I love Krentz's 'Arcane Society' books. Her latest in this series is the contemporary "Running Hot". This series is about a society of individuals witI love Krentz's 'Arcane Society' books. Her latest in this series is the contemporary "Running Hot". This series is about a society of individuals with paranormal 'talents'. The series began with historicals, but a few years ago Krentz came out with a contemporary about the descendents of the characters in her historicals. Are you following? Anyway, her books have sizzling attraction, suspense, light action, and mystery. I enjoy getting to know each new player in this series along with their particular 'talent'.
What happens when two off-the-chart aura talents get together? Immediate attraction, for one. Grace and Luther are much more comfortable working alone, so when they're assigned the cover of a married couple, neither is too sold on the idea...until they meet. It doesn't take them long to realize how well they mesh, both psychically and physically! Now if they could just get rid of the bad guys and the wacko opera singer (that's right, wacko opera singer) they could get on with their lives!
Fun and engaging. Onto my keeper shelf it goes....more
Reviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Mar09
Beth Ciotta knows how to keep a reader entertained and “Evie Ever After” is no exception. I enjoy CiReviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Mar09
Beth Ciotta knows how to keep a reader entertained and “Evie Ever After” is no exception. I enjoy Ciotta’s trademark humor, her skill with love scenes, and most of all, her characters. The lessons they learn and their unique ways of dealing with life stick with you long after the book is finished. Although this is the third and final book in the ‘Chameleon Chronicles’, readers of the series will be thrilled for Evie and the choices she makes. It’s the story of Evie coming into her own and accepting herself for what she is…and isn’t.
When 40 hits and Evie finds herself losing roles to the younger crowd and being replaced by a younger wife, instead of spiraling down into depression she takes a step which turns her life into a new direction. Now she’s a bona fide agent for Chameleon, a special government agency that uses conmen (and women) to beat the scammers at their own game. She’s also a woman torn between two men…one the logical choice and the other, apparently the choice of her heart. While trying to grapple with her personal issues, she and the rest of the Chameleon team are also on the trail of the biggest case in their careers. Their beloved boss Milo is being framed by their CIA boss! Taking down the dirty agent and his secrets may just mean the end of their team…if they live through it!
I love the whole idea of conning the conmen. It’s a situation that easily lends itself to humor and Ciotta takes full advantage with witty dialogue and snappy exchanges between all the characters involved. I would caution readers who begin with this last book to brush up on their ‘con’ slang or they just might find themselves resorting to an online dictionary to keep up! Each of the characters is so fully developed and their attitudes are portrayed so well in their respective manners of speech that I didn’t have any problems with the first person perspective, even as it zigzagged back and forth. That’s quite an accomplishment!
But what I really loved about this whole series is reading about Evie’s life, loves, and troubles. Evie’s journey was a painful one in many ways. Her career and her marriage pretty much hit the skids at the beginning of the first book and this whole series was about Evie beginning again after 40. In “Evie Ever After” Beth Ciotta showcases the ‘new’ Evie—and she’s better than ever. She’s what I want to be once I eventually grow up…happy with herself, accepting of the choices she’s made, and celebrating her relationships with friends and family. If there’s anything more uplifting than that…I surely don’t know what it would be. Now if she would just write more quickly......more
Reviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Apr09
“I see dead people.” That line from The Sixth Sense, delivered by that child actor, has become one oReviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Apr09
“I see dead people.” That line from The Sixth Sense, delivered by that child actor, has become one of the more famous, and infamously parodied, in recent history. It sent chills up my spine when I saw the movie and even now, just remembering gives me the shivers. I’m not sure what the continuing lure is for stories about ghosts, but it’s certainly an enduring part of every society and every generation. Heather Graham’s latest romantic suspense, “Nightwalker”, provides a peek into her take on ghosts and those who can communicate and see them. Luckily for us, they use this power for good.
Jessy is a native of Las Vegas, so she’s well versed on the odds of winning a bit pot at the craps table; and when it happens to her, she’s thrilled…until seconds later a stranger crashes into her and dies…trapping her under his body and the word “indigo” uttered with his dying breath. Now all of a sudden, she’s seeing the dead man everywhere. And the starkly handsome private investigator who dragged the dead body off her is dogging her steps for information…and maybe just a bit more.
