Slow Burn

by Julie Garwood

Julie Garwood is one of my favorite romance authors.  I love her historical fiction and am rarely disappointed by anything she writes.  Slow Burn is a contemporary romance and it left me unsatisfied.  This is one of the worse romances I’ve read.  Boring.  No intense emotion.  No chemistry between Kate MacKenna and Dylan Buchanan (and Dylan is a sexy beast).  Dull love scenes.  The mystery, action and suspense were bland. The dialogue is definitely the strength in this story.  Give Slow Bur n a pass unless you are desperate. 

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Charming. Witty. Heartwarming. Exquisitely different from anything I’ve read in a very long time. Comprised of letters written to and from members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, this tale gently unwinds the stories of a group of people during the Occupation and Liberation of a tiny member of the Channel Islands. A compelling story that encompasses love, friendship, courage, war, loss and new beginnings.

Juliet, witty authoress of Izzy Bickerstaff Goes to War, is looking for the subject of her next book, her first book since the end of World War II. While in London, she is introduced to the Guernsey Literary Society through a letter sent to her by one of its founding members, the quiet and thoughtful, Dawsey Adams. So begins the story of the Occupation of Guernsey and the stories of courage of the Literary Society’s members. With each letter, exquisite details of the war’s effects on the island and its inhabitants endure bringing to life the hunger that existed due to food rations, loss of lovers and children and heart-wrenching choices that had to be made; send your children to England for protection or keep them with you during uncertain times and possibly death.

Juliet’s emotional journey is deep and as a reader you will go on the journey with you. An elegant book about the power of books and of friends. The Guernsey Lliterary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a gem. Treat yourself. I highly recommend it.

Temptation

by Jude Deveraux

Temperance O’Neil is a modern woman helping destitute women in NY, while having public spats with the mayor over appropriate housing for women and children. But all that changes when her new stepfather demands her return to Scotland or she herself will be destitute. So goes the harebrained scheme that introduces Temperance O’Neil and James McCairn, Laird.


Posing as a housekeeper to get James engaged, sooner rather than later, Temperance is a woman on a mission. The faster it’s done the faster she can return to the civilized life of NYC. Thrown into a dilapidated house with a man who has a gruff exterior is no easy feat for a woman like Temperance. But soon she sees through the grimy surface of James and the town to find a rare gem that is kind, intelligent and caring.

However, when opposites attract there are bound to be some bumps in the road. And Temperance and James can never get on the same page. There are definitely some kind moments and funny moments throughout the book. But for me there were a lot of infuriating moments because these two are their own worst enemies. But the ending is worth the wait.

This is a love story about the journey of two people trying to find love and happiness. It’s not always easy but sometimes it is definitely worth it. If you’re looking for hot sex then this isn’t for you. There are sweet kisses and a lot of glances and stares but that is about it. If you are looking for something sweet and innocent or a change of pace you won’t be disappointed by Temptation.

Cleopatra's Daughter

by Michelle Moran

Loved it. A great piece of historical fiction about loss, power, ambition and politics set against the backdrop of Ancient Rome after the deaths of one of the most passionate couples ever, Cleopatra and Marc Antony. The story is riveting and complex with a heroine, Queen Kleopatra Selene, who is charming and intelligent. Indulge in the rich details of historical figures and political strife of Imperial Rome and and you won’t be disappointed.

Selene and her twin brother Alexander are taken from Egypt after the death of their parents by Octavian, Antony’s conqueror, and shipped to Rome to become guests of Caesar.  Selene’s narration of the world around her is vivid with an authentic clarity. She is proud, charming, extremely intelligent and longs for the attention of handsome Marcellus, heir to Octavian. But she is unaware of the one man who can truly love her.

Selene is a pawn in the political and personal ambitions of Octavian and his wife as well as those around her. Realizing the dangers around her Selene navigates the treacherous minefields of power and privilege to stay alive and free…

The tension as Selene and Alexander become of age and a threat to Octavian and Rome is what makes the story jump from the page. Who can save the heirs to Egypt? The Red Eagle, Juba or Marcellus…or perhaps they must take matters into their own hands and realize the same fate as their mother.

If you love or even like historical fiction you will truly enjoy this book. Imperial Rome is a tumultuous setting and is filled with fascinating facets of life and intrigue to keep you engrossed until the end. Moran’s command of the material will have you grasping for more as you turn each page.

Fallen

by Lauren Kate

I am on the hunt for the perfect teen romance. I’m not even sure if it exists. Something with love and anger and sex and school and parents. A good ol’ fashioned bad boy thrown into the mix. After reading Evermore and loving it I decided to try another darker piece of teen romance. However, Fallen wasn’t it.

A young teen, Luce Price, is shipped off to boarding school in Savannah, her last chance at redemption for the sins of her past. Allowed to mix with other degenerates and outcasts, Luce’s chance at a new and improved path in life doesn’t seem within grasp anytime soon. But, Cam and the ultra bad boy, Daniel, definitely provide some distraction from the prison she’s in. But of course the one she wants doesn’t want her. Or does he?

Daniel is the ultimate mystery man. One minute he is giving her the bird and the next he is rescuing her. And the nice guy, Cam, showering her with attention and baubles isn’t enough to distract Luce from her thoughts of Daniel. Soon it seems that everyone is acting strange and the only sane ones are the readers trying to figure out what is going on.

I liked Daniel. I liked Luce. Didn’t like them together. I don’t understand why Luce had a pull to a boy who acted like a jerk. And there was nothing endearing about Daniel. Maybe his leather jacket. By the time Daniel’s secret was revealed I didn’t care. And there wasn’t enough back story to understand why he felt he had to act the way he did. I thought the ending was rushed and too many questions were left unanswered. But I guess that’s what Book 2 is for.

The ending left me disappointed and there wasn’t enough romance or love or interest to want me to recommend this book. I wish I had enough curiosity to read the sequel, Torment, but I don’t. I hoped Fallen would be darker and more lurid.

Rendezvous

by Amanda Quick

This is Amanda Quick at her best. A fast paced love story with a witty heroine and her restrained paramour. Augusta Ballinger and Earl of Graystone are enticing and their world of exclusive clubs and country estates is the perfect backdrop for these unlikely lovers.

Earl of Graystone has a wicked reputation. One that is haughty and aloof and on the prowl for the perfect bride with all of the necessary propriety expected of a woman. Augusta Ballinger is anything but. She is tenacious, has a sense of humor, and doesn’t conform to the rules of propriety in anyway. Which of course any respectable lady would do. But she is of the Northumberland Ballinger’s. She has a habit of not thinking rationally and getting herself into heaps of trouble and sticky situations. Luckily, for Augusta, Graystone is always one step ahead of her and there for the rescue.

Graystone surprisingly falls for Augusta, after all opposites do attract. Augusta and Graystone have hot chemistry from the moment they meet, with her on her knees and him making fun. Not looking for love but rather a companion and mother to his daughter it is charming to witness the relationship of these two develop amidst bumbles and ridiculously perilous situations. She is just the one to show the Earl how fun it can be to love without regard for rules and regulations. However, I was a bit stunned at the way he finally had her. Not the most romantic evening but it definitely steamed up the carriage.

