THE STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL TALE OF MISS PERCY PARKER by Leanna Renee Hieber

Publisher: Dorchester Publishing
Date published: May 2011
ISBN: 978-1428511453
Historical Fantasy/ Victorian Gothic
Paperback
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained from Author


Miss Percy Parker is a most unusual young lady. Brought up in a convent, she suddenly finds herself bustled off to Athens Academy, a prestigious London boarding school. Sadly, it was swiftly brought home to her, how different she was from the other pupils.

With snow white hair, alabaster skin and pale blue eyes, Percy covers herself with a large scarf and blue tinted glasses in the hope she’ll blend in. As she also sees many ghosts who inhabit the buildings, in the Greater London area her life is never ordinary. She soon makes one close friend, a German girl called Marianna, who has difficulty with English sometimes.

The teachers are often more than they seem especially the strangely compelling Professor Alexi Rychman and the secretive head mistress Rebecca Thompson, who cover many secrets. Alexi is slowly drawn toward Percy while giving her extra mathematics tuition, the one subject she has no head for.

She’s fond of Greek, French, German and Spanish as well as a few others, and can also translate ancient messages. When other strange things happen in the academy and the grounds, Percy begins to have frequent visions. Meanwhile what they believe to be ‘the Ripper,’ kills many women on the streets at night.

THE STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL TALE OF MISS PERCY PARKER is a complex tale of intrigue, ghosts and other mythical beings which go bump in the night. It’s written in a totally different way from most fantasy tales, combining myth, spiritualism, ghosts and a passionate tale of love. There is a feeling of the old gothic and a myriad of ghosts, plus odd creatures good and bad. The human characters are drawn from all walks of life and complement this tale with a difference, very well.

The Guard is made up of six and they await the seventh member. The seventh is badly needed so they can keep people safe from the creatures a dark force wishes to unleash across the world. It gives the book an entirely different ethereal feel as angels sing and strange doors open.

The tale is dark and very gory in places, but it suits what is happening in the story at the time. As a reviewer who loves paranormal historical and fantasy tales I found myself turning pages to see what was going to happen next, once I’d become tangled in Alexi, Percy and the other colorful characters adventures.

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

SHADOW BOUND by Erin Kellison

Book 1 in series
Publisher: Dorchester
Date published: June 2010
ISBN: 978-0-505-52829-2
Paranormal/Romantic Suspense/Fantasy
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by publisher


Adam Thorne has searched for a way to kill the wraiths that have changed his brother into the monster he is today. Founding the Segue Institute just for that purpose, he never imagines that one woman will be the power he needs to stop not just the wraiths or his brother but the coming war. Adam never anticipated in falling in love with her either.

Talia O’Brien is someone different, a woman with secrets and powers no ordinary mortal has. Determined to find out her heritage, she stumbles into something that will have her fleeing-right into Adam’s arms. Can she trust him enough to help shift the war that is looming and in the process learn about herself?

SHADOW BOUND is one wild ride from start to finish. I loved every minute of it. This was an author who knew her characters, the story and how it was to go. The story flowed smoothly going into one action packed scene after another while detailing Talia’s past and the romance between Adam and Talia. This was a “new to me” author and one I found highly addicting. I read this book within a matter of hours and had to go check to see when the next book comes out. If you like a new take on vampires and paranormal, then this is definitely for you.

Meet Talia O’Brien, a woman steeped in the shadows by a legacy not of her choosing. Trying to figure out what makes her different, she stumbles upon a secret of her birth that shakes her to the core and has her running for her life. Adam Thorne is determined to wipe out the man who was once his big brother. Now, racing against the clock to stop the wraiths before they hit humanity, Adam stumbles upon Talia and finds himself drawn to the one woman who can save his soul and stop a war….that is if she can trust him long enough to survive. I have got to admit, both these characters really took a bit to get to me. At first I wasn’t sure if I even liked them much less root for them but over the course of the book, both started showing their flaws and vulnerabilities while slowly making them become more enjoyable. In the end I was rooting for them to save the day and find their happily ever after. Some interesting secondary characters play a major part of the storyline and keep the story flowing smoothly. I am intrigued to see what happens next for all of them in the next book.

SHADOW BOUND is a new twist on a tired lore and one that will appeal to any who love vampires, paranormal and action/suspense. I am looking forward to reading more from this new author in the paranormal genre and hope you pick SHADOW BOUND as well. It is one of those wonderful books you will want to read over again.

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

STOKE OF GENIUS by Emily Bryan

Publisher: Dorchester
Date published: June 2010
ISBN: 978-0-8439-6361-8
Historical Romance
Paperback
Reviewed by Gina
Obtained via: Publisher


Going along with her parents' determination to see her wed to an Englishman with a title, Bostonian Grace Makepeace has traveled with them to England. Not only that, she finds herself undergoing the scrutiny of the highly touted and admired sculptor, Crispin Hawke. Despite being the darling of the ton, Hawke disdains their fashion, style and snobbish fawning over him. The sharpest sword has nothing on his wicked tongue. When he condescends to sculpt Grace's hands, she is less than impressed. However, because it pleases her mother and will further her mother's cause in procuring her a titled husband, Grace goes along with the plan.

Despite his cutting speech, Grace finds herself drawn to the oh-so handsome sculptor. That he has talent is not lost on the awkward, long in the tooth debutant and she finds herself drawn to him more and more with each passing sitting. Conversely, Crispin, who has no use for the upper crust and less for a virgin, finds Grace occupies his every thought. He hides his desire and utter lack of suitability for her marriage bed behind his rapier wit. But desire her he does, so much so he contrives a way to wed her off to a hapless title and enjoy her charms himself. The question is, will Grace quietly acquiesce to his plan?

I'm normally a huge fan of Emily Bryan. She delivers some of the wittiness lines and amusing situations for her characters. You find yourself turning each page, eagerly waiting for her next quip. Entertainment and Ms. Bryan go hand in hand. Her books are well researched, her characters normally well defined and memorable.

STROKE OF GENIUS was an enjoyable read, one I would recommend, but I felt like something was missing. I felt no real connection to Grace and while I felt empathy for Crispin and thoroughly enjoyed each biting quip, I found I could take him or leave him. The characters were not as memorable as those in her VEXING THE VISCOUNT, PLEASURING THE PIRATE and DISTRACTING THE DUCHESS. The ending felt hurried to me – as if Ms. Bryan was running up against a word count and had to stop before she went over her limit. Yet there was nothing in the rest of the book you could cut because of how richly Ms. Bryan writes. She has a marvelous sense of timing and wit. You wouldn't want to cut a word; rather you want to read more.

That is not to say I don't recommend STROKE OF GENIUS. It's a perfect book for beach reading this summer.

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

SHUT UP AND KISS ME by Christie Craig

Publisher: Lovespell/Dorchester Publishing
Date published. May 2010
ISBN: 978-0-505-52799-8
Contemporary Mystery Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher


Welcome to Precious, Texas where things can get quite lively when you least expect it. Photojournalist Shala Winters is trying to get the tourists to come to Precious, though it is one tough sell in her opinion. When one of her photographs leads to murder, Shala has to rely on the one man who can drive her nuts with just a glance, Lawman Sky Gomez. Sky Gomez isn’t about to let anyone come after Shala if he can help it. She is sexy as hell even if she can drive him nuts. There is one thing both don’t foresee in that love will knock you on your butt faster than you can blink. Can Sky keep Shala safe even as they fall for one another?

