THE MANY SINS OF LORD CAMERON by Jennifer Ashley

Highland Pleasures Book 3
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Publication Date: August 2011
ISBN 9780425240496
Historical Regency Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Penny
Obtained via Publisher


Ainsley Douglas is a respectable but poor widow in the employ of the queen. And the queen has sent her on an important mission. To retrieve potential damaging letters that are now in residence of one Lord Cameron Mackenzie, a man who Ainsley has had embarrassing encounters with in the past.

Cam cannot believe his eyes! That Douglas woman has once again broken into his bedchamber. He does not care why she is there all he knows is that for the last six years he has not been able to forget the woman who turned down his advances, claiming she wanted to stay true to her much older husband. Now that husband has passed leaving Ainsley available. Will he be able to convince her to become his latest paramour?

Although this is the third book in the Highland Pleasures series, it is the first book that I picked up not knowing. I actually had no idea that this is one of a four book series until I picked up the first book, THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE and came across some familiar characters. THE MANY SINS OF LORD CAMERON is a stand-alone book, and WOW! Does it stand tall! I thoroughly adored this book.

Those Mackenzie brothers are breathtaking leading men. Cameron has no desire to become seriously involved with a woman and is a scandalous womanizer. Yet women are more than willing to toss themselves into his embrace. That is why he just can’t understand why Ainsley is holding back, drat the woman. Is this a unique storyline? Not in the slightest. But what makes this book exciting is that Ainsley is not like most heroines. How many highborn ladies can pick a lock and sneak into a man’s bedroom not once but twice? You just gotta love this woman!

I applaud Ms. Ashley and her offering THE MANY SINS OF LORD CAMERON and cannot wait to get my hands on the other two books in the Highland Pleasures series. This is a fast paced page-turner that kept me intrigued and on the edge of my seat. Lovers of Regency Romance will not want to miss out on this one.

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

THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE by Jennifer Ashley

Highland Pleasures Book 1
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Publication Date: August 2011
ISBN 9780425244463
Historical Regency Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewe by Penny
Obtained via publisher


Ian Mackenzie is a madman. Everyone says so. After all, he spent a good deal of his youth in an asylum. But those close to Ian know a deeper side of the man. Maybe even a darker side.

Widow Beth Ackerley owes Lord Ian a debt of gratitude. He saved her from marriage to a man whose perverse pleasures would have certainly made the rest of her life miserable. Only to be seen with the worse of the scandalous Mackenzie brothers makes tongues wag and whisper. Luckily Beth finds she really does not care what others think. She just cannot stay away from THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE.


I read this book after book three in the series. Now I need to grab book two and four when it comes out. These Mackenzie brothers are HOT! Lord Ian is a most unusual leading man for a historical romance. He is rich and handsome, yes. He is also is unique and peculiar, but not in a bad way. I fell for his atypical characteristics as well as sympathized with his tragic past.

This book enthralled me from the first page and kept my attention throughout. I found myself so engrossed. Author Jennifer Ashley even through me a curve when she …well, I don’t want to give the ending away, but let’s just say she blurred the lines between good and evil a wee bit. Kudos to Ms Ashley and her gifted story telling. I am a huge historical romance fan, especially regency romances and this book did not disappoint. It is one of the best that I have read in a long time, along with book three in the series, THE MANY SINS OF LORD CAMERON. Ms Ashley is an author I will definitely read again.

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

Finally a Bride - Texas Boardinghouse Brides #3 by Vickie McDonough

Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Date Published: April 1, 2011
ISBN: 9781602606494
Genre Historical Western Inspirational Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Penny
Obtained via Publisher


Jacqueline Davis is an aspiring news reporter and she will stop at nothing to get her story. She is sure that there is more to the town’s new reverend than what meets the eye. It does not help that she finds herself strongly attracted, to the man she knows is harboring secrets. Noah Jeffers has returned to Lookout, Texas a changed man after many years of leaving, swearing he would never return. He is no longer the bully that the townspeople disliked. He is now the town’s substitute minister. Will those who disdained him recognize him and run him out of town, before he is able to make amends for his past deeds?

