With This Ring I Thee Bed
Alison Tyler (editor)
Spice, Apr 19 2011, $14.95
ISBN: 978-0373605552
This twenty-five short story collection focuses on sex (and humor) in marriage whether it is the honeymoon, the wedding day, the make up encounter or The Seven Year Itch (sans Marilyn) by Kristina Lloyd. Each entry is well written as the authors seemed to have had a good time writing about various aspects but with a strong sexual spin of marriage in under twenty-five pages. The opening act occurs with two empty first class seats as Now or Forever by Nikki Magennis moves the boudoir into the kitchen. Sommer Marsden’s bats second with a bride caught “Racing to the Altar,” by a cop who knows how to pat down a speeder. Fans will enjoy the Anniversary Waltz by Portia Da Costa and the male perspective with contributions by Thomas S. Roche (“A Lucky Wedding”) and Michael Hemington (“The Wedding Stoppers). All the tales are quickies as summed up with the aptly titled “Strippers and Cigars” by N.T. Morley and even the “Mother of the Bride” by Cheyenne Blue finds her groove. With This Ring I Thee Bed is an amusing heated look at sex and marriage, which goes together in this fun collection.
Harriet Klausner
Monday, May 2, 2011
The Marriage Solution-Megan Kelly
The Marriage Solution
Megan Kelly
Harlequin American, May 3 2011, $4.99
ISBN: 9780373753604
In Howard, Missouri Dylan Ross meets Tara Montgomery at his mom’s daycare center where she works. She recognizes him as a love 'em and leave 'em hunk; having met one before; Jay dumped her when she got pregnant four years ago. Now she raises her Jimmy as a single mom, but her child’s paternal grandparents are suing for custody insisting she is unfit though they only know her from her bad girl Jay days.
Violet Durant calls Dylan asking if he will attend her daughter’s funeral and what he plans to do about four year old Lily who he did not know existed until now. The computer guru and the day care provider share a common problem to which he offers a solution. She accepts his marriage of convenience proposal, as long as he understands her child comes first in her eyes.
Although the theme is not new, the characters turn this into a warm family drama filled with love as each has to overcome a misconception about the other. Neither adult can help but fall in love with the other’s child and subsequently each other. Contemporary fans will enjoy the Marriage Solution as neither parents anticipated the love.
Harriet Klausner
Megan Kelly
Harlequin American, May 3 2011, $4.99
ISBN: 9780373753604
In Howard, Missouri Dylan Ross meets Tara Montgomery at his mom’s daycare center where she works. She recognizes him as a love 'em and leave 'em hunk; having met one before; Jay dumped her when she got pregnant four years ago. Now she raises her Jimmy as a single mom, but her child’s paternal grandparents are suing for custody insisting she is unfit though they only know her from her bad girl Jay days.
Violet Durant calls Dylan asking if he will attend her daughter’s funeral and what he plans to do about four year old Lily who he did not know existed until now. The computer guru and the day care provider share a common problem to which he offers a solution. She accepts his marriage of convenience proposal, as long as he understands her child comes first in her eyes.
Although the theme is not new, the characters turn this into a warm family drama filled with love as each has to overcome a misconception about the other. Neither adult can help but fall in love with the other’s child and subsequently each other. Contemporary fans will enjoy the Marriage Solution as neither parents anticipated the love.
Harriet Klausner
A Rancher’s Pride-Barbara White Daille
A Rancher’s Pride
Barbara White Daille
Harlequin American, May 3 2011, $4.99
ISBN: 9780373753574
In Flagman’s Folly, New Mexico Ronnie Ward dumps her daughter on her ex husband Sam Robertson and his mother Sharleen informing the latter she is starting over with a new man. He is stunned as he never knew he had a child. Still reeling Sam vows to be the best daddy in the world to four year old Becky.
He learns his pride and joy is deaf, but he does not care one iota. However, his former sister-in-law Kayla Ward arrives from Illinois vowing to obtain custody of her niece from the absentee father. A sign language teacher, Kayla hates Sam based on what Ronnie told her about her abusive spouse. Sharleen gets hurt in a fall; Sam goes with her to the ER though he distrusts Kayla not to flee with her niece. However, thinking what is best for the child and realizing the aunt and father wants that too, Judge Lloyd Baylor orders the pair to provide a stable environment for Becky for six weeks of joint custody before returning to court.
This is a fabulous family drama as the aunt and the dad fight for custody over his child who turns into the matchmaker. The characters are fully developed with flaws like obstinacy as each learns how irresponsible Ronnie is. Though the solution is obvious as this is a romance, fans will enjoy the trip getting their as a precocious little girl turns Flagman’s Folly into the land of Enchantment.
