruptly she is at a loss until she takes a trip to a totally new town and finds the perfect (to her) spot to open her dream quilt shop. 

All the locals think she won’t have enough business to last six months but Evelyn is determined to try. Like all best laid plans many things go wrong and the business is indeed threatened. And it happens at a time that Evelyn’s health is not good.  New friends decide to help her keep the shop going.

Liza is troubled after the death of her mother and she is thrust on her aunt and both have a hard time with that. Aunt Abigail is wealthy but her feelings are kept under strict control. Liza blames Abigail for not trying to help her mother and is determined to make the situation as unpleasant as possible.

This is a small town with some really nice people. I don’t quilt but the story is compelling enough that it doesn’t matter.  All women need to be aware of the fight against breast cancer and how to help beat it. Everyone should find a character they like and enjoy the story.

Grade: B

Summary:

Marie’s fourth book, A SINGLE THREAD, will be her first contemporary novel. The November trade paperback tells the story of a displaced Texas homemaker who moves to Connecticut and pursues her dream of opening a quilt shop. But, on the day the shop opens, the owner discovers she has breast cancer. She survives, with the loving help of her friends.

Read an excerpt.

by Michelle Styles
The end of September and beginning of October has been taken up with doing workshops for the National Year of Reading, writing and helping my eldest navigate the shoals of applying to universities. Why oh why was it so much easier when I was a student? And why did I think going on holiday at this time of year was a good one — Sorrento, Italy in case anyone is interested.

The BIG news is that November sees that launch of Harlequin Historical Undone. This is a short ebook line and is HH’s most sensual series yet. I was able to catch up with the four launch authors and find out more. Libertine Lord, Pickpocket Miss author Bronwyn Scott said:

The Undone e-book series is a great opportunity to take Harlequin Historical into the electronic age and reach a new population of reader. It’s also a great chance to show readers how much historical romance has changed over the past two decades.

Nicola Cornick added:

I’m very excited about the whole concept of the Harlequin Historical Undone e-books because I love reading and writing hot historical short stories! My launch title, The Unmasking of Lady Loveless, is a humorous and very sexy Regency tale and I’m really looking forward to reading the other launch stories too–they sound fabulous!

Michelle Willingham (whose entry, The Viking’s Forbidden Love-Slave, is connected to her full length novel Her Warrior Slave) explained:

I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the Harlequin Historical Undone launch. The new line is meant to be short, very sexy historical stories that sweep you away, and when I wrote my story, I intended it to be pure fantasy. I have three children, all under the age of seven, and there are times in my life, when I desperately need an escape!

And finally, Amanda McCabe said:

I’m so excited to be part of the launch of the Undone line of ebooks for Harlequin! There are always stories I have a hard time letting go of when I reach “The End,” and my full length Harlequin Historical January 09 book High Seas Stowaway was one. I loved the setting (the Caribbean in the 1530s) and the characters–and I wondered what Carlos de Alameda’s story was. He seemed so mysterious and dangerous! In my Undone Shipwrecked and Seduced, I got to find out what that story was, and revisit Santo Domingo with the heroine Maria (a maidservant masquerading as a contessa). It was great fun to create a fantasy for her–and myself. I hope to get to do more of these stories in the future, and that readers enjoy them, too!

Across the pond, Mills & Boon is now releasing all of its front list as ebooks. You may purchase them through the Mills & Boon website.

Entering Harlequin Presents Instant Seduction writing contest proved a winner for Lynn Raye Harris. After being awarded an editor for a year, working hard on revisions, she received the Call in October. Her book, Spanish Magnate, Red Hot Revenge, will be released in North America next summer.

The winner of the Feel the Heat competition was Lucy Roberts and she will now work with an editor. Fingers crossed that she is able to emulate Lynn.

November also sees the re-release of Ida Cook’s (aka Mary Burchill) autobiography Safe Passages (previously published as We Followed Our Stars). For those who are not familiar with her life story. Ida Cook and her sister used the proceeds from Ida’s romance writing to help rescue Jewish people from Nazi Germany. There is a new foreword as well as some previously unpublished photographs. Besides writing well beloved romances for Mills and Boon, Ida Cook was a true heroine in her own right.