I have to admit, this was a fun and wild story to read. The writing is tight, a fast paced storyline keeps the reader intrigued with all the twists and turns and the characters definitely give the story some memorable moments. Mystery, comedy and romance all wrapped with a bow in SHUT UP AND KISS ME makes this one story you don’t want to end.

Meet Shala Winters, a photojournalist who is tasked to bringing tourism to Precious, Texas and man, it’s a hard job to do. Trying to sell this quirky little town is hard work but Shala is determined even if she thinks it is a futile thing. When one of her photos is part of a murder, Shala has to trust the one man who can get under her skin even as he makes her melt with a touch, lawman Sky Gomez. Sky Gomez is sexy, irritating and so macho, it is all Shala can do to either smack him silly or give him a kiss. The one thing she won’t do is give him her heart…but will that be taken from her when fate decides he is the perfect match for Shala? I love these two together. Shala is an independent woman and determined she doesn’t need anyone, including Sky but when murder happens, Shala has to rely on the one man who may be her perfect match in all ways. Sky is one alpha male but dang if he didn’t light up the pages with Shala as they sparred and the underlying simmering sexual tension just added to the tension throughout the book. Add in some really intriguing characters to keep the story flowing smoothly and you got a roller coaster of a ride from start to finish.

SHUT UP AND KISS ME is a wonderful mix of romance and mystery for a reader to enjoy. I am looking forward to more books on Precious, Texas and can’t wait to see who will get hit next with the love bug. If you enjoy a fun, light read then SHUT UP AND KISS ME is definitely one you should check out.

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

DIVORCED, DESPERATE AND DECEIVED by Christie Craig

Published by: Dorchester Publishing
Date published: November 2009
ISBN: 0-505-52798-7
Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Tammy
Obtained via: publisher


The final book in Christie Craig’s Divorced, Desperate and … trilogy, DIVORCED, DESPERATE AND DECEIVED is a fast paced, wacky and fun romance on the run.

While her son is on vacation with his father, the last single member of the Divorced, Desperate and Delicious Club, Kathy Callahan, decides to put her distrust of men behind her and take a chance on love with local plumber Stan Bradley. Unfortunately, nothing is ever that easy and when bullets start flying, Kathy finds out that Stan is really Luke Hunter, an FBI agent in the witness protection program awaiting a trial to put away some very nasty mobsters. Of course, just when Kathy decides to make her move on Stan/Luke, the bad guys decide to make theirs, catching Kathy right in the crossfire. Kathy and Luke are forced to run from the mobsters chasing them, including one ironically helpful and reluctant mobster, as hilarity ensues and sexual tensions rise.

Christie Craig’s DIVORCED DESPERATE AND DECEIVED is a light and funny romance that leaves readers feeling like they are on a train ride out of control as it barrels from one comedic mishap to the next. Her characters are multi-dimensional and full of non-stop action. The chemistry between Kathy and Luke/Stan was easy and explosive at the same time. Although Kathy comes across as something of a victim, she sure seems able to step up when the smelly stuff hits the fan.

The story moves at train wreck speed and Craig’s humor shines throughout. By the time the pug is added to the story, the laughs are constant. This reader couldn’t help but think, of course, a pug! If you know one, you probably thought it too (wink). And yet, Luke/Stan’s patience and steady hand are the perfect balance for Kathy’s zany personality. Through it all, the sexual sparks burn higher and higher.

The hitman with a conscious was the cherry on top of this story. He was a minor character, but this reader feels he really made the story. For some readers, he might have been a favorite character.

Fans of lighthearted romance and comedic suspense are sure to find Christie Craig’s DIVORCED, DESPERATE AND DECEIVED a solid pick for the holiday season.

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

Welcome to Anne Marsh's guest blog!

The temples of Tulum dominate their slice of the Mexican coast. Tulum is a Yucatecan word for wall and Tulum was indeed defensive, surrounded by massive walls and cliffs intended to defend the Mayans against invaders. Although you’re not allowed inside the structures nor can you climb these pyramids any longer, you can touch the stones, step into the cool shadows and out of the oppressive heat. What kind of people lived here? What did they see? It’s a world of heat and strength and stark beauty. You can’t escape the raw stone that wages war against the encroaching jungle and flowers beneath the sensual heat of the sun.



For me, Tulum was the perfect starting point for imagining the fantasy world of THE HUNT (Dorchester Love Spell, October 2009). Since I (cough) didn’t have to be historically accurate in my what-ifs, I began envisioning a race of shape shifters. And added in a few Egyptian elements because one of the most glorious aspects of writing fantasy is that you can let your imagination run wild. Why would my shapeshifters inhabit an ancient temple? And what would happen to humans who entered that temple?



Bam. I had my idea for the temple the Guardians protect. HUNT is a sensual paranormal romance set in a fantasy world with Egyptian and Mayan overtones. The virgins who enter the twisting tunnels of the Guardians have little hope— or wish— to escape. But Miu has her own reason for participating in the Hunt, and she has no intention of being caught… until she meets the darkly sensual predator who’s on her trail. HUNT opens with an image of the pyramid-inspired temple where the Guardians live and dedicate their lives to protecting hidden treasure.

Miu’s knees were shaking so badly that she thought she’d have to drop on all fours and crawl up the broad limestone ramp that disappeared into the dark, cool depths of the temple. Heqet help her, she’d been sun-crazed to think she could pull off this job. The red rays of the late-afternoon sun blazed a heavy path across her shoulders.

She straightened and walked faster. She would do this. She had to do it.

Two massive pylons marked the temple entrance. A stonecutter had carved an elaborate depiction of two Cats shifting from Cat form to warrior form, their massive claws morphing into steel daggers that bit mercilessly into the thief the two beings had just run to ground. The thief looked backward in horror, his mouth frozen open in a soundless shriek. You can do this, Miu told herself. You won’t end up like him. Ninety-nine successes and you think this will be your first failure? No, Heqet willing, she’d be in and out of the temple long before those lethal claws scored her shoulders. Before its feline guardians realized they’d let a thief wander loose in their midst.

The row of white-clad virgins in front of her stepped over the threshold and disappeared into the dark shadows of the interior. The woman next to her sobbed audibly, the small mounds of her breast heaving wildly beneath her silk robe—she was barely more than a girl, Miu realized with disgust. It figured that the Cat warriors would prefer children for mates. Of course, the woman on her other side was of a more calculating bent—she was rubbing the silk of her robe between a thumb and forefinger, assessing the quality of the weave while she ogled the statues of Cats that filled the room they had just entered.

The Cats were well over seven feet tall and carved from what looked like pure gold. Dark obsidian glittered from the slashes of their eyes. One of those, melted down and refashioned into a series of less memorable ornaments, would have kept Miu and her sister sheltered for months. A pity it wasn’t possible. She took a second look—professional curiosity only, she assured herself—and forced herself to move away.