If you haven’t read one of Ms. McDonough’s books this is a good one to start with as it is a stand-alone book. I absolutely love Jacqueline! She is a headstrong young woman who lets nothing stand in her way. I giggled at her antics and the bizarre situations that she always managed to get herself into. Noah proves himself to be only human, not the perfect man that people except from their men of the cloth.

Vickie McDonough has penned a terrific read. She puts excitement into her prose that keeps the reader enthralled and turning the pages. There is nary a dull moment and her characters come across as believable and humanly faulty.

FINALLY A BRIDE is all about second chances. Readers will find life lessons within its pages. I read a previous book in this series, and will be looking for the one that I missed and other books by this talented author.

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

SEDUCING THE DUCHESS by Ashley March

Publisher: Signet
Date published: October 2010
ISBN: 978-0451232366
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Penny
Obtained via Publisher


Charlotte Duchess of Rutherford is scandalous, purposely so. She has been trying to find a way for the husband that has ignored her for years to finally agree to a divorce. Oh, she loved him once upon a time. The problem was she was the only one in the marriage that was in love.

Duke Philip has no intention of giving his wife a divorce for much to his own surprise he has found himself in love with the woman that he married years ago for revenge. Only now he has to convince her that his feelings are real; a hard feat as he once deceived her and now she doesn’t trust him any farther than she could throw him!

Ha, ha, ha! I giggled at poor Philip getting his just desserts for what he put Charlotte through, his deception, making her fall in love with him then his indifference to her once they were wed. However, soon I did start hoping for his success. I just wanted him to have to work for it…to a point. There does come a point where it is just too much and we get right up to that line in SEDUCING THE DUCHESS. In this time period, men ruled the roost and leading men in historical romances are supposed to be more assertive and “take control” than Philip was in most cases.

My heart went out to Charlotte. Whose wouldn’t! Who could blame her for her distrust which turned to loathing feelings for her husband after the way she was treated? I enjoyed her antics and also her frustration at that vexing man she is married to. These characters are well-rounded, three dimensional and entertaining.

I love the plot and the antics of Charlotte. That is what kept me turning the pages. SEDUCING THE DUCHESS is a worthwhile read and a good way to spend a few hours on a cold Saturday afternoon.

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

THE DEEP BLUE SEA FOR BEGINNERS by Luanne Rice

Publisher: Bantam
Date published: September 2010
ISBN: 978-0553589788
Contemporary Women's Fiction
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Penny
Obtained via publisher


Pell and Lucy’s mother left them when they were just young children. Now Pell is sixteen and has traveled across the world to Capri to reunite with her mother, Lyra Davis, and convince her to return home. Pell is surprised to learn that her preconceived notions of her mother are far from the truth. Family secrets will soon rock Pell’s orderly world.

I loved, loved, loved THE DEEP BLUE SEA FOR BEGINNERS. I have not read such a good women’s fiction story in quite some time. Luanne Rice did a superb job in creating characters that readers can relate to at any age. My one complaint is that there are many times the teenagers seem much older, in both dialog and actions. But for this reader, this was only a minimal distraction from the tale.

The storyline in THE DEEP BLUE SEA FOR BEGINNERS caught my interest from the very first page. My heart went out to both the sisters and their mother. I wanted to dislike Lyra, after all what kind of mother abandons her children, especially at such a young age? But Ms. Rice penned Lyra in such a way that I soon found myself sympathizing with her and I couldn’t help but liking her. Kudos to Ms. Rice, for her fantastic ability to construct such compelling characters.

It was not until after I read this book that I learned that it is actually a sequel to Ms Rice’s book GEOMETRY SISTERS. I have not read the first book and while reading THE DEEP BLUE SEA FOR BEGINNERS I did not feel that there was any information missing. This is truly a stand-alone book. However I have heard from other readers that GEOMETRY SISTERS is a fantastic book and well worth reading.

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

OUR WICKED MISTAKE: Notorious Bachelors by Emma Wildes

Publisher: Signet
Publication Date: October 5, 2010
ISBN 9780451231505
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Penny
Obtained via Publisher


Widowed Lady Madeline Brewer has just killed a man in her own home; a loathsome man who is in possession of her late husband’s journal, he’s been trying to blackmail her because of the intimate things written in it. There is only one person Madeline can turn to, the scandalous Lord Altea.

