DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE by JD Robb, Mary Blayney, Elaine Fox, Mary Kay McComas & RC Ryan

Berkley Jove

September 29^th, 2015

978-0-515-15547-1

Anthology, Futuristic, Contemporary, Paranormal, Historical, Fiction

Mass Market Paperback

Reviewed by Dawn (love2read28@gmail.com)
Obtained by Publisher

4 Hearts

 

Go through the looking glass as these five authors deliver stories inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

Wonderment In Death by J.D. Robb (In Death Series Book 41.5)

Lt. Eve Dallas finds that an open -&-shut case is not just that. Called in to an apparent murder-suicide, Eve must figure out who twisted the Lewis Carroll classic for their own murderous gains.

Author JD Robb delivers another stellar story in her acclaimed In Death series with a twist on the Alice in Wonderland theme. Filled with some of our favorite characters from the series, we get a wild ride as we tag along with Eve, Roark and their friends as they race to solve the murder that at first seems so cut and dry. But as the reader finds out, things are not all that they seem in this universe and a murder is using people’s grief for their own ends. I love how this author skillfully weaves the anthology theme through the novella and delivers a pulse pounding ride from start to finish. It’s quite twisted yet totally engrossing story that had me in it’s grip till the very end. This is truly one of my favorite stories in this anthology and I am eager to see where the author goes next in the series.

Alice and the Earl in Wonderland by Mary Blayney

The new Earl of Weston is determined to save his estate, win the hand of the woman he is in love with and finds that sometimes magic happens in a way that will transform his life forever.

As a sequel to ‘Amy and the Earl’s Amazing Adventure’ the reader is transported to the 1800’s where it’s a scandal to divorce, women were proper and the man is head of the house. When the Earl and his love, Alice, are transported to the 21^st century via a magic coin, they find wonders beyond their imagination and truths that will set them free. I loved the first story, Amy and the Earl’s Amazing Adventure, when I read it in the anthology, Dead of Night, and was thrilled to see it continue in this latest installment. This time we get to see t he historical couple’s journey through the looking glass so to speak and it was quite enjoyable. The author delivers a sweet story of old lovers who find themselves in a time where women are more equal to men, people can love whomever they fall in love with and divorce is not a stigma in society. What I loved the most was the scenes of Weston and Alice marvel at the changes in 2005 as well as what is the same from their time, of 1805. I did have a little peeve about the character development in this story as there basically is none, in my opinion. The story focuses too much on Weston and Alice’s adventures in the future which didn’t leave much character development. Overall, it was a sweet story that you will enjoy.

iLove by Elaine Fox

Macy is in love with Jeremy but it seems he is in love with his Iphone more. When Macy dumps Jeremy, he is sucked into her phone and he finds that in order to leave, he will have to win Macy’s heart and learn that sometimes it’s better to put the phone down and find that love will walk away if he isn’t paying attention.

I just absolutely adored this story. It’s quite relevant to today’s world and I loved how the author captures the essence of Alice in Wonderland’s Heart Queen with the character of Mrs. Hartz. This author does an amazing job in capturing the characters and brings them to life amid the pages of DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE. I loved how Jeremy had to figure out with a dating app and no cell phone how to win Macy back and learn a few things as well. A perfect second chance at love story that is really unique and entertaining.

A True Heart by Mary McComas

When a day of costume shopping goes haywire, can Elise figure out the message her supernatural guide is giving her as they journey through her life?

This had me a bit confused as I felt it was more A Christmas Carol than Alice in Wonderland but overall it was an enjoyable read. Elise has been badly hurt in the past and now has a hard shell over her heart, afraid to let any man too close in case they hurt her. The author does a great job in capturing Elise’s pain, vulnerability and heartbreak. You get a sense of who the character is amid the layers and we get to see who the real Elise is amid the thorns, walls and more she has set up around her. This made her quite likeable and relatable, in my opinion. There is a lot of emotion in A True heart and the reader is taken on quite a ride but overall, it’s quite a satisfying journey to take.

Fallen by R.C. Ryan

Beth Campbell is determined to impress her aunt and find her place in the family company by convincing a Scottish recluse to sell his land to her. But things don’t go according to plan when Beth hits her head and is transported to the 1800’s and soon Beth finds magic and a little intrigue while in the highlands.

A sweet story that will charm you as you read Beth’s adventure in the Scottish Highlands that will leave you breathless. Ms. Ryan weaves a satisfying story that hits all my love buttons. Poor Beth is confused and just a little peeved when she finds herself transported to the eighteenth Century after hitting her head on her trip in the Scottish Highlands. Attracted to Colin Gordon wasn’t in her game plan. Between confusion as over why anyone would want to kill Colin to figuring out how to get back home, Beth has to solve a mystery, save the man from death and figure out how to get back to her time. Easy, right? I loved the interactions between Colin and Beth. There was such a connection instantly and you get a sense of who these characters are and how they interact with one another. The downside to this story was there is so much information in the story; it doesn’t feel long enough to get the job done. It felt rushed and a little incomplete in the end. I would have loved this story to be a bit longer and maybe fleshed out the magic portion of the story a bit more. Overall, it was a nice ending to the anthology as a whole.

