Sandy M’s review of The Lure of Song and Magic (Magic Series, Book 7) by Patricia Rice
Paranormal Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Jan 12

I’ve not read many of Patricia Rice’s books, but the few I have read, I’ve totally loved. Her voice is what first draws me into a story. As mysterious as the characters’ backgrounds are or the direction the storyline takes a reader, there’s a whimsical tone to her storytelling that gives the entire book an extra layer for a terrific reading experience.

Dylan “Oz” Oswin has been getting mysterious texts from someone calling themselves The Librarian. Those messages have led him to Phillipa Seraphina Malcolm James, the former teen singing sensation Syrene. Somehow she has a way of finding his kidnapped son, and he’ll do whatever is necessary to see that she helps, despite her vow to stay out of the limelight, tucked away in her little house in a little town in the middle of nowhere.

Having a voice that can cause riots, even kill, among other things, is a curse Phillipa will not allow to control her again. Her young husband is dead because of her, and these past years teaching children and writing children’s books has been a balm to her soul after the disaster of her musical career and such heartbreaking loss. When Oz shows up at her day care, wanting to make her the star of his new children’s TV show, her answer is no. She’ll never sing to the masses again.

These characters are total opposites. Oz is a legend in his profession, making money hand over fist for his clients as well as himself. Phillipa needs little in the way of material things. Nothing matters anymore but her inner peace and finding her family. So when Oz keeps after her to participate in the program, she’ll agree only if he’ll help find her any living relative she may have out there. She knows nothing about her family, having been left on the steps of a fire station in Bakersfield. Oz immediately takes her up on the offer, knowing he has the resources to solve her puzzle, and now he can move forward with his plan to find his son.

Oz is one not to let anything stand in his way, especially when it comes to the whereabouts of his son. The townsfolk all protect Phillipa in their own strange ways. But he finds that he likes these different people as he slowly gets to know them. The same with Pippa. There’s a quality about her that just calls to him. She’s thrilled to learn her voice has no effect on Oz. And once she relents, opens herself to him, her life begins to change. Again. Keeping the panic at bay is a very tall order, but with Oz at her side, perhaps she can have more than ever before.

I so enjoyed this couple. Their banter is fun, even when Pippa is pushing Oz away in the beginning. Then once they become more open to their attraction and Pippa’s desire to help Oz begins to overshadow her own needs and she now knows Oz will help her in any way possible, the relationship blossoms and is that much more fun to read.

The mystery of Oz’s missing son and Pippa’s family come together in a slow revealing and then a crashing crescendo. I like the family dynamic on both sides, but it’s Oz’s brothers who really pique my interest. Conan is the private investigator who does all of the legwork for whatever is needed to make progress for Oz. It’s interesting that Oz describes their family has one not wanting to be in the same room together for any length of time, but these brothers, while in their own worlds, would do anything and everything for each other. I’m hoping Oz’s siblings eventually get their own books.

If you’ve not read any of Ms. Rice’s paranormal books, you really should. They’re exquisitely written and the characters are unique and charming every time, with never-before-read concepts that keep you turning the pages well into the early morning hours. What else can a reader ask for?

Grade:  A

Summary:

Her voice was a curse…

When Dylan “Oz” Oswin’s son is kidnapped, the high-powered producer will do anything to get him back. Desperately following an anonymous tip, he seeks help from a former child singing sensation called Syrene, only to find she’s vowed never to sing again. Immune to her voice but not her charm, Oz is convinced she holds the key to his son’s disappearance-and he’ll stop at nothing to make her break her vow.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Scrumptious by Amanda Usen
Contemporary Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Jan 12

I’m one of those people who likes upscale food in fancy-schmancy restaurants. Being a hillbilly at heart, I also like down-home food where the atmosphere is relaxed and fun. Amanda Usen gives me all that and more in this fun and light-hearted read.

I don’t usually read books dealing with food. I’ve not found one that’s been written by a classically trained chef who make culinary delights believable and enjoyable. Until now. Ms. Usen is a chef in her own right, and she does a terrific job of describing life in a fast-paced kitchen, while also tantalizing the reader with dishes served up for lunch, dinner, and even Sunday brunch. I also like that the heroine, Marly, is not a school-taught chef. She’s one of those who just loves to cook, found her affinity for it early enough through the help of friends, and gets a thrill every time she steps into a kitchen, professional or not. She’s living my dream.

Olivia owns Chameleon, a family restaurant, and Marly is her best friend and has helped her out from day one, keeping the place running smoothly, especially after Olivia meets Keith in culinary school, marries him and then brings him back to restaurant and puts him on the line with Marly. The man is a total screw-up, and it’s Marly who’s making him look good all the time, until she’s had enough. Asking to be taken off the line, she retreats to the bakeshop where her desserts are as mouthwatering as her entrees. The lady is talented in every aspect of the kitchen. She ran Chameleon while Olivia was in school. Now when things begin to truly fall apart, Keith is tossed out after one too many of his shenanigans, Olivia doesn’t turn to her for help. She brings in an outsider.

A sexy outsider who Marly would dearly love to have in her bed. Joe Rafferty is the love’em and leave’em type of man and a master in the kitchen. He never stays in one place long enough to be more than that, but he’s trying to change. He promised his mother on her deathbed  he’d find someone to fall in love with and start a family. No more sluts. But he’s just as attracted to Marly as she is to him, despite the bit of hard feelings when Joe does agree to put off his trip toward a new job in California to help Olivia until she finds a new chef. And so begins a sexy but battling dance between these two chefs.

After a couple of foolish and childish pranks on Marly’s part (which I’m glad didn’t go any further, didn’t sit well with me) and when strange things begin happening around the kitchen, Joe and Marly begin to work together to figure it all out and to keep Olivia from taking back the snake or even selling the restaurant. It’s Joe who finally realizes what they have, is willing to give up his plans to stay with Marly. But she’s just not there yet. Love and marriage aren’t for her, just like it’s never been for her mother. But with Joe? Her eyes should have opened much sooner than they did. After all they’ve been through, all the loving they’ve shared, Marly still drags her feet. A little too far for me, but at least she does wise up before it’s really too late.

I like the issue each of them has with their fathers. It takes a lot of long, hard looking to resolve those issues in the end. The mysterious goings-on in the restaurant are also solved, Marly ultimately being the cardsharp needed to get to the heart of it. All in all, you keep turning the pages for the fun in the kitchen, the food being served in the dining room,the lovemaking that is sizzling and sweet once it begin, and the laughs along the way.

Grade: B

Summary:

Joe Rafferty is just as mouthwatering as the food he cooks. But if he thinks he’s going to waltz in and take over her kitchen, he’s denser than a thick slice of chocolate-ripple cheesecake. Marly has invested too much of her life in Chameleon to hand off the restaurant to someone else—especially a cocky-as-all-get-out superstar chef.  But there’s no denying the man knows how to light her fire. Question is: Can she have the sizzle without feeling the burn?

No excerpt available.

Other books in this series:

Lucious – July 2012

We’ve got two copies of Sins of the Highlander, thanks to Sourcebooks, to give away today to two lucky commenters out there in romanceland!

And how easy it is to win – just tell us your favorite sin committed by romance heroes or your favorite sinful hero and you’ll be entered. Just like that!

See, told you it was easy.

U.S. and Canada only, please.

Sandy M’s review of Sins of the Highlander by Connie Mason with Mia Marlowe
Historical Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablance 1 Jan 12

What historical romance reader hasn’t daydreamed of a braw Scottish Highlander abducting her from the altar and a future of boring days on end, racing across the countryside with her in his arms, toward an unknown destiny filled with steamy nights and never-ending love? Come on, ‘fess up. What’s not to love about such a romantic scenario, especially with a sexy, yummy hero like Mad Rob MacLaren.

I will admit this is one my of favorite tropes (I stole that from LynneC!  ) when getting lost in pages of the Highlands. The hero abducts the heroine, of course, for his own purposes, mostly revenge, and over the course of the story his feelings change, as do hers, paving the way for love and romance. It’s what’s in between the bride stealing and the love that either makes or breaks the book.

Robin MacLaren – dubbed Mad Rob due to his wild and dangerous behavior since his wife’s death – has hatched a plan to gain some revenge on the man who had a hand in Fiona’s demise. They shared only twelve days of wedded bliss before she was gone, and now all of his scheming has finally come to fruition. What he doesn’t factor into his plans is the woman he plans to abduct. He discovers very quickly she’s more than a possession to be fought over.

Doing her duty of marrying a man to unite their clans is the only reason Elspeth Stewart is standing before God, her family, and the two involved clans. She hopes for love, but her husband to be doesn’t excite her in any way. And when the doors to the kirk are thrown open and a wild man on a huge, black horse plucks her up and tosses her over his saddle while holding a broadsword to Lachlan’s throat, she now understands the vision her Sight had given her . She should feel afraid of this rough and rude warrior, but something about him causes that much awaited excitement to rush through her.

However, Elspeth will do all she can to escape her captor, and Rob will do everything in his power to keep her to make his enemy sweat. She thinks the man truly is mad to do such a thing – in a kirk of all places. His opinion of her changes when she bravely faces him and the dangers they encounter on their journey to his home. Rob now looks at her as someone of worth and definitely not worthy of the man she’s to marry. And as Rob protects her from wolves and even her fiance, Elspeth also sees him in a different light, one that has her thinking perhaps she’s better off with a madman than the evil bore she’s been promised to. Her eyes are now wide open as far he’s concerned.

Upon arriving at Rob’s home, an army is awaiting them, effectively imprisoning his clan. But another plan has formed, and he desperately hopes after all they’ve shared that Elspeth will be in agreement when she learns what his negotiation with her betrothed and her father entails. Another flash of her Sight and Elspeth knows that all will end in disaster, something she can’t allow. Sneaking away and taking Rob’s secrets with her, she tries to save everyone’s lives while leaving her heart behind. Unbeknownst to all, there’s another faction planning Elspeth’s downfall, and now not even her visions will be able to save her.

I enjoyed these characters, even the villain. He’s smarmy enough to be interesting, but it’s still nice to see him get what he deserves. Rob and Elspeth are both honorable and trustworthy. Their love grows steadily and sweetly. This is a couple I could read about over and over again.

From heart-pounding moments to gentle and sensual steaminess, this story of revenge and love moves at a nice pace, keeping a reader’s interest throughout. I’m not sure what I expected with two authors working on the same book, and not having read either of them before, I don’t know whose voice is dominant. Either way, the tone of voice is pleasing and works very well for the genre.

Grade: A

Summary:

Abduction

Elspeth Stewart’s gift of Sight hadn’t warned her of the dark-haired madman who charged into her wedding and bore her away into the wild Scottish highlands. Pressed against his hard chest and nestled between his strong thighs, she ought to fear for her life. But her captor silenced all protest with a soul-searing kiss, giving Elspeth a glimpse of the pain behind his passion—pain only she could ease.

Obsession

“Mad Rob” MacLaren thought stealing his enemy’s bride would be the perfect revenge. But Rob never reckoned that this beautiful, innocent lass would awaken the part of him he thought dead and buried with his wife. Against all reason, he longs to introduce the luscious Elspeth to the pleasures of the flesh, to make her his, and only his forever.

With two clans against them burning for battle, they must find a way to join—body, breath and soul. Or both will be made to pay for the … Sins of the Highlander.

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of Dreaming of the Wolf (Werewolf Series, Book Eight) by Terry Spear
Paranormal Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Dec 11

I have no idea how Terry Spear keeps her werewolf stories fresh and exciting, but she does book after book and she does it well. Her characters are always strong, and she’s true to those characters whether in their human or wolf form. Details, big or small, are never redundant from story to story, nor are the storylines. Each featured couple receives their own unique tale, including a mystery designed just for them. This series has been consistently one of the best, never letting me down from the beginning.

Jake Silver doesn’t believe in love, soul mates, or dream mating. So he’s not on the lookout for a long-term relationship at this point in his life, despite how happy his oldest brother is since he found his dream mate.  But the curiosity inherent in his animal nature leads him to follow the beautiful woman he spies while waiting for a photography shop to open in Breckenridge. He’s supposed to drop off his wild flower collection for exhibition, but he’ll have to be a tad late. Following the lady into the restaurant across the street finds her courting all kinds of danger.

Keeping her vow of vengeance uppermost in her mind, Alicia Greiston has turned bounty hunter to bring the men who killed her mother to justice. That they’re part of the mob doesn’t matter. Danger now goes with her job, and she’s facing it head on when necessary. When she notices the sexy, hot guy eying her, she’s definitely interested, but she has to keep her focus. She has a promise to uphold.

But in the onslaught that is Jake, Alicia doesn’t have much choice. She responds to him immediately. And I like that Ms. Spear gives us their lovemaking early on in this book. Anticipation is great when waiting for a couple to finally come together, but sometimes you need them to be together much, much sooner, especially if they’ve teamed up and are working to solve a mystery or are running for their lives, as examples. In this case, Jake’s protective streak is in full force when he learns what Alicia is up to. The need to keep her safe, to be with her, to want her like he does mystifies him. He’s wolf. She’s human. They can’t mate. What is it about this woman?

That’s another thing about Ms. Spear’s werewolf stories – we don’t get the same old reason over and over for a human to be turned. Alicia is definitely turned, of course, but it’s in a way I’ve not read before and that made the story much more interesting, because there are repercussions to be dealt with by both Alicia and Jake, depending on what happened during her conversion. Very nicely done without stringing it out to the very end. Tension about the situation is still high, but it’s all done quite succinctly in only a few chapters. I like the dichotomy of Jake’s alphaness and dominance versus his skill in taking photographs, with his favorite subject being flowers. He’s a fierce protector, but that softer side enjoys nature and wildness and beauty.

