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Author: Nora Roberts
Title - Unfinished Business

It has been twelve years since Vanessa Sexton’s father took her away from Hyatt Town, Maryland. Since that time, Vanessa has become a very successful concert pianist. Now, with her father’s death, Vanessa returns to her hometown for answers to some questions and to decide whether she still wants to pursue her pianist career or not. A few questions are to her mother. Vanessa has always wondered why her mother let her go off so easily and why her mother has never even written her a letter. Another question is for her high school sweetheart, Brady Tucker. Why did he stand her up on prom night? Could Vanessa ever trust him again?


***** FIVE STARS! For me, there are few things better than sinking into a good book. One of those few things is sinking into a fabulous book. That is what happened to me here. From the first page, until the last, Nora Roberts kept my attention glued as Vanessa returned to her hometown for some answers. I started out totally on Vanessa’s side; however, the author slowly showed me that sides of her mother and former sweetheart and I easily came to understand and forgive them. I also came to dislike Vanessa’s late father.

Nora Roberts is a master storyteller. Yet when it comes to me, she is either hit or miss. This novel is a hit. (Her novel titled “Public Secrets” was a miss and not worth me writing a review for.) All the characters are well developed and I came to care for quite a few of them. A wonderful story that I highly recommend. *****

Author: Nora Roberts
Title – Carolina Moon

Victoria “Tory” Bodeen has had what her grandmother called the Sight since she was very little. She tried to keep things to herself because her father, Hannibal, would beat her near to death, all the while quoting the bible. Of course, he never really needed a reason to beat her. Tory had been around the age of eight when her only friend, Hope, died. Tory was supposed to sneak out and meet up with her friend, but her father had beaten her that night. When people went searching for Hope, Tory told exactly where Hope’s body was. Hannibal eventually moved his family away from Progress.

Of course, Tory fled home as soon as she could. Now an adult, Tory is moving back to Progress. She even rented the house where she had grown up. Tory would open a stylish home-design shop called Southern Comfort. She would finally face her past and, hopefully, find closure by figuring out who raped and murdered Hope eighteen years ago. Kincade “Cade” Lavelle, Hope’s brother, is still around and he is determined to make Tory see him as lover potential. Faith, Hope’s twin sister, is still there too. Faith and Hope have always been opposites in all but looks. Several others still remain as well – including Hope’s killer.


**** FOUR STARS! This story is so well written that I found myself a bit unsettled at times. Nora Roberts manages to show readers that down home Southern charm, as well as the not so charming parts. A gripping story that may keep you up reading too long into the night. ****

Author: Tara Taylor Quinn
Title - Having the Soldier’s Baby (Parent Portal #1)

After being missing in action for over two years, Chief Petty Officer First Class Winston Hannigan is presumed dead. His wife, Emily, had not given up hope until then. Wanting something of her husband and since they always wanted children, Emily decides to utilize her right to visit the fertility center and use her husband’s stored sperm. When she is two weeks pregnant, Winston is found and comes home. But he is not the same man she married. After all, he had spent two years among the enemy. Feeling he can no longer make Emily happy, he wants a divorce so she can find love elsewhere. Learning she is pregnant with his child is a shock, yet it does not change his mind.


**** FOUR STARS! Winston has some dark secrets from the time he was with the enemy that I do not share for risk of giving spoilers. I will say that at least one of them shocks Emily to her core.

The author has crafted well developed characters and made the story very believable. I can tell she did some research for his scenario. Very well done. ****

Author: Christy Jefferies
Title - A Proposal for the Officer (American Heroes)

Captain Molly Markham has just been diagnosed with diabetes. That means she can no longer be a pilot. With a medical discharge looming in her near future, she goes to visit her sister and think about her future. Though she loves her sister, Molly does not want her know yet about her diabetes. In fact, she does not want anyone to know. But when her blood sugar skyrockets at the grocery store, she is forced to accept the help of a stranger named Kaleb – as long has he agrees to keep her medical condition a secret from everybody. If anyone learns of it, it will get back to her sister. (Small town.)

When Kaleb Chatterson helps Molly at the store, neither one realizes that it would begin a rumor that they were dating. As each plays the part of a boyfriend/girlfriend, they draw closer to it becoming true. Kaleb is used to women only wanting to be with him for this money. Not so with Molly. That means he has no idea where he stands with her.


***** FIVE STARS! I enjoy it when a billionaire loves his work, but does not believe he is God’s gift to women. (And I hate women who latch onto men simply because they have some money.) Even better, Kaleb is a software developer. (A fellow geek!) So this story is right up my alley! Jefferies exquisite writing style is easy to read so I quickly found myself sinking into this fictional world of large families, helping hands, and delightful locals of a small town. I did not want the story to end. Highly recommended. *****

Author: Marie Ferrarella
Title - The Fortune Most Likely To …
(The Fortunes of Texas)

At the age of eighteen, Lila and Everett had been high school sweethearts who put their newborn baby up for adoption. It tore them apart. Thirteen years pass.

When Dr. Everett Fortunado spies Lila Clark in the crowd, the years drop away. He wants nothing more than to win her back. Unfortunately, she wants nothing to do with him. However, Fate gives Lila no choice. She is a manager at the Fortune Foundation. Her work involves taking doctors on house calls to the poorest of the poor. The recent flu outbreak has over a third of the office out sick. Doctors are either flooded with patients or sick themselves. With so many depending on her, Lila tosses her pride to the wind and call Everett for help.


***** FIVE STARS! Perhaps I am biased on this one because I work in the medical field, but I loved every minute of this story. The story is well written. The characters’ backgrounds are well developed. The writing style is smooth and flowing. I could find nothing wrong worth mentioning. After something as traumatic as giving up a child, couples normally do break apart. Marriages often do when they lose a child too. So to see these two get a second chance spread warmth throughout me. I hope it does you too. Highly recommended. *****

Author: B. J. Daniels
Title - Stroke of Luck (Sterling’s Montana)

At the age of twelve, Poppy Carmichael had a huge crush on Will Sterling. He did not return the feeling and it ended badly by Will acting like an immature jerk. It has been almost two decades. Poppy has moved back into town and opened a catering business. When Will calls and asks her to come to the ranch and cook for his early season guests, she accepts. Not only would the pay be great, but she would have four days to show Will what he missed out on. Revenge is definitely on her mind.

Will feels bad about how things ended between them. He admits Poppy is proving to be one heck of a cook. Her meals are delicious! But he wonders if she is really there to simply cook four days or if she is plotting some retaliation.

Will did not want to open the lodge early, but Big Jack had been a good friend of his father’s. Big Jack brings several of his employees along with him. He plans on giving a big announcement at the end of the retreat. A huge snowstorm moves in suddenly, stranding all the guests on day two of four. Immediately following, Big Jack is murdered. Until the roads clear and the sheriff can arrive, everyone is trapped wondering which of them is a murderer. Then the murderer strikes again.


***** FIVE STARS! A wonderful who-dunnit with a side of romance. What more could anyone ask? How about suspense, drama, and action? This story has it all and then some. I enjoyed trying to figure out what was really going on and who the murderer was before the author revealed it. The main characters have well developed backgrounds. The secondary ones are vague but begin to fill out as the story progresses. A delightful ride on the romance and mystery side. I loved every minute of this story and am happy to be able to highly recommend it. *****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Forbidden Fruit (Adventures in Amethyst #9)

Apollonia “Apple” Wooten knows that she has wasted her life, in and out of rehab, doing horrible things to nice people, and dealing (or rather, not dealing) with her dysfunctional family. Her mother pulls her out of rehab (that seemed to be working this time) and orders Apple to travel to Amethyst, Wisconsin, where her brother, Clay, is happily married. Since Clay left the family of wealthy lawyers to marry a hick girl, Harper, her mother has been biding her time. Now Apple has orders to bring him home and back to the law firm, preferably without the wife. Unable to deny the tyrannical rule of the mother who holds the purse strings, Apple obeys.

Apple calls Bailey “Bay” Johnson to rent a lake cabin from his family business. The Johnsons own a bunch of resort cabins on Lake Amethyst. However, all cabins are booked. Desperate, Apple agrees to rent the cabin that Bailey is still working on. Bay is the only person in town that will give Apple the time of day. She is grateful for that, considering how awful she treated him last time she was in the area. Once in town, Apple puts off calling on Clay and does some serious soul-searching, something she began in rehab. As she procrastinates, Apple begins helping Bay fix the cabin. During this time together, Apple begins to really get to know Bailey – and herself.

Bailey is the youngest of nine siblings in a close-knit family. But when his father died and left the entire family business only to him, his angry siblings left, even though Bay informed that the family business would remain the “family” business and not just his. With only the help of one sister, Tally, Bay is determined to expand the business and send his siblings their monetary part as proof to his words. Though Apple was not considered as part of his plans, Bailey feels unable to turn her away. However, the spoiled, drugged up, drunk, rich girl has changed, seemingly for the better. As Bay begins to fall for her, he wonders if the fragile Apple should remain forbidden fruit or if he should simply accept the gift he has been given.


***** FIVE STARS! Have tissues in hand because there is a lot of soul-searching and crying in this hard-core story that deals with drugs, alcohol, neglect, and betrayals. There are a few other things from Apple’s past coming back to haunt her that I do not mention. They add a bit more drama to the story. If you can put yourself in Apple’s shoes and honest feel her regret, you will tear up several times as the story flows around you.

Apple’s family and Bay’s family are polar opposites. Where Apple’s parents only used her, Bay’s family is close-knit, though temporarily in a sibling fight. When Bailey’s family gets together, you can feel the warmth and comradery.

Wiesner writes in a sneaky way. The emotions flowed through me with no waring, leaving me at the mercy of her imagination. Thank goodness she believes in happily-ever-afters. *****

Author: Brenda Jernigan
Title - Diamond in the Rough

When Katherine “Kathy” Taylor receives word that she has been left something by her late aunt, Catherine Dubois, she never dreams it would be a million dollars! Of course, there is a catch. On December twenty-fourth she must show that she is capable of taking charge of her life by presenting the Dubois award while wearing a certain black dress. Size eight! Kathy is an emotional eater and cannot help but think she could kiss that money goodbye. How could she possibly lose that much weight in such a short amount of time? But the yummy-looking attorney, Deven York, says that not only is it possible, but he would help her. Being with such a breathtaking man so often is worth giving it a shot. His optimism is contagious.

Deven senses a gorgeous woman lurking beneath the surface. Even overweight, he feels pulled toward her. So even though he is busy with two major cases, he volunteers to be her training coach. Until the award event, Deven controls the money Catherine Dubois has left Kathy. He tells himself that helping Kathy is simply a way to honor his good friend’s memory. In that vein, Deven begins making changes in Kathy’s life – sometimes without telling her.


***** FIVE STARS! Brenda Jernigan has crafted characters, male and female, that readers will be able to relate to. Kathy’s character is such a hoot! She reminds me of one of my closest friends. (I am betting she will remind you of one of yours, if not of yourself.) With every milestone Kathy achieved I silently cheered. As for the character of Deven, he never asked Kathy to do more than he had already done himself. You see, he, too, used to be on the chubby side. His experience has made his support and his pride of Kathy seem totally real.

NOTE: In the front of the book is a contest. It ends July 21, 2018. All you must do is email the answers to two easy questions before the deadline.

All-in-all, Brenda Jernigan has written a humorous, yet romantic, tale that will linger within your mind long after you finish reading the last page and close the book. I cannot recommend this novel highly enough! *****

Author: Cait London
Title - His Christmas Present (2 books in 1: Seasonal)

BOOK ONE:

The Pendragon Virus
Sam Loring had one basic rule: locate the problem and get to the bottom of it – quick. He runs Park-Loving Cleansers and the unbending workaholic already paid his employees well. The last thing he needs is someone putting modern-day ideas in the heads of his employees. Yet the personnel who have come back from a certain stress managing seminar are beginning to make waves. Time for Sam to take the one day class and have a chat with its speaker.

Dallas Pendragon stands behind every word she says in her seminar. If the attractive and extremely tall businessman thought she would back down then he needed to think again. She did the unexpected. She threw down a gauntlet by issuing a one month challenge. He did the unexpected. He accepted her challenge and chose her home as the arena.


***** FIVE STARS! Fans of Jayne Ann Krentz need look no further. Cait London and Krentz (basically) share the same heart and writing talent when it comes to Modern Contemporary Romances. The romance is as hot as their need to compete and win the challenge. Matters are made wacky – or adorable – since Dallas has two young children living in the arena. Uh, I mean, in the home. I found myself sporting an amused grin more than once. *****

Author: Helenkay Dimon
Title - The Pretender (Games People Play)

Gabrielle “Gabby” Wright has been estranged from her wealthy family for quite a while. Contrary to Uncle Stephen’s beliefs, she did not stab her sister to death fourteen months prior. Tabitha was already dead when Gabby walked into the house. Problem is, the only one who could prove it is a criminal who should not have been on the estate.

Harrison “Harris” Tate had once been a full time burglar. Now he makes a lawful living tracking down stolen art. Harris had been the thief on the estate that horrible night. He had come to steal an eleven million dollar painting that was hanging over a fireplace. Instead he walked in to find a bloody room and a dying Tabitha. He was unable to save the lady. Now he returns to the estate to appraise the personal property for the estate lawyers and Stephen Wright, the uncle of the famously slain lady, and the man determined to prove Gabby as the assassin. But Harris is determined to prove Gabby innocent. With any luck, he will be able to do it without implicating himself. What he did not expect was to fall in love.


***** FIVE STARS! The characters of Gabby and Harris have a symbiotic situation going on. The cast of secondary characters are crucial to plot development. All of them have at least one secret each and deception runs rampant in this suspense filled romance. The action begins on the very first page (as Harris comes upon a dying Tabitha) and does not stop until close to the last page.

I could not put this book down and ended up reading the entire story within a single afternoon. There was even one time that my spine came away from the back of my chair and I leaned forward, as if that would, somehow, get me closer to the action. I guess one could say that the tense situation and sexually charged atmosphere kept me on the edge of my seat.

Healenkay Dimon is the Romantic Suspense author to keep your eye on. I will definitely be looking for more novels by her. Stellar! *****

For your convenience you may read more about, or purchase this book, from Amazon in KINDLE format by clicking HERE!

Author: Emma Cane
Title - At Fairfield Orchard

Six months ago Amy Fairfield went through a humiliating break up. When her parents retire, she and her siblings begin handling the family orchard. Amy comes home to revitalize Fairfield Orchard. Her twin, Tyler, comes home too (since the soap opera he starred in had been cancelled.)

Amy is only home a few days before Dr. Jonathan Gebhart appears. He is an associate professor of history with a specialty in colonial history, particularly Thomas Jefferson. Currently he is writing a book on the land Jefferson owned, and how selling it changed the course of the area. The Fairfield family had purchased their land from Jefferson two hundred years ago. Jonathan has a big hypothesis; Jefferson might have escaped to the land now owned by the Fairfield family during the American Revolution. To complete the book, he needs the Fairfields’ cooperation and permission to delve into their history; including documents (such as the family bible) not available elsewhere. But nothing in his years of academia could prepare him for the sudden and intense attraction to Amy.


**** FOUR STARS! This is the first of a new series involving the Fairfield siblings. Though Tyler is present throughout the story, the main focus is on Amy and Jonathan. Because this is the first story, the first quarter of the book gives the reader information on the area, as well as on several characters. Yet I, as the reader, never came to feel as though I were being bombarded with unneeded info. One or two other siblings are mentioned, but only a name and occupation are given. They will not appear until future titles so this is enough. (I admit that I am looking forward to Logan’s tale most.)

Author Emma Cane writes with a flair equaled by few others! ****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Rose and Thorn (Adventures in Amethyst #6)

What do you do when you love a reformed bad boy and one of his past mistakes comes knocking on your door a few hours before you are due to marry him? That is Lona’s problem. Everyone, including his mother, believes Lona Rose and Reece Childs got married a few years ago in Vegas. They have a two year old daughter, Honey. As they prepare to leave for the court house to make their marriage legitimate, Reece’s mother calls to say that some a lady is at her house with a three year old boy and claims Reece is the father.

Lona always knew that Reece’s past was bad. Like his late father, Reece had been a truck driver and the list of women he had been with was long. Angelina Batista had been his “port” woman in Chicago. Her son, Remy, is definitely Reece’s too. However, Reece gave up truck driving and all the women to settle down in Amethyst, Wisconsin, with Lona. Angelina is one of the worst mothers in the world. Angelina wants one hundred thousand dollars to hand Remy over to him. Otherwise she will leave with the boy and toss him away like garbage.

Reece intends to find the money somewhere and raise Remy. The boy has obviously been neglected and abused his entire life. But Lona is having trouble accepting the idea of raising another woman’s son.


***** FOUR AND A HALF STARS! Readers will love to hate the character of Angelina. She is as gorgeous on the outside as she is ugly on the inside. Yet Lona is beautiful inside and out. I could not help but sympathize with Lona, yet as a mother, I had a little trouble accepting her hesitation about Remy – especially since the boy was so malnourished and innocent of everything.

Wiesner has done a terrific job in showing all sides in this emotional rollercoaster ride of a story. All the characters are well developed and pretty realistic. I felt my heart overflow with happiness and break with sorrow. Highly recommended. *****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Til Summer Comes Around
(Adventures in Amethyst, Book 5)

Four years ago Quinn Rutledge and Summer Rosales met and fell in love in Amethyst, Wisconsin, while Summer was on vacation with her best friend, Apple Wooten. When Summer left, she promised to return during the next tourist season. Even though Summer has not returned for four years, Quinn still waits for his true love to return. He never doubts that she must have a good reason to be away for so long and never call or write to him. Quinn is a writer, but without Summer he is in a slump. His entire life is on hold. Then his mother calls to inform Quinn that his publicist, Jayden, has stole his work. Jayden published a collection of Quinn’s short stories under another author’s name. As Quinn is at the airport preparing to leave Amethyst for awhile, Summer returns. Jayden could wait.

Apple stole some jewelry and put them in Summer’s purse. When caught, Apple remained mute and let Summer go to prison. Apple finally admitted everything and her rich family (most, if not all, are lawyers) ensured that their daughter never went to prison. They helped Summer finish law school and gave her a job at their firm, but only in hopes that Summer would marry their son and become a major player in the firm. However, none of that makes up for the trauma Summer endured at the hands of inmates that despised lawyers. After putting off her return to Amethyst for so long, Summer decides to go and see if Quinn was still waiting for her and if he could still want her after he learns everything about her time in prison.


FOUR STARS! I do not agree with the reasons Summer told herself that Quinn was better off to forget her. She was going to let Quinn wonder forever why she never returned to him. If she knew Quinn well enough for them to plan a reunion and possible marriage, then she should have known he would never blame her for anything that happened to her because of Apple. Personally, I do not believe that I have ever seen a couple more perfect for each other than Quinn and Summer.

This may be the fifth book in the series, but it is still a “stand alone” story. I have no doubt that once you finish this tale, you will want to look up the previous titles too. Karen Wiesner has created a magical town and filled it with such an interesting cast of characters that I wished (more than once) that the place was real so that I could go visit. ****

Author: Laura Kaye
Title - Ride Hard (Raven Riders #1)

Dare Kenyon is the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club President. The gang rides hard, values honesty and loyalty, and protect each other. They extend that same protection to help those unable to help themselves. The two ladies currently under his protection had been tied up in the Church Gang’s storage facility. Having rescued them, it was up to Dare to learn what kind of trouble they are in so that the club could prepare for it and figure out how to help the duo. However, unlike all the previous women the club has helped in the past, one of these is irresistible.

Haven fled from years of abuse at the hands of her criminal father, Rhett Randall. She and her best friend, Cora Campbell, did not get far before they ended up kidnapped by a gang, who were in the process of selling her back to her father when they were rescued. So for now they are taking refuge with the rival motorcycle club that has offered to shelter them. With the reward growing for her return, Haven is suspicious of everyone, including the sexy and almost overwhelming leader of the pack. But the sizzle between them soon ignites and all bets are off.


**** FOUR STARS! With exciting stories that also explode with passion, it is no wonder that Laura Kaye often hits the New York Times Bestselling list. This latest batch of alpha men is ripe for the author to sink her teeth into. Each man is in need of a lady; a special someone made just for him. Haven is the one for Dare; a lady that not only sees how outstanding he is, but also can fit into his world and help out.

A word of warning: Once you begin reading, stopping is all but impossible. ****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Clumsy Girl’s Guide to Having a Baby
(Family Heirlooms #6)

Zoë Rossdale is back. She is a bit different, but also the same. Now Zoë is married to Curt Bertoletti, but she is still the clumsiest person on the planet. No kidding! Zoë can and does trip over worms and dust mites. (Example: “I went to get the laptop and, when I knelt on the floor to plug it in, I stepped on my hand, my fingernail bent over backwards, and then I ended up kneeing myself in the face.”) Zoë has several accidents on a daily basis. So maybe it is a great thing that she has married into the tightest, loudest, and nosiest Italian family. It means there are more people around Zoë to help catch her when she falls – or at least to help pick her up and get the bandages. For Zoë, surviving each day is a challenge; therefore, you can only imagine her nine month long terror of being pregnant.

Mamma Cara rules the roost. No one would ever consider disobeying this strong, yet warm-hearted, woman. All of her children are now married and each couple has kids. This is a huge family and there were no private relationships and situation, let alone handling them. So when Mamma Cara’s problem son, Ciatti, is finally caught by his wife, Abelie, cheating on her, it is a family problem. Of course, everyone knows that Ciatti has been cheating with various women since he finished uttering his wedding vows years ago. Abelie always turned a blind eye so she would not have to deal with the problem. Now, she must.


***** FIVE STARS! If you do not believe that a story about a zany, clumsy, married redheaded female can be funny, then read the Prologue. Zoë has the most humiliating – yet hilarious – pregnancy symptoms that a woman can get. During it all, Zoë is trying to support her husband’s dream of setting up a branch of the successful family restaurant in Minneapolis. This means Curt has often been absent for the past five years. (Zoë remains in tiny Peaceful, Wisconsin. No big city for this clumsy lady!) She also has to deal with her father, who has never been there for Zoë. Worse, he now has a rocky marriage to Zoë’s late mother’s sister.

I thought the story of Curt and Zoë dating and getting married was good, but now that the couple have been wed for over five years, it is even better. Romantic, hilarious, and highly recommended! *****

Author: Charlotte Boyett-Compo
Title - 30 Days to Syn (Light Erotica)

The ad read:
Wanted: Young woman (American only) willing to engage in domination role play. No BDSM. Salary: $1,000,000 upon completion of contract. Length of employment: 30 consecutive nights. Qualifications: must be between the ages of 22-28, beautiful with long naturally brown hair and green eyes (no glasses or contact lenses); cannot weigh more than 110 pounds; no tattoos or body piercing (earlobes only okay) no scars or physical imperfections; must be both physically and mentally fit (extensive examinations by accredited physician and psychologist to ascertain physical and mental health will be conducted); Must be a college-educated virgin. Only women who meet all criteria need apply. Send photo and email to 30days@domcorp.com.

Two years ago Melina Wynth’s parents died in a car wreck. Melina was able to pull her younger brother, Drew, out of the vehicle, but the accident left him a paraplegic and unable to recall who she was. Now she is nearly destitute, without wheels, and she needs to come up with several thousand dollars quickly to install Drew at Cedar Oaks. (The non-profit hospital that Drew has been living in is closing.) As Melina’s best friend, Rachel, informed her earlier, the ad is perfect. With no other realistic options available, Melina applies.

International entrepreneur Synjyn McGregor had an extremely bad childhood. He grew up in the poorest section of South Auckland (New Zealand) and at the mercy of his abusive (in all manners) mother, Olivia. Prison had been better than life with Olivia. His missing biological father, Sean McGregor, found Synjyn, brought him to America – along with the loyal friends that Synjyn insisted be included in the deal – and groomed him as his heir. Synjyn inherited his father’s money and had doubled his holdings within two years of taking the reins of McGregor Industries (MI). In ten years, he had quintupled the worth of MI and his best friends had been with him every step of the way…and still are.

Melina eventually begins calling Synjyn “Kiwi”. His surface is cold and calculated, but as time passes Melina begins to see beneath that surface. As for Kiwi, he finds Melina to be a complex enigma. From the second he sees her interviewing for the position on the monitor, Kiwi is infatuated. The more he tries to figure out what makes Melina tick, the more his interest peaks. Of course Kiwi checks into her background and current situation, but this only adds to the intrigue.


***** FOUR & A HALF STARS! This story is perfect for anyone new to reading Erotica. There is no bondage, no kinky or dangerous rituals, she is never humiliated or degraded. Their time together is private. No one watches and they are at a secure location. The first few nights are tame and their intimacy builds very (very, very) slowly.

For those who are used to reading Erotica, this tale is similar to 50 Shades of Grey.