The Christmas season at Harlequin/Silhouette always starts in October/November. I love Christmas themed books. Harlequin Historical has two anthologies out this season: The Magic of Christmas by Carolyn Davidson, Victoria Bylin and Cheryl St John and One Candlelit Christmas with stories by Julia Justiss, Annie Burrows and Terri Brisbin.

Until next month, when hopefully there will be news about Harlequin’s upcoming 60^th anniversary celebration as well as more on the holiday season, Happy Reading!

Shannon C.’s review of Cry Sanctuary (Red Rock Pass, Book 1) by Moira Rogers
Paranormal romance eBook released by Samhain 21 Oct 08

Disclaimer: Moira Rogers and I are the kind of friends who send each other weird random emails all the time about nothing. This probably means I’m not qualified at all to review her first book with Samhain, but that has never actually stopped me before. And honestly, if she hadn’t been my friend, I probably would have had the same reaction to her book. I think that, though her debut Samhain book isn’t perfect, she is definitely an author to watch, especially if you enjoy well-written paranormals. 

Keith has just returned from Europe, where he’s been fighting the ongoing war between the werewolves and the wizards when he is called on to rescue two werewolves who have entered the Red Rock territory in order to seek sanctuary. Keith is still not over Kelly, his first wife, even though he has been urged to settle down, so he is nonplussed when he meets Abby, the newly turned werewolf who arrives in Red Rock. Abby will need a guide to help her transition fully to her life as a werewolf, and Keith really wants it to be him she picks.

A lot works well here. Keith and Abby are both very likeable. I could totally picture both of them existing here in the real world. I particularly appreciated that, while Keith was definitely alpha, he was smart, and he was also a really nice guy. No random posturing for him. As for Abby, I thought as a fish out of water, she worked really well, and I liked that she knew what she wanted and went for it.

The other characters here are well-drawn. I didn’t get a sense of sequel-baiting, though any number of them could feature in their own books. I believed the connections that formed between the characters, and was glad that Abby and Keith had other people they would legitimately do things with besides each other.

Unfortunately, other aspects of the plot didn’t quite work for me. I didn’t feel that the villain’s motivations were fleshed out enough, and I thought the introduction of the concept of wizards, while unique, wasn’t explored much at all.

I really appreciated being tossed into this world, though, and I never felt like my intelligence was being insulted or that important bits were glossed over in favor of more sexual chemistry. I always appreciate when authors do this, particularly in ebooks.

Though this wasn’t a keeper book for me, I will definitely be looking forward to more stories set in the world Ms. Rogers has created.

Grade: B+

Summary:

He is tired of fighting. She has nowhere to run.

Red Rock Pass, Book 1

Keith Winston is tired of fighting. The war between werewolves and wizards rages on in Europe, but he’s come home to Red Rock, Montana in hopes of finding a bit of peace. Instead he finds more strife as he struggles against the pack’s dictates that he resume his place as the alpha’s right-hand man.

When he rescues a new wolf on the run, he knows his instant attraction to her could cause trouble. What he doesn’t expect is to find himself embroiled in another battle that goes against all his instincts—and his heart.

Abigail Adler learned about the existence of werewolves only when she became one. With her life threatened by a corrupt alpha, she flees to the only sanctuary she knows: Red Rock. While she’s grateful for the pack’s protection, she chafes under its unbreakable rules of conduct—except when it comes to submitting to the passion Keith stirs in her.

Then her tormentor kidnaps her sister in an attempt to lure her out of hiding. To save her, Abby and Keith must be willing to do the very thing that could get them all killed—break all of the rules.

Warning: Hot werewolf sex, violence, explosions, and a heroine wielding a makeshift implement of destruction.

Read an excerpt.

Devon’s review of One Bite With a Stranger (The Others, Book 6) by Christine Warren
Paranormal Romance released by St. Martin’s 7 Oct 08

Although technically this is number six in The Others series, it is a revised and expanded version of Fantasy Fix, previously released by Ellora’s Cave. It takes place before the other books in the series, and according to the author’s site, this could be considered Book One. I’ve been looking forward to reading these earlier stories, and this one didn’t disappoint. It was an entertaining read with fun characters, hot love scenes and d/s overtones.