The secondary characters of Sally, Scruggs, Peter and Claudia are equally as charming. I enjoyed reading about them all. The backdrop of Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo and the web of spies that existed during that time make Rendezvous a pleasure to read. It’s fun, witty with a bit of mystery thrown in. If you find this don’t let it pass you by.

Romantic Musings

Just the other day I was speaking to a friend of mine about men, what else. The infuriation and stupidity on their part, that comes with them.  I’m not ready to marry one but I need one to alleviate the tension. Just one night a week or maybe every other week. It’s something that I miss. And going to the gym just isn’t the same.


But I live with my mother and sister, in a small town where I don’t know anyone. And from what I can tell there are no sexy available men. Trust me I’ve looked. However, there is a hot doctor at the hospital. About 6’1, blue eyes, salt and pepper hair, slim build but has muscles, dash of lines around the eyes. He really is scrumptious. I got a look at him while my grandmother was in the ER. But although he looked at me and I looked at him I really didn’t think the middle of the ER was an appropriate place to introduce myself. No matter how many episodes of Grey’s Anatomy I’ve seen.

Late for the Wedding

by Amanda Quick
Tobias march and Lavinia Lake are back again as London’s 19th century PI’s. If you’ve ever wanted to know about the connection between crime and wig making in 19th century England then this book is for you. Also, if you’re an Amanda Quick fan this won’t disappoint.


I liked the pairing of Tobias and Lavinia in Slightly Shady. Two complete opposites who don’t quite get along but they are the only ones for each other. Her antics and his stoicism were great to read.

In Late for the Wedding, Tobias’s and Lavinia’s romantic weekend is disturbed by the murder of a guest where they are staying. Naturally, they are obliged to find the killer without killing each other.

The story doesn’t advance the story of these two except to anticipate when they will get married. It’s rather formulaic with an interesting recounting of wig-making and wig fashion in England with a bit of mystery thrown in. There aren’t two many hot love scenes between the two. They should be having a lot more sex.

If you love Amanda Quick or love Tobias and Lavinia and their private inquiry business then this is a must read. If not I’d say skip it unless you don’t have anything else to read.

Running Hot

by Jayne Ann Krentz

I was recently at the bookstore and the 75% sign beckoned me over. Running Hot was on the shelf. Knowing that I can’t turn down a JAK book I bought it. The bookstore has to be one of my happiest places on earth.

Running Hot is an Arcane Society novel and is filled with paranormal mystery and hot romance. The dialogue is smart, funny and sarcastic. Luther and Grace are a definitely a dynamic twosome that I loved to read about. I haven’t read other Arcane Society novels but I hope she continues the story of these two.

The Arcane Society is a secret organization dedicated to the preservation of those who have paranormal abilities. In the world JAK has created those are sensitives range in level of ability and Luther and Grace are at the high end of the spectrum. They are both aura readers, which doesn’t sound sexy but it is.

Luther is an ex-cop with a nice physique. His one drawback is he must use a cane because of an injury he got on duty (yes, another ex-cop).  I just think of the guy on the cover.  Tight T-shirt and sunglasses.  To forget the demons of his past he’s escaped to Hawaii where he does freelance work for the Arcane Society. Grace is a middling librarian for the Society and is sent to Hawaii on an easy assignment: to identify, using her paranormal abilities, a rogue member of the Arcane Society. Luther will be her bodyguard for the mission. And they must pose as honeymooners. So of course they must shack up in a hotel room together and hold hands and act in love before they actually are in love.

JAK brings on the sexual tension fast and furious. Luther and Grace give in to their lust for each other rather quickly. And I loved it. I think it must be a reaction to the lack of passion in Morning Light. Their attraction for each other combined with a fast paced story filled with mystery and suspense made this a must read for me. I am fascinated by paranormal abilities and I thought JAK did a great job of incorporating that aspect into this story. My only problem was JAK trying to introduce too many different types of abilities instead on focusing on just a few. But Running Hot is definitely worth a read!

Slightly Shady

by Amanda Quick

I’ve come to look at Amanda Quick novels as comfort food. Something that’s easily found, you’re never disappointed and it makes you feel good. Slightly Shady is just like that.


Lavinia Lake and Tobias March are an unlikely couple. I didn’t get the impression that they particularly liked each other but wham bam they kiss have sex and are in love. From their first meeting in Rome Lavinia and Tobias distrust each other, annoy each other, can’t stand each other yet each finds the other attractive. From experience this mix does not lend itself to a great romance. It’s doomed. Yet Amanda Quick must think it’s charming.

Tobias is continually running after Lavinia who is always interfering with his plans. He spends a lot of time angry and frustrated at Lavinia as evidenced by his repetition of “Damnation” after one of her exploits. I found Tobias charming and sexy but definitely in a relationship with the wrong woman.

The missing diary of an important spy network is missing and Tobias and Lavinia must pool their resources to prevent its secrets from getting into the wrong hands. Involving life like wax works of murder and death threats. If you like you’re romances a bit quirky with a happy ending then Slightly Shady won’t disappoint.

Morning Light

by Catherine Anderson

There are three main characters in this story: Lori, Clint and God. The underlying message is sex without the bonds of marriage isn’t what God wants, God is the source behind all things, Catholicism isn’t that bad.

The reason I like to read romances is to have sex that’s carefree and fun with a bit of love on the side. I’ve never been married but I’ve had sex with men, some I loved and some I didn't, and liked it just fine.

Lori is a thirty-one year old psychic virgin. She doesn’t want to have sex without marriage. She has Catholic guilt over her psychic powers. The church believes they are from the Devil. She has seen Clint in her dreams throughout her entire life and is stunned when she sees him in the real world.  She's feeling things she's never felt before. Is it wrong? Maybe.

Clint is a cowboy who doesn’t believe in psychics or having sex with a woman for the rest of his life. The last time he had sex without marriage the woman was so devastated she tried to kill herself.  The second half of a duo with a lot of Catholic guilt. And their conversations drone on about it.

Clint immediately doubts Lori’s psychic powers but he has to trust them to save a lost little boy. Though Lori has never ridden a horse they embark on a journey through the mountains to save Trevor. And fall in love. And discuss God and his power and the Ten Commandments. They have sex once in the book and feel guilty afterwards. And don’t have sex again. Though he’s described as handsome I imagine Clint as a middle-aged man whose balding (that’s why he wears a Stetson all the time) with a slight paunch and dirty feet. Definitely not my idea of a romantic hero.

Lori and Clint’s interaction with each other reminded me of the neighbors who are always trying to get me to go to church but I always decline. Been there done that when I was younger.

It’s a heartwarming story with some sensual kisses. I just want my romances to be hot with hot men who have hot sex. This one just didn’t satisfy.

The Prey

by Allison Brennan

Rowan, gorgeous ex-FBI agent, has a big problem; someone is committing crimes from her bestselling crime books. And it looks like the next victim is going to be her. Fast-paced, a lot of romance and a hot ex-Special Forces bodyguard make this a book not to miss.