The best parts of this book are those love scenes between Jake and Alicia and all of the shifting scenes, especially those by Alicia once she’s turned, because she’s had no one to guide her or teach her about being a werewolf. First, the love scenes. Very hot. Jake is to die for and Alicia isn’t about to say no to him. Smart woman. He also has a very tender core and it comes out in some very romantic ways. Then those shapeshifting scenes, I enjoy those immensely when these characters are in their wolf form. There’s a scene where Jake and Alicia are running through the forest, along with a couple of other wolves, and he runs next to her, fur rubbing fur, a nose prodding here and there, all very descriptive of the way wolves behave. There are several such scenes throughout which make this book so appealing to a shapeshifter fan.

The action is jammed packed when needed, especially the fight scene between Jake and the villain late in the book. Even his story is interesting, despite his evilness. His henchmen are the oily, scummy kind and you can’t wait to see their end, hoping it’s as painful as can be. We also get caught up with Darien and Lelandi, as well as Tom, the third brother. I’m looking forward to his book. These triplets have been a lot of fun!

I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: if you haven’t started reading Terry Spear, get with it! You won’t be disappointed. If you’re a few books into this series, stay with it. Each book is better than the one before. You can never get enough of werewolves like these.

Grade: A+

Summary:

Jake Silver doesn’t believe in fate or dream mating, despite the fact his brother and other family members have been afflicted with this strange notion. But when dreams begin to plague him about a woman so seductive, he wakes up in a sweat and he’s losing way too much sleep over it, he seeks to learn the truth. Can dream mating be a reality? Is the woman real?

Alicia Greiston doesn’t dream. Not ever. So when a man visits her in the first dream she’s ever had, she’s startled, pleased, then alarmed. He’s not going away, and the dreams take a sinister turn. He’s in trouble, and if the dreams are a foreshadowing of the future, she has to save him.

No excerpt available.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Hot Zone (Elite Force, Book 2) by Catherine Mann
Contemporary Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Dec 11

With only two of her books read so far, Catherine Mann has now become a favorite author for me. Hot Zone is action packed, full of steamy and sizzling loving, heart-breaking and life-affirming emotion, and a mystery with some twists and turns you don’t expect. Hugh Franco is my perfect hero, the kind of man I enjoy reading about, one to fall in love with before I’m too many pages into the story.

An earthquake in the Bahamas has trapped Amelia Bailey under the rubble of the hotel she and her brother and sister-in-law are staying in. They’d gone to grab lunch for all of them while Amelia stayed with newly adopted Joshua, her nephew. He’s trapped right alongside her, but the boy is a strong little tyke. He’s hanging in there with her, she can feel him breathe and move now and again. But help has to come soon or neither of them may survive the hell they’ve been tossed into.

Hoarse after hours – or is it days? – of yelling for rescuers, Amelia’s relief is palpable when Master Sergeant Hugh Franco, a pararescueman, tunnels his way into the rubble to assess any damage and get her out of danger. He’s a lifeline she hangs onto with everything in her. Admiring Amelia’s spirit and toughness, the control with which she harnesses her fear, Hugh is taken with the spunky woman, a first for him in the five years since tragedy struck his happiness in the blink of an eye. His past weighs heavily on him, turning him into a man who runs headlong into the most dangerous missions his team is assigned, all with the hope that someday he’ll be with his family again.

The initial scenes of this book are riveting. It’s just Hugh and Amelia, covered in dirt and grime, talking, laughing where possible, and holding tight when aftershocks strike, waiting endless hours for the light of day. You’d think with such restrictions on a lengthy scene it would become boring, but Catherine Mann knows her stuff and keeps you glued to the pages, hoping, just as those characters are, that all turns out okay. You learn so much about each of them as they talk and cling to one another.

You also hope once Amelia is freed and Hugh escorts her and Joshua above ground that life will calm down and let them acclimate to a new look their lives. Not so. Just when you and they are complacent, the action bolts into high gear once again, this time Amelia and Joshua are kidnapped from their makeshift hospital. Right after she and Hugh enjoyed some adrenaline-based sex. In a broom closet. In the hospital. And they’re not prepared for the connection that’s further cemented between them.

After a crazy ride through the forest with their kidnappers, Hugh takes matters into his own hands, knowing only Joshua would survive if he allowed them to reach their destination where the Guardian, a self-proclaimed savior of orphans after such natural disasters, is waiting for them. Escaping isn’t easy, but Hugh and Amelia make their way toward civilization, hoping to find her brother and his wife alive. Before they make it that far, however, they exchange one danger for another, realizing too late they’re smack-dab in the middle of a viper’s nest. Hugh once again relies on his elite training to find a way out, but can one man alone pull off a needed miracle?

This book never slows down. Even those love scenes are raw and intense and full of fire. It’s only later that Hugh and Amelia take their time to learn one another inside out, taking their time to make love, despite danger still lurking about. I just adore Hugh. He’s strong while tender and generous at the same time. Though he’s afraid to love again, he makes peace with his past to do just that. Amelia is also a strong character. As much as she’d like to panic at everything thrown at her time after time, she keeps her fear and stress under control and does what’s needed to keep Joshua safe.

We also meet Liam and Rachel, who are featured in the next book, Under Fire, and I’m already anxious to read their story to see what’s in store for them, given the fact they’ve also met under stressful circumstances, just like Hugh and Amelia. I don’t know how many books are planned in this series, but I hope there’s a few more to come. I will never tire of these pararescuemen.

Heroes from any branch of the military have always been a favorite of mine to read, and I’m glad I’ve finally read Catherine Mann. Edge-of-your-seat page turning with stories that enthrall you until the last word is read is perfectly done. Heroes who steal your heart with a look and a touch and heroines who are independent and intelligent make picking up these books worthwhile.

Grade: A+

Summary:

Days full of danger…
For Pararescueman Master Sergeant Hugh Franco, it’s all about saving other people’s lives. Then he moves on. But when he pulls beautiful Amelia Bailey and her adopted nephew from the rubble of a catastrophic earthquake, he finds himself entangled in their lives in ways he could never have imagined…

And desire-filled nights…
Amelia’s trip to the Bahamas to help with an international adoption has been no vacation, but the hardest part is yet to come. As Amelia and Hugh are pulled unawares into a deadly smuggling scheme, simmering beneath their growing need to protect each other is a compelling attraction they’re both determined to deny…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Wild Thing (Idaho Series, Book 2) by Robin Kaye
Contemporary Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Dec 11

This is only my second Robin Kaye book, and what a blast I’ve had reading each of them. Her characters are fun and her writing is light and steamy in just the right spots. The intriguing part of Wild Thing is how opposites definitely attract. Hunter and Toni are poles apart in every aspect of their lives, and that makes their loving and their differences enjoyable to read.

Toni is a city girl, born and bred. New York is her home, she loves the sights and sounds and smells. She dresses to blend in, so her Goth look is right at home in the Big Apple. She works for Action Models, assistant to the owner, who has given Toni her first opportunity to prove herself. Before that happens, though, Toni has to conquer her phobia of the great outdoors.

Thinking he’s got the job of a lifetime this time around in his River Runners business, Hunter is looking forward to guiding sportswear models through the Idaho wilderness where he’s grown up and knows the area inside and out. But the moment he spies Toni Russo, the woman in charge of the models, he’s a goner. He starts out teasing her, but soon Hunter realizes Toni is one of a kind and just the woman for him.

Not only are their current lives so different, their growing up years and family are also so far apart from the other, you have a hard time believing these two eventually get along. Toni’s mother is trolling for husband number umpteen and mother and daughter don’t get along. Hunter’s family life is full and loving, his brothers and sister helping him out whenever he needs it. Plus, there’s plenty of teasing going on among them that it’s almost second nature. Toni isn’t that used to teasing and initially gets riled up when any is directed her way.

Hunter also pushes her to stand up to her phobia, face it dead on and get over it. He has a great way of distracting her with kisses so she doesn’t realize she’s done exactly what she doesn’t want to. Those kisses turn into something more, and even when Toni believes there can be nothing between them, she can’t say no to Hunter when he wants more.

I like that both of these characters follow their hearts early on and actually say “I love you” way before the end of the book. That doesn’t happen often in romance novels, everything is strung out until the very end. But Hunter and Toni know what they want, give each other the benefit of the doubt and try to work together. Of course, there’s always something or someone to get in the way, and this time it’s Toni’s boss, Bianca, who wants Hunter for her own. Seeing is believing, as they say, and when Toni catches them together and finds other incriminating evidence among Hunter’s things, doubt does finally creep in and she hightails it back to New York with a broken heart. But she doesn’t let that get her too down. She’s determined to find more about this new Toni who has emerged since she met Hunter.

What she doesn’t count on is how strong Hunter’s love is for her, and soon he’s on her doorstep with an apology and a proposal. But what is the new Toni to do? Should she really trust this one man when the only person she’s ever been able to trust before is herself? Can she truly give up city life when it’s all she’s ever known? Knowing Toni is the one for him, will Hunter be able to walk away if that’s what she wants?

You can’t help but like these characters. They’re strong but vulnerable, live life the best they know how, but also reach for happiness with both hands when they’re able. We get to see a lot of Hunter’s brothers and his sister, and their family dynamic is loads of fun. It will be interesting to see how their books play out in the future, especially Trapper – lots of sparks fly between him and Bianca. What a read that will be!

Grade: B+

Summary:

Whitewater-rafting guide Hunter Kincaid lands his dream job–guiding sportswear models through Idaho’s rugged wilderness for a week-long photo shoot. When he meets Toni Russo, the goth New York manager of Action Models, there are enough sparks to set the forest ablaze.

When Hunter finds Toni’s book on how to marry the man of your choice, he studies it as a joke. Before long Hunter realizes he’s never cared enough for a woman to bother working this hard to get her. But the last man in the world this city girl wants is a Survivor Man wannabe…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of The Virtuoso (The Duke’s Obsession, Book 3) by Grace Burrowes
Historical Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Nov 11

This third book in Grace Burrowes’ debut series doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to Valentine Windham, our hero. From the first page he’s given the blow of a lifetime, doesn’t know how he’ll deal with such devastation, but learns sometimes life has a way of working out and giving you something you never thought you would want or need. With the help of Ellen Markham, Val learns his lesson quite well.

Val’s passion has always been music. Every aspect of his life has the strains of a concerto or the haunting lines of a song entrenched in his heart and mind. Playing the piano has given his family and friends – and himself- comfort or joy, whichever was needed, over the years. With the most recent death of a brother, however, his world, his passion is now out of his reach. It started with small, insignificant symptoms, an achiness in his hand, and then grew to the point of swelling, pain, and stiffness, so that he can no longer play without the risk of damaging the hand permanently.

Not knowing what to do with himself without his music, when Val wins a small estate in a card game, he heads that way to assess his new possession. What he finds isn’t good. The property is in disrepair; it hasn’t been taken care of in some time. So with the help of friends and new neighbors, rebuilding begins to take place, something Val vehemently embraces to keep his mind busy and off his current troubles. Coming face to face with the lovely widow again after sharing a kiss with her the year before only adds to his laments, but in a very different way.

Having only a short time with her husband before his death, Ellen now lives in a small cottage on Markham land away from all she knew before. Her passion is her flowers and gardens, which she meticulously tends and is rewarded with beauty and satisfaction. Her world is set on its end when Valentine Windham appears in her life again. Their one meeting left her thinking of him over the last year, and she never thought to see him again after that one heart-pounding kiss. But he eases into her life as though he belongs there, and it doesn’t take long before she knows he’s the man for her. Unfortunately, she’ll never be able to have him as part of her life.

As the construction goes on, Val and Ellen are drawn to one another more and more. She helps him with his hand, applying a salve each day as they talk and get to know one another. I really like these two together. They’re just like the previous Burrowes’ characters who are straightforward and as honest as possible – there’s always secrets, of course. Val and Ellen are no different. Val has chosen to keep his ducal ties to himself, wanting to fit in in both Ellen’s life and the community’s. Ellen, however, has a much bigger and scandalous secret tied to her deceased husband and one which her brother-in-law knows about and has been using that knowledge to get by in society because he refuses to do anything else to make ends meet. When Ellen’s secret is finally revealed, I have to say I’m a little disappointed. It’s not the totally end-all be-all secret I anticipated. Yes, Ellen is punishing herself for what she feels she’s done, but for me it’s just not enough, especially when Val validly points out she’s not at fault and even though it is an emotional issue.

The best secondary characters of the book are two neighborly rapscallions who help Val with the work around the estate. They’re out for fun every chance they get, but they’re hard workers and they mind their parents. We see a lot of Val’s friends when they also pitch in to help out, and I enjoy the relationship he has with each. I like that Ms. Burrows gives us deep emotion even between friends. Of course, the Windham family also makes an appearance here and there, especially Devlin. You can feel the concern and love between the brothers as they try to figure out who is sabotauging all the hard work done, which is really not a mystery at all from the reader’s point of view. You can see that villain doing his dirty work from a mile away.

This has been a fun and emotional series to read, and I’m now looking forward to the duke’s daughters, who will get their books next. Ms. Burrowes’ strong characters and writing style are what make these stories for me. Be sure to give them a try if you haven’t already.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Ellen Markham tells herself she’s happy raising flowers and living in near penury in the Oxfordshire countryside, but when Valentine Windham moves in just on the other side of the wood, Ellen’s longing for things she can never have threatens to overcome her good sense. Valentine’s artistic soul, tender loving, and ducal determination tempt Ellen to trust and confide in a man who can only be endangered, should he learn of her past. For Valentine, regaining his musical skill becomes far less urgent than winning Ellen’s heart.

