Laura C’s review of Deadly Little Lies by Jeanne Adams
Romantic Suspense published by Zebra 01 Sep 11

Billionaire Davros Gianakopulos has lusted after Carrie McCray for years, but with his own murky past and her unfortunate one, he’s kept his distance. Finally he makes his move…just as a vengeful enemy from his past makes a move of his own. Soon Davros and Carrie are running for their lives in the jungles of Central America. Davros’ security team is close behind, but there are far more villains in the picture than any of them are aware and no one may get out alive.

Although romantic suspense is probably my favorite subgenre of romance, I think it is the hardest to write well. All too often one side–either the romance or the suspense–fails to satisfy. When it’s the suspense, I can forgive it because my emotions are still wrapped tight in the romance, but when it’s the romance, well, that I find more disturbing.

Unfortunately, while the suspense plot in Deadly Little Lies is nice and twisty, with different villains around every blind curve, with double and triple-crosses, the central romance falls flat. Compare these two sections, one of a conversation between the two main characters about their relationship, the other an action sequence:

This occurs about one-third through the book:

“I can’t tell you how much it meant to me that you believed in me.” She found his hand again, squeezed his fingers, then brought them to her cheek. “You never wavered, did you?”

“Never,” he said, because it was true. He couldn’t help it, he had to touch her, hold her and ease her sorrow.  Using the anchor of the hand she held, he moved closer, found her face with his other hand. “Carrie, you’re like a dark flame to me, with your beautiful black hair, your sapphire eyes, and your brilliant mind and wit. I carry a picture of you in my head.” He caressed her cheek, felt the dampness of a tear, but didn’t let that deter him. “I measure other women against you and they always come up lacking.”

Okay, let me just say that if my husband said that to me, I’d ask him where he put his…manly bits. And if a guy I was just dating said it? He’d be out the door before he knew what hit him (which would be my knee).  But they go on that way for the entire book!  It makes me want to scream.

And then the action:

Not good. Too many forces at odds. To many pieces on the chessboard.

He continued to watch, unwilling to shift the balance yet. He gritted his teeth when the men turned to the hole as well, having finished with their work at the road. They crept over to the same place Niko had, but they were more intent. When they aimed their weapons downward, he could see both night-scopes and suppressors. Shifting to his work, Jurgens sighed, focused and let out a long, slow breath.

Idiots.

He squeezed the trigger once, then twice. Pivoting fast, he shot again, taking out the sniper who had been watching the camp as intently as he had. The fact that that watcher hadn’t shot meant that he worked with these men. Therefore, he had to be taken off the chessboard.

Oh, so much more interesting! At various points Ms. Adams throws a little a conflict into the romance, but as readers we never take it very seriously. Too much has been given away already too quickly, so what we have is a romance novel with no build in the relationship.  The thriller part, no matter how much fun and how exciting, can’t overcome that.

(My recommendation? Read Jeanne Adams earlier series—Dark and Dangerous, and Dark and Deadly—instead. They’re both excellent.)

Grade: C+

Summary:

Billionaire industrialist Dav Gianikopolis believes in working hard and enjoying the fruits of your labors.  He believes in legacies, but given the dark and dangerous legacy his own father passed on, he’s not sure he really wants to take the chance on love and marriage.  Nearly getting killed – and having his best friend nearly die in his arms – changes his mind, and Dav decides its time to settle down.  He decides he’s going to marry Carrie McCray, the woman he’s been drawn to for years, but never been able to reach.  When she finally agrees to a date, everything goes horribly wrong and Dav and Carrie are kidnapped, whisked away to an unknown location, with the threat of death hanging over every move, every word.  Locked away underground in an impenetrable cell, how can Dav and Carrie survive, much less, escape?  When their captors are murdered before their eyes, with no warning, they must work together to escape, or perish.  Having finally found a woman he can trust, and maybe even love, Dav isn’t giving up, and neither are his friends and colleagues Gates Bromley and Ana Burton-Bromley.

Other books in this series:

Dinca’s review of Diablo (The Texans Series, Book 1) by Georgina Gentry
Historical Western Romance  published by Zebra 1 Feb 10

To read or not to read… that is the question. Here I find an above average hero and a wimpy heroine  with a disgusting villain and a whole ranch of spineless followers.

Diablo aka “He Not Worthy of a Name” was a Santee Sioux slave after his father was hanged. His mother was a white woman raped during an Indian raid. The young boy who had been disfigured, spent a tortured deprived life until Trace Durango found him starving and he and his wife took him in and nursed him back to health. They also schooled him and taught him to use a gun.

After a time he left the Durango Ranch and turned into Diablo the feared gunfighter. On the pretense of returning to Wyoming 15 years later as a hired gun for the range war, he sets his long-awaited revenge in motion.

Sunny is an obedient, beautiful daughter without a thought in her head that is not put there by someone else. I have a hard time with heroines like this. She has turned 18 and her father wants to send her back east to school? I found this a little late and unlikely. It is also unlikely to live near someone all your life and not know he has a volatile temper. Sunny did finally grow into a woman with a mind of her own, but it’s a long time in coming.  When she is held captive and having no clue where she is, she manages to escape, and after she gets back she manages to make a pharmacy run when Diablo gets hurts. Hello, the men hunting her get hurt trying to navigate the trail and she gets away and returns? I find this lame.

I also find the story long and drawn out with a lot of dry spells. The antagonist/villain, Hurd Kruger, is so obnoxious I would have done him in before the next chapter. As the story goes on, I find so much that needs to be said could have been left out. I started to put the book down at that point. I must say, I got a lot done on my “to do” list because of that, including my tax prep. That in itself does not say a lot for the book. Ah, back to Hurd the villain. Throughout the story everyone commented on his dying his mustache and hair. No one mentioned his gray should have been showing during his crazy loco obsession with getting Sunny back. Another character is Swen, Sunny’s father. No wonder she is a spineless shadow with her wimpy father as an example to follow.

At the end of the book is a list of references and notes about the Wyoming Ranch Association and the Sioux Indian rebellion. I wish these facts are embellished within the story. I’m not sure I’ll be reading anything else in the series after this.

Grade: C

Summary: Diablo
They call him “Devil,” and with good reason. The half-breed Santee Sioux bears the twisted scars that made him the fastest, deadliest gunfighter in Texas. Diablo will never forget the kind cattleman who once took him in, but it is his torturer who haunts his every thought. And when some powerful Wyoming ranchers come looking to hire ruthless men for a wicked job, Diablo seizes the opportunity to settle a score…

Her name is Sunny, and she more than lives up to it. She’s a dazzling ray of light—and the bride-to-be of Hurd Kruger, the man who scarred Diablo. What better way to destroy Kruger than to capture, dishonor, and dump his greatest prize? It’s a perfect plan, except for the one thing Diablo never counted on…the only thing that could turn him away from the dark side, the angel who could save his bedeviled soul…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

I have never heard of “The Friday 56″ but Shiloh Walker has her ‘Friday 56′ post up (looks like she does it every Friday).  Please go check it out and comment if she gets 56 comments she is donating to help Queensland floods.  She also asks:

“Also, if anybody-like one of my Aussie or New Zealand readers- know about a reliable charity that takes PayPal donations, please tell me-I do reserve the right to change the recipient of the donation-it will still be one located in Australia dealing with disaster relief. PayPal would make this international thing verra simple.”

Now on to my Friday 56:googling it looks like Frieda from Frieda’s Voice is the ‘host’ do correct me if I am wrong (I never do memishthings so have no clue how this works)

da rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56.
*Find any sentence that grabs you.
*Post it.
*Link it here.

“Goodness, Harrison, I don’t dislike you. I believe, as Charles did, that you have a great deal of potential if you would only get that very large stick out of your —-”

The Perfect Mistress by Victoria Alexander… Feb release but it looks like it is already out.  It is her first book with (back with?) Zebra.

And a book soon to be on the way to Sandy M, now back to packing books for reviewers and updating the spreadsheet… yay me

Sandy M’s review of Drink of Me by Jacquelyn Frank
Paranormal Romance published by Zebra 1 Nov 10

Every time I read a Jacquelyn Frank book, I’m sucked immediately into the new and inventive world she’s created, drawn to the amazing characters she introduces me to, and just awed page by page, each filled with mystery, danger, action, suspense, romance, and, most of all, compelling emotion.

In Drink of Me we meet the Sánge, blood drinkers who are reviled by all other races, so they live basically in isolation, in their own thriving city of Jeth. They are not vampires. They are not undead. They do have fangs and claws that emerge with intense emotion, from anger to lust and passion. The drinking of blood is shared for an all-consuming and utterly passionate climax during lovemaking. That is an experience in and of itself in this book.

Prime Reule is the Sánge leader, an exceptionally talented telepath and empath. He and his Pack keep all safe from outsiders, especially Jakals, a breed that should be the reviled one by all for the torture they heartlessly bestow on others to elicit the needed emotion for their survival. It’s during the rescue of one of his Pack from Jakals that Reule feels a sadness permeating his senses, a sorrow so deep it nearly takes him to his knees. Upon freeing his Packmate, the bone-burrowing emotion still emanates throughout the place, and he eventually finds what he believes to be a child, but who in actuality is a beautiful diamond-eyed, redheaded woman, torn and bloody, suffering amnesia due to a traumatic event her mind can’t tolerate.

Remembering nothing of her previous life, Mystique – the name Reule gives to her – does remember things about the Sánge, about healing and other such areas of life. The attraction to Reule, the camaraderie with his Pack, the place she now calls home is just want Mystique needs. She becomes an integral part of these people’s lives, with a few jealous exceptions, of course. Becoming the village physician after running off the quack before her is the way Mystique wins over most of the townspeople. Her memories come back little by little, but it’s not until an envoy from her far-away home arrives that she remembers the cruelty that sent her into near oblivion.

The fascinating part of this book is the telepathy, empathy, and special powers embodied by the characters. Some are more powerful than others, thus Reule being the Sánge leader because there is no one as powerful as he is. Each Packmate also has an additional special ability that has elevated them to their current positions to serve Reule and their people, the Assassin, the Blade, the Shadow and so on. Mystique’s healing powers are incredible, taking the pain of her patient into herself and other creative measures.

I also really like the brotherhood of the Pack. They fight side by side, would die for each other, and when one of them does die, a gaping hole results in their bond to one another. Their grieving ritual is deep and heartfelt. Another enjoyable tidbit is the dichotomy of their old-world morals, sensibilities, and ways of life in contrast to their powers and ways of thinking. They live with the ideals of an older era where women are not allowed to be alone with a man, they live in cottages with thatched roofs while Reule and his men live in a castle and dress accordingly, carry swords, and other such things. But their powers have a feel of a modern age when all things are possible.

And Reule is that perfect Alpha hero that I love to read. Insatiable, gritted teeth and clenched fists when anyone looks at, let alone deigns to touch, Mystique. And she holds her own with him, being the only one to stand up to him, to question him. His men do the same to a point, but they know when to back down. Mystique is the only one to totally get away with being in his face.

Once again, Jacquelyn Frank has awed me with her imagination and creativity with this new world she’s given readers. I wish this book was the beginning of a series – I’d love to read about the rest of the Pack members – but according to the author’s web site it’s a standalone story with nothing following, much to my disappointment. However, it seems as though there is something between the Shadow and Lia that begs to be told. So maybe we’re in for a surprise down the road. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.