Unlike many of the hotter romances, this story has an awesome plot with a few intriguing sub plots merged in to keep life interesting. The main characters, as well as the secondary ones, are well developed and I actually found myself wishing that I had friends as close and trustworthy as Kiwi’s. (Yet I am secretly happy that I never had to go through the nightmarish childhood they did in order to forge this type of bond.) I found this to be a terrific story that I am happy to recommend to a romance fans. *****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Michael’s Angel (Friendship Heirlooms #2)

Michael “Mike” Fremont lost his mother when she committed suicide in front of him while he was still in the single digits. Since then all he had done is survived. His last foster home bullied and used him like a male version of Cinderella. Mike cared about no one until LeeAnn Wagner moved in next door. Michael and LeeAnn fell in love. His love for her saved him. But as bad as his life was, her life was worse and Mike planned to rescue her.

LeeAnn was the result of her mother’s adultery. Her mother, Lindsey, had kept them moving around all of LeeAnn’s life. They never settled down anywhere for longer than a month; always running from Lindsey’s insane, murderously jealous husband. But this time Lindsey stayed in one spot for too long. Samson Oligee caught up with them. The man managed to kill Lindsey and her lover Jeremy; however, before Samson could kill LeeAnn, Michael had snuck into the house and helped her flee. Thirteen years passed …

Mike and LeeAnn settled in Peaceful, Wisconsin. Samson had been caught by the police, convicted of murdering Lindsey and Jeremy, and institutionalized for insanity. A year after his capture the institution had burned to the ground and the FBI assured them that LeeAnn’s homicidal stalker had been identified as one of the fire’s victims. Michael knew that LeeAnn had not been ready for the fierce longings that he kept in check. In order to give LeeAnn time to heal from her life-long trauma, he ensured she was safe with their friends in Peaceful before he enlisted with the Marines.

Michael’s four year tour is now over. He returns to Peaceful with the hope that LeeAnn has healed enough emotionally to consider a life with him by her side. As for LeeAnn, she has learned to care for herself and that gives her a feeling of accomplishment. She hopes that they can finally wed and be happy. So why does LeeAnn feel as though someone is in her apartment at night? Why does she not feel alone in her tightly secured home?


**** FOUR STARS! One of the best things I like about Karen Wiesner’s stories is that she writes realistically. When two or more characters have different views of a situation, Wiesner states the view point of each person. By doing so, I, as the reader, can understand why each character reacts they way s/he does. I can empathize and with most, if not all, characters and (therefore) understand their dilemmas. Most every tale that I have read from Wiesner is written this way and it keeps drawing me back for more of her stories. I state all this because I figured many reading my synopsis would wonder just how Mike enlisting and leaving LeeAnn alone could actually help her. Readers probably wonder if he was actually abandoning her when she needed comfort and stability. Only by reading the story and understanding Michael’s point-of-view will the reader be able to understand.

New readers to the series will not find themselves lost. This is a stand-alone story; however, if you read the first title in this series, you will recognize the main characters as secondary ones in this story. I enjoyed every moment I spent reading this gem and plan to pick up another of Wiesner’s titles to read during my upcoming vacation. Wonderful, as usual. ****

Author: Jennifer Ryan
Title - When It’s Right (Montana Men)

Twenty-year-old Gillian Tucker has grown up with a drunk, abusive father named Roy. She would have left long ago had she been an only child; however, just before her mother died, Gillian became a sister. Gillian has raised, fed, clothed, and protected Justin from Roy since he was two weeks old. When she come home to find Roy about to harm a six-year-old Justin, Gillian steps between them. Gillian ends up killing her father in self defense – but not before Roy manages to knock her out their second story window. The second Gillian is released from the hospital her first thought is for Justin. She is still badly injured from landing on a car that horrible day. Her entire body is covered in bruises, stitches, and healing wounds. Unable to work, Child Protective Services gives Gillian a choice: she can either lose Justin to the State or she and her brother can reside with their grandfather on his ranch in Montana.

Blake Bowden is part owner, head trainer, and manager of Three Peaks Ranch. Bud could not keep his daughter from running off with Roy, but he is more than happy to have his granddaughter coming to live with him. Knowing the circumstances, Blake and Bud agrees that there will be zero tolerance for anyone making Gillian uncomfortable. The ranch hands do not know why, but they all know to give the lady a lot of space. From the moment Gillian’s truck pulls up to the house, the lives of Blake and Bud forever changes. Bud is thrilled to find out that he has a grandson. Blake’s heart goes soft when he first spots Gillian and everything in him is determined to protect her and Justin from everything.

Gillian must learn to trust a man, her grandfather, that she has never met in hope of giving Justin a chance for a normal life. But does she dare follow her battered heart about Blake, a man who could shatter her forever? As Gillian heals and begins to find her way back into the world, a new danger comes close.


**** FOUR STARS! I admit it. I have become obsessed with Jennifer Ryan’s writing style. It is intense and bold, yet balanced by a lighter side of sympathy and romance. The characters are well developed and the story was made a bit more realistic to me when I noticed that the secondary characters in this tale are the same main characters in the previous title, At Wolf Ranch.

Blake’s rugged character is perfectly matched by Gillian’s street-wise savvy, due to her turbulent young life experiences. I cannot help but wonder what this author could possibly have in store for readers in the next episode. ****

Author: Jennifer Ryan
Title - At Wolf Ranch (Montana Men)

Gabe Bowden has tired of the rodeo circuit and yearns for land of his own and the right woman to share it with. Amazingly, Gabe has managed to purchase the enormous Wolf Ranch and its land for (virtually) a song. He should have known it was too good to be true.

Ella Wolf is shocked to witness her guardian, Uncle Phillip, murder her twin sister, Lela, in their New York apartment. Even worse is to notice that Detective Robbins also watches the crime and does nothing to help Lela. In fact, the detective and Uncle Phillip begin plotting how to set everything up to frame her for Lela’s murder! Ella silently leaves the apartment and rushes to her family’s abandoned Montana ranch, in hopes of finding out the dark secrets that her sister had found concerning their insidious uncle.

When Gabe rescues a woman on the deserted, snowy road leading to his new property, the half-frozen beauty changes everything. Gabe and Ella team up to bring justice to a man who seems to have most of New York on his payroll. While doing so, Ella must remain hidden because Phillips has people searching for her and the television is claiming that Ella disappeared after killing Lela. The unlikely partnership sparks into something much more, but can the evidence Lela hid be found before it is too late?


***** FIVE STARS! This author has a powerful writing style coupled with such empathy that I have to stop and wonder how close to home this story may hit for her. The character of Ella is strong and upstanding, yet she also refuses to let money turn her into a snob. Gabe’s character is just as complex and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment that I spent with the couple. Be warned, stories by Jennifer Ryan can be addictive. *****

Author: Emma Cane
Title - Sleigh Bells in Valentine Valley

Kate Fenelli works for one of Denver’s most prestigious law firms. While representing a biochemical engineering company, she discovers a report her client had not meant to include in some papers, a report that affects their filing with the FDA. Kate wants to ask them for more information, but the partners tell her to ignore it instead. Unwilling to stop mentioning it often to them, the partners force Kate to take a sabbatical until after Christmas “to get her priorities straight.”

With Thanksgiving around the corner, Kate decides to head back to her home town of Valentine Valley, Colorado. She could spend time with her parents and, if her ex-husband does not mind, with her teen son, Ethan. It surprises Kate when she finds herself pulling into the parking lot of Tony’s Tavern. She is even more surprised that once she begins chatting with Tony, she tells more than she should; definitely more than she plans to tell anyone else.

Tony De Luca is unprepared to see his ex-wife, Kate, waltz through the doors of his tavern. She is as lovely as ever, and he cannot seem to forget how incredible they always made each other feel. Still, that part of their lives was over. Yet when his son, Ethan, says that she is bored and driving him a bit crazy, Tony challenges Kate to serve at the tavern. Of course, Kate agrees since it gives her something to do and her wages (Tony insists on paying her to keep it professional) will go into Ethan’s college fund. It is a win-win situation. But with Christmas quickly approaching, Kate and Tony start becoming close, due to seeing each other often. One thing will lead to another and each begins to wonder if a second chance is possible after nine years of being divorced.


*** THREE STARS! Kate’s character comes across as honest and loyal. Though Kate is career driven, she does all she can to be a good parent too. As for Tony, he seems to wear his emotions on his sleeve more often than he would like. Many ex-husbands, even those who parted on good terms, would balk at letting their ex come spend time with their child (much less his family) when it is not within the normal contract times. I guess that I am saying Tony is more mature than most ex-husbands.

In my opinion, this is not the author’s best work; however, it is certainly worth your time and money to purchase. Emma Cane’s writing is so well done that her characters seem to be alive. The author does not limit this talent only for the main characters; the entire town is done in this manner. (If this small town had actually existed, I would have made it my next vacation destination.) ***

Author: Emma Cane
Title - The Cowboy of Valentine Valley

Whitney Winslow is a former Hollywood bad girl who is looking to set up (her third) store in Valentine Valley, Colorado. Her business venture caused a bit of noise at first but she eventually (with a little help) persuades the town council to allow the opening of her upscale lingerie shop, Leather & Lace.

Josh Thalberg designs the most exquisite leatherwork Whitney has ever seen. He is also the handsome cowboy that, while Whitney was in town previously, she had shared the most sizzling kiss with. But since Whitney had been a little tipsy at the time, he gently turned down her advances. Now that she is back, Josh realizes the attraction between them is still there and hotter than ever.

Since Whitney has been all over the globe, a scandal erupts when Josh’s online publicity photo goes viral. Now it seems that every woman in the world is knocking on his door. But Josh has his mind set on Whitney. The question is how could Josh convince the reformed jet setting bad girl that a small town life with him in Valentine Valley has everything that she could possibly desire.


**** FOUR STARS! Emma Cane’s writing talent shines through on every page of this intoxicating romance. Josh’ grandmother and her friends, known as “the widows”, are simply delightful! Whenever they show up, they steal the show.

This tale is the third full length story set in Valentine Valley; however, there are short stories out there set in this quaint town as well. (Be sure to look for them as they are wonderful.) If you are looking for a romance chocked full of humor, drama, and has realistic characters then Emma Cane’s entire Valentine Valley series is perfect for you. ****

Author: Cara Connelly
Title - The Wedding Favor (Save the Date #2)

Victoria “Vicky” Westin, a New York attorney, and Tyrell “Ty” Brown, a Texas rancher, have been battling in the courtroom. Once the trial is over, they are both glad to salute each other farewell. However, the pair end up sitting next to each other on a flight to France. For fifteen hours they must deal with each other. Once in France, the pair again part ways. But fateful events, be they good or bad, often come in sets of threes. Vicky and Ty cross paths again because they have both come to France to attend the same wedding. It is Ty who suggests they pretend to like each other, as a favor to others, not realizing that they would end up learning a lot about each other. And liking most of it.


*** THREE STARS! Connelly has done a great job of creating complex characters, yet ensure each has a vulnerable spot. Vicky is vulnerable when it comes to her mother and fiancé. Ty is vulnerable due to a hard past decision that has left him with doubts of how he handled a situation. Throughout the story, both main characters change and mature into new people.

The story’s timeline covers several months. Setting jump around between Texas and New York (in America) and the town of Amboise (in France). As I read, I found my emotions jumping around just as much. I chuckled at several humorous sections, became frustrated often (at Vicky mostly), and even contemplated skimming when things slowed down too much or a subplot seemed to fizzle out. By the ending, I came to the conclusion that the story is worth a reader’s time. I did not read the first book of this series, but intend to look it up. ***

Author: Cara Connelly
Title - The Wedding Vow (Save the Date)

Former prosecutor Madeline “Maddy” St. Clair almost nailed Adam for stealing a priceless Renoir five years ago, but the former U.S. Attorney sold her out and Adam walked. Now Adam is back and Maddy has no choice but to work for him; otherwise Maddy will be unable to keep helping her sister, Lucy, through college.

Adam LeCroix wants Maddy to be his lawyer. She is smart, savvy, and the only one who has ever come close to proving he was an art thief. Someone has heisted his favorite Monet off the wall of his Portofina villa and the CEO of the company insuring it for forty-four million is trying to refuse payment. But Adam is assuming that Maddy – like everyone else – would eventually fall into line with the world according to Adam LeCroix.


**** FOUR STARS! This story takes place in New York (USA) and Portofina (Italy). There is much I am unable to tell without giving away spoilers; therefore, I must be content with trying to express how much I enjoyed this tale. The bedroom scenes do not happen quickly. The author has done a terrific job of ensuring that Maddy and Adam clash – often and loudly – first. Yet once the pair break down and admit their attraction, those bedroom scenes almost burn through the sheets. Cara Connelly’s gift for storytelling will have you hanging on every word. ****

Author: Rachel Gibson
Title - What I Love About You

Natalie Cooper once had her ideal dream life. She was a cheerleader. She married the high school football hero. She had a wonderful child. She had a good house. But life changes, as Natalie found out the hard way. Her husband ran off with Tiffany and took all their money with him. Now Natalie wants nothing more than to be a good mother and keep the bill collectors away.

Operator First Class Blake Junger is retired from SEAL Team Six. Once a deadly sniper, Blake now wants to be left alone. That is why he has come to Truly, Idaho. As Blake tries to battle his demons, he cannot help from noticing the crazy locals – or Natalie next door.


***** FIVE STARS! Author Rachel Gibson has imagined up a wonderful town full of crazy, engaging, and lovable characters that are impossible to ignore. Her writing is intense – no matter the topic; be it love, heart ache, or even when being supportive to a dear friend or child. It is no wonder to me that Rachel Gibson is a Modern Contemporary Master. *****

Author: Deb Stover
Title - A Matter of Trust

THEN: Taylor Bowen and Gordon Lane had been head-over-heels in love in high school. But shortly after everyone finished celebrating graduation Gordon’s actions broke Taylor’s heart. Beyond hurt, Taylor had fled Digby without telling Gordon that she had learned of his infidelity.

NOW: It has been ten years since Taylor had left Digby, Colorado. She is proud to have finally become a medical doctor. Taylor never expected to one day return to Digby, but here she is. For the next three years Taylor will be the mountain town’s doctor. As she settles in the mayor calls to inform her that weather has delayed the construction on the Digby Medical Clinic. Until the building is ready, she will have to see patients at the Digby Veterinary Clinic. Things go from bad to worse when Taylor learns that the local vet is none other than Gordon Lane. And, of course, his receptionist just happens to be Sue Wheeler, her former best friend and the one who had helped Gordon betray her.

After all this time, Gordon is still hurt that Taylor had left town rather than to trust him. For the short time Taylor would be sharing his office space, he will stay professional and hide his pain. But Gordon soon realizes that the past is not over for any of them.


***** FOUR & A HALF STARS! More is going on than I reveal in my synopsis. Tension is added by the presence of Taylor’s fiancé coming to visit, the mischievous actions of Sue’s son, and interesting secondary characters – such as Mrs. Johnson and her equally neurotic cat.

Deb Stover writes Romance as no other. Her unique writing style kept my imagination soaring and had my heart melting. I ended up reading this entire novel in a single afternoon. The main characters are fully developed and the secondary ones are well formed. I highly recommend this story to all fans of Romance. *****

Author: Billi Tiner
Title - To Love a Cat

Catherine "Cat" James had always promised herself that one day she would be a foster parent – hopefully saving someone from the type of horrid childhood that she herself had experienced. Taking the plunge, she welcomes thirteen-year-old Ethan Summers into her life. Ethan is basically a good kid, but almost immediately he runs into trouble and is brought home by Mitch Holt. Mitch is a homicide detective with the Spring Valley PD, but through a series of coincidences he and Cat keep meeting. Meanwhile, unbeknown to everyone, Ethan's father has been released from prison and suddenly throws everything and everyone for a loop.


***** FOUR & A HALF STARS! I very much enjoyed this book! All the characters are believable, as are the situations they find themselves in. It is well-written, reads smoothly and the story moves fairly quickly. I was never bored and in fact, found myself looking forward to being able to get back to the story to find out what happens. I personally like stories with happy endings and this one doesn't disappoint. This tale has it all, the good, the bad and the ugly. Well worth the read! *****

Author: Trish Jensen
Title - Behind the Scenes

Tanya Pierce lives in small Sonora, California. She owns and operates a salon. As with many small towns, the beauty salon is basically gossip central. Since Tanya is extremely talented with hair and makeovers, her shop is always busy. And since her family is Italian, the customers are occasionally treated to her family’s dramas. So when Tanya’s mother bursts into the shop, yelling to one and all that her daughter is disappointing her poor Uncle Frank, the man who practically helped raise her, Tanya braces herself for the storm.

Guilt is the gift that keeps on giving. Only for Uncle Frank does Tanya agree to temporarily relocate to Hollywood to host a makeover show on national television. Tanya does not want the job. She gets horrible stage fright. She is hoping to get fired. And after only three words from the producer’s mouth, Tanya already knows the Landry is a curmudgeon. His condescending attitude rubs her raw and he irritates her just enough for her to decide to prove the idiot wrong; that she CAN do it. The Italian in Tanya simply would not allow her to shirk a challenge; especially from the grouchy, good looking man with the awful haircut.

The only reason AJ Landry agrees to produce the first six episodes of Pretty Women is because the Vice President of Programming had bribed him. He just needs to get the show off the ground. Though the star, Tanya, is pretty, her acting is horrid. Yet when Tanya does not know the cameras are rolling, she is freaking incredible! According to Tanya’s Gran, their hostess would forget to be frightened if she was mad. If there is one thing Landry seems to be able to do, it is get under Tanya’s skin. But when he is not trying to think up new insulting or sarcastic ways to motivate Tanya, Landry cannot help but think of all the wonderful reasons he is coming to care for the little minx.


***** FIVE STARS! The best words to describe Trish Jensen’s fertile imagination are sassy, daring, romantic, bold, and hilarious. In short, it is freaking awesome! Throughout the entire story I could often feel a big grin spreading across my face. Once, while reading at work on break, I laughed out loud just as a small group of ladies passed my department’s door. They stopped and looked at me like I was crazy. But that is what reading a book by Trish Jensen does to me. It makes me happy. The second I opened this book, I knew that I was in for a delightful romp! Tanya’s customers grabbed my attention instantly and when her overly dramatic mother came storming in, I was hooked. You could not have pulled me away from this Italian family if you tried. I feel sorry for anyone who missed this gem. Highly recommended. *****

Author: Carly Phillips
Title - Perfect Fling (Serendipity’s Finest)

Assistant D.A. Erin Marsden is Serendipity’s good girl. She is the daughter of the former police chief, has protective brothers, and no one in town would ever believe that Erin could do anything wrong. But when Cole Sanders shows up, Erin decides to be wild for a single night and spends it in his arms. Though they used protection, Erin eventually realizes she is pregnant.

After seven years of deep undercover work in New York, Cole returns to Serendipity to help his aging father, Jeb. Cole had approached mob bosses, murderers, and drug dealers with more ease than that with which he faced his father again. Cole does not mean to get involved with wholesome Erin, but neither can resist spending one night of blazing passion together.

Erin being pregnant with his baby gives Cole the right to immediately step into the role of bodyguard when she becomes the target of a killer. His feeling for Erin would have caused Cole to protect her even had she not been pregnant; but this way Erin would be foolish to decline his help – as if he would let her. But Cole soon begins to admit that his priorities are changing and perhaps the time has finally come to face the past so that he may have a future with Erin.


**** FOUR STARS! Author Carly Phillips blends romance, comedy, and suspense into a story that is destined to long linger within the minds of its readers. (It certainly did in mine.) But this is the trademark of a good author, which Carly Phillips definitely is. Set in a small town, this has what most suspect; locals who know everything about everyone. This makes for various forms of drama – and Phillips proves that she knows drama. ****

Author: Brenda K. Jernigan
Title – The Choice

Brenna Fox came home from college one day to find bother her parents dead and her little sister, Lisa, shot in the hip. Brenna only knew that something had pushed her father over the line of sanity. The scandal would also cause trouble for her fiancée, Taylor Rothschild. It could even ruin his banking career. Vivian Rothschild, Taylor’s mother, would do anything to keep Brenna from marrying her son. Using the scandal to her advantage, Vivian offered Brenna the money for Lisa’s surgery, but only if Brenna left town forever and never contacted Taylor again. Should Brenna ever tell Taylor of their bargain, she would have to pay all the money back. For Lisa’s sake, Brenna agreed and walked out of Taylor’s life without even saying goodbye. Three years passed.

Brenna settles down in Hollow Ridge, North Carolina, a small town that caters to skiers. Brenna now owns and operates a B&B. Ten-year-old Lisa helps her keep Sleepy Hollow Inn running smoothly and her beloved cook, Geraldine, is a blessing. The last person she expects to see walking through the door is Taylor. But Taylor is not alone. He has a new fiancée.

***** FIVE STARS! Real heroes are those who put the welfare of others before themselves, even if it means sacrificing their happiness. This is exactly the type of person Brenna is. Author Brenda K. Jernigan has a writing style that made it easy for me to understand and care for the characters. The story hooked me on the very first page and did not let go. And the surprising twist toward the end made my mouth fall open. I never saw it coming. I fell so far into the story that the world seemed to fade away and I lost track of time. But it was well worth losing sleep over. I cannot recommend this story highly enough. *****

Author: Maya Banks
Title - Burn (Breathless #3)

Ash McIntyre is all about control, be it in business or in his personal life. The man demands extreme and uncompromising control of everything. And he prefers women who want it like that. But now that his friends/business partners (Jace and Gabe) are settling into relationships with ladies who are perfect for them, Ash cannot help but feel a little restless. Then Ash meets Josie Carlysle, a struggling artist who seems immune to his charms and wealth. Ash is captivated by the woman and determined to place his collar around her delicate neck. Yet once he succeeded in that task, the harder part would begin. Whether she likes it or not, he can and will protect her at all costs.

Josie could not stop herself from sketching the man near her, but she never expected his eyes to zero in on her. The controlled focus of his gaze upon her was a bit overwhelming. Josie is still considering a relationship with the man when her ex-boyfriend shows up at her apartment and gets violent. Ash immediately swoops in to get Josie to safety; and where could she possibly be safer than living with him? Then Ash would deal with the former boyfriend. Between hard business decisions and dealing with his toxic family, Ash has learned to be ruthless.

**** FOUR STARS! The title of this book could have various meanings, but the passion burning between Ash and Josie is so hot that it would be my guess of its meaning. And there are a lot of hot scenes, believe me. There is talk of Dom/sub and what Ash demands of her in the relationship, but he never makes her do anything with an audience and there is no spanking punishments. (BRAVA! I hate it when the woman is treated like a child and/or spanked.) If you have not read the first two books in this trilogy, don’t fret. I am proof that you will still thoroughly enjoy the book. In fact, I am seriously considering going back to read them. The main characters from the two prior stories are secondary characters in this one. They help out Ash here and there, but don’t have vital roles. Yet after reading this story, I feel as though I actually know them. Like many of us ladies, the girls often get together for a “girls night out”. I really enjoyed those scenes. They had so much fun! Anyhow, Maya Banks has a good talent when it comes to painting vivid pictures in her readers’ minds. Everything is clear and believable. Author Maya Banks takes my breath away! ****

Author: Maya Banks
Title - Forged in Steele (KGI Series)

He is called Steele. The KGI team leader is an enigma even to his teammates. His emotions are encased in ice. No one and nothing has ever been able to break through the chill – except Dr. Maren Scofield. After a dangerous mission, Steele lands at Maren’s clinic in Costa Rica so she could tend their wounded before they head back to the States. While there, Steele decides to get the good doctor out of his system with a night of hot passion. But instead, Maren ends up even more under his skin. One night was not going to be enough.

Maren has followed her parent’s footsteps. She became a doctor so she could give medical care to those in need. Until recently, Maren has enjoyed her Costa Rica assignment and has often helped out KGI. But now she has caught the interest of Javier Mendoza, a man who is feared, catered to, and pacified by everyone, including the police.

When word reaches KGI that Maren has gone missing, Steele is determined to be the one to find her. But Mendoza has left Costa Rica for parts unknown, taking Maren with him. Steele’s team considers Maren to be one of their own and make it their priority to locate her. Once she is back safely, Steele would find out what the good doctor was hiding from him. Yet when her secret is revealed, the ice man’s destiny would be forever altered.

*** THREE STARS! This author has a writing style that draws the reader in quickly and lets them understand the characters so well that they almost become real. In this story, the hot bedroom scenes happen quickly and a hint of suspense begins shortly thereafter. However, the real danger does not actually start until close to the middle of the book. For me, it took too long for the main plot to begin. Another thing I noticed is that Steele’s speech during the steamy sections is like those from an erotica novel. (Consider yourself warned of his crude Dom speech in advance readers.) If, like me, this does not faze you, I have no doubt that you will enjoy this exciting adventure. Maya Banks still has a winner in the KGI series. I look forward to the next. ***

Author: Candis Terry
Title - Anything But Sweet

Former Marine Reno Wilder has seen too much turmoil in his life and would be happy to live out the rest of his days in his cozy hometown of Sweet, Texas. He loves the town just the way it is. But the locals want the place to be brought into the twenty-first century and contacted a reality makeover show to come in and give the town a face-lift. So for the next six weeks, Sweet will be overrun by snooty, uptight city folks. When Reno spies the show’s hostess, Charlotte “Charli” Brooks, he immediately shoves her into his stereotype of all city people. She even has a tiny wanna-be dog/poodle named “Pumpkin” of all things. But instead of backing off from his scowls like everyone else, Charli digs in her skyscraper heels.

