THE SOLITARY KNIGHTS OF PELHAM BAY BOOK 1: FINDING CHANDLER by Claire Thompson

Publisher Romance Unbound Publishing – free read
Date published 2009
No ISBN # Given
M/M Contemporary
E-book
Obtained via:Self-purchase
Reviewed by Dawn



CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE! For Eric Moore, twenty years have passed since he felt a real connection with anyone. When a challenge is issued to the “club” he is involved in to find the one who got away; the one who made them believe in love before it was thrown away, he remembers the one man who made him fall in love with a shy smile. Eric is unsure how Chandler will react when he steps back into his life but for Eric, he is about to woo the one man he left years ago because this time, Eric is determined to woo the one man who he let slip away and show him that maybe love is worth a second chance.

FINDING CHANDLER is a story of heartbreak, redemption and love lost then found. Ms. Thompson is a wonderful storyteller who captures the nuances of her characters completely and in the first book in The Solitary Knights of Pelham Bay, she introduces the reader to a club whose members, have been burned by love and are determined to not let love into their lives again. I fell in love with the whole series within the pages of FINDING CHANDLER. Here you have older men trying to find their soul mates, the ones they let slip through their fingers for one reason or another. With a broad stroke of her pen, Ms. Thompson captures the characters completely here. Bitter about love, determined to not let it into their lives, it takes a challenge to find the “one that got away” and see if they can believe in love again. Can they do it? That is the question hanging in the beginning as Ms. Thompson delivers a heartfelt story that had me crying one minute and smiling the next as your emotions get caught up in a story that will have you rooting for these two to finally admit what they had locked in their hearts.

Meet Eric Moore, a man who threw away the one good thing in his life twenty years before for one reason or another. When issued a challenge to look up the one that got away and maybe see if those feelings were still there, he remembers the one man who brought such joy into his life-Chandler Adams. With the memories of the good times and the love that Chandler showed him back then. Eric is a wonderful character- full of hidden depths and regrets whenever he thinks of Chandler and choices he thought were right back then. I have to admit this author really got me by showing memories and how much regret Eric had over the way he treated Chandler. Chandler Adams is a man thrown in his work and content until he finds Eric in his office, waiting for him. Determined to not let the one man who broke his heart back into his life, he finds himself being wooed, until the day comes when he makes a decision that will either have him alone again or reconnecting with Eric again. Both characters keep the story flowing smoothly and some of the secondary characters are quite intriguing as well. I am hoping to see what happens to them in the future books. Eric and Chandler are perfect together and I was rooting for them to finally let the walls around their heart come down and maybe hope for a second chance. Rich with emotions, passion and regrets, FINDING CHANDLER is a story that will have you remembering your own past loves while reading Eric and Chandler’s story.

This is a short story so I don’t want to give too much away but I have to admit, Ms. Thompson delivers one of her best works in FINDING CHANDLER. I loved the way Eric found a way to tell Chandler what an ass he was and why he did the things he did back then. With each page you get lost in a story so rich in emotion, I was rooting for Chandler to let Eric back into his life, even for a moment. With the right amount of tension, regret, hope and passion playing between the pages, FINDING CHANDLER is a wonderful story that will have you believing in love all over again. I look forward to reading the other stories in this wonderful new series and give kudos to Ms. Thompson for creating something so profound it brings tears to your eyes and a smile to your heart.


THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW

RAVENOUS *Book 1 in The Dark Forgotten Series* by Sharon Ashwood

Publisher: Signet
Date published: February 2009
ISBN: 978-0-451-22617-4
Paranormal Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn


Holly Carver is a witch with a normal boyfriend and is going to college by paying for it by doing ghost busting. When she gets a job to bust a haunted house, she never expects to be battling a demon and it is one her family of witches had banished long ago. A supernatural war is brewing, ready to blow the lid off the world as she knew it and it is up to Holly and a few of her friends to fight it before it takes over everything she holds dear. Add in a sexy vampire partner, a prophecy and unreliable magic, poor Holly is about to find herself knee-deep in trouble.

RAVENOUS is the first book of Ms. Ashwood’s The Dark Forgotten series and frankly, I was blown away by it. An impulse buy for me, the blurb on the back wetted my appetite to know more and frankly, Ms. Ashwood didn’t disappoint either. Fast writing, intriguing characters, a mystery that keeps you glued to the seat of your pants, Ms. Ashwood delivers one spine tingling good time in RAVENOUS.

