Thursday, March 31, 2011

Bonded in Brazil-Rhiannon Ellis

Bonded in Brazil
Rhiannon Ellis
Camel Press, Mar 25 2011, $15.97
ISBN: 9781603818469

In Caxias do Sul, the Brazilian Menino family is in trouble as they have failed to pay their loan. They stand to lose the Vina da Gloria vineyards that have been part of the Menino clans for four generations.

Daughter Eliana Menino is willing to do almost anything to save the land as she knows losing it will destroy her father the vintner. She arranges a deal with “Demonio”, her name for the investor who holds her family’s IOUs. Hale Forester brings his new indentured servant to his Napa Valley estate. Her first time outside of Brazil frightens Eli, but she would go to hell for her family. However, she soon finds her heartless employer has a heart broken in his past, but what she feels for her Demonio is not pity but she fears it is unrequited love.

This warm contemporary romance is an enjoyable read as Eli proves her mettle in Brazil and California. Although the story line is somewhat linear even with an unexpected twist on the loan, feisty Eli makes for a wonderful tale as the lovely Brazilian takes America to save her family’s birthright from the Demonio she loves.

Harriet Klausner

Monday, March 28, 2011

A Tapestry of Dreams-Roberta Gellis

A Tapestry of Dreams
Roberta Gellis
Sourcebooks, May 1 2011, $9.99
ISBN: 9781402254987

In the twelfth century an orphaned heiress Audris is able to weave visionary tapestries. Her honorable Uncle Oliver raises her as if she was his child not out of affection, but because he is a hard yet just person doing the right thing by his niece.

His noble mother died birthing Hugh Licorne while his father is unknown. Arch Bishop Thurstan raised Hugh, who has become a knight pledged to King Stephen of Blois.

When Audris’ half-brother Bruno introduces his sister to his friend Hugh, they are attracted to one another. They pledge loyalty to each other though he believes he is unworthy of her unless he can rise higher up the feudal hierarchy. Hugh and Audis begin a quest to learn who sired him in hopes that will raise him to a level equal of that of his beloved heiress.

This is a reprint of a great Roberta Gellis’ 1980s medieval romance. The character driven story line is fast-paced yet contains the trademark vivid detail that makes armchair readers feel they are in the middle of an English civil war between the Empress Matilda and King Stephen. Medieval romance readers will relish A Tapestry of Dreams as the heroine and her family remains sort of neutral in the conflict only wanting to protect their city and land.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

More Than Words Vol 7-Carly Phillips, Donna Hill and Jill Shalvis

More Than Words Vol 7
Carly Phillips, Donna Hill and Jill Shalvis
Harlequin, Mar 1 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780373837632

“Compassion Can't Wait” by Carly Phillips. Social worker Julia knows how fourteen year old Michael feels; as the teen stoically spends his time at the hospital playing baseball games while his mom stays with his dying twin Manny. Julia asks The Andre Sobel River of Life Foundation to find a hero for Michael. They arrange for Miami Suns baseball superstar Kyle to mentor Michael. When the social worker and the pitcher meet, each recalls their high school days as a couple until he left for baseball and she stayed with her dying sister.

“Someplace Like Home” by Donna Hill. When Verna and Ronald meet, each recognizes an obsessed need to help the young. Attracted to one another, she seeks her biological mother who abandoned her and he learns he may have a teenage daughter he never knew existed. Thanks to Eva’s Initiatives and the Family Reconnect Program he learns the truth about whether April is his biologically, but dreams that he, Verna and April can forge a loving family together.

“What the Heart Wants” by Jill Shalvis. Teacher Ellie has no money to spare as she uses her meager salary to pay bills and to fund Powerful And In Charge, an organization helping teens. When she and teen Kia are stuck with a flat, Jack comes to the rescue. Jack and Ellie were a couple years ago as troubled teens. As they fall in love all over again, Kia returns to bad ass Bobby.

All three well written tales honor a caring organization (Ms. Shalvis’ dedicated hers to WET (Women’s Expressive Theater) trying to make things better for people. Each entertaining entry affirms love comes in different relationships.

Harriet Klausner

Unforgettable-Trish Perry

Unforgettable
Trish Perry
Multnomah, Mar 1 2011, $12.99
ISBN: 9781609361129

In 1951 outside her Arlington, Virginia dance studio Rachel Stanhope mutters in frustration while pacing back and forth on the sidewalk as her employee Betty fails to arrive with the keys to open up before the junior high school class begins. Moms dump the kids on her and one male arrives with two children. Former WWII pilot reporter Josh Reegan drops off his sister’s children, but not before he insults Rachel about that artsy thing. She detests his sarcastic arrogance and pessimism.

Josh believes ballroom dancing is an inane activity only for the rich and stupid. Still he finds her upbeat nurturing attitude totally opposite the cynics he normally meets due to his profession. In fact he is a cynic when it comes to humanity after his combat and his journalist experiences. He is here because his editor assigned him to do an article on her studio's competition in New York City. However, while the ballroom dance contest occurs, he investigates government corruption at the same time they continue their tango of love; as each finds the other Unforgettable.

This is a terrific inspirational historical romance that brings to life 1951 with intriguing little tidbits like pregnant Betty having to give up dancing because the prevalent medical belief of the era is that women carrying needed rest. The enjoyable story line is character driven as the support cast especially their respective extended families, the students and several other key players are fully developed. However, the tale belongs to the dance instructor who sees God’s world as a half filled cup needing to be topped and the reporter who sees a half empty cup needing to be drank as they foxtrot to When I Fall In Love.

Harriet Klausner

Friday, March 25, 2011

The Pleasure Garden-Charlotte Featherstone, Amanda McIntyre, Kristi Astor

The Pleasure Garden
Charlotte Featherstone, Amanda McIntyre, Kristi Astor
Spice, Mar 22 2011, $14.95
ISBN: 9780373605545

“Sacred Vows” by Amanda McIntyre. In Dublin, the law forbids the mingling of Gaels and English nobles. However, Cara risks her life by breaking the taboo because she believes Edmund is her beloved though he is bound for the priesthood.

“Perfumed Pleasures” by Charlotte Featherstone. Before Joscelyn left to fight in the Crimean War, he and Catherine the heir to Fairfax House were lovers. Now in 1856 he comes back scarred in body and mind wanting to die; while she is engaged to his cousin; but their love for one another remains strong.