Regina MacNeill is a straightlaced kind of gal who finally gives in to her (rather annoying) friends’ desire to get her to act out a secret sexual fantasy. She ends up in a vampire wannabe club on the Lower East Side, where she attracts the attention of a real-life vampire (for once, not the club owner). Dmitri Vidame is powerfully attracted to Regina and when he looks into her mind and sees her submissive desires, he knows she is the one for him. Regina is in for some hot sex, and some soul searching, as her feelings for Dmitri are as strong as her concerns about him.

For this to all work, Dmitri had to be likeable. He is very alpha, overwhelming and dominant, and he could easily come off as a stalkerish asshole. But I did like him. The chemistry between the two was incredible, and Warren made the whole instant soulmate thing work (she’s good at that). Dmitri showed a lot of regard for Regina’s feelings and desires, and had a sense of humor as well, which made me like him.

Regina seemed like a bit of a doormat at first, but I came to like her. Sometimes she veered toward that shrill, bratty,“I know you are but what am I” humor. The humor in general was a bit juvenile. I didn’t like her buddies too much. Regina is a bedroom submissive, and Dmitri is quite the dominant fellow. I thought the sex scenes were very hot. No whips and other accoutrement, if that freaks you out. And that dynamic is confined to the bedroom.

The external plot was minimal, but that was fine with me. It was a break from multiple storylines and bands of brothers etc. The focus was on Regina coming to terms with herself and her desires, and a new relationship with somebody very different than she planned. Very different, given the bloodsucking and all. If you haven’t read any of The Others, you could start here. While not the strongest of the books (plenty of filler), One Bite with a Stranger, was sexy, fun and fast moving.

Grade: B-

The Summary:

When Regina’s friends insist on setting her up a “Fantasy Fix” to help her get over her cheating ex, she dreams up some kinky out-of-this-world encounters that they could never possibly bring to life. But the next thing Regina knows, her friends have got her laced into a shiny black corset, tight leather pants, and a sexy pair of stilettos. It’s time for some downtown vampire-fantasy fun…

The Vampire Ball in Manhattan’s East Village isn’t really Dmitri Vidâme’s idea of a good time, but as a member of the Council that governs the Others, he has to keep an eye on all the young vamps who prey on the pretenders. After he feasts his dark eyes on fiery Regina at the bar, he knows that he must have her. But for the first time Dmitri meets a woman who is more than a match for his indomitable will. And he may be the fantasy Regina hoped for… until she—and her feisty friends—discover her sexy new lover’s bloodsucking secret…

Read an excerpt

Other books in the series:

Gwen’s review of Destiny Kills (Myth and Magic, Book 1) by Keri Arthur
Contemporary fantasy romance released by Dell Spectra 28 Oct 08

I’ve wrestled with this review several days now, and I’m no closer to knowing how to approach it.  Sometimes there are books that, no matter how long you think about it, your thoughts are no closer than when you finished reading.  This can happen with good and bad books.  Sometimes you just have to dive in and get the words down on paper and hope it all makes sense to someone.  So here goes… 

Destiny Kills is the start of a new series for Arthur.  So far it’s based on dragon-shifters.  Based on what I read, I presume other mythical figures will make an entrance in later books.  Anyone familiar with Arthur knows she writes the Riley Jenson urban fantasy novels – a series with vampires and shapeshifters that is chockablock with action, romance, sex, and angst, all told from the heroine’s first person perspective.  I love the Jenson novels like a fat kid loves cake (TM Karen Scott).

Destiny Kills is also told from the heroine’s first person POV, and thus begins my bone-picking with this book.  Perhaps my love of the Jenson novels has colored my opinion of this one.  What seems so fresh with Riley’s POV seems stale in Destiny Kills.  I’m familiar with Riley’s world, so the first person POV isn’t horribly limiting.  With this new world, however, I think the heroine’s POV has restricted the view of the world and its inhabitants too much.  I very much wanted to know what was in the hero’s head and know what flying was like for him.  I also very much wanted to get into the villain’s head.  I wanted to know more about the heroine’s parents’ thoughts.  None of this is really possible with the POV and that makes me sad and unable to properly connect with the story.