Harriet Klausner
Barbara White Daille
Harlequin American, May 3 2011, $4.99
ISBN: 9780373753574
In Flagman’s Folly, New Mexico Ronnie Ward dumps her daughter on her ex husband Sam Robertson and his mother Sharleen informing the latter she is starting over with a new man. He is stunned as he never knew he had a child. Still reeling Sam vows to be the best daddy in the world to four year old Becky.
He learns his pride and joy is deaf, but he does not care one iota. However, his former sister-in-law Kayla Ward arrives from Illinois vowing to obtain custody of her niece from the absentee father. A sign language teacher, Kayla hates Sam based on what Ronnie told her about her abusive spouse. Sharleen gets hurt in a fall; Sam goes with her to the ER though he distrusts Kayla not to flee with her niece. However, thinking what is best for the child and realizing the aunt and father wants that too, Judge Lloyd Baylor orders the pair to provide a stable environment for Becky for six weeks of joint custody before returning to court.
This is a fabulous family drama as the aunt and the dad fight for custody over his child who turns into the matchmaker. The characters are fully developed with flaws like obstinacy as each learns how irresponsible Ronnie is. Though the solution is obvious as this is a romance, fans will enjoy the trip getting their as a precocious little girl turns Flagman’s Folly into the land of Enchantment.
Harriet Klausner
Hidden Threat-A. J. Tata
Hidden Threat
A. J. Tata
Variance, Dec 21 2010, $25.95
ISBN: 9781935142171
On the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, Special Forces Colonel Zach Garrett and his commando unit attack an enemy camp. In the combat, their helicopter is destroyed and all assumed dead. In Spartanburg, South Carolina the Casualty Assistance Officer and Chaplain visit the next of kin, Zach’s teenage daughter Amanda, who loathes her father for never being there for her or her mother Melanie; she is indifferent to her dad’s death until she learns of his $500,000 life insurance policy. While her mother and maternal grandma Nina celebrate, there is a stipulation before she can collect, she must visit psychiatrist Dr. Riley Dwyer.
In Loudoun County, Virginia, a Casualty Assistance Officer informs CIA operative Matt Garrett of his brother’s death. Matt travels to Afghanistan to bring home Zachary's remains. However, he decides on one unsanctioned avenging raid on those who killed his sibling, but begins to find interesting information. Back in South Carolina Zach’s ex wife and former mother-in-law begin the purge of his existence.
The third Garrett “threat” thriller (see Rogue Threat and Sudden Threat) is an exciting military operative tale that rotates between the theater and the home-front. The story line is fast-paced in theater while poignant at home. Beyond what they do to brainwash their daughter, the unbelievable additional activity by Nina and Melanie are over the top of Sassafras Mountain. Still fans will enjoy this solid entry as the field escapades are entertaining and the spotlight on a stay at home parent’s destructive influence towards her offspring make for a powerful storyline as Melanie and Nina make Cruella DeVille look like Mother Teresa when it comes to brainwashing Amanda.
Harriet Klausner
A. J. Tata
Variance, Dec 21 2010, $25.95
ISBN: 9781935142171
On the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, Special Forces Colonel Zach Garrett and his commando unit attack an enemy camp. In the combat, their helicopter is destroyed and all assumed dead. In Spartanburg, South Carolina the Casualty Assistance Officer and Chaplain visit the next of kin, Zach’s teenage daughter Amanda, who loathes her father for never being there for her or her mother Melanie; she is indifferent to her dad’s death until she learns of his $500,000 life insurance policy. While her mother and maternal grandma Nina celebrate, there is a stipulation before she can collect, she must visit psychiatrist Dr. Riley Dwyer.
In Loudoun County, Virginia, a Casualty Assistance Officer informs CIA operative Matt Garrett of his brother’s death. Matt travels to Afghanistan to bring home Zachary's remains. However, he decides on one unsanctioned avenging raid on those who killed his sibling, but begins to find interesting information. Back in South Carolina Zach’s ex wife and former mother-in-law begin the purge of his existence.
The third Garrett “threat” thriller (see Rogue Threat and Sudden Threat) is an exciting military operative tale that rotates between the theater and the home-front. The story line is fast-paced in theater while poignant at home. Beyond what they do to brainwash their daughter, the unbelievable additional activity by Nina and Melanie are over the top of Sassafras Mountain. Still fans will enjoy this solid entry as the field escapades are entertaining and the spotlight on a stay at home parent’s destructive influence towards her offspring make for a powerful storyline as Melanie and Nina make Cruella DeVille look like Mother Teresa when it comes to brainwashing Amanda.