Michael has a penchant for falling for clients and Rowan is no exception. Lanky, blond and good-looking make her irresistible to the man hired to protect her. Unfortunately for him he has a brother with muscles for days and gorgeous hair to fight with for the affections of the lovely lady. Fortunately, for the reader Joe wins out. Always out to get the bad guy, sensitive, caring, athletic and a bit dangerous makes him just about perfect. Rowan and Joe are a great couple and I enjoyed reading about them throughout the search. It always amazes me that in books true love is found in 3 days while a maniac is on the loose trying to kill you and those close to you. I guess that’s the only way I’ll find a hot ex-Special Forces guy.

The story was engaging and fast-paced. The secret that Rowan was keeping was complex and sad and definitely made her human and identifiable. There are twists and turns that will have you engrossed until the end. I’m a sucker for well-written killers and the reasons behind their actions. And The Prey didn’t disappoint. I almost wanted the killer to live. He was fascinating and smart and kept me on my toes.

I liked Rowan and Joe and their chemistry so much I hope they have a sequel. It’s nice to believe that romance can bloom, blossom and sustain in less than a week with a rugged handsome man. Definitely enjoyable. Allison Brennan is on my authors to watch list.

Dumped by Text Message

Miley & Nick, Chace & Carrie, both dumped via text message by their young boyfriends. I always thought that’s the price of young love nowadays in the tech age. Courting, relationships and dissatisfaction are all now communicated through a type pad on a Smartphone. You don’t even have to know how to spell because the phone auto-completes the words for you.


Being a young, somewhat attractive, thirty-something I believed my relationships were with smart sophisticated, older men, who know how to communicate in person. But I was wrong. Absolutely wrong.

I was dumped via text message two weeks ago: I’m trying to do the ‘right’ thing…but let’s keep in touch.

I had so many questions. Namely, who does this over the age of 25?! With someone they’ve known over 6 months? I felt like Carrie when Berger dumped her with a post-it note. Seriously, a text message? I don’t know what the ‘right’ thing. But for me it’s being a man and talking to a woman you’ve been seeing. 

I’m just wondering, is there any hope if a man, in his 30’s, communicates about a relationship via text message? I guess I need to start dating much, much older. Hello, any single man, older than 40, I’m available.

The Hourglass Door

by Lisa Mangum

Deciding that I wanted to continue my latest interest in teen romance I picked up this book. The plot sounded interesting; an Italian exchange student,Dante, comes to town and he’s hiding a secret. What kind of secret I wondered. Obviously something to do with a mysterious door. Abby, enamoured by the Italian, must discover what secrets are hidden before she falls in love with him.

The story was stale and the plot was slow. Dante and Abby have no chemistry. By the end of the story I was perplexed why she loved him and would risk herself to be with him. Abby had a perfectly good boyfriend in Jason albeit a bit boring. Who cares if there were no sparks during the first kiss.   The secondary characters were bland.  The only one I thought was okay was Leo but he talked a LOT about mysteries of yonder.  Kind of boring.

The supernatural aspects of the story were confusing. Time and the absence of time and living outside of time were a bit too complicated for me to understand. And by the time the otherworldly aspects of the plot came into play I didn’t care.

I was ready to stop reading less than halfway through the book. It was slow and uninteresting. Save yourself the time and move on to something other than The Hourglass Door.

That Perfect Someone

by Johanna Lindsey

I think I’m in love. With Richard Allen. Pirate and artistocrat. Tall, long black hair that skims the shoulders, broad shoulders, sensual lips, green eyes, good kisser. Oh yes, I’m in love.


He had to come back. She was married to someone else but he couldn’t stay away. But he didn’t count on meeting another beautiful woman, Julia Miller. But theirs is no easy romance. How could it be when they were engaged when they were 5 by their parents?

They makeout in a country inn, have sex on a boat, swim almost nude in a lake, cuddle in bed and kiss a whole bunch. In between they try to break the arrangement their parent’s made for them years ago. And Richard must deal with the past hurts suffered at the hand of his father. Their plan is idiotic and misguided. But the story really is just fodder to fantasize about the delectable Richard Allen.

He’s flirtatious, sarcastic, funny, caring, dominate at all the right times, sensual and passionate. I didn’t want his story to end. I just keep looking at the gorgeous man on the cover and dream…

He had me when he said: She’s little spitfire…but when she stands in your corner, it’s rather endearing. Absolute hotness. Richard Allen is now #1 on my Sultry Six.

Paradise Wild

by Johanna Lindsey

As far as romances go Paradise Wild has to be one of the worst love stories I’ve ever read. Jared and Corrine are the antithesis of a loving and caring relationship. Like Heathcliff and Catherine they bring out the absolute worst in each other, but neither has any redeeming or sympathetic quality. I finished the book quickly. I couldn’t put it down; it was like a horrendous car wreck that you can’t take your eyes off of.


Corrine is a young, spoiled, petulant, obnoxious, insecure girl who is obsessed with clothes, jewelry and gambling. Her goal is to find a man whom her father approves and make sure she can dominate him in the relationship. Corinne’s condescending dialogue towards everyone in the beginning of the book had me hating her less than 20 pages in.

Jared has serious anger management issues. Mixed with that is his body and soul consuming hate towards Corinne’s father. A man he blames for killing his mother. And if destroying Mr. Barrows destroys Corinne well then so be it.

Johanna Lindsey seems to have thought that bringing together a couple based on rape was a good foundation for an everlasting relationship which results in an unplanned pregnancy. Combined with a husband that deserts you less than a day after the wedding is not a romantic combination.

To exact revenge on her husband Corinne decides to move to Hawaii to flaunt her wanton behavior with the island men in her husband’s face. Not a brilliant move, especially if your husband has anger management problems. Throughout the story they rape, yell, hit, bruise and mistreat one another with anger sex mixed with lust thrown in. And every character in the book seems to think it’s okay to be abused if it’s love and the sex is hot.

Corinne through all her faults comes across as the more sympathetic character through her love and care of her son. Jared is a creep who needs to go back to his mistress.

Unless you like stories based on misogyny and hate and evil I suggest you forget this book was ever published and move on to something a little bit more fun and loving.

Unspeakable

by Laura Griffin

This was one of the best romances I’ve read in a long long time. I finished it last week and I’m still thinking about it. It’s the perfect combination of mystery, forensics, romance, action, great plot and fabulous characters. Troy and Elaina are the perfect couple who set off sparks that will keep you reading. Loved it!

Elaina McCord is a newbie FBI agent sent to the worst place after graduation, a remote town in Texas near the Mexican border. Here she catches her first case, a string of murders, victims all young women. Shut out by the locals, all men, Troy Stockton, true crime writer, is willing and able to help out the sexy Agent.

I loved these characters, separately and together. Elaina is the girl who always did the right thing and wants to impress afraid to mess up. She wants to be taken seriously by her male co-workers. I identified on a lot of levels with Elaina. I loved her. I think we could be friend. Troy is the redeemed bad boy who genuinely wants to help the newbie solve the case. Laura Griffin has created a palpable tension between these two characters before they even kiss. Being let in on their smart dialogue as they methodically work the case is a thrilling and engrossing as you’re pulling for them to get together.

Their relationship isn’t easy but it’s real and taut with the undercurrents of trust and distrust and passion and sex and danger. Theirs is a romance with red hot and delicious sex. Troy is smart and sexy, with a strong work ethic and a penchant for fast cars or slower trucks when need be. He’s not intimidated by strong women and he likes to give…and take. Elaina could take care of herself but Troy was there for support.

As the clues come together and the DNA tests are being conducted and bodies are piling up…you’re in for great storytelling with a great ending. How could he kill…why did he kill…is there a future for Elaina and Troy because they deserve one.

Out of the Storm

by JoAnn Ross

I think it’s time for me to move on from JoAnn Ross for a bit. I'm a bit bored with her stories right now. This book is part of the Stewart Sisters trilogy but this is the first book from the series I’ve read. I enjoyed it but I didn’t think it was anything that I haven’t read from Ross before.

White House correspondent Laurel Stewart is drawn to Somersett, South Carolina, after she discovers her roommate and friend has gone missing while on a business trip. She has some psychic abilities but they come out of nowhere and as a reader I was a bit lost while Laurel is detailing the intimate details of another murder in Somersett.

Joe Gannon is the homicide cop who meets Laurel at the station while she’s giving trying to find her friend. And damn, he just loves sexy Laurel. Because there are no hotel rooms available Laurel has to stay in the extra bedroom of Gannon. Together they must solve a mystery and give in to the passion. Which they do.

The mystery is a good read. It stalls a little bit in the middle but it’s enjoyable. Great if you’re looking for something light and fun and easy to read.

Evermore

by Alyson Noel

I was in the mood for something a bit different and light-hearted. And teen novel, Evermore definitely fit the bill. Evermore is the first novel in Noel’s The Immortals series.  And I totally loved it!

Ever Bloom, 16, student in high school in Laguna, CA, lives with her aunt Sabine after her family dies in a tragic car accident. Ever has a variety of psychic abilities since the accident including hearing people’s thoughts, flashes of images through touch and the ability to see people’s auras. She’s become the outcast of school because of the way she dresses which shields her from the torment that her abilities bring her. Until Damen Auguste shows up in English.

Damen is the hottest new guy in school. He drives a BMW with tinted windows, long dark hair, high sculpted cheekbones, almond shaped eyes, long lashes and perfect lips. Dreamy! And best of all he doesn’t have an aura that Ever can detect. He’s mysterious and skips school, typical bad boy. Drawback: it seems he’s entangled with a gorgeous red-head.

Evermore is a satisfying read about first love with an engaging story that focuses on grief and moving on and being happy. Damen’s attention on Ever is the kind that might bring back memories of your first boyfriend when you sat next to each other in class, kissed a lot hugged and hung out until you realize that you are helplessly in love with this man.

If you’ve read Twilight then this book might seem a bit familiar in the way it’s structured and the boy who tries to do the right thing by staying away and the girl who’s wondering why. But I’m over vampires and more intrigued about psychic phenomenon and immortals.

I read this book in 24 hours. I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait to read the second book, Blue Moon. I’m in love with The Immortals. If you love teen romance Evermore won’t disappoint.

Superstition

by Karen Robards

The last time I read a Karen Robards novel was about a year ago. I thought it was OK, I don’t even remember the name of it. So I was ho-hum about Superstition. But I was pleasantly surprised. It was a thriller that I couldn’t put down with a nice love story.
Nichole is from Chicago looking for a big break in TV journalism that will get her to her dream job. All she needs is the help of the local psychic to solve the murders of two young women 15 years ago.

Chief of Police, Joe Franconi, instantly attracted to Nicky, must work with her to solve the recent murder of one of Nicky’s friends which, seems to be connected to the murders 15 years ago.

The story is good although I think the suspects were limited and therefore easy to guess. But I truly enjoyed the relationship between Joe and Nicky. She is the ambitious career woman who at the same time can be attracted to a man. Why deny herself the ability to engage in a fling, even in the middle of a killing rampage targeted at her. After all Joe is hunky with black hair, bronzed, broad shouldered, chiseled features with muscles. And he’s got an attitude to match. What’s even better is that as their relationship progresses Joe becomes Nicky’s fulltime bodyguard. HOT! The love scenes are warm but you’ll enjoy.

Shattered

by JoAnn Ross

Shattered is part of Ross’s high risk series which continues the stories of ex-Nay Seals and Special Forces. I liked hunky shane, ex-special forces, but the story had so many holes in it I found it unbelievable.


Shane Garrett worked with Zach Tremayne in Afghanistan. He’s tough as nails and owes his life to Zach and Dr. Kirby Campbell after he’s seriously wounded in battle.

Shane returns to the States to begin life as a civilian who has sex with women but hasn’t found the one. He’s stuck on the memories of Kirby and hot steamy sex in the deserts of Iraq between missions. Kirby is off in the jungles of South America where government is teetering on revolt and the poor need medical care.

Through a crafty bit of storytelling Kirby’s co-worker, Rachel, is kidnapped in the South American jungle, Zach Tremayne knows a Senator who is related to Rachel, who asks for help in locating her at the same time Kirby is in DC meeting the Senator about drugs and developing countries, which leads to South Carolina where Shane knows Zach, who’s brought Kirby with him tfrom DC too concoct a plan to help rescue Rachel.  Also, Rachel's true love happens to be involved in the rescue and knows Zach and Shane and everyone else.  

Needless to say, the story was too convoluted for me to believe. I didn’t care if Rachel was rescued or not. I liked Shane and I liked Kirby I liked them together. I am a sucker for military characters and that was probably the saving grace for me in reading Shattered.

If you’re a fan of Ross then you’ll probably enjoy the book. If not, move on.

West Hollywood Book Fair

If you live in the Los Angeles area the West Hollywood Book Fair happens this Sunday, September 26, all day.  300 authors and artists, 150 exhibitors and tons of people.  It should be a great day.  There's nothing specific to Romance but if you love books this should be a fun day to get out and discover something new.  Have a great weekend.  Happy Reading!

http://www.westhollywoodbookfair.org/

Killer Dreams

by Iris Johansen

I’d never read a book by this author before. No specific reason. Just with all that is available Iris Johansen never appealed to me. But my mom had it lying around her house so I picked it up and started reading.

The first 4 pages hooked me. An elderly grandfather on a fishing trip for no apparent reason shoots his wife, his grandson, his daughter and himself. Why?

I learned the answer is convoluted and makes absolutely no sense. An experiment to help has gone all wrong creating a group of assassins and politicians who want those assassins at their disposal. And Sophie Dunston and rogue Matt Royd are the only ones who can stop it.

I felt that Ms. Johansen put together a lot of ludicrous plot mechanisms just to get to the end. When Sophie and Matt need to get to Scotland, suddenly Matt knows how to fly a jet across the Atlantic Ocean. It was just out of the blue. The bad guy’s have never ending resources at their disposal to end Sophie’s life. And I didn’t really think the reason was all that substantive. I snoozed during this book and skipped a lot of it.

Matt is a rogue killer who was part of the experiments and wants revenge. His only redeeming quality is his killer bod and apparently that is enough for Sophie. I didn’t think Johansen did anything to make him endearing in any way to the reader or to Sophie or to anyone else in the book. Their “love” connection was a real dud. Bored with it.

I wanted to like it…the first four pages had me and then it went downhill. All in all I don’t recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something hot, steamy and exciting.

In The Shadow of Gotham

by Stefanie Pintoff

I was out of town a few months ago and had run out of all reading materials. I was on one of my daily walks and I found a small, quaint bookstore in the alley of a shopping complex. It was the kind of bookstore where the person behind the counter could tell you about every book in the store and every great book and staff recommendations. That’s how I came upon In The Shadow of Gotham.

This is not a romance. I haven’t read too many of these books. There was no handsome man to fall for and no sex to be had. Just old fashion whodunit mystery.

1905, suburb of Dobson, a suburb of NYC, Detective Simon Ziele encounters the stabbing of prominent Sarah Wingate, left in her house with part of her hair cut off. There’s no motive, no suspect.

Michael Fromley, a man with a violent past but with no evidence linking him to the crime can Detective Ziele piece together all the threads to make an arrest?

The novel is beautifully written with a lot of historical details. Detective Ziele is just beginning to use forensic techniques that were available at the turn of the century. That’s one of the aspects that I enjoyed about this book. It seems that we are inundated with CSI type shows on every channel so I enjoyed reading about when these techniques were first coming into practice.

As a reader who normally reads romance I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was scared and once I got past the first 70 pages I couldn’t put it down. Pintoff puts enough clues in to lead you in one direction all the while taking you in different direction that you won’t get to until the end.

This is the first book for Stefanie Pintoff and this is the first of series focusing around Detective Ziele. Happy reading!

Lost and Found

by Jayne Ann Krentz

I loved this book. It’s sweet and easy and enjoyable. The perfect read to laze around in this HOT California weather. A combination of mystery, suspense and a bit of romance.


Amidst the world of art, old antiquities and the beautiful setting of San Francisco exists a lovely adventure and a sexy man.

Mack Easton is an older man, refined, cultured and has the sexiest voice a woman has ever heard. He’s a widower with a daughter in college and ready to meet the right woman. Of course, I liked him. Maybe enough to put him on my top six. He was kinda irresistible. He is definitely “Fantasy Man”.

Cady Briggs is an expert in the art world and her expertise brings her into the world of the mysterious Mr. Easton, whom she’s only had telephone conversations. However, when a family tragedy occurs Cady and Mack must meet to track down the missing masterpieces and possibly a killer.

It’s been awhile since I truly enjoyed the mystery and suspense of a romance novel. Although, I was sure of where the story was going, JAK did it in a page turner that kept me engrossed for the entire book. The romance was second fiddle to the plot in this case and that was OK with me. Mack and Cady brought enough heat and a little sweetness and formulaic romance for me to enjoy. They connected emotionally in a way that was endearing. I’ll say it again I really really liked this book.

The secondary characters were a treat to read about as well. Aunt Vesta, Gabriella and the computer whiz and a lot of fun to the story. JAK certainly can do quirky characters. If you find this book at a library, garage sale or thrift store don’t pass it up. It might just be what you’re looking for.

The Neighbor

by Lisa Gardner

I’ve never read a Lisa Gardner novel before. I wasn’t disappointed. This is a Detective D.D. Warren novel and I will keep a lookout for other ones. From the beginning this story had my attention and didn’t let it go. I wasn’t able to put it down.


The narrator opens telling us she knew she was going to die, hearing the intruder in her home, not making a sound to protect her daughter, and seeing him raise both his hands…

Detective D.D. Warren is called on the scene. The husband’s not talking, no trace that anything nefarious happened and a lot of unanswered questions. No blood, signs of struggle, broken glass, and doors made of steel in a safe, Boston neighborhood. But there’s something suspicious about Jason Jones’ reaction and that has Detective Warren determined to find the killer. Because isn’t it always the husband?

But there’s Aiden Brewster, the neighbor who’s a registered sex offender, the enamored student who is in love with his teacher. So who are the Joneses? The secretive family with no friends, no family and no past.

Where is Sandy Jones? The Neighbor will keep readers hooked until the very end.

Black Hills

by Nora Roberts

If you’re looking for a reliable, fun, summer read then Black Hills will surely bring enjoyment to your reading. Having moved in with my mom and no love life to speak of Black Hills put me in the mood for romance and reading.


Cooper Sullivan is an 11 year old boy sent to spend his summer in the quaintness of his youth on his grandparents’ ranch where he meets the girl next door, Lil Chance. Theirs is a sweet, saccharine friendship that only exists before you’re a teenager. And I loved it.

But everything changes as Lil and Coop get older and give in to the attraction and become lovers who are separated by life. However, they are forever bonded by the site of a rare cougar close-up and a murdered hiker in their beloved Black Hills.

As adults, Coop is brought back to Black Hills (and Lil) after his grandfather becomes injured. Childhood resentments and the distant feelings of long lost lovers percolate the relationship between Coop and Lil who is now owner of a Wildlife Refuge. As their relationship works itself out Coop and Lil are faced with murders in their beloved community as well as threats to the Lil’s beloved wildlife refuge.

I admit I am a Roberts fan. If you’ve ever read Nora Roberts than this book holds few surprises. The characters are interesting, sweet and perfect. The suspense is a bit lacking due to knowing who the killer is fairly early in the plot. And Roberts could have cut the book by about 50-100 pages. BUT, she knows how to tell a story. And she knows how to tell romance that resonates with he reader. I liked how she brought the wild cats to life as well as the workings of a wildlife refuge. If you’re a Roberts junkie and need your fix pick this up. It’s enjoyable and fun. You won’t be disappointed. Now it’s on to…The Search.

Freefall

by Joann Ross

I love a good romance novel. Good characters, good story and good sex. So when an author throws a man and a woman together a makes a mystery where there should be none really frustrates me. And I was frustrated with Freefall. Loved Zach, the hunky ex-Navy SEAL. Liked Sabrina, the ex-corporate bigwig. Hated that the moment they meet up under stressful circumstances also happens to be the same time a serial killer comes to their quaint and quiet island in South Carolina.

Totally believed that Zach and Sabrina wanted each other and liked the hot sex. But I didn’t believe that within a week they were ready to get married, have kids and live happily ever after. A little bit too much with no build-up of the relationship even if they did have the hots for each other when they were sixteen. Really, if a man told me that my skin felt "like Gardenia petals warmed in the sun." I might burst out laughing and wonder what kind of man knows about Gardenia petals. Too schmalzy! But Zach, with his hot bod, is enough to keep any reader interested.

I liked the flashbacks of the storylines of Sabrina and Zach more than the contrived present day danger of Swann Island. Because I found the search for a serial killer to be so unrealistic the story didn’t keep my attention. And sometimes even steamy scenes with Zach Tremayne couldn’t keep me interested. However, I didn’t guess who the real killer was. It was a shock. But still not enough of a one to highly recommend this romance.

In some ways this reminds me of a lot of Nora Robert’s books. The ones where everything begins to read the same and there’s nothing that differentiates any of her stories. Not even the details of Southern Plantations could keep me that interested. This is just another novel that isn’t anything special. Although the man's body on the book cover is hot and hard, I don't quite get what the woman in the bikini is doing.  Maybe she's there to indicate she's sexy and high risk.  Reach for Ross’s Blaze if looking for a good story and hot romance.

A Faint Cold Fear

by Karin Slaughter
I recently moved back in with my mother because I’m unemployed and broke. I am no living in the suburbs instead of the big city and it’s driving me a bit insane. I haven’t seen my sexy boy toy in a few weeks. His sister is staying with him until school starts. I don’t have a place of my own so we have no where to go for privacy unless you count my car. And I haven’t done that since I was 18. Being in a bleak state of mind my mother gave me A Faint Cold Fear to read.


Not a typical romance but packed with suspense, mystery, tension and a complicated relationship between medical examiner Sara Linton and her ex-husband, police chief Jeff Tolliver. Exes who can’t stand to be away from each other and have engaged in a sex only relationship until they figure it out. Slaughter flushes out their relationship with tender and frustrating moments and happy and sad moments. It feels like a real life relationship that is totally relatable.

The story begins with the unexpected attack of a pregnant woman in broad daylight amoungst a slew of police officers. The story bobs and weaves in surprising plot twists that last throughout the entire book. The detail of the medical examinations are interesting and provide insight into the dangerous world of homicide. Although I thought I knew who the killer was I was pleasantly surprised at the ending twist.

If you’re looking for full fledged romance this isn’t the book for you. However, if you’re in the mood for something a bit different with hints of love and sex this is definitely an enjoyable and fast read that is sure to satisfy.

Romantic Musings

So I’ve been unemployed almost a year. Sleeping in, visiting friends, lounging in my PJ’s, watching Lifetime and reading. That’s what my days have been like. Until about three weeks ago. I started a part time job for the next six weeks. It’s fun, I’m learning a lot and am meeting a lot of great people. There’s just one problem. A HUGE problem. I HAVE to wear high heels. And there’s a lot of walking. Like 4 hours of standing and walking…in high heels!! My feet were not made for stilettos or pumps. My first day at work I could barely walk out the door at the end of the day. My feet were burning. I had blisters on toes. And calluses. I’ve never had this problem. My handsome fella always comments on how nice my feet are.


The next day I wore shoes that were flatter with a bit of a heel but I have wide feet. So my little toes were screaming in agony at the end of the night. More blisters. Well, I trekked to target and bought inserts, moleskin, band-aids, callus removers and blister covers. I think I bought every product they offered for feet. And for the most part they worked until the next night. I forgot to put on my moleskin on the delicate part of my feet. I’m in agony all over again. I don’t know how women do it day in day out.

I’ve officially decided to stop seeing my good looking male friend until these blisters are gone, gone, gone. AGH!!

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

by Steig Larsson

I kept reading here and there about this book and its two sequels, that I figured I needed to read it asap. The Millennium Trilogy is an international phenomenon and I wanted to be in on it. I became obsessed with finding the book and seeing what the fuss was about. I couldn’t find it a Barnes and Noble so I bought it at a quaint little bookstore in the back of a shopping complex. Really was the last place I expected to find this book.

If you’ve read it you know it’s a quick, gripping mystery/thriller. And the standout of the book is Lisbeth Salander, a complicated heroine with her own sense of morality and a serious attitude problem. She’s such a badass and in some ways I wish I was like her. Lisbeth takes care of business according to her own rules even if it means ripping balls off. Although Lisbeth might not do the right thing according to the majority but I had no problem with her being a woman who won’t be taken advantage of. Lisbeth is a vengeful, violent sometimes infuriating character and at the same time she is incorruptible. Love her.

I recently rented the Swedish adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and was impressed. The actors are real with lines and wrinkles. And Noomi Rapace delivers an asskicking performance. She brings all the nuances to Lisbeth Salander I envisioned. The Swedish adaptation was critically acclaimed and was the most successful movie in Europe last year.  Rent it if you can. 

You need to beg, borrow or steal this book and get into what all the hoopla is about.  Happy reading!

Blaze

by Joann Ross

Gage O’Halloran, hot, bad-boy, ATF Agent on a mission to apprehend serial arsonist The Flamemaster. Tess Gannon is a no nonsense fire cop who is on the trail of the pyromaniac setting fires to buildings in the small town of Sommersett, South Carolina. Together they are on a race against time to stop the next blaze from claiming innocent lives. A perfect summer read with good suspense and enough steamy romance scenes for all lovers of romance novels.

Tess Gannon is a woman whose life revolves around firefighting. And Gage is just the man to aide her on the hunt to find a serial arsonist. Gage is the perfect man. He’s super rich with a private estate on the coast of California, the ability to rent a private jet a moment’s notice and likes to rent Porsches to roam around town. He’s a man’s man who likes to get dirty and likes to take control. Also, firemen just ooze sexiness. Just the type of man I’m looking for.

Tess is a professional woman who is extremely competent and does not engage in stupid things. Tess is my kind of woman. Not afraid to use a man for her own satisfaction. Tess and Gage are a great couple with great chemistry. Their sarcasm and humor were right up my alley. Joann Ross has built enough heat in this book for anyone seeking romance and seductive love scenes.

The ending of the book surprised me very much. I thought I figured out who The Flamemaster was but Ross threw in a twist I was not expecting. Joann Ross is a welcome addition to my list of good romantic suspense authors. I recommend her wholeheartedly.

New and Improved?

I realize I haven't posted for awhile. But I haven't felt like reading much which, for me is uncharacteristic. I guess you can credit still being unemployed, broke, and a bat sh!t crazy landlord for my lack of being able to relax and enjoy a book.  Hell, I haven't even been able to just relax at the beach working on my tan.  However, I finally moved from the dilapidated building and out of the crosshairs of the looney tunes landlord and have finished 3 books in 7 days. Amazingness. So I'm in the middle of a Joann Ross romance about a tough as nails fire cop and am convinced I missed my calling.  At least as a firefighter I could meet other cute muscular, easy on the eyes firefighters. le sigh. I'll be resuming my reviews and hopefully reading some really good books.  Also, I'm contemplating moving to Alaska for a year.  It's like a Nora Roberts novel.  Happy Weekend!

A Reliable Wife

by Robert Goolrick

While in Seattle I wondered into a small locally owned bookstore and browsed the shelves. The kind of bookstore that has staff recommendations on every shelf and in every category and all of them make every book sound amazing. That’s how I ended up with A Reliable Wife. A rave review and a list of endorsements on the back had me. Not to mention the cover. However, I discovered early on that this isn’t my type of book.


Robert Goolrick has a definitive writing style which I have discovered some people love. I found it annoying and boring. I love lush writing but I was just put off. It took me until the end of the book to care what was going to happen and even then I really didn’t care that much.

Catherine, a complex woman, with a master plan to marry and destroy the wealthy widow Ralph Truitt. As Catherine’s plan to murder her new husband comes to fruition complex memories surface for herself, Ralph, Alice and Antonio. Can she slowly poison the only man who has ever cared for her?
Ralph gives up on love, life and redemption. As he lies in bed debilitated I grew infuriated with his lack of caring for himself or for his family. Can a man who knows the sins of wife really be that forgiving and listless? Only as he witnesses Antonio’s crime against Catherine does he show the emotions of a man who cares. But for me it was too late to care about anyone in the book.
Bottomline, if you love romances this is not the book for you. Even if you like to read something a little bit different now and then this still might not be the book for you.

The Beautiful and Damned

by F. Scott Fitzgerald

This has been on my booklist for a long time. A classic I’ve always wanted to read. F. Scott Fitzgerald is a literary genius. He has the gorgeous ability to clothe the English language in a way that is accessible yet beautiful. I had never had the pleasure of reading anything by F. Scott Fitzgerald however after reading such an exquisitely written book I am clamoring to read The Great Gatsby.


Quite simply an insight into early romantic love and its tender kisses and words, marriage, alcoholism, greed, ambition, and squandered talent. Succumb to the dialogue of the early 20th century and you will not be disappointed in the incredible linguistic abilities of Fitzgerald to enrapture you in the decadence and liveliness of the age and the portrayal of two flawed characters, Anthony and Gloria Patch.

Anthony Patch, Harvard educated, expecting a rather large inheritance from his grandfather meets the unobtainable and gorgeous Gloria with whom he has absolutely nothing in common. Despite the obvious incompatibilities Anthony decides he must have her. Anthony, of no particular skill or ambition except to socialize with friends and discuss philosophical matters and Gloria with no particular ambition except to join him.

Fitzgerald expertly portrays early romance where kisses are remembered through each action and you can’t wait to see the other person. Together, they embark on fantasies where they live in far off places with gobs of money and no worries. However, soon after the ceremony realization hits them and slowly descend into a life or parties, alcohol and desperation.

The fierce arguments about finances. They spent their life striving for money and friends and music and more alcohol until the life they imagined was a distant memory. The inheritance never comes and the fight for material things has ruined their lives. Fitzgerald is a master at communicating the lifestyle of the privileged at the turn of the century and that is part of the book’s charm. As someone who doesn’t drink very often there are a lot of mentions of different types of alcohol in the story.

Fitzgerald says: Happiness is only the alleviation of some especially intense misery. This is such a heartbreaking and truthful look at relationships. It makes you think of the relationships in your own life. I read they are making this book into a movie with Leo Dicaprio as the lead. Should be an interesting adaption if done right. Treat yourself and pick this book up next time you see it.

Deep Waters

by Jayne Ann Krentz

Elias Winters and Charity Truitt are two powerful business executives in Seattle, WA who surrender their lucrative careers for a quieter and simpler life in Whispering Waters Cove, WA. Creating sparks from their first meeting Charity and Elias are an enjoyable couple to read.


However, the small town of the Cove isn’t what it appears. Their longed for quieter life is disrupted by a disruptive cult and a series of mysterious deaths to locals. The mystery of the book doesn’t last for long. I figured it out long before the end but really you’ll read this book for the chemistry between the two main characters.

Charity and Elias are both flawed. Elias must deal with his feelings of guilt and remorse for the toll his revenge plots have taken on himself and others. Charity must learn to trust others and her emotions before she can be successful with someone else. Their romance is unconventional especially since they are brought closer by murder, break-ins and danger lurking at every corner. If you enjoy a man’s man who has a lot of muscles and knows how to fight and break people’s noses then you will love Elias Winters.

The supporting characters are colorful ranging from the space ship cult followers to the local shopkeepers.  They are charming and add significantly to the setting and tone of this Krentz story.

Rock Star

by Rosylyn Hardy Holcomb

After tragedy in his life, Bryan, the heavy metal rock star, escapes to a small town in Alabama for a break from the media attention in LA. He doesn’t count on meeting a young, beautiful intelligent black woman unlike most women he meets.


After a brief run-in with Callie at her bookstore Bryan incorporates himself into Callie’s life and they become friends who enjoy each other’s company. Soon Callie and Bryan are spending every day together until Bryan has to return to his life and fulfill his publicity commitments. Will Callie choose the young rocker or stay safe in her small home town and give up on her chance at love.

I found this book enjoyable. It was easy to read and was perfect while I decide what book I want to read next. The love scenes were romantic and I enjoyed the closeness of the relationship between Callie and Bryan. However, I had a few problems with it. The author brings up the themes of interracial relationships several times without really getting into the issue deeply. I feel if she really wanted to discuss the difficulties or some of the issues black women and white men face while dating she could have used the entire book to flush those issues out instead of a few lines here and a few lines there.

Also, call me a snob but a part of the book happens in LA and involves the “celebrity” scene. I’ve lived in LA forever and even know a thing or two about the “scene” and I just felt that the author didn’t really know that much about it. Which makes sense since she lives in Alabama. It’s never good as a reader to doubt the authenticity of what is going on in the story.

This is the first book for Roslyn Hardy Holcomb. She lives in Alabama and is involved in an interracial relationship. I think Rock Star is a solid first effort and is perfect for an afternoon at the pool or beach.

Castles

by Julie Garwood

Castles is witty, sexy and romantic with enough danger and suspense to keep the story going-in short everything a good romance should be.


Enchanting Princess Alesandra and her hero Colin embark on an unlikely and amusing partnership to protect her from the turmoil in her homeland and the thugs who want to kidnap her. Colin’s 5 year plan does not involve marriage…to any woman. But when Princess Alesandra is nearly kidnapped at the theater there really is no other choice to keep her safe but to marry her and allow her to live under his roof. Immediately, it becomes obvious that Colin and Alesandra are made for each other.

Colin is strong, sexy and confident with a touch of arrogance. He’s just lovable enough so Alesandra can love him even if she doesn’t realize it herself. But he never realized that he would ever be in love with a woman so much that he could be so vulnerable.

Alesandra is beautiful, intelligent and clever with an odd habit of making lists for everything. Including a master list which is a list of her lists. She is likable and you root for her and Colin throughout. She loves Colin and doesn’t know how to get him to love her back before the end of his five year plan. They fit together fabulously as people and lovers. Their love is charming and funny and sexy…and isn’t that what we are all looking for.

The love scenes are well-written. Reading them you will be taken on a ride that is filled with charm, heat and love. Alesandra charms her way into Colin’s heart and leaves him burning with desire so much that the reader can easily imagine him naked on her bed.

The conflict that brings these two together is the main conflict of this story. It is fast paced with enough gotcha moments that you never know what is going to happen.

Night Sins

by Tami Hoag

A small, quiet Minnesota town where crime doesn’t happen just experienced its worst nightmare- the disappearance of a young boy without witnesses or clues with only a taunting note left behind by the perpetrator.


Tall and trim Police Chief Mitch Holt is the local cop who escaped the big evils of the city only to have them reemerge in his small home town. Agent Megan O’Malley is a tough hard-willed investigator on her first big case. Together they hunt for a kidnapper to protect the families of a united town. Immediately engaging and engrossing I couldn’t put it down. About mid-way through the book I guessed who the suspect would be and for me the rest was just filler until I got to the end.

From the moment they meet, Mitch and Megan engage in an undercurrent of sex and tension that follows them throughout the case. Agent O’Malley was brash and annoying. She decided early on to not sleep with the Chief of Police because it’s hard on the streets for a woman. For the duration of the case O’Malley wavers back and forth and back and forth. I guess it wouldn’t be a story if she stuck to her guns but I found it grating. If a woman doesn’t want to sleep with a man to the detriment of her career then she shouldn’t do it. If a woman decides to sleep with a man knowing the career ramifications then she should accept it and move on. The cat and mouse game these adults play was frustrating for this reader of romance novels.

