Naughty by Nature
Barbara Pierce
St. Martin's, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780312947965
In 1808 teenager Patience Farnlay met and fell in love with an actor. She ran off with him joining his traveling troupe. However, not long afterward she learns a lesson re the fickleness of love when he abandons her and his troupe. She takes over, but being inexperienced and young finds the other performers ignore her.
When Earl Fowler “Ram” Knowden meets Patience, he knows she is the perfect companion for his reclusive sister Meredith, whose visage was scarred in a fire. She accepts the position. As she tries to be a friend to Meredith, Patience falls in love with her employer; he reciprocates. However, she distrusts men and love while he has a bad experience with a woman to overcome too.
This is a fascinating regency romance mostly because of the uniqueness of the two prime females. Readers will sympathize with Meredith whose life in her opinion and much of the Ton went up in flames and like her peers believe she would have been better off dead. Patience is an interesting protagonist as she lives up to her name when it comes to Meredith, but become impatient when it comes to Ram, who is typical of the male of the sub-genre. Fans will appreciate this fine historical.
Harriet Klausner
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Naughty by Nature-Barbara Pierce
Naughty by Nature
Barbara Pierce
St. Martin's, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780312947965
In 1808 teenager Patience Farnlay met and fell in love with an actor. She ran off with him joining his traveling troupe. However, not long afterward she learns a lesson re the fickleness of love when he abandons her and his troupe. She takes over, but being inexperienced and young finds the other performers ignore her.
When Earl Fowler “Ram” Knowden meets Patience, he knows she is the perfect companion for his reclusive sister Meredith, whose visage was scarred in a fire. She accepts the position. As she tries to be a friend to Meredith, Patience falls in love with her employer; he reciprocates. However, she distrusts men and love while he has a bad experience with a woman to overcome too.
This is a fascinating regency romance mostly because of the uniqueness of the two prime females. Readers will sympathize with Meredith whose life in her opinion and much of the Ton went up in flames and like her peers believe she would have been better off dead. Patience is an interesting protagonist as she lives up to her name when it comes to Meredith, but become impatient when it comes to Ram, who is typical of the male of the sub-genre. Fans will appreciate this fine historical.
Harriet Klausner
Barbara Pierce
St. Martin's, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780312947965
In 1808 teenager Patience Farnlay met and fell in love with an actor. She ran off with him joining his traveling troupe. However, not long afterward she learns a lesson re the fickleness of love when he abandons her and his troupe. She takes over, but being inexperienced and young finds the other performers ignore her.
When Earl Fowler “Ram” Knowden meets Patience, he knows she is the perfect companion for his reclusive sister Meredith, whose visage was scarred in a fire. She accepts the position. As she tries to be a friend to Meredith, Patience falls in love with her employer; he reciprocates. However, she distrusts men and love while he has a bad experience with a woman to overcome too.
This is a fascinating regency romance mostly because of the uniqueness of the two prime females. Readers will sympathize with Meredith whose life in her opinion and much of the Ton went up in flames and like her peers believe she would have been better off dead. Patience is an interesting protagonist as she lives up to her name when it comes to Meredith, but become impatient when it comes to Ram, who is typical of the male of the sub-genre. Fans will appreciate this fine historical.
Harriet Klausner
A Perfect Marriage-Karen Kendall
A Perfect Marriage
Karen Kendall
Harlequin Mediterranean Nights, Dec 2007, $5.50
ISBN: 9780373389667
As the public relations director Katherine Stamos is well aware of the fun of cruising the Mediterranean on the Alexandra's Dream although she has not done so. She decides a cruise is perfect to bring a positive uplift to her boring marriage of twenty years. She persuades her workaholic spouse Charles to get away with her on the luxury ship.
However, in spite of the delightful setting and Katherine’s efforts, Charles cannot leave his work behind. He spends much of the time on his projects. Disappointed, Katherine turns elsewhere on the ship for entertainment and begins to consider leaving Charles though she loves him. Charles is totally shocked that Katherine is considering a divorce as he never saw it coming because he was to busy with his work.
A PERFECT MARRIAGE is an interesting look at marital relationship that after two decades has become stale and stuck in a rut. Whereas Katherine sees a dying marriage, Charles remains ignorant until he may be too late. Filled with angst, Karen Kendall provides a deep drama that is quite good when it homes in on the lead couple, but loses some sailing speed with other ship board sidebars.
Harriet Klausner
Karen Kendall
Harlequin Mediterranean Nights, Dec 2007, $5.50
ISBN: 9780373389667
As the public relations director Katherine Stamos is well aware of the fun of cruising the Mediterranean on the Alexandra's Dream although she has not done so. She decides a cruise is perfect to bring a positive uplift to her boring marriage of twenty years. She persuades her workaholic spouse Charles to get away with her on the luxury ship.
However, in spite of the delightful setting and Katherine’s efforts, Charles cannot leave his work behind. He spends much of the time on his projects. Disappointed, Katherine turns elsewhere on the ship for entertainment and begins to consider leaving Charles though she loves him. Charles is totally shocked that Katherine is considering a divorce as he never saw it coming because he was to busy with his work.
A PERFECT MARRIAGE is an interesting look at marital relationship that after two decades has become stale and stuck in a rut. Whereas Katherine sees a dying marriage, Charles remains ignorant until he may be too late. Filled with angst, Karen Kendall provides a deep drama that is quite good when it homes in on the lead couple, but loses some sailing speed with other ship board sidebars.
Harriet Klausner
The Serpent’s Daughter-Suzanne Arruda
The Serpent’s Daughter
Suzanne Arruda
Obsidian, Jan 2008, $23.95
ISBN 9780451222947
In 1920, photojournalist Jade del Cameron reluctantly agrees to meet her prim and proper mother Inez in Tangier, Morocco in hopes they can reconcile their contentious relationship. However, Jade is realistic as she loves globetrotting explorations into out of the way trouble spots while mother is a perfect lady who never perspires let alone sweats.
In Tangier, someone kidnaps Inez. An anxious Jade may feel the planet is not big enough for both of them, but she still loves her mother. She begins a frantic quest to find and rescue Inez with clues taking her to Marrakech and from there to a remote mountainous Berber village. Every step she takes step since starting in Algiers is dangerous especially eluding slave traders who want to sell her and the most dangerous person of all Lilith Worthy.
This terrific action-packed thriller will grip readers from the moment Inez is abducted and never let’s go until the final confrontation. The story lien is fast-paced especially when Jade is on mission. However, the plot slows down a bit as Suzanne Arruda packs the tale with a deep look at 1920 Morocco especially the Berbers. Fans of historical thrillers will want to read Jade del Cameron third adventure although the previous two contain more of a mystery (see STALKING IVORY and MARK OF THE LION).
Harriet Klausner
Suzanne Arruda
Obsidian, Jan 2008, $23.95
ISBN 9780451222947
In 1920, photojournalist Jade del Cameron reluctantly agrees to meet her prim and proper mother Inez in Tangier, Morocco in hopes they can reconcile their contentious relationship. However, Jade is realistic as she loves globetrotting explorations into out of the way trouble spots while mother is a perfect lady who never perspires let alone sweats.
In Tangier, someone kidnaps Inez. An anxious Jade may feel the planet is not big enough for both of them, but she still loves her mother. She begins a frantic quest to find and rescue Inez with clues taking her to Marrakech and from there to a remote mountainous Berber village. Every step she takes step since starting in Algiers is dangerous especially eluding slave traders who want to sell her and the most dangerous person of all Lilith Worthy.
This terrific action-packed thriller will grip readers from the moment Inez is abducted and never let’s go until the final confrontation. The story lien is fast-paced especially when Jade is on mission. However, the plot slows down a bit as Suzanne Arruda packs the tale with a deep look at 1920 Morocco especially the Berbers. Fans of historical thrillers will want to read Jade del Cameron third adventure although the previous two contain more of a mystery (see STALKING IVORY and MARK OF THE LION).
Harriet Klausner
Capitol Conspiracy-William Bernhardt
Capitol Conspiracy
William Bernhardt
Ballantine, Jan 2008, $25.95
ISBN 9780345487568
President Franklin Blake and the First Lady attend a special ceremony honoring those who were killed at the Murrah Federal Building bombing in Oklahoma City. However, terrorists attack the First Couple and others killing the First Lady.
The Democratic Junior Senator from Oklahoma, Ben Kincaid, is put in an awkward position of either backing a proposed constitutional amendment to increase emergency powers while suspending civil liberties or committing political suicide. As Ben considers between the end of his career or the end of freedom, his new wife and chief of staff Christina investigates who caused the latest Oklahoma City tragedy; her preliminary findings imply DC power behind the assault.
Except for conspiracy buffs who believe Jimmy Hoffa is buried in Texas Stadium or President Bush flew one of the 9/11 planes, CAPITAL CONSPIRACY will require a Mount Everest leap of faith. The story line is fast-paced from the moment the First lady is killed and never slows down as Secret Service agents and other Feds try to prevent Christina from learning the truth. She would be labeled a CAPITOL THREAT and under the proposed amendment and dispatched accordingly. Still William Bernhardt provides an exciting thriller; just have your Patriot Act identification card with you to prove you can legally read the novel.
Harriet Klausner
William Bernhardt
Ballantine, Jan 2008, $25.95
ISBN 9780345487568
President Franklin Blake and the First Lady attend a special ceremony honoring those who were killed at the Murrah Federal Building bombing in Oklahoma City. However, terrorists attack the First Couple and others killing the First Lady.
The Democratic Junior Senator from Oklahoma, Ben Kincaid, is put in an awkward position of either backing a proposed constitutional amendment to increase emergency powers while suspending civil liberties or committing political suicide. As Ben considers between the end of his career or the end of freedom, his new wife and chief of staff Christina investigates who caused the latest Oklahoma City tragedy; her preliminary findings imply DC power behind the assault.
Except for conspiracy buffs who believe Jimmy Hoffa is buried in Texas Stadium or President Bush flew one of the 9/11 planes, CAPITAL CONSPIRACY will require a Mount Everest leap of faith. The story line is fast-paced from the moment the First lady is killed and never slows down as Secret Service agents and other Feds try to prevent Christina from learning the truth. She would be labeled a CAPITOL THREAT and under the proposed amendment and dispatched accordingly. Still William Bernhardt provides an exciting thriller; just have your Patriot Act identification card with you to prove you can legally read the novel.
Harriet Klausner
A Bucket of Ashes-P.B. Ryan
A Bucket of Ashes
P.B. Ryan
Berkley, Dec 2007, $6.99, 277 pp.
ISBN: 9780425218730
As a child Nell Sweeney lived in the poor house and lost her family to disease and when she got out she made a living working as a pickpocket. Now she has a respectable job working for the wealthy Hewitts as a governess to their adopted daughter Grace. Only she and the family know that Grace is Will Hewitt’s biological child, born on the wrong side of the blanket. He is unable to care for her because of his opiate and gambling addictions.
When the family goes to Cape Cod for the summer Nell runs into her ex-lover Dr. Greaves who tells her that her brother was murdered after hiding out in a shed that caught fire. He was wanted for the murder of Susannah Cunningham a woman who he worked for as a gardener. Besides needing a divorce because her abusive husband is in prison and will remain so for thirty years, and she is carrying Will’s baby, Nell with the help of Will and Dr. Greaves investigate the death of James because an autopsy shows he was knifed and did not die from smoke inhalation.
P.B. Ryan writes a heartwarming mystery that capture the ambivalence of the rich on the east coast five years after the civil war ended. The protagonist leads a troubled life but she rises above her upbringing to become a solid citizen who loves the responsibility of caring for her young charge. Will comes back from France where he was applying his medical skills and is there for Nell when she needs him most. Readers will care about him because he feels he is unworthy to love someone as pure as Nell.
Harriet Klausner
P.B. Ryan
Berkley, Dec 2007, $6.99, 277 pp.
ISBN: 9780425218730
As a child Nell Sweeney lived in the poor house and lost her family to disease and when she got out she made a living working as a pickpocket. Now she has a respectable job working for the wealthy Hewitts as a governess to their adopted daughter Grace. Only she and the family know that Grace is Will Hewitt’s biological child, born on the wrong side of the blanket. He is unable to care for her because of his opiate and gambling addictions.
When the family goes to Cape Cod for the summer Nell runs into her ex-lover Dr. Greaves who tells her that her brother was murdered after hiding out in a shed that caught fire. He was wanted for the murder of Susannah Cunningham a woman who he worked for as a gardener. Besides needing a divorce because her abusive husband is in prison and will remain so for thirty years, and she is carrying Will’s baby, Nell with the help of Will and Dr. Greaves investigate the death of James because an autopsy shows he was knifed and did not die from smoke inhalation.
P.B. Ryan writes a heartwarming mystery that capture the ambivalence of the rich on the east coast five years after the civil war ended. The protagonist leads a troubled life but she rises above her upbringing to become a solid citizen who loves the responsibility of caring for her young charge. Will comes back from France where he was applying his medical skills and is there for Nell when she needs him most. Readers will care about him because he feels he is unworthy to love someone as pure as Nell.
Harriet Klausner
Getting Old is to Die For-Rita Lakin
Getting Old is to Die For
Rita Lakin
Dell, Jan.2008, $6.99, 320 pp.
ISBN: 9780440243878
Gladdy Gold and her sister Evie Markowitz have lived in phase II in LanaiGardens in Ft. Lauderdale for over a quarter of a century. They are very active and with their friends Ida, Bella and Sophie have an informal detective agency. Their latest case involves parents who want their daughter, who they have a close relationship with, to attend their seventieth wedding anniversary. Gladdy, who doesn’t know where her boyfriend Jack is, decides to take the case.
The daughter refuses to answer her calls but they find a way to get her to meet with them. When they see her, they understand and so accompany her for moral support to see her parents. Unknown to Gladdy, Jack is in New York trying to find out who killed his girlfriend’s husband over five decades ago. He is delighted that his family and Gladdy’s family get along so great but he is scared of what Gladdy will do when she finds out what he is up to.
GETTING OLD IS TO DIE FOR shows readers that senior citizens can have rich productive lives filled with fun and romance. Jack is a real hero, putting his needs on the back burner so that Gladdy can gain a sense of closure. It is fun reading how he conducts his own investigation while Gladdy is worried that her refusal to commit to him ruined their relationship. This humorous mystery has protagonists and a secondary cast that is easy to understand what motivates them.
Harriet Klausner
Rita Lakin
Dell, Jan.2008, $6.99, 320 pp.
ISBN: 9780440243878
Gladdy Gold and her sister Evie Markowitz have lived in phase II in LanaiGardens in Ft. Lauderdale for over a quarter of a century. They are very active and with their friends Ida, Bella and Sophie have an informal detective agency. Their latest case involves parents who want their daughter, who they have a close relationship with, to attend their seventieth wedding anniversary. Gladdy, who doesn’t know where her boyfriend Jack is, decides to take the case.
The daughter refuses to answer her calls but they find a way to get her to meet with them. When they see her, they understand and so accompany her for moral support to see her parents. Unknown to Gladdy, Jack is in New York trying to find out who killed his girlfriend’s husband over five decades ago. He is delighted that his family and Gladdy’s family get along so great but he is scared of what Gladdy will do when she finds out what he is up to.
GETTING OLD IS TO DIE FOR shows readers that senior citizens can have rich productive lives filled with fun and romance. Jack is a real hero, putting his needs on the back burner so that Gladdy can gain a sense of closure. It is fun reading how he conducts his own investigation while Gladdy is worried that her refusal to commit to him ruined their relationship. This humorous mystery has protagonists and a secondary cast that is easy to understand what motivates them.
Harriet Klausner
Redeemed in Darkness-Alexis Morgan
Redeemed in Darkness
Alexis Morgan
Pocket, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9781416547136
Paladin warrior Cullen Finley crossed the barrier between worlds to deliver a message. Once he completes his mission, he is to immediately return to his universe. However, something happens to the barrier and Cullen is trapped on the wrong side in the Other universe of his enemy.
Lusahn q'Arc considers the Paladins as her enemy. Her first reaction upon seeing her combat foe Cullen is to want to torture information out of him as she was expecting to meet her missing brother Barak. Next she finds herself either wanting to making love with him or killing him. When he provides her information on the smuggling of the blues that bring light to her dark world, she realizes she must hide him. As they fall in love, both conclude that traitors on both sides of the feud are using the dying sun of the Others to maliciously manipulate the rivalry.
The fourth Paladins of Darkness romantic fantasy (see DARK PROTECTOR, DARK DEFENDER and IN DARKNESS REBORN) is a fabulous entry with a wonderful freshness as Alexis Morgan takes her audience to the demon side. Fans as well as Cullen will begin to see a different humanized Others instead of the demonic killers. The forbidden romance enhances a fabulous thriller that will have readers enthralled once the hero crosses over.
Harriet Klausner
Alexis Morgan
Pocket, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9781416547136
Paladin warrior Cullen Finley crossed the barrier between worlds to deliver a message. Once he completes his mission, he is to immediately return to his universe. However, something happens to the barrier and Cullen is trapped on the wrong side in the Other universe of his enemy.
Lusahn q'Arc considers the Paladins as her enemy. Her first reaction upon seeing her combat foe Cullen is to want to torture information out of him as she was expecting to meet her missing brother Barak. Next she finds herself either wanting to making love with him or killing him. When he provides her information on the smuggling of the blues that bring light to her dark world, she realizes she must hide him. As they fall in love, both conclude that traitors on both sides of the feud are using the dying sun of the Others to maliciously manipulate the rivalry.
The fourth Paladins of Darkness romantic fantasy (see DARK PROTECTOR, DARK DEFENDER and IN DARKNESS REBORN) is a fabulous entry with a wonderful freshness as Alexis Morgan takes her audience to the demon side. Fans as well as Cullen will begin to see a different humanized Others instead of the demonic killers. The forbidden romance enhances a fabulous thriller that will have readers enthralled once the hero crosses over.
Harriet Klausner
Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night-Kresley Cole
Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night
Kresley Cole
Pocket, Nov 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9781416547037
In 1827 Mariah of the Three Bridges is murdered in the shadow of the full moon. Her last sight is watching her beloved Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae Clan howl at the full moon in rage.
In 2007 Bowen remains angry, frustrated and acrimonious as he has over the past nine score; and he has become a bit of a hermit. When offered a chance to participate in the treacherous and grueling Talisman’s Hie, he immediately accepts. Bowen believes the risk is nothing only his life; but the prize is everything as winning enables him to go back to 1827 and correct the pivotal tragedy that has shaped his life since
Mariketa the Awaited leader of the House of Witches has strong reasons to win the contest hosted every two and a half centuries by the Goddess of Impossibilities Riora. Though the Witch is prepared for any contingency, the revolting acrid Lykae fools her and ensnares Mari in a deadly cave; Mari in turn casts a death spell on Bowen. He realizes he must save her to save himself if he is save Mariah. However, he is confused as he reacts to Riora as if she is his soulmate, not Mariah.
When Kresley Cole writes a romantic fantasy, there is NO REST FOR THE WICKED or readers as fans finish her exhilarating complex tales in one wonderful sitting. WICKED DEEDS ON A WINTER’S NIGHT may be the best entry in the Cole Lore as the lead couple is deadly rivals who over the course of the competition turn from enemy combatants into beloved enemies. Readers will relish this powerful entry as the mythos of the sentient races not human entertainingly expands leaving the audience with a HUNGER LIKE NO OTHER for the next saga.
Harriet Klausner
Kresley Cole
Pocket, Nov 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9781416547037
In 1827 Mariah of the Three Bridges is murdered in the shadow of the full moon. Her last sight is watching her beloved Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae Clan howl at the full moon in rage.
In 2007 Bowen remains angry, frustrated and acrimonious as he has over the past nine score; and he has become a bit of a hermit. When offered a chance to participate in the treacherous and grueling Talisman’s Hie, he immediately accepts. Bowen believes the risk is nothing only his life; but the prize is everything as winning enables him to go back to 1827 and correct the pivotal tragedy that has shaped his life since
Mariketa the Awaited leader of the House of Witches has strong reasons to win the contest hosted every two and a half centuries by the Goddess of Impossibilities Riora. Though the Witch is prepared for any contingency, the revolting acrid Lykae fools her and ensnares Mari in a deadly cave; Mari in turn casts a death spell on Bowen. He realizes he must save her to save himself if he is save Mariah. However, he is confused as he reacts to Riora as if she is his soulmate, not Mariah.
When Kresley Cole writes a romantic fantasy, there is NO REST FOR THE WICKED or readers as fans finish her exhilarating complex tales in one wonderful sitting. WICKED DEEDS ON A WINTER’S NIGHT may be the best entry in the Cole Lore as the lead couple is deadly rivals who over the course of the competition turn from enemy combatants into beloved enemies. Readers will relish this powerful entry as the mythos of the sentient races not human entertainingly expands leaving the audience with a HUNGER LIKE NO OTHER for the next saga.