Luke has been avoiding Lady Brewer for a year now. But when she sends a message to him requesting his assistance, he finds himself answering her call and coming to her aid. When his help is no longer required, will he be able to stay away once more?

OUR WICKED MISTAKE grabbed my attention on the first page. Ms Wildes immediately shows that our charming and dashing Lord Altea is not in the least concerned with what other people think! I rather liked this character. However, I must admit that the same cannot be said of Madeline. I like my heroines to be strong and independent and Lady Brewer comes off as weak and in need of a man’s protection. Actually the lady I enjoyed reading about was Luke’s sister, one of OUR WICKED MISTAKE’s secondary characters. She knows the kind of man she wants and what she doesn’t and is not willing to settle for less.

The theory behind Madeline’s call for help is that the blackguard, Lord Fitch, is willing to make public the details in her dead husband’s journal. Madeline does not wish to succumb to the villain’s terms, yet she wishes to avoid the scandal the journal would bring if it were brought into public. Yet, in order to avert such a happening, she agrees to be the object of a different scandal and to blemish her good name? This just does not make sense to me.

Because of this drawback which revolves around a major storyline in OUR WICKED MISTAKE, I struggled to keep invested enough to turn page after page. I am sure there are many readers out there that will enjoy OUR WICKED MISTAKE much more than I did.

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

TO SAVE THE DEVIL by Kate Moore

The Son of Sin trilogy, book 2
Publication Date: October 5, 2010
Publisher: Berkley
ISBN: 978-0425237489
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Penny
Obtained via: Publisher


Will Jones, a former spy and Bow Street Runner has been searching for his younger brother, Kit, who was kidnapped a few years ago. His investigation has led him to enter this exclusive brothel with one purpose, to rescue a foolish virgin from the auction block! Only the young woman who calls herself Helen of Troy does not wish to be rescued. She came to Half Moon Street on a mission of her own. Helen needs to steal documents that incriminate against her mother, documents that could get her arrested for treason. She’s not happy with Will’s interference and manages to escape him. Intrigued, Will searches for Helen once again and in doing so leads himself into danger and desire!

I have not read the first book in this series, TO TEMPT A SAINT. However, there are a few lingering questions that are probably answered in the first book. TO SAVE THE DEVIL does contain snippets of the other two brothers but I’m unclear on the details of their situations.

I enjoyed reading this book by Kate Moore. Ms Moore penned characters that I thoroughly enjoyed. Helen is a strong willed and independent young woman, even if she does have a knack for getting herself into trouble! And Will is a dashing and handsome leading man, who against his better judgment plays the hero. These characters are well developed and well rounded. The prose flows smoothly and this couple certainly has an abundance of chemistry.

The only problem I have with TO SAVE THE DEVIL is when I get the hang of what is going on, the characters’ directions seems to shift. I had issues grasping certain storylines and keeping up with the action. I could probably re-read this tale and have a better understanding. Or perhaps reading the first book would be beneficial.

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

THE RED QUEEN by Phillippa Gregory

(The Cousins' War)
Publisher: Touchstone; 1 edition
Publication Date: August 3, 2010
ISBN: 9781416563723
Historical fiction Elizabethan Era
Hard cover
Reviewed by Penny
Obtained via: library


Margaret Beaufort is arguably the most pious woman in the country. She is also a widow and mother at the tender age of fourteen. Her son, who she named Henry after the current king, has a tenuous claim to the throne. Through civil upsets and wars, she is determined to see her son crowned the King of England no matter the cost, to her country or to her son. She willingly enters into an advantageous and loveless marriage herself and even betroths Henry to her enemy’s daughter to further her ambitions. Her one and only desire is to be the King’s mother and to sign her missives Margaret Regina: Margaret R.

Let’s make it plain from the start. I disliked Margaret Beaufort from the very beginning. She is a spoiled, inconsiderate, hypocritical shrew. For a book written based on a heroine that I did not care for in the slightest, had no sympathy or empathy for, this was a very intriguing read I thoroughly enjoyed. And all the while I was not sure who I hoped would triumph in the quest for the throne, even though from the start, of course I knew who would come out on top.

