BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN by Maya Banks

KGI #11
Jove Books, March 2017
Paperback
Obtained via:  publisher
ISBN:  0425277003
ISBN13: 9780425277003
Military Romance
***



The latest book in Maya Banks’ KGI series surrounding the lives and loves of the Kelly clan is BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN, a story about family, friendship and bonds forged in steel.

Thanks to her college friend, Rusty Kelly, Zoe is starting her life over with a new identity.  Born the daughter of a mob kingpin, Zoe grew up doing everything she could to win her father’s love including wearing the clothes he preferred, the friends he preferred and wanting the things he wanted for her until the day she overheard her boyfriend telling someone that he never cared for her and was planning on killing her.  On that day, she put on her “big girl” pants and hit the road.  Luckily for her, her girlfriend Rusty is a wiz on the computer and was able to teach her how to remain off the radar.  When Zoe goes home with Rusty and meets the Kelly clan and learns what they are about, she thinks she just might have a chance at a second life away from the filth associated with her family.  Then she meets Rusty’s brother Joe Kelly, the last bachelor in the Kelly family, a title he thought he enjoyed holding.

Maya Banks’ BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN, is Zoe and Joe’s story.  The KGI series centers on the Kelly family and the company they started doing the jobs that the government prefers to stay away from including intelligence gathering and victim/hostage rescues.  So the stories in this series have been fast paced adventure/romances that occur in the midst of one job or another.  The romances are hot and heavy and the action is generally non-stop.  BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN however, fails to produce the heat level or the strong KGI storyline that made some of the other KGI stories so riveting.

In an unusual twist, though the story is primarily about Zoe and Joe, the best parts of this story come from the lesser story of Rusty and Sean and the journey they are on towards their own happily ever after.  Perhaps it is because Rusty and Sean have been around for several books and are very well developed and multifaceted characters and Zoe and Joe simply are not.  Zoe is extremely cagey and Joe, for such an alpha male, is extremely into his feelings.  Or perhaps it is the lack of any real action in the storyline.  When her family finally catches up to Zoe, well…

In any case, readers who enjoy military romances will still enjoy BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN.  This reader had simply hoped for less over the top gushing and more push back from the bad guys.


Reviewed by T. Barringer
tammyLRM@gmail.com

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

SHADOW SILENCE by Yasmine Galenorn

 

A Whisper Hollow Novel, Book 2

Berkley Publishing

September 27^th, 2016

978-0-515-15635-6

Mass Market Paperback

Reviewed by Dawn (love2read28@gmail.com)

Obtained by self-purchase

5 Hearts

Kerris Fellwater left Whisper Hollow fifteen years before she was drawn back to the town after her grandmother, the spirit shaman, died. Now taking over her duties as the spirit shaman of the town, Kerris finds that she is needed more than ever when her best friend Peggin finds herself under the curse of the Lady of the Lake. Now with her guardian and mate, Bryan, as well as a host of allies helping her, Kerris finds a deadly mystery while trying to figure out how to break the hex on Peggin. One that if the Hounds of Cu Chulainn had their way would stay buried forever by whatever cost necessary. Now Kerris needs to fight not just the Lady of the Lake but the dead in order to save Peggin and Whisper Hollow.

SHADOW SILENCE is the second book in a wild and wonderful new series by author Yasmine Galenorn. We met Kerris, Bryan and the rest of the residents of Whisper Hollow in the first book, Autumn Thorns, and I fell in love with this magnificent world the author has given her readers. This is a town where the dead roam; magic is fact of life and the strange and wonderful place that is Whisper Hollow. I got to admit I get chills reading these first two books. It has mystery, romance, paranormal aspects and more that just pushed all my love buttons at once. The characters are diverse mix of paranormal and human and the mystery that is Whisper Hollow is fascinating to learn piece by piece as the author delivers it to the readers with in SHADOW SILENCE. What really hooked me were the characters. I fell in love with Kerris and the gang right from the start and devoured Autumn Thorns then Shadow Silence. They are unique and well written, quite multi-dimensional to the point where I wanted to go see if I could find Whisper Hollow myself, just to see if the town would welcome me. The author does a fabulous job in capturing the personalities of all the characters-main and secondary ones-and keep them growing in the second book. With the deft hand, she creates a world we can not help but imagine, one we want to run to and live among the characters she has created.

