A Foreknown Love by Kelly Renea Hohenstern

A Foreknown Love by Kelly Renea Hohenstern
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical, Paranormal
Length: Full (168 pages)
Heat: Sensual
Rating: 3 Books
Reviewed by Camellia

Abandoned on the steps of St. Mary's Orphanage, seven ordinary girls discover they possess extraordinary powers…

Coping with a terrible tragedy, Juliet Wiccan—a witch born with the power of premonition and visions—flees London for the countryside determined to start over.

Anthony Treyworth, sixth Earl of Prembrooke, misses his days in the military as a spy. So when Scotland Yard needs his expertise to solve a baffling mystery, Anthony immediately accepts.

But time is running out, and to find a diabolical killer Anthony must go to the only woman who can help, Juliet Wiccan.

Helping the handsome earl doesn't fit into Juliet's plans for a new life, yet when his fiery kisses invoke a passion deep inside her, one too powerful to deny, how can she refuse?

Juliet has a deep need to know: who she is, who her parents are, and from where she came. From her dreams, she knows her unknown past is important to her future.

In the orphanage, she has six avowed sisters that, like her, have some magic powers. Juliet has the power to see past and future possibilities. She has visions that devastate her at times, but she always seeks to do good with her powers as she guards against an evil power that seems to want to do her harm.

Lord Demount, Anthony Treyworth, the sixth Earl of Pembrooke has an immediate and compelling attraction to Juliet when he first offers her help, but she mysteriously disappears. When he next sees her, the strong attraction returns, but a murder propels them both into the path of a supernatural being that kills—a being that figures into Juliet’s dreams and her deep needs.

As the emotional tension mounts between Juliet and Anthony, the danger comes nearer and nearer, creating adrenaline-pumping moments.

A Foreknown Love has more narrative than usual that takes the reader out of the action, disrupting the momentum and putting the characters’ experiences at a distance. More details about how magic facilitates the success of some happenings would enhance this love story. But, the story is brimming with the supernatural and has an undercurrent of malicious intent that erupts into a perilous time for Juliet without her sisters or Anthony there to help her, making it a page-turning read.

The Wiccan sisters are intriguing characters that will have lots of exciting adventures in future books, I predict.

Showdown in Southfork by Celia Yeary

Showdown in Southfork by Celia Yeary
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short (112 pages)
Heat: Sensual
Rating: 4 Books
Reviewed by Vervain

Marla Ellington inherits an abandoned town on ranchland near Wayback, Texas. When she arrives to claim her property, and finds Cody Matheson sitting on the porch of the dilapidated honky-tonk, her temper flares hotter than her pistol. Anger blazing, she settles in for a showdown.

Cody’s only goal for the week is to win the bull-riding event at the Saturday night rodeo. But when Marla receives an anonymous threat that forces her to leave town, Cody finds himself smack-dab in the middle of a mystery. ’Course, catching a criminal and lasting eight seconds on a bull are easy compared to winning the love of the feisty, strawberry-blonde beauty who wants nothing to do with him. Now it's his turn for a showdown.

Characters who are more than what they seem, secondary characters with hidden agendas, and a little action sprinkled in for good measure make this an interesting story.

The book started out a little slow, but picked up midway through. At first I wasn’t too sure about the hero of the tale, Cody Matheson, but he grew on me. He’s so many things rolled into one, but “cowboy” is the label that seems to fit him best of all. The heroine, Marla, at first comes across as a spoiled city girl, but you get to know her better as the book progresses. Short, sassy, and a ball of fun, she was a completely entertaining character to read about.

The romance was built slowly, but it was woven throughout the story. The only downside was not knowing whether or not Cody becomes the PBR champion a second year in a row.

Showdown in Southfork is an entertaining story with just enough action and intrigue to keep you reading. It’s a satisfying tale that will make you turn page after page waiting to see how it ends.

Death in the Stocks by Georgette Heyer

Death in the Stocks by Georgette Heyer
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
Genre: Historical, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full (314 pages)
Heat: Sweet
Rating: 4.5 Books
Reviewed by Cholla

A bobby on his night rounds discovers a corpse in evening dress locked in the stocks on the village green. Inspector Hannasyde is called in, but sorting out the suspects proves a challenge. Anyone in the eccentric, exceedingly uncooperative Vereker family had the motive and means to kill Andrew Vereker, who seemed to have been universally disliked. One cousin allies himself with the inspector, while the victim's half-brother and sister, each of whom suspects the other, markedly try to set him off the scent. To readers' delight, the killer is so cunning (not to mention the author), that the mystery remains until the very end.

A hysterical and suspenseful novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat… if you don’t fall out from laughing first! I love both a good mystery and a good laugh, but never have I come across a novel that so beautifully incorporates crazy characters, insane situations, and a suspenseful whodunit all in one.

When Andrew Vereker is found murdered, the theories fly about who did it and why… the trouble is, no one really cares all that much. Having been a disagreeable person in life, not even his family can manage to be too upset by his demise. The poor superintendant, Hannasyde, more than has his hands full with the uncooperative and rather boisterous Vereker family. This is probably the craziest family I’ve ever encountered – fictional or real. They’ll utterly support each other one moment and the very next be accusing them of being the murderer.

Toni and Kenneth are brother and sister and the deceased is their half-brother, Andrew. Kenneth fancies himself the best suspect, but never quite doubts his sister, Toni, is just as good as a suspect as he. Giles Carrington, their cousin, is probably the only sensible one in the bunch. When you add in Kenneth’s gold-digging fiancée, Violet, and Toni’s book cooking fiancé, Rudolph, then the insanity is amped up to yet another level. Despite their over-the-top attitudes and antics, they are very much like a real family. Toni and Kenneth alone make the story worth reading.

The mixture of the crazy Vereker family and the dour, more sensible Superintendent Hannasyde, as well as a few other outside characters, make this a very well-balanced story with something for everyone of all ages. You’ll be delighted, youl’ll be surprised, and most of all, you’ll be thoroughly and completely entertained by this well-written and enthusiastic novel. It is a must read novel for any lover of mystery and cheeky English families!

Better Naughty Than Nice by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jill Shalvis, and Rhonda Nelson

Better Naughty Than Nice by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jill Shalvis, and Rhonda Nelson
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises, Ltd.
Genre: Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (219 pgs)
Heat Level: Hot
Rating: 5 books
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

Meet St. Nick's delightfully devilish brother, Damon Claus. He's about to prove to three unsuspecting couples that being naughty is much, much nicer…

No Mistletoe Required by Vicki Lewis Thompson

With Damon's sneaky help, Hayden Manchester and Riley Kinnard rekindle a long-running, very creative rivalry…that leaves them fighting over who's on top!