Meet Holly Carver, a small time witch who pays for college courses by busting ghosts. She comes from a long line of witches and after a childhood accident; her magic has been a little unreliable in regards to what she calls the “Big M”. When a routine house haunting job goes south and a demon starts wreaking havoc on her small town, Holly finds herself knee deep in a war that has been brewing for ages. Now the one demon her ancestor stopped once before is back and determined to take everything Holly holds dear, including Holly herself. Can Holly stop her in time before she takes any more victims? Holly is a spunky heroine who finds her world crashing down on her when secrets and desires come out in the open and she finds herself on every supernatural and otherwise hit list and not in a good way either. I loved the way she evolved throughout the pages. Ms. Ashwood delivers a complex heroine who finds her world changing right before her eyes. Add in her sexy vampire partner, Alessandro who is drawn to Holly yet is fighting himself not to give into his desires for her, Holly’s grand mom who keeps insisting vampires are like chocolate and others who keep the story flowing fast and furious. The secondary characters also pick up steam and keep the twists coming.

RAVENOUS delivers a wonderful ride on a roller coaster of emotions, desires and the supernatural world. Ms. Ashwood delivers a wonderful start in a series that will surely keep you enthralled. If you enjoy a different take on the paranormal world and magic, then grab RAVENOUS and get ready to explore a world where sometimes things just are not what they seem. I am hoping I won’t have to wait too long for the next installment in The Dark Forgotten Series.

RADIANT DARKNESS by Emily Whitman

Publisher: HarperTeen
Date published: April 2009
ISBN: 978-0-06-172449-7
Fantasy/Young Adult
Hardcover
Dawn


Everyone knows about Persephone and how she was stolen away by Hades to be his queen down in the underworld. This is the tale of how Persephone became the Queen and love of the Lord of the Underworld, told by Persephone herself. A young woman determined to live a life for herself and in the end, finds a love worth fighting for and a life worth living.

RADIANT DARKNESS is from debut author Emily Whitman and tells the tale of Persephone’s life before she became the Queen of the Underworld with Hades. Ms. Whitman delivers a wonderfully told story that tells Persephone’s point of view on the whole myth and that one young woman’s desire to have a life of her own, even if her mother, Demeter, doesn’t agree. Full of teenage angst, Ms. Whitman delves deep into Persephone’s heart to show that even a young goddess wants love and a chance to have a life of her own, on her own terms. This author dives into the mythical tale with abandon and the reader gets a chance to see that maybe the myth that is being told in books and history just might not be the real story. RADIANT DARKNESS is Persephone’s story in her words of how she became the Queen of the Underworld and how the seasons of winter and spring came about in the aftermath.

Meet Persephone, a young teen goddess chafing for something, anything to get her some much needed excitement in her mother’s vale. When she meets Hades, she has no idea who he is but he calls to her deep inside her soul. With boredom and the need to show her mother, Demeter that she is not that little girl anymore, Persephone embarks on an adventure that delivers her a whole new world and love beyond what she ever imagined. Ms. Whitman definitely gets who Persephone is in RADIANT DARKNESS. Strong, yearning to be free of her mother’s strings yet also looking for love of her own; Ms. Whitman delivers a character that keeps you glued to the pages as you read about her adventures in the underworld and her romance with Hades. Can she find her place in his world? Will she ever be able to come into her own and become the person she thinks she should be? Is Persephone the victim history has made her out to be?

RADIANT DARKNESS is a story that shows the reader a new spin on the myth of Persephone and Hades’ courtship and love. Ms. Whitman does a fabulous job in creating a young lady full of hurts, independence and what she finds along the way to her heart’s reward. Can Persephone find a way to make her mother “see” her in a new light? RADIANT DARKNESS is a delightful tale that will show you a new way of thinking in that maybe Persephone wasn’t the victim here and that being true to one’s self means also sacrificing something in order to get her heart’s desire. I look forward to seeing more from this intriguing new author and if you love a good retelling of mythical tales full of gods/goddesses, then you will enjoy RADIANT DARKNESS.