SHADOW SILENCE picks up where the first book left off and it doesn’t slow down at all. Filled with mystery, steamy romance and character growth that draw the reader in, the story weaves a spell around you even as you are drawn more and more into the world that is Whisper Hollow. I am so in awe of this author and how she can create such complex worlds that just draw a reader in. Since the first time I picked up this author’s book, Witchling, I fell in love with their writing and SHADOW SILENCE was no exception. This is truly a master storyteller who knows how to weave a spell around their readers’ right from the start and give them something that they fall in love with.

If you haven’t read Autumn Thorns, I highly recommend you read that one before diving into SHADOW SILENCE as it gives much background of Kerris, the town and more. I found it helps make the second book a bit clearer as it mentions past events from that first book a few times. Even though this was the final book with this author’s publisher, the author assures her readers that the series will continue and has announced the next two books in the series. All I know is I want more from Whisper Hollow and this author and am hoping we are not waiting too long for the next book in a series that will knock your socks off.

If you enjoy paranormal suspense, romance and a different sort of paranormal world to explore, then try the Whisper Hollow series and you will find yourself transported by the end of chapter one. I am eager to see where she leads next in this amazing series and what else the author has in store for the readers to devour.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement

AUTUMN THORNS by Yasmine Galenorn

Book One in Whisper Hollows Series
Berkley Jove

October 27^th, 2015

978-0-515-15624-9

Paranormal Romance

Mass Market Paperback

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

5 Hearts




In Whisper Hollow, the spirits walk among you, magic is alive and the residents are more than a little odd. But for Kerris Fellwater, she was coming home after fifteen years away. Now she is taking the mantle of spirit shaman after her grandmother died and finds more questions than answers as she reacquaints herself to the town and friends there. But danger is circling the town and murder is the end game. With the help of her new neighbor, Bryan and some friends, Kerris will have to figure it out before the enemy that is trying to infiltrate the town sets their sights on Kerris.

I got to admit whenever this author has a new book out, I put whatever I am reading down and go immediately to her new book. She is just that damn good! This is an author who weaves a spell around her readers the moment they open one of her books. She is an expert storyteller who knows how to intrigue the reader, entice them and keep their attention as they flip the pages to see what happens next. Her latest book is an introduction to her new series, Whisper Hollows, and boy does it deliver! We got spirits, magic, evil and romance all rolled up in a ball with a bow on it. Ms. Galenorn weaves a story full of intriguing characters, a town that just calls to you to visit and a mystery that sets up a series that will surely become just as popular as her last ones (Otherworld/Sisters of the Moon, Indigo Fey, etc). All I know was when I turned the last page; I was left waiting for more. I wanted to see what would happen next for Kerris & Bryan and the rest of the cast of characters that I quickly fell in love with. The story moves at a nice pace, the author’s world building just blows my mind and multi-dimensional characters that stole my heart right from the beginning. This is an author who knows how to tell a story that dark, deadly and full of things that go bump in the night.

Meet Kerris Fellwater. After being away from Whisper Hollow for fifteen years, she finds herself called back to the town after her grandparents die and finds more questions than answers when she gets there. For Kerris is now the town’s spirit shaman and she has to figure out her powers, the town and more all the while trying to stay one step ahead of an enemy that is determined to destroy  her and the town. I love Kerris. She is a strong female character that just resonated with me. She is complicated, determined and knows to do her duty as the spirit shaman but there is a steep learning curve to overcome. The sparks fly with Bryan and I loved seeing these two together. The sex scenes are so hot, I swore my book was about to catch itself on fire. The secondary characters are a delight to know. They are just as entertaining and intriguing as the main characters were.

What blew me away was how much darker this book was than her other series such as the Otherworld series and the Indigo Court books. The different spirits alone made me shiver and fear as well as the different residents’ abilities made the story so much stronger in my opinion. AUTUMN THORNS is a world class story that will suck you in until the very last page is read. Now all I got to ask is how long till book two is here?

This is an objective book review and not an endorsement

RUTHLESS GAME by Christine Feehan

GhostWalkers #9
Publisher: Jove Books
Date Published: December 2010
ISBN: 9780515149210
Military Romance/Paranormal
Paperback
Reviewed by T. BarringerTammy
Obtained via: publisher


The ninth book in Christine Feehan’s GhostWalkers series, RUTHLESS GAME, is a paranormal military romantic adventure at its best.