Her Secret Santa by Jill Shalvis

Workaholic Ally Dauer runs the local toy drive. Only when she discovers some very adult toys, firefighter Eddie Weston convinces her that the best gifts are meant to be shared….

Snug in His Bed by Rhonda Nelson

Viv Foster hates Christmas. Hank Bailey owns a Christmas tree farm. What could they possibly have in common? Sizzling sexual chemistry and, thanks to Damon, the opportunity to act on it. After all, it's the season of miracles…

Some stories will make you blush. Others will make you squirm. Better Naughty Than Nice is the best of both with a nice twist of Holiday spice.

Santa has a brother and according to these authors, he’s a pistol. But even then, it’s so nice.

Vicki Lewis Thompson adds a competitive angle to the story in No Mistletoe Required. The winner of the best decorated lawn gets a cruise—and Hayden wants it. But so does her friend and rival, Riley. Then again, he’d rather spend time with her on or off the big blue ocean. I like that the characters have spark, literally. The creative spirit and competition show their true colors. Add the pesky Damon, and you have a story that sizzles.

In the story by Jill Shalvis, Her Secret Santa, we find Damon intruding on the lives of Ally and Eddie. Instead of investigating a fire or a crime, she’s got a mind chock full of firefighter Eddie. And he’s not backing down from her challenges. Could it be that the playboy firefighter wants to settle down? What I like best about Ms. Shalvis’s work is that it’s real. These are people you could run into and know. The passion sizzling between them is so potent you can’t help but want them to be together.

Finally we have Snug in His Bed, by Rhonda Nelson. Ms. Nelson is another one of the authors on my TBR list. I love her alpha males and independent women. In this story, Viv got into hot water and has to serve out her sentence on a Christmas tree farm—Hank’s tree farm. She’s livid, not to mention that she hates Christmas. Enter Damon and things get interesting. I like that Hank wants to make her life miserable, but he can’t. I love a hero/heroine who can’t keep their hands off each other. Oh and then there’s his nickname for her—too funny. I love it.

If you want a sexy, steamy set of Christmas tales, guaranteed to make you blush and giggle, then you need to read Better Naughty Than Nice. You won’t regret it. I give this collection 5 books.

Fascination by Connie Keenan

Fascination by Connie Keenan
Publisher: Awe-Struck Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full (167 pages)
Heat: Sweet
Rating: 4.5 Books
Reviewed by Fennel

Seconds.

That's all the time Alex Reinhard has to rescue a pilot and his passenger before their crashed plane explodes. He's no hero--yet that's what everyone's calling him. That's especially what he seems to be in the eyes of Candy Norwood, the woman whose life he saved. The mild-mannered bachelor, who happens to be more Clark Kent than Superman, can't deny the sparks flaring up between him and the pretty investment executive. Make that former exec, since Candy left her glamorous Wall Street life behind to find what she considers true success: a peaceful life right there in Alex's hometown.

And she's making room in that life for him. What Candy has for her hero, the hunky but shy owner of the local diner, is more than attraction, it's fascination. That troubles Alex, because isn't this lady way out of his league? Is she just grateful to him for having pulled her from the wreckage? In any case, the man's in trouble, because that fascination is mutual. And the more time he spends in her arms, the more he kisses her, the more powerful her spell over him.

One thing's for certain: There's a short distance between fascination and a deep, true love that can last forever. And that's a distance about to be crossed by two people brought together by fate.

Sometimes it only takes a moment to change destiny. When a small plane fell out of the sky just in front of his car Alex couldn’t believe his eyes. For a confused moment he didn’t know what to do, and then he let instinct guide him not knowing his next actions would change his life forever.

Connie Keenan creates plenty of challenges for her characters to overcome. Alex carries old dreams and resentments while Candy has found what she wants out of life and has given up more than most people could dream of. But convincing others to accept her decisions is not easy.

Light-years might describe the difference in their backgrounds but they have more in common than expected. And yet Alex and Candy come across the page as real people with understandable issues of self worth and self belief. Do not mistake this for ‘wimpy’. They are not. They have a gentle strength that offers a warm glow to the heart of the reader.

There are misunderstandings, ‘bad-guys’ who are not quite what they seem, and friends a-plenty who in their own way become life’s teachers.

The writing is easy and fluent, and the style depicts both characters cleanly in a way most people will relate to. If you are in the mood for a charming, gentle, feel-good-factor read, then this is the book for you.

Love’s True Enchantment by Judith Leger

Love’s True Enchantment by Judith Leger
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy
Length: Full (264 pages)
Heat: Spicy
Rating: 5 Books
Reviewed by Larkspur

Illusionist Shay Evers needs to right the wrong he committed twenty-four years ago. He has two weeks to convince Caitlyn Reiley magic is real. If he fails, she will die from the curse placed upon her, and he’ll lose the only person he’s ever loved.

Magic is for fools, and Caitlyn Reiley is no fool. As a news reporter, she is chosen for the coveted task of interviewing Shay Evers at his home in Wales. When Shay haunts her dreams and sparks her passion, her beliefs are threatened and she battles her growing desire for Shay.

As the clock ticks, will the unlikely pair discover love’s true enchantment or will time run out?

Caitlyn Reiley cub reporter gets the assignment of a lifetime, one that could make or break her career. Chosen by the famous, elusive and gorgeous illusionist Shay Evers to be the only one he grants an interview with. But there’s more behind his amethyst stare then meets the eye. Is she ready for what awaits her? Are they ready to meet their destiny? Do you believe in magic?

Judith Leger’s Love’s True Enchantment gives her readers all the bells and whistles in this truly enchanting novel. Her story line/plot keeps you turning pages as you discover and uncover a magical mystical world. And even though tales of fairies, elves and the fey are boundless, Judith spins her fable with a unique twist. Her characters are unforgettable and memorable and will stay with you long after the story’s been told. Her hero Shay and heroine Caitlyn are vivid and while fantastical are very real. Her supporting characters are exceptionally well defined and add depth and meaning to the story. Her villain is wonderful and not revealed until the very end. And what an ending it is! Her dialogue flows nicely between the normal everyday speak of the humans to the flowery prose of the Sidhe. The love story is touching and heartwarming and at the same time heart wrenching. Her love scenes are sensual and spicy without being too racy.

