Isn't It Romantic

Instant Attraction

2009-03-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

I knew I was in trouble before even opening the book – starting to read it at night after work. I should have known better, or at least set the alarm clock to stop me before 3:00 a.m. I had fully intended to only read half of it the first night, the rest the next. Yeah. I started reading it around 9:00, with a break around 10 to write the next day’s blog and close down the computer. Then off to bed for just a little while of reading. But it’s a Shalvis book, when have I been able to set one of those down before finishing it?

Carly Phillips says on the cover blurb “Shalvis writes with humor, heart, and sizzling heat!” I have to agree with that; mostly the humor – although I do love her romances - but it’s the humor that keeps bringing me back to her books. There are so many romances out on the market, so many of them are good – but for me, the humor is what keeps me reading and what separates Jill Shalvis’ books from the others.

Instant Attraction is the first of a new trilogy by Jill - the stories of the Wilder boys, Cameron, Stone and T.J., owners of Wilder Adventures and Expeditions. This one belongs to Cameron; recently home after a year wandering the globe to escape the pain of losing what he thought was the very essence of his life, his championship snowboarding career. After an accident left him unable to compete again, Cameron ran from his family and his fears.

Katie Kramer was an accountant. Numbers were her life, safe choices ruled her decisions. Everything changed in a heartbeat with the collapse of a bridge in which Katie was the only survivor. She decided then to go off on adventures, to take risks. Landing in Wishful, California and as a temp secretary for Wilder Adventures seemed like the thing to do.

Both were running from their demons, both confront their fears together and learn the real definition of courage.

I love how this story flows, the romance progresses not at a break-neck speed but with a sizzling humor and warmth that is signature Shalvis. The secondary characters shine as usual without taking away from Cam and Katie’s story, but instead lend it depth and beautifully sets up the next in the series.

I give this book 5 stars!

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Superb and Sexy

2008-05-28T14:05:00.000-07:00

by Jill Shalvis

I have been waiting for this story since I read Smart and Sexy. Maddie and Brody. The tension rolled off of them in every scene, no matter how brief their appearance. Then came Strong and Sexy and my fascination and curiosity about their story grew. So I sat there, holding the book in my hands, thoughtfully stroking the cover. I was almost afraid to open it, fearful of being disappointed somehow. Now, I had no doubt whatsoever that the writing would be good, as I always enjoy Jill’s writing. I don’t know what it was, the anticipation somehow? I took a deep breath and opened to page one.

The man pulled up in a rumbling, bad boy Camaro like he owned his world, and Maddie had good reason to know he did.
Brody West owned his world all right, and completely rocked hers.

I let my breath out. It was going to be good, excellent in fact. Those two sentences summed up Maddie’s feelings for Brody perfectly. He had the unerring ability to make her mad, frustrated as hell, and inexplicitly drawn to him. She didn’t know why. He was stubborn, stingy with money, overbearing, sexy as hell, and, well the things he made her feel. Things she had no right to be feeling now that she was leaving Sky High Air, the company that she had helped build, her life and friends. But leave it she must, for her twin sister Leena needed her help. Needed her to put in force The Plan that they had decided upon years ago, to go away and start a new life far from their Uncle Rick and Stone Cay as they could. Of course Brody wasn’t going to let her escape, not since that kiss and his strong attraction to her. Maddie could make him mad, stir things up inside that he’d rather not deal with. While Maddie had come from a life of luxury, empty as it was, Brody had grown up mostly on the streets, fighting for everything he had. It wasn’t until he met Noah and Shayne that his dreams of flying began to come to fruition, and now his family consisted of his friends, their wives, and Maddie. Always Maddie. Independent, intelligent, bossy, beautiful Maddie. And he wasn’t about to let her disappear from his life any more than Maddie was going to involve Brody in her troubles, expose him to danger. So what else are two stubborn people going to do? Yes, fall in love, face the bad guys and save the day.

I’m not going to belabor the point that Jill Shalvis is a gifted writer, that she has this innate ability to create characters that come alive on the page. I’m just going to say that once again she has written a book with three dimensional characters, full thought out plot lines, and sub-plots that will keep you riveted. As is not unusual for Ms. Shalvis, her secondary characters of Leena and Ben are interesting, add to the texture of the story and are brilliantly portrayed, evident by the fact that the one thing I am disappointed with is the fact that we don’t get more of their story.

I give this 5 stars.