Because of the lack of connection, I didn’t identify or sympathize with anyone or with the predicament.  I can’t really tell you why that was, except I didn’t – it all seemed so impassionate.  I didn’t care that the hero and heroine finally had sex (although their first time WAS OFF THE PAPER and not described – irritated me).  I didn’t care that they had been held hostage for 10-years and experimented on.  I think it was the first person POV, but it may also be because this story just didn’t draw me in.

I can recommend this book to fans of the author or if you’re a dyed in the wool dragon-shifter reader.  I don’t recommend it to anyone trying to get a feel for Arthur’s writing for the first time – you definitely need to read the Riley Jenson novels for that.  This was a readable, but average story with some slightly irritating elements.

Grade: C

Summary:

DESIRE CALLS. DANGER LURKS.

BUT…

DESTINY KILLS

When Destiny McCree wakes up beside a dead man on an Oregon beach, she knows only this: she has to keep moving, keep searching, and keep one step ahead of the forces that have been pursuing her from the heart of Scotland to this isolated spot. Why? The death of her lover has left her alone, with little memory of her past. A glimmering serpent-shaped ring is the one clue she has-and a bargaining chip in a most dangerous game…

Enter Trae Wilson, a master thief with a sexy, knowing grin and a secret agenda of his own. Destiny and Trae both have powers far beyond the human-and both are running for their lives. Together they’re riding a tide of danger, magic and lust…but with killers stalking their every move, they must use any means necessary, even each other, to survive-until the shocking secret of one woman’s destiny finally unravels…

Read an excerpt. (The excerpt was not posted as of the review date, but should be live at this site by release date.)  It’s live.

Gwen’s review of The Mane Attraction (Pride, Book 3) by Shelly Laurenston
Contemporary paranormal romance released by Brava 28 Oct 08

This was my first full-length novel to read by Laurenston. I thoroughly enjoyed her short story in the anthology When He Was Bad, so I was looking forward to reading Attraction.  I was absotively, posilutely not disappointed.  The Mane Attraction was a blast to read.  Reading it from the perspective of a Southerner born and bred in Texas for many generations, I can say, not so sadly, that I completely identified with it, too. 

Laurenston could have gone the path of least resistance and relied solely on tired stereotypes to populate her shapeshifter world.  That’s not to say there aren’t some predictable elements in Laurenstonland, but there aren’t any tired ones, if that makes any sense.  Laurenston managed to make them fresh and funny, but doesn’t let them “aw shucks” their way out of situations.  The predicaments her characters find themselves in are always very real, and frequently suspenseful and dangerous.  It adds a lot of flavor and tension to the books that is fun to read.

Our heroine, Sissy Mae, is from Tennessee.  She has her feet firmly in NASCAR-lovin’, ‘shine-drinkin’, football-playin’, blue-collar, everybody and their brother named “Something Ray” land.  Even so, she and her large extended family and friends are more than two-dimensional.  They’re fully fleshed, warm blooded (some hot blooded), loving, conniving, and vibrant characters.  To say that Laurenston’s stories are character-driven is to say they’re written on paper.  Just a big ol’ “duh” moment.  So far, I’ve noticed that Laurenston’s books are almost totally character driven and you’re either going to love them or hate them.  There’s no in between.

Our hero, Mitch, is a Philadelphia cop with some interesting family dynamics.  His mom, Roxy, is one of the more fun secondary characters and a force to be reckoned with on her own.  His brother is recently married to one of the Sissy Mae’s best friends and found his HEA in Book 1 of the Pride series.  Mitch is a lion-shifter and is all male lion, using charm and humor to get the women in his life to feed him and coddle him.  And let me tell you, if he were knocking around my house, I’d feed and coddle him myself.  He’s hilariously funny when he’s not being incredibly sexy or amazingly protective.