Either way I know Ms. Frank will have more awe-inspiring stories for me in the future!

Grade: A+

Summary:

In a world where emotion can be a deadly weapon, one slight, battered runaway holds the key to a dark and twisted enigma…

Drink of me, she whispers, her silver eyes trusting, pleading. What female dares speak such words to one of the Sánge? His people are scorned by every race for their fierce sensuality, their fearful rituals. And as Prime, Reule is the most telepathically gifted of them all.

But nothing has prepared him for the intensity of emotion radiating from the outlander rescued by his Pack. Terrified, tormented, but beautiful beyond measure, Mystique shatters his legendary control. As she reaches for him in the steamy heat of the healing baths, he knows this blind need can have but one end…

In blood, in knowledge, in ecstasy.

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of The Christmas Knight by Michele Sinclair
Historical Romance published by Zebra 1 Oct 10

Michele Sinclair has created one of those romantic couples that I just love to read. A scarred hero who has buried his feelings and emotions so deep he never expects to love or be loved and a heroine who looks past those scars into his soul. And when they finally come together, the story only gets better.

Ranulf is a reluctant new nobleman, taking over when a cousin dies and King Henry bestows the title and land on him. We learn about Ranulf when the heroine’s father finally tracks him down and very cleverly forces his cooperation. I enjoyed this relationship between Laon and Ranulf as they sail toward home. It’s the first time a stranger has looked Ranulf in the eye — literally one eye, the result of an accident years before, leaving him sight-impaired and with the nickname Deadeye — and not been repulsed by what they see and is also honest in their dealings with him. When a shipboard accident takes Laon’s life, Ranulf promises to marry the man’s youngest daughter and keep the others safe.

During her father’s absence, Bronwyn takes care of all and sundry, including watching after her sisters. But when she’s confronted by a neighboring baron, a man who wants her only for the coin and land a joining would bring, she realizes he’s more dangerous than she’d ever imagined. And then when the new lord hies Bronwyn and her siblings to their old home, their only chance to be safe, now that they’re alone, is to leave, making their way to kin in Scotland. But when Ranulf is accidentally injured, Bronwyn is duty bound to nurse his wounds, and one of my favorite scenes in the book is Bronwyn caring for Ranulf, speaking to him, asking questions she would otherwise never ask because she thinks he’s asleep. Her caring, loving self emerges for him and his reaction to her words and touches is quite telling.

Life takes on a calmness for Ranulf, just being around Bronwyn. He’s a bit perturbed she’s chosen to lie about who she is, thinking to save her sister from him. But even that doesn’t diminish his admiration, his respect, his desire for her. She’s like no other woman he’s ever met, especially when it comes to his scarring. He becomes comfortable with Bronwyn and her people, finally comes to know what it means to be home. And when he loses her, nothing in the world matters any longer. Revenge taken for that loss doesn’t come close to healing the deepest wound Ranulf has ever endured.

This couple is very enjoyable to read about. Ranulf is a favorite of the king, a battle-hardened warrior who is also kindhearted, despite the tension he goes through when everyone he meets reacts to scars. But Bronwyn sees beneath all of that to the man he truly is. She gives him something more to live for than fighting and his contentment to be alone. I like that we get to read about their life together, working against conflict as partners for the most part, instead of that conflict keeping them apart too much.

I also like the secondary characters, especially Bronwyn’s sister, Edythe, and Ranulf’s best friend, Tyr. I’m going to assume, because their story is left up in the air by the end of this book, that they’re up next, but there’s nothing on the author’s web site to let us know for sure. They are an intriguing couple and their book should be a lot of fun.

The only nitpick I have is the head hopping. It’s back and forth and back and forth and back and forth over and over and over again throughout this book. It doesn’t take away from the story a lot, I was used to it by halfway through. But before that I kept looking back to figure out who’s POV we were now in and when it changed. Sometimes it’s every second or third paragraph that it changes, one time even changing from Lily to Bronwyn in the same paragraph. I’m not sure why this is happening more and more lately, but it reminds of the bodice rippers of the 1980s and it’s more difficult to read at times.

Other than that, this is a solid historical read which incorporates the medieval descriptions of the twelve days of Christmas at the beginning of each chapter to correspond with the day’s occurrences in that chapter, all quite interesting if you’re not familiar with any of it.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Her Only Hope For The Season

With their father gone this Christmastide, Bronwyn de Breton and her two younger sisters are utterly vulnerable at unprotected Hunswick Castle. And their troubles are compounded when a fearsome knight arrives on the king’s orders to take Hunswick as his own—and the youngest de Breton daughter as his wife.

Is A Man She’s Never Met

Bronwyn would never let her little sister be forced to marry a man as rough and wild as the new lord is whispered to be. Yet someone must form an alliance with him, or all of Hunswick will be at risk. So she steps forward, pretending to be her own sister.

And A Love She Never Expected

But the new lord is not so easily fooled. He knows Bronwyn is not the woman he has promised to marry. And yet, no matter how duty-bound he may be, there is no resisting the golden-haired beauty who so fearlessly gives herself to him…and awakens a passion unlike any he’s ever known.

Read an excerpt.

Ash’s review of Stranger (Blades of the Rose, Book 4) by Zoe Archer
Paranormal Romance published by Zebra 07 Dec 10

In the last book, Rebel, I got a bit tired of reading the same thing over and over. Thankfully, that’s not the case with Stranger. Zoe Archer adds enough of a change for me to get drawn back into this world she has created. Though it’s not without its own problems.

Catullus Graves is the nerdy, well-dressed, bespectacled brain of the Blades, which is not usually the type of hero I enjoy reading about. However, with Catullus, he has me the second he appears in the series. With Gemma, at first he’s unsure of himself around her, and I find him to be charming. He is not used to feeling that way around a woman and it throws him off. He gains confidence with her and he becomes a different man, and it’s damn sexy of him. I love watching him change and become a better person with Gemma. My only issue is that he is the amazing inventor, but we didn’t get to really see anything of his. I was looking forward to seeing what else he could come up with.

Gemma is also a character I enjoy. Typically I am not a fan of reporter heroines. I find too often that they come off as too stupid to live. It might be that fact that once she becomes involved with Catullus, there’s no time for her to be a reporter. Her job is really only mentioned when she is thinking of the discrimination she goes through as a female. Either way, I like her and she’s the perfect fit for Catullus. She accepts him as the eccentric he is, and she just feels like someone who it would be easy to be friends with.

As for the ongoing battle with the Heirs and the fight to protect the magical sources, I find I’m less interested in that. By this book I just want the rest to be over with, and I want more time with Catullus and Gemma. Once they split up from the rest of the Blades and start their own journey in the Otherworld is when I started to get back into it. The addition of faerie creatures, King Arthur, and Merlin help in a lot of ways, and it’s what was lacking in the previous three books. 

Stranger is a bunch of adventures one right after the other, some parts I enjoyed more, and some parts I found myself skimming through. At 500 pages, I feel that by the end I’m just ready for the final showdown. I did enjoy meeting again with the couples from the previous books and I am glad they were all there.

So, in the end I did enjoy this series, especially Stranger. I just wish I wasn’t always left wanting just a little bit more.

Grade: C+

Summary:

He protects the world’s magic—with his science.  But even the best scientists can fall prey to the right chemistry…

LOOKING FOR TROUBLE

Gemma Murphy has a nose for a story—even if the boys in Chicago’s newsrooms would rather focus on her chest.  So when she runs into a handsome man of mystery discussing how to save the world from fancy-pants Brit conspirators, she’s sensing a scoop.  Especially when he mentions there’s magic involved.  Of course, getting him on the record would be easier if he hadn’t caught her eavesdropping…

LIGHTING HIS FUSE

Catullus Graves knows what it’s like to be shut out: his ancestors were slaves.  And he’s a genius inventor with appropriately eccentric habits, so even people who love him find him a little odd.  But after meeting a certain red-headed scribbler, he’s thinking of other types of science.  Inconvenient, given that he needs to focus on preventing the end of the world as we know it.  But with Gemma’s insatiable curiosity sparking Catullus’s inventive impulses, they might set off something explosive anyway….

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Ash’s review of Rebel (Blades of the Rose, Book 3) by Zoe Archer
Paranormal Romance published by Zebra 01 Nov 10

Another adventure following the Blades of the Rose as they try to save the world, but sadly I’m a bit mixed on this book.

My biggest problem with this book is that it is almost exactly the same, plot-wise, as the previous two. Boy meets girl, boy and girl must run from the Heirs to protect something while falling in love, then boy and girl battle the Heirs. While the names and locations change, the rest remains the same. Most of the time I was able to overlook that because I enjoyed Nathan and, for the most part, Astrid as well.

Nathan is more of the brooding, mysterious type of hero that I so enjoy. Compared to him, Astrid is a bit dull. I feel he deserves someone more interesting, but as a person I like her. She is strong and capable of almost anything. She holds her own next to dominant Nathan and they are truly equals in their relationship.

This time around, Nathan and Astrid are being chased across the Canadian frontier, searching for three sources that can give the owner power over a tribe of shape changers. Nathan happens to be a part of this tribe, and I enjoyed having a magic user as a main character. It adds something new to the story that I was looking for in the previous books.

By the time it comes to battle the Heirs, I wasn’t as into it as I wanted to be. Again I feel like I had read it before, the only excitement the addition of zombies into the mix. Sadly, they aren’t as involved as I hoped and, in fact, the big fight scene ends almost exactly how I was expecting. The war continues without any real resolution, aside from some revenge that got taken care of.

The best part of Rebel is Cattullus Graves, the best-dressed inventor. His story is up next and I think it is the one I have been looking forward to the most. He is not so easy to label and I am excited to get into his head. The epilogue of Rebel is him and his heroine-to-be and it leaves me wanting more. While I didn’t find this story as exciting as the others, I am still a big fan of Zoe Archer and the Blades of the Rose.

Grade: B -

Summary:

On the Canadian frontier in 1875, nature is a harsh mistress. But the supernatural can really do you in…

A LONE WOLF

Nathan Lesperance is used to being different. He’s the first Native attorney in Vancouver, and welcome neither with white society nor his sometime tribe. Not to mention the powerful wildness he’s always felt inside him, too dangerous to set free. Then he met Astrid Bramfield and saw his like within her piercing eyes. Now, unless she helps him through the harsh terrain and the harsher unknowns of his true abilities, it could very well get him killed…

AND THE WOMAN WHO LEFT THE PACK

Astrid has traveled this path before. Once she was a Blade of the Rose, protecting the world’s magic from unscrupulous men, with her husband by her side. But she’s loved and lost, and as a world-class frontierswoman, she knows all about survival. Nathan’s searing gaze and long, lean muscles mean nothing but trouble. Yet something has ignited a forgotten flame inside her: a burning need for adventure, for life—and perhaps even for love…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Ash’s review of Scoundrel by Zoe Archer
Paranormal Romance released by Zebra 01 Oct 10

I really loved the first book in this series, Warrior, and when that happens I am always scared to read the second. I didn’t have much to worry about though, Zoe Archer delivers with Scoundrel.

