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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: 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 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: 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)

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: 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: C.H. Admirand
Title - Welcome Back to Apple Grove (12/3/13)

Grace Mulcahy left Apple Grove, Ohio, a year ago to follow her dream of working in the city. When she is lured back for a family barbecue, Grace spies the hottie at the grill and suddenly has a hard time to keep from drooling. Before she knows what is happening, Grace is taking her two week vacation in Apple Grove and spending time with the handsome fireman. While in her hometown, Grace agrees to help out with the office work in the family business. She is a bit surprised to realize how much she has missed it.

Patrick “Pat” Garahan comes from a long line of firefighters. Being a fireman is in his blood. Yet after undergoing a traumatic and heart-wrenching time, Pat needed comfort from his lady more than ever before. Instead of being there for him, Pat’s girlfriend dumped him and walked away. Pat ended up leaving New York. That was four years ago. Now Pat works with the Newark Fire Department and has wonderful friends in Apple Grove. If there is one thing Patrick has learned, it is that life is short and you had to grab it with both hands or take the chance that you’d lose it all. And Pat will do whatever it takes to keep Grace around.


***** FOUR & A HALF STARS! If a new story by Admirand is due to hit the shelves, you can bet that I am eager to get a copy in my greedy little hands. I always look forward to Admirand’s stories. They manage to capture my interest quickly and I hate seeing the end draw near. This tale is no exception.

Readers who have not read the other Apple Grove titles will not feel left out of the loop. This story stands alone. By the time new readers finish Grace and Patrick’s story, they will feel as if Apple Grove is a real town and have a sense of connection with its locals. I would not be surprised if these new readers became new fans and got the sudden urge to read more about Apple Grove. The author’s writing talent is just that good. No kidding.

The Mulcahy family members follow a time-honored tradition of helping others. As this story opens, Grace is cutting off her long hair to give to a charity that makes human-hair wigs for cancer patients. When her sister learns of this, she tells two people, and they tell two people, and they tell two people until the Apple Grove’s locals are suddenly beginning an annual event of cutting their hair for charity. Who can resist a small town that looks out for each other and genuinely cares for others (even people not from their hometown?) So my advice is for you to purchase this novel, make sure you have some uninterrupted time alone, and lose yourself in Grace’s heartwarming story. *****

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: 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 - Dylan
(The Secret Life of Cowboys #2)

Veronica "Ronnie" DelVecchio divorced her husband and left New Jersey when she had learned he had been sleeping around (with her best friend). Now Ronnie lives in Pleasure, Texas, where she is quickly gathering more loyal friends. Ronnie owns a shop called Guilty Pleasures. But recently someone has vandalized her business. She has no idea if a teenager simply decided to shoot up the place or if someone is protesting her merchandise. Ronnie needs to fix the damage and restock before she goes bankrupt. Ronnie agrees to cook for the Garahan family at their ranch in exchange for the middle brother coming to help her rebuild. This means that she will not have to pay for labor. Word has it that Dylan Garahan is a whiz at carpentry.

To celebrate her twenty-fifth birthday, Ronnie's friends take her to a club called The Lucky Star. Almost immediately, the scrumptous cowboy dancing on stage wraps his lasso around Ronnie and hauls her up for a birthday kiss. But no matter how yummy the guy may be, Ronnie is not looking for a fling or any type of relationship. Her heart is still a wreck from the last man she had entrusted it to.

Dylan Garahan is doing all he can to support the Circle G. This means that he often takes on several side jobs. That includes odd carpentry jobs and dancing at Jolene's club when she needs someone. The rancher is an old hand at lassoing fillies, but when Dylan snags the lively brunette, he knows that he has his hands full. This savvy business woman intrigues him on a level that no other female ever has. The only way Dylan can wrangle some time with the skittish mare is to prove that her heart would be safe with him. His biggest problem is that Ronnie is worried about some sort of family curse involving Irishmen, which he just happens to be.

**** FOUR STARS! The middle brother gets his story told this time. (The older brother, Tyler, had his told previously.) This tale has a terrific cast of quirky secondary characters. Combine them with the author's wacky sense of humor and you are in for one crazy ride. There is not as much danger in this tale since the vandalizing happened in the previous one. But never fear, I was not bored in the least. Yet if you did not read "Tyler", you may find yourself scratching your head at the animosity between some ladies at the ending. (I know because I read Dylan's story before Tyler's.)

This author has found her niche in the Modern Contemporary Romance genre. Admirand has a sassy writing style that is simply irresistible! ****

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: 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

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: R.C. Ryan
Title - Montana Glory (McCord Cousins #3)

Zane McCord is the youngest and wildest McCord cousin. Though marriage seems to agree with his two older cousins, Zane has refused to set himself up for the heartbreak he witnessed his father go through. Now, thanks to his deceased grandfather, Coot, Zane has left Southern California behind and returned to the ranch. Zane helps out with the ranch work, but is also finishing up a documentary about wild mustangs in Montana. If that is not enough, Zane, along with his two older cousins, Jesse and Wyatt, continue Coot's search for the lost treasure of their ancestors.

Single mother Riley Mason is hired as the new McCord family accountant. Seems Coot left everything in a huge mess and the long-time foreman, Cal Randall, cannot make heads or tails of the mountain-sized piles of paperwork. Summer, Riley's four-year-old daughter, takes to life on the Lost Nugget Ranch as if she had been born there. But Riley's main reason for leaving Philadelphia is to hide from the dangerous people searching for her. Riley has something these highly placed and powerful people want and she fears harm may come to Summer. The last thing Riley expects is the strong attraction she feels for Zane. Riley must keep her distance from the McCord family. Should her enemies learn of her whereabouts, Riley must be able to grab her daughter and disappear.

When Zane realizes he wants a future that includes Riley and Summer, he becomes determined to tear down the barriers surrounding Riley's heart and gain her trust. Besides, Summer is just too smart and adorable for anyone to resist, especially him. And when the dangerous people looking for Riley find her, the entire McCord family will show Riley just how much she and Summer have come to mean to them all. In the words of Crazy Old Coot, "Life's all about the road ahead, boys. What's past is past. Here's to what's round the bend."

**** FOUR STARS! I have come to love the Lost Nugget Ranch and the people who live there. The small town of Gold Fever, with its lively and intriguing locals, has grown on me. However, trilogies only come in threes. There is not as much danger in this story compared to the previous titles, because the trilogy's ongoing subplot about the lost treasure must have its loose strings tied up as well. The author has succeeded in seamlessly blending the lost treasure plot into the story line surrounding Riley and Zane. Those who have read the first two McCord cousins' stories will be happy to know that they and their new wives do not fade into this tale's background. The author has given each a solid role to play in the lives of Riley and Summer. And do not forget the cousins' aunt. The ongoing romance between her and Cal finally starts to bloom. Characters created by R.C. Ryan are unforgettable. ****

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: Brenda Novak
Title - White Heat (Department 6, #1)

The Church of the Covenant started out by bored, rich college kids. Since then it has grown and now has about two hundred members. The leader is Ethan Wycliff. The Covenanters' entire world revolves around the Holy One (Ethan) and his twelve Spiritual Guides. However, the Covenanters have no idea that their leaders relax in luxury and use the female members as their personal harems. Drugs, orgies, torture, and even murder have become normal for this elite group.

Rachel Jessop and her boss, Nate Ferrentino, are operatives for a private security company called Department 6. They travel to Paradise, Arizona, to expose the dangerous cult. Until the cult purchased it, Paradise had been a ghost town secluded within the hot desert. Rachel and Nate go undercover as husband and wife. Rachel's role is to be the soft wife, searching for something to believe in. Nate's role is to be the doubting husband. But Rachel and Nate have a one-night history; therefore, pretending to be happily married is a strain on both of them. Yet to stop Ethan and expose the cult's crimes, they have no choice.

**** FOUR STARS! Anyone unlucky enough to have actually seen or known of a cult in their life will get chills as they read this story. You would think that cults were a thing of the past, but there are always vulnerable people in the world looking for something larger-than-life to believe in and other people ready to take advantage of them. The author drags this harsh truth into the spotlight for all to see in this suspense-filled novel. The story begins with much of the cult information and some of the past history between Rachel and Nate. The reader is never in any doubt as to the cult leaders' characters, especially Ethan. Yet Brenda Novak also manages to show how far desperate people will go for the promise of salvation. Be warned that there is talk of torture, orgies, and more. However, none of those scenes are explicit. The passion between the main couple IS hot though.

Brenda Novak brings her stories out of the pages and into the minds of readers in vivid color. A terrific way to spend a rainy afternoon indoors or relaxing on vacation. ****

Author: Nora Roberts
Title - Savor the Moment (Bride Quartet #3)

Laurel McBane did not come from a rich family, but she eventually found her way to fulfill her dream of attending culinary school. Now Laurel is part of a business with her three best friends to plan and organize weddings for clients. Laurel creates sinful confectionary delights for the clients' weddings and parties. This also has the added benefit of coming into contact with Parker's hunky brother, Del.

Laurel has had a crush on Delaney "Del" Brown for most of her life. Even though she still believes that the Ivy League lawyer is out of her reach, Laurel's temper has her kissing Del in a moment of madness ... and everything changes for them both.

**** FOUR STARS! The Diva of Desserts is falling into Romance's trap. Laurel finds it to be as sweet as her wedding cakes. The author has succeeded in making her characters totally believable. Unlike the perfect heroines in most other novels, this cast of ladies cannot eat anything and never gain an ounce. This tight group of friends hit the gym daily. It is only one of the many details Nora Roberts uses to bridge the gap between the reader and the story's characters. I could not help but come to care for Laurel and her friends. I felt as if I were part of their private circle. Charming, witty, and filled with quirky humor, this story will tickle your funny bone while also melting your heart. ****

Author: Annette Blair
Title - Death By Diamonds (Vintage Magic Mystery #3)

Madeira "Maddie" Cutler owns and operates a vintage clothing shop in Mystick Falls, Connecticut. Maddie can touch vintage items, mainly clothing, and receive visions at times. Maddie's best friend since kindergarten, Eve Meyers, still gets freaked out whenever Maddie zones out (a.k.a. is having a vision).

Maddie receives a package from a famous friend, Dominique "Dom" DeLong. It is the gorgeous seafoam gown Maddie designed for the Broadway star a decade ago. Maddie and Dom had dinner together in New York City only a few weeks ago. But last Friday night the actress collapsed during an off-Broadway musical performance. Enclosed with the gown is a note from Dom asking Maddie to use her special talents to snoop and find her killer. To make matters a bit more complicated, the priceless diamonds that Dom had been wearing in the show are missing.

Dom's son, Kyle, welcomes Maddie and Eve to New York. Turns out that Maddie is named as the executor for Dom. Kyle seems to be the only one Maddie likes or trusts. Kyle's mother told him about Maddie's psychometric visions and he has high hopes that Maddie will learn the identity of his mother's killer, if not what happened to the infamous Pierpont diamonds. There is a wide selection of suspects to choose from. Ian is the philandering ex-husband. Quinny is the catty "best friend". Lance, the leading man of the show. Ursula, Dom's understudy. Zander, Dom's personal chef. The list goes on and on.

Nick Jaconetti, Maddie's FBI boyfriend, is helping with the missing diamond investigation. They share an on-again/off-again relationship. Nick asks Detective Sergeant Lytton Werner to come act as Maddie's bodyguard because the diamond case keeps taking him away from her side. Both Nick and Lytton are interested in Maddie. She soon feels as if she is in the middle of a pheromone war. But can even these two strong lawmen keep Maddie safe?

***** FIVE STARS! Since Maddie travels to New York, the normal cast of spirits in Mystick Falls have little-to-no time in the lime light. However, the unseen spirits of Maddie's mother and Dom are around. Nick is still hot, but Lytton begins some competition with his thermonuclear kiss. To say that Annette Blair has revved up the drama and intensity would be putting it too mildly. The depicted members of a group, dubbed The Parasites, could not have been more perfect. These are the people who use the death of a celebrity to further their own careers. The author has managed to combine greedy snobs, famous leeches, and some lovable characters together to create one of the most interesting mysteries I have read this year. A magnificent story! *****

Author: Dee Davis
Title - Dangerous Desires (An A-Tac novel)

A-Tac is a secret part of the CIA operating out of a New York college. Their current mission takes them to Colombia, where they will go head-to-head against Jorge de Silva's drug cartel. Di Silva's number two man, Hector Ortiz, shifted the cartel's focus over the last few years. The cartel now deals in weapons, as well as drugs. A-Tac is charged with extracting Madeline Reynard from Ortiz's clutches. Once retrieved, Madeline would lead them to Ortiz's hidden arms cache. After documenting the site and blowing it up, A-Tac would deliver Madeline to U.S. officials.

Drake Flynn finds himself separated from the rest of the team and stranded in the Colombian jungle after the mission goes sour. Drake and Madeline must make their way through the hostile environment while evading the mercenaries hot on their trail. Drake has been burned one too many times by a secretive woman. So no matter how high the flames of passion burn between him and Madeline, Drake refuses to fully trust her.

**** FOUR STARS! Subtle sub-plots spring up as this suspenseful tale runs its course. Every time I believed that I understood it all, the author would toss in a twist and I found myself totally caught off guard. Exciting, fast paced, and some steamy romance make this story a winner. ****

Author: Dee Davis
Title - Desperate Deeds (An A-Tac novel, 8/2/10)

A-Tac is a black-ops CIA unit masquerading as Ivy League faculty. Tyler Hanson is the demolitions expert for A-Tac. Her motto is "Duty first". The last thing she wants is to get involved in a relationship. When Tyler meets Owen Wakefield, a handsome British operative, she ends up in his bed for a single night and never expects to see him again. But then Owen is brought into A-Tac.

Logan Palmer is with the NSA. (Think Internal Affairs. Policing America's intelligence agencies.) Palmer is out for one thing and one thing only. To work is way up the political ladder any way he can. Somewhere in the A-Tac chain, there is a mole. Someone is leaking out vital information. Palmer believes Tyler is the guilty person. Palmer inserts Owen into A-Tac to find proof of Tyler's guilt.

As Owen works with A-Tac, he becomes more and more positive that Tyler is innocent. He also becomes more positive that he feels more than simple desire for Tyler. But no one on the team knows that Owen is actually working for Palmer. Most everything they know about Owen is a lie. When they eventually find out, the mess will hit the fan.

**** FOUR STARS! This episode tackles the mole issue that has been an ongoing subplot in the previous titles. No worries if you did not read them. The author makes sure that new readers are not left floundering and confused. (Each title is a stand-alone tale. They are exciting and I recommend reading them simply for the pleasure of it.) Dee Davis writes romantic suspense like no other! ****

Author: Christie Craig
Title - Shut Up & Kiss Me

There is not much precious about the small town of Precious. At least that is what Jose Darkwater firmly believes. Jose takes personal time off from his career in New York and returns to Precious, Texas, after he learns that his father, Redfoot, has been shot. Jose's visit to his home town ends up being ten times worse than he could have ever imagined.

Photojournalist Shala Winters is hired by the mayor as a tourism specialist. But it seems as though Shala has taken a photo which may get her killed. Now she has to entrust Chief Sky Gomez, a frustrating lawman, with her safety. All Shala wants is to give the mayor back the money he paid for her services and return to Houston. Unfortunately, Sky refuses to hand over her expensive camera and insists Shala remain in Precious - for her own protection. Sky even calls in his buddy, Lucas, to help watch over Shala. (Lucas is ex-military, ex-cop, and currently does unknown work for the government.)

Sky finds Shala just as annoying. Yet he is also very attracted to the petit spitfire. Though Shala is determined to keep herself locked away, Sky is good at picking locks. He has no idea how he will succeed in keeping Shala safe, but Sky will somehow do it. If there is also a way to sooth down her prickly emotions and slip into her bed, he will do it too.

***** FIVE STARS! As hilarious as it is suspenseful, this story had me losing more sleep than my husband thought good for my health. Yet I just could not stop reading. The story is packed with fun and quirky characters, as well as enough drama, that I believe it would make a terrific Made-For-Television movie. I was not only highly entertained, but I also learned an invaluable medical benefit concerning a certain yellow condiment. (Not to mention how to use it to change topics when any uncomfortable silences begin stretching out.) On my next trip to the grocery store, I will be sure to pick up several large containers of mustard. I cannot help but feel sorry for anyone that misses out on reading this gem! Fantastic! *****

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! *****

Title - Bed of Roses (Bride Quartet #2)
Author: Nora Roberts

Four childhood friends grew up together and spent almost all their spare time together, sharing their hopes and dreams. Once grown, these four women combined their individual talents to create a wedding planning company, Vows. Mackensie "Mac" Elliot works magic with her photography. Laurel McBane creates the cakes, pastries, and all things so deliciously sweet that little cherubs probably weep from bliss. Emmaline "Emma" Grant handles all greenery and flowers with such aplomb that clients often wonder if she is related to Mother Nature herself. And Parker Brown handles all the other details, being pleasant and/or sympathetic when needs be or dealing with problems like a general during wartime.

On their side, pitching in as needed, the four ladies have Parker's housekeeper, Mrs. G, who has been like a mother to the female quartet. Delaney "Del" Brown, Parker's brother, is a high priced attorney and handles the legal side of Vows with a golden touch. And Jack Cooke is the architect who has been Del's best friend forever and is ALMOST as much an honorary Brown family member as Parker's girlfriends.

According to everyone else, Emma's beauty outshines all others. Yet Emma has never considered herself to be any more special than the next woman. Emma's talent with flora is unmatched. She has the ability to accurately envision exactly what the bride wants and then adds her own personal touch to ensure that all who attend the wedding would later swear the ceremony had been held in Eden.

Though men swarm around her, Emma has never found the man that could sweep her off her feet. However, Jack has had his eyes on Emma for quite a while. He has only kept his distance because Del considers Emma to be his honorary sister. Then comes the moment when Jack acts on instinct and gives in to his urge to kiss Emma. And thus Emma's world tilts and her story begins...

**** FOUR STARS! Nora Roberts writes stories with such seemingly ease that many envy her. It is no wonder readers flock to the book stores for her titles. This story is a good example as to why. Each character is well developed and have their own little personality quirks, making them unique and endearing. As I watched the ladies interact with each other, I saw parallels to many past times I have been with my own close girlfriends. This is Romance at its modern day best. ****

Title - Divorced, Desperate & Deceived
Author: Christie Craig

Kathy Callahan is glad that her two best friends, Sue and Lacy, are now happily married. All three of them were divorced and knew the horrible feeling of being cheated on. But now Kathy is the only one single. Since Kathy's seven-year-old son, Tommy, is in France spending a month with his dad, Sue and Lacy are determined to find Kathy a boyfriend. However, Kathy only has eyes for her plumber, Stan Bradley. For three years now Stan has been showing his interest in her. Kathy has decided to stop pushing him away. Kathy makes up an excuse to visit Stan. But while at Stan's house, men arrive to kill him. Kathy finds herself fleeing with Stan for their lives.

Stan's real name is Luke Hunter. He is the only surviving witness due to testify against Richard Lorenzo. Luke has been in WitSec (Witness Protection Program) for over three years now. But Lorenzo has connections everywhere and has finally found Luke.

Joey Hinkle does not have a high education and barely makes ends meet. When Lorenzo offered Joey a job with high pay, Joey already knew the man was dirty. However, Joey thought he could work for Lorenzo without getting involved in anything illegal. Now he is expected to assassinate Luke. Donald, Lorenzo's top hitman, is with Joey to make sure the job gets done right. When Joey sees the young redhead enter the target's home and Donald says they must kill her too, Joey's conscience speaks up. Joey doubts he could ever kill a female or child. But if Joey refuses to kill them, Donald will not hesitate to kill Joey.

**** FOUR STARS! This story is the last of a trilogy. Since I have not read those two titles, I can say from experience that this is a stand-alone tale and new readers will NOT find themselves lost or scratching their heads in confusion. Filled with humor, romance, and action, this story had me alternating between laughing and sitting on the edge of my seat. A wonderful way to spend a chilly afternoon in the warm comfort of your home. ****

Author: Victoria Holt
Title - Bride of Pendorric
(Reprint of the Gothic Suspense Classic)

Having only been away in a boarding school or on the isle of Capri with her father, Favel Farrington is still innocent in the ways of the world. So when Petroc "Roc" Pendorric shows up, Favel is swept off her feet. It is not long before they are wed. Favel is thrilled to be Roc's wife, but also sad due to the recent death of her father. To help her get passed her father's fatal accident, Roc takes Favel and travels to various romantic cities.

Favel is nervous when she finally arrives at her new home in Cornwall. The Pendorric home is a huge stone mansion with four wings set upon the cliffs of a beautiful beach. Tradition is to keep family members under the same roof, so Favel worries that Roc's family will not like her. Morwenna, Roc's sister, seems to adore Favel immediately. So does Charles, her husband. The couple has preteen twin daughters who are only similar in their outward appearances. Lowella seems bright and hyper. She loves people and is up for challenges. In contrast, Hyson is subdued, reads a lot, and only speaks when she has something meaningful to say. Roc's parents are deceased. His mother, Barbarina, died tragically at a young age. Everyone whispers about an old curse. It is said that the Bride of Pendorric always dies young and then haunts the halls until the next Bride dies and takes over the haunting. The twins totally believe the curse. But everyone else informs Favel that it has simply been a long run of bad luck.

Favel begins to visit their sick and elderly neighbor, Lord Polhorgan. Few actually like Lord Polhorgan, but Favel enjoys his company and their chess games. Visiting the man also lets Favel get away from her new home, where strange accidents have begun to occur. Lately Favel is hearing music and getting glimpses of a lady wearing clothes from a past time. The twins claim it is the ghost of Granny Barbarina. The only time Favel feels safe at home is when Roc is close by her side. But Roc is never around when the accidents and strange events occur. His attitude seems to be changing as well. Often Roc seems to be a total stranger to her. Favel begins to wonder if she really will soon be the next Bride of Pendorric spirit.

**** FOUR STARS! This is a reprint of a Gothic Suspense novel by the legendary author known as Victoria Holt. The story did not hook me instantly. It actually began slow. However, the tension built as the tale progressed and I had no idea if the curse was real or not. Older Gothic stories did not always have happy endings. That fact is what kept me fascinated with the genre when I was a teen. I never knew if the heroine would be okay in the end. The only problem I had with those suspenseful novels was the long-winded narrations. This title is no different in that regard. I found this story to be too slow due to unnecessary explanations, various descriptions with explicit details, and even some reminiscing fluff. But again, this was how Gothic, Romantic Suspense books were written in the past. All-in-all, fans of this talented author and/or of the old, spooky, Gothic tales will be extremely pleased. ****

Author: Sandra Hill
Title - So Into You

Grace O'Brien has been a nun, a poker player, and even a treasure hunter. Now she is assistant to Louise Rivard (a.k.a. "Tante Lulu") and learning all about alternative medicine. Angel Sabato has been with Grace on many of her past adventures. The handsome man has been her best friend for over a decade. But when Angel admits his feelings of love for her, all that changes. There were some things in her past that even Angel does know. Rejected, Angel leaves Louisiana the next day.

It is a year later when Tante Lulu talks Grace into helping the Duval family. Lena Duval, the oldest of four siblings, has been working herself sick (literally) for the well being of her sister and brothers. For five years Lena has managed to avoid Child Protective Services (CPS) and keep them from learning that their parents were dead. The Duvals move in with Grace and Tante Lulu talks Angel into returning to Louisiana and building homes for her new foundation named Jude's Angels. The first foundation home built will be for the Duvals. Tante Lulu will pull strings to deal with CPS and the like.

Angel knew he messed up a year ago, but he is determined to claim Grace as his own. She may not know it yet, but she will be his wife. But this time Angel will not simply toss his heart out for her to stomp on. This time he will be more cautious. But when Angel finds out Grace's hidden secrets, will he want anything to do with her?

**** THREE AND A HALF STARS! There were times I just wanted to smack Grace. She may have had a lousy childhood and she may have done something in her teen years that she regrets, but it is not as if she killed her fellow nuns and was on the run from the law. I feel that Grace made mountains out of mole hills. Many people today have made the same choices Grace did. She is not a bad person. As I came to know Grace and Angel better, I became irritated that Grace felt as if she could not trust Angel. I, as the reader, seemed to understand Angel better than the woman that has been his best friend for years. However, Tante Lulu, the Duvals, and dealing with the CPS almost make up for the irritating actions of Grace's. Tante Lulu is one crazy old lady. Her character is so much fun! She knows everything about anyone who is anything. (Meaning she knows the dirt on important people or has done big favors for them. She can pull strings better than an old fashioned phone operator.) For me, Tante Lulu stole the show. I hope to see more of her in the near future. ****

Author: Joyce Lamb
Title - Cold Midnight

Ten years ago Kylie McKay was a young tennis-prodigy. Her competitive tennis career ended when two people brutally attacked her and shattered her knee with a baseball bat. Kylie left Kendall Falls, Florida, in an attempt to forget everyone and everything, including the young man she loved, Chase Manning.

Now Kylie has returned to Kendall Falls. She is building a tennis center for her old neighborhood. But a saboteur has been making things difficult. When a wrapped baseball bat is dug up at the construction site, Kylie recognizes it as the weapon used against her ten years ago. One of the two detectives that come to the construction site is Chase.

Kylie's assault is one of the main things that made Chase decide to become a cop. Events begin to escalate and Chase has no doubt that Kylie's life is in danger. Though the attraction between them still blazes, Chase is determined to keep her at arms length. That should not be too hard since Kylie seems to be just as determined to keep away from him. Besides, evidence is beginning to point at someone she cares for.

**** FOUR STARS! This story caught my interest quickly by starting out with Chase arriving at the construction site after the bat had been excavated. The tension runs high throughout the entire story and the drama is terrific. Most of the characters are well developed and I found them to be totally believable. Well crafted and intriguing. ****

Author: Deborah MacGillivray
Title - A Wolf in Wolf's Clothing
(Sisters of Colford Hall T, #3)

Set in England, close to London. Trevelyn "Trev" Sinclair Mershan and his brothers are on a mission of vengeance. The Mershan brothers never stopped blaming Sean Montgomerie for their father's suicide. It has taken decades of work and maneuvering, but the Mershans are finally set to extract some justice. Since Sean is deceased, the brothers are going after his grandchildren and the family business, Montgomerie Enterprises (M.E.). Quietly they have been buying up the company's stocks and soon the hostile takeover will begin. So that no one will connect him to the Mershan family name, Trev will be known as Trevelyn Sinclair. His duty is to get close to Raven Montgomerie, the timid sister, in order to keep an eye on her CEO brother, Cian, and the daily operations of the business.

Trev manages to get an invitation to the annual charity gala M.E. is hosting. Since Raven is the artistic sibling, she has set everything up. She even brings one of her most cherished possessions as a prop. It is a birthday present from one of her absent sisters, a fortuneteller booth. When someone drops in a coin, the life-like gypsy doll within consults her crystal ball, followed by a card popping out with their fortune upon it. The gala is going well until Raven spies her abusive ex-husband, Alec. Just before Alec could manage to publicly humiliate Raven, Trev steps in to rescue her and begins to work his charms on the shy lady. But Trev has underestimated the effect Raven would have on him.

Raven is one of seven sisters. Though most of the family in the area resides at Colford Hall, the family's massive manor, Raven prefers to live in a thatched cottage on the far side of the vast estate. Here, Raven can paint in solitude and hide away from the world while doting on her menagerie of pets. The two fat cats, midget pony, and one-legged sea gull are the only companions she desires. But after Trev manages to storm into her heart and her bed, Raven finds herself coming out of her shell.

***** FIVE STARS! This is the third installment of the "Sisters of Colford Hall T" saga. All three of the stories run in the same time frame. It does not matter in what order you read them, but if you wish to read them in order of publication: One is "The Invasion of Falgannon Isle" and is the story of Desmond and BarbaraAnne. Two is "Riding the Thunder" and is the story of Jago and Asha.

One thing I enjoy about this series thus far is the setting changes. The first book is on an isolated isle, the second is in Kentucky, USA, and this one is in a small fictional town near London, England. The author inserts humor into them as well. In this one, Trev is allergic to the two cats, the black mini pony keeps breaking into the cottage and loves to be chased by humans, and the one-legged sea gull thinks it is a cat but enjoys pecking on Trev's bare toes. I fell totally in love with these animals.

For those who enjoy some suspense, the ex-husband causes lots of danger and trouble due to his hatred of Raven and of Trev for defending her from his bullying. There is also some eerie magic. The booth's fortune teller looks very life-like. No one can figure out how the booth makes its special affects and the fortunes she pops out are always spot-on. She gives ominous warnings that are totally correct every single time. When I saw the gypsy doll for the last time, I actually felt a chill go down my spine. I have yet to succeed in getting THAT scene out of my head.

Needless-to-say, I believe this title is the author's absolute best story to date. It flows smoothly, all the characters are will developed and have their own personalities and problems, and the writing style is superb. I can hardly wait for the 2010 release of "To Bell a Vampire", Brishen's tale. Author Deborah MacGillivray gets better and better with each story she puts out. *****

Author: Deborah MacGillivray
Title - Riding the Thunder
(Sisters of Colford Hall, Book 2)

Jago Fitzgerald (Mershan) would do anything for his oldest brother, Des. After their father committed suicide, in front of ten-year-old Des, Des became the man of the family. Des helped out their mother and practically raised Jago and Trev (Jago's twin). After years of planning, the time for revenge has come. Mershan International has completed all the arrangements for Montgomerie Enterprise's hostile takeover. This action will complete the Mershan family's revenge on the Montgomerie family. It does not matter, especially to Des, that the man who committed the ruin of their family is dead. Closure would come with the ruin of the granddaughters. Des and Trev were off dealing with two of the Montgomerie sisters overseas. Jago's target is in Kentucky.

Asha Montgomerie's brother, Liam, is doing his best to keep the family's horse ranch. Their father, in England, is doing everything he can to force the sell. Asha is being pushed by their father to sell her restaurant, The Windmill. But Asha is the sole owner of the restaurant and she will NEVER sell it. Asha also owns the small motel, swim club, laundromat, and the drive-in theater. The Windmill is a haven for lost souls, of the past and the present. People in the area know that there are unspoken rules about The Windmill Restaurant (and the drive-in). The first rule is to never touch the Wurlitzer 2000 jukebox in a threatening manner. The restaurant's ghostly duo does not take it kindly. The second rule is to change nothing. Third is not to sit in a certain booth after dark. There are other rules, but the locals simply accept them all as normal.

When Jago drives up, it does not take Asha long to figure out he works for the company trying to claim her teeny community and wipe its existence off the map. She has no idea how far up the corporate ladder Jago really is though. As for Jago, the instant he looks at his alleged enemy's granddaughter, he knows that she is destined to be his. The question is how to get Asha without her realizing exactly who he is and why he came to the area in the first place. The more Jago sticks around, the more he finds himself becoming part of the strange community. Jago begins to understand Asha's fey spot in the world. A sanctuary for ghosts, a jukebox with a mind of its own, a Cajun cook, a cat with no name, a guy named "Oo-it" and an aging Jedi Master. Jago has to make a choice between the love for his brother and his growing love for Asha and the area. A storm is coming...

