Death Magic by Eileen Wilks

Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Date: November 2011
ISBN 9780425245125
Paranormal Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained by Publisher


Rule Turner is a shape-shifter, a hero with a mission and part of a secret unit. When his friend Ruben suddenly begins looking ill and behaving out of character, he’s sure there’s something odd is going on.Lily the main heroine is Rule’s fiancée and Ruben is her boss, so she’s worried. Is there more to these happenings than any of them could guess at?

When a murder shows signs of death magic, Lily finds herself assigned to the investigation through her work as an FBI Agent. This problem escalates rapidly and she finds herself in the path of danger along with Rule. The Lupi are afraid it is an ancient enemy becoming active again, so should they prepare for war? While humans point the finger at the supernatural beings without knowing why.

DEATH MAGIC is part of a series and each chapter is filled with interesting happenings. The layers in the plot engage the reader and surround them, with action and escape from the world around them. The main characters are strong and committed in this complex world with a fantasy realm.The world building takes the reader into a believable place, where they will find magic, strange elementals and other paranormals live. When the elementals begin to act strangely even the humans are in danger. Rule is concerned for those with no protection and hopes to turn the bad guy’s back, before it’s too late, but Doppelgangers’ change everything again.

The story is very fast paced and has a great plot-line, making every chapter exciting. It’s intense with plenty of complex and suspenseful happenings. The romance between the H/H is blended in nicely with the action and plenty of twists.

It’s a page grabber and if you haven’t read any of Ms. Wilks novels and you love paranormal suspense, read this and be entertained.

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

A SEASON OF ANGELS by Debbie Macomber

3 Angelic Romances
Publisher: Avon Romance
Date Published: July 2011
ISBN 9780061081842
Mass Market Paperback
Romance
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained by Publisher


Mercy has been sent to bring hope into the heart of Leah Lunberg, as she’s almost given up on being truly happy. Mercy has a large job trying to fulfill Leah’s wish, especially when this angel always ends up being side tracked. Luckily for her somebody else also brings hope into Leah’s life.

Goodness is sent to answer a prayer from Monica Fischer, as she longs for a husband and a baby of her own. Goodness has no idea where to start looking for a man to suit Monica and she’s a bit fazed when her choice is far more than she’d hoped for.

Shirley is the Goodness Angel, sent to fulfill a wish for Timmy Potter. He longs for a father, especially since his grandfather died. Believing her husband is dead, Jody eventually dates another man, but he’s in love with another. Timmy is worried he’ll never have a Dad again, but love the second time around might come soon, especially if Shirley is on the job.

A SEASON OF ANGELS is an interesting tale and an ideal book to give to your mother or aunt. The angels are each given somebody to help, but of course they manage to get tangled up. Each prayer is different and not as easy to change the recipient’s lives as they’d thought. Both the angels and their charges have a lesson to earn, as the angel Gabriel wants to challenge them. The story has many twists and turns, which of course have an affect on all the characters.

Ms. Macomber always writes delightful tales and these angels are a delightful threesome, making me sure they will make any reader smile. If you feel jaded or sad, this book will change your day making you smile and also help you forget all the worries.

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

The Fire King by Marjorie M. Liu

A Dirk and Steele Novel
Publisher: Avon
Date: August 2011
ISBN 9780062019868
Mass Market Paperback
Paranormal, Romance
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained by Publisher


Karr is the hero of this tale, with unique abilities he’s a man who was once a king but is now trying to learn how to survive in a modern world. He’s been entombed for thousands of years and awakened from an icy sleep against his will. It seems as if everything has changed, except him.

Soria is the heroine who must use her gift of communication, to teach him modern language. She’s attracted to Karr and worried about him because he is so different from the shape shifters she’s learnt about. She also has to learn about herself if she’s not going to slip into

Karr is strong, quick filled with fury, strong as a lion and deadly when needed.
Soria listens to his speech and soon she can understand him, it helps to keep his anger from boiling over. They travel across

BELONG TO ME by Marisa de los Santos

Publisher: Avon
Date: July 2011
ISBN: 9780061983856
Mass Market Paperback
Contemporary
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained by Publisher


Cornelia Brown had no idea how her life would change when she persuaded her husband to the suburbs. She finds herself wondering why she’d done it, after meeting some of her new neighbors.