We are back with the Blades of the Rose and this time it’s Bennett Day off to save the world. He is the scoundrel of the story and everyone knows it. I absolutely loved Bennett. He is a ladies man, but he’s not a jerk about it. He says that he loves every woman he is with and I believe it. It goes to show how great of a guy he is that I don’t mind that he is the love ‘em and leave ‘em type. When he meets London he of course wants her, and I was happy to see that when he finds out who she really is, he doesn’t treat her like she enemy. He is different from the norm, at least the norm I see with his type of character. He lets London know that he has no plans to stick around, yet when he finds himself falling in love with her, he doesn’t fight it. He admits to her that he’s in love, he doesn’t get mad or try to walk away when he realizes his feelings. My thoughts while reading it were that finally, a story with a man not afraid of love. I couldn’t get enough of him.

London I didn’t like as much, or rather I didn’t feel much towards her either way. She was just there and I didn’t find her up to par with the rest of the characters. I felt like Bennett deserved someone better, more interesting. She does have some redeeming qualities though, like the fact she doesn’t freak out over the littlest, or biggest, things. Her whole world is turned upside down and she does the smart thing and realizes the truth when it’s in front of her. And when Bennett says he loves her, she doesn’t just assume that he is in love with her. One thing I really hate is a heroine who gets the wrong idea from just sleeping with a guy. She acted like a smart woman and not like some love sick teenager.

The action part was the best to me. It takes place mostly at sea while they try to track down a magical artifact before the bad guys, who are close behind them. There are numerous fights between the two groups, and the Blades really have to work hard to get to where they are going. There are mermaids, giants, magical fish, and some terrific friends to help. The two other people aboard the ship are the witch Athena, and Kallas, the boats captain. They added something special to the story, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship change over the course of the book. I am looking forward to what else Zoe Archer can come up with.

Grade: B+

Summary:

READY FOR ACTION…

London Harcourt’s father is bent on subjugating the world’s magic to British rule. But since London is a mere female, he hasn’t bothered to tell her so. He’s said only that he’s leading a voyage to the Greek isles. No matter, after a smothering marriage and three years of straitlaced widowhood, London jumps at the opportunity—unfortunately, right into the arms of Bennett Day.

RISKING IT ALL…

Bennett is a ladies’ man, when he’s not dodging lethal attacks to protect the powers of the ancients from men like London’s father. Sometimes, he’s a ladies’ man even when he is dodging them. But the minute he sees London he knows she will require his full attention. The woman is lovely, brilliant, and the only known speaker of a dialect of ancient Greek that holds the key to calling down the wrath of the gods. Bennett will be risking his life again—but around London, what really worries him is the danger to his heart…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Ash’s review of Warrior (The Blades of the Rose, Book 1) by Zoe Archer
Paranormal Romance released by Zebra 07 Sep 10

After reading Warrior, Zoe Archer has become a must read for me.  I loved everything about it and I hate that the next book is not out already.

Gabriel and Thalia are two characters that I couldn’t get enough of. Gabriel is just an awesome hero and I want him for myself. He is one of a kind, and I love him. My first thought of him is that he’s just like Indiana Jones, without the whole switching-women-like-underwear thing.

There is never a doubt that he wants Thalia for the long run. Thalia is another great addition to the book. My biggest issue with historical books is that I can’t stand women from those time periods. Thalia, however, is not a prim and proper lady. She will get down and dirty as well as any man, and she is not ashamed of it. She is someone I would want as a friend. Watching these two fall in love is almost beautiful in that it isn’t all about sex or danger bringing them together. While there is certainly both of those things, you just know that they are meant to be.

Magic plays a very important role, but it’s not shoved in your face. Thalia and Gabriel are racing to protect a magical artifact, but there isn’t much active magic going on. It’s not packed full of spells, but the amount is just enough for the story.

The same goes for the bad guys. They could have easily become the typical group out to destroy the world, but again Zoe Archer proves she knows how to create a character that is just right.

The setting for Warrior is mostly Mongolia. I am pretty sure this is the first book I have read set there, and Zoe Archer made me feel like I was there. I could see it all in my mind perfectly. It has as much of a presence as anything else. I truly felt like I was going on an adventure. It’s the perfect blend of magic, danger, and romance.

This is a must read for anyone looking for a fun, exciting tale of love and adventure.

Grade: A

Summary:

IN HOT PURSUIT…

The vicious attack Capt. Gabriel Huntley witnesses in a dark alley sparks a chain of events that will take him to the ends of the Earth and beyond—where what is real and what is imagined become terribly confused. And frankly, Huntley couldn’t be more pleased. Intrigue, danger, and a beautiful woman in distress—just what he needs.

IN HOTTER WATER…

Raised thousands of miles from England, Thalia Burgess is no typical Victorian lady. A good thing, because a proper lady would have no hope of recovering the priceless magical artifact Thalia is after. Huntley’s assistance might come in handy, though she has to keep him in the dark. But this distractingly handsome soldier isn’t easy to deceive…

Read an excerpt.



Ash’s review of A Knight’s Enchantment by Lindsay Townsend
Historical Romance released by Zebra 1 Jun 10

I don’t really have anything really bad to say about A Knight’s Enchantment, but sadly I don’t really have anything really good to say either.

This book starts off pretty well, Joanna and Hugh do not get along right away and I enjoy it when a couple starts off at odds with each other. Sadly it never really goes anywhere. What could have been steamy tension just slowly turned into they like each other, and by then I just didn’t care enough to see where else they take it. I was  bored by both of them, together and apart. Hugh had the potential to be a great hero, but every time he started to get interesting, it was on to the next scene. I didn’t care for Joanna from the start. I cared more for Hugh’s brother, who was never even really around.

The big “issue” is, again, boring. They have to save their loved ones who are imprisoned together. Instead of doing the smart thing and working together, they continue to make things harder on themselves. This book just lacked any spark for me, and it was turning into a chore to read.I think this story is more for someone looking for a charming love story, rather than an exciting romance.

Also, it doesn’t really have to do with the story, but I just have to throw this in. It annoys me greatly that on the summary it claims Hugh is captivated by Joanna’s beauty, when his first thought after seeing her is  “She was not even pretty: too tanned and long-nosed, and her hair was not blond”. Just another pet peeve of mine I suppose.

Grade: DNF

Summary:
Desperate to liberate her father who is being held prisoner by the corrupt Bishop Thomas, Joanna of Glastonbury must use her skills as an alchemist to produce an elixir for eternal life. Gold is a key ingredient, and while panning for its rare gleam, Joanna struggles to rescue a boy who is drowning – until a knight comes to her aid. When Joanna lays eyes on the handsome man, a scorching desire is sparked deep within her.

Hugh Manhill is captivated by Joanna’s stunning beauty. When he and Joanna discover they share a mutual hatred of the Bishop, they devise a daring plan to save their imprisoned family members. Their common mission strengthens their undeniable bond. Soon, neither can resist their all-consuming passion as they risk all for love…

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of Lord of the Isles by Debbie Mazzuca
Time Travel Romance published by Zebra 1 Apr 10

I wanted to read this book because it’s a time travel, which is a favorite paranormal read for me. While the actual time traveling part of the story is pretty good, it’s the characters who I never really warmed up to until the very end, which is a little too late to bring a reader around to that “wow” factor that’s needed to make it a great read.

Ali is a medical intern with some issues going on in her job, so she’s taken a modeling job in Scotland to let things die down at home. (Not sure where the modeling came from.) She ends up at Castle Dunvegan instead of her hotel. With a storm unleashing, the cabbie can’t get his taxi up a hill to the hotel, so the woman gets out of the car, hefts her luggage from the trunk and begins to walk, her bag’s wheels sticking in the mud the whole way. Huh? She’s a medical student, for heaven’s sake, with more brains than that. At least I would think so. She couldn’t head back to spend a dry night in the closest town the cab could get to, then make her way to her intended destination?

Of course not. Without the fae intervening in the most obtrusive way, it seems. Anyway, making her way to Dungevan, the keeper welcomes her, gives her a spot of tea and a tour , regaling her with the ancient story of Clan MacLeod and the fairy flag, which was given to the clan to use in times of urgent need only.

Having finally retired for the night to wait out the storm, Ali is in the throes of the most wonderfully erotic dream, making love with one of those Scots romance readers like to read about. Only it’s not a dream. She’s somehow been thrown back to the time and in the bed of Laird Rory MacLeod.

Rory has been wounded in battle, and his kinsmen decide fae help is needed, thus Ali and her medical knowledge are the answer sent to them when they wave the fairy flag. Thrown for a loop not only at the appearance out of nowhere of a woman in his bed, she also bears a remarkable likeness to his late wife, his guilt over her death not abated. He has vowed never to love or marry again, concentrating instead on his duty to his clan. Rory also has to protect Ali from those of his clan who are too superstitious when it comes to her doctoring, things folks of his time have never seen.

So begins the usual big misunderstandings that happen in romance novels; the usual high-handed, ignorant priest looking to burn someone at the stake for witchcraft; the make-up sex — which is a little too defined in description in this case — after a fight; and a heroine who can do everything, including escaping a castle tower with a rope of sheets and no injury. Hmmmmm. We never get beyond what we’ve all read before.

I actually enjoyed some of the secondary characters more than the hero and heroine. While Rory at times doubted Ali, his brother, Iain, never did. He was her champion all the way around, no questions asked. Ali’s protection of her maid, who is hounded by the above-mentioned priest, is admirable, but she takes her modern woman-of-the-world attitude a smidge too far at times. I did like the twist in the story at the end, something I didn’t see coming after all of the above I saw from a mile away.

This book is an okay read, just really fluffy, I guess you could say, with the time travel mode and the twist at the end being the only things different from the norm.

Grade: C

Summary:

After travelling to Scotland on business, the bed of a highland laird is the last place Ali Graham expected to wake up. But there’s no mistaking the irresistibly masculine Scottish Highlander whose chambers she’s accidentally infiltrated—or the severe wound he’s suffered in battle. As a doctor, Ali knows how to heal his injury, how to nurse his body back to health. What she doesn’t know is how to heal his heart…

A proud warrior and the leader of a powerful clan, Rory MacLeod is ready to fight to the death to protect his homeland. After all, ever since tragedy robbed him of his wife, he has had nothing to lose. Yet the mysterious woman sent to tend his wounds is beginning to reawaken something inside him—something that he’d rather stay buried. But when true passion is mixed with Scottish magic, even the most fearsome warrior could begin to fall…

Read an excerpt.

Holly‘s review of If He’s Wild (Wherlocke 3) by Hannah Howell
Historical Paranormal Romance released by Zebra 25 May 2010

It’s no secret that I’m a total Hannah Howell fangirl. I own every book she’s ever written – and multiple copies of my favorites. I stopped reading the Murray series awhile back because I felt it was becoming very repetitive, but that hasn’t stopped me from buying them.

Because she’s become kind of repetitive, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this new series. I read the second book, If He’s Sinful, and enjoyed it, but the slow pacing bothered me. The first in the series, If He’s Wicked, I can’t seem to recall right now (I think I read it, but the details are hazy). I’m thinking I’ll go back and re-read it now, however. The pacing issues of the second book were cleared up in this one, and I really enjoyed the overall story and the characters.