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Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of The Storm that is Sterling (Zodius, Book 2) by Lisa Renee Jones
Paranormal Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Nov 11

This series is already picking up speed quite nicely, moving along at a good pace to keep things interesting and intriguing. And Sterling. Wow, he’s so complex that he’s nearly very simple to figure out. But just when you think you do have him figured out, as his heroine Becca can attest, he throws you a curve you never see coming.

While I enjoyed the first book in the series, The Legend of Michael, it’s bogged down at times with too much info and not enough dialogue. This book is filled with terrific dialogue, mostly between Sterling and Becca, and has a fresher feel while still jolting you with danger and thrills throughout. This is the Lisa Renee Jones I’ve read before.

Sterling and Becca knew each other in high school. He finally asks her out back then, after a particularly fruitful day of computer hacking, but it’s also his last endeavor at that activity, and the beginning of the end of his date with Becca – he’s caught and given a deal to join the military where he can put his technological skills to better use. Fourteen years later fate throws Becca back into his path to help in the fight against a new drug that is killing those who are coerced into using it.

Having her hopes dashed once again for a cure to her cancer, Becca returns home from Germany only to have her life thrown into more chaos, once by the high school boy who has grown into a remarkably handsome man and then by the evil that forces her addiction to ICE, a derivative of the original alien DNA Sterling and other soldiers were injected with, which subsequently cures her disease but leaves her facing death anyway. She wants to trust Sterling, but that’s difficult with such insidious evil that’s after her, making it look as though Sterling is on their side.

But when these two finally find the trust they need to come together, they work well side by side and they make love beautifully. Sterling believes Becca is his lifebond, but when she doesn’t show the necessary bond markings, he still refuses to let her go. Becca refuses to put Sterling at any more risk, so she keeps secrets from him that would change everything for them, but she’s not willing to take any chances with his life. What I like about all of that is these two talk to each other. Yes, there are secrets, but as their trust and love grow, they become more open with one another and work together, despite Sterling’s alphaness. His gentleness knows no bounds where Becca is concerned.

All of the secondary characters, and then some, from the first book are back for more trouble, either taming it or wreaking it. Ms. Jones does a terrific job with Dorian, Adam’s son, both evil personified, and I can’t wait to see what their end will eventually be, good or bad. The rift between Sterling and Damion is interesting and gives those scenes between them an extra intenseness. In fact, Damion’s story is next up, so it’s nice to get to know him a bit better now.

I’m glad the tone of the series has taken a different course with this book. This is a much faster read and, therefore, more enjoyable. It’s so far a very good series, different from other concepts out there right now. I look forward to finding out what happens.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Adam, the leader of the evil Zodius soldiers has developed a street drug from his newborn’s DNA that is so addictive that he could easily created a worldwide dependency on him as the only source, as withdrawal kills the user. This drug will give Adam the power to rule the entire population if his plan for mass distribution is achieved. Sterling, and a brilliant, cancer stricken scientist, must stop Adam before it’s too late. But can Sterling trust this woman when he discovers this drug might be her only way of surviving cancer?. Is he in bed, and in love, with the enemy?

The Hero: Sterling

He was created, molded, formed from life, love, and misery…

Lethally daring. Ruthlessly passionate. He invites death to his door. Welcomes it with each breath he draws, each step he takes. And thus he is danger. A volatile storm that will sweep across the calm realms of humanity and shake it to the depths of its core. And that storm is…Sterling.

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Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of The Soldier (Duke’s Obsession, Book 2) by Grace Burrowes
Historical Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Jun 11

I fell in love with the hero of this book when we met him in The Heir. He’s the illegitimate brother of the Earl of Westhaven, though their father has recognized him and that makes his life much easier. At least as far as society is concerned. Dev still has demons that no one can help him conquer. Until he meets Emmaline.

While I did enjoy this book, I feel that Devlin is slightly different from his character in The Heir. But, of course, we only touched the surface of his character in that book and here we do delve much deeper into his life, discovering what he hides from the world. He has recently been given an earldom via his father, but the place is rundown, in need of a barrage of work. But that work will be a balm to his soul, keeping him busy, allowing him to force his demons away, to face them another time. However, before Dev can really dig in, his life is interrupted by not one but two confounding females, one six years of age and the other her only but very intriguing relative.

Winnie is the previous earl’s by-blow and she’s as sassy as they come. I think the reader is as surprised as Dev that he’s taken with Winnie so quickly. Too bad logic doesn’t work on most kids, but Winnie is in such need of love and caring that she follows Dev’s instructions from table manners to bedtime. Along with Winnie comes Emmaline Farnum, her cousin, who tries to keep the child in check. When she follows the elusive creature to Rosecroft, she’s as immediately taken with Devlin as Winnie is, though she thinks him a barbarian initially. That opinion subtly changes as the man seduces her into his bed.

Emmie also has a passel of demons, all of which lead her to the conclusion Winnie is better off without her. So plans are made for her to leave once Dev finds an appropriate governess. She tries to keep this from Winnie, but there’s no pulling the wool over this child’s eyes. So much has happened to her in her young life that she’s extraordinarily perceptive, and she does what is necessary to get her way – when the earl allows her to do so. I really enjoy Winnie. She’s fun even though she’s scared. She’s been left by everyone in her life and now Emmie is going to do the same. Which kind of irritates me as much as it does Winnie. I realize she’s trying to help, to keep the taint of the family shenanigans away from Winnie so she can grow up without all that baggage. But the child is only six. She needs love and familiarity and protection, all of which Emmie will be taking from her, thinking what the earl can give the little girl is enough.

I also don’t like Emmie’s oscillation going to Dev’s bed and waking up angry she succumbed again and vowing it won’t happen anymore. Although, no matter how hard she tries, it does happen again. And again. She’s got a good head on her shoulders, but she acts so out of character when it comes to Winnie and Devlin. And it goes on for far too long. Her past is fraught with transgressions against her, and I can see why trust is an issue for her, but Dev does his best to show her he can be trusted with her heart. Allowing him to help her shouldn’t have been that daunting after their lovemaking. But they both go on without saying the words needed to bring them closer together and to prevent Emmie from going forward with her plans to leave. I just recently found a deleted scene from this book on the author’s website that I feel was a mistake to omit. Of all the scenes to be deleted, it shouldn’t have been that one, which gives us more of the emotion between these two about her impending departure.

What I really like in this book is the closeness we see between Dev and his brother Val. We saw some of that in The Heir, but it goes to a whole new level in this story. Though Devlin has been dealt a lot to deal with from his mother leaving him to losing two brothers in the war to his post-traumatic stress after being discharged, he does lean on family and friends when he’s on the verge of losing control emotionally. The scenes with his father, which surprise him and the reader, and his stepmother are quite moving, especially when she finally gives him what he needs to make peace with his mother. I like this loving, emotional take between the brothers. Most stories have brothers one-upping each other, taking potshots, and engaging in fisticuffs while having the other’s back, as brothers are wont to do, but it’s nice to be given the other side of the coin in more than just back pounding and joking to hide emotion.

So while part of the book didn’t connect with me in terms of the heroine, other parts absolutely made the deeper connection in terms of family and love. Ms. Burrowes also does a fine job with bits of humor, as the very first scene of the book attests. Though this is a Devlin I didn’t expect, he’s a hero who stirs me emotionally and I’m glad to have met him.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Even in the quiet countryside he can find no peace…

His idyllic estate is falling down from neglect and nightmares of war give him no rest. Then Devlin St. Just meets his new neighbor…

Until his beautiful neighbor ignites his imagination…

With her confident manner hiding a devastating secret, his lovely neighbor commands all of his attention, and protecting Emmaline becomes Deviln’s most urgent mission.

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Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Red’s Hot Cowboy (Spikes & Spurs, Book 2 ) by Carolyn Brown
Contemporary Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Aug 11

Carolyn Brown and I have done a back-and-forth dance through her books that can rival the Cotton-Eyed Joe. I usually enjoy her characters. Her humor is down-home. The storyline concepts she envisions are fun. But after reading five or six of Ms. Brown’s books, they’re starting to sound the same. Red’s Hot Cowboy hits each of these points straight on, no deviation at all.

While Pearl, aka Red, a name she despises, is feisty and pretty much knows her own mind and does what she wants, she’s also a little too pushy, too brash-y when it comes right down to it. This is all conveyed through dialogue versus actions, especially when these characters carry on conversations. I just can’t get past the fact that folks just don’t speak to each other the way these characters do a good portion of the time. There’s always a tone of antagonism, irritation, anger much more than there is of teasing or laughter. Which is sad, because Ms. Brown has a great sense of humor. I do find myself chuckling here and there at something her characters say or do. But all of that is negated when you have a heroine you don’t like very much.

Pearl has left her banking job when she inherits the motel her beloved aunt owned for years, a place at which Pearl visited during her younger years and still holds special memories of it in her heart. She’s been wanting to do something different with her life, so she jumps at this opportunity. And she flourishes from the moment the first customer walks through her doors. It’s now Christmas Eve and she’s not expecting much business, but when the electricity goes out all over Henrietta, Texas, her rooms on the outskirts of town fill up fast, lights and heat still working. One of those seeking comfort is Wil Marshall, a sexy cowboy who is going to be nothing but trouble.

The man and his dog are minding their own business, after a delightful repartee with the red-headed motel owner, when the police arrest Wil for murder. Thank goodness Red is willing to be his alibi, even despite threatening him within an inch of his life if he ever calls her that silly nickname again. She’s not willing, however, to be anything more than that, and he thinks she really wouldn’t want to be saddled to just one man. But that doesn’t deter this cowboy. And I’m not sure why. From moment one Pearl is rather mean when dealing with Wil. She’s mouthy and rude, so for the life of me I can’t understand why he comes back for more. I enjoyed Wil a lot, so much more than Pearl. He’s lately been thinking about the future, a family, things a man knows he’ll eventually need and want in his life. He’s a gentleman. He’s fun. Ripped and sexy too. What’s not to like? Pearl does acknowledge these things here and there, in between erroneously believing he’s a bad boy. I never could figure out why she thought that. Wil goes out of his way to get close to Pearl, and I have to say I like his romanticism. He had my heart from the beginning.

And that’s usually how it goes with me when reading Ms. Brown’s stories. I always like the hero, but the heroine very rarely works for me. I know the author is trying to make her spunky and independent, but she never reads that way most of the time. That’s part of my assertion that her books are starting to sound the same. The same mold is used for heroine after heroine. I know Ms. Brown can write women outside of this mold, I’ve read two of her books that feature women so very different from the Brown heroine norm. Those types of heroines need to happen more often. And the dialogue needs to change. A beginning point would be to use contractions. Characters are too stiff and awkward without this little bit of punctuation, and it’s also difficult to read, pulling you out of the story way to often. But all characters sound the same, have the same voice. There’s nothing distinct about them when they speak. I have a feeling they all sound like Ms. Brown herself or perhaps someone very close to her. Head-hopping is also a big problem, which I’ve mentioned in reviews before, so I won’t say any more than that on this particular subject.

Another nitpick I have is the heavy-handedness in the use of description. Where it should take only a paragraph for non-essential things to be described, Ms. Brown uses two or more to get her point across. Ninety-nine percent of the time, readers don’t care about whatever is being described, so it needs to be toned down. A lot. Here’s an example from Chapter 17 when Wil takes Pearl to meet his family and they’re at the dinner table:

There’s the dinner bell,” Jessie said. He took his place at the head of the table. Martha Jane sat on his right with Amelia and then her husband next. Carleen’s husband took the other end of the table with Carleen to his right. Wil pulled out a chair beside his sister and seated Pearl before taking his customary place to his father’s left.

After Martha Jane delivered a very brief grace, Jessie picked up the platter of chicken and passed it to Wil. He took a leg and passed it on to Pearl who forked a leg and sent it on to Carleen who took a piece of white meat and handed it over her shoulder to one of the grandchildren. That kid took a piece and sent it on to the next kid who did the same and gave it back to Carleen’s husband.

I. Don’t. Care. I can’t imagine any reader caring who sits where and who takes what piece of chicken at the table. All of that could have been said in a line or two. Without nameless kids. Or it could have been left out entirely, because the very next paragraph after this is all that’s needed. And this book is full of examples such as this about a multitude of pointless things.  That’s when a reader starts skimming a book, and no author wants that. I know Ms. Brown is quite capable of getting to her point very succinctly.

There are a few nice moments in this book. The first is the introduction of Lucy Fontaine. She’s just escaped from her abusive husband, and a friend of Pearl’s recommends she hire Lucy to help out at the motel. Lucy is so appreciative of the offer of help and she’s not afraid of hard work. This is where Pearl becomes the type of heroine who a reader can like and enjoy. She feels for Lucy, as any woman would. They come up with the idea of making the motel an underground sanctuary for abused women who have finally had enough, taking their children and running. Pearl gives those helping these women discounts on the rooms, fills the refrigerators with food, the rooms stocked with clothes and other amenities the rest of us not in such dire circumstances take for granted. There’s even a point in the story where the bus driver for these escapees tells them about his sister, and that actually brought tears to my eyes.

I also like that Wil and Pearl get to the point where they talk on the phone at night before going to bed, waiting to consummate their relationship until they know one another better, even though lust courses through them when they’re together. Wil sends Pearl a text, “I miss you.” How sweet is that? He romances Pearl just as sweetly, my favorite scene is in the hayloft with a tray of food and other romantic thoughts from this man.

So I know Ms. Brown can put together a story that does and will hold a reader’s interest more than a few chapters at a time. Tightening the writing, not writing dialogue the way you personally speak, and toning down your heroines (and even secondary characters) in deed but most especially in speech would be a terrific beginning. Keep the humor and change your heroes only very slightly.