Author Phillippa Gregory has penned a fictional tale based on some true events and others that she either invented or surmised that entails the struggle and battles for the control of England in the mid to late 1400’s. From the flavor of the book, I am not sure even of Ms Gregory’s feelings towards Margaret but she did a phenomenal job with THE RED QUEEN. Once I started I could not stop turning the pages and if this were a book that I owned and had not checked out of the library, I am sure that I would read it again at a future date.

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

FALSE IMPRESSIONS by Terri Thayer

A Stamping Sisters Mystery
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: August 2010
ISBN: 978-0425235553
Contemporary mystery
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Penny
Obtained via: Publisher


Creating rubber stamps is not April’s first choice of income. She would rather be using stamps to decorate homes. But as that work has dried up with the onset of winter, she is now struggling to make an innovative and unique series of stamps for the upcoming Ice Festival. Add to the fact that this is not her first choice of activity; she is also distracted by the mystery of the ashes in her friend and funeral home owner Deana’s basement. She discovers that the ashes are supposed to be from Mary Lou’s, another Stamping Sister, brother.

But then April learns that J.B. isn’t really dead. Or at least he wasn’t until he came back to Aldenville to see his niece Kit and April comes across his wrecked car. So why did J.B. fake his own death and let his family believe he was dead? And was the car accident an accident or was it murder?

I get the feeling that this is not the first mystery that April has found herself smack in the middle of. Either by her choice or not is a puzzlement to me. She is determined to figure this one out even though her good friend Mary Lou is incensed and has declared April a persona non-grata. April’s perseverance in the face of this adversity was impressive!

Many facets of FALSE IMPRESSIONS are quite unique with many twists and turns that kept me entertained and engrossed. Which is a good thing with the mild confusion I felt at times. This is the first Terri Thayer book I have read and there were some references to events in a previous Stamping Sisters book that I was missing when reading FALSE IMPRESSIONS that left me a bit muddled. But this is a well-written novel and with no lagging or dead spots to be found, it will keep the reader turning the pages and delighted at the conclusion.

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

SWEPT AWAY WITH A KISS by Katharine Ashe

Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: July 2010
ISBN: 9780061965623
Historical Romance, Regency
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Penny
Obtained via: Publisher


Viscount Steven Ashford is determined to stop the illegal human trafficking trade and in doing so dawns the façade of a man of the cloth and boards his own ship as a passenger. Soon the pirates he seeks overtake the ship and take him and another passenger hostage. The lovely Lady Valerie Monroe.

Valerie is returning to England after two years exile in the Americas. It seems her recklessness has not changed as she finds herself attracted to the Jesuit, with whom she has been taken hostage. Once returned to society she discovers Steven’s true identity. Will Valerie’s feelings of betrayal and Steven’s continued crusade be enough for them to deny their attraction from each other?

As a lover of Regency Romance this book caught my attention from the blurb on the back of the book, and the enticing cover art. Katharine Ashe delivers to her readers a wonderfully written novel of intrigue and unfulfilled passion. I was impressed with Steven’s self control when their insane capturer insists that the “French Priest” educates the innocent maiden Valerie by taking her virginity in preparation to himself taking her as his mistress. Steven refuses even after several imaginative attempts to entice him. I was dually amused by the antics and yet thought that a captive’s continued refusal would earn some stiff consequences, priest or no. After all, priests took vows of celibacy and the mad pirate has demanded that Steven break that vow as he believed his charade. This was a bit of a drawback in the sense that it didn’t come across as believable.

But that notwithstanding SWEPT AWAY WITH A KISS indeed swept me away into times long past, and it is my opinion that this book is a delightful way to spend an afternoon. It will soon engross you and keep you turning the pages. The prose is smooth flowing and readers will soon think of the characters as friends. I hope to read more from Ms Ashe in the future.

