Under The Same Sky by Genevieve Graham

Publisher: the Penguin Group

Date published: July 2013

ISBN: 978-0-425-25489-9

Genre: Historical romance

Paperback

Obtained via publisher

reviewed by: Marieke

Maggie Johnson lives in South Carolina in the USA of 1746. She has dreams about the future and visions of a boy she doesn’t know but feels connected to.

When her father dies, she, her mother and sisiters are left to fend for themselves, which leads to a horrible abduction and the dead of her mother and youngest sister.  She’s resqued by a tribe of indians and her live changes forever, yet the visions of the, by now, man never stop. They share a strong bond. Maggie is picked out to try and mend the bridge between white people and indians, but it results in a bloodbath and the inprisonment of Maggie.

Andrew MacDonnel lives in Scotland with his parents and two brothers. He always has had dreams of a beautiful girl. But, like Maggie he never tells anyone about them.

When a ware breaks out and the country is shambles and his brothers and parents are dead, he starts to wander without a purpose. He meets interesting people and they decide to flee to America.

After lots of adventures along the way they finally meet, but still have a problem to solve, They have to find the evidence against the men who murdered her mother and sister and who kidnaped, raped and traded a lot of girls.

The book is very well written, with lots of historical facts of the day to day life in that period of time.

The fun part of the book is the two completely different lives on different continents, yet there are some very interesting similarities. The moments where Maggie and Andrew connect through dreams and visions are very beautiful, they obviously have a special bond and love each other from a very young age.

The thing I didn’t like about this book, was that there is so much happening all the time and almost everything is bad. These characters have a very hard life for years that doesn’t seem to end.

However, all the characters in the story are very well written, the good ones and the evil ones.

 All in all, I would certainly recommend it.

This is not an endorsement of this book. This is an unbiased review.

MAGIC SLAYS by Ilona Andrews

A Kate Daniels Novel #5
Publisher: Ace Books (Penguin Group)
Date published: June 2011
ISBN: 978-0-441-02042-3
Mass Market Paperback
Urban Fantasy
Reviewed by Tammy
Obtained via: publisher


The fifth book in Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series, MAGIC SLAYS, is a magically charged good time.

Kate Daniels has mated with the Beast Lord, quit the Order of Merciful Aid and set up her own shop. Now she just has to get a client. Then an SOS from Atlanta’s premier Master of the Dead comes her way, her best friend, her wayward ward and her mutant dog come home and Kate even manages to hook a client. Now Kate is in a race to solve her case, and fast, or the entire magical community could be in serious danger of extinction.

Having not read any of the previous Kate Daniels’ books, this reader was pleased to find that although some character background was missing, it was pretty easy to figure out who everyone was and their connections to Kate. So reading the first four books in the series in definitely not necessary to enjoying MAGIC SLAYS. However, now that a taste of Ilona Andrews’ interesting world of magical beings has been had, the urge to run out and pick up the first four books is almost overwhelming.

MAGIC SLAYS started out a bit slow for this reader, perhaps because the characters were new to me and it was a tad difficult at first to figure out who was what and where they fit in to the story. That said, once the action begins, it just keeps on building momentum. Kate is an interesting mix of hard edged warrior and caring mate. And when she sets her mind to something, watch out. The secondary characters, and there are quite a few, are all well developed and multidimensional. This reader expects many will make return appearances in future books and have probably appeared in prior books already. The storyline picked up threads from prior stories, started a few new threads and answered a lot of questions all while racing toward a magical explosion of an ending. What this reader enjoyed most about MAGIC SLAYS was the way the authors mixed humorous quips and interactions between Kate and the Beast Lord into the story so that even the direst situation was a joy to read.

Ilona Andrews’ MAGIC SLAYS is fun, fast paced and fantastical. Where will this imaginative writing duo take Kate Daniels and friends next? This reader can’t wait to find out. But first, I’m off to the bookstore to pick up the first four books.

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

HIT LIST by Laurell K. Hamilton

Anita Blake Book 20
Publisher: Penguin Group
Date published. June 2011
ISBN: 9780425241134
Hardcover
Urban Fantasy
Reviewed by Tammy
Obtained via: publisher


The latest Anita Blake Vampire Hunter book from Laurell K. Hamilton has hit the shelves in time for the summer reading season and it really delivers in spades.

Anita and fellow US Marshall Edward (aka Ted Forrester) are off in search of a serial killer who is dismembering weretigers in the Pacific Northwest. Only Anita and Edward know they are hunting the Harlequin, the scariest and most lethal bogeymen of the vampire world. To speak their name aloud can bring death to the speaker’s doorstep. They serve the Mother of All Darkness who has her very black heart set on possessing Anita’s body and is using the Harlequin to get to Anita.

Laurell K. Hamilton has done what very few authors can or will, she has listened to her critics and taken their criticism to heart. One of their biggest complaints was that Anita wasn’t detecting enough anymore and the books were becoming all about the sex. In HIT LIST, Anita has teamed up with hitman/US Marshall Edward and has left her “men” behind to stop a serial killer. Though Anita still has to feed the ardeur with sex (she is a succubus after all), it is not the main thrust of the story. Instead this thoroughly engrossing story features the relationship between Anita and Edward, with the monsters in her life taking on a secondary role as Anita has much better control of the metaphysics now and is able to be away from her “men” for longer periods of time. Fans will be pleased to see Bernardo and Otto (Olaf) have returned as backup along with a few of Anita’s bodyguards from prior stories. But perhaps the best part of HIT LIST comes at the back of the story when Anita lets down her shields. Everyone Anita is metaphysically connected to come to her aid psychically in what may be her scariest showdown yet.

If Hamilton’s critics aren’t pleased with HIT LIST, there is simply no pleasing them. This book was fast paced, explosive and filled with surprises. This reader, for one, could not have been more thrilled with HIT LIST and the direction the series is taking. Kudos galore go to Hamilton for keeping to her vision for the series while still managing to give her fans (and critics) what they have been clamoring for. HIT LIST is most definitely worth the purchase price. Don’t miss out.