Harriet Klausner
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Southern Seduction-Alexandria Scott
Southern Seduction
Alexandria Scott
Zebra, Dec 2007, $5.99
ISBN: 9780821778241
Brooke Hammond leaves England to take possession of Moss Grove plantation, a present from the aristocrat who kept her. She sees her journey to in Louisiana as a chance to start over.
However, upon arriving in Bayou country, Brooke meets her partner Travis Montgomery. With hard work and intelligent decisions, he has turned Moss Grove from a failed plantation into a money-making operation. Travis refuses to provide his father’s mistress any breaks; although he is very attracted to the Englishwoman. However, his avoidance fails him when a storm strands them together forcing him to break a prior engagement and marry Brooke. As they fall in love, less honorable people want to rip asunder the marriage between the co-owners.
Brooke is a fascinating lead character as she bravely travels to Louisiana in search of a new life, but finds prejudice meets her, which in turn she courageously confronts. Her relationship with Travis slowly evolves from disdain to love. Thus she makes the exciting historical romance work with her strong sense of self worth as the audience will root for her to win her new home and his heart, both going up against incredible odds.
Harriet Klausner
Alexandria Scott
Zebra, Dec 2007, $5.99
ISBN: 9780821778241
Brooke Hammond leaves England to take possession of Moss Grove plantation, a present from the aristocrat who kept her. She sees her journey to in Louisiana as a chance to start over.
However, upon arriving in Bayou country, Brooke meets her partner Travis Montgomery. With hard work and intelligent decisions, he has turned Moss Grove from a failed plantation into a money-making operation. Travis refuses to provide his father’s mistress any breaks; although he is very attracted to the Englishwoman. However, his avoidance fails him when a storm strands them together forcing him to break a prior engagement and marry Brooke. As they fall in love, less honorable people want to rip asunder the marriage between the co-owners.
Brooke is a fascinating lead character as she bravely travels to Louisiana in search of a new life, but finds prejudice meets her, which in turn she courageously confronts. Her relationship with Travis slowly evolves from disdain to love. Thus she makes the exciting historical romance work with her strong sense of self worth as the audience will root for her to win her new home and his heart, both going up against incredible odds.
Harriet Klausner
Christmas Heat-Devon Vaughn Archer
Christmas Heat
Devon Vaughn Archer
Harlequin Kimani Romance, Dec 2007, $5.99
ISBN: 9780373860470
Seven years old Audrey Beaumont is excited as she expects presents from Santa Claus having been a good girl for the most part all years. She says goodnight to her parents and goes to sleep so St. Nick can come and do his job. However, she awakens to the smell of smoke and the sound of fire. Pearson the firefighter rescues her but dies when he goes back to bring her parents out; they die too.
Over two decades later, Audrey raises her seven year old daughter Stacy by herself; the father ended their relationship once he learned she was pregnant. Audrey honored the courageous firefighter who saved her life with a portrait of her hero. Conrad Pearson has come home after years away to visit his late father. He holds the little girl that his dad died rescuing culpable for his father’s death. Unable to let go he meets Audrey and Stacy, but hides his identity from the two females. He learns how much Audrey honors his dad by listening to Stacy tell him the story of the brave firefighter who saved her mom at the cost of his life as much as by the hero worshipping portrait. As he falls in love with mother and daughter, he found closure with his dad, but will never obtain closure with Audrey and Stacy once they learn who he is.
CHRISTMAS HEAT is a terrific contemporary romance starring two individuals who never met before but are connected by the tragic fire that killed her parents and his father. Audrey and Stacy are perhaps too well-adjusted with all that has happened to them especially the mom. However, Conrad steals the show as the audience will know early on when he talks to his dad at the cemetery how much he still hurts and misses his father. Fans of deep character driven tales will want to read Devon Vaughn Archer’s strong story of love coming out of the ashes of tragedy.
Harriet Klausner
Devon Vaughn Archer
Harlequin Kimani Romance, Dec 2007, $5.99
ISBN: 9780373860470
Seven years old Audrey Beaumont is excited as she expects presents from Santa Claus having been a good girl for the most part all years. She says goodnight to her parents and goes to sleep so St. Nick can come and do his job. However, she awakens to the smell of smoke and the sound of fire. Pearson the firefighter rescues her but dies when he goes back to bring her parents out; they die too.
Over two decades later, Audrey raises her seven year old daughter Stacy by herself; the father ended their relationship once he learned she was pregnant. Audrey honored the courageous firefighter who saved her life with a portrait of her hero. Conrad Pearson has come home after years away to visit his late father. He holds the little girl that his dad died rescuing culpable for his father’s death. Unable to let go he meets Audrey and Stacy, but hides his identity from the two females. He learns how much Audrey honors his dad by listening to Stacy tell him the story of the brave firefighter who saved her mom at the cost of his life as much as by the hero worshipping portrait. As he falls in love with mother and daughter, he found closure with his dad, but will never obtain closure with Audrey and Stacy once they learn who he is.
CHRISTMAS HEAT is a terrific contemporary romance starring two individuals who never met before but are connected by the tragic fire that killed her parents and his father. Audrey and Stacy are perhaps too well-adjusted with all that has happened to them especially the mom. However, Conrad steals the show as the audience will know early on when he talks to his dad at the cemetery how much he still hurts and misses his father. Fans of deep character driven tales will want to read Devon Vaughn Archer’s strong story of love coming out of the ashes of tragedy.
Harriet Klausner
Southern Seduction-Alexandria Scott
Southern Seduction
Alexandria Scott
Zebra, Dec 2007, $5.99
ISBN: 9780821778241
Brooke Hammond leaves England to take possession of Moss Grove plantation, a present from the aristocrat who kept her. She sees her journey to in Louisiana as a chance to start over.
However, upon arriving in Bayou country, Brooke meets her partner Travis Montgomery. With hard work and intelligent decisions, he has turned Moss Grove from a failed plantation into a money-making operation. Travis refuses to provide his father’s mistress any breaks; although he is very attracted to the Englishwoman. However, his avoidance fails him when a storm strands them together forcing him to break a prior engagement and marry Brooke. As they fall in love, less honorable people want to rip asunder the marriage between the co-owners.
Brooke is a fascinating lead character as she bravely travels to Louisiana in search of a new life, but finds prejudice meets her, which in turn she courageously confronts. Her relationship with Travis slowly evolves from disdain to love. Thus she makes the exciting historical romance work with her strong sense of self worth as the audience will root for her to win her new home and his heart, both going up against incredible odds.
Harriet Klausner
Alexandria Scott
Zebra, Dec 2007, $5.99
ISBN: 9780821778241
Brooke Hammond leaves England to take possession of Moss Grove plantation, a present from the aristocrat who kept her. She sees her journey to in Louisiana as a chance to start over.
However, upon arriving in Bayou country, Brooke meets her partner Travis Montgomery. With hard work and intelligent decisions, he has turned Moss Grove from a failed plantation into a money-making operation. Travis refuses to provide his father’s mistress any breaks; although he is very attracted to the Englishwoman. However, his avoidance fails him when a storm strands them together forcing him to break a prior engagement and marry Brooke. As they fall in love, less honorable people want to rip asunder the marriage between the co-owners.
Brooke is a fascinating lead character as she bravely travels to Louisiana in search of a new life, but finds prejudice meets her, which in turn she courageously confronts. Her relationship with Travis slowly evolves from disdain to love. Thus she makes the exciting historical romance work with her strong sense of self worth as the audience will root for her to win her new home and his heart, both going up against incredible odds.
Harriet Klausner
Christmas Heat-Devon Vaughn Archer
Christmas Heat
Devon Vaughn Archer
Harlequin Kimani Romance, Dec 2007, $5.99
ISBN: 9780373860470
Seven years old Audrey Beaumont is excited as she expects presents from Santa Claus having been a good girl for the most part all years. She says goodnight to her parents and goes to sleep so St. Nick can come and do his job. However, she awakens to the smell of smoke and the sound of fire. Pearson the firefighter rescues her but dies when he goes back to bring her parents out; they die too.
Over two decades later, Audrey raises her seven year old daughter Stacy by herself; the father ended their relationship once he learned she was pregnant. Audrey honored the courageous firefighter who saved her life with a portrait of her hero. Conrad Pearson has come home after years away to visit his late father. He holds the little girl that his dad died rescuing culpable for his father’s death. Unable to let go he meets Audrey and Stacy, but hides his identity from the two females. He learns how much Audrey honors his dad by listening to Stacy tell him the story of the brave firefighter who saved her mom at the cost of his life as much as by the hero worshipping portrait. As he falls in love with mother and daughter, he found closure with his dad, but will never obtain closure with Audrey and Stacy once they learn who he is.
CHRISTMAS HEAT is a terrific contemporary romance starring two individuals who never met before but are connected by the tragic fire that killed her parents and his father. Audrey and Stacy are perhaps too well-adjusted with all that has happened to them especially the mom. However, Conrad steals the show as the audience will know early on when he talks to his dad at the cemetery how much he still hurts and misses his father. Fans of deep character driven tales will want to read Devon Vaughn Archer’s strong story of love coming out of the ashes of tragedy.
Harriet Klausner
Devon Vaughn Archer
Harlequin Kimani Romance, Dec 2007, $5.99
ISBN: 9780373860470
Seven years old Audrey Beaumont is excited as she expects presents from Santa Claus having been a good girl for the most part all years. She says goodnight to her parents and goes to sleep so St. Nick can come and do his job. However, she awakens to the smell of smoke and the sound of fire. Pearson the firefighter rescues her but dies when he goes back to bring her parents out; they die too.
Over two decades later, Audrey raises her seven year old daughter Stacy by herself; the father ended their relationship once he learned she was pregnant. Audrey honored the courageous firefighter who saved her life with a portrait of her hero. Conrad Pearson has come home after years away to visit his late father. He holds the little girl that his dad died rescuing culpable for his father’s death. Unable to let go he meets Audrey and Stacy, but hides his identity from the two females. He learns how much Audrey honors his dad by listening to Stacy tell him the story of the brave firefighter who saved her mom at the cost of his life as much as by the hero worshipping portrait. As he falls in love with mother and daughter, he found closure with his dad, but will never obtain closure with Audrey and Stacy once they learn who he is.
CHRISTMAS HEAT is a terrific contemporary romance starring two individuals who never met before but are connected by the tragic fire that killed her parents and his father. Audrey and Stacy are perhaps too well-adjusted with all that has happened to them especially the mom. However, Conrad steals the show as the audience will know early on when he talks to his dad at the cemetery how much he still hurts and misses his father. Fans of deep character driven tales will want to read Devon Vaughn Archer’s strong story of love coming out of the ashes of tragedy.
Harriet Klausner
Harstairs House-Amanda Grange
Harstairs House
Amanda Grange
Berkley, Dec 2007, $14.00
ISBN: 9780425217733
In 1793 governess Susannah Thorpe learns she inherited Harstairs House from a Mr. Harstairs whose great love was her late Aunt Caroline; in fact her spinster aunt married the man, but an incident at the wedding ceremony left them apart in life. As she leaves for her estate, she hopes the two found each other in the afterlife.
Susannah is taken aback to find a tenant living at Harstairs House even if Oliver Barstow’s lease runs out in one month. She feels obligated to allow him to remain there for the next thirty days so that he has time to find adequate lodging. However, strange things happen making her wonder if Oliver is trying to scare her away, but his motive remains elusive even as Susannah finds herself falling in love with her border.
This is an entertaining Georgian gothic romantic suspense with all the elements of the sub-genre clearly included in the fine story line. Susannah is the young innocent in peril in her new foreboding home while her beloved is the menacing male who acts more he wants her to leave than as her champion. Readers will enjoy visiting HARSTAIRS HOUSE.
Harriet Klausner
Amanda Grange
Berkley, Dec 2007, $14.00
ISBN: 9780425217733
In 1793 governess Susannah Thorpe learns she inherited Harstairs House from a Mr. Harstairs whose great love was her late Aunt Caroline; in fact her spinster aunt married the man, but an incident at the wedding ceremony left them apart in life. As she leaves for her estate, she hopes the two found each other in the afterlife.
Susannah is taken aback to find a tenant living at Harstairs House even if Oliver Barstow’s lease runs out in one month. She feels obligated to allow him to remain there for the next thirty days so that he has time to find adequate lodging. However, strange things happen making her wonder if Oliver is trying to scare her away, but his motive remains elusive even as Susannah finds herself falling in love with her border.
This is an entertaining Georgian gothic romantic suspense with all the elements of the sub-genre clearly included in the fine story line. Susannah is the young innocent in peril in her new foreboding home while her beloved is the menacing male who acts more he wants her to leave than as her champion. Readers will enjoy visiting HARSTAIRS HOUSE.
Harriet Klausner
Precious Blood-Jonathan Hayes
Precious Blood
Jonathan Hayes
Harper, Nov 2007, $24.95
ISBN: 9780060736668
Following the 9/11 tragedy, Manhattan forensic pathologist Dr. Edward Jenner retires from the medical examiner’s office unable to cope after having witnessed for weeks afterward the results of the calamity. Edward conducts occasional consulting work.
The uncle of East Village resident Ana de Jong pleads with his close friend Edward to help her for she fears for her life. As she explains to him someone brutally murdered her roommate Andrea nailing the Hutchins College law student to a crucifix. Reluctantly Edward takes on the case even while he fears that a ritual serial killer is surfacing and that he mentally may not be able to deal with the horrific deaths that he expects to see. Still more for Ana’s sake than his morbid curiosity, he digs deeper into the investigation and realizes the killings follow a pattern with each new ritual homicide crueler than the previous ones occur.
Fans of serial killer investigations that emphasize forensic science will appreciate Jonathan Hayes’ fine entry as the whodunit inquiries dominate the tale. Jenner is a fabulous protagonist as he suffers from post traumatic fatigue syndrome caused by the 9/11 nightmare; however Mr. Hayes fails to dig deep into the demons eating at his soul. Still PRECIOUS BLOOD is a fine mystery that sub-genre readers will welcome.
Harriet Klausner
Jonathan Hayes
Harper, Nov 2007, $24.95
ISBN: 9780060736668
Following the 9/11 tragedy, Manhattan forensic pathologist Dr. Edward Jenner retires from the medical examiner’s office unable to cope after having witnessed for weeks afterward the results of the calamity. Edward conducts occasional consulting work.
The uncle of East Village resident Ana de Jong pleads with his close friend Edward to help her for she fears for her life. As she explains to him someone brutally murdered her roommate Andrea nailing the Hutchins College law student to a crucifix. Reluctantly Edward takes on the case even while he fears that a ritual serial killer is surfacing and that he mentally may not be able to deal with the horrific deaths that he expects to see. Still more for Ana’s sake than his morbid curiosity, he digs deeper into the investigation and realizes the killings follow a pattern with each new ritual homicide crueler than the previous ones occur.
Fans of serial killer investigations that emphasize forensic science will appreciate Jonathan Hayes’ fine entry as the whodunit inquiries dominate the tale. Jenner is a fabulous protagonist as he suffers from post traumatic fatigue syndrome caused by the 9/11 nightmare; however Mr. Hayes fails to dig deep into the demons eating at his soul. Still PRECIOUS BLOOD is a fine mystery that sub-genre readers will welcome.
Harriet Klausner
The Serpent’s Tale-Ariana Franklin
The Serpent’s Tale
Ariana Franklin
Putnam, Jan 2008, $25.95, 354 pp.
ISBN 9780399154645
Henry II is King of England and is estranged from his wife queen Eleanor, who he has imprisoned for fear she and their sons will try to overthrow him. The king’s mistress Rosamund Clifford gives him much pleasure; so when she is poisoned by mushrooms, The Bishop of St. Albans Rowley Picot goes to Cambridgeshire to fetch Adelia Aguilar so that she can investigate and find out who killed her. Adelia is forced to stay in England because she is a doctor having studied at the School of Medicine at Salerno.
The bishop says that it is the king’s order that she investigate the murder and find out if Eleanor, who escaped her prison, had anything to do with the murder when they arrive at Rosamund’s home. Adelia finds evidence that someone is trying to frame Eleanor for the death of her husband’s mistress. Adelia saves the queen’s life when she suddenly appears but also learns that Eleanor is at the center of the plot to overthrow the king. The bishop wants Rosamund’s murder solved and Eleanor exonerated because the country can’t go through another civil war. The one woman who could have shed some light on the identity of the killer was murdered and her death made to look like a suicide. Trapped in the nunnery of Godstow with the queen, Adelia continues her investigation certain that at least one killer is somewhere with Eleanor and her entourage.
Fans who love the historical mysteries of Sharon Kay Penman are going to thoroughly enjoy THE SERPENT’S TALE, a strong whodunit with a deep glimpse into a bygone era. The protagonist wishes to go home where she has some rights though she is unhappy that she is not allowed to overtly practice medicine; instead she and her Arab friend pretend he is the doctor and she his assistant following his instructions. She is a bright intelligent woman who uses her knowledge to conduct a thorough investigation. Ariana Franklin is a gifted storyteller who provides historical fiction mystery fans with an exciting who-done-it. This tale is also targeted for historical fiction lovers who will thoroughly enjoy this unputdownable tale.
Harriet Klausner
Ariana Franklin
Putnam, Jan 2008, $25.95, 354 pp.
ISBN 9780399154645
Henry II is King of England and is estranged from his wife queen Eleanor, who he has imprisoned for fear she and their sons will try to overthrow him. The king’s mistress Rosamund Clifford gives him much pleasure; so when she is poisoned by mushrooms, The Bishop of St. Albans Rowley Picot goes to Cambridgeshire to fetch Adelia Aguilar so that she can investigate and find out who killed her. Adelia is forced to stay in England because she is a doctor having studied at the School of Medicine at Salerno.
The bishop says that it is the king’s order that she investigate the murder and find out if Eleanor, who escaped her prison, had anything to do with the murder when they arrive at Rosamund’s home. Adelia finds evidence that someone is trying to frame Eleanor for the death of her husband’s mistress. Adelia saves the queen’s life when she suddenly appears but also learns that Eleanor is at the center of the plot to overthrow the king. The bishop wants Rosamund’s murder solved and Eleanor exonerated because the country can’t go through another civil war. The one woman who could have shed some light on the identity of the killer was murdered and her death made to look like a suicide. Trapped in the nunnery of Godstow with the queen, Adelia continues her investigation certain that at least one killer is somewhere with Eleanor and her entourage.
Fans who love the historical mysteries of Sharon Kay Penman are going to thoroughly enjoy THE SERPENT’S TALE, a strong whodunit with a deep glimpse into a bygone era. The protagonist wishes to go home where she has some rights though she is unhappy that she is not allowed to overtly practice medicine; instead she and her Arab friend pretend he is the doctor and she his assistant following his instructions. She is a bright intelligent woman who uses her knowledge to conduct a thorough investigation. Ariana Franklin is a gifted storyteller who provides historical fiction mystery fans with an exciting who-done-it. This tale is also targeted for historical fiction lovers who will thoroughly enjoy this unputdownable tale.
Harriet Klausner
Silken Shadows-Jennifer St. Giles
Silken Shadows
Jennifer St. Giles
Berkley, Dec 2007, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425217948
In 1880 Gemmi Andrews has the uncanny ability to see and hear ghosts. Her skill helps the cops catch Jack "the Ripper" Poole.
However, not long afterward, a series of homicides occur that use the same MO as serial killer Poole; there is only one problem with accusing him of more murders: he is dead. Some assume is a copy cat while others believe Poole is murdering people from beyond the grave. Because of her “gift” Gemmi knows either theory could be correct so she is determined to learn the truth. She sneaks onto Captain Deverell Jansen's ship, but is found. The stowaway and the captain are attracted to one another, but when he perceives she is in danger, he insists they marry so he can keep her safe. As the newlyweds fall in love, she relives each homicide as if she is the victim.
SILKEN SHADOWS is an engaging paranormal romantic suspense starring a likable intrepid heroine who uses her gift to help others and an honorable hero who risks his life to keep his beloved safe. The story line is fast-paced but the hook that grips readers is whether Poole has somehow returned form the dead or from beyond, or is a copy cat on the loose. Fans will also feel for Gemmi who “sees” each homicide first hand. Jennifer St. Giles is at her best with this frightening serial killer thriller.
Harriet Klausner
Jennifer St. Giles
Berkley, Dec 2007, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425217948
In 1880 Gemmi Andrews has the uncanny ability to see and hear ghosts. Her skill helps the cops catch Jack "the Ripper" Poole.