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Strong and Sexy

2008-01-12T15:57:00.000-08:00

by Jill Shalvis

Strong and Sexy once again demonstrates the wit, charm, romance and adventure that has become a Jill Shalvis trademark. There were many times when I broke out in laughter as Ms. Shalvis’ characters traded barbs, stumbled over their own feet and klutzily attempted to maneuver down the road to love; bit my lip as they dodged bullets; and sighed with pleasure with each kiss, touch, look. With consummate skill she weaves a tale that will surely please even her harshest critics. As always, her characters are extraordinarily crafted, their personalities fairly leaping off the page. This goes for the supporting, or background, characters as well. Each one has their own voice, characteristic and unique contribution to the story.
As in the previous book, Smart and Sexy, we return to Sky High Air and it’s owners, Noah, Brody and Shayne, three men who grew up together, bucking the system with each step of the way. Also back is their resourceful concierge Maddie, still hiding her attraction to Brody – but that’s for a third book. This one belongs to Shayne Mahoney, the bad-boy with a trust fund who would never conform to his parents’ expectations. The black sheep of the family, Shayne has used his connections to bring clients to the fledgling business, and after a year they are finally out of the red. But the same cannot be said for his love-life. Lately he has been the dumpee instead of the dumper and he’s beginning to think he’s lost his touch. Enter Dani Peterson, the complete opposite of everything Shayne looks for in a woman, but this awkward concoction of womanly curves and wide-eyed wonder pulls at him nevertheless. When he finds out that she’s the “crazy” daughter of an important client, he vows to back off only to be pulled reluctantly back in, time after time.
Dani has always strived for independence from her mother and her money. For that, Sandra Peterson has always referred to Dani as her crazy daughter. But Dani doesn’t care, as long as she is left alone to live her own life and devote her time to her zoo animals. Well, maybe not left alone entirely, as her lack of a love life stinks. Attending her mother’s party, thrown by Sky High Air, is the last thing she wants to do, but she pulls herself together and gathers her courage. Not that it helps much, as it clearly becomes evident that she’s a fish out of water, drowning in a sea of snobbery. And as if breaking a heel, having a drink dumped on her, and making out with a gorgeous guy in a closet weren’t enough, there’s the thing about the murder she witnesses, the murder with no dead body that has Mr. Gorgeous, Shayne, looking at her as if she’s the loony her mother has made her out to be.
When Dani becomes the target, Shayne finds himself in the role of protector, a position that becomes increasingly difficult as the danger escalates and his attraction to Dani becomes stronger. It was a delight to watch these two fall in love, the sexy banter and even sexier love scenes fulfilling everything that a romance is about. Five stars for this one.

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I'm Your Santa

2007-11-23T15:29:00.000-08:00

By Lori Foster, Karen Kelley and Dianne Castell

A wonderful trio of Christmas stories that will give you a giggle and warm your heart.

The first story is The Christmas Present by Lori Foster. I picked this book up entirely on the fact that there was a story by Ms. Foster. I knew I would be guaranteed a good read and I wasn’t disappointed. Beth Monroe wanted revenge against her cheating fiancé so she decided a night with his best friend Levi would do the trick. Only it wasn’t one night, more like three days and Levi wasn’t backing away. Levi Masterson had been in love with Beth since the first day he saw her, only she was his best friend’s girl. Not anymore, and Levi wasn’t going to let her go even if it means following her home for Christmas. Surrounded by her protective family, he has this one chance to convince Beth that what they had was forever. Full of laughter and love, this was a delightful read.

It’s a Wonderful Life by Karen Kelley comes next. I’m less familiar with Ms. Kelley, but I have enjoyed what I’ve read, and this was no exception. Jeremy Hunter is a jaded actor whose star is a bit tarnished and in trouble of tumbling unless he gets this part as a preacher in an upcoming movie. Nobody believed this playboy could play a prayboy so Jeremy went undercover as a minister, hopping from town to town on his Harley. That is until he lands in Two Creeks, Texas with a sprained ankle which forces him to stay and play the preacher a lot longer than intended. Not too bad, except for fourth grade school teacher Bailey Tanner, who brought totally un-clerical thoughts to his mind. Bailey was sure she was going to hell for lusting after a man of the cloth, but minister Trey Jones had her libido on the go. What happens when cynicism meets small-town life? You’ll find out when you read this enchanting story.

Last, but not least, is Home for Christmas by Dianne Castell. I had never read any of Ms. Castell’s books, but this story will have me searching for them. Lulu Cahill’s boyfriend maxed out her cards and then took off, so she went home to O’Fallon’s Landing, poor and pregnant. Sebastian Moore’s bride left before the “I do’s” but he decided to turn his wedding plans into a holiday bash. With an uproarious tangle of who’s matchmaking whom, Lulu and Sebastian end up right where they’d never thought they would be. I enjoyed every quirky turn in this tale, and I’m sure you will too.

This anthology gets five stars.

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Seducing the Mercenary

2007-11-11T16:11:00.001-08:00

by Loreth Anne White

The book was done, the last page read and yet I sat there holding it in my hands, unwilling to let it go. The sounds of the neighborhood slowly emerged from the jungle in my mind; I had been so engrossed that they had been shoved back into the shadows of Ubasi. Usually when I like a book, I jump up immediately and write the review; but not this time. I want to savor the feelings that still pour through me; its story holds me in its grip. What to say, how to articulate the sensations brought on by Emily/Emma and Jean’s story; the emotions that still hold me tight.

Ubasi, an African nation in the middle of turmoil, its tyrannical leader Souleyman ousted by Jean-Charles Laroque, Le Diable, son of the merciless Peter Laroque. Emily Carlin is a psychologist who works for the Force du Sable, a mercenary group that has been commissioned by the U.S. to help Souleyman regain power. She’s an expert in tyrannical pathology, alpha dogs as she calls them. Her job is to determine the best way to control Laroque, whose rise to power makes the U.S. uncomfortable because he can not be controlled as easily as Souleyman. The adage, better the devil you know than the one you don’t, comes easily to mind. Emily has to identify the dictator’s weaknesses in order to help the FDS devise their strategy; do they take him prisoner, or do they assassinate him? She has one week to find out.

Jean-Charles Laroque, a man with a mission, distrustful of everyone. Burdened with the legacy of his father’s cruelty, he must deal with enemies on all sides. Betrayal is dealt with quickly and ruthlessly. How will he handle the duplicity of the woman that he not only let into his castle, but into his heart.

