Ripe for Pleasure
Isobel Carr
Forever, May 1 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780446572750
In 1783 London some members of the Ton are euphoric that popular courtesan Viola Whedon is writing her memoirs. However, those who will be exposed in her tell all titillating account is appalled by the scandal the bio will cause for them and their family.
In London a mob breaks into her townhouse. Viola assumes they came in search of her manuscript. Lord Leonidas Vaughn offers his protection and she accepts. He conceals from Viola that he knows the reason the thugs assaulted her home; they did not seek her book, but instead work for his odious cousin who believes she has hidden a treasure given to their family by the French king. When a suspicious fire occurs, he takes her to his remote estate where passion ignites and love grows, but he owes her the truth especially as the danger mounts.
The opening act in the League of second Sons is a delightful Georgian romantic suspense due to a strong cast especially the lead couple and their “matchmaking” pup. The treasure hunt is fun to follow as he knows he owes her the truth but struggles to tell her what the hooligans seek. Tense throughout yet fully “Ripe” with humor, sub-genre fans will enjoy this charming late eighteenth contrary tale.
Harriet Klausner
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The Guardian-Margaret Mallory
The Guardian
Margaret Mallory
Forever, May 1 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780446575164
In 1508 on the Isle of Skye Ian MacDonald rescues his thirteen year old friend Sileas from an unwanted marriage to Angus MacKinnon. However, his good deed as her knight in shining armor leaves Sileas compromised so his clan makes them marry. Ian knows she is too young to be a bride so he leaves.
After five years away fighting as a warrior including recent time in a dungeon on the Isle of Mull whose laird lacks hospitality, he returns to his clan and his adoring wife. However, she is no longer the child bride who worshiped his every step. Instead Sileas is a mature woman who still loves her husband. He vows to be a good spouse to his beloved wife but must persuade her he plans to stay.
The first Return of the Highlanders Scottish Isles historical romance is a terrific somewhat linear tale of a second chance at love. Ian left his child bride out of honor and duty as he loved her like a big brother does a younger sister; Sileas felt otherwise as she believed her love for him was adult and not puppy. Sub-genre fans will enjoy the warrior’s return to a woman who still cherishes him with her heart, but this time he reciprocates with his soul.
Harriet Klausner
Margaret Mallory
Forever, May 1 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780446575164
In 1508 on the Isle of Skye Ian MacDonald rescues his thirteen year old friend Sileas from an unwanted marriage to Angus MacKinnon. However, his good deed as her knight in shining armor leaves Sileas compromised so his clan makes them marry. Ian knows she is too young to be a bride so he leaves.
After five years away fighting as a warrior including recent time in a dungeon on the Isle of Mull whose laird lacks hospitality, he returns to his clan and his adoring wife. However, she is no longer the child bride who worshiped his every step. Instead Sileas is a mature woman who still loves her husband. He vows to be a good spouse to his beloved wife but must persuade her he plans to stay.
The first Return of the Highlanders Scottish Isles historical romance is a terrific somewhat linear tale of a second chance at love. Ian left his child bride out of honor and duty as he loved her like a big brother does a younger sister; Sileas felt otherwise as she believed her love for him was adult and not puppy. Sub-genre fans will enjoy the warrior’s return to a woman who still cherishes him with her heart, but this time he reciprocates with his soul.
Harriet Klausner
Sophia-D.B. Reynolds
Sophia
D.B. Reynolds
ImaJinn, Apr 8 2011, $15.00
ISBN: 9781610260497
Her sire Lucien urgently orders Sophia to come to Vancouver. She leaves her home in Rio immediately and flies to Toronto where she connects on flight to Vancouver, British Columbia. There Lucien’s lieutenant in name only Darren informs her that their sire has vanished, but left behind an explanatory letter and a picture of three murdered vampires for her.