***** This is book two in the Sisters of Colford Hall series. In my opinion, it is even better than the first (The Invasion of Falgannon Isle). Trust me, that is saying something! Author Deborah MacGillivray gives each character a realistic touch, but the main characters (Jago and Asha) are downright striking. I came to deeply care for them. The secondary and background characters snuck up on me. I have no idea how these crazy people became so important to me. But as I neared the end of the book, I dreaded the thought of never seeing them again. Now THAT is talent! All-in-all, I found this to be a delicious frolic in a magical world. Perfect! *****

Author: Deborah MacGillivray
Title: The Invasion of Falgannon Isle
(7 Sisters of Colford Hall, Bk 1)

Our story is set on Falgannon Isle, Hebrides of Scotland. Long ago a curse had been placed upon the isle by a warrior queen, for vengeance. The curse decreed the males of the isle would not find true and lasting love unless the "Lady of the Isle" mated with an Outlander who has black hair, green eyes, and be of Irish descent. Ever since, only male babies were born and Falgannon has always had a shortage of women for the men to marry.

BarbaraAnne "B.A." Montgomerie-Deshaunt cares deeply for the isle and the people who dwell upon it. As the current "Lady of the Isle" she feels it her responsibility to help bring brides to the isle. In true, modern day, computer age fashion, BarbaraAnne creates an "Isle of Love" website. It has a bachelor's registry where women may read about the isle's men and fill out the registry if they are interested in meeting a few. If chosen, B.A. will pay all expenses to the isle. The chosen women get a free two week vacation, a chance to tour the isle, and to meet the locals. (Yes, Readers, mail order brides are apparently back in style!)

Desmond Mershan and his two brothers have their own dark agenda. Desmond's part of the plan involves Falgannon Isle and BarbaraAnne. He has unexpected aid from ALL the men on the isle because he just happens to be exactly what is needed to break the curse. Even "The Cat Dudley" adores Desmond. But as Desmond and BarbaraAnne become close, he cannot help but feel guilt for what he and his kin will soon do, not only to B.A. and her sisters, but to everyone on Falgannon Isle!

***** In a word, "Perfection!" This book is the first of seven books about the Montgomerie sisters. The first three titles will deal with Desmond and his brothers. The titles also happen simultaneously. This is a strategy I do not see used often, usually due to the fact that nine-out-of-ten times it falls flat. Surprisingly, this author succeeds with astonishing ease. BRAVA!

The eccentric cast of local characters kept me entertained while The Cat Dudley kept me amused. Though it all, I felt a connection with them all and hated to see this story end. As I said, "Perfection!" I can hardly wait for the next Montgomerie sister's tale. *****

Author: Suzanne Brockmann
Title - Dark of Night (Troubleshooters)

For years Jimmy Nash had performed ultra-covert missions as a "Ghost" agent. But when Nash quit and walked away, his ruthless bosses refused to let him go. Two months ago the shadowy government agency almost succeeded in killing Nash. His former partner, Lawrence "Deck" Decker, with help from a (very) few number of people, help fake his death to protect him. Now Nash is hidden away in a safe house (more like a fortress) to recover from his critical injuries. With Nash at the safe house is his fiancée, Tess Bailey, FBI Agent Jules Cassidy and his life partner, and Sam Starrett (former SEAL). Other than them, only Deck knows Nash is alive.

Dave Malkoff takes Sophia Ghaffari to see her dying father at a hospital. As Dave is getting the car so they may leave the medical facility, he is stabbed and left for dead. The two have no idea that all their troubles were just beginning, nor that it all has to do with their deceased friend Nash.

Deck goes to Tess and Jimmy's place to find that the receptionist of Troubleshooters Incorporated (T.I.), Tracy Shapiro, has been caring for the place since Nash's death. Tracy lives upstairs. Deck is shocked when he learns that out of all the people and agents from I.T., it is the simple receptionist who has figured out that Nash still breathes. Unable to let her leave the place with that piece of truth in her head, Deck must take Tracy with him as he returns to the safe house. As they begin their journey, Dr. Jo Heissman walks up. No one knows whether the shrink is still with the dark agency or not and no one trusts her one iota. But soon it no longer matters, because everyone becomes marked for removal.

*** THREE STARS! There are a lot of characters mixed in this suspenseful story. If you get busy and have to put the book down for more than about two days, chances are good you will be lost when you return. There is just SO much constantly going on with all the characters that I do not believe there is any way to keep it all straight unless you have lots of time to devote to reading. The author keeps everyone in three groups. Of course, there is the group at the safe house and much drama is happening between the people there. Dave and Sophia are the second group and they are interested in each other, but her horrible past keeps him at bay. Deck and Tracy are the third group. They are also attracted to each other, but it is Deck's problems keeping them apart. All-in-all, this is a good addition to the series, but you better have plenty of reading time if you want to enjoy it. ***

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: Brenda Gayle
Title - Soldier for Love

Recently promoted, Major Julie Collins is sent to Port au-Paux, the capital of Beljou Island in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The opposition has been subdued and a measure of political stability has been returned to the area. However the area, especially Cap-Verte, is still a powder keg. Should things go wrong many innocent citizens will die. On a more personal note, Julie is surprised to learn that one of the men under her command, Lieutenant Matthew Wolf, happens to be the same guy she had picked up from a bar the previous night. Though it was an unforgettable night for both of them, they must put it behind them.

Julie's father is the Army Chief of Staff with a direct line to the Defense Secretary and the President. When the one known as the Hougan kidnaps Julie, Matt knows that the powder keg is about to explode. To keep this from happening, Matt heads out for a solo rescue mission, risking both their careers.

**** Author Brenda Gayle manages to somehow combine military and romance in this exciting story. Believe me when I say that doing this could not have been an easy feat. A relationship between enlisted personnel is frowned upon, but between a Commanding Officer (C.O.) and a subordinate is unheard of. So watching this couple work their problems out is very interesting. Then there is the voodoo culture on Beljou Island. (An island that I could not find on any map, by the way. I believe Beljou Island is a fictional place, though the other ports mentioned are real.) The backgrounds of the main characters are developed, though not deeply until well into the tale, and the story never slowed down to a boring pace. A terrific way to spend your day! ****

Author: Leanne Banks
Title - Trouble in High Heels

Heiress Lori Jean Granger does not spend most of her money on material things. Instead, she is famous for GIVING it away to just about every charity she comes across. Her accountant, Mr. Till, retires because he was unable to deny Lori anything. The other firm partners refuse to take the Granger account and the account is too big to toss away. So they call in Jackson James and offer him a junior partnership. Twelve years ago Jackson had been nothing. Since then he had worked long and hard to earn his way through college and get his CPA. But finally his dreams are beginning to come true. All he has to do is be firm with a little heiress, teach her about keeping a budget, and then keep track of her finances. It sounds almost too easy.

Lori is not as incompetent or lacking in judgement as everyone seems to believe. She just has a soft heart. Thanks to the terms of her late father's will, Lori is about to have a very hard time getting any of her funds. This is, until she found a loop hole. To get access to her own money, which is held in trust, all Lori had to do was wed. After six years they could divorce and the man would be well compensated. Finding a man to agree to those terms and sign a prenuptial agreement should be easy. It became Johnson's job to find the best men for her to choose from. After all, he is her accountant and the marriage is only going to be part of her financial business. The only real problem is that neither Jackson, nor Lori, is as immune to the other's charms as they pretend to be.

***** Only Leanne Banks could be talented enough to take such an outrageous plan and actually make it seem sane! From the beginning until the end I could not make myself put the book down. I simply HAD to know what was going to happen next. There is also a subplot running dealing with poor English duke, who originally planned to be the man Lori chose to wed, but finds himself drawn to a totally different lady. Well written, witty, and oh-so addictive! *****

Author: Leeann Burke
Title - Deadly Secrets

The story opens at the funeral of George Lafrance. Roxanne St.Clair had been in several foster homes and on the street before George found her huddling behind his restaurant, Rock Heaven, ten years ago. George immediately took her under his wing. Roxanne thought she knew all about George until a couple of days before the funeral. That is when she learned of a grandson, Philippe.

Philippe Lafrance never knew he had a grandfather until George's lawyer called him to come for the will's reading. All his mother, Angela Lebeau, would say is that he died young due to a heart attack. Philippe knew that he looked a lot like his father and had the same deadly allergic reaction to nuts, but nothing else. The more Philippe learns about George, the more he wishes he had known his grandfather.

The police show up at Rock Heaven after the last mourner leaves. Roxanne and Philippe are shocked to learn George had been murdered. Someone had slipped nuts into something he ate, causing the death. Roxanne and Philippe also learn that George had hired a private investigator a year ago, who was still digging up information on the death of his son (Philippe's father). The pair team up and head to Shawinigan for answers. It looks as though someone had gotten away with one, perhaps two, murders. And if Roxanne and Philippe do not quit asking dangerous questions, they could be next.

***** Buckle up and keep your hands inside the cart at all times because this story will take you on a wild roller coaster ride. Full of twists, loops, and unexpected turns, this book will appeal to anyone who enjoys the genres of mysteries and/or romantic suspense. Both main characters are extremely well developed. Each has a past that neither wishes to share, but slowly open up as the story progresses. As in reality, the couple must meet and interview several people. Some of these become secondary characters and are almost as well developed as the main ones. Leeann Burke has written an intoxicating story that you will not easily put down. *****

Author: Bella Andre
Title - Wild Heat (Hot Shots #1)

Maya Jackson's father had been a firefighter. He was gone six months each year fighting wildfires. During those six months, Maya watched her mother worry for his safety. Her father eventually died due to years of breathing in the smoke. Tony, Maya's younger brother, followed their father's footsteps and also became a firefighter. When Tony dies in an apartment fire, Maya just knows it had to be arson. Yet everything points toward it simply being an accident. Maya is an arson investigator. Being related to Tony, Maya is not allowed to investigate Tony's fire. So Maya puts everything into solving the arson cases she is assigned.

When it is time for Maya to clean out Tony's apartment, she finally breaks down. For the first time ever, Maya walks into a bar and orders a drink. She ends up with not only drinks, but in the arms of the bartender. No names. No strings. Maya never thought she would see him again. But six months later Maya returns to the Lake Tahoe area to investigate the Desolation Wilderness Wildfire and comes face-to-face with him. He is Logan Cain, the leader of the elite Tahoe Pines Hotshot Crew, and her number one suspect.

Logan Cain and his Hotshot team are busy trying to contain a massive, out of control, wildfire. When he learns that evidence and witnesses point his way, he is furious. Fighting to put out fires is his life, not starting them. On suspension, unable to help fight the wildfire until his name is cleared, Logan begins helping Maya with her investigation. As their passion rekindles, more fires begin, and soon the two find a killer after them.

***** This story quickly caught my attention and took off at a sprint. It is the first in a new series about Hotshot Firefighters. If the rest are as good as this one, then the author has a winning series on her hands. Well written, intense, and full of suspense, this story blew my away. A very explosive story! *****

Author: Karen Wiesner, Chris Spindler
Title - The Fifteenth Letter (Falcon's Bend #3)

On November 23, 1989, Serena Salim sat in the car as her husband, Nelson, robbed a bank. Her young son, Roman, sat beside her. In the bank with Nelson was his partner-in-crime, Zeke Carfi. When Zeke realized Nelson was about to shoot the bank manager, Zeke stopped him. Unintentionally, Nelson ended up dead. As Serena and Roman witnessed Zeke being arrested and Nelson being carried out in a body bag, they vowed revenge against Zeke for the death. Zeke began his thirty year prison sentence.

Fifteen years later (2004), Zeke is paroled. His twenty-four-year-old daughter, Amber, is a patrol officer in Falcon's Bend. Amber gets a room ready for her father so he can live with her and she can keep an eye on him. Amber's partner of two years is Warren Jensen. He has been a good friend of Amber's for over five years. Amber and Warren often do things together off duty. The two friends are attracted to each other, but keep their emotional distances. Yet when someone begins following Amber, breaking into her residence more than once, and even tries to kidnap her, Warren takes it as personally as Amber. As things heat up, so does the relationship between the two partners.

***** An excellent story with a lot of mystery, drama, and excitement. It is obvious to me that the authors, Wiesner and Spindler, compliment each other's writing styles. Every single character is well developed and the emotions seem real. Totally fascinating! *****

Authors: Karen Wiesner, Chris Spindler
Title - Romantic Notions (Falcon's Bend #4)

Amber Carfi and Warren Jensen are partners at Falcon's Bend Police Department (FBPD) in Wisconsin. Recently the two gave in to their feelings for each other and became lovers. Knowing Chief Sobcynzski would not approve, the pair are keeping their private relationship just that - private. However, that is proving to be harder than they ever thought it would be.

Mrs. Frederick, Amber's elderly neighbor, gets word that her granddaughter, Erin Daughtry, has just been found murdered. Promising to check the situation out, Amber and Warren travel to the crime scene. Erin has been positioned, naked, on her bed by her killer. The bullet wound on her chest has been cleaned, along with her residence. With a rose in her hand, Erin looks exactly like Sleeping Beauty. Upon her finger is large ring with an elaborately engraved rose on a vine. Erin's mother is devastated. Erin's long time friend and coworker, Thea Bryan, is hiding something. Erin's current boyfriend, Mike Benson, is not as upset as he should be. In fact, Mike has cheated on Erin several times, the latest one very recently. It was a one-night stand with a blonde that Mike was too drunk to even recall what she looked like.

Amber goes undercover, posing as the blonde, and slides into Mike's life. As "Callista", Amber casually prods for information with a bit of success.

When FBI Robert Lock shows up to help with the investigation, he makes sure everyone at FBPD knows that he and Amber hooked up (just before Amber and Warren became lovers). Seems more people know about Amber and Warren's private secret than they thought. The atmosphere at FBPD is now strained and Warren cannot even look at Amber, much less talk to her.

***** A terrific blend of romance, mystery, and homicide police work. As with each book in this series, you do not have to read any of the other books to fully enjoy and understand the story. Yet those who read the series in order will feel as though they know the characters on a personal level. Putting together a homicide investigation and yet making sure readers feel as though they are part of the small town (in this case, Falcon's Bend) is not an easy thing to do. It is even harder when there is more than one author working on the story. These two authors make it seem easy. The story flows smoothly and I could not tell that there were two different people, two different personalities, shaping the plot. Totally exquisite. *****

Author: Kylie Brant
Title - Terms of Surrender
(Alpha Squad #1, Silhouette 1533)

After the death of their baby boy eighteen months ago, Jolie Conrad left Dace Recker behind and went to the LAPD. Now Jolie is back in Metro City. Unfortunately her new partner on the Hostage Negotiation Team "HNT" is Dace. Jolie agrees with Dace that she should be the one to request a transfer, but first they must deal with the situation in front of them. A bank robber calling himself "John" has hostages and is making demands. (Skipping forward so no spoilers are given.)

Someone is after all the members of the HNT and SWAT teams that dealt with that robbery. Ultimately Jolie and Dace agree to act as bait in the hope of drawing out the killer. Jolie not only has to deal with special agents and Dace, but also look after Trixie, the woman who had given birth and abandoned her. Though there is no way Jolie would ever care for the cruel woman, Jolie has her reasons for looking after her.

***** As all good books do, this one opens up in the midst of a dangerous situation and grabs the reader's attention instantly. I, as the reader, found myself holding my breath as the bank robbery scene unfolded before me. When the two main characters, Jolie and Dace, meet eye-to-eye for the first time, I could actually feel the tension in the air. This is the first of a series involving the Alpha Squad. (It may be a trilogy, but I am hoping for a longer series. This set up is just too ripe for only three books.) This book is a story in itself, so there is no fear of any cliff hangers. The secondary team members, especially the sharp shooter, are almost as intriguing as the main couple. I have high expectations for the next installment. Insanely addictive! *****

Author: Kylie Brant
Title - Terms of Engagement
(Alpha Squad #2, Silhouette 1545)

It looks as though she has to flee and change her name again. Currently her name is Lindsay Bradford. Her real name is Grace. For three years she has managed to evade Niko Rassi, a professional assassin of the Portino family in New York. Rassi is responsible for over ten deaths in the NYC area during the last five years, but no solid evidence has been found. However, Grace has something Rassi wants. It is something that links him to six of the murders. Grace and some friends tried going to the police in New York. Grace soon found herself identifying her friends' bodies at the morgue and the cops paid off. Grace is on her own.

"Lindsay" has been in Metro City for too long and knows it is time to move on. Before she can do so, she ends up helping to defuse a hostage crisis in her own work place. Thanks to national coverage, her cover is blown and her only hope lies in a SWAT cop.

Jack Langley cannot believe how quickly she has gotten under his skin. Just as Jack believes he may be getting to know her, he finds out that even her name is a lie. Two things Jack knows for sure is that Grace cannot run from a contracted killer for much longer and that he would be there to protect her - whether she liked it or not.

***** Oh Wow! This installment of the Alpha Squad is even better than the first! I did not think that would be possible. I am glad to be proven wrong. The two main characters are very well developed and the problems seem real. Jolie and Dace, the main characters from book one, show up as secondary characters in this story, making it all the more believable. My attention never wavered from the story and I found the entire book read long before I was ready for it to end. Fantastic! *****

Author: Jacquie Rogers
Title - Down Home Ever Lovin' Mule Blues

Rita Markham's mother, Judy, always told her to never settle down with a cowboy. If a cowboy's life is not cut short, he is crippled early from the multiple injuries received from rodeos. Rita took those words to heart. Always good with math, Rita's MBA takes her to Seattle and she is working on her actuary certification. When considering husband material, Rita looks for someone with the same goals and interests instead of love. This is how she ends up with David Parr as her Fiancé.

When her mother is due knee surgery, Rita goes home for several weeks to care for her. The last thing Rita expects is to still feel anything for Brody. She had a huge crush on Brody as a teenager and had even offered herself to him, only to be turned down. Rita never understood exactly why Brody had turned her down since he went through women like tissue paper. Still, Rita cannot deny that the man still makes her knees go weak with his cocky grin. Good thing she has David.

Brody Alexander loves his ranch in Owyhee County, Idaho. When he is not there, he is busy doing his favorite things in life, bullfighting and rodeo clowning. He cared too much for Rita in the past to allow her to give herself to him. Whether he would have encouraged it now or not is a moot point since she has a fiancé. Unknown to those outside his family, Brody's real name is Broderick Pettybottham the Fourth. Broderick owns seventy-five percent of a Fortune 500 corporation, but it is his sister, Caroline, and his mother that manages the corporate operations. His sister and mother have been trying to bring Broderick back to the corporation headquarters in Texas to resume his duties as CEO for quite some time. His interest in Rita just may be a way for them to succeed too.

Socrates is a mule. His adopted human is named Brody. Unlike humans, mules still exercise common sense. And Socrates has decided it is time for Brody and Rita to admit their feelings for each other, get married, and have some small Brodiettes. Aided and abetted by Guinevere, a descented skunk, and Perseus, an Australian Shepherd dog, Socrates begins making plans to bring the two humans to their senses before it's too late.

***** A light-hearted and hilarious romp into a world of rodeo clowns, family values, and romance, this story kept my attention glued tighter than a cowboy to the back of a crippled bucking bronco. Whether you enjoy fast romances with big business or the slower pace of a laid back western, this tale is for you. The menagerie kept me chuckling with delight throughout the entire story. Socrates is the main one in the animal spotlight, but the skunk just cannot help but outshine the mule often and the dog is a delight to behold. All-in-all, a perfect book to cuddle up with during the colder months of the year. Excellent! *****

Author: Deirdre Martin
Title - Power Play

Monica Geary is a leading soap opera actress. When her show, The Wild and the Free, gets a new addition who shows signs of wanting to take over the main spot light, Monica quickly gets her personal publicist on the phone. Soon Monica is in the role of her life. Monica will pretend to be falling for the NHL star and notorious playboy Eric Mitchell. This is hard to do when she has seen how big his ego is.

Eric Mitchell is one of People magazine's hottest bachelors and has just been traded to save the New York Blades. What few know is that the entire team watches The Wild and the Free and Eric has had his sights set on Monica for years.

***** On a side note from the actual story plot, let me say that hearing the past and upcoming story lines of Monica's soap opera were terrifically farfetched. (Just like the real soap operas on television each day.) I found myself laughing at such unexpected times. It was a blast! As for the story, off set, I was amazed at how easily the author made the characters seem to blend together. Many people do not make a good first impression, or second, and having Eric come across all wrong was a good idea. The two main characters seemed much more believable to me this way. These two stars will give readers a fabulous run through day time television dramas, on and off the set. BRAVA! *****

Author: Rachel Gibson
Title - Not Another Bad Date

Years ago, Devon stole the one true love of Adele's life and proceeded to subject Zach to a loveless marriage that came to be in name only until she was killed by a garbage truck and entered Heaven, but on a conditional basis. Until she could right her wrongs, namely, breaking up Adele and Zach, she is stuck in a form of purgatory that is as hilarious as it is unrealistic. Thus, she helps manipulate events from beyond to bring Adele home to Texas and back into Zach's life. Now, the former football star truly needs Adele's help. He has a teen daughter to raise on his own and is remembering how much he regrets losing this sweet girl. Will they get that second shot at love and free Devon from working at an eternal Wal-Mart?

*** Though the picture of the afterlife is somewhat skewed, this is a fun read that stands on its own, despite being in a series. If you need a laugh with a heart of gold, read this. ***

Author: Allison Brennan
Title - Playing Dead

The first person he killed was in college. It had been an accident. He thought no one knew. He was wrong. Ever since then he has been blackmailed. He has been their personal assassin. They pay him well for each target, but the assassin hated being told what to do. Fifteen years ago the target had been Taverton, a D.A. The assassin killed Taverton while he was in bed with Lydia O'Brien, a cop's wife. Of course he killed the cheating woman too. The time and place had been well planned out and framed the husband, Tom, who walked in very shortly after the deed was done. Even better, the fourteen-year-old daughter, Claire, walked in and she testified against her own dad.

Claire knew her dad escaped prison after the earthquake. He had been only months away from his execution date when the earthquake had hit. However, the last thing Claire expected was for her father to contact her. Tom claimed that Oliver Maddox had proof of his innocence. For once, Claire had reason to believe that her father may actually have been framed; especially when Maddox's body was dragged out of the Sacramento River. Coincidence? Or murder? Claire and her boyfriend, Mitch Bianchi, needed to find answers quickly. But Mitch had secrets of his own.

***** This tale is an outstanding suspense with several unexpected twists to keep readers guessing and on the edge of their seats. Readers get to view things from many angles rather than just from the main character's. Understanding how the killer thinks makes the entire experience even more chilling. Very well done and I highly recommend it to people who enjoy romantic suspense or thrillers. *****

Author: Loucinda McGary
Title - The Wild Sight

For all his life, Donovan has been plagued by visions, but even his power did not reveal that a woman would show up claiming to be his half sister, much less that she would be the woman who stirred him more than any other ever had. This fact, combined with his total disbelief, impels him to prove that Rylie is not in any way his sister, but that quest proves to be far more deadly than either could have foreseen. Murder, ancient holy practices, and danger come at them from all sides, driving them together, despite their wills.

*** I'll grant that the implied possible incest with which this opens is a sordid topic that gave me the squicks. However, the book redeems itself by solving the problem and delivery an action filled romance with a touch of paranormal. ***

Author: Beverly Barton
Title - Dying for You

Danger brings out the romantic side of the Protectors as the stunning and popular series draws to a close. Because of her resemblance to her client, Lucie Evans, a private security agent, finds herself mistaken for the heiress and taken hostage in her stead. Knowing that Lucie's life is more on the line than ever awakens old feelings that were believed to be buried under hurts and anger for Sawyer McNammarra. Despite any wrongs he believes she did, he is her best chance to be saved, just as she's an innocent young woman's surest protection. After Lucie's freedom is restored, she and Sawyer must work together to unravel the complex plot that now puts not one, but two women in danger and four hearts on the line.

*** Ms. Barton's name is synonymous with heart pounding suspense that is combined with a human element that adds warmth to the icy thrills. Though readers will be sad to know this concludes her Protectors series, I'm sure she will only move on to more stories that will captivate us and look forward to seeing what they are. ***

Author: Linda Howard
Title - Death Angel

As a result of her gangster sugar daddy's latest deal with an assassin, Drea's life changes forever. In lieu of money, Rafael gives her, for the space of one afternoon, to a hitman he wants to keep happy. At first, she is angry at being such a pawn, but that is a magical afternoon and sets in motion plans she has made over the span of years. Though Drea played dumb, she was really brilliant and after being with a man who at least pretended to cherish her for a short time, she has to make her escape. Had she not taken over two million dollars along, Rafael might have let her go, but for that kind of change, she finds herself on the run and terrified. The man who inspired the change is among those hired to eliminate her, but instead, he turns into her greatest ally, after he kills her, that is.

**** Possibly this is her best book since Mr. Perfect. Drea's story draws you in immediately and steadily increases in intensity from there on out. It's one you can't put down once it really gets going so compelling are the characters and situations. I could have easily read it another hundred pages had it been longer, and probably still wanted to know more. ****

Author: Kate Rizor
Title - The Governor's Wife

Ten years ago, Tanner's wife, Andra, vanished. In the years since, there have been no leads and Tanner has become the governor, then from nowhere, she is found. A homeless woman is arrested and one sharp eyed cop, upon catching a glimpse of a picture of the missing first lady of the state, realizes "Andie" is Andra, though she cannot recall ever being anything other than a wandering vagrant, struggling to survive. Yet, all tests prove that she truly is Tanner's wife. Making the adjustment from homeless to great lady is difficult, nothing is familiar, trust is hard, and Andie knows her past could ruin the man she is falling in love with against all better judgment.

*** This is a sweet, compelling novel reminiscent of Diana Palmer in many ways. Straightforward narration makes for a fast read as the well developed characters build a new relationship from the ashes of the past. Though there are few surprises, sometimes you just need a comfortable book, and this is sure to please when you are in that mood. ***

Author: Karen Robards
Title - Guilty

Nearly half of Kate's life has been spent hiding from her most guilty secret; she was involved in an armed robbery in which a cop was killed when she was a girl. Though she did not fire the bullet, she was part of it. Now, that past comes back to not just haunt her, but bite her as she is rescued from a madman's shooting spree by the man who did fire the bullet all those years ago. Now, under the threat of her secret being exposed, there is added danger as it is clear someone wants Kate dead. Her rock in all this is her protector, a rugged, handsome cop determined to keep Kate safe and solve the case, not realizing that her is endangering her emotionally if he does the latter. Can a policeman love the woman who once upon a time did such a thing?

**** Ms. Robards does an excellent job of showing how the past continues to affect us in the present. Kate is beautifully drawn, her emotional dilemmas making her come to life and become an empathetic character. Though some cite this as unrealistic, it is the flaws that make it realistic. ****

Author: Debbie Macomber
Title - Someday Soon (Reissue)

A hard bitten soldier who can casually speak of killing should not be able to fall in head over heels love with a gentle spirit like Linette Collins, a grieving widow who has been badly hurt by love, but from the first second Cain McClellan sees her, he's hooked. Though he knows what could happen from seeing other team members fall in love and become unbearable, he cannot help but find he's addicted to the woman. And despite her not wanting to love again, Linette returns his feelings. However, such a miracle places her in the line of danger when things get hot for Cain.

**** This story is just as refreshing, yet intriguing and fast paced as it was ten years ago. Ms. Macomber is brilliant at making her characters ones you care about, both in the primary and secondary plots. Moreover, she does it all without resorting to cheap, graphic violence or sex, making the scenes well thought out and provoking genuine emotions. You cannot go wrong if she writes it. ****

Author: Penny McCall
Title - Ace is Wild

Vivienne "Vivi" Foster is clairvoyant. When she starts having premonitions of U.S. Attorney Daniel "Ace" Pierce being murdered, she tries to let him know at his office, only to have him dismiss her calls and believe she is crazy. Unable to sit back and watch him die, Vivi crashes a charity bachelor auction, holds him at gunpoint, and tries to force the stubborn skeptic to take her seriously. But Ace is a former FBI agent, sidelined due to an injury, and a master at being able to compartmentalize his emotions. Translation, he is stubborn and only believes in proof, even though Vivi's actions save his life.

Unfortunately for Vivi, the federal prosecutor still seems to be in mortal danger. She is still receiving visions of his death, but now in different places. Vivi decides she must worm her way into his trust, save his life, and then get back out of his life again. But more is going on than meets the eye and soon they both seem to have an invisible target painted on their backs. Like it or not, Ace has to keep Vivi close by, if only for her safety. But who is going to save Ace from Vivi's attractions?

***** Author Penny McCall gives readers splendid characterizations with lots of drama, suspense, and romance in this gem of a story. The main characters are proof that opposites attract. Highly recommended reading. *****

Author: Tara Janzen
Title - Loose and Easy

Esmee Alden ran her own investigations company out of Seattle with her partner, Daniel "Dax" Killian. She is an expert at art-recovery. When her father, Burt, owes his bookie, Franklin Bleak, eighty-two thousand dollars, it is Esmee he calls. Multi-millionaire Isaac Nachman's reward will cover the debt. All Esmee has to do is recover a Meinland painting (done on copper), retrieve the reward money, and pay off Bleak. So Esmee is in disguise as a street girl reporting to a client (who has the painting). It should have been easy, just like her nickname, Easy Esmee.

Johnny Ramos has just come off his fourth tour of duty in Afghanistan and is stunned to see Esmee trolling the streets of Denver. He went to school with her and cannot figure out how the smartest girl in school could end up selling herself. Since Johnny has not come down from his last deployment, all his instincts are still razor sharp and on high alert. Good thing too, because Esmee has no idea how many bad guys are after her.

***** Drama, drama, drama! That is what readers get in this suspense filled story. There is some unneeded and repeated information, but the constant action and drama is in no way broken due to it. I enjoyed every second my nose was buried within the pages of this exciting tale. Splendid entertainment! *****

Author: Gerralyn Dawson
Title - Always Look Twice

As bitterly as Mark Callahan and Annabelle Monroe's parting was, the two almost exes should never have had to work together again, but then, danger makes it vital that they get past the angst and hurt to find out who is killing members of their former unit. Though they hate it, Mark and Annabelle find they have little choice in the matter as they follow a bloody trail towards greater dangers and the discovery of both betrayal and of love that can't die.

**** Both heartwarming and heart stopping, this is a thrill a minute, or a page, as the case may be. Complex relational issues only enhance the excitement of the plot as well thought out characters are both strengthened and weakened by their feelings for each other and for their supporting cast members. Ms. Dawson's evolution as a writer is clearly one that has taken her upwards. While her earlier works are funny, gentle, and touching, she reveals an ability to create tension that one would never expect from that prior work. So, treat yourself to reading both her current and back list. ****

Author: Suzanne Brockmann
Title - Into the Fire (Troubleshooters)

Vinh Murphy (from title HOT TARGET) returns and he is not doing well at all. The former Troubleshooter has been dealing with booze, blackouts, and just slumming from place-to-place since his wife, Angelina, died. Vinh blames the Freedom Network and its leader, Tim Ebersole, for her death and has loudly claimed that he would kill the man. Every few months he shows up at the door of Hannah Whitfield, a long time friend of his and Angelina's. Hannah allows him to clean up, eat, and get some sleep. This time Hannah and Vinh end up in bed together only for him to disappear before the night is even over.