Definitely 5 stars for this one.

eHarlequin

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Smart and Sexy

2007-01-31T19:23:00.000-08:00

by Jill Shalvis

I’m learning many things on my writing journey and one of the things that I learned from reading this book is that even good authors evolve. I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t read Smart and Sexy. Jill Shalvis has always been an excellent writer, each subsequent book published on a par with their predecessors. But this time she has outdone anything she’s ever written before. When I finished this book something happened that caught me by surprise; I was wordless. I couldn’t fit my mind around anything that could come close to describing how this book made me feel. Yes, it made me feel. Smart and Sexy is a riveting read full of humor, romance and thrills. This book is everything that I want in a romance and more; great plot, wonderful characters, and a to-die-for hero. In Noah and Bailey you get that wonderful banter that is so Jill Shalvis. That delightful Hepburn/Tracy smiles and giggles as the hero and heroine set out on their journey of discovery. You also find two people whose depth of feeling is so fully articulated that you can understand them with just a simple word, movement. You know them, you root for them, you feel everything they feel. You fall in love along with them. You hurt when they do, feel gut-wrenching pain when their heart gets broken. You not only read about their journey, you travel it with them. There were moments of out loud guffaws sprinkled with whimpering inducing sex, heart pounding chases. A plot that works. Really works. I’ve read books where the writing is good, even supreme, but the plot had holes that I’d ignored because I liked the book anyway. Not here. Not a hole anywhere. It all comes together perfectly. Noah Fisher is part owner of Sky High Air, an exclusive air charter service, along with his high school pals Brody and Shayne. Three bad boys who met in detention, found a common love of flying and forged a strong friendship. Throw in Maddie, a concierge with an attitude and you have a family just as real as those that genetics wrought. Ms. Shalvis has always paid close attention to her secondary characters, giving them the same three dimensional characteristics as her hero and heroine. You watch the tug of war between Maddie and Brody; the brotherly love of the three men; the way that Maddie corrals her little chicks, as she refers to her bosses. These are strong men with strong feelings and sense of what it means to “take care of your own.” And right now they are taking care of Noah, who six months before crashed on the way to Cabo, an accident that resulted in the death of a friend who died in Noah’s arms. He feels guilty about it, the normal survivor guilt twisted up with those natural feelings of responsibility since he was the pilot. All he wants is a few days of R & R and a couple of ski bunnies to warm up the winter night, or day – he wasn’t particular. It wasn’t his big crush, former model and trophy wife Bailey Sinclair (I like that name, btw), but it would do. He wasn’t in her league anyway. Bailey was in trouble. Alan Sinclair had dated her on a bet, married her and then pretty much ignored her. But that was okay, she went to school and got a teaching degree. She was content, and happy, or so she thought. But then her husband is killed in a hunting accident, the truth about her marriage came out, and she was broke. Not only that, but a former business colleague threatens her life, that of her brother Kenny and even those of the second graders that she teaches, all for some money that her husband swindled from him. She’s in a jam, and sky-jacking a charter plane to find the money seemed like the only thing to do. But she hadn’t counted on Noah as the pilot on the one plane that was going where she needed to go. Bailey didn’t have a lot of trust in her, but could she learn to trust this sexy bad boy?

It’s a five star read.

Amazon.com

Kink

2007-01-29T18:00:00.000-08:00

Imagine my glee when I saw that two of my favorite erotica authors were in a book together. Sasha white and Saskia Walker sizzle in Kink, two stories of scintillating sex and kinky games.

First is Watch Me by Sasha White. Sasha’s sexy voice is all over this erotic story of a married couple, Bethany and Grant, who have reached a slump in their marriage. Bethany loves her husband, he’s her soul mate, but he’s working so hard that she rarely sees him. The joy that had once been their marriage is now turned into a rut, and Beth is feeling lonely and neglected. It starts out innocently enough one morning with a roofer on the house next door. Beth puts on a little show for him and suddenly finds herself feeling turned on, desired for the first time in a while and it feels good. Beth didn’t think about it as cheating, after all she wasn’t having sex with anybody. She does this a couple of more times, increasingly turned on by these acts of exhibitionism. But then Grant finds out and the dynamics of their marriage changes. Suddenly he becomes the Master in a game of dominance, with Beth as his sex slave and she loves it. The sex is extremely hot, the story tight and riveting. A delightful read.

The second story is Sex, Lies and Bondage by Saskia Walker. As playful as Ms. White’s is serious, this one will have you smiling. Kelly’s father left when she was five and she vowed then to never let anyone break her heart. She had to be independent. Strong-willed, she’s always up for a challenge. Trying to get an autograph from a rock star, she winds up with his security guard Tommy. They end up having a one-night stand. Or at least they’re both under the impression that that’s what it is. But when they separate, Tommy decides he shouldn't have just left and that he wants more. Kelly wants to see him again, but only for revenge for leaving without saying goodbye - that's what she tells herself. Only problem? They don't know last names or anything about each other. Kelly finds Tommy first, gives him another night of wild sex and then leaves before he wakes up. Now it's Tommy's turn. It’s a game of one-upmanship while you watch two people fall in love, and Kelly learns to trust. Ms. Walker’s story is a delightful romp, funny and intensely erotic at the same time. Another great read.

It’s rare that I like both books in an anthology, so this was a surprise. Sasha White and Saskia Walker are both incredibly gifted writers, their styles are uniquely their own, and I highly recommend this book.

Five stars.

