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Powell's Staff:
Five Book Friday: In Memoriam
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Every year, the booksellers at Powell’s submit their Top Fives: their five favorite books that were released in 2023. It’s a list that, when put together, shows just how varied and interesting the book tastes of Powell’s booksellers are. I highly recommend digging into the recommendations — we would never lead you astray — but today...
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Brontez Purnell:
Powell’s Q&A: Brontez Purnell, author of ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt’
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Rachael P.:
Starter Pack: Where to Begin with Ursula K. Le Guin
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Customer Comments
TheReadingReviewer has commented on (37) products
When We Were Strangers
by
Pamela Schoenewaldt
TheReadingReviewer
, January 21, 2011
WHEN WE WERE STRANGERS written by Pamela Schonwewaldt January 2011 - HarperCollins Publishers – Trade Paperback, 336 pages Where we came from makes us who we are and what we become. Irma Vitale started life out in the poor, desolate town of Opi, Italy. She dreamed of better things and a more advanced life than the one she was leading. He journey took her alone to America in the times of Lincoln’s reformation. Irma like the country she now lived in would venture forward and Irma believed she too could become someone else but still be true to her roots and upbringing. She missed her family and longed at times for what she had but never regretted her decision despite the agony she had to endure. She started out in Cleveland looking for her brother who left before her but soon moved on to Chicago. Irma had a skill as a seamstress and the talent she possessed to create intricate works of art from pieces of cloth earned her an income and a living enough to move on to San Francisco to start yet again in the field of medicine. Irma was a believer who never stopped to wallow in self-pity and always said thank you for the good this new life brought. Her life was never easy; the times were difficult on good days and despondent on others. She worked hard, never complained and suffered such atrocities no one should endure but still she moved on. But the Opi girl became an American Woman and showed everyone what determination looks like and how to be something when everyone tells you that you are nothing. Irma is an accumulation of each of our ancestries who did not start out but came to America and made a great life for the generations that followed. Poverty was a way of life and Ms. Schonwewaldt writes this with such clarity you stomach starts to grumble with the hunger these people felt. In this time of immigration critiquing it might be nice to have someone read this book and remember that everyone has a dream to live a better life and shouldn’t we be proud they believe all this is possible in the United States of America.
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Deadly Heat
by
Cynthia Eden
TheReadingReviewer
, January 16, 2011
DEADLY HEAT by Cynthia Eden Book #2 in the Deadly Series 02/11 – Grand Central Publishing – Mass Market Paperback, 388 pages This book will light up the night with romance and scary suspense Kenton Lake is a very Special Agent with the FBI and he gave the orders and directed the crime scene. But when he collides with Firefighter Lora Spade the tables are turned and she is the one pulling him from the burning building with no respect for his authority or federal status. That was alright because she is the one that called the FBI in because she is the only one who believes they have a serial arsonist at work here in her town of Charlottesville. Lora doesn’t let anyone mess with her people especially when one of the firefighters she loved had been a casualty of this crazy person. The more time Kenton spends with Lora the more he sees the depth of her passion for the job and that is something they share along with an overwhelming desire to kiss her. This started from the moment he laid eyes on her and she feels the same way regardless of her denials. He moves in quick knowing she is going to run and when he does lock lips with her Lora surrenders to fears from the past and moves on to the future. This is not an easy accomplishment since the arsonist known as the Phoenix keeps lighting up the night with fires that are designed to kill in a specific pattern but with no real consistency to his pattern which is unlike any other serial killer. This should be easy to solve but even when all the elite agents of the SSD Division of the FBI are called in no one can find the connection and there has to be a connection. They determine the profile but even after extensive interviews of potential suspects there is not one person that completely fits the description which allows this nightmare to go on. With time running out and the Phoenix escalating his desire for destruction Lora and Kenton utilize every item at their disposal to find him and stop this. Before long they figure out what this crazy person is about and who in fact all this is targeted at which is even worse than either of them could imagine. Drawing them into his web of madness was the idea but can Kenton and Lora win the game when they are the ones with the targets on their back? But whatever happens at the end of this ordeal Kenton is determined to drive away the ghosts of the past that haunt Lora and be the man in her life today and for all the days that follow. They have both been lost and wandering around with ghosts of what happened before it is time to shed those and move on. Lora and Kenton fight together from the beginning of this story and that is one of the many delights I discovered about this book. I don’t mind the wait for a couple to get together but when the attraction is this strong from page one it is nice to have the story built around them as a couple and dealing with everything united but still trying to work out the details of the relationship. Ms. Eden knows how to write a book that keeps you guessing and not know until the end who is up to what and she is also very good at scaring you during the process. I am anxious for book that comes next.
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Deadly Fear
by
Cynthia Eden
TheReadingReviewer
, January 16, 2011
DEADLY FEAR by Cynthia Eden Book #1 in the Deadly Series 08/10 - Grand Central Publishing - Mass Market Paperback, 416 pages I This terrific book will scare you into nonstop reading What becomes of a person when we have been through the worst of times and pushed further than you ever could have anticipated while still a child? In the case of Monica Davenport you become a Special Agent with the FBI and show all the doubters that you truly do know how to profile and help capture serial killers and she had a gift for closing the case. The downside of Monica’s expertise is that she has walls built up so high and thick around her heart that it has turned her to ice. But leave it to Luke Dante, one handsome; alpha male to knock those walls down and step right over them showing that he is as determined to be with Monica and she is to keep him out. Game On! Luke is a Special Agent with the FBI as well who already knows how amazing Monica is from when they met during their academy days. He has experienced her on an intimate level and now they are reunited to work on with an elite team of agents who do nothing but hunt down serial killers until the murderer is caught. Being back together with her Luke has both his head and body screaming for him to use any means available to get her back in his life on a personal level as much as a professional one. Their first assignment together is horrific and has all the signs of an out of control serial killer who is torturing and brutalizing young women. Both Luke and Monica have to fight off their demons that still lurk in the night to scare them and for Monica déjà vu sets in as this case mirrors another that she was personally involved in and may interfere with her ability to keep her head clear. Luke knows that he can work with Monica and hopes that he is finally able to break down her barriers and warm her heart and help her turn the lights off when the night has come. Luke is also determined to protect Monica regardless of her protesting when the killer marks her as a target and preys on her fear. All bets are off on what Luke will do to find this maniac and make sure one way or another the perp is gone forever. The discovery of love not just lust and passion between Luke and Monica is a hard traveled road but one worth the ride as they realize that together they are a formidable team in and out of bed. But there is so much past that each of them has lived through and both are working out the demons and making sure that what scares them they are able to conquer and ensure that it does not kill them. The most pleasurable yet difficult journey a reader takes is one where you actually feel the emotions and pain the characters are experiencing along with her fear. It is great authors that can have the reader feel as if they are literally walking in the character’s footsteps and taste the same terror as the character. Ms. Eden has done just that with this book and knows that the scary parts are offset with the tenderness and emotion from Luke and Monica. Great book and this series is off to an amazing start.
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Once Upon a Scandal
by
Delilah Marvelle
TheReadingReviewer
, January 11, 2011
ONCE UPON A SCANDAL by Delilah Marvelle Book #2 in the Scandal Series 01/11 – Harlequin – Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages A bit of scandal, a touch of history and a huge cup of love make for a fabulous book! What happens when you wear your heart on your sleeve and the sleeve not only gets torn but the whole shirt is shredded? Well you get a needle and thread and put it all back together or so Jonathan Pierce Thatcher, Viscount Remington thought so. He believed love and a little magic conquered all and could fix everything. Remington was a romantic with a poetic soul who fell in love at 19 to the beautiful Lady Victoria Jane Emerson. Remington believed regardless of their tender age that his strong affection for her could make anything possible and he would win Victoria. Remington confessed his love and had her swear to wait for his return from his quick trip to Venice to straighten out his affairs. She would go through her coming out but still hold the love and the ring he gifted her until he returned and they could marry. All these ifs, hopes and wishes can they come true? If dreams and wishes could be reality this would have all played out so well for Remington but he found himself once in Venice making bad decisions which led to his being indentured in a way no one in proper London could imagine. He was unable to return to Victoria in the time promised, which became the reality of five years and decided to not even return her letters begging him to come home to her. Remington had to pay off his debts and the punishment for his bad decision was worse than the crime itself which was made so much more painful by his separation from Victoria, the love of his life. Once he is able to return he finds the loving girl with an open heart has grown to a jaded woman that has turned her heart to stone. Remington still fights for her and commits his entire existence to winning her over, but is it too late and does Victoria ever see a way to forgive him for what has kept them apart? The truth is so hurtful and scandalous but Remington believes in the love he has for Victoria and the ability to get a second chance with her, everyone makes mistakes he just has to convince her that this chance is the best one she can take and make that leap of faith. You have to believe in the destiny of love because what else is there at the end of the day but the touch of your hand over mine. I will forever love these characters because their story remind you of how much love can overcome, how deep love runs between soul mates who will forever be together. Delilah Marvelle definitely knows how to write scandal, but absolutely knows how to write a love story that makes you believe in all that love can be. She has always been able to show the true worth of her characters even when they are embroiled in one scandal or another. Plus as it turns out Victoria has the same birthday as I do – that can’t be a coincidence now can it?