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE is a wonderful anthology that has something for everyone to enjoy. I personally preferred two out of the five stories more than others but all deliver some reading goodness. I do have to say that other than Wonderment In Death, the other four stories don’t have much of an Alice In Wonderland connection that was a disappointment. I love the Alice in Wonderland theme and thought it could have been brought over better in the other stories. But DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE is truly a unique and entertaining story overall and even if you are an In Death fan like I am, all the stories in this anthology will keep you entertained till the very end.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement

MIRROR,MIRROR by J.D. Robb, Mary Blaney, Elaine Fox, Mary Kay McComas & R.C. Ryan

Berkley

September 24^th, 2013

978-0-515-15407-8

Anthology, Fantasy

Paperback ARC

Reviewed by Dawn (love2read28@gmail.com)

Obtained by Publisher

 

In this latest anthology filled with stories from J.D. Robb, Mary Blaney, Elaine Fox, Mary Kay McComas and R.C. Ryan, we are transported to the fairytale worlds these five authors created out of our favorite childhood fairytales. Get ready for Mirror, Mirror.

Five stories that center around childhood fairytales hooked me right off the bat. MIRROR, MIRROR is an anthology that has something for everyone to enjoy.

First up is J.D. Robb’s Taken In Death, where Lt. Eve Dallas has to track down twin siblings who go missing.

Taken In Death is a lovely quick novella that gives this author’s rabid fans something to enjoy while waiting with bated breath for the next full length In Death Novel. We find Eve on a case a la Hansel and Gretel that had me on the edge of my seat, hoping Eve, Roarke and their friends’ race against the clock to find them. The story is pure J.D. Robb. This was a fast paced, intriguing storyline and this futuristic twist on a beloved fairytale that worked perfectly in my opinion. A perfect morsel to enjoy if you need your In Death fix l ike I do every now and again.

Then came If Wishes Were Horses by Mary Blaney delivers a wish granting coing that causes some to get their deepest desire to one that finds that maybe you don’t need a magical coin to find your dreams.

This was a solid story and Ms. Blayney delivers a story that was at turns, intriguing and romantic as well. A twist on Goldie Locks and the Three Bears, Ms. Blayney captures the story perfectly and I enjoyed the story immensely. A perfect second course in this anthology.

Then Elaine Fox’s Beauty Sleeping, which tells the tale of ghosts, haunted houses and a charming twist on the fairytale, Sleeping Beauty.

This by far was one of the best renditions of Sleeping Beauty I have read. Ms. Fox delivers a charming tale that leaves you spellbound even as you flip the pages to see what happens next. The characters are downright enjoyable and very well written. I really wished this one was a longer story after the last page was read.

In Mary Kay McComas’s The Christmas Comet, the reader is treated to a contemporary retelling of The Little Match Girl with a second chance at love story abit with a reluctant hero and a heroine who doesn’t take orders too well.

This was a bit more modern for my tastes but still enjoyable. I wasn’t too familiar with the fairytale this author used as inspiration but overall, the story was a delight to read. What happens when an overly generous activist and a cop who thinks he is too old for her find when affairs of the heart involved? Love comes a knocking for these two intriguing characters-Natalie, an activist who has a huge heart and Miles, a cynical man who finds he is drawn to this woman like no other.

Finally R.C. Ryan’s Stroke of Midnight, a retelling of Cinderella that captures the magic of Ireland and finds a teacher finding love and more in her father’s hometown.

This was a lovely ending for this anthology. Ms. Ryan delivers a story that gives a modern twist on Cinderella and captures the essence of the fairytale perfectly. What happens when you mix the magic of Ireland, an evil step-mother and a romance that steals your heart? A story that leaves you eager for more and characters you can’t help but fall in love with. This is an author who knows how to weave a spell around her readers until the very last page is read.

MIRROR, MIRROR is a perfect blend of historical, futuristic, contemporary takes on childhood fairytales that will warm your heart. With the right amount of happily ever after and intriguing characters, these five authors deliver their versions on childhood classics you grew up on. If you are looking for a great beach read, then this might be the perfect book for you to enjoy. I can’t wait to see if these five authors collaborate on another anthology in the future.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement

 

FOUR DUKES & A DEVIL by Cathy Maxwell, Elaine Fox, Jeaniene Frost, Sophia Nash & Tracy Anne Warren

Publisher: Avon
Date published: June 2009
ISBN: 978-0-06-178736-2
Historical/Paranormal/Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Obtained via: Publisher
Reviewed by Dawn




FOUR DUKES & a DEVIL is five short stories that will have you believing in love all over again as these five couples find themselves snared in love’s crosshairs.