Otherwise, skimming can very easily become  a way of life for any reader of these light-hearted westerns.

Grade: C-

Summary:

He wasn’t looking for trouble…

But when the cops are knocking on your door, trouble’s definitely found you. And this is where Wil Marshall finds himself after checking in to the Longhorn Inn. It could all be a big mistake, but Wil’s not getting much sleep. Then the motel owner—who is drop dead gorgeous and feisty to boot—saves him from an even worse night behind bars. Now he owes her one, big time…

But Trouble comes in all shapes and sizes…

Pearl never wanted that run-down motel, but her aunt didn’t leave her much choice. And then this steaming hot cowboy shows up looking for a place to rest. Next thing she knows, she wants to offer him more than just room service.

But if he calls her Red one more time, he won’t be the only one accused of murder…

Sparks are definitely flying and before long, the Do Not Disturb sign might be swinging from the door…

Read an excerpt. (click excerpt tab)

Other books in this series:

One Hot Cowboy Wedding – April 2012

Sandy M’s review of Just One Season in London by Leigh Michaels
Historical Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Jul 11

This is only my second book by Leigh Michaels, and one of the elements I like in her stories is the way she integrates three romances into one book. She did that quite successfully in The Mistress’ House, which I reviewed back in February. While this is still a good read, the success of the three couples’ romances just isn’t there in Just One Season in London.

Viscount Ryecroft – Rye as he’s affectionately known – is one of those heroes who needs to marry an heiress, especially to make sure his mother is taken care of after he marries and also give his younger sister a season to secure her future. Hoping to find another way to bring in money to also fix up Ryecroft Manor, he heads to London after meeting the charming and mysterious Lady Stone, who has taken an interest in Rye and is willing to help solve a few of his problems.

Lady Miranda Ryecroft, mother to Rye and Sophia, has her own ideas about how to obtain the cash necessary while sparing her children the dire circumstances of marrying for money instead of love. Finagling a visit to an old friend, Miranda then works up the courage to offer herself as mistress to her one-time beau, Marcus Winston, uncle to the Earl of Carrisbrooke. Marcus, of course, is much more imposing as a man than the boy she remembers, along with being so very handsome and sexy, and Miranda finds herself fighting desire when he kisses and touches her. But when he refuses her proposal, she flees in embarrassment.

Sophia also gets into the drama when she figures it would be better for her, instead of Rye, to sacrifice by marrying for money. She hatches a plan to hightail it to London with Robert Wellington, the banker who’s renting Ryecroft manor for the season while the family is absent. After arrangements are made, and after Mr. Wellington first laughs at her and then guarantees he will get her to London, Sophie is surprised when Rye returns home with news that all is set up for the entire family to be guests of Lady Stone, who is also willing to host the ball that will introduce Sophie to society.

Rye is taken with Portia, Lady Stone’s companion. She’s beautiful, at times acerbic, but knows the ins and outs of societal mores and does her job well. Of course, she has a secret that not many are privy to. The banter between her and Rye is fun, especially in the beginning when she makes her opinion known of men who marry for money. But Rye goes with the flow, polite but giving as good as he gets. You can see their attraction from a mile away while they both deny it to the core.

All the plans made don’t go as well as hoped, so Sophia continues with her own plan to save the family and encourages the courtship of the Earl of Carrisbrooke, a poetry-spouting youngster. But it’s Robert Wellington who makes her smile, makes her laugh, and makes her tingle. In actuality, we don’t get much interaction with these two and no real intimacy whatsoever. Their attraction isn’t even said aloud until pretty close to the end of the book. I’d rather have more with them instead of the insipid earl, who at this point is not hero material.

Rye and Portia are more interesting, mostly because their attraction goes further, becoming unlikely lovers with conflict still abounding around them. Portia’s secret finally does come out, and Rye is caught unaware, questioning why she didn’t confide in him. They are the main couple in the story, but to me they’re not the most interesting.

That would be Marcus and Miranda, and that’s because theirs is a more mature love, one that means so much more than most couples starting out. Their history gives them a step up from first love, which Miranda now knows doesn’t last. Marcus is determined to have Miranda and shows her at every opportunity how it could be between them. I thoroughly enjoyed these two from beginning to end.

Whereas all three stories in Ms. Michaels’ previous book were all quite enjoyable, this one, for me, gave me only two while the third is just luke warm. But it’s still a nice story that will satisfy the historical fan in you.

Grade: B

Summary:

Meet the Ryecrofts…the family that courts together.

RYE — Viscount Ryecroft is a young man with a problem. Make that two problems: He has a beautiful sister to marry off — but no money to fund a London Season for her. Perhaps he needs to find an heiress for himself first?

SOPHIE – Miss Sophie Ryecroft is willing to marry for the good of the family — but since she can’t meet the sort of man Rye has in mind for her except in London, she’s looking for alternatives.

MIRANDA — Rye and Sophie’s mother, the dowager (but still young) Lady Ryecroft, will do anything for the sake of her children — even taking up again with a man she knew long ago, and  offering to be his mistress.

Only in London can the Ryecrofts find their destinies…

No excerpt available.

Sandy M’s review of Making Waves by Tawna Fenske
Contemporary Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Aug 11

It’s so nice to discover another author – and a debut author at that! – who writes humor that truly makes you laugh. It’s not easy to do. There are very few writers out there who have had success at it. Remember Tawna Fenske’s name. She’s going to become a favorite of a lot of you readers out there. If she doesn’t, you need to readjust your funny bone.

Juli Flynn’s latest responsibility is to scatter her Uncle Frank’s ashes in the Virgin Islands, a task she’s really not eager to perform. She has a job. She doesn’t have enough money for such a venture. And she’s a tad scared of the ocean. Well, all of that is sorta true. She’s been laid off and Uncle Frank left enough to fund the trip. So Juli just has to conquer her fear of the sea. But being a good niece, she sets off to St. John and makes the necessary arrangements to take her uncle to his final resting place.

Alex and his work colleagues have just received their pink slips – after twenty years on the job. Now there’s no retirement fund, he’s going to continue to be that going-nowhere guy his ex-fiance always said he was. But the more he and his friends talk, the more interesting the imparted information becomes, and Alex begins hatching a plan to get both revenge against their employer and enough retirement money for all of them. It only requires they become modern-day pirates on the open sea.

And this is where Alex and Juli meet, in a bar in the Virgin Islands, each waiting for the next day when their individual adventures begin. Having said not a dozen words between them when sharing a table at the bar, Juli, out of the blue, prompts Alex to join her in pretending they’re married to try to win the $1,000 prize in The Newlywed Game, island style. At first Alex is hesitant – he doesn’t know this woman, after all – but they come up with a plan on how to answer questions, toss out a few endearments to one another, and take their places on the stage. And this is where I laughed my butt off.  I have to share Juli’s logic in playing the game with you and hopefully do it in a way you’ll follow:

“The first questions is number one. That means if it’s a multiple-choice question, you go with the first one. If the answer has to be a random word, make it start with the first letter of the alphabet. If the answer has to be a number –”

“Right, I get it,” Alex said…”I just don’t think we should –”

“For the second question, we go with two. The answer is two or starts with a B or –”

And so it goes and suddenly they’re ready to begin. The part that made me laugh for a good fifteen minutes, if not more? Well, after missing the first question, their luck begins to turn with a question for the wives: What is your husband’s most prized possession? It’s the B question, so Alex goes with boat. Typical for a man. Juli thinks so too, and the crowd goes wild. Now they switch places and the husbands get to answer.

Where is your wife’s favorite place to be kissed?

It starts with a C.

I couldn’t help myself and the laughter wouldn’t stop. Alex’s thought process goes through a few inappropriate C places for their circumstances, and I’m still laughing so hard at that point I can hardly keep reading. What does he eventually come up with? Heh. You have to read the book to find out so you can laugh like I did. That’s just an example, though the best, of the humor in this book, along with such different writing that I’ve read in a long time.

An example of that is, after Juli inadvertently in a sea sickness-drugged state ends up on Alex’s boat, thinking it’s her cruise ship the next day, they hustle and tussle with the coincidence of her being there and have to deal with her illness. But she’s optimistic enough to think she might like being on the water.

Alex raised his eyebrow at her. “Thirty minutes ago you said you’d rather shave your legs with a carrot peeler than spend another hour on this ship.”

That’s so true to Juli’s character that I laughed quite a bit again. Then later when Juli plays pirate – all without really knowing that’s actually what Alex and his crew are doing – her creativeness at using a black thong had me giggling all over again. Yes, you have to read the book to know what she actually does! When Juli and the only other lady in the group, Phyllis, try to delay the bad guys so Alex and the men can do their pirating, Phyllis confounds the bartender by announcing they have some coochie for sale. Just typing that makes me laugh all over again. That scene is absolutely hilarious. And when Alex and Juli are enjoying the night and the ocean from their hotel balcony, some hanky-panky begins on the beach below them, the likes of which I don’t think anyone has ever read before. Alex even goes so far as to say,

“Do you think we should take notes? Because a lot of this is new to me.”

He’s a forty-two-year-old man and I’m sure not much is new to him, but even so, those body-less voices taught both of them a thing or two.

Okay, enough for now with the humor, but it is the best thing about the book. Along with the sizzle between Alex and Juli. They come so close a number of times of getting naked together, but something always puts a stop to their going all the way. Yes, a few are actually funny. But when they finally come together, after some sensual foot-playing antics on Juli’s part (one of those read the book things again), they two are more than ready to do the deed. And do they do it. In the shower, bent across a desk, and a few other places. All hot and steamy, sexy, and oh-so-fun.

In the midst of all of this, there are suspicions running around on both sides. They want to know who Juli really is. She wants to know what they’re up to. But no one’s talking early on. It’s even at this point we learn why Juli has always felt alone and out of place. But that’s one of the things that eventually makes Alex love her. Even the bad guys are hilarious in this book. Looks are definitely deceiving. Alex’s plan doesn’t go as envisioned, everything seems to go wrong, but the one constant is Juli, and finally she feels as though she belongs somewhere the first time in her life.

This is a book you have to pick up soon. It tickles me when a debut author does so well, and this author has tickled me from the beginning. I look forward to her future books.

Grade: A-

Summary:

When Alex Bradshaw’s unscrupulous boss kicks him to the curb after 20 faithful years as an executive with the world’s largest shipping company, he sets out to reclaim his dignity and his pension. Assembling a team of fellow corporate castoffs, he sails to the Caribbean to intercept an illegal diamond shipment. None of them counted on quirky blonde stowaway Juli Flynn, who has a perplexing array of talents, a few big secrets, and an intoxicating romantic chemistry with Alex…

No excerpt available.

Sandy M’s review of The Lady of the Storm (Elven Lords Series, Book 2) by Kathryne Kennedy
Paranormal Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Aug 11

Kathryne Kennedy is one of those authors whose books I anxiously await to hit the shelves. She builds the most exciting, unusual, and alluring worlds for her stories. Her characters also exude the same qualities, and then some, with such emotional pull surrounding them, all because of their circumstances and, ultimately, their unconditional measure to love. She weaves a spell around her readers just as her characters cast their spells of magic in and around a London that will surprise you at every turn.

In this book we return to the sovereignties of the elven lords with the ultimate action taking place in Dewhame, from which our heroine hails – well, in a roundabout way. Cecily is the daughter of the Lord of Dewhame, but she’s been hidden away  ever since it was discovered her powers are just as great as her father’s. It’s been nine years she’s lived in her peaceful seaside cottage, a place where she can cavort to her heart’s content in the water that lives within her.  But suddenly her world is upended when her village is attacked and those she loves lose their lives.

Protecting Cecily all those years has been done from the shadows as much as possible, but now Giles must come out in the open and face his feelings for the woman she’s become, power and all. But he goes through minefield after minefield on their journey to Firehame Palace, where they will meet up with the Fire Lord and others who are helping in the Rebellion against the other elven lords. Giles loses his fight for control where Cecily is concerned, especially once she realizes the man does care for her, even though he rejected her years ago when she was young and much more naive, and she embraces her new-found allure to make Giles confront his feelings.

While the characters in these Elven books are some of the best written, along with their unusual powers, it’s also the world Ms. Kennedy has once again created that brings these books to life. The scenes in which Giles and Cecily return to the Seven Corners of Hell – that point in England where all seven sovereignties connect, a forest of terrifying creatures and nature, along with their destructive powers and fetes – to find her missing father glue you to the page to find out what’s going to happen next. It’s the unusualness of Ms. Kennedy’s imagination that keeps me coming back again and again to read her stories, along with the emotion her characters must go through for what they want and need the most.

We also get to meet up with the Fire Lord and his heroine from the previous book to see how their lives are progressing under the guise of an ingenious deception to hopefully bring long-awaited peace to England. I was hoping for a little more with that lord, because his story so touched me. But it’s enough to go along with the hope that we may see more of him in future books.

Have you read any of Kathryne Kennedy’s books? If not, you need to. Get lost in her magical, spell-binding worlds, meet characters you’d truly like to know, and triumph with them, just as romance readers have come to expect, when love wins the day against the wrongs of the worst evils for the betterment of mankind. Then you, too, will come back to her stories again and again.

Grade: A+

Giles is bound to protect her…

In a kingdom viciously ruled by warlike elven lords, village blacksmith Giles Beaumont reluctantly swears to protect the half-elf, half-human Cecily Sutton, never dreaming that he will fall under her enchanting spell.

But duty soon turns to desire…

When Cecily’s father disappears, Cecily and Giles set out to find him. But, as their journey unfolds, duty is quickly replaced by desire–and the search for Cecily’s father leads to a magical destiny that could end the rule of the elven lords forever …

No excerpt available.