So I ask you again. Do you believe in magic? Believers and non-believers alike will be true believers when this story comes to an end. Any lover of fantasy romance would find this read right up their fey alley. And for you non-lovers of fantasy, give this a try because it’s a great romantic read and it might just change your mind. Do you believe in magic?

Stranger in Harpoon Bay by Bruce Cooke

Stranger in Harpoon Bay by Bruce Cooke
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Short (130 pages)
Heat: Spicy
Rating: 4 Books
Reviewed by Stephantois

When a man is washed up on a rocky outcrop, he awakes without his memory in the Harpoon Bay hospital, a small town in economic trouble.

He is named Rocky Smith and as he tries to build a new life with no memory of his past, he finds love and friendship. Realizing he has a strong business sense, he turns the town around and becomes a hero. Just as he finds a new love in Penny Reynolds he learns he is really Terry Phillips, a man wanted by the police as a suspected bank robber and murderer. Worse there is a crime king who wants him dead after he gets back the one million dollars stolen in the robbery.

Rocky and Penny leave for the Gold Coast to find the truth and try to clear his mind but there is more trouble than he ever dreamed on waiting for him.

A man washes up on the shore at Harpoon Bay. He has extensive head injuries and is in a coma. When he wakes up he can’t remember what happened to him, how he fell into the ocean or even who he is. He becomes known as Rocky. One of the nurses overseeing his care is Penny Reynolds whose own husband died in a boating accident three years ago. She thinks he resembles her late husband and takes an instant liking to him. She offers him a place to stay while he gets his life sorted out. The two fall in love but something in Rocky’s past is about to put an end to their happy ever after.

The opening of this novel grabbed my attention. I wondered who this man was, how he got into the water, what was going to happen to him. Initially I thought this book might be more mystery than romance, but Cooke does a great job with balancing the romance and mystery to make this the ideal book for romantic suspense fans.

I loved the characters of Rocky and Penny. The mystery part of this book not only kept me wondering what was going to happen next but how it was going to impact their relationship.

I haven’t read many books set in Australia and Cooke’s description of this small community on the Gold Coast and its surrounds transported me there. I also felt it added another layer to the plot.

The dialogue is natural sounding and the secondary characters are well developed which not only added more color, but made me feel I was actually in Australia.

Cooke throws in a nice plot twist just as you think things are about to become plain sailing for Penny and Rocky. If you like romance with a heavy dose of mystery, put this on your to read list.

Christmas Male by Cara Summers

Christmas Male by Cara Summers
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises, Ltd.
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday
Length: Full Length (217 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 books
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

Subject: Captain D. C. Campbell, Military Police.

Current Status: A little bored…but not for long!

Mission: Getting his hands on a priceless stolen diamond.

Obstacle: Trying to keep his hands off his sexy new partner, Fiona Gallagher.

Fiona has never been into Christmas. Having grown up in a series of foster homes, she has no use for Santa…at least until she meets the hottie St. Nick delivers just in time for the holidays—Captain D. C. Campbell.

Technically, they're supposed to be working together to find a stolen diamond, one reported to have the power to bring lovers together. Well, they might not have the stone, but Fiona and D.C. aren't having any trouble getting together—in every sexual position possible!

But it's only a holiday fling, right? It is—unless Fiona's Christmas Male can convince her he's the gift that keeps on giving…

Want a story with sugar, spice, mystery, and Christmas? Then you need to read Christmas Male. This is a Christmas blast you won’t want to miss.

Cara Summers is on my auto-buy list. I love her books and Christmas Male doesn’t disappoint. Military stories can come off as brash and harsh, but not this one. You feel for the characters, even though D.C. can be a bit elusive. I liked the idea that they have to work together to find the diamond. The incentive to be around each other is plausible.

Although the point of view changes within the scene, making it a bit hard to follow on occasion, the sheer passion between Fiona and D.C. is unmistakable.

One thing that drew me in immediately to this story was D.C.’s tenderness. Yes, he wants her so bad it hurts, but at the same time, he demonstrates a tenderness she’s never dealt with before. Any woman would be putty to him, but he needs her only. How sexy! And passion, you’ll need a cool shower when you finish with this book.

If you want a sexy read for a cool December night, then you can’t miss with Christmas Male. I give this novel 4 books.

The Show Must Go On by Kim Sheard

The Show Must Go On by Kim Sheard
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short (123 pages)
Heat: Sweet
Rating: 3 Books
Reviewed by Mimosa

Allyson Parker, the stereotypical shy librarian, finds an outlet for her wilder side by performing in community theater. There she can become someone else, someone infinitely more interesting and confident. Partnered in her first romantic lead with newcomer Matt Dauer, she begins to hope that life can imitate art. But can she overcome her bashfulness and self-doubts, cultivated by years of frequent relocations, in order to keep his interest?

Matt moved to Washington, D.C. from Chicago to escape a cheating, diva ex-girlfriend, but he's now also far from his parents and two brothers. His greatest desire is to create a new family as close-knit as the one he left behind. He must return to that past, though, when his ex is involved in a serious car accident and he is called on to help. Will his benevolent act mean the end of his blossoming relationship with Allyson?

As the bard of Stratford on Avon told us, all the world's a stage, men and women merely players. Kim Sheard looks at the romance that grows between two community theater performers in the eight weeks leading up to opening night -- and their off-stage story is as full of drama as the play.

Set in Reston, Virginia, just outside the nation's capitol, The Show Must Go On centers on the heroine, Allyson Parker, a librarian with an unsettled childhood that has left her wary of friendship and commitment. Her outlet -- community theater.

Matt Dauer, recently arrived from Chicago, is a Congressional staffer and an experienced actor, and has joined the same community theater.

The pair meet when they're cast in the leads of a musical period piece, and find themselves attracted to each other almost immediately.

This is a sweet, lighthearted read without a lot of heaviness, depth or darkness in characterization or plot. The emotional baggage that creates the conflict for Allyson and Matt is appropriate to the story--light without being fluff. Allyson's rootlessness as a child plausibly explains her reluctance to commit and Matt's willingness to back off and give her time and room is the mark of a man willing to wait for what he knows he wants.

Sheard tips her hat to Matt's political career in a couple of places, which keeps the story anchored in the contemporary world nearly any reader can recognize and most can relate to. The secondary characters -- particularly sunny Ginny with her mild psychic ability and Matt's personable brother, Adam -- round out a believable cast and adds extra dimension to the central plot.

The dedication indicates that Ms. Sheard has friends in community theater and a nice touch added to the book is a Glossary of Theater Terms. I found a little too much detail given to settings, and a couple of events of the story were told after the fact, when I really would have preferred to see those events as they happened. Nevertheless, these were minor considerations that did not overly detract from the quality of the story.