When Tim Ebersole is murdered, the guys at Troubleshooter's Incorporated begin looking for him. Hannah goes to them for help locating Vinh as well because she knows Vinh is seriously suicidal lately.

Izzy Zanella is with SEAL Team Sixteen. He gets along great with all his team members except one, Danny Gillman. As Lady Fate would have it, Eden, Dan's little sister, shows up looking for Dan who is nowhere to be found. Izzy helps Eden out only for Dan to show up the next day with a major attitude. Though Dan obviously believes Izzy and Eden had been to bed together, they pair did not bother correcting his assumption. After all, the pair did get to third base. About six months later Dan shows up at Izzy's door saying that Eden is pregnant with his child. Knowing he is not the father, but refusing to discuss it with Danny's hot temper blazing, they go to Vegas. Eden has been slapped hard by her stepfather and imprisoned in a room with no place to sit, no food, and no water. Seeing this, Izzy no longer cares that he is not the biological father of the baby. He rescues Eden from her stepfather and Danny. In a few days, they plan to wed. But first, Izzy and the team must deal with a situation brought to their attention from Troubleshooter's Incorporation.

**** This is like reading two tales in one, but about half into the book the two stories begin to merge. I admit to enjoying Izzy and Eden's story a lot more than Vinh and Hannah's though. However, fans of the Troubleshooter series will be very happy with this installment to the series. Danger does not lurk around every corner, but the story has its fair share. Another outstanding piece of work! ****

Author: Luanne McClane
Title - A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action

Being stuck in Hooterville and single when her best friend has just gotten married makes Macy feel like something the cows left behind. Everything changes when a visiting country star needs her expertise as a cosmologist to repair the damage done to her hair extensions. Suddenly, Macy finds herself swept into a new world and thanks to the singer, Tammy's, influence, she is able to leave her small town behind. In fact, she is almost forced to. Then, the guy she's had a crush on for years, Luke, who happens to be her best friend's brother, pays a visit to her in the big city and for the first time, she has a chance at her most fondly held dream. But they both need to evaluate a few things first, like what is truly important.

*** Warmth and humor are the strong emotions conveyed in this funny, plain spoken book. Though use of the present tense is somewhat distracting, there is a charm to the narration that overcomes that drawback. ***

Author: Nora Roberts
Title - Tribute

Cilla McGowan is a former child star. She has been flipping houses for the past couple of years. In the near future, Cilla plans to make a business out of doing what she likes best - rehabbing, remodeling homes, and flipping houses. First, she plans to make herself a home, a real home. From her own mother, Cilla purchases her grandmother's house and begins restoring (and a bit of remodeling) it. Her mother, Dilly, is currently married to Mario (husband number five) and in New York working on her latest show. There is no love lost between Cilla and Dilly. In fact, Dilly did not want her own mother's home, but refused to give or sell it to Cilla either. The only way Cilla got her hands on the "Little Farm" was by giving Dilly the money she desperately needed for her show. Used to Dilly's drama, drama, drama, Cilla is more than happy to ignore her and get on with her own life and career. That no longer involved acting.

Cilla's grandmother was the legendary Janet Hardy. She had been one of the best actresses/singers of her time. As legend goes, Janet escaped to the "Little Farm" between shows. But the legend does not stop there; an affair with a married man while on the farm is mentioned too. Thirty years ago Janet supposedly overdosed in the house, ending her life at the young age of thirty-nine. In Cilla's dreams, she visits with Janet and learns about life long ago. And as Cilla cleaned out the attic (in preparation for converting it into her home office) she comes across unsigned letters to Janet from a lover. It is in the letters that Cilla learns that Janet may have died while pregnant.

Across the street lives Ford Sawyer, a graphic novelist. He and his charmingly ugly dog, Spock, begin to wiggle their way into Cilla's daily life. So when threats on Cilla begins, Ford and Spock take interest. Unless they figure out who and why is targeting Cilla, she may end up being cut down in the prime of her life - just like her grandmother.

**** The novel does not begin with anything to capture the reader's attention immediately. Instead, it begins with the telling of (part of) Janet's legend. Most of the first part is setting up characters, the house, and nothing fantastic. But toward the end of part one things begin getting dangerous and everything begins to build. There is a lot of reminiscing with Janet, so expect some time hopping throughout the novel. The author manages to do this without the dreams/back flashes becoming tedious though. That is not easily done for an author, yet Roberts succeeded. This is not one of the author's best novels, but I found it to be very entertaining and gladly recommend it. ****

Authors: Sherrilyn Kenyon, Dianna Love
Title - Phantom of the Night

To save his family from the consequences of his younger brother's bone headed choices, Nathan leaves his life behind to work for BAD, the Bureau for American Defense. Ostensibly, he is dead, but when he emerges from being out of touch with his old world, he finds his sacrifice was in vain. His brother ended up dying stupidly, and now, it is up to him to find out why. The reasons tie into a plot against America that could kill millions. Working with the lovely undercover cop, Terri, Nathan discovers a twisted plot engineered by people who care nothing for the innocent, as long as their own sick goals are achieved and as long as they profit. Yet, in the middle of the darkness, the "phantom" discovers something else, love.

*** The title would lead you to expect something noir in nature; Sherrilyn Kenyon's name on it leads one to anticipate an intense, yet humorous read with just enough passion. Unfortunately, this is a case of if you expectorate in one hand and expect in the other, the first hand will be filled far more swiftly. Though complex, the plot was thin and brought far fewer smiles than Ms. Kenyon's work normally does, under any name that she writes. Though I am not familiar with Ms. Love's work, her fans may be disappointed as well. The potential that is hinted at just is never realized. Perhaps it is a case of too many talented "cooks" in the same kitchen. ***

Author: Christina Skye
Title - To Catch a Thief

Sussex, England, 1622. Viscount Draycott hid a piece of art, for safety. It was Leonardo's preliminary chalk sketch for the Mona Lisa, with probable oversketching by Michelangelo. With it was hidden a notebook from the hand of Leonardo da Vinci. The notebook stated, in poetry form, that the exquisite piece of art, as well as the notebook, was cursed. In the year 1785 the chalk sketch was stolen, but not the notebook. Few knew of the sketch's existence. Once stolen, it disappeared - until now.

Lieutenant Dakota Smith is a Navy SEAL. He works for a government department with no name, in a location that has no address, on jobs with no description. Those in his department call it Foxfire. Word has it that an undiscovered da Vinci is to be privately auctioned off to carefully selected collectors. Currently the art piece is in the possession of a delusional and ruthless millionaire named Martim Gonsalves. Dakota's mission is to retrieve it. To do this, he needs Nell MacInnes, an art conservator. Problem is that Dakota is not one hundred percent sure he can trust her. Nell's father is Jordan MacInnes, a well known art thief. Jordan has recently been released from prison. Everyone from the FBI to the head of Foxfire believes that Nell's father had orchestrated the complex theft of the art piece from the museum within days of his release. They also believe Nell is somehow involved.

Nell MacInnes is not a thief and refuses to believe her father has returned to his old life of crime. When Nell receives a quick call from her father, giving her strange numbers and telling her to contact their family friend for aid, she is confused. The family friend is Nicholas Draycott. Dakota and Nell travel to Draycott Abbey, where Nell begins to teach Dakota how to rock climb, without any safety equipment. The auction is due to be held at a castle on a small island north of Skye. It will take all of Nell's knowledge of art and climbing to help bring Dakota, and her father, out of the mission alive.

***** Christina Skye continues her exciting adventures with the men and women of the Foxfire group. This mission is just as dangerous, yet thrilling, as all the ones before it. I always find it fascinating to witness the fall of another SEAL into the web of love. Dakota put up a great fight though, I must admit. As for Nell, the author did a terrific job of creating the strong-willed female character a man like Dakota would need. The romance of Nell and Dakota blends in very well with the various phases of the mission. (Trust me, the mission keeps evolving and getting more complex.) Nell's personal life is just as difficult as Dakota's, especially her childhood years; therefore, she trusts people even less than Dakota does. Watching the clashes between this pair, in addition to their deep attraction for one another, is like watching a pressure cooker build up steam. Eventually, the explosion will occur. I guess what I am saying is that books by Christina Skye are hot and explosive. Truer words were never written. *****

Author: Jordan Dane
Title - No One Lives Forever

A brutally violent kidnapping forces bodyguard Jasmine Lee to call in a favor and reveal a secret in order to coerce Christian Delacorte into helping her save her employer/lover, Nicholas Charnenau, the father Christian never knew he had. Rather than settling down into the good life he longs for with his lover, Detective Raven Mackenzie, Christian now must race against time and across the globe on a mission that could be his last.

**** Every page crackles with excitement and suspense right from the outset. Strong characterization perfectly complements the nonstop action and breakneck pacing of this thrilling novel. Judging by this debut trilogy, it is clear that romantic suspense fans have a new star in their sky and will have to add another talented lady to their must buy list. ****

Author: Kathryn Shay
Title - Taking the Heat

Widowed father of two Liam O'Neill does not want to risk his heart on love again, but then, he meets beautiful fire fighter Sophie, a woman whose life is on the line everyday and who has already dodged death in profound and traumatic events. Against their mutual wills, Sophie and Liam find themselves falling in love, especially after she takes a part time job working in his family pub. However, a serial arsonist bent on killing all firefighters amps up the risks to Sophie's life and Liam is just not sure he can deal with losing another woman he adores.

**** Combining touching family drama with gripping suspense is Ms. Shay's forte. You will not ever go wrong if you read one of her stories. Sophie and Liam present a couple that defies stereotypes and is wholly believable. Though part of a series, I am delighted to say that if you have not read or it's been a while since you read the prior books, you will not be lost, except for losing yourself in the story! ****

Author: Carla Neggers
Title - The Angel

Fascinated by the legend of a stone angel, Keira follows her heart to Ireland to investigate it, not knowing until she is rescued from a cave in some time later that the old lady who told it to her and an antiques dealer she spoke to about the story have been the latest victims of a serial killer. She may be next. The American cop who has followed her to Ireland, Simon, is determined to keep her safe and to stop the killer, but if the murderer is something from beyond this world, do they have a prayer of surviving against him, much less, solving the case?

**** A hint of magic combined with a suspenseful plot and a setting that is so vibrant it is almost a character in and of itself makes for a winning combination in this fast paced story that might be Ms. Neggers's strongest yet. Nails will be bitten as the pages fly to the end that comes all too soon, or not soon enough, perhaps both. ****

Author: Susan Johnson
Title - Hot Property

Zoe Chandler is renting a place in Ely for seclusion and finishing up her first draft of an expose manuscript on art collectors. It may be completed as early as next month. Joe, the man who does her leg work, has found a whole lot of evidence about the Willerbys' collection and Zoe intends to tell all in her book. Roberto Fiorilli is her contact in the Tutela Patrimonio Culturale (TPC). The Italian TPC is charged with protecting Italy's cultural heritage and pursues any case of found artifacts to get them back from private collectors. The Willerby couple has the largest collection of ancient artifacts in the world. Knowing Zoe is digging for information on them, and finding it, they are determined to get Zoe to cease the project. Buying Zoe off is useless. So they will have to send people to shut Zoe up permanently. Needing a bodyguard, Zoe decides to hire the guy next door for the job. She can tell simply by looking at him that the guy could easily do the job.

Nick Mirovic still has nightmares since the NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. He walked out afterward, refusing to do anything more with Harry Miller, who is now on the short list for C.I.A. director. Nick knows that the odds are extremely good that Harry will attempt to kill him. It is not as though Harry did not try once before, and almost succeeded. Nick knows too much about all the accidental deaths in Kosovo, and Harry does not like loose ends. But Nick learned a lot while dealing with the C.I.A. He is now very skilled in booby-traps for one thing.

When Zoe approaches him for the position as her bodyguard his first thought is that she is a plant by Harry. Her story about the Willerbys' "diplomatic ambassadors" sounds plausible and Zoe never once showed any tell-tale signs of lying. Nick knows he should flat out say no. He even tries to scare her off by letting her know that some bad men may be after him too. In the end, Nick's libido has him agreeing to protect her, but she would need to travel with him to an outpost he has in Ontario. The two strike a deal and dice are rolled.

***** Novels by Susan Johnson are more addictive than chocolate! This one is no exception. The story opens up with a scene that grabbed me immediately and held on tighter than Super Glue until the very end. Even the scenes where the characters are meeting and telling about themselves are written in such a way that the element of danger constantly vibrates underneath. Unlike many Suspense and Thriller novels, this one does not slow down toward the middle. This is non-stop and fast paced. Brilliant! *****

Author: Cindy Kirk
Title - One Night Stand

Attending a friend's wedding gives Marcee hopes of a hot one night affair with someone, and her chosen lover is Sam. After one hot night, they part, only to meet again months later when Marcee reluctantly returns to her small hometown to fulfill family duty. Sam is not only the sheriff there, but his daughter has taken up with her step-brother, and he does not think the boy good enough for his child. Despite the conflict, the sizzle is still there, and both have to face the fact that even as they disagree, they have also fallen in love and might want more than a night together.

*** Though not as much of a comedy as expected, this is still a fun read, with a serious current that saves it from being just fluff. Both romances are well balanced and complement each other well. Moreover, the characters evolve over the course of the narrative, becoming stronger and better as the pages turn. ***

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: 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 - 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 - 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 - Under the Spell (Incognito # 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 - Renegade's Rose (Incognito # 6)

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.

The leader of the Revolutionary Echelon Defenders "R.E.D." is Rex Kovac. He and his terrorist group are often referred to as the Black Pope and his blood missionaries. The Network has never been able to get close to the man. They do not even know what he look like. The only picture they have managed to get of Kovac is a blurry image of his back side. Kovac is the man that put a contract out on Emory, the former (K.I.A.) most dangerous man in the world.

Hunter Savage is the man who took over Emory's position and he is determined to earn the title of being the most dangerous man in the world. Hunter and his sister, Celine, have been with the Network since they were kids. Hunter is grateful that her field of specialty keeps her out of the field. He is not only her older brother, but he has played the role of both parents to Celine since he was seven and she was an infant. (In the Network she is the leading specialist in medical advancement; and the best neurosurgeon in the world.) When Hunter wakes up in Medical, near death, the first thing he notices is that Celine is missing. He soon learns that Kovac has kidnapped Celine (to extract the formula of a biological weapon from her) and the Network has zero intentions of trying to rescue her. Needless-to-say, still having a piece of shrapnel in his head will not stop Hunter from going AWOL to save his sister. The best idea Hunter has is to go after Tanya, Kovac's wife and most prized possession.

Tanya is a renowned belly danger. She is guarded better than even the United State's President. She has been married to Kovac for over five years now and takes care of the two children from Kovac's former marriage. Hunter does not believe Tanya is as innocent as she appears to be. And Hunter is not as indifferent to Tanya's charms are he would like to be.

***** In case you are following the series in order, this book begins one year after the last book, Under the Spell, ended. I found some parts very predicable; however, there were also some twists which took me totally by surprise. The story slows down a bit toward the middle, but this is necessary for the romance to begin and bloom. It also lets the author throw in an extra twist or two. Now if only Shannon, Angelo, and Lucy would get their own stories told. *****

Author: Tara Janzen
Title - Cutting Loose

Lily Robbins had gone to Central America to film a documentary on a group of Catholic nuns running an orphanage near the Honduran border. Within days of her arrival, she found herself in the middle of guerrillas and drug runners. A dying pilot gave Lily a macramé bracelet and, though she had no idea at the time, put her directly in the line of fire.

CIA operative Zachary "Zach" Prade had saved Lily's life in El Salvador. He had been deep undercover as a drug lord named Alejandro Campos - eight years in the making. Zach had been pulled back to the U.S. to deal with the bracelet. Within the cheap-looking bracelet was a flash drive that people would, and have, killed for. Zach's orders are to retrieve the bracelet. No one knew if Lily really was the innocent lady in the wrong place, at the wrong time, or if she was another bad guy. Zach sure hoped she was innocent. He would much rather date Lily than turn her over to the C.I.A.

**** Most of the focus is on the mission(s) rather than the blooming romance between Lily and Zach. That is as it should be; however, I do not feel enough time was given to tension and brewing trust between the couple. Do not let that make you even hesitate to pick up a copy of this fast paced novel though. This story over flows in danger and excitement. A fabulous adventure, to be sure! ****

Author: Lori Foster
Title - Hard to Handle

Anastasia "Stasia" has known Harley "Hard to Handle" Handleman over seven years now. That is how long he has been renting a cabin from her during the winter months. She is very attracted to him, but knowing his reputation with the ladies, she keeps her distance.

Harley's goal is to win the SBC title belt. Previously, any time he got the chance personal misfortunes got in the way. This time Harley is determined to step into the fighting ring. Now if only he could keep thoughts of delightful Stasia out of his head. But Lady Fate brings them even closer together when danger stalks Stasia.

***** I have come to love this series. The author has obviously gotten to know a few of the fighters in her time, at least during her research for this series. Few know how the fighters stick together outside the competition. I hear that some even train together. Author Lori Foster not only shows her knowledge of the field, but combines it with her astounding writing talent to bring readers this gem of a read. This story is fast paced and loaded with romance and suspense. (Not to mention a meddling uncle.) Highly recommended reading! *****

Author: Lesley Langtree
Title - Guns Will Keep Us Together

The Bombay family doesn't have skeletons in the closet, they're much more efficient at getting rid of the bodies than that. For four millennia, they have been the world's best hit men and women in the business. Yet now, they are suffering a downswing, so Grandma has ordered Paris and Dakota to come up with a PR campaign, ASAP no less, to present to the council, or else. Dak has another problem or two to cope with. First, he needs to prove his manhood, which is perfectly fine, thank you, and then, he discovers he has a son, an overly bright six year old, with whom he has little in common beyond blood. He also finds his taste in women has undergone a drastic change, and lovely Leonie Doubtfire is the only woman he can think of. However, Dak needs to stay focused on the present goal or find himself dead, from either a rival assassin or his own family, if he lets them down.

*** Though killers for hire are not supposed to be the good guys, this and 'Scuse me While I Kill This Guy are pure fun to read. Dak has moved from being a strong supportive character to being the hero in his own right and he pulls it off well. ***

Author: Lisa Kleypas
Title - Blue Eyed Devil (Suspense)

If she had just followed through on the one, embarrassing kiss she accidentally gave Hardy Cates in the dark, Haven Travis might have saved herself a sentence in an earthly Hell. But, she did not, instead marrying the devil himself, or nearly so. Nick turns from being a caring fiancé to a demoralizing, abusive rapist, subjecting her to years of degrading torture that strips away Haven's self worth and tries to steal her away from herself. When he goes too far, Haven is able to summon up enough spirit to escape, turning to her brother for refuge. Once safe, she begins to heal on several levels gradually. Then, Hardy re-enters her life and the attraction is there and stronger than ever. Yet, Haven still has the scars of her marriage on her soul, ones Hardy will have to deal with in order to win her. And, Nick is not done with his ex-wife.

***** Though this book has been criticized for being graphic in its depiction of domestic violence, that is a strength. Normally, I abhor seeing portrayals that are graphic in any way; however, it was critical to this story for the harshness to be seen. Haven's situation comes to life thanks to this, and once you start, this book is impossible to walk away from. *****

Author: Jane Graves
Title - Tall Tales and Wedding Veils

Always the sane one in her family, Heather suddenly does something that seems to be nuts. After being Tony McCaffrey's lucky charm during a chance meeting in Vegas, she gets drunk and wakes up married. Though they intend to immediately dissolve things, before they can, her family finds out and is so delighted that Tony suggests they stay united for a month. During that time, sensible Heather will help him become a business success and he will show her how to have fun. Even though they seem to be the odd couple; she is nothing like his usual woman and he is not at all who anyone would expect Heather to be with, somehow, they wind up getting into each other's hearts. Yet, knowing how opposite they are, neither believes it can last forever.

**** Frothy, sweet, and fun, this is a great way to begin your summer on a high note. Seeing how these two complementary people come together is heart-warming and hopeful without being sappy. Kudos to Ms, Graves for giving us another winner. ****

Author: Carlene Thompson
Title - If You Ever Tell

Eight years ago, Celeste alone survived, thanks to her step-sister's timely arrival, when her step-father and mother were killed late one evening. Yet, ever since that terrible night, the child has remained locked in a silence that nothing could shake until she begins speaking again out of the blue at Bennigan's. Though her father is gladdened by this, it is the beginning of a new nightmare for not only Celeste, but for the sister who saved her life, Teri. Since then, Teri has lived away from her hometown, unable to bear the suspicions that were attached to her, despite a serial killer's confession. Now, with that confession recanted and threats being made, it is time to learn the truth, or pay for her ignorance with her life.

**** I have said before and stand by my assertion that Ms. Thompson is the finest of mystery writers out there today. She takes her audience on a red herring filled route that will have you locked to the pages and guessing at every turn, but unless you are Sherlock's long lost clone, you probably will not be able to figure it out. Yet, though she gives us a fantastic plot, the characterization is in no way skimped upon, and you are not just mentally tested, but your heart cares for what happens as well, making for a nearly perfect read. ****

Author: Barbara Freethy
Title - Silent Run

She wakes up in a hospital bed with amnesia. The doctor says she was in a car wreck last night. An empty baby car seat was in the back, but she does not recall having a baby. A handsome stranger barrels into the room with her and the doctor, claiming to be Jake Sanders and wants to know where she hid their child.

Jake has no idea why Sarah Tucker cleaned out their apartment, took their baby, and then disappeared without a trace. Their lives had been perfect until he got home, walked through the door, and found all evidence of Sarah and his daughter, Caitlyn, gone. For over seven months he and his brother, Dylan, have hunted Sarah. Now Sarah has been found, but not Caitlyn. If he is to have any chance of recovering his baby, Jake must help the woman who betrayed him.

Sarah's memory is coming in flashes. The duo quickly realizes that Sarah has multiple identities. Her entire life has been a pack of lies, and someone is trying to kill her.

***** Author Barbara Freethy easily manipulates the emotions of her readers, keeping them on the edge of their seats straight up until the climatic ending. Excellent character developments and a dramatic plot keep an upbeat pace. This story will keep you wondering if Sarah really is what she seems and have you sympathizing with both main characters. *****

Author: Barbara Freethy
Title - Silent Fall

Dylan Sanders is at Lake Tahoe, Nevada, when Erica Layton appears and demands a private conversation. Only six weeks prior the pair had spent one night in bed together and worked to put a murderer behind bars. Thinking Erica wants to discuss one of those two events, he follows her into the woods; then Erica leaves him there, drugged and disoriented. When Dylan wakes the next morning, Erica has disappeared, and Dylan is suspected of her murder.

Catherine Hilliard is a lovely psychic plagued with nightmares since a certain horrific night during her childhood. The last thing she wants is to help Dylan with her visions, especially since he does not believe in her abilities, but Catherine has somehow become a conduit and may be his only chance to stay alive in hope of proving his innocence.

***** This story begins with danger and the mad pace is continuous until the very end. I could not help but feel chills as Catherine's haunting past comes forward and I began to understand the true horror. My opinion, in a single word... SUPERB! *****

Author: Elizabeth Jennings
Title - Pursuit

Robert Haine, CEO of Court Industries, had originally planned to seduce the owner's daughter, Charlotte Court, and wed her so that he would inherit the eight million dollar company. That was Plan A. Problem was that Charlotte seemed to be the only female in the world that could not be seduced. So Robert went on to Plan B. Since Charlotte's father was slowly dying in the hospital, Robert sent someone to kill the old man. Afterward, his man would pretend to be a hospital employee and call Charlotte in. Once there, Charlotte was to be murdered and framed as a murder/suicide. Problem with that plan was that Charlotte was already in her father's room when the killer arrived. The hit man managed to kill the father, but Charlotte got away. However, Charlotte was shot in the shoulder as she fled. Now on to Plan C. The hit man killed the old man's nurse with a small gun, one such as a woman with small hands would use. Robert made sure he and his men were at the police station first and had already set Charlotte up to take the fall for a double murder. Since Charlotte would not be thinking clearly and be in a lot of pain, she would run, so Charlotte's home was guarded as well. Robert's men would pick her up, kill her, plant the gun, and make sure her body is found. But Charlotte saw the men at the police station and around her home. The media had already condemned Charlotte and everyone was searching for the insane, wounded woman. Charlotte could do nothing but flee in a friend's SUV. She needed to lay low, get well, and try to figure out how to clear her name. And a furious, but scared, Robert had to quickly come up with a Plan D.

Lieutenant Commander Matthew "Matt" Sanders had been shot multiple times while saving his men overseas. After a few months, he woke from his coma to find himself in a VA hospital. Once able to leave it, Matt accepted the invitation of one of his teammates to stay with him in San Luis, Baja Sur, Mexico while he recovered. During his self-enforced physical exercises, he spied his Guardian Angel. Every day she watched him work to rebuild himself. Every day she silently sent him courage to fight through the pain. Every day Matt fell more in love with the lonely lady, who had obviously suffered as much as he in some way. When they finally met, Matt saw her still healing gun shot wound and was determined to not only teach her how to protect herself, but also convince her to become a permanent part of his life. But time was not on their side, Plan D was already tracking Charlotte.

*** I found this to be a terrific plot and filled with interesting characters. However, Charlotte and Matt's romance went WAY too fast, in my opinion. Matt's character was believable except for the fact that the man who had been with lots of gorgeous women suddenly found himself head-over-heels in love with a stranger with only casual looks across a beach. And I feel that I must warn readers that there is one scene of animal abuse and slaughter. (Had I known that, I never would have read the book.) Otherwise, this story overflows with action and suspense. On a personal note, I would love to see more of Tom Reich some day. He is a buddy of Matt's and captured my attention instantly. ***

Author: Carly Phillips
Title - Hot Property

It only takes one foul up, albeit one costly enough to lose the World Series, for Golden Boy John Roper to fall from grace and need the services of Yank's girls at Hot Zone Publicity to save him from himself. So, Amy Stone finds herself with a man who in some ways is too good to be true, but who also seems to be constantly at odds with her plans to revive his career. Complicating matters include stalkers, an oddball family, Roper himself, and the fact that conflict of interest or not, she's falling for him.

*** Though this is ninety five percent fluff, it's good fluff. Even women who hate sports can have a few chuckles while reading this heart-warming story that is also fast paced and saucy. ***

Author: Eileen Cook
Title - Unpredictable

Sophie Kintock's world is falling apart. Doug, who she has lived with for the past six years, has left her and now dates a younger, more beautiful, woman. Sophie is determined to get him back. She is willing to go to any lengths to win Doug away from this new woman and drive him back home.

When Sophie finds out that Doug 's new girlfriend is an avid believer in psychics, she decides to pose as one, with the help of her new friend Nick. Sophie plans to give Doug's new girlfriend a well worded false reading and, hopefully, break them up. But when some of Sophie's predictions come true, her world is thrown into chaos and Sophie does not know if she can handle the new turn of events.

**** I thought this book was down right hilarious! Eileen Cook did a wonderful job bringing to life characters which we can all relate to. There is also a subtle moral for all to grasp. (I believe you can figure it out simply from my synopsis.) I eagerly look forward to Eileen Cook's next story. ****

Author: Linda Francis Lea
Title - The Ex-Debutante

Carlisle Wainwright Cushing discovers that unfortunately whoever claimed you can't go home again was wrong. Though she fled Willow Creek, Texas after a couple of humiliating faux pas, when her mom needs her to represent her in the latest in a long series of divorce cases, she returns, only to find that her opposing counsel is none other than her biggest mistake, Jack Blair, the boy she once upon a time loved to her eternal regret. If all that were not bad enough, Carlisle is being pushed to return to the scene of her other "crime," the annual debutante ball, where she is now to take up the family tradition of heading up things. Not only is she haunted by her own long ago blunder, but by the specter of the prior year's shambles which has left her with a slate of debs that is motley at best. With all that going on, assorted family dramas, and finding she never really got over Jack, Carlisle is either going to be overwhelmed or discover her wings and tied to her roots.

*** The best part of this wry family drama are the courtroom scenes, where Carlisle comes off like a female Evan Marshall Hall. The ruse she uses to soften up the judge is something every Texan reading will yell "Amen" to, except for the Aggies out there. Her comedic touches are spot on and feel very realistic, no matter how outrageous they get. ***

Author: Jane Graves
Title - Hot Wheels and High Heels

Coming home to find strangers living there and all her things gone to Good Will does not inspire "good will" in Darcy McDaniel. Her husband has vanished, taking with him hundreds of thousands of embezzled dollars, leaving her high and dry, and ending her career as a trophy wife. With few skills and less experience, Darcy finds herself moving back home with her parents and the best job she can get is working for the man who repossessed her Mercedes, John Stark. Though the two butt heads from the moment they meet and have completely opposite tastes; she lives for Neiman's, Starbucks and all the finer things, while John is content with Wal-Mart, whatever coffee is on sale, and the simple life, there is a sizzle between them that neither can ignore. Darcy is also finding it hard to completely be immune to the charms (read pocketbook) of the millionaire who is offering her a ticket back to the good life, if she'll settle for being a mistress. This is the biggest test Darcy has ever faced as is forced to cram life lessons harder than she ever anticipated.

**** I must admit, I opened this book not expecting to like it and closed it cheering because it was wonderful. Darcy and John's chemistry is dynamic and sheer fun. Watching her adapt to a less than princess like existence is painful, yet humorous. Though none of the characters is perfect, as Stark points out, imperfect people are the most interesting. The pseudo-villain was not even perfectly rotten, and in the end, I found myself hoping he gets a story in which he gets to be the hero and redeemed. ****

Author: Brenda Novak
Title - Trust Me (The Last Stand #1)

Four years ago Skye Kellerman was attacked with a knife in her own bed by Dr. Oliver Burke, a dentist. He was sentenced to serve eight-to-ten years. Sacramento Detective David Willis handled the case. David believed the good dentist was also responsible for several other deaths in the area, but no hard evidence had been found. Due to that horrible night, Skye, along with her two friends Jasmine and Sheridan, started The Last Stand (TLS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping victims of violent crime. TLS and the trio of ladies get a lot of publicity. This is good for the organization and for letting the public become aware that TLS exists and will help. However, it also means a lot of people hate the trio, especially the abusers of the victims TLS helps. Burke's entire extended family believes him innocent of Skye's charges; since Skye and TLS are often in the papers or on television, their anger simmers.

Now, in one week, Burke will be released on parole and he has not forgotten Skye. She cost him his dental practice, his reputation, and his freedom. In hope of keeping Burke behind bars, Skye and David search for evidence that Burke had been involved in prior rapes and murders. However, the search will take longer than a week; and during that week, someone has begun stalking Skye. The mind games and attacks could not be perpetrated by Burke, since he is still in prison, yet it could easily be someone acting in Burke's name. Once he is free, Burke will begin his crimes anew, beginning with Skye.

**** There is more going on than I mention in my synopsis. This story has a couple of sub-plots continuously running, which gives much depth to Skye and David's blooming romance. There are several secondary characters as well. Jasmine and Sheridan, Skye's friends and co-founders of TLS, are survivors of violent crimes. Readers get a little back ground on Jas and Sher, which not only blends into this story and makes it more believable, but also gives readers an idea of what their stories will entail. You will not have long to wait either. Jasmine's story is titled "STOP ME" and comes out in July 2008. Sheridan's story is titled "WATCH ME" and is will be released in August 2008. Three titles in as many months. Excellent!

