Reunion
Lindsay McKenna
Silhouette Nocturne, Apr 2010,
ISBN: 9780373618323
Archaeologist Robert Cramer and Taqe Warrior for the Light operative Aella Palas travel to the Great Spirit Mound in Ohio to obtain the fourth necklace piece. Both understand the importance of their mission as the necklace is the key to overcome evil.
At the site, neither is aware of Atok Sopa, who protects the location from his fourth dimensional realm. However, he recognizes her as his eternal beloved but though she feels an incredible euphoria she is unsure why. He comes to her in her dreams where he explains their past and the test of his powers that split them apart to his remorse and her unawareness. Now Atok wants his wife from their previous lives together back. However, a Tupay dark mage has other plans for the priceless necklace segment and those in the way on the mortal realm forcing a frantic Atok to possess Robert's body.
The latest Warriors for the Light quest fantasy (see Unforgiven and The Dark Truth) is an entertaining thriller that combines several themes like reincarnation, shapeshifting, and possession in the war between good and evil. Fast-paced from the moment the pair reach Ohio on their mission, Reunion never slows down as the frenetic somewhat hysterical hero risks all to save the woman he will love for eternity.
Harriet Klausner
Thursday, March 4, 2010
The Hunted-Anna Leonard
The Hunted
Anna Leonard
Silhouette Nocturne, Apr 2010,
ISBN: 9780373618330
Seal-kin Dylan Meredith liked his islander lifestyle, but keeps hearing a siren’s call somewhere to the west. He knows not all of his kind meets their life mate as his mom for instance had several mates, but the call just never ceased. No one in generations had traveled far to the west, but Dylan decides to follow his gut and heart.
A nasty storm washes an unconscious naked Dylan onto a Nantucket beach near the home of photographer Beth Havelock, who makes most of her money by photo restoration. When the human and the shapeshifter meet, each is stunned by the attraction. He realizes why her restless call brought him here as she has some of his breed’s DNA. However, they must flee when hunters are aware of him and want his skin that enables a human to alter their appearance.
The Hunted is an enjoyable oceanic romantic fantasy starring two likable lead characters on the lam from some nasty sorts. The story line is fast-paced especially once Dylan leaves his haven home for his destiny. Although the premise is not new (for instance, see Melanie Jackson’s Selkie sea saga), the audience will enjoy Anna Leonard’s take on shapeshifting Selkie.
Harriet Klausner
Anna Leonard
Silhouette Nocturne, Apr 2010,
ISBN: 9780373618330
Seal-kin Dylan Meredith liked his islander lifestyle, but keeps hearing a siren’s call somewhere to the west. He knows not all of his kind meets their life mate as his mom for instance had several mates, but the call just never ceased. No one in generations had traveled far to the west, but Dylan decides to follow his gut and heart.
A nasty storm washes an unconscious naked Dylan onto a Nantucket beach near the home of photographer Beth Havelock, who makes most of her money by photo restoration. When the human and the shapeshifter meet, each is stunned by the attraction. He realizes why her restless call brought him here as she has some of his breed’s DNA. However, they must flee when hunters are aware of him and want his skin that enables a human to alter their appearance.
The Hunted is an enjoyable oceanic romantic fantasy starring two likable lead characters on the lam from some nasty sorts. The story line is fast-paced especially once Dylan leaves his haven home for his destiny. Although the premise is not new (for instance, see Melanie Jackson’s Selkie sea saga), the audience will enjoy Anna Leonard’s take on shapeshifting Selkie.
Harriet Klausner
His Darkest Hunger-Juliana Stone
His Darkest Hunger
Juliana Stone
Avon, Mar 30 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780061808777
He had impatiently waited three long years for the right moment to kill his former lover for betraying their antiterrorist team; her seditious actions led to the death of a team member. Now in Winterhaven, jaguar-shifter Jaxon Castille begins his assassination of his former human lover, Libby Jamieson.
Jaxon easily enters her abode and knows he could kill the human traitor before she would even know he is there. However, something does not feel right with what he observes of her; so he hesitates on pulling the trigger. Instead of the Libby he knew, he realizes she is a tortured shell who remembers nothing. Taken aback by her amnesia and his damn feelings Jaxon brings his former teammates together seeking the truth, but remains unaware that the deadly predatory DaCostas clan stalks each of them.
This is an enjoyable urban fantasy starring two lead characters whose acrimony and animosity towards one another seem greater than the love each tries to conceal from the other. The world of Stone is a foreboding grim realm that enables the audience to believe in shapeshifting clans. Although the exciting story line has some shaky moments, readers will appreciate this dark fast-paced tale of betrayal.
Harriet Klausner
Juliana Stone
Avon, Mar 30 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780061808777
He had impatiently waited three long years for the right moment to kill his former lover for betraying their antiterrorist team; her seditious actions led to the death of a team member. Now in Winterhaven, jaguar-shifter Jaxon Castille begins his assassination of his former human lover, Libby Jamieson.