Charli is a military brat, though she does not look it. Being the daughter of an emotionless military man had taught her patience, so if the gruff marine is expecting her to tremble under his glares and meekly follow his orders, then he has a very long wait in front of him. It is clear that the cowboy needs an overhaul just as much as the town. And Charli plans to show him how fun a little change can be.

**** FOUR STARS! This contemporary romance overflows with a colorful array of characters that I quickly came to care for. The locals are as sweet as the name of their town and I SO enjoyed watching Charli and Reno clash. I can already tell that this series is going to be just plain fun to read! Sassy, romantic, witty, and heartwarming. ****

Author: Susan Andersen
Title - Getting Lucky (Marine, Book 2)

Zach Taylor comes home for a month’s leave to rest and check in on his sister, Glynnis. When he enters the Laguna Beach house it is to discover that Glynnis is not home and a stranger has taken up residence. Glynnis did not have a great track record picking her friends and Zach has no doubt that the little spitfire is out to cheat his sister of her inheritance. Once he learns that his baby sister is engaged to someone named David Beaumont, he sees red. Zach is determined to stop Glynnis from making the horrible mistake of marrying a fortune hunter. But Zach has no idea where his sister is meeting his family and the only way to find her is to let the spitfire come along for the ride.

Lily Morrisette well knows that Glynnis is bad at picking friends, but that is no reason for the control-freak of a brother to automatically assume that she is mooching off of Glynnis. Lily refuses to shut him up by showing one of her huge paycheck stubs. After all, she has done nothing wrong and has no need to prove herself to the bully. And Zach has no right to decide who Glynnis should marry! Lily finally tells Zach that his sister is headed to Washington state to meet his family, but if Master Sergeant Taylor wants to find Glynnis, he will have to take her with him. Lily plans to stand by her friend’s side and keep the marine from ruining his sister’s happiness.

When the pair arrives at their destination it is to find no Glynnis waiting for them. The Beaumont family is hysterical because David and Glynnis have been kidnapped. The ransom note and death threat has everyone in an uproar. Zach is a trained strategist, yet every member of the Beaumont family seems to be going out of their way to make his plans of rescuing his sister impossible! Meanwhile, the heat between Zach and Lily gets hot and the kidnapper’s twisted scheme bring them closer together. But the kidnapper is not the only problem Zach has. Someone else has a grudge with Zach and has followed him up to Orcas Island.

**** FOUR STARS! This story hooked me on the very first page and then whisked me away for a fun ride that I will not soon forget. The entire novel is well written. The author describes the characters and their surroundings in such a way that I could almost see the waves, smell the flowers, and feel the warmth of the sun. Each character has his or her own personality. It made the people believable, more real, to me. The middle of the book is where most stories slow down and often become boring, but the author keeps the reader’s attention in this story with multiple sub plots, such as Lily befriending Jessica (one of the Beaumonts). I thoroughly enjoyed watching Jessica bloom. Suspense, romance, personalities clashing – it’s all in here. However, to me, it is too easy to figure out who the kidnapper is. And when the stalker with a grudge finally makes his move, he is outwitted far too easily. Yet I am very happy to be able to say that I highly recommend this story to all. I can hardly wait for the next book in this series. ****

Author: C.H. Admirand
Title - One Day in Apple Grove

Joe Mulcahy is proud of his three daughters. These he is (supposedly) retired from the family’s handyman business. The oldest daughter is pregnant and temporarily out of the business. The youngest daughter does all the scheduling and paperwork. So now all of the labor work is handled by the middle daughter, Cait. Yes, Joe is proud of his girls – and of his home town, Apple Grove.

Caitlin “Cait” Mulcahy can hardly keep up with all of the daily scheduled places to be and items to fix. She loves her family, but she is beginning to feel the strain. When she sees a vehicle on the side of Eden Church Road, Cait pulls over to offer her help. Besides, it would give her a reason to delay going home and facing her dad after scratching up the truck. Cait is not expecting a little black ball of fuzz to run up and knock her down.

Former Navy medic Jack Gannon had been chasing the black puppy that he had almost hit in the road for over fifteen minutes before it suddenly jumps into the arms of the lovely Cait. Jack decides to take care of the puppy until his owners could be found, but with Jack’s long hours and the house calls that a few of his older patients need, the puppy (later named Jameson) would be left alone all day. To keep Jameson out of trouble, and to give him a reason to keep his pretty rescuer near, Jack agrees to the idea of Cait checking up on the puppy between her house calls. Yet as Jack and Cait become close, he still unable to speak about what happened to him overseas. For the last year and a half, Jack has been able to function normally, without fear that his mental lid would blow off and all the anger, fear, and self-recrimination would spill out into the life he is carving out for himself in Apple Grove, Ohio. No one in town knows the depth of his pain or the extent of his physical injuries.

Cait understands that Jack needs time. She plans to be very patient with the man, but whether he likes it or not, Cait was going to help Jack conquer the demons inside of him.

**** FOUR STARS! Through the vibrant descriptions of C.H. Admirand the little town of Apple Grove springs to life once again. I could almost see the maple trees lining Main Street and smell the buttermilk pie from the diner. This story stands alone, so if you have not read the oldest sister’s story you will not find yourself lost or confused. And if you enjoy trying out new recipes, be sure to look in the front and back of the novel. The recipe for Buttermilk Pie is given in the pages just before the story begins. After you finish reading Cait’s story, you will find the recipe for Blueberry Pandowdy. Being given the recipes that are enjoyed in Apple Grove makes the characters seem a little bit more real to me. As if the pie is tangible proof that these people really exist. And that is exactly how this author’s writing makes me feel – as if I personally know the locals of Apple Grove. C.H. Admirand writes straight from the heart and touches the hearts of all her readers. ****

Author: Lindsay McKenna
Title - Deadly Identity

Susan’s life is a nightmare! When her drug lord husband, Dirk Payson, kills their unborn child, and almost kills her as well, she testifies against him. Entering the Witness Protection Program, she is fine for five years. But when Dirk escapes from prison, her handler moves her to Wyoming and Susan becomes Rachel Carson.

Two years ago Sheriff Deputy Cade Garner lost his wife and daughter, so when he comes across a horrible wreck, his past races to the front of his mind. Cade sees a strange lady (Rachel) trying to get a baby out of the crumpled vehicle. He immediately realizes that his good friend must be dead, but her daughter, Jenny, has survived, making him the baby’s guardian.

Rachel quickly falls in love with Cade, Jenny, and the small town she has entered, but Rachel’s past has not finished with her.

**** FOUR STARS! Lindsay McKenna grabbed my attention quickly and held onto it until the end. However, I found it a bit difficult to believe that Rachel and Cade fell in (true) love so easily – especially since they both have haunting pasts – but I still enjoyed the story. This is not McKenna’s best work, not by a long shot, but I recommend it to any reader wanting a suspenseful book that will make the hours fly by. ****

Author: Katie Lane
Title - Hunk for the Holidays (Christmas Contemporary)

Cassandra “Cassie” McPherson is a workaholic. She has always worked hard for her family’s construction business. She is too busy to socialize. Whenever Cassie needs a date for a party or office function, she simply calls an escort service. So when James shows up Cassie assumes he is her hired escort for the evening’s party. Unlike any of her previous escorts, James not only fills out a tuxedo nicely, but he is intelligent, observant, and extremely charming. For once, Cassie is tempted to do what she never has before – have a one night stand.

James built his company, Sutton Construction, from scratch. It is now a million dollar company. As a workaholic with a growing business, he has had to attend several business parties and mingle with all sorts of women, but he has never met anyone like Cassie before. When James realizes that Cassie believes him to be her hired escort, he goes along with it. By the end of the night James has decided that he wants to spend more time with the lovely spitfire. But before he does, James intends to let Cassie know who he really is: her family’s fiercest business rival. However, James never gets a chance to tell Cassie, thanks to the alcoholic drinks. And he wakes up the next morning to the feel of Cassie doing some wild things to him. Now his dilemma is trying to figure out how to reveal who he is without losing the woman of his dreams.

**** FOUR STARS! Avid readers know that the best thing about the holidays (Oct. – Dec.) is the holiday themed stories that are published. This is one of the most fun and entertaining Christmas romances that I have read in the past few years.

Though the story’s main focus remains on Cassie and James, the author includes a side romance between two secondary characters. Then there is Cassie’s ninety-year-old Aunt Wheezie who is always ready to give love a gentle push – or a hard shove when necessary. Add in a mangy cat and some nosey neighbors and you are guaranteed to be entertained. Highly recommended! ****

Author: Brenda K. Jernigan
Title - September Storm

Danielle “Dani” Kapur works for John Coffee at Coffee Advertising in San Antonio, Texas. His son, Steven, is Danielle’s fiancé. The pair makes plans to spend the weekend on Sea Horse Island, a little island off the coast of North Carolina. But Dani arrives to find that Steven has stood her up – again. A chain of mistakes and coincidences (mostly due to Hurricane Felix) has Dani spending three days on the island in the company of Adrian Massimino. And since the island has no phones, no television, and no vehicles, except for electric golf carts and bikes, Dani has no way to let anyone know what is going on. During those three days, Dani and Adrian face death together and Dani leaves a changed person.

Adrian Massimino is CEO of The Mass Corporation. He is tired of women seeing dollar signs instead of his true self. So when he is in Dani’s company, he does no talk about work, money, or anything that could lead her to believe that he is anything more than a broke playboy. But once the hurricane has passed and Dani has left for home, Adrian finds her missing purse. It is a wonderful excuse to follow Dani (using the address on her driver’s license) and spend a little more time with her. Thanks to a bit of good fortune, Dani has just broken her engagement with Steven. The previously engaged couple did not part as friends.

A few months later, Dani has opened her own advertisement agency and is in direct competition with Coffee Advertising for a contract with Mass Corporation in Manhattan. Adrian is still keeping his occupation a secret from her, so he has his friend and business partner, Marty, sit in on her presentation in his place. The time to admit the truth to Dani never really presents itself and when Dani tells him she is pregnant, Adrian is glad he had kept silent, because he has reason to believe the baby is not his.

**** FOUR STARS! This story begins just as the hurricane is approaching the island and remains nonstop until almost the middle of the book. From there on the pace slows down a bit, but never comes to a halt. Fans of Jayne Ann Krentz’s early work will especially enjoy this story. Krentz used to pair powerful alpha businessmen with independent women who work hard. Often I detected that same flavor, more toward the beginning of the story than the ending. The only thing that is really hard for me to believe (but not impossible) is that Adrian can just hop on a plane and travel across the country to return her purse, yet Dani still believes him to be broke. However, I admit that Dani’s reaction is priceless how and when she finally learns of Adrian’s occupation.

All-in-all, Jernigan has written a terrific romance that readers will read more than once. (I sure will.) Well written, a good pace, and interesting characters add up to make this story a winner! ****

Author: R.C. Ryan
Title - Josh (Wyoming Sky #2)

Josh Conway grew up working hard on the Conway ranch and the mountains were his playground. By the time Josh became an adult, he had built a reputation as a fearless, dependable climber who could be counted on to locate lost hikers who could not be found by the rangers. So when a photographer disappears in the wilderness during a blizzard, Josh is called in to help locate her. But when Josh finds the photographer he is surprised to see that the lady “lost” and in “distress” is doing fine.

Sierra Moore is a professional photographer and veteran hiker. She longs to capture perfect, breathtaking pictures and, perhaps someday, see her work hanging in a gallery. She has braved a snowstorm in the mountains in order to capture Wyoming’s nature at its wildest and most glorious. Sierra has no idea that anyone is worried or searching for her until Josh arrives at her warm tent. Once off the mountain, Sierra accepts Josh’s invitation to wait out the storm at the Conway ranch. The entire Conway family immediately welcomes her and soon Sierra feels as if she has known them forever. That is, except for Josh. That ruggedly handsome cowboy makes her pulse race whenever he is near, and the heat in Josh’s eyes shows that he feels the same about her.

But Sierra has recently become the obsession of a man who refuses to let her go. He has enough money and power to follow Sierra anywhere in the world that she may travel. As he begins to close in on her, Sierra faces the fact that just by being on their ranch, she may be painting a target on the backs of her new friends. And on the man she is falling in love with.

**** FOUR STARS! Unlike many novels these days, the main characters are not extremely hardheaded, so I never felt the urge to slap some sense into them. There is also no big lack of communication either. (I hate it when a story’s plot can be easily wrapped up if only the main couple would speak up.) All the characters from the previous title (Quinn: Wyoming Sky #1) are here, but anyone who has not read it will never feel lost or confused. As always, this author ensures her readers an entertaining day of reading even if a title from one of her series is purchased on of order.

I have never been to Wyoming, but after reading this tale I feel as though a friend went on vacation and brought back lots of awesome photos from their trip. R.C. Ryan did not just mention Sierra snapping off pictures with her camera. Instead, the author described the picturesque scene that drew the photographer’s attention. I could envision the wildlife and/or scenery so well that I even heard myself gasp once in appreciation of the view. (Startled myself.) Absolutely fantastic! ****

Author: Toni Blake
Title - Willow Springs (A Destiny Novel)

Amy Bright is the well-known owner of the bookstore, Under the Covers. She is also well-known as Destiny’s best matchmaker. Her two best girlfriends are finally getting married and Amy is pleased that it is due, in part, to her. But who would help the matchmaker make a match? Amy already knows the man she wants – Logan Whitaker. Amy is completely gaa-gaa over the good looking fireman. Problem is that Amy is too shy to tell her longtime friend how she feels about him.

A fireman is all Logan had ever wanted to be, but after a tragedy on the job, he is rethinking his career choice. After a month of depression, Logan is finally getting better – thanks to Amy. She never gave up on him. Logan is beginning to notice Amy in a different way. Somehow, when he was not looking, Freckles had blossomed. Logan probably would have continued to look differently at Amy if things in town had remained the same as always. Instead, Anna Romo shows up in town. Anna is the little sister of his best friend, Mike. She had been abducted at the age of five. Now, after twenty-five years missing, Anna has returned. And she is knock-out hot!

Feeling unable to compete with Anna’s beauty, Amy is left in the shadows. Knowing she must do something or forever regret it, Amy decides to become Logan’s secret admirer, sending him sensual love letters. The steamy letters do manage to capture his attention, but unless something happens soon, Amy will lose her heart’s desire to Anna and have no one but her cats to love.

* ONE STAR! I have always enjoyed stories by Toni Blake. This is the first time that I feel let down. I cannot help but find it too hard to believe that no one had ever thought of Amy as a potential girlfriend. She was pretty, inside and out. She was honest, loyal, trustworthy, friendly, and (I repeat) pretty. So how could she be over thirty-years-old and still be an innocent virgin? I simply could not bring myself to really believe it. As for Logan, he often came across to me as shallow. He was warming up to Amy when the sight of a more beautiful woman suddenly had him turning his attention elsewhere. He even asked Amy to help set him up with Anna. (Granted it was before he found out Amy was his admirer, but even after he knew, Logan was blinded by Anna’s looks.) No guy could possibly be this dense. Anna’s character is harder to describe. Anna had no idea that anything was blooming between Logan and Amy. When she did know, she never bad mouthed Amy or tried to steal Logan away. She just waited for him to decide what he wanted. So I never felt any hatred toward Anna. Besides, Anna was still reeling from learning that the woman who had raised her was not her real mother AND that she had another entire group of strangers in Destiny who were her biological family. As for Logan, while he was thinking about being in a relationship with Amy, it actually crossed his mind that if it did not work out, then at least he would still have Anna. Well, (in my eyes) that belittled Anna too. For the first time in all of Blake’s wonderful stories, I found the lead male to be a major prick.

I seldom review a book that I do not consider to be worth three, four, or five stars; however, the character of Logan just “burned my biscuits” (as my grandmother would say). Please, if you are considering a good book to buy, I would recommend any other title by this author. Toni Blake really is a fabulous storyteller. *

Author: Christine DePetrillo
Title - Kisses to Remember

Graphic designer Johanna Ware lives and works from her farm in Valentine, Nebraska, with her nine-year-old son, Kameron (Kam). Three years ago, her husband, Alex, made some very bad decisions that got him arrested and their daughter killed. To give Johanna her freedom, Alex had insisted on a divorce. Johanna is grateful to still have the love and support of Alex’s father, Ted, who lives in a cabin on the edge of the farm. When a plane crashes in her field, Johanna rushes to help. One pilot is dead, but the other is not and Johanna pulls the man from the burning wreckage.

Holden Lancaster lives in Texas. He rebuilds old cars, races them, sells them, and then purchases more to fix up. He is also a corporate pilot for Donovan Electronics (DE). When Holden and his co-pilot buddy, Vaughn, discover an invoice that could mean bad news for DE, they bring it to the attention of the CEO, Sabrina Donovan. Shortly thereafter, the two pilots crash their plane in Nebraska. When Holden regains consciousness in the hospital, he feels like a lost puppy. Holden remembers his name and birth date, but little else. The doctor assures Holden that selective amnesia is normally temporary. Holden needs a place to rest and for someone to watch over him due to his concussion. With no other idea of what to do, they call the lady who saved Holden’s life.

Since the man has no memory of family or friends and DE denies ever having him as an employee, Johanna takes pity on Holden. She agrees to let Holden stay in the guestroom for awhile, but she makes it clear that should he do or say anything wrong, especially around Kam, she would toss him out. And Ted makes it very clear that he disagrees with Johanna’s decision to open her home to a stranger and that he would be keeping an extremely close eye on him.

Kam quickly comes to adore the man and even curmudgeonly Ted must admit to liking Holden. When Johanna and Holden begin to explore the growing feelings between them, Kam and Ted approve. But would Holden eventually remember something about his past life that makes it impossible for him to be with Johanna? And just what was it about the plane crash that keeps nagging Holden?

**** FOUR STARS! This story piqued my interest almost immediately and I quickly came to care for the main characters. Kam’s character was my favorite. Hardly ten-years-old, yet the boy charmed me instantly. All the characters have well developed backgrounds and each seems to have his or her own set of quirks. The author’s writing style is smooth, almost sensuous. Its vitality is probably what made me come to care for the Ware family so fast – even surly Ted. The story was easy to follow and the main villain was so truculent that I thoroughly enjoyed hating her.

If you are searching for a warm romance, set in the present date, with lovable characters, humorous scenes, and a bit of suspense, this is it. Christine DePetrillo is a wonderful storyteller with a bright future in front of her. Sweet! ****

Author: C.H. Admirand
Title - Jesse
(Secret Life of Cowboys #3)

Jesse Garahan and his two brothers, Tyler and Dylan, are chipping away at their debt and hanging on to the Circle G Ranch. In the last few months things have been looking up. Tyler and Emily Langley are engaged and set to marry in the Fall. Dylan and Ronnie wed a couple of months ago. Both couples live at the Circle G. The ladies loved Jesse’s brothers enough to let that love spill over and care about him. So Jesse knows he is a lucky man, even if he is not lucky in love. Jesse has had his heart demolished twice and refuses to put the fragile organ back out in the open to be stomped on again.

When Jesse spies a lady stranded on the side of the read with car trouble, he stops to help out. Times are tough and everyone in Pleasure, Texas, is helping their neighbors whenever possible. But from the moment Jesse meets Danielle Brockway and Lacy, her (almost) four-year-old, pixie pink cowgirl daughter, Jesse realizes that he has managed to stumble upon something precious.

Danielle’s former husband had taken their life savings to buy a luxury RV so he could travel the rodeo circuit in style. Even Lacy understands that her father has tossed them away and he would never return. Therefore, it is no wonder that Danielle is fiercely protective of her little girl. And though Lacy has worshipped “cowboy Jesse” from the instant the met, Danielle is not about to let the charmer get close enough to hurt either one of them, no matter how much longing she sees in his eyes. But Lacy wants nothing more than to learn how to ride a horse and for Jesse to be the one to teach her.

Emily and Ronnie quickly decide to give the pair a gentle push. Even Jesse’s brothers come to realize that Danielle and Lacy are exactly what their brother needs. And they are not above enjoying some wicked amusement while lending their ladies a hand. With the help of the people on the Circle G Ranch, it should not take Danielle long to learn a vital lesson about those wild-eyed Garahan brothers. The men work hard, fight hard, and love their land, their women, and their animals … and not necessarily in that order.

*** THREE STARS! The third Garahan brother finally gets his story told as he risks his heart and takes the plunge in to romance. Jesse’s stand-alone tale is not as intense or suspenseful as his brothers’ are, but the author’s wily humor still shines through just as brightly. I am finding it a little difficult to leave the Texas Garahans; however, I have hope that I may someday get to peek within the lives of the Colorado and/or NYC branches of the Garahan family. (Jesse’s cousins seem ripe for stories to me.)

The people in C.H. Admirand’s real life must be very close-knit and interesting in order for her to consistently create such intriguing and virile characters within her novels. And this perfect family-oriented story is just in time for (American) families to get together and celebrate Independence Day. ***

Author: C.H. Admirand
Title - Tyler
(The Secret Life of Cowboys #1)

The Garahan brothers need to make some quick money before they lose the family ranch. To that end, Tyler answers an ad from a club called The Lucky Star. The ad does not clearly state what the club needs help with though. Tyler is surprised to learn that the club is run by women. Tyler has a fondness for redheads, so when the owner, Jolene Langley, walks up, Tyler's interest is piqued. But when the co-owner, Emily Langley, appears, Tyler has to stop and untangle his tongue. Tyler was under the impression that he would be hired as muscle. Hauling kegs to the bar and/or tossing out troublemakers would be easy for him. However, the lovely cousins already have Gwen (a six-foot tall, well muscled Amazonian blonde) to handle those tasks. The Lucky Star is hiring male dancers for the stage. Tyler's first instinct is to decline. But he is unable to walk away from thirty dollars an hour, plus tips. Tyler only hopes that he can keep his two younger brothers from learning that he is stripping (almost nude) to save the ranch.

Jolene and Emily Langley need a good dancing headliner to keep the ladies coming in and spending money. Otherwise the cousins will be unable to keep the bar afloat. The handsome cowboy is the answer to their prayers. Off duty, Jolene is interested in Jake Turner, the big bad fire marshal - though she is trying not to admit it to herself. So Emily has no real hesitation about claiming Tyler for her own. It is obvious to Emily that Tyler's libido warms up whenever she is around too.

The fiery haired angels are as tough as they are beautiful. But when various locals start causing some troubles, the Langley women have to admit that it is nice to have a pair of impressive men to watch their backs. And those scheming locals are about to learn that ladies with hair the color of fire have hot tempers to match.

***** FIVE STARS! This entertaining romp is made special by having two main couples. (But Emily and Tyler get some extra focus.) The women are prickly and the men are tenacious, which often make the story's events more explosive. There are some very interesting secondary characters that spice up the action as well. For those who would like to know, the middle brother, Dylan, will have his story told next. That release date is set (at the time of this review) to be released on January 1, 2012.

Admirand's fertile imagination does more than simply places a male and female together. The author tends to make her characters do some hard clashing and they are often dealing with unusual circumstances. (Such as male dancing to save a ranch.) Not once did I find myself growing bored. Highly recommended. *****

Author: Marie Ferrarella
Title - Special Agent’s Perfect Cover
(Perfect, Wyoming #1)

Special Agent Hawk Bledsoe never thought he would return to his hometown of Cold Plains, Wyoming. He had left shortly after graduation. Carly Finn was supposed to go with him. Hawk had felt his heart shatter when Carly told him that she did not love him and was staying on the family farm. Hawk had left Carly and Cold Plains behind. But the Bureau now has several dead women. The only link between them is that they were from Cold Plains or had been in their recent past. Hawk has recruited three agents for this mission, but only Hawk would actually enter Cold Plains.

When Hawk enters Cold Plains, little is familiar. All the streets have been repaved. Not one piece of litter is in sight. Everyone has a smile plastered on their face. No one wears revealing clothes – not even jeans. Every child is well behaved and their clothing is spotless. It is a picture-perfect town filled with perfect robots. Of course, Hawk knows who is behind the transformation of Cold Plains. Samuel Grayson virtually owns the town. With his charm, good looks, and charisma, Grayson has used the last several years to brainwash everyone. If anyone caused the slightest ripple in Grayson’s town, they disappeared. Some are never seen again. Others are found dead, somewhere outside of Cold Plains. The first time Hawk sees Carly in town he is shocked. She is as robotic as everyone else. But when he drives out to her place to ask her a few questions, Hawk finally gets to meet the spitfire he remembers. He also realizes that the passion between them still sizzles.