However, not long afterward, a series of homicides occur that use the same MO as serial killer Poole; there is only one problem with accusing him of more murders: he is dead. Some assume is a copy cat while others believe Poole is murdering people from beyond the grave. Because of her “gift” Gemmi knows either theory could be correct so she is determined to learn the truth. She sneaks onto Captain Deverell Jansen's ship, but is found. The stowaway and the captain are attracted to one another, but when he perceives she is in danger, he insists they marry so he can keep her safe. As the newlyweds fall in love, she relives each homicide as if she is the victim.
SILKEN SHADOWS is an engaging paranormal romantic suspense starring a likable intrepid heroine who uses her gift to help others and an honorable hero who risks his life to keep his beloved safe. The story line is fast-paced but the hook that grips readers is whether Poole has somehow returned form the dead or from beyond, or is a copy cat on the loose. Fans will also feel for Gemmi who “sees” each homicide first hand. Jennifer St. Giles is at her best with this frightening serial killer thriller.
Harriet Klausner
Beyond the Dark-Angela Knight, Emma Holly, Lora Leigh and Diane Whiteside
Beyond the Dark
Angela Knight, Emma Holly, Lora Leigh and Diane Whiteside
Berkley, Dec 2007, $14.00
ISBN: 9780425218761
"Dragon's Dance" by Angela Knight. During a SWAT operation, Sergeant Arial Dean is contaminated by the Hyper. The Hyper Tracker tries to nurture Arial through the often deadly change, but she wonders if she survives the Hyper transformation will she endure life without her guide?
"Caught by the Tides” by Diane Whiteside. In 1803 the king's mage Owen Bentham and Emma Sinclair the mage team up with love to prevent Napoleon’s invasion of England.
"Queen of All She Surveys” by Emma Holly. King Ravna sends his son Warrior Prince Memnon as a war prize to the demon enhanced Queen Tou of HHAMOUN with hopes his offspring can capture the lady with sexual wiles, but instead of loathing and betrayal he finds love.
"In a Wolf's Embrace” by Lora Leigh. In 2023 New York, Matthias Slaughter must keep Grace Anderson, a witness to an assassination, alive not so much for her to testify, but because she is his soulmate.
These four erotic romantic fantasies are terrific novellas with strong lead characters that sub-genre fans will fully relish.
Harriet Klausner
Angela Knight, Emma Holly, Lora Leigh and Diane Whiteside
Berkley, Dec 2007, $14.00
ISBN: 9780425218761
"Dragon's Dance" by Angela Knight. During a SWAT operation, Sergeant Arial Dean is contaminated by the Hyper. The Hyper Tracker tries to nurture Arial through the often deadly change, but she wonders if she survives the Hyper transformation will she endure life without her guide?
"Caught by the Tides” by Diane Whiteside. In 1803 the king's mage Owen Bentham and Emma Sinclair the mage team up with love to prevent Napoleon’s invasion of England.
"Queen of All She Surveys” by Emma Holly. King Ravna sends his son Warrior Prince Memnon as a war prize to the demon enhanced Queen Tou of HHAMOUN with hopes his offspring can capture the lady with sexual wiles, but instead of loathing and betrayal he finds love.
"In a Wolf's Embrace” by Lora Leigh. In 2023 New York, Matthias Slaughter must keep Grace Anderson, a witness to an assassination, alive not so much for her to testify, but because she is his soulmate.
These four erotic romantic fantasies are terrific novellas with strong lead characters that sub-genre fans will fully relish.
Harriet Klausner
Destiny's Warrior-Heather Waters
Destiny's Warrior
Heather Waters
Berkley, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780425219621
Fae King Arrane loses the love of his life when the human her cherishes Geraldine leaves his kingdom to keep their offspring safe from his ambitious purebred family. She returns to Scotland where she raised her son Gavin McCain as a single parent; she never told him of his Fae heritage although she never forgot her beloved Arrane.
Years later, Laird Gavin McCain remains ignorant that magic exists let alone his paternal bloodlines affirm it until Lady Nakkole arrives to keep him from harm’s way. Apparently, Gavin's half sister, Queine Elphina, a succubus’s daughter, plans to usurp the Fae throne, but must get rid of the half-breed mortal heir. As purebred Nakkole performs her duty, she falls in love with the half-breed she protects.
This is an entertaining romantic fantasy in which Waters' world seems genuine as the audience will, like the hero, begin to believe that magic is real. The key cast members insure the magical elements come across as plausible especially the metamorphosis of Gavin from scorn to true believer. However, the romance between Nakkole and Gavin seems intrusive as the fast-paced story line is at its best when magic outside of the heart rules.
Harriet Klausner
Heather Waters
Berkley, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780425219621
Fae King Arrane loses the love of his life when the human her cherishes Geraldine leaves his kingdom to keep their offspring safe from his ambitious purebred family. She returns to Scotland where she raised her son Gavin McCain as a single parent; she never told him of his Fae heritage although she never forgot her beloved Arrane.
Years later, Laird Gavin McCain remains ignorant that magic exists let alone his paternal bloodlines affirm it until Lady Nakkole arrives to keep him from harm’s way. Apparently, Gavin's half sister, Queine Elphina, a succubus’s daughter, plans to usurp the Fae throne, but must get rid of the half-breed mortal heir. As purebred Nakkole performs her duty, she falls in love with the half-breed she protects.
This is an entertaining romantic fantasy in which Waters' world seems genuine as the audience will, like the hero, begin to believe that magic is real. The key cast members insure the magical elements come across as plausible especially the metamorphosis of Gavin from scorn to true believer. However, the romance between Nakkole and Gavin seems intrusive as the fast-paced story line is at its best when magic outside of the heart rules.
Harriet Klausner
Monday, October 29, 2007
Hart's Victory-Michele Dunaway
Hart's Victory
Michele Dunaway
Harlequin NASCAR, Dec 2007, $5.99
ISBN: 9780373217823
Single mom Kellie Thompson’s beloved son Charlie is battling for his life against cancer. Charlie is a rabid NASCAR fan; so when a NASCAR camp for terminally ill children is arranged, Kellie insures her child attends.
Charlie's hero NASCAR driver Hart Hampton has been in a slump so is relegated to the charity event for the terminally ill. After meeting mother and son, Hart agrees with Charlie that he and Kellie are perfect for one another. However, she rejects his attention although she is attracted to him; her focus is Charlie. Hart wants both in his life, but though he won the kid over and the mom recognizes he is a caring soul, she still refuses his overtures; Charlie comes in first, second and third.
The romance places second and NASCAR shows up third as the star of this heart-wrenching tale is Charlie as he fights for his life yet wants the best for his mom whom he believes is his hero Hart. The three prime players are fully developed leading to readers feeling deep emotions almost as if they know the ailing child and care for him as much as Hart does. Michele Dunaway provides an angst-laden five tissue box character driven tale.
Harriet Klausner
Michele Dunaway
Harlequin NASCAR, Dec 2007, $5.99
ISBN: 9780373217823
Single mom Kellie Thompson’s beloved son Charlie is battling for his life against cancer. Charlie is a rabid NASCAR fan; so when a NASCAR camp for terminally ill children is arranged, Kellie insures her child attends.
Charlie's hero NASCAR driver Hart Hampton has been in a slump so is relegated to the charity event for the terminally ill. After meeting mother and son, Hart agrees with Charlie that he and Kellie are perfect for one another. However, she rejects his attention although she is attracted to him; her focus is Charlie. Hart wants both in his life, but though he won the kid over and the mom recognizes he is a caring soul, she still refuses his overtures; Charlie comes in first, second and third.
The romance places second and NASCAR shows up third as the star of this heart-wrenching tale is Charlie as he fights for his life yet wants the best for his mom whom he believes is his hero Hart. The three prime players are fully developed leading to readers feeling deep emotions almost as if they know the ailing child and care for him as much as Hart does. Michele Dunaway provides an angst-laden five tissue box character driven tale.
Harriet Klausner
Miles Apart-Ken Casper
Miles Apart
Ken Casper
Harlequin NASCAR, Dec 2007, $5.99
ISBN: 9780373217816
NASCAR superstar Jack Dolman has mixed feelings when he learns about the death of his former wife. He wouldn’t have wanted her to die, but when he goes to the funeral he also sees this as a chance to perhaps reconcile with their strange son Johnny. However, Jack knows the track will be hazardous as his former late wife’s second husband has told many fabrications about him over the years including that Jack had abandoned him when eh was four years old. In fact Johnny became a chip off the old stepfather’s block when he turned to famous Formula One driving.
Johnny hates his father and decides to join NASCAR to punish his biological dad. Meanwhile Jack and his former love Meg Truesdale rekindle what both thought died. She also tries to bring father and son together although she has daughter troubles of her own.
This is a fun NASCAR romance that combines a second chance at love with a family reconciliation drama. Jack is a fabulous protagonist as he struggles with being part of Johnny’s life, but his offspring has spent a quarter of a century hating him. Although a subplot involving Meg’s daughter is unnecessary crowding on the oval, readers will enjoy Ken Casper’s fine tale of a champion driver trying to overcome life’s worst SPEED BUMPS.
Harriet Klausner
Ken Casper
Harlequin NASCAR, Dec 2007, $5.99
ISBN: 9780373217816
NASCAR superstar Jack Dolman has mixed feelings when he learns about the death of his former wife. He wouldn’t have wanted her to die, but when he goes to the funeral he also sees this as a chance to perhaps reconcile with their strange son Johnny. However, Jack knows the track will be hazardous as his former late wife’s second husband has told many fabrications about him over the years including that Jack had abandoned him when eh was four years old. In fact Johnny became a chip off the old stepfather’s block when he turned to famous Formula One driving.
Johnny hates his father and decides to join NASCAR to punish his biological dad. Meanwhile Jack and his former love Meg Truesdale rekindle what both thought died. She also tries to bring father and son together although she has daughter troubles of her own.
This is a fun NASCAR romance that combines a second chance at love with a family reconciliation drama. Jack is a fabulous protagonist as he struggles with being part of Johnny’s life, but his offspring has spent a quarter of a century hating him. Although a subplot involving Meg’s daughter is unnecessary crowding on the oval, readers will enjoy Ken Casper’s fine tale of a champion driver trying to overcome life’s worst SPEED BUMPS.
Harriet Klausner
I Never Saw Paris-Harry I. Freund
I Never Saw Paris
Harry I. Freund
Carroll & Graf, Aug 2007, $23.00
ISBN: 9780786720545
In Manhattan, four people wait on the sidewalk for chance to cross Park Ave when a car jumps the curb killing each of them and the driver. The group of strangers consists of sexagenarian businessman Irving Caldman, fifty something personal shopper for the wealthy Clarissa Bowen; grandmother Essie Mae Rowder employed as a housemaid; twentyish interior decorator Brett Taylor; and the driver Mendel Perlow who survived the holocaust to own a New York candy store.
Malakh welcomes the group at a heavenly rest stop where he prepares the quintet for their upcoming worthiness before the Judge of the Universe. He orders each to share their life history with the others. At first none of the five are comfortable revealing their inner most fears and desires, but over the course of bickering and fighting, each opens up revealing good and bad memories as a camaraderie forms.
This is a fabulous parable with an interesting spin on how heaven works and what it takes to get there as deeds count. The story line focuses on all five recently deceased mortals with Irving as the prime player with his dry assertion that he never saw Paris nor will he at least in that lifetime. Readers will appreciate Harry I. Freund’s insightful look at five strangers going through the stages of a group (Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing and Terminating as Malakh moves them on) while also the stages of grief for those they left behind.
Harriet Klausner
Harry I. Freund
Carroll & Graf, Aug 2007, $23.00
ISBN: 9780786720545
In Manhattan, four people wait on the sidewalk for chance to cross Park Ave when a car jumps the curb killing each of them and the driver. The group of strangers consists of sexagenarian businessman Irving Caldman, fifty something personal shopper for the wealthy Clarissa Bowen; grandmother Essie Mae Rowder employed as a housemaid; twentyish interior decorator Brett Taylor; and the driver Mendel Perlow who survived the holocaust to own a New York candy store.
Malakh welcomes the group at a heavenly rest stop where he prepares the quintet for their upcoming worthiness before the Judge of the Universe. He orders each to share their life history with the others. At first none of the five are comfortable revealing their inner most fears and desires, but over the course of bickering and fighting, each opens up revealing good and bad memories as a camaraderie forms.
This is a fabulous parable with an interesting spin on how heaven works and what it takes to get there as deeds count. The story line focuses on all five recently deceased mortals with Irving as the prime player with his dry assertion that he never saw Paris nor will he at least in that lifetime. Readers will appreciate Harry I. Freund’s insightful look at five strangers going through the stages of a group (Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing and Terminating as Malakh moves them on) while also the stages of grief for those they left behind.
Harriet Klausner
I Never Saw Paris-Harry I. Freund
I Never Saw Paris
Harry I. Freund
Carroll & Graf, Aug 2007, $23.00
ISBN: 9780786720545
In Manhattan, four people wait on the sidewalk for chance to cross Park Ave when a car jumps the curb killing each of them and the driver. The group of strangers consists of sexagenarian businessman Irving Caldman, fifty something personal shopper for the wealthy Clarissa Bowen; grandmother Essie Mae Rowder employed as a housemaid; twentyish interior decorator Brett Taylor; and the driver Mendel Perlow who survived the holocaust to own a New York candy store.
Malakh welcomes the group at a heavenly rest stop where he prepares the quintet for their upcoming worthiness before the Judge of the Universe. He orders each to share their life history with the others. At first none of the five are comfortable revealing their inner most fears and desires, but over the course of bickering and fighting, each opens up revealing good and bad memories as a camaraderie forms.
This is a fabulous parable with an interesting spin on how heaven works and what it takes to get there as deeds count. The story line focuses on all five recently deceased mortals with Irving as the prime player with his dry assertion that he never saw Paris nor will he at least in that lifetime. Readers will appreciate Harry I. Freund’s insightful look at five strangers going through the stages of a group (Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing and Terminating as Malakh moves them on) while also the stages of grief for those they left behind.
Harriet Klausner
Harry I. Freund
Carroll & Graf, Aug 2007, $23.00
ISBN: 9780786720545
In Manhattan, four people wait on the sidewalk for chance to cross Park Ave when a car jumps the curb killing each of them and the driver. The group of strangers consists of sexagenarian businessman Irving Caldman, fifty something personal shopper for the wealthy Clarissa Bowen; grandmother Essie Mae Rowder employed as a housemaid; twentyish interior decorator Brett Taylor; and the driver Mendel Perlow who survived the holocaust to own a New York candy store.
Malakh welcomes the group at a heavenly rest stop where he prepares the quintet for their upcoming worthiness before the Judge of the Universe. He orders each to share their life history with the others. At first none of the five are comfortable revealing their inner most fears and desires, but over the course of bickering and fighting, each opens up revealing good and bad memories as a camaraderie forms.
This is a fabulous parable with an interesting spin on how heaven works and what it takes to get there as deeds count. The story line focuses on all five recently deceased mortals with Irving as the prime player with his dry assertion that he never saw Paris nor will he at least in that lifetime. Readers will appreciate Harry I. Freund’s insightful look at five strangers going through the stages of a group (Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing and Terminating as Malakh moves them on) while also the stages of grief for those they left behind.
Harriet Klausner
Chile Con Corpses-J.B. Stanley
Chile Con Corpses
J.B. Stanley
Midnight Six, Jan 2008, $13.95, 288 pp.
ISBN: 9780738712598
James, Bennett, Lindy, Lucy and Gillian are members of the Flab Five, a club who supports the members concerning proper diet and exercise so they can lose weight. It is a diverse group with Lindy trying to get up the courage to tell the high school principal she likes him. James and Lucy are an entry but the two are drifting apart and the relationship ends when he sees her with another man who is helping her pass her test to be a police officer.
James is drafted into being a chaperone at the Luray Caverns where art students can paint after hours. While everyone is in a different area, one of the students finds the body of Parker Willis who they later find out is an heiress who was in practice with veterinarian Collin Crabtree. Her twin sister Kinsley is distraught so the group members try to console her. They once again start sleuthing to find the killer while Kinsley lets her ex-boyfriend Gary console her.
CHILI CON CORPSES is as much a tale of friends with common interests as it is an amateur sleuth mystery. The five members of the support group know each other’s strengths and faults, but like each other despite of their weaknesses. James is the glue that holds the story together as he takes care of his father, tries to remain friends with Lucy while pursuing another relationship and guiding the investigation so that nobody is in danger.
Harriet KlausnerChile Con Corpses
J.B. Stanley
Midnight Six, Jan 2008, $13.95, 288 pp.
ISBN: 9780738712598
James, Bennett, Lindy, Lucy and Gillian are members of the Flab Five, a club who supports the members concerning proper diet and exercise so they can lose weight. It is a diverse group with Lindy trying to get up the courage to tell the high school principal she likes him. James and Lucy are an entry but the two are drifting apart and the relationship ends when he sees her with another man who is helping her pass her test to be a police officer.
James is drafted into being a chaperone at the Luray Caverns where art students can paint after hours. While everyone is in a different area, one of the students finds the body of Parker Willis who they later find out is an heiress who was in practice with veterinarian Collin Crabtree. Her twin sister Kinsley is distraught so the group members try to console her. They once again start sleuthing to find the killer while Kinsley lets her ex-boyfriend Gary console her.
CHILI CON CORPSES is as much a tale of friends with common interests as it is an amateur sleuth mystery. The five members of the support group know each other’s strengths and faults, but like each other despite of their weaknesses. James is the glue that holds the story together as he takes care of his father, tries to remain friends with Lucy while pursuing another relationship and guiding the investigation so that nobody is in danger.
Harriet Klausner
J.B. Stanley
Midnight Six, Jan 2008, $13.95, 288 pp.
ISBN: 9780738712598
James, Bennett, Lindy, Lucy and Gillian are members of the Flab Five, a club who supports the members concerning proper diet and exercise so they can lose weight. It is a diverse group with Lindy trying to get up the courage to tell the high school principal she likes him. James and Lucy are an entry but the two are drifting apart and the relationship ends when he sees her with another man who is helping her pass her test to be a police officer.
James is drafted into being a chaperone at the Luray Caverns where art students can paint after hours. While everyone is in a different area, one of the students finds the body of Parker Willis who they later find out is an heiress who was in practice with veterinarian Collin Crabtree. Her twin sister Kinsley is distraught so the group members try to console her. They once again start sleuthing to find the killer while Kinsley lets her ex-boyfriend Gary console her.
CHILI CON CORPSES is as much a tale of friends with common interests as it is an amateur sleuth mystery. The five members of the support group know each other’s strengths and faults, but like each other despite of their weaknesses. James is the glue that holds the story together as he takes care of his father, tries to remain friends with Lucy while pursuing another relationship and guiding the investigation so that nobody is in danger.
Harriet KlausnerChile Con Corpses
J.B. Stanley
Midnight Six, Jan 2008, $13.95, 288 pp.
ISBN: 9780738712598
James, Bennett, Lindy, Lucy and Gillian are members of the Flab Five, a club who supports the members concerning proper diet and exercise so they can lose weight. It is a diverse group with Lindy trying to get up the courage to tell the high school principal she likes him. James and Lucy are an entry but the two are drifting apart and the relationship ends when he sees her with another man who is helping her pass her test to be a police officer.
James is drafted into being a chaperone at the Luray Caverns where art students can paint after hours. While everyone is in a different area, one of the students finds the body of Parker Willis who they later find out is an heiress who was in practice with veterinarian Collin Crabtree. Her twin sister Kinsley is distraught so the group members try to console her. They once again start sleuthing to find the killer while Kinsley lets her ex-boyfriend Gary console her.
CHILI CON CORPSES is as much a tale of friends with common interests as it is an amateur sleuth mystery. The five members of the support group know each other’s strengths and faults, but like each other despite of their weaknesses. James is the glue that holds the story together as he takes care of his father, tries to remain friends with Lucy while pursuing another relationship and guiding the investigation so that nobody is in danger.
Harriet Klausner
Blood Dreams-Kay Hooper
Blood Dreams
Kay Hooper
Bantam, Jan 2007, $25.00, 336 pp.
ISBN 9780553804843
A serial killer has tortured and brutalized at least twelve women in Boston and the police don’t have any evidence that would lead to his identity. The last woman he killed was a senator’s daughter and the notoriety he brought upon himself gets him to move to Ventura, Georgia in Prophet County. Meanwhile the new director of the FBI orders Agent in Charge Noah Bishop and his team to keep hunting in Boston because he doesn’t believe in psychic powers especially those that point to the serial killer leaving the area.