Dillon sees dead people, and that’s NOT a joke. For him it began after the death of his parents, and he was lucky enough to meet up with a man who understood and nurtured his talent. Now he works for that man with a group of others like him…the Nightwalkers. They provide assistance for the ghosts, helping them to move on. Dillon is in Vegas working on a case when he spots Jessy at the craps table. Something about her draws him in and it’s not just her gorgeous looks. Both Dillon and his ghostly pal have a baaad feeling that Jessy’s in danger as it looks like whoever killed the dead man is doing a little clean-up since everyone who came in close contact with him is dying…violently.
This story begins in the distant past in a Wild West saloon, and ends a few miles away in Vegas. Most everything in the story has meaning to both the past and the present. I found it fascinating the way Graham’s plotting pulled in descendants of the original story for the spine-tingling finale. The book is really more of a mystery/suspense with a bit of romance than the other way around, so if this is something that bugs you, consider yourself warned! The hints and clues to the mystery are sprinkled throughout the read and I didn’t fully figure out ‘whodunit’ until the author’s dénouement.
My only complaint with “Nightwalker” would be the dearth of back-story development of the main characters. We only get a glimpse into the ‘whys and wherefores’ of the whole ‘seeing ghosts’ ability. Ditto for anything other than the most cursory exploration of the backgrounds of the hero and heroine. I still enjoyed Heather Graham’s latest for what it is…a good mystery, with some action, suspense, and a tinge of romance....more
Actual title is "Every Demon Has His Day" Reviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Apr09
Chicklit meets paranormal romance equals “Every Demon Has Actual title is "Every Demon Has His Day" Reviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Apr09
Chicklit meets paranormal romance equals “Every Demon Has His Day”. Cara Lockwood’s hilarious story of a small town, soon-to-be ex-wife turned ‘minor prophet’ left me grinning. This is IN NO WAY a serious or heavy read. Nope, this is light-hearted, funny, and almost a spoof of the darker, paranormal books on every shelf of your bookstore’s romance section.
Constance really isn’t having a good day. First her soon-to-be-ex tried to ‘help’ again which means he put laundry soap in the dishwasher! Now her floor is covered with suds. Next, she hears a noise in the garage and finds her husband on the floor, obviously dead, with a screwdriver in his back and a weird dude in black standing over him. Then, the weird dude gives her a business card that dissolves into ash after she reads it and he disappears…leaving her with a dead husband and a story absolutely nobody in their right mind will believe. To top off her day, the new Sheriff (who just happens to be the old flame who took her virginity, never called back, and moved away) shows up and, of course, can’t believe a word she says. Is that a bad day, or what?
Now she has to deal with: a talking dog who’s an angel-in-training, the hunky sheriff, visions she can’t control, sex with said hunky sheriff, two demons dogging her every step, getting arrested after sex with said hunky sheriff, a movie star who sold their soul to the devil (just one?), more sex with said hunky sheriff, and a ditzy teenage movie star she must prevent from giving birth to the Antichrist…oh, and more sex with the sheriff and a Ramboesque Catholic priest.
If all that sounds funny, that’s because it is. Whether or not Lockwood intended her book to be satiric, that’s how I read it and it still makes me grin when I think about it. There were a couple of places where I though the author went over to line to silliness, but there weren’t enough of those to keep me from enjoying the read. The sexy sheriff…was sexy, and had thankfully grown up a bit. But seeing him receiving the ‘karmic return’ from just about every woman in town because of his teenage actions was in some way cathartic , and simply, evilly enjoyable.
Cara Lockwood has plans to release another book with at least some of the same characters. I’ll likely buy that one just to see if it’s as amusing for me as “Every Demon Has His Day” was. So for anyone looking for a break from the plethora of emotional, dark paranormal romances out there today…I think you could do much worse than picking up a copy of Lockwood’s book…and laughing your way through it!...more
I save my Edith Layton books like my favorite chocolates, then take them out to read when I need a good historical romance that will cheer my heart anI save my Edith Layton books like my favorite chocolates, then take them out to read when I need a good historical romance that will cheer my heart and make me smile. Her latest, "A Bride for his Convenience" is no exception. Layton's books have flawed characters in realistic (for their times) situations who conquer all, or at least most, for love. And Layton does this without resorting to 'miraculous' tricks or 'sudden' discoveries.