Jaxon easily enters her abode and knows he could kill the human traitor before she would even know he is there. However, something does not feel right with what he observes of her; so he hesitates on pulling the trigger. Instead of the Libby he knew, he realizes she is a tortured shell who remembers nothing. Taken aback by her amnesia and his damn feelings Jaxon brings his former teammates together seeking the truth, but remains unaware that the deadly predatory DaCostas clan stalks each of them.
This is an enjoyable urban fantasy starring two lead characters whose acrimony and animosity towards one another seem greater than the love each tries to conceal from the other. The world of Stone is a foreboding grim realm that enables the audience to believe in shapeshifting clans. Although the exciting story line has some shaky moments, readers will appreciate this dark fast-paced tale of betrayal.
Harriet Klausner
Abandon The Night-Joss Ware
Abandon The Night
Joss Ware
Avon, Mar 9 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780061734038
Quent Fielding ran away from home in 1997 when she was eighteen years old to escape his abusive martinet father. That occurred thirteen years before he and four other men were trapped in a Sedona, New Mexico cave in some form of a sleep state. Now over fifty years later, they awaken like van Winkle to a world gone mad (see Embrace the Night Eternal and Beyond the Night). He and his cohorts manage to make it to Envy, a bit of purebred human society in what was once known as Las Vegas. Recent information shakes Quent to his DNA core; his father is still alive as one of the architects of the change that destroyed the world. He is determined to track down his father and kill him.
One of the Envy warriors, loner Zoe Kapoor the archer obsesses over killing Raul Marck, who murdered her family. Her attraction to Quent is unacceptable in her mind as her feelings intrude on her quest. Quent shares her desire, but believes his need for her makes him stronger. They agree to team up in order to kill their respective tormentors or die together trying.
The latest Envy post-apocalyptic romantic futuristic tale focuses on two people with family issues. Quent makes Oedipus look like he had no complex while Zoe’s thirst for vengeance rivals that of her beloved. Readers will appreciate this dark futuristic world, as we become aware of how foreboding 2050 has become with each entry. Aptly titled as the night is deadly, readers will relish this strong entry and look forward to the saga of the two remaining Awakening Heroes.
Harriet Klausner
Joss Ware
Avon, Mar 9 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780061734038
Quent Fielding ran away from home in 1997 when she was eighteen years old to escape his abusive martinet father. That occurred thirteen years before he and four other men were trapped in a Sedona, New Mexico cave in some form of a sleep state. Now over fifty years later, they awaken like van Winkle to a world gone mad (see Embrace the Night Eternal and Beyond the Night). He and his cohorts manage to make it to Envy, a bit of purebred human society in what was once known as Las Vegas. Recent information shakes Quent to his DNA core; his father is still alive as one of the architects of the change that destroyed the world. He is determined to track down his father and kill him.
One of the Envy warriors, loner Zoe Kapoor the archer obsesses over killing Raul Marck, who murdered her family. Her attraction to Quent is unacceptable in her mind as her feelings intrude on her quest. Quent shares her desire, but believes his need for her makes him stronger. They agree to team up in order to kill their respective tormentors or die together trying.
The latest Envy post-apocalyptic romantic futuristic tale focuses on two people with family issues. Quent makes Oedipus look like he had no complex while Zoe’s thirst for vengeance rivals that of her beloved. Readers will appreciate this dark futuristic world, as we become aware of how foreboding 2050 has become with each entry. Aptly titled as the night is deadly, readers will relish this strong entry and look forward to the saga of the two remaining Awakening Heroes.
Harriet Klausner
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Desires Of A Perfect Lady-Victoria Alexander
Desires Of A Perfect Lady
Victoria Alexander
Avon, Mar 30 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780061449482
In 1885 Lord Newbury orders Earl Sterling Harrington to protect his daughter Olivia. He fears the person who murdered her spouse Rathbourne will kill Olivia next.
Sterling loathes Olivia whom he was betrothed to when she married Rathbourne a decade ago. She sent him letters of explanation that he refused to open and used his hatred of her to remain ignorant of her being prisoner in an abusive marriage that her father fostered on her. Olivia learns her late husband’s will contains three stipulations she must meet within a year of his death or she gains nothing. She pleads with Sterling to help her and though he is filled with rage, he cannot deny his beloved Livy anything.
This is a superb Victorian romantic suspense thriller that hooks the audience with the opening pointing of Newbury’s cane in the chest of the Earl and never slows down as the action and second chance at love blend nicely into a strong historical. The lead couple is a wonderful pairing as both remain hurt with what happened and more important did not happen ten years ago. With several twists and adventures, Desires of a Perfect Lady is a fabulous tale that sub-genre fans will fully appreciate.
Harriet Klausner
Victoria Alexander
Avon, Mar 30 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780061449482
In 1885 Lord Newbury orders Earl Sterling Harrington to protect his daughter Olivia. He fears the person who murdered her spouse Rathbourne will kill Olivia next.
Sterling loathes Olivia whom he was betrothed to when she married Rathbourne a decade ago. She sent him letters of explanation that he refused to open and used his hatred of her to remain ignorant of her being prisoner in an abusive marriage that her father fostered on her. Olivia learns her late husband’s will contains three stipulations she must meet within a year of his death or she gains nothing. She pleads with Sterling to help her and though he is filled with rage, he cannot deny his beloved Livy anything.