First up was THE IRISH DUKE by Cathy Maxwell which tells the tale of a spinster woman determined to ruin any Irish Duke’s chances of catching a bride…except she never imagines getting snared herself.

First off, I have to admit this story did not endear me at all to the characters. The main heroine, Susan, came off as whiny, childish and annoying to me. I wasn’t sure why this character didn’t do it for me-maybe it might have been the mood I was in or something. The writing was ok, nothing popped out for me to get excited about nor did the storyline capture my attention. It was just an ok story and had me skimming pages to get to the next one.

Next up was THE DUKE WHO CAME FOR DINNER by Elaine Fox. This is about a woman who is determined to get away and let herself finally come out of her shell. Add in a dog named Duke, a ghost who is a matchmaker and Mr. Right to the mix and you have the makings of one wild romance.

This was definitely one of my favorites in the anthology. A contemporary romance, Ms. Fox delivers a story that will leave you smiling when the last page is read. You have humor, romance and wit sprinkled throughout the story and this is an author who keeps you highly entertained from start to finish. I highly enjoyed this one.

Up next was DEVIL TO PAY by Jeaniene Frost. Elise is a vampire who is determined to be alone and lives by herself, with no contact with the outside world. When she rescues a man who is trying to kill himself, she finds herself drawn into the world once again as she tries to help Blake deal with the demon inside him.

I have to admit, I had to read this anthology just for this author. Ms. Frost is a wonderful storyteller and you really get into the characters of each of her books. This story is a fast paced wonder as Elise finds herself living again as she helps Blake try to deal with his problem, namely the demon living inside him. Elise is a wonder. She comes out of her shell to take care of Blake and that endeared me to her. A strong female character, she called to me and I was rooting for her to finally see happiness with Blake in the end. Overall, it was a nice adventure and a treat to read.

Next up was Sophia Nash’s CATCH OF THE CENTURY. This tells the tale of the ton’s latest eligible bachelor finding love with a feisty vixen who snares his heart even as she drives him to the brink of madness.

This was a minor character from one of this author’s series and though I haven’t read that series, this was an ok read as well. At times I wanted to shake Victoria, the heroine but she does grow on you eventually. The chemistry between John and Victoria was a bit predictable and had characters popping up from previous series that had me scratching my head in confusion for a bit. Overall, it was just an ok story and felt it could have needed a little more growth to completely keep my attention.

Finally, the last story was Tracy Anne Warren’s CHARMED BY HER SMILE. India Byron is determined to escape a suitor who is besotted with her. When London’s most scandalous rake steals a kiss, she begins to fall for the older man even as the suitor becomes more enamored with India. Can India and Quentin find a way to be true to their hearts in the end?

This final story was a bit better than the other historical/regency romances. I found the writing to be tight, storyline moving smoothly and though a bit predictable, an enjoyable romance. The hero is a bit older than the heroine and it was a nice aspect of the storyline. The heroine, India, was at times feisty yet innocent as she fell for Quentin, Duke of Weybridge. Both characters were well rounded and well written; another gem in this anthology.

FOUR DUKES & A DEVIL had a few lovely stories to enjoy but also a few misses as well. A few of the stories were really good and had me racing to check out the author’s backlist while a few others were flat to me. You will enjoy this if you enjoy historical/Regency romances. This was a sweet and tasty anthology to whittle the hours away while out on the hammock this spring.



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

BEDTIME FOR BONSAI by Elaine Fox

Publisher: Avon Books
Date published: December 2008
ISBN: 978-0-06-147464-4
Romantic Comedy
Paperback
Reviewed by Tina




What’s a girl to do when she can’t have the baby she’s longing for? Get a puppy. And that’s exactly what Penelope Porter does. Only her dog doesn’t seem to want to stick around long enough to get to know his new owner. He prefers the likes of bad boy Dylan Mersey, who owns a shop across the street from Penelope.

Penelope can’t deny she’s attracted to this bad boy with a checkered past, but she’s trying to reconcile with her ex-husband, Glenn. She’s sure Glenn is ready to renew their relationship and settle down. And she secretly hopes for that baby she still wants.

Will Penelope’s dog be a matchmaker for her and Dylan or will she fall back into Glenn’s arms?

BEDTIME FOR BONSAI is one hilarious book. Ms. Fox has two irresistible characters whose chemistry burns up the pages. From the moment they meet, the sparks fly between Penelope and Dylan, even if Penelope doesn’t want to admit it. But there’s the ex waiting in the wings. This reviewer screamed with frustration a few times at the mere thought of Penelope reuniting with her ex.
When Dylan and Penelope finally have sex, talk about hot off the press. They were combustible.

Secondary characters? They’re plentiful and just as enjoyable as the main character. When Dylan and Glenn become friends who jog together I kept waiting for them to figure out they liked the same woman.

This reviewer couldn’t get enough of BEDTIME FOR BONSAI. If you like romantic comedy, don’t miss out on this irresistible read.