Blaze of Winter

05 Friday Oct 2012

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Blaze of Winter, Book Revew, Elisabeth Barrett, Star Harbor

Elisabeth Barrett’s Blaze of Winter is the story of two people trying to figure out if they are on the right path and if not where they should go from here. Avery Newbridge, a social worker helping drug addicts, recently lost a patient and is staying with her aunt in the small town of Star Harbor while she decides if she can go back to work. Theo Grayson is a best-selling author with writer’s block who has come home hoping the familiar place with help him with his new novel. When the two meet their attraction is instantaneous, but does a romance make sense if their lives are going two different directions?

Theo is a fantastic hero. He is smart, sexy, fun and has an obvious love for the town, his family and their friends. He’s amazingly patient with Avery and therein lies my only real problem. I didn’t quite get her issues with opening up to Theo. The doubts about him leaving was easy enough to grasp, but she had some emotional issues that I didn’t quite get a good sense of … maybe it was stated at some point why she didn’t want to get involved with him and I forgot. I’m not sure, which suggests that it wasn’t that clear. I did like how Barrett made a point that she was getting counseling for her problem though. A good choice to not have love heal everything. I just wished I’d understood her a little more – her issues with her job and her doubts about whether she wanted to return were clear, but I just missed what was going on with Theo outside of his living in San Francisco.

Though Star Harbor is similar to Jill Shalvis’s Lucky Harbor or Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold, it didn’t have quite the quirkiness and liveliness that these others do. The supporting cast of characters wasn’t as fleshed out, keeping the story from having the same depth. I do love all the Grayson brothers though. They are a wonderful group, full of heart and fun, but also with their own secrets and demons. I look forward to seeing more of them in future stories.

(This is Barrett’s latest in her Star Harbor series but it is definitely a book that can stand on its own. There is a mystery surrounding a drug operation in the area that seems to flow through the series, but Barrett does a good job of giving you all the information you need to keep up.)

Finally Home

29 Saturday Sep 2012

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Book Review, Finally Home, Helen Scott Taylor

Finally Home is Helen Scott Taylor’s sweet story about a woman having to let go of her past in order to move forward with her future. Melanie Marshall is cautiously building a life for herself and her son as the manager of Greyfriar House Hotel. When her boss comes back from what was supposed to be his wedding trip without a wife, things get complicated. For unknown reasons, Jack Summers uses his new hotel manager as an excuse to call of his wedding. But now he can’t get her out of his thoughts and as he gets to know her and her son better, he realizes there may have been a reason after all. When Helen’s past finds her, though, can the budding romance between them be enough?

Melanie has some serious issues related to her marriage and the criminal actions of her dead husband. I really liked the fact that Taylor acknowledged that these would not be easily fixed. Too often romance novels solve problems with the power of love, which is nice in fairy tales but not so much in real life, and Taylor does a great job of avoiding this trap. Instead she gives us a more realistic look. Readers are given an in depth look at Melanie’s troubles and, though the may be hard to relate to, they are detailed and believable.

We don’t get to see into Jack quite as much, but he does show himself to be honest and loyal – both things that Melanie needs in a new mate. He’s happy, emotionally stable (although he has moments where he needs to grow a backbone), and content with where life has taken him. He’s a good influence on Melanie, showing her that she needs to relax and let herself be happy. He does occasionally prove that he isn’t as in tune with Melanie as he should be, especially at the end, but then again we all see things through our own filter. Overall, he’s supportive and works to help Melanie face her past.

This is a good choice for someone who is looking for a touching story about two people falling in love with a bite of realism. It’s not all roses, but then neither is life.

The Heiress and Her Fake Fiancé

28 Friday Sep 2012

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Book Review, Kimberly Hope, The Heiress and Her Fake Fiancé

Jessica Heymore returns to her home town to evaluate her life and her future. Her father has once again meddled in her life and she needs to decide what she wants to do from here. Matt Lawson has also returned to Blakely and is looking for a wife to settle down with. Thanks to Jessica’s matchmaking grandmother, the two find themselves sharing a house. Jessica doesn’t know what she’ll do next but it will be someplace away from home. Matt wants a woman who will stick around. Unfortunately a powerful attraction may have other plans for them.

I liked the premise for The Heiress and Her Fake Fiancé, however by the time I was halfway through the story I felt like yelling at the two to talk to each other. I get that misunderstandings are a common romance theme, but for some reason it really got to me this time. I liked both Jessica and Matt, and I was rooting for them to get together, there was just so much confusion and hurt feelings that could have been addressed with a simple conversation.

The interaction between the two (outside of their failure to talk) was fun and they had good chemistry together. Hope did a good job of creating believable characters with sizzle. I just got frustrated at them.

I recommend giving the book a chance – the characters are likable and the plot is solid. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself wanting to sit them down and make them figure it all out.