Ian will lose everything if he doesn't come up with a wealthy bride. Never in his wildest nightmares had he imagined he would be forced to marry for money; but unless he's willing to let his estates and people languish, he has no choice. With the assistance of his 'man of business', Ian sets out to find a bride...one who's at least pleasant to look at, moderately intelligent...and rich.
Hannah's father is an exceedingly wealthy miller. When she is spurned by the village lothario, she is hurt, humiliated, and depressed. So when her father suggests a marriage of convenience to a titled lord for the sake of her sisters, Hannah agrees. She is surprised and a bit awed by Ian. Over time though, she comes to know the man behind his public persona...and love him. But can their marriage ever be more than just convenient for Ian?
Even with a well-used plot line, Layton manages to make her story seem fresh. The gradual growth of the characters and relationship makes the tale even more plausible. And the happy ending is just the thing to keep me smiling on a cold winter day.
I stayed up late last night to finish "Princess of the Sword". This is the final book of Lynn Kurland's fantasy trilogy about a land of magic, swords,I stayed up late last night to finish "Princess of the Sword". This is the final book of Lynn Kurland's fantasy trilogy about a land of magic, swords, and kings. While there's little outright romance depicted, the relationship of the two main characters deepens with each book and every challenge these two face.
Morgan and Miach are searching for the spell Morgan will need to close the well of evil her late father opened. But getting the spell they need will involve evil mages, long-lost brothers, and sacrifices. Morgan will need to reach deep inside herself for the courage to face her greatest fears and Miach will find himself face-to-face with his greatest enemy.
Bravo! Enjoyed every page and every trial these two underwent. And at the end, it was love that provided the extra courage and power both needed to win the day....more
Gotta say, this one was rather ho hum for me. "Wicked Winter" includes 6 stories by Lani Aames, Nina Nash, Mackenzie McKade, Cash Cole, Isabo Kelly, &Gotta say, this one was rather ho hum for me. "Wicked Winter" includes 6 stories by Lani Aames, Nina Nash, Mackenzie McKade, Cash Cole, Isabo Kelly, & Anna J. Evans. Five are M/F couples and one is M/M with a side dish of female. None really 'grabbed' me, but none exactly bored me either :)...more
Urban fantasy fans, pay heed! "Mean Streets" is an awesome anthology with stories by four big-hitters of the genre. In one book, you can visit with ChUrban fantasy fans, pay heed! "Mean Streets" is an awesome anthology with stories by four big-hitters of the genre. In one book, you can visit with Chicago wizard Harry Dresden, Nightside PI John Taylor, Greywalker Harper Blaine, and fallen angel Remy Chandler in their own worlds. Stories of murder and attempted murder most foul, but with magic added to the mayhem.
For those who are unfamiliar with the above names, they are the creations of Jim Butcher, Simon R. Green, Kat Richardson, and Thomas E. Sniegoski. This anthology gives you a chance to get a feel for each writer's style and characters and it's hard for me to believe that you won't find at least one (and likely all four) to your tastes....more
"Wicked Intentions" is one of those books that kept me a bit confused and I spent most of the book trying to decide if I liked it or not! But I did ke"Wicked Intentions" is one of those books that kept me a bit confused and I spent most of the book trying to decide if I liked it or not! But I did keep reading so that must say something. Lydia Joyce's novels have a definite gothic feel to them. They are dark and brooding. I've read her earlier books and did enjoy them, yet this one has a very different 'vibe' for me. The hero and heroine (and I use those terms loosely here) were antagonists for most of the story. The sex...was sex, not lovemaking, up to the very end of the book. And the sex began on page 35 with a scene that was (to me anyway) uncomfortably close to unwilling on the heroine's part. But, as I said, I did keep reading and finish the book. This is just one that didn't click or sit well with me.