After being forced to impregnate Rose as part of the evil Dr. Whitney’s illegal genetic experiments, Kane manages to break Rose out of the labs before eventually escaping himself. He then joined up with the GhostWalker Team Three and has been searching for her ever since to no avail. When Kane’s team is sent on a hostage rescue mission, he discovers that their informant is none other than Rose, eight months pregnant and distrustful of everyone but perhaps him. During the rescue, Kane and Rose find themselves separated from the GhostWalkers and one step ahead of Dr. Whitney and his minions, with their baby about to be born.

For this reader, RUTHLESS GAME may just be the best book Christine Feehan has released in a long time. While some of the elements of the story such as the strong alpha male, the lethal yet fragile female, the forced pairings, the shadow of the ever persistent evil Dr. Whitney and non-stop action are all present in this story as well, there are many aspects of this story that make it unique and really stand out from the rest of the series. Perhaps the biggest differentiator is the way Feehan weaves humor into this story. Kane and Rose are both soldiers through and through. Neither of them has any idea how to prepare for a baby or care for one once it arrives. When Kane is forced to run with a very pregnant Rose in tow, the added complication of the pregnancy opens the door, for some very funny moments for these two characters.

Rose is forced to work on her trust issues with both Kane and the rest of his GhostWalker team, whom he thinks of as family. Kane meanwhile, has to work through his feelings of guilt for impregnating Rose. When the baby is threatened, readers get a glimpse into how well the GhostWalkers work together and prove their training.

Though it would be helpful to read at least a few of the earlier books in the series to understand the series background and character motivations better, it is not necessary to the storyline. Christine Feehan is a master storyteller and as far as this reader is concerned, RUTHLESS GAME, is one of the best stories in this series. Kudos to Ms. Feehan for adding humor to her proven and highly successful GhostWalkers books. Who would have thought there could be humor found amongst all the fighting, intrigue and battle hardened soldiers?

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

SINFUL IN SATIN by Madeline Hunter

Publisher: Jove
Date published: September 2010
ISBN 978-0515148442
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Valerie
Obtained by publisher


Celia comes home to bury her mother and see to her inheritance. There isn’t much as her mother had a lot of debts and only one house is left. But even this house may be taken from her when another debt rears its ugly head. Celia is still determined to make it, even if it means reverting to the profession she was trained for. Her mother was a famous London courtesan and Celia had been tutored, in the arts of seduction and pleasure. So, first she tries to make a small business of her own with the help of some friends. Then she discovers that she has inherited something else, a tenant in the form of a handsome man called Jonathan Albrighton. Jonathan has some very special reasons for staying at the house, although Celia seems to be trying to get him to move out. He has been charged to investigate Celia’s mother’s activities and the more time they stay together, the more the sparks of passion ignite. It looks like there are more mysteries to uncover than both realized and according to convention, Celia has no chance of a happy ending with Jonathan. But Jonathan is a man who cares nothing for convention.

This is a really delightful book to read and I enjoyed every single page, which I could hardly turn fast enough. I had to read this book in two sittings and I would have rather read it in one. I really didn’t want to put it down. This story has everything going for it, a very sympathetic heroine who I was rooting for. A darkly, dangerous, handsome hero, with whom I also fell in love with. A mystery or three and some secondary characters that liven up the story and give it more depth. An antagonist who at first you may like, but who turns out to be a cad, with capital letters! The dialogue had me laughing in places and the romance had me sighing with joy. Jonathan and Celia certainly have the sparks flying even though everyone else sees it first.

Madeline Hunter has given her fans another exciting story. It seems to be the third in a series so I have to go and hunt the first two down now, before the next one comes out. Sigh…too many books and so little time. Still, I can really recommend this one. Especially lovers of historical romance are going to enjoy it.

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ONE ENCHANTED EVENING by Lynn Kurland

Publisher: Berkley Jove
Date published: May 2010
ISBN: 978-0-515-14791-9
Time Travel Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained by: publisher


Montgomery de Paget has the task of rebuilding the most dilapidated castle in England, what he hadn’t expected was to find ghosts and danger of the magic kind, within the walls. His elder brothers have come to help, but rile him as he looks over the disaster his father has given him. His nephew stays to learn how to be a knight and to help his uncle with what seems to be an insurmountable task.

