CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2010 GOLDEN ROSE WINNERS!!!!!!

Since 2001 the Golden Roses have been one of the most coveted awards. We were among the first, if not the first contest looking for excellence in reading and writing. Over the past few years any number of contests have sprung up and after taking a look at many of the current offerings decided this year we did not want to run yet another popularity contest. While it is gratifying to see authors rally around others from their company, we've seen these contests move from excellence in writing to who can garner the most votes.

We had a panel of five judges reading the submitted books in the four categories. And now, congratulations to our 2010 Golden Roses!!!!!!

The Golden Rose for Paranormal (including sci fi) is SOUL OF A GUARDIAN by Angela Verdenius

The Golden Rose for Historical is WINNER TAKES ALL by Sandra Sookoo

The Golden Rose for Romantic Suspense is MEXICAN HEAT by Laura Baumbach & Josh Lanyon

The Golden Rose for Mystery is FOR THE LOVE OF LIVVY by J.M. Griffin

The Golden Rose for Contemporary Romance was a tie with SHADOW BOXING by Karen Wiesner and BE MY BABY by Meg Benjamin

Please check out our Golden Rose page to learn more about these talented authors.

LOVE, HEART AND SOUL MOMENTS by Angela Verdenius

Publisher: Wings ePress
Date published: March 2010
ISBN: ebook 978-1-59705-334-1/print 978-1-59705-665-6
Science fiction, futuristic
E-book
Reviewed by Valerie
Obtained via Publisher


CLICK TO PURCHASE! This is an anthology with three short stories about some of the characters in Angela Verdenius’ Love, Heart and Soul series.

In Love: Marten and Lysie - we find out what happens when a Fely woman gives birth. Lysie almost drives Marten mad with her mood swings, her "nesting". His patience and love is sorely tested when Lysie’s contractions start, when they are some ways from home.

In Heart: Davan and Delias - we meet two characters who have been mentioned in previous books. Delias is Red’s sister and Davan is a Daaman Head Peacekeeper. These two have some serious issues to sort out. Also, Delias risks her life to help capture some slave traders which doesn’t sit well with Davan at all.

In Soul: Cam and Sabra - we meet two beloved characters and some of the things they are still learning about each other after they are married. Sabra is often "on the road" catching the bad guys while Cam is often away trading. These two star-struck lovers meet whenever they can.

Oh, it was wonderful to take a glimpse back into the wonderful world Angela Verdenius has created and the wonderful characters that inhabit her worlds. My favourites are the Daaman men…oh my! My heart goes pitty-pat along with the lucky heroines who manage to snag one of them. I have been a fan of these books for a long time and am always excited when one is released. This talented author writes really great characters that slip right under your skin. The dialogue is snappy, snazzy and the barbs that are thrown will get you smiling. In Heart: Davan and Delias and Soul: Cam and Sabra, we also see how Ms. Verdenius writes truly bad villains. If you’ve been following this series, you will absolutely love this one. You don’t always get the chance to revisit people in a series and see what’s happening with them. If you like kick-ass heroines and the hunky men who love them, then you will certainly enjoy this. I can guarantee that if this is the first book you pick up by this author, you will want to read her backlist. I warn you, though it is quite extensive and addictive! I do hope Ms. Verdenius is busy writing the next book, and many, many more, too!

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

HEART OF A SMUGGLER by Angela Verdenius

Publisher: Wings Press
Date issued: December 2008
ISBN: 978-1-59705-349-5
Science fiction romance
E-book
Reviewed by Valerie



CLICK TO PURCHASE!Gabie and her crew are just small time smugglers...sorry...private enterprise they call it. They’ve managed to stay under the radar of the Peace Keepers by somehow looking like everything is legal. They have been content with their lot and have no aspirations for greater things. Then, a big time smuggler approaches them to make a delivery for them. They have no way to refuse. On the other side, Security approaches them and tells them to do the job so they can follow them to reach the head honchos. In all the ensuing madness, Gabie has gotten herself involved with a Daamen trader, Shamon who seems to think that he alone is responsible for her safety. Gabie’s smart mouth gets her in trouble on every corner and Shamon is going crazy trying to keep her under control. Will he ever be able to?

Oh, the Daamen’s are back! Those big, hunky, alpha males who are ready to do anything for their woman. I just adore this series from Angela Verdenius. She writes witty, saucy, sexy stories that just captivate the reader and won’t let her go. Ms Verdenius delivers a plot that keeps you guessing until the end and there’s plenty of action. Her love scenes will have your toes curling. I had to read this book on the train and almost missed my stop a couple of times. I could hardly wait to get back to it. I laughed out loud a couple of times, sat on the edge of my seat a few more times, and the love scenes had me almost squirming in my seat. I must warn you, if you read this book you will want her backlist for sure.

LOVE’S WINSOME WARRIOR by Angela Verdenius

Publisher Wings Press
Date published June 2008
ISBN 978-1-59705-321-1
Sci Fi, Futuristic Romance
E-book
Reviewed by Valerie

CLICK TO PURCHASE! Jonette is out on a mission, and hoping to return home when she is shot out of the sky and crash lands on a planet she had no intention of ever visiting. When Wylie finally has Jonette in his arms, he never thought it would be when she is wounded. But, the healers of Aragon take care of her, and Kiile, the leader of Aragon, is bound to make sure that she is well before she starts off again. The people of Aragon have a shaky alliance with the Reeka’s and as Wylie is so willing, Kiile makes him Jonette’s protector while they find out who could have wanted to shoot Jonette out of the sky. Lives are threatened, people are poisoned, and behind the scenes lurk more than one villain who is trying to keep Wylie and Jonette apart. Wylie hopes that the investigation takes long enough for him to prove to his winsome warrior that his feelings for her are true.

Another wonderful, action packed story from this very talented author. Angela Verdenius knows how to weave an adventure that keeps the reader turning the pages, suspense that keeps the reader biting her nails, a romance that is sensual and emotional and then she adds a good dose of humor that keeps the reader smiling. I’ve been a fan of her Heart and Soul series since the first one. In this story, she’s pitted Jonette, a virginal but tough Reeka warrior with a very alpha Wylie who is trying to seduce the skittish woman. I loved both characters and the banter between them was at times hilarious. Poor Wylie got a few bruises while trying to get near Jonette. The suspense and adventure is great too, with murder, madness and mayhem abounding. I loved how this author gave her readers a look into the minds of the villains....yes, villains! So, you lovers of scifi, get this book now and have the ride of your life!