Carly Finn hates Cold Plains. Carly had promised her dying mother to look after her baby sister, Mia. Carly had been unable to leave with Hawk. To keep him from giving up his dreams, Carly had lied and told Hawk that she did not really love him. Now he is back and has no idea of the danger he is in or the trouble he could cause. Mia is mesmerized by Grayson and refuses to hear anything negative about the man. Grayson has persuaded Mia to marry a man who is twice her age. The widower’s barren wife is one of the locals that disappeared and Grayson believes Mia will give the man several beautiful children. If Carly cannot somehow stop the wedding, she may have to kidnap her sister in order to save her. Problem is that anytime Carly nears Mia, one of the people from Grayson’s inner circle waylays her. Worse, Grayson has taken a personal interest in Carly. The thought of allowing Grayson to touch her gives Carly the creeps. But Hawk’s touch sets her on fire. If Carly is not careful, Hawk could ruin her years of robotic and submissive acting. Carly could very well fail to protect Mia…or Carly could end up being the next person to disappear.

**** FOUR STARS! This is the first title of a six-book series set in the perfect town of Cold Plains. Each story stands alone and focuses on one main couple. But all the stories share the same (major) villains. You do not have to read all the stories (again, each stands alone) and you do not have to read them in order; however, if you read this series in order, I believe you will enjoy it more.

This story has a brief section where Hawk meets Dr. Rafe Black, who is new to the town. He is pretending to like the town and Grayson’s ideas, but he is actually searching for his missing son. (The mother was one of the dead ladies found nearby.) Rafe Black will have his story told in the third title (A Daughter’s Perfect Secret by Kimberly Van Meter). But by including this short meeting between Hawk and Rafe, the town became a little more believable to me and the FBI mission more intense.

Author Marie Ferrarella has done a wonderful job of laying down a solid foundation upon which the next five stories will build. ****

Author: Linda Conrad
Title - Rancher’s Perfect Baby (Perfect, Wyoming #2)

Broke, pregnant, abandoned, and alone, Susannah Paul had no idea how she would survive, much less be a decent mother. So when she was found by Samuel Grayson, Susannah was relieved to let him handle all her troubles. Everyone in Cold Plains, Wyoming, was kind and helpful. Grayson’s Devotees were generous and really seemed to care about people. Susannah had been proud when she became a Devotee and was tattooed. But that has all changed.

As Susannah’s delivery date neared she moved in with the midwife, May Frommer. Susannah gives birth to a little girl, Melody. May begins informing Susannah about how Grayson abhors anyone who is not perfect, and that people, including babies, who were not perfect tended to disappear. Susannah believes her daughter IS perfect, but Melody has a large raspberry-colored birthmark covering her ear and halfway down her neck. Susannah could not risk losing her baby. So when Jonathan Miller (one of Grayson’s friends and the vice-mayor of Cold Plains) shows up, Susannah grabs her two-week-old little girl and runs for the woods.

Nathan Pierce is kept busy runny the family ranch. That is how he likes it. He seldom sees his ghost of a brother, Derek, who cares only for his high tech gadgets and computers, and his father, Evan, is constantly grumpy. Nathan and Evan rarely have discussions or conversations, but they have plenty of loud arguments. But today would be different. Nathan knows it the instant he finds a beautiful lady and infant asleep in the hay. Obviously Susannah is terrified. Nathan can easily see she is exhausted and the baby is too quiet. Learning that the lady is a Devotee, Nathan’s first instinct is to feed her, give her some money, and send her on her way. But Melody is so precious and way too quiet for his comfort. Nathan has Maria, the family’s housekeeper, tend mother and daughter while he fetches Dr. Rafe Black, the only one who does not seem to kiss Grayson’s shoes.

Per Dr. Black, Susannah and Melody need to remain on the ranch for a couple of weeks. Nathan decides to use the time to help Susannah. The woman already realizes that the Devotees are not what she had previously believed, yet she refuses to believe that Grayson is a monster. But Nathan knows Grayson to be a slippery con man and that he probably had a hand in killing his ex-wife, Laurel. Before Laurel’s death, Nathan had been studying on how to give exit counseling for ex-cult members. Though he could not help Laurel in time, perhaps he could help Susannah. As time passes, Nathan comes to care more and more for Susannah and Melody. Susannah has a way with people. Derek is around more often. His father has eased up some and adores her. His autistic niece, Sara, took an instant interest in Susannah – something that has never happened before. His entire family is changing for the better. And personally, Nathan hates the thought of Susannah and Melody eventually leaving. But Grayson and his goons have not given up on getting the pair back. As long as Grayson runs Cold Plains, neither Susannah, nor Melody, is safe.

*** THREE STARS! This sweet romance is the second title in the “Perfect, Wyoming series”. There are six titles in all. This is a stand-alone story, but unless you read the first book (Special Agent’s Perfect Cover by Marie Ferrarella), the horrible danger that Susannah and Melody are in will not really shine through. Grayson’s character plays a very minor role. He has no vital part in this tale. Susannah and Nathan’s relationship is the main focus. Miller (Grayson’s goon) is the real villain in this story and he is mostly just an annoying pest and bully.

The author includes an interesting minor character named Sara. Sara is around the age of seven. She was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. Nathan is her legal guardian. Though Sara’s character is not essential for the story itself, I believe Sara to be a nice touch. Sara adds some charm to the book. She is also used as part of the bridge that would link Susannah and Nathan together, by letting Susannah witness Nathan’s tender side with children. (Not to mention that readers will actually learn a bit about autistic children.)

Special Agent Hawk Bledsoe, from the previous novel, has a cameo or two. Dr. Rafe Black does too. In fact, Rafe’s story is told in the next title (Daughter’s Perfect Secret by Kimberly Van Meter). Linda Conrad has done a very good job of showing that Grayson’s evil reach is not limited to only Cold Plains. I can hardly wait to read more in this series. ***

Author: Kimberly Van Meter
Title - A Daughter's Perfect Secret
(Perfect, Wyoming #3)

About one year ago, Dr. Rafe Black did something totally out of character. He had a one-night-stand with Abby Michaels. Three months ago, a terrified Abby called Rafe. Abby informed Rafe that she had recently given birth to his son, Devin, and they were both in danger. Rafe wired Abby money and set up a time and place for them to meet. Abby failed to show up at their meeting spot. Soon afterward, Rafe found out why. Abby was dead and there was no sign of Devin.

Rafe leaves his huge, successful career and moves to Cold Pains, Wyoming, to practice medicine. Rafe knows Samuel Grayson has Devin somewhere in the town and he must search carefully. Grayson has become very influential and runs the town. Rafe has the help of Hawk Bledsoe, an undercover FBI agent who had grown up in Cold Plains before it became Grayson's stomping ground. The FBI has been after the cult leader for quite some time, but Grayson always manages to get away. This time Bledsoe is determined to have a lot more hard evidence of Grayson's various crimes before taking him into custody. Rafe understands the need to take Grayson down permanently, but the waiting and pretending to admire Grayson is torture. There is no one else in town that Rafe can trust or ask for help. Even (model-perfect) person in town seems to worship the con man.

Darcy Craven did not know she was adopted until her mom, Louise, revealed the secret from her deathbed. Her biological mother, Catherine, had given Darcy to Louise so her daughter would be safe. Catherine would occasionally send Louise a postcard, just to let her know that she was still alive. But the cards stopped coming a few years ago. After Louise's funeral, Darcy goes to Cold Plains armed only with a photograph of Catherine buried deeply in her purse. Darcy is still shocked from learning that her biological father is the sleazy, but very powerful, Samuel Grayson and that he (more than likely) is the cause of Catherine's disappearance. But there is a slim chance that Catherine is still alive.

Cold Plains was the Bermuda Triangle of the Midwest. People came in, but did not always leave alive. Grayson runs the town with an iron fist. Every local resident is beautiful. No one is ugly. No one is overweight. Everyone is totally devoted to Grayson and attends nightly lectures at the town's community center. Darcy must keep a low profile and try to blend in with all the sheep around her. The only person in town who does not seem to be totally under Grayson's thumb is her boss, Dr. Rafe Black. But the doctor seems to like Grayson and is slowly becoming a Devotee. No matter how attracted she is to Rafe, Darcy cannot trust him. Should Grayson ever learn that his daughter was in town, Darcy would never learn what happened to Catherine. And Darcy's life would be in danger.

***** FIVE STARS! This is the third title (out of six) in the “Perfect, Wyoming Series”. From the first page, until the last, I could not tear myself away. Both main characters, Rafe and Darcy, have a lot at stake. Danger surrounds them constantly. Trust is not easy to come by. Grayson is stepping up his game and the suspense is intense! If you have not read the previous titles of this series, you will not find yourself lost or confused. This story stands alone. If you have read them, then chances are you are already aware of Rafe’s situation from the cameos he had in each. A few of the characters from the earlier stories make brief appearances, but the main focus is on Rafe and Darcy. My advice is to order out dinner before you begin reading this “Perfect, Wyoming” episode. Awesome! *****

Author: Jennifer Morey
Title - Lawman’s Perfect Surrender
(Perfect, Wyoming #4)

After three years of marriage to her abusive husband Jed, Gemma Johnson is now a free woman. Gemma has moved to Cold Plains to start over. The seminars by Samuel Grayson have been helping Gemma heal. Grayson is the most important and influential man in town. He seems to care about everyone in Cold Plains. So when Jed suddenly appears, beats her, and threatens her life, Gemma is relieved by Grayson’s concern for her. Chief of Police Bo Fargo agrees with Grayson’s suggestion that Police Deputy Ford McCall should stay with Gemma until Jed is located and arrested.

Ford is a cop that plays by the rules. As a teenager, his entire family had been murdered, so doing what is right and fighting for justice means everything to Ford. Protecting Gemma is certainly no hardship for him. Ford’s only problem is his attraction to her. One touch and both of them seem to lose control. Desire takes over.

As much as Ford wants Gemma, he is unable to fully trust her. Gemma believes Grayson can do no wrong. But when Jed turns up dead and Gemma’s bracelet is found at the scene, she begins to pay closer attention to the rumors about Grayson’s inner circle and how the people who caused Grayson any trouble ended up missing.

*** THREE STARS! This is the fourth title (in a six book series) about the town of Cold Plains. My only big problem with this story is concerning Jed’s death. Originally, Fargo called Ford and informed him that Jed had been shot and was dead. (Never again was being shot mentioned. No gun or rifle was ever mentioned either.) Yet when Ford arrived at the crime scene, Fargo said that someone had knocked Jed unconscious and then hanged him. After going back and reading the phone call again, just to make sure I was not mistaken about Jed being shot and not hanged, I had to put this book aside for a few hours. The story was simply no longer believable to me. This was no minor typo that I could easily overlook. However, Jennifer Morey is a talented writer. After a few hours away, I came back. I simply had to know what would happen next.

Grayson and Fargo are getting desperate. The next is slowly closing around them. This also means that the situation is becoming even more dangerous. I can hardly wait to read the next installment. ***

Author: Loreth Anne White
Title - The Perfect Outsider (Perfect, Wyoming #5)

June Farrow arrived in Cold Plains, Wyoming, three months ago. She is a part-time paramedic with the Cold Plains Urgent Care Center and a SAR (Search and Rescue) volunteer. At least, that is June’s cover. Five years ago June lost her husband and son due to a cult. Now June’s life mission was running halfway houses for cult members who want to “escape”. June’s current safe house had been built by an eccentric architect-turned-survivalist. The large home was built in a deep warren of caves where he lived off-grid until his death. It is inaccessible by road. Currently there are five people hidden in the safe house. Three more are past due their arrival time.

Lacy Matthews and her three-year-old twins were lost in the woods, running from Grayson’s people. June and Eager, her K9, are tracking Lacy and the girls when they come across an injured man in a ravine. He has a nasty cut on his head and his leg is bleeding. He also has a gun that had recently been fired. Unable to leave the man to die, June takes him to the safe house for treatment. The man claims to remember nothing. Not even his name. June decides to call him “Jesse”. (The name is on his belt.) Jesse is to be kept locked in a room. After all, he could be a cult enforcer, violent and potentially deadly to everyone she was trying to protect in the hidden house. No one recalls ever seeing Jesse in Cold Plains, but he has a Devotee tattoo on his hip. Once Lacy and the twins are finally in the safe house, Lacy claims that Jesse is the man she ran into while in the woods; however, Lacy had been running away with her daughters and has no idea if Jesse had been shooting at her or the goons chasing her.

Jesse has no idea why he had been in the woods and he does not recall shooting his gun. It is hard for Jesse to believe that he would intentionally harm anyone, especially a woman and her kids. As Jesse spends time in June’s company and sees her devotion to helping others, he cannot help but feel drawn to her. But the word “cult” and the name “Samuel Grayson” sound very familiar to him. Jesse needs to find the reasons for his feelings of guilt and remorse. He needs to go to Cold Plains and find Grayson. Everything is tied to Grayson.

***** FIVE STARS! This is the fifth title (in a six-book long series) about the town of Cold Plains. All the titles are stand-alone stories; however, unless you read them all (and in order), you will not feel the full impact of danger and suspense. The only thing holding Special Agent Hawk Bledsoe back from arresting Grayson is the lack of evidence pointing directly to the sociopathic con artist. Grayson has gone to great lengths to ensure that nothing illegal (especially murder) could be traced back to him. For those following the series, Dr. Rafe Black has a couple of cameos in this story too. The doctor’s search for his infant son is an ongoing subplot throughout the series.

Author Loreth Anne White has succeeded in upping the tension for readers. More than once I found myself on the edge of my seat. I could almost feel Grayson’s anger toward the story’s end. Grayson’s perfect society is teetering on its pedestal. His years of hard work on the town’s locals are falling apart and about to come tumbling down. The entire situation is explosive and time is quickly counting down. Excellent! *****

Author: Carla Cassidy
Title - Mercenary’s Perfect Mission
(Perfect, Wyoming #6)

Micah has been a mercenary for many years. When he hears that one of his former high school girlfriends has been murdered, Micah calls Special Agent Hawk Bledsoe and identifies himself as Samuel Grayson’s fraternal twin. As he is leaving to meet with Bledsoe, one of Samuel’s henchmen puts a bullet in Micah’s head and leaves him for dead. Samuel now believes Micah is dead. Instead, Micah comes out of a three-month coma with the driving need for revenge. He travels to Cold Plains, Wyoming, and begins working with the FBI to bring Samuel down. This is not just another job for Micah. This is a personal mission of retribution.

After seeing Samuel kill a man in cold blood, Olivia Conner runs for the woods. Thankfully, Olivia has her toddler, Sam, with her at the time. However, Olivia’s three-year-old son, Ethan, is still somewhere in Cold Plains. Olivia has no idea whether Samuel realizes that she saw him murder a man or not. For two days Olivia searched the woods for the rumored safe house. Two days with no food or sleep. Two days of trying to keep her baby calm and quiet. Finally, she is found by Micah and escorted to the hidden cave safe house. Though Micah greatly resembles his brother in appearance, the two are totally different inside. Olivia cannot help her attraction to the dangerous mercenary, but she also understands that once Samuel is brought down, Micah will leave.

Micah knows that he could love Olivia is he allowed himself to, so he decides to keep his distance. It is said that the town’s missing people are being held in secret rooms or basements. If Micah could locate Samuel’s prisoners, chances are good that Olivia’s son would be with them. The odds were also good that Dr. Rafe Black’s missing son, Devin, would be found there too. For the first time in his life, Micah has people counting on him and he has no intensions of letting them down. Especially not the green-eyed mother who is making him yearn for the impossible.

**** FOUR STARS! If you have been following this series, eager to see Samuel brought to justice, then you must not miss this story. Several of the loose strings that have been dangling for so long are finally neatly tied up. I thought that this series was to only be six-books long; however, the ending to this story has me wondering. The series could either end here or one more title could be added for full closure. I guess it depends on the publisher.

Most of this story focuses on Micah and Olivia, but some sections switch to secondary characters (who were main characters in previous titles and still have a bit of unfinished business with Samuel.) I could not help but feel these sections were rushed, but the scene hopping was not too bad. All-in-all, a good addition to the series. ****

Author: Jill Shalvis
Title - Lucky in Love (Lucky Harbor #1)

In the Washington State beach town of Lucky Harbor, Mallory Quinn is an ER nurse. While in the diner one night with Amy Michaels and Grace Brooks, a freak snow storm blows a tree through the window. One of the limbs knocks out the mysterious new guy in town. This is how Mallory first meets Ty Garrison.

Mallory does her best to meet some tough expectations from family and work. Recently she has been trying to begin a Health Services Center (HSC). Mallory is the local good girl. She is expected to date Mr. Right. But she wants to take a risk on a Mr. Wrong for a change and take a brief walk on the wild side. No one could be more wrong than Ty Garrison. He has made it very clear that he is just passing through, which suits Mallory just fine.

Ty is only in town while he is recuperating from injuries he received from plane wreck. Dr. Josh Scott is the man in charge of Ty’s medical care until Ty was cleared and ready to return to duty. In the meantime, he would gladly take Mallory up on her Mr. Wrong offer. But the just-for-fun fling becomes something more. For the first time in his life, Ty cannot bear to leave. She is making him desire things he should not – such as leaving the military for good.

***** FIVE STARS! The character of Mallory comes across as a caring angel. Most doctors and nurses become desensitized after years of seeing heartbreaking things in an emergency department. Most emergency professionals must become this way. If not, they would be no good to the people they are trying to help. They need dry eyes and a clear, sharp mind to evaluate and tend to their patients. Mallory is one of the rare professionals who is able to keep her heart soft while also remaining level headed enough to aid those in need.

It is obvious that Jill Shalvis either did some serious research in the emergency medical field or has some personal experience. The wild and hectic scenes in the emergency room, as well as the variety of personalities among the patients, are described perfectly. (I can honestly say that due to years of personal experience.) This is not the first book by this author that I have read, but it is the best. In the past I would have said that Jill Shalvis was a very good author. Now she is on my “must read” list. I could not be more impressed. BRAVA! *****

Author: Jill Shavis
Title - At Last (Lucky Harbor #2)

Amy Michaels knows that acting out and rebelling is normal behavior for teenagers. But when Amy says she was a horrible teenager, she means far worse than what most people could imagine. At the age of sixteen, after an especially ugly night in Miami, Amy left home. From then on it was all about survival. Amy's most fond memories come from when her grandmother would tell her bedtime stories about Lucky Harbor, a small Washington coastal town. Amy's most cherished possession is her grandmother's journal in which she wrote, in detail, about the special summer in which she hiked the trails and relaxed in Lucky Harbor. It was the life-altering summer in that her grandmother had found hope, peace, and heart. The journal is the reason Amy is now in Lucky Harbor. Using the journal as a guide, Amy plans to follow her grandmother's footsteps. By doing so, Amy intends to find her own hope and peace, if not heart. What Amy did not intend on doing is getting lost while hiking. And when Amy calls an S.O.S. to her best friend, she did not expect Matt Bowers to be the one sent to rescue her.

Matt Bowers, former military and former cop, is a supervisory forest ranger for the North district. Matt does not let anyone get too close. But something about the feisty beauty caught his eye the moment he first saw her in the diner. Since Amy became a waitress, Matt has been eating at the diner much more often - but only when Amy works and he always sits in Amy's section. After a hot night under a starry sky, Matt cannot deny their attraction - or the fact that he feels the stirrings of something more. Yet to win Amy's heart, he first has to earn her trust.

**** FOUR STARS! In this wonderful addition to the Lucky Harbor series, the story focuses on Amy, the tough city girl, and Matt, the man with an addiction to Dr. Pepper. There is also a subplot involving a young runaway who has trouble dogging her heels. The subplot not only adds a bit of suspense, but also helps Amy open up about her past and to bring the main couple together more often.

Jill Shalvis writes powerful, hard hitting Contemporary Romances filled with normal people, who have been hurt before, yet yearns for more. People who are willing to risk everything for a chance at love. ****

Author: Dee Davis
Title - Deadly Dance
(A-Tac #5)

A-Tac was founded over fifteen years ago by the CIA. The elite team used Sunderland College as its cover. The black-ops CIA unit masquerade as Ivy League faculty. (Each member has been trained as academicians and as covert operatives.) Their headquarters were located in a secret command center beneath the building that shared their acronym.

Hannah Marshall is an intelligence specialist for A-Tac. She usually acts behind the scenes, but for this mission she has a front row seat. One of the college students goes missing. Shortly thereafter, Hannah's assistant, Tina, gets a gruesome video in her email. Unsure whether the video is a sick prank or not, Tina shows the video to Hannah. The video has enough clues to lead A-Tac to where it had been filmed. This is where they find the missing student's body.

Harrison Blake is A-Tac's computer guru. Nine years ago, his twin sister was murdered by a serial killer who was dubbed the Cyber Killer. When A-Tac locates the student's body, Harrison realizes that the Cyber Killer may have resurfaced. As the danger escalates, so does the attraction between Hannah and Harrison, though neither feels ready for a relationship.

Hannah and Harrison must face their horrible pasts if they are to have a chance of a future together. Yet at the same time, they must race to outwit a sadistic killer who always manages to stay one step ahead of A-Tac.

*** THREE STARS! There is more to this fast paced story than first meets the eye. With each received video, the team sets out in a frenzied search for answers, with little hope of finding the victim alive. As the reader, I had no doubt that the killer was more than he appeared. Each murder was gruesome and filled with obvious malice. However, the tension and suspense did not seem to reach out and grab me by the throat (as the previous A-Tac novels had) until toward the end. Still, this story is a good addition to the series and I look forward to the next adventure. ***

Author: Melinda Leigh
Title - She Can Run

When Elizabeth "Beth" Baker uncovered a dangerous secret about her husband, Congressman Richard Baker, he tried to kill her. For ten months, Beth and her kids have been running for their lives. Beth is glad to be hired as the caretaker of an estate in Westbury, Pennsylvania. She is very experienced with horses. The Dutch Colonial Manor is secluded, remote, and secure. Her kids would be able to leave her sight without Beth worrying for their safety constantly. She arrives to find that her new employer has suddenly died and his handsome nephew, Jack, has inherited the estate. With nowhere else to go, Beth must try to keep Jack from learning her secrets. But this will not be easy, because Jack is a former homicide detective who is smart, naturally suspicious, and is able to see more than she would like.

Due to a knee injury, Jack O'Malley has been forced into retirement. He is still grieving Uncle Danny's death when a lady arrives claiming to be the estate's new caretaker. With Beth is Katie, her seven-year-old daughter who is terrified of men for some reason, and Ben, her twelve-year-old son who is very protective and wise beyond his years. Not only is Jack instantaneously attracted to Beth, but her children are remarkable. All Jack's instincts are screaming to him that Beth and the kids are running from someone or something. Feeling protective, Jack cannot ask too much or he would wake up to find them gone. So Jack must quietly get his answers another way.

In the meantime, a local woman is killed by a serial killer who seems to have made his way to their area. Beth fits the profile of the women that the Riverside Killer selects as targets. Jack must figure out how to gain the trust of Beth, while also trying to keep her and the kids safe from two dangerous - and very real - threats.

***** FIVE STARS! This story grabbed my attention on the first page and refused to let go. Unlike most stories, this one does not slow down in the middle. The danger is immediate and the suspense is constant throughout the entire tale. Readers are not stuck with one character's view point either. Instead, the story is seen from the eyes of several - including Beth's powerful politician husband and the killer's. The killer's identity is kept quiet until the very end. This means that readers will love testing their wits against a who-dunnit mystery, as well as enjoying a wonderful romance filled with charming and believable people. Stellar! *****

Author: Lisa Marie Rice
Title - Into the Crossfire (A Protectors Novel: Navy SEAL)

At Grand Port Maritime in Marseilles, France, a man stumbles across knowledge about a terrorist attack that would turn America's Manhattan into a wasteland. Before his death, the man manages to send out detailed information, hidden within some files due for translation, to a translation agency in San Diego.

When Nicole Pearce had learned a year ago that her father had brain cancer, she immediately quit her job with the UN in Geneva to care for him. Nicole now resides in San Diego. She lives with and cares for her father in the house left to her by her grandmother. Her father is now in stage-four and Nicole's life revolves around keeping her father comfortable and getting work for the translation agency that she has recently opened. The last thing she needs is to become involved with a man. But when she finds herself locked out of her office and an important call is imminent, Nicole agrees to a date with her secretive neighbor in exchange for him getting the agency's door open. Sam leaves her breathless whenever he is near and Nicole is tempted to offer herself to him. But she feels a relationship is impossible; her father is her first priority - always.

Sam Reston owns Reston Security. His company is a huge success. But the best part is that Sam and his brothers secretly work together to help women, often with children, escape the powerful and violent men in their lives. Sam's Navy SEAL training comes in handy for his undercover operations and dealing with trouble. Sam has wanted Nicole since the day she moved into the office across the hall. After one date with Nicole, Sam knows he wants more. He refuses to let her out of his life simply because she takes care of her father. Due to his past, Nicole's obvious love and loyalty for her dad only makes her more irresistible. When it becomes apparent that Nicole is the target of an assassin, Sam begins doing what he does best; he deals with unexpected and deadly trouble.

**** FOUR STARS! Lisa Marie Rice blends together equal parts of action, danger, and suspense with a heaping pound of hot romance to deliver this mouth watering dish to her readers. All the main and secondary characters have well developed backgrounds. No part of the story came across to me as outrageous or unbelievable. I want more! ****

Author: Christina Skye
Title - At Home By the Sea

Grace Lindstrom did not grow up in a warm, loving family. No siblings. No father. She has only bad memories of her mother. Around the young age of eleven, Grace's mother went to the store and never returned. Grace's grandfather, a vet named Peter Lindstrom, picked her up and took her to live with him on Summer Island. Her life on the Oregon Coast was finally stable and secure.