She wasn’t here to steal seven-foot statuary.

She was here to steal something much smaller.


The tunnels beneath the temple are even more perfect for a chase. And there’s nothing sexier than a good chase with an enraged alpha hero—who is about to fall for the heroine. Hard.

A feral roar shook the tunnel. And, Oh damn, she thought. Perhaps there was more to the Cat legend than she had thought. The next moment, a shimmer of gold light spiked through the sudden darkness and hard male hands seized her about the waist.

She was pulled ruthlessly back through the hole, onto her feet and up against a hard chest. A hard, naked chest. Stomping down with her foot, she sought for her attacker’s vulnerable arch. There was a satisfying grunt of pain. Take that. Snapping her head backward, she tried to aim for his nose. This time, the results were less satisfying. The man pinioning her shifted smoothly, making her head ring as it struck the muscled shoulder he twisted into her attack. Stars exploded behind her eyelids. A hand twisted hers up behind her back until moving meant a painful gasp for breath. His other hand wound around her long ponytail, rendering her immobile.

“Pax,” a rough voice growled in her ear.

She wasn’t that crazy. Or that trusting.

Instead, she kicked harder, trying to buck her attacker off. Her breath sounded harsh even to her own ears, but she hadn’t heard a sound from him after his initial protest at having his foot crushed. So not good. If only she could get her head around to see her attacker, she’d have a better idea of what she was up against.

Damn. Damn. Damn.

The warrior restraining her was hard bodied and harder eyed. Tilting her head back against his chest, she looked up into a face that was almost alien in its handsomeness. Gold eyes glowing at her in the darkness. Dark hair woven into hundreds of braids, each fastened with a small topaz. Tawny-colored skin that was eminently lickable. A firm mouth. No. There was nothing soft about this male at all.



Is there something about deserts and jungles, heat and shadowy interiors, that make for the perfect romance? What do you think? I didn’t meet Miu’s Guardian in the Mayan pyramids, but I wish I had. That would have been one heck of a tour.


The Hunt
Anne Marsh

Dorchester Love Spell

October 2009

ENCHANTING THE BEAST *Relics of Merlin Series Book 3* by Kathryne Kennedy

Publisher: Love Spell/ Dorchester Publishing
Date published: April 2009
ISBN: 978-0-505-52764-6
Paranormal Romance
Mass Marekt Paperback
Obtained via: Publisher
Reviewed by Dawn


Grimspell Castle is a dreary place full of secrets and it is said to be haunted. Lady Philomena is a ghost hunter and is not afraid of restless spirits. What she finds when she gets to Grimspell Castle is more than even she bargained, for its imposing owner, Sir Nichodemus Woulfson captivates her even as her senses are telling her that Nico is hiding something; something that may harm Philomena and others. A murderer is on the loose and Philomena is about to find that the darkness that surrounds Grimspell Castle might be more than she bargains for.

ENCHANTING THE BEAST is a unique story in of itself, as it centers around Victorian England where magic is the norm. Ms. Kennedy delivers a spell binding story with her third book in her Relics of Merlin Series. Magic, romance and adventure take center stage as the story introduces you to Lady Philomena Radcliff who is unique in society. Never married and at forty years, she is considered firmly on the shelf. With her ability to talk to ghosts, Phil is working as a ghost hunter and settling restless spirits down. When she meets Sir Nicodemus, she finds this younger man intriguing even as her senses tell her that he is hiding something from her. As she tries to find a way to calm the dark spirits around Grimspell Castle, a murderer is on the loose, one that alarms even Philomena herself. Is Nicodemus the murderer? I loved Philomena and Nicodemu’s relationship and how Ms. Kennedy was able to parlay an “Older Woman-Younger Man” in ENCHANTING THE BEAST. It felt like a breath of fresh air to read in this genre and Ms. Kennedy does a marvelous job keeping the sexual tension on simmer for the reader to enjoy. With a fast paced storyline, tight writing and intriguing characters, this author keeps the reader glued to the edge of their seat as they get drawn into the world of Grimspell Castle.

ENCHANTING THE BEAST is a wonderful blend of magic, adventure and mystery that will keep the reader entertained from start to finish. If you enjoy a different kind of paranormal romance, then grab ENCHANTING THE BEAST and find yourself transported to a time where magical beings are the norm and romance is alive. I look forward t o reading the others in this series. Ms. Kenney is now on my “to buy” list in the future.

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

A LITTLE LIGHT MAGIC by Joy Nash

reganPublisher: Dorchester Publishing
Date published: June 2009
ISBN 978-0-505-52693-9
Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Obtained via: Publisher
Reviewed by Dawn


Tori Morgan has longed for a family to call her own. Her parents have been gone a long time and now her Great-aunt has recently died, leaving Tori determined to transform her inherited house into something more. Hiring contractor Nick Santangelo, Tori finds something much more in Nick and his family. With an enchanting summer by the Jersey Shore, can that magic called love find its way to two people who may be different on the surface but deep inside are perfect for each other?

A LITTLE LIGHT MAGIC is a wonderful blend of romance, magic and is perfect for an evening reading under the covers on your couch. Ms. Nash has a wonderful way of creating characters that seem flawed in the beginning but eventually the reader finds the “real” person inside them. With a masterful touch, this author delivers a story full of intriguing characters, a fast paced storyline and romance that builds up till it explodes across the pages.

Meet Tori Morgan, a woman alone in the world and when she inherits a house from her deceased great-aunt, she is determined to make her own new age shop, Destiny’s Gate. I loved the way Tori at first seems a little flakey and eccentric but when Nick walks onto the pages, you can feel the simmering attraction between the two even as they fight it with every breath. The characters are center stage in A LITTLE LIGHT MAGIC and Ms. Nash does a fine job in creating them all to appeal to her readers. With some wonderful secondary characters that keep the story flowing smoothly, Ms. Nash keeps the reader in suspense as Tori and Nick find themselves falling in love on the Jersey Shore.

A LITTLE LIGHT MAGIC is a light, fun novel that is character driven and keeps the reader highly entertained from start to finish. Ms. Nash a talented storyteller who manages to captivate the reader with characters that will capture your heart. I hope Ms. Nash goes back to the Jersey Shore in the future as I would love to know more on Nick’s family. They had me laughing over their antics. If you haven’t checked out A LITTLE LIGHT MAGIC, then run to grab it from your local library or bookstore. It is a wonderful gem that will keep you on your toes even as you laugh over the characters antics.

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

PHENOMENAL GIRL 5 Book 1 in Elite Hands of Justice Series by AJ Menden

Publisher: Dorchester
Date published: October 2008
ISBN: 978-0-505-52786-8
Paranormal Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn


Lainey Livingston had one goal while growing up: to get to be a member of the Elite Hands of Justice. As one of its newest members and a bit of a nerd, she finally realizes her dream and now has to survive two years of training with the superhero known as The Reincarnist. What Lainey doesn’t expect is the feelings he awakens in her. With an evil madman bent on causing chaos to destroy Megolopolis, can Lainey and her fellow EHJ heroes find a way to stop him in time or will it be too late?

