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

 

THE OTHER SIDE by J. D. Robb, Mary Blayney, Patricia Gaffney, Ruth Ryan Langan and Mary Kay McComas

Publisher: Berkley Jove
Date published: November 30th, 2010
ISBN: 978-0515148671
Paranormal/Romance/Anthology/Historical/Contemporary
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher


Five stories from some of the best authors out there who create stories that where even death doesn’t stop love from reaching out to those they love…..from THE OTHER SIDE.

J.D. Robb delivers a spine tingling story of one ghost’s desire to get vengeance and Eve has to find a way to bring a murderer to justice while dealing with ghosts and the power of love in Possesion in Death.

I hate to admit but this was the crown jewel of the entire series. Each time I read one of the In Death books, I am in complete heaven and this story is no exception. This takes place after the end of Indulgence In Death and delivers a satisfying ending to the previous book. Tight writing, fast paced storyline and a slight paranormal edge, Ms. Robbs delivers one of her best short novellas set in the In Death universe. This is one story I would love to see again in the future storylines for the series.

Mary Blayney’s story, The Other Side of the Coin, delivers a story of a couple who are about to literally walk in the other’s shoes when their spirits are switched by a wish over a magical coin.

I enjoyed this story by Ms. Blayney. It had an intriguing twist and had me rooting for the Earl and his Countess to find a way to break the wish they made. The writing was tight, there was some humor in spots that had me giggling and the fast paced storyline took me away to a place gone by. I definitely will be checking this author’s backlist out to see if there are a few more books of hers to enjoy.

Patricia Gaffney’s The Dancing Ghost has a woman working with a paranormal investigator to get rid of her ancestral house of ghosts and finds a way to love instead.

This was one of the weaker stories in my opinion. There were a few stops and starts within the story and it didn’t quite engage my imagination as the first two stories did. I felt there wasn’t enough chemistry between the two main characters to warrant me being invested in them. The author did an admirable job but fell a little short in capturing my interest in her story.

Ruth Ryan Langan’s Almost Heaven delivers the reader to a couple who lost their lives in an accident but now struggle to stay around for their daughter’s sake as they try to stop her from being with the wrong man.

I enjoyed the writing in this story and though the story felt a little like it should be a longer novel rather than a novella, the author captures the sense of her main characters and delivers a poignant story of parents trying to stop their daughter from doing something that they feel is not in her best interest though from the other side, of course. The writing flowed nicely and the author did a great job in creating a story that had heart and soul. This was one of my favorites in the anthology by far.

Mary Kay McComas delivers Never Too Late for Love when a no-nonsense woman finds her deceased mother and aunt haunting her as they try to get her to find whatever they lost so they can rest in peace.

I found this last story to be comical and a great way to end the anthology. Full of intriguing well rounded characters, a fast paced storyline and some hilarious parts that had me smiling in joy. This is an author I haven’t read before and I am eager to see what her back list titles have to offer.

What I loved about this anthology is that each story is the author’s spin on the other side of death & the magic of love. Each story was just different enough to give the reader a few different genres to enjoy within the pages of THE OTHER SIDE. If you want to enjoy a short novella to take you places then grab THE OTHER SIDE and settle in for a night of paranormal fun amid the many genres that span this anthology.

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

DEAD OF NIGHT by J.D. Robb, Mary Blayney, Ruth Ryan Langan, Mary Kay McComas

Publisher Berkley Jove
Date published November 2007
ISBN 978-0-515-14367-6
Paranormal / Futuristic romance anthology
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Valerie




Eternity In Death by J.D.Robb – Eve Dallas is confronted with a crime most strange. The victim has been drained of blood through two holes in the neck. Is a real live vampire on the lose? With her co-workers bringing along the crosses and garlic, Eve and Roarke hunt down the night-walker.

It’s so good to read an Eve Dallas story again. It’s like meeting up with old friends again. This reviewer enjoyed this one and couldn’t stop until it was finished. It’s dark and gritty and full of action. Quite a change to see how Eve deals with a creature of the night.

Amy and the Earls Amazing Adventure by Mary Blayney – Amy Stevens is given a coin from a mysterious man. Later, she meets Simon West who thinks she has stolen it. The mystery deepens when they are both thrown back into the past and into each other’s arms.

This reviewer enjoyed this one. A good time travel, a great adventure and multi-dimensional characters. Lovers of time travel will like this story. Mary Blayney writes a great captivating story and characters who have obstacles to overcome.

Timeless by Ruth Ryan Langan – Laurel Douglas is in Scotland alone after her friend couldn’t make the trip with her. She’s touring an old castle, when suddenly she is pulled into the past by a handsome, Scottish warrior. This Highland Laird believes she is his lost wife and Laurel comes to believe in a timeless love.

This story is highly romantic, sensuous and sizzling. It’s got everything going for it. Great characters, a captivating plot, action and loads of sexual tension. This reviewer really liked this one. This reviewer has enjoyed many of Ms. Langan’s books and she also proves that she can handle the short story very well.

On the Fringe by Mary Kay McComas – Bonnie is a woman with a job, a teenager, a husband. The job is demanding, the teenager is rebellious and the husband wants to move out and ‘take a break.’ Bonnie then gets a magic carpet ride where she goes to an alternate reality and learns that the grass really isn’t greener on the other side.

This story is a great ending to this marvelous anthology. Mary Kay McComas gives her readers a story that is humorous, adventurous and a little sad. This author gives her readers a message wrapped up in wonderful characters, lots of excitement, a few tears and some laughs. This reviewer loved it!

This anthology needs to be on the keeper’s shelf!