Esmeralda is a mysterious, veiled creature who uses the current fad for spiritualism to gain power in the ton. But power for what purpose and over whom? When she entangles Thomas' mother in her web, he confronts her and finds that even though he doesn't trust her, he does desire her. As Thomas and Esmeralda's schemes advance, so does their attraction for each other. But will one of them have to give up their plans for the other to succeed?
Gothic, noir, and brooding. With an ending that manages to wrap everything up in a nice, tidy package....more
Reviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Oct08
“The Lady Flees Her Lord” is my second read by Michele Ann Young, and a very satisfying read it wasReviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Oct08
“The Lady Flees Her Lord” is my second read by Michele Ann Young, and a very satisfying read it was. Young’s historicals have all too human characters with flaws who are placed in situations that require difficult choices. These books aren’t light, fluffy reads. But they are books that will draw you into the lives of their characters and have you encouraging and cheering for them as they make their way to happiness.
Lucinda had no choice but to run away. When her husband offered her to one of his dissolute friends, Lucinda knew she couldn’t stay. Her only hope is to disappear to a quiet country town far away from London. While on the run, she is duped into watching a child whose mother then runs off. It doesn’t take Lucinda long to realize she finally has what she’s always wanted…a child and freedom. But Lucinda’s husband isn’t about to let his golden goose get away, without her presence, Lucinda’s father has cut off his allowance. He’s sure it’s only a matter of time before he finds her and then he’ll make her sorry she ran!
Hugo returned to his family estate from the war wounded both mentally and physically. His huge body almost killed his mother at birth, and ended up killing his wife when she tried to bear his monstrous young. So…no wife, ever, for Hugo. Instead he’ll concentrate on rebuilding his estate as his father let it go to wrack and ruin. When he runs into a child and the beautiful statuesque widow who is her mother, he’s immediately attracted. As they spend time together, he begins to have feelings for this wonderful woman who isn’t afraid of his size or his temper. But how will Hugo feel when her legal husband comes calling?
When I read books like this, I always silently thank God that we no longer live in a time where a husband could treat his wife like chattel and the wife had no recourse. Young does a good job of depicting the lack of choices for Lucinda without dragging the reader into depression. Likewise, Hugo’s character has his own demons to live with and reacts just a child raised in those conditions would. Their time and their world is much different than ours and Young’s descriptions and plotting make that clear.
I enjoyed the growing and development of both the relationship and each character during the course of the story. There was even a bit of a mystery that became clear as the author dropped hints at strategic places in the tale. Michele Ann Young caught and held my attention throughout “The Lady Flees Her Lord”. Her novel has passion, mystery, action, and a happily ever after set against the backdrop of Regency England’s tonnish escapades. I’ll be watching and waiting for her next release....more
Reviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Mar09
OOOOH, time traveling hunky magical tortured highlanders…scrumptious! “Dark Victory” is Brenda JoyceReviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Mar09
OOOOH, time traveling hunky magical tortured highlanders…scrumptious! “Dark Victory” is Brenda Joyce’s latest in her ‘Masters of Time’ series about strong uber-Alpha males granted extraordinary capabilities by the gods in order to protect the innocent. Of course, they’re all drop-dead gorgeous and in need of a good shrink…or a strong female to temper their arrogance and provide a haven for their solace. Do I need to add they can go all night and have outsized hungers? I didn’t think so
Tabitha is the second of the Rose sisters; a schoolteacher by day, and a witch. She is also the most gentle and has difficulty with her intermittent powers. When she accompanies her sister to a museum exhibit, she is assailed by a dark sense of evil and the vision of a man who is hurt and suffering. She immediately knows she must help him, no matter how powerful and intimidating he looks, so she performs a spell to try and call him to her. Hours later her life is turned upside down by this dark and intensely sexual stranger who swears to protect her from the evil hunting her. He also intends to be her lover, and when danger threatens, he pulls her back into the distant past with him.
The Black Macleod is favored by the gods with superhuman powers. But his refusal to take his vows to use those powers to protect the Innocent has made his powers fickle at best. What he lives for is revenge on the ones who murdered his whole family. But for how many generations should they pay? And when he must choose between revenge and his feelings for Tabitha, which will prove stronger?