After a run in with Piper Truitt who is a know all and very judgmental, meeting Lake is refreshing. Nothing is what it seems and Cornelia becomes fond of Lake’s son Dev who is perceptive.

A lot of surprises lurk beneath the surface, including divorce and affairs along with many other problems. As the cast of relations and friends grows, the hidden agendas begin to appear, until like a volcano they rumble and come to the surface.

There are many characters popping in and out, in this tale of what lies beneath the actions of people living in some quiet streets. I found it intriguing but also very puzzling to read. The characters have chapters allotted to them, which of course changes the way the content comes across.

It shows how easy it is to fall from grace, no matter how hard you try to fit in. Dev is a young boy without a father, so he wonders who he is, right through to the end. He’s befriended by Aidan Weeks, a black kid adopted by two white parents, there’s also a friendly girl Clare who seems to have taken a shine to Dev. The boys become mates and clean up the gardens of the richer folk in town.

Ms. Santos has made many subtle points in this book. One a reminder of, no matter where you live, folk have problems.

If you like books that dig deep, you’ll enjoy this book more than I did.

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

PLAYING FOR KEEPS by Luann McLane

A Cricket Creek Novel
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Date: March 2011
ISBN: 978 0451232762
Mass Market Paperback
Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained by Publisher


Noah Falcon has come back to his hometown Cricket Creek Kentucky, to hone his acting skills and play the lead in a play written by a local girl, Madison Robinson, and to hopefully make the play a hit. It seems everyone is pleased to see him, but Olivia Lawson, who is to be the other lead character.

Olivia remembers how she had a crush on Noah, as he was the best looking boy in town, plus the top athlete while she was a total nerd. Olivia was also the only girl who didn’t have a date for the Prom and she’d never forgotten.

Noah works hard to make things happen in town, as many of the business’ are closing as there is a lack of tourists.

Olivia is now a teacher at the school and Noah appreciates her, plus notices her, despite the prim and proper façade she faces the world with.

This small town tale is full of humor and the unexpected, making it an unusually interesting story with many twists and turns. The characters are well written and the nosy towns-folk add a lot of fun to the tale. As romances begin to bloom another layer is added to the story, plus some suspicion.

PLAYING FOR KEEPS is an interesting tale with some well written sex scenes and plenty of romance beginning to blossom. Ms. McLane has written a delightful and intriguing small town tale, set in a place where almost everyone knows your business. The background baseball matches will satisfy the sporty folk while, Madison’s play will be the highlight of the season for those who like the other side of entertainment. I really enjoyed this book it was a page turner for me, one I stayed up late to keep on reading. There are also many ups and downs in this tale, as with so many interfering neighbors it was inevitable. The romances were delightful and the cakes, cookies and other delectables described made my mouth water, so take a chance and delve between the pages.

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

MY DANGEROUS PLEASURE by Carolyn Jewel

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Release Date: June 2011
ISBN: 978-044656387-1
Mass Market Paperback
Urban Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained by publisher


Demon assassin Iskander has been betrayed, so never allows himself to get close to anyone, well other than the women he has carnal pleasure with.

When a powerful Mage attacks the flat he rents out, and his beautiful tenant is almost killed, he protects her. The Mage isn’t working on his own and the more they resist, the angrier he becomes. Iskander is enjoying having his own cook, but insists on doing the dishes, but doesn’t like having his home under attack, so calls on the local vampire over-lord to get back-up.

Paisley Nichols has a love of baking and is becoming adept at taking care of herself. She owns a bakery in town that is actually working out well. When her flat and all her things in it are turned to dust, Paisley is devastated.

But having a mad mage threatening and pursuing her, she reluctantly puts her life into a demons care.

This tale with a difference hooked me with its unusual characters, and the many rules and regulations those with magic have to adhere to. But some don’t abide by the rules so Paisley is relieved her landlord has taken her in. Paisley is an interesting character with a positive outlook. The crazy mage brings along his minions, he has also put out hits on her, but they all seem to forget she’s got a demon on her side. There are a lot of secondary characters in this book, with witches, mages, assassins and vampires, so it’s never boring. The sex scenes are very hot, so perhaps go look for a demon lover as the one in the story seems to be very satisfactory. The vampire Nikodemus has rules so they couldn’t attack Rasmus the mage or his minions. This made the story tense but the mix of super-naturals made it interesting.

If you enjoy paranormal tales I recommend reading this book, which has a bit of everything.