AJ Menden is a new author to me and I fell in love with this author’s light hearted romp into the Superhero world. This author captivates her readers from the beginning and delivers a story that is highly entertaining and kept me up half the night trying to see what happens to Lainey and her fellow EHJ superheroes.

Meet Lainey Livingston, an orphan who shuffled through foster homes until her powers made themselves known and she was sent to the SCHOOL and there her desire to be part of the Heroes who make up Elite Hands of Justice was formed. Determined to prove herself, she finds herself drawn to Robert Elliott, AKA The Reincarnist. Neither expects to fall in love nor be part of a prophecy that will either destroy the world or save it. Lainey is flawed, vulnerable and determined to prove herself, even as she finds life as a superhero not all that is cracked up to be. With new friends, bad guys gunning for them and more, Ms. Menden delivers a fresh story that has you rooting for Lainey and Robert even as things heat up in the race to the climatic ending. I really enjoyed how Lainey interacted with everyone and showed Robert that she can be tough when she needs to be and doesn’t worship the ground he walks on as a superhero.

AJ Menden takes a world and creates a contemporary spin on it that will appeal to readers. I really enjoyed the kick off to the series in PHENOMINAL GIRL 5 and found the writing to be tight, with a fast paced storyline and exceptional characters that keep you glued to the pages. I look forward to more of the series as we meet the main characters more in-depth. Run to grab this light hearted fun book and be prepared to find a new author to enjoy.

TEKGRRL Book 2 of the EHJ Series by AJ Menden

Publisher: Dorchester Publishing
Date published: June 2009
ISBN: 978-0-505-52787-5
Urban Fantasy Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn


Poor Mindy, after spending time off planet and being experimented on by aliens; she is now a member of the Elite Hands of Justice and one of the smartest persons in the world. With no real super powers like her fellow heroes, she still feels inadequate even though she has beauty and brains. As each one of her fellow superheroes hook up with someone she is lonely until crushing headaches force her to face memories that are determined to come to surface-whether she wants them to or not. Can Mindy and her fellow Elite Hands of Justice superheroes find a solution to her headaches before they drive her insane?

TEKGRRL is a light hearted romp in the vein of comic books and I was engrossed within the pages in a matter of minutes. I do have to say that I have never read the first book, PHENOMENAL GIRL 5, and found myself wondering what the characters were talking about a few times on specific instances from that book in TEKGRRL. But overall, the writing was tight, with a fast paced storyline that introduces you to a world where superheroes are the norm. I really enjoyed this story and found the character really evolved through out TEKKGRRL.

Meet Mindy, a woman who at age twelve wanted to go to a superhero prep school and instead, her parents decided it would be better to go to school on another planet. Fast forward to many years later, alien experiments have made her super smart. In the beginning, I wanted to smack Mindy right upside the head and tell her to grow up. She mopes, whines and gradually the reader wants to find a deep hole to drag her in until this author throws a surprise in the pages and then you see Mindy evolve into a woman that appeals to the readers. Strong, independent and thank god she has a back bone- no wimpy superhero here. I loved the way she transformed herself and finds herself growing up in ways even I was amazed at, especially as the reader is sucked into the twists and turns of TEKGRRL.

TEKGRRL is a fun, light hearted romp with characters that continue to keep you entertained. Even though I didn’t read the first book, I plan to find it soon to see how this series all began. If you enjoy comic books, flawed heroes and heroines and a story that keeps you highly entertained then grab TEKGRRL and get ready for the ride of your life. I look forward to more in the Elite Hands of Justice series and hope I don’t have long to wait.

DARK LEGACY by Anna DeStefano

Publisher: Dorchester
ISBN: 9780505528193
August 2009
Paranormal Romance
Paperback
Reviewed by Susan



There is a prophesy or as some would believe a curse handed down from generations of the Temple family. It is said a set of twins will be born with enormous psychic powers. Maddie and Sarah are powerful empaths. On a fateful night, their lives were changed forever when their father was killed in an accident and Sarah is left comatose.

DARK LEGACY is a suspenseful tale featuring some powerful characters. Readers are introduced to Sarah and Maddie early on so we get an idea of whom they are. Maddie has become a doctor but she is barely coping with what is happening to her. At first glance, she comes across as a fragile creature, on the point of breaking but as the story progresses; readers will see how strong she really is. The author gives us a thorough and heartbreaking description of what she is going through. The same is true for Sarah as she is being used like a guinea pig in a lab. The storyline is complex and the primary focus is on Maddie. Of course, this wouldn’t be a romance unless there is a love interest and we get it in the form of Dr. Jarred Keith. He is trying his best to help Maddie and she does her best to alienate him. They make for a great coupling, as it was entertaining to watch them go at it as they deal with the myriad of issues.

DARK LEGACY will definitely please fans of paranormal romances. It is an entertaining romp into the world of the Temple twins. With the ending as written it does seem like there could be a sequel to this story and I would be interested to see what the future holds for the Temple twins.

VEXING THE VISCOUNT by Emily Bryan

Publisher: Dorchester
Publication Date: March 2009
ISBN: 978-0-8439-6134-8
Historical Romance (Regency)
Paperbook
Reviewed by Gina






A childhood crush turns to adulthood lust and love for Daisy Drake when Lucian Beaumont, Viscount Rutland returns to his family home. Their reunion, however, is decidedly not quite the one Daisy would have hoped for. Pursuing her goal to become a member of the Society of Antiquaries, Daisy is so immersed in an object de art that in addition to talking to herself, she is talking loud enough for a visitor to the Society to hear her provocative comment. Daisy immediately recognizes Lucian. He, however does not recall her. He attends a party at Daisy’s Aunt Isabella’s house in the hopes of finding an investor to aid in his quest to find buried Roman treasure. At the party however, his interest is drawn to the notorious courtesan, Blanche La Tour. With no money to properly keep the lovely Blanche, Lucian offers her samples from his archeological dig—namely some sexually enticing Roman statues. Blanche agrees to teach Lucian some of her techniques as well as to finance his dig. What Lucian doesn’t know is that Blanche is actually Daisy. When Daisy arrives at his estate the next day he is horrified because his father blames Daisy’s family for his financial ruin. Lucian begins to pay court to Blanche, but it is Daisy who bit by bit works her way into his heart.

Bit by bit the couple unravels the mystery of the long buried treasure, borne out of a love story that went tragically awry in the waning days of Rome’s influence over England. As the long ago story unfolds, Lucian and Daisy discover their own feelings for each other. Yet a sinister plot begins to unfold around them with Lucian’s father a party to a crime of high treason.

Ms. Bryan is one of my favorite reads. I enjoy her heroines because they are intelligent, fearless, feisty, funny and have the best adventures. Her heroes are sensitive, daring and loyal. I particularly enjoyed VEXING THE VISCOUNT because of the interspersed story of the ill fated and tragic Deidre and Caius. The snippets of their story ads a poignant layer of a love story that brings Lucian and Daisy together. In just the few pages devoted to Deidre and Caius the flavor of life for the Britons in the time of Roman rule comes alive. Add to that the political intrigue engaged in by Lucian’s father and his cronies readers are treated to an action packed, funny, romantic romp.