Other books in this series:

The Lord of Illusion – February 2012

Sandy M’s review of Cover Me (Elite Force Series, Book 1) by Catherine Mann
Romantic Suspense published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Jul 11

This is my first Catherine Mann book, and, wow, what a way to start. She’s taken the wilds of Alaska and made them beautiful and horrific at the same time. She’s written two very strong-willed characters who know they can’t tame those wilds but wouldn’t give them up for anything but an undying love. She’s come up with a storyline that’s different from anything else out there, at least that I’ve read. I enjoyed every action-packed moment of Cover Me.

Wade is a pararescueman whose rigorous training takes him a step above a Navy SEAL. He’s on his last training mission when a call comes in for his team to locate and extract lost climbers in the Aleutian Islands. Parachuting through a blizzard, Wade comes face to face with Sunny, the last to be found. Or so he thinks. The more he gets to know this close-mouthed, independent woman, the more he has a feeling something just isn’t right. Now just to find out what that is.

But Sunny has her reasons for being evasive when this handsome military man asks his questions. She’s just handed off a couple who chose to leave their isolated village, a place where folks live off nature and all it has to offer and who can never return once they’ve experienced the rest of civilization. Sunny and her family have lived there for years and she’s happy as can be with the way her life has turned out, all due to her determination and hard work. But that world is about to come crashing down, and thank God Wade is by her side.

When it’s discovered that someone has been manipulating the village and its citizens for years, all for ill-gotten and bone-chilling gains, disbelief wars with a need to keep those she cares about safe, so instead of staying with Wade while the military and law enforcement investigate, Sunny is determined to return home to warn everyone of the danger in their midst. Wade refuses to leave her side, whether she wants him with her or not and despite the fact the woman can take care of herself – in most situations. She and her townspeople have never been up against someone as evil as this villain, who knows just how to get people to do his bidding to further his own selfish needs. I love how he’s eventually taken down, a surprise to him as well, in more ways than one.

The attraction between Wade and Sunny starts early but slowly. They’re drawn to one another because in one sense they’re so much alike, knowing how to survive against the elements, while everything else in their lives are so different from the other. Even so, they complement one another quite well. Sunny has to learn to trust, especially after the awful discoveries in her backyard. I like that Wade doesn’t give up on her, keeps working to build that trust. When they finally do come together, their loving is intense but sweet, and I like that we didn’t have to wait for three-quarters of the book for that to happen. Sometimes sexual tension is taken a little too far, but Ms. Mann does it perfectly here.

The action is done very well, keeping your heart pumping till all is said and done. We meet a number of Wade’s brothers-in-arms. Their teasing and joking within the team is fun, giving us a closer look at those we’ll meet again later. So I’m definitely looking forward to more books in this series.

Grade: B+

Summary:

It should have been a simple mission… Pararescueman Wade Rocha parachutes from the back of a helicopter into a blizzard to save a climber stranded on an Aleutian Island, but Sunny Foster insists she can take care of herself just fine…

But when it comes to passion, nothing is ever simple… With the snowstorm kicking into overdrive, Sunny and Wade hunker down ina  cave and barely resist the urge to keep each other warm… until they discover the frozen remains of a horrific crime…

Unable to trust the shady local police, Sunny and Wade investigate, while their irresistible passion for each other gets them more and more dangerously entangled…

Read an excerpt. (scroll down)

Sandy M’s review of The Heir (Duke’s Obsession, Book 1) by Grace Burrowes
Historical Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Dec 10

This is one of those books I just couldn’t get to when it released back in December. Ever have that happen, and then suddenly months have gone by and you think, “What in the hell am I waiting for?” Exactly! At least I got a little incentive when I received Grace Burrowes’ next book, The Soldier, to read and review. So that pushed me to finally pick up The Heir and get started. I’ve never been so glad to have been pushed to do something.

I enjoy the way Ms. Burrowes slowly but surely reveals Anna Seaton’s secrets in this book. We’re given hints all along the way, and when she finally has to reveal all to the Earl of Westhaven, we’re as ready as he is to delve into her sorrows and problems.

Anna is Westhaven’s housekeeper. She comes to his attention more than ever before when she clobbers him with a fireplace poker because she mistakenly thinks he’s groping and having his way with a chambermaid. Things are not always what they seem, as she finds out after her bungled rescue. Anna then tends to the earl each day as he recuperates from his injures – she did wallop him a good one! – and each of those days Westhaven becomes more enamored of his lovely but steady housekeeper.

He’s somewhat of a ladies’ man and just parted ways with his current mistress, but Westhaven has appetite only for Mrs. Seaton now. He takes his time seducing her, bestowing kisses and caresses whenever he can. She’s a widow after all, knows the ins and outs of the bedroom, so he keeps his onslaught constant, despite her firmness that he must cease, such a relationship between them would not be proper. And there’s a secret his distrustful employee just won’t let out, but Westhaven is determined to discover just what it is so perhaps, proper or not, Anna will be more receptive to his kisses.

I really enjoyed this relationship between Westhaven and Anna. While the seduction goes on – and what a seduction it is – they also laugh and have fun. Westhaven draws Anna into helping him seek and purchase a house for one of his sisters, just to be near her as much as possible, since he can’t seem to keep the woman out of his head. In the meantime, Westhaven hires an investigator to find out what Anna is hiding, and when she finds out, she’s not happy at all. She’s determined to take care of her own problems, and my only nitpick is she takes that attitude a tad too far for my tastes, especially when Westhaven does prove to her she can trust him. Of course, when you meet her brother and his nasty cohort, you can see why she distrusts men to the point she does. All the more reason to trust a man like the earl.

Another element to this story I love is Westhaven’s brothers, Dev and Val. Their relationship is the teasing but loving kind, they support one another no matter what. Which is especially moving due to the fact Dev was born on the wrong side of the blanket, but at least their father has recognized him, so he gets nearly equal treatment. They lost two other brothers recently, so their bond is even stronger now. Something Westhaven really appreciates because he’s now the heir, having to deal with a father who is after him at every turn to marry and start producing heirs to secure the familial line. The duke’s machinations in this area are quite trying for Westhaven and he puts his foot down to his father over and over again, all to no avail until…well, that’s something you’ll have to read for yourself.

I like Anna’s backbone and determination, Westhaven’s tenderness and equal determination, their romance and lovemaking when it finally comes. Neither can resist the other, until Anna is pushed to run as her secret begins to unravel. I seemed to have a lump in my throat throughout the end of the book when Anna keeps refusing Westhaven, his reaction to her refusals, and then when he lets her go, even after the danger is past. This is a very well-written book, full of emotion and romance, and I’m very much looking forward to The Soldier, Dev’s story (yes, I’m behind in reading it, but read it I will and I’ll have it for you soon!). He’s stolen my heart before we even get to his book.

Grade: A

Summary:

An earl who can’t be bribed…

Gayle Windham, earl of Westhaven, is the first legitimate son and heir to the duke of Moreland. To escape his father’s inexorable pressure to marry, he decides to spend the summer at his townhouse in London, where he finds himself intrigued by the secretive ways of his beautiful housekeeper…

A lady who can’t be protected…

Anna Seaton is a beautiful, talented, educated woman, which is why it is so puzzling to Gayle Windham that she works as his housekeeper.

As the two draw closer and begin to lose their hearts to each other, Anna’s secrets threaten to bring the earl’s orderly life crashing down—and he doesn’t know how he’s going to protect her from the fallout…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Heart of the Highland Wolf (Werewolf Series, Book 7) by Terry Spear
Paranormal Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Jun 11

I’ve been a fan of Terry Spear’s werewolves for a long time now. And now she’s added Highland heroes to her repertoire? Highlanders and werewolves. Be still my heart. Needless to say, I’m thrilled!

And this time we also get a hero who’s having financial difficulties, is on the brink of losing the castle that’s been in the family for centuries. Thus, Ian, laird of the MacNeill clan, is doing something he’d never think about otherwise – allowing humans to roam around his den while filming a movie. Not just the fact that humans will be so close to all those shifters, but the chaos he knows will result in him gritting his teeth the whole time.

On top of all that, his enemy is looking for the perfect time to strike AND an American female red wolf has caught his attention when she stalks around the castle against the rules he’s set for the filing crew. Julia isn’t really part of the crew; she’s a romance writer writing what she knows best – werewolves. So it’s a research trip for her, along with a secret rescue and retrieval mission for her grandfather. She has no idea what is contained in the long-hidden box he wants, but if she can get inside the castle, she’ll have a chance of finding it.

But with Ian’s suspicions and her attraction to him, Julia’s plans don’t always go as they should. Ian’s vigilance at keeping at eye on all visitors, as well as his three brothers’ following his orders, and his attraction to her, Julia gets only one chance to find the secret passage to begin her searching, and it doesn’t go well. I like the pull between them that nothing can break, not even Ian’s suspicions. When Julia decides to come clean about her sneaking about, their relationship moves to the next level, trust is established, and their lovemaking is explosive.

I was a little thrown after learning the brothers are quadruplets that they aren’t identical. It’s not until the description of Guthrie comes along (he has red hair instead of the familial black) that I finally got it why there’s no confusion when folks would see them together or not comment that Ian, Duncan, and Cearnach look alike. Not a huge deal, just some confusion for a bit.

What is a bigger deal for me is there’s not as much shifting going on as we usually get in a Terry Spear book, not as much of the running through forests or open wilderness, though there is a little of the forest scenes. That’s what’s always been the highlight for me when reading Ms. Spear’s shifters, lots of shifting and lots of wolves running everywhere. It’s just something she does so very well, and I certainly miss that in this story.

These new characters are charming and fun. The storyline isn’t quite as mysterious or dangerous as in previous books, though the battle scenes late in the story, broadswords swinging, are done very well. All in all, still a great read from Ms. Spear, and I’m looking forward to future additions to the series.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Ian McNeill, laird of Argent Castle finds his capital squandered through unwise investments and the wolf clan’s home that has been theirs for centuries is in danger of being forfeit for nonpayment of taxes. When a movie producer contacts him with the notion of using his castle to produce a movie, Ian abhores the idea, but it’s his only salvation. Even worse, his people become extras in this epic Highland movie. But when one American werewolf romance author, Julia Wildthorn, slips into the castle under the guise of being with the movie company, except she is trying to jumpstart her muse with writing a book set in old-world Scotland–specifically about his castle and his people as the characters in her newest book venture–she and Ian tangle.

No excerpt available.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Awaken the Highland Warrior by Anita Clenney
Paranormal Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 May 11

When I first started reading this book, I had high hopes. Though it starts out with shades of Karen Marie Moning, it does go its own way and I was intrigued.

But that intrigue dips and turns in ways early on that leave you frustrated. The main issue I have is it takes twelve chapters before things begin to really move along. Once Bree awakens Faelan after his 150-year nap, through the first eleven chapters it’s nothing but the two of them dancing around one another, lying to one another, suspicious of one another, the same scenes over and over again, just said differently each time. There’s a few confrontations with demons and the like thrown in, but there’s not nearly enough to break up the ongong repetition. After the awakening scene and the initial getting-to-know-one-another part (though they fib to one another so much, they don’t really get to know each other until this late too), this book should have started at Chapter 12.

Another frustration is how many times Faelan apologies to Bree. For being attracted to her, for wanting to touch her, caress her, make love to her, and those love scenes are nicely done. But, to me, all that sorriness takes the romance out of the story. I realize Faelan is a product of a time when women were to be protected by men, but he’s an alpha Scottish warrior who fought to keep his clan and the human race safe, the type of man romance readers want to fall in love with, to dream about, to drool over. Between his apologizing and his sometimes bumbling about when fighting demons, which is done to showcase the things Bree can unexpectedly do when up against a demon, Faelan loses his appeal somewhat.

A lot of the book is predictable. It follows the same basic format that romances have for years. The aforementioned suspicions fly back and forth, each silently questioning themselves about the other, some of it a little too far-fetched at times. I know that’s some foreshadowing on the author’s part, but it’s just too blatant too often. Even after they’ve made love a few times (for which Faelan apologizes), there’s still too much wariness and distrust and not enough talking so they can figure things out together. Misunderstandings galore result. Also, Bree is the typical heroine who can’t stay put when danger is around and Faelan requests (okay, demands) her compliance. Of course, trouble ensues when she does this, and I thought of those old movies where the female star either fell while running from the bad guy or who got in trouble every time she turned around.

Interest didn’t pick up again for until Faelan and Bree get to Scotland to locate Faelan’s family, which is around Chapter 21. I did enjoy those characters and how they welcomed Faelan into the fold, along with Bree. They all could see she’s meant for him, but even though a mate mark has shown up on his person, he’s looking around for someone other than Bree to be his mate, all because he can’t be with a woman who isn’t of his clan. Well, of course, we all know what Bree will eventually find out about herself. The action scenes where the other warriors join Faelan to work together to bring the main demon down are great. Faelan has finally come into his own, his fighting has improved and I like him much better in this half of the book, for the most part.

But with these new characters for future stories and with Ms. Clenney’s growth as an author with each successive book, I will keep my hopes alive a little longer to find out what happens next.

Grade: C-

Summary:

He’s had centuries to dream of her…

Mis-adventurous historian Bree Kirkland discovers a one hundred fifty year old warrior buried in a crypt behind her house. But Faelan, the warrior, isn’t dead. When this chauvinistic Scottish Warrior awakes, he has no choice but accept the help of this modern-day woman who’s rescued him, but she’s more fearsome than the demon trying to kill him. If he’s not careful, she’ll uncover every secret his clan has bled and died to protect.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Unleash the Highland Warrior – Spring 2012

Sandy M’s review of SEALed Forever (SEALed Series, Book 4) by Mary Margret Daughtridge
Contemporary Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 May 11

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading Mary Margret Daughtridge’s SEALs since I read SEALed with  Promise, my first book of hers. Her stories flow seamlessly, her characters are always, of course, upstanding and charming (we are talking SEALs here!), and what captures me the most is the emotion she hits you with in her stories. So you can imagine my surprise, though I still had a good time with this book, it lacks the same punch of emotion as the previous editions in this series.