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

THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE by Jennifer Ashley

Book one of Highland Treasures
Publisher: Berkley
Date: August 2011
ISBN 9780425244463
Mass Market Paperback
Historical Romance
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained by Publisher


Mrs Ackerly, a widow, Beth to her friends, is engaged to Sir Lyndon Mather of St. Aubrey’s in Suffolk. When Lyndon boasts about his friendships with Lords and Duke’s, she begins to wonder. When he introduces her to Lord Ian at the opera, Beth’s surprised to find him acting and speaking quite normally. After Lyndon introduces them, he moves to the other side of the box to watch the popular soprano. Ian pushes a note inside the wrist of the glove before leaving, when she opens it while alone she’s shocked by the contents.

Discovering what was in the note is true, she now wonders if Ian is a madman and should have been left in the asylum, or is she safe while being protected by him.

This tale was filled with surprises and kept me turning pages. It’s totally different to any other historical I’ve read, and I’ve read a lot. Lyndon is the kind of man who has two faces, the good and the bad. Suddenly Beth becomes a woman with a mission, as she learns more about Ian, who makes an interesting hero. There are many characters in this book, some who would love to see the hero chained and left to rot. Considering all the Mackenzie brothers are considered to be mad, so maybe is Beth mad as she seems to get on well with them.

The story takes the characters to London, Paris and on to Scotland, with hot sex, a decadent outlook and yet more sex. Meanwhile the evil Lyndon seems to be following them, keen to win his heiress back, with no chance. So if you like your heroes with a brogue and a different set of values, I recommend THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE.

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

MIDNIGHT’S WILD PASSION by Anna Campbell

Publisher: Avon
Date: May 2011
ISBN: 9780061684302
Mass Market Paperback
Historical Romance
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained by Publisher


Nicholas Challoner, Marquess of Ranelaw is a rake and a rogue, one who is intent on revenge. He has mulled over the problem for a long time, now the villain must pay. His plans for vengeance are thwarted, but he’s waited a long time for this and thinks up many ideas as he watches and waits.

The only thing stopping him is the villain’s daughter and her formidable companion, Miss Antonia Smith. As she is no longer part of her family, plus forced to live a lie, Antonia intends to keep her charge safe from the Marquess’ shameless deceptions. She can recognise a rake anywhere, and for some insane reason, they are her weakness.

Antonia does her best not to find herself drawn to him, but he’s always so kind thoughtful and sexy. So how can she keep her secrets from him, while keeping Antonia from his clutches, especially when she would love him to clutch her?

There is plenty of wild passion in this book, enough to make me want to keep turning the pages. The hero and heroine were made for each other, but couldn’t seem to believe it. Fate seemed to have made a path for them to meet, as they fought it and lost. But can it redeem a rake and let the shadows rise for a woman who was deceived. With golden hair, eyes so dark they were black and a mouth made for kissing the hero was a man most women longed to be wooed. The other main characters were also well done, especially the group of debutantes on the hunt for suitable husbands. The thought of sitting around in frilly dresses waiting for a man to enter the lounge, had me laughing. The settings were described well and takes the readers to balls, soirees, picnics and lakes with swans, and places where there is time to do nothing but chatter.

The sex scenes are hot, make that very hot, but written in a way which takes the reader into the world, Ms. Campbell has brought to life.

If you enjoy stories where the hero is flawed and deep inside knows he needs a woman to change him, but resists, you’ll enjoy, MIDNIGHTS WILD PASSION.

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

JUST LIKE HEAVEN by Julia Quin

Publisher: Avon
Date: June 2011
ISBN: 9780061491900
Mass Market Paperback
Historical Romance
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained by Publisher


Lady Honoria Smythe-Smith has an extremely large, extended family, with a tradition of putting on a concert each year. Honoria has also been a follower of her brother Daniel and his best pal Marcus, despite the nickname they gave her, Bug. The name has followed her into adulthood, but only Marcus dares to use it.
Marcus Holroyd, Earl of Chatteris, is shy around everyone but Honoria, after Daniel is sent away for his safety after an incident at a duel. When he meets Honoria after she’s become an adult, he begins to fancy her in a different way.

When Marcus becomes very ill Honoria rushes to his side with her mother as chaperone, knowing he has no other family. As the fever becomes worse, they take matters into their own hands and pray he will recover.