FLAMES OF GOLD by Leanne Borroughs, Amy Blizzard, Patty Howell, Judith Leigh, Amber Dawn Bell

Publisher Highland Press Publishing
Date published October 2008
ISBN 978-0981855059
Romance Anthology
Trade Paperback
Reviewed by Valerie



A New Tradition by Leanne Burroughs

Abigail Sommers is helping out a friend by waiting tables. It’s hard work and she has to disguise herself as a boy because in this day and age, it is unheard of for young ladies to actually work. Times are changing and the voices of women’s liberation are getting louder and louder. Morgan Leighton watches Abigail and is not taken in by her disguise. He would like to know the lady better and hear why she works. The opportunity soon arises and they find they have to learn to compromise their ideas and views of life in order to smooth the path to a happy ending.

This is a delightful story that I really enjoyed. Leanne Burroughs takes her readers back in time to the original woman’s liberation movement and the way different people thought of these ‘new’ ideas. It’s all very well to follow an ideal, but one must be sure to not lose one’s own ideals and opinions and to be open-minded. I loved these two characters. Abigail is a spunky blue-stocking character and Morgan is a handsome man who falls completely in love with her. I enjoyed the way Ms Burroughs tackled this theme this is an all round, warm-hearted story that is sure to keep your winter nights cozy.

The Snowflake Ball by Amy Blizzard

Dr. Chloe Miller doesn’t enjoy Christmas very much. Especially in the ER where carolers are throwing up and people are coming in with minor injuries. Then she meets Woody, a fire fighter who cut his hand in the kitchen. Now, Woody is full of Christmas cheer and he wants Chloe to feel the same. The plot thickens when Chloe is roped into playing Ms. Santa for the children’s ward and needs a Mr. Santa, and Woody agrees to help out if she will come with him to the Snowflake Ball. Chloe soon learns that Christmas is indeed merry and miracles can happen.

This is a story that will send shivers down your spine as emotions run high. It almost brought me to tears a few times and certainly made me feel all cozy and warm. Amy Blizzard knows how to capture her readers and provide an entertaining story that is infused with humor, wonderful characters and heart-warming moments. Chloe is not quite a grinch, but because of a traumatic experience in her life, Christmas just doesn’t hold its appeal anymore. Woody is wonderful! I’d love a man like him for Christmas! Another wonderful story in this, so far, great anthology.


Entertaining Angels by Patty Howell

Gwen gets a surprise when Branson shows up to take her home instead of her expected boyfriend. There are more surprises in store when she finds out that Branson is her boyfriend’s brother, he’s an FBI agent and her boyfriend has gone into a witness protection program never to be seen again. Well, she wasn’t in love with the guy, but Branson sure makes her heart go pitty pat. Then a stray child shows up in the equation and it’s going to take a lot of love, prayer and God’s guidance to help Nicky.

Now this story had me reaching for the tissues. It is captivating with a large dose of faith in God, heart-warming and very emotional. I was drawn in with the characters and the plot. I loved the fact that the heroine had a strong faith in God and that the hero and little Nicky were able to sample some of God’s miracles. Patty Howell is an author I would definitely like to read again and this story is just perfect for this anthology which is so far very good.

Chance For A Merry Christmas by Judith Leigh

Sue Johnson is visiting Mistletoe and is very surprised by the friendly people and the freezing temps. But when she meets Chance, her blood heats up quite dramatically. Chance is on leave from Iraq with an injured shoulder and survivor’s guilt. He’s falling for Sue and she loves him too, but will she agree to be his wife before he has to report back for duty?

Another heart-warming story from a talented author. Judith Leigh knows how to write a heart-felt story with characters that come alive. These are characters that you can relate to, who find a way into your heart and who you can root for. I really enjoyed this story very much and hope to read more from this author. Another perfect story to keep those winter nights warm and cozy.

A Christmas Flame by Amber Dawn Bell

Angel McKenzie has lived with guilt for the past three years. She feels she is to blame for the death of her husband and child. Jacob Campbell has lived with guilt for the past three years. He feels he is to blame for the death of Angel’s family. When these two meet, there is a lot of guilt to clear away before the path of true love can be cleared. With God’s help and the realization that life goes on, these two special people will find their own special Christmas.