Former Navy SEAL Colin Murphy works security in Cooper’s Rest, just north of Seattle. Over a decade ago, he and Sophia were lovers. He learns that someone is murdering vampires and torturing their mates. He and Sophia unite to end the psychopath’s killing spree. Coming to the Pacific Northwest from Malibu also seeking the murderer is Vampire Lord Raphael accompanied by his mate Cyn. Raphael is raging as two of the dead vampires (Marco and Preston) are his offspring. The four team up as a predator must be stopped.
Besides the return of stars from the previous Vampires in America urban fantasy (see Raphael, Jabril and Rajmund), Sophia is a refreshing Undead as she is confident in her power, but instead of being Lucien’s lieutenant prefers her layback lifestyle in South America (or does she?). Her only weakness is courageous Colin who is human but not afraid to confront danger or vampires; especially a Brazilian beauty. With a strong whodunit and several surprising twists, readers will relish the latest entry though perhaps the series title should now be Vampires in the Western Hemisphere as D.B. Reynolds has started to go global.
Harriet Klausner
D.B. Reynolds
ImaJinn, Apr 8 2011, $15.00
ISBN: 9781610260497
Her sire Lucien urgently orders Sophia to come to Vancouver. She leaves her home in Rio immediately and flies to Toronto where she connects on flight to Vancouver, British Columbia. There Lucien’s lieutenant in name only Darren informs her that their sire has vanished, but left behind an explanatory letter and a picture of three murdered vampires for her.
Former Navy SEAL Colin Murphy works security in Cooper’s Rest, just north of Seattle. Over a decade ago, he and Sophia were lovers. He learns that someone is murdering vampires and torturing their mates. He and Sophia unite to end the psychopath’s killing spree. Coming to the Pacific Northwest from Malibu also seeking the murderer is Vampire Lord Raphael accompanied by his mate Cyn. Raphael is raging as two of the dead vampires (Marco and Preston) are his offspring. The four team up as a predator must be stopped.
Besides the return of stars from the previous Vampires in America urban fantasy (see Raphael, Jabril and Rajmund), Sophia is a refreshing Undead as she is confident in her power, but instead of being Lucien’s lieutenant prefers her layback lifestyle in South America (or does she?). Her only weakness is courageous Colin who is human but not afraid to confront danger or vampires; especially a Brazilian beauty. With a strong whodunit and several surprising twists, readers will relish the latest entry though perhaps the series title should now be Vampires in the Western Hemisphere as D.B. Reynolds has started to go global.
Harriet Klausner
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Warrior of the Isles-Debbie Mazzuca
Warrior of the Isles
Debbie Mazzuca
Zebra, May 1 2011, $6.99
ISBN: 9781420110067
In 1592 on the Isle of Lewis, Scottish Laird Aidan MacLeod struggles to insure his clan is fed and sheltered. The Highlander loathes the fae for what they did to his family; as affirmed whenever he looks at his out of control half-breed younger brother, Lachlan.
Fae Princess Syrena arrives to escort Lachlan to the Enchanted Isles. However, she is taken aback when her charge refuses to go with her. Worse Syrena is attracted to the protective big brother who wants her too. That is until he learns what she is as his racism accentuated by her duplicity in concealing her heritage and mission angers him. When someone kidnaps Lachlan the human and the fae unite to try to save the lad and soon find much more.
The latest Isles historical romantic fantasy (see Lord of the Isles) is a wonderful tale. The lead couple is a super pairing as he loathes the Fae but to his chagrin falls in love with one; while she distrusts mortals, but to her chagrin falls in love with a mortal. Filled with action, the dueling protagonists put aside their disdain and desire to try and rescue Lachlan. Warrior of the isles is a winner.
Harriet Klausner
Debbie Mazzuca
Zebra, May 1 2011, $6.99
ISBN: 9781420110067
In 1592 on the Isle of Lewis, Scottish Laird Aidan MacLeod struggles to insure his clan is fed and sheltered. The Highlander loathes the fae for what they did to his family; as affirmed whenever he looks at his out of control half-breed younger brother, Lachlan.