I ignored the rest of my life after picking up this book. Laundry, dinner, XMAS shopping, it all took a backseat to following this intense story of time paradox and love. The hero and heroine are both strong characters, but Tabitha’s strength is more that of her convictions and Macleod’s is centered on the aggressive physical. Both have magic and both learn the price of those powers in ways beyond the physical. There were a few times I felt almost dizzy as the story rotated between time and location, but a quick glance back at the chapter sub-heading always kept me in the right place and time. If it weren’t for the intense sexuality, I would have classified this book as an urban fantasy. However, the main focus was certainly the relationship between the main characters, so paranormal romance is the right genre.
Brenda Joyce’s rendering of the stark contrast between the now and earlier times was masterful. Tabitha’s change in outward demeanor when in the past was an especially nice touch, as women’s rights…weren’t even a consideration then. The pacing, even when jarred by time changes, was exactly as needed for this story and increased the tension of the plot. I enjoyed the author’s other books in this series, but this one is by far my favorite. It’s a bit grittier and the romance a bit darker than the previous books, but the Black Macleod demands nothing less. “Dark Victory” is just as its title declares…a bit dark, but still a victory for love. Now I just have to wait for “Dark Lover”, the last in the Rose trilogy of her ‘Masters of Time’ series. It’s scheduled for release in September 2009....more
How I love a good surprise. From running upon this gem unexpectedly in the bookstore, to the stories it contains, reading it gave me a lift all aroundHow I love a good surprise. From running upon this gem unexpectedly in the bookstore, to the stories it contains, reading it gave me a lift all around. "Unusual Suspects" is an anthology of twelve stories that blend mystery and fantasy into a delicious confection. The stories range from historical to contemporary urban fantasy, from mages to witches, and from werewolves to vampires to humans. Authors include Charlaine Harris (a new Sookie story!), Carole Nelson Douglas, Simon R. Green (a new Nightside!), Laurie R. King, Dana Stabenow, Sharon Shinn, Laura Anne Gilman, Michael A. Stackpole, Mike Doogan, Donna Andrews, Michael Armstrong, and John Straley.
If you like mystery, mayhem, and magic...this is a book well worth your time....more
Reviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Feb09
Calling all knitters. There’s a new romance book in town that’s set around a challenge thrown of leaReviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Feb09
Calling all knitters. There’s a new romance book in town that’s set around a challenge thrown of learning to knit. It’s been many years since I’ve taken up my needles and I must say that knitting was never associated with sex in my mind…until now. Heidi Betts managed to make knitting sexy with her new novel, “Tangled Up In Love”, and that’s really quite a feat.
Veronica and Dylan are two column journalists who have a red-hot rivalry going on. They challenge each other to wild and wacky stunts in their respective columns and each has become rather famous during their battle of the sexes. What neither has been willing to confess is their growing attraction to each other which both solidly deny, even to themselves. Veronica’s latest challenge to Dylan is that he learn to knit and provide a finished product in one month. Dylan has no intention of losing and invades Veronica’s knitting group first, and then has the cojones to request private knitting lessons! It doesn’t take long before these lessons are conducted with a minimum of clothing, and maximum of heat. But will either one be willing to relinquish their shields?
This was a very sexy book. It doesn’t cross the line over into erotica territory, but does get fairly close with its frank descriptions and hot love scenes. I read the first few chapters eagerly, but then my interest waned. Mostly because I didn’t like Veronica or the way she treated Dylan. Now I know that conflict is a well-honored plot device in romance novels, but when the conflict contains elements of ‘mean’ (for lack of a better word), that just turns my interest right off. For someone who usually reads a book straight through, or at most, within 24 hours…this book took me over a week to finish because every time I picked it back up, Veronica made me want to put it right back down. For about 2/3 of the book, Veronica was a harpy and Dylan was a horndog which meant neither was very endearing for me.