Alethea is a strong woman, but not as in-your-face about it as many other Howell heroines. She has a core of inner strength, but she isn’t a warrior or a fighter. Her strength is more emotional. Each of the members of her family, The Vaughns, and their close relations, The Wherlockes, have some kind of special “gift”. Alethea’s is visions. If she touches something belonging to someone else she will often have visions of that person and what they were doing while touching the item. She also has “knowings” or strong feelings about things to come. She doesn’t really see the future, so much as have visions of things that have happened or might happen in the future.

This isn’t always easy for people to accept, so she’s concerned about how the Marquis of Redgrave will react when she comes to tell him she’s had a vision of him dying. I understood her reluctance to share, and the reasons why her family is so reclusive and secretive about their gifts, but it was harped on a bit too much, IMO. Once the point was made, it could have been dropped.

Hartley was my favorite type of hero. He was strong and capable, yet willing to acknowledge his softer emotions. He cared greatly for his family, and he makes no secret about wanting a true marriage with Alethea. He doesn’t really believe in love, but he believes in companionship, trust, loyalty and fidelity. He’s protective, but not smothering. Best of all, he appreciates Alethea’s gift and those of her family. It took a bit of convincing, but once he realizes the truth behind what they can do, he’s totally supportive.

The suspense aspect was interesting, only because the villains are well known right from the start. The trouble comes from figuring out a way to expose them, since most of the knowledge of their misdeeds come from Alethea and her family’s gifts. Though I will say the villains are typical for Howell, and not surprising in the least. Sometimes I wonder if she doesn’t particularly like women, or if she’s just trying to prove the point that women can be worse than men and they shouldn’t be underestimated. Maybe a combination of the two?

Overall I enjoyed the story. The characters were well drawn and delightful, especially Alethea and her family. I was somewhat disappointed in Hartley’s niece and nephew, though. I expected them to be more traumatized than they were. I would have liked to see that aspect explored a bit more.

Grade: B+

She Sees His Face Everywhere…

Lady Alethea Vaughn Channing is haunted by a vision of a man in danger—the same man who she has seen in dreams time and time again. She doesn’t even know his name, and yet she feels the connection between them, knows she is the only one standing between him and disaster.

…Yet They Have Never Met

But rakish Lord Hartley Greville is capable of protecting himself, as he has proven more than once in his perilous work as a spy for the crown. If he’s to carry out his duty, he’ll need to put aside the achingly beautiful woman with the strange gift. And yet, when Alethea’s visions reveal a plot that could endanger children, Hartley will not be able to ignore the destiny that binds them together—or resist the passion burning between them…

Read an excerpt here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grade: B

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

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

Read an excerpt here.

Limecello’s review of One Perfect Rose by Mary Jo Putney
Historical romance reprint by Zebra 1 Apr 10 (originally released Jul 97)

I’m not sure what prompted me to buy and read this book. I’m pretty sure it was very reasonably priced and people on twitter told me they loved it, so I listened to the hive mind and made a purchase. That, and I’d been wanting to read a historical romance, and was feeling nostalgic and sentimental, so reading a novel by Mary Jo Putney just fit. Ms. Putney seems to have a fixation with heroes that are dying, presumed dead, or generally missing. Or, it seems a number of her books that I’ve read have that theme.

All in all, this was an average read. Parts of it reminded me why I started out reading historical romances, and actually read historical romances exclusively. At the same time, I found myself flipping through parts and giving bits the old grad school read. Suffice it to say I have mixed feelings about this story.

The premise of the book was quite interesting, as were the characters. For some reason it didn’t all come together completely for me… but the plot and the characters are cute. The premise of the book promises so much. I think I was a bit thrown by the fact that the hero believes he’s dying throughout the novel. It adds some immediacy and humanity to his character, but I didn’t feel quite as sympathetic as I thought I should be.

The heroine, Rosalind Jordan is quite likable, and extremely competent. She easily could have become a Cinderella type character, but Ms. Putney gives her a warm and loving family. Rosalind is almost interesting because of her family, not in and of herself. There’s a slight plot twist which elevates Rosalind, and almost feels too pat, but could make perfect sense with a slight stretch of imagination. Rosalind definitely isn’t your typical heroine, and I enjoyed that aspect about her. She could have fallen into a number of stereotypes, but doesn’t. I wish I had connected with her character better.

Stephen Kenyon, Duke of Ashburton, after learns that he is dying leaves home and all responsibilities. Stephen ends up meeting Rosalind’s family, and stays with them for a bit, in this idyllic jaunt of sorts. I hesitate to use the word “selfish,” because he isn’t truly, but Stephen decides to pursue Rosalind because he wants her and cannot give her up. I liked the depth of emotion and the fact that Stephen is finally acting for himself in the first time of his life. The fact that Stephen is so warm towards Rosalind, and a kind person makes this much more acceptable than with your typical hero.

NB* the ebook I got was deeply flawed. About 50% of the time the word “the” was replaced by “die” which is quite disconcerting. There were also numerous typos, where a word was made of consonants. Generally I could figure out what the word was by shape (definitely not by number of letters) – or luckily a character would repeat the jumbled word in subsequent dialogue. [This may or may not have affected how I felt about the book.]

In the end, I am glad I read this book, and miss these types of historicals. It reminded me that romances were (and some still are) books of substance, with complexities, and plot twists that were unpredictable and clever. (A lot happens in this novel.) I definitely hope to read another book like this soon. This book is a reprint, and I know it was well received when first published I believe in 1997 – New York Time best seller, etc.

Grade: C+

Stephen Kenyon, Duke of Ashburton, has always taken the duties of his rank seriously — until shocking news sends him running from his isolating world of wealth and privilege to roam the countryside as an ordinary man. When he meets the lovely Rosalind Jordan, a foundling who has grown into an enchanting, compassionate woman, she stirs the deepest desires of his heart. Yet how can Stephen declare his love when he is haunted by the knowledge that made him flee his old life? And how can Rosalind risk loving a man who fulfills her secret dreams but can never be hers?

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of Audrey and the Maverick by Elaine Levine
Historical Western Romance published by Zebra 1 Feb 10

I was in the mood for a western romance lately, so I picked up this book. For the most part, it works. But it has a couple of issues that don’t make sense. Even when those issues have to do with the characters, Ms. Levine still does a credible job of giving readers a nice read chockful of cowboys, danger, and love western style.

Audrey Sheridan is under the Defiance sheriff’s thumb. He’s threatening the orphaned children who now make up her family. Either she does as he says or the children will get hurt. Having no choice, Audrey steals Julian McCaid’s pouch of money just after he steps off the train, putting herself right in his path and calling his attention to her.

Julian is in Defiance on his way to his sheep ranch, determined to get it in order before he heads back east where he’ll begin to court a short list of ladies, one eventually becoming his wife. He has his future all thought out, and no one will ever be able to shame him again because of his past.

Punishment for stealing his money, Audrey will spend the next month at Hell’s Gulch as the new cook, until she works off the total amount. She leaves her children in her brother Malcolm’s care, promising to return when the kids’ abandonment issues rise to the fore again.

Audrey has spunk. She’s had to survive not only for her and her brother but also the orphans, so she’s good at making ends meet. But once she’s been on the ranch with Julian for a bit, I never understood why she just didn’t tell him the truth and ask him to pack up the children and bring them to ranch. Problem solved. At least as far as the children are concerned. The sheriff would have to find another way to threaten Julian to leave the area if that happened. Her trust in Julian comes much, much later and that’s a little disappointing.

Julian also has a couple of inconsistencies that don’t make sense. He has a very small amount of Negro ancestry in his blood, so he’s vowed to never marry, and he knows if anyone ever found out, his business would go south and any would-be wife would be shamed. But he’s contemplating that short list of potential wives I mentioned earlier.Well, make up your mind, Julian, one way or the other.

On his ranch he’s building a large, very beautiful house. Audrey falls in love with it and begins to decorate it for him. But as soon as all of his affairs are straightened out, he’s back on the train headed east. Why bother with furniture and curtains and beds and all that goes into making it a home if he’s not going to live in it? Of course, there is a use for it later on, but that doesn’t come out until near the end of the book, so all the decorating seemed pointless for the longest time.

What I especially like about Julian, however, is when he begins to unconsciously fall for Audrey, he accepts her children with qualms at all. And he’s just wonderful with all of them, even the youngest. There are a couple of scenes with Julian and those youngens that will make you quite misty-eyed.

Overall, I like this book. I’m able to get past those few issues because I truly do like these characters. Ms. Levine has a terrific voice for this genre and she paints a really pretty picture of the old west, danger and all. She’s also intrigued me with the characters who will be featured in the next book, Leah and the Avenger. Now I just have to find the first book to get totally caught up with those characters who also have a part in this book.

If you’re a western fan, try this one. Keep an open mind and I think you’ll enjoy it too.

Grade: B-

Summary:

Virginia financier Julian McCaid has put his troubled past behind him. His plans for the future don’t include Audrey Sheridan, the extraordinary frontier woman he met just once, but it’s because of her that he’s come to the Dakota Territory to investigate problems at his ranch. And it’s all the more surprising when he discovers she isn’t the innocent he believed. Now nothing but her complete surrender will purge her from his soul.

If it weren’t for the children she cares for in her makeshift orphanage, Audrey would have left Defiance long ago. Now the sheriff is blackmailing her to distract the man who might derail his corrupt schemes—a man who can offer Audrey not just protection, but a passion bold enough to make them claim their place in this harsh and beautiful land…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Lady of Scandal by Tina Gabrielle
Historical Romance published by Zebra 1 Sep 09

This is Tina Gabrielle’s debut novel, and she’s done a terrific job. Though there’s a part here and there in the book that we’ve read before, Ms. Gabrielle makes up for that with a hero and heroine who are strong and independent and who are seething with passion. It’s that passion that surprises them both in their journey together and that gives the reader a one heck of a steamy, wicked time.

Victoria Ashton is ahead of her time. She’s learned on the sly how to play the stock market and she’s done a moderately successful job of it, especially because she can’t be on the trading floor due to her gender. Her intelligence is a hindrance to her finding a husband, however. Those gentlemen of the ton don’t want a wife smarter than they are. Most of her proceeds have gone to keep her gambler brother out the local loan shark’s hands. But she’s made money that’s her own if ever she needs it.

Needing vengeance and justice, Blake has returned to London to break the one man he holds responsible for the destruction of his family. Years before Charles Ashton turned on his partner, who then committed suicide instead of facing financial ruin, which led to the man’s family becoming destitute and living in the poorhouse where Blake’s mother and sister subsequently died. Being a boy at the time, he’s had to wait for his chance to make sure Ashton pays for his deceit.

Blake’s plans change slightly when he comes face to face with Victoria on his return. What better way to begin her father’s ruin than by ruining the woman herself. His proposal to Charles Ashton is either pay the debt owing to Blake immediately or allow Victoria to be Blake’s mistress for a year. Victoria’s father doesn’t even hesitate. He’s far more concerned with his comfort and what the ton will think of him. And the man only gets worse as the story goes on. If you feel nothing else for Victoria throughout this book, you will definitely feel for her when it comes to her father.

Once she’s in his home, Blake has a change of heart and wants to slowly woo and seduce Victoria. As spirited as she is, she must also be passionate and Blake is determined to bring that side of her out. Being the woman she is, Victoria really has no chance against him once he puts his mind to seducing her for all the right reasons.