A Fool’s Gold Christmas

25 Tuesday Sep 2012

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A Fool's Gold Christmas, Book Review, Fool's Gold, Susan Mallery

The exceptional Susan Mallery once again brings readers a delightful and heartwarming story with A Fool’s Gold Christmas. Evie Stryker isn’t happy to be in Fool’s Gold because it is way too close to her family. She’s always been the odd man out in the group and has learned it is better to be apart from them. She just needs to bide her time until she is healthy enough to move away and a romantic entanglement doesn’t fit into that plan. Dante Jefferson learned the hard way that there can be a price for love and he isn’t looking to do it again. An overwhelming attraction to his business partner’s sister is definitely not in his plans either. But Christmas in Fool’s Gold comes with its own share of miracles and may bring these two exactly what they need.

Mallery’s gift is her ability to bring characters to life. She creates people that are vibrant, detailed, and realistic – they always leap off the page. By the time you finish one of her books you feel as if you know them personally and Evie & Dante are no exception. You experience everything right along with them, all their highs and lows. The story flowed very smoothly with a sweet ending that, even though you wanted to smack Dante a little, was satisfying. I love these two and am so happy that they found each other.

A Fool’s Gold Christmas is a rich, engaging romance that will definitely get you in the mood for the holidays. It can stand on its own, but for reader’s of Mallery’s other Fool’s Gold novels this is also a nice chance to catch up with old friends and get a glimpse of those to come. If you haven’t been to Fool’s Gold before, don’t let that intimidate you. Pick this one up – you’ll be happy you did … and will want to visit often.

Coming Soon – The Devil’s Thief by Samantha Kane

24 Monday Sep 2012

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Samantha Kane, Sneak Peek, The Devil's Thief

Take a first look at – http://www.scribd.com/doc/103080466/The-Devil-s-Thief-by-Samantha-Kane-Excerpt

“Samantha Kane’s writing sizzles with unforgettable characters and electrifying sensuality that draw you in and provides a slice of reading heaven for lovers of historical romance everywhere!” Renee Bernard, USA Today Bestselling Author

“Great characters, terrific dialogue, a fun plot, and a yummy hero . . . What more could a reader want in a book? Cheryl Holt, New York Times Bestselling Author

“The Devil’s Thief is a sizzling cat-and-mouse romp through Regency London sure to excite readers. Samantha Kane’s determined hero and passionate heroine are perfectly matched.” ~ Katharine Ashe Bestselling Author of How a Lady Weds a Rogue

Sneak Peek – UNTIL THERE WAS YOU by Jessica Scott

24 Monday Sep 2012

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Jessica Scott, Sneak Peek, Until There Was You

From the author of Because of You comes an all-new contemporary eBook romance. Though he plays by the rules, she’s not afraid to break them. Now these two strong-willed military leaders will prove that opposites attract . . . even under fire.

A by-the-book captain with a West Point background, Evan Loehr refuses to mix business with pleasure—except for an unguarded instance years ago when he succumbed to the deep sensuality of redheaded beauty Claire Montoya. Since that brief lapse in judgment, Evan has been at odds with her. But when he is asked to train a combat team alongside Claire, battle-hardened Evan is in for the fight of his life.

Strong, gutsy, and loyal, Captain Claire Montoya has worked hard to achieve her high military rank. In Evan Loehr, Claire sees a spoiled commander who puts the rules before everything else—including his people. Army orders force them together and Claire soon discovers that there is more to Evan than meets the eye. He too has dark secrets and deep longings. For all their differences, Evan and Claire share two crucial passions: their country and each other.

Watch Me

24 Monday Sep 2012

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Book Review, Harlequin Blaze, Lisa Renee Jones, Watch Me

Watch Me is the first in a new series by Lisa Renee Jones based around a reality TV show. Meagan Tippan is the producer on a dance competition show. This is Meagan’s baby, her idea and hard work. Several mishaps have caused people to say there is a curse and if Meagan can’t fix things her show will be canceled. Sam Kellar is head of security for the studio and it is his job to help things run smoothly. But the sexual tension between Meagan and Sam may make things explosive.

Meagan is very prickly about her independence. Sam, with his Special Forces military background, is very alpha male and he immediately sets her on edge. Jones’s characters are well-developed for such a short book, with enough insight to make their actions understandable. The relationship that develops between Sam and Meagan is sweet, although sometimes I got tired of her pushing him away. Jones does a great job making her actions reasonable but still that kind of thing can get old. Sam, though, handles it well and the resolution of their issues is satisfying.

Fans of reality TV and sexy romances will find this the perfect book. The behind-the-scenes look at making the show is fun and interesting and there are more stories to come so readers will get other perspectives in the future. Since this is a Harlequin Blaze title, there are a lot of steamy scenes between the two leads, so be warned if this isn’t your cup of tea.