“Rites of Passion” by Kristi Astor. On the other side of a Beltane fire, Widow Emmaline and Jack see one another with an instant attraction. Later he arrives at her home, but catches the flu, from which she helps him recover from the illness and the trauma of serving in WWI. He also heals her pain suffered on account of her beloved Christopher dying at Amiems.

The three heated erotic romances use the May Queen mythos as a backdrop to exciting tales occurring in different eras.

Harriet Klausner

Thursday, March 24, 2011

The Queen of New Beginnings-Erica James

The Queen of New Beginnings
Erica James
Sourcebook, Apr 1 2011, $14.99
ISBN: 9781402253164

Almost infamous fortyish Clayton Miller flees London after causing a public humiliation involving his former girlfriend Stacey and his former writing partner Barry “Lucky Bazza” Osbourne. His heart is shattered and his career as a scriptwriter recently in the stratosphere has crashed to earth as he is out of work and out of ideas except for writing his obit

His agent Glen told Clayton to relocate temporarily in the countryside at the Cuckoo House. There he and Alice Shoemaker meet when she arrives as the housekeeper. The house is actually her family abode and though she suffered broken hearts here, she relishes being able to come home. The pair dislikes one another from the onset yet also feels a fascination. They forge a friendship as each tells the other why he and she rusticate in the country. As they start to trust and rely on one another for emotional relief, they begin to fall in love; but both fears that feeling will lead to a fresh heartbreak with no one around to help them weather the storm.

Although the story line is linear as the plot goes as expected, the cast (London and the villagers) is superb. The support characters enhance the look at the lead pair while Clayton and Alice are nice people who each fears love having recent heartbreaks. The strong characterizations make for a tender second chance at love tale if the lead duet can take that leap of faith and trust in their respective hearts.

Harriet Klausner

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

An Affair Without End-Candace Camp

An Affair Without End
Candace Camp
Pocket, Mar 22 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9781439117996

Twenty-eight year old Lady Vivian Carlyle loves her lifestyle of defying the rules of the Ton; starting with no desire to marry. Her childhood friend Oliver, the prim and proper Lord Stewkesbury shakes her up at a ball by asking her to dance. She knows they are oil and water as he is boring unlike his four Bascombe American cousins.

Still she offers him a shocking clandestine affair, which to her amazement and trepidation he accepts. At the same time someone is stealing jewelry from the Ton. Vivian assists her frantic friend Lady Holland just after a thief brazenly stole her brooch. Over the objections of a concerned Oliver, Vivian investigates. Fearing for her safety and acknowledges to himself his love for Vivian, Oliver accompanies her as she makes inquiries into the thefts.

The third Willowmere late Regency (see A Lady Never Tells and A Gentleman Always Remembers) is a wonderful tale due to a strong cast to include the last one standing solo of his American cousin and her brother in a warm secondary romance. The fire between the lead couple is fun as the sniping never ends except when they kiss. The amateur sleuth whodunit enhances a charming historical romance between two people whose refrain for years has been I’m Not In Love (10 CC).

Harriet Klausner

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Lilies in Moonlight-Allison Pittman

Lilies in Moonlight
Allison Pittman
Multnomah, Apr 5 2011, $14.99
ISBN: 9781601421388

In 1925 Lilly Margolis is a flapper who, after being tossed to the street by her mother, ekes out a living selling makeup to the affluent. Even for the fun lover, last night was a doozy when she awakens in a stranger’s backyard with a sprained ankle and a headache.

Widow Betty Ruth Burnside takes the unflappable Lilly into her home. Her son Cullen wants the wastrel gone as he assumes she will swindle his mom out of money. He has enough on his plate with his mom suffering from dementia and he disfigured physically and tormented by the traumas of the Great War in France. However to his chagrin, he is attracted to his mom’s guest, an emotion he loathes. As he suffers with battle fatigue from the war and caring for his mom and she has remorse over her past, he decides to take her home.

This is a wonderful historical romance with the focus on the Roaring Twenties through baseball and nightclubs. The support cast is solid though their roles limited as the lead couple see 1925 from different polar perspectives. Readers will enjoy this delightful Americana character driven story line as the flapper and the veteran find healing through love.

Harriet Klausner

Shiver of Fear-Roxanne St. Claire

Shiver of Fear
Roxanne St. Claire
Forever, Apr 1 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780446566599

Devyn Hewitt Sterling remains shell shocked that her husband was a criminal who betrayed her. She is happy he is dead. Though raised by kind adopted parents, she wishes to know her biological parents. Sometimes you get what you she wish for as she learns who her birth father is; a fugitive.

As she thinks the acorn does not fall far from the tree, she travels to Belfast to warn her biological mother Dr. Sharon Greenberg that she could be in danger. Former FBI agent turned Guardian Angelino operative Marc Rossi is assigned to find and bring her home for their client the feds, but prefers keeping her safe in between kisses.

The second Guardian Angelinos romantic suspense (see Edge of Sight) is a terrific thriller as the lead coupling brings freshness to what would otherwise be a typical sub-genre frolic. Marc believes honesty is the only way to forge a relationship while Devyn fears telling him the truth will abort their relationship before it can get off the ground. Neither trusts the other, but the key to this taut thriller is not the lead pair, but her biological mom who is the target of her daughter, the Feds and some sleazy terrorists for differing reasons.

Harriet Klausner

Monday, March 21, 2011

Sweet Surrender-Deanna Lee

Sweet Surrender
Deanna Lee
Kensington Aphrodisia, Mar 29 2011, $14.00
ISBN: 9780758235008

Based on a talk of the world show in San Diego of her painting in oil and water of nude bodies, Boston-based Holman Academy hires Lauren Evans as the artist in residence and the ability to do a show of her work once a year. Lauren is euphoric as the opportunity is incredible and perhaps more important she can escape the haunting Southern California.

Holman security chief Mathias Montgomery assigns British specialist and museum security head Connor Grant to insure Lauren is safe as he has a hunch that something is not right. When Connor and Lauren meet, he thinks his mum would like “Peaches and Cream” but he hates messy desserts while she thinks he is James Bond. However, as someone stalks Lauren with each assault being more dangerous than the previous one; Connor vows to keep her safe. He soon realizes he likes beautiful messy desserts as she proves intelligent and witty and enjoys sex as much as he does.

This is a terrific erotic romantic suspense in which the Massachusetts art world provides a wonderful back drop especially at the beginning. The lead couple is a strong pairing while the suspense subplot feels a bit of a stretch though based on real incidents in the art world. Readers will agree that Deanna Lee knows how to erotically paint a different perspective of the fine arts (see Barenaked Jane and Undressing Mercy) from Art Appreciation 101.

Harriet Klausner

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Almost Home-Mariah Stewart

Almost Home
Mariah Stewart
Ballantine, Mar 22 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780345520371

In St. Dennis, Steffie Wyler has been in love with Wade McGregor since they were small children. In fact her life goals were to make ice cream and marry Wade. However, once he left town for college and never came back she settled on one out of two. Thus she owns One Scoop or Two ice cream parlor.

Co-owner of KenneMac microbrewery in Texas, Wade comes home to attend the wedding of Beck and Mia. Steffie and Wade spend a romantic interlude (a lot of coupling happened at that wedding), which revises her dreams, but he abruptly leaves for Texas. Nine months later, Wade’s best friend Robin is dead and with him is a toddler as he returns to St. Dennis; the company closed. Steffie assumes he is passing through, but though he wants the best for little Austin, he also delays his trip to his new job in Connecticut as he decides to pursue Steffie to see if the sparks he always felt are the real thing.

The third Chesapeake Diaries home sweet home tale (see Coming Home and Home Again) is an engaging warm contemporary romance with several family related twists. The characters drive the story line as Steffie reacts to Wade’s return with a son as strike three while he tries to make amends. Sub-genre fans will enjoy the latest visit to Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay.

Harriet Klausner

Almost Home-Mariah Stewart

Almost Home
Mariah Stewart
Ballantine, Mar 22 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780345520371

In St. Dennis, Steffie Wyler has been in love with Wade McGregor since they were small children. In fact her life goals were to make ice cream and marry Wade. However, once he left town for college and never came back she settled on one out of two. Thus she owns One Scoop or Two ice cream parlor.

Co-owner of KenneMac microbrewery in Texas, Wade comes home to attend the wedding of Beck and Mia. Steffie and Wade spend a romantic interlude (a lot of coupling happened at that wedding), which revises her dreams, but he abruptly leaves for Texas. Nine months later, Wade’s best friend Robin is dead and with him is a toddler as he returns to St. Dennis; the company closed. Steffie assumes he is passing through, but though he wants the best for little Austin, he also delays his trip to his new job in Connecticut as he decides to pursue Steffie to see if the sparks he always felt are the real thing.

The third Chesapeake Diaries home sweet home tale (see Coming Home and Home Again) is an engaging warm contemporary romance with several family related twists. The characters drive the story line as Steffie reacts to Wade’s return with a son as strike three while he tries to make amends. Sub-genre fans will enjoy the latest visit to Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay.

Harriet Klausner

Sweet Possession-Maya Banks

Sweet Possession
Maya Banks
Heat, Apr 5 2011, $15.00
ISBN: 9780425239070

Former Marine Phillip Armstrong is at the end of his rope when the antics of his top pop star Lyric Jones led to the firing or quitting of her security staff. The record executive calls in the marine motto of never leave a comrade behind when he asks his brother in arms Pop Malone to provide personal protection to Lyric while she is on “vacation” in Houston. Pop informs his stunned son Connor he will take care of the music diva. While his sister Faith smirks, Connor objects pointing out that they install security systems not provide bodyguards.

Malone and Jones detest each other at first sight and state so to one another, but he loathes her nasty manager Paul much more. However, under their veneer of disgust is also a desire neither wants to admit as he is hard from her first scornful remark and she is upset with his obvious disappointment when he gazed past her glitzy veneer into who she truly is. Neither wants a second engagement, but the two marines pressure both. At the Cattleman’s, she kisses him, leaving both shocked with need. As they fall in love, a betrayal to the media exposing her past leaves Lyric distrusting Connor.

The latest “Sweet” heated romance (see Sweet Temptation and Sweet Seduction) is a wonderful contemporary starring a caring male and a flawed female whose childhood leaves her unable to ever be alone. The story line is a commonly used theme, but the lead couple and the support cast including the villain make for a fresh brisk tale; as Maya Banks insists that a powerful mental healer is sharing love.

Harriet Klausner

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Russian Winter-

Russian Winter
Daphne Kalotay
Harper, Apr 5 2011, $14.99
ISBN: 9780061962172

Nearly eighty years old, Nina "The Butterfly" Revskaya was once a renowned prima ballerina at the Bolshoi Ballet. Residing in Boston, she arranges for the Beller auction house to sell her jewelry. Beller agent representative Drew Brooks is curious about the former dancer and her collection; as is Professor Grigori Solodin, who feels connected to the retired ballerina as he translated into English the poems of Nina's husband Viktor Elsin.

As the Russian expatriate looks back at her life in the Soviet Union with remorse and affection, Drew and Grigori also look back. Grigori believes Nona’s collection and the one piece he owns retain secrets to his heritage that remain mostly a mystery to him. Nina loved the theater and her spouse. She cherished her friends Gersh the composer and Vera. However, Stalin and a personal betrayal sent her to America knowing she will never go home again.

With a powerful memoir feel to this exciting character study, readers will enjoy the terrific look at life as a professional dancer with the internationally acclaimed Bolshoi Ballet troupe under the Soviet Union. The story line is enhanced by the mystery of Grigori, but belongs to the aging ballerina who knows her life is in its Russian Winter stage as she looks back to her youth in the home country with fondness and regret.

Harriet Klausner

Captured by a Rogue Lord-Katharine Ashe

Captured by a Rogue Lord
Katharine Ashe
Avon, Mar 29 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780061965647

Twenty five years old Miss Serena Carlyle is okay with the knowledge that she is on the shelf. Her plan is to see her younger stepsister Charity marries the prefect man. She thinks their neighbor wealthy hunk Alex Savege is the right person; though a rogue he is an earl.

However, Serena may not have chosen the earl if she knew about his secret life as Redstone the pirate raiding the yachts of the wealthy to help the poor. Still she asks Alex to help end ruthless smugglers from plundering the coast. He agrees, but she is unprepared for this pirate plundering her heart one kiss at a time.

Although the theme of a pirate romance prate between aristocratic neighbors has been used before (see The Pirate Next Door by Jennifer Ashley), Katherine Ashe keeps it fresh due to the spinster’s antics based on her premise he rejects that the earl is perfect for her stepsister. The story line is fast-paced from the moment the earl stepped into the room and never slows down as the lead couple duel with wit and love in Ms. Ashe’s wonderful historical.

Harriet Klausner

Friday, March 18, 2011

Tale of Two Vikings-Sandra Hill

Tale of Two Vikings
Sandra Hill
Avon, Mar 29 2011, $5.99
ISBN: 9780062019127

In 964 in the Land of the Saxon, identical twins Toste and Vagn Ivarsson have never been apart as they are best friends as well as brothers. However, due to their childish behavior, their disappointed father exiles his offspring hoping the pair finds themselves by partaking in a Viking raid. Having to smell two hundred Vikings who never bathe over months, the Ivarsson brothers know raiding is not their lifestyle. During the chaos of an assault, they are separated and both injured.

When Toste regains consciousness he finds a horde of nuns tending to his wounds. Also at the nunnery is Lady Esme, hiding from her avaricious father until she can gain her inheritance. Toste agrees to assist her because he has fallen in love with her.

At the same time, Vagn awakens to find himself tied to a bed in Gorm Sigurdsson's home. His host believes he has captured Toste, who he has chosen to wed his daughter Helga. However, Helga would know Vagn anywhere as she wants his baby and him too if he is willing.

This is a zany over the top of the High Road “double the trouble” Viking romance as the Ivarsson twins lighten up the Dark Ages with their antics in and out of the boudoir. Fast-paced, readers will root for the twins to reunite (with their respective beloved woman nearby) as Sandra Hill provides twice the spice, jocular and as usual irreverent historical romance.

Harriet Klausner

Taken by the Prince-Christina Dodd

Taken by the Prince
Christina Dodd
Signet, Apr 5 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780451413048

Prim and proper Lady Victoria Cardiff came close to falling off a balcony, but rakish Raul Lawrence saved her life. After his rescue, they share a kiss.

In the dictatorial Principality of Moricadia, Victoria the governess accompanying her charge and Raul meet for the second time. They are attracted to one another, but he has no time for a female in his life though he loses focus on his mission and fears she may know his secret. Raul is both the long lost rightful Prince of Moricadia and the rebel leader Saber. As he leads the counter insurgency against the de Guignard tyrannical rule, he locks away Victoria to insure she cannot inform anyone what she knows and to keep the woman he loves safe from being used as a pawn by his enemies.

The latest Victorian Governess Bride romance continues the Moricadia arc (see In Bed With The Duke) with a warm tale of love. The rebellion subplot serves more as a catalyst of love than a suspense element though it does move forward the anticipated battle between freedom and tyranny. Readers will enjoy Victoria’s Moricadia adventure as her heart is Taken by the Prince of the principality.

Harriet Klausner

Thursday, March 17, 2011

It Happened one Season-Mary Balogh, Candice Hern, Stephanie Laurens, Jacquie D'Alessandro

It Happened one Season
Mary Balogh, Candice Hern, Stephanie Laurens, Jacquie D'Alessandro
Avon, Mar 22 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780061993374

“The Seduction of Sebastian Tranter” by Stephanie Laurens. Military code breaker Sebastian sneaks into a library to escape the gala. Tabitha enters the library mumbling about a blackmailer’s letters. Sebastian says it is a code and offers to help her catch a rat, but must pretend an engagement that he plans to make real.

“Only Love” by Mary Balogh. Cleo the Widow and Jack the Major met before the war and meet again after. His brother orders Jack to marry in order to sire the male heir he cannot. Jack wants Cleo, but she agrees to be his mistress until she proves whether she can carry a child.

“Hope Springs Eternal” by Jacquie D'Alessandro. Alex has vowed to care for Penelope, whose brother died under his command. He locates her after a scandalous work she created leaves her with her reputation tattered. He offers marriage, but needs to tell her the truth about her brother.

“Fate Strikes a Bargain” by Candice Hern. Having just returned from the war, Nathanial is told by his brother to marry and sire children so the title remains in the family. He meets Phillippa who has a severe limp and is overly protected by her loving caring family. Nathanial has his own issues from the war that haunts him, but proposes marriage.

Using the same historical theme of second son bachelors returning from the war needing to sire heirs as the title older brother has no male offspring; It Happened One Season is a wonderful collection with four engaging diverse renditions to the premise. Ironically the females make each tale as they are not diamonds to the Ton but are to the men who love them.

Harriet Klausner

A Sense of Sin-Elizabeth Essex

A Sense of Sin
Elizabeth Essex
Kensington Brava, Apr 1 2011, $14.00
ISBN: 9780758251565

In 1794 England wannabe botanist Celia Burke still grieves the suicidal death of her best friend Emily Delacourt although a year has passed. Emily’s brother Rupert has struggled to move on though he has indulged in all sorts of hedonistic activity.

However, he finally decides Celia caused his sister’s death and vows vengeance by ruining her. When each is blackmailed, they assume the other is the culprit. However, as they spend time together, Celia and Rupert find a common bond in their love for the late Emily. They realize that someone wants to extort money from both of them, when Celia goes to London for the season she finds love.

This is a warm late Georgian romance with a twisting suspense subplot refreshing the otherwise well written but typical story line. Celia and Rupert are fully developed lead characters whose connection is the late Emily; readers meet Emily as this pair perceive her. Sub-genre readers will enjoy the transformation of the lead couple from enemies to loving partners as a predator cleverly manipulates the grief impacting both of them.

Harriet Klausner

Darkest Fire-Tawny Taylor

Darkest Fire
Tawny Taylor
Kensington Aphrodisia, Mar 29 2011, $14.00
ISBN: 9780758246967

The three Alexandre Brothers (Drako, Talen and Malek) have been the leaders of the Black Gryffon for a decade since their father retired at fifty; as expected. Although Drako as the oldest is top griffin all three understand the mission is to protect humanity and keep secret the sources of humanity’s power safe from the covetous Chimera. Proud of his offspring, their father reminds them it is time for wives and children so that they too can retire at fifty.

Thirty-one years old Drako knows what must be done though he has no one in mind. He must marry soon and sire the next generation. A billionaire playboy he prefers the knots at a bondage club, but duty before pleasure. However, he is attracted to Rin Mitchell and offers her a deal she could not refuse. He needs a mate who lets him play darkly while she needs money to liberate her sister from sexual slavery.

The first erotic Celtic fantasy romance is an enjoyable tale as the oldest brother finds his muse in Rin who literally ties him in knots as the hunter but figuratively she ties him in knots as the hunted. The fantasy elements take a back seat to the romantic subplot; as Tawny Yaylor provides an entertaining Dom-Sub relationship drama.

Harriet Klausner

Mesmerized-Lauren Dane

Mesmerized
Lauren Dane
Heat, Apr 5 2011, $15.00
ISBN: 9780425239087

The Imperium forces are creating a gizmo to destroy space portals. If successful it will devastate economies of most worlds as inert space travel would halt. A Depression would occur leaving countless people in trouble.

In Asphodel, the Federation Military’s Phantom Corps leaders assign top assassin Andrei Solace to prevent the calamity from happening. To assist him, they hire his former girlfriend mercenary Piper Roundtree as his pilot. As they work together, eleven standard years since they last saw one another seem like last night; as their passion is hotter than a sun. However both understand the mission comes first though sex is not a distant second.

Readers will feel Laura Dane Mesmerized us with this exhilarating second chance in space military romantic science fiction. The story line is faster than Piper can pilot a vessel through canyons, but it is the relationship between the mercenary who has people depending on her and the military assassin who has a universe depending on him, who make the tale work. Sub-genre fans will enjoy the Phantom Corps entry (see Insatiable) as the only time out is for bickering and lovemaking.

Harriet Klausner

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

The Welcome Home Garden Club-Lori Wilde

The Welcome Home Garden Club
Lori Wilde
Avon, Mar 29 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780061988431

In Twilight, Texas, single mom Caitlyn Marsh disliked affluent J. Foster Goodnight who never recognized her high school sweetheart Gideon Garza as his. Eight years ago Garza was murdered and she was left pregnant and estranged from her father. Thus, she is stunned when Gideon, who left town late at night without a goodbye to join the Green Beret, arrives in town for Goodnight’s funeral.

Caitlyn is hired to create a special garden to honor Goodnight; meanwhile Gideon has come back home, seeking closure with the dying man who was his biological father but never recognized him as such. That is until Goodnight was near death and left his ranch to Gideon. Still suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, Gideon takes one look at Caitlyn’s son Danny and knows he must be his offspring; as the kid looks just like he did when he was Danny’s age. Now he must persuade his beloved to give him a second chance as he loves Caitlyn and unlike his late dad wants to be a father to their child.

The latest Twilight contemporary romance (see The First Love Cookie Club) is an engaging second chance tale with a strong support cast (the Garden club and family members) and a solid lead couple who have become stronger out of necessity since their teen days. The story line focuses on second chance relationships between the protagonists and their fathers (Goodnight’s from the grave), and one first chance between a dad and his son. Readers who enjoy a warm family drama will appreciate the welcome to Twilight from the garden club.

Harriet Klausner

The Sweetest Thing-Jill Shalvis

The Sweetest Thing
Jill Shalvis
Forever, Apr 1 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780446571623

Tara Daniels inherits an inn in Lucky Harbor, Washington along with her two half-sisters (Tara star of Simply Irresistible and Chloe) whom she never knew existed. The three women share the same mom but different fathers. The three siblings agree to try to run the B&B.

In Lucky Harbor, Tara also runs into her teenage sweetheart Ford Walker. When each was seventeen years old, they had a child that reluctantly but rightfully they gave up for adoption. Ford knows he never stopped loving Tara and regrets they had no choice but to give away their baby as they had no other options. However, his efforts for a second chance are impeded by her former husband, injured NASCAR driver Logan Parrish, arriving in Lucky Harbor to stake his second chance claims on his ex wife.

Second is the key number in this warm Pacific Northwest romance as this is book two in the Lucky Harbor half-sisters trilogy and the two men in Tara’s past want another chance with her. Readers will enjoy the triangulation as jocularity and heat combine to make The Sweetest Thing a fun contemporary romance.

Harriet Klausner

Never a Gentleman-Eileen Dreyer

Never a Gentleman
Eileen Dreyer
Forever, Apr 1 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780446542067

In 1815, as a military officer’s daughter Miss Grace Fairchild knows her strengths and weaknesses before going into “battle” with each new posting by her father the General. To most men, she is way too tall and plain so she knows she will not marry.

However in Canterbury, she awakens one day nude in her bed to find a naked man in her bed while seemingly a unit of the Ton watched gleefully. Someone drugged and dumped Diccan Hilliard in Grace’s bed. He knows they will marry, but Grace has yet to learn the rules of engagement amidst the Ton. As they begin to fall in love, Grace realizes her spouse conceals a dark secret from her linked to what she thought was a cruel prank, but now knows is something for deadlier.

The second Drake’s Rakes (see Barely a Lady) is an enjoyable Regency romantic suspense with twists and spins bringing freshness to the over used caught in bed scandal leading to marriage ploy. The story line is fast-paced with a solid mystery subplot to enhance the romance between the lead married couple. Regency fans will appreciate Grace’s snooping into what Diccan hides from her, as she fears what ugliness she will learn that he conceals.

Harriet Klausner

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

The Knitting Diaries-Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery and Christina Skye

The Knitting Diaries
Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery and Christina Skye
Mira, Mar 29 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9781410436122

“The Twenty-First Wish” by Debbie Macomber. Anne Marie Roche is worried about how her adopted daughter Ellen will adjust to their new home. She also worries about how much she should allow Ellen’s biological father Tim Carlsen into the child’s life. To ease the move, mother and daughter make a twenty wish list, but Ellen has added one more to her desire; that her dad and mom marry and with her become a family.

“Coming Unraveled” by Susan Mallery. After failing to make it under the lights of Broadway, Robyn Mulligan comes home to Georgetown, Texas moving into her grandma’s home and taking over the Ewe knitting store. She feels the stranger her grandmother and her senior friends “adopted” is going to rip them off; ironically T.J. Passman thinks the granddaughter will do likewise with the senior citizens.

“Return to Summer Island” by Christina Skye. In Chicago, Caro McNeal is severely injured in an accident. She returns home to Summer Island, Oregon to heal with her beloved grandma who raised her when her parents died. There she meets marine Gage Grayson as he is leaving town. Gage and Caro exchange emails. When she learns that his pets are staying at a shelter until he returns, Caro befriends them. However, Caro wakes up in the night fearing something bad happened to her beloved email pal.

These are three warm well knit romantic family dramas with strong characterizations and the bonus of a stop on Blossom Street.

Harriet Klausner

Vowed in Shadows-Jessa Slade

Vowed in Shadows
Jessa Slade
Signet, Apr 5 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780451232984

When Jonah Walker was mortal he was a dedicated missionary doing the Lord’s work. However, the pious Jonah has become immortal after a stint with a demon; but he finds his world filled with anger and violence. His biggest issue with adapting to his change is he misses his beloved wife and other family members as he welcomes death that can never come.

In Chicago Nim “Naughty Nymphette” Hamlin entered the underworld not of her own fruition as she never believed such a realm existed. She struggles with adapting her battered belief system that scoffed at demons existing to a new reality, but apparently she has enthralled one of them. As for Jonah the righteous, she knows she will never be his equal nor will she ever be his partner except in a battle against evil.

The latest Marked Souls urban romantic fantasy stars two compassionate flawed protagonists; each struggling with a radically different reality than what they believed for most of their lives. The story line is filled with action, but driven by the lead couple who at that first look were unsure whether heaven or hell took over their heart. Though a glossary and a Possession classification are included, to better understand the scope of the Slade Shadows saga readers should start with the previous entries in the mythos (see Forged of Shadows and Seduced of Shadows).

Harriet Klausner

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Love Finds You in Tombstone, Arizona-Miralee Ferrell

Love Finds You in Tombstone, Arizona
Miralee Ferrell
Summerside, Feb 1 2011, $12.99
ISBN: 9781609361044

Christy Grey fled Tombstone, Arizona seeking a new beginning in California (see Love Finds You in Last Chance, California). In 1881, her brother Joshua sends a wire asking Christy to come home to help with their ailing mom. Dutiful and caring, she travels by stagecoach only to robbed and shot in her arm by the bandits.

When she reaches Tombstone, Christy finds her brother addicted to gambling and no help to their sick mom. Having lost her money to the stagecoach robbers, she desperately needs to bring in cash. The only place willing to hire Christy is the gambling halls; just what she ran away from in the first place. She meets and recognizes Nevada King, who was involved in the holdup. They are attracted to one another and he would love to settle down with Christy, but besides the robbery, a gang of outlaws want him dead.

The key to this Americana romance is Christy who as a single woman with a dancehall past struggles with her virtues as most males feel she is open season. Character driven by the courageous Christy and real persona like Doc Holiday and events like the stagecoach robbery, readers will appreciate this Love Finds You in a wonderful historical novel as Miralee Ferrell brings to life living as a single female in a frontier mining town just before the famous shootout.

Harriet Klausner

Monday, March 7, 2011

Naughty Bits 3

Naughty Bits 3
Megan Hart, Kate Austin, Jennifer Dale, Amanda McIntyre, Letty James, Eva Cassel, Alison Richardson, Adelaide Cole, Grace D'Otare
Spice, Feb 15 2011, $14.95
ISBN: 9780373605538

“The Countess’s Client” by Alison Richardson. As the daughter of a Prussian general, she lives a virtuous but boring life until the Comtesse d’Esslin considers going public.

“Devoured” by Letty James. Marco the chef proposes an all night tryst with Christine in exchange for a $5-million house; she wants the sex with the hunk over the home.

“Dreamer” by Kate Austin. She dreams of him every night, but wakes up without an orgasm Miri becomes a sex addict looking for the perfect lay, but she does not know Jack when she will come.

“The Pirate’s Tale” by Grace D’Otare. Gertrude of the convent and the sea captain are to marry over her objection. She changes her mind when she enters a room filled with erotic secrets.

“Acting the Part” by Eva Cassel. Filming in France, Lydia worries about the final shoot requiring her to orgasm with Mikhail, but she wonders if she has to act the part after a taste of his Method technique.

“Her Lord and Master” by Jennifer Dale. Molly hopes to impress her new master, but she finds she must choose between her lord and a commoner.

“Mirror, Mirror” by Amanda McIntyre. Quadriplegic Paul pays men to have sex with his wife Charlie as long as he watches. The latest hired gun Cade has a different plan in mind.

“Reason Enough” by Megan Hart. Elle and Dan enjoy a heated marriage until he brings up the taboo subject of a baby.

“The Flower Arrangement” by Adelaide Cole. In 1903 the teen joined the Riggs household thanks to a friend. However, Emma meets Master Riggs, which begins her education.

These are nine well written erotic short story romances with neat twists.

Harriet Klausner

Saturday, March 5, 2011

I Spy a Dark Obsession-Jo Davis

I Spy a Dark Obsession
Jo Davis
NAL, Mar 1 2011, $14.00
ISBN: 9780451232229

Former Homeland Security Department field agent Robert Dietz shot his Secret Homeland Defense Organization (SHADO) leader Michael Ross several times before leaving him for dead. However, Michael survived thanks in part to his subordinate operative Bastian Chevalier, who confessed he loves him. However, Bastian knows he erred with revealing his feelings to his boss who turned to Maggie instead and drove a wedge between them. Psychopath Dietz has brought the pair back together as they plan to hunt him down once Ross heals.

Although not totally recovered, Michael and Bastian begin developing their counter strategy starting with adding techie Katrina Brandt to the mission. As the trio works on capturing a deadly sly lunatic, their lust for each other turns overt as Michael no longer conceals his desires for Bastian; mostly due to Katrina’s open mind and libido. However, the hunted soon hunts the hunter threesome forcing each of the triad to look deeply at their respective heart.

Inane title aside, I Spy a Dark Obsession is a serious drama that brings a very insightful MM relationship subplot to the forefront; perhaps only Suanne Brockmann’s FBI Agent Jules Cassidy is as deep. In addition to the MM, the F joins the duet making for a loving ménage a trois while also distracting the lead trio from the mission of taking down Dietz. Although the female feels more of a forced necessity to soften an MM love story (rather than an intriguing revival for Michael’s affection), readers will appreciate Chevalier’s lament and Ross’ denial until Brandt’s desires brings both males out into the open sexually. However, it takes Dietz’s deadly move to force each to realize how they feel. Bravely Jo Davis has a refreshing winner.

Harriet Klausner

Live Wire -Lora Leigh

Live Wire
Lora Leigh
St. Martin's, Mar 1 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780312945848

Elite Ops Commander Captain Jordan “Live Wire Malone knew adding Tehya “Enigma” Talamosi to the unit six years ago was a mistake, but even he failed to predict why. Over the years, he came close to breaking his only rule about watching his squad’s back a zillion times for her, but he never did. Now the contract is over and his team returns to normal lives raising families. For him, no way as he will hide behind the legend of Live Wire.

Nine months ago Tehya left the team to open a business. However, someone is leaking top secret information about her, which makes her and any one close to her in peril. Jordan still protects his team even if they disbanded and some already have kids. He arrives to warn Tehya and have her back. However, this time he no longer can resist her lure.

Although there are suspense elements, the last Elite Ops tale is more a pure romance than an action thriller. The story line is fast-paced yet filled with sex scenes and a chance to see how the team members have done since they went civilian. Tehya is a fascinating protagonist, but Live Wire feels different than in previous novels though one can rationalize he is being domesticated on the home front. Although tough love dominates the plot too much and his motive for being relationship phobic extremely weak, fans of the series will appreciate the climax of the leader and the female Elite Ops teammates trying to make it as a civilian couple even if the unit like the Hollow Men of T.S. Eliot go out in a “whimper not a bang.”

Harriet Klausner

Friday, March 4, 2011

Secrets of a Proper Countess -Lecia Cornwall

Secrets of a Proper Countess
Lecia Cornwall
Avon, Mar 29 20911, $7.99
ISBN 9780062018939

Widow Isobel Maitland is very careful with how she behaves amidst the Ton especially with her in-laws watching her every move because they do not want a scandal to interfere with their covetous need to climb up the aristocratic system. However, the Countess decides to let herself go and enjoy a masquerade party she attends. She meets Marquess Phineas but introduces herself as Yasmina to the notorious rake.

Phineas actually uses the role of rogue to conceal he is an undercover agent working for the crown. He searches for his Yasmina as much as he seeks to expose a smuggler working for Napoleon. Once he figures out who Yasmina is and accepts the evidence that prim Isobel is her, Phineas wants to make her his wife, but fears she might be in cahoots with the smuggler.

Lecia Cornwall provides historical romance fans with an entertaining nineteenth century tale starring two intriguing protagonists. The metamorphosis of Isabel from prim and proper to seductress (perhaps to easily done) makes for a fun time as readers will enjoy the havoc her change in deportment does to Phineas while he tries to focus on the case. Secrets of a Proper Countess is an enjoyable historical.

Harriet Klausner

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Scandal of the Year-Olivia Drake

Scandal of the Year
Olivia Drake
St. Martin’s, Mar 1 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780312943479

Blythe Crompton sees how happily married her sisters are (see Seducing the Heiress and Never Trust a Rogue), and want the same for herself. Although she prefers a love match like those of her siblings, Blythe will wed a title to please her parents as well as making her dream come true. Her choice is the middle aged Widower the Duke of Savoy whose only fault is his “sweet concerned but acrimonious adult daughter Lady Davina.

However, when Blythe meets James the footman, her aspirations change. She is falling in love with James, but he conceals who he is from her and her family. James Ryding (Crompton) is the heir to the Crompton fortune, who believes her parents stole what is rightfully his and plans to expose them as frauds. Instead Blythe persuades him to pretend to be a foreign prince who is in England to court the duke’s daughter so that Savoy can seek Blythe. However, one kiss leaves the plans of mice, footmen and ladies astray.

The third Heiress in London historical romance is another wonderful Compton romp as Blythe figures if she is attracted to James so will be her nemesis. The ploy fails miserably as does that of an avenging James; love proves an inconvenient truth to both. Fans of the series will relish the final tale especially the powerful climatic twist as what happened years ago in India comes home to roost.

Harriet Klausner

Captured by the Highlander-Julianne MacLean

Captured by the Highlander
Julianne MacLean
St. Martin’s, Mar 1 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780312365318

In 1716 Duncan "The Butcher of the Highlands" MacLean seeks to kill British Lieutenant Colonel Richard Bennett for the vicious murder of his loved one. With his sawed-off Lachaber axe swinging, the Jacobite traitor charges into a bedroom at Fort William where he expects his enemy sleeps. Instead, he encounters Bennett’s betrothed Lady Amelia Templeton. She explains she is also the daughter of the late highly regarded revered English Colonel, the Duke of Winslowe.

MacLean alters his plan by abducting Amelia and taking her into the Highlands. On their trek accompanied by his men, she sees how kind her captor is to everyone and begins to wonder about her fiancé. However, she escapes when she hits Duncan in the head with a rock. He comes to rescue her from intoxicated British soldiers who plan to rape her. However, his rescue leaves him caught by the British.

Captured by the Highlander is a terrific Georgian romance starring a strong lead couple in which the Butcher learns rather quickly that when it comes to capturing a feisty female, he is the prisoner of her heart. The story line is driven by the triangle as the intelligent heroine revises her opinions of the two men in her life; the Butcher proves kind and caring killing only out of safety for his people while the Lieutenant kills as a big game hunter. Although some tension is abated by Bennett’s prejudice that the Scottish are wild beasts to hunt down, readers will appreciate the changing relationship between Duncan and Amelia, as the heart of the matter is the Highlander is captured by the late English officer’s daughter.

Harriet Klausner

The School for Brides-Cheryl Ann Smith

The School for Brides
Cheryl Ann Smith
Berkley Sensation, Apr 5 2011, $7.99
ISBN 9780425240502

Miss Eva Black runs a school for courtesans trying to retire from their previous occupation. Dressed as a grim spinster, she teaches her students how to behave as proper wives as well as finding them proper husbands. Besides concealing her beauty, she hides the fact that her mother was a courtesan; something that always embarrassed Eva.

Fuming aristocrat Nicholas Drake arrives at Eva’s school demanding she return to him his favorite mistress Arabella that she stole from him or he will use his ducal affluence to destroy her and her school. Eva detests the arrogant lord for his highhanded ways, but is also attracted to him. She accepts his demand that she replace his former mistress, married with a child on the way, as he holds her debts. Nicholas assumed he would scare the stern spinster while breaking her, but Eva teaches him to never judge a book by its cover.

The School for Brides is a warm gender war historical romance as the spinster and the aristocrat battle for supremacy. Like the heroine, readers will be affronted by Nicholas’ attitude towards women, but she proves a worthy mentor-teacher. Although the background never full anchors the era, fans will cheer on the courtesan’s daughter as she challenges the arrogant duke on his turf.

Harriet Klausner

Seaborne-Katherine Irons

Seaborne
Katherine Irons
Kensington Brava, Apr 1 2011, $14.00
ISBN: 9780758261403

Thirtyish and a former Olympic team rider, Claire Bishop recently inherited Seaborne, an estate in Maine. Over the objections of her caring father Richard and her odious former husband Justin, she has decided to stay at Seaborne by herself. Since she suffered an injury in a boating accident, Claire has been wheelchair bound. Her dad fears for her safety; and her ex has other schemes in mind.

Off of Coastal Maine, Atlantean Prince Morgan senses Claire’s anguish. He comes out of the ocean and takes Claire with him into the sea where he escorts her around his undersea world and like magic her useless legs work perfectly. However, Morgan has broken the strict Atlantean legal code by mingling with the humans as his half-brother Caddoc witnessed and demands legal action. As they fall in taboo love, adversaries from each of their worlds want the star-crossed couple separated and death is the best means to achieve this objective.

This is a delightful oceanic fantasy as Katherine Irons makes the underwater realm of the Atlanteans seem real from the moment the blue man-dolphin rescues a human child and never slows down until the surprising brilliant final tidal wave. Although their two respective prime enemies have no redeeming qualities, readers will root for the lead couple as Ms. Irons provides a wonderful under the sea tour.

Harriet Klausner

Moon Cursed-Lori Handeland

Moon Cursed
Lori Handeland
St. Martin’s, Mar 1 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780312389352

With the cancelation of her TV show the Hoax Hunters, Kristin Daniels knows she will need a miracle to revitalize her career. Not one to idly sit around waiting for divine intervention, Kristin believes proving a legendary monster is a fake is the ticket back to the small screen. She chooses the Loch Ness monster as her target.

Kristin arrives in Drumnadrochit, Scotland to begin her hoax busting. However, she finds the corpse of a drowned female who some locals insist was murdered by Nessie. At the ruins of Urquhart Castle, Kristin and Liam Grant meet and are attracted to one another though she feels he conceals something dark from her. Meanwhile, Edward Mandenauer offers her a lot of money to assist him on his obsessive quest to find Nessie.

The tenth “Moon” Nightcreature urban romantic fantasy takes a terrific twist as the village of Drumnadrochit seems cursed by Nessie. In the gloomy dark atmosphere, the Hoax Hunter sets out to prove the killer is human, not mythical. The predator (Nessie or human), Liam and Edward form the rest of the Moon Cursed inquiry into whom or what is the psychopathic serial killer (can Nessie be a psychopath?). Fans will Crave the Moon saga as Lori Handeland provides a great entry in a strong series.

Harriet Klausner

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

A Port in the Storm-Judy Genandt

A Port in the Storm
Judy Genandt
Five Star, Apr 6 2011, $25.95
ISBN 9781594149511

In 1885 Boston her irate father reads the riot act to Margaret Ward for what she considered no big deal. Fuming, he exiles his daughter to the Wyoming Territory to rusticate at the Lazy R Ranch owned by Randall family.

In spite of some clumsy klutzy moments, Margaret surprises everyone when the Boston Back Bay Brahman easily adjusts to life on the ranch. Even more stunning she takes over as the teacher in the one-room schoolhouse. However, she finds three men very interested in her. Each has their assets as Phil is from her hometown, David is the flirting heir to the ranch and Tee Spencer the aloof ranch foreman compete for her attention.

Although upper crust Margaret adapts too easily to life on the rugged at times deadly frontier, readers will enjoy this late nineteenth century western romance in which the elegant easterner shows how the west was actually won. Margaret makes a difference in the small town as she proves she is more than just a high society dizzy damsel. Sub-genre fans will enjoy this historical as the lead female delightfully dances with three males who want her.

Harriet Klausner

Too Sinful to Deny-Erica Ridley

Too Sinful to Deny
Erica Ridley
Zebra, Apr 5 2011, $6.99
ISBN 9781420109948

Embarrassed by their daughter’s inane behavior, Lady Susan Stanton’s aristocratic parents agree to exile their offspring to rusticate in the countryside. Thus Lady Susan is sent from London by her ashamed family to live with her father’s cousin at Moonseed Manor in Bournemouth on the coast.

Susan arrives at Monseed but her paternal cousin is missing. She and smuggler Evan Bothwick meet and are attracted to one another, but his quest is to find out who murdered his brother Timothy. Meanwhile she assumes her cousin is dead while her ability to talk to ghosts ever since an icy dunk in the Thames leads her to believe the spirits are all disgruntled. After consulting with Timothy the ghost, Susan investigates his death, the smuggling activity and what happened to her cousin while the crooked magistrate wants her to leave for London immediately.

The latest Eric Ridley Regency tale (see Too Wicked to Kiss) is a super historical paranormal romance that grips the audience once the heroine reaches her exile destination. The story line is fast-paced as intrepid Susan talks to ghosts, which leads to her inquiry. Although the romantic subplot remains rightfully for the most part in the background, readers will enjoy touring the smuggler’s coast with whimsical Susan as our guide.


Harriet Klausner

Island Nights-P.J. Mellor

Island Nights
P.J. Mellor
Kensington Aphrodisia, Mar 1 2011, $14.00
ISBM: 9780758238191

After watching like a voyeur her emaciated boss Dorinda “Dragon Lady” Laughlin have sex at the office, Reese Parker is jealous. However, she hides her envy as the Dragon Lady directs her to place a bid on a private Texas barrier island. When Reese reaches her destination Sand Dollar, she remains mystified why her employer wants the island.

The owner Ben Adams rejects her offer; as he prefers to keep the property in the family though he has doubts he can achieve his goal. However, they are attracted to one another and one kiss has both reeling. As Reese and Ben fall in love, he shows her the island and she revises her opinion of the place though she remains unsure why her boss would want it.

Island Nights is an erotic romance starring a fabulous lead couple and several other characters in heat (besides the bony Dragon lady, Reese’s two BFFs and their hunks). Although the entertaining story line is not quite as thin as Dorinda is, fans will enjoy the romance between big bad Ben and passionate rousing Reese.

Harriet Klausner