REVIEW: An Excuse for Murder by Vanessa Westermann
Sandy M’s review of An Excuse for Murder by Vanessa Westermann
Romantic Suspense published by Wild Rose Press 20 Mar 19
When we received a request here at The Pond to review this book, I decided to take a chance, since I have been trying new authors lately. I liked the short blurb we received, and once I began reading, I really liked the prologue. So I figured I was in for a great read.
REVIEW: The Takeover Effect by Nisha Sharma
Veena’s review of The Takeover Effect (Singh Family Trilogy, Book 1) by Nisha Sharma
Contemporary Romance published by Avon 30 Apr 19
Bollywood meets mainstream American contemporary romance in this debut adult offering from Ms. Sharma. The author draws upon a rich cultural heritage of first and second generation Indian Americans and their successes, particularly in the technology field. Add in steamy romance, intrigue, dirty dealing, and corporate espionage and you have all the ingredients for a successful launch.
REVIEW: The Girl Who Came Out of the Woods by Emily Barr
Stevie‘s review of The Girl Who Came Out of the Woods by Emily Barr
Young Adult Thriller published by Penguin 02 May 19
I greatly enjoyed Emily Barr’s first two young adult novels, and was keen to see what worlds and characters she would introduce us to next. Past books by the author had prepared me for the possibility that narrators, and, indeed, less central characters might be unreliable, and so I took the first person sections with a pinch of salt, even as I tried to figure out whose story they were telling and how that person and story was related to the characters and story of the third person narrative that dominated the book as a whole.
REVIEW: Cliff’s Edge by Meg Tilly
Sandy M’s review of Cliff’s Edge (Solace Island, Book 2) by Meg Tilly
Contemporary Romance published by Berkley 21 May 19
I was pleasantly surprised by Meg Tilly’s first book – her debut – in this series, so I have waited for this one to hit the shelves. I’m happy to say I see a marked improvement in Ms. Tilly’s writing since that first book. This is Eve’s story, and while I like her just fine, she is a bit difficult to take in large doses at the beginning. Rhys, however? Like Luke in the first installment, I fell pretty hard.
REVIEW: Hot to the Touch by Jaci Burton
Veena’s review of Hot to the Touch (Brotherhood by Fire, Book 1) by Jaci Burton
Contemporary Romance published by Berkley 07 May 19
Jackson Donovan and his stepbrothers were rescued and adopted after a fire burnt down the house they were sheltering in. Jackson has never looked back from that moment until now when a commercial fire brings him face to face with his past. Will Jackson adapt and adopt or walk away from one of the best things that could have ever happened to him?
REVIEW REVISIT: Duncan’s Descent by Marie Harte
Devon’s review of Duncan’s Descent (Ethereal Foes, Book 2) by Marie Harte
Paranormal Erotic Romance released by Samhain 5 Aug 08
Original review posted 19 Aug 08
Marie is a good first name for Samhain authors. Once upon a time, I thought I had read something by Bev(QB) about a new author she liked named Marie…something. This had previously led me to Gothic Dragon by Marie Treanor, which I enjoyed. But just in case I had the wrong Marie, I thought I’d give this one a try as well, and the blurb was fun and appealing. It was good. There was hot sex, intriguing worldbuilding, and entertaining characters, all within the length of a novella. read more…
REVIEW: Mischief and Mayhem by L.E. Rico
Sandy M’s review of Mischief and Mayhem (Whiskey Sisters, Book 2) by L.E. Rico
Contemporary Romance published by Entangled: Bliss 9 Jul 18
Mayhem, Minnesota has become a favorite place for me to go lately. The Whiskey sisters so far have gotten their happily every afters amid laughter, heartbreak, and fun, all with an eccentric group of townsfolk who double every bit of the laughter, heartbreak, and fun. This time we take a journey with Scott and Jameson. They have a complicated history, and once their attraction kicks in again?
REVIEW: Wooing the Farmer by Jenny Frame
Stevie‘s review of Wooing the Farmer (Axedale, Book 3) by Jenny Frame
Contemporary Lesbian Romance published by Bold Strokes Books 12 Mar 19
I’ve had a few disappointments recently from later novels in series that I’ve initially enjoyed, including the other series I’ve been following by this author. Having said that, I enjoyed the second book in this trilogy even more than I did the first, and I was keen to see who Quade would end up with, so I grabbed the third of the Axedale books with more excitement than trepidation.
REVIEW: Ignite by Donna Grant
Veena’s review of Ignite (Dragon Kings, Book 15) by Donna Grant
Romantic Fantasy published by St. Martin Paperbacks 30 Apr 19
Another exciting chapter as this series advances. The forces for good and evil are readying for an epic battle. Even as many facts long hidden come to light, enough mystery remains to keep readers chomping at the bit. This story whips up the excitement, even while bringing V and Claire together with some very interesting surprises. read more…
REVIEW: The Last Woman in the Forest by Diane Les Becquets
Stevie‘s review of The Last Woman in the Forest by Diane Les Becquets
Contemporary Women’s Psychological Fiction published by Berkley 05 Mar 19
While I love mysteries, I have a bit of a gripe with most suspense (romantic or otherwise), in that a lot of the plots rely on at least one protagonist (generally female) doing things that are highly inadvisable, if not downright stupid. Ironically, in a lot of serial killer cases of the past, it was the victims who were often wrongly accused of showing the same sort of behavioural traits. In spite of my reservations, I took a chance on this book because of the slightly unusual hook, whereby the suspected killer is the deceased boyfriend of the main protagonist and she, for her part, is determined to prove or disprove his part in the killings, even when she’s the only one who doubts him.