Bishop is forced to work with Haven, the civilian group of psychics that were organized by a wealthy businessman married to an empath. Dani Justice returns to Ventura to help law enforcement since she is a psychic and part of Haven. She has the ability to dream walk and pull others into her dreams. The sheriff believes in her powers because he has seen them demonstrated and because he loves her even though she ran away from the town and him. Now she is connected to the danger from a monster who relishes tearing his victims apart.
The latest Bishop/Special Crimes Unit thriller is a powerful, energizing and enthralling police procedural that fans will be unable to put down. Both Bishop and his wife Miranda make appearances and Hollis who appeared in several previous books in this series plays a pivotal role as she grows as a medium. The heroine is a strong independent woman who is determined to catch the killer through her way while also deciding whether she wants to be part of Haven.
Harriet Klausner
Kay Hooper
Bantam, Jan 2007, $25.00, 336 pp.
ISBN 9780553804843
A serial killer has tortured and brutalized at least twelve women in Boston and the police don’t have any evidence that would lead to his identity. The last woman he killed was a senator’s daughter and the notoriety he brought upon himself gets him to move to Ventura, Georgia in Prophet County. Meanwhile the new director of the FBI orders Agent in Charge Noah Bishop and his team to keep hunting in Boston because he doesn’t believe in psychic powers especially those that point to the serial killer leaving the area.
Bishop is forced to work with Haven, the civilian group of psychics that were organized by a wealthy businessman married to an empath. Dani Justice returns to Ventura to help law enforcement since she is a psychic and part of Haven. She has the ability to dream walk and pull others into her dreams. The sheriff believes in her powers because he has seen them demonstrated and because he loves her even though she ran away from the town and him. Now she is connected to the danger from a monster who relishes tearing his victims apart.
The latest Bishop/Special Crimes Unit thriller is a powerful, energizing and enthralling police procedural that fans will be unable to put down. Both Bishop and his wife Miranda make appearances and Hollis who appeared in several previous books in this series plays a pivotal role as she grows as a medium. The heroine is a strong independent woman who is determined to catch the killer through her way while also deciding whether she wants to be part of Haven.
Harriet Klausner
Sizzle and Burn-Jayne Ann Krentz
Sizzle and Burn
Jayne Ann Krentz
Putnam, Jan 207, $24.95, 368 pp.
ISBN: 9780399154454
After her aunt died, Raine Tallentyre returned to Shelbyville, Washington to arrange to have Vella’s house sold. Raine is a psychic, a clairvoyant who hears the voices of evil people who have touched something she has touched. That is how Raine knows that a young woman is locked in a padlocked closet in her aunt’s basement. When the police arrive and open the door she is still alive. The victim tells the authorities the man thought she was a witch and all witches had to die.
Parapsychic Zack Jones is a private investigator for the Arcane Society, an organization dedicated to doing research on psychic powers; he is not repulsed by Raine’s powers because he has visions too. The Arcane Society is in a fight with Nightshade, an organization of criminal psychics, who stole the original formula of the founder of the Arcane Society to enhance paranormal abilities. The drawback is that every dose the person takes leads to insanity and finally suicide. Zack wants Raine to help him locate missing scientist Dr. Lawrence Quinn who was working on the formula to enhance para powers without going insane. The missing scientist was last scene in Oriana near the home of Raine’s late aunt. Zacl wants to rescue the researcher or deal with him if he is a traitor and she wants to find out if her aunt was murdered. Together they make a great team in and out of the bedroom.
Jayne Anne Krentz has written another best seller that is going to the top of the New York Times bestseller list. This latest Arcane Society novel is full of action, intrigue, romance and double agents who keep the protagonists busy trying to figure out who they are. The support cast is quirky, a Krentz trademark and add a degree of beauty to a fast paced thriller. Readers get a fascinating inside look at the Arcane Society.
Harriet Klausner
Jayne Ann Krentz
Putnam, Jan 207, $24.95, 368 pp.
ISBN: 9780399154454
After her aunt died, Raine Tallentyre returned to Shelbyville, Washington to arrange to have Vella’s house sold. Raine is a psychic, a clairvoyant who hears the voices of evil people who have touched something she has touched. That is how Raine knows that a young woman is locked in a padlocked closet in her aunt’s basement. When the police arrive and open the door she is still alive. The victim tells the authorities the man thought she was a witch and all witches had to die.
Parapsychic Zack Jones is a private investigator for the Arcane Society, an organization dedicated to doing research on psychic powers; he is not repulsed by Raine’s powers because he has visions too. The Arcane Society is in a fight with Nightshade, an organization of criminal psychics, who stole the original formula of the founder of the Arcane Society to enhance paranormal abilities. The drawback is that every dose the person takes leads to insanity and finally suicide. Zack wants Raine to help him locate missing scientist Dr. Lawrence Quinn who was working on the formula to enhance para powers without going insane. The missing scientist was last scene in Oriana near the home of Raine’s late aunt. Zacl wants to rescue the researcher or deal with him if he is a traitor and she wants to find out if her aunt was murdered. Together they make a great team in and out of the bedroom.
Jayne Anne Krentz has written another best seller that is going to the top of the New York Times bestseller list. This latest Arcane Society novel is full of action, intrigue, romance and double agents who keep the protagonists busy trying to figure out who they are. The support cast is quirky, a Krentz trademark and add a degree of beauty to a fast paced thriller. Readers get a fascinating inside look at the Arcane Society.
Harriet Klausner
Half the Blood of Brooklyn-Charlie Huston
Half the Blood of Brooklyn
Charlie Huston
Del Rey, Jan 2007, $13.95, 246 pp.
ISBN: 9780345495877
Vampyre P.I. Joe Pitt is no longer a Rogue but is an Enforcer for the Society, a clan that carved out a piece of Manhattan belonging to the Coalition. The two clans have an uneasy truce, one that can be broken by the smallest misdeed. Joe isn’t interested in vampire politics but in his girlfriend Evie who is dying from AIDS. However, it is just a matter of time before war breaks out and the Manhattan clans are trying to get allies from the outer boroughs.
Terry, the leader of the Society is turned down by the Docks for an alliance and he retaliates even though he knows he will make an enemy of that clan. Joe is sent to look at a death caused by what looks like Van Helsing and the sad part is that the victim was not a vampire but a businessman who sold blood to the vamps. Another clan wants to negotiate but this time when Joe drives to Brooklyn, he is taking a hostage so that the negotiator will be brought back when talks are finished with Terry. It sounds like a simple plan but Joe becomes involved in a clan war and the end result is losing everything that matters to him.
This dark supernatural urban noir shows a brutal vampire society that is hidden amidst humans yet are predators who think of humans as prey. Manhattan is the perfect place for this storyline to take place because it is full of predators only in Charlie Huston’s world they are of the supernatural kind.. Most are out for themselves and want power and territory. Joe is no choir boy but a predator who has one soft spot, his dying Evie. Clan warfare is comparable to the mafia wars.
Harriet Klausner
Charlie Huston
Del Rey, Jan 2007, $13.95, 246 pp.
ISBN: 9780345495877
Vampyre P.I. Joe Pitt is no longer a Rogue but is an Enforcer for the Society, a clan that carved out a piece of Manhattan belonging to the Coalition. The two clans have an uneasy truce, one that can be broken by the smallest misdeed. Joe isn’t interested in vampire politics but in his girlfriend Evie who is dying from AIDS. However, it is just a matter of time before war breaks out and the Manhattan clans are trying to get allies from the outer boroughs.
Terry, the leader of the Society is turned down by the Docks for an alliance and he retaliates even though he knows he will make an enemy of that clan. Joe is sent to look at a death caused by what looks like Van Helsing and the sad part is that the victim was not a vampire but a businessman who sold blood to the vamps. Another clan wants to negotiate but this time when Joe drives to Brooklyn, he is taking a hostage so that the negotiator will be brought back when talks are finished with Terry. It sounds like a simple plan but Joe becomes involved in a clan war and the end result is losing everything that matters to him.
This dark supernatural urban noir shows a brutal vampire society that is hidden amidst humans yet are predators who think of humans as prey. Manhattan is the perfect place for this storyline to take place because it is full of predators only in Charlie Huston’s world they are of the supernatural kind.. Most are out for themselves and want power and territory. Joe is no choir boy but a predator who has one soft spot, his dying Evie. Clan warfare is comparable to the mafia wars.
Harriet Klausner
Racing the Dark-Alaya Dawn Johnson
Racing the Dark
Alaya Dawn Johnson
Bolden, Sep 2007, $24.00
ISBN: 9781932841282
Teenage Lana lives on the island earning a living diving in fresh water to take jewels from mandagah fish. When Lana goes through the rite of adulthood ceremony, she finds a special blood-red jewel that she hides from her family and the village elders. She knows the gem means she is someone with power, but she does not want to become an elder as those who obtain special jewels become; elders have no independence as their life is filled with responsibilities for others.
Six months after she hid the jewel, the village cash crop, the mandagah fish are dying out caused by changes to their watery environs. Lana’s family wants to relocate to another island, but have no means to pay neither the transportation nor settling. To do so Lana obtains an apprenticeship with a strange “exiled” witch the sorceress Akua, who uses blood sacrifice to fuel her spells. As Lana learns how to cast spells, she must sacrifice something of personal value to cast her incantations. When she is tricked into sacrificing her beloved mother, Lanai knows she cannot; she must find someway to save her mother’s life, which means using even more ancient forbidden dark magic.
This is a terrific coming of age fantasy thriller starring a thirteen years old girl whose rite of passage into adulthood takes a dark turn when she finds the special blood gem. Readers will feel they have entered Johnson’s Island (not the military base in the Pacific) realm as the geography and climate come across rather influentially and powerfully. However, the island culture beyond the gem economy and government never fully seems developed although in fairness the gems are the heart of society. Still filled with twists especially the key Twilight Zone spin, young adults will enjoy RACING THE DARK alongside of Lana, who would do anything for her beloved mother as witnessed by her sacrificing her soul to apprentice to the blood witch.
Harriet Klausner
Alaya Dawn Johnson
Bolden, Sep 2007, $24.00
ISBN: 9781932841282
Teenage Lana lives on the island earning a living diving in fresh water to take jewels from mandagah fish. When Lana goes through the rite of adulthood ceremony, she finds a special blood-red jewel that she hides from her family and the village elders. She knows the gem means she is someone with power, but she does not want to become an elder as those who obtain special jewels become; elders have no independence as their life is filled with responsibilities for others.
Six months after she hid the jewel, the village cash crop, the mandagah fish are dying out caused by changes to their watery environs. Lana’s family wants to relocate to another island, but have no means to pay neither the transportation nor settling. To do so Lana obtains an apprenticeship with a strange “exiled” witch the sorceress Akua, who uses blood sacrifice to fuel her spells. As Lana learns how to cast spells, she must sacrifice something of personal value to cast her incantations. When she is tricked into sacrificing her beloved mother, Lanai knows she cannot; she must find someway to save her mother’s life, which means using even more ancient forbidden dark magic.
This is a terrific coming of age fantasy thriller starring a thirteen years old girl whose rite of passage into adulthood takes a dark turn when she finds the special blood gem. Readers will feel they have entered Johnson’s Island (not the military base in the Pacific) realm as the geography and climate come across rather influentially and powerfully. However, the island culture beyond the gem economy and government never fully seems developed although in fairness the gems are the heart of society. Still filled with twists especially the key Twilight Zone spin, young adults will enjoy RACING THE DARK alongside of Lana, who would do anything for her beloved mother as witnessed by her sacrificing her soul to apprentice to the blood witch.
Harriet Klausner
Sunday, October 28, 2007
The Good Thief’s Guide to Amsterdam-Chris Ewan
The Good Thief’s Guide to Amsterdam
Chris Ewan
St. Martin’s, Nov 2007, $23.95
ISBN: 9780312376338
Charles Howard is the successful author of a suspense series starring a suave courageous cat burglar detective, Faulks. However, fiction imitates real life as Charles supplements his income and creative juices by being a successful burglar just like his Faulks is.
Howard is currently completing his latest Faulks thriller in Amsterdam when on his web site he receives an enigmatic summons that peaks his interest. He meets with an American who knows the truth about Howard’s moonlighting extravaganza; the American offers him 20,000 Euros to steal two monkey figurines. Reluctantly, as he wonders how his client knows the truth about his nocturnal activities, he carries out the assignment. However, when he returns to deliver the items, he finds his client almost dead from a vicious assault and the matching third figurine missing. As the Dutch police investigate the beating with Howard as a suspect, he makes inquiries that link back to a diamond robbery over ten years ago while his London based editor suggests plot changes, not realizing her recommendations might be tested in real life not a novel.
THE GOOD THIEF’S GUIDE TO AMSTERDAM is a humorous crime caper that pays homage to the classic To Catch a Thief, but does so in a lighthearted satirical tongue in cheek way. Charles is a unique impish rogue who finds himself in a dangerous encounter with a killer. The subplot involving his editor is creative and amusing as she offers advice to make his latest story line seem plausible and genuine, but not understanding that the escapade is real. Readers will enjoy this fine look at Amsterdam through the eyes of a cat burglarizing author struggling to keep his nine lives in tact.
Harriet Klausner
Chris Ewan
St. Martin’s, Nov 2007, $23.95
ISBN: 9780312376338
Charles Howard is the successful author of a suspense series starring a suave courageous cat burglar detective, Faulks. However, fiction imitates real life as Charles supplements his income and creative juices by being a successful burglar just like his Faulks is.
Howard is currently completing his latest Faulks thriller in Amsterdam when on his web site he receives an enigmatic summons that peaks his interest. He meets with an American who knows the truth about Howard’s moonlighting extravaganza; the American offers him 20,000 Euros to steal two monkey figurines. Reluctantly, as he wonders how his client knows the truth about his nocturnal activities, he carries out the assignment. However, when he returns to deliver the items, he finds his client almost dead from a vicious assault and the matching third figurine missing. As the Dutch police investigate the beating with Howard as a suspect, he makes inquiries that link back to a diamond robbery over ten years ago while his London based editor suggests plot changes, not realizing her recommendations might be tested in real life not a novel.
THE GOOD THIEF’S GUIDE TO AMSTERDAM is a humorous crime caper that pays homage to the classic To Catch a Thief, but does so in a lighthearted satirical tongue in cheek way. Charles is a unique impish rogue who finds himself in a dangerous encounter with a killer. The subplot involving his editor is creative and amusing as she offers advice to make his latest story line seem plausible and genuine, but not understanding that the escapade is real. Readers will enjoy this fine look at Amsterdam through the eyes of a cat burglarizing author struggling to keep his nine lives in tact.
Harriet Klausner
Down Into Darkness-David Lawrence
Down Into Darkness
David Lawrence
Dunne, Nov 2007, $24.95
ISBN: 9780312347420
In London, the naked body of a murdered female is left hanging from a tree with the words “DIRTY GIRL” engraved on her back. Police Detective Stella Mooney of the Area Major Investigation Pool is assigned to investigate this brutal killing.
However, she and her AMIP team make no progress as the motive remains unknown. Not long afterward, a naked male corpse of a researcher whose neck was sliced to near decapitation with another etched message “FILTHY COWARD” is found on a bench. Anxious that a serial killer is on the loose although the two homicides have not been linked, Mooney and her AMIP team desperately work to uncover the motives behind the crime before a third victim surfaces.
The forth Mooney English police procedural is a fabulous cat and mouse investigative thriller. The story line is action-packed from the moment the first message appears and never slows down as the cops struggle with solving a case that terrorizes the city (similar to what Son of Sam did to New Yorkers in 1977). Sub-genre fans will appreciate David Lawrence’s latest masterful Mooney tale as this is a gripping winner; just like its predecessors (see COLD KILL, NOTHING LIKE THE NIGHT and THE DEAD SIT AROUND IN A RING).
Harriet Klausner
David Lawrence
Dunne, Nov 2007, $24.95
ISBN: 9780312347420
In London, the naked body of a murdered female is left hanging from a tree with the words “DIRTY GIRL” engraved on her back. Police Detective Stella Mooney of the Area Major Investigation Pool is assigned to investigate this brutal killing.
However, she and her AMIP team make no progress as the motive remains unknown. Not long afterward, a naked male corpse of a researcher whose neck was sliced to near decapitation with another etched message “FILTHY COWARD” is found on a bench. Anxious that a serial killer is on the loose although the two homicides have not been linked, Mooney and her AMIP team desperately work to uncover the motives behind the crime before a third victim surfaces.
The forth Mooney English police procedural is a fabulous cat and mouse investigative thriller. The story line is action-packed from the moment the first message appears and never slows down as the cops struggle with solving a case that terrorizes the city (similar to what Son of Sam did to New Yorkers in 1977). Sub-genre fans will appreciate David Lawrence’s latest masterful Mooney tale as this is a gripping winner; just like its predecessors (see COLD KILL, NOTHING LIKE THE NIGHT and THE DEAD SIT AROUND IN A RING).
Harriet Klausner
Salamander Cotton-Richard Kunzmann
Salamander Cotton
Richard Kunzmann
Dunne, Nov 2007, $24.95
ISBN: 9780312360344
In Johannesburg Police Detective Inspector Jacob Tshabalala investigates the homicide of elderly former mining boss Bernard Klamm. The murder was extremely brutal and Jacob wonders if the violence ties back to the victim’s extensive pornography collection. He also learns that the divorced Klamm was once married to a Henrietta Campbell and their daughter vanished without a trace three decades ago making the sleuth ponder if that is the key clue or just a coincidental red herring.
As the official investigation goes slowly, Henrietta hires private investigator Harry Mason based on Jacob’s recommendation re his former partner, to dig deep especially in the Northern Cape where Klamm owned a remote farm. Mason checks into the three decade old disappearance of their daughter to see if the present killing is linked. He is unprepared for corporate cover-ups of asbestos mining effects on the workers and angry acrimonious people seeking vengeance to what has occurred to them due to avaricious irresponsibility.
This starts off as an exhilarating South African police procedural, but turns into an exciting private investigative tale that ties the 1960s with the 1990s. The whodunit is fast-paced and filled with twists and red herrings. The contrasts between the two eras are incredibly striking and enhance a strong murder mystery that like the first Tshabalala-Mason team-up (BLOODY HARVEST) will enthrall the audience with its insightful look at South Africa through the eyes of the two sleuths.
Harriet Klausner
Richard Kunzmann
Dunne, Nov 2007, $24.95
ISBN: 9780312360344
In Johannesburg Police Detective Inspector Jacob Tshabalala investigates the homicide of elderly former mining boss Bernard Klamm. The murder was extremely brutal and Jacob wonders if the violence ties back to the victim’s extensive pornography collection. He also learns that the divorced Klamm was once married to a Henrietta Campbell and their daughter vanished without a trace three decades ago making the sleuth ponder if that is the key clue or just a coincidental red herring.
As the official investigation goes slowly, Henrietta hires private investigator Harry Mason based on Jacob’s recommendation re his former partner, to dig deep especially in the Northern Cape where Klamm owned a remote farm. Mason checks into the three decade old disappearance of their daughter to see if the present killing is linked. He is unprepared for corporate cover-ups of asbestos mining effects on the workers and angry acrimonious people seeking vengeance to what has occurred to them due to avaricious irresponsibility.
This starts off as an exhilarating South African police procedural, but turns into an exciting private investigative tale that ties the 1960s with the 1990s. The whodunit is fast-paced and filled with twists and red herrings. The contrasts between the two eras are incredibly striking and enhance a strong murder mystery that like the first Tshabalala-Mason team-up (BLOODY HARVEST) will enthrall the audience with its insightful look at South Africa through the eyes of the two sleuths.
Harriet Klausner
The Year’s Best Science Fiction Twenty-Fourth Annual Collection-Edited by Gardner Dozois
The Year’s Best Science Fiction Twenty-Fourth Annual Collection
Edited by Gardner Dozois
St. Martin’s, Jul 2007, $21.95
ISBN: 9780312363352
As always this annual collection is the best science fiction anthology of the year. Besides the strong selection of twenty-eight stories, the Summation 2006 is an interesting article that concludes that 2006 was “overall a relatively uneventful year”. Still in this quiet year, Mr. Dozois references Locus magazine stating that “there were 2495 books of interest to the SF field” excluding a myriad of Internet options and other tie-ins that would dramatically increase the total. All of the chosen twenty-eight are well written with many of the authors highly regarded like Cory Docterow, Robert Charles Wilson, Kage Baker, Alastair Reynolds, Robert Reed, Greg Egan, Elizabeth Bear, Sarah Monette and Stephen Baxter, etc. The best of the best (at least in my opinion) are "Riding the Crocodile" by Greg Egan in which two immortals consider boldly conspicuously suicide together; Robert Charles Wilson’s Julian: A Christmas Story as two men meet and struggle to survive a wintry night before traveling different life paths; and a tour of Venus in Tin Marsh by Michael Stanwick, who according to Mr. Dozois has been writing for over two decades, but I confess I only read any of his works for the first time recently (see THE DRAGONS OF BABEL). Once gain this is a superb compilation as none of the entries are losers and most are excellent exploring the genre from quantum physics communicating with the dead to outer space and beyond; 2006 may have been lacking in innovation, but still with quality tales abound prove to be a great year affirmed by Mr. Dozois’ latest anthology.