Fae Princess Syrena arrives to escort Lachlan to the Enchanted Isles. However, she is taken aback when her charge refuses to go with her. Worse Syrena is attracted to the protective big brother who wants her too. That is until he learns what she is as his racism accentuated by her duplicity in concealing her heritage and mission angers him. When someone kidnaps Lachlan the human and the fae unite to try to save the lad and soon find much more.
The latest Isles historical romantic fantasy (see Lord of the Isles) is a wonderful tale. The lead couple is a super pairing as he loathes the Fae but to his chagrin falls in love with one; while she distrusts mortals, but to her chagrin falls in love with a mortal. Filled with action, the dueling protagonists put aside their disdain and desire to try and rescue Lachlan. Warrior of the isles is a winner.
Harriet Klausner
Nowhere Near Respectable-Mary Jo Putney
Nowhere Near Respectable
Mary Jo Putney
Zebra, May 1 2011, $6.99
ISBN: 9781420117226
In 1812 Kent, mixes race Hindu-English Lady Kiri Lawford expects a proposal from Godfrey Hitchcock that she plans to accept. However, just before the question is popped, she learns his family detests her for being racially impure although they want her wealth. Stunned she flees for Dover only to be caught by smugglers.
Rakish gambling den owner Damian Mackenzie rescues Lady Kiri. They are attracted to one another, but besides her brother being his friend, he knows his heritage is nowhere near hers. Whereas his father ignores him as being from the wrong side of the sheets as his mother is an actress; her father is a duke and her mom an Indian royal. When she rescues Princess Charlotte from kidnappers, he assists her while they fall in love.
The third Lost Lords Regency romance (see Loving a Lost Lord and Never Less than a Lady) is a terrific historical due to the fully developed protagonists and a solid support cast. The story line is fast-paced from the moment an irate Kiri flees Kent and never slows down as Mac the Knife learns the true meaning of the “sun never sets on the British Empire.”
Harriet Klausner
Mary Jo Putney
Zebra, May 1 2011, $6.99
ISBN: 9781420117226
In 1812 Kent, mixes race Hindu-English Lady Kiri Lawford expects a proposal from Godfrey Hitchcock that she plans to accept. However, just before the question is popped, she learns his family detests her for being racially impure although they want her wealth. Stunned she flees for Dover only to be caught by smugglers.
Rakish gambling den owner Damian Mackenzie rescues Lady Kiri. They are attracted to one another, but besides her brother being his friend, he knows his heritage is nowhere near hers. Whereas his father ignores him as being from the wrong side of the sheets as his mother is an actress; her father is a duke and her mom an Indian royal. When she rescues Princess Charlotte from kidnappers, he assists her while they fall in love.
The third Lost Lords Regency romance (see Loving a Lost Lord and Never Less than a Lady) is a terrific historical due to the fully developed protagonists and a solid support cast. The story line is fast-paced from the moment an irate Kiri flees Kent and never slows down as Mac the Knife learns the true meaning of the “sun never sets on the British Empire.”
Harriet Klausner
My Favorite Countess-Vanessa Kelly
My Favorite Countess
Vanessa Kelly
Zebra, May 1 2011, $6.99
ISBN: 9781420114836
In 1817 Widow Bathsheba Compton cannot enjoy her new marital status as she cannot pay her abusive late husband’s major debt nor pay for the care her mentally disturbed sister who she never sees. The aristocrat knows her only hope to pay the bills rests with marrying a wealth noble.
At a dinner party Lady Bathsheba and Dr. John Blackmore meet and are attracted to one another. She tries to ignore her suddenly awakened libido as he is not what she needs as a mate. He agrees with her assessment as he does not want Lady Shrew for a spouse. However, when she becomes deathly ill, John saves her life. As his patient heals under his care, he discovers she uses her shrewish personality to disguise her intelligence. They begin a tryst, but she rejects his proposal because she fears he will be hurt with his compassion to help poor people in dangerous neighborhoods and besides she needs a pliable wealthy social climber.