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

INSIDE OUT by Lauren Dane

Brown Family Series Book 3
Publisher: Penguin
Date published: November 2nd, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-425-23688-8
Erotic Contemporary Romance
Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Self-purchase


Ella Tipton survived a brutal attack from someone who she loved…once and now in the years since then, she has remade herself into a strong, independent woman that she used to be. Having day dreams about sexy, hunky Andrew Copeland was just the icing on the cake to Ella’s mind. Needless to say finding out he wants her-scars and all-has her ready to either throw up or to jump in with her eyes closed. Can Ella let her guard down long enough for Andrew to sneak in and steal her heart?

Andrew Copeland is the ultimate bad boy with a heart of gold. He has wanted Ella for years and when they are finally able to hook up; Andrew finds that this is the woman who is meant to be his in all ways. Andrew has his work cut out for him, though for Ella won’t be happy with just part of his heart-she wants the whole package. Can Andrew find a way to calm his fears and allow Ella to turn him INSIDE OUT?

I fell in love with the Brown siblings from the moment they stepped on the pages of LAID BARE and I found a series that had me running the gauntlet of emotions. I smiled, laughed and cried with each book and believe me, the poor Kleenex box next to me always groaned when I started sniffling half way through INSIDE OUT.

Ms. Dane always does a masterful job in creating a story that will leave you breathless and wanting more. The writing was tight, the story flowed nicely and the characters had me swooning. All the characters from the first two books are back and this time we get to see bad boy playboy Andrew “Cope” Copeland find his match in Ella Tipton. What really had me sighing in delight was watching this big, alpha male turn to mush with Ella and not be afraid to show it to other people how much she meant to him. These are characters that you wish were around in real life to hang out with, laugh and be friends with. They felt that alive to me while reading these three books. I have to point out that it is best to read these in order-LAID BARE, COMING UNDONE and then INSIDE OUT-to get the full back-story of the other characters that continue to pop up in all the books.

Meet Ella Tipton. We met her in the first book and I immediately loved her. She had a rough time but finding the strength to grow, finding who she is now and is still dealing with the panic attacks that hit her every now and again, Ella is one tough cookie. She is a woman I could easily see being friends with, grabbing a coffee or calling up for a day of shopping. She was a survivor and I was able to relate to her. She isn’t a whiny character either going “poor me” every twenty pages either. She is fun, happy and though she has a few setbacks, she is falling in love with the one man she has crushed about.

Andrew “Cope” Copeland was the ultimate laid back ladies man, flitting from woman to woman, never settling for one as he waited for Ella to finally be at the same place he is. Friends for years, Cope is an all around decent man with a heart of gold, loves his friends and family and finds himself wanting what they have-a woman to call his own and a family of his own. What I love about his big, macho man was that this author wasn’t afraid to show his vulnerabilities…literally laying them bare in the pages of INSIDE OUT for the world to see. It was humbling and a delight at the same time. That is what made me fall a little bit more in love with Cope as a character. We saw his hidden fears, the ones that had him sweating late at night when no one was looking and that endeared me to him even more.

The best part of this series, in my opinion, was the fact we see the characters grow and mature with each book. Life throws them curveballs and they find themselves falling for strong, independent women who know they deserve to be loved and respected. This is at the core of this series and in several of this author’s stories I have read. INSIDE OUT is one of the best books this author has written and I cannot wait to see the final Brown Family book coming later this year is about. Lauren Dane writes interesting characters that deal with life head on, fall head over heels in love and sweep their woman off their feet. She is master at creating stories that hit every emotion a person can feel and then leave them wanting more in the end. If you haven’t picked up any of these series books or other ones by this author, I highly recommend you run to grab them. Ms. Dane is automatically on my auto-buy list now and I cannot wait to see what she has up her sleeve next for her readers.

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

A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES by Deborah Harkness

Publisher: Penguin Viking
Date published: February 8, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-670-02241-0
Fantasy, Vampire, Ghost, Paranormal
Hardback
Reviewed by Gina
Obtained by Publisher


Intent on her career, preparing for what could be the most important presentation of her professional life, Diana Bishop spends her days in the hallowed halls of Oxford’s library. Her life is fairly routine, or at least stable until one day she requests a particular manuscript—Ashmole 782. Rather than providing her with alchemical answers, the tome turns her life upside down. Suddenly creatures begin to appear in the library—daemons, witches and vampires—especially one particular vampire named Matthew Clairmont.

At first Matthew is drawn to Diana for the same reason a host of other creatures are seeking her out. Then he realizes just who she is within his life and it’s not just that she is the last of the Bishop witches. His protective instincts kick into overdrive and Matthew devotes himself to protecting Diana. After Diana’s room is broken into, her life threatened and secrets about her parents’ death unfold, Matthew takes Diana away to his mother’s home in France. There Diana allows herself not only to accept her feelings for Matthew, but she begins to come to terms with her place as a witch.

A war is coming, one that will encompass not only the creatures who have kept their lives hidden from the humans. It is one that will have far reaching ramifications depending on which side wins. After suppressing her magic for almost her entire life, Diana must face just who and what she is before it is too late.

Deborah Harkness’ A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES is a phenomenal read. It is not a book to just pick up for a mindless read. It is dense in lore, history, character dynamics, adventure and sheer entertainment. I personally enjoy longer reads where you can become enmeshed in the characters’ lives—almost as if you are part of their action. A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES is that kind of read. At almost 600 pages, not a word is wasted. Each line weaves into the fabric of the story. Even though I did not personally relate or feel much either way about Diana or Matthew they are marvelous characters. There was a point where the constant reminders that his body was cold—after all, he is a vampire—became a tad tedious, but it did not detract from the story. Ms. Harkness creates an amazing and very real world. I enjoyed the scenes with “fun” magic like when Diana lights the Halloween pumpkins. I fell in love with Marcus and wouldn’t mind seeing more of Baldwin, perhaps in his own story where he meets his match along the way.