Of course, things don’t go exactly to plan, they have to improvise as they go along and even fight more evil in the end. They are an enjoyable couple, and when things begin to work for them, you can’t help but like them. I like Ms. Gabrielle’s writing, it’s perfect for this genre. I look forward to more of her books in the future.

Grade: B

Summary:

Victoria Ashton has intelligence and ambition – qualities of little value to most marriage-minded gentlemen of the ton. Her own father has no idea of Victoria’s hidden life as an anonymous trader in London’s stock market. But her hopes of independence are shattered when her father’s enemy, Blake Mallorey, assumes Charles Ashton’s debts and presents Victoria with a stark choice: live with him as his mistress for one year, or condemn her family to bankruptcy. For years Blake has dreamed of justice, and his scheme becomes all the sweeter when he sees the beauty that Victoria has become. Scoundrel he may be, but Blake will not force anyone into his bed. He intends to entice Victoria, one wicked kiss at a time. But with a woman as spirited and sensual as Victoria, seduction works both ways – and a plan rooted revenge can blossom into a scandalous passion…

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of Desiring the Highlander (Highlander Series, Book 3) by Michele Sinclair
Historical Romance published by Zebra 1 Dec 09

This is my first Michele Sinclair book and it is definitely not going to be my last. And I’m sorry it’s my first book of hers. This is the third in her series and I know I missed a couple of great stories in not reading the first two yet. I’m a huge fan of Scottish historicals, and Ms. Sinclair has just become a favorite new author of mine with her alpha-but-sensitive heroes, intelligent and level-headed heroines, and romance to die for.

Cole McTiernay has spent years hating everything English, keeping a vow to avenge his best friend’s death at their hands. He keeps all emotion locked inside, letting only his hatred out when need be. Talked into doing a favor for his sister-in-law, Cole rides into England to pick up something important to her. What he ends up with is a spitfire of a woman, and though she is English, she intrigues him like no other woman ever has.

Feigning madness to keep all prospective husbands at bay, Ellenor has her escape from her brother-in-law planned out, but everything is ruined when she’s handed over to a trio of Scotsmen to deliver her to an unknown destination. She’s left one frightening situation for another, but as she gets to know their leader, a man who keeps the world on the outside just as she does, she is amazed to find that his touch makes her feel safe.

I absolutely loved this couple. They have their own fears and ways of dealing with the lot life has handed them. But when they come together and recognize this in one another, they begin a tremulous but beautiful relationship that grows into a love of a lifetime. Of course, it’s not quite that easy for them.

Cole is on the brink of being named laird of a ragtag clan that needs leadership, but it is his inability to connect with people that is holding his selection back. Elle still fears a man’s touch after a horrifying night that leaves her father dead. As their love grows, they also help each other see that what they need to move on in life is inside them, just waiting to be let free to guide them along. They each have what the other needs to move past their fears, and this is done so extremely well by Ms. Sinclair.

It is Cole who has to make the decision to grab this new life that’s his for the taking. Elle has done all she can to prove to him what they have together will work if he’ll only give it a chance. It’s not until Ellenor’s life is in danger that he knows he must take hold of his own destiny with this incredible woman who only wants to love him.

I like the fact that there are seven books planned in this series, one for each McTiernay brother. For a reader who loves to read about brothers and Scottish historicals, I believe I”ve hit a gold mine. I’m looking forward to every single one of them.

Grade: A+

Summary:

Ellenor Howell’s perfect world unraveled in one terrifying night and she vows to piece together a new future, one that is safe and far from the reach of any man. Attempts to marry her off have failed and she is weeks away from fleeing England and her nightmares, when a hulking giant arrives, determined to take her to his brother’s home.

With each ploy she devises to escape her captor, the infuriating Highlander is one step ahead, and her desire to leave the safety of his arms wanes. For inexplicably, whenever the man is around, her fear of being touched disappears and she remembers what is like to be wild and carefree. She wants her freedom, but with each minute that passes in the scowling Highlander’s presence, Ellenor begins to realize that what she really wants is the one thing she can’t have…his heart.

Cole has good reason to despise Ellenor Howell. She is not only English and someone he is honor bound to hate, but she is proud of it. She is also aggravating, stubborn, and enjoys challenging everything he says or does. It should have made it simple for him to stay away.

Instead, he finds himself drawn to her, as she continually understands him in ways no one else does. But as he helps free her from the memories of her past, his desire for the tawny-haired beauty grows, and he rediscovers pieces of his soul he thought forever dead.

As their time together draws to an end, he must make a choice…forsake a solemn promise he made long ago committing him to a solitary life, or make a new one to his sworn enemy who has the power to open his heart and heal his wounds with love.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of A Cowboy Christmas by Janette Kenny
Historical Western Romance published by Zebra 1 Oct 09

This book started out really good for me. I immediately liked the writing. Ms. Kenny does a terrific job of getting all things western down on paper. But at about the three-quarter mark, I started getting a little antsy, I never seemed to really get totally invested in the hero and heroine. And the reason I picked this book up is for the Christmas aspect, but that didn’t seem to come across all that well either.

Ellie Jo has found her father on the Crown Seven ranch and she’s determined to have one last Christmas with him before she heads to San Francisco and a teaching job at a girls’ school. She’s just lost her fiance when her awful past reared its ugly head, so starting new in California is hopefully the right thing to do. Taking over for the ranch’s cook, Ellie does her best to prepare meals for the ranch’s owner, Reid Barclay, but someone is sabotaging her every step of the way.

She’s the only woman in a very long time who has appealed to Reid, but with his past hanging over his head, forgiving himself for that past is not something he can do, and now with people getting closer and closer to the elusive Slim, Reid can’t offer a thing to Ellie for the future. Besides, he can tell she’s got secrets too and she’s refusing to talk to him about it all. And she certainly isn’t a cook, as evidenced by the meals she puts on his table, but when he touches her and kisses her, he’s more than ready to forgive her her deceit.

On top of all of this, Ellie finds out Reid is engaged and it’s up to her to prepare the wedding feast and decorate the ranch house for the holiday festivities. But what engaged man acts the way Reid does, stealing kisses and embraces. And why can’t Ellie tell him to stop when she finds herself on the receiving end of all that pleasure? They’re both in a difficult bind with no good solution all the way around. And, of course, there is a villain that has his hands in every part of the goings-on with all the characters, and I have to say that I did like Reid’s solution in taking of care of that jerk.

I liked the majority of this book. The characters start out to be quite interesting, secrets and all, but after a while they lost their interest for me. Their growth became stagnant and once it picked up again, it just wasn’t the same as before and I couldn’t get back into the story.

Plus the fact that Ellie talks about Christmas, remembers the holidays of her past, decorates the house, and tries to get everyone into the spirit of the season, but that’s all it was, was talk. I never felt Christmas during the times it’s discussed in the story. From the blurb on the back cover, I was looking forward to a nice holiday story and that just never came to be.

However, I do like taking a gander at this book’s cover every so often. I love that chiseled face on the hero, just how I picture a cowboy to look. Needless to say, I took quite a number of peeks while reading.

Grade: C

Summary:

Reid Barclay doesn’t have time for Christmas, not with trouble brewing at the Crown Seven Ranch. He’s got prize thoroughbreds to protect, and an long-ago wrong that he wants to make right. But the beautiful cook who’s taken over the ranch kitchen is a welcome distraction, even if Ellie Jo Cade burns everything from gingerbread to roast beef. Her sweet face and womanly figure are pure temptation…

Cornhusk angels…bright berry garlands…spun-sugar snow—everything about Christmas holds fond memories for Ellie Jo. She’s doing her best to make peace with an ornery wood-burning stove and make the old ranch house truly festive. All she wants is to believe in Reid…and the only-at-Christmas magic that makes hearts glow…

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of Santa in a Stetson by Janet Dailey
Contemporary Romance published by Zebra 1 Oct 09

I haven’t read Janet Dailey in years. I loved her Calder saga when it began back in 1999. (I actually thought it was later than that, but that’s what the websites I checked say.) I read the first four books of that series because that’s all there was at that time. I’ve yet to start the second half of it, but they are in the TBR pile. After reading this book, I’m all the more curious to start the Calders at the beginning just to see if they have the same punch as they did all those years ago. I’m having my doubts, however. Santa in a Stetson is hopefully not vintage Dailey after so much time. I’m hoping she’s better than what I just experienced or remember.

The biggest nitpick with this book is Ms. Dailey doesn’t seem to have grown with the years as far love/sex scenes in romance. Yes, there’s the sweet and sensual for readers who don’t care to get totally nekkid when reading, but this book barely skims sweet or sensual. You have to keep up to date even when you’re old fashioned, and Ms. Dailey just plain misses the mark with this story. There’s not even the smallest beginnings of a sizzle between this couple.

And if you’re looking for a Christmas read, this ain’t it. Whoever titled this book also missed the mark. Big time. Christmas doesn’t even come into the story until very, very late in the book, and though Lije receives a Stetson as a gift, that’s just not what I had pictured in my head of what could conceivably happen in this book. And he doesn’t even play Santa.

Lije and Diana meet while she’s on a photo shoot on a Texas ranch where a local rodeo is going on, Lije being a participant, and they have a whirlwind of a time with each other. They both fall hard for the other very quickly. It’s Lije who does the hard part and says goodbye for them to go their separate ways when the time comes. But it’s Diana who takes the first step toward love, giving up her modeling career to tell Lije she loves him and she wants a future with him.

They marry just as quickly, and just as quickly Diana has doubts about what she’s done the very second she steps onto Lije’s ranch. This was a huge stumbling block for me. She didn’t even give the man a minute’s worth of confidence, worried only that she’s a city girl, the ranch is run down, she’s used to nicer things, maybe she’s made a mistake. I’d have to say it was Lije who made the mistake, seems he got the short end of the stick. More happens, of course, to cause discord between them. Diana eventually in another short period of time can’t stand the loneliness on the ranch when Lije is out working all day long trying to make a go of the place. She just irritated me something fierce from this point on out.

That’s not to say that Lije doesn’t have his moment of errors in judgment. He jumps to the wrong conclusion when he arrives home after being gone a week to see Diana in the barn with a man Lije doesn’t care for, in somewhat of a compromising position. Things hurl south even faster after this, divorce is thrown around, and Diana begins to pack her bags. On top of it all, the dialogue between them is awkward and just doesn’t sound right at this point in the relationship.

I’m very disappointed in this book. The characters are likeble and that’s pretty much all there is to like about the whole story.  What’s been done to them just isn’t worth the read. I’m still determined, though, to pull out my Calder books. I have to see if they and my nostalgia surrounding them have survived the years.

Oh, and, Ms. Dailey, please update your website. Santa in a Stetson isn’t even listed there. The most recent book showing is 2007. It’s very frustrating roaming through a site that doesn’t have the information you’re looking for.

Grade: D

Summary:

During a photo shoot on a Texas ranch, fashion model Diana Palmer is so entranced by sexy cowboy Lije Masters that within days she decides to give up her life and career to marry him. The whirlwind love affair is slowed by long cerebral conversations about their life histories, making supposedly cautious Diana’s sudden decision seem ditzy and reducing the reader’s sympathy for her difficult transition from career girl to rancher housewife. When Lije catches Diana with another man, Lije’s stereotypical Native American sidekick, Jim Two Pony, brings words of wisdom that persuade the couple to reconcile.