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Not My Daughter
by
Barbara Delinsky
TheReadingReviewer
, January 02, 2011
NOT MY DAUGHTER Barbara Delinsky January 2010 - Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 352 pages A thought provoking story with a touch of warmth for the heart As parents we have dreams of how we want to raise our children and who they will become, what they will do with their lives and we expend so much energy helping to mold them into responsible adults. But when the reality of our dreams and aspirations collide head on with the reality of what our children decide to do on their own the results from these decisions can be catastrophic and life altering for both parent and child. This is played out when three 17-year old girls who are lifelong friends decide that instead of the amazing future that their parents have planned for them another idea makes more sense – having a baby. The girls decide to get pregnant at the same time and raise their children to be a new generation of friends. While each of them comes from a different home life the intricacies of this has always drawn them closer together to shelter each other and provide encouragement. But once they become pregnant and begin to tell their families the fall out that ensues is nothing that they expected or are prepared to deal with. While the anticipation of school friends and teachers perhaps looking poorly upon them was expected what erupts is not against the girls themselves but their mothers and the sacred institution of motherhood and how these women as mothers failed their children. In particular for Lily whose mother, Susan, is the principal of the high school they all attend is singularly called out in large part not only because Susan is the high school principal. Not only is the backlash at her for setting a poor mother role model to the community but also as an ineffective principal based solely on the fact that she herself was a single mother that had a child at 17. Susan fights for her right to remain as principal but the friends she has always relied upon for moral support are also the mothers of the other girls involved and are struggling with their own inner demons and home issues. While preparing for every possible obstacle that comes up and trying to fight off the nay sayers what Susan never anticipated was that this chaos would cause old ghosts from her experience at 17 to reappear as she thought they were gone if not completely forgotten. Even after Susan worked hard to build a life for Lily and spent so much time on trying to show her what she could have Lily thought she knew exactly what she wanted and that want was a baby of her own. The anger Susan feels at all of her dreams erupting in the blink of an eye fades away as the town erupts with anger and the school board is asking for Susan’s resignation. However, as the story unfolds you see how strong women are as not only mother’s but as a person in the household and the community because when pushed they will shove back regardless of how much stronger the opponent appears. When it is then discovered that there was yet another girl involved who it turns out was the master mind behind the pact to become pregnant new conflicts with the friends and the girls erupt. But everything comes to a screeching halt when Lily’s baby has a serious health issue that must be contended with and all the inner battles being fought come to a halt as everyone rallies around the one person that needs the most love and attention right now – Lily’s baby. You can never use enough positive words to describe a Barbara Delinsky book because they are such an amazing read. Perfection does not even come close, wonderful is an understatement and enjoyable is never strong enough. Ms. Delinsky’s books tell a story yes, but her books draw you into lives that are complicated, situations that are intense and relationships that are imperfect. This book shows that while we are judged the accuser is usually the one with something to hide while you are airing out the laundry for all the neighbors to see. This book in particular show you how regardless of what is thrown at a woman when she is in mother mode there is nothing that will stop her from tackling down anyone who dare besmirch that child. No one is the perfect parent, we each have our demons to battle and baggage to hand off but we do the best we can and this book clearly shows that living in a brick house is much better than a glass one!
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How to Marry a Duke
by
Vicky Dreiling
TheReadingReviewer
, January 02, 2011
HOW TO MARRY A DUKE by Vicky Dreiling 01/03/11 - Grand Central Publishing - Mass Market Paperback, 432 pages Happily Ever After with a twist, turn, push and pull! Miss Tessa Mansfield is a practical, sensible woman who has the advantage only money can provide an unmarried woman early 1800’s – freedom to make her own choices. Upon her uncle’s death she was bestowed with financials wealth few women in London ever acquired and what Tessa did instead of sit on her financial laurels was become matchmaker extraordinaire for the single men and women of the ton. Tessa has a special place in her heart for the lonely girls that are less than perfect and left to sit on the shelf for she herself feels less than perfect and knows how the vicious gossips can hurt with a single word. Tessa let herself be set aside from her coming out due to family responsibility, but also in part to shield herself from the scandal that one night of poor judgment would cause if it became known. Tessa believes in taking ownership of one’s mistakes but is it possible the punishment she put on herself does not fit the supposed crime? When Tristan James Gatewick, the Duke of Shelbourne hires her to find him a suitable duchess, the Regency version of “The Bachelor” begins. Tessa starts the Duke out with 24 suitable women that require an elimination without even a red rose to go home with! Tristan knows his responsibilities to his family and estate demand an heir so his decision to handle this as if it were business makes sense to him but to Tessa a love match is what she is seeking for Tristan, as well as everyone but herself. The more Tristan knows about Tessa the more he wants to know everything about Tessa and grows more wanting of her every minute of the day. But the reality of his desire for the one woman who will not marry him is a mountain Tristan is not sure he can climb. He takes his time to consider each candidate she presents to him as a potential wife but none cause him to burn with desire the way Tessa does and when their lips meet the fire almost consumes them both. She is the complete package he desires of angel in the ballroom and temptress in the bedroom and everything happens for a reason, but what reason is holding Tessa back from letting her passion and lust rule her thoughts? Tristan and Tessa have haunting pasts, present responsibilities and future obligations and while they should work in tangent with one another they do not. Tristan chases an elusive Tessa all around London while she watches over her shoulder for an elusive ghost that still looks to ruin her. But these two and their cast of secondary characters are well written and make the story one you truly will love from cover to cover. This first book shows what a great series starts out with and makes you anxious for the next book to come out soon.
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How Sweet It is
by
Sophie Gunn
TheReadingReviewer
, December 19, 2010
HOW SWEET IT IS by SOPHIE GUNN 01/01/11 - Grand Central Publishing - Mass Market Paperback, 416 pages Hot happenings in a small town make for a big storyline…. Lizzie Bea Carpenter has successfully lived life as a waitress and single mother with her daughter Paige for the last 14 years. She didn’t need the rat that deserted her as an unwed mother in a small town and she doesn’t need Dante “Tay” Giovanni either even though he is quite the handyman. What she needs are her friends who were enemies but now her closest confidents to talk to. Lizzie and her girlfriends rewrote the book on frenemies and truth being told all the time is not always in the best interest of anyone. But Tay is doing penance for a poor decision that changed too many lives including his own and helping Lizzie around her broken down house helps. He gave up everything to try and correct his mistake and never thought that be the answer to a waitress’s prayer would be one of them. Lizzie works hard at her job and keeps life for her and Paige good but not great and all she needs is someone to help fix up her house before the past comes knocking on her door trying to wreak havoc and attempting to take her comfortable life away. Lizzie lets Tay and his assorted menagerie of animals work on her property and he finds a way to finagle a place in her heart. Lizzie knows how to stay strong and tough but sometimes it does not hurt to let someone else mend the fence or fix the front porch light. No strings attached with men and surrounded by her friends was how Lizzie saw herself until Tay showed up and they were able to teach one another how to forgive and live life without guilt and try to let go of the burdens that weigh us down. With money flying around, a man in her present stirring up long buried feeling, the past causing problems and a sister recovering from postpartum depression Lizzie has her hands full. She hopes that some of her prayers are answered but she knows what she really wants now is to find a way to convince Tay that showing your fears is not a weakness but a strength you grow from. Lizzie and Tay are each bearing their own crosses in life and both of them are trying to figure out a way to put one foot in front of the other without tripping. They both have dreams but fear they are unrealistic and won’t hope enter into the picture yet they discover not only hope but faith and a belief that prayers are answered in one fashion or another. You just have to keep saying out loud what you want for it to happen.
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Tempted by Fate
by
Kate Perry
TheReadingReviewer
, November 28, 2010
You are drawn in to read and can’t stop this book is that good. When you are a police officer life is seen in only the black and white that is worn with straight lines drawn and rules followed. Very little mystic is involved or faith for that matter. But when you step out of the box to see the full color palate the one color that stands out is gray and even that can wash out into a White Witch. Willow Tarata is such a woman that colors the entire world with her beauty and the magic she creates. As a Guardian she has known that it is her duty to protect The Book of Wood part of the Scrolls of Destiny and she takes this job seriously as the parchment controls destinies and impact lives. What Willow also knows is the Bad Man is coming to get her and has been in pursuit she he murdered her mother. Willow does not know who he is or why he wants to harm her but everything in her life has surrounded staying one step ahead of him. She has done a good job of it until the Bad Man sets her up for one murder after another and while on the run she stumbles and falls right into the arms of Homicide Detective Rick Ramirez. Rick is an all business police officer for some reason has decided to use a new interrogation method and he intends to kiss the truth right out of Willow. He doesn’t know why he is protecting her or even why he believes she is innocent but it is all physical not mystical that is drawing him to her, or is it? Things go from complicated to intense with a side order of high drama as Willow and Rick become more entangled emotionally and physically. Willow and Rick call in friends, co-workers and even a few potential criminals to help them solve the crimes, figure out who the Bad Man is and protect the scrolls. Rick never thought despite his grandmother’s predictions to the contrary that he could trust his emotions to run an investigation but who can argue with your grandma they always know best. This book continues the series fresh, interesting and with a mystery that is as creepy as it is scary. The characters are fun, diverse and just sassy enough to make you wish you knew them so you could watch this interaction play out in real life. You don’t need to read them in order but I always feel you are missing some piece that helps everything make sense if you don’t so buy all three.
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Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord
by
Sarah Maclean
TheReadingReviewer
, November 22, 2010
Follow your heart not the rules and love will capture you! Lady Isabel Townsend has been picking up the pieces of everyone’s life since her father deserted her family when she was barely old enough to dress herself. Her mother died shortly after and Isabel knew that the only way to keep it together was to stay busy do what comes naturally to her – take care of everyone but herself. So that is what Isabel did and taking in those rejected by proper London society seemed an easy way to use that skill to everyone’s advantage. The problem was having the idea and keeping it financially solvent when you father spent every dime the estate made was the difficult part. Lord Nicholas St. John has just been voted the “Lord to Land” the Regency version of most eligible bachelor by a tabloid and it is making his life chaotic. He doesn’t want the title, is tired of his twin brother finding complete pleasure in his misery and plans to run from it as fast as possible. When a job offer comes up to find the sister of a Duke who has gone missing Nicholas mastery of the hunt returns to the surface and he once again goes after his prey. It is something he is well known for and a talent he is not sure how it developed but one he takes full advantage of especially when all these eligible women have decided to follow his every move. Finding the missing girl was easy, turning her back over to her brother becomes impossible when Nicholas meets Isabel the woman who is hiding her. Nicholas realizes that Isabel in need of a caretaker and he is a sucker for women that need him. But in truth Isabel doesn’t want him anywhere near her at the off chance he may discover what she is up to and men in general have brought nothing but pain to her. But she does need money, has those statues to sell and he is an antiquarian expert so maybe she could get him in and out before he realizes the depth of her deceit. Keep dreaming Isabel the hunter in Nicholas has sensed new prey and he loves this game he has decided to embark on. Throw in a flooded out road, a young earl in need of some manly advice, this beautiful damsel in distress and all the emotions Nicholas hides so well come to the surface and take his breath away. Both Nicholas and Isabel have so many secrets and as one after another is exposed the walls come down between them and stolen kisses turn into passionate nights and a desire to no long be alone or afraid. This book follows Nine Rules to Break When Landing a Lord and while I thought that book was spectacular this one is even better. Isabel is so strong and doesn’t need anyone to take care of her but she needs a partner which is something Nicholas has never been asked to stand in as before. They both learn the ropes of life are slippery so be careful when trying to pull yourself and someone else up. Isabel is fabulous and Nicholas is quite a white knight but certainly does have shining armor. Wonderful read everyone can enjoy.