Harriet Klausner
Edited by Gardner Dozois
St. Martin’s, Jul 2007, $21.95
ISBN: 9780312363352
As always this annual collection is the best science fiction anthology of the year. Besides the strong selection of twenty-eight stories, the Summation 2006 is an interesting article that concludes that 2006 was “overall a relatively uneventful year”. Still in this quiet year, Mr. Dozois references Locus magazine stating that “there were 2495 books of interest to the SF field” excluding a myriad of Internet options and other tie-ins that would dramatically increase the total. All of the chosen twenty-eight are well written with many of the authors highly regarded like Cory Docterow, Robert Charles Wilson, Kage Baker, Alastair Reynolds, Robert Reed, Greg Egan, Elizabeth Bear, Sarah Monette and Stephen Baxter, etc. The best of the best (at least in my opinion) are "Riding the Crocodile" by Greg Egan in which two immortals consider boldly conspicuously suicide together; Robert Charles Wilson’s Julian: A Christmas Story as two men meet and struggle to survive a wintry night before traveling different life paths; and a tour of Venus in Tin Marsh by Michael Stanwick, who according to Mr. Dozois has been writing for over two decades, but I confess I only read any of his works for the first time recently (see THE DRAGONS OF BABEL). Once gain this is a superb compilation as none of the entries are losers and most are excellent exploring the genre from quantum physics communicating with the dead to outer space and beyond; 2006 may have been lacking in innovation, but still with quality tales abound prove to be a great year affirmed by Mr. Dozois’ latest anthology.
Harriet Klausner
The Curse of the Campfire Weenies: And Other Warped and Creepy Tales-David Lubar
The Curse of the Campfire Weenies: And Other Warped and Creepy Tales
David Lubar
Starscape, Sep 2007, $15.95
ISBN: 9780765318077
As with the two previous “Weenie …” Tales (see LAND OF THE LAWN WEENIES and INVASION OF THE ROAD WEENIES), this collection consists of thirty-five extremely short stories (average size is approximately five pages) that target children as the prime audience. The tales are fun to read and usually contain a subtle morality message or a question to ponder that is interwoven into the story. For instance in “Mr. HooHaa”, Mr. Lubar asks a key metaphysical question of are clowns more frightening without the make-up or a profound look into the universally accepted tenet that “You Are What You Eat”. In “The Tunnel of Terror”, Rachel learns the hard way that avoidance or even closing your eyes does not make the issue vanish (sounds like Rachel will grow up to be a politician). So like Ben get yourself a drink at “The Soda Fountain” and enjoy reading the warped and creepy tales of an expert as Mr. Lubar’s latest shows how the grass is not necessarily greener when you escape from “The Curse of the Campfire Weenies” to end up with the Girl Scouts singing campfire weenies.
Harriet Klausner
David Lubar
Starscape, Sep 2007, $15.95
ISBN: 9780765318077
As with the two previous “Weenie …” Tales (see LAND OF THE LAWN WEENIES and INVASION OF THE ROAD WEENIES), this collection consists of thirty-five extremely short stories (average size is approximately five pages) that target children as the prime audience. The tales are fun to read and usually contain a subtle morality message or a question to ponder that is interwoven into the story. For instance in “Mr. HooHaa”, Mr. Lubar asks a key metaphysical question of are clowns more frightening without the make-up or a profound look into the universally accepted tenet that “You Are What You Eat”. In “The Tunnel of Terror”, Rachel learns the hard way that avoidance or even closing your eyes does not make the issue vanish (sounds like Rachel will grow up to be a politician). So like Ben get yourself a drink at “The Soda Fountain” and enjoy reading the warped and creepy tales of an expert as Mr. Lubar’s latest shows how the grass is not necessarily greener when you escape from “The Curse of the Campfire Weenies” to end up with the Girl Scouts singing campfire weenies.
Harriet Klausner
The Dragons of Babel-Michael Swanwick
The Dragons of Babel
Michael Swanwick
Tor, Jan 2008, $25.95
ISBN: 9780765319500
In a tiny village east of Avalon and on the edge of the Old Forest, young orphan Will le Fey and others saw the war dragons with their riders soaring in the sky. Whereas the others fled to the safety of their village from either side of the war as the basilisk are as nasty to the innocent civilians as the dragons and their half mortal riders; Will stayed to watch although an explosion warped time.
Not long afterward, a wingless crippled dragon with holes in his fuselage crawled out of the Old Forest and collapsed in the village. The villagers assume he belongs to Will, instead this feral beast made of flesh and metal owns the lad and declares he is the king of this area From that point forward, every evening, the somewhat healing dragon uses the boy to learn of any insurrections until the locals exile Will. The patrol capture him as no wanders the land and take him to a refugee camp run more like a prison. However, conmander Nat Whilk frees Will whose odyssey continues below the food chain at the sewerage and stinking tunnels beneath the Dread Tower of Babel as he learns the key lesson of the politically powerful to get what they want regardless of the costs to others such as the use of war as a mechanism to stay in power.
This hardcore fantasy uses mythological characters to tell a coming of age saga of a young man who learns that Lord Acton was right as power corrupts. Politicians including are skewed by Michael Swanwick through the lessons learned by the hero as he climbs the stairwell up the Tower Of Babel until he can achieve his objective winning the hand of the Elven woman he loves, but was too far above him in social class. Readers who appreciate a hardcore fantasy satire will enjoy Mr. Swanick’s version of New York City as THE DRAGONS OF BABEL will never give up power willingly risking the lives of patriots who are someone else’s offspring.
Harriet Klausner
Michael Swanwick
Tor, Jan 2008, $25.95
ISBN: 9780765319500
In a tiny village east of Avalon and on the edge of the Old Forest, young orphan Will le Fey and others saw the war dragons with their riders soaring in the sky. Whereas the others fled to the safety of their village from either side of the war as the basilisk are as nasty to the innocent civilians as the dragons and their half mortal riders; Will stayed to watch although an explosion warped time.
Not long afterward, a wingless crippled dragon with holes in his fuselage crawled out of the Old Forest and collapsed in the village. The villagers assume he belongs to Will, instead this feral beast made of flesh and metal owns the lad and declares he is the king of this area From that point forward, every evening, the somewhat healing dragon uses the boy to learn of any insurrections until the locals exile Will. The patrol capture him as no wanders the land and take him to a refugee camp run more like a prison. However, conmander Nat Whilk frees Will whose odyssey continues below the food chain at the sewerage and stinking tunnels beneath the Dread Tower of Babel as he learns the key lesson of the politically powerful to get what they want regardless of the costs to others such as the use of war as a mechanism to stay in power.
This hardcore fantasy uses mythological characters to tell a coming of age saga of a young man who learns that Lord Acton was right as power corrupts. Politicians including are skewed by Michael Swanwick through the lessons learned by the hero as he climbs the stairwell up the Tower Of Babel until he can achieve his objective winning the hand of the Elven woman he loves, but was too far above him in social class. Readers who appreciate a hardcore fantasy satire will enjoy Mr. Swanick’s version of New York City as THE DRAGONS OF BABEL will never give up power willingly risking the lives of patriots who are someone else’s offspring.
Harriet Klausner
The Morcai Battalion-Diana Palmer
The Morcai Battalion
Diana Palmer
Luna, Dec 2007, $24.95
ISBN: 9780373802890
Attempts for peace throughout the galaxy appear impossible and a deadly intergalactic war seems imminent. Most understand that billions will die and whole planets destroyed if the fragile treaty collapses. Yet the Rojok dictator Mangus Lo pushes hostilities with his brutal assaults on planets; his objective to be the lone ruler of the galaxy. In minutes he turned the trial peace planet Terramer with a colony from one hundred twenty federation planets into dust killing ten million.
After failing to prevent the latest Rojok war crime, on board the SSC Bellatrix, horrified Tri-Fleet Strategic Space Command officers Lieutenant Commander Madeline Ruszel, Dr. Strick Hahnson and Captain Holt Stern along with their crew are forced to flee their damaged spaceship. They manage to gain passage on the Holoconcom vessel Morcai, but the divergent groups clash. When a betrayal leaves members of both sides imprisoned and tortured by the Rojok, Holt knows he must unite the two sides if they are to escape to fight another day against an amoral enemy who wantonly kills innocent people in order to terrorize his foes.
THE MORCAI BATTALION is a rewriting modernization (seems odd to state modernizing a futuristic tale) of a 1980s Diana Palmer science fiction thriller. The story line is action-packed with the galaxy containing numerous populated planets at war. Readers will root for the good guys especially Holt, but though limited in appearance, Rojok steals the show with his mental forceless Darth Vader like contempt for everyone else. Not for fans of Ms. Palmer’s western romances, fans of stark outer space military science fiction will appreciate this sobering at war thriller.
Harriet Klausner
Diana Palmer
Luna, Dec 2007, $24.95
ISBN: 9780373802890
Attempts for peace throughout the galaxy appear impossible and a deadly intergalactic war seems imminent. Most understand that billions will die and whole planets destroyed if the fragile treaty collapses. Yet the Rojok dictator Mangus Lo pushes hostilities with his brutal assaults on planets; his objective to be the lone ruler of the galaxy. In minutes he turned the trial peace planet Terramer with a colony from one hundred twenty federation planets into dust killing ten million.
After failing to prevent the latest Rojok war crime, on board the SSC Bellatrix, horrified Tri-Fleet Strategic Space Command officers Lieutenant Commander Madeline Ruszel, Dr. Strick Hahnson and Captain Holt Stern along with their crew are forced to flee their damaged spaceship. They manage to gain passage on the Holoconcom vessel Morcai, but the divergent groups clash. When a betrayal leaves members of both sides imprisoned and tortured by the Rojok, Holt knows he must unite the two sides if they are to escape to fight another day against an amoral enemy who wantonly kills innocent people in order to terrorize his foes.
THE MORCAI BATTALION is a rewriting modernization (seems odd to state modernizing a futuristic tale) of a 1980s Diana Palmer science fiction thriller. The story line is action-packed with the galaxy containing numerous populated planets at war. Readers will root for the good guys especially Holt, but though limited in appearance, Rojok steals the show with his mental forceless Darth Vader like contempt for everyone else. Not for fans of Ms. Palmer’s western romances, fans of stark outer space military science fiction will appreciate this sobering at war thriller.
Harriet Klausner
Saturday, October 27, 2007
The Warrior-Kinley MacGregor
The Warrior
Kinley MacGregor
Avon, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780060796679
In Scotland, from birth Laird Lochlan MacAllister was trained to lead his clan; thus he has never been away from home as responsibility to his people has always come before any personal desire.
However, he also never had a reason to go away until now. His late brother's plaid is returned to him and his family implying his sibling lives. He vows to find his sibling and if alive rescue him. On his quest, Lochlan comes to the rescue of Catarina, the illegitimate daughter of King Phillip of France, from an attempted abduction by the monarch’s men. Realizing she is safer with Lochlan than with some toad her sire wants her to marry, Catarina accompanies him as he searches for his sibling from tournament to tournament.
This Brotherhood of the Sword historical romance is an exciting tale due to the changing relationship between the lead couple as he investigates what happened to his brother. The duo initially distrusts one another, begin to admire one another, and finally fall in love with one another. Readers will appreciate Kinley MacGregor’s fine tale that combines a bit of a mystery with adventure, romance and humor. Only this author can create such a spellbinding tale.
Harriet Klausner
Kinley MacGregor
Avon, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780060796679
In Scotland, from birth Laird Lochlan MacAllister was trained to lead his clan; thus he has never been away from home as responsibility to his people has always come before any personal desire.
However, he also never had a reason to go away until now. His late brother's plaid is returned to him and his family implying his sibling lives. He vows to find his sibling and if alive rescue him. On his quest, Lochlan comes to the rescue of Catarina, the illegitimate daughter of King Phillip of France, from an attempted abduction by the monarch’s men. Realizing she is safer with Lochlan than with some toad her sire wants her to marry, Catarina accompanies him as he searches for his sibling from tournament to tournament.
This Brotherhood of the Sword historical romance is an exciting tale due to the changing relationship between the lead couple as he investigates what happened to his brother. The duo initially distrusts one another, begin to admire one another, and finally fall in love with one another. Readers will appreciate Kinley MacGregor’s fine tale that combines a bit of a mystery with adventure, romance and humor. Only this author can create such a spellbinding tale.
Harriet Klausner
One Knight Only-Julia Latham
One Knight Only
Julia Latham
Avon, Dec 2007, $5.99
ISBN: 9780061235160
In 1486 Yorkshire, Anne Kendall is proud to be a member of the secretive League of the Blade. So when she has a chance to go on an adventure to keep the king safe she volunteers. Her assignment is go undercover pretending to be seeking a husband while trying to uncover the identity of those plotting to assassinate His Highness.
Her ploy works perfectly until she meets Knight Sir Philip Clifford. They shared an evening of passion that left Anne wanting more, but as a Blade she knows the mission comes first. Still she needs a bodyguard and no one ever guarded her body like he did. As they fall in love, the assassins get closer to achieving their nefarious plan unless Anne and Phillip can stop them, but they still remain ignorant as to whom they are.
With her latest female masquerade thriller (see THRILL OF THE KNIGHT) Julia Latham provides an exciting historical. The sword and romance tale is owned by Anne who displays calmness, courage and cleverness even under hostile attack. Phillip proves her equal as he risks his life to keep his beloved out of harm's way. Fans will root for this couple as they go the extra kilometer to keep their monarch safe.
Harriet Klausner
Julia Latham
Avon, Dec 2007, $5.99
ISBN: 9780061235160
In 1486 Yorkshire, Anne Kendall is proud to be a member of the secretive League of the Blade. So when she has a chance to go on an adventure to keep the king safe she volunteers. Her assignment is go undercover pretending to be seeking a husband while trying to uncover the identity of those plotting to assassinate His Highness.
Her ploy works perfectly until she meets Knight Sir Philip Clifford. They shared an evening of passion that left Anne wanting more, but as a Blade she knows the mission comes first. Still she needs a bodyguard and no one ever guarded her body like he did. As they fall in love, the assassins get closer to achieving their nefarious plan unless Anne and Phillip can stop them, but they still remain ignorant as to whom they are.
With her latest female masquerade thriller (see THRILL OF THE KNIGHT) Julia Latham provides an exciting historical. The sword and romance tale is owned by Anne who displays calmness, courage and cleverness even under hostile attack. Phillip proves her equal as he risks his life to keep his beloved out of harm's way. Fans will root for this couple as they go the extra kilometer to keep their monarch safe.
Harriet Klausner
To Wed A Highland Bride-Sarah Gabriel
To Wed A Highland Bride
Sarah Gabriel
Avon, Dec 2007, $5.99
ISBN: 9780061234965
In 1822 Scotland Viscount James MacCarran returns to his family home Straun House following the death of his crazy grandmother. Per her will to inherit the estate, he must complete her tome on fairy lore and marry a woman with fairy blood. A warrior more comfortable on the field of combat, he figures finishing the book will prove rather easy compared to finding a female fairy as he does not believe in the existence of the magical species.
Elspeth MacArthur sprains her ankle on the Straun estate during a nasty storm. James takes her into his home to get her out of the weather, but they are alone. After the torrent ends, he escorts her back to her home where he speaks to her grandfather about marrying her because she was compromised. Her grandfather refuses to make Elspeth marry the Viscount because he understands first hand the fairy curse that hurts his family. Elspeth agrees to marry him if they can find the hidden fairy treasure that will break the curse.
This is an interesting Regency romantic fantasy due to the lead couple as he finds love, but she finds a reason to reject his marital offer. The story line is entertaining, but the otherworldly elements never feel as if they belong unlike the previous magical MacCarran tale (see KEEPING KATE). Still fans will appreciate the Viscount’s efforts TO WED A HIGHLAND BRIDE with fairy in her blood.
Harriet Klausner
Sarah Gabriel
Avon, Dec 2007, $5.99
ISBN: 9780061234965
In 1822 Scotland Viscount James MacCarran returns to his family home Straun House following the death of his crazy grandmother. Per her will to inherit the estate, he must complete her tome on fairy lore and marry a woman with fairy blood. A warrior more comfortable on the field of combat, he figures finishing the book will prove rather easy compared to finding a female fairy as he does not believe in the existence of the magical species.
Elspeth MacArthur sprains her ankle on the Straun estate during a nasty storm. James takes her into his home to get her out of the weather, but they are alone. After the torrent ends, he escorts her back to her home where he speaks to her grandfather about marrying her because she was compromised. Her grandfather refuses to make Elspeth marry the Viscount because he understands first hand the fairy curse that hurts his family. Elspeth agrees to marry him if they can find the hidden fairy treasure that will break the curse.
This is an interesting Regency romantic fantasy due to the lead couple as he finds love, but she finds a reason to reject his marital offer. The story line is entertaining, but the otherworldly elements never feel as if they belong unlike the previous magical MacCarran tale (see KEEPING KATE). Still fans will appreciate the Viscount’s efforts TO WED A HIGHLAND BRIDE with fairy in her blood.
Harriet Klausner
Untouched-Anna Campbell
Untouched
Anna Campbell
Avon, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780061234927
In 1822 Grace Paget has no idea why the thugs came for her; all she knows is they kidnapped her from the family farm in Ripon and brought her to an isolated Somerset manor house. That is until her “hosts” offer her as a whore to the lunatic they hold prisoner Lord Sheene. Although he has needs, Sheene refuses to touch the gift they bestow on him.
However, Sheene realizes that like him Grace wants her freedom; Grace realizes that the alleged insane aristocrat is not crazy and by not taking her proves he is not abusive either. As they fall in love, Sheene knows he has a more compelling reason than ever to escape his jailers; as he wants to insure his Grace regains her liberty even if it means dying to achieve his revised goal.
This dark historical romance grips readers from the moment the lead couple meets. Sheene is a tortured soul who wants his freedom back, but Grace gives him the extra incentive he needs. Their changing relationship from fear to admiration and respect to love is beautifully rendered by Anna Campbell. Fans will appreciate this fine tale wanting to know why his jailers insist Sheene is crazy while also seeking the author’s previous tale (see CLAIMING THE COURTESAN).
Harriet Klausner
Anna Campbell
Avon, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780061234927
In 1822 Grace Paget has no idea why the thugs came for her; all she knows is they kidnapped her from the family farm in Ripon and brought her to an isolated Somerset manor house. That is until her “hosts” offer her as a whore to the lunatic they hold prisoner Lord Sheene. Although he has needs, Sheene refuses to touch the gift they bestow on him.
However, Sheene realizes that like him Grace wants her freedom; Grace realizes that the alleged insane aristocrat is not crazy and by not taking her proves he is not abusive either. As they fall in love, Sheene knows he has a more compelling reason than ever to escape his jailers; as he wants to insure his Grace regains her liberty even if it means dying to achieve his revised goal.
This dark historical romance grips readers from the moment the lead couple meets. Sheene is a tortured soul who wants his freedom back, but Grace gives him the extra incentive he needs. Their changing relationship from fear to admiration and respect to love is beautifully rendered by Anna Campbell. Fans will appreciate this fine tale wanting to know why his jailers insist Sheene is crazy while also seeking the author’s previous tale (see CLAIMING THE COURTESAN).
Harriet Klausner
Satisfaction-Marianne Stillings
Satisfaction
Marianne Stillings
Avon, Dec 2007, $5.99
ISBN: 9780060850661
KALM-TV manager Osgood Horton hires Paladin Private Investigations to keep their star Georgiana Mundy, the cooking queen of CaliforniYum, safe as he thinks someone wants to harm her. Former cop turned private investigator Ethan Darling is assigned to protect Georgie.
Ethan and Georgie already met on the building’s elevator when she rushing to catch it accidentally attacked him and stomped on his foot. However, while he discusses the job with Osgood, she fakes a faint AROUSING SUSPICIONS in Ethan’s mind that she is hiding something behind a sham; Ethan cannot fathom what that is. As he stays close, they fall in love, her secret implodes leaving her in danger, but Ethan, though he is not sure from what or who, will not allow anyone to harm his darling “Grasshopper” even if she drives him crazy with her moving his furniture feng shui style.