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of Never Love a Lawman by Jo Goodman
Historical Western Romance published by Zebra 1 Sep 09

Wow. I picked this book up just to skim the first few pages, and I could not put it down. I’ve not read Ms. Goodman before. Have a feeling I’ve been missing quite a number of good books. But I’m now determined to find out what it is I have been missing all this time. Any book I come across by Ms. Goodman is being promoted to the top of the TBR pile.

The first thing  I have to mention in reading this story is how things are not what they seem, as evidenced by the prologue right out of the gate. I was amazed somewhere in the middle of the book that what I got is not anything like what I thought I’d be reading about.

Next are the characters, especially Wyatt and Rachel of course. From the moment I met them in the pages of this book, I was hooked. I was totally invested as their personalities were revealed, along with their situation and the resolution thrown at them by Rachel’s benefactor. Rachel is confident and sassy and has stayed pretty much to herself in the fifteen months she’s been in Reidsville, moving there when life became too volatile and dangerous due to her circumstances. Wyatt is the town sheriff, and I fell in love with this man instantly. He’s intelligent, has a way with people, is alpha when he needs to be, loyal to the core, and eventually Rachel falls for him just as hard as I did.

But with the death of the owner of the railroad and part owner in the town’s very lucrative mine, both of which keep Reidsville afloat, suddenly folks want to get to know Rachel, but it’s Wyatt who’s the bearer of the amazing news she never expected. Their banter is just marvelous. Rachel holds her own with Wyatt and he has to appreciate and respect her for it, and I love the fact they never lose ease and camaraderie between them, even after their forced marriage and subsequent growing feelings for one another. Their attraction steadily grows, Wyatt making his wants known, and when Rachel finally decides he’s what she wants, these two are even better than before once they become one in all aspects of their life.

The townspeople of Reidsville are many and as varied as can be. They take care of their own, including Rachel once it’s revealed how she’s now connected to all of them. This is the kind of town I always pictured in the Old West, and Ms. Goodman gives it life, living and breathing around and through its inhabitants.

Ms. Goodman’s writing is so rich. She takes her time weaving every layer of the story together, then just as slowly pulling that one thread that will unravel every question raised until you end up with such a beautiful tapestry, you don’t know which part you like best. It’s nearly impossible to like one part over another anyway, though.

This is one of the best books I’ve read lately. I’ve been telling everyone I talk to about it. Have you read it yet??

Grade: A+

Read Syb’s review here.

Summary:

Rachel Bailey may seem like just a beautiful newcomer to most of Reidsville, Colorado, but Sheriff Wyatt Cooper knows she’s much more. Through a twist of fate, Rachel is the inheritor of a very valuable commodity: control of the railway that keeps the isolated mining town connected to the world. That is, she will be, if she agrees to the surprising stipulation in her benefactor’s will-that she marry Wyatt.

Rachel has no choice: refusing the marriage could put all of Reidsville in the hands of an outsider, and not just any outsider but the cruel tyrant she has come here to escape. Yet living with Wyatt will be her greatest challenge. For he has a tempting way about him that makes Rachel forget theirs is a marriage in name only- until her frightening past shows up to remind them exactly how much they have at stake…

Read an excerpt.

Sarah’s review of His Woman by Diana Cosby
Historical Romance published by Zebra 1 Dec 08

Through the wonderful world of Facebook, I learned of Ms. Cosby’s MacGruder Brothers series. Her website boasts ‘Romance Edged With Danger’ and I must say, like her daring Highlanders, Ms. Cosby delivers full force.

His Woman is the second book in the MacGruder Brothers series. Ms. Cosby weaves captivating Scottish history and an alluring epic romance story into a powerful, page-turning masterpiece.

Duncan MacGruder is a man tormented when he agrees to a dying friend’s request. Bound by honor, Duncan is loath to face the fiery Isabel Adair, a woman he hasn’t seen since she broke their betrothal and his heart to warm the bed of his enemy, the Earl of Frayser.

Despite her betrayals, Duncan is pulled to Isabel like the tide to the shore.

Embroiled in an intricate web of deceit and high-intensity danger, Duncan and Isabel’s passions are rekindled amidst the backdrop of a turbulent medieval Scotland. The lovers join forces in a race against time to save Isabel’s father from Longshanks’ gallows.

But is their love strong enough to withstand the haunting secrets of the past and an enemy bent on revenge?

With Duncan MacGruder, Ms. Cosby has captured the epitome of the Highlander warrior female readers long for. Rugged, handsome, and a lethal combination of sensuality and brawn, Duncan is a man to lust over. With her winsome looks and empowering strength, Isabel Adair is the perfect match for such a gallant warrior. The combination of two such intriguing characters equates for a gripping story full of thrilling twists and turns and most importantly a passion to envy.

Ms. Cosby’s remarkable gift of vivid imagery, appealing characters, and spellbinding suspense makes His Woman a must-read book.

Grade: A+

Summary:

TRUSTING HER WAS UNTHINKABLE

Lady Isabel Adair is the last woman Sir Duncan MacGruder wants to see again, much less be obliged to save. Three years ago, Isabel broke their engagement to become the Earl of Frasyer’s mistress, shattering Duncan’s heart and hopes in one painful blow. But Duncan’s promise to Isabel’s dying brother compels him to rescue her from those determined to bring down Scottish rebel Sir William Wallace.

RESISTING HER WAS IMPOSSIBLE

Betraying the man she loved was the only way for Isabel to save her father, but every moment she spends with Duncan reminds her just how much she sacrificed. No one could blame him for despising her, yet Duncan’s misgivings cannot withstand a desire that has grown wilder with time. Now, on a perilous journey through Scotland, two wary lovers must confront both the enemies who will stop at nothing to hunt them down, and the secret legacy that threatens their passion and their lives…

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Highland Dragon by Kimberly Killion
Historical Romance published by Zebra 6 Oct 09

Ms. Killion’s first book, Her One Desire, was an up-and-down read for me. One moment I liked what was going on, the next, whatever was happening didn’t thrill me. It ended up being a so-so book for me. So when Highland Dragon came along, I did my usual give an author a second try thing. This time Ms. Killion did not disappoint in any way whatsoever. And, of course, those beautiful, new covers gracing Zebra books help with a reader’s initial reaction to a book. From the cover to the last page, I enjoyed everything about this story.

From the first scenes of this book when Calin MacLeod secretly watches his father’s death at the hands of his enemy, I was caught up in a saga that didn’t let me go until the very last word. As his father dies, a new life is brought into the world, daughter of his father’s enemy who Calin has just inherited and vows vengeance against. Taking the babe, marking her as his own, he places her with a family who will take care of her while he takes his place as laird, picking up where his father left off.

Akira has grown into a beautiful young woman eighteen years later, is independent and stubborn as well as intelligent and witty. She loves her family, anticipates finally meeting her benefactor who has helped take care of her all these years. Before that happens, however, she’s kidnapped by a distant branch of the MacLeod clan when rumors abound she’s a witch. Saved from the auction block at the last minute, Akira does not care for the man who paid so highly for her.

When these two characters first lock horns, she keeps pace with Calin step for step, irritating the man to high heaven, of course, but also raising his respect and admiration for her at the same time. Akira also feels the same about Calin. Little by little their relationship begins to calm and that is when Akira learns of Calin’s deception, his omission of certain facts tying his life with hers. All he cares about is his clan, uniting his with hers to defeat Laird Kinnon, Akira’s father, and making their Highlands safe for all after that man’s lengthy and terrible reign.

The adventure and action is paced fast and sure; the romance is fierce, passionate, and sweet; family and clan are honored by all; and Ms. Killion’s descriptions of characters and locale are wonderful. Even the dispair that runs rampant over this couple near the end of the book is felt to the bottom of your heart.

This is one of those books that you hate to put down, you need to find out what happens next. I recommend it very highly to all historical fans. Hell, even non-historical readers should give this one a try.

Grade: A

Summary:

A desire that defies all limits…
and a love that was meant to be…

Scotland 1502. Akira Neish has been raised as a peasant, her belly often empty and her family subject to the cruel whims of her clan’s laird. To the clan’s children, the horned shaped birthmark she bears means she is a witch. But she is neither peasant nor witch—and now the man who knows the truth has returned to claim her for his own.

Calin MacLeod has kept Akira’s secrets and to avenge his father, the sensual young laird must marry her. He is more than a match for the fiery nature of the woman he adores. Yet the passion they share—and truths that can no longer remain hidden—could rip all of Scotland apart…

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of Pleasure (The Shadowdwellers, Book 3) by Jacquelyn Frank
Paranormal Romance published by Zebra 25 Aug 09

I love authors who give me a totally different world to read. Nalini Singh. C.L. Wilson. And definitely Jacquelyn Frank. This Shadowdwellers series has been absolutely terrific to read. I’m hoping there are more books to come in this series, but it looks like fans will have to wait for any more. Ms. Frank is starting two new series and also working on the seventh book in her Nightwalkers series. Since I haven’t read the Nightwalkers yet, they’ll have to keep me busy waiting for the Shadowdwellers to continue. I don’t think that’s going to be a hardship at all.

Of course, one of the best things about these books is the world in which the Shadowdwellers live. Light of any kind, except moonlight, is dangerous and lethal to them. They live their days at night and can fade from Realscape to Dreamscape or Shadowscape in the blink of an eye. Each book gives the reader a thrilling ride through each ‘scape, usually Dreamscape being where the villain will concoct his/her evil deeds.

Next are the characters, all of which are superbly written. We get two stories in this book, Sagan and Valera and then Malaya and Guin. Each couple in this series has had to go through harrowing nightmares to get where they are and to get them to the place they need to be to find their mate, and what a ride the reader is given in each tale.

Sagan is a penance priest, one of few in the religious order of Sanctuary, and he metes out penance with a swift hand when it’s called for. At the end of Rapture, he is captured during a coup to take the reins of Sanctuary from the lead priest, Magus. His fate is left wide open, we know only that he’s been taken by the enemy, a villain to rival any out there. At the beginning of this book when we meet Valera, a natural born witch, she’s battening down for a cold spell on the Alaska ice when two men overtake her home, hauling in what can only be a body tightly wrapped and bound. She inadvertently kills the men by switching on the lights, thus leaving her and their other victim safe.

Very quickly Sagan knows Valera is a special person, despite the fact she’s a former necromancer, evil magic-doers that his people stay away from if possible. Their feelings rapidly grow, but eventually even Val knows that Sagan must return to his home and his duty. But both become stagnant in their lives without the other, and in talking to Magus about what has transpired, Sagan finds a way for Valera to be part of his life.

When we last saw Guin and Malaya, he had left his post as bodyguard for Malaya, the queen half of the twin rulers of the Shadowdwellers. He’s been in love with her for the fifty years he’s protected her, but she thinks of him as a brother. Not wanting to see her give in to the Senate demanding she marry for the good of the monarchy, he’d rather not be around when he learns Malaya is seriously considering their proposal. Suddenly she has a beast of bodyguard showing a different side of himself.