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Nine Rules To Break When Romancing A Rake
by
Sarah Maclean
TheReadingReviewer
, November 22, 2010
One Main Rule for enjoyment – Read this book! Lady Calpurnia Hartwell is a dreamer, romantic and woman who sees herself as simple and much too uninteresting to ever find a love match. At 28 years of age she had long been put on the shelf to sit with the spinsters when the dancing to begins. Gabriel St. John, The Marques of Ralston is a notorious rake and die-hard realist who along with his twin brother Nicholas as a child survived the desertion of their mother and his father’s grief at losing her. But watch out because Callie and Ralston are set on a course of interaction from which the Ton may never recover. Callie decides enough with spinsterhood it is time to live life to the fullest and experience some outright fun. So she sets upon devising a list of the 9 most outrageous and daring things that she can do to get the most out of life. Everything will change for her and about her yet that is just what she is looking for - a surprise. Callie understands that the most enjoyment is had by the gentlemen so certain items on her list are going to transform her into something she never could have imagined herself to be, a man. But if you are going to live life on the edge anything is possible. The first item on her list requires her to be every ounce the woman she is to obtain a kiss from the one man she has always loved and longed for, Ralston. She knows this is the last person she should desire let alone love but one cannot control the ways of the heart or the direction of your passion and all paths lead to Ralston. Ralston is more than willing to help her with this adventure but in exchange for Callie’s help in getting his recently discovered sister ready to meet London’s proper society and he definitely thinks this arrangement should be sealed with a kiss! After taking that first step toward perdition by kissing Ralston the rest of the items on Callie’s list seem tame and she becomes more resilient to keep knocking items off one after another. But every time she is embarking on some adventure there is Ralston either by coincidence or intent helping her out by both being in the way and offering too much of his person for assistance. If she were suspicious she would think he was following her to see what she was going to do next. Callie is helping his sister and doing her best to keep things casual with Ralston but that is easier said than done when the man of her dreams and desires is standing right there tempting you every moment especially when keeps finding herself kissing him. There is some faux competition for Callie’s attention but Ralston slow, one small step at a time starts to realize that love is not a doomed affair but a wondrous adventure. So who accomplished more of their personal goals the woman with a list or the man without one? This book is a great addition to the historical romance genre because it shows what an empowered woman can and will do when reaching for her dreams. Callie is naïve and shy but once she gets past her inhibitions and starts pursuing her goals you feel her personality jump for the pages and leap toward freedom. Ralston is such a great character in that he was a wounded child and guarded adult that when his shield comes down and love flows in you can visually see the change in him the writing is that well developed.
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Mistress By Midnight
by
Nicola Cornick
TheReadingReviewer
, November 18, 2010
Historical Romance at its very best is written by Nicola Cornick Garrick Charles Christmas Northesk, The Duke of Farne is dealing with the relief of his father’s death, the burden of gaining the title of Duke, the guilt even after all these years of having killed his best friend and the annoyance of that man’s sister who is attempting to have him tried for murder after all these years. Lady Merryn Fenner is a wisp of a woman who has made it her mission in life to have Garrick brought up on charges resulting from her brother’s demise that she holds Garrick solely responsible for. This mission has consumed the bluestocking every waking moment and drove her into the unheard of profession of Inquiry Agent the Regency version of a private detective. Merryn feels so passionate about justice and revenge is the bittersweet pill will take to have Garrick held accountable for his sins. But when confronted by him her objective becomes blurred when the hatred turns to lust and the vendetta becomes passion and a new obsession reveals itself in the overwhelming desire to have him kiss her. It is such a fine line in identifying the emotions that drive us from one extreme to another and Merryn becomes confused to say the least. Merryn is so much more than just one dimensional and it takes Garrick’s gentle touch and warm heart to show her that hiding behind the glasses she doesn’t need and the tough façade she doesn’t possess is only going to get her hurt. Garrick is trying his best to right the wrongs done to Merryn’s family and while she cries foul over the gesture her hands are wrapped around his neck and her lips are pressed against his. When exactly did she become the seductress and not the victim? Once the walls literally come down upon them the secrets start to reveal themselves, the lies exposed, lust explored and the truth finally told. Garrick and Merryn learn they can love and trust one another with their hearts as well as their long buried thoughts. The deeds of the past bring pain and it is possible to love the person who performed them once you learn the difference between fact and fiction. This final book in the series is splendid to say the least. It is the exploration, again of an event that while not central to the story lends itself to some historical interaction with romance which is always a pleasure to read. As a die-hard fan of Ms. Cornick’s books this one again shows how historical romance is written and the variety each character brings to her books. Merryn is tough and dealing with all her sensibilities while Garrick is soft trying to be strong and carry on where others have failed. Thank you Nicola for writing such awe inspiring stories it is greatly appreciated.
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Hollywood Hills
by
Joseph Wambaugh
TheReadingReviewer
, November 12, 2010
Hollywood Hills Hollywood Station Series #4 Joseph Wambaugh November 2010 - Little, Brown & Company - Hardcover, 356 pages ISBN-13: 9780316129503 This series stays fresh and exciting and this book proves it Every city has its story and is filled with every manner of character willing to tell you all about what makes them tick, the more personal the better. In Joseph Wambaugh’s latest Hollywood Hills series he explores this theory and writes the story from every perspective possible in rapid fire succession. He starts with the police officer who wants to be a movie star, the struggling director that wants to be an Oscar winner, the drug addict trying to figure out how to get the money for the next score, an ex-con working a new angle, the art thief plotting his next idea, all the police officers on the beat dealing with all of this and still getting up the next day to do it all over again. There are so many people coming and going in this book and the chapters are fast reads and come at you from every point of view. You are interjected with thoughts, feelings and desperate acts that you at times feel you need to be writing the characters down just to keep up but just as you are saying “who is that guy” Mr. Wambaugh pulls everything together so that you know what this character is up to, thinking and figuring out their next move along with them. It is fascinating reading and everyone in this book completes it and without each of them it would not work as well which is something this author is the master of. Every person has a reason for being in the story and every reader will be mesmerized as they follow the plot of all these lives. As a fan of the police procedural book that Joseph Wambaugh writes this one stands out for me because he has taken the core characters and expanded them and pulled in new ones in such a way you can’t put this book down until you figure out what is going to happen. I am thrilled to have read this and been able to hopefully sell a few copies with this review.
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Hells Corner
by
David Baldacci
TheReadingReviewer
, November 09, 2010
You will not be able to put this book down Oliver Stone has led so many lives he lost count. For all the losses he has suffered there has been the gain in his friends and cohorts known as the Camel Club. A group of people that are as different they come together and make one large, right group. They solve crimes, take care of each other and never fail to have one another’s back. But this latest case is one Stone has to handle on his own and no one including him is happy about it even though the President of the United States is asking for his help. But before Stone can do his work for the President a bomb goes off across the street from the White House creating the scenario where conclusions are drawn, angles are worked and assumptions made. While everyone is running to the right the masterminds are veering to the left and keeping everyone off balance including all the alphabet agencies in Washington, DC. Stone is drafted back into the service of the government with the promise that all past indiscretions would be erased yet the problem for Stone is that his sins have been of such huge proportion he is not sure this is a statement based in fact. But Stone finds himself partnered with an MI6 agent who is as cunning as he is and keeps up even while running after him. The Camel Club goes from upset at being turned away to forcing its way into the investigation and from that moment on the determination to capture the criminal and figure out what is really going on grows to a proportion even Stone can’t control. But the agency he is now working for is throwing him off with smoke and mirrors, bodies are piling up, misconceptions abound and everyone becomes a suspect. Stone wants the nightmare to stop but for every decision he makes that draws a resolution to the case another one shows up to prove to him the last one was way off base and leads blow away with the wind. Without his group Stone knows he can’t solve this case but in this particular situation is the gain of apprehension worth the answer to who did the deed? This series blows me away every time because the characters have so much depth and they are written with such clarity that you feel they just passed you on the street and said Good Morning. Stone may lead this merry band of misfits but he is not their leader he is a member of a close knit, well thought out group of people that can easily carry any book on their own and have proven that in the past. Mr. Baldacci knows how to write a great story and this one stands out in that it will scare you to realize the fiction he is proposing is probably fact and I hope there is a retired Agent Stone out there protecting us.
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Prelude to a Scandal
by
Delilah Marvelle
TheReadingReviewer
, October 25, 2010
This Series has the making of Historical Romance Greatness We are the accumulation of where we have been and how we have lived our lives up to and including the day we exist in. Each of us has both the visible and invisible scars of what has brought us to the place we presently live our life and in fact the way we live our life and it shows people what we are made of, this character cannot be found in an instructional manual you need real life experiences for depth to your being. Lady Justine Fedora Palmer was brought up by unconventional parents who believed in allowing their daughter the full extent of freedom and liberties which were most uncommon for the time and cause a stir when she comes to proper London and tries to assimilate into the Ton. On the other hand Radcliff Edwin Morton, the fourth Duke of Bradford was given a most conventional upbringing but he grew up to be The Rake Extraordinaire and turned a passion into an obsession with an inability to control his cravings. Is it possible for just one woman to please a man with a ravenous appetite – well perhaps and when Justine approaches Radcliff with an offer to get her father freed from an unjust incarceration he counters with not a mere relationship but a marriage that will provide him with the one missing piece he feels will complete him – a partner. Justine is convinced she is the person who can save Radcliff but it appears at times she has taken on a completely out of control situation in the form of a husband and wonders if she is woman enough for this man. Is Justine going to be strong enough to convince Radcliff to rid himself of the guilt and shame he walks around with and begin to enjoy life and possible fall in love with her? She is a hopeless romantic who truly knows the depth of Radcliff’s soul and wants him to see himself as she does and know that together their partnership is one that will not trap him but set him free. The ride they take together in and out of the bedroom is a wild one with mistresses, a French lady’s man that is a man, crazy in-laws and some wild requests from the Duchess not the Duke – who saw that coming? Delilah Marvelle has always written cutting edge historical romance and is one to test the boundaries and explore the less discussed side of life. Ms. Marvelle never shows darkness without light which is why her books discuss the subjects of addiction and alternative life styles and explore these as fact not fiction but in the context of a back story and how it affects the characters who are the heart of the story. This book will at times shock you but in the end will absolutely pleasure you with romance.