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

THE BOOK OF PEACH by Penelope J. Stokes

Publisher: Berkley Trade
Publication Date: August 2010
ISBN: 9780425234495
Contemporary women’s fiction
Trade Sized Paperback
Reviewed by Penny
Obtained via Publisher


Twenty some years ago Peach left her overbearing mama in Mississippi and swore she would never go back. Now she finds herself just over a divorce and with nowhere to go. So now she is back, living in her mother’s home. To get a reprieve of her mother’s constant criticism, Peach escapes to a local diner where she writes her thoughts of the past and present in her journals and befriends some people that her mother would be scandalized to discover that Peach was even acquainted with, being the snobbish and proper upper-class southern lady that she is. Peach is slowly coming to terms with where she came from and where she is now going.

I was of two minds about this book, but I found it enjoyable and of great worth upon reading it. Just goes to show you that preconceived notions are many times misguided and false.

There is a bit of Peach in every woman. Even though not many of us have the same exact issues with our past or our parents, our past has had a great influence on us and has helped to shape us into the people we are today. Peach is discovering the person she wants to be and is shaking off the person her mother wants her to be and these are two very different people. And in Peach’s case, this is a very good thing, and I enjoyed sharing the process with her.

The ending of this book was very inspired and most definitely rewarding. I don’t want to give too much away, so all I will say is it was surprising and I was thrilled beyond words that Ms Penelope J. Stokes penned the end as she did. THE BOOK OF PEACH is a book that will make the reader think and reflect. And just might change the way some think about themselves.

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

THE BIG 5-OH! by Sandra D Bricker

Publisher: Abingdon Press
Publication Date: February 2010
ISBN: 978-1426702358
Contemporary Romance
Paperback
Reviewed by Penny
Obtained via: Library


Olivia Wallace’s birthday is coming up and she is dreading it. It seems that she has some sort of bad-luck-birthday streak. If something is going to go wrong in her life, it always happens on her birthday! Such as being diagnosed with cancer. In order to escape this year’s fiasco, she leaves cold and snowy Ohio to house and dog sit for her best friend’s mother in Florida. When she meets Dr. Jared Hunt she thinks maybe her luck has turned around. But has it really? Liv isn’t going to stop expecting the worst. Bad things can happen even in a tropical paradise such as sunny Florida.

This book is laugh-out-loud funny and tickled my funny bone! I have not before read any works by author Sandra D Bricker, but I sincerely hope that THE BIG 5-OH! is not my last. At first, Olivia came across as a cranky woman who I felt had no business being a leading lady. She snipped at a poor flatulent dog, had a snitty fit at an elderly neighbor who had been coming to swim in the pool for ages. But soon my opinion of her turned around and I decided that once she reversed her attitude, Liv was a good duck after all. And Jared is such a honey pie! He is patient, most kind, and of course handsome as every leading man should be. At times I felt that Liv did not deserve him, but of course I was rooting for a happily-ever-after, nonetheless!

If you haven’t read a book by Ms Bricker, then this is a good one to start with. I snagged this one at my public library while on a trip there with my kids. It was well worth the time I invested and I will be on the lookout for more of her work.

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

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY by Mercedes Lackey

Publisher: Luna
Publication Date: July 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0373803156
Historical Fantasy Romance
Hardcover
Reviewed by Penny
Obtained via: Library


The rich Kingdom of Eltaria has just its king and even a Godmother, as talented and full of magic Lily will not be able to keep the neighboring Kingdoms from invading. Lily has already been kept busy keeping Princess Rosamund safe from The Tradition, a magical force that manipulates people to its will. Rosamund has already had to escape a Royal Huntsman only to find herself being held captive by Seven Dwarves, upon drinking a potion, falls into a deep sleep, only to be awakened and rescued by Hero Siegfried. Now Lily has found a way to use The Traditions to help save Eltaria.

I must first admit that I am not a big reader of the fantasy genre. I grabbed this book at my local library strictly because of the cover. I adore historical romances! But this book is AWESOME! Of course as a child I read the fairy tales such as Hansel and Gretel," "The Frog Prince," and of course “Sleeping Beauty”. Author Mercedes Lackey has penned a retelling of this favorite childhood fable.