Vicus Luna by Jessica Coulter Smith

Vicus Luna by Jessica Coulter Smith
Publisher: Wild Horse Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full (230 pages)
Heat: Hot
Rating: 4.5 Books
Reviewed by Holly

The town of Windsor, Georgia lives in fear of the Vicus Luna, the local werewolf pack. Each month the pack comes out and abducts a woman, someone to do their bidding, little more than a slave. It's on one of these nights that Cady Whitmore finds herself cornered by the Vicus Luna. Terrified, she faces three werewolves who wish to claim her as their own. When the alpha decides to claim her, Cady is horrified. From what she's heard, the alpha is a womanizing, chauvanistic, cruel man... When Marshall drags her off to a secluded cabin, she worries for her safety and her life.

As Cady struggles with many challenges thrown her way, she finds herself caught in a difficult spot. While Marshall may not love her, he isn't ready to let her go. Marshall's friend and fellow pack member, Brendan, knows that Cady is special and will stop at nothing to make sure she's safe.

In the end, the best werewolf will win...

The town of Windsor, Georgia, population three hundred, is just a bit different than any other town in America. You see, werewolves are a part of society in Windsor, whether Windsor wants them or not. The townspeople are terrified of the werewolves, and the pack is allowed to do as they please. Once a month, young women disappear from the streets, and they become the property of Vicus Luna, the Half-Moon pack. But when they snatch Cady Whitmore off the street, they get more than they bargain for.

Warned by her brother Jamie not to be out after dark, she talks him into letting her head out to her friend’s house to do homework. Jamie has to work, and it is only a few doors down, so he relents and she heads out. She is taken by a gang of the Vicus Luna wolves, and taken back to their headquarters. There, every one of the wolves wants to claim her, but the Alpha of the pack decides to keep her for himself. Marshall finds that Cady has some kind of power, able to strengthen an alpha to greater power. After several power plays, and a misunderstanding, Marshall turns her out, planning on making her the “pack whore”. But she is rescued from that fate by Brendan, who has feelings for her.

Jessica Coulter Smith has written a rich and detailed story of pack dynamic at its worst. These are not your noble heroic werewolves. These are mean and nasty bullies, lead by an amoral and totally hedonistic alpha male. Into this mix comes Cady, and she turns the pack every which way but loose.

She really is a strong female, and she doesn’t get that angering Marshall will cause her all sorts of problems. She believes him when he says he cares for her, even as he is planning on putting her in “the room” to service the entire pack.

Ms. Smith has made Cady a sassy and impudent heroine, one who never stops providing surprises. Brendan discovers he loves Cady enough to plan a future with her, but as his twin brother Eric says, only a fool plans a future without saying those three words.

These characters are well defined and real; as real as werewolves can be anyway. I loved the conflict and Cady’s unfailing optimism that things would work out. I cried with her, laughed with her and fell a little in love with these wolves. They aren’t perfect like so many stories make them, but who is?

I recommend this one for anyone who wants hot sex, romantic picnics at the lake, and a happy ever after with a few surprises thrown in.

Calendar of Love by Susan Lyons

Calendar of Love by Susan Lyons
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday
Length: Full (170 pages)
Heat: Sweet
Rating: 4.5 Books
Reviewed by Fennel

Every month of the year has a holiday or special occasion, and these are times when emotions run high. Even higher when romance is involved!

Award-winning author Susan Lyons brings you a tender romance for each month of the year, guaranteed to warm your heart and renew your faith in love.

Calendar of Love is a collection of twelve stories, of varying lengths, one for each month of the year.

JANUARY Dawn of a New Year / FEBRUARY Lady in Red / MARCH Cruise into Spring / APRIL Easter Treasure / MAY A Man Mom Would Love / JUNE Enchanted Reunion / JULY Fireworks on the Fourth / AUGUST Summer Love / SEPTEMBER Junior Matchmaker / OCTOBER One Halloween Evening / NOVEMBER Thanks, But No Thanks / DECEMBER A Christmas Wish.

In Calendar of Love, Susan Lyons introduces us to a wonderful mix of characters, their dreams and their fears and their realities. Some of the stories are short, six pages long in one case, and yet she still packs so much detail into those pages, you almost forget it is so short.

In every story Ms Lyons introduces several secondary characters who all have important roles to play. The impact of some characters from the past influences the present of the main characters and is the thread that runs through the story.

In other stories it is a child’s dream that is the influencing factor. Duties and responsibilities become the conflict in other stories but what ever the driving impetus; each story is a joy to read. The characters are real, warm, caring and loving people who find chance events will turn their lives around if they are willing to believe in the future.

Some people say a certain time of year ‘is their favourite’ but Susan Lyons makes every time of year special in this wonderful and charming collections of stories.

Do I enjoy, tender, sweet romances? I do! Do I have a favourite story within the twelve? Yes, I do! Will I share that with you? No! For although I’m sure you will enjoy every one of them, your choice of favourite may differ from mine. But this much I will share with you. When you put this book down, it will be with a sigh of gratitude for meeting such wonderful characters, and a tinge of disappointment their stories ended so soon.

A Wolf in Wolf's Clothing by Deborah MacGillivray

A Wolf in Wolf's Clothing by Deborah MacGillivray
Publisher: Dorchester Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full (303 pages)
Heat: Sensual
Rating: 5 Books
Reviewed by Honeysuckle

Revenge—that was Trev’s goal when he first set his sights on Raven. And a delicious revenge it would be. He and his two brothers had each selected a Montgomerie sister to systematically seduce and destroy, and this quiet granddaughter of his enemy was perfect. She lived simply in a cottage in the English countryside, a painter, and socialized only with gypsies and a menagerie of misfits: her fat orange tabby, her one-legged seagull and midget pony. And in addition to beauty, Raven had a delicious vulnerability begging to be exploited. Trev was happy to oblige. In fact, it felt like destiny.

Magic and fate have brought a self-proclaimed wolf to Colford Hall. He’s dressed in a designer suit, drives a Lamborghini Murciélago and apologizes for nothing. And though Trev doesn’t realize it, wolves mate for life.

This is the third book in Deborah MacGillivray's Sisters of Colford Hall Series and it is an enchanting read. The characters are so well depicted they become a part of you as you read this light comedy mixed with emotional drama. You will cry one minute, laugh the next. There is, of course, the usual cat that always graces her books, along with a quirky animal menagerie. A one-legged seagull who is the bane of the hero is just one example.