Continuing the community activism of Sex and the Single Earl, My Favorite Countess is a wonderful regency romance starring two intriguing lead characters whose passion for one another make for an engaging read. Fast-paced, Blackmore and Compton have ghosts that haunt each and lead to their current behavior of his recklessness and her need for money.
Harriet Klausner
Vanessa Kelly
Zebra, May 1 2011, $6.99
ISBN: 9781420114836
In 1817 Widow Bathsheba Compton cannot enjoy her new marital status as she cannot pay her abusive late husband’s major debt nor pay for the care her mentally disturbed sister who she never sees. The aristocrat knows her only hope to pay the bills rests with marrying a wealth noble.
At a dinner party Lady Bathsheba and Dr. John Blackmore meet and are attracted to one another. She tries to ignore her suddenly awakened libido as he is not what she needs as a mate. He agrees with her assessment as he does not want Lady Shrew for a spouse. However, when she becomes deathly ill, John saves her life. As his patient heals under his care, he discovers she uses her shrewish personality to disguise her intelligence. They begin a tryst, but she rejects his proposal because she fears he will be hurt with his compassion to help poor people in dangerous neighborhoods and besides she needs a pliable wealthy social climber.
Continuing the community activism of Sex and the Single Earl, My Favorite Countess is a wonderful regency romance starring two intriguing lead characters whose passion for one another make for an engaging read. Fast-paced, Blackmore and Compton have ghosts that haunt each and lead to their current behavior of his recklessness and her need for money.
Harriet Klausner
A Tale of Two Lovers-Maya Rodale
A Tale of Two Lovers
Maya Rodale
Avon, Apr 26 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780061922992
In 1823 in London, the weekly A Lady of Distinction reports of the latest scandalous affair of Lord R, who has slept with much of the aristocratic female population; this time he is allegedly caught with the taboo of the “stronger sex”. His outraged father warns Roxbury that he marry within one month or accept poverty.
Roxbury, Simon Sinclair had planned on dying as a wealthy bachelor. He blames his latest mess on gossip columnist Lady Julianna Somerset. As the rival A Man About Town places Lady Julianna in the hot sit due to her coverage of Lord R, raging Roxbury knows his time is running out on him so he decides to go after the widow who placed him in fiscal jeopardy. Though attracted to the rake, Julianna vows never again with another philander, but he insists a marriage of convenience is the only shelter for both of them.
The latest The Writing Girl’s Regency romance (see A Groom of One’s Own) is a zany historical that will remind the audience of the madcap 1930s movies like His Girl Friday and Bringing Up Baby. The story line is fast-paced as Julianna has a penchant for gossip and trouble while Simon finds she rocks his world. Fans will enjoy this humorous tale with a touch of identity mystery,
Harriet Klausner
Maya Rodale
Avon, Apr 26 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780061922992
In 1823 in London, the weekly A Lady of Distinction reports of the latest scandalous affair of Lord R, who has slept with much of the aristocratic female population; this time he is allegedly caught with the taboo of the “stronger sex”. His outraged father warns Roxbury that he marry within one month or accept poverty.
Roxbury, Simon Sinclair had planned on dying as a wealthy bachelor. He blames his latest mess on gossip columnist Lady Julianna Somerset. As the rival A Man About Town places Lady Julianna in the hot sit due to her coverage of Lord R, raging Roxbury knows his time is running out on him so he decides to go after the widow who placed him in fiscal jeopardy. Though attracted to the rake, Julianna vows never again with another philander, but he insists a marriage of convenience is the only shelter for both of them.
The latest The Writing Girl’s Regency romance (see A Groom of One’s Own) is a zany historical that will remind the audience of the madcap 1930s movies like His Girl Friday and Bringing Up Baby. The story line is fast-paced as Julianna has a penchant for gossip and trouble while Simon finds she rocks his world. Fans will enjoy this humorous tale with a touch of identity mystery,
Harriet Klausner
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