This is only my impression, but the beginning of this story was quite boring, and didn’t improve until we were reading about the characters as adults.
Once the house party got underway and the chatter about husband hunting started, I found it very humorous. The girls practically dissected the potential males as Mrs. Royle their chaperone, tried to keep them in order. The story is serious and funny at the same time, and most modern women would hate to live in this time, of tight corsets etc. The musical evening was hilarious and will remind anyone who has been to a recital by amateurs, how off key it can often be.

The characters are brought to life in an interesting way and the only oddity was no weddings, which I was looking for to see if anything funny happened. The sex scenes were almost non existent, so a tale almost anyone could pick up and read.

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

MIDNIGHT’S WILD PASSION by Anna Campbell

Publisher: Avon
Date: May 2011
ISBN: 9780061684302
Mass Market Paperback
Historical Romance
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained by Publisher


Nicholas Challoner, Marquess of Ranelaw is a rake and a rogue, one who is intent on revenge. He has mulled over the problem for a long time, now the villain must pay. His plans for vengeance are thwarted, but he’s waited a long time for this and thinks up many ideas as he watches and waits.

The only thing stopping him is the villain’s daughter and her formidable companion, Miss Antonia Smith. As she is no longer part of her family, plus forced to live a lie, Antonia intends to keep her charge safe from the Marquess’ shameless deceptions. She can recognise a rake anywhere, and for some insane reason, they are her weakness.

Antonia does her best not to find herself drawn to him, but he’s always so kind thoughtful and sexy. So how can she keep her secrets from him, while keeping Antonia from his clutches, especially when she would love him to clutch her?

There is plenty of wild passion in this book, enough to make me want to keep turning pages. The hero and heroine were made for each other, but couldn’t seem to believe it. Fate seemed to have made a path for them to meet, as they fought it and lost. But can it redeem a rake and let the shadows rise for a woman who was deceived. With golden hair, eyes so dark they were black and a mouth made for kissing the hero was a man most women longed to be wooed. The other main characters were also well done, especially the group of debutantes on the hunt for suitable husbands. The thought of sitting around in frilly dresses waiting for a man to enter the lounge, had me laughing. The settings were described well and takes the readers to balls, soirees, picnics and lakes with swans, and places where there is time to do nothing but chatter.

The sex scenes are hot, make that very hot, but written in a way which takes the reader into the world, Ms. Campbell has brought to life.

If you enjoy stories where the hero is flawed and deep inside knows he needs a woman to change him, but resists, you’ll enjoy, MIDNIGHT'S WILD PASSION.

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

KISS OF SNOW BY Nalini Singh

A PsyChangeling Novel
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Date: May 31, 2011
ISBN: 978-042524209-4
Hardcover
Paranormal, Shapeshifters Romance
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained via publisher


Sienna Lauren is surprised how well she’s coped since leaving the PsyNet, and joining the Snow Dancer wolf pack. Her one weakness is the dangerous wolf pack Alpha, Hawke. She hates the way he pretends to ignore her by seeming to glance from beneath his lashes, thinking she doesn’t notice. He might be older and grumpier than her, but she knows there’s a soft side in the way he looks out for the young pups.
Hawke tries his best to keep his distance from Sienna, telling himself she’s too young for mating, plus she’s Psy, and he’s also got many responsibilities. When their enemies begin covert operations in his territory, all those old enough to fight must keep alert. Snow Dancer and the Dark River Leopards combine their troops and healers, to teach the Pys they aren’t helpless.

This is the tenth story in the fascinating other world tales of the Psy series. It tells Hawke and Sienna’s story, as they struggle for survival. Sienna comes into her more dangerous stage, then has to fight within herself for control. Hawke is man of integrity and an ideal hero, as he fights to save his pack and try to court Sienna. But there’s also the problem of how wild his wolf is, as it challenges him.

Sienna has fought her needs and desires while growing up and after learning to show no emotion as a child, she now knows what desire and rejection feel like. The deadly fire inside of her begins to seep out when she isn’t expecting it. Can she keep it leashed? There is no one to turn to for help, so she must calm it down by herself. The other shape-shifter characters are also brought to life, as their daily lives become inter-twined.

Ms. Singh has written another interesting tale that for me, was a page turner I’d definitely read again.