The story begins with an determined Trevelyn Merchan [disguised as Trevelyn Sinclair] out to destroy the Montgomerie family empire by using Raven, a beautiful and reclusive artist. He finds it easier said than done when he begins to fall in love with the beauty.

Raven, however, is fighting hard to keep her own attraction at bay—a self-protective shield kicking in despite the handsome hero's charms. Charms which even her wary family appear to fall for.

The convoluted but heavenly tale of love and laughter is conveyed with indisputable flair, something I've come to expect from Deborah MacGillivray.

In the Air, On the Air by Michelle L. Levigne

Seasons - A Tabor Heights Anthology: In the Air, On the Air by Michelle L. Levigne
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc.
Genre: Inspirational
Length: Short (53 pages)
Heat: Sweet
Rating: 4.5 Books
Reviewed by Fennel

Four couples take a chance on love – a cop and a rec director, surrounded by a swimming pool of special needs kids; a corporate troubleshooter and one of his prime suspects, trying to unravel threats and lies before a business is ruined and someone gets hurt; a radio personality versus his alter ego, and the girl who might love them both; and the office good girl, ready to cave under nasty office politics, rescued by the new guy at work, who comes to her door because of a nasty trick played on them both. From summer to fall to the holidays, love blooms in Tabor Heights.

The good and the bad about small communities is that everyone knows each other, and by the time you read the third in Michelle L. Levigne’s anthology, several of the names will be familiar.

When Gina opens her heart and talks to ‘Whit’ on the late-night Christian radio show everyone knows who Gina is talking about, including Whit aka Riley. A new boy in town, Gina caught his eye soon after his arrival, but soon learned of her devotion to someone else.

As fellow members of their local church and involved in many of the extra curricular church activities they are soon thrown together.

Michelle L. Levigne proves her ability to write on several different levels and this one is all about personal dreams, faith, misunderstandings, and integrity. Sometimes the best intentions go amiss and it is how you go about putting things to rights that becomes important.

Ms Levigne has a gift of presenting description with her use of the senses and places her readers right beside her characters. This is a charming story and is full of the ‘Ahhhhhhhhhhh!’ factor.

An Enchanted Season by Nalini Singh, Maggie Shayne, Erin McCarthy, and Jean Johnson

An Enchanted Season by Nalini Singh, Maggie Shayne, Erin McCarthy, Jean Johnson
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Holiday, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (330 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 books
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

From a shape-shifting leopardess who wants a pack-mate to be her soulmate, to a snowstorm that brings a surprise gift, these four tales will stir readers' spirits in all the right places.

Some books make you laugh, others make you cry. This one makes you do both and has a bit of spice for flavor. Which one? You’ll have to read An Enchanted Season to find out.

Many authors write seasonal work. It’s a great way to get an extra story or two out for the Christmas season and reward committed readers. This collection is more than just a thank-you. This group pulls you in from page one and hold you tight until the end.

In Melting Frosty, we meet opposites Matthew and Holly. I like a heroine who is the exact fit for a hero even when he’s not totally sure about it. She doesn’t just give in to him, she gives him a run for his money. I enjoyed cheering them on to make the relationship work. Plus, Maggie Shayne is such a great storyteller that you won’t want to put this book down!

In Charlotte’s Web, we meet Charlotte a witch who doesn’t want to be a witch. Sound strange? It’s not. Many people find it easier to deny their true self than to be what they should be. Ms. McCarthy writes spice well. You feel her characters passion as if it were your own. Plus, I love a story where both sides really want to be together, but that darned lack of communication keeps them apart.

The third story, Nalini Singh’s Beat of Temptation, we get the story of Tamysn and Nate. Now I must admit, I wasn’t familiar with Singh’s work before this novella, but I am hooked. I love a pair of lovers who want so badly to be together, but circumstances and poor communication drive them apart. This story is my favorite. Nate and Tam have so much passion between them that when it finally comes to pass, the ferocity is fabulous.

The final story, by Jean Johnson, Gift of the Magi, we meet young lovers, Steve and Rachel. This story shows that even love, when bombarded by life and bills, can get worn down—and who can’t relate to being worn down! But there is an inspirational, don’t give up vibe to this story that keeps you firmly in your chair. The passion sizzles and when the unexpected happens, you can’t help but smile and, yep, cry a little.

If you want a collection of stories guaranteed to stay with you long after the last page, then you need to read An Enchanted Season. You won’t regret it. I give this collection 4.5 books.

Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lyn Childs

Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lyn Childs
Publisher: Dutton
Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy, YA
Length: Full ( 264 pages)
Rating: 3.5 Books
Reviewed by Asphodel

A modern girl’s comedic odyssey in a school filled with the descendants of Greek gods.

When Phoebe’s mom returns from Greece with a new husband and moves them to an island in the Aegean, Phoebe’s plans for her senior year and track season are ancient history. Now she must attend the uberexclusive academy, where admission depends on pedigree, namely, ancestry from Zeus, Hera, and other Greek gods. That’s right, they’re real, not myth, and their teen descendants are like the classical heroes—supersmart and superbeautiful with a few superpowers. And now they’re on her track team! Armed only with her Nikes and the will to win, Phoebe races to find her place among the gods.

Is it possible for one average American teen to fit in with a class of Olympic heritage? Phoebe has just this question to figure out and answer when out of the blue her mother whisks her off to a secret Greek island as she prepares to be married to a man she only met a week ago. Phoebe predicts colossal failure, her Mom assures her this is a god sent opportunity for her and I was left with the question of why there are so many insinuations about this being such an epic big deal.

The dialogue is quick and shows a real eye (or ear?) for how teens speak. There isn't any forced moments when Childs tried to force me to believe this was how teenagers really spoke or acted. It flowed easily and the transition between scenes made for a quick, light read. The story moved along without dragging down and Phoebe's observations, and sometimes lack thereof, are really funny and her narrative voice is engaging.

Despite the fact this is a novel about the descendents of the Greek Gods, it doesn't veer off of the stereotypes for teenagers too much. Phoebe comes off a little smug, and as if she knows everything. Her stepsister is the typical 'evil' stepsister and the students are of the classic mold. Not that this is a problem, Childs still has dialogue that is fun and witty and there are certainly some ha-ha moments, but I expected a little more by way of fleshing them out. The author relies too heavily on the stereotypes to explain a character's motivations.

