2006 Wrap Up Marilyn

Marilyn’s 2007 Book Wrap-Up

While 2007 was not a big year of reading for me with medical problems that left me sleeping and recovering through the months of February and March. I still managed (in between naps and doctor appointments) to make somewhat of a dent in my book review piles. In no particular order here are some books that I read and while I could only pick one outstanding book each month, here are other books which should not be overlooked by all you voracious readers out there.

First and foremost I would like to mention the last one I read by the late Ronda Thompson who sadly passed on last year. That book was THE CURSED ONE, book 3 of her fabulous ‘Wild Wulfs of London’ (shape shifter/werewolf/paranormal) series. The entire series beginning with THE DARK ONE, followed by THE UNTAMED ONE was an incredible series. Anyone able to get copies of those titles will be incredibly lucky and like me, mourn the loss of a great paranormal author.

There were many book series that I read in 2007 and though it started in 2005 I finally got around to reading all of Susan Spencer Paul’s magical fantasy series -- TOUCH OF NIGHT; TOUCH OF PASSION; and TOUCH OF DESIRE. All three were part of a series, which I read ‘out of order ‘ and were truly outstanding.

Also in the series area in a modern themed contemporary series with a touch of paranormal not to be missed is Deborah MacGillivray’s ‘Sisters of Colford Hall’ – It began with the INVASION OF FALGANNAN ISLAND in late November 2006 and book 2, RIDING THE THUNDER which I read this year featuring sister number two. We’ll be hearing a lot more from this series as there are a total of seven sisters, all with books of their own. MacGillivray also came out with the second book of her ‘Dragons of Challon’ series, IN HER BED which followed her first book, the award best-selling A RESTLESS KNIGHT – both of these are highly recommend series by a very gifted author.

A most unusual story I had the pleasure of reading in 2007 was THE HOURGLASS by Barbara Metzger. As an author noted for her witty and well researched historicals, she stepped beyond the historical adding a very unusual paranormal fantasy plot in this story.

If you are looking for a twist in a time travel make it a point not to miss A WISH IN TIME by Laurel Bradley – a very original time travel theme where two women’s souls and minds are switched by a well-meaning witch from eighteenth century Scotland to present time Manhattan! Original and heartfelt!

In the Inspirational area I cannot fail to recommend Tracy Peterson’s WHISPER IN WINTER which is one of the books in her fabulous inspirational adventure ‘ Alaskan Quest’ series – it was simply outstanding. Other highly recommended Inspirational books I must include are: COURTING TROUBLE by DeeAnne Gist; two by Cathy Marie Hake – FANCY PANTS followed by BITTERSWEET; and last but not least MEGAN’S CHOICE by L. C. Monroe aka Lucy Monroe (this author does it all, from the spiciest erotica to inspirational and everything in-between!)

In the Paranormal Vampires arena two authors really stood out for me. RETURN TO ME by Julia Templeton and THE BROTHERHOOD, book #2 that follows BLOOD MOON by Dawn Thompson.

Usually a traditional book reader, I tackled some E-Books this year by authors fairly unknown to me and amazed at how fabulous they were. These included: THE OTHER SIDE OF SILENCE – by Celia Ashley (Erotic fantasy – HOT); LORD DEMON’S DELIGHT – Gia Dawn (Erotica whew!!!); NOBODY’S HERO – Diana Bold aka Tracy Seybold (fabulous historical); ON SILENT WINGS – Pam Roller (another fabulous Historical set during Charles II reign); and HIGHLAND MOONLIGHT – Teresa Reasor (Medieval Historical)

For a terrific Romantic Suspense series I had the extreme pleasure of reading this year, steep yourself in the Louisiana Bayou in the steamiest of romantic intrigues by Jenna Mills with THE PERFECT STRANGER; A LITTLE BIT GUILTY; and SINS OF THE STORM.

I read a lot of Historical Romances this year and the following are some absolute stand-outs – in no particular order!

A REASON TO BELIEVE by Maureen McKade (always an emotional and stirring read)

THE WEDDING BARGAIN and A LITTLE BIT WICKED by Victoria Alexander; BEDDING THE HEIRESS by Cathy Maxwell; SURRENDER TO A SCOUNDREL by Julianne MacLean; INNOCENCE and IMPROPRIETY by Diane Gaston; KITTY McKENZIES LAND by Anne Whitfield; LADY BEWARE by Jo Beverley; SINFUL BETWEEN THE SHEETS by Barbara Pierce; A DANGEROUS BEAUTY by Sophia Nash; MARSH HAWK by Dawn MacTavish aka Dawn Thompson ; LETTERS FROM PEMBERLEY by Jane Dawkins (a must read for fans of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice); SCANDAL BECOMES HER – Shirley Busbee; LADY MERRY’s DASHING CHAMPION by Jeane Westin who is writing some of truly wonderfully researched historicals; and LOVE LETTERS FROM A DUKE by Elizabeth Boyle

For those looking for terrific anthologies, you won’t go wrong with Jacquie Rogers

FAERY SPECIAL ROMANCES as you follow the sassy faery Keely as she grows up thru the ages. Those who love cats and steamy sensuality are sure to love Deborah MacGillivray’s CAT O’NINE TALES featuring nine impressive cat’s and their respective sexy owners!

There were many more books all wonderfully entertaining and I thank all authors who made my life so much more enjoyable (especially while sitting in doctor waiting rooms) this year. Some of authors were new to me and I hope to see more from them in the future, and for my tried and true favorites thank you all for your creative and imaginative gifts that give me so much pleasure.

Marilyn Rondeau