Amazon.com

A Sultan's Ransom

2006-11-27T12:20:00.000-08:00

by Loreth Anne White

There comes a time in every reader’s life when they are lucky enough to witness the emergence of an author as a force in their field. I’ve always enjoyed Loreth’s books, but the Shadow Soldiers miniseries is beyond anything she’s written before. Full of taut emotions and heart-pounding adventure, A Sultan’s Ransom is more than a romance, it’s the story of two people coming to terms with the past and the emotional scars they carry with them. This book picks up where The Heart of a Mercenary left off, with the FDS hot on the trail of an antidote for the pathogen being used to poison the President of the United States. The ex-French Foreign Legion mercenaries must stop a powerful cabal from taking over the U.S. and in turn, the world markets. This time it’s Sheik Rafiq Zayed, who must return to his homeland of Haman to infiltrate the research compound and plant a bug in the computer of the scientist who created the pathogen. But things go wrong when she discovers him in the lab and he’s forced to take her with him. Believing that she’s totally involved in this scheme, he is surprised to find a woman of compassion and innocence who lights the fires of revolution in this exiles heart. Dr. Paige Sterling took up her parent’s research, creating viruses and antidotes as a preemptive strike against biological warfare and potential pandemics. Completely in the dark about her employer’s true mission, she is devastated to learn that she’s been nothing but a pawn in this game of intrigue and assassination. Everything that she ever believed about her life is stripped from her, leaving Rafiq as her only base of reality. But Rafiq is more than a mercenary; he’s a king in exile, a king whose people have awaited his return to free them from the tyranny of his half-brother. A king who must fulfill his destiny.

With The Heart of a Mercenary, Loreth Anne White painted a picture of the jungles of the Congo that breathed and pulsated on every page. In A Sultan’s Ransom, she introduces us to the sands of the Middle East, its beauty and torment, and a people yearning for freedom. Ms. White uses words as an artist uses a paint brush, each sentence adding nuance and emotion, so that the story comes alive before you. As I said before, you do more than read Loreth’s books, you feel them. The writing is tight, the landscape breathtaking and the romance thrilling. Once again, a 5 star book.

eHarlequin
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Relentless

2006-11-27T12:07:00.000-08:00

by Jo Leigh

When reading series I often worry about whether the second book will be as good as the first. Relentless is as good as Closer … Jo Leigh has created a cast of characters that you care about, root for; and a storyline that draws you in to its own little world. Relentless is full of intrigue and romance, one of my favorite combinations. This is the first official book of the In Too Deep miniseries, its main characters introduced in Closer … Alienated from their families, wanted desperately by their enemies, this group of ex-Delta troopers and civilians are fighting for their very lives. With the use of underground resources, assumed names and their own special talents, they weave their way through a labyrinth of intrigue and betrayal, relying only upon one another. Kate Rydell was a forensic accountant for the U.N. when her life was shattered in Kosovo. Now she leads a low-profile life, jumping from place to place, setting down roots no where. Only this time there’s no easy way out. Kate witnesses a murder and the cop assigned to the job, Vince Yarrow, isn’t letting her slip out of his sight. For Vince, the death of a friend and finding out who killed him is more important than whatever Kate is hiding from and he’ll do anything to secure her testimony to put the murderers away, except he hadn’t counted on falling in love. Kate would be putting her own life, let alone the lives of the others in the group, on the line if she testifies. And falling in love would only get in the way.

I love Jo Leigh’s writing, the tight spiral of suspense and tension that exudes from every scene she sets up. The sexual currents between Kate and Vince are palpable; their reluctance to open up and their eventual capitulation to feelings that neither one can afford are realistic in Leigh’s portrayal. These are characters that you can understand and commiserate with; situations that raise your heartbeat, and a love story that lingers long after the last page is turned. 5 stars for this one.

eHarlequin
Amazon

UPDATE: 2007 RITA for Best Romantic Suspense Finalist
Winner of eHarlequin.com's Reader's Choice 2006

The Maverick

2006-11-27T11:30:00.000-08:00

by Rhonda Nelson

The Maverick marks the end of the Men Out of Uniform miniseries that I’ve enjoyed immensely. I hate to leave these characters behind, they’ve been wonderful; Jamie in The Player, Payne in The Specialist, and now Guy in The Maverick. Rhonda Nelson has sculpted well-rounded characters, plotlines that elicit giggles and love stories that bring a sigh to your lips. And have I mentioned the men? These stories revolve around three former Rangers who left the service following the death of one of their friends on a mission that went incredibly wrong. The price for their freedom is a favor that each much repay to their former Colonel. It’s now Guy’s turn and he’s more than a bit leery as the preceding favors ended in his friends falling in love. Guy has vowed to never fall in love, a result of watching his father batter his mother for most of his life. He’s afraid that this abusive behavior lies dormant in him. Then there’s the guilt over his friend Danny’s death. As the leader of the group he feels the most responsible. But he made a deal and now it’s time to pay up. Colonel Garrett is facing pressure to retire and he thinks his only hope is to put together another group like Guy’s, and he needs the former leader to train them. It isn’t easy for Guy to walk back on to that base, nor to ignore the instant attraction he feels for Julia Beckham, the relationship expert that Garrett has recruited to help in the training. Julia has problems of her own, none the least the night she spent in jail prior to their first meeting. Her attempt at sexual role-playing in order to keep her latest boyfriend backfired, an embarrassing photo in its wake. If only she were more sexually thrilling, then maybe the men in her life wouldn’t leave with a yawn and a wave. What she thinks she needs is an all-out sensual encounter of the horizontal kind with a no-strings attached bad boy and Guy fits the bill. He’s willing to participate, only to discover that maybe strings is just what he’d like.