A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES is much more than a marvelous fantasy that seems to come to life. Ms. Harkness draws on her own career as a professor of history and brings by-gone eras to the pages in vivid detail. I saw that this is the first of a trilogy and was disappointed that I couldn’t find further information on the next book of the series. I want to know what happens to Matthew and Diana now, not months from now.

This is one of those books that takes some time to read which makes it a wonderful vacation read.

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

DREAMVEIL by Lynn Viehl

A Novel of the Kyndred
Publisher: Onyx/Penguin
Date published: June 1st, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-451-41288-1
Paranormal Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher


Rowan Dietrich knows that life can throw you curveballs with a blink of an eye. One minute you are going along nicely then BAM! Life decides to toss you on a path so rocky, you wonder if you will survive it in the end. Since leaving her abusive home, Rowan has struggled to survive on the streets. Those dark days still resonate within her and she is determined to find a new place to live, a new job and get on her feet. But Rowan has a secret, one she is determined to keep at all costs. Having the ability to “dreamveil” or by putting herself in other’s fantasies is a power she doesn’t want anyone to know she has.

When chef Jean-Marc Dansant helps her after an accident, she hopes life will be better…that is until Rowan finds herself in the cross hairs of not just the sinister GemHance Corporation but also a ruthless bounty hunter-each determined to have Rowan and her unique ability. Can Rowan find a way to survive and have her own happily ever after or will her house of cards fall down around her?

DREAMVEIL is a fast paced, action story that will have you on the edge of your seat from the very first page. I loved how this author captivated me till the very end. The writing was tight, the story flowed at an even pace and the characters were well written. There are a few plot twists I didn’t see coming and had me going “Oh my god!” a lot. This author does a great job in keeping the action and suspense going strong while making sure the plot doesn’t stop suddenly or have the reader lose interest after awhile. I haven’t read one of Kyndred stories in a while and found myself flipping the pages eager to see what would happen next for Rowan. There were characters from the first book back and a few new ones that had me wondering what their secrets are.

I have to stress that though you don’t need to read these books in order, I highly recommend that you do since many of the characters from the first few books of the Kyndred series and from the Darkyn series pop in and out in DREAMVEIL. I found Ms. Viehl’s latest Kyndred book to be a winner and I look forward to reading more of the Kyndred books in the future. If she keeps the intensity and roller coaster ride as she does in DREAMVEIL, I have a feeling she will find new fans. DREAMVEIL is a mixture of mystery, suspense, paranormal and lots of action. All which leave me clamoring for more. I can’t wait to see what is next for the Kyndred series from Ms. Viehl.

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

ON THE HUNT by Gena Showalter, Shannon K. Butcher, Jessica Andersen, Diedre Knight

Publisher: Penguin Signet
Date published: February 2011
ISBN: 978 0451232434
Paranormal Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained via publisher


ON THE HUNT is an interesting mix of paranormal tales from some great writers, with minds that think outside the box, it’s an interesting read if you enjoy paranormal tales although these tales only give a glimpse into their characters lives. The ideas all add up well, but for me I wanted to read more about them and learn more about their lives. Writing short stories isn’t easy, so now I hope these talented authors write novellas or novels so readers can learn what happens to the other characters.

EVER NIGHT: takes the reader into an alternate world, where most humans are killed on sight. Ruled by a ruthless warrior king, who seems to know when travelers will arrive in his realm, many are slaughtered. Rose Pascal, for some obscure reason survives her visits and the king has begun to cherish them as his passion for her grows.

This dark world tale is really different with some strange warriors who love to kill. The hero and heroine have a passion for each other, but are afraid to commit. The heroine always has the feeling she wants to stay, but is afraid, but the king also wants her, so when they get together its’ fireworks. The tale is a page turner as I was always waiting for the bad guys to eat her. If you like your reading dark this is ideal.

THE COLLECTOR: Viviana Rowan is a beautiful woman who finds herself in danger after purchasing an ancient artifact, when demons stalk her and kill her friend. Demon hunter, Neal Etan has come to purchase one of her artifacts, but finds himself rescuing Viviana. After she touches him, he finds she strengthens his magical abilities. Now he must keep her safe, as she may mean more to him than he thought.

This is a story with a totally different tale to tell the reader, with demons skulking about. The hero is dealing with pain and trust issues, but is attracted to the heroine in many ways. The bad guys were monsters with very large claws, and they find themselves fighting for their lives. A very dark paranormal with a magic that keeps the reader wondering what else could possibly happen next.

CRYSTAL SKULL: Deep in the jungle Natalie Albright is searching for relics, but soon after she finds a carved skull her dig is shut down, because she has awakened the underworld demons. After teaming up with her ex, together, despite his wishes they fight the ancient menace with the help of the villagers. Not sure of each other, they have to decide if being together is their destiny, or should she find another place.

This gory tale has a lot of suspense plus an interesting theme, because deep in the jungle, well hidden from human eyes are creatures none wish to meet.
I really enjoyed the spooky jungle as the characters were described so well. This is a tale with a difference as a village full of superstitious people tries to stop archeologists from staying on a dig. The strange carved skull is an eye opening character in this story, as a fight to keep them all safe begins.

RED ANGEL: Jamie Angel is the leader of the Nightshades, a group who track and kill any kind of monster. When his friends come for Thanksgiving, he’s puzzled by Sunny, a woman he’s sure is a demon, although he’s never met one like her. The more he’s around her, the deeper he feels himself trapped. Now he has to work out who and what she is, before he falls for her and loses himself completely. Oh, to have a gorgeous hero like this one chasing after you. He’s a romantic under the smoldering smile.