The snippets from Blanche’s journal are enticing and thought provoking. What a wise woman was Blanche! It all comes together in a thoroughly enjoyable read. While connected to PLEASURING THE PIRATE, VEXING THE VISCOUNT is entirely a stand alone read, however, readers will definitely enjoy both as well as the earlier DISTRACTING THE DUCHES. If you have not yet sampled Ms. Bryan’s singular style of story telling you do not know what you are missing. Treat yourself to one of this wonderful reads soon.


Gina@Loveromancesandmore.com

Welcome to Emily Bryan's guest blog

Welcome Ms. Emily Bryan to Love Romances and More, thank you for joining us.

Thanks for having me, Danny. I always love to visit with readers.

Did you always want to become a writer?

No, though I have always been a voracious reader. I took one creative writing course in college and my prof thought I was planning on a journalism major. Probably should have, in hindsight. But I was so in love with singing at the time, nothing would turn me from pursuing a music degree.

I think it’s important to follow your passion, realizing that those goals can change over time. This philosophy has led me to several different careers. My DH says it’s fine for me to change jobs, as long as I don’t change husbands! :)

What is the most, and the least interesting fact about writing?

The most fun part of writing is playing with my fictional world. Not that I have a “god complex” or anything, but in my story, I’m in absolute control. Whatever I want to happen will happen. (Well, maybe I do have a little bit of a ‘god complex!’)

The least interesting part of writing . . . hmmm. I’ll have to get back to you on that. I haven’t found one yet.

How did you celebrate your first release?

By going to my day job, as usual. At the time, I was a banker. My DH always said I enslaved people to debt by day and lust by night.

But I’m thrilled to report that I now write full-time so I really should develop some celebratory ritual for each release! What do you suggest?

What was it like to see your book in a bookstore?

You know that feeling in your stomach when you’ve reached the top of a tall roller coaster and you’re teetering on the pinnacle waiting for the bottom to drop out? It was just like that.

Do you have a special ritual for celebrating a book release?

Sorry, no. I just make life up as I go along.

How did your family react to fact that you also write romance novels?

My DH is very proud and seems to think my romance novels are a feather in his masculine cap (they are!). My mother has always been a serious romance fan and my best supporter (though she has some things to say about my covers if anyone cares to listen!)

Have your family read your books?

My DH reads my work. In fact, I usually read it aloud to him and he’s very helpful in making sure my guys have realistic guy-type thoughts and speech patterns. My mom hands out bookmarks to everyone she meets. My sisters, aunts and cousins are all wonderfully supportive. A few of my older nieces and nephews read and enjoy my work.

My daughters have not. Not because they think they’d be shocked at the sex scenes. It’s only the “ick” factor of knowing the sex scene was written by their mother.


Most authors are also avid readers. Is this the case with you?

Oh, my! Yes! My nose is constantly in a book.

If so, who are some of your favorites?

MM Kaye, Mary Stewart, Madeline Hunter, Sherry Thomas, CL Wilson, Joy Nash, Shana Abe—there really isn’t enough room here to list them all.

Have any influenced your writing?

All of the above and more. If you read these writers, you’ll notice the common thread is lyricism. Their prose sings. That’s always my goal as well. If I can generate a few tingles, and not just in the love scenes, I’ve done my job.


Your characters come to life in your books. Do you feel each of your characters live with you as you write? Do their lives sometimes take over a part of your life? Can you name an example? Do you have living role models for your characters?

Thank you, Danny. I try to create characters that “breathe on their own.” My characters are with me even before I start writing. That’s one of my prerequisites. I have to spend some time with them, listening to their voices, figuring out who they are and what they want.

I wouldn’t say my characters take over my life, because as I mentioned earlier, I am the one in control. I will admit to growing attached to them and as I near the end of a manuscript, I tend to write more slowly. Perhaps that’s my way of delaying the inevitable goodbye. I like to imagine that my characters go on having adventures without me after the book is finished.

I borrow freely from real life in constructing my characters, but I always take bits and pieces from several sources—though my DH accuses me of borrowing from him to give to my heroes. (They do tend to be dark haired, dark-eyed devils.)

Where do you get the inspirations for your books?

Everywhere!

I use my experiences, travel, museums, research, music, art—even a trip on the Boston T might spark an idea. I never know where the idea for the next story will come from, but I know there are a million of them just waiting for me to find them hidden in a painting, or a soundtrack or a sunrise.


Do you find it difficult at times to write love scenes?

Not often. A love scene is no more (or less!) difficult to write than any other scene. I need to know what’s at stake, who has the most to lose, whose head I’ll be travelling in, and how this scene advances the story or deepens my characters. If the scene doesn’t seem to be working, I’ll try a different POV or setting. If it’s still not coming together, I have to ask if the time is right. I know I said before that I’m in charge, but if my characters don’t seem to be cooperating, I have to re-evaluate what’s come before. Perhaps it’s not time for them to “do the deed.”

Sometimes, people mistakenly think the love scenes are about the author’s sex life. Believe me, I have no complaints in that department, but I’m not being an exhibitionist when I write an explicit scene. A love scene is about my characters having sex. Or not. I’m not one to miss an opportunity for a relationship to advance or retreat through a “near miss” or interrupted tryst.


What is your favorite book from the books that you have written so far? Who are your favorite hero and heroine, and why?

I can’t choose. It would be like admitting to having a favourite child.

I’ve lived in many different places, but I always try to make where I currently live my favourite. So I guess I would be safe in saying my current book is my favourite. One of the things I love about VEXING THE VISCOUNT is that I was able to meld my Emily Bryan light-hearted style with my darker dramatic Diana Groe voice. There are really two stories in VEXING THE VISCOUNT—Daisy and Lucian’s adventure in 1731 London and Caius and Deirdre in 405AD Londinium. The two stories are intertwined. Lucian has discovered an ancient Roman site on his family’s estate along with clues to a lost Roman treasure. Daisy is intent on helping him find it. The love story between Caius and Deirdre explains why the treasure went missing in the first place.

There is an excerpt of both stories on my website:
http://www.emilybryan.com/Vexing%20the%20Viscount.htm
http://www.emilybryan.com/Roman%20Forum.htm

And if anyone is curious about my dark side, please visit http://www.dianagroe.com .


Which book was the hardest to write and which the easiest?

Most recently I’ve been working on a Christmas novella. In December, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. It came as a complete surprise. After successful surgery, I’m doing well (thank you to all who prayed for me!), but it interrupted my writing schedule pretty effectively for several weeks. So even though this was only a 30,000 word story, it was harder to finish than one of my 100,000 word manuscripts. But it’s a fun tale! A CHRISTMAS BALL will come out at the end of October. I’m joined by USA Today Bestseller Jennifer Ashley and Alissa Johnson. All our characters are attending the same Christmas Ball and YOU are invited too! I’ll be posting an excerpt soon. Sign up for my newsletter if you’d like to be notified!

Every story has its unique difficulties and smooth patches. Characters have a way of switching goals. Plots take unexpected turns. It’s all part of the adventure. I’m not sure I can point to one of my literary children and say it was easier than the others. Somehow, I think there needs to be a little blood, sweat and tears on the page or the story won’t be worth reading.