With evil still on a destructive path, intent on taking down the twins and Sanctuary any way possible, Guin is forced to leave his post again to now protect himself when Malaya tries to find a solution to the Senate’s demand that is still detrimental to her happiness. But when she realizes how Guin truly feels, she has to look deep within herself to find why she needs him now more than ever.

Ms. Frank has a way with emotion in her stories, and not just for her heroines where we all expect it. She does quite well conveying a range of emotion from her heroes. Guin goes from frustration to sensual heights to anger faster than he can fade into the shadows around him. And this time the author really got to me. I wondered after reading Sagan and Val’s story if we’d see them again with Guin and Malaya. I had nearly given up that we would when a sudden turn in the plot takes an unexpected turn and the second Sagan appeared in the scene, I knew where it was headed and the tears began to fall. It’s an emotionally packed scene that reaches deep to the romantic soul.

If you’re a paranormal fan and have not read this series, I highly recommend it. It’s very satisifying in all aspects for a reader. I’m keeping my hope alive that there will more additions to this series eventually.

Grade: A+

Summary:

As Chancellor of the Shadowdwellers, Malaya’s first duty is to her people. Her bodyguard, Guin, knows this only too well. For tradition’s sake, Malaya must marry, and the thought of this lush, vibrant, woman in a loveless union is impossible for him to bear. Guin loves Malaya—not as a subject loves his queen but as a man craves a woman. And even if he cannot keep her, he’ll show her everything she stands to lose…

Discipline. Penance. Order. A Sanctuary priest’s life revolves around such things. But when Sagan is taken captive and thrust into the Alaskan wilderness, he encounters a woman who challenges his faith and his self-control. Valera is a natural born witch who almost lost herself to the lure of dark magic. By rights, Sagan should shun her, but convention will count for nothing in the face of a passion that could change the realms of Shadowscape forever…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sybil’s review of Never Love a Lawman by Jo Goodman
Historical Western Romance from Zebra 1 Sep 09

I often speak of my love of historical western romance, almost as much as I talk about how much I adore Jo Goodman’s books.  So when I hear the title of her next book was Never Love a Lawman – I squuee’ed.  Could she be really be writing a western?  Turns out that, yes, Jo Goodman was taking us to Reidsville, Colorado in September 1882.  Two of my favorite things were about to come together again, so of course, then I started to worry…

I tend to fall into that trap, where you want something so much, you expect the book to be great, grand and wonderful – it is almost unfair to the author. Who can live up to that? And I find I get annoyed at little things I wouldn’t normally because this is  “WONDERFUL AUTHOR”.

So when the ARC arrived for Never Love a Lawman, I rushed to read it and then stopped and worried. I admit it. Totally silly because at the end of the day, it is just a book and if I don’t like it ::shrug::. Jo Goodman isn’t going to be upset over it. Readers will still love it or hate it. But I was worried for me… I am selfish like that. Turns out I was worried over nothing…

Never Love a Lawman opens in complete confusion, the reader really doesn’t know what is going on or why, and this doesn’t become clear until later in the book.  It is handled wonderfully, if not frustratingly, and I might have been okay with that because I have faith in the author.  All you know is something is wrong, she has to leave, doesn’t want to go and someone in the bed doesn’t want her to go but knows she must.

We pick up with Rachel Bailey having been a member of the Reidsville community for about a year; she is a seamstress and keeps to herself.  I love her character.  And once again we are seeing her through someone else’s eyes.

This time it is the hero, Wyatt, who is keeping watch.  He is another one of Jo Goodman’s complex hero’s and is a mix of alpha, beta and a dash of whiskey to taste.  As sheriff he keeps a pretty close eye on the town, much closer than Miss Bailey gives him credit for and would often like.  The fact that he did it from the balcony of the town’s only whorehouse might have something to do with her drawing some of her conclusions as well.  It soon comes to play that there was rhyme and reason for Miss Baily to be ‘directed’ to Reidsville, Colorado.  And Wyatt turns out to be much more than Rachel first took him to be.

The pacing could be a bit slow for some readers, so do keep that in mind and do read at least two or three chapters before tossing this one aside. Because going in blind I would have tossed it with the prologue – well if it wasn’t a western and wasn’t Goodman.  This isn’t my favorite Goodman but would be my favorite American historical of her I have read, so far .

Jo Goodman is not a ‘fast read’ but a book to relax and enjoy.  She is a true wordsmith who is a pleasure to read and creates characters that are a joy to spend time with, along with a town that comes alive and becomes a character in and of itself.  It was a delight to learn her next book will take place in the same town because when I closed the book, I reread it, because I wasn’t ready to let go.

Grade: A

Summary:

Rachel Bailey may seem like just a beautiful newcomer to most of Reidsville, Colorado, but Sheriff Wyatt Cooper knows she’s much more. Through a twist of fate, Rachel is the inheritor of a very valuable commodity: control of the railway that keeps the isolated mining town connected to the world. That is, she will be, if she agrees to the surprising stipulation in her benefactor’s will-that she marry Wyatt.

Rachel has no choice: refusing the marriage could put all of Reidsville in the hands of an outsider, and not just any outsider but the cruel tyrant she has come here to escape. Yet living with Wyatt will be her greatest challenge. For he has a tempting way about him that makes Rachel forget theirs is a marriage in name only- until her frightening past shows up to remind them exactly how much they have at stake…

Read an excerpt here.

I can’t find a lot about this book, but this author is one of only a very few authors that it doesn’t matter if I know anything about the book or get to read an excerpt because I’m going to pick up this book anyway. I picked up Murder in the Hamptons at a used bookstore for a dollar and it was a dollar well spent.

Mrs. Garvey has never failed me in her stories to make me laugh with a well written cast of quirky, but fun characters (even the “villians”).  I can easily get loose track of time while reading one of her books and can’t wait to get my hands on this one.

Deck the haunted halls for a romantic holiday starring one shy writer and a cynical journalist…and oh yes, a ghost….

Snow on the roofs and wreaths on the doors and chains on the tires…isn’t Christmas in New England wonderful? But Charlotte Prescott is too busy taking in super-sexy reporter Sam Landry to notice the nip in the air. Make that the nip in the air alternating with the scorching heat that rises whenever she and Sam are alone together. Charlotte would be happy to forget the supernatural third wheel who seems to be staying for the season in the quaint old house she inherited. It is real. Someone’s slurping down all the good eggnog. And something is drawing Charlie and Sam together under the mistletoe—not to mention everywhere else. Happy holidays!

Directions for mixing Fabulous Christmas Cocktails included!

You can read an excerpt here…

Gwen’s review of The Price of Desire by Jo Goodman
Historical romance released by Zebra 1 Sep 08

Some books are just so damn good, you truly want them to never end.  I put this book down and sighed.  It delivers on so many fronts, it’s difficult to summarize them all. 

To begin with – the title.  This is one of the rare cases of the title really saying it all.  Throughout the book, I was struck by how much it was about how much desire costs everyone.  Whether it’s their own desire or someone else’s; whether it’s the desire for money, power, love, or another person, it all has a price.  It’s a case of the title being scary good.

Next in my list of “damn that’s good” is the pacing of this book.  I was struck time and again by how much I was enjoying myself with nary a slow moment or pause in the story.  I got the impression that the author was very much in control of me and really had something to tell me.  I just had to let go and enjoy the ride, because Goodman was going to tell it to me whether I wanted it or not.  When a book is that good, I trust the author to just let go, enjoy the moment, and never look back.  It’s incredibly freeing to trust a book and an author that much with my time.

Next in the list are the characterizations.  Goodman’s hero and heroine (Griffin and Olivia) are historical romance character types that have been seen before – scarred and damaged hero who is a peer, heroine down on her luck having to bail out a brother who is a cad.  However, Goodman does one better.  She reveals to us solid, tangible, and realistic reasons for our protagonists to be the way they are.  I didn’t feel that she was simply saying “trust me” – she actually shows why the heroine has night terrors and why the hero is desperate to succeed.  Goodman also manages to make the cad brother a sympathetic character (difficult to do, as you’ll see).  These characterizations make the story very believable and rich.  (By the way, I loved Nat.)

The evolution of the characters in Price is probably my favorite element in this excellent book.  And make no mistake – they all evolve and we’re there to watch it all unfold.  My favorite being the heroine – how she survived and eventually thrived is beyond me.  I cried several times for her in this book.  The characters remain true to their personalities with never a false moment to be had.  However, their lives change through the course of the book and this forces them all to adapt.  Watching the adaptations is fascinating.

Last on my list of “why I loved this book” is the romance.  I loved this romance and so wanted it to succeed.  It also evolves and these two damaged people, Griffin and Olivia, come together, find the core of who each other is and respects it despite society, despite the past, despite the present circumstances.  The romance is just so satisfying on so many levels that it’s difficult to tell you of it all.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romance and complex characterizations.  It’s a must read of fans of historical romance, and fans of the author.  I have read other books by Goodman, but none this good.  I’ll be glomming more of her backlist based on what I’ve read here – yes Sybil, including her westerns.

Grade: A

Summary:

Olivia Cole is devastated to learn that her ne’er-do well brother has promised her to the operator of a London gaming hall as payment of his debts. Olivia accepts her fate-even if it means that her reputation will suffer from living among rogues and gamblers. But when she meets the sexy and mysterious Griffin Wright-Jones, the Viscount of Breckenridge, Olivia has more than her good name to worry about-for he rouses in her wanton thoughts she’s never dared entertain-until now…

Griffin wears the scars of his life on his striking face, Although he wants Olivia like no other woman before, he doesn’t force her to share his bed-a difficult task considering how beautiful she is. But with each passing night Griffin and Olivia’s resolve weakens until finally they take their greatest gamble on one night of reckless pleasure…

Read an excerpt here (click on the Google Preview icon on the right).

Audrey And The Maverick is Elaine Levine follow up her debut novel Rachel and the Hired Gun.

I enjoyed the first book, which I wasn’t too sure I would because ‘ranch wars’ are often not a good read for me.

But I found this one surprisingly entertaining. I loved the heroine. Rachel is fab and unlike Kristie J, (read her review here) I didn’t have issue with not getting a description of what the hero/heroine looked like. In fact I didn’t notice. You can read an excerpt for Rachel and the Hired Gun here.

Audrey and The Maverick

comes out February 2010

In Elaine Levine’s stunning novel of the American West, a proud rancher and a determined young woman are drawn together in the lawless town of Defiance.

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Virginia financier Julian McCaid has put his troubled past behind him. His plans for the future don’t include Audrey Sheridan, the extraordinary frontier woman he met just once. But it’s because of her that he’s come to the Dakota Territory to investigate problems at his ranch. And it’s all the more surprising when he discovers she isn’t the innocent he believed. Now nothing but her complete surrender will purge her from his soul.

.

If it weren’t for the children she cares for in her makeshift orphanage, Audrey would have left Defiance long ago. Now the sheriff is blackmailing her to distract the man who might derail his corrupt schemes—a man who can offer Audrey not just protection, but a passion bold enough to make them claim their place in this harsh and beautiful land…

I can’t find an excerpt. And this is shallow but I ADORE the cover.

Really don’t you agree?

The trilogy ends with Leah and the Avenger

A vigilante hired to clean up the corrupt and rapidly dying town of Defiance, Jace Gage never expected to fall for a violence-hating, violet-eyed tomboy, Leah Morgan.