These books have been filled with great dialogue, witty banter and heart-thumping romance. Once again, Rhonda Nelson has written a 4 star book.

eHarlequin
Amazon

The Last Warrior

2006-11-27T11:15:00.000-08:00

by Kylie Brant

Sometimes you keep trying an author because there’s something about their writing style that draws you, but you can’t seem to quite get in to the story. Kylie Brant is one of those authors whose books I kept buying but never finishing, until now. The Last Warrior grabbed me from the beginning and kept me glued to the pages. For once I felt the perfect mesh of exceptional writing, great storyline, and memorable characters that I expect from authors that I read over and over. With few exceptions, the Intimate Moments line has disappointed me in the last couple of years, so I was pleased that a line that I’d almost given up on is now producing books worth reading.

Joe Youngblood is a Navajo Nations Tribal police investigator, the Alpha type of hero that we all love. His wife left him, taking their son with her, and he’s understandably bitter in the romance department. He’s also afraid that she’s going to take off with their son and he’ll never see him again. Falling in love, especially with another non-tribal member, is far from his mind. Delaney Carson is a prize-winning photographer recovering from a harrowing experience in Iraq. She’s got demons of her own to exorcise, a life to put back together without the help of a bottle. Hired by the Tribal Council to write a book about their culture, she’s not prepared to become involved in the investigation of a drug ring, nor for a man like Joe. These two characters have scars that run deep; they’re emotional equals who need each other in order to heal.

Kylie Brant paints a picture of the land and history of the Navajo Nation, a love for tradition that continues in these people even today. The pride and dignity of a people steeped in history and myth is obvious in every word. Based on this book, I’ll read Kylie Brant again. 4 stars for this book.

eHarlequin
Amazon

The Heart of a Mercenary

2006-11-06T17:29:00.000-08:00

by Loreth Anne White
Publication Date: October 2006
Amazon
Harlequin

This is one of the most extraordinary books I’ve read this year. As many of you know, reality inserted itself into my life and I was forced to put this book down after only reading a few chapters. I recently was able to pick it up again. I mention this only to underline the fact that I didn’t have to go back and re-read what had happened; I was able to pick up right where I left off. That’s how much the story sticks with you.

The mercenary is Hunter McBride, a man forced to flee from his past and join the French Foreign Legion. Along with two other friends, he later formed a group called the FDS, a band of mercenaries who take on jobs no others can perform. Sarah Burdett also fled from her past, a broken marriage to a manipulative man. Her journey took her to the jungles of Africa to work at a clinic. Ms. White’s opening description of the carnage and terror that Sarah experiences when the clinic is attacked is a riveting, heart pounding narrative of the savagery of man. When Sarah escapes into the jungle with a lethal pathogen encased in a biohazard container she had no idea if anyone had heard her radio cry for help until McBride arrived in dark of night. Intent on stopping a powerful cabal from taking over the U.S. government and, in turn the world markets, he must get the canister and its contents to safety. Sarah doesn't know whether she should trust this man whose purpose is shrouded in mystery. Together they embark on a journey to save the world, and in the end, to save each other.

Loreth Anne White writes with knowledge of African terrain, but her words do more than describe the landscape around her characters. She makes the reader feel the pulse of the jungle, the swamps and rivers that surround them. She paints a picture and allows us a peek into the soul of a continent. Not many writers can achieve this and not become bogged down in the descriptive process.

This is a story of love, courage and the unbreakable strength of the human spirit. I give this book 5 Amazon stars.

UPDATE: awarded a 2006 CataRomance Reviewers’ Choice Award

Double Dare

2006-09-24T22:02:00.000-07:00

by Saskia Walker

Publication Date: October 3, 2006
Amazon.com

Sizzling isn’t the right word to describe this erotic romance, but it’s the closest I can think of. This is the kind of erotic romance that I love – one man, one woman exploring the depths of sensuality while falling in love. Saskia Walker has captured the heart of human emotions in a way that few authors can and this book was a joy to read.

Abigail Douglas works as an investment advisor, but she has ambitions of opening her own company some day and is just waiting for the chance to prove herself capable of handling a big account on her own. And she’s horny. So it’s no surprise when she catches the eye of a sexy courier in the buildings elevator. Even better when he follows her into the office. Since past experience has taught her that men shy away when they learn of her profession (that brainy problem), she tells him she’s the receptionist, a little white lie that will, unbeknown to her, figure into their relationship. Later, when she’s handed the reins of the Ashburn Company, she knows this is the job that could make fulfilling her dream possible.

Zachary Bordino is doing his mother a favor. Health issues has forced her to cut back on her work so she needs someone she can trust to take over some of the duties at her firm, The Ashburn Company. So he finds himself acting the part of courier and delivering papers to the company that has a short-term contract to handle her affairs. Of course, eyeing the beautiful receptionist is just a perk. Later, Zac discovers that she is actually a member of the team handling his mother’s portfolio. When she shows up at his club later, he’s not sure what her motives are and decides to let her continue to think he was just a courier. He sends his right-hand man Nathan to gather information, telling himself that it’s just to find out whether she’s up to something or if this is all just a coincidence. But deep down, he’s deeply attracted to her. Soon he falls in love, but when he reveals who he really is can he save this relationship?