The 'surprise' isn't that surprising given the contextual clues and a grasp of Greek mythology, but I found the dynamic of Phoebe and her two friends from America to be more surprising. Throughout the entire novel Phoebe is motivated by her need to get that scholarship and get back to America so that her and her friends can be together. The plan had been in place for years. When things change, it made me wonder if Phoebe had been the driving force behind that decision and her friends didn't want to disappoint her. I wanted to learn a bit more about the time between Phoebe's leaving and the end of the novel.

Oh. My. Gods. was an entertaining novel that gave the gods a spin that would be fun for anyone to imagine as their ancestors. The sequel, Goddess Boot Camp, is set up and the future endeavours of Phoebe amongst the godly descendants promises to be engaging.

Kissing Trick by C.D. Yates

Kissing Trick by C.D. Yates
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full (235 pages)
Heat: Spicy
Rating: 4 Books
Reviewed by Fern

Reggie Snow is the author of the popular YA Paddy Dimple series. Her childhood, best friend, Dr. Patrick "Trick" McCullough is a former playboy, current OBGYN. They've each got some image problems. She's unexpectedly pregnant, not a great thing for a woman who's primary audience consists of impressionable teens. And he's on the nurses' naughty list; always a problem for a randy man who's seen most of the single women in his small town naked without sleeping with any of them. Besides, Trick's starting to realize it might be time to settle down if he wants to increase his patient list to include the pregnant mamas waddling around town.

That can be fixed…

They decide to work together by playing married until Reggie's baby's born. She hopes that her pregnancy won't bag her latest book's sales or encourage young adults to have unwed pregnancies. He hopes a family-man image will destroy his bad-boy bachelor reputation so he can deliver babies and heal more women in his small town of Hadley Falls, Vermont.

As long as they don’t fall in love…or into bed. Easy to say, until she starts kissing Trick.

Kissing Trick is a delightful story about friendship, devotion, and trust. Author C.D. Yates has twined a tale about best-friends that are brought together by circumstance, but are drawn to one another by love.

Patrick, aka Trick, is a man that has the power to make you swoon and laugh at the same time. He’s comical, witty, and utterly charming. And it’s a good thing, because his counterpart, Reggie, is equally snarky and sarcastic. She’s always seen Patrick as a handsome man, but never as a potential lover. Once she does, sparks fly and pages sizzle. I enjoyed the playful banter between them, and snickered gleefully through a large portion of the story. Their adoration for one another is evident, and goes a long way in making the story not only believable, but memorable as well. It takes a special kind of man to marry a woman that he cares for that is carrying the child of another man, and Trick not only steps up to the plate, he hits a homerun straight out of the ballpark. He’s never noticed Reggie as a woman before, but once he does, he’s not willing to let her get away.

There are other elements throughout Kissing Trick that add to the richness of the plot and character development, namely Reggie’s abandonment issues and Trick’s history of being a player, and it ensures you’ll remain invested in the story from start to finish. Patrick isn’t the only one that shines. When Reggie moves past the taint childhood heartbreak, she’ll come into her own and embrace the happiness that Trick extends.

If you’re looking for a spicy story with equal portions of heart and humor, Kissing Trick is a book you’re bound to enjoy.

Dog-Gone But Not Forgotten by C.D. Yates

Dog-Gone But Not Forgotten by C.D. Yates
Publisher: Blade Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short (70 pages)
Heat: Spicy
Rating: 4 Books
Reviewed by Azalea

Journalist Carrie Moore left Rhode Island eighteen years ago, never to return. When she inherits her Nana’s possessions, her plan is simple. Sell them off and get back to Texas before she bumps into anyone she knows. Especially Jack, the boy who took her virginity the night of the senior prom and then took her best friend home, instead. But Nana had a possession that no one knew about: an Irish Wolfhound as large as pony that runs like one, too. When the beast runs into Jack—repeatedly—she starts to wonder. Especially when she hears Nana’s voice in the dog’s yowls. Is Ellie channeling Nana? And is Nana trying to right the wrong with the man who broke her girlish heart?

When Animal Control Coordinator, Captain Jack Radigan learns that the giant dog terrorizing his jurisdiction belongs to the lost love of his life, he’s ready to live the “to protect and to serve” slogan painted on the door of his pick-up. First, he’ll put his animal control techniques to work, and teach her how to tame her dog. And then, he’ll teach her that this cop isn’t a bad dog, serving up the love he’s been keeping hot since high school.

A call from the Heavenly Doggie Kennel is about to turn Carrie Moore’s life upside down. But it isn’t just the dog who will wreak havoc in Carrie’s life; it’s an equally annoying former love who pops into her life after 18 years. Who will cause Carrie more consternation? A boisterous dog who may or may not be what he appears to be or the man who broke her heart.

After years of living in Texas, Carrie finds herself back in New England once again after her beloved Nana passes away. It seems that Nana has left her old Victorian home to Carrie and along with it a cantankerous dog who gets into more mischief than a dozen dogs combined. I found the escapades of the dog to be a bit much and certainly the amount of Houdini-like escapes from escape-proof locks, unbelievable. I didn’t realize until the end of the story why the dog’s antics were so unusual. I thought this was going to be just a cute little story about a mischievous dog and an old flame. What I didn’t see coming was the sexy turn the story took. That was a nice surprise.

Jack Radigan has come back into Carrie Moore’s life. He’s now a widower with a teenage daughter, Samantha, who develops a crush on someone from Carrie’s and Jack’s past. Jack tries to win Carrie back and at the same time tries to protect Samantha from discovering the secret of her paternity. Carrie also needs to discover why Jack broke her heart and married her best friend all those years ago.

I liked this story, it was amusing and well-written, but was a bit taken aback by the ending. Perhaps I should have intuited it by the name of the kennel and the outrageous escapades of the dog, but all in all it was a very good read. I give it 4 cherries and I recommend it with only the tiniest of reservations. I put it in a “spicy” rating and also a “sci-fi” because it was a bit of both.

Wish For The Moon by Sandra Jones

Wish For The Moon by Sandra Jones
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical, Time Travel
Length: Full (370 pages)
Heat: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 Books
Reviewed by Camellia

Matthias Thorne, a heroic knight, finds himself accused of a horrible crime he doesn’t remember. He flees his home in shame, believing he is guilty, but in his flight he stumbles across an ancient portal taking him far away to the future. In modern day Wales, Matthias lives with the troubles of the past long buried. He guards the mystery on his ancestral property as closely as he guards his own heart—until Carrie Greer, a modern-day herbalist, accidentally discovers his secret and drags him back to the hell he’d left behind in the 13th century.