The Darlings may be the most dysfunctional detective family around, but few lead characters are as zany and weirdly functional as New Age Georgie is. The story line is fast-paced and filled with humor while the danger enhances a wild contemporary romance. Readers will enjoy this Darling drama, as Mr. Short-tempered turns into Mr. SATISFACTION when he falls in love with Ms. Strange temptation.
Harriet Klausner
Marianne Stillings
Avon, Dec 2007, $5.99
ISBN: 9780060850661
KALM-TV manager Osgood Horton hires Paladin Private Investigations to keep their star Georgiana Mundy, the cooking queen of CaliforniYum, safe as he thinks someone wants to harm her. Former cop turned private investigator Ethan Darling is assigned to protect Georgie.
Ethan and Georgie already met on the building’s elevator when she rushing to catch it accidentally attacked him and stomped on his foot. However, while he discusses the job with Osgood, she fakes a faint AROUSING SUSPICIONS in Ethan’s mind that she is hiding something behind a sham; Ethan cannot fathom what that is. As he stays close, they fall in love, her secret implodes leaving her in danger, but Ethan, though he is not sure from what or who, will not allow anyone to harm his darling “Grasshopper” even if she drives him crazy with her moving his furniture feng shui style.
The Darlings may be the most dysfunctional detective family around, but few lead characters are as zany and weirdly functional as New Age Georgie is. The story line is fast-paced and filled with humor while the danger enhances a wild contemporary romance. Readers will enjoy this Darling drama, as Mr. Short-tempered turns into Mr. SATISFACTION when he falls in love with Ms. Strange temptation.
Harriet Klausner
One G-String Short of Crazy-Desiree Day
One G-String Short of Crazy
Desiree Day
Pocket, Oct 2007, $14.00
ISBN: 9781416543169
Not identical twins Aisha and Felicia Goodman have always done everything together as they have always been best friends. They live together in Atlanta and run an accounting business together. However, recently Felecia has had second thoughts although she loves her sibling. She detests Aisha’s promiscuous lifestyle. Aisha has also had second thoughts; she hates her sister’s prudish lifestyle. However, both fears stepping out by themselves.
A close friend of the twins Tarik offers them a solution to their dilemma with the apartment building he owns on Peachtree. He rents one apartment each on the same floor to the girls. Meanwhile his childhood friend attorney Derrick has relocated from Chicago for two reasons: first he has a great career opportunity and second he was fleeing his former drama queen girlfriend Darla. Meanwhile, Felicia realizes she loves Tarik and Aisha is falling in love with Derrick, but both have other females in their lives; Tarik considers marrying his current girlfriend Tara and Darla arrives claiming she is carrying Derrick’s child.
The title is apropos as this is a zany and erotic look at the swinging singles. Each of the prime six characters is fully developed especially the twins so that the explicitly described sex scenes and the turmoil of the convoluted relationships make for a zany time on Peachtree.
Harriet Klausner
Desiree Day
Pocket, Oct 2007, $14.00
ISBN: 9781416543169
Not identical twins Aisha and Felicia Goodman have always done everything together as they have always been best friends. They live together in Atlanta and run an accounting business together. However, recently Felecia has had second thoughts although she loves her sibling. She detests Aisha’s promiscuous lifestyle. Aisha has also had second thoughts; she hates her sister’s prudish lifestyle. However, both fears stepping out by themselves.
A close friend of the twins Tarik offers them a solution to their dilemma with the apartment building he owns on Peachtree. He rents one apartment each on the same floor to the girls. Meanwhile his childhood friend attorney Derrick has relocated from Chicago for two reasons: first he has a great career opportunity and second he was fleeing his former drama queen girlfriend Darla. Meanwhile, Felicia realizes she loves Tarik and Aisha is falling in love with Derrick, but both have other females in their lives; Tarik considers marrying his current girlfriend Tara and Darla arrives claiming she is carrying Derrick’s child.
The title is apropos as this is a zany and erotic look at the swinging singles. Each of the prime six characters is fully developed especially the twins so that the explicitly described sex scenes and the turmoil of the convoluted relationships make for a zany time on Peachtree.
Harriet Klausner
Finding Father Christmas-Robin Jones Gunn
Finding Father Christmas
Robin Jones Gunn
Faith Words, Oct 2007, $13.99
ISBN: 9780446526296
In San Francisco raised by her single mother, Miranda Carson feels profoundly lonely and finds a deep need to meet her biological father, a man she has never met. Her clues as to who he is are somewhat meager. She has an old photograph that she assumes is her father while on its back is stamped a studio in Carlton Heath, England; a birth certificate; and a playbill for The Tempest starring her mother in a Michigan theatre.
With nothing to keep her in the states, Miranda decides to spend Christmas in England in search of her father. From London she goes to Bexley Lane, the address in the photo. There she is treated with warmth and friendship starting with a cup of tea and ending at the community production of A Christmas Carol and the party afterward. Although she feels some guilty for not revealing who she or her mission especially when she realizes her dad is hero to these kind people, Miranda feels at home for the first time in a long time.
The deep characterizations make this Christmas tale a winner. The English family and Miranda seem real as she debates telling these loving people the truth, which mean hurting an image they have of her father. Mindful of While You Were Sleeping, FINDING FATHER CHRISTMAS is a wonderful uplifting Yuletide tale that emphasizes everyone needs to feel welcomed and loved.
Harriet Klausner
Robin Jones Gunn
Faith Words, Oct 2007, $13.99
ISBN: 9780446526296
In San Francisco raised by her single mother, Miranda Carson feels profoundly lonely and finds a deep need to meet her biological father, a man she has never met. Her clues as to who he is are somewhat meager. She has an old photograph that she assumes is her father while on its back is stamped a studio in Carlton Heath, England; a birth certificate; and a playbill for The Tempest starring her mother in a Michigan theatre.
With nothing to keep her in the states, Miranda decides to spend Christmas in England in search of her father. From London she goes to Bexley Lane, the address in the photo. There she is treated with warmth and friendship starting with a cup of tea and ending at the community production of A Christmas Carol and the party afterward. Although she feels some guilty for not revealing who she or her mission especially when she realizes her dad is hero to these kind people, Miranda feels at home for the first time in a long time.
The deep characterizations make this Christmas tale a winner. The English family and Miranda seem real as she debates telling these loving people the truth, which mean hurting an image they have of her father. Mindful of While You Were Sleeping, FINDING FATHER CHRISTMAS is a wonderful uplifting Yuletide tale that emphasizes everyone needs to feel welcomed and loved.
Harriet Klausner
The Book of Old Houses-Sarah Graves
The Book of Old Houses
Sarah Graves
Bantam, Jan 2008, $22.00
ISBN: 9780553804300
Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree seems to always be fixing up something in her 1823 Eastport, Maine home yet finds the time to solve a murder or two. However, this time she gets spooked when she finds a book in the foundation of her basement. It seems written in blood and contains names of people who have lived in the house through the almost two centuries including the current spooked occupant. She sends the book to rare book expert Horace Robotham for authentication.
Horace is murdered and the book vanished. His friend David DiMaio arrives at Jake’s house introducing himself as the late Horace’s friend. He also insists he drove to Eastport because someone he went to school with Bert Merkle had a motive to kill Horace. Dave asks questions of the household and the townsfolk. Horace’s lonely friend Jason Riverton is killed and in a separate incident so is wannabe author Ann Talbert. The police claim the latter two deaths were coincidental misfortunate accidents; Jake refuses to believe the probability of so much coincidence as winning the lottery has better odds. She risks her life to prove a killer is working the book beat.
Jake is a strong independent woman, who does most of the repairs and renovations to her fixer-upper; she also worries about her son Sam who just got out of jail while planning a poster for the town patriarch. Dave is the catalyst who sets much of the events in motion, but Jake is the tough broad trying to fix the problem. Sarah Graves latest “home repair” cozy is a grand regional amateur sleuth.
Harriet Klausner
Sarah Graves
Bantam, Jan 2008, $22.00
ISBN: 9780553804300
Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree seems to always be fixing up something in her 1823 Eastport, Maine home yet finds the time to solve a murder or two. However, this time she gets spooked when she finds a book in the foundation of her basement. It seems written in blood and contains names of people who have lived in the house through the almost two centuries including the current spooked occupant. She sends the book to rare book expert Horace Robotham for authentication.
Horace is murdered and the book vanished. His friend David DiMaio arrives at Jake’s house introducing himself as the late Horace’s friend. He also insists he drove to Eastport because someone he went to school with Bert Merkle had a motive to kill Horace. Dave asks questions of the household and the townsfolk. Horace’s lonely friend Jason Riverton is killed and in a separate incident so is wannabe author Ann Talbert. The police claim the latter two deaths were coincidental misfortunate accidents; Jake refuses to believe the probability of so much coincidence as winning the lottery has better odds. She risks her life to prove a killer is working the book beat.
Jake is a strong independent woman, who does most of the repairs and renovations to her fixer-upper; she also worries about her son Sam who just got out of jail while planning a poster for the town patriarch. Dave is the catalyst who sets much of the events in motion, but Jake is the tough broad trying to fix the problem. Sarah Graves latest “home repair” cozy is a grand regional amateur sleuth.
Harriet Klausner
Friday, October 26, 2007
Forget About It-Caprice Crane
Forget About It
Caprice Crane
5 Spot, Aug 2007, $13.99
ISBN: 9780446697552
At work advertising expert Jordan Landau’s boss bypasses her to promote a less talented squeaky wheel yet has no qualms about taking full credit for Jordan’s brilliant ideas because she knows her star employee is a wuss. Her personal life stinks too as her boyfriend is a cheater and her mother and younger sister disdain her as a wimp.
Being despondent over not fighting back over all that seems to have gone wrong, Jordan wants to start anew. She gets her chance when she is in a bicycle accident; she pretends to suffer from amnesia. Jordan begins to open her mouth at work, with her family and with kicking the cheater to the curb. She receives a promotion and begins dating the driver of the car that hit her and her bike.
The metamorphosis of Jordan from doormat to assertive is cleverly yet realistically designed so that reader believes in the heroine’s changes. The support cast enhances the alteration as they must change in their side of the relationship to keep up with the suddenly self-assured Jordan. Fans will enjoy her ripping skin from her boss, her mom, her sis, and booting her boyfriend out of her life. Though the romance with the driver is unnecessary, readers will appreciate this fine character study as Caprice Crane’s novels are proving intelligent and contagious.
Harriet Klausner
Caprice Crane
5 Spot, Aug 2007, $13.99
ISBN: 9780446697552
At work advertising expert Jordan Landau’s boss bypasses her to promote a less talented squeaky wheel yet has no qualms about taking full credit for Jordan’s brilliant ideas because she knows her star employee is a wuss. Her personal life stinks too as her boyfriend is a cheater and her mother and younger sister disdain her as a wimp.
Being despondent over not fighting back over all that seems to have gone wrong, Jordan wants to start anew. She gets her chance when she is in a bicycle accident; she pretends to suffer from amnesia. Jordan begins to open her mouth at work, with her family and with kicking the cheater to the curb. She receives a promotion and begins dating the driver of the car that hit her and her bike.
The metamorphosis of Jordan from doormat to assertive is cleverly yet realistically designed so that reader believes in the heroine’s changes. The support cast enhances the alteration as they must change in their side of the relationship to keep up with the suddenly self-assured Jordan. Fans will enjoy her ripping skin from her boss, her mom, her sis, and booting her boyfriend out of her life. Though the romance with the driver is unnecessary, readers will appreciate this fine character study as Caprice Crane’s novels are proving intelligent and contagious.
Harriet Klausner
A Time to Die-Beverly Barton
A Time to Die
Beverly Barton
Harlequin HQN, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780373772490
A decade ago, journalist Lexie Murrough was covering a story overseas when Deke Bronson led his special-ops team on an assassination of the dictator mission. She was severely hurt in the confusion. Several years past before she physically recovered; mentally Lexie knows she has not as she no longer is a reporter. Instead she is president of Helping Hands, a charity based in Chattanooga.
When someone threatens her harm, the Dundee Agency assigns private security expert Deke as her bodyguard. Although he knows he can never mitigate what he did to her, he sees this as an opportunity to somewhat make up for what happened to her on his mission even though she does know his involvement in that fiasco; his bullet paralyzed her leading to years of physical therapy. Deke muses that guilt and love are two powerful emotions and he knows he willingly would die to keep Lexie safe, but fears his feelings may fog his judgment.
The latest Protectors’ tale (see MOST LIKELY TO DIE and DANGEROUS DECEPTION) is an action-packed romantic suspense thriller that never stops to let the audience catch our breath whether the lead couple is kissing, trying to stay alive, and much more. Lexie is stronger than she realizes as she struggles to cope with the return of the nightmare; Deke is the more interesting protagonist as Lexie tears his insides apart. The twists especially at the end will have readers thankful that they took the time to read Beverly Barton’s taut thriller in one sitting.
Harriet Klausner
Beverly Barton
Harlequin HQN, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780373772490
A decade ago, journalist Lexie Murrough was covering a story overseas when Deke Bronson led his special-ops team on an assassination of the dictator mission. She was severely hurt in the confusion. Several years past before she physically recovered; mentally Lexie knows she has not as she no longer is a reporter. Instead she is president of Helping Hands, a charity based in Chattanooga.
When someone threatens her harm, the Dundee Agency assigns private security expert Deke as her bodyguard. Although he knows he can never mitigate what he did to her, he sees this as an opportunity to somewhat make up for what happened to her on his mission even though she does know his involvement in that fiasco; his bullet paralyzed her leading to years of physical therapy. Deke muses that guilt and love are two powerful emotions and he knows he willingly would die to keep Lexie safe, but fears his feelings may fog his judgment.
The latest Protectors’ tale (see MOST LIKELY TO DIE and DANGEROUS DECEPTION) is an action-packed romantic suspense thriller that never stops to let the audience catch our breath whether the lead couple is kissing, trying to stay alive, and much more. Lexie is stronger than she realizes as she struggles to cope with the return of the nightmare; Deke is the more interesting protagonist as Lexie tears his insides apart. The twists especially at the end will have readers thankful that they took the time to read Beverly Barton’s taut thriller in one sitting.
Harriet Klausner
Winter in Madrid-C.J. Sansom
Winter in Madrid
C.J. Sansom
Viking, Jan 2008, $25.95
ISBN 9780670018482
By 1940 the brutal Spanish Civil War has finally ended, but much of the country remains devastated with people worried about basic sustenance needs like food, clean water, and shelter. As neutral Spain struggles to recover, the Germans blitzkrieg continues its rapid conquest of Europe and their air force daily bombs the last foe Britain. The leader of the winning side General Francisco Franco and his Fascist party considers joining the Nazis like Mussolini and Italy did.
England sends reluctant Harry Brett to spy on his old peer Sandy Forsyth, a dishonest Madrid businessman, who has close toes to Franco. Brett has doubts he is the man for the job, but journeys to Madrid to win the confidence of Sandy and through him what Franco’s plans re the war with Hitler are. However, he finds Madrid nothing like the energized vibrant city that it was just a few years ago under the short lived republic when he and his close friend Bernie Piper visited the city. Instead he finds distressed hopeless people starving and dying; he wants to go home where the Nazi bombings have only increased the fortitude of his fellow Brits to defeat the German monster.
WINTER IN MADRID is a terrific historical thriller that is part espionage and part political. The storyline provides an insightful look at the aftermath of Franco’s victory in the Civil War especially the political turmoil of a divided Fascist Party debating whether to join its two allies or recuperate from the bloody internal fight. C.J. Sansom places a powerful spotlight on battered Spain as WW II has devastated much the rest of the continent while the Battle of Britain seems inevitable and would enable Franco to claim like Mussolini he was on the victorious side.
Harriet Klausner
C.J. Sansom
Viking, Jan 2008, $25.95
ISBN 9780670018482
By 1940 the brutal Spanish Civil War has finally ended, but much of the country remains devastated with people worried about basic sustenance needs like food, clean water, and shelter. As neutral Spain struggles to recover, the Germans blitzkrieg continues its rapid conquest of Europe and their air force daily bombs the last foe Britain. The leader of the winning side General Francisco Franco and his Fascist party considers joining the Nazis like Mussolini and Italy did.
England sends reluctant Harry Brett to spy on his old peer Sandy Forsyth, a dishonest Madrid businessman, who has close toes to Franco. Brett has doubts he is the man for the job, but journeys to Madrid to win the confidence of Sandy and through him what Franco’s plans re the war with Hitler are. However, he finds Madrid nothing like the energized vibrant city that it was just a few years ago under the short lived republic when he and his close friend Bernie Piper visited the city. Instead he finds distressed hopeless people starving and dying; he wants to go home where the Nazi bombings have only increased the fortitude of his fellow Brits to defeat the German monster.
WINTER IN MADRID is a terrific historical thriller that is part espionage and part political. The storyline provides an insightful look at the aftermath of Franco’s victory in the Civil War especially the political turmoil of a divided Fascist Party debating whether to join its two allies or recuperate from the bloody internal fight. C.J. Sansom places a powerful spotlight on battered Spain as WW II has devastated much the rest of the continent while the Battle of Britain seems inevitable and would enable Franco to claim like Mussolini he was on the victorious side.
Harriet Klausner
Heart of the Storm-Lindsay McKenna
Heart of the Storm
Lindsay McKenna
Harlequin HQN, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780373772254
Rogan Fast Horse stole a sacred ceremonial pipe, killing the female guardian on the Rosebud Reservation. The thief next used the special pipe to magically kill the vice president of the United States. The FBI conducts a massive manhunt, but the few clues they find make little sense.
The daughter of the murdered guardian Dana Thunder Eagle was to have inherited the pipe from her mother, but following the homicide she fled her home on the reservation. Although feeling unprepared, she accepts the responsibly of retrieving the pipe and preventing Rogan from using it to kill again. She has five weeks left to before Rogan can regenerate the power to reuse the pipe to magically murder someone. Former Delta Force soldier and psychic warrior Chase Iron Hand trains Dana to become a special kind of fighter able to defeat Rogan.
This is an exciting tale in which the perpetual action is built around Native American mythos. The lead couple is an interesting pairing as they have no time for much more than training; to a degree that leaves Chase and Dana somewhat enigmas to readers, which in turn adds to the tension. HEART OF THE STORM is an enjoyable cat and mouse as Chase knows Dana must recover the pipe as its power is gender specific, but she is not ready even as he expects the stakes to be higher than the second homicide.
Harriet Klausner
Lindsay McKenna
Harlequin HQN, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780373772254
Rogan Fast Horse stole a sacred ceremonial pipe, killing the female guardian on the Rosebud Reservation. The thief next used the special pipe to magically kill the vice president of the United States. The FBI conducts a massive manhunt, but the few clues they find make little sense.
The daughter of the murdered guardian Dana Thunder Eagle was to have inherited the pipe from her mother, but following the homicide she fled her home on the reservation. Although feeling unprepared, she accepts the responsibly of retrieving the pipe and preventing Rogan from using it to kill again. She has five weeks left to before Rogan can regenerate the power to reuse the pipe to magically murder someone. Former Delta Force soldier and psychic warrior Chase Iron Hand trains Dana to become a special kind of fighter able to defeat Rogan.
This is an exciting tale in which the perpetual action is built around Native American mythos. The lead couple is an interesting pairing as they have no time for much more than training; to a degree that leaves Chase and Dana somewhat enigmas to readers, which in turn adds to the tension. HEART OF THE STORM is an enjoyable cat and mouse as Chase knows Dana must recover the pipe as its power is gender specific, but she is not ready even as he expects the stakes to be higher than the second homicide.
Harriet Klausner
The Perfect Match-Kimberly Cates
The Perfect Match
Kimberly Cates
Harlequin HQN, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780373772650
Her nonagenarian Irish “fairy godmother” Great Auntie Maeve MacKinnon tells twenty-seven years old Rowena Brown to open her animal rescue pet store in Whitewater, Illinois because in this tiny town she will find her soulmate. Rowena heeds the advice of her godmother although she has mixed feelings about finding the love of her life.
Using her magical Cuchullain pipe, Rowena is able to perfectly match people with the animals she heals; so her rescue store proves very successful. She matches nine year old sad faced Charlie with the hundred plus pound and growing juvenile delinquent Newfoundland dog her father Deputy Cash Lawless calls Destroyer and Rowena calls Clancy because the child and the canine are soul mates. Cash is initially irate until he sees how good Charlie is with the dog. As Rowena becomes involved with Cash, Charlie and his other younger daughter Mac, she realizes her fairy godmother is right that she will find her soulmate here as the Lawless father and two daughters stole her heart.
Male names aside, THE PERFECT MATCH is a delightful whimsical romantic fantasy starring three wonderful humans and a canine who steals many of the scenes. Rowena and Cash are fully developed and readers will feel for Charlie as much as her father does. The secondary players, mostly regally commanding “Princess” Mac the townsfolk, other rescued animals, and of course Clancy, enhance a warm tale of love.