I’m really surprised at my reaction in this instance because there’s a child involved, and children always get to me in romance, especially when tall, dark, handsome, and alpha heroes succumb to the joy of kids along with their love for the heroines. So I was ready to be hit hard by Ms. Daughtridge when Garth finds a child stowed in a box on an airplane that’s used to cart around spies and the like. He’s stunned, amazed, and full of outrage that someone could do this to a child, one who is now half dead from such callousness. Garth first finds a doctor to help the little girl and then he begins investigating to find out what he can do for her and her circumstances. What he finds is the love of his life in the doctor he seeks out and then that he and his team had been deliberately sent into an ambush in Afghanistan, which resulted in the injury that has now placed him in isolation working for an out-of-the-way security company, all so he won’t and can’t tell anyone about the circumstances of his team’s attack.

Though Bronwyn and Garth have met once before, it was a short and hurried introduction and nothing came of it. Now with a twist of fate, they meet again and, though it doesn’t go well at first, their attraction slowly emerges as they work together to keep baby Julia safe. Garth knows almost immediately that Bronwyn is the one for him. It takes her a little more time to trust the man whom she first thinks is a kidnapper. Doing some fast talking and telling her what he can, Garth agrees to her terms to keep her from contacting the authorities as her job requires. In the meantime and in between his investigation and trying to get his job back, Garth sets out to prove to Bronwyn she belongs with him. And this is the only time I was disappointed in Garth.

He does things to sort of sabotages her new life so she’ll look toward life with him, which will be on the move from place to place, embracing the life of the wife of a SEAL. I feel he doesn’t put enough faith in Bronwyn when he resorts to this underhandedness. Yes, she makes it clear she wants to make a go of her new medical practice, wanting to slow down after her time as an ER doc. But he never gives any other option a thought, even though he’s thinking for a time his career might be over. I do have to give him points for keeping at it, going full bore to keep his job. That’s just not enough, however, with his little bit of deceit and hijinks when it comes to Bronwyn.

I’m happy to say Garth does wake up, of course, and then really goes after what he wants from higher-ups who call the shots, and he stands up for all that is right. He redeems himself marvelously. Bronwyn also wakes up, at last letting the past go, wanting and needing the future. And what about baby Julia in and among all the turmoil? Well, you need to read the book to find out!

Still a nice story, full of fun and mystery. I do enjoy Ms. Daughtridge’s detail and storytelling concerning SEALs. She gets the danger they go through and the camaraderie across to readers perfectly. My hankering for her stories will never die.

Grade: B

Summary:

He’s got a living, breathing dilemma…

In the midst of running an undercover CIA mission, Navy SEAL Lt. Garth Vale finds an abandoned baby, and his superiors sure don’t want to know about it. The only person who can help him is the beautiful new doctor in town, but she’s got another surprise for him…

She’s got a solution…at a price…

Dr. Bronwyn Whitescarver has left the frenetic pace of big city ER medicine for a small town medical practice. Her bags aren’t even unpacked yet when gorgeous, intense Garth Vale shows up on her doorstep in the middle of the night with a sick baby…

But his story somehow doesn’t add up, and Bronwyn isn’t quite sure who she’s saving—the baby, or the man…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Cowboy Fever by Joanne Kennedy
Contemporary Western Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Apr 11

I’m glad I decided to give Joanne Kennedy a second-chance read. While I enjoyed some things about Cowboy Trouble, the first book of hers I read, there were others that didn’t work for me. But this time around, she’s given readers a nice story through and through with only slight blips. There’s more emotion in this book that gives the hero and heroine more depth.

Jodie Brand (not Bryce as it says in the summary), in a fit of guilt, has come home to help her mother in her western boutique. She’s left her rodeo queen days behind her and is also going to open a therapy riding clinic for handicapped children. Of course, as soon as she hits town, gossip begins and then she comes face to face with Teague Treadwell, her old crush from their school days. Teague was the town bad boy, and though he’s tried to gussy himself up, he still exudes that badass aura that the women go for, even Jodie herself. Surviving the first meeting with him, she goes on her way to get things up and running at the old homestead. All with Teague on her mind.

He’s tried so hard to live past his reputation he inherited from his father, but folks still look at Teague as the boy with a temper from the wrong side of the tracks. He’s taken care of Troy, his older Down’s Syndrome brother, since their parents died, he’s built them a new home to leave behind the memories of beatings that occurred in their mobile home, all with eye toward bettering himself for the day Jodie returns. When she finally blows into his life again, he hopes she sees the new man he is now and that that will make a difference to her to perhaps pick up where they left off years before. But when he remembers how he pushed her away, Teague isn’t so sure Jodie has forgiven him, even though his rebuff was for her own good.

I like both of these characters. They were friends before their one-night stand years ago, and I like that their new relationship is not terribly awkward when they’re together now. It doesn’t take long before they hit the sheets again, and this time it’s a man and a woman loving each other instead of the boy and girl they used to be. Which also means they do talk things out instead of letting things come between them. Well, most things anyway. There’s the usual jealousy issues that each think about but don’t voice until it’s nearly too late. It’s Troy who is the common denominator and brings them together. And I love Troy. He’s as sweet as can be, a man in a child’s body wanting to be on his own, do things on his own without little brother hovering anymore. He’s a wonderful character.

One thing I don’t like is how Jodie doubts Teague throughout the book. When she finally tells him she does trust him and believes in him, she’s known that all along but lets fear and doubt rule her, even after they make love a few times. This happens too often in romance and I’m just tired of reading it. I realize we want our heroes to be kind and generous whenever possible, but Teague takes this to a new level when it comes to Courtney, a newcomer to town who’s decided she wants the cowboy and will have him. The woman is a nuisance and I wanted to shake the man when he’s nice to her one too many times after her many shenanigans. The mystery surrounding a neighbor’s death gets a little convoluted, but for all intents and purposes, it works despite all the elements involved.

Overall, characters and storyline are much better than the previous book. We’re not thrown off on a tangent, given ideas that don’t work with the entire story. And at first I thought the books are related in some way since the covers are similar, including One Fine Cowboy, the release just before CF. Usually when you see covers this similar, it’s a series or trilogy or they’re at least in some way related, but these books are all different characters with no relation whatsoever. I’m a series hound, so I would have picked them up based on the covers alone and would have been sorely disappointed. Yeah, okay, read the back cover. I know, but sometimes you get a tad excited when discovering a new series, and considering these are cowboys, I know I would have purchased and asked questions later.

But all that aside, with this book Ms. Kennedy has upped my entertainment level and I’ll definitely try more of her future reads.

Grade: B-

Summary:

Miss Rodeo Wyoming Jodie Bryce is back from the big city to find that her childhood friend Teague Treadwell’s rugged cowboy charm never looked better. But Teague thinks Jodie’s success lifted her out of his reach, and now he’s got to shed his bad boy image to be worthy of the girl next door.

No excerpt available.

Sandy M’s review of Tyler (The Secret Life of Cowboys, Book 1) by C.H. Admirand
Contemporary Western Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Mar 11

I’m a sucker for a good cowboy story. From the old west to present day, cowboys have this innate gentleness and kindness, thanks to their mamas, as well as being alpha to bring a lady to her knees. So when I had the chance to read a new author who’s writing contemporary westerns, I definitely jumped at it. While this is a good story, it does have some issues keeping it from moving up the scale to one of those “Wow!” stories.

What drew me out of this book more often than anything is the repetitiveness when describing certain things. I don’t know how many times Tyler is described in variations of a dark-eyed cowboy, then a dark-haired cowboy, then a tall, dark and handsome cowboy, then a broad-chested cowboy – over and over, each of those, again and again. Tyler and Emily grabbed each other on the backside every chance they got, which is fine in and of itself, but I wanted a different word, like ass or butt – anything else! – every now and again. It’s not until page 289 that glutes show up. Too late. Irritation at being pulled out of the story much too often had taken over by then. Emily’s cream skin, beautiful and bountiful breasts, as well as the chocolate smear between them in the beginning, and a few other descriptive phrases all get their fair share of being seen too much.

Another thing that didn’t quite  work for me as an element in the story is the fact that Emily is as hot for Tyler as he is for her, she goes for it and has sex with him fairly quickly after they meet, but after all the sheet burnin’, she draws a line at having oral sex. She wants Tyler to wait, not sure she can do something more intimate so soon. Huh? I’d say they were pretty darned intimate at that point and, for me, refusing to go that next logical step further just doesn’t sit well. I realize it’s a trust issue for Emily, seeing how far Tyler is willing to go, willing to wait and all that. I just feel this isn’t the way to do it. Why not hold off on the whole kit and kaboodle all the way around instead of splitting hairs? Makes more sense to me anyway. There’s other ways to instill trust than using sex to do so.

The dialogue at times is also an issue for me. It’s stilted too much throughout the book, isn’t as fluid as it should be. There’s several times where it reads like an info dump instead of conversation between two people. However, the cowboy-speak is pretty good when it comes to Ty and his brothers. Not as good as, say, Lorelei James, who is a master at the cowboy, but good enough to get the charm and gentlemanliness across to the reader.

Something that does work for me is the concept of doing what you have to do to survive, and this hits Ty hard. But he swallows his pride, for both the job he takes on and the consequences that go with it, and does his best despite the fact he’d rather be anywhere but up on a stage baring a good part of himself for bored and horny women to ogle. Ms Admirand handles this idea very well. Tyler even goes so far as to keep his night job from his brothers, not wanting them to worry and also not wanting them to razz him about it. They’re brothers, they razz every chance they get, and being boldly touched and leered at is enough for Ty for the time being. I also like the brothers element in the book works well, though there are a few times their anger with each other goes a tad too far for me. I do like, however, that they react the opposite way Ty thinks they will when he finally gets the gumption to tell them the truth.

I do like Emily, but she had me on the fence a couple of times. Maybe it’s because I never got a sense why these two are attracted to each other, other than smoldering looks and wanting to run their hands all over the other’s body. Because we get more of Tyler due to his being on stage and he does stand by Emily when things go wrong, I feel  more for him than I do Emily. While her no-oral-sex request bothers me, she doesn’t judge Ty when he tells her why he’s doing the stripping and she gets on my good side for that. I like also that she doesn’t cotton to her cousin’s, Jolene, attitude when it comes to the bar; she’s not as hard and unrelenting as Jolene. Saying that, though, I did have fun with Jolene and Jake’s relationship as a side story and wouldn’t mind seeing a book about them after Dylan and Jesse get their turn.

While I may not be that enamored of this first book in this series, I’m still looking forward to Dylan’s book. He and Jesse piqued my interest enough to give them and Ms. Admirand a second chance.

Grade: C-

Summary:

When Tyler Garahan said he’d do anything to save his family’s ranch, he never thought that would include taking a job as a stripper at a local ladies’ club. But the club’s fiery redheaded bookkeeper captures Tyler’s attention, and for her he’ll swallow his pride…

Emily Langley feels for the gorgeous cowboy. It’s obvious that he’s the real deal and wouldn’t be caught dead at a ladies’ revue if he wasn’t in big trouble. And when he looks at her like that, she’ll do anything to help.

Working days on the ranch and nights at the ladies’ club, Tyler would be plumb exhausted if he didn’t suddenly discover that the club is in the same boat as his ranch, and his beautiful boss needs him as much as he needs her…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Dylan – Fall 2011

Sandy M’s review of Highland Heat (Highlander Series, Book 3) by Mary Wine
Historical Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Mar 11

Finally Quinton and Deirdre’s book. I’ve wanted their story since that first spark – and snarl – in Highland Hellcat. Deirdre is shamed and banished, Quinton is laird and arrogant, both so different from Connor and Brina in their book. Still full of spirit, bravado, and adventure, Deirdre is determined to make things right with her father, while Quinton is equally determined to have her, even though he’s not quite sure why. He’s about to find out.

Having come to terms with her penance – long, backbreaking hours of hard work with the church – all for falling for the wrong man, giving him all of herself when he utters just a few charming words and a promise to wed, Deirdre strides through opportunity’s wide-open door when Queen Joan Beaufort arrives at the convent looking for sanctuary. The queen garners sympathy from Deirdre, who knows what it’s like to be controlled by and feel pain at the hands of men. Agreeing to be a decoy, she rides off with English retainers and eventually runs into those seeking Her Majesty, letting them believe they’ve found their woman, despite the fact it’s Quinton’s men and they’re taking her to Drumdeer and the man himself.

And this is where the fun begins. Deirdre is not afraid of Quinton and his title one iota. She’s strong Highland stock, just like him, and has nothing to lose by standing up to the laird. Of course, one touch and she’s a goner, giving in to his kisses and taking all the pleasure he has to give. But Deirdre can’t lose focus of her plan to make her father proud of her once more. She gives Quinton’s men the slip one day, only to be captured by a neighboring laird, who also wants peace to continue in the Highlands, so he will return her to Quinton. Instead she finds herself taken by a relative of the bastard who deceived her before. She’d been better off just staying with Quinton than at the mercy of such a man.

It’s during this time Deirdre realizes she loves Quinton, and when she’s back with him after her ordeal, she declares that love to him, but he maintains his heart is dead and all he can give her is a home, duty and respect from his people, some happiness, and, of course, a lot of mind-blowing sex during their nights. Refusing to accept this, Deirdre tosses out her own ultimatum. It’s not until a woman from Quinton’s past barges into their lives that Quinton knows he’s been fooling himself for much too long, but will he be too late to save Deirdre and their love?