Thrust into close confines with Carrie, Matthias is drawn into the depths of her trusting eyes and forms a tenuous bond with her that soon ignites a burning passion. Carrie’s faith becomes his inspiration as he fights inner demons that could shatter the bond of trust growing between them. Together they fight enemies of the flesh, church and time as Matthias attempts to win Carrie's love before his dark secret chases her away.

Herbalist Carrie Greer is no stranger to rejection. Her epilepsy has sent many boyfriends running for the hills. When the surly Professor Matthias Thorne refuses her request to search on his property in Wales for the Moon Plant (once used to control epileptic seizures), Carrie, determined to try to improve her quality of life, takes drastic steps. She ends up in 13th century Wales with the grouchy professor, who is a knight in that time but not one in good standing. Carrie, much at the mercy of Matthias, has some major adjustments to make. But her 21st century upbringing as an independent woman comes to the fore along with her curiosity. She makes a place for herself.

A conflicted Matthias knows if he had been less of an ogre and promised to bring Carrie seeds from the Moon Plant, neither of them would be back in the 13th century having to cope with political problems, power struggles, antiquated social mores and living conditions, nor would they have been pressured into a marriage and family feuds of longstanding. Moreover, the guilt he has carried since age eighteen would not be so glaringly in his and everyone else’s minds.

Sandra Jones’ compelling style brings the characters to life as she uses the social mores and living conditions so realistically that the reader’s senses and emotions are revved up to full throttle. From earth-shattering love scenes to descriptions of the awful smells and tastes of that age, Sandra Jones gives the reader vivid examples that create vicarious experiences of the first order.

The well-developed secondary characters like Matthias’ brother Giles; Maud, the witch; Edwina, Matthias’ old nurse; Rannulf, and many others, augment the 13th century way of life, the beliefs, superstitions, and arrogance of the nobility of that age.

21st century Carrie struggles to cope; but cope she does with style, compassion, and love along with some self-righteous anger.

Unmitigated selfishness of Matthias’ older brother, Matthias’ feelings of guilt, and Carrie’s deep-seated dread of rejection are huge obstacles to overcome before redemption comes and love can bring a happy-ever-after that is so deserved.

MOST SATISFYING READING!

Meadowlark Trilogy Megabook by Carolyn Lampman

Meadowlark Trilogy Megabook: Meadowlark, Silver Springs, Wild Honey by Carolyn Lampman
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Genre: Historical, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full (1,151 pages)
Heat: Sensual
Rating: 5 Books
Reviewed by Queen Anne’s Lace

MEADOWLARK: Becky White is out of options. Destitute, alone, and pregnant, employment in a brothel seems her only chance of survival in the wild west mining town of South Pass City. As she stands on the creek bank contemplating the unthinkable, fate takes a hand. The earth crumbles beneath her feel and pitches her into the raging torrent Unable to fight the high spring run-off, she surrenders to the flood, thinking death might be the best solution after all.

When Garrick Swenson saves a young woman from drowning, he realizes providence has given him a way to atone for his guilty past. He offers Becky and her baby the protection of his name, with no strings attached. Just as they find themselves wanting a true marriage in every sense of the word the past surfaces to tear them apart. With Garrick facing the hangman’s noose and Becky’s future uncertain, it appears not even love can conquer all.

SILVER SPRINGS: Though Alexis and Angelica Brady are identical twins, they are complete opposites. Angel is strong-willed and stubborn where Alexis is meek and easily intimidated. Still, the bond between them is unbreakable, and when Alexis begs for her sister’s help in avoiding an arranged marriage, Angel reluctantly agrees to switch places and drive the unwanted suitor away.

Disguised as the straitlaced Alexis, Angel is shocked to discover the prospective bridegroom is none other than Ox Bruford, the only male who has ever touched her heart. A man is the last thing Angel wants in her life. Her independence was too hard won to give up for something as frivolous as love, but the more she tries to push Ox away, the more she yearns for his touch. Loving Ox would mean revealing her identity…and her heart.

WILD HONEY: Her whole life Alaina Ellinson has longed for adventure, but nothing is less likely in her quiet little home town. Then, a long forgotten photograph surfaces and changes everything. Reeling from the shock that the very fabric of her life is a lie, Alaina sets off to find a piece of herself she’s never even known existed.

When Jared Brady promises to escort Alaina to his sister in Wyoming, he has no idea what he is letting himself in for. From the moment the two meet, the sparks fly. But when circumstances strand the two of them in the mountains running from an army of outlaws, they must put their differences aside and depend on each other to survive. Facing death at every turn strips away their defenses. Unexpected passions flare, and they discover love may be the biggest challenge of all.

Meadowlark is the sweet and moving story of a woman lost at the crossroads, contemplating working at a brothel just to survive, and the man who steps in and saves her. Garrick Swenson saves Becky from the raging river realizing the option she is giving him. He offers a marriage in name only with no strings attached. But just as love weaves their hearts together, the past threatens to tear them apart.

Silver Springs weaves a sweet tale with a smile. Alexis and Angelica are identical twins but complete opposites, yet they will do anything to help each other. So when Alexis is desperate to avoid an arranged marriage, Angelica agrees to switch places and drive the unwanted suitor away. Yet, the bridegroom is the one man Angelica has ever loved.

Wild Honey spins a tale of adventure and passionate love in the wild frontier. Alaina’s life is turned upside down when a forgotten photograph surfaces and changes everything. Determined to learn the truth, Alaina enlists the help of Jared Brady, who agrees to escort Alaina to his sister in Wyoming. When passions flares and outlaws strand them in the mountains, they must depend on one another to survive.

Combine in a large mixing bowl, ingredients that include: the western frontier, gutsy heroines, determined and strong heroes, and unexpected passions, The Meadowlark Trilogy Megabook bakes a perfect recipe for success. A storyline reminiscent of CBS’s Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, which was an A++ show, Ms. Lampman satisfies the reader with heart-pounding romance and vivid storylines that pull the reader into the story from the first page.

Upon reading the blurb, I jumped at the opportunity to read this novel. Although I initially balked at the page length of the novel, I quickly became immersed in the storylines and fell in loves with the characters. Don’t let the page limit scare you. This is a book no one should miss complete with beautiful scenery that will make you feel like you are there with the characters.

The Meadowlark Trilogy Megabook stirs satisfying stories, whipped with heart-pounding emotions, tender love, and finally serves a satisfying conclusion. Don’t miss out on this great treat! Wonderful job, Ms. Lampman!