Harriet Klausner
Kimberly Cates
Harlequin HQN, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780373772650
Her nonagenarian Irish “fairy godmother” Great Auntie Maeve MacKinnon tells twenty-seven years old Rowena Brown to open her animal rescue pet store in Whitewater, Illinois because in this tiny town she will find her soulmate. Rowena heeds the advice of her godmother although she has mixed feelings about finding the love of her life.
Using her magical Cuchullain pipe, Rowena is able to perfectly match people with the animals she heals; so her rescue store proves very successful. She matches nine year old sad faced Charlie with the hundred plus pound and growing juvenile delinquent Newfoundland dog her father Deputy Cash Lawless calls Destroyer and Rowena calls Clancy because the child and the canine are soul mates. Cash is initially irate until he sees how good Charlie is with the dog. As Rowena becomes involved with Cash, Charlie and his other younger daughter Mac, she realizes her fairy godmother is right that she will find her soulmate here as the Lawless father and two daughters stole her heart.
Male names aside, THE PERFECT MATCH is a delightful whimsical romantic fantasy starring three wonderful humans and a canine who steals many of the scenes. Rowena and Cash are fully developed and readers will feel for Charlie as much as her father does. The secondary players, mostly regally commanding “Princess” Mac the townsfolk, other rescued animals, and of course Clancy, enhance a warm tale of love.
Harriet Klausner
Holiday with a Vampire-Maureen Child and Caridad Pineiro
Holiday with a Vampire
Maureen Child and Caridad Pineiro
Silhouette Nocturne, Dec 2007, $5.25
ISBN: 9780373617760
"Christmas Cravings" by Maureen Child. Tessa Franklin saves the undead life of Grayson Stone left to die in the sun. However, his life remains forfeit as vampires warn him to pick sides and die; stay neutral and die. This is multifaceted vampire romance starring two strong protagonists, but the resolution seems too easy following stratospheric problems and threats.
"Fate Calls" by Caridad Pineiro. Connie Morales tries to raise money for charity ringing her Christmas bell. Across the street from Connie is irritated vampire Hadrian Aurelius who finally decides the only way to stop the ringing is to kidnap the irritant ringer. He abducts Connie, but instead of peace on earth, he finds himself attracted to Connie. Caridad Pineiro writes a wonderful Christmas paranormal romance starring two appealing lead characters.
Sub-genre fans will appreciate spending the HOLIDAY WITH A VAMPIRE (or two).
Harriet Klausner
Maureen Child and Caridad Pineiro
Silhouette Nocturne, Dec 2007, $5.25
ISBN: 9780373617760
"Christmas Cravings" by Maureen Child. Tessa Franklin saves the undead life of Grayson Stone left to die in the sun. However, his life remains forfeit as vampires warn him to pick sides and die; stay neutral and die. This is multifaceted vampire romance starring two strong protagonists, but the resolution seems too easy following stratospheric problems and threats.
"Fate Calls" by Caridad Pineiro. Connie Morales tries to raise money for charity ringing her Christmas bell. Across the street from Connie is irritated vampire Hadrian Aurelius who finally decides the only way to stop the ringing is to kidnap the irritant ringer. He abducts Connie, but instead of peace on earth, he finds himself attracted to Connie. Caridad Pineiro writes a wonderful Christmas paranormal romance starring two appealing lead characters.
Sub-genre fans will appreciate spending the HOLIDAY WITH A VAMPIRE (or two).
Harriet Klausner
The Empath-Bonnie Vanak
The Empath
Bonnie Vanak
Silhouette Nocturne, Dec 2007, $5.25
ISBN: 9780373617777
The Morphs and the Draicon detest one another as they differ when it comes to the third sentient species on the planet. The Morphs are shapeshifters who believe humans are beneath them on the food chain whereas the Draicon werewolves believe all life is sacred.
Draicon werewolf Nicolas Keenan learns that the Morphs threaten his soulmate, a Draicon veterinarian Dr. Maggie Sinclair, who thinks she is human. He races to Florida to keep her safe, but she rejects him as being a lunatic. Her belief systems changes when the evil shapeshifting Morphs attack her and Nicolas saves her life. As she realizes who she is and who he is to her, they team up in love to fight for their lives.
The key to this paranormal romantic suspense fantasy is the belief that the Draicon and Morph are genuine species who are in a shapeshifters’ civil war. Nicolas and Maggie are interesting lead characters whose relationship morphs (a bad action verb for this couple) from her assuming he is crazy to joining him in love and safety. Fans will appreciate Bonnie Vanak’s engaging thriller as her world is a dangerous place to live let alone fall in love.
Harriet Klausner
Bonnie Vanak
Silhouette Nocturne, Dec 2007, $5.25
ISBN: 9780373617777
The Morphs and the Draicon detest one another as they differ when it comes to the third sentient species on the planet. The Morphs are shapeshifters who believe humans are beneath them on the food chain whereas the Draicon werewolves believe all life is sacred.
Draicon werewolf Nicolas Keenan learns that the Morphs threaten his soulmate, a Draicon veterinarian Dr. Maggie Sinclair, who thinks she is human. He races to Florida to keep her safe, but she rejects him as being a lunatic. Her belief systems changes when the evil shapeshifting Morphs attack her and Nicolas saves her life. As she realizes who she is and who he is to her, they team up in love to fight for their lives.
The key to this paranormal romantic suspense fantasy is the belief that the Draicon and Morph are genuine species who are in a shapeshifters’ civil war. Nicolas and Maggie are interesting lead characters whose relationship morphs (a bad action verb for this couple) from her assuming he is crazy to joining him in love and safety. Fans will appreciate Bonnie Vanak’s engaging thriller as her world is a dangerous place to live let alone fall in love.
Harriet Klausner
A Dark Sacrifice-Madeline Howard
A Dark Sacrifice
Madeline Howard
Eos, Dec 2007, $14.95, 432 pp.
ISBN 97800660575922
Ouriana is the Divine Incarnation of the Devouring Moon, strong in magic due to the deity that resides in her. Like her, it feeds on blood and death and works only dark sorceries. She is impregnable and is served by the Furiadhim, mutated beings who were once men who wield black magic. The only thing that Ouriana fears is the prophecy that states one of her blood will overthrow her. Her niece Winloki is the child of the prophecy all grown up and living in Skyrana in the north adopted by King Ristil who is at war with the Eislanders.
Winloki, a healer accompanies Prince Kivlik and his relative Skerry to battle but they are overrun and find themselves trapped in the fortress at Tirfang. A small group who want Winloki to fulfill the prophecy are marfching to the fortree including the powerful healer Sinderian, her dead father who takes the shapes of various birds and the half-Faey fPrince Ruan. The people are under siege from giants, shapechangers and Eislanders. When Winloki is kidnapped by the Furiadhim, the siege ends; her allies go out to find and rescue her. Both groups face danger from various creatures and supernatural beings.
A DARK SACRIFICE is a wonderful fantasy set in a world where magic is taken for granted and dwarves, the fae and other creatures of myth and legend are real and dangerous to humans. Readers will feel sorry for Winloki who has to adjust her conception of herself and admire Sinderian who is willing to do whatever it takes to defeat Ouriana. These strong willed independent women come to realize the power that resides within them and make difficult choices according to their nature. Madeline Howard is a first rate fantasist.
Harriet Klausner
Madeline Howard
Eos, Dec 2007, $14.95, 432 pp.
ISBN 97800660575922
Ouriana is the Divine Incarnation of the Devouring Moon, strong in magic due to the deity that resides in her. Like her, it feeds on blood and death and works only dark sorceries. She is impregnable and is served by the Furiadhim, mutated beings who were once men who wield black magic. The only thing that Ouriana fears is the prophecy that states one of her blood will overthrow her. Her niece Winloki is the child of the prophecy all grown up and living in Skyrana in the north adopted by King Ristil who is at war with the Eislanders.
Winloki, a healer accompanies Prince Kivlik and his relative Skerry to battle but they are overrun and find themselves trapped in the fortress at Tirfang. A small group who want Winloki to fulfill the prophecy are marfching to the fortree including the powerful healer Sinderian, her dead father who takes the shapes of various birds and the half-Faey fPrince Ruan. The people are under siege from giants, shapechangers and Eislanders. When Winloki is kidnapped by the Furiadhim, the siege ends; her allies go out to find and rescue her. Both groups face danger from various creatures and supernatural beings.
A DARK SACRIFICE is a wonderful fantasy set in a world where magic is taken for granted and dwarves, the fae and other creatures of myth and legend are real and dangerous to humans. Readers will feel sorry for Winloki who has to adjust her conception of herself and admire Sinderian who is willing to do whatever it takes to defeat Ouriana. These strong willed independent women come to realize the power that resides within them and make difficult choices according to their nature. Madeline Howard is a first rate fantasist.
Harriet Klausner
Thursday, October 25, 2007
The Salt Maiden-Colleen Thompson
The Salt Maiden
Colleen Thompson
Leisure, Dec 2007, $7.99
ISBN: 9780843960174
When her sister Angie disappears, veterinarian Dana Vanover leaves her practice to search for her sibling in her last known address, the desert town of Devil's Claw, Texas. No one in the isolated West Texas community wants her there, especially the politicians who fear their dirtysecrets will be exposed and Rimrock County Sheriff Jay Eversole who fears for her safety.
Jay insists Dana go home and let law enforcement deal with the missing person’s case; but she refuses as this missing person shares her blood. As Dana forces Jay to work with her, their attraction makes the temperature of the desert look like that of a tundra. However, someone watches both Jay and Dana with the understanding if they get to close they will find a permanent rest spot underneath the sands of the desert.
The key to this romantic suspense thriller is the depth of the cast including the references to the modern mummified title character. Dana is obstinate as she refuses to walk way without the truth while Jay is dedicated and caring in a town without pity. Readers will appreciate Colleen Thompson’s tense tale as the strong characterizations and their interplay make the tension that much more vigorous and potent.
Harriet Klausner
Colleen Thompson
Leisure, Dec 2007, $7.99
ISBN: 9780843960174
When her sister Angie disappears, veterinarian Dana Vanover leaves her practice to search for her sibling in her last known address, the desert town of Devil's Claw, Texas. No one in the isolated West Texas community wants her there, especially the politicians who fear their dirtysecrets will be exposed and Rimrock County Sheriff Jay Eversole who fears for her safety.
Jay insists Dana go home and let law enforcement deal with the missing person’s case; but she refuses as this missing person shares her blood. As Dana forces Jay to work with her, their attraction makes the temperature of the desert look like that of a tundra. However, someone watches both Jay and Dana with the understanding if they get to close they will find a permanent rest spot underneath the sands of the desert.
The key to this romantic suspense thriller is the depth of the cast including the references to the modern mummified title character. Dana is obstinate as she refuses to walk way without the truth while Jay is dedicated and caring in a town without pity. Readers will appreciate Colleen Thompson’s tense tale as the strong characterizations and their interplay make the tension that much more vigorous and potent.
Harriet Klausner
Three Sisters-James D. Doss
Three Sisters
James D. Doss
St. Martin's, Oct 2007, $24.95
ISBN: 9780312364595
Colorado TV psychic Cassandra Spencer watches her fame go stratospheric as she calmly describes a murder truck-stop as the homicide is occurring. However, Cassandra feels her gift failed her as she was unable to predict or warn her recently married older sister Astrid; her sibling was killed by a wild animal.
Ute tribal investigator rancher Charlie Moon has some doubts that a natural predator killed Astrid especially after a visit to acrimonious Aunt Daisy who in between biting his head off believes a creature from beyond committed the crime. As Cassandra and her other sister Beatrice compete for the hand of the late Astrid’s husband, Charlie, knowing not to ignore his aunt, and his best friend Granite Creek police chief Scott Parris search for a killer on the earthy plane. Aunt Daisy assists them with a search for clues on the spirit plane where she believes the culprit comes from.
The twelfth Charlie Moon paranormal police procedure is a fabulous whodunit filled with twists and turns, plenty of red herrings, and an incredible final spin. Aunt Daisy is at her caustic best, which means Charlie pays quite a price for her help that he knows he needs. Readers will appreciate James D. Doss’ stupendous Native American mystery that is as sharp as Aunt Daisy’s tongue.
Harriet Klausner
James D. Doss
St. Martin's, Oct 2007, $24.95
ISBN: 9780312364595
Colorado TV psychic Cassandra Spencer watches her fame go stratospheric as she calmly describes a murder truck-stop as the homicide is occurring. However, Cassandra feels her gift failed her as she was unable to predict or warn her recently married older sister Astrid; her sibling was killed by a wild animal.
Ute tribal investigator rancher Charlie Moon has some doubts that a natural predator killed Astrid especially after a visit to acrimonious Aunt Daisy who in between biting his head off believes a creature from beyond committed the crime. As Cassandra and her other sister Beatrice compete for the hand of the late Astrid’s husband, Charlie, knowing not to ignore his aunt, and his best friend Granite Creek police chief Scott Parris search for a killer on the earthy plane. Aunt Daisy assists them with a search for clues on the spirit plane where she believes the culprit comes from.
The twelfth Charlie Moon paranormal police procedure is a fabulous whodunit filled with twists and turns, plenty of red herrings, and an incredible final spin. Aunt Daisy is at her caustic best, which means Charlie pays quite a price for her help that he knows he needs. Readers will appreciate James D. Doss’ stupendous Native American mystery that is as sharp as Aunt Daisy’s tongue.
Harriet Klausner
Demon's Kiss-Maggie Shayne
Demon's Kiss
Maggie Shayne
Mira, Dec 2007, $7.99
ISBN: 9780778324973
When he worked as a cover operator for the CIA he was human though he preferred being a lone wolf as he felt safer depending on himself rather than the screw-ups of a teammate. Since those days, Raphael “Reaper” Rivera has become a vampire, but he remains dedicated to being a lone wolf as he plans to live a long time.
Rhiannon hires Reaper to kill rogue vampire Gregor and his pack that are spread all over the southeast United States causing havoc, but figures he is the right person for the job because he is a lone assassin with no emotional ties. Rhiannon says he lies about his feelings as he cares about the Chosen Seth Connor, who he protects. However, he suddenly has an apprentice, just turned undead Seth, who admires Reaper and wants him to mentor him. Not happy to have to protect a sidekick, he soon finds himself with an unwanted pack as Roxy the human healer, Topaz the rich vampiress and Vixen the shapeshifter join his newly formed squad after he rescues the two females from Gregor’s growing zombie vampires
This is a much more complex tale than described above, as Reaper’s team pairs off romantically. Although no one stands out amongst the players, each person on Reaper’s team contains a different personality that the individual maintains throughout whether in danger or love. Fans of romantic fantasy will appreciate Maggie Shayne’s entertaining thriller, just keep a scorecard handy.
Harriet Klausner
Maggie Shayne
Mira, Dec 2007, $7.99
ISBN: 9780778324973
When he worked as a cover operator for the CIA he was human though he preferred being a lone wolf as he felt safer depending on himself rather than the screw-ups of a teammate. Since those days, Raphael “Reaper” Rivera has become a vampire, but he remains dedicated to being a lone wolf as he plans to live a long time.
Rhiannon hires Reaper to kill rogue vampire Gregor and his pack that are spread all over the southeast United States causing havoc, but figures he is the right person for the job because he is a lone assassin with no emotional ties. Rhiannon says he lies about his feelings as he cares about the Chosen Seth Connor, who he protects. However, he suddenly has an apprentice, just turned undead Seth, who admires Reaper and wants him to mentor him. Not happy to have to protect a sidekick, he soon finds himself with an unwanted pack as Roxy the human healer, Topaz the rich vampiress and Vixen the shapeshifter join his newly formed squad after he rescues the two females from Gregor’s growing zombie vampires
This is a much more complex tale than described above, as Reaper’s team pairs off romantically. Although no one stands out amongst the players, each person on Reaper’s team contains a different personality that the individual maintains throughout whether in danger or love. Fans of romantic fantasy will appreciate Maggie Shayne’s entertaining thriller, just keep a scorecard handy.
Harriet Klausner
The Sorcerers' Plague-David B. Coe
The Sorcerers' Plague
David B. Coe
Tor, Dec 2007, $25.95
ISBN: 9780765316387
The Southlands are populated by three groups who distrust one another. The Oirsi practice a life stealing magic; the Mettai use blood mixed with the earth to cast spells; and the Eandi do not use any form of magic. Over six decades ago a deadly enigmatic plague destroyed the Mettai village of Sentaya killing everyone except a child Lici. No one seemed to know the cause, but because the disease was mysterious and life stealing the Mettai assume the Oirsi wielded a magical epidemic.
Sixty-four years later the same plague strikes again at Kirayde, the village where Lici resides. Meanwhile Lici vows vengeance against those who caused the endemic disaster years before using blood earth magic to attack the Oirsi even as she vanishes. However, elder Besh from her adopted village begins to fathom a pattern that every place Lici visits the disease follows. He fears she is abusing blood earth magic, but wonders who she is to be able to do this.
Book one of the Blood of the Southlands trilogy is set in the same captivating world as the Winds of the Forelands saga takes place. In fact some characters from the latter appear in the former. Readers will enjoy the cast as David B. Coe examines racism caused by ignorance of the other tribes as much as by the acceptable form and use of magic. Fans of the author will rejoice at this strong return to the Coe realm.
Harriet Klausner
David B. Coe
Tor, Dec 2007, $25.95
ISBN: 9780765316387
The Southlands are populated by three groups who distrust one another. The Oirsi practice a life stealing magic; the Mettai use blood mixed with the earth to cast spells; and the Eandi do not use any form of magic. Over six decades ago a deadly enigmatic plague destroyed the Mettai village of Sentaya killing everyone except a child Lici. No one seemed to know the cause, but because the disease was mysterious and life stealing the Mettai assume the Oirsi wielded a magical epidemic.
Sixty-four years later the same plague strikes again at Kirayde, the village where Lici resides. Meanwhile Lici vows vengeance against those who caused the endemic disaster years before using blood earth magic to attack the Oirsi even as she vanishes. However, elder Besh from her adopted village begins to fathom a pattern that every place Lici visits the disease follows. He fears she is abusing blood earth magic, but wonders who she is to be able to do this.
Book one of the Blood of the Southlands trilogy is set in the same captivating world as the Winds of the Forelands saga takes place. In fact some characters from the latter appear in the former. Readers will enjoy the cast as David B. Coe examines racism caused by ignorance of the other tribes as much as by the acceptable form and use of magic. Fans of the author will rejoice at this strong return to the Coe realm.
Harriet Klausner
Dragon Harper-Anne McCaffrey & Todd McCaffrey
Dragon Harper
Anne McCaffrey & Todd McCaffrey
Del Rey. Dec 2007, $5.95, 320 pp.
ISBN 9780345480309
Although apprentice Harper Kindan is disappointed not to impress one of the eggs containing baby dragons on the hatching grounds of High Reaches Weyr, he knows there will be other chances. He returns to Harper Hall and finds himself protecting the Harper young women from the senior apprentice Vaxoram. After getting some special training, Kindan and Vaxoram duel with the former winning. According to the terms of the duel Vaxoram is Kindan’s servant and under his guidance. Vaxoram becomes a better person, genuinely glad when his friend impresses a fire lizard and worried what will happen when it is discovered that Kindan is in love with a Lord Holder’s daughter
These worries are swept aside when a new danger threatens Pern. A super flu starts spreading from hold to hold and nobody knows how to cure it. The records show a plague like this hit once before and it took twenty turns to recover from the aftereffects. With thread coming in twelve turns, the weyrs have to quarantine themselves so they will have enough people and dragons to fight thread. It is up to the Holds and the information gathering of the Harpers to find a way to have the plague burn itself out before the population will not be able to produce goods and grow crops because there won’t be enough people to do it. Kindan plays a big role in trying to stop the spread of the disease and caring for its victims.
Readers who have read any of the Pern books will find DRAGON HARPER just as exciting and enthralling as all the other books in the long running saga. . The collaboration between Anne McCaffrey and her son Todd McCaffrey creates the same voice as if mom wrote this alone. There is plenty of action in DRAGON HARPER but the heart of the books lies in the characters who come together during the crisis.
Harriet Klausner
Anne McCaffrey & Todd McCaffrey
Del Rey. Dec 2007, $5.95, 320 pp.