All aspects of this book thoroughly delighted and enthralled me. I have not read any of the other works by Ms. Lackey but if they are much like THE SLEEPING BEAUTY then she indeed possesses a most talented pen. This tale had two very likable men among many who were vying for the hand of our beautiful Princess Rosamund. It has been quite a long time since I have read a book where the reader is unsure just which champion should win the fair maiden! All of the characters, even the evil ones, are well thought out, and multi-dimensional.

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY will not be the first and last fantasy book that I read. And not the last one penned by this author!

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

THE BRICKLAYER’S HELPER by Amy Corwin

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: July 2010
ISBN: 1-60154-793-5
Historical Romance
E-book
Reviewed by Penny
Obtained via: Publisher


CLICK TO PURCHASE! Due to the fire that destroyed her home and her entire family, Sarah has had to pretend to be the bricklayer, a boy named Sam for the last thirteen years. But now someone knows her secret! Is it a murderer that has found her and wants to finish the job he started years ago? In desperation Sara turns to Inquiry agent, William Trenchard for help. William finds himself intrigued by Sam. Something just doesn’t seem right. How can he be attracted to some little scamp of a boy? And how long will it take William to find out that Sam is really Sarah!

I must say, I giggled some at poor William’s dilemma. How could he be attracted to a red-dust covered laborer boy? Come on, you gotta find that amusing, right? But this is not a comedy, but a romance! Although the narrative of a young female, destitute or in danger, posing as a boy is not unique I did find this story had enough artifice and appeal to keep me interested and involved. The characters are soundly thought out and skillfully penned. I felt my heartstrings being pulled for Sarah’s plight. She seems to have a number of mothers and fathers wanting her to wed their daughters. I thought this was an entertaining and lively twist to the tale!

THE BRICKLAYER’S HELPER snagged my attention and I quite enjoyed the book. And I must confess, the ending was unexpected and thoroughly enjoyable. So if you are looking for a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, don’t pass up THE BRICKLAYER’S HELPER.

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

TEMPTING THE NEGOTIATOR by Zana Bell

Publisher: Harlequin Super Romance
Publication Date: March 2010
ISBN: 9780373716258
Contemporary romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Penny
Obtained via: Publisher




Sass had a job to do. From New York to New Zealand to seal a deal for the new resort for her company and she is definitely out of her element. She just wants to do the job and get back home. Her job is going to be a difficult one, thanks to the coworker that screwed up. Now the environmentalist and townspeople have already marked her as the enemy and untrustworthy.

Jake, a champion surfer is not happy with his role of showing the New York lawyer around. He knows what damage a large crowd of tourists will do to the endangered birds living in the area. He just needs to prove to Sass what a shame it would be to ruin such a breathtakingly beautiful place with something so hideous as a vacation resort.


I enjoyed every aspect of this book. The author, Ms Bell, has done a superb job in getting each point of view out there in a way that the reader, no matter what side they might fall on, can see the benefits…and drawbacks…to Sass’s success. A resort of this nature would not only provide jobs to an area that is plagued with a high unemployment rate, it will also draw customers in the form of tourists to fledgling local businesses. But at what cost to a delicate ecosystem to a bird population that has been almost completely erased from existence. Can either Sass or Jake get the other to see their side?

Sass is a competent, and independent woman. I glory in leading ladies with these qualities. Of course she is also very dedicated to her work and should she prevail she will be up for a promotion. Jake is my kind of leading man. He is of course, handsome and intelligent, but also is gentle and kind, yet he stands for what he believes in. These characters are complex, and I commend Ms Bell for an excellent job in penning them.

The ending is a surprise and one that is fitting for such a tale. I was smiling and more than impressed when it came time to close the book after reading the very last page. Very good job, Ms Bell. I look forward to reading your work in the future.


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

BACHELOR COP by Carolyn McSparren

Publisher: Harlequin Super Romance
Date published: February 2010
ISBN: 9780373716180
Contemporary Romance
Paperback
Obtained via: Publisher
Reviewed by Penny



Police officer Randy Railsback has quite the reputation with the ladies. Therefore he isn’t the only one surprised at his attraction to and protective nature for one of his self-defense students. Normally his types of women are the ones that are only looking for a good time like he is. And that definitely does not fit Helena.