Released by Kimber Chin

Released by Kimber Chin
Publisher: Champagne Books
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short (33 pages)
Heat: Sensual
Rating: 3.5 Books
Reviewed by Lavender

Fifteen years ago, Alvar went to prison for a murder he didn’t commit. Finally released, he comes face to face with the real murderer - the only woman he has ever loved.

With the elements of love and murder pronounced in this story, “Released” by Kimber Chin promises to be an exciting read. A man, Alvar, goes to prison and serves fifteen years for murder. But he didn’t do it. When the story begins, he’s finally free, and he faces the woman who did it, a woman he loves. He turns Edenia away at first.

As the love story unfolds, he begins to believe that there’s more to things than he had believed. He grows closer to Edenia, who is a wonderful person. The reader is sure to like both her and Alvar.

A sense of danger grows. Alvar fears for Edenia’s life because the circumstances on the night of the murder he served time for are a bit mysterious. Edenia’s best friend complicates matters as well.

This short, fast-paced tale keeps up the suspense, and the romance is charming and tender. Alvar and Edenia come across well, as characters that will draw a reader in. Some details in the bedroom are hinted at, but it’s not steamy.

It’s hard in a story this short to get more specific without giving things away, but my favorite element was the love between Alvar and Edenia, and the author effectively demonstrates Edenia’s inner conflict.

At times, I was confused though with point of view. “Released” also could have used a little more description.

Overall, it was an enjoyable story. Mystery and romance mingles in a quick read that answers the intriguing question: Is there love after murder?

The Notorious Bridegroom by Kit Donner

The Notorious Bridegroom by Kit Donner
Publisher: Kensington Publishing
Genre: Historical
Length: Full (375 pages)
Heat: Spicy
Rating: 5 Books
Reviewed by Camellia

In the bedroom of a spy…
Ever since the horrible day her brother was accused of treason, Patience Mandeley hasn’t recognized her own behavior. Under normal circumstances she would never be disguised as a maid, skulking around a earl’s estate for secrets she isn’t meant to find. But now the situation is desperate, and Patience will do whatever it takes to spare her beloved brother the noose, even if it means finding the true spy herself.

To do that, she’ll have to gain access to the estate of Lord Londringham, the most desired bachelor in all of England—without him knowing who she really is. But even in her maid’s uniform, she can’t miss the looks of unsuppressed desire she receives from her employer, and she finds to her dismay that the attraction is quite mutual. Though she knows she must ignore her feelings for this dark-haired rogue to save her family and escape ruin, his close proximity is making all reason impossible…and Patience may find that the real traitor is her own body.

What a tangled web Patience Mandeley weaves as she sets out to deceive in order to help her little brother Rupert. She is the caregiver of the family and cannot abandon him as he runs from the law.

The multi-faceted Lord Bryce Londringham does whatever necessary to succeed in his efforts to keep England safe from the French, even if it means having the enemy in his own house. Even though he is suspicious of Patience, he keeps her in his employ and soon finds their lives entangled in a murder that involves her brother and others that scheme to help France invade England. Patience’s ineptitude and Londringham’s expertise as a spy create some heart-racing incidents.

Patience, with three winks for luck and her lucky black onyx, rushes in where angels fear to tread at times. She is captured by some disreputable characters in her zeal to help Rupert, but, in her own inept way escapes to have dealing with them another day—life-changing dealings.

The secondary characters create sub-plots that give THE NOTORIOUS BRIDEGROOM numerous webs of deceit that crop up in unexpected places. They also add a touch of humor here and there as the story unfolds. The irrepressible little Sally brings that special quality to the story that only a child has. She helps the reader see new sides of both Patience’s and Londringham’s personalities. The “grownup-too-soon” Lem is a little scoundrel that is invaluable at times. The antagonists whether French, English, noblemen or commoners, test the mettle of Patience and Londringham.

Kit Donner takes the reader on an adventure fraught with spies, killers, and ordinary people doing extra-ordinary things. The humor, description, and intriguing characters are captivating, but, most of all, the love that puts down deep roots , even in troubled times makes THE NOTORIOUS BRIDEGROOM a story to relish. This story of redemption reveals a giving and receiving of love that touches the souls of Patience and Londringham and brings joy and light to their lives.

Play Me by Tricia Jones

Play Me by Tricia Jones
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full (168 pages)
Heat: Spicy
Rating: 4 Books
Reviewed by Fern

The cards have been dealt, but the game’s just begun…

Proving her worth to her male-dominated family didn’t include being forced to bet herself in a high-stakes poker game. But to save the family business and protect her father’s health, Nina Avalon is prepared to do anything. Even agree to a scandalous wager with a ruthless tycoon.

Sicilian billionaire Raul Stregone has revenge on his mind. When the opportunity to ruin the family who destroyed his drops in his lap, Raul plans to wreak his vengeance via the boardroom—and the bedroom—with the daughter of his adversary. Yet while he may have won her fair and square, it soon becomes apparent that she’s not going down without a fight.

But let her wrangle all she wants. One way or another, he plans on collecting his winnings.

Play Me is a story about a man out for vengeance and a woman that wants to prove her worth. When they face-off in a card game, the stakes are raised and the risks become more substantial. If Nina wins, she’ll recover the percentage of her father’s company her brother has lost. If Raul wins, he’ll see his plan for revenge come to fruition by claiming not only a share of the business, but Nina as well.

While the premise isn’t entirely new, I thoroughly enjoyed the voices of Raul and Nina, as well as the history that has unwittingly connected them. Raul is a man that you want to hate but can’t entirely seem to. Even when he’s at his worst and reminds Nina that she is little more than a possession to be used at his leisure, you detect his unease at using an innocent party in such a manner–even as it will prove a means to an end. Nina, on the other hand, is a woman that is willing to sacrifice herself in order to spare her ailing father. The symbolism isn’t missed, and you’ll be pulled into the story because of it. As you learn more about their combined histories, you’ll ache for Raul as much as you do for Nina. The balance is always shifting, and will challenge your opinion of not only Raul, but Nina as well.

The pace of the material lags at times, but memorable characters and their extenuating circumstances make up for it and keep your interest. It’s impossible for Raul and Nina not to care for one another, which makes the train-wreck ahead all the more painful. You know what’s coming after the storm, but what you don’t know is if Nina can find it in her heart to forgive the man that has used her so callously, and if he’ll be able to do the right thing to ensure she gives him a second chance. The build-up is done wonderfully, and you’ll be waiting on the edge of your seat to learn what happens next.

Romantics will love this story, and should be sure to pencil Play Me on their TBR list.