Harriet Klausner
Starcraft II: Devils' Due-Christie Golden
Starcraft II: Devils' Due
Christie Golden
Gallery (Pocket), Apr 12 2011, $26.00
ISBN: 9781416550853
In 2488, farmboy Jim Raynor leaves backwater Shiloh to join the Confederacy Marine Corps where he meets Tychus Findley. Their unit became knows as the Heaven Devils (by William C. Dietz) for their courageous taking the fight to the enemy Kel-Morian Combine. Near the end of the Guild Wars, the two friends go AWOL after challenging the brutal abusive authority of their Commander. They become outlaws as their other option is to accept the Confederacy resocialization program that would strip away their respective essences.
In 2494 the pair eludes the interstellar marshals as they have since they deserted living a hedonistic life by stealing Confederacy credits. However, while robbing a train in the Badlands New Sydney all changes for the pair and not because they take Lady Jukebox. George Woodley of the Confederacy Bureau of Protection of Monies and Values man refuses to allow them to open a safe as Marshal Wilkes Butler is coming. As they celebrate their latest robbery, neither is aware of a killer on Tarsonis, but soon after business with the Skulls the two felons leave New Sydney to crime ridden Koprulu where their respective destinies lie.
This is an exciting science fiction thriller based on the game. The story line is fast-paced and loaded with non-stop action starting with the train robbery and never slows down until a final confrontation with Butler. Although Findley never seems more than a pale amoral Han Solo, Raynor is fully developed with a conscience. Butler and the villains are two dimensional, but fans especially gamers will enjoy Christie Golden’s Starcraft entry.
Harriet Klausner
Christie Golden
Gallery (Pocket), Apr 12 2011, $26.00
ISBN: 9781416550853
In 2488, farmboy Jim Raynor leaves backwater Shiloh to join the Confederacy Marine Corps where he meets Tychus Findley. Their unit became knows as the Heaven Devils (by William C. Dietz) for their courageous taking the fight to the enemy Kel-Morian Combine. Near the end of the Guild Wars, the two friends go AWOL after challenging the brutal abusive authority of their Commander. They become outlaws as their other option is to accept the Confederacy resocialization program that would strip away their respective essences.
In 2494 the pair eludes the interstellar marshals as they have since they deserted living a hedonistic life by stealing Confederacy credits. However, while robbing a train in the Badlands New Sydney all changes for the pair and not because they take Lady Jukebox. George Woodley of the Confederacy Bureau of Protection of Monies and Values man refuses to allow them to open a safe as Marshal Wilkes Butler is coming. As they celebrate their latest robbery, neither is aware of a killer on Tarsonis, but soon after business with the Skulls the two felons leave New Sydney to crime ridden Koprulu where their respective destinies lie.
This is an exciting science fiction thriller based on the game. The story line is fast-paced and loaded with non-stop action starting with the train robbery and never slows down until a final confrontation with Butler. Although Findley never seems more than a pale amoral Han Solo, Raynor is fully developed with a conscience. Butler and the villains are two dimensional, but fans especially gamers will enjoy Christie Golden’s Starcraft entry.
Harriet Klausner
The River of Shadows-Robert V.S. Redick
The River of Shadows
Robert V.S. Redick
Del Rey, Apr 19 2011, $16.00
ISBN: 9780345523822
The ancient ship Chathrand has finally crossed the Ruling Sea and reached the southern tip of Bali Adro where they hope to form an alliance with the humans. The trek was dangerous for the crew as many died mostly due to attacks of dark magic and supply shortages. However, the rebel alliance led by Pazel “the Tarboy” Pathkendle and the admiral’s daughter Thasha Isiq feel combat ready for anything.
They quickly realize how wrong they are when the meet those from the empire. The final battle between the rebel alliance and the ancient sorcerer Arunis for control of the powerful Nilstone relic has begun. Even if one possesses the arcane stone, it does not mean victory as failing to deploy properly leads to a horrific death. As Arunis gets closer to success, Pazel and Thasha unite with their enemies in a desperate ploy to prevent the sorcerer from winning. However, a crewmember flirts with Thasha dividing her from Pazel and enabling Arunis to close in on the ultimate victory.
This epic fantasy continues the exhilarating adventures of the crew of the Chathrand Voyage (see The Red Wolf Conspiracy and The Ruling Sea) and like its predecessors does not allow readers a respite as the action keeps on coming. All that seafaring escapades and land battles are two edged swords as the excitement is immense, but the cast is so numerous few come across beyond what was previously developed. Still fans will relish the third Voyage of the Chathrand while newcomers need to read the previous entries to understand what motivates the prime players to act as they do.