The author did an outstanding job in showing how Burke's conviction affected his family, especially his wife, Jane. I could easily understand Jane's belief of Burke's innocence, her devastation at how neighbors and friends treated her once Burke was imprisoned, how her life drastically changed forever, and her confusion about Burke finally being released from prison. No one can send chills down my spine as Brenda Novak can! ****

Author: Kathleen Bacus
Title - Fiancé at Her Fingertips

Debra Daniels works for the state's Crime Victims Assistance Bureau. She is beyond tired of everyone, including her parents, fixing her up with blind dates. When she is in a novelty shop and spies a do-it-yourself kit titled "Fiancé at Your Fingertips", Debra believes she has found the answer to her matchmaking problems. The kit is a boyfriend-in-a-box. It comes with everything Debra needs to convince family, friends, and coworkers that she has already found Mr. Right. Debra's boyfriend-in-a-box is "Lawyer Logan". He is the perfect fictitious beau. The kit gives his name as Logan Alexander and all of his stats. Debra hopes that when she finally tells everyone that it was all a joke to keep them from fixing her up with men, perhaps they would STOP! Let the game begin!

Turns out that the joke is on her. After a couple of weeks of fake phone messages at work, a personal make-over, and pretend happiness and bliss, Debra has absolutely everyone convinced that Logan is, in fact, her Mr. Right. But when Debra goes to her parents' house for dinner, "Lawyer Logan" shows up in-the-flesh. And he is in the perfect flesh! He convinces everyone that he actually HAS been dating Debra. He even has past dates with her written on his calendar and all her phone numbers on his cell's speed dial. Of course Debra immediately tells everyone he is lying and it had all been a joke, but no one is believing her. Logan seems to actually believe his own lies too. Strange thing is that after while Debra wonders if how Logan came into her life really matters.

**** Engaging characters and witty dialogue blend together to create such a fun read that it will cheer up anyone (even after going through their own rough day.) The main couple's best friends, Suzi and Clay, steal the spot light once or twice as they clash head-to-head. Looks like they will be getting their own story told in the near future. I enjoyed every minute of this wild ride. ****

Author: Tina Wainscott
Title - What Lies in Shadow

For weeks, Jonna has been living a dual life, in reality being a "desperate housewife" in a fizzling marriage, and in the virtual world, venting her frustrations and fantasies in a blog as the mysterious, adventuress, Montene. When she finally decided to cheat, she chooses a man who has commented on her blog and the nightmares begin. Before Jonna can follow through with her worst inclinations, she finds herself falling in love with her husband who has turned into a kinder, more open man and on the other side of the coin, becoming terrified of her would be lover, Dom. Determined to have her, he sets out on a course that threatens to wreck the marriage she now cherishes and possibly worse. As the situation grows darker and more twisted, Jonna discovers that she does not know who to trust and with no one to turn to.

***** If you love a challenging, complex thriller, then this is exactly what you need to buy. Ms. Wainscott builds the tension perfectly. As various characters reveal their true faces, even things you might half suspect become shocking. Ever since she began writing fun, sweet paranormals, I've considered every word of hers a keeper. This book only cements that opinion. *****

Author: JoAnn Ross
Title - Freefall

Sabrina Swann had just been made general manager of an upscale hotel in Florence, Italy, when the hotel was blown up from under her. Seeking refuge as she recovers, Sabrina returns to her home turf, Swann Island, South Carolina. The local population of the sleep Southern Island has always been small, not including the tourists, so everyone knows everything about everyone. Before Sabrina had fully moved into the Swannsea estate, everyone knew she had returned and what had happened in Italy. The last person she expected to encounter on Swann Island is Zachariah "Zach" Tremayne. Zach had stole Sabrina's heart when she was a teen, gently declined her invitation to give him her most precious gift, and eventually left to become a Navy S.E.A.L. Sabrina had no idea Zach had left the military, but she recognized the pain in his eyes which was so similar to her own. Zach was home to heal as well. Though the former S.E.A.L. still had "warrior" written all over him, he was currently helping his father with the family construction business.

Zach cannot forget the horror he saw in his last battle in the Afghan mountains. Slowly he has been recovering. Flashbacks occur rarely now and Zach is beginning to believe he may live after all. Seeing Sabrina "New York" is a pleasure. He always knew she would go far. He also knew she would bloom, but she now outshines all his expectations. If Sabrina were to offer herself again, he would gratefully accept, as long as there were no permanent strings.

Word spreads quickly about the bodies found. Murder has not happened on Swann Island in about sixteen years, and that one was an accident due to too much drinking. Sheriff Nathaniel "Nate" Spencer has his hands full trying to find what is looking to be the beginning of a serial killer. Even though Nate is a former Marine, with a Silver Star, he still feels that he is under a microscope. Everyone on the island is watching to see if he would be half as good at the job as his father had been. Danger is hunting local prey and with each death Nate finds it more difficult not to crack. All his people, his friends, and his (hopefully someday soon) family could be in the cross hairs of a murderer's rifle scope.

***** As you can tell by the synopsis I wrote, there is A LOT going on here. Sabrina and Zach are the main characters/couple. But Nate and Titania (Sabrina's best friend) have their own moments. This is a stand alone story; however, it looks as though this may be the first in a series upon the island. I hope so, because this story not only sizzles with romance, but explodes with action and intrigue. Be warned there is a scene of a lady "being forced". I know some readers cannot read such, so consider yourself forewarned. Nothing too graphic though, in my opinion. All-in-all, I found this to be a phenomenal read that will keep you engrossed until way past your bed time. *****

Author: Jenny Gardiner
Title - Sleeping With Ward Cleaver

After years of marriage, Claire realizes she is hopelessly bored, possibly boring, and her sex life has all the excitement of an episode of Leave it to Beaver. Then, she reconnects with an old flame, Todd, whose emails reawaken her ability to believe in her own beauty and passion. Talking to him via the net is better for her ego than Eddie Haskell's simpering "My, don't you look lovely today" remarks did for June. Alone, that might have not been a disaster waiting to happen; it was only a virtual relationship now. However, when it becomes clear that a sweet young thing sees her staid husband as say - McDreamy, and is seemingly bent on claiming him as her own, and good old "Ward" isn't adverse to that, Claire goes a bit nuts. Not only does she go to meet Todd, but does so when her husband and his assistant are on a "business" trip in the same area. On one hand, she's semi-successfully fighting temptation while strolling down a fuzzy memory lane, on the other, she's trying to save a marriage she's not sure she wants to keep. Then, it all hits the fan.

*** Though mildly amusing and in the end, poignant, the leisurely pace is not suited to comedy. This author does show promise, but the daily mundane life is why we escape into books, so going through so much of it on the page is less than a relief. ***

Author: Meg Gardiner
Title - Dirty Secrets Club

A series of strange deaths requires forensic psychologist Jo Beckett to delve into a world hidden beneath San Francisco's psyche where she will discover the tie that mentally binds these victims together. They were all members of the Dirty Secrets Club, a place where nothing was too shocking, indeed, perhaps some things were not shocking enough, to confess. As her frenetic, yet methodical, quest to end the terror continues, Jo finds herself an unwilling member of the club, and thus, a potential victim. Now, she's fighting not only for the dead and for those who might join them, but to save herself as well.

**** Raw tension undergirds almost every page of this gripping thriller that takes you into a twisted maze of psychological suspense. Thanks to shows like Bones or series like Patricia Cornwall's, we are familiar with forensics, but I did not know about the psychiatric aspect of the science. It is by far more fascinating, making this a series that has greater potential than Kay Scarpetta's to seize the reader's imaginations and keep them up at night with all the lights on full force. ****

Author: Jordan Dane
Title - No One Heard Her Scream

Detective Rebecca "Becca" Montgomery has been in a state of emotional limbo since her younger sister, Dani, disappeared five months prior. To get Becca off the case's head investigator, Lieutenant Arturo Santiago (her boss and friend) sends her to investigate the body found in the ashes of a recently burned down theater. Upon arriving at the fire scene Becca scans the by-standers for anything odd. (One man stood out from everyone else and she makes a mental note to have someone check out the handsome guy and his car tags.) The body found has already been reduced to a skeleton. There is no clothing, but an expensive locket is found at the feet. The body had been bricked into the theater wall, near the stage, during the last reconstruction. Sam Hastings, the team leader for the crime-scene technicians could tell the person had been a young female. The scratch marks within the brick tomb clearly shows that the lady had been buried alive. Becca's duty will be more difficult than normal since the clues prove that someone has been missing a daughter or sister, just like her, with no idea if the girl were alive.

It is not long before mystery man's identity is known. Diego Galvan is one of the top men working for Hunter Cavanaugh. Cavanaugh is a high profile business man. He is as dirty as they come, but no one can ever prove anything. If Diego is working for Cavanaugh, he can't be good and this makes Becca wonder why he was at a fire scene. Diego makes contact with Becca, claiming that he was only giving her warning about Cavanaugh. Yet the man never comes right out and tells how he is connected to Cavanaugh. Diego neither admits his boss is in any way connected to the body, nor that his boss is not. One thing is for sure, anytime Diego is near Becca, her knees go weak and she yearns for things out of her reach.

Diego Galvan hates Cavanaugh. But there is one person he hates even more and this is Matt Brogan, Cavanaugh's muscle man. Diego has to be very careful due to the fact that Brogan keeps an extremely close eye on him. Yet Diego cannot stop himself from warning the lovely detective about his boss. Once he meets Becca face-to-face, Diego is fascinated and unable to stay away. Feeding Becca information could easily get him killed; or worse, get her killed. One way or another, Diego is determined to bring Cavanaugh to justice. But is the price too high?

***** I am unable to tell more in the synopsis without totally giving away some vital clues and information. I can say that Cavanaugh has more than one shady business going on. Brogan knows most, if not all, of Cavanaugh's business dealings (legal and illegal). Yet Brogan is not very intelligent. He can't get his mind off of killing Diego someday. The body's identified early on and Becca must contact family, anyone last with the deceased...the normal stuff. But again, I can't go into more detail than that.

Author Jordan Dane has set a very strong foundation for the "NO ONE" trilogy. Rest assured that this IS a stand-alone story. All major loose ends are tied. Whether you are a fan of Romantic Suspense or Crime Scene Thrillers you will not be disappointed. There are some bedroom sections, but not enough to turn off male readers. I have never read this author before now, but I will definitely be keeping my eye on her. If Jordan Dane's writing stays this good, I see wonderful things in her future. Excellent! *****

Author: Jasmine Cresswell
Title - Payback

Just when it appears that Ron Raven's two families might have reconciled themselves to the fact that he was a bigamist and be able to move on, Luke Savarini, a man who was going to go into a business deal with Ron before the late Mr. Raven's death, spots him walking around, or so he believes. However, Ron's daughter, Kate Fairfax, is not thrilled to learn her father might still live, yet after meeting Luke and after the threats she receives, Kate cannot help but believe that Ron might be alive. It is odd though, that he would threaten her, and perhaps the oddest thing of all is her falling for Luke. As the drama moves towards the endgame, ugly truths and hopeful dreams will collide as we finally find out who Ron Raven was or is.

**** If you have hung on throughout the trilogy, then you are ready for this conclusion. Though there are some weak points, all in all, it's a satisfying note on which to end things. Bigamy might be a fairly standard plot device, but Ms. Cresswell has used it effectively to weave together two sets of lives. ****

Author: Julia Harper
Title - Hot

Turner Hastings seizes her opportunity to illicitly gain evidence she needs to clear her dearest uncle's name when a pair of inept bank robbers stages a heist. Immediately, she finds herself on the run, with a sexy FBI agent after her and a stolen dog for her companion. Via her cell, she finds herself playing a cat and mouse flirtation with John Mackinnon, the G-man assigned to bring her in. Even when it's clear that she's not the real bad "guy," John has his duty, though he may hate the notion of bringing in this woman he has fallen for without ever meeting in person. As the danger mounts, something will have to give and ostensible foes will find themselves making tough choices about trust and truth.

*** Ms. Harper has put a unique spin on romance. Turner and John's courtship truly is different and will get your attention immediately. Part "Catch Me if You Can," part "Side Order of Life," Hot brings humor, romance, and thrills together in an unlikely combination that works. I'll be watching for this author's work from now on. ***

Author: Barbara Bretton
Title - Just Desserts

When Hayley Goldstein is offered a once on a lifetime opportunity to put her cake decorating and baker business on the map by creating a set of edible drums for an aging rock star, she has no idea what she's agreeing to. The cake order is simply a ruse so that her father, the one time anonymous sperm donor, can meet the child he suddenly wants to be in his life. His lawyer, Finn Rafferty, can hardly believe that his client wants this, but is determined to make it happen. What begins as business turns into pleasure as he gets to know Hayley and her sharp as a tack daughter. Both seem able to handle the challenge of the job, but can they deal with a trophy wife to be who is expecting Hayley's half sibling? Is Lizzie, Hayley's daughter, in over her head where her own black sheep of a dad is concerned? How will they both react to discovering their legacy?

**** If you love Susan Elizabeth Phillips, it's a safe bet to say you'll want this book. With the same warmth and humor the aforementioned author is famous for, Ms. Bretton gives her readers an easy, yet NOT bland, story with wonderful, vibrant characters and wholly believable situations. You'll want her backlist in your library, if it's not there already. ****

Author: Elizabeth Jennings
Title - Pursuit

It only takes a moment for Charlotte Court to go from grieving heiress to fugitive. When a spurned suitor has her father killed and sets out to frame her for his death, Charlotte finds herself on the run with a gunshot wound and nowhere to turn for help. Months later, her luck turns when she nurses an injured former soldier back to health, becoming Matt Sanders' Angel, the woman he'd willingly lay down his life to protect. He might just have to, for there is a killer on her trail, and he's coming closer with every passing moment.

***** From page one until the end, this story grabs you and insists on being read. Despite the non-stop action, characterization is not skimped upon. Charlotte is someone you will be rooting for, from the edge of your seat, as her plight is played out in taut detail. *****

Author: Lori Wilde
Title - Once Smitten, Twice Shy
(Wedding Veil Wishes #2)

The antique wedding veil is said to have been made by young witch in Ireland. Legend says the veil has the power to grant the deepest wish of the wearer's soul. Tish Gallagher's friend's wish certainly came true. That does not prove the veil had anything to do with it, of course, but Tish has gotten desperate. Tish is the owner, and only employee, of Capture the Moment Videos. She specializes in weddings, but at the moment would gladly take any work that promises money. The designer suit she recently purchased is ruined. Her cable has been cut off for nonpayment. (There goes television and internet access.) Her car has been repossessed. Things were going down hill fast with no end in sight. They say trouble comes in threes, but Tish is proving that statement false. So making a wish on the veil is the act of a desperate woman and that describes Tish well. Her wish is to get out of debt and make her video graphing business a success. Tish is about to learn that you should always be careful what you wish for.

Tish is shocked when she receives a phone call from Elysee Benedict, the first daughter. President Nathan Benedict's daughter had been told that Tish is the best wedding videographer in the Houston, Texas, area. It looks as though Tish's wish is really going to come true! As Tish meets Elysee to discuss the video project, she learns that the groom is her ex-husband, Secret Service agent Shane Tremont. Two years apart has not dampened the sizzle between Tish and Shane, but now it is too late. Of course, Elysee knew all along that Tish and Shane had once been wed, but that fact does not phase her one bit. Tish really wants to hate Elysee, but the first daughter is so sweet, honest, and naïve that Tish cannot help but like her.

Bigger problems hit the fan when Elysee's former nana (nanny) approaches and asks for help to rescue a friend from India. The engagement party is about to become very dangerous indeed.

**** I missed book one, There Goes the Bride, but since each book seems to be a stand-alone story, I never felt as though I were lost. Those who did read it will get to see Delaney (the friend who wished on the veil in the previous title) as a secondary character this time. I found that to be a very nice little touch! However, the author's main focus stays on Tish, Shane, and Elysee. If you are a shop-a-holic or have a shoe fetish, then you will certainly empathize with Tish, who spends her last $93 on a pair of shoes. Even though I do not fall into that category, I still found myself sympathizing with her. No matter what life throws at Tish, the lady is a survivor. Shane's character is strong too. He loses the full function of his hand while saving the life of the first daughter. However, the character of Elysee is just TOO innocent to be believable. There is just no way a grown woman can be that naive, blind to the faults of others, and gullible. All-in-all, author Lori Wilde gives readers a delightful dose of magic and an exciting adventure to help pass rainy days in bliss. I loved every moment I spent reading this story and will be on the look out for the first story, as well as the next. ****

Author: Marianne Mancusi
Title - News Blues

Maddie has many dreams, especially of making it big and getting hired to work at Newsline someday. However, being a production assistant at a local station cranking out fluff pieces for spoiled, shallow anchors - think Ted Baxter on Mary Tyler Moore's show- will probably not help her achieve that goal. On the personal side, her boyfriend will probably never commit to her and her family takes all the fun OUT of dysfunctional. Yet, Maddie will soon learn that success might not be as rosy as she hoped and even the most banal person has depths that she ever suspected.

*** Like the characters in her novel, the story Ms. Mancusi builds is one that has more to it than is readily apparent. Yes, there is humor that borders on chick lit, but there are also valuable life lessons and a few things that are good to know in real life. Maddie is a fairly standard chick lit-esque heroine, but her supporting cast offers some welcome and unexpected strengths. ***

Author: Iris Johansen
Title - Quicksand

Eve Duncan's main goal in life has been to find her daughter's lost body and thus achieve closure. Her quest has also lead her into a variety of cases where she has solved baffling crimes using her skills at reconstructing faces from the barest of clues found in bones. She also gained a nemesis in the form of the serial killer who may have taken Bonnie from her. Now, finding Bonnie's bones becomes of primary importance as their location contains the key to saving a young girl's life as her deadly game of cat and mouse with a predator escalates.

*** This latest book draws together two of Ms. Johansen's series, Eve Duncan and Pandora. While it is a thrilling, edge of your seat chiller, if you have missed any of the Eve stories, you will, as I did, find yourself handicapped on enjoying this. Despite this, fans of the series who have followed it will be delighted as her writing quality is excellent and involving. ***

Author: Marliss Melton
Title - Don't Let Go

A heart wrenching rescue mission is how Jordan Bliss and Solomon McGuire first meet, as the SEAL pulls her out of the war torn area in which she works, and forces her to leave behind the native boy she adopted. Yet, despite the angry tension this incites, Jordan does not turn him away when he needs her help with his son and before long, the two have achieved something that goes beyond peace. However, Jordan cannot forget the little boy who should be with her now, and when she gets the chance, will risk everything to go back for him. Can Solomon save her a second time?

*** Thrilling action and heart touching scenes meld together smoothly in this straightforward romance. Solomon and Jordan's transformation from opponents to lovers is presented logically, as they both have a lot of love and care deeply for children. Ms. Melton presents everything in a credible, logical fashion that simply makes things work properly. ***

Author: Anna Jeffrey
Title - Sweet Return

When Dalton Parker stops globetrotting long enough to come home and visit his Mama, he is shocked and appalled to find that she's allowed chicken rancher Joanna Walsh to take up residence, rent free, on her place and turn it into a giant hen coop. He becomes a thorn in the lovely young mother's side as his determination to prevent her from taking advantage of his mother increases, despite her denials that she's not doing anything Clova didn't ask her to. Yet as time passes, the two begin to find a place where they can reach an agreement, in bed.

*** Small town life and hot romance make for a story that will keep you flipping pages rapidly until the end. However, at times, you will be tempted to take things at a more leisurely pace and this book lends itself to either method. ***

Author: Shannon K. Butcher
Title - No Control

Once upon a time, he was, apparently, one of her captors, standing by silently as she was tortured. However, Caleb Stone was under deep cover and could not break it to save the innocent woman the Swarm was abusing. Now, he has the chance to atone for that and save Lana Hancock's life. The enemies of freedom seem to be more powerful than ever, and very determined to kill Lana. This time though, Caleb is openly their enemy and his mission is very personal.

*** If you enjoy an action novel with tons of sizzle, then you have found what you want. Lana and Caleb's passion explodes off any page where they aren't involved in risky situations. There's a nonstop pace that makes this story zing by, and you will be very eager to see the ending. ***

Author: Karen harper
Title - Below the Surface

A sudden storm catches Briana Devon off guard while she is diving. When she surfaces, what is as terrifying as the storm and the sharks in the water is the fact that her boat and her twin sister are nowhere to be seen. Though she manages to reach safety in the form of a barrier island where Cole de Roca finds and cares for her, Bree's dance with danger is only beginning. As she tries to find out what happened to Daria, she is continually faced with unsettling facts, well hidden secrets, and the possibility that she was the intended victim, not her twin.

*** Once again, we have proof of why Karen Harper and books published by Mira continue to top the best seller lists. This is a story you will fly through, so anxious will you be to see how it ends. From the exciting start, through the labyrinth of clues, to the tension filled end, the action never lets up as the reader is taken on a dive into this perilous world. ***

Author: Jane Tara
Title - Forecast

Rowie Shakespeare could be considered gifted, but while it might be nice to be able to always know what the weather was going to be or turn a profit making predictions for folks; knowing within a kiss whether or not a date was the man who was meant to be part of her future did put a damper on romance. Nonetheless, she plies her trade and keeps hoping for the one man who won't register on her radar. When her talent gains her fame, she might have found him, but it seems that all she can do is get on the fellow's bad side, and he doesn't work too hard at being endearing, either.

*** Quirky humor highlights this breezy, easy to read story that gives you a Shakespeare who is not over anyone's head. Small town life is captured well by Ms. Tara's prose, and though very imaginative, her plot does have the quality of not being so out there that you can't conceive of it as plausible. ***

Author: Cathie Linz
Title - Big Girls Don't Cry

After her plus-sized modeling career turns up its toes and dies, Leena Riley heads home in disgrace, where, in desperation, she takes a job as a receptionist for the most eligible bachelor in town, Cole Flannigan. The good doctor has grown up since his days of tormenting her in grade school, and suddenly the curves he teased her about are very appealing. However, he's not looking for love, nor is she. But, there is something there that they cannot ignore.

*** Many readers will probably cheer Leena's role as a plus sized, yet sexy, heroine. A few of us might take issue with the put downs directed at those on the opposite end of the spectrum. Despite that, this is a fun read, made charming by zany characters. ***

Author: Jana DeLeon
Title: Unlucky

Mallory "Mal" Devereaux is well liked in Royal Flush, Louisiana. She is very pretty and friendly, but that does not mean she gets many dates. Everyone may like Mallory, but everyone also knows that she is a walking disaster. Just a touch from Mallory will give a person bad luck. Nothing will go right for the person. Those who touch Mal for longer than an instant, such as a hug on one of the few dates she has ever had, end up in the hospital. After growing up unlucky, Mallory has learned to deal with it. She has a masters degree in civil engineering. But insurance companies refuse to underwrite any site Mallory is an employee of. So Mal works in destruction. She is the foreman at Royal Demolition. The owner, Harry, is not only her boss, but a close friend.

When Mal learns that Harry owes the IRS a lot of money, she knew that she was in trouble. Walter Royal has been buying up property and businesses in the area and then giving his relatives the better positions. Unless Mal came up with the money to buy the IRS our of Harry's tax dept, she jobless. Then her uncle, Reginald St.Claire, hires Mal to "cool" cards on his casino boat. Reginald is having a special poker tournament. He has assembled a group of heavy hitters - mafia, drug dealers, politicians, crooked law enforcement. So Mal is taking advantage of her chronic bad luck to get the needed money quickly.

FBI agent Jake McMillan/Randoll has been after Silas Hebert for money laundering and counterfeiting for quite some time now. Jake gets the position of the dealer at Hebert's table, right next to the most enchanting lady he has ever met. Jake does not believe in bad luck, much less Mal's bad mojo. But it does not take long for Jake to become a believer! Problem is that dating Mal is risky to his continued good health.

***** A sassy and hilarious walk down the swampy bayou side. This story gives readers plenty of romance and high drama. Touching Mal is very bad lucky with horrible consequences, so I could not help but wonder how the author, Jana DeLeon, could possibly pull off a romance between this main couple. I am happy to say that DeLeon did a FAN-DANG-TASTIC job of accomplishing it! ENCORE! *****

Author: Susan Mallery
Title - Accidentally Yours

All Kerry Sullivan needs for her little boy is a miracle, and the going price is fifteen million dollars more than she can afford. Because Nathan King, the billionaire who has come to her town for a massive construction project's, son died of the same extremely rare disease that is killing Cody, she hopes he will fund the research that could save him. However, he no longer cares if the monstrous thing is defeated; his son is gone. All Kerry accomplishes is losing her job, but she won't give up. After releasing a false press release saying that Nathan agreed, she puts him in a dilema. His solution? Do what she wants, but get a return on his investment. He now owns her time whenever he needs it. Since his public image is not good, she's going to boost it. Neither of them counted on falling in love, but both have damaged hearts and fear to be happy again. Besides, Kerry's first priority is her son; Nathan's is business, and his sister is trying to destroy that, along with herself. Maybe another miracle is needed.

**** This is a marvelous story that will keep you in suspense and make you feel wonderful. Watching all the miracles God works through the people who need them is heart-warming. What a fantastic way to start the year. ****

Author: Susan Kearney
Title: Kiss Me Deadly

Amanda "Mandy" Newman is a lawyer. She practices family law and has been dealing with many divorce cases recently. So when a man in a white truck begins riding her bumper, Mandy figures the driver is drunk, near sited, or the husband of someone she represented out to scare her. But all bets were off when the truck rams her vehicle three times, sending her crashing and sinking into the Hillsborough River (which flows out into Tampa Bay). Thoughts of her one-year-old daughter, Gabby, gives Mandy the needed mental and physical strength to survive.

Things begin looking up when Mandy learns that the Powerball jackpot ticket she and some of her coworkers purchased won. They now have three hundred and sixty million dollars to divide between them. (Sixty million dollars each.) Then someone stole the ticket. One by one Mandy's coworkers are being attacked. Mandy has no choice but to wonder if her near brush with a watery grave had anything to do with the ticket. Each person gets bodyguards, which Mandy thinks is a good idea until she learns that her bodyguard is Zachary "Zach" Taylor. The man who does not know he has a daughter. The man who told her that he never wanted kids or a family.

Zach and Mandy had a one night together before he disappeared into his next assignment. Zach is a DEA agent and often goes deep undercover. He is currently on leave, due to a death in his last mission, so when his sister, Dana, calls him to be Mandy's bodyguard he agrees. Though Zach never phoned or wrote Mandy after that night, he has been unable to forget her. They are soon kept busy, dodging a killer who seems determined to kill her.

**** I found this to be a wonderful romantic suspense story. I have no doubts readers will be hanging on the edge of their seats at some points. I certainly did. Author Susan Kearney proves that she knows suspense, whether in space or in Florida. Encore! ****

Author: Linda Castillo
Title - Overkill

Giving in to rage cost Marty Hogan her career and ultimately forced her to relocate to a nothing town in the Texas panhandle to find work as a policewoman. Her tough as nails attitude is impressive to her new boss, Clay Settlemeyer, and he's had enough regrets to be willing to give her a second chance. Yet, bad news combined with incidents that look somewhat fishy make him wonder if the lady has PTSD. When the truth comes out, that the Russian mafia is out for her blood, terror will reign over their lives until justice is served.

**** Even without the minimalist love story, this would be a blazingly fast paced story guaranteed to satisfy your need for vicarious thrills. Marty is an unusual, take no prisoners, both tough and soft heroine who makes herself memorable not only to Clay, but to readers who wish for half her backbone. ****

Author: Suzanne Enoch
Title: A Touch of Minx

Samantha "Sam" Jellicoe used to be one of the best cat buglers in the world. In fact, Sam had been a pro before she even reached the age of ten. (Thanks, Dad.) Then, one year ago, Sam dropped through the skylight of wealthy Richard Addison. Samantha saved Richard's life, but she had been trying to rob him at the time. To be with Richard, Samantha had to retire for being a professional thief and begin a new career.

It has been nine months since Sam began her security consulting and installation business, Jellicoe Security. Joseph Viscanti, with the museum, offers Sam the job of tracking down some Japanese armor. Sam takes the job for a few different reasons; the main one is for the adrenalin rush she'd get. On the side, Sam deals with another theft. This robbery was very recent. Someone has stolen a neutral-gender anatomical dummy from the elementary school. It is not the type of job Samantha would normally accept, but Sam could not tell Olivia (the girl who asked her for help) no.

As for Sam's rich Brit boyfriend, Richard, he is building up the courage to propose to Sam. Seems that the life of a former thief is not so dull after all.

***** Author Suzanne Enoch has done a masterful job with Sam and Richard. A few months ago these two characters were in a half-novel length tale (Twice the Temptation). The two were entertaining in that story, but in this one they absolutely ROCK! (Perhaps because it is full-length and the author could add more into the characters. I do not know.) The author actually seems to breathe life into all of the characters in this book. They seemed vivid and REAL! Consider yourselves warned in advance that once you open the cover to this book, you will not want to stop. Absolutely sinful. I loved it! *****

Author: Carly Phillips
Title - Sealed With a Kiss

Daniel Hunter's heart has begun to heal after Molly Gifford's abrupt departure from his life when she left to meet her real father. Now, after months apart, she barges back in, not asking for love, but for help. Daniel is one of the best criminal attorneys, and her dad is accused of murder. Despite all the good reasons not to agree to help, Daniel finds himself journeying to the family home and moving in as he takes on the case. There are an equal number of reasons he should not fall for Molly all over again, but that does not prevent just that from happening. As their romance heats up, things begin to look bleaker for her father. If the whole story was known, the love angle would appear equally in jeopardy. Hidden truths and phobias about commitment stand between the couple. At least two miracles are needed to make happily ever after come to pass.

*** Ms. Phillips may always be counted upon to deliver a fast-paced, fun story with more to it than initially meets the eye. There is heat, yes, but also, there is, as is true of her other works, a strong thread of family loyalty running through the narrative. This angle adds a depth and a touching quality that sets it apart from a simply steamy love story. ***

Author: Geralyn Dawson
Title - Never Say Never

A stalker sends "bad twin" Torie Bradshaw running to Matt Callahan, the man who once rescued her and subsequently got under her skin, making himself unforgettable. Matt has enough problems without Torie in his life, but he finds it impossible to say no to her; mostly because she won't go away. Murder changes things, though, and the pair finds themselves partners in solving a crime. However, Matt is not being purely altruistic; he's getting something out of this deal besides job satisfaction. To stave off matrimony minded women, he fakes an engagement to Torie, not realizing she'd like to make it real.

*** With the fun that hallmarked Ms. Dawson's historical work, especially the Bad Luck series, this romance takes readers on a wild ride. Though the pacing was at times uneven, that can be forgiven because of the overall quality and superb characterizations. ***

Author: Jasmine Cresswell
Title: Missing

For twenty five years, Ron Raven lived two lives with two families in two different states. When he is murdered, the two lives crash together as money one family owes the other comes due and all his lies and con games come to light. Determined to find out the truth and save her family, Megan Raven finds herself forced to work with Adam Fairfax, her father's brother-in-law from his other family, the man to whom her mother suddenly and unexpectedly owes three million dollars. Despite the adversarial position the two find themselves in, as they try to sort through the complicated mess left behind by Ron, there is an attraction between them as well as anger. Though far from an ideal time to find love, it might be that at least one good thing comes out of Ron Raven's deceptions.