Pippa Alexander has been invited to England to showcase her costumes at an upscale party. The only problem is her older sister insists on being the Fairy Queen. Pippa is disappointed, as she also finds herself falling in love, with the man her sister is pursuing. Reminding herself she doesn’t believe in fairies or magic, even though the walls of the castle seem to be talking to her.

When the past and present come together Montgomery and Pippa, find there are others in both time zones. As their love blossoms, Cinderella Alexander, the annoying big sister keeps popping up at the wrong moment. This is a great romance with every tiny detail covered, but too much detail detracted from the love story and the plot for this reviewer.

In places it becomes very confusing as you meet relatives in the past and present, and then find your mind has far too many names to put relationships together well. I loved the magical part and the indomitable Montgomery, with his noble knight ways. The dilapidated, medieval castle, filled with holes in walls and large cobwebs, came to life with whispers and images that gave me goose-bumps.

ONE ENCHANTED EVENING is a passionate tale filled with intrigue, danger, magic and an enchanting hero, many readers will fall for.

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

WATER BOUND by Christine Feehan

Book 1 in Sea Haven/Sisters of the Heart Series
Publisher: Jove Books
Date published: July 2010
ISBN: 978-0515148244
Paranormal Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Tammy
Obtained by publisher


The first book in Christine Feehan’s new Sea Haven series, WATER BOUND, combines magic, mystery and the elements in a whirlpool of passion and danger.

Sea Haven sea urchin diver Rikki has an affinity for water and a need to be close to it at all times. After an enormous wave tosses Rikki into the ocean, she comes upon a man sinking into the ocean’s frozen depths and pulls him to the surface, saving his life. Lev Prakenskii is a dangerous man with no memory of his past, just lightning fast reflexes and a fear for his life when he regains consciousness in the arms of a beautiful stranger.

Now that her Drake Sisters saga has come to a close, Christine Feehan has opened the door to the Drake’s neighbors, a family of “sisters of the heart” in her Sea Haven series and the debut novel, WATER BOUND. When readers were introduced to the magic of the Prakenskii men, it didn’t take paranormal abilities to see that they were bound to be prominent figures in future storylines. WATER BOUND is the story of Lev Prakenskii and Rikki. As with the Drake stories, the elements and magic are central to this story as well. Rikki is portrayed as autistic. She has always had problems interacting with people and needs order and routine to keep her functional. When she connects with Lev, no one is more surprised than Rikki. She allows him into her life and her heart, even knowing that danger surrounds him.

Like most of Feehan’s stories, WATER BOUND draws readers in by creating a deep emotional bond with the characters. It wasn’t difficult to empathize with Rikki and her difficulty of fitting in and interacting with others. And it doesn’t take much for our hero to become bigger than life as he sees the desirable woman beneath her handicap. The story has an element of danger and suspense that keep the storyline moving along nicely. And most importantly for those of us that have been reading Feehan’s Sea Haven series, all our favorite characters are still in town and the Prakenskiis are getting their day in the sun and adding their touch of magic to the landscape.

Congratulations to Ms. Feehan on yet another terrific series off to a great start. This reader can not wait to meet the rest of the Prakenskii siblings.

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

FISH OUT OF WATER *Book 3 in trilogy* by Mary Janice Davidson

Publisher: Jove
Date published: November 2008
ISBN: 978-0-515-14549-6
Paranormal Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn


Poor Fred…as if being a mermaid wasn’t enough, she now is in the spotlight as the undersea folks come out to the human world and she is their spokesperson. Add the fact that she finally decided between hunky human marine biologist, Thomas and Artur, the High Prince of the Black Sea, Fred finds her life turned to chaos in a blink of an eye. Combine the appearance of her long lost father and a civil war erupting among the merfolk, all Fred wants to do is crawl under a rock and hide from it all.

FISH OUT OF WATER is the final book from Ms. Davidson on her delightful Fred the Mermaid trilogy. Here we find Fred thrust in an unwelcome spotlight for the merpeople and the mayhem that involves when being in said spotlight has her wishing for a place away from merfolks, politics and men. With the right touch of humor, quick wit and characters that keep you laughing, Ms. Davidson delivers an adventure that will keep you highly entertained and asking for more.