Wow, this one grabbed me and squeezed me so tight! I had a lump in my throat the whole time while reading this wonderful story. Amber Dawn Bell knows how to masterfully pour on the emotions and pull at your heart until tears of joy fall. Her characters are multi-dimensional and the plot reads well. This is a great story to end this anthology with and I know that fans of sweeter romance, with characters who have faith in God will really enjoy this anthology. Just right to remember that miracles of love abound.

SHADES OF DARK by Linnea Sinclair

Publisher Bantam Dell
Date published August 2008
ISBN 978-0-553-58965-8
Science Fiction/Futuristic Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn




Capt. Chasidah “Chaz” Bergren is running from the law with her lover, a former monk now turned mercenary, Gabriel Ross Sullivan. The corrupt empire wants them with a passion and thought the future was going to be peaceful…well that is until Chaz sees a news report on her brother’s arrest and upcoming execution. Now the game is on for both Chaz and Gabriel as they race against the clock to save him, fight off killers, corrupt governments, ex’s and other things that will cause Sully and Chaz to make choices that will either make them stronger as a couple or tear them apart forever.

SHADES OF DARK is a gripping and enthralling sequel to Gabriel’s Ghost. This reviewer has to mention she never read the first book in the series and after reading this latest by author Linnea Sinclair, I am definitely running out to grab it. Full of complex and evolving characters, fast paced action and romance that fairly singes the fingertips is what you get when you open SHADES OF DARK. I was blown away from the first page until the very last one was read. This was a really captivating story that has the reader thrown n a world where the government is corrupt, the good guys are on the run and hoping for some peace for once and some hot romance to keep the pages simmering.

I thoroughly enjoyed the way Chaz and Sully interacted with each other as well as the other secondary characters. Ms. Sinclair delves deep into their souls and comes up with two evolving characters that literally grow on you as you read the latest installment of their adventures. If you want a really good futuristic/science fiction romance book, then grab SHADES OF DARK but I would recommend reading the first book to see how it all began with Chaz and Sully. A thoroughly enjoyable read and I am hoping the author delves back into the world she created here with SHADES OF DARK and the lives of Chaz and Sully.

CRIMSON DICHOTOMY: PASSION - Book 2 by Aubrey Ross

Publisher: Changeling Press
Date published: November 2008
ISBN: 978-1-60521-011-
Paranormal Urban Fantasy
E-book
Reviewed by Dawn

CLICK TO PURCHASE!
Rebecca McNeil is one of the youngest council members on the Dichotomy Council and someone is after her. After almost being kidnapped, she agrees to have Sentinel Lukas Mandalay guard her from the vampire who is obsessed with grabbing a dichotomy Halfling. What Rebecca doesn’t foresee is the growing attraction between her and Lukas….growing into a blazing PASSION that will consume them both…if they both live that long.

OH MY GOD! This is all I can say after reading the next installment from Ms. Ross. This is fast becoming one of my favorite series with the wonderful and growing casts of characters, continued storylines and that hot blazing passion that fairly melts the screen. PASSION picks up after the first Crimson Dichotomy book, SEDUCTION, left off. Ms. Ross delves deeper into the Crimson Dichotomy storyline and delivers a pulse pounding, “get ready for the ride” story in PASSION.

In PASSION, we meet Sentinel Lukas Mandalay, who finds himself drawn to Rebecca McNeil, the one woman he has to guard from the rogue vampire stalking Halfling dichotomies. It helps that she is as beautiful as a cover model and just as fiery as her picture. Rebecca is fiercely independent, self-contained and afraid of passion. Can Lukas show her the delight of giving into passion’s desires or will it burn out before it begins?

What a story is all I can say after reading PASSION. Ms. Ross delivers another pulse pounding ride as she weaves her spell around you in PASSION. Her characters fly off the pages and her scorching hot sex scenes will leave you breathless and just a bit antsy for your significant other to get home. I do want to mention there are some ménage and other kinky scenes that may not appeal to everyone. If you enjoy a different take on vampires and the paranormal, then grab Ms. Ross’s Crimson Dichotomy Series and taste the PASSION in her latest installment. You won’t be disappointed in Ms. Ross’s world of Vampires, Dichotomy and other yummy delights.