*** Though there are still many questions left at the end, and I suspect that perhaps after reading the next two books in the trilogy, my rating of this novel might go up, it is an intriguing start to the series. The romantic angle was rather uneven, but the mystery factor was spot on and made the pages fly by. ***

Author: Jasmine Cresswell
Title: Suspect

After finding her husband murdered and knowing herself to be the prime suspect, Chloe Hamilton turns to Liam Raven, the attorney she had been consulting about a divorce, for help. Though criminal law is no longer his field, he was among the best in it, and Chloe has a trump card to play in gaining Liam's help; he is the father of her child, though he barely remembers the one night stand that resulted in Sophie's birth. Learning this truth is an especially ugly shock for Liam, who also now knows he commited adultery; a sensitive topic in light of the recent revelations about his own father. Nonetheless, Chloe is innocent; a victim of her late husband's ugly secrets and lies, and Liam is not about to let her or his daughter be hurt, especially when part of the reason for their present pain is tied to his father.

**** You cannot help but be drawn into this story that seems to be something ripped from the headlines. The complex situation packs a powerful, emotional punch while engaging your mind in the puzzle of "who dun it?" Once again, Ms. Cresswell proves herself at the top of her game. ****

Author: Cindy Gerard
Title: Into the Dark

Months ago, Amy Walker was rescued from a Hell created by her own grandfather by the E.D.E.N. team, including Dallas Garrett. Since then, each has had the other on their mind, but there is no hope for more until one night, she turns up on his doorstep needing help. Her grandfather still covets her death or worse. The time to end it has come, and Amy can't do it alone. She and Dallas head to Argentina where they will face hardship and danger to avenge her mother and end a legacy of hate.

*** Having missed the majority of the books in the series, my appreciation of what was going on was somewhat hampered, as I was clearly missing a few vital bits of background information. Had I followed it from book One on, doubtlessly this would have received a higher rating. Nonetheless, it is clear that anyone who enjoys action and exotic settings should keep Ms. Gerard on their auto-buy list. ***

Author: Mary Janice Davidson
Title: Hello, Gorgeous

One moment Caitlyn James is having a night out with her friends and the next moment she is waking up nine days later as a bionic woman. The team that rebuilt Caitlyn is dubbed the Wagner Team (after the old TV show The Bionic Woman). Caitlyn is now the only "fully functioning cybernetic organism who has retained her humanity." This is not to say she is the ONLY cybernetic person existing. There is one other, the Wolf.

Since the O.S.F. (Office of Scientific Findings) saved Caitlyn's life and rebuilt her, they believe she now belongs to them. However, Caitlyn disagrees; she never asked them to save her. The head of O.S.F., known by most simply as The Boss, has given Caitlyn the field code name of Mirage. Why? Because no one knows when or if she will ever show up for an assignment when summoned by The Boss. (O.S.F. seems to have a thing for code name.)

Caitlyn has an upscale salon shop to run. She has no time for O.S.F. But when people start dying due to the Wolf, according to The Boss, Caitlyn's conscience forces her to accept the mission. There is one huge problem. The gorgeous, smart, and funny Wolf thought SHE was the one killing off members of the Wagner team. Now what?

**** I work in a hospital. So when Stacy, Caitlyn's best friend, says she had called the hospital and was told Caitlyn was dead, I almost fell out of my chair. Law suit city! No one in a hospital can admit the death of a patient over a phone to anyone. (Long distance next-of-kin, perhaps, IF consent forms are notarized and faxed in.)

Otherwise, I found this story to be terrific. Sure, Caitlyn seems childish at times and tries too hard to be flippant; however, I would probably react the same way if I found myself in her place. But it is the secondary characters of Stacy and The Boss that often steal the spot light. Those characters are so well done! If you are looking for a light read with some humor (sometimes over-the-top) and a little who-dunnit, then this book is for you. ****

Author: Jenna McKnight
Title: Witch in the House

Lyle Thomas is thrilled when Brenda jilts her fiancé, leaves him standing at the alter, and returns to him. Jade Delarue is happy for Lyle and Brenda. Jade enjoys using her Craft to help others. That night Jade lights a candle and casts a spell for the man Brenda jilted to find true love quickly. Jade hates the thought of the poor man being unhappy. Then Jade decides to light another candle and cast a love spell for herself. She imagines a "Pierce Brosnan clone". It is only later that Jade realized the wax from the two candles had ran together. The two spells have merged.

Mason Kincaid is a private investigator. When he got word, by special messenger at the church, that Brenda had dumped him, he left the church for the nearest bar. But now he and Anthony (the best man) are on a potential life insurance fraud case involving three suspects. Jade is one of "the targets". What better way to keep an eye on Jade than to check in as guests to Mystic Manor, her B&B? Yet Mason soon realizes that Jade is the woman he has been hoping for all his life. Now Mason simply has to make Jade see it too.

**** This story is loaded with humor and romance. Perfect for reading on a rainy evening or to perk up your spirits on a day when all seems to be going wrong. Light-hearted and magical, this story is fabulous. ****

Author: Nora Roberts
Title: High Noon

From the moment Phoebe Macnamara walked into the apartment to talk down a former employee intent on suicide, she had Duncan's attention. The beautiful hostage negotiator was blasted good at her job, maybe too good. Her success alienated those jealous of her, making her a target for malice and placing those she loves in danger when an unseen predator wants revenge on her for some unknown reason. Just when for once in her life, things could be working right, thanks largely to Duncan, it might all blow apart, literally.

***** Somehow, Ms. Roberts's writing just continues grow into something that is always better than the last book, which you thought was the best it could possibly be. High Noon takes off from page one and barely gives you a breathing break until the end. Compeling characters and high-tension, fast paced action make this a drama that grips you and demands that you read it. It's a demand you would be wise to give in to. Duncan is almost as perfect as Roarke, and the supporting cast is very real and memorable. I'd love it if Phoebe could have a continuing series; she's the best Roberts' heroine since Eve Dallas. *****

Author: Cherry Adair
Title: White Heat

Long after their brief fling ended, Emily Greene finds Max Aries breaking into her apartment shortly after she disables another intruder. Max has not shown up for romance, but because he suspects his late father, her mentor, might have been killed and that she might be in danger. In the days to come, it will take every bit of Max's skills as a T-Flac agent to keep Emily alive as they work to discern the link between his father, the murders of other art restorers, and a series of bombings. As the time for the largest explosion yet comes closer, the stakes get deadlier and more personal. Max and Emily have rediscovered love, just in time to possibly lose it.

*** As this is the first T-Flac novel I have read, I must admit that i felt as if I was missing a major chunk of the storyline, or at least some vital information. However, if you have followed the series, I daresay it will be an enjoyable read as the pace is thrillingly fast and the story wonderfully twisted. ***

Author: Rachel Gibson
Title: True Confessions

Hope Spencer is a writer of "The Weekly News of the Universe". Sound weird? Well, that is because "The Weekly News of the Universe" DOES weird. Hope wants some quiet time, time for normality. She gets a lease for a place in Gospel, Idaho, and begins to settle in.

It is not long before Hope realizes that Gospel is anything but normal. However, there IS a bright side. His name is Dylan Taber and he is the local sheriff. To say Hope is attracted to Dylan is an understatement. When she hears that Dylan's life is somehow mixed up with a Hollywood actress, her reporter senses kick in.

***** This story will keep you grinning from beginning to end. I found myself chuckling often, which only made this great book even better to me. Author Rachel Gibson blends humor and romance together to give readers one sassy read. *****

Author: Mariah Stewart
Title: Last Breath

At the turn of the twentieth century Alistair McGowan, an archaeologist, found and excavated the lost city of Shandihar. Since the expedition had been funded by a newly chartered university, led by the wealthy Benjamin Howe, the treasures and artifacts went there.

Today, Daria McGowan is a very well known archaeologist (on an international level). Daria is thrilled when the President of Howe University asks her to organize a project at the university. The university wants Daria to set up an exhibition of Shandihar, celebrating the hundredth anniversary of her great-grandfather's expedition. However, as Daria goes through the crates, she learns that several of the items have been stolen over time. Daria calls Connor Shields, the FBI agent she met briefly not too long ago.

Connor Shields has been hoping to see Daria again; but this is not the way he'd envisioned it. Connor and Daria team up to locate the stolen items. Within the last hundred years someone had sold the items to collectors who never knew the objects were stolen goods. As Connor and Daria travel to meet with the current owners and dealers, they learn that each person has been brutally murdered recently and the Shandihar items taken. The situation becomes extremely personal when Daria's home is broken in to. Facts show that the thief/murderer may be on campus. Connor is determined to make sure Daria keeps breathing.

*** This story clearly shows that the author went through A LOT of research to make this tale as realistic as possible. However, the story starts out slow, followed by many details about the goddess that the people of Shandihar worshiped and of the Shandihar culture. The information is necessary for readers to understand the MO of the murderer, but only readers who enjoy learning historical facts will be hooked during these sections. Once the main characters begin traveling (to see the owners of the stolen objects) things begin to really heat up. From then on I was totally enthralled with all the mystery, suspense, and light romance. This novel is perfect for some beach or camp reading. ***

Authors: Liz Allison & Wendy Etherington
Title: No Holding Back

Both Cade Garrison and Isobel Turner are motivated, driven individuals, trying to reach the top of their respective fields. Her aim is to succeed her uncle in his executive position at the P.R. company where they work and Cade, one of their clients, is shooting for NASCAR gold. They ought to stay apart, have a strictly professional relationship. Pursuing a romance is as dangerous to their goals as driving is to Cade's life. That does not stop them.

*** Though this is a very lightweight romance, quickly read, it does offer insight into a new world for some of us. Why Isabel and Cade are so off-limits to each other is not readily apparent, but this is a good way to spend an afternoon. ***

Author: Linda Howard
Title: Up Close and Dangerous

Knowing his two adult children well, multi-millionaire Jim Wingate wed his personal assistant, Bailey, as sort of a business arrangement. The day after the marriage, Jim drew up his will. The will made sure that Bailey would give Seth and Tamzin this allotted funds once a month. This way Seth and Tamzin's inheritances were safe and growing under Bailey's directorship. Had Jim not made his will this way (with no loop holes), his two children would have gone through their fortunes in record time.

Tired of recently dealing with Seth's open hostility and Tamzin's passive-aggressiveness, Bailey needs two weeks away. Bailey often uses J&L Executive Air Limo and this time is no exception. Normally Bret Larson flew Bailey anywhere she wanted to go, but he is sick. Therefore, his friend and business partner, Cameron "Cam" Justice, flies Bailey to Denver. But something goes wrong while they are in the air and the plane crashes, leaving the pair marooned in horrible snowy weather. Cam may be a former military officer and pilot, but with his head wound it is hard to think. When Bailey takes care of him, Cam realizes she is not what he had always assumed.

Now the two must team up simply to survive until they are rescued. But once they are picked up and taken home, how long before whoever sabotaged the plane tries to finish the job?

**** These two main characters are guilty of typical stereotyping; something every one does every now and then. This story shows readers that you often cannot tell about a person simply by how they appear. All-in-all, an excellent tale of romance, trust, and suspense. Recommended! ****

Author: Christina Skye
Title: Codename: Bikini

Lieutenant Trace O'Halloran is part of the secret elite Foxfire team. He has Foxfire technology chips implanted that allow him to be a little more than simply human. He is excelled at psi sweeps, spreading energy nets and reading detailed changes made by anything alive in the area. But after being seriously wounded during his last mission, his chips were deactivated and would remain dormant until he is once again full healed, mentally and physically. Trace is close to full recovery when he is assigned to act as a back up guard for a special package. The package is to be dropped off in Puerto Vallarta. For the next ten days Trace will be spending time on a deluxe cruise ship, doing anything but relaxing. There is one good thing about the cruise though; the pastry chef he met previously on land happens to be part of the ship's crew. Interesting possibilities there.

Gina Ryan is the head pastry chef for a cruise ship. The good news is that she may be getting a television show about making pastries. The bad news is that Gina is losing her eye sight. Within the next several months, she will become blind. Tobias Hale is the only one who knows about her eyes. Tobias is Chief of Security. Gina has more good news; Carly McKay is on board with her family. (Carly and Ford's tale is in the book titled "Going Overboard".) After ten years, it will be great to see her again. And, you guessed it, Gina has more bad news. Blaine is the head of beverage services and is gunning for Gina out of pure jealousness. All of this is more than enough for any one woman to deal with, but when Trace appears on board, Gina knows things will either get much better or all fall apart.

***** A couple of new characters appear in this SEALs installment. I fully expect to see them receive stories in the future. If not, they may at least serve as major secondary characters in the future. Some main characters from previous books appear, as secondary characters, in this novel as well. For those of us who have read the previous titles, it is great to get a glimpse and see how some past main players are doing. Yet none of this diverts from the serious plot or the romance blossoming between Trace and Gina. All the characters are very well developed and the author gives more of Izzy's background. As usual, Skye adds some startling surprises and a few twists that kept me reading late into the night. Excellent book for when you have long hours to devote toward reading. This is not a book that is easily put down. Fantastic! *****

Author: Julie Garwood
Title - Shadow Dance

Challenged to get out of her comfort zone by Noah Clayborne, Jordan Buchanan heads to Serenity, Texas to find out the truth a somewhat mad Scottish professor claims is hidden in her family's past. Instead of that, she discovers a murder and finds herself accused of killing the man with whom she had consulted. Fortunately, Jordan's brother and the aforementioned Noah are FBI agents and soon rescue her, but there's still a mystery to solve and two more dead bodies turn up. If Jordan's not careful, she could well turn out to be the fourth, and that disturbs Noah more than he ever thought it would. He finds himself caring more about Jordan than just as a friend.

*** Shadow Dance is filled with quirky, memorable characters; the scene following Jordan's arrest is classic dark humor. I have never not enjoyed one of this lady's stories and thus far, she seems to be a sure bet for a good read. However, there seems to be less of an edge of suspsense than might be expected here. The characters are marvelous, but it feels too comfortable for a murder mystery. ***

Author: Marliss Melton
Title - Next to Die

Sisters Penny and Lia Price find their lives invaded by fear when the man who killed their father begins harrassing them. Every day, they have to wonder, when will the threats become reality? Fortunately, next door to them lives Joe Montgomery, a Navy SEAL and a certified hero who owes Penny a favor or two for the excellent physical therapy she has provided and the way she pulled him out of his funk. Lia has also drawn the attention of a young naval officer who is as willing as Joe is to do what it takes to keep the two women safe. However, things are not as simple as anyone believes.

*** Fast paced thrill and challenging romances make this a winning story. Lia and Vinny almost steal the show, however, from Joe and Penny, as their secondary romance unfolds. ***

Authors: Jennifer Crusie, Bob Mayer
Title - Don't Look Down

Lucy Armstrong is very happy shooting animal commercials. She HATES shooting full-length movies. But when Lucy's little niece, Pepper, actually begs her, Lucy agrees to be the director for the last four days of shooting an action movie.

The stunt coordinator is Connor Nash, Lucy's ex-husband from twelve years prior. Connor makes it clear that he wants Lucy back; Lucy makes it clear that she does not want Connor back. However, Lucy is very interested, against her better judgement, in Captain J.T. Wilder. The Green Beret has just been hired by the male star as a military consultant and stunt double.

J.T. is off duty from the military. Yet instead of using the time to rest, J.T. agrees to the temporary job offered to him. After all, it is a huge amount of money for less than a week's worth of work. But even before he steps off the helicopter, J.T. knows something is dangerously wrong. The previous director died, seemingly of natural causes, several members of the crew have quit, and Pepper keeps talking about the ghost she keeps watching in the swamp. J.T.'s instincts tell him that Pepper's "ghost" is very real, even though he can find no evidence that anyone is in the swamp watching all the action. When the CIA contacts him for a quiet meeting, J.T. knows R & R is no longer in his near future.

***** Jennifer Crusie is well known for her humorous romantic suspense novels. Bob Mayer is well known for his thriller novels. Even though they write different genres, the two authors blend their talents seamlessly for an outstanding tale that kept me up late at night and my eyes glued to the pages. I can only hope to see more books from this duo shortly. These two authors have simply GOT to collaborate on more novels or their fans may mutiny. Fantastic! *****

Author: Lois Winston
Title: Love, Lies & a Double Shot of Deception

Billionaire Logan Crawford is a West Coast urban developer and is interested in Philadelphia. Logan literally bumps into Emma Wadsworth. For the first time in his life, Logan is intrigued with a woman. Stranger still, Emma is the first woman who did not latch onto him the instant she recognized who he was. Logan has to actually work to charm Emma into accepting a casual date with him. Logan's first impression is that Emma is very shy. It soon becomes obvious that the truth is much darker. Emma's late husband, Phillip, had been a monster, and Emma has no interest in every dating again.

Emma Brockton Wadsworth is known by the locals as the "Princess of the Hill". Everyone has always believed that Emma's life with Phillip had been perfect. No one knew the truth. Emma kept everything quiet. But Emma has some dark secrets herself. She wants nothing more than to get on with her life and forget the past. But someone out there does not want Emma to forget the past. In fact, someone wants to completely ruin Emma's life.

***** Once again Lois Winston has created a novel that will hook readers with the very first sentence and refuse to let go! It is no wonder that Lois Winston has become well known in the romantic suspense circles. A person who reads ANY of this author's books goes on to become a huge fan; myself included. Fun characters, lots of adventure and drama, and some witty dialogue that will have you begging for more! Excellent! *****

Author: Christina Skye
Title: Codename: Bikini

Enforced R and R turns into another day on the job for Trace O'Halloran when he discovers that an old enemy has boarded the cruise ship he's on and is planning to commit murder. Fortunately, the SEAL is not completely on his own; the head of security has a personal tie to the Foxfire organization for which Trace works, a hero from the past is also on board, and the pastry chef, Gina Ryan, is his willing ally. She also gets under his skin like no woman ever has before. With every passing second, the danger factor intensifies, and no matter how much Trace wants to keep Gina safe, she is far from that.

**** Imagine Susan Brockman's SEALS with a touch of the paranormal. There is something for everyone in this book; action, mystery, and romance. It would definitely help if you have read the other Codename books, this is clearly part of an ongoing saga, however, I believe you can enjoy it if this is your entry point. ****

Author: Julie Kenner
Title: The Prada Paradox (PSW #3)

Play. Survive. Win. (PSW) is a popular online multiplayer computer game. It takes place in a computer version of New York City. There are three players per game. One is the Target, one is the Protector, and one is the Assassin. The Target must follow clues around NYC until the last clue is found and deciphered. During this time, the Assassin is trying to kill the Target and the Protector is trying to keep the Target alive. The creator of the game, Archibald Grimaldi, drowned many years ago, but the game is still going strong. Unfortunately, some crazy person has brought the game into the real world. The Target is slipped a slow poison before being notified that they have been drafted into the real world version of the game. The Target either plays the game or dies.

A few years ago, Melanie Prescott (Target) and Matthew Stryker (Protector) had been unwilling players in the real world version of PSW. To get the word out about this VERY deadly version of the game, PSW is in the process of becoming a movie titled "The Givenchy Code".

Actress Devi Taylor is playing the role of Melanie. Devi has been in the public eye since she was a child star. But after being attacked three years ago, in her own home, by a crazed fan calling himself Janus, she has been in hiding. It has taken a lot of courage for Devi to come back into the spotlight. She takes her privacy extra seriously now. Devi's home is like a fortress and she lets very little slip to the media. Some of the things Devi has let "slip" are false. This gives her an extra feeling of control over her private life. The only major problem with the picture is that the leading man is her ex-boyfriend, Blake Atwood.

Blake Atwood did not intentionally humiliate Devi on Letterman's show. He knows the moment the vile words leaves his mouth that he has made a horrible mistake. That mistake costs him Devi's affection. But Blake is determined to win Devi back, no matter what it takes. Blake just happens to be beside Devi when she gets word that she is the Target and Janus is the Assassin! Knowing that Devi has less than twenty-four hours to solve the clues and find the antidote is tearing him apart. Worse, since Andy Garrison is the Protector, Blake is not allowed to help in any way, shape, or form.

**** This is the third installment of the PSW trilogy. Much time has to be spent familiarizing the readers with Devi's background, so not as much time is spent on the actual scavenger hunt. However, Devi's background is almost as interesting as the hunt itself. The main characters of the first book (The Givenchy Code) come back as minor characters in this episode. Andy played a small role in the first novel also. Now he must act out the Protector role. Since he has prior experience, this could be an asset for Devi.

One thing is for sure, once the game begins in earnest I found myself unable to even sit back in my chair. I was on the edge of my seat and reading as quickly as my eyes would move. Fans of mystery books might be able to figure out some things quicker than most readers, but all-in-all this is one intense read. Recommended! ****

Author: Claire Cross
Title: All Or Nothing

Cancer survivor Jen Maitland's fed up with being fixed up and pressured to date by her family. With the holidays coming up, it's only gotten worse. So, she decides to try one of her nutty sister's ideas and bring a fake date to Thanksgiving, a man so straight-laced and everything that everyone in her family, except her grandma, will hate that she can get them off her back for months as a result. Zach Coxwell seems to be the man for the job, and since he's in a situation like unto hers with his family, it looks to be a fair exchange. There's only one problem, it would be entirely too easy for both of them to turn this into a real romance, but that's not what Jen wants. Or is it?

**** Both heart-warming and funny, this is an excellent story that will give you not only romance, but pictures of courage and love that shine with hope. Zach is a very special hero, one that I hope exists in reality as well as in print, but he's just the sort of guy Jen deserves. Three cheers to the author. ****

Author: Cait London
Title: At The Edge
(Bk 1 of psychic triplets)

Greer Aisling, a world-famous psychic, often helped law enforcements locate killers and missing persons. She kept her triplet daughters sheltered from the curious people who wanted to study them. Greer succeeded until the girls were ten-years-old. While Greer was away helping the Canadian police with a case, The Blair Institute for Parapsychology extracted her children from their home and subjected them to various tests for two days. Of course Greer gets her girls back and filed plenty of law suits against the institute, but the damage had already been done.

Twenty-two years later...

Author: Diana Palmer
Title - The Lawman

FBI agent Garon Grier moves back home to Jacobsville where he finds much more than he bargained on. The girl next door is a sweet, shy attractive, emotionally abused, and needy young woman, Grace Carver, who is suddenly all alone in the world. Before long, they find themselves sharing a moment of passion Garon regrets and his public repudation of the girl makes him a town pariah. However, there are more important things going on; a serial killer has returned after a long absence, and the only witness who might be able to help catch him is none other than Grace. That makes her valuable to Garon, for more than one reason, and dangerous to a murderer. Grace is in even more peril than either of them can imagine, however. And, that puts Garon's heart on the line for the second time in his life.

**** Though initially it seems that this is going to be simply a return to Jacobsville and the formula for romance that Ms. Palmer has made work for years, there is more to this story. The added elements of suspense give it depth and keep the plot moving. It remains sweet, but has more "oomph," thanks to the tension. However, Garon spends most of the story being a complete jerk, while Grace is wholly sympathetic, if almost angelic. ****

Author: Kathleen O'Reilly
Title: Beyond Seduction
(Red Choo Diaries, Bk 3 / BLAZE)

Mercedes Brooks writes eroticas. She is most famous for her online blog, "The Red Choo Diaries". Mercedes writes about people she, and most of New York, knows well; however, Mercedes never tells names. Two of the people Mercedes previously wrote about were her own brothers. The blog has caused more than one big splash with the public, especially on Wall Street. But this time around Mercedes is writing about herself!

Since the time she was on the "Sam Porter Show" one year ago, Mercedes has had her first book of erotica published. Sam Porter, the talk show host, calls for a second interview. Neither Mercedes, nor Sam, has been able to forget the other. This time, however, Mercedes makes sure that neither of her brothers are around to punch Sam out on live television. After the segment is complete, Mercedes and Sam spend a memorable night with each other.

Mercedes begins using Sam's likeness as the model for all the heroes in her blog entries. She did not realize it though. The truth hit home after a furious Sam phones about it. In her defense, Sam's pair of "green (not hazel) eyes" melt way too many of Mercedes's brain cells for her to think clearly while writing. Mercedes stresses that her work is only "fiction" and makes sure not to repeat the error. Thus the REAL story of the main couple begins!

Sam Porter is asked to step in, at the last minute, to run for a seat in the House. If he wins, Sam will become New Jersey's Fifteenth District congressman. Finally, Sam would no longer simply TALK about political problems on his show. Sam would be able to DO something; to make a difference. Mercedes is happy for Sam, but fears her writing would ruin his chance of winning. Sam insists that he did not care to win if it means losing her. Yet Mercedes cannot help but think that Sam would be better off if she was not around to spoil his chances.

***** This is the third in a trilogy. In the first book, readers read about Mercedes's oldest (and rich) brother, Andrew. In the second novel, readers watched as Mercedes's other older brother, Jeff (who works in public relations), went about taming a wild socialite. Now this trilogy comes to a close with the baby sister's tale. It seems to me that the author has saved the best for last! I warn you, this Harlequin series is called BLAZE for a reason, and this novel has even more hot romance scenes than the previous titles in the trilogy. Avoid the entire BLAZE line if you do not want most, if not all, of the juicy details. If you DO want those details, or do not care either way, then pick up this title! All the characters are well developed and seem to have their own personalities. I came to understand the characters so well that I could predict what each would do (in certain situations) before the author revealed it. It was like watching people I knew in reality. This is a stand-alone novel, so you do not HAVE to read the first two titles to enjoy it; however, the main characters from the two previous titles are seen often as secondary characters in this one. I found it delightful to see how the two other couples were doing. Excellent and highly recommended reading! *****

Author: Kathleen O'Reilly
Title: Beyond Daring
(Red Choo Diaries, Bk 2 / Harlequin Blaze)

Corporate America is not for the faint of heart. It's a tough no nonsense business, where money trumps all else. Jeff Brooks has been told that by Andrew, his hugely successful hedge fund manager of a brother, before. Jeff may not be a billionaire like his older brother, but he is earning his own way. In fact, when it comes to the public relations business, Jeff is the ultimate miracle worker. He is the best PR man at Columbia-Starr Communications. That is why Jeff is chosen to handle the Wayne Summerville account. Jeff is to help Wayne transform his wild daughter's image. This is the BIG time! Wayne Summerville is the head of Summerville Consumer Products, the Number Two consumer product conglomerate in the world. In just a few more weeks, Summerville CP will sign all the papers to merge with Con-Mason USA. Then Wayne's daughter, Sheldon, will become engaged to the Con-Mason heir, Joshua Mason. Oh yeah, this is the big time. This would make Jeff's career! All Jeff has to do is keep his hands to himself.

Sheldon Summerville is a party girl, socialite, and professional shopper. She is blessed with a face and body that no man can resist. The tabloids continuously print Sheldon's latest wild and scandalous actions. To the world, she seems to be the ultimate empty-headed blonde of jokes. She shares her body with someone new every night. And Sheldon wants people to keep on thinking that the image is her true self. No one has ever gotten close enough to see through her simpleton act, until Jeff Brooks. Mister PR Man has a five step plan to reform her public image, but Sheldon wants nothing to do with it. All Sheldon wants is to push Jeff's hot button and see if she can seduce him into her bed. So far he is resisting, barely. However, the more time Sheldon spends with Jeff, the more in love she falls.

***** Those who read Andrew's story in BEYOND BREATHLESS, get to see how he and Jamie are doing. Even though Andrew is a secondary character this time around, his romance with Jamie goes a little further. You will have to read to understand what I mean though. In my personal opinion, Jeff and Sheldon's story is even better than Andrew's. Saying it's "H-O-T" is putting it in an extremely mild way. As I have said before, Harlequin does not call this book line BLAZE for nothing! (So if you do not enjoy peeking in and seeing the realistic things that happen between two lovers when they let themselves go, then do not bother picking up any book in the BLAZE line.) And of all the BLAZE novels I have read, author Kathleen O'Reilly is one of my favorite writers! Kathleen's husband must walk around with a big smile on his face all the time, because this author has an outstanding and passionate imagination. Very recommended reading here. *****

Author: Kathleen O'Reilly
Title: Beyond Breathless
(The Red Choo Diaries, Bk 1 / Harlequin Blaze)

Jamie McNamara is a client services manager extraordinaire. She finally has the job she has been working so hard for, with Bond-Worthington on Wall Street. After lots of sweat, Jamie has gotten herself on Mr. Newhouse's calendar. She plans to take the Newhouse account away from Goldman-Sacks, earning another star in her crown. Yet thanks to trouble at Grand Central Station she is late. Jamie ends up sharing a White Hummer Limo (the only thing available) with "Andrew". Whether from stress, her starved love life, or just plain lust, Jamie ends up seducing Andrew en route to her important business meeting. But Jamie has no idea exactly WHO Andrew really is!

Andrew Brooks is part of Shearson, Brooks, Panhower, & Bloom. He got to where he is today by sheer determination and his personality disorder. (Hey, Andrew will be the first to admit that the disorder is very useful in the trade!) Andrew practically raised his younger brother and sister. When Andrew wants something, he goes after it; nothing is held back. And ever since his mind-blowing experience with Jamie in the Hummer, Andrew wants her again. Problem is that after a little too much alcohol Andrew made the error of telling his brother, Jeff, about his Hummer experience. Then Jeff tells their sister, Mercedes, because she has received another book rejection letter and he is hoping the story will cheer her up.

Mercedes goes to The Red Choo Diaries online and writes the HOT scene up for all to see. Coming from Jeff, Mercedes never believed the Hummer story to be true! Even the Wall Street Journal mentions the story of two Wall Street execs in the Hummer. The story is a hit! Everyone wants to know who Bull Market Jack and the Hummer Honey really are. People are even willing to pay for any information.

Should anyone learn that the Hummer Honey is Jamie McNamara, she will be ruined (much to a particular intern's delight) and Andrew may never get the one thing he wants more in his life - Jamie.

***** Wow! This story starts out hot, with the Hummer experience, and the heat blazes until the very end. Harlequin Blaze romances are for readers who enjoy more than a single love scene in their stories. Let me tell you this, author Kathleen O'Reilly delivers! You are going to L-O-V-E this tale. A successful hero who desires the love of an up-and-coming successful heroine, a believable plot, and a romance you will never forget. I am more than ready for book two! *****

Author: Shannon K Butcher
Title: No Regrets

Cryptologist Noelle Blanche is the key to unlocking a code that will reveal the location of a hidden cache of weapons. However, she does not want to be involved in such a bloody business. That does not matter to the Swarm. To keep her safe from the terrorists who would have no compunctions about killing Noelle after they get what they want, and rest assured, if they got hold of her, they would learn what they want to, the U.S. government pulls David Wolfe out of retirement and assigns him to keep her safe. David does not want to do this, but given the circumstances, has no choice. As the two hide while Noelle works out the code, they begin to bond. Somehow, the brainy beauty has gotten past the wall of pain that has surrounded David's heart since his wife was killed by the same people who would now take this woman from him. Yes, this entire affair is a matter of national security, but it's also very personal.