If you could change places with one character from your books, who would it be and why?

I’m intrigued by Isabella. She’s Daisy’s Great Aunt and she appears in both VEXING THE VISCOUNT and PLEASURING THE PIRATE. Isabella is a courtesan at the end of an illustrious career. She’s witty and perceptive and extremely intelligent. She’s Daisy’s Great Aunt and it’s her library our intrepid heroine raids to find Mlle. Blanche La Tour’s memoirs. Without that journal and Isabella’s help, Daisy wouldn’t have been able to convincingly masquerade as a ‘woman of pleasure’ or vex our viscount hero nearly so effectively.

But though Isabella is in a mentoring role in VEXING THE VISCOUNT, she’s led a fascinating life and we catch glimpses of it in this story. Since she first burst into PLEASURING THE PIRATE (and let me tell you, Isabella was one secondary character who kept threatening to steal the scene every chance she got!) readers have asked me when/if I’ll ever write Isabella’s story.

The answer is “Maybe.” Isabella is a hoot and I think there is something in all of us that wants more than anything to flout society and live or die by our own choices. But Isabella’s story would not be a romance. It couldn’t be. Isabella’s definition of “happily ever after” is as unconventional as she is.

If I ever dabbled in erotica, which doesn’t necessarily have HEA, Isabella would have to be the heroine.

If you could travel through time to visit a special time period or famous person, what or who would it be and why?

Since I have a stage background (used to sing professional opera long ago!) I think it would be fascinating to go back to 1735 to visit Covent Garden when Handel was the music director and see the premier of his first opera there. Or travel back further and watch a Shakespeare debut in The Rose Theatre.

Do you listen to music while you are writing and if so what music is it?

Yes, I do. Music is both a source of inspiration for me and a signal to my family that I’m working and not to be disturbed unless the condo is on fire or there’s blood. Lots of blood.

I use movie soundtracks because they flow through a wide gamut of emotions to tell a musical tale. I choose ones with no lyrics to distract me. I wrote VEXING THE VISCOUNT while listening to the track from Shakespeare in Love. The music is playful and fun and achingly romantic with a few dark moments, which are happily resolved.

Just the way I like my stories.


If you could choose one of your books for a movie, which one would it be and who would you choose as the cast?

I’ve already seen them all as films on the private screen in my mind! But since VEXING THE VISCOUNT is due to hit the stores on Feb 24th, let’s cast that one.

Lucian Ignacio de Castenello Beaumont, Viscount Rutland: Blessed with the dark good looks of his Italian countessa mother, Lucian is an eyeful. We need an actor with the sweetness of Colin Firth (Lucian is a virgin at the beginning of VEXING THE VISCOUNT), the grit and sexiness of Hugh Jackman and the body of Daniel Craig (Lucian’s been digging all summer at his Roman ruin excavation and the manual labor has left him breathtaking when he takes his shirt off!).

Daisy Drake: Her heart-shaped face is fine to look upon, but her chin is as sharp as her wit. Maybe Charlize Theron or Cameron Diaz. I like Drew Barrymore, too. She might be my first pick because she’s got a bit more vulnerability beneath her plucky exterior.

Are you working on anything right now, and can you tell us a teaser about these projects?

I just finished the Christmas novella and I’m in that very delicate time—the start of a new project. I’m toying with a couple ideas for my next historical and I’m looking for ways to add a paranormal twist. It seems everyone is doing it now.

This is a little problematic for me.

The romance market tends to have a “herd” attitude about some things and there is a stubborn streak in me that despises doing what’s expected. But let’s look at some of my choices.

Vampires don’t do it for me. I read Twilight trying to understand the draw. Can’t get around the whole “I vahnt to suck your blooood” thing. Even the idea of a ‘vegetarian’ vampire can’t erase the cold, no-heartbeat sense of “other-ness.” Not sexy to me (You’re free to explain why you disagree.) and I can’t think of a fresh way to make being undead funny.

Were-wolves (or were-anythings) are a bit more palatable to my mind because I love animals and the thought of transforming into one (especially something winged!) is potently fun. But this sub-genre has been done well and, to my mind, done to death. How many times can we re-tell Beauty and the Beast? Then there’s the whole bestiality thing that screams “not sexy” to me.

Magic has a definite allure. Is there a more powerful draw than the ability to control one’s circumstances by harnessing unseen power? But I’d have to be careful to be true to the historical period. There were times when being a witch was not as trendy as it is now. It was downright dangerous, so a historical setting might not work, given that I want to give my readers a laugh or two along the way.

I’m playing with the idea of psychic abilities. That seems to be something I could incorporate into a historical setting without compromising the historical feel of the story. A knack for seeing the future could be a double-edged gift. And a heroine or hero who misinterpreted their visions and tried in vain to change things could lead to both humour and adventure. One who only thought they had the gift might be even funnier, but we like our hero and heroine to be more self-aware (and more intelligent!) than that. Definitely something to consider for a secondary character.

I have a wonderful name for a ghost hero—Greydon Quinn (courtesy of a reader who entered my Pirate Name contest a few months ago). I’m considering a scenario that’s Heaven Can Wait meets Cyrano de Bergerac with a little Ghost Whisperer thrown in for good measure. And since things are still in a gelatinous stage, that’s all I’ll say about that!

But this gives you an idea of what goes through a writer’s mind when we begin something new. I have to develop a premise that moves me, whether it’s all the thing right now or not. I have to become acquainted with my characters. I have to create the world they live in with as much historical accuracy and inherent conflict as I can.

Nobel Prize Winner Linus Pauling said it best. “The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas.”

Time for me to head back to the brainstorming woodshed.

Thanks again for having me here at LovesRomances&More! I’m thrilled to be able to give away a copy of VEXING THE VISCOUNT to someone who posts a comment or question today. And be sure to check back tomorrow to see if YOU are the lucky winner.

Here is the cover blurb of VEXING THE VISCOUNT:

Daisy Drake is leading a double life! By day, she's Lucian Beaumont's unwanted assistant and by night, she masquerades as the masked courtesan, Blanche La Tour, a Frenchwoman who agreed to give Lucian lessons in sensual love!

There's only one problem. Daisy speaks fluent French and can read ancient Latin without moving her lips, but she doesn't know the first thing about the pleasures of the flesh!

Good thing she has the real Blanch La Tour's very explicit memoirs for guidance.

Lucian Beaumont, Viscount Rutland, longs to see his family's standing returned to its glory days, before his father lost their fortune. And he thinks he can manage it, if he can only discover the hiding place of an ancient Roman payroll.

Daisy never forgot her girlhood fascination with Lucian, even though his father has a score to settle with her uncle. Now that they're all grown up, she's determined to help the viscount find his Roman treasure.

Whether he wants her help or not!