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One Wicked Sin
by
Nicola Cornick
TheReadingReviewer
, October 17, 2010
Take your breath away romance Lottie was an embarrassment to her family when she was a Palliser and a total humiliation as a Cummings. But Lottie was always truthful with herself and even when everyone including family, husband and the ton threw her out on the streets she knew somehow she would survive. Her ex-husband was the liar, the ton hypocritical and her family vicious but still Lottie figured out what she was good at and went from there. But it turned out what Lottie liked and was good at as a married woman was not as pleasing when she had to use her body to make money. So when Ethan Ryder, Baron St. Severin proposes that she be his mistress during his unfortunate time of imprisonment she packed up and ran off with him. Ethan had not chosen to be born illegitimate but he did choose to fight with Napoleon against the English so being captured as a prisoner of war was less that acceptable. But being a prisoner of war during this particular time meant house arrest and keeping a mistress completely acceptable and Lottie was a joy to be suffering through all this with. Lottie turns out to be a complete surprise to Ethan in that he never thought to like her let alone come to love her but she did have a way about herself that drew him in and made him want to possess every beautiful inch of her. They both liked the dangerous side to life and taking risks was something they also shared so keeping secrets was nothing new to either of them. Yet the secrets they were keeping from each other were dangerous and at times treasonous but the two of them cared little for the punishment as long as they were together which proved its own reward. The English are playing games with Ethan which can turn deadly but Lottie realizes she knows what side to stand with she just has to convince Ethan she is there because of love not obligation. Ethan and Lottie both have tried for too long to please everyone it is time to scrap that plan and go with pleasing each other as well as themselves and the heck with the consequences. After I finished Whisper of Scandal which is Book 1 in this series I truly had no idea how Nicola Cornick was going to top that book romance wise as well as story wise. But she has done so with this one. Ethan is the ultimate alpha male who is spy savvy but a romance warrior. Lottie is a woman who has seen too much of life’s dark side but still glows with the radiance of knowing there is love after all you just have to find it. When these two get together the romance abounds and the end of this book truly will have you closing your eyes and dreaming of what man you would like to float in the clouds with!
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Christmas Mourning
by
Margaret Maron
TheReadingReviewer
, October 09, 2010
The series is the one your reading year is built around It has been a year of non-stop change for Judge Deborah Knott and her husband the Colleton County Sherriff’s Deputy Dwight Bryant. They are about to celebrate their first anniversary and finally have Dwight’s son Cal settled into living with them after the tragedy of losing his mother. But this homey scene is rocked when Mallory, a popular teenager dies in a tragic car accident. Leaving too many questions and no answers in what should be an open and shut case. Questions start popping up when Mallory’s last voice mail to her brother plays out the final moments of her life in too real detail. The suspicion that she might have been drinking escalates into fact which causes escalation that she had been drugged since Mallory may have flirted with the boys she was not a girl known to walk against the grain and never drank alcohol. So Dwight starts digging deeper into the situation and without a day gone by two more bodies turn up and this time their cause of death is obvious – gun shots straight on. These brothers were always on the wrong side of the law but what could have caused them to have been so brutally murdered? Is this case related to the traffic accident? What is it that Mallory’s family is not telling him that might be at the core of the problem? Too many questions and no one is saying a word, this definitely is not the way to kick off the holiday season that is for sure. Dwight is tenacious, Deborah is a snoop and family is determined to find out what happened and hopefully resolving these crimes will not lead to anymore but it is not looking good. But what is going on at the house is another head scratcher? All of Deborah’s nieces and nephews keep showing up at odd times, with strange explanations and even wilder more unbelievable tales to explain their presence at the house. Hopefully nothing catches on fire this year! This series always brings to the reader a mystery, family drama and shenanigans plus some wonderful romance between Dwight and Deborah. Another year has produced another winner in this series and as always with Ms. Maron’s work you have to get to the end of the book to know who done it! Margaret Maron leaves lots of clues but always throws in a curve to make sure you are paying attention. Thank you again for writing such a great series that everyone will enjoy.
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Duchess of Sin Daughters of Erin 02
by
Laurel Mckee
TheReadingReviewer
, October 09, 2010
Heartwarming and entertaining story bundled with a history lesson Lady Anna Blacknall was the toast of the ton and pursued by every unmarried man. She thought of herself as attractive but not stunning and wondered what kind of match was out there for her. Anna was also the master of pretense and knew how to act properly and ensure that everyone knew how happy and content she was even though it was all a rouse. Anna sought a love match but knows that does not always produce the result you want when it is expected of you to find a titled gentleman to provide for you and your family. Anna had been pursued by Grant Dunmore who was attractive and indeed titled but it turned out his cousin and mortal enemy, Conlan McTeer, the Duke of Adair was the titled, handsome and absolutely intoxicating man for Anna. He was danger and seduction in one package that kept her up at night dreaming of his touch and longing for his kiss. Conlan and Anna had both survived the Uprising that had caused so much division between Ireland and England and knew the fear of attack or death that could come at any moment. The trouble still brewed under the guise of polite society and while Conlan tried to keep Anna from it she was turning out to be the master of deception and a champion for her hero, Conlan. On more than one occasion she stands up and fights off the enemy he is trying to protect her from. They had both seen death and been forced to cause some to die but both knew regardless of their religious differences that the power drawing them to each other. Anna’s sister is determined to keep her safe as well while her mother is distracted with her own gentleman caller. Anna is a survivor and fighter and will let nothing stop her from being the one woman Conlan cannot get over and ensuring that he knows they are a love match and he is truly worthy of his name. Plus what is Katherine, their mother up to with the art instructor? It would be easy to say this book is sweet and tender which it is but you have to go further and say it is determined as well as enlightening. You have a wonderful relationship against the backdrop of very tumultuous times where it is difficult to trust anyone especially someone with your heart. But Laurel McKee has written such a book that draws you in with romance, educates with some history and melts your heart with their story.
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Countess Of Scandal Daughters of Erin 01
by
McKee, Laurel
TheReadingReviewer
, October 09, 2010
Laurel McKee brilliantly creates love out of the tragedy of war With rebellion and war raging all around them can two lives that have been separated by time and upbringing be brought together again to find the true meaning of love and life? This is absolutely the case with Lady Elizabeth “Eliza” Mount Clare nee Blacknall and Major William Denton. These two people grew up together, explored the innocence of young love and survived being torn away from each other as teenagers when Will went to fulfill his commission as a soldier in the English Army. Yet once they are reunited with the backdrop of chaos and confusion surrounding the Irish Rebellion against England the love between them is still there and longing to be tapped into. But when they are reunited conflict comes between them as Will is defending England against the Irish rebels that Eliza is fighting to protect and shelter. But it seems that with a quiet whisper and a stolen kiss they can only remember the past and their feelings for one another regardless of the present or who it will affect the future. While they may have been physically apart that was never the case with them emotionally and that their love was forged with such a strong and deep bond that even though they are on different sides their bodies are as one and their heart beats with the same rhythm. But when Will is ordered to return to his childhood home to “spy” on the activities and keep an eye on Eliza it is then he starts to question the decisions he has made and whether everything that seemed so right can now be so clouded with distrust. When Will is seriously injured and it is Eliza’s family that cares for him the truth of what has to be done becomes clear and the steps he takes to correct the past misdeeds is forged with danger and despair. But Will knows that with Eliza by his side nothing will be wrong and all he need to is convince her of what has to be done to make them safe and able to forge a life together. How is it possible to take such a devastating time in history and turn it into a heart-warming, tender love story – good question! The answer it appears is the writing ability of Laurel McKee and the talent to turn what could be seen as only sadness and despair into love and romance. This book gives you a history lesson that makes you understand how personal this fight was and help the reader understand how tragic the circumstance was but yet how two people that really love one another can make the best of the worst times. You have to learn to trust even when the person you love may be the one who is spying on you. Excellent Read!
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Dream In Color
by
Sarah J. Bradley
TheReadingReviewer
, October 04, 2010
What an amazing read that lifts your mind and spirit Everybody is telling Ramona Simms to live the reality of life not seek the dreams she has always held. Ramona is well educated, mid-30s, unmarried and working in a boring job which all pleases her mother except the unmarried part. Ramona still has faith that her life can be more and when she gives up her job and sedentary life to chase the dream of following her rock star idol on his summer tour everyone but Ramona thinks she is chasing nonsense. Ramona has loved Jesse Alexander since she was a young adult and always thought of him as Prince Charming and has kept him in her mind and dreamed of conversations with him opening doors to worlds she never would consider. This opportunity to see him on a reunion tour after years of being out of the spotlight is telling her to answer the nagging voices in her head and hit the road to see what is out there calling to her. Life is for living and not being slowed down by speed bumps and Ramona is energized and takes off on the summer tour following Jesse Alexander rock superstar. Really quickly Ramona discovers that life on the road is not all it is cracked up to be and maybe this is not such a great idea. Then something magical and dream fulfilling happens when she wins a back stage pass to meet Jesse. Every dream she had about him turns out to be a nightmare as he is not fun and exciting just older and more worn down by life. Yet Ramona seems to energize him and she agrees to run away with him if only for a few days and drive to his next concert. During the days and nights that follow they both learn what it is to have aspirations unfulfilled, love gone wrong and dreams die too young. Jesse also taps into the magic that is Ramona’s musical gift and ability and she finds herself after so many years writing songs and lyrics in a way Jesse has only ever seen in himself and together their talent is inspiring. But once the reality of catching back up to the tour happens Ramona feels she is not the answer to Jesse’s prayers but a one night stand and she needs to get out now. She runs back home and into the arms a man she does not love but can provide everything Ramona thought she did not want – stability. Is this the last tour date for Ramona, is Jesse just another rock star with too many women and bad morals or is there room in her heart to dream bigger dreams and shoot for her own stars? Ramona may feel stifled but she is writing more music than ever and everything about the songs sound more hopeful than she could imagine. This book should remind all of us that dreams are real, they should be sought and will be fulfilled if we put a little extra push into them. Pursing the dream is as important as obtaining it because along the way you find you have other goals and aspirations that are just as amazing. Sarah Bradley has written a wonderful story showing how we are all mired down by life and lifted up by a belief in ourselves. Never forget that it is worth living for everyday!