**** The Butcher home is one that is replete with talent. I've been impressed by Jim Butcher for some time now, and his wife is his match in genius. She has created a fast-paced, character driven story that is easy to read, but not simplistic. David and his two friends are strong heroes who capture your attention and imagination immediately. The scene where they plan a shopping trip adds an unexpected moment of sheer humor that is very well timed. ****

Author: JoAnn Ross
Title: No Safe Place

Due to her interesting upbringing, Chicago homicide detective Kate Delaney pretty much only sees right and wrong with very little middle ground. When she testifies in the Justice Department's police corruption case, she instantly becomes persona non grata. So it is probably good that Kate gets a call telling her to come to New Orleans. The bad part is WHY. Her twin sister, Tara, is dead.

The New Orleans police department is in no rush to investigate Kate's estranged sister's death. NOPD is trying to brush it off as a suicide, but no one really believes that it was. Kate needs an ally. Someone with serious training, who knows the area, and does not mind ignoring the rules.

Nick Broussard seems perfect for the job! He has been thrown out of the NOPD for shady reasons, or so they say. Kate soon finds out that this former SEAL is a walking, talking testosterone bomb of a complication! Yet the two team up and find themselves not only against most of the police force, but also the criminal underworld of the sultry southern city.

***** Author Joann Ross has done an outstanding job of giving me, the reader, a glimpse of what a rough time New Orleans is still going through since Katrina came and went. Viewing the city through this story, I must say that the New Orleans Police Department has my highest admiration. They are doing a phenomenal job with the resources they have been able to acquire. As for this story, once I began reading, I could not stop. I HAD to know what was going to happen next and I HAD to know NOW! Therefore, I read as fast as I could. The pages slid by so quickly that I could have sworn they were greased. Very memorable and highly recommended.

Author: Dinah McCall
Title: The Survivors

Since she was a little girl, Deborah Sanborn has been haunted by psychic visions. Her latest one will begin an adventure that will transform her world, if she survives. A plane has gone down over the mountains, and only a few people survived. That number decreased by one when a fellow passenger committed murder, witnessed by little Johnny O'Ryan and a young woman. As the two flee into the icy night, a killer pursues them. The odds for survival are not good, but the fact that Deborah's vision saw the two innocents alive is enough to send Johnny's father, grandfather, and great-grandfather on a quest with Deborah to rescue him. Yet, even when it seems that all has gone as it should, the murderer is on the loose still, and is not about to rest until everyone who could ruin him is dead.

**** This is definitively an edge of your seat, don't even think about putting this book down, read. The tension seldom lets up to allow you to breath. From almost the first page, you will be hooked. Both of the romances are an added benefit, balancing out the starkness of death with the warmth of love. Under both her Sharon Sala and Dinah McCall names, this is an author you can be sure will give you your money's worth of story. ****

Author: Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Title: Natural Born Charmer

While on a soul-searching journey, hot shot Chicago Stars quarterback Dean Robillard is amazed to see a five foot something tall beaver walking down the road carrying her head. The Beaver turns out to be Blue Bailey, a young woman who has been trying to rebuild her recently devasted bank account by taking jobs such as wearing a beaver costume to promote a lumber yard. Her main goal now is to exact revenge on her ex-boyfriend. Dean is willing to be distracted from his ennui by giving her a hand. While the righteous vengeance plan does not go exactly as Blue might have wished, Dean does offer her a job posing as his fiance' while he's at his summer home. He needs protection from the marriage minded ladies of the small town of Garrison, and Blue is the woman for the job. Of course, it turns out less simple than that. For one thing, his assistant, whom he has never seen in person, turns out to be his wayward mama who is now trying to make good. Then, his little half-sister shows up as a run-away, with his estranged father not far behind. On top of that, after annoying the old lady who both owns and runs the town, Dean can hardly get any workmen to do the repairs he needs to make on his place. Blue's scheme to help out only adds to his frustrations, because he's falling for her, but she keeps her distance. Somehow, over the course of a summer, six people will learn the meaning of love and forgiveness.

***** This is a very aptly titled book, though I'm not sure if it refers to Dean or to his father, Mad Jack Patriot. There are at least four, probably more, subplots that are as fascinating as the main one. I fell in love with all the characters in this book and hated to let it end. While this is a typical reaction to Ms. Phillips' books, some are more special than others. This one joins Heaven, Texas and It Had to be You in the golden favorites category of my mind. *****

Author: Cindy Gerard
Title: Under the Wire

Seventeen years ago, a week of romance ended with two lovers parted by lies. Lily Camora believed her lover, Manny Ortega, to be dead in South America when she left, while he thought she had betrayed him to his enemies. Time passes, and Lily has Manny's son. Though when she sees Manny alive on a newscast she is overjoyed, she does not contact him until their son is kidnapped while on a student exchange trip. Now, she needs him and for their child's sake, Manny will have to get past the hurt and anger he has harbored for so long. Their mission rekindles many things, memories and passion that are undeniable, but must be their second priority with lives on the line.

**** Fast paced action intertwines with simmering romance in a thrilling tale that will hook you from page one. Fans of Suazane Brockman's SEALs should definitely add this series to their must read list. ****

Author: Susan Mallery
Title: Sizzling

Lori Johnson is the only private duty nurse not intimidated by Gloria Buchanan, the overbearing matriarch who has driven her entire family away. She is also the only one who cares enough to see about Gloria's spiritual/emotional health as well as her physical well-being. From day one, Lori starts shaking up things and forcing Gloria's grandchildren back into her life, including Reid, the bad boy ex-baseball player she has a crush on. Crush or not, she forces Reid to shape up his life and he can't help but take notice of the Plain Jane. When it's time to turn the tables, will Lori appreciate having her world turned rightside up?

***** This is a fun book, but more than that, it is a book that is filled with heart. Redemption, reconcilliation, sorrow, and love are as much factors as humor in this story. If you have followed the series, then the transformation of Gloria from Queen B to someone you will truly like is worth it without all the added wonderful features. *****

Author: Linda Howard
Title: Drop Dead Gorgeous

Blair Mallory has already survived attempts on her life. In fact, that is what brought Police Lieutenant Wyatt Bloodsworth back into her life. Wyatt drives her crazy, in various good and bad ways. Now he has tired of waiting for Blair to set a date and has thrown down a gauntlet. Blair has exactly thirty days to wed him or he will kidnap her to Vegas for a tacky wedding. Blair knows he means it too. So she is now racing all over the place, trying to get everything set up. Even with the help of her family and friends, there just does not seem to be enough time to coordinate her dream wedding.

To make matters worse, someone tries to run over Blair while she is walking out of the mall with her wedding shoes (and a few other items she simply HAD to have, of course). She also believes that someone is following her car often. Wyatt believes Blair is making a mountain out of a mole hill. Okay, so Blair may be a drama queen at times, she may be high maintenance all the time, and she certainly demands Wyatt's full attention if he is not dealing with something truly important such as his work. But Blair just knows that she is on someone's hit list again and it is frustrating not to be believed by her own fiancé!

But when Blair's stalker gets really serious, even Wyatt has to admit that Blair has managed to tick someone off...again. Wyatt better get busy, because Blair is writing up her own list of grievances against Wyatt and making sure everyone knows them!

**** Blair Mallory and Wyatt Bloodsworth starred in a previous novel titled "TO DIE FOR". If you read and enjoyed it, then you are bound to love this one! Wyatt is still a hunk and very serious about work as a cop. Blair is still gorgeous and totally hilarious. Both still love to push each other's buttons. All-in-all, it blends together for a dangerous and hilarious ride on the wild side. In my opinion, it is too easy to figure out who the stalker must be; however, readers will have a fun time just watching everything happen. A wonderful novel for the Christmas season especially. ****

Author: Linda Castillo
Title: A Whisper in the Dark (Suspense)

John Merrick quits the Chicago Police Department when he kills an undercover officer during a bust. Even though he is cleared by the Grand Jury and Internal Affairs, John is unable to forgive himself. He can no longer even bring himself to pick up his gun. Instead, he now picks up a bottle. When John receives a call from Benjamin Wainwright in New Orleans requesting help to catch a stalker, he wants to say no. Instead, he heads to New Orleans.

Julia Wainwright owns and operates an antique bookstore. Ever since her literary erotica novel had been published a couple of months ago, she has been receiving threatening letters. The novel does not have her real name on it; it has her pseudonym, Elizabeth de Haviland. Only a few people even know that she is the author. Her father is certainly not one of those few! Her father, Benjamin, is about to be elected director of the Eternity Springs Ministries. Julia does not want her book to cause scandal for her dad. But someone knows and disapproves enough to stalk her. She finally agrees to let John Merrick help.

The threats start to escalate quickly. Whoever it is, the stalker is able to get into her store and her home, which is above the book store. The stalker seems to know everything about her and those around her. As the violence gets worse, Julia and John must learn to trust each other before it is too late.

***** This romantic suspense will give you cold chills. Though romance blooms later on within the pages of this tale, the suspense begins from the opening page. I found myself divided between the horror that torments John's past, as well as, from the fear and insecurity Julia feels from the stalker. Fantastic! *****

Author: Linda Lael Miller
Title: McKettrick's Luck

In order to fund a new life for not only herself, but also for her mother and handicapped brother, Cheyenne Bridges has returned home to convince Jesse McKettrick to sell part of his land to her boss for a condo development. However, Jesse wants no part of it; he loves the land, but what he is beginning to feel for Cheyenne is starting to rival that feeling. Still determined to have that new life, Cheyenne takes a job with Jesse's brother. Her boss wants her to use that role to spy on the McKettricks, but she wants no part of espionage. If Jesse or his brothers learn about her deception, all her old and new dreams could be gone with the wind.

*** Ms. Miller brings people and places to life, no matter what setting she uses; historical, contemporary, or fantasy. Moving the family she did this for in the historical genre into the modern era has proven to be a winning idea for readers anxious for good stories. Everything in the book rings true, giving hope to anyone struggling for a better tomorrow. ***

Author: Barbara Freethy
Title: Played

Christina Alberti finds her world turned upside down after a legendary diamond comes into the auction house at which she works. Two thieves, one of them her own father, want the gem that comes complete with a curse and a tie to her own history that will take her across the world to solve the mystery. It will also bring her into the sights of F.B.I. agent J.T. McIntyre, a man whose life was destroyed by the other thief and who knows all too well how dangerous that man is. He is not sure if Christina is a pawn, an accomplice, or a potential victim, but he's going to stick close to her. Before long, there is no other place he wants to be.

**** Suspense and passion come together in this multi-layered story that keeps you riveted from the moment you begin the book. The twists and turns don't let up for one second. You won't be sorry if you read this one. ****

Author: Rachel Caine
Title: Devil's Due
(Silhouette Bombshell )

What Jazz Callendar has worked for is now reality; her former police partner is now a free man, but Ben McCarthy's fresh start at life means more to her detective partner, Lucia Garza. Over the past few months, Ben has become dear to her. His release comes just as the Cross Society and the Eidolon group have begun turning up the heat on them. It seems like their benefactors want them and Borden, the Cross Society lawyer who is Jazz's lover, out of the game they play. Anthrax, knives, and psychological warfare are just a few of the punches thrown. Lucia and Jazz are on the verge of finding out how twisted the people they work for are, and how complex the plot they are in the middle of is.

**** This is a fascinating book. If you enjoyed the Matrix, or if you didn't, you'll love it. Illusions and counterplots abound. You never know what will happen next. Reading this book will wake up your mind and keep you on the edge of your seat. ****

Author: Rachel Caine
Title: Devil's Bargain
(Silhouette Bombshell )

Jazz Callender's life undergoes a rapid change the moment James Borden accosts her at Sol's bar. He offers her a chance to make her dream of owning her own detective agency come true, fully financed by his employers, if she agrees to conditions, among them, taking on Lucia Garza as her partner. Jazz is leery, as is Lucia, and at first, the two women do not get along, but they agree. Every so often, a red envelope arrives, notifying them that their mysterious benefactors have a job for them. When they finally get some answers to the why of the whole operation, neither of them likes it. The Cross Society has enlisted them because in the game of life, they are Actors, not Chorus, and their pet psychic has said they are also Leads. The Society uses their Leads to work against their enemy, but neither Jazz nor Lucia wants to be used. However, this is not a game one simply walks out of.

**** There's a harder edge to this book than to Ms. Caine's Warden or Morganville novels. That does not make it less of a story, it simply demonstrates her versatility. The plot builds slowly, hooking you on the intrigue and drawing you in until you find, like Jazz does, that there's no going back. You have to see how it ends. When it does, once again, Ms. Caine proves she's a master of the cliffhanger. ****

Author: Rachel Gibson
Title: I'm In No Mood For Love

Clare Wingate is a romance writer. When she finds her fiancé in bed with another man, Clare decides that she is a jinx when it comes to love. Still, she pastes on a crooked, if not genuine, smile and walks down the wedding aisle as a bride's maid, once again, for a friend. After watching someone else marry for love while dying inside due to her ex-fiancé, Clare decides she is allowed to let go, just this once, and drink.

But when Clare wakes up to see the hideous hot pink bridesmaid gown she'd wore tossed on the couch and a man in bed beside her, she knows that she went too far. Even worse, the man beside her is no stranger. He is Sebastian Vaughn! Clare and Sebastian have known each other since they were kids. Back then, Clare had a huge crush on Sebastian but he thought she was a royal pain in his backside. Not any more! Wow, how times have changed them both.

Sebastian is back in town to deal with some personal, family problems. Clare is no longer the irritating girl he once knew and he cannot seem to keep his eyes in his head. Neither Clare, nor Sebastian are looking for love, but it looks like Cupid will not be deterred.

***** A funny and romantic story that had me laughing so loudly at times that people near me were giving me odd looks. Let them wonder. I was having too much fun to care what anyone else thought of me. Author Rachel Gibson has a talent for taking interesting characters and plopping them down in the most bizarre situations. This may very well be her best story to date! *****

Author: Anne Stuart
Title: Cold As Ice

Genieve Spenser knows that sometimes she will be called on to do unpleasant things, and dealing with Harry Van Dorn is one of them. She had no idea she was walking into a danger zone when she arrived at the millionaire's home. However, she finds herself in the middle of a covert operation designed to kill Harry, lead by his personal assistant, Peter Jensen. Peter tries to keep her from being involved, but Genieve foils his efforts to keep her safe, landing in the from the frying pan into the hottest part of the fire so that Peter has to rescue her. Before he can get her to safety, things twist so that she is once more in harm's way, a willing sacrifice to the greater good.

*** Though convoluted and over the top in some respects, the story is fast paced and absorbing once you get past the first few chapters. Peter is rather unlikeable until near the end, but then again, Ms. Stuart's speciality seems to be anti-heroes who are not endearing. ***

Author: Annette Blair
Title - The Scot, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

A century ago Rory MacKenzie's Scottish ancestor let the people in his village talk him out of marrying the rumored-witch Lili Lockhart. Until then, visitors from all over the globe came to ride Drummond MacKenzie's Immortal Classic Carousel. The village thrived. But when Drummond broke his engagement to Lili, and she fled to America, Drummond broke up the set of zodiac figures on his carousel too. Heart broken, he shipped the carousel's Aquarius unicorn to Lili. Even though the mechanics of the carousel were perfect, it never worked again. The village went into decline. Legend says that only the unicorn's return will cause the carousel to work. Until then, the village will not recover.

Because of Drummond's actions in the past, Rory is a hermit, disliked by the locals. Rory has long dreamed of bringing the unicorn back to Scotland, restoring the carousel, and becoming the village hero. But no one knows where the unicorn is. Then Rory sees it on television. It stands in a vintage dress and curio shop in Salem, Massachusetts. Rory sets out for Salem, determined to fight for the village's treasure.

Lili left a key to her female descendants a century ago. Each lady has tried to open the antique wardrobe with the key, only to fail. Family legend says that only the daughter who inherited Lili's magic can open the wardrobe and complete her spell. Victoria Cartwright is shocked when the wardrobe opens to reveal the most beautiful unicorn she's ever seen. Her friends have told her for years that she is a witch. But Victoria does not believe that she one. Yes, she often finds herself muttering rhyming wishes out loud, usually without even realizing it. But that is NOT why the things happen almost instantly. It is just coincidence! Now people came from all over to view the unicorn in her shop. Other than the burden of debt from her Nana's recent death, everything is wonderful for Victoria - until Rory shows up with all his secrets.

***** Here is an enchanting story that made me actually believe in magic! (At least for a little while. Hey, what can I say? The author's writing makes it seem so REAL!) Victoria and Rory are perfect for each other and emotions run high when they are together. The story holds several humorous touches as well, such as Victoria's psycho cat, Tigerstar. This A.D.H.D. feline has the stripes of a tiger, the coloring of a zebra, and a star to mark the point that the strips all come together at.

Just as wild as three new characters, introduced as Victoria's half-sisters (triplets). Harmony, Destiny, and Storm embrace their magical gifts. More than anything, I would love to see these three get their very own stories told. (Author Annette Blair, that is a huge hint!) Highly recommended reading! (Especially for the Halloween season.) *****

Author: Carlene Thompson
Title - Last Whisper

Fifteen years ago, Brooke Yeager was orphaned when her stepfather killed her mother and was stopped before he could kill her. Then, he breaks out of jail and his first act is to kill a young woman who bears a resemblance to Brooke, barely missing Brooke herself. Brooke's stumbling flight to safety takes her to the home of the homicide officer who befriended her as a child. Sam Lockheart is not at the top of his game any longer, in fact, his son is there caring for him. Sam is still able to give Brooke some help and Vincent Lockheart finds himself being drawn into her life, protecting her from the madman intent on finishing what was begun long ago. Anyone who gets between the killer and Brooke is in danger. As the threats and bodies mount up, it seems certain that Brooke will have to face her tormenter again, but with less favorable results.

***** This is simply a stunning thriller. Though a watchful sleuth might figure out the ending twist ahead of time, the conclusion is stunning. Brooke and Vincent's romance is an added bonus that develops beautifully in the shadow of fear. This is definitely not only on the keeper shelf, but a book you will want to give to your friends. *****

Author: Nora Roberts
Title - Angel's Fall

Circumstances force Reece Gilmore to end her wandering in Angel's Fist, Wyoming. Not long ago, she was the sole survivor of a massacre, and has been running away from the pain since. In short order, she has found a job and home, but the security and peace she thought she found ends when she witnesses a murder that there is no evidence of it having occurred. Then, odd little things begin to happen. Is Reece losing her mind or being stalked by a killer. Only one man, a writer named Brody, believes in her without reservation. Reece is the only person who can stop a murderer, unless she becomes the next victim. Brody is determined that such an event not happen.

***** Ms. Roberts scores again. Between a simmering romance and a classic who "dun" it, this is among her most absorbing work to date. What makes these two elements work in perfect synch are her characters. Not only are the two protagonists vibrant and compelling, but the secondary ones add a richness and depth that makes you want to know more about them as well. This one is worth a whole constellation of stars. *****

Author: Janelle Taylor
Title - Haunting Olivia

For thirteen years, Olivia Sedgwick has been haunted by a vision of two children. She presumes it is due to the fact that she never knew whether her stillborn child was a girl or boy, but after her estranged father's death, ghostly visions are the least of her concern. According to the terms of his will, she will inherit quite nicely if she lives in Blueberry, Maine for one month and goes to town daily to buy two items. Only to help her mom out of a financial jam is Olivia willing to do so. Immediately, strange incidents designed to scare her into leaving begin plauging Olivia. She also meets the father of her child again, and the child herself. It seems that her father had arranged to have Olivia be told her baby was dead, then gave Baby Kayla to Zach Archer. Once the mix up is cleared away, there is hope for the little family to have a new chance, however, there is definitely a psychotic person after not only Olivia, but after all the teen-aged beauty contestants, including Kayla, in town.

**** This is a decidely convoluted, but delightful mystery. The paranormal element is so slight that the minority of people who avoid anything that hints at weird will not even be bothered by it. Though a bit soapy, it's a great thriller with an absorbing, character-driven plot. ****

Author: Stephanie Bond
Title - Finding Your Mojo

Over a dozen years ago Lorey Lawson had been a normal teenager living a normal life in Mojo, Louisiana. It all changed one night when a hitman broke into the house and killed her father in cold blood. The assassin told them that if Maggie (Lorey's mother) testified in a racketeering and money laundering case against Bernard Riaz, someone would return to finish the job. Maggie and Lorey disappeared into the WITSEC program.

Gloria Dalton arrives in Mojo to open her attorney's office. The previous attorney is now deceased and Mojo is happy to receive a new lawyer in the area. Gloria meets Marie Gaston, acting as the Welcome Wagon, and hardly has time to say a thank you before a vehicle comes crashing through the glass window.

Gloria is shaken when she learns that her new paralegal, Steven Chasen, died en route to the hospital. She is more unnerved to find that the new police chief is Zane Riley, the boyfriend she had when she had to disappear all those years ago. Zane changed during Gloria's time away. Zane has hardened to the world and deals only with facts. Gloria shows him a voodoo doll that had arrived earlier, dressed just like Steven, but Zane blows it off since he does not believe in voodoo.

But more dolls appear, followed by dead bodies, and Gloria seems to always be around when someone dies. Zane believes Gloria a suspect, no matter how attracted he is to her. Gloria believes that Riaz's thugs have found her again.

**** Author Stephanie Bond takes her readers back to Mojo, Louisiana, for another visit with the colorful locals. Mystery, romance, comedy, and a bit of suspense blends together to create a delightful story that will chase boredom out of your life, at least temporarily. ****

Author: Vicki Lewis Thompson
Title - Nerds Like It Hot

After witnessing a mob hit, dowdy make-up artist Gilliam McCormick has to lose herself or risk being "dealt with". At her elderly starlet friend's urging, she agrees to go on a nerd cruise with said starlet and two hunky bodyguards who have been nerdified for the assignment. The plan is for her to leave the ship and start a new life somewhere else. That sounds traumatic enough when all that Gillian will be doing is leaving her old life behind, but one of her guards makes her feel alive, and she does not want to lose that.

*** With one of the most creepy, disturbing killers ever invented, the tension is kept high from the start to the finish. There is a comedic edge, but the suspense is the high point. This might be the best Nerd book yet. ***

Author: Linda Barrett
Title - A Man of Honor (SuperRomance)

Heather Marshall grew up with physically abusive and alcoholic parents. Her older sister, Kathy, was able to get away five years sooner than Heather could. Everyone in the little town of Dry Creek, Texas, knew what was going on. Yet no one would interfere since her father, Big George Marshall, was the town's deputy sheriff.

A bit over ten years has passed. Heather now lives in Houston with her sister and Mark, Kathy's fiancée. The two sisters run Welcome Home, a shelter for women and children in need of help. At night, Heather drives a van around the city, looking for runaway kids and teens that need help, medical attention, or simply food. Knowing what it is like to be a victim, Heather has kept herself fit with kickboxing. She is determined to never be a quiet victim again.

Officer David "Dave" McCoy, is the cop who has Welcome Home on his beat. He is amazed by Heather's dedication to the people in need. When Heather is in danger of retaliation from a thug she took down (in self defense), Dave cannot understand why she is afraid to trust her safety - and her heart - to a cop. All he can do is keep an eye on her, try to keep her safe, and volunteer time in renovating the building that will become Heather's second shelter, Girlfriends.

To make matters worse, a policeman on the other side of town has listed his depressed wife and two kids as missing. Dave is pretty sure that Heather has them hidden away at Welcome Home, but will never admit it. Heather and Kathy's shelter is the only one willing to help the abused family of a cop! It is up to Dave to protect Heather and prove to her that not all cops are dirty!

***** Excellent! I could not help but feel for the people Heather and Kathy helps. This book certainly opened my eyes to what goes on in broken families; not to mention how hard and frightening it is for the abused victims to seek help. All the characters are well developed and totally believable! When Heather's parents come back for a second chance, I totally understood her anger and frustration. Author Linda Barrett, once again, shows her amazing talent and brings her story to life. Highly recommended! *****

Author: Cherry Adair
Title - Edge of Danger
(Psi-Thriller Romance / Edge book 1)

Long ago, there was a secret society of wizards whose sole purpose was to protect the innocent from evil at any cost. They were forced to hide themselves. Soon, normal people forgot about wizards and stopped believing in magic. Today, the three Edge brothers (Gabriel, Caleb, and Duncan) carry on the legacy. They are special operatives with the secret paranormal branch of T-FLAC. This is Gabriel's story.

Dr. Eden Cahill works in a computer lab within Verdine Industries's main Arizona office. Recently, Eden walked into the lab to find her long time mentor, Dr. Theo Kirchner, dying from gun shot wounds and the prototype of Rx793 "Rex" stolen. As she promised her mentor, Eden destroyed all files and data about Rex. Though Eden let her mentor get credit for just about everything, Eden was the master mind behind Rex's robotic abilities. She had let her curiosity get away with her and ended up with what was supposed to be used as a field medic under military battle conditions. Instead, the madman who took the bot now has a soulless, calculating machine with the capability of doing untold harm to mankind. A bot that looks like an innocent five-year-old boy.

Gabriel Edge is the eldest of the brothers. Using his special psi-abilities, he is to knock on Eden's mental door and extract all the needed information about Rex and how to destroy it. However, Eden is somehow blocking him. The only way for Gabriel to get the info is to convince Eden to trust him before an unknown rogue wizard uses the bot he stole to create havoc. At the same time, Gabriel must protect Eden from the wizard. If Eden dies, all hope is lost.

***** OUTSTANDING! This is the first of a trilogy about the Edge brothers. The second story, "Edge of Fear", will be released in August 2006. The third story, "Edge of Darkness", will go on sale in September 2006. To make it all more interesting, author Cherry Adair added a special twist that kept me on the edge of my seat (no pun intended). The three brothers are part of a five hundred year old curse. When they find their "lifemates" they must deny themselves of finding love. If they ignore the curse, the women they love die. Guess who Gabriel's lifemate is. Take my advice: Order out for dinner, unplug your phones, snuggle down somewhere comfortable, and enjoy this tale of high drama! *****

Author: Holly Lisle
Title - I See You

Dia Courvant is a paramedic in South Florida. Four years ago she was dispatched to the scene of a terrible car accident and rescued the sole survivor - only to find her own husband, Mac, dead in the wreckage. Dia is still a paramedic and her comrades at Station Thirty-One in Coral Springs are like family to her. Ryan, Howie, Tyler, Sherm, and Kelly always watch Dia's back, just as she does for them. They see the worst accidents together and they see the boring sides of the job together as well. But lately the number of wrecks in the area has risen. Multiple vehicle accidents, in the worst possible places of the highways, and usually at the worst possible times - such as rush hour. The odd thing about these recent accidents is that detectives are showing up at the sites. This is how Dia meets Brig, but Dia is too busy trying to save lives to ask him why these accidents are so special.

Homicide Detective Brig Hafferty and his partner, Stan Chang, are not surprised when signs of a bomb are found at the biggest multiple car wreck yet. Someone has been planning these wrecks, killing many innocents for unknown reasons. While at the most recent site of devastation, Brig notices Dia, a spunky, but strong paramedic. It is not long before he is using weak excuses to show up at Station Thirty-One to see her. When Dia calls him shortly thereafter, sounding scared, Brig rushes to her home to see what is wrong. Someone has started sending Dia anonymous thank you notes and gifts to her personal residence, which no patients should have been able to get the address of. That someone has also been deleting all of Brig's answering machine messages before Dia could get them and writing threatening notes on her bathroom mirror, which can be seen only when the room is full of steam. She clearly has a stalker and he has gotten very close to her before she even realized anything was wrong.

Dia and Brig soon learn that her stalker and the bomber are the same person. Brig and Stan have good leads and seem to know the identity of the person, but they have no real proof. Then Dia begins receiving warnings from beyond the grave.

***** Here is a story that will send chills down your spine while tugging at your heart strings. I keep having flashbacks of the movie "Ghost" starring Patrick, Demi, and Whoopi. But this tale is even better! There is a lot of medical drama for readers to witness, which shows how well the author, Holly Lisle, researched Dia's paramedic role. The author even has the correct codes, procedures, and medical jargons. It is all so realistic! (And since I work in a hospital, I would know.) An outstanding story that will linger in your memory for a long time to come. BRAVA! *****

Author: Catherine Coulter
Title - Born to be Wild

Mary Lisa Beverly is the hottest soap star since Susan Lucci, but fame comes with a price, a stalker. After it is clear someone is out to kill her, the police step in to protect Mary Lisa, both in L.A. and home in Goddard Bay. Jack Wolfe and Mary Lisa have a past, once, they were on opposites sides of the law, slightly. Now, he's determined to protect her, the woman he loves.

*** Light and easy to read, there is really not much suspense, but the characterizations shine. If you've ever been a soap fan, the trivia included will be a real plus. ***

Author: Gena Showalter
Title - Animal Instincts

Event planner Naomi Delacroix is ready to unleash the inner Tigress, to be in charge, in control, and unencumbered by a relationship. She does not need or want a man, especially one that might be like her cheating ex. Her resolve is soon challenged when she meets wealthy, handsome, charismatic Royce Powell, the most wanted; by women, not the law, man in Dallas. He is supposed to be just her employer while she arranges his mother's birthday party, but Royce wants, even demands more of Naomi, and despite her determination, she finds herself weakening. Though he is a man used to getting anything he wants, Royce finds himself denied the one woman he truly desires for not just a night, but forever. As the battle of will heats up, readers will be compelled to continue reading to the delicous end.

**** Royce is worth the price of the book. He is one of the best heroes created, and the fact that he falls for a woman who is not terribly differnt from the average reader, makes him twice as wonderful. Quirky characters add color and humor that will make you smile as the book gets better as it moves to a delightful end. ****

Author: Jenna Mills
Title - Killing Me Softly
(First in the Robichaud family saga)

Eighteen months ago Savannah Trahan, a well known investigative reporter, disappeared. Her car was found submerged in a swamp. Her boyfriend, Detective Cain Robichaud, was blamed with good cause. However, he was acquitted by the grand jury. Cain retreated to his southern Louisiana hometown, Bayou de Foi.

Present date: Renee Fox left Nova Scotia to spend one week in Bayou de Foi. Renee thought she was after revenge. She wanted to know who murdered her brother and who tried to kill her. Renee no longer looks like Savannah, her former self. The doctors had done a very good job putting her back together. But Renee remembers everything perfectly. Using her alias name, Renee now has a new identity. She is still a reporter, but no one knows she is the same one from almost two years ago...not even Cain. It soon dawns on Renee that she came back for one other reason also, to heal.

Cain's family is a local legend. But ever since he was framed for Savannah's death, Cain has lived in solitude. He had turned in his badge on that horrible night of long ago and now wants nothing more than to be left alone so he may concentrate on his photography and forget all that he had gambled on and lost.

But the more Renee digs into the past and the more she uncovers, someone begins to worry. Someone who wants the past to remain history.

***** An excellent beginning for the Robichaud family. Readers get a taste of each member and see a glimpse into their dark pasts. From the moment I began reading, I could not stop. Highly recommended reading. *****

Author: Jennifer Skully
Title - Drop Dead Gorgeous

Madison O'Donnell is the perky secretary for T. Laurence Hobbs. She is convinced that she is going to die at the age of twenty-eight by a stroke, just as her father did. Why? Because she also had a stroke at the age of fifteen, just like her father. Therefore, she has no plans to ever marry or have kids. Madison takes life easy and lives it to her fullest. She never holds a grudge either; not even against Harriet, the office's militant feminist who seems to hate every single thing about Madison. Before she dies of a stroke within the very near future, Madison plans to find the perfect woman for her boss.