MAYHEM IN HIGH HEELS by Gemma Halliday

Publisher: Dorchester
Date published: December 2008
ISBN 978-0-8439-6109-6
Mystery Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Valerie


Maddie Springer is happy. She is finally getting married to the man of her dreams. Everyone is excited, offering helpful tips and ideas and she’s got a wedding planner to boot. But when Maddie and her groom-to-be want to meet the wedding planner to taste the cake, they find her dead, laying in the frosting. Ramirez, Maddie’s man, is the dectective in charge of the case and it looks like the wedding might be over. But, Maddie is determined to help solve this case and get to her honeymoon. There seems to be too many suspects in this case and all seem too obvious. The ex-husband, new lover or a bride from hell. The wedding day approaches and Maddie has her hands full keeping her groom-to-be happy when an old flame shows up, keeping wedding plans on track and tracking a murderer. Let’s not forget the bet.

This is the final book in the High Heels series and I for one am sad about that. I am hoping that Gemma Halliday can be persuaded to write more about Maddie and her hunk of a man. I shall miss them. This particular installment is a roller coaster of a ride that left me almost breathless. One thing I really liked about it, was that this author cleverly keeps the reader guessing until the last chapter. And what a lot of laughs she delivers too. From her heroine to the secondary characters, you’ll have a smile on your face. Then there’s Ramiraz. Lovingly known as the caveman. Yep, he’s alpha and wants to protect his woman, but he also wants her to know that he does respect her too. Hence the bet...but I can’t give too much away. You MUST read this book, today!

UNTAMED: MacKinnon's Rangers Series, Book 2 by Pamela Clare

Publisher: Dorchester
Date published: December 2008
ISBN 978-0-8439-5489-0
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Gina


Her mother dead when she was but a little girl, Amalie Chauvenet ventured from her convent home to Fort Carillon to be with her father, a Major with the French army under Bourlamaque. Despite her gentle and sheltered upbringing in the convent, she is determined to remain with her father at the Fort. When he is killed, she becomes Bourlamaque’s ward. In keeping with the Major’s wishes, Bourlamaque gives Amalie the choice of returning to the convent to take her vows or marrying the man of her choice. One man pursues her, relentlessly—Lt. Rillieux. Rillieux will stop at nothing to have Amalie and she turns more and more to the choice of taking holy vows.

With Iain MacKinnon being permitted to retire to his farm with his wife, Annie and their child, middle brother Morgan MacKinnon has taken charge of the feared MacKinnon’s Rangers. Stories of their deeds grow with each telling until the Highlanders are indeed larger than life. When Morgan is taken prisoner by Bourlamaque’s men, he is threatened, beaten and taunted with tales of how he will die in the Abenaki fires. Determined not to betray his brothers and his men, Morgan takes a pragmatic and practical approach to his death until he meets Amalie.

At first unwillingly attending to his wounds, Amalie begins to have feelings for the fearsome Highlander. She is torn between her desire for the revenge of her father’s death and the compassion she feels for the man, handsome despite the dirt, grime and blood that covers him. As her feelings grow she seeks a way to save Morgan’s life. It is at Amalie’s suggestion to Bourlamaque that Morgan be made a spy for the French that Morgan sees a way to freedom and a return to his men. Playing a dangerous game, Morgan gives Bourlamaque bits of information while spying on the French, all the while planning to take the information he has found back to the English. When he is caught by Bourlamaque compromising Amalie he is forced to wed the winsome French woman. The marriage puts him in the untenable position of choosing between his men and his wife. At the same time, the stakes of the game close in when he makes his move to escape.

I thought SURRENDER, the first book in Pamela Clare’s MacKinnon’s Rangers series was one of the best books I have read in a long time. UNTAMED rivals SURRENDER on all levels. Middle brother Morgan is the stuff of dreams. Handsome, loyal, fearless, caring and intelligent. Along with elder brother Iain and younger brother Connor he came to the New World to live when their family lost all in Scotland. Through his words, descriptions of his actions and the words of other characters, Ms. Clare introduces her readers to Morgan. She draws a man who is brave beyond compare and will not hesitate to do whatever is necessary to protect his own, including brutally killing an enemy. Ms. Clare builds multiple layers into her characters, endearing them to her readers. For instance, one of the most poignantly telling scenes is when the head of one of his men, Charlie, who died in battle is found. With great risk to himself, Morgan strikes Rillieux and then makes to bury the skull. When he is joined by Amalie and Bourlamaque and Bourlamaque bringing his priest to say the prayers, the moment is heart wrenching. Conversely, she pulls her reader’s heart strings when Morgan battles with himself not to make love to Amalie. He wants her with every fiber of his being and yet, because he is a man of honor, he holds himself back. When Amalie tells Morgan for the first time she loves him you feel the joy pounding in his heart. Ms. Clare tells a story that is emotionally satisfying and memorable.

SURRENDER and UNTAMED are stand alone stories and while they could be read out of order, you will want to read them in order. I am impatient for Connor’s tale and at the same time want to wait for it because I do not want this emotionally fulfilling series to end.

DIVORCED, DESPERATE AND DATING by Christie Craig

Publisher Dorchester Publishing
Date published November 2008
ISBN 9780505527325
Romantic Mystery
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Pam



Sue Finley is a murder mystery writer, who suddenly has her world turned upside down. Divorced from a cross-dresser and desperately trying to break up with a podiatrist, she ends up with Detective Jason Dodd on her doorstep. She also has eccentric grand-parents and an even more odd mother, who loves interfering in her life.

Sue has begun to worry, as the evidence in her latest as yet unpublished book becomes real as it is happening to her. Jason was abandoned as a child and brought up in an endless string of foster homes. His commitment to women has boiled down to a different one every couple of weeks. Deep down he wants love, but seems to be eternally denied. While making himself Sue’s protector, he finds his protective armor eroding away, but Sue isn’t willing to trust any male with her love again.

This is a delightfully crazy tale of murder, mayhem, messy happenings and mixed up people. The characters are delightful, from the burnt cookie granny, the leering cops, an Elvis impersonator, and the mother with a groin sniffing dog. This story will brighten anyone’s wet, cold day. Even the clothing made me grin, as the heroine wears a different pair of animal pajamas each night, and her mother has re-discovered her cleavage.

Threats are sent in odd ways and a mysterious car pops up to follow them, before disappearing. As the threats become more personal, Jason’s colleagues almost queue up to protect Sue, until it almost turns into a burlesque. But then the reader follows closely as he tries to catch the girl, before the stalker does. Then as in all good romances the handsome hero always gets his man, and impresses his girl.

TRIPLE EXPOSURE by Colleen Thompson

Publisher Dorchester Publishing
Date published August 2008
ISBN 9780843961430
Romantic Suspense
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Pam




Rachel Copeland goes back to her roots in Marfa, West Texas, after she’s been stalked and her life spirals out of control in Philadelphia. Her father, Walter, has re-married and there’s an uneasy truce between her and his new wife, Patsy, who was once married to the local sheriff. Flying was her father’s dream and he was disappointed but resigned, when his daughter hadn’t joined him in the business. Zeke Pike, the local hermit is pulled into their world by his interest in Rachel, as phone calls from a strange woman ratchet up another notch and the strange lights the area is famous for, seem to increase. Rachel begins a red hot affair with Zeke, but their relationship seems to bring Zeke into danger too, as a mother’s love turns into an obsession and strangers come to town.