Did I say sizzling? The sex in this book is hot, the relationships realistic. The tension between Zac and Abby is palpable. Ms. Walker clearly knows her way through the libido and her understanding of human emotions makes for a great love story. There’s also a nice secondary love story between Nathan and Abby’s friend (and real receptionist) Suzanne. I loved these characters and cared about their relationships. I’ve always liked Ms. Walker’s stories in the past, but this one has definitely put her on my list of must-reads.

Out of This World

2006-09-11T18:05:00.000-07:00

by Jill Shalvis

Guest reviewer: Brandy

I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. If you love the old sitcom I Love Lucy you will adore this book. Rachel Wood, an L.A. mural artist, inherits her Aunt Gerts B&B in the wilds of Alaska. Little does she know that the guests and staff are far from normal when she decides to visit to look over her inheritance with her friend Dot McInty. But Dot, having a paying day job, can't go with her and sends her brother Kellan, a Dolphin trainer, along instead. Kellan has loved Rachel for as long as he can remember, but knows that she doesn't know this and intends to keep things the way they are. He’d rather have her friendship, than nothing at all. Rachel has barely started her visit when things go weirdly wrong and she faces her surprising feelings for Kellan, the strange staff, and dangerous visitors from really far away. All in all, it was delightful. I do have to warn you, it is written in first person, from the point of view of Rachel and even Kellan. I do, however, recommend this book.

Amazon

The Specialist

2006-08-30T23:19:00.000-07:00

by Rhonda Nelson

The second of Rhonda Nelson’s Men Out of Uniform (see The Player), The Specialist was well worth the wait. Brian Payne is The Specialist, planner of the group’s missions, including the one that went wrong and ended in his friend Danny’s death. Brian’s guilt over this pushes him to leave the military – in exchange for granting his Colonel one favor. Colonel Garrett wants a pocketwatch supposedly owned by Robert E. Lee’s father, so he sends Payne to Gettysburg to find it. Payne feels that this is a waste of his time, but agrees to one week. Upon arrival he meets Emma Langsford who, unknown to him, is also looking for the watch. This little spitfire gets under his skin in ways that make him uncomfortable. His family life was not conducive to long-lasting relationships, so he isn’t about to let her get through to him.

Sent by her former commanding officer, Colonel Hastings, to find the pocketwatch, Emma is nervous about coming up against The Specialist. This formidable opponent with the ice blue eyes had a reputation for being good at what he did so Emma knew she had a challenge ahead of her. Emma had left the military to help take care of her dying grandfather. His death left her and her mother in debt over health care costs. To keep from losing their home, Emma works two jobs, tabling her dream of going to veterinary school on the back burner. Colonel Hastings’ offer of money for the job would solve those problems. Determined to get to the pocketwatch first, she never considered falling for the cynical Payne.

I loved the humor in this book, the feisty heroine and the cool hero. Their banter reminded me of the best of Spencer and Hepburn. And of course, this wouldn't be a Blaze without scintillating sex and Rhonda rights great sex scenes. Hot, hot, hot. I give this book 4 Amazon stars – there was one problem that kept pulling me out of the story. Emma’s surname kept changing. It started out as Langsford, then her mother’s last name was Evans – which caused me to go back and look at Emma’s name again. No mention was made of her mother having kept her maiden name upon marrying Emma’s father, John Edward Langston – yes, Langston. Later Emma is referred to as Emma Langston, and then back to Langsford. Once I got past this mistake in editing I was able to immerse myself into the story. It won’t be a problem the second time I read the book – and I will read this one again and again. I can’t wait for Guy’s story in The Maverick, coming out in October.

eHarlequin
Amazon

Edit: For some reason I can't get the wonderful cover for this book to load, so if you want to see it click the links.

UPDATE: 2007 RITA for Best Short Contemporary Romance Finalist

Just Try Me ...

2006-08-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

by Jill Shalvis

The Shalvis does it again. Another wonderful Blaze story with all of the sex, humor and human emotion that I’ve come to expect from her. Lily Peterson was addicted to adrenaline; the natural high was an intricate part of who she was, so when she was seriously hurt while fighting a fire, the forced inactivity sent her plummeting to the depths of insecurity. Will her broken body ever recover fully, or would Lily be resigned to never feeling the exhilaration that risk taking always brought her? To find out, she goes back to the beginning, her first job guiding groups up into the Sierra Mountains. She’s determined to push herself to the limits and rediscover herself.

Jared Skye is a computer geek, never without some techno gadget, a city slicker through and through. After winning a fight with cancer, he’s determined to live life to the fullest and this trip up into the mountains is next on his list. With a renewed sense of what is important in life, he sets out to help Lily find her way – and when he falls in love he hopes that way leads to him.

Again, Shalvis has written a multi-layered story about not only a journey of physical endurance, but of mental and spiritual challenges. The secondary characters are once more an integral part of the story, providing not only much of the humor, but contributing to a fully developed backdrop to Lily and Jared’s love story.

Available at eharlequin
or
Amazon

Bound

2006-08-24T20:34:00.000-07:00

by Sasha White

Sasha White has the ability to write sizzling sex scenes with feeling, something that not all erotica writer’s can do. The relationship between Katie and Joe is full of sexual tension even when they are not making love. Katie Long was the town’s “golden girl” and she was a little tired of the title. Feeling cooped up in the small town of Chadwick, she yearned to go to Vancouver and find what she knew her small town couldn’t give her. Seducing enigmatic Joe Carson on a dare, she discovered what she hadn’t known before – she loved giving up control, letting someone else call the shots. But Joe doesn’t fit into her plans. Or does he?