This is a superb Victorian romantic suspense thriller that hooks the audience with the opening pointing of Newbury’s cane in the chest of the Earl and never slows down as the action and second chance at love blend nicely into a strong historical. The lead couple is a wonderful pairing as both remain hurt with what happened and more important did not happen ten years ago. With several twists and adventures, Desires of a Perfect Lady is a fabulous tale that sub-genre fans will fully appreciate.
Harriet Klausner
Monday, March 1, 2010
Receptionist Under Cover-C.J. Carmichael
Receptionist Under Cover
C.J. Carmichael
Harlequin SuperRomance, Mar 16 2010, $4.95
ISBN: 9780373716234
Fox and Fisher Detective Agency receptionist Nadine Kimble wants to become a sleuth, but has no experience or opportunity to prove to her employers she can do the job. She has received her on-line certification for a six-moth class she took. Adventurer-author Patrick O'Neil arrives without an appointment. He needs to hire a detective to find his missing son Stephen Stone, who ran away after burying his mom; but he is unaware that Nadine is not an investigator, as she poses as one.
Nadine and Patrick begin the quest to locate the offspring he only recently learned he sired. They trek through Canada following clues. As they fall in love, Nadine feels guilt and remorse for lying to the obviously worried Patrick who fears rejection.
Patrick is the key as he is insecure about relationships especially after his mom died from cancer a little over a decade ago; Stephen’s dying mom June called him selfish as did Nadine. Readers will enjoy the latest Fox and Fisher Detective Agency tale (see The P.O. Contest and Perfect Partners) as Nadine proves her worth as a sleuth in love.
Harriet Klausner
C.J. Carmichael
Harlequin SuperRomance, Mar 16 2010, $4.95
ISBN: 9780373716234
Fox and Fisher Detective Agency receptionist Nadine Kimble wants to become a sleuth, but has no experience or opportunity to prove to her employers she can do the job. She has received her on-line certification for a six-moth class she took. Adventurer-author Patrick O'Neil arrives without an appointment. He needs to hire a detective to find his missing son Stephen Stone, who ran away after burying his mom; but he is unaware that Nadine is not an investigator, as she poses as one.
Nadine and Patrick begin the quest to locate the offspring he only recently learned he sired. They trek through Canada following clues. As they fall in love, Nadine feels guilt and remorse for lying to the obviously worried Patrick who fears rejection.
Patrick is the key as he is insecure about relationships especially after his mom died from cancer a little over a decade ago; Stephen’s dying mom June called him selfish as did Nadine. Readers will enjoy the latest Fox and Fisher Detective Agency tale (see The P.O. Contest and Perfect Partners) as Nadine proves her worth as a sleuth in love.
Harriet Klausner
What the Librarian Did-Karina Bliss
What the Librarian Did
Karina Bliss
Harlequin SuperRomance, Mar 16 2010, $4.95
ISBN: 9780373716227
Over seventeen years ago in New Zealand, Steve O’Connell is home from college. He meets his younger sister’s weirdo friend Rachel Robinson. They have sex as she is in love
At the same time in Long Beach, California, Zander Freedman is short a bass player so brings his sixteen years old brother Devin to play guitar with the band at a strip joint. He plays well enough to become a member of Rage. His love is music.
In the present, Devin is famous for rock, drugs, and sex, but has enrolled as a full time college student at the school where Rachel is the librarian who fails to recognize his name. Her son Mark White, whom she gave up for adoption when she was a teen, hero-worships Devin. Rachel hopes to soon tell Mark who she is even as she falls in love with rock’s bad boy who considers her a fossil that he enjoys kissing.
What the Librarian Did is an enjoyable contemporary romance starring two likable leads and a strong secondary cast especially Mark. Devin is a fascinating protagonist whose attendance at college has stirred the school, but especially the prim and proper librarian with her secret. Fans will enjoy this thirties something romance as the rocker and the librarian write their own loving lyrical duet.
Harriet Klausner
Karina Bliss
Harlequin SuperRomance, Mar 16 2010, $4.95
ISBN: 9780373716227
Over seventeen years ago in New Zealand, Steve O’Connell is home from college. He meets his younger sister’s weirdo friend Rachel Robinson. They have sex as she is in love
At the same time in Long Beach, California, Zander Freedman is short a bass player so brings his sixteen years old brother Devin to play guitar with the band at a strip joint. He plays well enough to become a member of Rage. His love is music.
In the present, Devin is famous for rock, drugs, and sex, but has enrolled as a full time college student at the school where Rachel is the librarian who fails to recognize his name. Her son Mark White, whom she gave up for adoption when she was a teen, hero-worships Devin. Rachel hopes to soon tell Mark who she is even as she falls in love with rock’s bad boy who considers her a fossil that he enjoys kissing.
What the Librarian Did is an enjoyable contemporary romance starring two likable leads and a strong secondary cast especially Mark. Devin is a fascinating protagonist whose attendance at college has stirred the school, but especially the prim and proper librarian with her secret. Fans will enjoy this thirties something romance as the rocker and the librarian write their own loving lyrical duet.
Harriet Klausner
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