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

RIPE FOR PLEASURE by Isobel Carr

The League of Second Sons
Publisher: Grand Central-Forever
Date: May 23011
ISBN: 978-0446572750
Mass Market Paperback
Historical Romance
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained from publisher


Viola Whedon has perfected the art of seduction and now, has well heeled men all over London vying to be her protector. Her lusty memoirs are a success, they even have tales of Lords begging to be her next conquest, while she writes her next book.
Viola is a courtesan, an expert at seducing men and has become well known for being the seducer. Believing her own words, ‘to be incapable of being seduced,’ until she meets, Leonidas Vaughn.

Vaughn agrees to protect her from the lords who harass her, all wanting a page or perhaps a paragraph about them in her new book. He also wants her help in finding his family’s wealth, but another relative, a very dangerous one, also wants the treasure and the bonus of Viola in his bed.

From the great opening chapter to the last paragraph, RIPE FOR PLEASURE, had me hooked to the unexpected ending. Ms. Carr has found a way to build tension, while keeping the readers turning pages and enjoying every minute.
They are two world weary people, who have never found true love. When the sexy hero manages to worm his way into the heroine’s bed, he’s shocked to find she gives him all his fantasies. When his mother begins to question Viola about her intentions with her son, it felt quite topsy-turvy as his mother put it, ‘paste instead of diamonds.’ With family members who seem a bit crazy, especially the duchess, and Leon’s sister who is also slightly different, it all comes together with laughter and very hot love scenes.

The hero and heroine are well drawn and very interesting. The disreputable villain, the hero’s brother was also a surprising person, with a vendetta and his own self worth to prove. So if you want a book with a bit of a difference try this one, as I found it to be quite fascinating.

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

FORGOTTEN SEA by Virginia Kantra

The Children of the Sea novels
Publisher: Berkley
Published: June 2011
ISBN: 978 042524183 7
Mass Market Paperback
Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained via Publisher


Lara Rho is a fallen angel who has become a Seeker, meaning she tries to rescue others who have become lost. Drawn to Justin Miller who has become a sailor with a lost pass, she soon finds he’s no angel. What Justin is takes Lara on a new pathway, one hard to discern.

Justin is a drifter, a child of the sea and remembers nothing of his past, since waking, tied to a mast in a stormy sea. Now he’s on the run with Lara, helping her break out of Rockhaven—a place almost like a prison but also a sanctuary for the fallen. Pursued by her former friends, they discover Justin has powers too which may become useful if they are attacked.

This is an interesting tale with many twists and turns, as Lara and Justin flee their pursuers. The characters are varied and as the tale proceeds, some became a little hard to imagine for me. The hero was interesting and I felt I could relate to him, as he was naive in some scenes but knew what he wanted. The heroine was a little dithery and had, what I found very funny was a sex scene which didn’t go too well.

There are many changes of scenery, demons attacking, seekers after Lara and a bridge over a river burning, while others similar to them are met along the way. The story is fascinating, emotional in many ways and has conflict, magic and passion on many levels. Some parts seem tongue in cheek, but there is a great sense of humor and sexual tension. The book is good entertainment and different on many levels, making it stand out from the many paranormal tales offered recently.

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

Only Mine by Susan Mallery

A Fools Gold Romance
Publisher: Harlequin Books
Date: August 2011
ISBN: 9780373775880
Mass Market Paperback
Contemporary, Romance
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained by Publisher


Dakota Hendrix is a small town girl, who is determined to keep Fool’s Gold on the map. A reality show is to be filmed there, and she’s overseeing the romances.

Dealing with the eligible bachelors is harder than she thought, as an irate brother comes to take his twin brothers, the perfect contestants, home. All kinds of things go haywire in Dakota’s life as she juggles her two jobs and her crush on Finn.

Finn Anderssen tries everything to get the twins to go back home, with no luck. So he stays for a while, despite having to leave his business to a partner. He soon finds himself torn as he can’t get Dakota out of his mind.

The twins are having an interesting time and perhaps love is in the air.

ONLY MINE is a delightful tale of trying to find true love. The book is filled with humor, families, emotion and expertly blended in to sex scenes. It’s a tale with light-hearted characters, in an intense and oddly compelling page turner tale. It was a satisfying book, with a great ending that left me feeling perhaps true love is out there for a lucky few. The emotional drama, added to an expected betrayal as the contest played out.