I was first introduced to these characters in Sasha’s short story Shift Change, which is in the book Sex in the Office. This little snippet into the lives of Katie and Joe was enough to make me anxious to read their entire story. And I was not disappointed. Bound is a great erotic romance - an Amazon five stars from me.

Bad Boys Southern Style

2006-07-23T08:08:00.000-07:00

It’s very rare for me to love all of the stories in a multiple author anthology, but this one hit the mark in every way. It has all of the bells and whistles; heroines that I liked, heroes I adored and plotlines that sizzled with sensual tension. This book was an enjoyable read and one that I can see myself reading again and again.

Love Potion #9 by Joann Ross is the first story by this author that I had read and I was pleasantly surprised. From the opening scene of Morganna the witch casting a spell, to the wonderfully satisfying ending, I was transfixed. Superbly written, it is the sensual tale of Roxi Dupree, a witch with a commitment problem and a three date rule and Sloan Hawthorne, a Southern bad boy who put the sex in sexual. Roxi is the type of heroine that I like – full of sass, intelligence and humor. A commitment-phobe, she’s tired of her dream lover and ready to work off some sexual tension and who better to hit the sheets with than Savannah’s screen-writing bad boy Sloan. Haunted by dreams of Roxie, Sloan enlists the aid of her best friend Emma to meet this seductive witch and exorcise some sexual demons of his own. Sloan is a memorable hero and Roxi’s equal, strong and determined, full of that bad boy sizzle. This story was enough to put me on the hunt for more of Joann Ross’ books.

Next up was Midnight Plane to Georgia by E.C. Sheedy. I’ve read a couple of this author’s stories in other Bad Boy anthologies, so I was more familiar with her than Ross (although, I admit, only after looking her up). Tracy Mae Allson has “yessed” herself into a rut; an apartment she doesn’t like, a dead-end job, and well-meaning but interfering friends. This people-pleaser just can’t say no and she’s finally had enough. Grabbing the opportunity to help her uncle get a B&B together on the other side of the country, she’s all set to put her life in order and stop being a doormat. At the airport lounge she locks eyes with a stranger across the room and feels a jolt, but in the crowd she loses track of him, which is just as well – a man was the last thing she needed right now. Tracy had a plan – six months to a year at her Uncle’s B&B, time to decide what she wanted in life, find out exactly who she was, and build a back-bone. “No” was her new catchword. Workaholic Colson Jones doesn’t have time for a personal life, just drive-by sex between jobs, but the connection he felt when he saw Tracy couldn’t be ignored, so he traded with her seatmate while she slept just so he could meet her. A cancelled business meeting gives him some extra time and he decides that a week in her uncle’s B&B was the perfect opportunity to get some much needed work done on his book and enjoy the company of a beautiful woman at the same time. It’s not that Colson doesn’t believe in relationships, it’s just that his business requires him to travel a lot and long distance relationships don’t work. But that was before he met Tracy, before he found himself painting walls and cleaning up messes. And when he falls in love can he get Tracy to revert to her “yessing” ways? While this was the weaker of the three stories, it was well worth the reading time.

Fall from Grace by Jill Shalvis was an absolute delight, easily the best story in this collection. Janie Mills fled South Central Los Angeles after witnessing a shocking crime. Enacting her own witness protection program, she changed her name, settled in Grace, Georgia and kept a low-profile as the town librarian. Everything was great, except for the advances of Clayton, Grace’s local lothario and leading citizen . She just can’t understand why all the women drool over him. She lets Clayton into the library late one stormy night only to find herself running from him when the lights go out. She fights back, hitting her attacker with a cumbersome dictionary, proving that the pen is mightier than the sword, only it wasn’t Clayton she’d KO’d but a handsome stranger. When he wakes up demanding answers, her natural survival instincts kick in and she puts up a fight. P.I. Ryan Peterson never expected to be leveled by a comely librarian wielding a lethal book, nor would he have ever thought subduing such a small woman would be so much trouble. And when Clayton ends up dead, not only has Ryan lost a client, but he appoints himself Janie’s protector. She’s naturally reluctant to trust, determined to keep a distance, and visibly upset that her serene new world had exploded, possibly exposing herself to the danger from her past. Jill’s humor is evident throughout, along with plenty of sexual tension to heat up a room. I have to add that action sequences often confuse me, but I had no difficulty following each head butt and elbow jab as Janie tried to get away from Ryan – how Jill manages to convey humor, tension and absorbing action is a mystery to me.

Let's Pretend

2006-07-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

By Raine Weaver

I loved this book. It's full of humor and sexual tension. It kept me glued to the page, giggling and sighing into the night. Ronnie has a pretty structured life, everything mapped out down to the minute. You could almost say she's anal about it. Her sex life is pretty much non-existent, except for four times a year with cyber Mark, and of course, her yearning for her boss Paul. Her friend Kayla has decided that this has to stop and is "loaning" Ronnie one of her boytoys, escort Brant, to push Paul into noticing Ronnie. This book is full of "pretending", Ronnie pretending to be a sex kitten with lessons from Brant,who in turn is "pretending" to be an escort when he's really an insurance P.I. investigating Ronnie. From sexual role playing to a killer finish, Let's Pretend is a book not to be missed. Highly recommend this one.

Underfoot

2006-06-25T09:36:00.000-07:00

Underfoot by Leanne Banks

I don't usually have time for what I call "big books". My life is a bit too stressful. But I picked up this book anyway and I don't regret it. This was a great read.