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Dog Tags
by
David Rosenfelt
TheReadingReviewer
, October 03, 2010
This story keeps you guessing, reading and amazed all at the same time Andy Carpenter is sure he knows everything about himself; he wealthy enough to choose who he will represent, he loves his girlfriend Laurie Collins and he is a dog lunatic especially where his beloved Tara is concerned. He is not sure how he would rank those in importance but he is pretty sure Laurie would win this competition but Tara is a sweetheart. What Andy also knows is he really does not like to work much but keeps getting called on to do just that and when the case also involves a dog that needs him as a client more than the two legged he is all in. His current case is a true puzzle and one he is again reluctant to be part of until he finds out there is a four-legged client that needs him. Milo a magnificent German Shepherd that was a K9 dog with the police force until he hit the ripe old age of 7 and was retired and adopted by his former partner, Billy Zimmerman. Billy is a former cop and wounded Iraq veteran who right now Billy is being charged with murder while Milo is being held under FBI guard. Andy not being sure who he should go to first is not the issue – Milo wins and whatever it takes to get him out of the pound and into Tara, his animal rescue organization it shall be done. But after Andy meets Billy Zimmerman and hears the story Billy has to tell he finds both dog and owner become his clients. The more Andy looks into this case the more strange it becomes and the more tangled with branches of the government he never heard of. Billy had been tossed aside after he returned wounded from Iraq by the police force and taking care of himself and his dog was literally hand to mouth existence. Billy had become a good thief with Milo doing what he did as a K9 dog and taking the goods from the bad guys only this time the contents stayed with Billy and Milo and that was all they were doing that night. However, the case being built against him by the police is that the murdered man was Billy’s former commanding officer that caused Billy’s injury and this was all about rage and revenge. Billy says no, the FBI yell conspiracy, the police say guilty and Milo is keeping his information to himself. One thing is for sure whatever was in the envelope that Milo snatched for Billy that night was important enough to make even the worst of society go digging into the dirt for the evidence. The longer this case goes on the more it appears to Andy to have nothing to do with this one particular murder but a string of events that were started years ago in Iraq and even more to do with money and the ability the rich have for getting richer by whatever means are necessary. Thankfully Andy made his money the old fashioned way, he inherited it and hopefully nothing will ever turn him from grateful to greedy about it which is why he is determined to reunite Billy and Milo. Andy knows Billy and Milo are unfortunately involved with one piece of a huge puzzle that Andy does not responsibility for but he knows he also does not want Billy going to jail for a crime he did not commit. You don’t have to be a dog lover to adore this series but it does make us dog lovers grateful that David Rosenfelt is able to write this wonderful mystery series where the dog is believably always the main character. This particular book lays out the plot about a subject we listen to on the TV and makes it seem like we are all part of one huge puzzle and someone is manipulating the pieces.
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Scandal of the Season
by
Christie Kelley
TheReadingReviewer
, October 01, 2010
This book sparkles like diamonds and dazzles like rubies Are we able to recover from the traumatic, life altering decisions our parents make when we are young? Do these choices make you rise to the challenge to be better than expected or close off your heart and only feel the winter cold surrounding us? Do all bad things happen in December making it the worst month of the year? Lord Anthony Westfield, Viscount Somerset had his entire existence shaken at the age of 18 when he discovered secrets his parents thought long buried. The destruction to his life their choices created once discovered set off a night of drunken discourse and an encounter with the beautiful street urchin Victoria. While this liaison between Anthony and Victoria seemed tragic to him it was magical to her and both moved on with their lives neither forgot the other. When they meet again 10 years later Anthony tries to apologize for his misdeeds only to discover Victoria has a secret as well and one as equally damaging as his. Always a man to manipulate a good situation Anthony proposes an arrangement to have Victoria pretend to be his mistress so that he can conduct government business under the rouse of Victoria as his mistress. He knows he is drawing her into a dangerous situation but reconciles this fact with the one that there will be a monetary gain for her and the orphans she raises. But he wonders is that the only reason he wants her next to him every night or could there be something else drawing him to her? Once they are secured at the house party in the country Anthony begins to spin a long list of lies that Victoria goes along with and her natural curiosity draws her into this very dangerous game. She has many hidden talents but Anthony still has issues with trust and neither of them really wants to reveal their past transgressions or what it is that has turned them into such cynical and distant individuals. Yet as the nights grow colder and the bed they share seems to grow smaller Anthony and Victoria know that the passion is real, the temptation too much to resist and the feelings they have for one another deep enough to overcome whatever secrets each is holding back from the other. But can a titled man allow himself to love and live out his days with a woman of common means – that is a question Anthony must answer and the quicker the better as the mission is coming to a fast conclusion and Victoria may be gone when it is over. So maybe something good does happen during the Christmas Season after all. This could have been a sad story of youthful tragedies and how they ruin you. But instead Ms. Kelley writes about finding love and the magic that brings into your life. Both Anthony and Victoria have depth in their individual characters to carry the story alone but once combined they are dynamic and you are exploding with anticipation about what is coming in the next chapter. The addition of secondary characters from the prior books is always a favorite of mine as I am a reader curious about what happens after the story ends and now I know!
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Jane and the Damned
by
Janet Mullany
TheReadingReviewer
, September 26, 2010
Jane Austen with a bite! In the fall of 1797 the Austen family is preparing for the winter and making the final rounds of social events still trying to procure a proper match for Jane. But at one such event Jane encounters a man that turns out to be everything she should fear and no one she should associate with. Before the end of the evening Jane has found herself turned into one of the feared vampires called The Damned and the quiet, modest life Jane led is over and choices she makes from here on out will impact everyone surrounding her. Jane confides in her father what has happened and he takes the family to Bath to find a cure for this condition. There are powerful, healing waters he believes can save her but the condition the entire family needs saving from is the invasion of France onto the English shores. The French overtake one city after another and the Austen family finds itself not only staying in strange surrounding but also must share this home with the French military. Jane has spent her life writing and seeking to compose the perfect piece of literature but now even that does not bring her solace. Writing has been the core of her existence and now that she fails commit one word to paper she feels even more lost. What Jane does encounter is the residence where the other Damned are staying and discovered there is a mentor called a Bearleader who can take the novice vampire Jane and help her through the transition from woman to vampire. The Damned are also a service to England’s military and use their special gifts of persuasion to help win back the country they may not love but call home. But does Jane want immortality, can she leave her family and embrace the Damned as her closest allies, is the vampire relationships she is forming her destiny? So many decisions to be made in these the worst of times that will alter Jane and whatever family she choices as her future. Jane does learn to live life as a vampire and fight like a man but the choice of who her true family is has to be made. So what will Jane do to still keep the passion for her writing and what place can give her love and reassurance to pursue her true self? There have been so many formats written about Jane Austen, her life and the books she wrote. But did I ever expect Jane to be a vampire and find that a credible, interesting story – honestly no. But it is and I think Janet Mullany is the only one that could pull this off because she has the eloquent writing style and wit to make a Jane Austen as a vampire believable. She takes what could have been a light subject and transforms it into showcasing what could happen if the unthinkable has happened to the amazing Jane Austen.
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No Matter Why
by
Joanna Aislinn
TheReadingReviewer
, September 16, 2010
Zane McCord was the youngest of the three cousins that grew up on Lost Nugget Ranch in Montana with their grandfather and extended aunts and uncles. He struggled to keep up but his love of horses proved that he was just as tough and had a talent for controlling even the wildest of the breed. While having been pulled from the ranch at a young age once he returned after his grandfather’s death and was reunited with his cousins he knew that he could fulfill his desire to stay on the ranch and still be the documentary star Hollywood saw him as. Riley Mason needed a place to hide with her daughter; Summer because she had a terrible secret that could get the both of them killed and needed to get out of Philadelphia immediately. The job offer at Lost Nugget Ranch was the perfect fit for Riley and Summer and before she could even completely unpack it felt like home. Zane took one look at Riley and realized that while he had found life again at the ranch with his extended family, with Riley he started thinking of it as home too. He had traveled the world filming his documentaries but never found the kind of peace that sitting in a room with Riley and her daughter brought to him – this was more than a quick relationship it was long term and that scared both Zane and Riley. While Riley keeps ducking from telling Zane the truth about what brought her to Lost Nugget Zane does explain about the search for the lost gold and how after generations of searching for the treasure the cousins were getting close or so they hoped. Fancy equipment was being used, notes being deciphered and luck being requested as they dug and searched for their grandfather’s treasure. With renewed hope and lots of prayers Riley and Zane start to release the secrets and uncover the dreams one another has. Both have been hurt and felt unloved but in one another’s arms they are safe and content. When the secrets and safety are threatened it takes the entire family to jump into action to get a plan worked out and resolve the danger that is lurking trying to take it all away from this wonderful couple. There is also another couple that is trying to find love and with Cal and Cora is a relationship that has been in the works and just now revealing itself and surprising even them to admit it. I try not to have favorites with any series but have to admit this one really won me over with its characters, colorful scenery descriptions and fascinating story. Zane being the youngest he spent his life playing catch up to older boys and knew that the world was his oyster but that his heart was at Lost Nugget and the love of horses was his true passion. Riley overcame so much to get an education, raise her daughter alone and never relinquish her dreams for them that you just want so much for her to succeed. Together they make a fabulous couple and it is not a push pull relationship as much as one on equal ground and trying to trust each other when you feel you have baggage that no one can accept. Zane and Riley are great characters in an amazing series that I am thrilled to have read and sorry it has ended.