Today people believe Grace to be serene and unflappable. She is strong, independent, and traveling the world. She earns her living by researching and writing about historical cooking, how breads were made and foods were preserved. But her calm, cool exterior is all an act. After several years in love, her financé dies in a plane crash and Grace learns that nothing she had known about him was true. It was one betrayal too many and Grace never wants to lose herself to love again. Until one snowy night, while rescuing a mother cat and her litter or two kittens and one puppy, Grace meets the man she has always dreamed of.

Noah McLeod works for the government. He is part of a select, top-level unit that had been put together and staffed by experts to deal with unknown explosives. There is no room for emotions that could confuse and distract him while on a job. He cannot tell anyone what his profession is. Not even his parents. But Noah never wanted to be in a serious relationship until he met Grace, in her expensive outfit, diving into a dumpster during a blizzard to rescue abandoned pets. Yet when Grace's grandfather becomes ill and she must return to Summer Island (which is on the other side of the country), Noah realizes he cannot live without her.

Grace and Noah are both scared of what they feel for each other. Grace is not sure that she can open her heart again, especially to a man that will not or cannot even tell her what he did for a living. But Noah is determined to weave their lives together, no matter what it takes.

**** FOUR STARS! This is what I call a "Feel Good" story. The first half of the book is Grace and Noah coming together. Grace meets Noah's family and she sees the type of love and comfort that she has always dreamed of finding someday. The second half is on Summer Island, a place where Grace realizes she could be safe while honoring commitments to her grandfather, to her friends, and to her own dreams. On Summer Island, Grace has two close friends named Jilly and Caro. Each had rough or lonely childhoods and there were all looking for a place to belong, a home. The three women take on the daunting task of restoring the old Harbor House and turning it into a yarn store and cafe. In this story, Caro is pregnant. Her story, involving Lt. Gage Grayson, is told in the previous title, The Knitting Diaries. You do not have to read Caro's tale to enjoy this one. Each story stands alone. I am pretty sure that Jilly's tale will be next, but at the moment of this review, I cannot locate a title or a set release date for it.

This book is for readers who enjoy realistic romances. You will not find a hunt for a killer, dead bodies, or anything else of the like. Instead, this is a crafty story that is made special by the author's personal writing style, close friendships formed during difficult times, good knitting, and chocolate. (We can never, never omit the chocolate!) Christina Skye writes ambivalent stories that never fails to touch my heart. ****

Author: Christie Craig
Title - Don't Mess with Texas (Book 1)

As the story opens, Nikki Hunt is having the worst night in her entire life. Nikki divorced Jack Leon, a high priced lawyer with the Brian and Sterns Law Firm, over a year ago. Since then Nikki has refused his phone calls and given away the flowers the man had sent weekly. Yet now Nikki is flat broke and is actually considering taking Leon back simply so she could afford to pay her grandmother's cable bill. Figuring it could not hurt her to at least have dinner with her ex, Nikki agrees to meet Leon. Her ex's attitude immediately begins tap dancing on Nikki's last nerve. He then leaves the table to take a phone call and Nikki is stuck with the expensive restaurant bill - which she cannot afford. Then she finds his body stuffed in the trunk of her car and loses her two-hundred-dollar meal all over his three-thousand-dollar suit.

Dallas O'Connor is a former cop who had once been unfairly accused and convicted of murder. He spent over a year in prison before evidence proved he had been framed. He and two others began their PI agency named "Don't Mess with Texas". The agency specialized in wrongly accused cases.

Dallas O'Connor is with his brother, Detective Anthony "Tony" O'Connor, when the homicide call comes in. One look at Nikki and Dallas's gut instincts begin screaming that she is innocent. Tony is the lead detective in the case. Unable to stop himself, Dallas convinces Nikki to hire him, even after she loses more of her expensive dinner on his shoes and shirt. All the evidence points toward Nikki. Dallas agrees with Tony that it looks like an easy case to close, but Dallas knows from experience that evidence can be misleading. And Dallas hopes that a little late-night "undercover" work will help him prove Nikki is innocent.

**** FOUR STARS! Christie Craig blends humor, romance, and homicide to create an intriguing and off-the-wall-type of mystery for her readers. This is a fast paced story that brings together an eccentric cast of characters, each with his own set of quirks, to the party. The result is unmitigated chaos that succeeded in capturing my attention quickly and holding it tightly until the very end. I loved every minute that I spent with my nose stuck in the book and I am looking forward to the next PI's story. ****

Author: Kimberly Van Meter
Title - Sworn to Protect (Native Country #1, RS #1666)

Set on the Hoh reservation in Washington (state). Iris Beaudoin and Mya Jonson have been friends their entire lives. As they grew up, the bane of Iris's existence had been Mya's older brother, Sundance "Sonny" Jonson. Today Mya is the resident doctor at Healthy Living, the urgent care facility on the reservation. Iris is the lead nurse. Sonny is the tribal police officer.

As the story opens, Iris is regaining consciousness in the Healthy Living's emergency room and Mya is examining her while trying to keep composed. Iris had been found alongside a road. Lately Iris has started seeing Sonny differently. To distract herself last night, Iris had gone out to the only bar on the rez for some dancing and Karaoke. This is the last Iris can recall. Yet the evidence from the Mya's examinations clearly proves that Iris had been drugged, beaten, physically assaulted, and then left for dead. The very last person that Iris wants on the case is the man she has become so attracted to, Sonny.

The reservation may only cover one mile, but the population has exploded. As the only tribal officer, Sonny is constantly running from one call to the next and his requests for another tribal officer keeps being denied. Sonny and Iris had never been friends in the past, but Sonny cannot deny that he has become very attracted to Iris. But before Sonny can do anything about it, Iris is assaulted. Sonny has always borne the weight of his responsibilities with stoic resolve. He is normally hard as granite and as unrelenting as a puma on the hunt. However, seeing Iris in the emergency room almost has him coming unglued.

Weeks pass as Sonny follows every small lead. Iris is suffering from post-traumatic stress. Her body has healed, but her psyche has not. Iris has been unable to bring herself to even think about leaving her house. Unable to watch Iris wither away, Sonny shoulders the hard task of bringing her back to the land of the living, whether she likes it or not. To help Iris feel secure enough to brave society, Sonny gives her Saaski. Saaski is a wolf-shepherd hybrid guard dog. He is one year old and the commands Saaski has been taught are in Navajo. Yet when Iris goes back to work and a young teen is victimized, Iris knows she can no longer ignore doing all she can to unlock her memories. Even if regaining those memories paints a target on her back.

***** FIVE STARS! Author Kimberly Van Meter tackles one of the harder crimes to insert into a romance story. It is obvious that the author did plenty of research on medical procedures for assault cases, as well as on post-traumatic stress. I am impressed with the way Van Meter handled the details from Iris's point-of-view. My heart broke for Iris more than once. The suspense kept me riveted and I ruined my nails as events began to quickly unfold. I can hardly wait to begin Mya's story, titled "Cold Case Reunion". *****

Author: Kimberly Van Meter
Title - Cold Case Reunion (Native Country #2, RS #1699)

Angelo Tucker left the Hoh reservation fifteen years ago. His younger brother, Waylon, had been murdered, his case was never solved. His grandfather died one year later. Angelo not only left behind the place full of bad memories, but also turned his back on his people. Angelo had been next in line to be hereditary chief. In the eyes of the tribe, Angelo became a traitor when he bailed on them. But worst of all, Angelo abandoned his fiancé, Mya Jonson.

Angelo is now an agent with the FBI. When the body of a fellow agent, Byron Hicks, is found on the bank of the Hoh River with a single bullet wound to the back of the head, Angelo must return to the reservation for answers. When Angelo enters the Healthy Living facility he comes face-to-face with Mya Jonson, who is the resident doctor at the clinic. Seeing Mya again throws Angelo's carefully ordered world into chaos.

Angelo's partner is Grace Kelly, a woman who is nothing like her famous namesake in appearance or disposition. Grace begins learning much about her partner and it does not take her Army infantry training for Grace to realize that everyone on the reservation is hostile toward Angelo. The pair hope to leave the area quickly, but when facts show that the deceased agent's death is directly related to Waylon's unsolved case of long ago, Angelo is hooked more securely than a fish from the Hoh River on the end of a fishing rod.

Waylon's death had been the cataclysm for so much and so many. Mya tells Angelo straight-up that she will work with him in a professional capacity only and that he should not expect others on the rez to be so accommodating. Angelo's past rejection had hurt her more than he could ever possibly imagine and she desperately wants to see him gone. Yet once Mya learns that Waylon's death is somehow connected, she agrees to help him. All the while Mya tells herself that she is helping only for Waylon's sake and that she can keep her heart locked tighter than a drum until Angelo finally leaves for good.

**** FOUR STARS! This book begins only a short time after "Sworn to Protect" ends. The previous title involves Mya's older brother, Sonny, and her best friend, Iris. Readers do not have to read Sonny/Iris's story in order to thoroughly understand and enjoy this one. (Sonny is the tribal police officer and Iris is the clinic's lead nurse. I cannot help but feel bad for anyone who misses their suspenseful story, so I feel compelled to mention it here.)

Though Mya is the doctor for the reservation, little of her medical training is actually utilized in the story. Well, not nearly as much as I would have hoped. The tribe is proud of Mya and only with her by Angelo's side, soothing the way, would anyone consider speaking to the man that they consider to be a traitor. Yet this is also a wonderful (and sneaky) way for the author to glue Mya and Angelo together, forcing them to confront their past.

Author Kimberly Van Meter writes with a passionate zealousness that readers cannot help but love. ****

Author: Jacquie D'Alessandro
Title - Summer at Seaside Cove

At the age of twenty-six, Jamie Newman's life overflows with way too much drama. Her family owns and operates a busy, upscale restaurant located in Manhattan's theatre district. Maggie, Jamie's mother, has long been a drama queen, seemingly unable to make even the easiest of her own decisions. Heather is Jamie's teenaged niece, who is a drama empress. She is not only trying to figure out why boys seem so stupid to her, but is very angry at her mother, Laurel, for totally ignoring her. Laurel is Jamie's older half-sister. Laurel grew up with lots of money and is extremely selfish. Jamie's father died a few years ago and, somehow, Jamie has found herself tossed into the position of managing the restaurant too. But when Laurel betrays Jamie by seducing away her boyfriend, Jamie decides she has had enough.

Jamie needs a tranquil calm that only the sea can give her. So Jamie packs up her cat, Cupcake, a few suitcases, and rents the Paradise Lost beach cottage in Seaside Cove, North Carolina, for the entire summer. The rental's web site shows the cottage to be lovely and right on the beach. Best of all, Seaside Cove is seven hundred miles away from New York.

Jamie arrives in Seaside Cove to find out that Paradise Lost looks nothing like its photos. The overgrown yard even sports a plastic, headless pink flamingo. The furniture looks as if it came from the dump. Parts of the front steps are missing. There is no power, no air conditioning, and nothing is clean or even close to being sanitary. Worst of all is the smell! Someone left a huge bag of dead clams in the sink, who knows how long ago, and Jamie can barely breathe due to the stink. When it storms that evening, Jamie learns that the roof leaks - the ENTIRE roof! With her apartment subleased, Jamie cannot return to New York and nowhere else is available. She is stuck. The guy Jamie is renting the cottage from, Nick, lives across the street, but he is not home. The locals say that Nick often disappears for days at a time, probably on drunken benders, but no one knows for sure and no one knows exactly when he will return.

Nick Trent has been home and asleep for two hours when Jamie begins banging on his door. Godiva, his Chocolate Lab, is not helping with her loud, ecstatic barking either. He has no idea how the wrong pictures of Paradise Lost appeared on the rental site. The only way to get Jamie to go away is to begin the repairs on Paradise Lost now, instead of in the Fall as he had planned. Too bad the pretty princess is so bossy and irritating. Had she a sweeter attitude, Nick would not mind having a summer fling with the lady.

Jamie and Nick soon realize that they are wrong about the first impressions they had made on each other. Nick and Jamie had both come to Seaside Cove to escape their pasts. Only for Nick, the escape is permanent. As for Jamie, for the first time in years, her every waking minute is not scheduled. Jamie's time is her own with no family drama or job stress. The pair begin spending a lot of time together and romance is starting to bloom, even if it will only last until the end of the summer. The locals are fun and absolutely ooze with Southern hospitality and charm. In no time at all, Jamie has made new friends and is helping manage the Clam Committee for the Clam Festival. (Yes, you read that correctly.) Unfortunately, seven hundred miles is not a far enough distance from her family. One-by-one they begin to show up at Paradise Lost, bringing their drama with them.

***** FIVE STARS!Author Jacquie D'Alessandro has crafted a humorous romance, filled with wacky local characters that I could not help but love. Both of the lead characters have creative pasts, but they have things in common with each other too. Let me also give Jacquie D'Alessandro a nod of respect for mentioning feral cat colonies and the TNR (trap, neuter, release) program. That topic is one dear to my heart and I have not seen it mentioned in any other story. (Atta girl! You could be my SFADM. Readers will understand what I mean once they get into the story.)

This novel blends together drama, romance, comedy, and a touch of seriousness to create a story that will long linger in the minds of its readers. Fun-freaking-tastic! *****

Author: Trish Jensen
Title - For a Good Time, Call ...

Sherry Spencer may be thirty-years-old, but anyone looking at her would believe her to be a teenager. Although her face reflects pretty innocence, inside she has the determination of a bulldog. She has been so busy making a name for herself in the advertising field that she has not really been bothered about her lack of dates. Sherry works for Simpson & Bailey. She is an advertising marvel. She has won every major award her industry has to offer, and some they do not. Sherry has so many clients and accounts that her boss, Fred Simpson, allows her to accept or decline taking on any new ones, no matter how big.

Sherry knows she is a wiz. She had worked hard to become one. Yet Sherry is not the cynic so many in her profession are. She has remained the nice person she was when she began her career, but she is no push over. So when Sherry reads "For a good time call Kit" on a twenty dollar bill, she dials the local phone number to warn the poor lady. After all, who knows how many bills were floating around with the lady's number on them. However, Kit turns out to be a man. One who actually demands that Sherry shred the twenty dollar bill. When the demand fails, Kit offers to meet with her and exchange the twenty for another.

Christian "Kit" Fleming is the CEO of Bella Luna Industries, Inc. Having grown up in an environment that nightmares could be made from and having seen what marriage could do to people, Kit refuses to ever wed. Every woman Kit dates is informed of his rules up front. Kit gives no promises of monogamy, commitment, or love. Whether it be his business or private life, Kit must have full control. Unlike his childhood, Kit would never again put himself in a vulnerable position. Vulnerability makes a person weak.

While exchanging currency with Sherry, Kit realizes that she is the young ad genius he is due to meet in the boardroom the following morning. Though Kit believes she is a thoroughly irritating, stubborn female, he still wants her on the Bella Luna commercial project. She appeals to him like no woman he has known. It is more than just her intelligence or pretty face. She possesses an elusive quality that makes him eager to learn everything about her. Kit's problem is that Sherry has absolutely no fear of him. She could take his business or leave it. She could take him or leave him. Kit has zero control over Sherry. Which makes her dangerous. But one way or another, Sherry will be his next acquisition. Kit fully intends to sleep with her someday soon. And Kit plans to make certain their time together would be on his terms, by his rules.

***** FIVE STARS! Author Trish Jensen has penned a romance that is ambrosia for the heart strings. Fans of Jayne Ann Krentz's early books (such as Family Man and Wildest Hearts) will especially enjoy this battle of wills. No wimpy hero or heroine, both are secure in their business positions, and neither plans to give an inch. In my humble opinion, this is Jensen's best story to date. Exhilarating! *****

Author: Trish Jensen
Title - Nothing But Trouble
(Previously published as "On the House")

Laura Tanner grew up without a mother. And a father who saw her as nothing more than an inconvenience. She wed her boyfriend right out of high school and moved to New York, where he intended to make it big as an actor. Laura found the courage to dump her husband eight years ago. Since then she has made her own way in the world and is determined to never feel threatened by a man again. Not physically or emotionally. Laura has spent those eight years working her tail off to build a business. Now Laura owns and operates a bar called Nothing But Trouble. It is in a section of Manhattan that is close to Wall Street and caters to stockbrokers and lawyers. Laura may look fragile, but the self-reliant lady runs a classy place and she tolerates no grief from her clients. In her entire life, Laura has never met a man who did not want to take whatever his self-centered heart desired. But all bets are off once her Prince approaches her bar counter.

Brandon Prince had not been born with a silver spoon in his mouth. No, he had been born with five of them. He has just passed the Rhode Island bar exam and is taking a break before starting his job in the Newport County District Attorney's office. While visiting his buddy, Ned, a stockbroker on Wall Street, they wind up in Ned's favorite bar. And when two huge guys begin causing problems, Ned informs Brandon not to interfere as Laura enters the room. (Laura would not appreciate the help.) Once Laura disables the men and tosses them out of her establishment, Brandon's future has been cast. Nothing will do for Brandon except winning Laura.

When Brandon asks her out on a date, Laura explains that the odds of that happening were the same as Elvis walking in to play a game of pool. Brandon takes up the challenge. Then Laura agrees to go out with him when donkeys fly. Well, that is doable too. But Brandon soon comes to realize that he wants more than a few dates with Laura. Brandon wants this little spitfire in his life permanently. And when Brandon really wants something, he has a way of somehow making it happen.

**** FOUR STARS! If you are looking for hot bedroom scenes, go elsewhere. This little gem is pure entertainment. It has a small cast of eclectic characters and simply overflows with humor, witty dialogue, and romance. When you finish reading, do not be surprised to notice if you give a huge sigh of contentment. After all, is it really possible to hate a gentleman who is so assiduous in courting the lady he loves? ****

Author: Katie Lane
Title - Going Cowboy Crazy
(Deep in the Heart of Texas #1)

Thirty-year-old Faith Aldridge is a conservative computer nerd from Chicago. During the recent death of her mother Faith learned that she has an identical twin sister living in Bramble, Texas, named Hope. Faith travels to Bramble for answers and to meet her long-lost sibling. From the instant Faith parks her Volvo among all the trucks (many of which has dents and gun racks), she realizes that she is in uncharted territory. Hope has been in Hollywood for five years now. When the townsfolk see Faith they "reckon" that Hope has returned home to be with her long-time flame, Slate Calhoun, and the "Faith" is her screen name. Everyone in Bramble, including Sheriff Winslow, plans to do all they can to heat things up between her and Slate. Unable to convince anyone, besides Slate, that she is NOT Hope, Faith is ready to drive to California and search for her twin. But Faith's Volvo has been impounded by Sheriff Winslow, who refuses to tell where he put it. With no hotel nearby, Slate convinces Faith to sleep at his place for now.

Faith may look like Hope, but the way she feels in his arms is altogether new for Slate. Slate and Hope have been close friends since he was thirteen, but they have never felt passion for each other. What Slate feels for Faith is explosive. Trouble is that the real Hope is on her way home and she has decided that she wants Slate after all.

**** FOUR STARS! A humorous Western romp that had me chuckling more than once. This may be Katie Lane's first novel, but I am certain that it will not be her last. I foresee many romantic and amusing tales in Lane's writing career. This story overflows with witty banter, a crazy-wild romance, and has a cast of (local) zany characters that I could not help but love. A shy city girl, plus a loud and hunky cowboy, multiplied by some outlandish townsfolk, equals pure enjoyment for any reader on a rainy afternoon. ****

Author: Katie Lane
Title - Make Mine a Bad Boy (Deep in the Heart of Texas #2)

After trying her luck in Hollywood, Hope "Hog" Scroggs returns to Bramble, Texas. The former head cheerleader and homecoming queen has decided that she is ready to settle down and marry her high school flame, Slate Calhoun. But Hope arrives back in town to see Slate marrying Faith, the twin sister Hope never knew existed. Hope is grateful that she still has her long-time best friend, Shirlene Lomax Dalton, for a bit of support. Yet even that sweet blessing has a sour side, because Shirlene's wandering brother, Colt Lomax, arrives in town to visit his sister for a spell.

Colt and Hope spent one night of passion together in the past. It was a night Colt can never forget and he would enjoy a repeat of it. So while Colt is trying to charm his "Hog" back into his bed, Hope is determined to disappoint him. She wants nothing to do with a bum who refuses to work and has no future. Colt is letting everyone believe that he has spent the last few years in jail and now plans to ride his motorcycle to where ever the road takes him.

When Shirlene begins to worry that her husband's business, Dalton Oil, is in financial trouble, Colt starts pulling strings to find out what is really going on. And when the answers could end up hurting many local families, Colt seems to know how to sooth the masses and keep them from becoming a panicking mob. Hope cannot help but notice that Colt is handling several volatile situations in which a real motorcycle bum would have been unable to do. If Hope could keep her heart from pounding whenever Colt was near, perhaps she could figure the man out.

**** FOUR STARS! It is difficult to clearly describe the personalities of Hope and Colt. Both are more stubborn than a mule and neither will allow others to see beyond their tough exteriors for fear of looking weak, or worse, vulnerable. This also means that it took me awhile to warm up to them; especially to Colt. No worries though, because the locals are just as endearing in this story as they were in the previous title, Going Cowboy Crazy. When I say "endearing", I mean that everyone knows everything about everyone, and when Bramble's townsfolk believe that two of their own need a little push to bring them together, then they do not hesitate to stick their well-meaning noses into the couple's private lives - even if their help is not wanted. The locals' methods are unusual and I found myself highly entertained with the results.

Katie Lane has a flair for dishing up feel-good, down-home romance, with a kicking side of sass! ****

Author: Katie Lane
Title - Going Cowboy Crazy (Deep in the Heart of Texas #1)

Faith Aldridge, a shy and conservative gal from Chicago, recently found out that she was adopted. Faith gets caught up in some wild and crazy small town antics while visiting Bramble, Texas in search of her identical twin sister Hope. On Faith's first day in Bramble she meets Slate Calhoun. He is one handsome cowboy who appears to have an ego the same size as that mammoth-sized pickup truck he drives which is plastered with arrogant and crude bumper stickers. Talk about "redneck".

Everyone in town thinks Faith is Hope and that Hope has certainly changed since going to Hollywood. Before anyone can set the town folk straight, the town folk start playing all kinds of cupid games to get who they think are High School sweethearts, Slate and Hope, to the altar.

Although she tries to resist, Faith is drawn to that tall Texas cowboy with the sexy strut. Before you know it, things get downright steamy in the small Texas town.

Sibling rivalry is about to turn this small town upside down when Hope comes back home unexpectedly. Where will the dust settle when the small town folk find out that Faith is not Hope and Hope is not really Slates long lost love?

Faith is going to step into a whole new world of Hope.


**** FOUR STARS! I found myself fearing for the price that Faith might pay for finally finding her family, playing some of the small town games and giving in to her desires for the sultry cowboy. This was a fun book and one that was hard to put down. I can hardly wait for the next in the series - "Make Mine a Bad Boy" ****

Author: Maya Banks
Title - Hidden Away (KGI #3)

The Kelly Group International (KGI) is a super-elite, top secret, family-run business. They handle jobs the U.S. government cannot. Marcus Lattimer is a personal enemy of KGI, so when the CIA asks for help, Garrett Kelly jumps at the chance to nail the guy. Allen Cross had been killed in his office and it is believed that Lattimer personally assassinated the businessman instead of sending one of his men to do the job. However, the monitors had conveniently been down and the security guard away from his post. To nab Lattimer, Garrett would need to keep tabs on Lattimer's half sister, Sarah Daniels, who witnessed the murder. Until very recently, no one knew that Lattimer had any living family members. He is extremely protective of Sarah, making sure that she knows nothing about his shady activities and that his life never touches her in any way.

After seeing Marcus kill her former boss, Sarah goes into hiding. She is not hiding because she is afraid of her half brother. She is in hiding to protect him. Stanley had seen her in the building following Allen's death. The last thing Sarah wants is for Stanley to learn that Marcus is the one who killed his brother - even if he did deserve it.

The sister of the CIA's most wanted man is on the Isle de Bijoux. She is holed up in a cottage on a remote section of the beach. Though many would consider the all expenses paid trip to Florida to be sort of a vacation, Garrett sees Sarah simply as bait to get Lattimer. This is a cake job. Stick to Sarah and nail Lattimer when the time comes. But Garrett never counts on falling for Sarah. When he glimpses Sarah's dark past, he wants nothing more than to keep her safe - even after she disappears on him. Garrett may not know why Sarah is running, but it is clear that she is running for her life. Why is it always the cake jobs that go horribly wrong?

***** FIVE STARS! Banks knows what her readers crave in their stories. Action, suspense, and romantic drama collides in this, the third Kelly brother's tale. Even though this story is not "non-stop" as the previous two KGI novels, I still feel it deserves the full five stars. There is a lot more drama and, since Sarah has recently been through a horrible experience, the romance builds slower.