Laurence loves Madison's perkiness and unpredictability. She is also an excellent secretary. His plans are to prove to Madison that she is the woman for him. But Harriet seems to be out for blood lately against everyone in the company, especially against Madison (and Zach, another co-worker). But does Harriet hate Madison enough to be the person who slashed Madison's tires, ruined all the clothes in her closet at home, or any of the other awful things that have occurred lately?

***** All throughout the story there resides a hint of danger. The longer I read, the worse danger seems to stalk Madison. Author Jennifer Skully has a rare talent of being able to weave suspense, drama, and a bit of comedy into her tales, while making her characters so lovable to me, that I never realize how attached to them I am becoming. I slowed my reading way down toward the end, as if that would somehow prolong the story. The author also shows why Harriet acts the way she does. I, as the reader, could actually understand Harriet's point-of-view, even if I did not agree with them. The secondary characters of Harriet and Zach are very believable. They give the novel an extra personal touch. An outstanding story teller that will have you hunting up her previous books. *****

Author: Christina Skye
Title - Code Name: Blondie
(Navy SEAL series #4)

Miki Fortune has been a photographer for ten years. She finally has the chance for her first national commercial exposure. She is hired to do a full color calendar of models on dozens of beaches. But she has no time to relax. Her plane goes down in the middle of a tropical paradise. Her boss is dead, the pilot is barely alive, and she nearly drowns. If that is not bad enough add in that she is now incarcerated with a crazy person and his VERY intelligent Labrador retriever. The man has a radio hidden somewhere but refuses to call for medical help. Can her life possibly get any worse?

Navy SEAL Max Preston and his partner, a dog named Truman, are part of a secret government program called Foxfire. They have sophisticated biomedical enhancements implanted and are on a top secret mission. A rogue Foxfire agent, Enrique Cruz, escaped government control weeks earlier and took the government's newest billion-dollar weapon guidance system with him. Cruz's enhancements are growing and no one knows how his abilities are maturing. Max and Truman are to stay quiet, out of sight, and track the stolen system. Above all, Cruz must be brought in or eliminated. But Cruz's best ability is to project false images which allows him to disappear at will. Max has no time to babysit. He also does not believe in coincidences. Miki's story of going down in his secluded area just as Cruz is due to appear is simply too good to be true. Some dangerous weather is headed their way. Max and Miki must join forces to overcome incredible odds or die trying.

***** Books written by author Christina Skye should have a warning label "Highly Addictive". This series just seems to get better and better. If you have read the previous novels in this series, then you will recognize quite a few of the secondary characters' names. But do not fret if you have never read any of the other books, each one is a stand alone tale. New readers to the series will not find themselves lost or floundering at sea. The short synopsis I gave does not go into all the dangers Max, Miki, and Truman find themselves in. For one thing, some nasty maritime pirates are in the vicinity. So make sure you have PLENTY of time to read before you even open this book. Once I began this adventure, I read the entire night through. *****

Author: Cait London
Title - Silence the Whispers

At the vulnerable age of six, Cameron "Cammie" Somerton had been kidnapped. Her mother, Katherine, and step-father paid the two million ransom demand only to be met with silence afterward. Shortly thereafter, Katherine went up in her hot air balloon to search for her daughter and died when it exploded. Dirty and malnourished, little Cammie came staggering out of the woods on the same day as her mother's funeral. She had been missing fourteen days.

The media went into an uproar when the body of Paul Olson, the estate's gardener, was found by his own young son, Hayden. A confession note had been in Paul's hand and five-hundred thousand dollars surrounded his body. But ten-year-old Hayden never believed that his father was guilty. Neither did Hayden's mother; however, the grieving widow shielded her children as best she could and left the area as soon as they were able.

After twenty-eight years, Hayden is ready for some answers. He is now an executive in a Missouri greenhouse and gardening supply company. Hayden has slowly and privately learned all he could about that terrible time and all the people it involved. The rest of the ransom money had never been located. The time is right for him to follow the money trail. Thus, he returns to the Somertons' Oklahoma estate. But the adult Cammie is nothing like the one he knew as a child. She does not remember much during that time in her life and does not remember him at all. Sure he could use this to his advantage, he rents a house and begins his probing. What he never expected was to develop feelings for Cammie.

Cameron recalls little of those horrid days she spent at the hands of her kidnapper. The adult Cameron has hunted endlessly through the property and woods nearby for any kind of mine, cave, crude basement, or old storm cellar that may have seemed like a hole in the ground to her six-year-old self. Due to the trauma, Cameron kept lucky charms and bells nearby. Routine is VERY important to her. And she has learned to be tough. She never lets anyone know of the voices that whisper within her mind. Per Katherine's will, if Cameron were mentally unfit, her step-father would control all the Somerton assets. So Cameron keeps the whispers to herself, never lets the holes in her memory take over, and prays that no one notices that she is beginning to forget little things. Cameron feels safe when she is with Hayden, her renter. But can she trust him with her body and not her heart? As the two become close, someone becomes nervous. That someone believes that murder is a small price to pay to kept dirty secrets buried.

**** If you know anything about psychology, then you will recognize the classic symptoms of Dissociative Identity Disorder within this novel. I found the story to be unlike any I have read before. Author Cait London clearly did a lot of research on the subject. Since I have known someone with the disorder, I found myself astounded at how well the author described the adult Cammie's routine and fears. Cait London even nailed the tiny things, the eccentrics. This made the story very realistic. Expect chills as you read this suspense filled book! ****

Author: Kate Angell
Title - Squeeze Play

Richard "Risk" Kincaid, pro baseball player, has been crazy for Jacy since high school. But he knows that she only sees him as a friend. Risk is the one Jacy calls whenever she breaks up with a guy. He is her "rebound lover". Now that the World Series is over, Risk looks forward to returning to his hometown. Each year a weekend charity event takes place. Risk plans to use this time to get closer to Jacy's heart.

Jacy Grayson owns the local coffee shop and has been just as crazy about Risk. She even pretends to have relationships and break ups just to have a reason to call Risk and have him come back to her bed and ease her broken heart. But how will she ever get the guts to tell him the truth? And will he hate her for it?

Stephanie "Stevie" Cole can't be beat when it comes to baseball trivia. Stevie has had her eyes on another pro baseball player, Aaron Grayson. Everyone in town has known it for years. She looks forward to the baseball season ending and Aaron coming back to town, and to her. But this time Aaron comes home with a horrid fiancée and humiliates Stevie in the most public way possible.

Zen Driscoll was practically kidnapped by his teammate, Risk, and forced to help out with the charity weekend. That is how he meets the curvy and fascinating Stevie. But Stevie wants only Aaron.

***** This is like reading two novels in one. Though Risk and Jacy are the main characters, Stevie and Zen are given almost as much time in the spotlight. But don't worry, this only means you are guaranteed to have something going on at all times. I found the secondary characters, the towns people, to be believable and lovable. Author Kate Angell definitely succeeded in letting the flavor of small town seep through. Highly enjoyable! *****

Author: Julia London
Title - Extreme Bachelor
(Bk 2 in Thrillseekers Anonymous)

Leah Kleinschmidt was in love with Michael Raney, a financier, for almost a year when they lived in New York. Leah had just finished as a smashing success on Broadway and had high hopes for their future together. But she did not really know that Michael was CIA and his entire background a lie ... not even when he suddenly dumped her and disappeared with no good reason.

Five years later:

Leah "Klein" has moved to LA in hopes of picking up the pieces of her life. She had grieved so badly that even her agent had quit calling her. The time has come to snap out of it and get on with her life. In LA she snags a couple of commercials but could find nothing big. Her agent kept telling Leah to go for character roles. Finally, Leah takes the advice and lands a part in the motion picture "War of the Soccer Moms". Leah and about nineteen other women must endure a three week boot camp to toughen up and learn team work for their war in the film, camouflage, weapons, and all. The last thing Leah expects is to see Michael there as one of the stunt coordinators.

Michael has never been able to forget Leah. She is the only woman he has actually regretted having to leave. Now departed from the CIA, Michael spends a lot of time with his buddies at Thrillseekers Anonymous "T.A." The men are having a difficult time getting the women ready for the stunts they will have to pull off during the film. Michael has no idea Leah is part of the movie until he sets eyes on her. Here is his second chance! The problem is that a few of his other ditched girlfriends are also there. If he manages to somehow get Leah to listen to him, Michael will have to admit that everything she knows of him is a lie. But what woman would really believe a line so cheesy as "I was a spy?"

*** A good chunk of the story is focused on the two main characters, as it should be. Danger does not begin to rear its head until late into the story. Toward the middle things began to get too slow. Leah is not a person/character I could ever come to really like. Yet the author kept my attention by adding characters from the previous novel (The Wedding Survivor). Leah and Lucy swap some humorous emails which made things a bit more believable for me. All-in-all, this read is fun, charming at times, and well worth your money. ***

Author: Stella Cameron
Title - Body of Evidence

Emma Lachance's plans for a new life come crashing down when her friend is found murdered in a most gruesome manner at a construction site. Instead of divorcing her abusive husband, her focus shifts to dealing with the other woman's death and the sudden reentry of Finn Duhan, her old flame, into her life. For much of the book, Emma simply copes, then there is another death, and another. All the victims are members of a support group, one Emma belongs to, and so she is a probable next victim, unless Finn can find and stop the killer.

*** Until the last quarter of the book, the pacing is rather slow and meandering. Emma is a frustrating heroine. You wish she would do something about her bad marriage sooner. There is an action filled ending, but the killer is fairly easy to spot early on. ***

Author: Judith McNaught
Title - Every Breath You Take

Kate Donovan and Mitchell Wyatt meet on a tropical island in an inauspicious manner, but that does not stop them from beginning a passionate affair that ends through a series of misunderstandings. She believes he used and dumped her, his main concern is the fact that someone wants to frame him for murder. Kate's attempts to patch her broken heart and life back together fail when she learns she is pregnant, and her fiancee morphs from prince to toad since the baby is Mitchell's not his. Two years later, Kate and Mitch meet again when her child is kidnapped, and all past hurts matter far less than the danger a little boy is in.

**** Judith McNaught proves again to be a master of the genre, giving her readers wit, suspense, tender romance, and deep emotions all in one package. Long standing fans will recognize old friends from previous books, and be glad ot know they are still living perfect lives. Kate and Donovan's story plays like a real fantasy, too good to be true, but still credible. ****

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Title - All Night Long

At the tender age of fifteen, Irene Stenson's world changed over night. Irene's summer night had been spent with her friend, Pamela Webb, who is U.S. Senator Ryland Webb's wild daughter. Pamela dropped Irene off on that fateful night. Irene entered her dark house to find her parents' bodies in the kitchen. It was labeled a murder-suicide and the case was quickly closed. Irene left the town of Dunsley with a relative, hoping never to return. She could never bring herself to believe that her father, Dunsley's Chief of Police, would murder his wife and then turn the gun upon himself.

It is a little over fifteen years later that Irene is contacted by Pamela via email. Irene is now a reporter for the Glaston Cove Beacon, a small town newspaper. The email message is coded and sounds desperate. Pamela insists that they meet in Dunsley and that the night Irene's parents died is involved. Like it or not, Irene must face the house of blood and darkness that has haunted her dreams for years.

Luke Danner may be out of the Corps, but his mind set is still that of a Marine. Luke saw too much during the last two years of duty and his family fears for Luke's sanity. To get away from everyone and think in solitude, Luke purchased the lodge cabins near the lake in Dunsley and rents them out. There is not much business during this time of year, but he has one tenant, Irene Stenson. To Luke, information and clues are like dots; and he enjoys connecting dots. One thing is for sure, the lady in cabin number five has a lot of dots around her. Being the Marine that he is, Luke barrels his way into her problems and begins connecting some seriously dangerous dots. Luke is with her when Irene finds Pamela's body. It looks like she overdosed on booze and pills, but those dots just do not connect. They connect even less so when Pamela's house is torched shortly afterward. No one in town in talking either. Irene may be from an old town family, but everyone in town is too scared of Senator Webb. Irene and Luke are on their own!

**** There is not enough focus on the two main characters. Even though the author supposedly still writes Contemporary Suspense, she seems to be leaving it for regular fictional stories, much to her fans' disappointments. This story is very good. The plot is sound. However, I did not REALLY come to care for Luke or Irene until a humorous family intervention breakfast, well past the half way point of the novel. From there on, the two main characters clicked beautifully! There are two other ex-Marines in the story. One is in town, the other is a corporate investigator. I have high hopes that Ken Tanaka, the investigator, will get his own story told in a future novel. All-in-all, this is not as good as her older tales, but it is a very good story that will please Krentz's fans. Recommended. ****

Author: Carla Cassidy
Title - Are You Afraid?

Eighteen years ago, Jessica Langford was the sole survivor of the infamous T and B killer. In the intervening years, she has married, had a son, divorced, and built a successful counseling practice and radio show. Now, she has begun receiving eerily strange phone calls asking about her own fears. Yet, this crime seems fairly small to the police who are wrestling with another serial killer. However, one cop, Jake Merridan, takes notice of Jessica and when things get more serious, he is there for her. The T & B killer is back, and he wants to finish the job on Jessica.

*** The suspense builds slowly; you are almost unprepared for the fast paced ending. Jessica and Jake's romance is an extremely sweet one, of two needy souls finding each other. It's almost as if two books have melded into one; a tender love story and a murder mystery. ***

Author: Linda Windsor
Title - Blue Moon
(Christain Romance)

Dr. Jeanne Madison has secured limited funding to find and excavate the "Luna Azul" (translation: Blue Moon). It is a treasure-laden eighteenth century caravel off the Yucatan coast (Mexico). Along with Jeanne is the snobbish Dr. Remington "Remy" Primston who is documenting all for his future book, a few college students, and Ann Mills who is not only Jeanne's college classmate, but also a photographer with World Geographic magazine.

The tight budget forces Jeanne to hire the handsome Captain Gabriel "Gave" Avery. His boat may look ready to fall apart at any moment, but Jeanne knows that God will help her in her quest. Besides, Gave is the only skipper around that will agree to getting part of any treasure that they may find instead of a huge daily fee. Gabe and Jeanne are very attracted to each other, but Jeanne knows that a relationship between them is hopeless unless God helps Gabe see His light.

In the meantime, the American playboy Marshall Arnauld smells treasure. He has already stolen sunken site rights from others in the past, including from Gabe, and now he is after Jeanne's find.

**** This is the third in the Moonstruck series. The cover says it is the "new romantic comedy", however, I found very little comedy. Instead, I recommend this one as a Christian Modern Contemporary type of romance. A sweet read with lots of faith and a dab of suspense. Author Linda Windsor proves that you do not need a lot of steamy bedroom scenes and crude language to make a wonderful story. ****

Author: Laurie Breton
Title - Criminal Intent(Suspense)

After two good men die under mysterious circumstances, Robin knows that she and her daughter could well be next. Her husband and his best friend both had learned the same secret implicating powerful men in criminal activities that she also knew about. With no one to turn to, Robin takes her daughter and enters her own make-shift witness protection program. Months later, rechristened as Annie Kendall, she and Sophie are well on their way to building new lives, then someone begins getting closer to her trail. Interim sheriff Davy Hunter is attracted to the young widow, and admires her spunk and grit, but feels he does not deserve her. Then, he begins to learn the truth, almost too late.

**** Subtle suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat as the characters spring to life from the pages of this book. You will really care what happens to them, even the one of questionable character. Humor, romance, mystery, and action, this book has it all. Ms. Breton can always be relied on for a good read. ****

Authors: Annette Blair, Julia London, Geri Buckley, Deirdre Martin
Title - Hot Ticket

How can a person read four hot novellas by four of their favorite authors this year? The answer is simple: Pick up a copy of "HOT TICKET" early May 2006. Don't believe me, you say? Too bad, because if you don't buy this gem you will miss one of the best anthologies of the entire year. I should know. I've been reading it. I will give you an example...

"YOU CAN'T STEAL FIRST" by Annette Blair is about a Boston Baseball mega-star named Juan Santiago (A.K.A. "Tiago the Stealer"). He not only steals bases, but ladies' panties. His collection is known about and envied nationally. It is also about Quinn Murdock (A.K.A. "The Mighty Quinn"). She has just become the president-elect of Murdock Inc. Tiago and Quinn met at the age of five, when Quinn gave Tiago a black-eye. They became so called friends until they graduated high school. They were each other's "first". Now, around thirteen years later, he is on his famous train, "Tiago's Hot-Ticket Express to Spring Training". Quinn is literally shoved on board by her roommates/friends. For the next three days, Tiago and Quinn will get reacquainted with each other and perhaps hit a home run together.

***** See? And that is just an example. Two of the most unlikely people find romance where they least expect it. It is like Valentine's Day in May. I began reading and kept on until the last page had been read. A marvelous book that will have you standing up in the bleachers and cheering your heart out. Very highly recommended! *****

Author: Annette Blair
Title - My Favorite Witch

Kira Fitzgerald had been engaged to a jock until she caught him in bed with her sister. Now Kira is starting her life anew. Her first step is a new job. Kira is hired by Bessie Pickering Hazard, a seventy-seven-year-old shrewd lady who happens to be Chairman of the Board of The Pickering Foundation. The pay is not high, but Kira has free room and board in a home full of history. Kira is the Coordinator of Events that raises funds for St. Anthony's Home for Boys. Kira's second step is to use her solitary, white witch spells and witchcraft to symbolically rid herself of her ex-fiance's bad karma. Things begin to go bad when her new boss, Jason Goddard, walks in while Kira has her wedding invitations burning within a trash can and is casting a spell. Things get worse when she realizes her new boss is also a job with a national reputation of changing women as often as he changes his socks.

Former NHL (hockey) Wizard, Jason Pickering Goddard has been temporarily benched while he recovers from a knee injury. Bessie, his "Gram", has managed to bamboozle him into agreeing to help out the foundation for the next six months. He'll be helping to raise funds for the St. Anthony's Home for Boys. Just his luck that he has sworn off women for awhile only to find the most bewitching lady he's ever met hexing another man's private part with a wand over a burning trash can. Staying away from this intriguing white witch is not easily done. He not only must work side-by-side with her at the office, but at home too! Gram has Kira living next to him and they must share the same kitchen.

***** Annette Blair will make your blood sizzle with this magical tale of contemporary, but by no means ordinary, romance. All the boys from St. Anthony's play secondary roles throughout the book and will absolutely steal your heart. Fans of the old "Bewitched" TV series will especially enjoy this novel. Kira does not twinkle up powers like Samantha Stevens did in the show, but her little white spells are so much fun! And who's to say they do not work? Not I. As an added bonus, if you read the previous novel, "The Kitchen Witch", then you will be happy to know that you will have a sneak peak at what is happening in those characters' lives . This story is a terrific way to start out a new year! *****

Author: Judith McNaught
Title - Every Breath You Take

Mitchell Wyatt never knew who his parents were until late in his life. He grew up in various boarding schools. He used the education and his (somehow) high social connections to become a self-made millionaire. So when William Wyatt showed up, announced that they were half-brothers, and told Mitchell WHY he'd grown up alone, Mitchell was not impressed.

Mitchell is now in his mid-thirties. The only family members he cares for is William and William's wife and son. Mitchell wants nothing to do with the rest. The only reason he came around recently is because William has disappeared. Not wanting to stick around Chicago, Mitchell goes to Anguilla.

Kate Donovan is a former social worker. Her father recently died in what is thought to be a random dive-by shooting. Kate has decided to take over the family restaurant. She is vacationing in Anguilla, a tropical island paradise. Her long time boyfriend, Evan Bartlett, was supposed to be with her. However, Evan is a Chicago lawyer who handles the rich and famous. So Kate has spent almost the entire time alone.

Still grieving for her father, abandoned by Evan who puts work first, it is no wonder that smooth and handsome Mitchell turns her head. The problem is that after a lifetime of being fed lies, Mitchell cannot open himself up to Kate as he should. And lies by omission DO count in the ways of the heart.

*** The synopsis on the book cover makes Kate's involvement seem much darker and dangerous. I found it to be very misleading. It describes Mitchell's role well though. Kate is lied to by just about everyone, either by words, deeds, or omission. But don't let any of that stop you from buying the book. This romantic tale clearly shows why the author, Judith McNaught, is a New York Times Bestseller. ***

Author: Patricia Lewin
Title - Out Of Time (Suspense)

Former CIA agent Erin Baker wants nothing more than to forget her last case, which involved her own family. However, only Erin can go undercover and infiltrate a medical aid group that may be hiding a darker purpose. Erin would have said no in a heartbeat, except that the organization's head doctor is her estranged father. Erin has not seen her father since she was small. But her father is not the only thing tempting Erin to accept the case. Someone Erin knows has disappeared while on the case before her. So off to Cuba she goes ... much to Alec Donovan's dismay.

***** Once I began I wanted not interruptions. This thriller will keep you on your toes, if not on the edge of your seat. LOVED IT! *****

Author: Julie Kenner
Title - The Manolo Matrix
(Bk 2 of PSW series)

Someone has brought the game "PLAY-SURVIVE-WIN" into the real world. Three people are involved during a game. One is assigned as "Target", one as "Protector", and one as "Assassin". The Protector's job is to be the bodyguard of the Target. They work together in solving clues that will lead them, ultimately, to a code. During this time, the Assassin is after them. If the Target finds the code and enters it online before he is terminated, he wins a HUGE cash award. But if the Target is killed, the Assassin gets the money.

Jennifer Martin is currently a singing waitress in Manhattan. But her dream is to make it to Broadway. She has no time for PC games these days; however, she did make a PSW online account years ago. Jennifer had not given the game another thought until last year, when her roommate became an unwilling Target role player. So imagine Jennifer's surprise to get a PSW email informing her that she has been cast in the role of Protector. Jennifer must now play the game out or die.

Devlin Brady was the FBI agent who assisted Jen's roommate during her PSW nightmare. His badge is suspended until he is cleared of charges against killing his partner last year. He has spent the last year dealing with his guilty conscience. When Devlin receives word that he has been cast as the Target in PSW reality game version, he could care less. He would probably have sat there and waited for the killer to put him out of his misery. But his bodyguard, Jen, would not let him. If he did not play the game, SHE would die the next day. Well dang! His cop instincts just could not let that happen. He is forced to play the game.

Birdie received her email only a few days before she was due to be released from prison. Devlin was the main person in the group that hunted her down five years ago and sent her to jail. She is MORE than thrilled to be cast in the role of Assassin. She gets to kill Devlin and become a multi-millionaire. What could be better?

***** This time the stakes are just as high as they were in the previous book, "The Givenchy Code", and just as exciting. I found myself hooked immediately and did not stop reading until it was finished. (Okay, I admit it. I took one BRIEF break to hit the restroom and make a sandwich.) Author Julie Kenner's pen must have been smoking as she wrote this suspense filled novel. Fast paced, a bit of romance, and lots of tension! If you enjoyed John Grisham's Pelican Brief, then you are going to drool over this book. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! *****

Author: Linda Castillo
Title - Dead Reckoning

Kate Megason has just gotten the chance to make her career a success by prosecuting a double homicide. It seems like a homerun for sure, the crime was even caught on video, but someone is out to get Kate. You would think, logically, that the threats are tied to the current case, but Kate hears something else. She fears that what happened eleven years ago is coming back to haunt her again. A brutal attack left her emotionally scarred and her sister brain damaged, but Kate has overcome her past somewhat. As the threats become more terrifying, she turns to Frank Matrone, a P.I. whose physical pain threatens to drive him insane. Perhaps it has already, addicting him to pills that render him senseless at times. Yet, he's Kate's best hope of finding how the past and present are linked and putting an end to her own nightmare.

*** Seeing a hero with such severe problems is shocking, but this is also a compelling character. Frank puts a face on addiction that most of us never suspect exists. Combined with an action packed plot and deep emotional issues, this makes for a powerful novel. ***

Author: Various
Title - Red Hot Santa
(Seasonal Anthology of Romantic Suspense)

Snowball's Chance by Cherry Adair
Joe Zorn travels through a snow storm to a Montana ranch to protect Kendall Metcalf from a serial killer who is out for revenge.

Santa Slave by Leanne Banks
Hilary Winfree is on the hunt for a friend who disappeared after accepting a job. Now she is a pawn in a slave trafficking ring. Rick Santana is hired to rescue her.

Big, Bad Santa by Pamela Britton
Dr. Kaitlyn Logan has been working on a pet project involving a "Migratory Chip". It was designed to help endangered birds. But after writing to a senator for government funding, all heck breaks loose. Someone wants to use it as a biological weapon. Chance Owens (a.k.a. Terminator Man) is sent to keep her alive.

Killer Christmas by Kelsey Roberts
Meghan Beckham is the new CEO of an expensive department store. When several of the store's Santas are murdered, Jack Palmer arrives to keep her safe.

***** W-O-W! This book contains four Modern Contemporaries that are overflowing with suspense! I feel bad for anyone who misses out on this gem! It is going straight to my "Keeper" shelf. Highly recommended. *****

Author: Julie Ortolon
Title - Too Perfect
(Bk 3 "Perfect" trilogy)

Maddy, Amy, Christine, and Jane were roommates in college ten years ago. Jane became a TV anchor, but has now just published her first self-help book "How To Have The Perfect Life". Maddy, Amy, and Christine are thrilled for Jane, until they realize that Jane has used their lives as bad examples! The three decide to prove Jane wrong. They each have one year to face their biggest fear.

Amy Baker is the nurturer. Her mother is deceased and she cares for her grandmother, Meme, who is a consummate worrier. When not caring for Meme, she runs her business Traveling Nannies. Amy has so much love to give, but is way too shy about herself to risk getting to know anyone. She has battled her body weight most of her life and is extremely self conscious about her extra body fat. Ever since she decided to never date, much less marry, she has been able to stick to her diet. The weight is coming off. Not easily, because Amy LOVES to cook, but it IS melting away. Yet she still feels F-A-T and U-G-L-Y. Meme's worrying tendencies have rubbed off on Amy over the years. Amy has an awful sense of direction and is the only person who gets lost every single time she goes somewhere new. Maddy and Christine decide that Amy's challenge is to face her fear of strange places and go on a trip for about three weeks. So when a nanny is needed for a Caribbean cruise, Amy goes herself instead of sending an employee.

Amy is fired from her nanny position early on. She runs off to have a good cry, and ends up being left behind by the ship. Amy is stranded on St. Barts, one of the most expensive islands in the Caribbean, and all she has is the clothes on her back. Determined not to run home, she decides to make this a working vacation. She takes a position as a live-in housekeeper at a secluded fort for a rich recluse named Guy Gaspar. The housekeepers before Amy never stayed, due to the "hauntings". Guy stays hidden away in his tower, never to be seen. Lance Beaufort, Guy's personal assistant is coordinating the renovation of the old fort into a mansion. So Amy sees Lance during the day while he they work. At night she sits in a study and chats with Guy on a monitor.

Byron Parks has always been hot news in the tabloids and magazines. He is touted as a bored billionaire with the touch of King Midas in all he does. Sick of the parties, the fake people, and to escape all the paparazzi, Byron decides to disappear for awhile and be alone. He ends up on St. Barts and falls in love with the fort. To keep kids away, and keep the press from finding him, Byron lets the locals believe the place haunted. During the day Byron disguises himself as "Lance". At night he stays in his plush tower and lets all believe him to be the disfigured rich owner. Byron finds himself intrigued by his new housekeeper and they spend many nights talking via camera and monitor. But as their attraction grows for each other Byron realizes that he can never tell Amy that he has deceived her. Should she ever find out who he really is, Byron will lose more than just a friend.

***** Talk about a twist on the old "Beauty & the Beast" tale. I have never read anything like this story. This is the last book in the "Perfect" series. Of the three, this one is definitely the best. I hated seeing this trilogy end. I feel as though I know these three ladies and I am going to miss them. Author Julie Ortolon is going to have a hard time topping this book though. She has made a life-long fan in me. Highly recommended reading. *****

Author: Julie Ortolon
Title - Just Perfect
(Bk 2 "Perfect" trilogy)

Maddy, Amy, Christine, and Jane were roommates in college ten years ago. Jane became a TV anchor, but has now just published her first self-help book "How To Have The Perfect Life". Maddy, Amy, and Christine are thrilled for Jane, until they realize that Jane has used their lives as bad examples! The three decide to prove Jane wrong. They each have one year to face their biggest fear.

Christine Ashton is the doctor if the group. She has finished her residency and now works in an ER as a trauma specialist. It is a hard and exhausting job that only the toughest can pull off. But Christine has lots of courage, except when it comes to heights. Maddy and Amy decide that Christine's challenge is to join her family for their skiing vacation at Silver Mountain during the holiday season and conquer her fear of the chairlift. So Christine hires a ski instructor and arrives a week before her family is due. She knows how to ski but needs to face the chairlift problem before her older brother, Robbie, arrives.

Christine's father has always been proud of Robbie. Yet nothing Christine ever did was good enough. All er life Christine has wanted a simple smile from her dad, perhaps hear him say "Well done" or "I'm proud of you" just once. Now her chance has come! Christine has been offered a job in the ER of St. James, where she'd be working with colleagues her father respects. She can prove her worth to them. Perhaps they will tell her father how much of a success she is and maybe, just maybe, she'll earn his pride.

Alec Hunter oozes charm and everybody likes him, including Christine. But she thinks he is just an unemployed ski bum. He plans to prove how wrong she is about him. After they finish helping a victim of a snowboarding accident, they both learn a lot about each other and become close. Very close. Now Christine has a new fear. Does she take the job of her dreams back home or give up everything for the man of her dreams?

***** A stellar novel! Comedy, romance, tension, it's all in here. Once you begin reading you will not want to stop. In fact, I did not stop reading until I finished the entire book ... and realized the night was almost over, dawn was on the horizon. Therefore, I highly suggest you pick up a copy of this book and don't start reading until the weekend. You are going to lose a lot of sleep with this story! *****

Author: Julie Ortolon
Title - Almost Perfect
(Bk 1 "Perfect" trilogy)

Maddy, Amy, Christine, and Jane were roommates in college ten years ago. Jane became a TV anchor, but has now just published her first self-help book "How To Have The Perfect Life". Maddy, Amy, and Christine are thrilled for Jane, until they realize that Jane has used their lives as bad examples! The three decide to prove Jane wrong. They each have one year to face their biggest fear.

Madeline "Maddy" Mills is the artist of the group. Amy and Christine decides that Maddy's challenge is to get a Sante Fe gallery to accept her art, on commission would be fine. To do so, Maddy decides to accept a job that Mama Fraser offered only a couple of weeks ago. She would go to Sante Fe for the summer months to be the Arts & Crafts Coordinator at Mama's camp site, Camp Enchantment. However, Maddy has no way of knowing that Mama Fraser didn't inform Joe, her son, that Maddy was coming.