Well this hero is most girls dream man, with smiles and innuendo during the day and hunting baddies at night. The heroine isn’t sure she can be with him as a heavenly messenger has already had a fit of temper. This is a tale with yet another interesting mix of characters. Well when was the last time you sat down to a meal with hunters, vampires and angels? A tale to remember with a hot Angel on the hunt of the woman he loves.

ON THE HUNT will make it hard to look in dark corners. All these tales are worth reading if you’d like to meet some unusual characters and the creatures they hunt and kill to keep the worlds safe. The writing and editing was well done, with page turning, hot sex scenes which left this reviewer wanting more. The settings were well done and don’t leave the reader wondering where they are. The demons were an interesting group of species, especially the Demon bats with their odd physiology and use of human parts

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

SAVAGE NATURE by Christine Feehan

Leopard People Book 5
Publisher: Penguin Books
Date published: April 2011
ISBN: 978-0515149333
Paranormal/Fantasy
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Tammy
Obtained via: publisher


In paranormal romance writer Christine Feehan’s fifth Leopard People book, SAVAGE NATURE, readers are taken on a journey of mystery, love and mystic powers.

Saria Boudreaux found out as a child that her brothers were Leopard shifters by accident one night in the Louisiana bayou. She never told a soul. Saria has grown up and still lives in the same home with her brothers, who pay her little attention when they are around. When she finds a dead body in the bayou that appears to have been attacked by a big cat, and then is attacked by what appears to be a leopard, Saria fears her brothers could be involved, and again tells no one. But when another victim shows up, Saria sends a letter for help.

Leopard shifter Drake Donovan is sent by the land owner to investigate and much to his surprise, Drake discovers that Saria is not only his guide through the bayou but his mate. Saria is torn between protecting her family and finding out the truth. But no one is more surprised than Saria with what they discover.

Christine Feehan once again mesmerizes readers with her vivid imagery and storytelling skills with her fifth Leopard book, SAVAGE NATURE, a tale of shapeshifting leopards set in the Louisiana bayou. The heroine of the story, Saria, is extremely naïve and sheltered, having never left her home in the bayou. She loves her life there and is content to stay there taking pictures of birds and doing guide work to pay the bills. The hero, Drake, has traveled the world protecting his species from each other and outsiders wanting to destroy them. He isn’t looking for a mate when he arrives in Louisiana to investigate the killings, but when he recognizes that Saria is meant to be his, he takes gaining her trust very seriously and that means letting her in on a few secrets that her family should have mentioned some time ago.

SAVAGE NATURE is fast paced and exciting. The backdrop of the Louisiana bayou adds an element of mystery. The growing love between Saria and Drake slowly comes to life as they search for clues. And the secrets they unearth just seem to keep coming. If you haven’t read one of Ms. Feehan’s fascinating Leopard stories yet, SAVAGE NATURE might just be the one to sink your teeth into.

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

NAVARRO’S PROMISE by Lora Leigh

Breeds, Book 24
Publisher: Penguin Group
Date published: March 2011
ISBN: 978-0425239780
Paranormal Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Tammy
Obtained via: publisher


The latest in Lora Leigh’s popular Breeds series, NAVARRO’S PROMISE, is a story of denial, suppression and the wonderful surprises that can ultimately come with acceptance. Micah is the human friend first introduced in ELIZABETH'S WOLF, when the young wolf/coyote breed, Cassie, was in real need of a friend. Cassie’s best friend from that moment on, Micah has grown up among the Breeds and is among the very few privileged to know their secrets. Micah is all grown up now and still finds sexy breed Navarro Blaine starring in all her hottest fantasies. But Micah has plans for her life and they don’t include mating with a wolf breed.

But when Micah is targeted by those who want to continue the experiments on the breeds, Navarro decides the time for claiming his mate has come and what this wolf wants, he gets.

Let me say right up front that if you haven’t read any of Lora Leigh’s Breed stories, it might be a bit confusing to pick up with the 24th story in the series. Not that reading all the books in order is necessary for understanding, but perhaps picking up one or two of the earlier books would give a stronger background and understanding of what the breeds are and what they have been through.

That said, Leigh’s NAVARRO’S PROMISE is a fast paced and sensual story that fans of the series are sure to enjoy. Like with so many of the other highly popular Breed stories, NAVARRO’S PROMISE delves into the difficulties of a genetically altered group of human/animal hybrids bred in laboratories and treated like the animals they share DNA with, who are now trying to find a way to live their lives alongside a very frightened and suspicious human society while still being hunted by the many factions who still want to control and use them. It is the strong emotion that Ms. Leigh so vividly pulls from not only her characters, but her readers as well, that makes NAVARRO’S PROMISE and all her Breed stories so very successful.

Lora Leigh once again delivers as promised with NAVARRO’S PROMISE; the latest highly anticipated and wonderfully delivered hot and steamy mating from one of paranormal romance’s most successful and prolific authors. This is one series that this reader hopes will continue for a long time to come.

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

A DUKE’S TEMPTATION by Jillian Hunter

The Bridal Pleasures Series
Publisher: Penguin Signature Select
Date published: November 2010
ISBN: 978-0451413000
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paper
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained by publisher


Samuel Aubrey the fourth Duke of Gravenhurst, and ninth Baronet has become known as a rake and a champion of unpopular causes. Everyone agrees he is a very entertaining man, but very few know the real man. With what seems to be eternal youth, the looks of a beautiful dark angel and elusive, he comes and goes as he pleases. A very private man he spends most of the time at his estate on Dartmoor.

Miss Lily Boscastle has her eye on Samuel, as he flirts and smiles while she waits in a queue. After she is almost seduced while walking in the gardens, she wonders why she has allowed him even the smallest of liberties. Lily is betrothed to another man, but scandal and even more problems leave her name in disrepute.

Forced to seek employment outside of London, when her family disowns her, she finds herself unknowingly, a housekeeper in Samuel’s home. Unknown to her he has a tender spot for Lily as her sharp wit and sensuality appeal to him. He feels she’s his perfect match. But when danger lurks can they save themselves and those who have been sheltered at Gravenhurst? While ghosts from their pasts and dangerous felon’s try to take advantage of them, can they find a way to live in peace?