The lovely heroine seems to juggle life and love better than most. The hero is a man who has a longing to stay but goes anyway. Ms. Mallery’s writing reminded me of the ‘Notebook,’ as the reader is left guessing if the story will end well, and this one has an unusual and unexpected one.

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

HUMMINGBIRD LAKE by Emily March

An Eternity Springs Novel
Published by: Ballantine Books
Date: April 2011
ISBN: 978 0345518361
Mass Market Paperback
Inspirational
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained by publisher


Sage Anderson feels broken after a trauma in her life, which was so bad she gave up being a pediatric doctor. Moving to Eternity has helped a little, but the darkness remains deep inside of her. When her nightmares are so bad she can’t sleep, she paints in red and black all night to bury the memories.

Colt Rafferty has come to spend a weekend of fishing with his father. He wants some time out, from his working life, a refuge from the tragedy he deals with which is sucking his life away. He can’t help but notice the mysterious, striking red-head, whose secrets he’d love to unravel.

Sage tries to avoid the new man in town, it doesn’t matter how much she’s drawn to him, because she has too many unhappy memories in her mind. She soon realizes, Colt, is not a man easy to avoid, as he’s also very easy on the eye and very persistent.

HUMMINGBIRD LAKE is a great tale with very interesting characters I found it hard not to like. Eternity seems to be the place to go if you’re in need of nurturing. It is a small township with a warm welcome to all, tourists, travelers and locals, plus many clever artisans. The scenery is described in a way, you will take the memory of mountains and hills back home with you at the books ending. The trout are hard to hook but satisfying when they do.

Sage and Colt are both stubborn which makes getting them together a hard road to tread for their friends. Colt is determined to catch Sage, but like his fishing skills hooking her, could be fraught with many dangers.

This book is an ideal tale to relax with, in a comfy chair, as it has many things to recommend it.

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

ARCHANGEL'S BLADE by Nalini Singh

A Guild Hunter Novel
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Date: September 2011
ISBN: 978 0425243916
Mass Market Paperback
Urban Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained by Publisher


Dmitri is a vampire, the angel Gabriel’s right hand man and also one of his friends. When a severed head is found with no body, Dmitri decides to take on this intriguing crime himself instead of calling in the Hunter Guild.

Honor, one of the Hunter’s is recovering from a brutal attack that nearly killed her but is called in to help when a strange tattoo is found. She is shocked to find she is to help Dmitri, as he’s been her secret obsession for many years. Anger rules her life as she begins to search for those who tried to kill her. The vampire’s stark but sensual beauty draws her to him. When she finds out Dmitri is also seeking her attackers, her idea of what lays beneath his stark profile changes, as they seek the truth in a blood soaked world.

ARCHANGEL'S BLADE is not a tale for the faint-hearted, as it’s a tale full of revenge, bloodshed and a hot desire between Dmitri and Honor, the main characters in this interesting story. Ms. Singh has written an awe inspiring book I had trouble putting down, as every page gripped my mind and kept me turning the pages. The romantic, heart stirring and sexy love scenes were all well crafted and it’s a book paranormal readers shouldn’t miss.

The world of Guild Hunters added to Angels and Vampires, added to the mix of lust, violence and sexual tension makes it the most imaginative book I’ve read for review.
The plot is tight and never misses a beat, with the secondary characters helping to build the scenes. The vampire characters are also easy to believe in as this story doesn’t miss a beat.

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

BLACK MAGIC LOVER by Cynthia Cooke

Harlequin Nocturne
Date: September 2010
ISBN: 978 1742559544
Mass Market Paperback
Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained by purchase


Laura Larame returns to the Louisiana bayou, the place where she was born, and where her mother had vanished twenty years ago. With no memory of the night it happened or the man who had saved her. She still has terrible nightmares most nights, with blood sacrifices.

Drew Michel has been haunted by dreams of death and fears the ancient blood prophesy, knowing it could mean Laura’s death. He also begins to wonder if his psychic mother is behind many of the strange happenings.

Both Drew and Laura find out they might be in danger after talking to a friend of her mothers.

BLACK MAGIC LOVER is an interesting read, but I found it a little too jumbled and unbelievable in places. There is a rather large group of characters, which would have been far more interesting if the book was made longer. The hero and heroine seemed a bit overwhelmed at times by the other characters, especially as many were deep into voodoo. If you are a bit squeamish about blood and sacrifice, this tale is not something you’ll enjoy. It has a bit of everything, a man gone mad after losing a child, a mother who hid herself away to save her child, chickens killed and their blood used for magic. There is a few love scenes that were well written and of course alligators searching for their next meal.