While I still like Highland Hellcat the best of the series so far – a tortured hero will always claim my heart – I do like the relationship between this couple. Ms. Wine mixes it up and keeps everything interesting throughout, never losing sight of her characters and their personalities, flaws, and duties. We also get more about Deirdre’s half sister, her father’s illegitimate daughter, and the man who’d take her on, despite the stigma of her birth. Another intriguing story in the hands of Ms. Wine, I’m sure, when the time comes.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Ruined, betrayed, and banished…

As brave as she is impulsive, Deidre Chattan’s tendency to follow her heart and not her head has finally tarnished her reputation beyond repair. But when powerful Highland Laird Quinton Cameron finds her, he could care less about her past—it’s her future he’s about to change forever…

But it’s never too late for redemption…

From the moment Quinton sets eyes on Deidre Chattan, rational thought vanishes, for in her eyes he sees a fiery spirit that matches his own and he’ll be damned if he’ll let such a wild Scottish rose wither under the weight of a nun’s habit…

With nothing left to lose, Deidre and Quinton band together to protect king and crown. But what they can accomplish alone is nothing compared to what they can build with their passion for each other.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

We’d like to thank Sourcebook Casablanca authors Marie Force and Leigh Michaels for spending the day with us recently. It was a lot of fun having them and they gave us plenty to think about!

We have four winners today, so listen up and pay attention!

Using that handy-dandy random number generator, the two winners of Marie Force’s Everyone Loves a Hero are:

#4 – Kris

#9 – cyberclipper

And the two winners of Leigh Michaels’ The Mistress’ House are:

#1 – karenmc

# 7 – Sandy H

Congrats all around! Please send your snail mail addys to lighthousetagger at gmail dot com and we’ll see that your copies start their journey to you!

Sandy M’s review of Highland Hellcat (Highlander Series, Book 1) by Mary Wine
Historical Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Oct 10

I’ve been wonderfully surprised with these Highlander books by Mary Wine. These are the first of her books I’ve read, and now I’d like to pick up others from her backlist. She has a wide variety to choose from. But I’m glad to find another author who writes intriguing Scottish Highlanders. That’s including heroines, despite my love of a totally alpha hero.

Connor has an agreement with the Chattan laird, needing the alliance to strengthen his backing for the eventual release of his young sister, who was stolen years before by the Douglas clan. That agreement is for marriage to one of the laird’s daughters. Everything goes wrong when the intended daughter believes herself in love with someone else and she flees in the dark of night to meet him. Connor is intent on keeping their agreement, and when the opportunity to resolve the whole mess is introduced to him, he doesn’t hesitate – he absconds with Brina, the youngest Chattan and the only daughter to be promised to the church, plucks her right from her father’s grasp as they’re on their way to leave Brina with the sisters. Her situation matters not to Connor. He knows, during and after the journey to his home, that he and his newly acquired hellcat can have a good life together.

Never having been away from her home or so near a man like she’s been to Connor, Brina is finding it more and more difficult to resist his charms. And she does try. Her entire life has been devoted to the restrictions of the church, so she’s overloaded with emotion and all kinds of stimulation. I wouldn’t have lasted a second if I’d been the recipient of Connor’s stimulation. Brina takes resistance to a whole new level. She also wants to honor her father and his word to the church. Her eventual future would be to become Mother Superior, but keeping this braw Highlander at bay is beyond her. Though after a while she doesn’t wish to. All the while with Connor, fighting everything he throws at her for all she’s worth, Brina’s spunk and sass never wanes. Of course, that’s something Connor loves about her. I could say that Brina can try until doom’s day to resist Connor and she’ll never win, however, I think it’s Connor who’d better watch out.

What’s also very intriguing with this story is the way Ms. Wine has used Scottish politics of the time, including throwing about clout with the King and even taking our characters to court to have their fate decided, once a so-called friend of Connor’s goes too far in trying to keep peace in the Highlands. Brina is torn from Connor and he takes chase, acknowledging his feelings for her are something more than lust and will allow no one to take what’s his. Brina, in the meantime, keeps her head about her and aids Connor in bringing his family back together without nary a thought to herself.

This has been a fun, charming, interesting, mysterious, and very romantic serious so far, and I’m looking forward to the books that will follow. Ms. Wine does one heck of a terrific job writing my Highlanders.

Grade: A

Summary:

In the raw, rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, tumultuous times bred warrior men and women who fought for country, keep, and kin, and loved as passionately as they lived. An illegitimate son, chosen as laird after the ruling Douglas clan slaughtered his family, Connor Lindsay is surrounded by men who challenge his right to lead. Looking for a virtuous bride to cement his leadership by presenting him with an heir, he kidnaps a feisty laird’s daughter. To keep this Highland Hellcat in his bed, he’ll have to do battle with the Douglases, the Church, and most of all Brina herself.

No excerpt available.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of The Mistress’ House by Leigh Michaels
Historical Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Feb 11

This is my first time reading Leigh Michaels, and I have to say this is such a delightful story that I know I’m more than likely going to be glomming her backlist when I can. I enjoyed everything about this book, the characters, the storyline, and, of course, the writing. What makes it the most fun is how Ms. Michaels has woven three heroes and heroines together into one book, giving them their own story while threading it around and through one charming inanimate object – a house that turns mistresses into something much more than they ever thought they’d be.

First up is Anne, Lady Wilde. She’s a widow with an unsatisfying marriage behind her and doesn’t want to go through it all again. Therefore, she seeks out the Earl of Hawthorne, the scandalous rake of London, asking him to ruin her so she can retain her freedom and do as she pleases. At first Hawthorne refuses her request, but he can’t get the woman out of his head and has second thoughts. Deciding to put his recent acquisition of Number 5 Upper Seymour Street, which adjoins his own home, to good use, he very thoroughly ruins Anne there for any other man.

Becoming Hawthorne’s mistress is not what Anne has in mind when she begins this plan of hers, but suddenly if that’s the only way she can have him, she’s perfectly happy to be at his beck and call as Mrs. Wilde, the name and cover story Hawthorne gives her for their assignations. I like the notes and/or verbal messages he gives her for each of their meetings; fun and suggestive and so very vague that no one would guess the players if the missives fell into the wrong hands or were overheard.

Next we meet Felicity, Lady Desire. She’s Anne’s best friend and has come to visit her in London to leave some sad and unsettling memories behind. That doesn’t happen, however, when she meets Lord Colford, a cousin of Hawthorne’s and brother to the man who broke her heart. As a last-minute decision, Felicity reveals her identity and demands satisfaction from Richard for his brother’s behavior – she wants a child and believes Richard will do just fine since she can’t have his deceased brother. Anne has given her access to Number 5 Upper Seymour Street, what better place for this spot of business.

Not sure why he takes the lady up on her offer, Richard doesn’t just have sex with Felicity, he makes love to her and they’re both deeply affected by the emotion that goes through them during and after. So much so Richard suggests they meet several more times to make sure all goes as planned and Felicity certainly agrees, both wanting to be in the other’s arms once again. They have a beautiful but short affair before Felicity begins to think of the future and how having no  father nor his name will affect her child. But calling it all off doesn’t sit well with Richard, he won’t allow her to walk out of  his life after what they’ve shared and what he’s learned about his brother’s actions.

Finally there’s Georgianna, Lady Flame. She’s young and a whirlwind who flies into Hawthorne’s life, exclaiming she’s his ward and he has to help her with her current dilemma – escaping the arranged marriage her uncle has decided is best for her. Promising to talk to the man, Hawthorne ensconces Georgie in Number 5 Upper Seymour Street, and she makes use of the earl’s gardens late night after the servants are abed.

There she meets Julian, a soldier and another cousin of Hawthorne’s. He’s been summoned home by their grandfather to take over the family duty after the current heir has died. Not wanting to bow down to the old man’s ultimatums, Julian is staying with Hawthorne until he can figure out what to do. Teaching an innocent how to become a mistress is not what he had in mind, but there’s something about the minx in the garden that draws possessiveness out in Julian. Better he teach her than some other man not worthy of her.

Each of these stories is filled with fun, witty banter, heartache and emotion,  a little mystery, romance, and twists that you don’t see coming. These heroes don’t see themselves as men giving in to marriage; the heroines never see themselves as anything but mistresses. I enjoyed Richard and Felicity the most, there’s more emotion involved in their story, but all three are well worth the read. Ms. Michaels does a wonderful job of seamlessly connecting the characters and the storylines.

A unique way of presenting all of these elements, and it works beautifully.

Grade: B+

Summary:

The rules are made to be broken…

When the handsome, rakish Earl of Hawthorne buys the charming house across the back garden from his town home, he never expects the lovely lady he installs there to ensnare him completely…

Again…

After Lady Keighley marries the earl, it seems a shame to leave the house empty, so she offers it to her childhood friend Felicity Mercer, who discovers that the earl’s gorgeous cousin is precisely the man she’s been waiting for…

and again…

Finally, feisty Georgiana Baxter moves into the house to escape an arranged marriage, and encounters the earl’s friend Major Julian Hampton late one night in the back garden. The handsome soldier is more than willing to give her the lessons she asks for…

There is plenty of gossip, scandal, and torrid speculations surrounding the “mistress’ house”, but behind closed doors, passions blaze…

No excerpt found.

Sandy M’s review of The Werewolf Upstairs by Ashlyn Chase
Paranormal Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Feb 11

I had high hopes for this book, one that combines my two favorite elements in romance – the paranormal and humor. It works quite well as far as the paranormal, but it’s the humor that doesn’t keep pace and is lacking a bit. Thus, while I do like the characters and the storyline, I only had a smile or two to give the humorous side of it all and not a full-out chuckle that I pinned my hopes on.

Roz has moved into her best friend’s former apartment, worried about her friend and wanting to be close to her since wedding the love of her life – a man who can shift into a wolf or so says her friend. There she meets a variety of bizarre characters, thought she doesn’t know the half of it. She just thinks a few of them are off the wall, has no idea they possess paranormal powers. Eventually meeting Konrad, Roz becomes a tad smitten right off the bat, taken with his smile, his good looks, and that wonderfully buff bod. She can only hope he’s on the up and up and not like the dregs she always represents in her job as a public defender.

After enjoying time in Konrad’s company, Roz is not sure she should hope for more, but that’s difficult because he’s like a dream come true the way he treats her when he barely knows her. His feelings are the real deal, though; Konrad even goes so far to think Roz might be his mate and he wants to see more of her to find out for sure. In the meantime, however, his “job” goes awry when he’s caught red-handed moving a display case outside a store to push the owner into buying an alarm system – from the company his cousin owns. This should have been his last job, but nothing goes right. Of course, when he meets his attorney the next day, Konrad is as surprised as Roz when they come face to face at the jail.

Roz tries to give Konrad the benefit of the doubt – because who in the world would believe the so-called witness and the police report detailing the man lifting what amounts to tons of weight. Totally impossible. So she vows to get Konrad off and they spend even more time together. Little by little Roz learns about Konrad and all the residents in their building, and she becomes a believer in the supernatural. The book along these lines is just fine. What didn’t work for me is the humor that’s woven in and about these characters as they go through their days. Most of the goings-on are more of a silly nature rather than outright humorous. Maybe I just wasn’t in a silly mood the couple of days it took me to read the book.

An example of that silliness is Konrad and Roz agree to head home to talk over their new-found way of communicating, they banter back and forth for a minute, which leads Konrad to pick Roz up and throw her over his shoulder to carry her home when she playfully accuses him of being a caveman. He decides to act like one.  This is the conversation following:

Roz thumped him on the back. “Put me down this minute!”

“Just relax and enjoy the ride.”

“I don’t usually hear that until I make it to the bedroom.”

Konrad laughed but ignored her plea and strode off in the direction of their building as if she weighed no more than a sack of tennis balls. He added to her embarrassment by whistling.

“Oh, very nice. What if I have to fart while I’m up here?”

“Then fart. We’re traveling downwind.”

And it goes on from there in the same vein. I just can’t see a woman – an attorney, no less – saying something like this to a man she’s just met, even if she is attracted to him. Just before this she argues with him about him carrying her because she believes she weighs too much. That I can believe a woman would say. But most women wouldn’t use the word fart and in this way, she’s too busy trying to hold it in if one is imminent. That’s embarrassing to actually let one loose.

There is a side story surrounding a years-old  heist at a local museum where the only remaining witness is the resident ghost, and one of the witches Roz has befriended is using her skills as a medium to interview said ghost to solve the crime and collect a huge reward. This part of the story really didn’t do much for me; it feels as though it’s there only to cause havoc in Konrad and Roz’s life later on. There’s also a ghost in the apartment building who ends up going to the museum to talk ghost to ghost when that apparition becomes non-cooperative, and after a while things just seem to get bogged down with so much going.

The dialogue at times reads like info dumps and is stiff and awkward. Roz sounds more like a man than Konrad when she speaks, using “fuck” just as much or more than he does. When Konrad proposes, he messes it up a bit and what he gets for that is a kick in the balls. Huh? The comedy of that scene flew right by me. There’s a couple of inconsistencies here and there, but after some of this other stuff, it didn’t make much difference to me by that point. Most of the secondary characters are okay, quirky in their own way, but I could have done without Dottie, the super of the building. Very annoying woman.

But if you enjoy this type of humor in your books and your movies, you’ll more than likely like this book better than I do. I do still like Roz and Konrad, despite some of the things they say and do that I don’t like. All of these little things minimize other parts of the story – I now don’t remember the few shifting scenes when Konrad is in wolf form, and those are scenes I always enjoy most when reading about shifters. Not knowing if the other related books are written in this same vein, I’m amenable to trying another sometime just to see how it goes.