A DUKE'S TEMPTATION begins at a masquerade ball and Samuel does his best to be entertaining. He usually leaves early after becoming bored, so of course flirts whenever anyone catches his eye. This tale has a slightly different introduction from the usual Historical stories. The main and secondary characters are very different from the usual expectations readers have in 1818. Lily and Samuel are drawn to each other, especially after Lily learns more about him and what appears to be his very odd behavior. Lily has also been told about his string of women, not knowing why. The more he can boast of, the less likelihood of his secret activities becoming known.

The staff are a wonderful mixed group of characters, but all stand behind their Duke and make this unusual story far more interesting to read than many set in this period.

The writing is strong with a lot of interesting happenings going on. The rogues were also a bit different and very unexpected, as they try to tempt the Duke into a duel they think will finish him off. If you like a mix of comedy, chivalry and many laughs, I recommend Ms. Hunter’s, A DUKE’S TEMPTATION.

Many writers fall in love with their heroes, but in this instance, the reviewer has grown enamored by this noble man who has such a wonderful sense of humor and honor.

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

AN UPLIFTING MURDER by Elaine Viets

Josie Marcus, Mystery Shopper Series
Publisher: Penguin Group-Obsidian
Date published: November 2010
ISBN: 978-0451231703
Mystery Romance
Mass Market Paper
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained via Publisher


Josie is assigned to a local store, Desiree Lingerie as a Mystery Shopper, along with her friend Alyce to be fitted with a bra. Josie is surprised to find her former high school gym teacher, Mrs. Hayes, working there as a manager and she’s also the ‘C-cup counselor. When Frankie the most disliked girl at the school, also turns up, it seems she’s also has not lost her sarcastic tongue. It brings back many memories for Josie, not many of them the happiest.

After being fitted with their new underwear, Josie and Alyse walk down to the nearest rest room. A woman in a wheelchair is there, waiting on the disabled stall to be emptied. When nothing happens Josie takes things in hand, and they learn Frankie is dead. Mrs. Hayes quickly becomes the suspect, as she’s been harboring a secret that could be her motive. Josie and Alyce begin to search for anyone else who could possibly be the murderer.

AN UPLIFTING MURDER is a funny romp, taking the reader along with Josie in sleuth mode. Ms Viets has written a humor filled tale, as an amateur sleuth tries to find the real murderer. As the cozy mystery murder is unfurled, the woman in the wheel chair also becomes a suspect, as Josie leaves no stone unturned.

The characters are way over the top, but the tale has the right mix of humor, realism and a winding plot building momentum along the way. Everything advances the plot and reveals true friendship, intrigue and some funny scenes. Josie is charming, as she breezes on her way to interview anyone in town who may remotely turn out to be the culprit. The shop lifter in the toilets also gets her come-uppance, when she tries to hide what she truly is. This tale is filled with witty remarks, very interesting characters, including a romantic vet.

Josie’s mother has come to realize her daughter isn’t like anyone else’s, as rescued dogs and cats join the household. It also seems as if somebody is now out to kill Josie.

So if you like murder and mayhem in your reading choices, this book is ideal.

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

RED HOT FURY by Kaesy Mackenzie

Shades of Fury Novel, Book 1
Publisher: Penguin/ACE Fantasy
Date published: June 2010
ISBN: 978-0-441-01892-5
Urban Fantasy
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Library


Marissa ‘Riss’ Halloway is a fury and part of a Sisterhood that helped play peacemaker to end the war between supernatural arcanes and mortals. Now someone is kidnapping different arcanes and it is up to Riss to find out who it is and why. A slight problem crops up when she is suspended from her job and she has only one person to turn to-her ex, Scott Murphy, a hot & hunky warhound shifter. Danger mounts as traitors come out of the woodwork and after Riss. Can she stay alive long enough to figure out who wants her off the case and why?

RED HOT FURY is a wild ride from start to finish. I fell in love with tough as nails Riss who has some major issues-like trust and asking for help. This is a new author on the urban fantasy scene and one that I think has the perfect series to leave readers chomping for more. Tight writing and action packed scenes keep the story flowing smoothly and the reader is caught up in the web Riss finds herself in as she tries to find her sister fury and fellow supernatural arcanes. Time is running out as danger mounts and as Riss, her fellow allies and friends race to take down the bad guys- fast-before it’s too late.

Meet Riss, a fury who works for local police department in supernatural crimes. When she is called to a crime scene with a victim that looks like her sister fury gone missing years before, Riss finds herself battling not just the rage that races through her but politics, deceit and more as she vows to find out who and what is going on. I love Riss. She was strong, independent but not without a few vulnerabilities-like asking for help and trust issues. She needs the help of her ex, a warhound shifter named Scott Murphy, who broke her heart years before and other friend and allies. I liked how the author also threw in a few light hearted moments amid the kick-butt action as well. It was a nice change of pace amid all the carnage Riss was dealing with. There were plenty of secondary characters that peaked my interest and I am hoping they are included in the next book. I would love to know more about them.

Ms. Mackenzie’s world she created in her debut book is wonderfully fresh and full of intriguing characters-from Sidah, harpies, warhounds, giants and more. Her intriguing characters keeps the reader on the edge of their seat wondering what happens next as they flip the pages. I highly enjoyed this new debut into the urban fantasy world and look forward to seeing what happens next for Riss, Scott and all their friends. I just hope it won’t be a long wait for my next installment.

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

THE WET NURSE’S TALE by Erica Eisdorfer

Publisher: Penguin
Date published: August 2010
ISBN: 9780425234471
Historical
Paperback
Reviewed by Susan
Obtained by Publisher


Susan Rose learned from a young age that being a wet nurse brings in money. Her mother was a wet nurse and her father was a drunk who abused his wife and children. This book is about Susan’s journey and the difficulties she encounters.