CAVE OF TERROR by Amber Dawn Bell

Publisher: Highland Press
Date published: December 2008
ISBN 978-0981855035
Young Adult Vampire Romance
Trade Paperback
Reviewed by Valerie


Cheyenne Wilde never believed in vampires. That is until her sixteenth birthday when she finds out that she’s not quite human and her family has been hiding a big secret from her. She’s not only a vampire but she’s the first Vânător that’s been born in over 500 years. That means she is very special. That means she is a hunter. Thing is, there is something hunting her, it needs her blood. So, with all this stuff going on that is turning her world upside down, she’s also falling for the new boy, Ryan, there’s a girl at school who wants to make her life hell and her gymnast coach is working her hard to get her to the nationals. Life couldn’t be more peachy.

Wow, Amber Dawn Bell has written a really good young adult story that is full of adventure and dark, deadly secrets. I was totally captivated by this story and enjoyed every word. This author has captured the life of a young teenage girl perfectly and poor Cheyenne doesn’t only have the usual teenage problems, but a whole barrel of paranormal adventures to cope with. Ms Bells prose is very good and she certainly got my hair standing on end a few times. The story takes twists and turns and not everyone in the story is who they make out to be. I think young adults will love this story and adults too. I’m certainly looking forward to the next installment and further adventures of Cheyenne Wilde.

NO LAW AGAINST LOVE 2 by Zoe Archer, Amber Dawn Bell, Gerri Bowen, Candace Gold, Patty Howell, Kimberly Ivey, and Lee Roland

Publisher: Highland Press
Date issued: July 2008
ISBN: 978-0981855004
Romance Anthology
Trade Paperback
Reviewed by Valerie



I’m sure you’ve heard about some of those silly laws, right? Well, this anthology shows us that sometimes those silly laws can bring just the right people together.

Buon Anno - Zoe Archer – In California you need to be careful how you clean your car. At least this is what Marcus finds out after he catches Bianca writing on his car with her lipstick. All a big misunderstanding, but, well the road to true love can be dodgy at best.

This is a cute, sensual story that I really enjoyed. This author certainly knows how to capture her readers and give them an entertaining tale with two well written characters. This is an author I want to read again.

Purrfect Companion - Amber Dawn Bell – We are now in England, 1715 and Angelique has been arrested because her cat Lancelot has had intimate relations with a royal cat. The King decides to put her under the guard of Damien. But she may be in even more danger.

Oh, this was a very exciting story. Amber Dawn Bell gives her readers a heroine who can talk to animals and has preternatural powers and Damien is a yummy, scrummy vampire. This is a dark story, sensual and seductive and I liked this one the best.

Ice Capade - Candace Gold – In Wyoming it is unlawful to have sex in a walk-in freezer as Jake and MaryAnn find out while hiding from some unsavoury characters and needing to get warm.

This is a heart warming story about two very ordinary people. Candace Gold writes a great story that certainly warmed my heart and gives her readers hope for the most desperate case.

Street Manners - Patty Howell – Lisa didn’t know it was against the law to ride her bike in skimpy clothes until she is pulled over by a cop one day. But the cop has an ulterior motive.

I liked this story. It was cute, sassy and funny. Patty Howell gives her readers great characters and a great story too. I’m sure you will enjoy this one.

That’s A Croc - Kimberly Ivey – Eden’s got a shop to clean up, a sheriff hitting on her and a hunk of a contractor who has come to give her an estimate on the damage. Then, the stupid sheriff arrests her for putting crocodiles in her bath.

This was a great story which I really enjoyed. I loved the characters. Loved the interaction, wanted to hit the sheriff over the head and fell in love with the hero. Kimberly Ivey has written a well-rounded story that you’ll love.

Something Wild - Gerri Bowen – All males over the age of fourteen must practice the longbow under the tutelage of the local clergy. But the law is being enforced to force Madeline to marry. Then a man from her past shows up.

This is a sensual story set in historical England. I loved Madeline, woman who tries to hide her wildness under a demure and gentle facade. The hero is just that, her hero to save the day.

The Lawyer and the Amazon - Lee Roland – Tucker meets the woman of his dreams handcuffed in a police station. She’s caused harm to a fountain, and that’s just against the law.

Another great story in this stunning anthology. Lee Roland is a talented story teller who entertains her readers with great characters and a good plot.

I can highly recommend this anthology. Each story is a gem and each author has certainly given their readers value for money.