Other than that, the book was very fast-paced. All the action takes place in a one-month timeframe and there’s a teeny bit of magical assistance hinted at in the first and last chapters. There is another book in the same setting coming out soon called “Loves Me, Loves Me Knot” which stars two of the secondary characters from “Tangled Up In Love”. I’ll probably pick up the second to see if Heidi Betts makes those two characters more romantic than argumentative....more
Reviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release March 2009
What does a woman do when the emotional ‘props’ in her life disappear—one by one? Susan MalleryReviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release March 2009
What does a woman do when the emotional ‘props’ in her life disappear—one by one? Susan Mallery is one of my favorite authors and her books always linger in my mind after I’ve finished reading them. It seems there’s always something about her female heroines that I can identify with and wonder, “What would I do if I were her?”. “Sunset Bay” is Mallery’s latest novel which will be released in March 2009. It didn’t take long for this story to grab my attention and my heartstrings.
Megan’s life is pretty darn good. Not perfect, but darn good. And she’s worked her butt off to make it so. She’s a successful accountant, with a supportive father and a doctor for a fiancé. Jealous yet? Well, don’t be because her happy life is about to fall apart right before her eyes. Her father…isn’t; when he finds out, he doesn’t take it well. Her fiancé? A cheater and she finds out right before the wedding. Her job? A new barracuda of an intern is sabotaging hers. To top it all off, her old boyfriend Travis is back in town. You know, the one who’s all wrong for her? The one her father drove away? The one she can’t seem to stay away from?
When I re-read what I just wrote I realized that my description made this book sound ‘heavy’. And I guess maybe it was, a bit. But somehow Mallery kept me reading without having to burst into tears (okay, a few sniffles, but that’s all I’ll admit to) when Megan’s life went down the toilet. Even though I normally write a quick synopsis of the hero’s side, this time I didn’t because this story is much more all about Megan and how she reacts and thinks and feels about everything going on in her life. It’s still definitely a romance, don’t worry, and a darn sexy one to boot; but there’s more depth and soul-searching on Megan’s part or maybe I just identified so much more with her, but Travis came across as almost a secondary character for me. And that didn’t bug me at all.
I mean what woman hasn’t had a boyfriend that cheated? Or faced a time when she might lose, or at least have her name blackened in, her job? Or suffered through a horrible ‘family’ issue? I’m guessing not many. We all have difficult times in our lives and I remember a couple of times as I read this book I was thinking, “Well, my life doesn’t seem so bad in comparison.” I mean, really. Imagine all the above things happening within a space of two weeks or so? How would you deal with it? Hello therapy! But Megan coped almost like one of those pop-up bozos that were popular at one time. You punch ‘em and they go down but then they bounce back up…over and over and over again. Her life changed in almost every way and she managed to find some good (eventually) in each of the changes. How uplifting is that?
Did I like this story? Yes, I surely did. Will I read it again? Yes, but it will be a while. “Sunset Bay” is Susan Mallery’s depiction of a woman who reinvents herself and ‘finds’ herself at the same time. It’s also a story about determination and overcoming adversity…and in the uncertain and troublesome times we’re living in now, I can’t think of a better message for an author to send her readers....more
"Holiday With a Vampire" is a quick twofer read from Silhouette Nocturne.
"A Christmas Kiss" by Merline Lovelace. Brett is on his way home when woman s"Holiday With a Vampire" is a quick twofer read from Silhouette Nocturne.
"A Christmas Kiss" by Merline Lovelace. Brett is on his way home when woman suddenly appears in front of his vehicle. After skidding off the road to avoid her, he's pretty unhappy when she appears to be a drunk. She's really a vampire who's a bit loopy from whatever the dentist gave her trying to fix a chipped canine tooth. ***A little disappointing as I felt a bit 'left hanging' wondering about her 'savage' boss. Otherwise, not too bad.
"The Vampire Who Stole Christmas" by Lori Devoti. She's an angel, he's a vampire. Don't know where this match was made, but likely not in heaven. ***A little 'heavy' for a Christmas read, but also quick enough I didn't feel 'preached' to.
Reviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Feb09
What is it that I like so much about Melissa Mayhue’s books? From the very first one, “Thirty NightsReviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Feb09
What is it that I like so much about Melissa Mayhue’s books? From the very first one, “Thirty Nights with a Highland Husband”, there is just something about her writing that pulls me in and keeps me coming back for more. Her heroines are strong and determined and don’t do stupid things that require a man to save them…nope, they do just as much saving, in their own way, as any of the heroes in her books. Yet the men certainly aren’t weak or spineless. Au contraire, they are strong heroes who fight their attraction at first, usually for some stupid male reason , but once they ‘get it’…they go after her with guns…I mean swords…blazing…uh, flashing?!
Ellie’s having the best day she’s had since her mother died recently. The strange rose-shaped birthmark that recently appeared on her chest is NOT cancerous! Now if only she could get rid of the slimy excuse for a step-father who’s trying to claim the farm and get Ellie in his bed before her mother’s grave is grassed over. Ellie escapes to the river and while she’s there she makes a wish…to find her true love and perhaps “a Highlander of my own”. The next thing she knows she’s waking up somewhere that looks an awful lot like the Highlands and the year is 1304. Holy crap!
Caden doesn’t trust the Fae. The last time they interfered with his family, his brother was wounded and his life changed forever. As a result of those events, he decided never to marry. Instead, when the time comes, he’ll appoint one of his brother’s sons as his heir. Love isn’t for him. So when his mother decides Ellie has been sent for love, Caden figures she must be here for one of his brothers. That’s fine! Doesn’t bother him at all. Nope, not a bit.
Stubborn as these two were, I almost expected to hear horns locking whenever they met. How entertaining to ‘watch’ their relationship unfold while both are denying the desire for said relationship. Mayhue’s timing and dialogue’s were spot-on and caused both sniffles and chuckles at times. The juxtaposition of Ellie’s modern ways against Caden’s ‘medieval’ sensibilities was used in places to further the plot instead of just cause romantic problems. If I thought Mayhue had intended this for anything but light-hearted romance, I would be a bit critical of the lack of survival and language problems this difference caused…but hey, this is a romance and it works just fine!
The cast is just right with some gruesome bad guys, hot-bodied good guys, and the talking animals who stole the show for me. The tension between the hero and heroine sizzled and sparkled and who knew guys knew so much about women’s bodies back then? Once again, Melissa Mayhue provided me with a wonderful read in “A Highlander of Her Own”. I’ll be pacing outside the bookstore waiting for “A Highlander’s Destiny” when it’s released next year....more
I liked "Cops and Cowboys", a twofer books with one story each by Lora Leigh and Shiloh Walker. I actually enjoyed Walker's story more, but still founI liked "Cops and Cowboys", a twofer books with one story each by Lora Leigh and Shiloh Walker. I actually enjoyed Walker's story more, but still found it pretty cool that Leigh's story includes a cameo by an August brother! Both stories have scorching sex and a bit of BDSM too so if that bugs you...don't read 'em!
"Her Wildest Dreams" by Shiloh Walker. Nice story about a woman who has an epiphany and takes the opportunity to change her life. Very nice self-affirming message in a hot erotic story that didn't try to hit me over the head with it!
"Cowboy & the Captive" by Lora Leigh. This one stars the August boy's neighbor Luc and involves a highly unlikely case of mistaken identity...but it's Lora Leigh so who cares?
I'll read both of these again so onto my keeper shelf it goes! ...more
Humpf. If you've been reading Tessa Radley's 'Saxon Brides' series from Silhouette, then you will probably want to read "Pregnancy Proposal". If you hHumpf. If you've been reading Tessa Radley's 'Saxon Brides' series from Silhouette, then you will probably want to read "Pregnancy Proposal". If you haven't, meh.
Amy's fiance, the eldest Saxon son, died recently and her emotions have been rather unstable ever since. Now she's pregnant and SO ashamed. She's always been the good girl...what will people think? What will she do?
Heath Saxon has been in love with Amy for so long, but hid his feelings because she was in love with his brother. When he gets the chance to marry Amy to give her a father for her Saxon child, will he be able to get past the feeling of betraying his brother?