Around the age of seventeen Joe had joined the military and planned to make it his career. He informed Maddy of his decision after he had already enlisted and proposed to her. But Maddy wanted art classes and had jut won a full scholarship, so she refused. After all these years, the alpha male side of Joe is still nursing hard feelings. Now, due to a knee injury, Joe is no longer with the Army Rangers. He is the Camp Director. When Maddy shows up, Joe wants nothing more than for her to turn around and leave. But of course Mama Fraser knows how to handle her son, so Maddy stays. And Maddie is out to prove to Joe that she is not the same scared teen he once knew.

**** This is the first book in the "Perfect" trilogy. Each book will be a stand alone tale. No need to wait a year between books either. Maddy's story is released in September, Christine's story is to be released in October, and Amy's tale will be told in November. One girl's story per month! Readers, that does not happen often enough.

If you have not read a book by this author, then you don't know what you are missing! Julie Ortolon has been blessed with the gift of what I call "Enchanted Writing". Try this title and see for yourself. Resistance will be futile. ****

Author: Kasey Michaels
Title - Stuck in Shangri-La

Darcie "Darc" Reed may have a master's in business, but she always seems to pick the (insert an insulting word or two of your own here) of bosses. They hire her for her beauty and are always so surprised when she refuses to put out. No matter how much Darc tries to tone down her looks and come across as a professional businesswoman, her boss is going to make a move on her. And that is exactly what's happening when Attorney Clark Humbolt calls Darcie to inform her of her Uncle Horry's death. So Darc hands over her (insert another colorful word here) resignation, packs her bags, and heads to Uncle Horry's massive house and estate called "Shangri-La".

Hecuba "Horry" Willikins has always loved his toys and gadgets. His home is filled with toys of all types inside and out. (Including a stripper's pole decorated to resemble an anorexic barber pole in full working order, to the rows of solar powered frogs up either side of the driveway that croak as anything passes them. We won't even discuss the flamingo lawn ornaments or the Victorian mansion's paint job.) When Horry last saw his niece, Darcie, with her fiancé named Cameron "Cam" Pierce, he knew they were totally in love. However, the two did not really KNOW each other. So when they broke up, Horry had a new will made up in hopes of bringing the two back together.

Imagine everyone's surprise when the will is read and they discover that Darc and Cam must live together in Shangri-La for thirty days or watch the sizable fortune go to the cat, Lucky! And if anything happens to Lucky, the entire inheritance goes to Uncle Horry's estranged step-brother (that no one even knew existed)! To make things even more interesting, Lily Paige had been Uncle Horry's housekeeper and mistress for thirty years only to find out that she has been provided for (but not huge amount) and told that she may live in Shangri-La for as long as she wants. Needless-to-say, she is furious! Cam agrees to stay the thirty days so that Darcie will receive her Uncle Horry's inheritance, but he also hopes that he can use that time to win Darc back. It is only a couple of days before the step-brother, Edwin "Poobie", shows up with his latest arm decoration, Pookie.

Well Lucky is no stupid cat! He knows a target has been painted on his back for the next thirty days. And he makes sure that Horry's ghost knows it. As for Uncle Horry, he is aghast at what his will has caused to happen. Two people have teamed up to help Lucky have a fatal accident, but Lucky and Horry have no way of telling Darcie and Cameron that someone is out to kill Lucky, much less whom. One thing is for sure, the next month in Shangri-La is going to be anything but boring!

***** A modern day romance with some magical and ghostly elements. All the characters are so lively, even the feline and the dead one, that I hated putting the book down whenever reality forced me to. I fell in love with Lucky and Uncle Horry. I hated to see the story end. And I hope that Cam's partner gets his story told someday! I cannot recommend this hilarious romp highly enough! *****

Author: Christina Skye
Title - Code Name: Baby
(SEAL series)

Foxfire is a secret seven-man team. Few even know they exist. Each man has chip implants so Lloyd Ryker can track them and monitor their body functions. The men share special genetic technology, still experimental. The nanotech and bio-enhancements enable them to accomplish impossible tactical work under deadly fire. Each member has particular specialties. One member, Gabriel Enrique Cruz, mastered the ability to control animals. He was receiving new training when his mind snapped. Cruz went rogue. Then the worst possible thing happened, Cruz escaped.

Inside their individual containment units, Lt. Trace O'Halloran was the first to realize something was wrong. Trace's special ability allows him to set energy nets and carry out controlled psi sweeps with his mind rather than eyes. Trace alerted his commander, Wolfe Houston, via mind link. Trace's sweep informed him that Cruz was causing the chaos. This surprises Trace and Wolfe because Cruz supposedly died over a year ago. Trace's sweep is confirmed when Lloyd Ryker pulls them out of their containment units. Only a member of Foxfire could hope to hunt down another member. Trace cannot be on this mission because his sister, Kit, is involved. So Ryker sends Wolfe in alone.

Cruz's target is in New Mexico. Kit O'Halloran is a civilian dog trainer. Kit has eleven years experience training service dogs for law enforcement and military units. Her success rate is unmatched. Currently, she has four dogs undergoing training. Kit has no clue that these dogs are special. She has never even heard of Project Home Run. And she has no idea of the genetic technology within the dogs. These four black Labrador puppies are a team in every meaning of the word. The runt, Baby, is the obvious leader. Diesel, Butch, Sundance, and Baby can communicate with each other, plan and execute strategies together, and sense things other animals could not. Cruz intends to get his hands on Kit and the dogs no matter what it takes.

Wolfe is just as determined to protect them from Cruz. Like Cruz, Wolfe has a way with animals. Wolfe's ability with animals is not as good as Cruz's though. Wolfe can also create image displacements, meaning he can cast illusions and alter the memories of others. Since Kit already knew Wolfe, it made him the perfect choice to protect them. Wolfe must not reveal too much to Kit about the himself or the dogs while protecting them. At the same time, he must locate Cruz and bring him in. It should not be too difficult for Wolfe, except that Kit is no longer the same girl he knew. She has grown up and is now a huge distraction.

***** Author Christina Skye continues her stories of battle-honed Navy SEAL members ... and this one is the best to date! Foxfire is the team sent in when all the other elite teams fail, so you can only imagine the potential waiting for Skye to access. The possibilities are unlimited. This story starts out with a bang and ends with one too. You will have no time to breathe, much less stop and cook dinner. Non-stop action from cover-to-cover. My advice to you is this: take a few vacation days from work and order a lot of pizza. You are in for one hell of a ride! *****

Author: Christine Heggan
Title - Now You Die

After discovering a dead woman, Zoe Foster acts as a good citizen and reports the incident, but when the police arrive, there's no body. Knowing she did not have a hallucination, Zoe's life begins to imitate her art as she launches an investigation into what happened to the woman and to her corpse. Zoe draws a girl detective cartoon strip, now she'll need every skill she ever imagined her character to have. She'll also need a strong heart, because the case brings her back into close contact with her ex husband, Rick Vaughn. Rick once promised that married or not, he'd be there for her, and he intends to keep that promise. At the same time, an attractive cop is doing his best to romance Zoe and a mystery man from the past who loves her as much as Rick still does returns to Zoe's life. Zoe's heart and life are on the line as she gets deeper into a case that reaches farther than she could possibly have dreamt.

**** Possibly Christine Heggan's best book yet, Now You Die is both action packed and heart warming. Creating characters you can truly care what happens to amid a thrilling situation takes a deft hand, but this book has both. ****

Author: Colleen Thompson
Title - Fade The Heat

Trouble begins for Dr. Jack Montoya when Reagan Hurley walks back into his life and into his clinic. The lovely firefighter needs him to give her clearance to go back to work because she's been sidelined by asthma. However, medical ethics prevent him from giving her that, and so, when Jack's car is vandalized, he is sure Reagan did it. While he confronts her, someone torches his apartment. This is only the beginning of trouble. An arson waves sweeps over Houston. Moreover, Jack and Reagan have become the targets of a stalker. Death, bad publicity, and violence drive these two old friends into discovering a romance that will have the power to save or doom them both.

**** Fast paced action races the reader along to a nerve wrenching, surprise conclusion. The author so acccurately portrays Houston that long time residents will have the fun of identifying the familiar parts of town, and if you've ever wanted to visit Houston, this is the next best thing. ****

Author: Amey S. Tippett
Title - Alison's Journey

After fleeing her abusive husband, Alison gets as far as Ohio when her car breaks down. Fortunately, the small town in which she finds herself stranded welcomes her with open arms. Her new landlady refers her to her brother, Tyler, to fix the broken car, little imagining that Tyler will repair Alison's broken heart. Over the next few months, Alison finds work, friends, and the joy she thought she had lost. Tyler's entire family becomes hers, yet fear of her husband lingers. As her divorce's finalization comes closer, the man becomes determined to regain his wife, and Tyler wants to know where he stands with Alison. Haunted and tormented by her past, Alison is unable to see what the future holds. Is Ty's love strong enough to wait?

**** The journey Alison makes from victim to victor is heartwarming. Love's power is clearly seen throughout the book. ****

Author: Julia London
Title - Wedding Survivor

Olivia Dagwood and Vincent Vittorio are two of the hottest stars of the big screen. They decide to wed, but want to do it with a thrilling twist. This couple wants to go into the San Juan Mountains for canyoning, followed by an elaborate wedding with nature surrounding them and the stars above them. They hire Eli McCain of Thrillseekers Anonymous "TA" to make it happen.

Eli and his TA partners have no problem with the canyoning. They are extreme-sports enthusiasts who have tackled every high risk adventure imaginable. Kite surfing on hurricane winds is minor stuff for these stuntmen. However, when it comes to arranging wedding, they are clueless. So they set up auditions to hire a wedding coordinator.

Marnie Banks is thrilled to get the job. She has dreams of making connections in Hollywood and becoming THE wedding planner of the stars. Easier said than done, because Olivia and Vincent break up and make up almost daily. Even worse, Olivia keeps changing her mind on how she wants the wedding done. Then there is Eli. He may be the stunt coordinator and look like every woman's fantasy, but he knows next to nothing about the finer things in life. Still, whenever Marnie and Eli are together things heat up in the romance department.

Then a freak storm comes up one night. Eli, Marnie, the wedding couple, and a chef are stranded on the wrong side of a ravine. They have only meager supplies and their lives become like a "Survivor" TV episode. But all the guests on the right side of the ravine have popped open the expensive champagne and are having the party to beat all parties! Sometimes it seems as though Life peels the lemons and rolls them in mud before giving them to you. But Marnie and Eli will find another way to make lemonade.

***** This novel is a fun romp through the mountains with a side of adventure. Author Julia London has written an irresistible romance with some comic relief that will capture the imagination of all her readers. People who enjoy outdoor sports will especially enjoy this novel, where everything that could go wrong, does. Highly recommended! *****

Author: Nora Roberts
Title - Blue Smoke

On the night Reena Hale begins the journey from little girl to young woman, happenstance allows her to save her family's lives from a deadly fire. For the next twenty years, the shadows of flame will hover near her, threatening the men with whom she becomes involved. One burns to death, others merely sustain property damage. Reena herself becomes a cop; like Ms. Roberts' alter ego's Eve Dallas, she's tough as nails. However, Reena is a bit more willing for her softer side to emerge. In the days to come, Reena will need all her toughness. A serial arsonist is weaving a tight web around her, stalking her, just as she's found true love with a man who has held her in his dreams for over a decade. Everything and everyone Reena loves are at risk. Only she can stop a killer.

**** As always, Ms. Roberts is a master of creating characters who capture your heart and imagination. Readers see exactly how Reena became the person she is now, and how there is no such thing as a minor event. Even when you realize who the arsonist is, the suspense does not let up, it only intensfies. Not many writers are a sure source of the best in reading material, but Nora Roberts is. ****

Author: TL Vance
Title - The Third Son

To Kellson Berkley, Kells, great astonishment and irritation, his flatmate, Bryant gets engaged and moves the girl into their home within weeks of meeting her. This move comes a short time before Kells is due to return home from his travels and before Bryant is supposed to leave on business. Thus, Kells finds himself living with Cydney, a compelling American girl who he should not be as attracted to as he is. For them to fall in love is against the rules of friendship, but as it turns out, Bry is not that great a friend. His dog in the manger attitude towards Cydney sets in motion a chain of events that could either weave the bond between Kells and Cydney tighter than ever or tear them apart forever.

*** This character driven drama never lets up on the action as a very plausible romance develops. The power of love to sustain people through the worst adversity is made apparent in how the young lovers survive violence, trauma, and sheer prejuidice on the power of their choice to love. ***

Author: Brenda Novak
Title - Every Waking Moment

Manuel Rodriguez kept Vanessa under tight control. Oh, he had to abuse her sometimes, but he figured he was simply using "tough love". Though they never married, Manuel knew he could always use their six-year-old boy to manipulate her into whatever he wanted. He never expected her to have the guts to PLAN an escape from him, much less succeed. But he would find her. She could not have much money. Once he got her back, she'd pay big time. She would never even THINK of running off again.

Vanessa had ID in the name of Emma Wright. Her son was now called Max. With luck, they could reach Iowa to live a nice, quiet life there. Even as Emma prayed that would happen, she knew Manuel was hot on her trail.

Preston Holman was hunting down the man he believed killed his son. He had only to find proof. When he met Emma he wanted nothing to do with her. Her son, Max, reminded him too much of his own son. But he knew they were desperate, running from something or someone, and he could not abandon them. He vowed to keep an emotional distance from the pair, drop them off in Iowa, and forget about them. Yet his heart knew better.

***** Author Brenda Novak has proven, once again, that she is one of the top suspense writers of our days. This one is a breathless romantic suspense novel that will keep her readers' attention from the first page until long after the last has been turned. The characters seem to actually come alive from the pages and I found myself holding my breath at a few points. An outstanding book that I highly recommend! *****

Author: Dee Davis
Title - Exposure

( Bk 3 "Last Chance, Inc.")

Photojournalist Melissa Pope, working with CIA, is investigating the fact that someone working for UN Peacekeeping Operations has been using Peacekeeping transports to smuggle weapons and other illegal goods. She gets the vital information and is to meet her contact at a party later that night. However, Melissa never expected her contact to be a blast from the past.

British Special Agent Nigel Ferris is the contact for the US based group "Last Chance". It has been fifteen years since he last saw Melissa, but his heart has never forgotten. After collecting some information from her, they separate. Nigel did not expect to see her again. Yet when Melissa contacts him only a short time later, Nigel knows she is in trouble and does not hesitate to help. He takes her to his buddies of "Last Chance".

Melissa had gone to a small diner to meet her handler, Ed. After some bad coffee and a bit of pie, Melissa is worried. Ed has never been late, much less missed a meeting. She leaves the diner only to find herself vomiting in a nearby alley from poisoning. When she comes to consciousness the next morning, Melissa finds herself covered in someone else's blood. Official looking vehicles surround her residence, so she calls Nigel for help.

Melissa and Nigel find themselves deeply involved in a game of international intrigue. The race is on to not only clear Melissa's name of murder, but to locate a stash of nerve agent that is en route to the US.

**** Here is another non-stop action romance from the fascinating imagination of author Dee Davis. I cannot help but wonder if the author has some sort of experience in black-ops since she is able to give such wonderful details throughout each novel. Not only are the characters believable in this novel, but the methods used to collect evidence and capture the bad guys are astounding. I learn something new in each book I read from Dee Davis.

This is the third book in the "Last Chance Trilogy". I can only hope that I will see more of this agency in the future. ****

Author: Cindy Cruciger
Title - Revenge Gifts

Rumor has it that the people who actually choose to live on the Florida Keys are strange. Some are experts in scuba diving (nude). Some are experts in shark repelling suits (chain mail). But Tara Cole is an expert in revenge. She sells it on her website, Revenge-Gifts.com. People all over the nation must love getting revenge on others, because Tara's business is booming. Tara is even considering accepting Howard Payne's (A.K.A. Muffin) business proposal. Revenge Gifts also gets more than its share of hate mail. Too bad Tara does not have time to read them. She is busy keeping her home's food poltergeist from throwing too many eggs around in the kitchen and her Uncle Lester's ghost from shooing away guests or turning on ALL the lights when she is trying to sleep.

But now someone has put a curse on her. Gris-gris bags, a black cat, a black rooster, even a black goat are showing up. Each is followed by bad events. A voodoo gauntlet has been stuck in the sand and Tara must accept the challenge before she ends up dead.

***** This is one of the most amusing novels I have read this year! Tara has a most unique outlook on life that almost convinced me to join her for a walk on the dark side! This modern contemporary romance adds just enough of the paranormal element to make the characters' lives interesting to those of us forced to live in reality. "Revenge Gifts" will win awards, mark my words. Highly recommended! *****

Author: Linda Howard
Title - Killing Time

On January 1, 1985, a time capsule was buried under the front lawn of Peke County Courthouse in Kentucky, beside the flag pole. It was due to be reopened in 2085. Knox Davis was fifteen-years-old when he watched the ceremony with his father. The newspaper stated that twelve items went into the capsule. However, Knox counted thirteen items as he watched the capsule being loaded. He even mentioned it to his father, Kelvin. Kelvin knew better than to doubt his son. Knox loved mysteries and always double checked his facts. If Knox said thirteen items went in, then thirteen items went in. Knox wondered for twenty years what the extra item was.

In 2005, chief Investigator Knox Davis is stumped when there is a hole where the time capsule used to be. The camera tapes show a bright flash one second and a hole the next. This is no sign of tampering with the tapes. Knox wants to find out how someone unburied and stole the capsule in a single second. That same night, one of the people who donated something in the capsule is murdered in his home with no sign of forced entry and no explanation. One-by-one, the other contributors are murdered.

Nikita Stover suddenly shows up in town claiming to be a FBI agent. Yet there is no record of her. Know should have arrested her for impersonating an agent, but Nikita shows him some amazing gadgets that peek his curiosity enough to drop the charges and keep her close by, very close by. Knox has no leads and this mystery woman seems to know what is going on, at least part of it. He knows that she is not the murderer, but she is hiding many secrets and she is determined to catch this cunning killer. At the same time, Nikita is falling in love with Knox. Even though he feels the same way about her, Nikita cannot justify an affair since staying with him is impossible.

***** You have GOT to read this one! The author has several surprises in store for you within this amazing novel of romantic suspense. Action, romance, drama, it's in here. Expect to stay up late, just to see what will happen next. *****

Author: Dee Davis
Title - Enigma
(Bk 2, Last Chance trilogy)

Samantha "Sam" Waters may look like a dainty and fragile person, but the true is the opposite. Sam is an Army Brat who, as her father before her, loves the challenges that come with living on the edge. She now holds the coveted position of EEO, Explosives Enforcement Officer. And she is one of the best alive. Because of this, she is asked to join an elite secret government agency, Last Chance. Her help is needed to find out who placed a bomb in an almost empty hotel (undergoing extensive renovations) in Texas, killing three senators.

Payton Reynolds is a CIA black ops specialist with a dangerous and deadly past that still haunts his nightmares. His primary concern is to keep Sam alive. Hard to do though. Sam's passion for taking risks to get her job done quickly and thoroughly is shredding even his nerves. But this is one, of several things, that attracts Sam to him.

But evidence soon shows that the bomber has been preparing for a special event for many years. Everything he has done was to get Sam's attention. He wanted Sam on the elite team. He wanted her to figure out his messages. He wants her!

***** The first book in this trilogy is "EndGame". The main characters for it return as secondary characters in this tale of intrigue. The last book will be released 9/05 and should be titled "Exposure". Each novel is a stand-alone story. Yet they all center on the elite team of Last Chance.

I did not think that the author could possibly do better than "EndGame". Yet Dee Davis has surpassed all my expectations. No matter how much I needed to get things done around my home, I simply could not put this book down. Chores could wait. Dinner can be delivered. So make sure you will not be interrupted (A.K.A. take the phone off the hook) and get comfortable. Then let Dee Davis take you on one heck of a ride! *****

Author: Aris Whittier
Title - Fatal Embrace (Suspense)

Michael "Mike" Carven owns and operates a ranch in Montana. Until three years ago he had been the best detective around. But when his fiancée had been murdered, he had been unable to deal with it. Mike's partner, Dan Walker, had been handed the position of Chief and Mike concentrated on his ranch.

After a few recent serial killings in the area, Dan goes to Mike for help. Mike has the ability to get inside the mind of a killer. It was what had made him such a good detective. Mike agrees to help. In exchange, Dan locates and hires Mike a new foreman to help train horses, teach children's classes, and organize the ranch hands. Dan found Jess Stanson, whose reputation showed him to be the best around.

"Jess" turns out to be short for Jessica. No one expected a woman to show up. Mike is determined to fire her, but Jess turns out to be just as stubborn as he. Mike soon admits that Jess really IS the best. Things around the ranch improve. Even the hands respect her and treat her as one of their own. (Pranks and all.) As Jess settles in, Mike softens toward her and he begins to open up.

When the next body is found, the young victim's photo is shown on television. Jess recalls seeing the lady with a man on the day she disappeared. Jess is able to give a very good description of the killer. Problem is that the killer had noticed Jess seeing him with the victim. Now the killer has Jess marked as his next prey.

***** This story could take you to the edge of insanity with suspense. Therefore, the author adds humor and romance to help ease your blood pressure. No boredom in this novel. Expect to stay up late in order to read "just one more chapter". *****

Author: Kate Brallier
Title - Seal Island

Cecilia "Cecil" Hargrave inherits a beachfront house and a small business on glorious Seal Island in Maine. Since Cecil has just been laid off from work and lost her apartment, she decides to spend the summer on Seal Island to relax a bit and figure out what she will do with her life. Cecil makes new friends and slips into the local town life almost seamlessly. She also becomes friends with three very different men.

Richard is the editor of the local paper. He is patient, steady, and dependable. Tom is a lobsterman with the sea in his blood and has a mysterious part time job that pays the bills. His pragmatic look at life keeps Cecil guessing as to just what will happen next. Then there is Ronan who is shy about approaching Cecil as friends, and later as more, but with a spontaneous approach at life that attracts her.

During her summer afternoons Cecil spends time on the shore line where she makes friends with a special seal named Ragnarok. Between Cecil's new friends, her business, and Ragnarok, her days are carefree and filled with warmth. But when night falls, Cecil is torn between the men.

**** This is the debut novel of author Kate Brallier, and what an excellent one it is! It is larger than most books now-a-days, but only because the author inserts descriptive backgrounds of the characters and the town so that readers find themselves submerged into the life on Seal Island. Most of the story reads like a contemporary romance with some danger thrown in for spice. However, be advised that there is some supernatural or mystical sections as well. This one is the PERFECT read during a beach vacation! ****

Author: Kat Martin
Title - Deep Blue (Suspense)

The last Sinclair sister to remain unattached, Hope, is given a prime assignment reporting on the next Atocha. Though many suspect she got the job through less than savory ways, in fact, the ulterior motive that sent her there was to keep her out of someone's way. That does not mean that she is out of danger, rather, she finds herself right in the middle of it, and not mere physical danger. The greatest danger is also the greatest treasure, love. Hope's heart is placed at major risk by one of the treasure seekers, Conn. After a rocky start, the two move from simple passion towards deeper waters, but though between them, Hope and Conn can handle the perils of the deep and gunmen, facing a committed love is even more frightening.

*** Nicely wrapping up the Sinclair trilogy with an action packed adventure in an exotic setting, Ms. Martin whisks her readers on an odyssey of romance with strong characters and mind boggling suspense. ***

Author: Lynn Michaels
Title - Honeymoon Suite

The story begins in the Summer of 1988 and continues until the present date.
Little Dory Lambert followed her gorgeous older sister, Jill. This time Jill had been meeting Chase (the chauffeur's son that Dory had a major crush on) in secret. When Dory's dad (Del) and Chase's dad (Charles) caught them, Chase was sent off to college. Dory's mother (Drusilla), who pampered Jill but only tolerated her, grounded Dory for spying while she and Jill flew to visit relatives in London. They returned with James Darwood. Drusilla nagged Del until he gave James a job in his bank, even though James had been fired from a London bank for pilfering the till. Needless-to-say, while Del and Drusilla were off in the Caribbean, James and Marilyn (Jill's best friend) stole $34.6 million in a wire transfer from the bank Del owned to a bank in Belize. Then the couple disappeared.

US Attorney Marshall Philips froze Del's assets, but could not touch the things Del's sister (Aunt Ping) had in her name, which was quite a bit. Since Marshall could not locate James and he was mad at Aunt Ping, he quit looking for James and was waiting for Del to return to the States so he could be arrested. Thus, he kept FBI agents following Dory, Jill, and Aunt Ping. Of course, Del and Drusilla must remain in Isla Rica until James could be captured. But they had plenty of money and lived like royalty, UNLIKE Dory, Jill, and Aunt Ping.

The years pass.
Dory now has her M.B.A. and one savvy entrepreneurial spirit. She is determined to clear the family name. Her ideas has kept the wolves from the door so far. Surprises still happen. Turns out James does not know he is a father. When Marilyn dies, her three-year-old son, Jamie and Aunt Deirdre arrive to live with Dory's family. Dory loves Jamie instantly.

Re-enter Chase, who is now a multi-millionaire. He wants his father to retire. But Charles absolutely refuses. Dory never got over her childhood crush on Chase. Yet, once again, Chase has eyes only for Jill's beauty (just like every other male that still breathes).

***** Yes, it is necessary to be that detailed in the synopsis. But trust me, I really gave away nothing vital. If you love witty novels with strong characters such as in "Scruples", "I'll Take Manhattan", and "Princess Daisy", then you will ADORE this book! I fell in love with Jamie (whether he was age 3 or 10 at the time). I admired Dory and Aunt Ping. My opinion of Jill and Chase kept changing. And the Feds are great. Dory and her staff kept the Feds, and me, laughing with the codes and nicknames they used for each other on the walkie talkies. Oh please do not miss this delightful novel! *****

Author: Linda Barrett
Title - Reluctant Housemates
(Pilgrim Cove series, Bk 3 / Super Romance #1256)

Rachel Goodman never thought she would return to Pilgrim Cove. The memories growing up there were very unpleasant. After thirteen years on her own, Rachel was an assistant principal at a school in Kansas. But when a tornado totally destroyed the school, it left her without a job.

Lou Goodman, Rachel's father, convinced her to apply for a new position at her old school. Pilgrim Cove Regional High School has recently gotten back the standardized test scores and the results were horrible. Students' scores have taken a sharp nose dive within the last three years. Dr. Bennett and the school board is charging Rachel with improving the academic performance of the entire student body. All eyes will be on Rachel. If she succeeds, the position will become permanent. So Rachel prepares herself to face her past.

Dr. Jack Levine is a marine biologist. While taking samples of Pilgrim Cove's ocean areas for a year, he will also hold a position as the science teacher. This makes Rachel his boss. They are quickly attracted to each other, but Jack does not follow rules or take advice, which will cause all sorts of problems.

Bart Quinn rents the top apartment of Sea View House to Jack. It is perfect for both the man's jobs. Bart rents the bottom apartment to Rachel. Perfect for her to indulge in her favorite past time, swimming, and walking on the beach.

The ROMEOs have seen two couples find true happiness while renting Sea View House. They have high hopes that the house will work its magic a third time. It has GOT to, because this time it is for one of their own!

***** First book in the Pilgrim Cove series is the story of Laura and Matt (The House on the Beach). Second book is the story of Shelley and Daniel (No Ordinary Summer). This time it is the story of Rachel and Jack! The first two stories were breathtaking and I love them still. Ending each and having to leave Pilgrim Cove broke my heart. The series is just so awe-inspiring to me.! When I learned a third book had been released, I actually let out a short, high-pitched, squeal in pleasure.

Linda Barrett is an astonishing contemporary author! Even though the entire town of Pilgrim Cove seems to be secondary characters, the author manages to keep the focus on the two main characters and the obstacles they must, somehow, overcome. As the reader, I could easily believe the town and all its inhabitants were real. I came to feel as though I was a part of this close-knit town. This accomplishment is something all authors strive for, but few actually achieve. Linda Barrett is one of those few! Do NOT miss out on Pilgrim Cove! *****

Author: Suzanne Brockman
Title - Hot Target (Romantic Suspense)

Navy SEAL Chief Cosmo Richter is dedicated to his job. He hates being out of the action for even a brief time. Needless-to-say, he does not take a vacation unless forced to do so. When circumstances force him to take a month of leave time, he offers his services to Troubleshooters Incorporated. ("T.I." was founded by a former SEAL and carries out covert missions dealing with terrorism.) T.I. sends Cosmo to protect Jane Mercedes Chadwick.

Jane is a movie producer. Her current film is set in World War II and portrays the homosexuality of a real-life hero. Of course, extremist groups are sending her angry emails, phone calls, and more. Jane ignores them all. But when the death threats begin, some Hollywood associates call in T.I.

FBI agent Jules Cassidy is already on the scene. Jane becomes surrounded by body guards ... and she is NOT happy about it. Jules is gay. He is having trouble with an ex-lover, Adam, (who happens to be in Jane's movie) and has a growing attraction to Robin (Jane's brother who is not yet "out of the closet" and drinks too much).

**** The main characters are supposed to be stubborn Jane and testosterone filled Cosmo. However, Jules steals the show often. The author succeeds in giving each character their own personality. I was very impressed with them all. Yet I could not bring myself to actually believe that someone as level headed as Jules could be so attracted to Robin, who is constantly drinking, making out with every woman he can in an attempt to convince himself that he is "straight", and constantly vomiting and having a hang over.

As for Jane and Tarzan ... uh, Cosmo, they give the reader some very entertaining clashes at first. It is followed by some very hot bed scenes. All-in-all, this story is a winner. It is like having two books in one. ****

Author: Genita Low
Title - The Protector (Romantic Suspense)

Trying to save a woman child from at least a night or two of depravity, Jazz gets arrested, only to be saved by Vivi Verreau, a woman with more than one face and many secrets, ones Jazz is determined to learn. This is how he and his men find themselves recruited into Vivi's covert operation to stop a drug cartel in Asia and how Jazz finds himself falling in love with a lady as dangerous as he is.

**** Prepare to board a roller coaster when you start this book. Action and adventure pause only long enough to raise your blood pressure in other ways. Ms. Low is rapidly proving herself a force to be reckoned with in romantic suspense. ****

Author: Annette Blair
Title - The Kitchen Witch

Logan Kilgarven and his four-year-old son, Shane, move to Salem, Massachusetts. (Logan had grown up in Salem as a bad boy until Judge Jessie Harris set him straight.) Logan knows that Salem is the perfect place to raise his son, under the watchful eyes of Jessie (now retired and giving cemetery tours, since Halloween nears) and his mother, Phyllis. Logan has already been hired by the TV station WHCH and is their new executive producer. Everything is looking up as Logan vows to put Shane's welfare above everything else in his life. What Logan did not expect was his sexy downstairs neighbor, rumored witch Melody Seabright.

With absolutely zero notice, Mel agrees to watch Shane so Logan may rush off to his first day of work. In return, Logan got Mel an interview with his boss, Max Peabody, for the star position on a new cooking show. Big problem is that Melody cannot even boil water or crack an egg without a disaster happening. But Melody knows how to play to an audience and becomes Salem's favorite magical cook on the new show "The Kitchen Witch"!

***** Add Tiffany, the station owner's spoiled daughter, into the mix for some spice. Blend with some lovable secondary characters, two playful kittens, and a dash of magic. Then bake the two main characters until they look ready to explode. When it all comes out, you will find this dish to be one hot and hilarious romp, guaranteed to satisfy! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! *****

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