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Montana Glory
by
RC Ryan
TheReadingReviewer
, September 15, 2010
Golden end for a great series Zane McCord was the youngest of the three cousins that grew up on Lost Nugget Ranch in Montana with their grandfather and extended aunts and uncles. He struggled to keep up but his love of horses proved that he was just as tough and had a talent for controlling even the wildest of the breed. While having been pulled from the ranch at a young age once he returned after his grandfather’s death and was reunited with his cousins he knew that he could fulfill his desire to stay on the ranch and still be the documentary star Hollywood saw him as. Riley Mason needed a place to hide with her daughter; Summer because she had a terrible secret that could get the both of them killed and needed to get out of Philadelphia immediately. The job offer at Lost Nugget Ranch was the perfect fit for Riley and Summer and before she could even completely unpack it felt like home. Zane took one look at Riley and realized that while he had found life again at the ranch with his extended family, with Riley he started thinking of it as home too. He had traveled the world filming his documentaries but never found the kind of peace that sitting in a room with Riley and her daughter brought to him – this was more than a quick relationship it was long term and that scared both Zane and Riley. While Riley keeps ducking from telling Zane the truth about what brought her to Lost Nugget Zane does explain about the search for the lost gold and how after generations of searching for the treasure the cousins were getting close or so they hoped. Fancy equipment was being used, notes being deciphered and luck being requested as they dug and searched for their grandfather’s treasure. With renewed hope and lots of prayers Riley and Zane start to release the secrets and uncover the dreams one another has. Both have been hurt and felt unloved but in one another’s arms they are safe and content. When the secrets and safety are threatened it takes the entire family to jump into action to get a plan worked out and resolve the danger that is lurking trying to take it all away from this wonderful couple. There is also another couple that is trying to find love and with Cal and Cora is a relationship that has been in the works and just now revealing itself and surprising even them to admit it. I try not to have favorites with any series but have to admit this one really won me over with its characters, colorful scenery descriptions and fascinating story. Zane being the youngest he spent his life playing catch up to older boys and knew that the world was his oyster but that his heart was at Lost Nugget and the love of horses was his true passion. Riley overcame so much to get an education, raise her daughter alone and never relinquish her dreams for them that you just want so much for her to succeed. Together they make a fabulous couple and it is not a push pull relationship as much as one on equal ground and trying to trust each other when you feel you have baggage that no one can accept. Zane and Riley are great characters in an amazing series that I am thrilled to have read and sorry it has ended.
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Reversal
by
Michael Connelly
TheReadingReviewer
, September 10, 2010
The Reversal is a magnificent piece of literature Harry Bosch has always has always had a clearly defined job with the LAPD standing for the dead and being a voice for those that have had theirs silenced. The last few months have thrown him many curves with the death of his ex-wife and the incorporation of his daughter Madeline into his life full time but he still cuts through on a straight path. Michael Haller has also known what his job definition is until the day the District Attorney made the call and asked him to move across the aisle from defense attorney to prosecutor. The DA makes Mickey a one-time proposition Mickey does not want to turn down but truly questions if he can bear the burden of standing for the people and doing right by them. The opportunity being offered is to keep Jason Jessup, a child killer behind bars even though new DNA testing evidence can exonerate him and would potentially set him free after 24 years in prison. Mickey chooses his side and incorporates his ADA ex-wife, Maggie McPherson and Harry into the mix which makes the entire situation workable and possibly winnable. Mickey and Harry are half-brothers who have shared some case time but not even that interaction can prepare them for what they are about to face both personally and professionally together. Mickey has no intention of letting this killer walk and plans to use some of his favorite tricks against the high profile lawyer Jessup has working for him who may be clever but Mickey knows slick does not compensate for the facts and if he can find the key missing witness, reconstruct the police work and piece together fact from media hype he will not only win this but make it a slam dunk sending this murderer back to prison. As the trial moves forward and the days drag on Jessup becomes more intense and his actions more sporadic. The FBI profiler has concerns about what might happen when all the stress builds up and has to be released. The profiler also feels the original case started off in the wrong direction and once re-routed to its proper path Harry discovers something even more horrific may have happened all those years ago. Along the way Mickey and Harry form a bond that draws their daughters into the mix even though Harry is reluctant to start down this road. Harry has kept Mickey and that family connection at arm’s length but now he knows Maddie needs family to help her recover from the loss of her mother and the transition of moving away from friends and living with him. Maddie is Harry’s main focus in life and will do anything to make her happy even if it involves doing things that make her very unhappy with him. I admit openly to being a Harry Bosch fan and find that with age and the addition of the family angle he is even more interesting. The stories could not be told with another character even with Michael Connelly writing them and this is the one factor that shows in his story telling with Harry. Mr. Connelly respects his characters and writes them as if they lived next door and he can relate to them making them plausible to the reader. This story while a horrific nightmare for any parent does also show how venerable Harry has become in his personal life. He was Teflon before and nothing could touch him but now with his daughter in his life what was once armor is now ice cream.
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Relentless
by
Kaylea Cross
TheReadingReviewer
, September 07, 2010
Kaylea Cross writes books that everyone should be reading There are physical injuries as well as psychological ones that either cripple you or make you stronger. Rhys Sinclair is a former Delta Force member, survivor of childhood neglect and one near fatal injuries received during a particularly bad mission. He had risen above what would break other men and knows how to move on with life and keep pursing what he wants. Right now he is chasing after the beautiful and strong Doctor Neveah Adams, the physician who saved his life during the last assignment that left him with a metal plate in his head and longing in his heart but he is nothing if not tenacious in going after what he wants and he wants Nev bad. Rhys knows military not female maneuvers but he is determined to win Nev over and save the world all in the same weekend. Rhys may not be completely healed but he is called back into action to make sure a high profile wedding and Nev’s speech go uninterrupted and how handy both are taking place in the same city. Rhys secures a date with Nev and tries very hard to keep history for writing itself out of existence during what should be a happy occasion. Rhys has his twin brother, Ben beside him as well as a cast of alpha males who really don’t know the meaning of taking prisoners. They are strong and capable to handle whatever the enemy throws at them but this particular beast that is determined to accomplish one goal and that is their destruction and this enemy is exceptionally strong and cunning. The main target right now is Nev and they want her dead for fear she can identify them and have plans put into place for her destruction. But Rhys is not going to let that happen because he knows the only place she belongs is with him and it is up to him to keep her safe and settled in his arms. This book is not a comfort read but does have such a romantic side to it you will find it comforting. Rhys is a survivor and knows all about the tough life but when it comes to showing his tender loving side he is not as well versed at that but the reader is really rooting for him because he a man that needs someone to love him and Nev is the woman of his dreams. What a great story and I am so honored to have read it and want to thank Ms. Cross for writing it and keeping the series going. Mary Gramlich is The Reading Reviewer
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Once Upon A Knight
by
Jackie Ivie
TheReadingReviewer
, September 01, 2010
Rhoenne Guy de Ramhurt, First Earl of Tynebury a Sassenach Warrior and leader of men found himself wounded and still bleeding many hours after the last battle that he had led and won. Now he finds himself dealing with another force that he has no experience with – attraction. Aislynn was known as the Lady of the Brook a healer in all respects of the phrase with her touch, eyes that change colors based on her mood and herbs she grew and tended to. When she finds Rhoenne suffering and unable to help himself Aislynn knows that she is facing her destiny to heal this man and absorbing the impact of instantaneous attraction that she is unfamiliar with. Rhoenne allows her to heal him but knows that he is in trouble with this exquisite creature in ways he cannot understand. He will not let her touch his heart as he fears what will happen should he find love and let it in. He knows how to run a castle, direct men in the battlefield but not how to manage love. He has experienced lust yes but not anything that would involve a lifetime with a woman that might love him and bear his child. Too much rested on his not falling in love or committing to one woman. This plan would have held were it not for Rhoenne’s half brother taking Aislynn prisoner and once Rhoenne see what has been done he steps in to take her away and secure her in his castle, his life and heart even though this is not what he wants to happen but he could not resist her magical ways and charming existence even pushing aside his family’s curse and depth of responsibility that one feels as the Lord of his people. While so much worked for them King David worked against whatever lifelong plans they made. King David had lorded the castle and lands to Rhoenne based upon his marriage to his daughter but now that time has arrived and Rhoenne says “nay”. He takes a firm stand and lets the King know through months of missives that this marriage is not going to happen. Rhoenne sets up his forces to fight off whatever attack will come his way but could he ever see betrayal as the one that takes him down. No he never could have thought that the love of his life and the man he most trusted would be the ones to turn against him – but is all what it seems or is this another one of the healer’s tricks to make all that is wrong right? This love story is one that touches your heart and challenges your ability to see beyond that which is being said. How much of what is happening could change with a word or be taken away with a direct order – so much but can love heal all wounds? Lovers of romance always believe that it can but Ms. Ivey makes you work for the trust! Reviewed by Mary Gramlich
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Knight Well Spent
by
Jackie Ivie
TheReadingReviewer
, September 01, 2010
Rhoenne Guy de Ramhurt, First Earl of Tynebury a Sassenach Warrior and leader of men found himself wounded and still bleeding many hours after the last battle that he had led and won. Now he finds himself dealing with another force that he has no experience with – attraction. Aislynn was known as the Lady of the Brook a healer in all respects of the phrase with her touch, eyes that change colors based on her mood and herbs she grew and tended to. When she finds Rhoenne suffering and unable to help himself Aislynn knows that she is facing her destiny to heal this man and absorbing the impact of instantaneous attraction that she is unfamiliar with. Rhoenne allows her to heal him but knows that he is in trouble with this exquisite creature in ways he cannot understand. He will not let her touch his heart as he fears what will happen should he find love and let it in. He knows how to run a castle, direct men in the battlefield but not how to manage love. He has experienced lust yes but not anything that would involve a lifetime with a woman that might love him and bear his child. Too much rested on his not falling in love or committing to one woman. This plan would have held were it not for Rhoenne’s half brother taking Aislynn prisoner and once Rhoenne see what has been done he steps in to take her away and secure her in his castle, his life and heart even though this is not what he wants to happen but he could not resist her magical ways and charming existence even pushing aside his family’s curse and depth of responsibility that one feels as the Lord of his people. While so much worked for them King David worked against whatever lifelong plans they made. King David had lorded the castle and lands to Rhoenne based upon his marriage to his daughter but now that time has arrived and Rhoenne says “nay”. He takes a firm stand and lets the King know through months of missives that this marriage is not going to happen. Rhoenne sets up his forces to fight off whatever attack will come his way but could he ever see betrayal as the one that takes him down. No he never could have thought that the love of his life and the man he most trusted would be the ones to turn against him – but is all what it seems or is this another one of the healer’s tricks to make all that is wrong right? This love story is one that touches your heart and challenges your ability to see beyond that which is being said. How much of what is happening could change with a word or be taken away with a direct order – so much but can love heal all wounds? Lovers of romance always believe that it can but Ms. Ivey makes you work for the trust! Reviewed by Mary Gramlich