Amy is a weak, whiny, spineless twit. I found myself wanting to throw this book against the wall several times to try and erase her waffling and whining. And Heath wasn't a whole lot better. He loved her, knew his brother cheated on her, and didn't do a whole hell of a lot to protect his 'beloved'. This author can do so much better than this....more
Holy crap! I'm hoping I don't dream tonight...but if I do, I just hope this book doesn't influence my dreams or they'll be some doozy of a nightmare. Holy crap! I'm hoping I don't dream tonight...but if I do, I just hope this book doesn't influence my dreams or they'll be some doozy of a nightmare. "Blood Sins" is Kay Hooper's second in her 'Blood' trilogy and her 11th starring the 'Bishop/Special Crimes Unit'. This unit is a special FBI unit composed of agents with 'special' abilities--mediums, seers, telepaths, etc. They operate as quietly as possible when crimes seem to have some unusual aspects. I've got all of this series in my permanent library, even the ones I didn't care that much for, because they all have that something...even when they scare the crap out of me!
This time Bishop's unit is facing a psychic who can, apparently, kill without touching, or even being close to, his victim. The body count is already too high and when one of their own goes down, Bishop and his unit will need to decide whether their intent is justice...or destruction.
This villain creeped me out--big time. I don't want to give too much away, but think Jim Jones or David Koresh WITH almost unstoppable psychic powers. Still makes my skin crawl! So if you like paranormal mysteries with some really twisted bad guys...you'll probably enjoy this series, and the shudders it produces, as much as I do. My only big disappointment with this one was the lack of a real romance in the plot. But I didn't actually 'miss' it until I finished the book, so that should tell you something!...more
Reviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Feb09
I read and reviewed Jenna Maclaine’s first book “Wages of Sin”. When I did, I said I was looking forReviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Feb09
I read and reviewed Jenna Maclaine’s first book “Wages of Sin”. When I did, I said I was looking forward to her next book and was interested to see where her characters were going. Well, “Grave Sins” was just as enjoyable for me as the first one and even with the glut of paranormals on the market today, I think Maclaine offers something a bit different and well worth the read.
It’s been 13 years since Cin ‘died’ and became a vampire in early 1800s England. In that time, she’s grown into her abilities as a vampire and her powers as a witch. She and her ‘consort’ Michael are part of ‘the Righteous’—a foursome that acts as a kind of FBI to vampiredom. They seek out those who break vampire law and dispense the vampire High King’s justice. One of the biggest vamp rules is the prohibition against killing humans and the automatic sentence is death. Cin has also instituted an annual ‘vacation’ where she visits her old home and humans she’s closest to for two weeks every year. No killing, no fighting…just rest, lots of sex, and reminders of her past humanity. But this year, their vacation is interrupted by a special envoy from the High King. The vampire Queen of the Western Lands has been accused of killing humans and the High King has requested Cin’s group determine the validity of the claims and carry out the sentence if required. Of course, when you receive a request from the High King, it’s not something you refuse, so off they go.
I won’t give the plot away, but suffice to say that this second book in Maclaine’s series provides a lot more information about vampire government and customs and the local ‘pecking orders’. This story has a few interesting twists and a bit of a mystery. The relationship between Cin and Michael sees some rocky moments. The question of who is killing the humans must be resolved. Cin’s witchy human aunt even has a role in furthering the plot and Cin’s growth in her powers. There’s also a goddess, a werewolf, and a mysterious dumb blonde (is that an oxymoron?) involved.
The story is told in first person from Cin’s perspective, but that didn’t result in any information gaps for me. The flow and pace were smooth and the jokes and descriptions of ‘old’ and ‘new’ fashions were rather humorous considering. The mystery was interesting in that I had a good idea of the who, but no idea of the why or how…and I liked that the author surprised me when she laid out the solution. The sex between Cin and Michael is hot even though it isn’t by any means the focus of the story, but the decisions and reactions of these two certainly aided the unfolding of the plot. I had such a good time reading, the time flew by and I wasn’t ready for the book to end. At least there was a sneak peek of “Mortal Sins”, the next tale in the series, at the end of this book. If history, the paranormal, a bit of romance, and mystery interest you…check out “Grave Sins” by Jenna Maclaine. I’m sure glad I did....more
Julie (jjmachshev)
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