Trina Roberts and Walker Gordon had a one-night stand, a drunken night of unprotected sex after Walker was dumped at the altar. The next day he left for Paris. Soon Trina discovered she was pregnant. Since Walker had previously stated that the Gordon men made terrible fathers and that he intended to never have children, Trina decided not to tell him. 15 months later he returns and the truth soon comes out. Walker is determined to do the right thing, he's just not exactly sure what that is. Monetary support, of course. And every little girl needs a daddy so he even tries his hand at matchmaking. Add to that a younger brother and his pregnant fiance, a beer stealing uncle recovering from by-pass surgery and a growing attraction to Trina and Walker has his hands full. Trina has to deal with an ex-husband, a meddling mother and the feelings that she's always had for Walker. Can these two make it? Of course, this is a romance after all. I'd give this a 5 star rating.

Aussie Rules

2006-06-17T03:00:00.000-07:00

Aussie Rules by Jill Shalvis

I have to admit that when I first began reading this book it reminded me of one of Jill’s earlier works Love is in the Air from the Paris or Bust anthology, as they both take place in an airport with a spunky heroine and quick-witted hero, but I was soon assured that this was not a re-hash but a great story all on it’s own. Bo Black, the sexiest hero to come along, arrives at the North Beach Airport looking for what he believes is rightfully his. Melanie Anderson, aka Mel, is the owner of Anderson Air and the custodian of not only the airport, but the caretaker of the group of people who work there. She believes that the airport belongs to Sally, the woman that took her under her wing and provided her with the unconditional love that she so sorely lacked in her home life. She also believes that Bo is a con artist just like his father and she is very suspicious of his motives for returning to town. Bo believes that Sally was the swindler and that her actions led to his dad’s death. He has the deed to the airfield and intends to take it over. He didn’t count on Mel and her unflinching loyalty to Sally and the people around her. Together they work to find the truth and along the way they fall in love. Aussie Rules is a wonderful book full of humor and romance. It’s the kind of work that I have come to expect from Ms. Shalvis and she does not disappoint. Once again she gives us secondary characters and plotlines that enhances the main story instead of detracts, as happens in a lot of romances. It’s an enjoyable journey down the rocky road to love – get ready for a bumpy ride. If you want a good romantic comedy, then this is the book for you. Highly recommended.

UPDATE: 2007 RITA for Best Contemporary Single Title Romance Finalist

Closer ...

2006-06-17T02:51:00.000-07:00

Closer ... by Jo Leigh

I’ll start by saying that I loved this book. In fact, I just finished reading it a few minutes ago. It’s a July release and I urge you to go to eharlequin.com and pre-order it now.

This is the first in a series about a group of people who know something they shouldn’t, who are running for their lives while trying to get those lives back. They live “just below the surface” of society, shifting from identity to identity, one step ahead of the enemy. They can only rely on each other, they can’t make friends or fall in love – it isn’t an option. Closer … is the story of Christie Pratchett whose brother Nate had been one of those people and had died because of it. Christie has a stalker who has effectively shut down her life; taken away her job, her friends, and isolating her from everything that she knew. Out of desperation she dialed a number on the back of a picture, a number that her brother had told her to call if she ever needed help. That help turned out to be ex-Delta Force member Boone Ferguson, a friend of her brother’s, who sets out to get Christie back everything that she lost. Boone can’t help but become more involved than he should, to care for Christie far beyond what is required to protect her. And as it becomes more evident that this stalker is more dangerous than imagined, falling in love can become more a liability than blessing, a distraction that could get them both killed.

If I were to put this on an Amazon scale of stars – it would get 5. I loved both Christie and Boone. The chemistry between them is palpable, the tension not only sexual but heightened by the danger surrounding them. The storyline is believable, engrossing and kept me totally absorbed in the story. Once again, I highly recommend this book.

The Player

2006-06-17T02:37:00.000-07:00

The Player by Rhonda Nelson

When a mission goes bad, three Rangers - James Aidan Flanagan (aka Jamie), Guy McCann and Bryan Payne (aka Payne) want out of the military. Colonel Garrett, their commanding officer, lets them go only after getting a promise from them that they would each grant him one favor – of his choosing and his timetable. First up is Jamie “The Player”, so named because of his prowess with the ladies. Right now, Jamie is going through the women like there’s no tomorrow – his way of dealing with the grief and guilt over the last mission. So what does the Colonel want from him? Only to flirt with his granddaughter Audrey to put doubts in her head about the man she’s thinking of marrying. No touching – she’s totally off limits, and the Colonel has made that perfectly clear.

Audrey (Audie) Kinkaid left the high-stress working world to open a “de-stressing” camp. Past relationships, including one that ended with a restraining order, has made her leery of “needy” men. She’s a bit of an empath and absorbs their bad energy, so she’s looking for a man who doesn’t need anything from her. Hence her hook-up with arrogant, self-absorbed Derrick. This is the only part of the book that I wasn’t pleased with. Audrey is written as an intelligent woman who wouldn’t put up with a lot – so I (and Bebo) didn’t understand how she could stay with this guy for one year. But it wasn’t as much of a problem that it ruined the book for me.

On an Amazon scale – 4 ½ (I know, you can’t do half stars there, but they should). The sexual tension in the book was good, the banter was wonderful – I laughed out-loud in quite a few places. The demons that hounded Jamie were understandable and sympathetic. The secondary character of Tewanda was great – adding to the comedic moments. I also like how Rhonda focused a bit on the other two men, so you get a feel for them before their books come out. I don’t regret paying full price for this, and I do certainly recommend it if you want a fun read.