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

WHEN BEAUTY TAMED THE BEAST by Eloisa James

Publisher: Avon
Date published: January 2011
ISBN: 978 0062021274
Mass Market Paperback
Historical Romance
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained via publisher


Linnet Berry Thynne is so lovely that a prince was brought to his knees by her flirting, as were most of the other young men she’d met. It didn’t stop the Ton from presuming the worst and ostracizing her when the prince walked away to join his friends in a ballroom.

Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant, is known for his bad temper and he doesn’t suffer fools gladly. His reputation has put most women off, added to the rumor that he’s unable to please any woman.

The Earl finds Linnet is tougher than she looks and actually has a brain she’s not afraid to use. If he has his wicked way with her, will it make them whole again or break two hearts.

WHEN BEAUTY TAMED THE BEAST was a tale this reviewer really enjoyed. The main characters fought the inevitable battle of wits, while trying hard not to fall in love. When Piers’ cousin, Sebastion, turns up with Lady Bernaise, Piers mother, she had not expected her former husband at her son’s house.

Linnet finds herself in an interesting situation, especially when she befriends a young patient and a scruffy dog. Along with the rest of the characters, which included three doctors, the household staff, a nurse and an assortment of Piers’ patients, the story becomes very intriguing.

If you like tales of a different kind this is a fun one, with some poignant moments and interesting love scenes. The ending is a little different from the average too with an insight into how many ways love can sneak up on folk, unsuspectingly.

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

RENEGADE by Lora Leigh

Publisher: St. Martin’s
Date published: September 2010
ISBN: 978 0312945831
Mass Market Paperback
Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained by purchase


Mikayla Martin had lived a sheltered life, designing bridal and evening gowns for a living. She worked hard and with the help of her best friend Deidre Maple, life was good. Everything went downhill on the day Mikayla witnessed a murder. Now she’s being shot at, after sticking her nose into places she shouldn’t, and unfortunately there’s nowhere left to run.

Nikolai Steele an Elite Ops Agent, has been asked by an old comrade to prove he’s no killer, despite being mistaken for one. It all seems very simple at first, but finding the real killer, while protecting the fiery woman accusing his friend has become very complicated.

The suspense is very high in this tale, with the renegade trying to please so many different people. Behind the murder mystery there is a very hot romance going on, with well crafted sex scenes that almost burn the pages. The passion is high risk, as they try to work out who really murdered Eddie Forman. If it wasn’t Mikayla or Maddix, there had to be an explanation, and Nik is going to fix it, no matter how long it takes.

The tension level is permanently high, in this a high stakes story. As love grows Nik’s boss wants him back in the field, but he won’t leave the woman he loves while the killer is on the loose.

RENEGADE is a love story with a different slant, as murder and mayhem are almost bed partners in this interesting tale.

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

SARAH’S GIFT by Marta Perry

Pleasant Valley Book Four
Publisher: Berkley
Date: March 2011
ISBN: 978-0425238912
Inspirational Fiction
Trade Sized Paper
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained by Publisher


Sarah Mast, an Amish midwife, has come to the Pleasant Valley to help assist her Aunt Emma and to build a new life. Most of the women meet her with open arms, as the nearest doctor is far away. Sarah has asked a neighbour, Aaron Miller and his brothers to build an extension for her.

Aaron is against the idea of babies being born with only a midwife. After watching his mother die after giving birth, Aaron was left to bring up his brother’s and baby sister alone. Now his little sister wants to give birth in the settlement without a doctor, plus he’s begun to have feelings for Sarah. He has a dilemma and muddled feelings. Can he put it all behind him and support Sarah?

All the Pleasant Valley books are refreshing, different and interesting to read. The characters are all well thought out. Sarah, the heroine, is delightful, a woman with a strong work ethic and a loving nature. She looks after and helps her aunt. Aaron, the hero, has a turbulent time while trying not to like Sarah, but finds it hard when Sarah has to help his sister as they are snowed in. When an English Doctor takes Sarah to court, most of the community stand behind their midwives, as they want justice and a choice. No sex scenes, but still a delightful love story woven in. This is a book you could give to your mother or grandmother as there is nothing to offend in this tale.

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