The only glaring typo I noticed is toward the beginning (page seventeen) when, while discussing Marcus's relation to Sarah, Resnick's name is used instead of Lattimer's. Otherwise there is nothing to distract the reader from spending a cozy afternoon or evening with the Kelly family.

Anyone who believes they can read a book by Maya Banks without sitting on the edge of their seat, at least once, is delusional. *****

Author: Carlene Thompson
Title - Nowhere to Hide

Years ago Marissa Gray and Eric Montgomery were engaged to wed. But when Gretchen, Eric's younger sister, died, so too did their marriage plans. Though everyone in the group knew Gretchen had been drinking when she fell to her death, Marissa knew her best friend had been murdered. Marissa saw Dillon Archer push Gretchen. But her eyewitness statement was not enough for the legal system - and then Dillon disappeared.

Marissa Gray is now a successful journalist. She returns to Aurora Falls to help her family get through a rough patch of life. With her Chicago newspaper experience, Marissa lands a position at the Aurora Falls Gazette. The editor of the Gazette is Andrew Archer. Though Andrew is Dillon's brother, the two are nothing alike. Marissa and Andrew still get along well, as always. Andrew is even married to Tonya (nee Ward), who had been friends with Marissa, as well as with Catherine, Marissa's older sister, until Gretchen's death. (In fact, Tonya had been part of the group on that black day of long ago, yet claimed Dillon had been attempting to save Gretchen.)

The past comes crashing back - literally - when a hooded figure causes Marissa's car to swerve off a snowy road and toward the icy Orenda River. Chief Deputy Eric Montgomery can find no evidence of anyone having been in the road. Even Catherine, who is only one semester away from obtaining her license as a professional psychologist, is having trouble believing the wild story. But then old friends of Gretchen's start turning up dead. Marissa and Eric must come to terms with all the past events, including the intimate feelings they once felt for each other, or the next attempt on Marissa's life just may succeed.

**** FOUR STARS! Better sharpen your wits before you begin reading this exciting story. I found it to be full of twists, turns, and unexpected surprises. Whenever I believed the pieces of this puzzle were coming together, the author tossed in something to blow my theory to smithereens. I never got used to feeling continuously off-balance and I never saw the ending coming. Very well done! ****

Author: Maya Banks
Title - No Place to Run (KGI #2)

The Kelly Group International (KGI) is a super-elite, top secret, family-run business. All the Kelly family men have military backgrounds. They handle the jobs that the U.S. government could not. They mainly specialized in gathering intelligence and dealing with hostage/kidnap victim recovery.

Sam Kelly is the oldest brother. Five months ago Sam shared a brief, intense affair with Sophie while he was undercover in Mexico. Then she vanished. Therefore, when Sam and a couple of his brothers (Donovan and Garrett) pull a delirious woman out of the river channel behind his home, Sam is startled to discover it is Sophie. That quickly changes to shock when he realizes she has been shot and is pregnant!

Sophie has spent the last five months on the run. Knowing that any mistake would cost her life and that of her unborn child - Sam's child - Sophie is desperate to reach Sam. Sophie was connected to Sam's past mission in more ways than he could ever imagine. It is time for Sophie to tell Sam who she really is and warn him that his entire family is in danger.

Sam knows he will do anything to keep Sophie and his child safe. Once Sam hears Sophie's story, he is no longer sure she can be trusted. It is also obvious that Sophie is not telling everything. But one thing is certain; the entire Kelly family is in danger.

***** FIVE STARS! A fascinating story filled with romance, suspense, and intrigue. My advice is to not even open the front cover of this book until you have pizza delivered. Once you begin reading, stopping will be all but impossible. I can hardly wait to see if the author will be able top this gem. (Garrett's story is titled Hidden Away and its release date is March 1, 2011.) In a word: Breathtaking! *****

Author: Christina Dodd
Title - Almost Like Being in Love
(Lost Texas Hearts #2)

Pepper Prescott had been a small child when her parents died. Pepper was separated from her two sisters and foster brother. She had been raised in a series of foster homes. She had learned to never trust anyone. But at the age of sixteen, Pepper spent eleven months with Mrs. Patricia Dreiss on a ranch in Diamond, Idaho. It had been the best year of her life. Pepper became close to Mrs. Dreiss and considered the ranch her first and only real home. After spending one night in the arms of Dan Graham, Pepper ran off and lived under more than one alias.

It has been nine years since Pepper left the ranch. Twenty-five-year-old Pepper has finally gotten her act together, thanks to the advice in General Jennifer Napier's self-help book. Pepper goes by the name of Jackie Porter and has her own landscaping business. When General Napier, a bestselling author and the highest-ranking female general in the army, is in the area signing her books, "Jackie" is there. She is thrilled to not only get her copy autographed, but also to explain to General Napier how the book had changed her life for the better. Only a few hours later, "Jackie" is in the parking garage and over hears General Napier's aide inform his superior that he knows she is a terrorist accomplice and will be turning her in. Upon witnessing General Napier murder her aide, Pepper runs. With General Napier's power and contacts, it is only a matter of time before Pepper's true name is learned. In fear for her life, Pepper returns to the only safe haven she knows. Pepper flees to Mrs. Dreiss's ranch.

Lieutenant Dan Graham is in the Special Forces (Terrorist Unit). Dan has seen the worst of the world and has danced with death countless times. He has the ugly scars to prove it. Dan is in the process of completing his last mission before returning to civilian life. Dan is acting as bait to lure Schuster, a terrorist leader, to America. Dan had killed Schuster's son and Schuster wants vengeance. Subtle word has been released that Dan is retired and taking care of a deceased friend's ranch in Diamond, Idaho. There is no doubt of Schuster coming in person to kill Dan. It is just a matter of time. Dan's superior keeps in contact via satellite communication. The game is afoot.

Pepper enters the house and immediately finds herself in Dan's unbreakable grip. Unlike the man she recalled, this Dan is darkly menacing and dangerous. Mrs. Dreiss has passed away, leaving the ranch and its land to Pepper. The woman never quit loving Pepper and had known that Pepper would someday return. Pepper, thanks to General Napier, has been reminded to never trust anyone. Dan has an uncanny ability to sniff out crime and the utter ruthlessness to do whatever needs to be done. If Dan finds out about General Napier, chances are he would believe Pepper guilty of murdering the aide. If Dan turns Pepper in, she is as good as dead. However, Pepper does not know that Dan is on the cusp of success of bringing Schuster down. Until it happens, Dan cannot convince Pepper that they are destined to be together. Dan has been given a second chance with Pepper. And he refuses to let her slip away again.

**** FOUR STARS! Though I focus my synopsis on Pepper and Dan, the story sometimes shifts to Pepper's older sister, Hope, who has not stopped searching for her long-lost siblings. (For those interested, Hope's story can be read in "Just the Way You Are".) Surprisingly, these scene shifts are not distracting, unlike the flash back scenes that interrupt to inform the reader of what happened between Pepper and Dan in the past. The character of Pepper comes across as a coward at times. I could not help feeling irritated, more than once, at Pepper's attitude. Yet I also feel that Pepper redeems herself by the end. This story is well worth your time and money. Fantastic! ****

Author: Jill Shalvis
Title - Simply Irresistible (Lucky Harbor #1)

Maddie Moore leaves L.A. (after dumping her abusive boyfriend and losing her job) for the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. Her deceased mother, Phoebe Traeger, has left a ramshackled inn to Maddie and her two half-sisters, Tara and Chloe. Maddie is hoping for a new beginning and sees potential in the Lucky Harbor Resort, but a lot of work would be needed simply to bring the inn back up to code. Maddie's biggest problem is convincing her sisters to agree. They want to sell the place, divide the money, and go their separate ways. Money is another problem. The place needs a complete make over and not one of the sisters has the money for the enormous task.

The contractor Maddie hires turns out to be the hot guy she has recently tried (accidentally, of course) to run off the road. That faux pas had been followed by Maddie tipping over Mr. Hottie's motorcycle shortly thereafter. But unlike the loud men she has ever known, Jax Cullen takes it all in stride. Worse, Jax is making it difficult for Maddie to remember that she has sworn off men.

***** FIVE STARS! As the first sister to have her story told, Maddie is the meekest. Considered to be "The Mouse", Maddie is learning to speak up for herself. Watching this mouse transform into a lioness is pure bliss. The author has given each sister her own unique personality. Yet as different as the three half-sisters are, each has managed to wiggle their way into my heart. THAT is but one sign of a talented writer. "Simply Irresistible" is fun, full of humor, and simply delightful in every way. *****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Love is Blind ... & It Don't Pay the Bills Either
(Denim Blues Mystery #2, Christian Romance / January 2011)

Briar's Point Police Department Detective Orlando Bateman's feelings are still stinging from Sylvia Price's rejection. She and Den McHart are due to wed soon. Though Orlando understands, he has still not been able to return the RSVP to their wedding. But then Den brings in a friend of his, Keeya, for help.

Keeya Nilsen has been visually impaired for thirteen years due to a plane crash that took her parents' lives. She is able to live independently thanks to the help of kin and to the Riverside Center for Visual Impairment. Since her brain had no longer known how to process what she was seeing, the institute taught her to maximize the use of functional residual vision. However, Keeya would never be able to see as normal people could. Her vision is not Keeya's main problem, it is her heart. Wanting to be loved desperately has left the beautiful lady wide open to be taken advantage of. All the guys in her past have been selfish, never really caring for her, and Keeya no longer trusts her own judgement when it comes to men. But her latest boyfriend, Lance Smith, disappeared suddenly two weeks ago. Then the bank notified her that twelve hundred dollars had been withdrawn by her ATM card during that time. Until then, Keeya had not known her card was missing. But most importantly, Lance seems to have stolen the small chest containing her famous grandfather's unpublished Blues compositions.

As Keeya and Orlando search for the thieving ex-boyfriend and her missing legacy, the pair find themselves drawn to each other emotionally. But Orlando cannot get romantically involved with a woman who has not made a commitment to Christ and Keeya turned her back on God after the plane wreck. Can she find a way back to her savior and take one more chance at opening her heart to Orlando?

***** FIVE STARS! Author Karen Wiesner writes stories that will not only entertain fans of mystery and romance, but also warm their hearts with Christian faith. Readers will not find any hot, steamy bedroom scenes to fill pages (which often entice readers to skim or skip pages). Instead, this story will test your wits, give you a beautiful romance that is blind to skin color, and leave you with a deep feeling of satisfaction. Totally fascinating and very inspirational. *****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Hard to Handle (Incognito #8)

The Network is the world's most covert organization, having unchallenged authority and skill to disable and destroy criminals. The Network picks up where regular law enforcement leaves off in the mission for absolute justice. For every man and woman who serves in the Network, there is no life and no love, only duty. For all intents and purposes, they do not exist. Unless they reach Level 5, they never leave the underground compound except for missions. Before they ever begin missions, they undergo years of various training seven days a week, from dawn until dusk. Their lives belong to the Network and their loyalty is absolute.

Nova Granger entered the Network at the age of sixteen. She has been in the Network for seven years, yet still looks no older. For this reason, she is chosen to infiltrate a brothel ring dealing with very young, innocent girls. However, due to her past involving her father's molestation, Nova ends up sabotaging the set up when she snaps and becomes a loose cannon. The Network knows Nova still gets too reckless whenever the mission involves women or children. After years of training, very few operatives are capable of sympathy. Often in Network missions it is necessary to sacrifice the few to save the many. Nova has reached Level 5, yet she does not seem able to focus on the greater good. As a Level 5 operative, Nova is given her own apartment and as much freedom as a Network agent can have. She has one week to settle into her new life above ground. During this time, Nova cannot help but dwell on whether her mother is okay.

Dez Luttino is one of the best operatives in the organization. He was Nova's team leader for several years. His superior, Angelo Pluzetti, orders Dez to use the next week getting Nova to trust him. (Dez's apartment is across the hall from Nova's.) Nova is needed for an upcoming mission, which Dez will lead. Dez may accomplish this in any way he sees fit, but he is not allowed to let Nova know that he is her new mentor or that he will be working with her on an upcoming assignment. Ne never expected to fall in love with her though.

Federal lobbyist Michael Vann has a bill coming up for vote in about a month. The religious bill favors making marriage to underage girls (around ages 12 and 13) legal. His wife, Lynnette, disappeared a year ago after receiving death threats. Now Lynnette's thirteen-year-old daughter, Whitney, is receiving the same types of threats. Only worry for his stepdaughter's life convinces Michael to give the FBI approval to bring in a special team of agents. Dez is to ascertain where the threats to Michael and Whitney ordinate from. His team patrols the grounds, while another team acts as bodyguards for Whitney. At night, only one agent is allowed in the Vann home. Michael chooses Nova to be that agent, but she is only allowed the ground floor. Nova agrees on the condition that Micah, a highly trained dog, is at Whitney's side twenty-four hours a day.

Nova begins seeing familiar signs in Whitney's actions, but the girl is too timid and shy to speak to anyone since her mother's disappearance, including the housekeeper of several years. With no proof, Nova cannot be certain that she is not simply reflecting her own past on Whitney. Besides, if there had ever been a hint of abuse, the Network would never have selected Nova for this assignment. So what is really going on?

**** FOUR STARS! Consider yourself warned that this story deals with topics in which many readers are unable to handle. Nova's memories and nightmares about her traumatic past are told. There are scenes dealing with human trafficking and underage victims as well. If you do not believe you can handle these situations, please skip this title of the Incognito Series.

This story, with Dez and Nova being the main characters, is not as easy to read as the others within the series. Nova's childhood must be explained, as well as how it still affects her life and missions. This must be shown and dealt with early, so romance may enter the story. Then a whole new mission must enter the plot. The author must make the reader aware of its objectives, the people involved, and tie it all in to the first half of the story. To me, this novel is two stories in one package! Author Karen Wiesner tackles two difficult subjects, human trafficking and molestation, and opens the eyes of readers to the uglier sides of the world. I strongly urge anyone who has personal ties to either subject NOT to read this book. However, I feel everyone else should. Unless people are made aware of what is still happening (all too often), it will continue and worsen. I applaud this author for researching two very dark and nightmarish topics and then dragging them into the light for all to see. I found this story to be complex, emotionally intense, and totally unforgettable. In a word, "Wow!" ****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Dance in Shadows (Incognito #9)

The Network is the world's most covert organization, having unchallenged authority and skill to disable and destroy criminals. The Network picks up where regular law enforcement leaves off in the mission for absolute justice. For every man and woman who serves in the Network, there is no life and no love, only duty. For all intents and purposes, they do not exist. Unless they reach Level 5, they never leave the underground compound except for missions. Before they ever begin missions, they undergo years of various training seven days a week, from dawn until dusk. Their lives belong to the Network and their loyalty is absolute.

Angelo Pluzetti is Second in Command. He is the liaison between Oversight and the Network. After his enemies killed his entire family thirty years ago, Angelo joined the Network and entombed his heart so he would never fear his enemies trying to use loved ones against him again. The Network has become Angelo's entire life, his reason for living.

Celine and Hunter Savage were brought into the Network as children, for their own safety, after their parents were murdered by Rex Kovac. To this date, Kovac still seeks Celine and Hunter. The siblings are part of the few operatives that never had a choice about whether to join the organization or not. Hunter has grown up and thrived within the Network. He is now the most dangerous man in the world. He is also Fourth in Command and the Master Strategist. Celine is now over Medical. She is the most brilliant medical scientist in the world. Though she has received the same training as all others, she has only left the compound for medical reasons, so she has never been officially field-tested. Hunter has always kept his sister sheltered from any possible harm. Angelo has done the same; therefore, Celine has no self confidence and has begun slipping into deep depression.

Celine is in love with Angelo. They have been together, on-and-off, for years. Though Angelo returns her passion, he refuses to allow himself to return her love. Should Celine be kidnapped or killed simply because of being connected to him, Angelo would be devastated. So when it comes to his feelings for Celine, Angelo continues to lie to himself. But his self control brings Celine to an all-time low. When Celine decides it hurts too much, she attempts suicide. Only luck lets Angelo find her in time.

Celine is too valuable for the Network to allow her another suicide attempt. Those highest in command (except for Hunter who is kept ignorant) gather to brainstorm. The verdict is for Celine to be taken to the deluxe cabin nestled in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. The cabin and grounds are secured by Network agent 24/7 and is situated far from other inhabitants or tourists. For one month Celine will be on a mandatory vacation, with Angelo as her only company and watchdog. During this month of downtime, Angelo must get Celine to see that she is capable on her own. She does not need to rely on anyone else to make her life worth living.

Celine's near death also opens Angelo's eyes to his true feelings for her. While spending time with Celine, during his first vacation in thirty years, Angelo must do some soul searching. Even if he gives in to his love for the beautiful scientist, he still must prove to Celine that should his enemies ever actually succeed in killing him, she would still have a reason to continue living. That threat has become more realistic recently. Kovac is now the leader of a small terrorist cell known as R.E.D. Lately they have made it obvious that they are targeting Angelo. For the next month, no matter how classified their vacation location is, or how much security they have, Angelo and Celine will be at their most vulnerable.

**** FOUR STARS! People often forget that those in the medical profession are just as susceptible to depression as the rest of the world. In fact, people in the emergency fields (law, medical, fire, military, etc) see and deal with a lot more of the world's uglier sides. If anything, they would be even more susceptible to depression than the rest of the public. I am glad the author chose Celine to represent this. There are also other events going on within the story that I omitted from my synopsis for fear of revealing spoilers. As you read, be ready for some twists and surprises. This is an excellent addition to the Incognito Series. I eagerly look forward to the next exciting episode. ****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Hypnotized (Incognito #10)

The Network is the world's most covert organization, having unchallenged authority and skill to disable and destroy criminals. The Network picks up where regular law enforcement leaves off in the mission for absolute justice. For every man and woman who serves in the Network, there is no life and no love, only duty. For all intents and purposes, they do not exist. Unless they reach Level 5, they never leave the underground compound except for missions. Before they ever begin missions, they undergo years of various training seven days a week, from dawn until dusk. Their lives belong to the Network and their loyalty is absolute.

Rhiannon "Rhi" Murray is a fast healer. Too bad that ability does not help her broken heart. Noah Harlow has been her lover for years, but he is also the leader of Beta team. Even though rules have relaxed about relationships, Noah refuses to show his feelings unless they are totally alone within one of their quarters. As of four years ago, Rhi and Noah have been estranged. That was when they had been taken and tortured by their enemies. Rhi had been buried alive and left for dead. Noah did not come back to rescue her, but other Network operatives did. It had been the straw that broke the camel's back, so to speak. During these past four years, Rhi has sent in several requests for a team transfer. They are continued to be denied because she and Noah work too well together, especially on missions where they need to be convincing as lovers or a married couple. Rhi and Noah are able to anticipate what each other want or need, just as a real happily married couple would. For their next assignment that is vital.

Noah's feelings toward Rhi are as powerful as ever; however, he does not believe the new relaxed rules involving relationships will continue much longer. So far he has been able to stop Rhi's transfer requests from being approved. Though she still refuses to be with him, except when duty requires it, Noah finds he is unable to give her up.

Young boys are being kidnapped, turning up later as suicide bombers. Beta team is goes undercover at the Helena Youth Ranch, where several young boys have recently gone missing. The team members pose as counselors and chaperons. Noah and Rhi share a cabin and are believed to be wed. The mission is to find out where the terrorist group is holding the boys, rescue Dr. Sherry Mansfield, who is trying to get away from her abusive husband (the terrorist group's leader), and rescue the boys IF it can be done without risking the loss of Dr. Mansfield.

Dr. Sherry Mansfield is a talented hypnotist who possesses the ability to use the power of suggestion. Her husband is forcing her to use this supernatural ability to brainwash boys into doing horrible crimes before killing themselves. But the doctor has been able to secretly make a deal with the Network. If the Network rescues her, she will use her special skill for them in the pursuit of justice.

**** FOUR STARS! This story is still full of the romantic suspense which the series is well known for, but it also includes some paranormal elements. This adds a spicy zing to the story's flavor, which intrigues me to no end. If you are looking for story with engaging characters, as well as romance and suspense, look no further than this story by Karen Wiesner. ****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Mind Games (Incognito #11)

In Chicago is a technology company called Expanding Technology Industries. ETI designs innovative equipment for public use. It is also a front for the world's most covert organization, the Network. The Network's headquarters resides underground, beneath ETI. The organization is known only to the highest officials, including the President, and a select committee in the White House called Oversight. The Network operatives carry out Oversight's directives. Those in service to the Network have no real privacy. For them, there is no private life, no love. Once one becomes an operative there is no turning back or ever quitting. There is only duty until death.

Jocelyn Dominica has been head of the Network psychiatry department for over two decades. Many do not consider her to be human. She joined the Network after her marriage failed and has since performed as a robot. Her former husband, Chase Giovanni, is on the Oversight's Chair. He is one of the highest level members on the committee. Ever professionals, they still manage to work well whenever together.

Jocelyn is devastated when Medical informs her that she has an incurable brain tumor. Yet it did not come as a complete shock. She has been noticing the symptoms for quite some time and has been keeping silent about them until they began to interfere with her job performance. Chase seems to be taking the news hardest. Jocelyn, the woman he has loved since childhood and still loves with all his heart, has only a few months to live. The tumor is spreading quickly. Her health, both mentally and physically, will rapidly diminish. Taken from duty, Jocelyn is sent to a secure and isolated safe house (on one of the highest mountain ridge lines in the country) to spend her remaining time in comfort. Scout, a Network trained German Shepherd, would be her companion and bodyguard. After all, Jocelyn has made many enemies during her career. Otherwise, only Matt, a paramedic, would be with her to help ease Jocelyn's remaining time.

Chase is eager to visit Jocelyn; however, he is in the middle of a crucial investigation. Someone has been misusing power in ways that have made the Network's motives and actions suspicious even to the current President of the United States. To make it even more intolerable for Chase, he has been getting calls from Jocelyn who swears that Matt has disappeared and someone is trying to kill her. Yet Matt is still reporting in on schedule, stating that Jocelyn is hallucinating and does not even realize that he is in the same room with her.

Is someone trying to kill Jocelyn? Why would anyone bother to kill a woman who only has a few months left to live? How would anyone reach the isolated safe house, not to mention by pass all the high tech alarms? And could it, somehow, be connected to the murder of her father when Jocelyn had been seven years old?

**** FOUR STARS! With only one more title left in this riveting series, author Karen Wiesner is pulling out the big guns to tempt her readers. While reading each story of the series, I have come across the character of Jocelyn more than once. I, too, believed Jocelyn to be hard and uncaring. This story finally tells readers why Jocelyn seems to function as a robot. It explains the various responsibilities her job title entails and the horrible choices she is forced (all too often) to make. Yet the author has succeeded in making Jocelyn HUMAN.

The character of Chase is a good example of a flawed hero. His jealousy seems a bit unbelievable to me at times, just a little over-the-top. (This part is difficult for me to express.) In light of his revealed background, his wariness of others is totally understandable. Yet because Chase thoroughly knows Jocelyn's history, in some cases even better than she does, I simply cannot believe that Chase would actually distrust her at all, much less to such an extent.

Readers need to be ready for the unexpected as this story unfolds. Complex situations, combined with numerous multi-layered plots, create an intricate tale of mystery, lies, betrayals, and a second chance at love. Karen Wiesner writes drama at its finest! ****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Under Cover Angel (Incognito #7)

The Network is the world's most covert organization with underground headquarters in Chicago. The Network was created by Captain Tom McKee and it takes over where regular law enforcement leaves off. When Tom was assassinated, his daughter Shannon took over. Even as she kept the Network at top performance, she also kept watch for the elusive Mareno Ortega. For eleven years Shannon has been seeking vengeance on Ortega for her younger brother's death.

Captain Ron Blair had promised Tom long ago that he would look after Shannon. Ron and Shannon had been together during the worst of times (believing they were going die while in an enemy prison) and the best of times (a month as lovers). Ron never expected to fall in love with her. The Network does not allow for intimacy. Recruits willingly gave up all they possessed, including any private life, before signing on the line and becoming agents. Private lives could be used by the enemy to compromise the Network, so they are forbidden.

For once, the Network has a solid lead on Mareno Ortega's location, Shell Island, Florida. Shannon insisted on being the one to go in and bring the kingpin down. But Ron knows all that led Shannon up to this point and has seen how stressed out she has become. Fearing Shannon may soon crack, he decides to take some action.

***** The Incognito series continues to pick up speed with excitement and romance. My only real disappointment, if you could even call it that, is the mission did not really begin until almost half way into the story. Do not worry though, the first half is in no way boring. Readers get to finally learn about Shannon's past and what makes her the stern, no nonsense, harsh leader that she is. After this, readers may think of the tough lady in a nicer way. Fantastic! *****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Under the Spell (Incognito series # 5)

The Network is the world's most covert organization. The HQ is in Chicago, underground, beneath a front company. They have unchallenged authority and skill to destroy criminals. The Network takes over where regular law enforcement leaves off. The people of this organization give up their entire lives to become agents of the Network. For them, there is no life and no love, only duty.