Conflict keeps the reader on their toes, as the suspense accelerates and lives are on the line, it’s a time for true friends and knowing who to trust. The small town setting makes an interesting background as the characters become more familiar to the reader. The story has many hidden depths and the interplay between the characters is interesting. It kept me turning pages, when a reporter finally catches up to Rachel, the intrusion into her life is unsettling especially when she has to remember the photos posted on the Internet. The plot has many separate threads, which sometimes pulled me out of the main story. There are many forms and layers of love displayed in TRIPLE EXPOSURE so if you’re looking for a book with many depths and threads I can recommend this one.

IMMORTALS: THE CROSSING by Joy Nash

Publisher Dorchester Publishing
Date published October 2008
ISBN 978-0-505-52767-7
Paranormal
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn




For Celtic Demigod Manannan mac Lir, all he wanted was some peace and quiet after a major world tour and helping the Immortal Warriors save the world in the last year. What he doesn’t anticipate is a woman who delves into a mixed bag of magic that blows him away and causes him to burn with lust for her or kill her, depending on what she does to him. For Artemis Black is a woman who is sly and innocent; a woman who is on a mission to retrieve something very precious to her but she never anticipates the lure of Mac and that she will do the one thing that will cause him to either wish her dead or kiss her all over. This time Mac met his match in a powerful witch and they will have to visit the pits of hell to have that love that is determined to grow between them.

WOW is all this reviewer can say after reading IMMORTALS: THE CROSSING by Joy Nash. An action packed ride in the saga of the Immortal Warriors, destined to keep watch over humans and magical creatures alike. I couldn’t put this book down, it was so enthralling. From start to finish, Ms. Nash takes you on a magical journey that will have you going to the council room of the Sidhe to the lowest pits of Hell itself. Each page keeps you glued to the seat and when Mac and Artemis come together, the sparks start flying. Get ready for the next chapter of the Immortals series, when this time Mac gets his chance at a love so deep it defies Hell itself!

This reviewer recommends reading the other books in the series by Joy Nash, Jennifer Ashley and Robin T. Popp to understand some of the characters and to see the events that are mentioned in THE CROSSING in passing. You meet some new characters and some familiar ones as well. If you love magic, the battle of good vs. evil and a powerful love, be it a mothers love or a soul mate love, then you need to read IMMORTALS: THE CROSSING. Each page is like being driven on a 100 mph ride with hairpin turns that drop your stomach and steal your breath away. When the sexual tension comes to be too much, the pages crackle with the flames and the senses explode.

Ms. Nash delivers a spine tingling story that will keep you entertained and gasping for me. Her neat twist at the end will leave you reeling and this reviewer is anxiously awaiting the last two in the series. If you enjoy magical creatures, death defying actions and sex so powerful it singes the fingertips, grab THE CROSSING as well as the other Immortals books. They are so divine; you can’t help but read them over and over again.

PLEASURING THE PIRATE by Emily Bryan

Publisher Dorchester
Date published August 2008
ISBN 978-0-8439-6133-1
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Gina






Hoping to save the people from Dragon Caern from a fate worse than death, or at a minimum the plundering of their lands, Jacqueline Wren dons the disguise of a boy and sets out to take down the new owner of the keep. What she doesn’t count on is the skill of Gabriel Drake or the assistance of his first mate, Mr. Meriwether. When the waylayer is waylaid she is in for the surprise of her life.

When Gabriel Drake fled the family home years before it was not, as many thought, to recover from a broken heart, rather it was to prevent committing murder on his fiancé and former best friend. Embarking on a naval career before long he was taken captive and had the choice of becoming a pirate or death. After years of wrecking havoc on the high seas he returns home to find his father and older brother have died, leaving him heir to Dragon Caern. Not exactly the life he would have chosen for himself, but with the king’s pardon in his hand, returning to the high seas will not serve. As the indomitable Mistress Wren reminds him, his people need him.

In turn, he learns he not only needs, but cares deeply for Jacqueline Wren. As they uncover the secrets of the keep, they find themselves drawn to each other, yet theirs is a love that cannot be. If Gabriel is to save his ancestral home he must marry for money. With neither title nor money, Jacqueline cannot be part of that future. Knowing they cannot have a life together, Jacqueline flees the keep and runs to her mother’s doorstep seeking solace and aid. When Gabriel follows her he runs headlong into his doom because should he set foot in London it is on pain of death.

Emily Bryan found made a fan of me with her first book of this series, DISTRACTING THE DUCHESS. With the ability to turn a phrase and entice the reader DISTRACTING THE DUCHESS was a funny, titillating and enthralling read. While PLEASURING THE PIRATE is a totally fun and lighthearted read, it falls a bit short of DISTRACTING THE DUCHESS, at least until the last quarter of the book. It is in those last pages Ms. Bryan’s innate talent comes to the fore in a showcase of how she can weave a web of intrigue and a tapestry of emotion that keeps her reader spell bound.

The first part of the book is sweet with enjoyable characters, especially Mrs. B and Mr. Meriwether. Those two definitely deserve their own story which would no doubt showcase Ms. Bryan’s gift for story telling on yet another level. While not a fan of children, especially precocious ones in books, the Drake nieces are a delight. Another series of books I’d love to read is what happens with these five girls as adults when they embark on their own matrimonial journeys—with flashbacks of the imps they were as children. I particularly loved their playacting scenes and Daisy is definitely destined for a spy of the first water.

While at times, through the beginning of the book, I wondered where the entertaining Ms. Bryan had gone, she rewards her readers with a more than satisfying ending. The sirens call of the sea and how it plays into Gabriel’s life is so well done. I eagerly await Ms. Bryan’s next installment. With her knack for storytelling it is sure to be a winner.

NEWS BLUES by Marianne Mancusi

Publisher Dorchester Publishing
Date published February 2008
ISBN 978-0-505-52749-3
Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Tammy





Marianne Mancusi’s NEWS BLUES is witty, fun, and filled with quirky characters that are sure to please.

Maddy is tired of producing fluff pieces and dreams of one day producing national news at Newsline. When she is promoted out of the blue to investigative reporter and given her very own cameraman, it looks like Maddy might just be on her way, even if she has to put with the demands of an aging diva of a news anchor. But then when her parents decide to divorce and she is suddenly in charge of her testing-the-limits teenage sister, she falls in love with her cameraman (who happens to be engaged and not to her) and of course this would be when the story of a lifetime is finally in her grasp.

Marianne Mancusi delivers a funny and very entertaining look behind the scenes of a local news station and the wide variety of personalities that go into each segment. As Maddy risks her job to uncover a shocking story, readers will cheer for this feisty producer, even as her family life and her big story seem to converge in a sad sort of way. And then there is the danger that her big story brings with it. Maybe true love and a dream job are just a pipedream, but maybe not.

The romance between Maddy and her oh so sexy cameraman is a wonderful mix of light humor and explosive heat. Her love interest plays the part usually given to the heroine, that of half of a engaged couple realizing he might have just stumbled into his true love at a most inopportune time. This reversal lends depth to both characters.

Zany and contemporary, Marianne Mancusi’s NEWS BLUES is a modern romantic comedy that will most definitely keep readers tuned in.