The dynamic between the heroine and hero, who are best friends when the book starts, is really charming.  What’s nice to see is how Laurenston was able to keep that friendship in tact and healthy even thru the evolution of the H/H relationship to a romantic and sexual one.  That must be the most awkward thing to write – evolving a friendship into something more and yet keeping the friendship healthy.  At least, it’s tough to do that with a relationship in real life, so my assumption is it’s difficult to write it believably well.  And oh my, what SEX these two have – the sensual scenes are just flat-out HAWT.

There are a variety of suspense elements and bad guys in this book: organized crime bosses, hired assassins, pack alphas, local rivalries in car racing and football, family members who hate each other, family members who want more power, power-hungry wannabes, power-hungry evil forces, etc.  You name it, there’s a lot for Sissy Mae and Mitch to overcome for them to be together.  Each of the sub-arcs are well interwoven and interesting on their own.  I didn’t feel like any one element was taken just that bit too far – it all felt correct and well paced.

This was a very entertaining read that felt like it went by in a flash. There’s a lot packed into this book, so be prepared for a brisk, very active read.  I highly recommend The Mane Attraction to any fan of paranormal romance or Laurenston.  It’s a terrific read.

Grade: A

Book summary:

Weddings have the strangest effect on people. How else to explain the fact that Sissy Mae Smith woke up in Mitch Shaw’s bed the morning after her brother Bobby Ray tied the knot? Or that gunmen are trying to kill Mitch, and Sissy Mae now has to escort a bleeding, stubborn, yet still incredibly sexy lion shifter to her Tennessee Pack’s turf to keep him safe? It doesn’t help that Mitch’s appraising gaze makes her feel like the most desirable creature on earth, or that the ultimate stray cat is suddenly acting all kinds of possessive…

Mitch is an undercover cop who’s about to testify against some dangerous ex-associates. Even more worrisome, he’s harboring hot, X-rated fantasies about the fast-talking little canine – and he has to deal with every male in Sissy Mae’s Pack sniffing around her in a way that makes his hackles rise.. Mitch has his pride, and he intends to show Sissy Mae that when a lion sets out to make you his mate, the only thing to do is purr, roll over, and enjoy one hell of a ride…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

And ’cause he’s so purty, here’s this cover in LARGE format!

LauraJ’s review of Where There’s A Will by Katriena Knights
Contemporary Romance eBook released by Samhain Publishing 7 Oct 08

I’m a sucker for contemporary romances that take place in Scotland. That was the main reason I picked this book to read. I love the Scottish accent, the beauty of the land there, and how time seems to have stopped. I know that I will probably never get to travel there (pout, hint–just in case hubs actually reads one my reviews), so by reading those books I can at least pretend that I have.

American Chloe has traveled to Scotland to settle the estate in the Scottish village of she has inherited from her uncle. When she arrives, she learns there is a small part of the will that was not to be revealed to her until her arrival, a part that she is unsure if she can fulfill. She must marry a Scot in order to keep the property, if she doesn’t by a specified time the property will be auctioned off. Her uncle even gives a suggestion for a husband a man named Malcolm MacTavish.

Malcolm lives in the small village near his aunt. While he works in the city he prefers the the quiet life of the village, most of the time. When everyone seems to know your business it does make it hard have a relationship. He is immediately attracted to Chloe when he meets her at the airport, but Chloe is from a large city and will never fit into his life in a small town. He’s been down that road before with his former fiancé.

I really enjoyed reading this. Ms. Knights brought Scotland vividly to life through her description of the country and the people who live there. In some books, authors try too hard to capture the Scottish accent that it becomes overwhelming and confusing for readers and sometimes distracting. I never once felt this way in this story. Malcolm will probably end up on my top heroes of 2008. He was gentle, funny, sexy, caring and alpha when he needed to be and he had an accent, who doesn’t love a man with accent. Chloe was a big city girl with a small town heart. She was very likeable and I enjoyed watching her find her place. The secondary characters were fun, especially Malcolm’s aunt Agnes. I loved their “plot” to save Chloe’s uncle’s estate from possible British investors.

I’m really hoping that Ms. Knights will write more contemporary romantic comedies (especially set in Scotland). This was a really fun book and enjoyable book that kept me turning the pages well past my bedtime. Now to convince my husband to take me to Scotland.