Justine Fielding is the Network's Communications and Systems Analyst. Before she was recruited, her name had been Gina Calhoun and she lived with her father, Reggie, on the Triple Aces Ranch in Fever, Texas. Everyone from her former life believes her gone forever. Justine thought the same thing until her superiors informed her that she, as Gina, was about to be resurrected. The Network has intercepted some encrypted, untraceable e-mails coming from somewhere on the ranch. The e-mails were going over seas, but the Network was unable to track them from their origin or locate the go-between person. Justine is devastated when her superiors inform her that Reggie is dead. Her father died at the ranch when a prairie fire burned down the ranch as he slept. But was it really an accidental fire or was Reggie murdered? The Network's theory is that Reggie had tried to stop or had been involved with the crimes of a former friend and that Alex Lynch was somehow mixed up in the whole mess.

Alex Lynch and Gina Calhoun used to be an item. But when Gina wanted to wed early in order to get out from under her father's thumb, Alex had refused. Alex insisted on waiting a couple of years to receive Reggie's blessing. Unable and unwilling to wait, Gina had disappeared. It has been several years since then. Alex, who grew up on and worked for the ranch, has ownership now, per Reggie's will. Alex's first thought upon seeing wild Gina again is delight that she is alive. The second is fear that she wants the ranch. Yet Gina never says she is or is not planning to take the ranch from him. All she wants to do is find out what really happened to her father. Gina simply refuses to believe Reggie died from a normal prairie fire. Alex soon learns that Gina has changed in many drastic ways, however, the attraction between them burns hotter than ever.

**** It has been one year since the ending of the last book, Dead Drop. Use that as a time line if you have been following the series. More book space is spent on the romance than on the mission this time around. You should not begin this story expecting a fast paced adventure. This reads more as a mystery than suspense. But do not worry, there is danger, as well as the surprise or two which the author, Karen Wiesner, is fast becoming known for. Excellent! ****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Dead Drop
(Incognito #4)

The Network is the world's most covert organization. The HQ is in Chicago, underground, beneath a front company. They have unchallenged authority and skill to destroy criminals. The Network takes over where regular law enforcement leaves off. The people of this organization give up their entire lives to become agents of the Network. For them, there is no life and no love, only duty.

Twenty-five years ago a secret organization tried to recruit Daniel Sands. If he agreed, he would have to give up everyone and everything. Daniel's fiancé, Parris "Perry" L'Engle, overheard it all. Daniel refused, but the next day he died in a car accident. Daniel never knew Perry was pregnant. Today Perry is an FBI agent. Danny, her son, is a genius, just like his father had been. By chance, Perry overhears the exact same recruiter offering Danny the same thing he had once offered Daniel. Danny declines and the mystery man tells Danny to think it over and he would check back tomorrow.

Perry is frantic. She never believed Daniel died twenty-five years ago, but she has no found no proof. Worrying that the mystery man and the secret organization (if there even were one) may take Danny without his consent and stage his fake death, Perry pulls string to have Danny and his fiancé, Aimee, placed in protective custody while she follows the recruiter. Then the unexpected happens; Daniel gets into her car and tells her to back off and go home or he would have to kill her.

Roan Emory is no longer Daniel. He is now a top level operative in the Network. He is a machine without a heart or emotions. He is the most elusive and dangerous man in the world. The man Perry loved is dead. Though he never let a trace of recognition to Perry, Roan remembers her well and he is relieved when Perry boards her flight to return home. Problem is that Roan cannot turn a blind eye and let the Network take the son he never knew he had. And then there is Perry.

***** There is a one year difference between the ending of the last book and the beginning of this one. If possible, this story is even better than any of the previous. There is more going on than I can tell in the synopsis, dealing with an organization called R.E.D., but I can tell nothing without spoilers.

This plot takes awhile to fully develop; therefore, more characters are involved than usual. However, this also means that more is going on and the readers will have a hard time finding a moment to catch their breaths. There is little or no downtime in this story; I stress that. The middle is just as fast paced and intriguing as the beginning and the end. The main characters are well developed and so are most of the secondary ones. No time is wasted on the character development of those that have little input to the story. All-in-all, I am beginning to believe that the author, Karen Wiesner, has one of the most fertile imaginations I have ever seen. *****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Bounty on the Rebel's Heart
(Incognito #3)

The members call it "The Network", but the covert organization really has no name. The members are incognito, totally erased from the world. The organization has branches all over the world. Only the American President and a select committee in the White House, called Oversight, even know it exists.

Rebel "Reb" Porter is on a mission to destroy the Network. Giles, the corrupt former head of Network operations who is now MIA, had killed Reb's father (a senator) sixteen years ago. Reb grew up and became an investigative reporter. He has evidence on Giles and the Network. A few years ago Giles had Reb's wife killed and made it look like an accident. Reb is determined not to get close to another woman for fear of the same happening. For two years now Reb has been in hiding with his German Shepherd, Scout. All his evidence is safely hidden. The last person he expected to come looking for him, and find him, was Adrienna "Ad" Kelly. Ad had been just one of many women he'd inadvertently shattered and destroyed. Last time he saw Ad, she hated him. So why is Ad really with him?

Network operative Natalie Francis is altered to resemble Adrienna Kelly so she could get close to Reb and retrieve the evidence he has on the Network. The Network's secrecy would be totally compromised should she fail to do so. She did not expect to find Reb in frail form and horribly sick. Caring for him is not easy since strong odors cause her to have "mind seizures". But what is the illness Reb gets almost weekly? Where is the evidence hidden? And can she keep herself from falling for Reb?

***** This is the third book in the Incognito series and the author seems to get better with each tale she writes. The story is extremely well written and totally believable. If you are looking for a quick read go elsewhere. This story is so good you simply must savor it. As the ending drew near, I found myself slowing down to do just that. Unlike most novels in the Romantic Suspense genre, this one does not slow down toward the middle. It is not fast paced, but there intrigue throughout the entire book. Brilliant! *****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Until Death Do Us Part
(Incognito #2)

The Network is the world's most covert organization. The HQ is in Chicago, underground, beneath a front company. They have unchallenged authority and skill to destroy criminals. The Network takes over where regular law enforcement leaves off. The people of this organization give up their entire lives to become agents of the Network. For them, there is no life and no love, only duty.

Kirsten Ulrick is the leader of Level Three's Alpha Team. She has become one of the best when it comes to deep undercover assignments. When Giles Jameson, a commander, goes rogue and cripples the Network from the inside, Kirsten is with the elite time sent in to rescue the Network's First in Command. Once done, the Network begins to clean up Jameson's mess and Kirsten is sent to Medical for a quick transformation.

Ashton Barnett, Alpha Team's First Position, had a hot, but extremely short, romantic past with Kirsten. Immediately after a mission they cooperated on was completed, Ashton denied down time and went into a new mission, simply to avoid spending any awkward time with his leader, Kirsten. Much remains unsaid between the two. Now their appearances have been altered and they are thrust together again for the most important mission of the Network's history. They are sent deep undercover as a married couple named Kris and Nathan Weston.

Six years ago, Reb Porter and Raven Harris had spent ample time investigating Jameson. They hosted a Chicago radio program. On their last program they referred to a "secret organization sanctioned by the American government". Now that Jameson has defected, the Network believes that Porter and Harris may still have hard-copy evidence on the Network and on Jameson. Chances are great that Jameson will go after that evidence and terminate the two ex-hosts.

Kris and Nathan Weston must protect Casey and Raven Harris without making them suspicious, and to retrieve any evidence Raven might still have. To do so, they have moved next door to the Harris residence. Kris is Casey's new partner at work. Nathan is a struggling novelist who remains at home. Whenever Raven, a recluse since her son died years ago, has any sudden electrical or water trouble, Nathan is there to help her out.

It is clear from the beginning that Casey and Raven's marriage has been going down hill since their son died. Kris and Nathan know that they are not supposed to get involved with the personal lives of the people they are protecting. But seeing the Harris couple in such pain, yet still with a fragile grip on love, the agents cannot help but wish they could do something for them. At the same time, Kris and Nathan are dealing with their real romantic past feelings. Playing husband and wife only intensifies their feelings for each other, feelings they are not allowed to have.

This is the single, most dangerous time in the Network's history. Kris and Nathan must try to ignore their feelings for each other, as well as, ignore their desire to help Casey and Raven, because it is only a matter of time before Jameson will strike!

***** I am happy to say that even though this is the second book in the "Incognito series", it is still a stand alone story. You do not have to read book one (No Ordinary Love) to fully understand and enjoy this adventure. Nor will you be left hanging with loose ends, waiting on the next book in the series. To make a series that readers can read in, or out, of order is an outstanding idea, in my opinion. Very few series succeed in accomplishing this difficult feat. So author Karen Wiesner has done what few before her could do. It is even harder to write about a couple's romance, while also adding in enough about a secondary couple AND a dangerous element. One minute I found myself hoping the main characters could make their attraction to each other work, and the next minute I was left breathless due to a sudden attack. This book had me on the edge of my seat often, and had my full attention constantly. Outstanding and highly recommended reading! *****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - No Ordinary Love
(Incognito #1)

The members call it "The Network", but the covert organization really has no name. The members are incognito, totally erased from the world. The organization has branches all over the world. Only the American President and a select committee in the White House, called Oversight, even know it exists. The people of The Network often "neutralize" anyone, even the innocent, in order to preserve the organization's invisibility and remove any threat of exposure. But when a ten-year-old girl witnesses her father shot down in cold blood, one member of The Network decides to disappear with her, instead of allowing the child to be neutralized.

Kira Gunn is twenty-five and already owns a multi billion-dollar corporation. But of her twenty-five years of life, she can only remember the last fifteen. Everything else is a blank. The only constant thing in her life is a man named Vincent Carson. For as long as Kira can recall, Vincent has been there. He cares for her every need. He home schooled her. He helped her begin her business from scratch. He even taught her to use and clean firearms. But most importantly, Vincent hold and soothes her every time she has the nightmares that trigger her seizures. Those occur every time she dreams.

But the time Vincent has been dreading has finally arrived. Kira wants answers. When she learns who Vincent really is and all he has done (and is still doing) to protect her, will she still care for him? Or will she run in horror?

***** This is the first book in the Incognito Series. I found it to be a very solid foundation for what could very well turn out to be one of the best romantic suspense novels of the year. It overflows in action and drama, with just the right amount of romance. Pre-order a copy if you can. Outstanding! *****

Author: Kemberlee Shortland
Title - A Piece of My Heart

Set in Ireland, present date. Michael "Mick" Spillane's life is in Dublin. He has no interest in the family farm. But after his father dies, Mick must return to Connemara for the funeral and reading of the will. Mick hopes to simply sell the farm and return to Dublin as quickly as possible. The last thing Mick expects is to learn that his father had added an addendum to his will. Should Mick try to sell the family farm, everything will go to Kate Conneely.

Mick and Kate had been very close as they grew up together. Their friendship had been changing into something much deeper until Kate, at the tender age of fifteen, suddenly found Mick avoiding her. She never understood what had happened to cause the chasm between them. When Mick's mother became ill, Kate gave up her medical career to help the Spillane family. Soon after Mrs. Spillane's death, Mr. Spillane's health went bad. It was Kate who helped keep the farm going. Yet still Kate is caught totally off guard when the addendum is read.

A compromise is reached and Mick hires a manager to live on-site, in a small apartment on the farm, and run the place. Kate agrees to drop by once or twice each week to keep an eye on things. The new manager is not to Kate liking. Can Kate prove to Mick the shady character of his new manager? Can she help Mick realize and come to have pride in his family's land and its history? And most importantly, can she keep her heart from shattering all over again?

***** FIVE STARS! Since this story is set in Ireland, be prepared for a bit of their slang words. There are not many, but if you do not live in the U.K., they may jump out and surprise you. The story caught my interest quickly. At first, I found myself disappointed in Mick's selfish life style and his blindness to the health of his parents. But then I realized that many people move away from their parents' area and begin their own lives. The author's descriptions of Mick knowing of his parents' bad health, but not really believing it, is totally accurate. Kemberlee Shortland has written a heartwarming story that will long remain in my mind. Recommended! *****

Author: Christina Dodd
Title - Danger in a Red Dress

Hannah Grey is a home-care RN who specializes in arthritis cases and is trained in physical therapy. When one of her patients leaves her some money in his will, the family believes she slept her way into earning it. The family uses their influence to have Hannah's New Hampshire nursing certificate suspended. Believing the lies, Carrick Manly decides Hannah is just the greedy person he needs.

Hannah is desperate for work and agrees when Carrick offers her the job of caring for his mother, Melinda, in her Maine coast mansion. Melinda has not left the mansion in fifteen years. That was when her husband crashed a multibillion-dollar business, stole the money and left the country without looking back. Carrick believes his mother knows where his father stashed the money and wants Hannah to pull the information out of her. But Carrick has read Hannah all wrong and she refuses to help scam Melinda. Hannah is getting ready to leave when Melinda comes up and asks her to remain.

Gabriel Prescott is one of Carrick's half-brothers. Gabriel plans to tell Carrick, but before he can Carrick hires his security firm. Gabriel hides monitors and audio devices all over the mansion because Carrick has convinced him that Hannah is abusing the elderly lady. But then Melinda is murdered and the video looks like Hannah is the killer. Worse, the equipment proves that Melinda had known where the money was all along and has not only told Hannah where it is being held, but all the access codes to retrieve it. Hannah finds herself on the run from the law and Carrick's unscrupulous people. Gabriel may be the only one who can keep her alive, if she can convince him of her innocence.

***** Christina Dodd proves, once again, that she has found her calling in life. This tale has a villain that readers will love to hate. He is a slimy man who seems to pull the wool over the eyes of all except his mother and Hannah (uh, and the thugs he owes money to). Full of action and suspense, this story kept me hooked from first until last. I found it to be a wild ride and absolutely thrilling! *****

Author: Tonya Lampley
Title - Three Hundred & Sixty Degrees

Alex Monroe has been burned in a relationship before. No longer wanting to be that vulnerable again, Alex keeps her mind on her work for one of Chicago's largest investment firms, Jacobson, Connor & Mack. She has been the company's top producer the last five years in a row. Everyone at the firm knows Alex has the upcoming position as Executive Vice President in the bag. But when the time comes to announce the name of the new person to join senior management, everyone is shocked to hear it is Daniel McClellan. Alex is devastated, but does not show it to those around her. In the short time Daniel has been with the firm Alex has found herself attracted to him. Can Alex open herself up to more possible heartbreak? And why does Daniel keep refusing to answer any of her questions about the odd performance issues with the company's portfolio?

Daniel knows upon first meeting Alex that she is everything he wants in a woman. It is also obvious that she will need time to accept him into her private world. He does not expect to be at the firm long and when he leaves he expects things to be VERY serious with Alex. All Daniel has to do is keep her from realizing what is going on for a little bit longer.

***** This is an awesome story! The only downside a few sections where I turn the page only to learn that six weeks or months have passed by. To me, that is not how a man shows a lady that he is interested in her.

The author keeps things moving by adding in a subplot or two. There is an account manager who is trying to change her gossip ways, one of Alex's close friends has a bad-news boyfriend, and Alex's mother comes into some unexpected money. I never found myself getting bored with all of this, in addition to the main romance and plot, going on. Absolutely fabulous! *****

Author: Cindy K. Green
Title - NovelTea Next Door

To catch a crook, secret agent Grant moves in with Juliet Truesdale under the ruse of being her brother. However, the feelings he has for her are far from fraternal. As the pair spend days together, Juliet begins to fall in love with the man who already desires her, but with danger close at hand and all of Grant's secrets to protect, how can this relationship hope to thrive?

*** This is a fast, comfortable read that while complete, leaves you wanting more. Grant and Juliet's romance is built well and set well against the background of the case. The only flaw is, the book is far too short. ***

Author: Catherine Colombo
Title - Heart of a Champion

Despite financial problems and scheduling conflicts, Christy is determined to be the best, to be the top female skater, or at least as close as she can come to that. However, injuries, both to her body and her heart, will prove to be tests for her in more ways than one. Secrets from the past have an impact on the present that can either ruin her or free her to achieve her dreams, and love, a new experience, may save or damn her career.

*** If you have ever been fascinated by the ice shows on TV or been fortunate enough to see one in person, then you know the magic the performers weave. This glimpse into the backstage of their world is fascinating as we watch the struggles one undaunted young woman endures on multiple levels. ***

Author: Cindy Green
Title - Meeting Mr. Right Online

After worrying for several days over the prolonged absence of her online best friend, Julian, Lucinda decides it's time to make friends in the real world, but that is just when she gets a wonderful surprise. It only takes a moment for her to discover that Mr. Right is even better in person than he is as a virtual being, but without the safety of the net between them, will he love her as well?

*** Relevant, yet fun and fantastic, this is a read that is too brief, but also really needs say no more than it does. It takes great talent to be able to use so few words to say enough. Anyone who has ever made an online friend, in other words, probably you if you are reading this review, has wondered if that friendship would endure if you actually met. Find out what the best possible answer is. ***

Author: Barbara Goodwin
Title - Hiding in Plain Sight

The nightmare does not end for flight attendant Judy Winston when the hostage ordeal she finds herself in the middle of is over. Six months later, she is the target of people who want to kill her and the DEA wants her to go undercover to expose a drug smuggling operation that is using her airline for their deadly business. Before she has time to hardly breathe, Judy's life is transformed and she is partnered with a very attractive, younger agent who makes it all too clear that he'd love to be partners on a less professional basis, when the danger is past. If Judy is not careful, though, that time will never come.

**** There are not many books like this. For one thing, the hero and heroine are both past the ingénue ages at forty one and fifty one, and another, though there is some relationship angst, they don't waste pages and pages, not to mention our time, making it the focal point. With a fast pace, good plot, and plausible characterizations, this is an all around winner. ****

Author: Morgan Mandel
Title - Girl of My Dreams

When one of the contestants on the new reality series, Girl of My Dreams, pulls out at the last minute, shy production assistant Jillian steps in to fill her shoes, believing all the while that she'll be eliminated quickly. She has eyes only for her boss, and the millionaire who is the prize of the show holds no appeal for her. Yet, despite this, she finds herself as one of the favorites to go all the way. The only two people possibly less happy than Jillian, or Veronica as she's known on the show, are a disgruntled contestant and the boss she really wishes would have chosen her before now, Blake Caldwell. Suddenly, he realizes how much he needs Jillian Baker in his life, but she seems to be slipping away, ready to mount the white charger and ride off with a prince charming, the way things are going. However, in the dog eat dog world of reality television, things are never quite what they seem and there might be a deadly hitch in that scenario.

***** This is both a fun read and an exciting one, managing to stay on the pink side of sensual, telling just enough to add zest, but not going graphic. It's a fast, utterly absorbing and charming tale that leaves you with a smile. Girl of My Dreams is one classy read. *****

Author: Mary Eason
Title - Somewhere Between Love and Hate

Lili would do whatever it took to save her father, to keep him from being punished for illegal acts he involved her in, though she never realized it until after the fact, thus ensuring his final months of life can be peaceful. However, Damon Bortelli is just as bent on making sure the old man pays, though he is willing to spare Lili in return for her betrayal of her father. Yet, when he sees the sacrifice she is willing to make, Damon begins to have second thoughts about revenge, but it might be too late.

*** Though the plot is somewhat thin and could have gone deeper, this is a fast read that speeds to the end. More details about the past would have been useful as well as more character development, but if you just need a brief escape, this fits the bill. ***

Author: Catherine Stang
Title - In the Blink of An Eye

Julia Davenport's life becomes a living Hell, made up of fear and worry, after a stalker fixates on her and her daughter. To keep them both safe, a pair of handsome bodyguards is hired. Soon, it becomes more than a job for the two men, especially for Rogan, the tough Marine on medical leave. Before long, Flynn and Rogan have become friends with the woman and her child and Rogan has begun to fall in love with them both. Yet, past pain and present danger stand in the way of future happiness. Can all the issues be resolved and Julia kept safe?

*** Though this has a bit more sweetness and heart-warmth than your average romantic suspense, if you enjoy Harlequin Super Romances, then this is a perfect choice for you. I would have liked to learn more about Flynn, who, though only a secondary character, was quite charming. Grab some popcorn and enjoy this printed Lifetime movie of the week. ***

Author: Lori Derby Bingley
Title - Lethal Memories

April Matthews has seen a lot of books in her role as editor, but none have gotten her attention like the one that is now coming to her, chapter by chapter, lately. In chilling details, she reads the tragic events that shaped her family's life, the night her father was murdered, played out in words written by a nameless stranger. That is not the only thing commanding her attention, however. Her brother has been arrested for murder, and the case against him is so strong that even April finds herself wondering about his innocence. The fact that the man she loves is prosecuting him only makes what is a situation that steadily grows in complexity more difficult. How does the past impact current events? Did Caleb become her lover just to use her? Things are becoming dangerous and completely baffling for April at an alarming pace, but if someone has their way, she won't have to worry about it long. She'll be dead.

**** This is a thinking woman's mystery. You will need your full mind to follow the complexities of this intriguing novel as the diabolical killer's deadly plan unfolds. April is the one character you will not have to wonder if she is who she seems. Looking through her eyes, readers will not know who to trust at any time thanks to the multi-layered series of red herrings laid out for us. Saying more would spoil it, so just read Lethal Memoirs and find out for yourself. ****

Author: Lauren Sharman
Title - Dusty Rose

The McCassey brothers were all shocked when Dusty, aka, Dusty Rose, rode back into town. It's soon clear that she needs their help, but won't ask for it; however, they force her to accept it, despite not really knowing what her mission is. It is also clear that someone has a deadly grudge against both her and them. Despite the dangers, Judd McCassey is thrilled to get a second chance with the girl who he loved and who left him years ago. When he learns her secrets and who the true enemy is, he can hardly believe it, but no matter what, he will not abandon her.

*** If you like your stories to be extremely complicated, you will want this one. As the revelations slowly come out, the reader is guided down a twisted path of revenge and family secrets. Somehow, it also manages to be gritty without being sordid, a balance that few achieve. ***

Author: Ann Patrick
Title - The Wandering Minstrel

Picking up a hitch-hiker might not be the wisest thing Jody has ever done, but it turns out to be the pivotal moment of her life. The enigmatic, sexy James is not a simple vagrant, but her favorite singer, Cat Grant, and he seems to feel something for her. However, the romance of it all is no dream come true. Cat proves to be a moody lover who pushes her away as hard as he can, but the two keep coming back together. What began as living out an act of kindness, then a fantasy, becomes an emotional roller coaster for Jody where the happily ever after is hard won.

*** Fans of Diana Palmer will want this book to be sure. Though problematic, it is an engaging read. Time passages seemed rather uneven and James' treatment of Jody was certainly not endearing, but in the end, it is a pleasant enough way to pass an afternoon. ***

Author: Judith Otto
Title: Twice in a Lifetime

Rachel's world is turned upside down when a strange man accosts her in a restaurant, talking about her taking away his unborn child. She is befuddled, but that's nothing new; she has no memory of her life before the last two years. Thus, she is able to accept the trut that this stranger, Struan, is her husband and willingly goes home with him to begin to reclaim her life. Yet, it's an uphill challenge all the way as she discovers she does not always like her former self and she now has a rival to fight for her husband's love. Yet, one truth remains hidden that could shatter the tentative happiness before her.

**** This story begins on a compeling note and keeps you hooked throughout. Though the ending is a little rushed, weakening it slightly, it is nonetheless powerful. Ms. Otto has successfully used the standard amnesia story and given it a fresh life. ****

Author: Jena Galifany
Title: Shadow's Forge IV: THE LONG WAY HOME

Diane loves Brian, the up and coming rock musician in her life, but it is obvious that something is haunting Brian Cummings. Investigating his past reveals the pain he has kept hidden. Not that long ago, a chance encounter brought him a forbidden romance with a married woman and a son who came of their love. Before his beloved Mia could leave her husband, an accident ended her life and anger allowed false accusations to nearly finish his. A new start in America has been rocky for him, and now, Brian has the chance to move on. But, is he ready? Diane has to know.

*** Absorbing and complex, this takes you on a journey through one man's Hell as seen in the eyes of those who love him. Though this is termed romantic suspense, there was little of that genre applicable. However, nonetheless, this is a moving story, guaranteed to keep you riveted. ***

Author: T.L. Vance
Title: Flowers for Emily

Scotland Yard Inspector Veronica (Roni) Donovan comes to the States in her quest to try and close a case that has cost her a marriage and a sister's life so far. Before she even begins, her frustrations drive her to the gymn where she has a brief encounter with a handsome mystery man, Dean Colby, who she next sees at work. As it happens, he is an FBI agent and on the same case. After the initial awkwardness passes, the pair is able to work together as they try to stop a serial killer who is now fixated on Roni herself. Though she is willing to take whatever risks needed, Dean is not sure he is able to face losing her, even though inevitably, he will, either through the murderer's victory or when she goes back home. When all the clues are added up though, neither could have anticipated what would happen next.

*** Though the instant romantic/sexual attachment that forms does stretch my credulity a bit, such things are the norm. Once past this, the reader is treated to a complex, edge of your seat thriller that holds surprises and a nicely twisted solution. ***

Author: Christina Carlisle
Title - Charlotte

After finding a young woman badly injured, Reese Cameron takes her into his home and cares for her. When she wakes, she has no memory, but her scant ID indicates she may be named Charlotte Hunter, or Charlie, as he calls her. As the days pass, the two begin to fall in love under the shadow of the memory of his late wife and the possibility that she might belong to someone else. Yet, the truth of the latter is something neither would ever have guessed.