Susan is a fabulous heroine. She is so very lovable and her no-nonsense attitude will win the reader’s heart. This is a woman who has experienced so much pain but yet, picks herself up and keeps on going. Throughout the story, she is such a delightful woman and we get to know her so very well. She isn’t stupid but very smart and able to adapt easily to her situations. Susan gives us insight on how the servants live, how they think and how they are treated. She also shows us the power of a mother’s love for her child. It is a powerful emotion that drives Susan to do things normally we wouldn’t accept. Ultimately, we hear her story through her voice and it is a riveting tale.

THE WET NURSE’S TALE is not a romance novel but it is a thoroughly enjoyable story. The lead character is wonderful and she has a strong personality. Readers will be entranced by the storyline as we follow Susan on her adventure. The secondary characters add so much to the story and the author has inserted stories from various characters explaining why they hired a wet nurse. All the characters are believable and come alive within the story. This was a great read from beginning to end.

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

BEWITCHED & BETRAYED by Lisa Shearin

A Raine Benares Novel, Book 4 in series
Publisher: ACE/Penguin Books
Date published: April 2010
ISBN: 978-0-441-01872-7
Fantasy
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Self-Purchase


Raine Benares was an excellent seeker-someone who can find things and missing people. What she never expected was to be bonded to a soul sucking rock called the Saghred. Now she has to hunt the six escaped specters, one that is also hunting Raine. This dark mage is killing people, taking their magic, memories and knowledge. Now before he becomes even more powerful, Raine has to race against the clock to stop him because if she doesn’t, life as she knew will disappear.

BEWITCHED & BETRAYED begins a few weeks after book three ends, THE TROUBLE WITH DEMONS and finds Raine knee deep in trouble. Six power mad Saghred escapees are on the loose and one is so power mad, he is hunting Raine, tormenting her with doubt, deaths and more as he builds up his power and jumps from body to body. Ms. Shearin delivers an action packed, wild ride within the pages of her latest Raine Benares story. I fell in love with Raine from the beginning and with the added flavor of a love triangle keeping me glued to the books; I was thrilled to read in this latest book the outcome to it. Fast pace storyline kept me glued to the edge of my seat and I had a few moments where I was laughing hysterically at some of the lighter moments that were sprinkled throughout the story.

Raine Benares is a seeker and a darn good one in her opinion. Able to find lost items and people, she never, in her wildest imagination, thought one easy seeker job would have her bonded to a rock-a rock that is so powerful many nations/people want it and by extension, Raine. She is up to eyeballs in trouble as she tries to find the six escaped specters from the Saghred and tries to stop all hell being unleashed by a power mad dark mage. Magic, romance and a love triangle to keep you guessing who Raine ends up with are all wrapped up in this next installment. Some of the many characters that were in the past three books are back and I was tickled pink by their antics, especially as I tried to figure out what would happen next for them all. The characters are well rounded and very life like. I felt like I could drop in on any of them and be fast friends with them all. This is an author who really knows her world and the characters that inhabit it. I really loved the dynamics Raine had with Tam and Mychael-two deliciously yummy men she is bonded to and yet only one makes her heart melt into a puddle. The twists in this triangle had me gasping and then shouting “Hell yeah!” in an excited voice I flipped the pages of BEWITCHED & BETRAYED.

BEWITCHED & BETRAYED is one rousing good time from start to finish. I do recommend you read the books in order (MAGIC LOST, TROUBLE FOUND, ARMED & MAGICAL, THE TROUBLE WITH DEMONS) to get the full Raine experience as each book capitalizes on the last one. If you enjoy a kick butt heroine who fights bad guys with more than her magic but also with her brain, has friends that will have you giggling and action that will leave you breathless, then grab the Raine Benares series and settle in for one pulse pounding time of your life.

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

WAKING THE WITCH by Kelley Armstrong

Publisher: Dutton/Penguin Books
Date published: July 27, 2010
ISBN: 978-0525951780
Paranormal Suspense
Hardback
Reviewed by Gina
Review copy provided by publisher


Half witch, half sorcerer, one hundred percent supernatural, Savannah Levine has finally reached her majority. With her mother and father, the witch and the sorcerer dead, she's been raised by Paige and Lucas Cortez, a witch and a sorcerer. Between her own genes and their teaching Savannah is smart, street savvy, beautiful and chomping on the bit to head out on her own. Well, not exactly leave her warm and loving home. She'd just like to have her own case to solve. When Paige and Lucas head off on a much needed vacation, family friend Jesse appears at the family detective agency and drops a case in Savannah's lap. The timing is perfect. Guardians gone, unrequited crush of her life, Adam, is out of town, and she's been ready since forever.

As Savannah's luck would have it, Jesse has brought her not one, but three murders. All with the possibility of a paranormal link. She packs her gear, jumps on her motorcycle and heads off to Columbus, the scene of the crimes where she has to deal with a small town police chief, in a town that's lost its industry and people are barely scraping by. Before she can launch her investigation a police detective, Michael, from out of state arrives and he doesn't particularly care to work with her. He just happens to be related to one of the victims. As soon as Michael realizes Savannah knows her stuff he aims to work with her; and then he starts to fall for her, as she does him. When Savannah is found standing over Michael's body, all bets are off. What is a witch to do?

I wasn't keen on DIME STORE MAGIC and WITCH MAGIC, the books that introduced and told Paige and Lucas' stories as well as introduced Savannah to Kelley Armstrongs's readers. I like what Ms. Armstrong has done with Savannah in WAKING THE WITCH. I like it a whole lot. There is a bit of Nadia in Savannah from the Nadia Stafford series, but Savannah is all her own person. There were a few times I thought she didn't much act like an average twenty-one year old, however Savannah herself speaks to her maturity in reflection of how and with whom she grew up. The ending ties up the story, but leaves you dangling a bit, amping up your eagerness for the next book – I sure hope there's a next book that features Savannah!