Harriet Klausner
Robert V.S. Redick
Del Rey, Apr 19 2011, $16.00
ISBN: 9780345523822
The ancient ship Chathrand has finally crossed the Ruling Sea and reached the southern tip of Bali Adro where they hope to form an alliance with the humans. The trek was dangerous for the crew as many died mostly due to attacks of dark magic and supply shortages. However, the rebel alliance led by Pazel “the Tarboy” Pathkendle and the admiral’s daughter Thasha Isiq feel combat ready for anything.
They quickly realize how wrong they are when the meet those from the empire. The final battle between the rebel alliance and the ancient sorcerer Arunis for control of the powerful Nilstone relic has begun. Even if one possesses the arcane stone, it does not mean victory as failing to deploy properly leads to a horrific death. As Arunis gets closer to success, Pazel and Thasha unite with their enemies in a desperate ploy to prevent the sorcerer from winning. However, a crewmember flirts with Thasha dividing her from Pazel and enabling Arunis to close in on the ultimate victory.
This epic fantasy continues the exhilarating adventures of the crew of the Chathrand Voyage (see The Red Wolf Conspiracy and The Ruling Sea) and like its predecessors does not allow readers a respite as the action keeps on coming. All that seafaring escapades and land battles are two edged swords as the excitement is immense, but the cast is so numerous few come across beyond what was previously developed. Still fans will relish the third Voyage of the Chathrand while newcomers need to read the previous entries to understand what motivates the prime players to act as they do.
Harriet Klausner
Shadowborn- Alison Sinclair
Shadowborn
Alison Sinclair
Roc, Jun 7 2011, $15.00
ISBN: 9780451463944
In Minhorne, the Curse insures the Darkborn shun the light and the Lightborn shun the dark so they never mix; at least that was the belief until the twins were born (see Darkborn). Thus Darkborn married mages Lady Telmaine Hearne and Dr. Balthasar end up with the twins, which leads to learning of a third group the Shadowborn manipulating the hostilities between the light and the dark (see Lightborn).
Another “truism” the Darkborn accepts as gospel is that when a mage dies, his or her magic dies too. Thus Darkborn Lady Telmaine Hearne has been sentenced to death for her dabbling with sorcery. She flees for the Borders where war is imminent, but the alliance between the Lightborn and Darkborn is shaky at best as they prepare to fight the Shadowborn. Balthasar mentally struggles with the knowledge of his connection to the insidious diabolical enemy. Lightborn assassin Floria White Hand is at the Borders trying to protect her people’s young Prince. At the same time Ishmael di Studier, who has spent a lifetime restraining the Curse, which includes battling the Shadowborn, is unprepared foe what awaits at the Borders.
The third “born” fantasy wraps up the major threads as all the key players converge at the Borders where war is imminent. Extremely complicated yet fast-paced, readers will relish the paths to the final battle as heroes from the previous tales struggle to survive and a terrific spin re the Curse makes for a delightful finish. Although newcomers should read the first two books that set the table for this scrumptious repast, fans will enjoy the latest entry in the Sinclair mythos.
Harriet Klausner
Alison Sinclair
Roc, Jun 7 2011, $15.00
ISBN: 9780451463944
In Minhorne, the Curse insures the Darkborn shun the light and the Lightborn shun the dark so they never mix; at least that was the belief until the twins were born (see Darkborn). Thus Darkborn married mages Lady Telmaine Hearne and Dr. Balthasar end up with the twins, which leads to learning of a third group the Shadowborn manipulating the hostilities between the light and the dark (see Lightborn).
Another “truism” the Darkborn accepts as gospel is that when a mage dies, his or her magic dies too. Thus Darkborn Lady Telmaine Hearne has been sentenced to death for her dabbling with sorcery. She flees for the Borders where war is imminent, but the alliance between the Lightborn and Darkborn is shaky at best as they prepare to fight the Shadowborn. Balthasar mentally struggles with the knowledge of his connection to the insidious diabolical enemy. Lightborn assassin Floria White Hand is at the Borders trying to protect her people’s young Prince. At the same time Ishmael di Studier, who has spent a lifetime restraining the Curse, which includes battling the Shadowborn, is unprepared foe what awaits at the Borders.
The third “born” fantasy wraps up the major threads as all the key players converge at the Borders where war is imminent. Extremely complicated yet fast-paced, readers will relish the paths to the final battle as heroes from the previous tales struggle to survive and a terrific spin re the Curse makes for a delightful finish. Although newcomers should read the first two books that set the table for this scrumptious repast, fans will enjoy the latest entry in the Sinclair mythos.
Harriet Klausner
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