The Reunion

19 Wednesday Sep 2012

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Book Review, Dan Walsh, The Reunion

Dan Walsh’s The Reunion is an amazing story of love, faith, family and hardship. Aaron Miller is one of those people that quietly influences the people around him. But he hasn’t always been like that. In the Vietnam War, he was injured while heroically saving the lives of three young soldiers. When he got home, he had the typical adjustment issues of veterans, except society turned its back on that war and those it left behind. Without the help that he needed, Aaron quickly found himself addicted to drugs and alcohol, without his wife & kids, and living on the streets. When he finds God a few years later and gets back on his feet, it is too late to salvage a relationship with his family. More years pass and he is now the handyman in a trailer park, but still managing to touch the lives of those around him. When a reporter writing a book on Vietnam vets comes looking for him and his story, is he willing to be brave enough to be found?

This is a quick read, smoothly told from multiple perspectives, with a conclusion that leaves readers more than satisfied. The characters have depth and believability, with such detail that it makes you feel like you know them personally. The pain and heartbreak that these people experienced is so realistic and raw that it leaps off the page and settles in your chest. I just wanted to find these people and give them a hug, to do anything I could to make it better for them. I was so caught up in the story that I found it hard to remember that this was a work of fiction.

Walsh does a fantastic job of weaving a multi-faceted tale that will please a large audience. I feel comfortable recommending this story to anyone – young, old, male, female. Those who enjoy a well-told story will find something they like in The Reunion.

How to Date a Henchman

11 Tuesday Sep 2012

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Book Review, How to Date a Henchman, Mari Fee

In Mari Fee’s How to Date a Henchman, Gina is the receptions for EnClo Corp, only she has no idea what the company does and her curiosity is getting the better of her. Today, though, some of her questions may be answered because the mysterious owner, Mr. Sparks, is coming for a visit. When he arrives he also brings along his oh-so attractive associate, Burke. Burke is what is known as a henchman, because Mr. Sparks is actually the supervillain Static. EnClo is the hub of their latest scheme and, with a superhero on their trail, the last thing he has time for is an attraction to the receptionist.

This is a novella (about 26,000 words) and I’m not sure if it is the start to a series, but I really hope so. How to Date a Henchman gives readers a humorous take on how a super-hero world would work and how a regular person could get caught up in it. Their world is just like ours, except that it contains people with powers, and Fee does a fantastic job of giving readers a look into it. I loved how she brings up problems that could arise in such a world, like an increase in your insurance rates due to damage because of a fight between super-people or the danger a henchman faces just running daily errands for his boss. How people treat the superheroes like they treat famous athletes and actors, complete with magazine layouts and endorsements, is hilarious. This is a new take on their world, one where their daily lives are just like ours and the differences between heroes and villains aren’t black and white, and it is fantastic.

The characters are entertaining, with plausible issues to give them depth. The interactions between Burke and Gina are flirty and sweet, and Static is a hoot. He’s sarcastic, brilliant, twisted and so much fun. Burke and Gina’s level-headedness is the perfect foil to his eccentricity. Together they make an amazing team and an entertaining read.

Being short, this is fast-paced, but it packs a punch for so few pages. If you are looking for something a little off-beat, without losing its believability, this is a perfect choice.

Charming Blue

09 Sunday Sep 2012

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Book Review, Charming Blue, Kristine Grayson

Charming Blue is an update to the story of Bluebeard. He used to be one of the Charmings, as in a Prince Charming, but he’s spent that last couple of centuries in an alcoholic haze. He believes that is the only way to protect others from himself, considering that he’s killed fifteen women. Jodi Walters has a magic that allows her to fix things and she spends her time working with the magical in the LA area – helping them get jobs, homes or assistance adjusting to our world. When she’s approached by Contankerous Belle (yes, she is related to Tinker Belle) to help Blue, she’s very skeptical. In addition to being a fall down, stinking (literally) drunk, he killed his wives. But there’s a stalker in LA that is claiming to be Bluebeard and Tank needs Jodi’s help figuring out what is going on. What she finds out could change how everyone sees Blue, including himself.

I love the retelling, modernization, updating, etc. of fairy tales. I don’t mean when an author uses the same theme, but when it is actually the same characters. Bluebeard is a more obscure one, which Grayson’s story points out, and I think that allows her to give readers a more imaginative book. Her make believe world isn’t too complex and it follows along with some well known ideas, but gives them a unique twist. She brings a world full of magical creatures with just enough differences, due to misrepresentation by fairy tale authors, to keep everything interesting.

Blue isn’t your normal hero – most days he is drunk, smelly, and disgusting. It is used as a shield and it is an effective one. When sober he does clean up exceptionally well, as to be expected, but that still leaves a man that is disturbed and awkward with people after years of a self-imposed exile. With Jodi’s help, Blue works on the stalker case and begins the process of bringing himself back from rock bottom.

Charming Blue will appeal to a wide range of readers – it’s a great mix of fairy tale, romance, paranormal, and mystery. The characters are interesting, with compelling problems, and there’s a touch of whimsy with the magic involved. It’ll make you take a second look at the stories you’ve been told all your life.

(This is a story in Grayson’s Charming series, all modern updates to classic fairy tale characters – Sleeping Beauty, her Prince Charming, Snow White’s stepmother, and CinderElla’s Prince Charming have all been featured so far. Each book can stand on its own, however they all share a supporting cast of characters.)