Without becoming maudlin or creating a morose atmosphere, Ms. Armstrong paints a well done picture of a small town down on its luck and how the residents are coping. The secondary characters, Cody, his wife Tiffany, Alaistair and Megan add wonderful flavor to the story. Kayla is endearing. She's a unique character, well written and not your standard fare of the precocious child. Ms. Armstrong doesn't fall back on things only a parent would think are cute; rather Kayla is a child you wouldn't mind to have for your own.

WAKING THE WITCH is one of Kelley Armstrong's best yet.

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

FARM FRESH MURDER by Paige Shelton

Publisher: Penguin
Date Published: April 2010
ISBN: 978-0-425-23387-0
Cozy Mystery
Paperback
Reviewed by Angie
Obtained by Publisher for review



Becca Robins lives on a farm where she makes jam from her garden produce. Her blackberry and pumpkin jams are to die for! She spends her days between making the goodies, tending her plants and selling at a flea market her sister manages. When her sister calls in a panic one morning, Becca races to the market to find out a vendor has been murdered. Becca does not recognize Matt Simonson, the peach vendor who was found dead, but she does know the suspects in the case and is determined to find out who is framing her friends.
Ian Cartwright is the only person Becca has felt an attraction to since her last husband departed her life via divorce. She is afraid to trust her judgment on men because of her past, yet Ian pulls at her heart strings. She wants to trust him, but knowing there is a murderer in their midst is tainting their budding relationship. Becca determines she must find the killer to save not only the market, but to find out if Ian can be trusted with her heart.
FARM FRESH MURDER left this reader wanting to go back to her grass roots and set up a produce stand. Paige Shelton’s first novel in this series has enough of a fast pace to keep readers wanting more while being a cozy mystery. It has a great heroine, a love story and a dramatic mystery to appeal to ALL readers! This book has it all! This book ends with recipes that sound yummy and so simple anyone can follow the instructions – now I must wait on fall to try the Pumpkin Preserves recipe, and the wait is feeling daunting.
The pace of FARM FRESH MURDER is perfect – it has heart stopping moments but the flow is perfect. It brings in just enough of a romantic twist to feature love and drama entwined in a perfect tale. Becca is the perfect heroine – she is a strong single woman who manages her own business, yet she is feminine and loving when it counts. And her dog making her an animal lover makes her the perfect character to bring the killer to justice. Ms. Shelton’s first in the series is a keeper – she keeps the drama going and does not let on who the killer is until the pages are nearly finished. Pick up your copy as soon as it hits the shelves and I promise you will not want the book to end!


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

NO WILL BUT HIS by Sarah A. Hoyt

Publisher: Penguin
Publication Date: 2010
ISBN: 9780425232514
Historical Fiction
Trade Paperback
Reviewed by Gina
Obtained via: Publisher



Youngest child of the youngest son, little Kathryn Howard has little to recommend her in Tudor England. Moving from residence to residence, living off relatives in between her father's myriad wives she expects little from the world. When one day her grandmother arrives and chooses Kathryn to come with her to her home she is baffled. Her latest step-mother has promised her strawberries if she behaves and behaves she does. But instead of the desired fruit she finds herself in a world she never expected. Under her grandmother's watchful eye she learns the ways of court. At first thrilled to be cousin of the beloved Anne Boleyn, she quickly learns how royal machinations can bring a loved one low. As Anne's death looms, Kathryn, along with her grandmother's household is moved away from the city. There she begins to learn about men and their ways. First with Henry Manox and then with Francis Dereham, a man she begins to believe she loves. But soon she is returned to court and placed in Henry VIII's path. Henry cannot resist the sweet, innocent Kathryn and soon vows to make her his bride. Good hearted and kind, Kathryn sees Henry not only as the all powerful king, but a man.

Historical fiction can either be very well written and absorbing to read or it can be quite dull. I suspect much of that can come from the personage the story is written about as much as from a writer's craft. I anticipated a book akin to Susannah Dunn's THE SIXTH WIFE that dealt with Kathryn's life after her marriage to Henry VIII. Ms. Hoyt takes her readers back to Kathryn's humble beginnings and her childhood. The title, NO WILL BUT HIS was a tad misleading until I sat back and considered the men who entered and left Kathryn's life beginning with her father who was never quite sure of her age. It is not until the last third of the book she truly encounters Henry yet she becomes the one in control. That realization was quite a revelation into the mind and life of Kathryn Howard and made her a tad more interesting.

I had a hard time relating to Kathryn in any way or finding her likeable. While a product of her time, she comes across clueless as to the goings on in the world. I found that a bit hard to believe given she lived in a dormitory of women who were engaged in clandestine affairs and she herself shared intimacies with two men. Her sweetness, while genuine, made her seem boring.

Ms. Hoyt is an excellent writer so I feel it was the subject matter that leaves me feeling something is missing. I would like the opportunity to see how Ms. Hoyt would present Catherine of Aragon or Anne Boleyn. With her background in alternative histories and fantasy entering the realm of historical fiction was a huge step. Perhaps Kathryn Howard's story pales as the other wives did in real life under the larger presence of Anne Boleyn.

If you enjoy historical fiction NO WILL BUT HIS is a good choice. As I mentioned above, Kathryn shows the world Henry VIII not as a king, but as a man.




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

FANTASY IN DEATH by J. D. Robb

In Death Series Book # 30
GP Putnam’s Sons/Penguin Books
February 23rd, 2010
Mystery/Thriller
Hardcover
Obtained by Library
Reviewed by Dawn




Lt. Eve Dallas is about to have the hardest case dropped into her lap in years. Bart Minnock, owner of U-Play gaming giant just was found murdered in his halo room. The question is how and why this happened. Eve is up against the world of gamers, games and science/technology and this time she will need every ounce of help she can get as she tries to stop a murderer from hitting again.