Sandy M’s review of Rapture (The Shadowdwellers, Book 2) by Jacquelyn Frank
Paranormal Romance published by Zebra Jul 1 09

I am so glad I started this series now and didn’t wait like I’ve done with Ms. Frank’s Nightwalkers series, which I’ve yet to start. This second book in the series captivated me just as much as the first, but in a whole different way. Ecstasy, the first book, dealt with the three ‘scapes for the Shadowdwellers as the hero and heroine find each other and fight for a life together and it was as intriguing, adventurous, and romantic as could be. This book, however, deals more with the betrayal that drove Ecstasy, the awakening of both the hero and heroine in several ways, and still gives us a look at those ‘scapes but in more narrow window.

Magnus is the head priest and founder of Sanctuary, the religious haven for the twin monarchs of his people, the other penance priests who teach their children, and the handmaidens who serve side by side with those priests. He is still trying to come to terms with the betrayal of his previous handmaiden who was lured by those wanting to take over Sanctuary and nearly killing both Magnus and Ashla, his new daughter-in-law. Trust is something he now harbors close to the vest and gives to no one without merit.

His goddess has led him to a new handmaiden, Daenaira, whom he finds out is a former slave, a fact that horrifies him. Slavery is against their law, and seeing what it has done to this young woman pushes him even more to gain her trust. He learns very quickly Dae herself can also push his buttons more than anyone has ever done. His patience is put to the test time and time again, along with his temper, and finally everything between combusts. And those are some of the best scenes in the book.

Daenaira is at first skeptical that freedom is now hers. But after learning who Magnus is and where she is to serve with him, she tries to conform to what is expected of her, but Magnus himself is the one who creates such fury and burning in her she can’t help but lash out. As she comes to know and care for the people of Sanctuary, however, she begins to feel that this peaceful and beautiful place can actually be her home. Only after the traitors who are killing the priests one by one are stopped, however, and she’s going to be part of that no matter what Magnus thinks.

Magnus and Dae are fun to read, though most of the time their situation is dire. But once they turn that corner and become lovers, they are a pair to be reckoned with. Getting there, though, is where the great reading comes in. Magnus has not had sex in at least 200 years. He chose to keep things platonic, so to speak, with his previous handmaiden. Dae, of course, being a slave has never had the experience of sex at all. Watching these two come alive in each other’s arms is full of sizzle, charm, and romance.

They both have to learn how to trust and are put to the test very thoroughly throughout the hunt for traitors. Their need for control is also tested, and they must learn to give both trust and control to each other. We get to know more of the priests in Sanctuary a little better this time around, along with a number of other secondary characters, all of whom I hope eventually get their own books. The villains running around this place wanting more of anything and everything they don’t deserve finally get what’s coming to them, and I really enjoyed a couple of those endings. The fight scene at the end in Dreamscape is quite compelling and happens at the same time another betrayal is happening in Realscape, but things are not always what they seem to be.

This is one terrific series, and Pleasure, the third book, is out next month. I can’t wait.

Grade: A+

Summary:
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The Shadowdwellers live in a realm of darkness and sensuality, where order is prized and sin must be punished. Yet for Magnus, the head priest of Sanctuary, salvation rests with the one woman who will entice him into breaking his every rule…
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SHE WAS HIS ULTIMATE TEMPTATION
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Magnus is a man of contradictions—a spiritual leader in a deadly warrior’s body. Rules and order are for enforcing and visions must be followed—even if that means freeing a beautiful slave and making her his reluctant handmaiden. But she isn’t the only unenthusiastic partner. Betrayed once before, Magnus can barely bring himself to trust another woman.
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Yet everything about Daenaira’s fiery innocence compels him time and again to cross every line he’s ever drawn for himself.
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Daenaira grew up hearing tales of the fearsome priest named Magnus. But no one can convince her that men of honor truly exist. She soon learns that Magnus is very real—every inch of him—and so is the treachery that surrounds them. Beneath Sanctuary’s calm surface, an enemy is scheming to unleash havoc on the Shadowdwellers, unless Magnus trusts in a union ordained by fate, and sealed by unending bliss…
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Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Liviania’s review of Thorn Queen (Dark Swan, Book 2) by Richelle Mead
Urban fantasy released by Zebra 28 Jul 09

I have been wanting to try Richelle Mead because of her Vampire Academy series.  I’m starting to burn out on vampires, but that doesn’t mean I’m not attracted to the mention of them.  Of course, I’m all for the fey.  Eugenie Markham is a shaman, dedicated to banishing the fey and demons from the human world.  But things have gotten a little less black and white for her recently.

Thorn Queen can be read without reading the first novel Storm Born.  I can guarantee this as I have yet to read the first novel and could understand what’s going on.  I would like to see more of her conversion, as she doesn’t take any fey banishing jobs in the novel.  (She does miss one and cancel others.)  Yes, she now rules a fey country and needs to learn how to do it well, but that seems to have happened at the very end of the last book.  I can still see her continuing with her job.  (Otherwise, Eugenie’s shifting mindset is well-portrayed.)

There are two main love interests: Kiyo and Dorian.  Kiyo’s a good guy shapeshifter and veterinarian, doing his best to keep Eugenie from getting too deep into politics.  Unfortunately he’s busy with the imminent birth of his child by another woman.  Dorian’s the bad boy, a fellow ruler who wants Eugenie to become more ruthless.  He also wants her child, since Eugenie or her half-sister is destined to bear the conqueror of the human world.  In many ways, he’s more helpful than Kiyo even though he’s more dangerous, which complicates her choices.

I liked Eugenie’s point of view.  She’s pretty straightforward, but she’s stuck in a position where she has to make hard choices.  (For example, what to do with her teenaged half-sister who is determined to get pregnant – that is, if she finds her.)  She doesn’t have much of a support network in the gentry world, since she grew up in the human one.  She also seems to be the only person who cares about the fate of some teenage girls that went missing near her country’s border.

The climax put me off some, when I found the story to otherwise be an engaging urban fantasy.  It makes sense given the series’ plot, but it’s a – I don’t want to say “plot device” – [thing] I’m getting tired of.  It seems to me like some serious shit is getting taken lightly.  I don’t mean to come down on Mead, who I don’t think took it lightly… but to me, it was a somewhat depressing end to an otherwise fast and funny read.

I am going to try to find a copy of Storm Born, and I’m sure I’ll pick up the next in the series.  The sour note was more of my own issues than a fault in the writing.

Grade: B-

Summary:
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Eugenie Markham is a shaman for hire, paid to bind and banish creatures from the Otherworld. But after her last battle, she’s also become queen of the Thorn Land. It’s hardly an envious life, not with her kingdom in tatters, her love life in chaos, and Eugenie eager to avoid the prophecy about her firstborn destroying mankind. And now young girls are disappearing from the Otherworld, and no one—except Eugenie—seems willing to find out why.
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Eugenie has spilled plenty of fey blood in her time, but this enemy is shrewd, subtle, and nursing a very personal grudge. And the men in her life aren’t making things any easier. Her boyfriend, Kiyo, is preoccupied with his pregnant ex, and sexy fey king Dorian always poses a dangerous distraction. With or without their help, Eugenie must venture deep into the Otherworld and trust in an unpredictable power she can barely control. Reluctant queen or not, Eugenie has sworn to do her duty—even if it means facing the darkest—and deadliest—side of her nature…
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Read an excerpt here.

Other books in this series:

C2’s review of One Week As Lovers by Victoria Dahl
Historical romance released by Zebra 1 Aug 09

Nicholas Cantry, Viscount Lancaster, is known throughout the ton for being good-humored, easygoing and charming. It is common knowledge that he must marry a fortune to save his family from financial disgrace – brought on by previous holders of the title – but he is well-liked and no one faults him for being a fortune hunter. It isn’t always easy to be good-humored and easygoing, though. Especially when one walks in on his fiancee in an extremely compromising position with another man. Ah, faithful reader, Lancaster has hidden depths. Depths he has worked hard to hide and keep hidden.

After arriving home from his less-than-stellar evening, Lancaster receives a letter from the housekeeper of his childhood home. The letter is to inform him that a childhood friend and neighbor, Miss Cynthia Merrithorpe, is dead. Though he hasn’t visited the family estate in years or heard from Cynthia since they were children, some time away from London sounds appealing. Lancaster decides to go and pay his last respects.

Little does our viscount know that last respects are not needed. Cynthia was about to be married off to Lord Richmond to settle her step-father’s debts. Richmond has a horrible reputation. His previous marriages ended with his wives’ mysterious deaths and rumors of all sorts of depravity surround him. Rather than find herself his next victim, Cynthia decides to stage her own death (falling off a cliff into the sea… very dramatic) and run away to start a new life.

Cynthia must stay hidden until she turns 21 and has some control over her life or until she finds the treasure hinted at in an old family journal. With the help of the housekeeper, Cynthia hides at Cantry Manor. Nick’s unexpected arrival puts a crimp in her plans. How does one convince the lord of the manor to depart when he just arrived? Why, make him think his house is haunted, of course. I ask you, faithful reader, does such a ploy ever work? Not so much.

After the mysterious haunting is de-bunked, Cynthia explains her situation to Nick and he agrees to let her stay hidden and offers to help find the treasure – he could use a treasure to help him out of the bind he is in, as well. And so the adventure begins.

Nick and Cynthia are both intrigued and baffled by the changes brought on by growing up. In some ways, each easily sees the childhood friend but some changes are difficult to explain. Nick’s mysterious scar, for example. What happened? How and when did he get it? He says it’s from a burn but is it really? What happened to her sweet childhood friend? How did he become the almost-too-polished person he is now?

Nick is drawn to Cynthia but knows he mustn’t get involved with her. Even if he weren’t betrothed, he is no longer the sweet-natured easygoing boy he was. He has needs she should not be subjected to. But is it his decision alone? Cynthia doesn’t think so…she sees no reason they can’t be lovers while they look for the treasure. But will she convince Nick? Well, the title is One Week as Lovers so I suppose you know the answer.

But other questions remain – will the treasure be found? Will Cynthia escape Richmond’s evil clutches? What happened to Nick? Where did he get the scar? What about his betrothed back in London? For those answers and more – like snappy dialogue and sweetly hot romance, tortured heroes and spunky heroines – check out the latest entry in Dahl’s Regency series.

Grade: B+

Summary:
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Some Pleasures, Once Tasted…
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Even after finding his betrothed in the arms of another man, Nicholas, the Viscount Lancaster, knows he must wed. Propriety—and the dire state of his finances—decrees it. At least a visit to his country estate provides relief from playing the role of loving fiancé, as well as a surprising encounter with Cynthia Merrithorpe. Once his childhood companion, Cynthia has grown into a lovely, alluring woman—one who’s undertaken a daring ruse to avoid being sold into a miserable marriage.
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Are Too Delicious To Forget…
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When Nicholas left for London to assume his new title, Cynthia was forced to put aside her girlish infatuation. Now he’s returned, more wickedly attractive than ever. And this time, Cynthia is determined to experience the pleasure she’s dreamed of for so long. But with a man like Nicholas, seduction is only the beginning of a sensual journey that will tempt them both to defy convention, and uncover the very heart of desire…
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Excerpt not available at the time the review was written.

Other related books: