Archive for May, 2010

HUNTERS BOOK 12: HUNTER’S NEED
Shiloh Walker
ISBN: 978-0-425-23150-0
B002DW92XY (Kindle eBook)
December 2009
Penguin Putnam/Berkley Sensation
Paranormal Romance/Shape Shifter
Paranormal Romance/Ghost
Paranormal Romance/Fantasy
Mass Market Paperback

Ana Morrell is haunted by the choices of her past. She’s been living at Excelsior, home to the Hunters, while trying to get control of her psychic powers so that no one can ever force her to use her powers for evil again. Duke Lawson is both a shape shifter and a Hunter- and the biggest regret of Ana’s life. However, Anna can’t hide behind the walls of Excelsior anymore so she moves to Alaska. Now, Ana finds herself seeing and hearing ghosts, and Duke is the one sent to help her. Can the two of them find a way to work together and discover just who is murdering these women? And will the attraction between them stand a chance despite their past?

HUNTER’S NEED is the twelfth book in the Hunters series but can be read as a stand alone as Shiloh Walker provides enough of the history between Duke and Ana. However, readers should note that events in HUNTER’S NEED are closely tied to those in HUNTING THE HUNTER, which chronicles the events as they unfolded between Ana, Duke, and Cat.

Anything written by Shiloh Walker is guaranteed to be phenomenal and HUNTER’S NEED is no exception. Ana and Duke’s story is intensely emotional, fueled by the past that haunts them both. Ana and Duke were held captive by a vicious and cruel vampire named Cat, but Ana has the deep regret of being the one who lured Duke into Cat’s clutches. Despite their volatile and scarred past relationship, Duke and Ana still feel drawn to one another but they will both have to learn to sort through their varied emotions if love is to survive. Shiloh Walker is a master at taking emotionally wounded and fragile characters and helping them find their happily-ever-afters.

The psychic angle with the ghosts adds an intriguing twist to the world of the Hunters. Shiloh Walker keeps her world fresh by injecting new twists and turns while remaining true to the heart of the series. HUNTER’S NEED is yet another spectacular story from the talented Shiloh Walker. Highly recommended!

THE SECRET DUKE
Jo Beverley
ISBN: 978-0451229533
Signet Publishing
April 6, 2010
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback

After two days at sea posing as Captain Rose and being able to escape the strictures of his real life, the Duke of Ithaca was looking forward to nothing more than a nice hot meal and a soft bed.  Hearing a raucous commotion and recognizing the distinct voice of a lady of quality, his gentlemanly instincts won him over and he found himself saving Miss Arabella Barstowe from certain ravishment at the hands of ruffians and thugs in the Black Rat tavern.  After rescuing, escaping and reaching a safe haven, Arabella repaid his kindness by stealing his horse and disappearing into the night.

Some four years later Bella, has come into an inheritance, but with her ruined reputation, she is living a modest life, and copies letters and broadsheets for an infamous female zealot. It was during this time Bella learned the truth behind the person who engineered her abduction and ruination and wants vengeance.  There is only one person who might be able to help her, Captain Rose, the pirate she never forgot and who it just so happened, never forgot the lady he rescued either.

*** Alright, where is Ms. Beverley and what did you do with her?  Starting off, I sat down expecting to totally enjoy another Georgian tale and was at once captivated with the very first paragraphs, drawing me into the dark and murky depths of the docks, with the mists, sights and smells associated with the scene.  So far so good, then the sounds of a scuffle and the unmistakable high pitched and authoritive sounds of a woman of quality. Oh, this was getting good! And a hero who, even though outnumbered is going to save the day and the damsel.  Wonderful… and then the fair damsel slips away by stealing her hero’s horse!   

As described, this started out extremely well and I was excited for the adventure to begin but then  it just kind of sizzled out after that.  For many reasons, Arabella aka Bella, was just not believable and her actions were rather idiotic.   First of all, why would she have snuck away and gotten into a carriage with someone she hardly knew in the first place.  Then she inherits money and goes to live in London disguised so that she could spend her time writing out broadsheets for a female zealot whose illness was impairing her reality and whose broadsheets were bordering on treasonous activities.  Why the disguise?  With her ruined reputation, I could think of many other things she could have done to keep herself busy without donning a wart at the end of her nose to go and hand copy broadsheets.  And the biggest gripe of all – how could she continue to think that Captain Rose was still a pirate able to walk around without anyone recognizing him or pretending to be who he was all along – the Duke of Ithorne?  Really clueless.

Unfortunately, I just failed to see the romance here, and I didn’t feel the love – lust yes, love no and believing it had to be my frustration with the heroine, I didn’t really see the humor with the cat and her kittens which was a big plot vehicle in the first book of this series THE SECRET WEDDING.  I loved the Malloren series and enjoyed the small part the Marquess of Rothgar plays whenever Ms. Beverley resurrects him and while I admit to not being crazy about this particular novel in her Georgian/Malloren series, she is still an auto-buy for me and stands high on my list of beloved historical romance authors!  

Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com

RECIPE FOR LOVE BOOK 2: ON THE STEAMY SIDE
Louisa Edwards
ISBN: 9780312356460
March 3, 2010
St. Martin’s Press
Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback

Sweet Southern belle Lilah Jane Tunkle had just arrived in the Big Apple and while waiting for her friend Grant to meet her, she became the accidental victim of a flying martini from Devon Sparks angry and newly fired PR agent.  Being new to town Lilah didn’t know Devon from a hole in the wall, but the sizzle between them was pretty hard to miss.  Seeing as how being a good girl hadn’t really worked for her down home, it was time to take a chance and have one night of mindless, fabulous sex with the most charming and handsome guy she’d ever imagined.   One night and she’d never see him again – wrong!

When Devon walked into the kitchen of best friend Adam Temple’s MARKET restaurant as a favor of running it while Adam is away, guess who literally falls into his arms – you got it – no other than his one night stand Lilah whose there to start work on her very first day.  Now the idea of no-strings, no-regrets sexual relationship just got turned around and it’s going to get very steamy real fast.

*** In the second novel by Louisa Edwards in her Recipe for Love series, she returns to Adam Temple’s kitchen and reintroduces the eclectic Market kitchen crew along with Lilah and super star TV chef Devon Sparks.  It’s great to be back in the kitchen and enjoying the camaraderie with people we’ve met and love before from CAN’T STAND THE HEAT, but I can say with assurance that ON THE STEAMY SIDE can and does stand alone, whether or not you’ve read the first book.  Both are divine and totally captivating stories with a lot of fun, and plenty of sizzle.

Devon Sparks was a difficult hero to define, but Edwards fashioned him beautifully. Handsome, talented, he’d built himself an empire in a very short time, through hard work and dedication, however something was missing and Devon hadn’t really realized it until Lilah came into his life. Around the same time Devon was forced to open up and let  his ten year old son into his life too.  Devon had a lot of self reflection to do on himself, and as far as being a star chef – even that was something he had to take another long look at. 

Lilah’s creation was the perfect foil for Devon – former teacher whose funding had been cut was jobless and while her restaurant job didn’t last long (less than a day) – becoming a nanny for Devon’s son turned out to be a blessing in disguise.  This was where her strength and understanding came in handy in bringing both the wounded father and the wounded son together and helping her to realize where her life should go as well. 

I loved the pacing which was fast and witty combining plenty of amusing scenario’s and emotional back stories (Frankie and Jess) throughout the novel.  The behind the scenes action of a gourmet kitchen are terrific and so are the recipes found at the end.  I really love this series and find it hot, steamy and sensually appetizing.  I can’t wait to see what Edwards cooks up next!!!

Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com

Buy from Samhain:

SOMATESTHESIA
Ann Somerville
ISBN: 978-1-60504-986-1
Samhain Publishing
April 2010
Erotica/GLBT
Erotica/Sci Fi
Erotica/Futuristic
eBook

In the near future, the resources are limited and only the rich can afford vehicles. Yet crime and corruption still exist. As an agent for the Federal Justice Agency, Devlin has dedicated his life to taking care of those who are less fortunate than himself. His dedication is put to the test when he transfers to the Special Crimes Unit and is paired with Connor, an enhanced agent with zero social skills, but an impressive performance record. When Connor and Devlin are sent off to catch an elusive kidnapper/killer they learn that not only do they have to look beneath the surface to solve their case, but look beneath the surface to realize that they are exactly what the other needs to make their life complete. But the Agency has a strict no fraternization policy and a killer has turned his attention from the children to them.

Although I had to look SOMATESTHESIA up in the dictionary to figure out what it meant, I loved this book. SOMATESTHESIA was funny, deep, and intelligent.

Connor and Devlin were well-drawn out characters who each went through a complete character arc, Connor especially. I loved how the layers to his psyche were slowly peeled away and we learn that despite his ‘super’ powers how vulnerable and tortured he was. I also admired how Connor was able to finally separate himself from everything and grow and develop. Devlin also made strides on learning to not always having to take control and protect someone, but give them the freedom to learn how to protect themselves. Somatesthesia takes you through a rollercoaster of emotions and I appreciated the ride.

The plot was well done, even though SOMATESTHESIA isn’t a suspense novel, the suspense elements included were well done and caused me to keep flipping the pages, eager to see how the situation was going to be resolved.

The main focus of SOMATESTHESIA was the development of Connor and Devlin’s relationship.Although this is labeled erotica, while their is a lot of sexual tension the actual sex scenes are alluded to or described very briefly. I loved how their relationship had so many layers as they tried to battle internal and external issues. I loved how they both made mistakes and how they communicated and apologized to each other when they made a wrong move. The deep-seated respect that they had for each other is not something you often find in romance.

 This is the first time I’ve read a novel by Ann Somerville. It won’t be the last.

SWEETEST LITTLE SIN
Christine Wells
ISBN:  978-0-425-23480-8
Penguin Putnam/Berkley Sensation
May 2010
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback

Lady Louisa Brooks has a secret. Long regarded as a spinster, in truth she’s been loved and has been in love with the Marquis of Jardine, an agent for the crown. To protect her, Jardine breaks off their relationship but there are things about Louisa that he doesn’t know about . . . she has turned spy for the government as well. Her latest mission is to try and uncover a list that has fallen into the wrong hands, a list that holds the names of all the agents who work for the crown. To succeed in her mission, she becomes engaged to a villain.

When Jardine discovers Louisa engagement to a man he suspects of treachery, his anger knows no bounds. He descends on a house party to try to convince Louisa not to marry the man and to do his own investigative work. Little does he know that they have the same goal; the problem is can they trust each other before it’s too late.

The SWEETEST LITTLE SIN is an intriguing novel that sucked me in from the first page. As well as being a strong character driven novel, the SWEETEST LITTLE SIN had some interesting plot turns that I had never guessed. I loved the premise of a secret love. I admired Jardine’s reasons for needing to protect Louisa and I loved the fact that Louisa wasn’t a wimp who spent pages and pages complaining that her life was now over since Jardine abandoned her. She took action. While I didn’t always agree with the choices Louisa made, I understood why she made them.

The only thing that distracted me from the reading experience is the fact that I felt like I walked into the theater thirty minutes after the movie started. Important relationship details weren’t explored and I don’t know if it was because I had not read the author’s previous release, but it I couldn’t help feeling as if I was missing a big gap on Jardine and Louisa’s relationship. I also wished that more focus was placed on their relationship rather than the mystery.

Despite my qualms, the SWEETEST LITTLE SIN was a great read and I wouldn’t hesitate to pick something else up by this author.

Buy it from White Rose Publishing!

WHAT’S IN YOUR CLOSET
Rhonda Gibson and Stacy Baron
ISBN: 978-1601547187 (Trade Paperback)
February 2010
White Rose Publishing
Inspirational/Romantic Suspense
eBook

Emily is a young widow with a 3 year old, hearing impaired daughter named Megan. Emily isn’t looking for a new relationship when she takes on the job of renovating the old home that David purchased.  But then she also wasn’t looking to find a skeleton in the closet!

What’s In Your Closet is an enjoyable mystery and a warm and sweet romance.  It was refreshing to meet romantic characters who deal with their own issues and concerns in a responsible, thoughtful manner.  What a delightful change from so many mainstream romances today to see a couple who actually looks before they leap into their romance. I also liked the addition of adorable Megan, Emily’s hearing impaired daughter to the story.

The lovely front cover art and intriguing title made me initially look twice at this title; both were appropriate representations of the story as well, which I really appreciated.  Cover art or titles that contradict the storyline and misleads the reader who is thus attracted to the book is a real pet peeve of mine.  Happily, this is not the case here!

Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries should find What’s In Your Closet to be a good match to their desire for sweet stories with an intriguing puzzle to solve.

Buy it from eHarlequin:

MORE THAN FRIENDS: HER BEST FRIEND
Sarah Mayberry
ISBN: 978-0373716265
April, 2010
Harlequin Enterprises/Harlequin Superromance #1626
Contemporary Romance/Category
Mass Market Paperback

Amy Parker had been “Best Person” at the marriage of her best friend, Quinn, to her other best friend, Lisa.  Amy had also been secretly in love with Quinn since they were both fourteen.  Amy, who had been protecting her aching heart by distancing herself from her friends, is forced to reconnect when an unscrupulous developer tries to steal her grandfather’s theater right out from under her.  Now it also seems that Lisa has left Quinn.  Can best friends have a second shot of discovering love?

Her Best Friend is phenomenal. I’ve personally known three real people in a similar situation and Mayberry hits the concept dead on and then goes one better since she, unlike real life, makes sure of a happy ever after ending.  I loved Quinn, who was the typical clueless male, and my heart totally went out to Amy as she struggled to deal with a “best friend” who also gave her deep painful longings for more.  Quinn’s deep caring for Amy shows through his championing her in her lifelong quest to purchase and renovate her grandfather’s historic theater. Mayberry deals with the sensitive situation with a deft hand and manages to infuse some gentle humor alongside the true loving friendship Quinn and Amy have.  This one has a prominent place on my “keeper” shelf.

KITTY NORVILLE BOOK 7: KITTY’S HOUSE OF HORRORS
Carrie Vaughn
ISBN: 978-0446199551
January 2010
Grand Central Publishing
Urban Fantasy
Mass Market Paperback

In this adventure, Kitty, our favorite radio celebrity werewolf, is recruited to be a participant in the first ever reality show featuring all paranormal contestants. A beautiful isolated lodge, vampires, shapeshifters, a mage, several psychics and a non-believer make up the motley crew of cast members.  It isn’t long till strange occurrences have the house mates casting suspicious eyes on each other.

Kitty’s House of Horrors is a suspenseful page-turner that every urban fantasy aficionado will happily devour. A newcomer to Kitty’s world would be able to enjoy the tale, but would miss the importance of certain situations, the underlying warning rumble of future supernatural war and the richness of various characters and their ties to Kitty.  While most of Kitty’s normal secondary characters are taking a back seat to new characters, the new personalities fill the missing support roles very well, introducing interesting abilities and quirks.  It was great to see the magician, Odysseus Grant, whom we first met in Kitty and the Dead Man’s Hand, back again and as intriguing as ever.  While we missed Ben, the news that he was busy securing the early release of Cormack promises that future Kitty books should see a return of the Ben / Cormack / Kitty dynamic that fans have been waiting for.  And Yay!  We only have to wait till July for the next Kitty story… Kitty Goes To War.  I can’t wait!

THE CHASE MUSES BOOK 1: TO CATCH A ROGUE
Amanda McCabe
ISBN: 9780373295890
April 1, 2010
Harlequin Historical
Mass Market Paperback

When rare and irreplaceable antiquities continue to go missing from London drawing rooms Miss Calliope Chase, decides that she and the Ladies Artistic Society must do something to stop what has become known as the Lily Thief.  One thing is apparent, the thief must be a well-connected member of the Ton and Calliope feels quite strongly that Cameron de Vere, Earl of Westwood, is the prime suspect.

What Calliope doesn’t realize is that her determined pursuit of Cameron is beginning to look like a budding romance. However, once Cameron kisses her, her ordered life is thrown into appalling confusion!

*** McCabe is known for her light hearted and sweet Regency romances that generally follow a somewhat standard and logical conclusion.  Her descriptive writing is well done and she easily invokes lovely imagery that transports the reader into the mood and perception of actually being there.  In TO CATCH A ROGUE – all these elements were brought together, but for some reason I felt as though something were missing. 

The story seemed to be going along well, with the appropriate amount of angst between the two protagonists and then seemingly from nowhere – the two were making love.  Say what?  I thought my book mark had been moved!  I saw a bit of romance building but then felt like I missed a couple of chapters – I felt totally clueless.  Were that not the only burning question of what I had missed I could have overlooked the missing passion that led to a sexual encounter, but it didn’t quite end there. The reveal of who the Lily Thief turned out to be was also somewhat of a shock including where the thief’s accomplice fit into the story.  

Knowing that this is the first book of a three part series, I am hoping that most of my remaining questions will be answered in the sequels.

Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com

THE COURTESAN’S WAGER
Claudia Dain
ISBN:  9780425233856
April 2010
Berkley; Reprint Edition
Historical Romance/Regency
Trade Size Paperback

As the daughter of a duke, Lady Amelia Caversham feels that after two seasons, she should be married – not only married but married to a duke. After all, Amelia  has perfect breeding, no scandal has ever touched her, and she has a sizeable dowry.  Enlisting the help of Lady Sophia Dalby, once London’s most foremost courtesan and now a countess who’s matchmaking abilities have been extremely productive, Lady Amelia feels confident that the results she seeks will be attainable within a short period of time.  It soon becomes apparent that whether they were planning marriages or not – the eligible dukes felt it was something of a coup just be included on the list, and if rejected there seemed to be plenty just waiting to be accepted  onto the list. All except the Earl of Cranleigh, who not only spurns Sophia and Amelia’s list, but fully intends to keep his brother Iveston off the list as well!

*** As the latest in the  Courtesan series, author Claudia Dain has invented another highly desirable, witty and original ploy used by the astute Lady Sophia Dalby whose  scores of matchmaking conquests were quickly becoming legendary, as well as being matches made in heaven! Though clever manipulations, and judicious knowledge of how a man’s mind works, Lady Sophia manages to turn the most confirmed eligible bachelor dukes, into believing that if they were not on Lady Amelia’s list, they should be insulted.  Even the most reserved and reclusive dukes came forth to vie for Lady Amelia’s hand.  

While Lady Amelia was the heroine in this extremely humorous and well drawn story, and the Earl of Cranleigh the clueless hero – Lady Sophia was the one whose clever witticisms and double entendre’s  seemed to me to steal the show.  Dain moved the pace along quickly with a plethora of amusing secondary characters, who all at one time or another came out with an amazing amount of hilarious one-liners that had me laughing out loud though-out the story. 

Bottom line was that this story captured me from the very first pages and held on tight throughout to the very satisfying conclusion.   Dain has the perfect recipe in this series, with Lady Sophia wielding what seems like a highly scandalous, but ever so effective match-making fairy wand and  able to divine the perfect match for the young debutantes of the ton. 

This was just too funny and a divinely sensual romance I highly recommend.

Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com