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A Knight and White Satin (Zebra Historical Romance)
by
Jackie Ivie
TheReadingReviewer
, September 01, 2010
Jackie Ivie is a writer who captures the passion of romance in a book There is love so strong and powerful that it can withstand any pain and suffering brought onto it. This type of love is not always a love match at first but when you have your heart captured by it there is no letting go of it. The heiress, Dallis Caruth was part of the Caruth clan that had been at war with the Dunn-Fadden’s since the beginning of time. But now that Payton Dunn-Fadden has conquered her castle there is nothing to stop Payton from claiming the prize he feels he won which includes Dallis. Now Dallis on the other hand is not quite so giddy with love toward Payton and while their wedding night lights up the sky with passion Dallis does not mind that Payton has to be away for awhile to finish his conquering career and hold on to the title of King’s Champion. But three years away from his wife was a moment too long and once Payton returns his objective was to beget an heir not fall in love with his very conniving wife. Dallis has worked hard to get away from this marriage she feels is a sham but once Payton returns and the time they spend together does not push them apart but instead draws them closer to one another. Love was the last thing she thought to have with this man but love is indeed what she is feeling along with so much desire it is frightening. Payton has more traveling to do before they settle in their home and he takes Dallis along on the journey. It is one filled with wicked widows, temperamental Kings and jealous suitors all possessing greed and jealousy with a bit of falsehood and lies thrown in for good measure. Dallis fights for the relationship she swore she did not want and does her best under the worst of conditions to keep Payton safe and warmly wrapped up in the arms she is extending out to him. Reviewed by Mary Gramlich
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Season of Seduction
by
Jennifer Haymore
TheReadingReviewer
, August 28, 2010
Bundle up with a wonderful romantic book this holiday season Lady Rebecca Fisk was a widow looking for a little adventure and adventure was exactly what Jack Fulton needed. Added to the fact that Becky was beautiful, intelligent and rich help Jack justify what he was about to do and the scandal he would create. He was a man with a problem and all he needed to do to resolve his looming problem was to marry into money. He tried to convince himself that he only wanted Becky for her dowry because right now that is what would give him a ticket to freedom but something else was drawing him to her that he could not identify and scared him to the bone and made him want no other woman just Becky. Becky had been duped by her late husband and lived with the misery that relationship brought and knew better than to trust anyone but her family ever again. But one taste of Jack’s sweetness and she realizes that she will listen to the plan he is devising and may just take a leap of faith and trust him. Yet how far will she let this go and will he convince her that marriage is the respectable resolution to the issue they have created? Jack is saying all the right words and makes more than the correct gestures to woo her but she had suffered emotionally and physically while married to her late husband and to this day bears the scars and damage he wrecked upon her body and soul. Jack has known suffering as well through the loss of family and young love but he still needs to grab onto that one person that can put a salve on his heart and help him love again and Becky may just be the one he has searched for. He does his best to get his way but every time he gets close to sealing the deal another disaster looms over their relationship slams the door on any happiness. Still Jack hopes this will work out as he plans and spends his time trying to make Becky see that even with his past indiscretions that their life together will be filled with joy and no secret will be held back. Each time Ms. Haymore writes a book in this series I think there is no way to top the one I just finished. I started this latest one and realize she has done just that and has proven to me how fresh this series can remain. The characters of Becky and Jack are so full of life and longing just trying to make the right connection between family, relationship and future happiness while figuring out who to trust with all their secrets. This is a wonderful story and while I recommend reading the 1st two it is not imperative as Jennifer Haymore is a magician at connecting the plot from one book to the next but trust me you will have to buy the first two they are that good. Mary Gramlich is The Reading Reviewer
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The Princess of Nowhere
by
Lorenzo Borghese
TheReadingReviewer
, August 26, 2010
THE PRINCESS OF NOWHERE Prince Lorenzo Borghese December 7, 2010 HarperCollins Publishers, Paperback, 336 pages ISBN-13: 9780061721618 The romance of history unfolds with eloquence in this book Being royal does not equate to happiness or less turmoil in your life. Being the sister of Napoleon Bonaparte most assuredly does not bring peace to your days but when you are a free thinking, sexually uninhibited, adventuresome person living that life anything is possible and this book so aptly shows. Mademoiselle Sophie Leclerc is the cousin of Napoleon’s sister Princess Pauline. Pauline takes the homeless child in and lets her live as her surrogate daughter and ward while Sophie is a witness to the life of the opulent rich and over indulged. Sophie wants for nothing and feels such compassion and love for Pauline as only a child could even one as mature for her years as she is. Sophie watches as Pauline a young widow and mother dance both inside the rules and as well as fly very far outside of them in Napoleon’s France. Sophie worships Pauline and wants her happiness but does not like the marital match that is made between Pauline and the Roman Prince Camillo Borghese. Yet Sophie knows she is a witness to this life and she will be there to live with Pauline and help her deal with the consequences of Pauline’s choices. The marriage of the tall and athletic Camillo to the wealthy and beautiful Pauline is fraught with love, fights, jealousy, affairs, feigned illness, more fighting and allot of passionate making up. Pauline is the master at this game of manipulation and makes sure Camillo always knows that there are many men that worship her and he must work to keep her and Camillo responds to her every siren call. Sophie grows and witnesses the life these two intense and sensual people have created and at times both hates and envies what they have. She becomes a lady-in-waiting to Pauline and helps her through the horrific tragedy of life, death, love and despair never wavering from her loyalty to Pauline or for one moment feeling that this is not the right place to be. The Napoleonic era is one filled with such passion and intensity you at times find it difficult to believe it really historically happened. But it very much did happen and this history told through the eyes of a girl’s childhood into adulthood is written with such clarity and honesty that you feel you are truly experiencing the time and place. Yes there is the opulence but also the one thing that is still true today – everyone seeks to find their love match. Pauline and Camillo fought and loved with one another from the moment they met but as the story explains they really were meant for each other and the love they had was real and did survive them their entire life. History can be cold and seem unreadable at times but this book shows you the feelings that are mixed in with war and tragedy reveal how two people hold themselves together even while apart by choice or destiny. Mary Gramlich is The Reading Reviewer located at www.marygramlich.com
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Aimee's Locket
by
P. L. Parker
TheReadingReviewer
, August 24, 2010
Fabulous time travel mixed with intense sensuality Dreams come in all shapes and sizes and when your dreams of what you want collide with what you have can something good come from this? Aimee Reynolds loved to collect pieces of antique jewelry and never thought that one such piece of jewelry could turn her entire world backwards. Aimee spent a casual day shopping with her sister and wandered upon a shop with a beautiful necklace she decided she must own. But after putting it on she finds herself literally falling from Seattle in the year 2008 into St. Louis 1847. There to save her from herself is Jake Marshall a man leading a wagon train to the West and after shaking the dust from her heels Aimee decides this is the only way she may ever get back to her future because this present is not a past she wants to live. But Jake’s suggestion of how to avoid issues and keep her protected are not Aimee’s idea of a good time but she knows being as close to Seattle as possible is the answer to her question of how she got there and how to get home to her family. So Aimee decides to follow Jake plan and lets him get the impression he is in control but all along she is working her own idea out. The trek to the West Coast is long, hot, dangerous and full of much sorrow mixed with bad tempers for Aimee but she learns to be a pioneer woman and even forgives Jake for his mis-steps on occasion. Aimee tries to convince Jake of who she really is but he just cannot figure out if she is loco or lying but either way he is stuck with her and wants to keep it that way. Yet Aimee keeps moving ahead with her plan and regardless of how she feels about Jake and the people now in her life she believes her real life and existence is based in 2008 not the wild west of 1847. After all the hardship and pain Aimee has seen does she really now want to go home or is this place she is now living with outside plumbing and overly aggressive men where she wants to stay. Can she really see this situation as family and leave the people she loved behind in the future? This book was a real treat for me with the twist on the time travel theme. I have read many books with time travel to the past (and future) but not one with time travel to the Wild West. To walk through this experience in Aimee’s shoes was fascinating and very well told with the full gamut of emotions and disbelief at how those in the past really did survive day-to-day. Both Aimee and Jake are believable characters with depth and display the personality and traits of their respective time period with great clarity and make the difference in time seem unimportant in comparison to their love. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it highly to all readers. Mary Gramlich is The Reading Reviewer
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Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bed
by
Tracy Anne Warren
TheReadingReviewer
, August 22, 2010
From page one this book is a reader’s delight Lady Mallory Byron is a woman with allot of brothers and no husband which makes for allot of male involvement in her life but not the kind she longs for. She loves her brothers and their wives but still mourns the fiancé she lost at war even though it has been over a year. But unexpected sunshine shows up during the house party at the family estate in the form of her childhood friend – Adam, third Earl of Gresham. Mallory has always felt close to Adam and has felt a pang of regret over the rejection she received from Adam when they were young. Little does Mallory know that the age difference was the problem, never Mallory as far as Adam was concerned and now that her fiancé is deceased Adam decides with the fiancé now gone it is time to make his romantic move with Mallory. Adam may think about this all he wants and work on forever but can he convince Mallory that his love is true, his feelings sincere and his intention is the ultimate conquest of marriage. Adam wants Mallory for his wife and trying to figure out a way to show her that he is more than a flirt and flatterer is going to be difficult but not impossible, he just needs to provide some adventure for her and shake things up a bit. For Mallory trying to reconcile her feelings for Adam and move on from the feelings she thinks she should still have for her deceased fiancé is difficult. How can Mallory learn to let go of one man and be comfortable with another without the nightmare of guilt hanging around? Before long things are more than shaken up they are turned upside down and before Mallory can take a deep breath she must make life altering decisions based on misunderstanding and bad timing. Mallory and Adam both want a love match but fear that saying the words would doom the relationship, if only they knew they what the other was really thinking. But the ultimate surprise awaits them both and when this knocks on the door neither of them is sure how to react or remove themselves to reconcile from the shock. With this book you get the full gamut of romance reading. You have wonderful characters with secrets and heartache plus the longing of desire and passion. The extended family of characters always adds to the fun and a little mystery in this book to keep you on your toes. Ms. Warren has added to the series with a great addition that as with the prior books makes you want to re-read the prior books and wish the next one was coming out sooner. Mary Gramlich is The Reading Reviewer