Helena has one reason for taking self-defense classes and it isn’t to cozy up to the teacher! But she cannot deny the draw that Randy holds. But her goal is to get revenge against her rapist. Can they stop the man who attacked her before he discovers she is out to get him and he comes to finish her off?

This book is thoroughly enjoyable. It is good to see a man just looking for nothing but a good time, become smitten with that special woman, even if he is basically a good man. I am not a fan of womanizers and men with such reputations. And I giggled for a while when Helena didn’t fall at his feet as he is used to. Ms McSparren did a very good job penning this storyline. But of course, the reason behind Helena and Randy meeting is because Helena was brutalized in the worse possible way for a woman. This is a very sad, yet well written part of the story. And BACHELOR COP is a story with a message. The author shows how such a traumatic event can affect a person’s life for a long time.

BACHELOR COP is a very worthwhile read and I am very glad this book came my way for review and I hope readers will get something from it as I did.


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

MONTANA LEGACY by R.C. Ryan

Publisher: Hachette Book Group
Publication Date: March 2010
ISBN: 9780446548618
Contemporary Western Romance
Paperback
Obtained via: Publisher
Reviewed by Penny




Jesse McCord’s childhood best friends were his two cousins. Now with the death of their grandfather, Wyatt and Zane are back. And Jesse is not exactly thrilled with the family reunion. He is sure they will not last longer than a New York minute once they are faced with what it really takes to keep a ranch the size of the Lost Nugget. He is sure they are just there to get their hands on some long lost treasure that their grandfather was certain was buried somewhere on McCord land. And to make matters even more complicated, Amy Parrish is back as well, to care for her ill father. Amy is the one girl who touched Jesse’s heart and then broke it when she left without a word. Can he come to trust her when she offers to help him find the McCord treasure? Can he trust her again with his heart?


R.C. Ryan also writes under the name of Ruth Ryan Langan and is a New York Times best selling author. While I have not read any of Ms Ryan Langan’s books, I am sure she has penned a number of wonderful tales that readers will absolutely adore. Sadly, MONTANA LEGACY did not hit the spot with me.

First off, let me start by saying the format of MONTANA LEGACY that I read is an advanced copy, not the final published version. I hope the published one differs from the ARC that I read. The blurb on the back cover, in my opinion does not fit the storyline of the book. The blurb is all about Amy and there is much more to this story than just Jesse and Amy. Also, the blurb says that “Jesse’s not about to give her a second chance…” That lasted about a minute. It did not take very long before he was more than happy to let her back into his arms by my way of thinking.

Also, is this bad-ass group of guys that the McCord cousins get into a barroom brawl with cowboys or bikers? I hope that got sorted out in editing before MONTANA LEGACY hit the press. Oh, and just what is Amy’s father’s illness again? Oh that’s right…the book doesn’t say. That is frustrating.

The dialog through out the book felt stilted and forced, the characters are not well rounded and believable. These are supposed to be rough cowboys, but the prose that came out of their mouths was more belonging to a female. I just did not buy it.

While I struggled to finish this book, the who-done-it held a twist that was unforeseen. It was a pleasant surprise that I enjoyed. Unfortunately had this been a book that I had bought to read for pleasure versus a review book I would have never made it to the ending. It is a case of too little, too late.

MONTANA LEGACY was not a book for me. However, I sincerely hope that the next two books in the series, the cousins’ stories are huge successes.

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

THE P.I. CONTEST by C.J. Carmichael

Publisher: Harlequin Super Romance
Publication Date: February 2010
ISBN: 9780373716173
Contemporary Romance
Paperback
Obtained via: Publisher
Reviewed byPenny



When she found out her fiancé was cheating on her and half of the precinct knew about it, Kate quit her job as a cop. Her friend, Lindsey has been trying to get her to come and work at her detective agency and Kate figures she would just take her up on the offer. But is she too late? Lindsay’s partner Nathan has offered the job to his friend Jay. One job, two applicants, Lindsey comes up with an idea. The first one to solve a case gets the job. Kate has experience from her time with the PD. Jay is a retired pilot for goodness sake! Easy-peasy right? What she didn’t count on is her growing attraction for her rival!