Grade: B-

Summary:

The terms of the will seem crazy…until she meets the man to fulfill them.

When Chloe Sullivan’s great uncle dies, leaving her his house and a not-quite castle in the Highlands of Scotland, Chloe’s more than willing to take a vacation across the pond to check it all out. When she gets there, she finds out there’s a catch—if she wants to keep her inheritance, she has to marry a Scot.

And her great uncle even left her a suggestion as to who.

Malcolm MacTavish is taken with the lovely, straightforward Chloe the moment he sees her at the airport. But they can’t enjoy more than a brief fling, since she’s planning to go back to the States. The more he gets to know her, though, the more he wants to try to change her mind.

Until he finds out about the will…

Warning: This title contains a Highland fling (a.k.a explicit sex), Scottish accents and gratuitous jokes about the Loch Ness Monster. 

Read an excerpt here.

Liviania’s review of Knight’s Fork (Gods of Tigron, Book 3) by Rowena Cherry
Futuristic romance released by Love Spell 1 Oct 08

The third novel of the Gods of Tigron series focuses on Prince Djarrhett and Queen Electra-Djerroldina. Electra was married to the third royal brother of the Volnoths and never expected to become Queen. Now that she is, the two species cannot produce children and the royal couple desperately needs a heir. She approaches ‘Rhett, a Djinn with eyes the same color of her husband, but he misunderstands her request for a sperm donor as a proposition. Soon most of their relatives and other acquaintances believe the two are having an affair. Thus Prince Tarrant-Arragon decides to maroon them on Earth using his equerry Grievous and nephew Thor-quentin. 

I like this couple better than the two previous. ‘Rhett, raised by his grandmother on Earth, understands women’s rights and wants to extend them throughout the universe. He can come off as sanctimonious, but he’s not a hypocrite. He holds himself to the high moral standards he wants everyone to follow. He’s bothered by how much he would like to sleep with Electra because that’s not the kind of person he wants to be.

Electra knows what she wants and goes after it. She comes up with a tricky solution that will allow her to solve the infertility problem without being unfaithful to her husband. Their relationship is very touching, because you know the marriage is doomed since the husband is not the hero. But Electra goes to great lengths to protect his honor and keep their vows because she still loves him, if not his culture.

Conversely, I like the plot of Knight’s Fork the least. The first two had various factions scheming and plotting, with one coming out on top in the end. It was neat to see the plans untangle and discover who could best predict future outcomes. In Knight’s Fork everyone is still scheming, but they’re doing it with hardly any information. It’s the kind of plot that could be resolved in two minutes if any of the characters bothered to talk with each other. Any of the characters would be able to correct most of their mistakes with the tiniest bit of clarification. The frustration of the plot ruined some of my enjoyment of the great couple and interesting side characters. (Thor-quentin, in particular, looks like he might be a future hero in the series.)

I enjoy this series. I have to be in the right mood for the humor, which is something like a hormonal thirteen-year-old boy who plays chess and reads too many romance novels might use, but when I am it’s the right kind of silly. In addition, it might be better for new readers to start with the first novel, Forced Mate. The characters’ names and relationships (romantic and familial) are complicated and Knight’s Fork presumes some familiarity with the setting. This was not my favorite, but I’ll return for the fourth (if a fourth is written.)

Grade: C

Summary:

The Queen Consort of the Volnoth needs a sperm donor, and only one green-eyed god has the right stuff. Little does she know she has pinned all her hopes on the crown jewels of the fabled Royal Saurian Djinn. Not only is he the son of her greatest enemy, but he has taken a vow of chastity.

The Saurian Knight is caught between a problem father who has all the moral integrity of a Mafia Don, and a married Princess who would stop at nothing to have his seed in her belly. No matter which way he turns, he’s “forked.”

Taking the wrong lover…in the wrong place, at the wrong time…is dangerous. And when the High and Mighty intervene, it can be fatal. Can true love and a pure White Knight’s virtue triumph, when society loves a right royal scandal?

Read excerpts here.

Other books in the series: