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.