I really got a kick out of this book! I was laughing out loud more than once. The only part that really irritated me was that Jay didn’t come clean when he snitched a lead from Kate. Sure, he has some good instincts but I felt this took away from the good guy persona that author C.J. Carmichael was trying to portray.

Kate and Jay had chemistry from the very beginning that just kept growing and kept me enthralled throughout the book. Also, the contest was neck and neck throughout that kept me on my toes and wondering just who would win and be able to claim the job. I was pleasantly surprised by the turn of events that concluded the amusing ride that readers take with Kate and Jay. As with most Harlequin books, there is a lot packed into almost too few pages. I hope you will enjoy this book, too.



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

FRANKIE’S BACK IN TOWN by Jeanie London

Publisher: Harlequin Super Romance
Publication Date: February 2010
ISBN: 9780373716166
Contemporary Romance
Paperback
Obtained via: Publisher
Reviewed by Penny



Francesca knows better than anyone how gossip travels in a small town. Once the town’s bad girl, she is back, a mother to a teenager and holding an executive position at an assisted living facility. But rumors start to fly when one of the residents loses his wallet… or was it stolen?…and police chief Jack Sloan stops by once, twice, three times to investigate a could be crime. The town wonders what is going on between Frankie and Jack… and also if Frankie has returned to her bad girl ways. Is Frankie fleecing the elderly people who are in her care?


FRANKIE’S BACK IN TOWN does not exactly hold a new and unique storyline, however, I did find it a good read. The characters are well penned and rounded. Francesca, known as Frankie in her younger days, just wants a fresh start, to do her job to the best of her ability and to be a good mother to her daughter. Jack remembers Frankie from their younger days, even though they didn’t run in the same circles. He is intrigued by her and cannot hide that he is interested. I would have liked to see something more come of the jealous old girlfriend who seems to have much too much interest in what Jack is doing hanging around Frankie’s work place. Also the who-done-it was a bit of a let down. Somehow I thought it would be more interesting.

Author Jeanie London’s writing shows a lot of talent and this tale is well written. I didn’t find anything to distract me as I read. Yet nothing overly exciting stands out to me now, a few days after finishing the book. FRANKIE’S BACK IN TOWN is an average book that is worth reading, but not one that will stick with you in the long run.

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

TO SIN WITH A SCOUNDREL Circle of Sin Trilogy book one by Cara Elliott

Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: March 2010
ISBN: 978-0446541299
Regency Romance
Paperback
Obtained via: Publisher
Reviewed by Penny




Rumors abound that Lady Ciara Sheffield is a witch and that she poisoned her late husband. But her scientific mind is known by many therefore, she is just who the Earl of Hadley needs to help him with a quest. Thus they come to a bargain. She needs a man of society as her fiancé in order to save herself from being charged with the murder of her dead spouse. And even though Hadley’s name appears in the paper just as much as her own for one scandal or another, he should do the trick. In return for agreeing to this little charade, Hadley will get a mysterious manuscript deciphered. But upon getting what they want, will they get something more as well?

Oh, you never know if these two will get more than they bargained for! These two had chemistry from the very beginning and I enjoyed how they interacted with one another flawlessly. I adored Ciara. She is an unconventional woman for her time. And unfortunately, this gave her enemies, the family of her late husband, an abundance of ammunition against her. But I am always one to root for the underdog, especially if she is a headstrong and determined lady.
And one can’t help but fall for the Earl of Hadley. He is such a rogue, but a handsome and charming one. That must be why, despite his escapades, he is still welcome among high society. He won me over as well. These characters are fantastically written and were very entertaining.

I thought the storyline was brilliant and well executed. The story gripped my attention and did not let go for one moment. I believe that author Cara Elliott has penned herself a complete winner with TO SIN WITH A SCOUNDREL. I cannot wait to read book two, To Surrender To A Rogue and book three To Tempt A Rake. These are the stories of secondary characters and friends of Ciara’s. If they are anything like TO SIN WITH A SCOUNDREL they will be on my “sure to not miss” list!

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