I love this series and found Fred to be a character that is a riot. She is independent, loves her friends and wonders why she cannot get Thomas, the human marine biologist out of her mind or heart. Full of contradictions, Fred is one of the most charming characters to date. Add in some secondary characters that keep you enthralled and you have the makings of a story that will be one fun filled ride. Ms. Davidson delivers a fun, lighthearted romp through the land and sea as she finds her past, present and future collide as the climactic ending races among the pages of FISH OUT OF WATER.

With her trademark writing style, Ms. Davidson pens a story that delivers the reader on one wild ride and leaves you gasping for more. If you haven’t read any of Fred’s Adventures, then run to the nearest bookstore/library and check them out. This is truly a series that will have you giggling in a matter of minutes. Highly recommended and worth re-reading again.

WIZARD’S DAUGHTER by Catherine Coulter

Publisher Berkley Jove
Date published January 2008
ISBN 978-0-515-14394-2
Fantasy
Paperback
Reviewed by Tammy





The latest book in Catherine Coulter’s Sherbrooke family series, WIZARD’S DAUGHTER, is a cross between historical romance and fantasy, as a book that only one young girl can read takes her and her beau to a land filled with ghosts, wizards and dragons.

Rosalind de La Fontaine was found by Ryder Sherbrooke as a child nearly beaten to death in an alley. She becomes part of the Sherbrooke family and in her first season in 1835 London, she meets and falls in love with Nicholas Vail, Earl of Mountjoy. When her “brother” Grayson Sherbrooke comes across an ancient book written by a wizard that no one but Rosalind can read, the three set out to discover the secrets hidden in the book. Strange things start to happen and it becomes apparent that Rosalind’s hidden past, the book and Nicholas Vail have more in common than any of them could have imagined.

The WIZARD’S DAUGHTER is the first book in the Sherbrooke family series that this reader has read so there were no real expectations when it was picked up. This reader really enjoyed the way Ms. Coulter took what would have been a lovely but perhaps staid historical romance and intertwined into it a fantasy world of wizards, ghosts and dragons. The resulting story is probably somewhat of a disappointment for historical romance fans, but fans of fantasy no doubt found it really quite entertaining, as did this reader.

A great amount of mystery surrounds all the main characters in this book. Rosalind can’t remember her past and has paranormal abilities that keep cropping up in her life. Nicholas Vail has a mysterious past, an unusual family, including a wizard for a grandfather and singing ghost in his home. His instant connection to Rosalind and her easy acceptance of the strange things that surround them and the ancient book lead to a rushed marriage filled with magic beyond belief and perhaps a few laughs as well.

Though fantasy and historic romance are an unusual combination to find in a book, somehow Catherine Coulter manages to pull off a story that is both entertaining and keeps readers guessing with her latest Sherbrooke family novel, WIZARD’S DAUGHTER. Readers looking for something really different this summer might just want to check out this fantastical tale. Just don’t expect your usual historical romance. This is definitely not that.

WIZARD'S DAUGHTER by Catherine Coulter

Publisher Berkley Jove
Date published January 2008
ISBN 978-0-515-14394-2
Fantasy Historical Romance
Paperback
Reviewed by Valerie





Rosalind de La Fontaine doesn’t remember who she really is. When she was six years old, she was found, almost beaten to death by Ryder Sherbrooke, who took care of her and became her guardian. When she finally opens her mouth six months later, her first words are a strange song. Now she is in her first season in London, in 1835. She meets Nicholas Vail who has just returned from Macau to claim his inheritance. They are attracted to each other right away, as if pre-ordained. Grayson Sherbrooke acquires a strange book that no one can read. But, surprisingly, Rosalind can. Rosalind is the key to a centuries old mystery, and Nicholas is caught up within it. He needs to keep her close, protect her and help her solve the mystery, but can he keep his heart?

Catherine Coulter is one of my favorite authors and I was thrilled to be able to read and review this particular title. It looked intriguing and I wasn’t disappointed. Ms. Coulter cleverly writes an historical romance with a good dash of the fantasy mixed in. She gives her readers absolutely delightful characters. Both Rosalind and Nicholas are interesting and alive. There are many secondary characters that make the story interesting and gives it depth. The dialogue, especially between Rosalind and Nicholas is witty and entertaining. This story will draw the reader in on its first page and Ms. Coulter leads the reader into a fascinating adventure. There is some unexpected twists at the end. I loved this story, it was a wonderful read and I can’t rave enough about it. Thank you, Ms. Coulter!

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

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




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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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