Grade: C-

Summary:

Petty crime never looked so good…

Alpha werewolf Konrad Wolfensen sees it as his duty to protect the citizens of Boston, even if it means breaking into their businesses just to prove their security systems don’t work. But when his unsolicited services land him in trouble with the law, he’ll have to turn to his sexy new neighbor for help.

She should know better…

Attorney Roz Wells is bored. She used to have such a knack for attracting the weird and unexpected, but ever since she took a job as a Boston public defender, the quirky quotient in her life has taken a serious hit. Until her sexy werewolf neighbor starts coming around…

No excerpt available.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Everyone Loves a Hero by Marie Force
Contemporary Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Feb 10

I’ve been wanting to read Marie Force since I picked up her Love at First Flight. I love that cover and title, as well as the back cover blurb. And now I love Ms. Force’s writing, and  I’m going to be picking up more of her books much more often after reading Everyone Loves a Hero.

Cole is an airline pilot who is on the backside of his 15 minutes after saving a fellow pilot suffering a heart attack and bringing their flight down safely. The media frenzy that then follows him for months is not his thing. He can do without the morning shows, the interviews, the pictures, the women coming on to him. Especially after he meets Olivia. Cole is in the right place at the right time for another rescue, taking care of the jerk harassing Olivia at the airport magazine shop where she works. The jerk gets in a good shot, knocking Cole for loop, and though he’s fuzzy-headed and cross-eyed, Olivia is the loveliest woman he’s ever seen. Is there such a thing as love at first sight? Cole would like to find out and two week later, after healing from his concussion and other injuries, he seeks Olivia out but is told she doesn’t work at the shop anymore.

But fate is on his side and Cole runs into Liv before he leaves the airport. He arranges a date with her, and they hit it off just as they did weeks before. And that’s the beginning of the end of Cole’s womanizing ways. Olivia is the real deal for him. It’s convincing the lady herself that they can make a go of it that’s difficult. What a childhood Olivia had that also spills over into her adulthood, and that’s the crux of her fears. Her mother lost twin babies years earlier, which has caused her agoraphobia, which has led her to spending every last dollar her husband makes on anything and everything she can conceivably buy on QVC or whatever’s handy to do so. Olivia has never understood how her mother could turn her back on her other children, though she does understand the grief due to such a tragedy, and she vows to never be like her mother. This causes problems, of course, with her romantic relationships, waiting for something bad to happen to end it. The early scenes with her mother are so horrible for Olivia when she learns exactly how the woman’s behavior has affected her father and their life as a whole. So very emotional.

But when Olivia decides to let go and enjoy Cole and all he has to offer, a first for her, they have a wonderful time together. He encourages her to focus on her art. She discovers how making love really can be. Surprises both big and small fill their lives as they get to know one another. The love scenes are moving and intense. Cole knows this is what he now wants in his life while Olivia is in amazement that something so wonderful is happening to her. I love their joy with one another, all punctuated with Olivia’s apprehension about such goodness weaving its way through her world.

I like the fact that Cole is well into his 30s. That’s a huge plus for me. I always like an older hero – yes, that’s my age talking! – who has some maturity under his belt. At this stage in his life, Cole knows what he wants and goes for it with Olivia, soothing her fears away as much as he can. He tries so hard not to give up, but that same maturity makes him realize maybe love isn’t enough. I had a feeling that there would be an incident while Cole is flying, but I’m glad to say Ms. Force doesn’t give us the usual airplane crash to keep us on pins and needles forever to find out his fate and agonize with Olivia, waiting for her to realize what she can lose. It’s not strung out over chapter after chapter after chapter. It’s succinctly packed with emotion, especially from Olivia’s point of view, that jumps off the page.

There’s everything to like about this book. Mostly a lot of fun. So go with it! You will not be sorry.

Grade: A

Summary:

Everyone loves a hero. That’s the problem.Hero pilot Cole Langston is learning to live with—and enjoy—his newfound fame and the rabid female attention that comes with it until a lucky punch knocks some sense into him and opens his eyes to true love.

When his copilot suffers a heart attack in flight, Cole lands the jetliner in a blizzard and revives the stricken captain. Catapulted to national hero status, Cole has more women vying for his attention than he knows what to do with. They all have one thing in common: they try without success to bring this happy-go-lucky pilot down to earth.

Then comes an airport altercation, a punch to the face, and the lovely Olivia—a shy, timid artist who does what no other woman has ever managed to do: steal Cole’s well-protected heart. With women coming on to him everywhere they go, Olivia struggles to believe that Cole is ready for a committed relationship. His biggest problem is getting rid of all his extra ladies before the only one he wants figures out that she’s one of many.

Read an excerpt. (scroll down and click link)

Sandy M’s review of Healing Luke by Beth Cornelison
Contemporary Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Sep 09

The title of this book caught my interest recently, so I pulled it from the bookshelf to keep it handy just in case. I’ve read a number of historicals and paranormals over the last several weeks and I needed a contemporary for a break. So I picked up Healing Luke, and I’m very glad I did.

Luke and his brother, Aaron, are ladies’ men and never have one iota of trouble when it comes to getting the woman they want and are sometimes quite competitive in that area. They’re close due to their mother’s abandonment when they were young. They run a fishing business with their father and life is good until an explosion on one of their boats leaves Luke severely injured, then angry and moody that his life has changed so drastically. Ms. Cornelison does a terrific job with the circle of emotions in Luke that people go through when something like this happens. He loses an eye, a thumb, and is scarred from the burns he suffers. His family is beside themselves with worry ever since Luke quit his therapy to sit around the house drinking while moping. They don’t know what to do for him now. Luke only wants to be left alone to wallow in misery, especially now that women will never look at and respond to him as before.

Trying to move on and get on with her life after her fiance left her at the alter, Abby, who’s an occupational therapist, goes on her honeymoon by herself. She walks into Luke’s life for a day of snorkeling but ends up working with Luke to help him move on too. Of course, he’s having none of it, wanting to do things in his own time and in his own way. He slowly responds to Abby, only to take two steps back when his brother also seems to be interested in the lady. But Abby knows how to deal with such contrary patients and she never lets up when it comes to Luke. She makes a mistake or two along the way, but that’s because her feelings are so involved more and more – not only for Luke but for his entire family. Abby has her own issues, but it’s her outgoing and forward-looking attitude that makes her strong and independent.

Everything in this story is so real. From family life with tragic issues and handsome competing brothers to anger over the unfairness of life to the building of trust and love, Ms. Cornelison has written a wonderful book full of emotion and romance. I sure hope Aaron gets his own book. I have checked the author’s website but found no clues if that’s a possibility. I think he’ll make a great hero all on his own too.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Ladies’ man Luke Morgan has the world at his feet until a freak explosion leaves him burned and bitter. Luke’s family offers gutsy occupational therapist Abby Stanford a job facilitating Luke’s physical therapy, but Luke wants no part of his family’s schemes or Abby’s help. When sparks fly between Luke and Abby, Luke must face his deepest fears in order to claim the woman who brought his family together and taught him the real meaning of love.

Read an excerpt.

Dinca’s review of Honky Tonk Christmas (Honky Tonk Series, Book 4) by Carolyn Brown
Contemporary Western Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Oct 10

Honky Tonk Christmas by Carolyn Brown is part of the Honky Tonk Series, a Contemporary Western romance. I have not had the opportunity to read I Love This Bar, Hell Yeah or My Give a Damn’s Busted. After reading Honky Tonk Christmas I don’t feel I need to read the previous books to make sense of the individual storylines. The heroine talks about what happens in the other books more than I feel is necessary and the characters show up quite a bit in this book. The hero and heroine are strong individuals and I really enjoyed getting acquainted with them through their personal stories. I especially like the fact that this book has very little whine in it, considering the hero has two small children.

Sharlene Waverley is a diverse character. She is an Army veteran sniper, which is a role not normal for a woman. She still has nightmares from her two tours in Iraq. She is also a romance writer who has her first book hitting the stands in November. From what I gather the romance novel is about the previous books in the series. She has inherited a bar and is determined to make a go of it. She has customers dancing in the parking lot, so she decides to expand the building to accommodate more customers at one time. She hires Holt Jackson, a building contractor who is raising his niece and nephew. Since Sharlene lives in the apartment attached to the bar, she rents them her house in town. The children come to the job site after school and Sharlene falls in love with them.

Holt Jackson did not plan on losing his sister and having to raise her two children, twins Judd and Waylon. With his job he has to relocate as the job site changes. Building the extension on the Honky Tonk turns out to be an ideal project since the owner has a house for him to rent and doesn’t mind the kids on the job site after school. He is really concerned about providing stability in the kids’ lives and setting a good example. He feels that his friendship with Sharlene can never turn into anything more regardless of the sexual tension between them because he doesn’t feel a bartender/honky-tonk owner is a good example for the kids.

When Sharlene is asked to return home to small town Corn, Oklahoma, she invites Holt and the children to come along to keep her matchmaking mama at bay. Sharlene swears she will never go back to living in Corn. Holt sees a lot of work available and stability for the children if he were to move there. A lot is riding on everyone’s decision. Sharlene has to decide what she loves more – Holt and the kids or the Honky Tonk. A lot is also riding on the kids’ first Christmas with Holt. Does he stay firm in his decision or does he try to give the kids the one thing they’ve asked Santa for?

Carolyn Brown has a great sense of humor and it shows up on a regular basis throughout the book. She’s come up with a bunch of great one-liners. Several times I had to go back and reread where the editors didn’t catch the discrepancies such as a spotter being called a shooter and so on. Her characters do get a little winded in the dialogue. I find that a bit irritating and just want the next character to butt in. I would have liked a little more one-on-one with Sharlene and Holt. For two people so hot for each other and having fallen asleep together three different times, you would think there would be a little more than a few sizzling kisses. I know I was looking for more sexual content between them. The humor and the strong characters put this book above average and I recommend it as a good read.

Grade: B

Read Sandy M’s Review

Summary: She Means business…

Sharlene Waverly is determined to have the “new and improved” Honky Tonk up and running before the holiday. For that, she’ll need Holt Jackson, the best darn carpenter in the state. But his warm, whisky-colored eyes make her insides melt, and before she knows it, she’s sharing her darkest secrets and talking about the nightmares…

He’s determined to keep things professional…

Holt Jackson needs the job at the Honky Tonk, but is completely unprepared to handle the beautiful new bar owner he’s working for.

Sharlene and Holt try like crazy to deny the sparks flying between them, but their love may just be the best Christmas present either one of them ever got.

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of Cowboy Trouble by Joanne Kennedy
Contemporary Western Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Mar 10

This is my first Joanne Kennedy book. I love a good cowboy story, and I do like the hero, Luke, along with the heroine, Libby. There’s some good humor throughout. The storyline starts out nice and easy, fun, then evolves into a mystery while keeping the humor strong and amusing. But something happens later in the book that takes too much away from what’s gone before.

Libby has had it with men and city living. Her boyfriend has taken up with her boss, leaving her vulnerable and pissed off. She hightails it to Wyoming with the hopes of making a go at a chicken farm, the realization of a childhood dream. Before she gets settled the neighboring cowboy drops in to say howdy. At first Libby can’t believe Luke is truly a cowboy. His dress, his speech, his chivalry is foreign to her, but she learns very quickly he’s the real thing.

Every time Luke comes in contact with Libby — which is as often as he can wrangle it — his admiration for her increases. As does his attraction to her. Not many women, especially those from the big city, would be able to take on anything close to what the woman’s done on her ranch. And up to this point I enjoyed this storyline. Luke has a great sense of humor I just love. He knows how to laugh, how to work hard, and he knows what he wants. Libby also laughs though she tries to hide it from Luke when he’s teasing, sort of a don’t egg him on type of thing. After all of this, though, things go off in a direction that are only okay for me. The story that takes over doesn’t seem to go with what’s happened so far.

Though Libby is in Wyoming to start her farm, she’s also an investigative journalist. She’s set on working for the local newspaper, which is one of those small-town four-page papers with nothing exciting to report. So when she finds out about the disappearance of a local young girl that is still unsolved, this is her way of shaking up the folks in town. Thus, the book from this point on is more about the past mystery than anything else.

Another character who comes along in the midst of this mystery is the local sheriff. He’s a nice-looking man, but something about Cash doesn’t sit right with Libby. But the woman still goes along with things he says and does. I can see the first time or two since she doesn’t know him well, but when she keeps it up, it gets irritating, especially when she admits to herself she’s wary of him.

I also don’t care for the doubt of Luke that Libby goes through — after she realizes she loves him. Even after she tells him she loves him. Luke also has a moment or two where he doubts Libby. After going through so much with these two, I feel let down that they would doubt each other like this. Especially Luke. It seems out of character for him to do that.

The mystery, of course, is solved. Luke and Libby finally wholly embrace each other, but the way they get there just takes a couple of unnecessary turns. After a promising start, Cowboy Trouble stutters a tad too much for me.

Grade: C

Summary:

A cowboy like that could break your heart…

Fleeing her latest love-life disaster, big city journalist Libby Brown’s transition to rural living isn’t going exactly as planned. Her childhood dream has always been to own a farm-but without the constant help of her charming, sexy cowboy neighbor, she’d never make it through her first Wyoming season.

But he could sure keep you warm at night, too…

Handsome rancher Luke Rawlins is impressed by this sassy, independent city girl. But he yearns to do more than help Libby out with her ranch. He’s ready for love, and he wants to go the distance…
Then the two get embroiled in their tiny town’s one and only crime story, and Libby discovers that their sizzling hot attraction is going to complicate her life in every way possible…

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