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Demon From the Dark Immortals After Dark 08
by
Kresley Cole
TheReadingReviewer
, August 17, 2010
Kresley Cole owns the paranormal genre and proves it once again with this book Trust is not a given between any two people even those so fated to spend eternity together. It is an earned feeling and if the person you love most breaks the bond of trust you have in them, the faith you had may never return. Malkom Slaine had been abused, abandoned and almost killed by everyone that was ever dear to him. He is unique in the Lore as he had been turned into a demon and his powers were strong. But life had not been kind to him and he had been left to rot in the demon plane that is a virtual hell where he now is forced to live with none of his powers working and his daily life a battle to survive. Carrow Graie is a witch who lives with her coven in relative safety and never expected to be taken prisoner by “The Order” a human group bent on the destruction of the paranormal community which consists of everyone Carrow knows and loves. Her powers have been stripped and she is living in a cage listening to others beg for their existence. But The Order will give her back her freedom and return her powers if she can retrieve Malkom and convince him to transport through the portal so the enemy analyze him. The fact that they are holding Ruby, one dear 7 year-old witch that Carrow adores as collateral for this to happen seals this deal. This manipulation forces Carrow to use whatever she has to in order to bring Malkom back to face whatever fate should occur to free Ruby and ensure that she is safely returned to their coven. However, Carrow never thought that the one male she can’t care about is the one she has been fated to and perhaps the one that can give her purpose in her out of control life and make her happy. Love has been fleeting and rarely given so when Malkom extends his hand to show her affection Carrow is more likely to bite it than kiss it. Malkom knows from his now beating heart and over whelming desire to mate that Carrow is the one woman he has been waiting for and he will have her no matter how it has to happen. He takes her to his shelter, lets her care for him and shows her in his rudimentary way what she means to him. But Carrow knows that she has a mission and that mission is not to fall in love with this demon but to get him back through the portal and the clock is ticking. Malkom makes the mistake of trusting her and the steps that occur after forces their relationship to collapse and the struggle to regain the feelings they once shared require giant leaps not baby steps. Freedom comes at a high cost to both of them and protecting Ruby is their number one priority. But can Malkom get past Carrow’s deception and move forward toward a life together or are they stranded on the island of despair and loneliness never knowing what true passion and emotional release can feel like? Kresley Cole is one of the writer’s who has created an alternate universe that is so deep in characters and plot that you have to stop and remind yourself this is not real. She is the master of this genre and the books in this series grow more fascinating and intriguing while remaining fresh which is a difficult task. Ms. Cole has written such wonderful characters with Malkom and Carrow that you find yourself not only rooting for their success to freedom but also that they figure out how amazing their love is. Thank you as always Kresley for writing these works of art. Mary Gramlich is The Reading Reviewer
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Pleasure of a Dark Prince Immortals After Dark 07
by
Kresley Cole
TheReadingReviewer
, August 17, 2010
Kresley Cole owns the paranormal genre and proves it once again with this book Trust is not a given between any two people even those so fated to spend eternity together. It is an earned feeling and if the person you love most breaks the bond of trust you have in them, the faith you had may never return. Malkom Slaine had been abused, abandoned and almost killed by everyone that was ever dear to him. He is unique in the Lore as he had been turned into a demon and his powers were strong. But life had not been kind to him and he had been left to rot in the demon plane that is a virtual hell where he now is forced to live with none of his powers working and his daily life a battle to survive. Carrow Graie is a witch who lives with her coven in relative safety and never expected to be taken prisoner by “The Order” a human group bent on the destruction of the paranormal community which consists of everyone Carrow knows and loves. Her powers have been stripped and she is living in a cage listening to others beg for their existence. But The Order will give her back her freedom and return her powers if she can retrieve Malkom and convince him to transport through the portal so the enemy analyze him. The fact that they are holding Ruby, one dear 7 year-old witch that Carrow adores as collateral for this to happen seals this deal. This manipulation forces Carrow to use whatever she has to in order to bring Malkom back to face whatever fate should occur to free Ruby and ensure that she is safely returned to their coven. However, Carrow never thought that the one male she can’t care about is the one she has been fated to and perhaps the one that can give her purpose in her out of control life and make her happy. Love has been fleeting and rarely given so when Malkom extends his hand to show her affection Carrow is more likely to bite it than kiss it. Malkom knows from his now beating heart and over whelming desire to mate that Carrow is the one woman he has been waiting for and he will have her no matter how it has to happen. He takes her to his shelter, lets her care for him and shows her in his rudimentary way what she means to him. But Carrow knows that she has a mission and that mission is not to fall in love with this demon but to get him back through the portal and the clock is ticking. Malkom makes the mistake of trusting her and the steps that occur after forces their relationship to collapse and the struggle to regain the feelings they once shared require giant leaps not baby steps. Freedom comes at a high cost to both of them and protecting Ruby is their number one priority. But can Malkom get past Carrow’s deception and move forward toward a life together or are they stranded on the island of despair and loneliness never knowing what true passion and emotional release can feel like? Kresley Cole is one of the writer’s who has created an alternate universe that is so deep in characters and plot that you have to stop and remind yourself this is not real. She is the master of this genre and the books in this series grow more fascinating and intriguing while remaining fresh which is a difficult task. Ms. Cole has written such wonderful characters with Malkom and Carrow that you find yourself not only rooting for their success to freedom but also that they figure out how amazing their love is. Thank you as always Kresley for writing these works of art. Mary Gramlich is The Reading Reviewer
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Simply Irresistible Lucky Harbor 01
by
Jill Shalvis
TheReadingReviewer
, August 09, 2010
First book in this new series is a home run Our family relationships are the past that creates us, dictates the present which all leads us into the future. We all form individual personalities and traits but the family as a unit regardless of its origin often times brings out the best and worst in us and seems to always exasperate our assumed failings. Maddie Moore is the middle sister who shared the same sweet, hippie, and eclectic mother with Tara and Chloe. Each had been raised away from the other making it so they really do not know one another in depth at all. After Maddie’s mother dies and her own life falls apart she decides a trip to Lucky Harbor to see the Lucky Harbor Inn she inherited from her mother along with her sisters is a fabulous idea. Maddie thinks restoring the Inn is a project worth taking on and she will figure out a way to convince her sister’s that the place can be fixed up and bring it back to its glory because that is what their mother would have wanted. Her sister’s can give her some time but really don’t agree with any of these strategies and absolutely do not want to stay in this one-inn town but they would like to figure out the mystery of where the rest of their mother’s money went – that would certainly help fix the Inn up and then release them from the ties that are binding them to each other right now. But is that what they all want or just the talk of three women who don’t know what role they play in the other’s life? Lucky for Maddie she is able to find the hottest contractor in town, Jackson “Jax” Cullen to work on the project. The mild attraction she had for Jax at first becomes an out of control passion before the first day has ended and Jax is not helping by encouraging her with those wonderful, sweet kisses. Maddie may have sworn off men and been a magnet for the worst of the species but this man is anything if not versatile and creative with his hands because after all he is a contractor. But Jax and Maddie are a mixed bag of problems since both of them are holding secrets and neither really wants to come clean about the past. They work well together at the Inn and heat up the night with their lust but is it enough to get them past the ghosts of the past that keep coming back and getting in the way of a future? Maddie wants to work through the problems because she may have finally found the one man who can give her the completion she truly needs if only she can find the financing to keep the Inn running. This book takes you a ride of family dynamics, getting past the designated role you play in a family and working through to become the person you have all the potential to achieve. When you let the past control you it eats you up and Ms. Shalvis shows how each of us is strong enough through both Jax and Maddie’s characters to be a lion not a mouse when you want to be. Maddie and Jax are the lead in this book but the secondary characters shine as well and when their stories are told I know they will also be this wonderful to read. Mary Gramlich is The Reading Reviewer located at www.marygramlich.com
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Two Lethal Lies
by
Annie Solomon
TheReadingReviewer
, August 08, 2010
Two lies add up to one great book from start to finish Mitchell “Mitch” Turner has been successfully on the run with his daughter for the last 11 years keeping her safe and staying under the radar. Mitch does not tell Julia that the reality of all this running was a result of his brother Dutch who is perfect on the outside with a monster living on the inside. Mitch witnessed his brother’s evil and knows what a psychopath he is and that the only pleasure Dutch receives in life is destroying anyone or anything that Mitch cares about. Once Julia was born Mitch knew that he could not let Dutch hurt her so running and hiding in the shadows, doing everything in his power to keep his daughter safe and away from his brother was his only goal in life. Julia was tired of hiding and when they settled through a set of coincidences in the town of Crossroads she bargained for time to make friends and go to school. Mitch knew the danger this settling could create but he had to give her a few months to be a kid and know the life other children lived. Working to make ends meet Mitch became a short order cook and there met Nessy Brown who was everything innocent and pure about life that had hardened him. She flirted enough to give him the message she was interested and Mitch knew that his answer should be no but he could not resist the temptation to know again the wonders of another’s touch. Just as things seemed to be going normal for Mitch and Julia a knock on the door changes everything and all the secrets come spilling out and the lies Mitch has been telling for so long are exposed. Accusations fly and every alphabet agency with a bad attitude and holding long unrelenting grudges want a piece of him. The local police think he murdered a reporter, the FBI think he is a serial killer and everyone in town is accusing him of horrific and terrifying crimes that Mitch swears he never committed. But being on the run for so long does not show innocence but guilt and his brother is now back in the picture and his accusation is the worst of all since he says Julia is his child and that Mitch kidnapped her. Mitch knows that he can’t keep Julia safe behind a prison cell so with luck and bad weather on his side he begins his escape and starts tracking down where Dutch took Julia and tries to figure out how to get her back – alive. With Nessy on his side and serving up a dose of reality and love he follows the clues that his brother is leaving knowing that time is not on his side and the end result will not be a happy trip to Disney World if he does not get to Julia immediately and free her from the devil’s grip. Wow what a ride this book is and one you do not want to get off of. Every time you have the situation figured out you are taken on another road that is even more exciting that the last one and the tenacity of Mitch and Nessy’s relationship is one for the ages because they have everything thrown at them and still never give up on one another. Thanks Ms. Solomon for writing such an amazing tail of the darkness in life and the light that brings us out of it. Mary Gramlich is The Reading Reviewer located at www.marygramlich.com
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