**** The story here is almost gothic in nature; Reese will remind you of Mr. Rochester or Maxim deWinter, at times. He often comes across as cruel, but does manage to redeem himself. Charlotte blends elements of the Brontes with the modernity found in Andrew Greeley, making for an unusual, yet interesting, tale. ****

Author: Cindy K. Green
Title - A Night of NovelTea

Be careful what you wish for would be a good credo for Juliet Truesdale. She has wished for a romantic hero to sweep into her life and carry her off into adventure. When Grant does just that, she finds wishes can be troublesome. First, he steps into her shop, intrigues her, kisses her, then passes her an envelope with instructions on where to bring it. Then, when she meets him, she finds herself being chased by bad guys, hiding in dumpsters, and afraid for her life. Yet, despite all this, she has to wonder, is Grant someone special?

**** Remember Scarecrow and Mrs. King? This reminds me of that series, which is good, since I loved that show when I was a girl. Despite its brevity, this story conveys a world of action and romance. Download it to your blackberry and take it along when you have to wait in a doctor's office or something on that order. Your time will be well spent and you can finish the whole book in one sitting. ****

Author: Judith Otto
Title - Night Without Stars

On her way to leaving her job as a personal assistant to Matt Smith for good, Jilly Tremayne is interrupted by his plea for help; his twins are recovering from chicken pox and have given it to him. Their mother, his live-in girlfriend, has left the family, and he has no idea how to handle the situation. In short order, Jilly finds herself moved into her handsome boss' home, playing nanny to both him and the children and letting them all get far too close to her heart. Though she does not realize it, the reverse is also happening. However, she knows it must come to an end; she has new vistas on her horizon and Matt should be with the twins' mother, right?

*** This modern tale manages to have a slightly old-fashioned charm that is endearing. Classic romantic elements offer few surprises, yet it is a sweet, simple read that will soothe your mind between the fantasy of the plain Jane getting the handsome guy and the cute kids throwing in a comedic element. ***

Author: Pamela Johnson
Title - Ricki, Don't Lose That Number

Officer Ricki Jackson is decidedly not girly, so being told to undergo a transformation such as seen in Miss Congeniality and go to a romance novel convention to bodyguard the very hunky Max Ardent, a spa tycoon and cover model, she is less than thrilled. Immediately, she finds herself facing challenges that she never prepared for at the Academy, such as dealing with waxing, exfoliation, seaweed, and the biggest obstacle of all, Max himself. The man is determined to get past her prickles, and in the process, the two find themselves liking each other too much to be professional. However, the fact remains, someone wants Max dead, and will gladly let Ricki join him in the grave.

*** If you enjoyed the aforementioned movie, then you will definitely like this as well. Ricki's take on the tortures inflicted by spas is one that all of the less fussy people of the world will heartily say Amen to. That is just one of the many smiles this book will bring to your face. Every day deserves some laughter; Ricki and Max's story can fill the prescription for it. ***

Author: Sue Perkins
Title - Three Hearts

For eight years, Darcy Farrell has raised her niece, Brooke, happily in New Zealand. Her sister, Kelly, died giving birth to what Darcy believed was an illegitimate child, but now, the girl's father, Travis Denton, from America, has arrived on her doorstep, ready to claim the daughter he just learned he had. Yet, for Brooke's sake, the process has to be taken slowly, and once the anger is worked past, the two adults find themselves getting to know each other on friendlier terms. Yet, can Darcy trust that Travis loves her, or does he just want a mother for Brooke?

*** This sweet story has a classic plot that is easy to read. Brooke is a uniqute little girl who will make a big impression on the reader, even more so than the hero and heroine. Love is shown to be a complex, multi-faceted emotion that is willing to sacrifice and will always win out. ***

Author: Bryce Christensen
Title - Winning

Brad Porter's goal in life was to be a winner, and that shaped his entire existence. After a stellar football career, he returned home to where he spent the first years of his life with his aunt and uncle, where he became the high school football coach. He took the team from zeroes to heroes, but then, he gambled on one player, placing the school nerd on the team, only to be let down. That incident's tragic end only pushed him to strive for greater success, until a crippling blow stole from him the person who encapsulated his new dreams. Yet, Brad was not one to stay down, and so he tried to find a new way to win, to adopt a new philosophy. But, was that asking too much?

*** This moody book will appeal to fans of Jodi Picoult or Nicholas Sparks. Though hampered by abrupt flashbacks, it tells a powerful story that will haunt you. ***

Author: Pamela Johnson
Title - Unfinished Dreams

Gabe Russell's dream is to earn enough money to reclaim his family home, yet that seems to be a doomed hope when Tess is given his house as part of a package deal with her job at Sullivan Loan. Ironically, he finds himself working to repair the place for the city woman who does not realize it was once his. She also does not realize he is doing all he can to buy it back. As the two work together to make it a viable dwelling place, Tess and Gabe begin to fall in love, but is it a house he wants, or a home - with her?

*** If you like your romance sweet with only subtle sexiness, then this old-fashioned treat is the prescription for your reading needs. Gabe and Tess have a somewhat classic romance, calling to mind the Doris Day/Rock Hudson movies that run on TCM. Though it is not profound, it's great brain candy. ***

Author: Layla Chase
Title - A Match Made in Montana

Hoping to find inspiration for a work project, Beth Fenton returns to her home town, intending to stay in the historic Shamrocks Inn. Its old-fashioned atmosphere should provide ample fuel for her imagination to create a museum exhibit. However, when she arrives, the Inn is closed for renovations and everyone is gone except for the owners' son, Finn Quaid, the young man who was her first unrequited love. It takes some doing, but she manages to convince him to let her stay. In return, she is supposed to help him create an image of the proper political candidate. Unfortunately, Beth's quirky ways and town gossip are not conducive to that sort of thing. Moreover, Finn is discovering that the shy, awkward little girl has turned into a woman, one he needs to stay away from as much as he wants to get closer to her.

**** Though this is a sweet, funny story, it still manages to bristle with sexual tension in all the right places. Beth is amusing and spunky, yet vulnerable enough to be someone with whom you can identify. Finn is a dreamy hero, especially after he gets his priorities in order. Be prepared to be charmed by this one. ****

Author: Dorothy McFalls
Title - The Huntress

Vega Brookes is a former Detroit cop turned bounty hunter. Her uncle, Jack, owns "Skip Tracers" and is the one who assigns each hunter their mission/target. Vega is one of Jack's best! Her experience as a cop is invaluable and she keeps fit with Tang Soo Do mixed with no holds barred street fighting. The only real down side for Vega is that her younger sister, Fiona, always tries to follow her footsteps. Thankfully, Jack hires Fiona as a researcher, which she is very good at and keeps her tied to a desk instead of out chasing hardened criminals.

This time Vega's prey is Grayson "Gray" Walker. He was one of three top executive for Six-Star Enterprises, based in Atlanta. The company is one of the newest and wealthiest Fortune 500 Companies. Grayson is wanted for the murder of Greg Harper, another partner in the company, as well as, Gray's closest friend. But Gray is not a normal target. He has a military background, highly classified, not that the security measures could keep Vega from getting those sealed files. Three hunters before Vega tried for the bounty on Grayson. The last hunter was killed.

A new wave of organized crime has popped up. Someone known only as the Spider, has fingers in drugs, terrorism, and general mayhem in many of the major cities around the country. The FBI is very interested in the Spider, Six-Star Enterprises, Grayson Walker, and a few choice others. Vega is about to find out that she has met her match, if he does not kill her first.

**** A wonderful blend of romance, suspense, and a bit of mystery. There is more going on than I hint at too. Vega is not made out to be a super woman either. She has her faults and failures, which makes her more realistic to readers. This could very well be the beginning of a romantic suspense series. Don't worry though, this novel is a stand alone story; however, the author keeps one loose (and remote) thread dangling. If the author chooses, she can end it all right here or she can create at least one more hunt. Hmm, perhaps Fiona will get her own story told some day. ****

Author: Star Ferris
Title - Mending Fences

Most people would be delighted to win a new home, but Jennifer Marless is anything but. The recent widow never expected to win a ranch, but when she does, she wants nothing to do with the Split Rail Ranch. Nonetheless, she gives way to the pressure applied on her to take her son, Aaron, and check it out in person. The foreman, Jace Thompson, is another thing she had not counted on. From the first moment, she and the handsome cowboy clash and misunderstand each other, but then, he breaks through her tough shell, the one she's erected and hid behind for a year. Once he saves her life, love is almost a sure thing. However, doubts about his possible criminal past threaten to tear their lives apart just as happiness seems possible.

*** There is no doubt that Jennifer is a hard lady to like, initially, but her portrayal is an extremely realistic depiction of someone who has gone through too much pain. The entire book is done in a similar fashion, showing how hard life can be, and how love can redeem it in the end. ***

Author: Ann Patrick
Title - Sunrise Lady

Though Sasha Miller is intrigued with the handsome man she meets early one morning during her working vacation, she never suspects he is the man she has dreaded meeting for an interview, race driver Chad Williams until they meet at a party. At once, electricity springs up between them, but Sasha does not want to get past her beliefs about the alleged playboy. However, as she gets to know Chad, her views change, multiple times. She swings between passionionate love to equally flamable disgust with him constantly until after one fight too many, they part. Then, just as Sasha learns something that turns her world on its ear, Chad is in a wreck that might destroy more than his career.

*** The emotional variances Sasha and Chad undergo are illogical enough to be realistic, albeit completely unfathomably mercurial. It is charming how extremely strong language is avoided and mildly strong is treated with apology. I wish more authors would pick up that habit. The story is somewhat predictable, but nonetheless, is sweet and boasts an unusual setting. ***

Author: Cyndia Depre
Title - Amanda's Rib

After being cleared in her husband, Michael's, murder, Amanda Alcott hopes to begin a new life. Downplaying her wealth, she moves to a new town, making new friends, but never quite lets down her guard. Then, Jack enters her life. Intrigued by the cool beauty, he investigates her past and learns of the murder charge. When he confronts her about it, Amanda feels like she is on trial again, yet, once more, she is acquitted. To Jack, Amanda is a puzzle. Though sharply logical, she has one unwavering superstition, and is liable to fade into her memories at odd moments. Most disturbingly, he finds himself falling for her, unaware that in Amanda's past lie darker, more painful secrets than Michael's death; secrets that threaten both the present and future. When Amanda has no choice but to face down her demons, the confrontation will have you on the edge of your seat.

**** This complex novel is a definite keeper. Past and present are smoothly interwoven, as are hope and terror. At one level, it's romantic suspense, on another, the finest women's fiction, telling a story of a woman rebuilding her life after she hits rock bottom. On any level, it's a guaranteed good read. ****

Author: T. L. Schaefer
Title - The Brotherhood (Suspense)

Elijah "Eli" Miller is found beaten to death and with a ritualistic bruise mark. Eli had been a member of the Brotherhood of Freedom which is guided by Reverend Charles Montcliff. Sheriff Douglas "Doug" Brewster begins the investigation. The first real clue came from an unexpected source. Doug's friend, Josie, had the same "bruise".

Josie Galloway is the local Wiccan High Priestess and has a shop called The Eight Fold Path. Josie woke up the morning of Eli's death with a mark upon her chest and no idea how it got there. She only recalls horrible, and pain filled, nightmares. The bruise is in the crescent shape of "the sigil of the triskele". After four days the strange bruise had not faded in the least. Even stranger, when dying Eli had bonded with Josie. So every night Josie deals with nightmares and dreamwalks (shares dreams) with a dead man. Josie is stuck with Eli and the mark until whatever Eli is searching for is found.

At the same time a killer from Josie's past has found her. Josie had testified against him long ago and then was sent into the Witness Protection Program. Douglas unwittingly led the killer right to her. Doug and Josie must team up to find Eli's murderer while dodging another!

***** Here is a fast paced novel just overflowing with suspense! This book is the sequel to another titled "Summerland", which is still available through the publisher AND through Amazon online. Both novels are stand-alone stories. If you only read this one, you will NOT be confused at all. However, once you finish with this book, you will find yourself rushing out to purchase the first. This author's stories are THAT good. Author T. L. Schaefer knows drama! *****

Author: Karin Huxman
Title - The Commitment

Miranda Symons woke up in a gaudy Las Vegas hotel room with a wedding ring on her finger. Her new husband was Drake McLain, her boss and her sister's ex-husband! Miranda's fiancé, Jack, had broken their engagement the day before and she dulled the pain with alcohol. She barely remembered agreeing to an instant marriage with Drake, the flight on the company plane, and flashes of the wedding ceremony. Miranda only knew that her sister, Lucy, had made Drake out as a monster when she was married to him. When Miranda found the tiny video camera that Drake had hidden in the room, pointed at the bed, she assumed it all to be true.

Drake McLain's company was called Millennium Tech. He divorced Lucy when he caught her in bed with the owner of a rival company. In addition, there was some serious corporate espionage going on. Drake had planned to use Miranda for revenge on Lucy and as a pawn in the corporate game. The marriage was a sham, but he needed Miranda and the rest of the city to believe they were really wed if everything was to go as he originally planned. Drake just never expected to fall in love with his fake wife.

***** Fans of Jayne Ann Krentz need to take a close look at this author! Karin Huxman is fast becoming well known in both "Super Natural Romance" and "Modern Contemporary Romance" fields. This novel will easily show you why so many readers are talking about her. No wimpy heroine here! This heroine is as strong and smart as the hero. Watching them go head-to-head was pure pleasure. Very highly recommended reading! *****

Author: Joan Hall Hovey
Title - Chill Waters (Romantic Suspense)

Rachael Warren had left Jenny's Cove at the age of fifteen. She never dreamed that by age forty-five she would be divorced with no job, money, or home. But when her husband began committing adultery, it was the last straw. Rachael wanted out - NOW! With the small amount of money Greg gave her for her part of their house, she returned to Jenny's Cove and purchased the small house her grandmother had once owned.

Iris Brandt was a store keeper and the first person Rachael met. Some of Iris's family members had "the Sight". Even though Iris knew she had it too, she always denied it, to herself and to others. However, she could NOT deny knowing Rachael was in danger when they met...and she felt the need to help, if she could.

Peter Gardner was Iris's nephew, and a local teacher. He was one of the few that did NOT believe Tommy, one of his students, had murdered his girlfriend - no matter what the evidence claimed. He and Rachael began seeing each other and romance began to bloom.

It soon became apparent that there was a killer on the loose. And his next target was Rachael.

**** Fans of Mary Higgins Clark will enjoy this author! Joan Hall Hovey has combined a romantic suspense with a thriller. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time as I tried to figure out what would happen next. Great story that I have no doubt you will enjoy! ****

Patricia Crossley : title - Dancing With The Devil (Romantic Suspense)

When Jazz gets word of her father's death, she and her friend, Pete, make a daring, dangerous escape from the tiny, war ridden country where they are working. Barely getting out alive, the danger should be over, right? It is only beginning.

Returning home, Jazz learns that her father's death was a bit mysterious, and soon finds herself the object of a stalker's attention. Gifts, such as roses and a kitten, begin appearing out of nowhere, and there are some break ins. Fortunately, Pete follows her home and is there to reassure her and protect her.

Things start to turn romantic with Pete unexpectedly, and deadly with the stalker as it becomes obvious to him that she does not return his "love". Murder and violence are now what Jazz is being given. When an innocent child is put at risk, Jazz must face the past and her fears to confront a familiar enemy. In a showdown that for some reason reminds me of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, Jazz meets the greatest challenge of her life.

***** Suspenseful and taut, this novel is well worth the time and money. Ebooks often have little known authors that are worth discovering, and such is the case here. Jazz is a heroine that is easy to cheer on as she finds love and danger. Not perfect, she has weaknesses, which make her easier to relate to and more believable. Pete is a loveable hero, though not the alpha male that often populates the position. again rendering him more realistic. This is a story that could be real. *****

Lynda LaPorte: title - Edge Of Paradise

Lori Paige was a technician on loan from the St. Louis Zoo. She was sent to the Caribbean with a government grant to find out why large patches of certain kinds of fish kept showing up dead. With the help of an assistant, Benjamin Adams, they would study tissues, cellular, hematology, histology, and pathology in hope of solving the puzzle. Lori set up quickly at the St. Saba Research Station and got to work.

St. Saba was a private little island owned by Genevieve Laurent. Many of Genny's relatives lived on the island, as well as, a few guests. Lori was shocked to find out Hugh Richmond was there posing as a writer named JeanPaul Richaud. Lori had known him when she was in college. They had fallen in love. However, after a bunch of her college friends were arrested for terrorism, he suddenly disappeared. Lori was heartbroken. Hugh was obviously still working for the government, so Lori kept quiet. She had no intention of getting involved with him again. Hugh, however, was just as determined that she would!

Jake was a huge Rottweiler who no one really claimed as their own. He would allow no one to pet him and he was considered to be the animal king. Yet from the first moment he met Lori he adored her. Only Lori could pet him. Only Lori would he follow and guard. Only within Lori's cottage would he sleep.

As Lori and Ben made progress in their work, they made someone or some group nervous. Lori became more and more grateful for Jake's presence, because someone wanted Lori's lab work to cease permanently!

***** An exciting thriller that will keep your adrenalin pumping! I could not tear myself away from the story! I had to know what would happen next! Here is an author that I am proud to recommend to everyone! Mary Higgins Clark fans should especially consider this story! *****

Nathasha Brooks-Harris: title - Panache

Alexandra Walker was head of the jewelry department at Sturbridge. Her ten year old son, Jason, needed a kidney transplant badly. During a desperate moment, Alex had copies of an expensive jewelry set made and planned to switch them for the real things, for money to get a kidney on the black market. Only seconds after she made the switch, Alex realized she could not go through with it and returned the real set. But Spurgeon in Security caught it on tape and edited out the part of Alex returning the set. He made sure Alex knew he would demand a price at a later time.

Alexandra attended the Fifth Annual National Kidney Foundation Celebrity Ball and Auction under orders from her supervisor. Alex was to use Sturbridge's money to out-bid anyone for the auction prize of winning a date with Chase Thomas. Chase was vice-president of "Panache, The Jewelry Experience" and Sturbridge's direct competitor. The press would eat up the news of that date! Even though it was all for publicity, Alex and Chase clicked immediately and romance bloomed.

Enter Spurgeon and his blackmail. He forced Alex, at gun point, to help him steal the priceless and famous King Soloman's ring from Panache. He had it video taped as well, for extra blackmail material. Alex felt as though her life would never get better.

**** There are many sub-plots I did not mention. They are as wonderful as I believe the romance between the main couple to be. The author kept things interesting by making sure that for every positive thing that happened, one or two negative things did too. In my opinion, the ending dragged on too long, but everything else was fabulous! ****

Sue Charnley: title - The Catnapped Lover

Each year on their birth date of April First, Jack Hunter and Adam Talcott would determine which of them would be the CEO of AFD, Inc. for the next year. Since Adam was currently CEO, Jack was to decide the challenge. If Adam failed, Jack would be CEO for the next year. For the next two months Adam had to get a job and support himself. Adam could not use any of his current money, contacts, or things, such as cars, servants, and the like. He had to begin with old clothes and a beat up car. Jack could be used as a reference, but Adam would have to accept anything Jack told his potential employer and not tell anyone the truth.

Rue Clancy lost her job in Detroit and decided to go to her Aunt Shea's farm to help out with the chores for awhile. She arrived to find that Aunt Shea had hired an ex-con named Adam to help with the farm work for awhile. He knew nothing about the work and had brought along a sick, stray cat that he had picked up along the way. Rue knew Shea was notorious for picking up strays (even human ones) to help them out, but Adam worried Rue. Adam had embezzled money before, and Rue intended to make sure he did not cheat her aunt!

**** This is sure an unique plot! There are some very funny parts that will give a few chuckles and a couple of hot ones as well! There is even a mysterious sub-plot to keep the readers on their toes. Recommended! ****

Kimberly Grey: title - Siren's Song

In 1985 Erin and Sean O'Brien had been in Northern Ireland. Erin, only ten-years-old, witnessed her father's murder. He had been part of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Their mother asked Patrick, their uncle, to come to Ireland, collect the children, and keep them safe with him in America. Erin went. But seventeen-year-old Sean remained in Ireland and joined the IRA.

It was in Wisconsin, 1999, when security specialist Michael Flynn was contacted by Liam Moloney. Liam had once saved Michael's life. Michael jumped at the chance to return the favor! Erin O'Brien, now grown, had become the latest singing sensation. Sean, no longer with the IRA, had joined her singing and dancing cast a year before. His time in the military showed in how he moved, like a jungle cat. Upon seeing him, Michael knew Sean would be a giant help in his new job of being Erin's bodyguard.

Someone calling himself Erik was stalking her. He followed her to every city and state of her concert tour. Erik never left evidence that would reveal his identity, but he kept getting closer and closer. When Michael placed himself between Erik and Erin, Erik became deadly. Michael's only fear was that the attraction between himself and Erin might distract him at a critical time.

***** Excellent plot and awesome story telling! Here is a "Keeper" for you Romantic Suspense lovers! I usually do not care of bodyguard and damsel in distress books, but this one was just too brilliant to pass up! Erin in a tough Irish-American and as brave as they come! Author, Kimberly Grey, kept me hooked in this thrilling romance while showing many wondrous Irish cultures, such as music and dance. Her research in the Irish culture clearly shows! Very highly recommended! *****

J. Farris: title - Third Time's The Charm

To get the open position in the sports column, Rita Mahoney had to get an interview with Tony D'Tillo about his upcoming boxing match against Moses Malone. But Tony had been burned twice by women before and avoids all females. After pulling some strings Rita finally got her interview and discovered what a wonderful person was lurking beneath all those muscles! For one, Tony was a vet and he took special care of the Ninth Precinct Police Dogs!

When Rita went to interview Malone, her photographer, Paul, caught the trainer injecting Malone with illegal steroids on film! It made the front page! However, Malone's sponsor had ties to organized crime and was out to shut Rita and Paul up permanently!

***** Outstanding! The author did a bang-up good job on this story! And the ending ROCKS! *****

Sharon Holmes: title - The Right Code

Jonathon C. Evans (J.C.) was owner of Evans Elite Systems. He made computers, programs, and software that was state-of-the-art and often utilized by the governments. He was also Colonel Evans of Elite One! The Elites paved the way for the Special Forces. Currently J.C. was finishing up Arc Angel for the government. Prime Star and Star Wars were two others he had recently completed. In fact, the Secretary of Defense and the head of the Joint Chiefs wanted them on-line within two weeks! But Arc Angel was even better than them! It could do encryption and decryption. It could be used to break into any system, including banks! So it was well hidden by J.C.

Jasmine Banks (Jas) owned Receptions International. Her company made fantasy weddings and receptions of any theme happen! Using 3-D software from J.C.'s company, props were not needed. Her clients basically stepped into a hologram room designed for their fantasy, be it Cinderella's Ball, Beauty and the Beast, or even a submarine! Whatever the client wanted! All her friends thought J.C. to be like his computers. He was logical and emotions had no business in anything, including in his personal life. But Jas was going to prove that love was real and seldom logical.

Boris Metzkoff, a Russian spy, was after J.C.'s three newest government programs. He and his contacts would do anything, and harm anyone, to get their hands on them. That included going after Jas. But Jas had some Elite protectors on her side!

***** Oh WOW! That says it all! To me, J.C. was like a Vulcan! But even Spock's father had an illogical wife, remember? This was full of dreamy romance, thrilling espionage, and illogical (well, for J.C.) fun! I found it available in print and electronic form (and now own both!) Highly recommended! I do not believe you could possibly be disappointed in this story! *****

Ekaterine Nikas: The Divided Child

Christine Stewart went to visit her famous father and had been told, very bluntly, that he never wanted to see her again. In her grief, she took time off from work in America and flew to Greece to see the land in which she had been conceived.

At Corfu's Old Fortress she met a charming little boy named Michael Redfield. She ended up saving his life. A large piece of Byzantine rock fell from above and she grabbed Michael as she jumped. Christine escorted Michael to his home and learned much while the doctor stitched her cheek. Michael's parents were dead. He was due to inherit millions when he became of age. His step-mother, Demetra, and his Uncle Spiro lived with him. Elsewhere in Greece that was another uncle named Geoffrey Redfield. Little Michael was in the middle of a custody battle between Geoffrey and Demetra. Both sides were out to convince Christine to discredit the other.

Christine would have put it behind her, since none of the Redfield family matters were her business; however, Michael called her in the very early morning hours. He called asking for companionship, but she understood he was really asking for help. It soon turned out that someone was out to murder Michael. Every family member was a suspect. When Christine became involved for the child's sake, the killer went after her!

**** Excellent romantic mystery set totally in myth filled Greece! The touch of romance, combined with mystery and danger, gave the story much allure. I found this one to be very intriguing! Wits will be sorely tested as readers try to figure out this complicated story. Recommended! ****

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