ISBN 9780345480309
Although apprentice Harper Kindan is disappointed not to impress one of the eggs containing baby dragons on the hatching grounds of High Reaches Weyr, he knows there will be other chances. He returns to Harper Hall and finds himself protecting the Harper young women from the senior apprentice Vaxoram. After getting some special training, Kindan and Vaxoram duel with the former winning. According to the terms of the duel Vaxoram is Kindan’s servant and under his guidance. Vaxoram becomes a better person, genuinely glad when his friend impresses a fire lizard and worried what will happen when it is discovered that Kindan is in love with a Lord Holder’s daughter
These worries are swept aside when a new danger threatens Pern. A super flu starts spreading from hold to hold and nobody knows how to cure it. The records show a plague like this hit once before and it took twenty turns to recover from the aftereffects. With thread coming in twelve turns, the weyrs have to quarantine themselves so they will have enough people and dragons to fight thread. It is up to the Holds and the information gathering of the Harpers to find a way to have the plague burn itself out before the population will not be able to produce goods and grow crops because there won’t be enough people to do it. Kindan plays a big role in trying to stop the spread of the disease and caring for its victims.
Readers who have read any of the Pern books will find DRAGON HARPER just as exciting and enthralling as all the other books in the long running saga. . The collaboration between Anne McCaffrey and her son Todd McCaffrey creates the same voice as if mom wrote this alone. There is plenty of action in DRAGON HARPER but the heart of the books lies in the characters who come together during the crisis.
Harriet Klausner
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
To Love a Knight-Wayne Jordan
To Love a Knight
Wayne Jordan
Harlequin Kimani, Nov 2007, $5.99
ISBN: 9780373860432
Veterinarian Tamara Knight knew as a child what her calling in life would be; she always nurtured injured animals. However, when it comes to the male of her species that is a different story all together as she is a failure though she dreams of a relationship like her brother Shayne has with Carla. As a teen she was in love with Kyle Austin, but he failed to feel the same way.
Five years ago, West Indies cricket superstar Kyle Austin was in a car accident that forced his retirement from the game he loves. However, emotionally the scars prove devastating as they on top of his already childhood abandonment have turned him into a hermit. He does not believe in love; for that matter he loathes the month of December as his Yuletide philosophy is “bah humbug” to the holiday and his tenth of December birthday. However, Tamara besides seeing him as a wounded beast, she realizes he is her forever love and this time refuses to accept his rejection. She bullies him into accepting his disability, his loathing for the holiday season, and his love of her.
Wayne Jordan provides a beautiful Barbados contemporary romance starring two wonderful lead protagonists. Besides the delightful Caribbean setting, the cast makes for a warm tale. Readers will enjoy Tamara on a mission of mercy that disguises her hidden agenda to reach the heart of her soul mate s in order for him TO LOVE A KNIGHT. Fans, who have not discovered Mr. Jordan, is missing out on a fresh author whose characters interactions lead to wonderful story lines (see EMBRACING THE MOONLIGHT and ONE GENTLE KNIGHT).
Harriet Klausner
Wayne Jordan
Harlequin Kimani, Nov 2007, $5.99
ISBN: 9780373860432
Veterinarian Tamara Knight knew as a child what her calling in life would be; she always nurtured injured animals. However, when it comes to the male of her species that is a different story all together as she is a failure though she dreams of a relationship like her brother Shayne has with Carla. As a teen she was in love with Kyle Austin, but he failed to feel the same way.
Five years ago, West Indies cricket superstar Kyle Austin was in a car accident that forced his retirement from the game he loves. However, emotionally the scars prove devastating as they on top of his already childhood abandonment have turned him into a hermit. He does not believe in love; for that matter he loathes the month of December as his Yuletide philosophy is “bah humbug” to the holiday and his tenth of December birthday. However, Tamara besides seeing him as a wounded beast, she realizes he is her forever love and this time refuses to accept his rejection. She bullies him into accepting his disability, his loathing for the holiday season, and his love of her.
Wayne Jordan provides a beautiful Barbados contemporary romance starring two wonderful lead protagonists. Besides the delightful Caribbean setting, the cast makes for a warm tale. Readers will enjoy Tamara on a mission of mercy that disguises her hidden agenda to reach the heart of her soul mate s in order for him TO LOVE A KNIGHT. Fans, who have not discovered Mr. Jordan, is missing out on a fresh author whose characters interactions lead to wonderful story lines (see EMBRACING THE MOONLIGHT and ONE GENTLE KNIGHT).
Harriet Klausner
The Price of Pleasure-Connie Mason
The Price of Pleasure
Connie Mason
Leisure, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780843957457
In 1798 Reed Harwood is incarcerated in the infamous French Devil's Chateau for espionage; Reed expects to die as no one locked inside this hellhole survives. However, British agent Fleur “the Black Widow” Fontaine buys his freedom.
Reed has heard rumors that the Black Widow uses her purchases as sex toys before discarding them. However, instead Fleur is kind to him and emits a sense of purity about her. She never tries to seduce him although he admits to himself he is seduced by her innocent lure. He returns to England where he learns he is now an earl, but the woman he loves remains in France. Risking his life, Reed goes back to France to bring Fleur home with him as his wife, but danger follows them across the Channel.
This exhilarating historical romance stars two terrific protagonists who risk their lives to save one another. Fleur is a fascinating character as her reputation is that of sexually devouring male prisoners that she bought for her entertainment, but Reed quickly realizes that is a sham used by her to help her buy freedom for the imprisoned. Although a late suspense seems unnecessary, readers will appreciate Connie Mason’s strong late eighteenth century romantic tale of love in two cities.
Harriet Klausner
Connie Mason
Leisure, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780843957457
In 1798 Reed Harwood is incarcerated in the infamous French Devil's Chateau for espionage; Reed expects to die as no one locked inside this hellhole survives. However, British agent Fleur “the Black Widow” Fontaine buys his freedom.
Reed has heard rumors that the Black Widow uses her purchases as sex toys before discarding them. However, instead Fleur is kind to him and emits a sense of purity about her. She never tries to seduce him although he admits to himself he is seduced by her innocent lure. He returns to England where he learns he is now an earl, but the woman he loves remains in France. Risking his life, Reed goes back to France to bring Fleur home with him as his wife, but danger follows them across the Channel.
This exhilarating historical romance stars two terrific protagonists who risk their lives to save one another. Fleur is a fascinating character as her reputation is that of sexually devouring male prisoners that she bought for her entertainment, but Reed quickly realizes that is a sham used by her to help her buy freedom for the imprisoned. Although a late suspense seems unnecessary, readers will appreciate Connie Mason’s strong late eighteenth century romantic tale of love in two cities.
Harriet Klausner
To the Edge of the Stars-Joyce Henderson
To the Edge of the Stars
Joyce Henderson
Leisure, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780843959963
In 1870 in Texas, Kalen Barrett seeks work. She is terrific with animals having the hands of a healer. To herself she admits she stinks with humans having not felt tender loving care in what seems like a century. Her only chance as a single woman to obtain work is as a ranch-hand at the spread of half-breed Taylor Savage.
As an outcast who has felt the racism of Texans towards a partial Comanche, Taylor empathizes with Kalen’s plight and hires her. She soon finds her yearning for someone to love her especially when she witnesses how kind and nurturing Taylor is towards his family especially his blind mom; they reciprocate his deep feelings. When her uncle dies, he shows her compassion, but now she wants more; she wants her employer’s love.
The key to this fine Texas historical romance is the setting including the secondary characters who bring out the traits in the lead couple. Taylor is tough yet nurturing and vulnerable when it comes to his family, his animals, and his land; Kalen is as tough yet also as nurturing and vulnerable when it comes to his animals and, over time, his family. Joyce Henderson provides a warm nineteenth century Americana tale starring two protagonists who find love truly takes them TO THE EDGE OF THE STARS.
Harriet Klausner
Joyce Henderson
Leisure, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780843959963
In 1870 in Texas, Kalen Barrett seeks work. She is terrific with animals having the hands of a healer. To herself she admits she stinks with humans having not felt tender loving care in what seems like a century. Her only chance as a single woman to obtain work is as a ranch-hand at the spread of half-breed Taylor Savage.
As an outcast who has felt the racism of Texans towards a partial Comanche, Taylor empathizes with Kalen’s plight and hires her. She soon finds her yearning for someone to love her especially when she witnesses how kind and nurturing Taylor is towards his family especially his blind mom; they reciprocate his deep feelings. When her uncle dies, he shows her compassion, but now she wants more; she wants her employer’s love.
The key to this fine Texas historical romance is the setting including the secondary characters who bring out the traits in the lead couple. Taylor is tough yet nurturing and vulnerable when it comes to his family, his animals, and his land; Kalen is as tough yet also as nurturing and vulnerable when it comes to his animals and, over time, his family. Joyce Henderson provides a warm nineteenth century Americana tale starring two protagonists who find love truly takes them TO THE EDGE OF THE STARS.
Harriet Klausner
A Red Hot New Year- Cynthia Eden, Diana Mercury, Virginia Reede and Denise
A Red Hot New Year
Cynthia Eden, Diana Mercury, Virginia Reede and Denise Rossetti
Avon, Dec 2007
ISBN: 9780061451478
“New Year's Bites” by Cynthia Eden. On New Year’s Eve, a wolfman bit Anna Summers changing her physically and mentally. Jon York saves her life and escorts her on her trek into becoming a “bad girl” with a bite.
“Night Resolutions” by Diana Mercury. Chantal attends a New Year’s Eve party hoping to find the passion that has vanished between her and her boyfriend, but instead his best friend heats her bones to the melting point.
“Snow Blind” by Virginia Reede. Gerry and Maggie and Jules and Joe go on a New Year's weekend vacation at a remote mountainous cabin in Colorado. Although wintry, one of them brought shorts, but none of the foursome was prepared for the heat generated that keeps everyone toasted.
“Coming On Strong” by Denise Rossetti. Angst laden Gina McBride rarely goes anywhere because she fears excitement, which turns her into a dragon. Sam Jones knows that there are two sides to Gina, but plans to excite her in ways she has never felt before.
Although the tales range from fantasy to contemporary, A RED HOT NEW YEAR contains four delightful erotic romances that star solid characters who would be fun to read about even in not XXX settings.
Harriet Klausner
Cynthia Eden, Diana Mercury, Virginia Reede and Denise Rossetti
Avon, Dec 2007
ISBN: 9780061451478
“New Year's Bites” by Cynthia Eden. On New Year’s Eve, a wolfman bit Anna Summers changing her physically and mentally. Jon York saves her life and escorts her on her trek into becoming a “bad girl” with a bite.
“Night Resolutions” by Diana Mercury. Chantal attends a New Year’s Eve party hoping to find the passion that has vanished between her and her boyfriend, but instead his best friend heats her bones to the melting point.
“Snow Blind” by Virginia Reede. Gerry and Maggie and Jules and Joe go on a New Year's weekend vacation at a remote mountainous cabin in Colorado. Although wintry, one of them brought shorts, but none of the foursome was prepared for the heat generated that keeps everyone toasted.
“Coming On Strong” by Denise Rossetti. Angst laden Gina McBride rarely goes anywhere because she fears excitement, which turns her into a dragon. Sam Jones knows that there are two sides to Gina, but plans to excite her in ways she has never felt before.
Although the tales range from fantasy to contemporary, A RED HOT NEW YEAR contains four delightful erotic romances that star solid characters who would be fun to read about even in not XXX settings.
Harriet Klausner
Beloved Castaway-Kathleen Y'Barbo
Beloved Castaway
Kathleen Y'Barbo
Barbour, Nov 2007, $9.97
ISBN: 9781597895934
In 1834 in New Orleans, twenty years old female Quadroon slave Isabelle Gayarre has decided to run away before she is used by her current owner. She seeks refuge in Europe because there is no safe haven for a runaway in the States. Her only hope to cross the Atlantic rests with The Jude sailing shortly.
Ship's captain Josiah Carter does not want the trouble have the enticing Isabelle on board his vessel. Still he takes her when they leave New Orleans. On the journey, he begins to admire her courage and conviction; she his strength and caring. Soon they fall in love, but laws forbid a marriage between a Quadroon and a white. Will they defy the laws and public opinion for a chance at happiness together.
This inspirational historical romance entertains readers from the moment that Isabelle seeks freedom by pleading her case to come on board the Jude and never slows down until the final kiss. The action is extremely high at sea, but it is the timely deep look at racial martial taboo laws and a society that enforces them that provide insight into the historical sanctuary of marriage.
Harriet Klausner
Kathleen Y'Barbo
Barbour, Nov 2007, $9.97
ISBN: 9781597895934
In 1834 in New Orleans, twenty years old female Quadroon slave Isabelle Gayarre has decided to run away before she is used by her current owner. She seeks refuge in Europe because there is no safe haven for a runaway in the States. Her only hope to cross the Atlantic rests with The Jude sailing shortly.
Ship's captain Josiah Carter does not want the trouble have the enticing Isabelle on board his vessel. Still he takes her when they leave New Orleans. On the journey, he begins to admire her courage and conviction; she his strength and caring. Soon they fall in love, but laws forbid a marriage between a Quadroon and a white. Will they defy the laws and public opinion for a chance at happiness together.
This inspirational historical romance entertains readers from the moment that Isabelle seeks freedom by pleading her case to come on board the Jude and never slows down until the final kiss. The action is extremely high at sea, but it is the timely deep look at racial martial taboo laws and a society that enforces them that provide insight into the historical sanctuary of marriage.
Harriet Klausner
Divorced, Desperate and Delicious-Christie Craig
Divorced, Desperate and Delicious
Christie Craig
Love Spell, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780505527301
In Houston his partner of two months Zeke Duncan points the gun at detective Chase Kelly’s head. He informs him that he is already considered a dirty cop as he has been set up with cocaine planted under his bed and now will be accused of killing police officer Stokes, a father of two. Of course Chase will not be ably to defend himself in court, with his peers or the media as he will be dead and Zeke a hero.
Chase manages to escape, but not before Zeke’s ally drug dealer Bruno shoots him in the shoulder. Fabio the dog with reindeer ears takes Chase home. The canine’s owner photographer Lacy Maguire wants nothing to do with men due to a cheating ex, but she has no choice as Chase holds her hostage while Fabio turns traitor and likes the hunk. Soon Chase convinces Lacy he is innocent and as they fall in love, she decides to abet his efforts to prove he is clean and Zeke is a dirty homicidal cop.
Romantic suspense fans will appreciate the fast-paced DIVORCED, DESPERATE AND DELICIOUS in which the story line effortlessly switches back and forth between a tense drama and lighthearted sexual banter. The lead couple is a likable pair as they go from a hostage hostile relationship to love with several steps in between. Her pets and her matchmaking mom along with several other secondary players add fun while Zeke is a cold hearted SOB who will have no compunction killing Lacy or Fabio. Readers will enjoy Christie Craig’s pleasant tale.
Harriet Klausner
Christie Craig
Love Spell, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780505527301
In Houston his partner of two months Zeke Duncan points the gun at detective Chase Kelly’s head. He informs him that he is already considered a dirty cop as he has been set up with cocaine planted under his bed and now will be accused of killing police officer Stokes, a father of two. Of course Chase will not be ably to defend himself in court, with his peers or the media as he will be dead and Zeke a hero.
Chase manages to escape, but not before Zeke’s ally drug dealer Bruno shoots him in the shoulder. Fabio the dog with reindeer ears takes Chase home. The canine’s owner photographer Lacy Maguire wants nothing to do with men due to a cheating ex, but she has no choice as Chase holds her hostage while Fabio turns traitor and likes the hunk. Soon Chase convinces Lacy he is innocent and as they fall in love, she decides to abet his efforts to prove he is clean and Zeke is a dirty homicidal cop.
Romantic suspense fans will appreciate the fast-paced DIVORCED, DESPERATE AND DELICIOUS in which the story line effortlessly switches back and forth between a tense drama and lighthearted sexual banter. The lead couple is a likable pair as they go from a hostage hostile relationship to love with several steps in between. Her pets and her matchmaking mom along with several other secondary players add fun while Zeke is a cold hearted SOB who will have no compunction killing Lacy or Fabio. Readers will enjoy Christie Craig’s pleasant tale.
Harriet Klausner
Murder on K Street-Margaret Truman
Murder on K Street
Margaret Truman
Ballantine, Oct 30 2007, $24.95
ISBN 9780345498861
U.S. Senator Lyle Simmons is considered by the pundits as one of the leading candidates for president. However, he soon has a different problem outside of politics to deal with when he comes home following a fundraiser. His wife Jeanette lies on the floor of their foyer; someone brutally murdered her. Capital Police Detective Charles Chang leads the official investigation with the media spotlight following every step he makes.
Clues send Chang in the direction of K Street where the senior senator from Illinois has close ties with lobbyists who provide him with plenty of campaign funding. However Chang also finds the street is close lipped to outsiders, even cops on official inquiries and corruption and lies are the norm. Under the press’ persistent digging, the perfect Simmons’s marriage suddenly has cracks and holes that make it look as if it was tied together by White House ambition only. Meanwhile Simmons’s friend, retired detective Phil Rotondi wonders whether he should come clean with what he knows about the relationship between Lyle and Jeanette; although he admits to himself he still has sour grapes having lost her to him when they attended college together.
When the story line focuses on K Street, readers obtain an interesting look at how much influence is bought and sold as there is a lobbying stock market selling and buying specialized commodities. However, the constant flashbacks to college are a distraction that slows down the present murder mystery, which is too bad as this Capital Crimes entry had possibilities for an insightful relevant thriller if the plot concentrated on MURDER ON K STREET.
Harriet Klausner
Margaret Truman
Ballantine, Oct 30 2007, $24.95
ISBN 9780345498861
U.S. Senator Lyle Simmons is considered by the pundits as one of the leading candidates for president. However, he soon has a different problem outside of politics to deal with when he comes home following a fundraiser. His wife Jeanette lies on the floor of their foyer; someone brutally murdered her. Capital Police Detective Charles Chang leads the official investigation with the media spotlight following every step he makes.
Clues send Chang in the direction of K Street where the senior senator from Illinois has close ties with lobbyists who provide him with plenty of campaign funding. However Chang also finds the street is close lipped to outsiders, even cops on official inquiries and corruption and lies are the norm. Under the press’ persistent digging, the perfect Simmons’s marriage suddenly has cracks and holes that make it look as if it was tied together by White House ambition only. Meanwhile Simmons’s friend, retired detective Phil Rotondi wonders whether he should come clean with what he knows about the relationship between Lyle and Jeanette; although he admits to himself he still has sour grapes having lost her to him when they attended college together.
When the story line focuses on K Street, readers obtain an interesting look at how much influence is bought and sold as there is a lobbying stock market selling and buying specialized commodities. However, the constant flashbacks to college are a distraction that slows down the present murder mystery, which is too bad as this Capital Crimes entry had possibilities for an insightful relevant thriller if the plot concentrated on MURDER ON K STREET.
Harriet Klausner
Killer Focus-Fiona Brand
Killer Focus
Fiona Brand
Mira, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780778325635
DC based FBI Agent Taylor Jones knows how close she came to being another death statistic of Alex Lopez, but instead of cowering she is invigorated with energy to take the SOB down. However, when a fresh attempt to kill her occurs; her superiors take her off the case and place her in the protected witness program in Vermont.
Taylor becomes a personal trainer and soon meets Steve Fischer. They are attracted to one another, but a wary distrusting Taylor refuses to follow up on her feelings. When someone murders her elderly neighbor, Fischer informs Taylor that he is a former SEAL working as a personal security agent. When another attempt to kill Taylor occurs, Fischer stands by her to protect her, but fails to inform her that he needs to take down Lopez for personal reasons.
KILLER FOCUS clearly has the unique brand of romantic suspense that make up a Fiona Brand tale. The lead couple is a strong caring pair with secrets and doubts. However, as with DOUBLE VISION it is the villain Alex Lopez who steals the show again; few characters are as cold efficient and deadly as he is.
Harriet Klausner
Fiona Brand
Mira, Dec 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780778325635
DC based FBI Agent Taylor Jones knows how close she came to being another death statistic of Alex Lopez, but instead of cowering she is invigorated with energy to take the SOB down. However, when a fresh attempt to kill her occurs; her superiors take her off the case and place her in the protected witness program in Vermont.
Taylor becomes a personal trainer and soon meets Steve Fischer. They are attracted to one another, but a wary distrusting Taylor refuses to follow up on her feelings. When someone murders her elderly neighbor, Fischer informs Taylor that he is a former SEAL working as a personal security agent. When another attempt to kill Taylor occurs, Fischer stands by her to protect her, but fails to inform her that he needs to take down Lopez for personal reasons.
KILLER FOCUS clearly has the unique brand of romantic suspense that make up a Fiona Brand tale. The lead couple is a strong caring pair with secrets and doubts. However, as with DOUBLE VISION it is the villain Alex Lopez who steals the show again; few characters are as cold efficient and deadly as he is.
Harriet Klausner
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