J. D. Robb’s FANTASY IN DEATH is another Eve Dallas story that will rock your socks off. From the first page to the last, I was sucked in the world of gamers, technology and vicious murder. I love this series, as this is an author who continues to get better with each In Death series book. I cannot say enough over how Ms. Robb completely captures her characters on the pages and shows the reader their inner hearts, souls and fears. Strong, tight writing, a fast paced storyline and your favorite characters with a host of wonderful secondary characters complete the picture in FANTASY IN DEATH.

In FANTASY IN DEATH, Lt. Eve Dallas is about to be introduced to the world if games, technology and murder. Called to the home of U-Play gaming giant, Bart Minnock, she finds a solo victim with injuries not consistent to where he was. Mystery surrounds his death and as she goes deeper into the world of U-Play and games, she finds herself up against a person she understands completely, a murderer. With her friends and colleagues by her side, she races to stop another murder. I love the way this author has Eve the strong one now. This time Roarke has issues keeping himself detached as he helps Eve in her investigation and it was great to see how much Eve understands him, even as she hurts when hit below the belt. JD Robb does a wonderful job in keeping the tension on high even as you flip the pages to see what would happen next. With wonderful beloved secondary characters back again, the relationships between Eve, Roarke and all of them melded into the perfect soufflé in my mind. Ms. Robb definitely delivers a story that will have you cheering the entire time while trying to figure out who did it.
FANTASY IN DEATH is a wonderful addition to the In Death series that will give you thrills, chills and more. Each time I read one of the In Death stories I am swept away and eager for more. Ms. Robb is a masterful storyteller who knows how to balance her characters and dialogue perfectly. FANTASY IN DEATH is a story that will have you eager to re-read the series from the start and I cannot wait for the next adventure of Eve, Roarke and their friends.


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

A HOME FOR CHRISTMAS Book Two, The Angel Ridge Series by Deborah Grace Staley

Publisher: Bell Bridge Books (Penguin)
Date Published: November 2009
ISBN: 978-098-217567-5
Sweet Contemporary Romance
Trade Paperback
Reviewed by Angie
Obtained by Publisher for review



Blake Ferguson has a big house he is restoring for the perfect family. What is missing from his life is the wife he knows is out there for him. While he searches for his perfect mate, he is spending his time earning a living as a contractor and perfecting the older home he purchased to restore.
When Janice Thornton returns to Angel Ridge, she never expects to meet a man who makes her heart twinge, and makes her want a family and the life she never dreamed of having. Living in the city and being a doctor has always been enough until she comes back to visit her grandparents home and finds Blake hanging Christmas lights. From their first meeting, these two come together and sparks fly.
As a reader I love Christmas stories! They always come together with happily ever after tales that delight the romantic in me. Deborah Grace Staley has a different take on the holiday season and it’s magic. She gives us the dreams, the hopes, and the magic but she throws her characters for a loop with realism and the stuff that makes real life not quite a fairy tale. Her characters are full of life, Janice and Blake’s past comes into play each time they try for happiness and she gives them enough depth that their problems come to life and tug at reader’s heart strings.
Ms. Staley’s hero and heroine may tug at the heart but her secondary characters allow this story to come to life and will bring a smile to your face! The second novel in the Angel Ridge Series A HOME FOR CHRISTMAS is definitely a keeper in this reader’s eyes – and enough to make me seek out the first novel in the series, ONLY YOU. Previously released in 2004, these tales live up to being published a second time. I had not heard of the author before, but will definitely be on the lookout for more novels by her – and will hope a third novel is in the works for Angel Ridge, Tennessee.


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

THE TEMPTATION OF THE NIGHT JASMINE A Pink Carnation Novel book five by Lauren Willig

Publisher:DUTTEN/Penguin Group
Publishing date: January 2009
ISBN: 978-0-525-95096-7
Historical Romance/Fiction
Hardcover
Obtained by Publisher
Revied by Dawn


Robert, Duke of Dovedale is back from India after twelve long years abroad and he finds himself on the trail of a murder as he tries to infiltrate the infamous Hellfire club to get this murderer’s identity. What he doesn’t anticipate is the lovely and headstrong Lady Charlotte Landsdowne. Charlotte is thrilled to hear Robert is home finally. Having built him up in her mind, she doesn’t expect that reality may not be on par with her romanticized dreams of the man. Working together, these two unlikely partners are caught up in a race against time as danger mounts against them. Can these two find a way to let their hearts and passions show them just how good they are together even as they try to stop an assassin and solve a mystery in the process?

THE TEMPTATION OF THE NIGHT JASMINE is one of the best books to date in this series. I loved the dynamics between Robert and Charlotte as well as Eloise and her boyfriend in this time frame, Colin. The story is framed around Eloise and her boyfriend, Colin, as they spend a weekend at Colin’s family’s house. What Eloise finds there is another mystery around the Pink Carnation, the perennial spy in regency England/Europe. With that backdrop, Ms. Willig gives us two new characters to fall in love with- Lady Charlotte Landsdowne and Robert, Duke of Dovedale. They are a strong couple and with some major twists and turns, this author delivers a fast paced, action packed ride from start to finish. What I love about the Pink Carnation novels is that you get lost within the pages with some amazing characters. Each book is a readers’ delight as they find themselves drawn into Ms. Willig’s world of spies, mysteries and romance all rolled up in one wonderful package.

The Pink Carnation Series is a pure literary gem in my opinion and this is an author who loves to keep the reader guessing even as they flip the pages at a fever pitch to see what happens next. THE TEMPTATION OF THE NIGHT JASMINE is a thrilling, action-packed ride from start to finish and I couldn’t put it down. With some intriguing characters, romance and a spellbinding mystery, Ms. Willig gives her readers the strongest book to date in her phenomenal Pink Carnation series. If you enjoy a good historical romance mystery, then grab any of the Pink Carnation books- you won’t be disappointed. I look forward to the next Pink Carnation story from this wonderfully talented author.

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