The characters of Deer Lake, Minnesota are well described especially the family dynamic between the parents of the kidnapped boy. The struggles that they’ve had as a working couple who are unhappy with were they’ve ended up was well written. Hannah and Paul Kirkwood are characters whose story I cared about. Demands of work, marriage, infidelity and anger make them a couple that is complicated and intriguing.

This was my first time reading a Tami Hoag novel. I felt the ending was predictable and anti-climatic with an improbable ending. It wasn’t big on romance and started off fast-paced with suspense but ultimately Ms. Hoag couldn’t maintain that pace throughout.

Midnight Bayou

by Nora Roberts

Ms. Roberts has done it again. She’s created a fast and fun read with a bit of the paranormal thrown in for the perfect summer read. Set in lively New Orleans, the city is the perfect backdrop for haunted souls, Creole history and modern day romance. Roberts has created an infectious spirit with her dialogue littered with French phrases and descriptive imagery of the people and quarters of the city.

Declan Fitzgerald, arriving in the Big Easy to escape his Yankee upbringing, Ivy League law degree and a fiancée whom his mother whole-heartedly approves of, purchases Manet Hall. Situated on the bayou outside of New Orleans Declan sets about restoring the dilapidated plantation and discovers a haunted past shared between this world and the next. Declan is the man that most women are searching for. He is kind, has a tender nature and a big heart of gold.

Lovely Lena Simone is guarded and flippant who has other things on her mind besides a relationship with the trust-fund Yankee. Lena is a business woman who enjoys men but isn’t looking for anything more than fun. She is probably one of my favorite female characters in a Roberts novel because she reminds me of me. Quick with a smart ass remark and not susceptible to suave men. She can give as good as she gets. Theirs is a spicy romance which is thoroughly enjoyable to read.

I loved the supernatural aspect of the story involving the Creole history of the bayou and the rich plantation families. Exploring their feelings for each other, Declan and Lena share visions of a past life with a ferocious intensity. Are the visions merely clues to solve a past murder or are they a pathway to finding love and happiness in this life?

I felt like I knew where the story was going but I think Ms. Roberts did it with skill interweaving the stories between present and past. Definitely a must read if you love romance or Nora Roberts.

Guilty Pleasures

by Laurell K. Hamilton
When I came across the title of this book I thought it would be perfect to read and write about. I envisioned a combination of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Twilight with a whole lot of steamy romance thrown in that isn’t exactly appropriate for the tween crowd. Unfortunately, what I got was a lackluster story filled with gory creatures, gruesome scenarios and a lot of biting and blood. The world that Ms. Hamilton created wasn’t filled with sensuality or sex or even caring and I found myself wholeheartedly disinterested.

The story follows Anita Blake, vampire slayer, executioner, and animator (she raises of zombies in cemeteries) as she is called upon to solve a series of crimes involving the murder of vampires throughout the city. She’s a vampire slayer, yet because she is the best the Master vampire requires her expertise to stop the violence. She agrees because her loved ones and her personal well being are threatened by the very vampires that hired her for the job.

Anita soon learns that she can trust no one: not Jean-Cluade, the seductive vamp with a soft spot for her, nor Philip, the vampire junkie who is addicted to the pain and pleasure of letting vamps feed on him daily, nor the powerful Nikolaos, a Master vampire who has joined Anita to him for purposes of survival. I thought there was potential for romance, even heady vampire romance between Anita and Philip or Anita and Jean-Claude. However, there was only one semi-steamy kiss in a bathroom.

I was not a fan of the first person narrative. I didn’t like the world Ms. Hamilton created and found no redeeming qualities in any of the characters, including the heroine, Anita. Towards the middle, Guilty Pleasures began to grate on my nerves and I couldn’t wait to get to the end so I could be done with it. If you are looking for a good horror book, I can recommend a few Stephen King novels that are exquisitely written and will have you jumping out of your socks.

Stay In Bed Sundays

Definitely a lazy Sunday. Nothing on TV, no movies to watch & not really in the mood for Lifetime (although I am excited about the Army Wives season premiere tonight).

So I’m left with reminiscing about the man I’ve recently met who saw my apartment in total disarray a few days ago, otherwise known as abs of steel (AOS) to my friends. Provocative, charming, talkative and reads a lot. We get along splendidly.
The other day as we were discussing life and the struggles we’ve been going through being unemployed, AOS complemented me on my “beautiful feet” with their long toes and high arch. Strikingly, neither man nor woman has ever made notice of my feet, except for my mother who longs to find similarities between us wherever she can.

Laying there minimally clothed I looked at him perplexed. AOS nonchalantly adds: Amazing no one has ever complemented them before (he definitely knows how to disarm a woman). Just the podiatrist I was thinking but he doesn’t count. Stunned I reply: Well…no. No one has ever noticed my feet. Maybe they were just too busy noticing my boobs and ass. So today on lazy Sunday sitting on the couch I am obsessed with my feet. They are smooth, recently polished, in need of a tan but actually very nice. Now, can I get a massage, please?

The Absence of Nectar

by Kathy Hepinstall

Warning: The Absence of Nectar is raw and disturbing and intense. Love and romance do not exist in this world. The author creates characters that are meek, evil and show the worst state of human consciousness. The book is written in the voice of 12 year old Alice recalling the suspenseful and evil events surrounding her family and her new stepfather, Simon Jester. Even Simon’s act of heroism immediately exudes hate and menace like a rotting flesh.

As the story opens we are introduced to bible verse spouting Simon Jester as he presses a hot spatula on 12 year old Alice’s face leaving a scar for life. And soon Alice’s mother is telling Alice and Boone to Run. Run to where or to whom is not immediately certain but it propels the story and introduces crazy nutcases such as Persely Snow, recently escapee from the mental institution. Persely brings an energy to the story that saves it from drowning in morbidity and depression.

The cloth of oppression builds as Alice describes her terror and suspicion that Simon is trying to poison her and her family at every meal. Every cough and tic is analyzed and remedies are memorized in the event they are injected with poison. And then the dog dies.

Meg, Alice and Boone’s mother, is a depressed, lonely, sad woman who inspires nothing but banality. Relieved to have a man, even an abusive man in her life, she ignores the needs of her children and the increasingly monstrous actions of her husband until the tension grows and weighs down the life and relationships of the characters.

The author is successful in creating an atmosphere that is off-balance and murky. It’s a harsh fact that people are more willing to accept a glossy lie rather than the truth, especially if it tells them what they want to hear. A story of child abuse, The Absence of Nectar, raises questions about how we deal with evil, especially if the target of the abuse is young and surrounded by a parent that is unable and/or unwilling to protect. Alice becomes obsessed with evil, Boone turns to God, who provides no continually provides no answers and Meg turns away hoping that not acknowledging it will make it disappear.

I have never read Kathy Hepinstall but have discovered that she writes about provocative and dark subjects. If you are looking for something different that will make you think pick up one of her books when you see it.