The Killing Edge
Heather Graham
Mira, Apr 2010, $24.95
ISBN: 9780778327714
A decade ago teenager Chloe Marin attended a party that turned ugly. She was fortunate to survive a mass killing of her friends. The police insist all the cult killers were caught.
That deadly incident triggered her to become a psychologist using art therapy to help survivor victims and as a consultant to the police. Her current assignment is to help locate a swimsuit model Colleen Rodriguez whose employer the Bryson Agency insists she went missing in the Keys for some fun in the sun. Her inquiry leads to British private investigator Luke Cane who is undercover as Jack Smith of Mermaid Designs searching for Colleen also. They soon find leads to the same cult leader who engineered the massacre of Chloe’s friends ten years ago while the ghost of Colleen visits Chloe pleading for help. More homicides occur as Chloe and Luke are attracted to one another, but ending the cult leader’s killing spree supersedes their feelings even as more ghosts visit her.
The Killing Edge is an exhilarating paranormal psychological romantic suspense thriller that grips the audience from the opening Manson-like slaughter and never slows down as Chloe charges head first into the fray while Luke tends to back away until now as he finally has a purpose: keeping Chloe safe. Fast-paced throughout, readers will enjoy this fine tale as the ghosts of past and present urge Chloe on while Luke begs her to reconsider her face first plunges into danger.
Harriet Klausner
Monday, March 8, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
The Secret Duke-Jo Beverly
The Secret Duke
Jo Beverly
Signet, Apr 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780451229533
In 1760, Captain Rose looks forward to a hot meal, a warm bed, and rest as the Duke of Ithrone after two days at sea. Instead he checks a commotion at the aptly named Black Rat tavern where he sees two hooligans accosting a lady of quality. He saves Arabella Barstowe from certain rape. She repays him by stealing his horse and fleeing into the night.
Over the next few years, Bella survives in London by copying letters for an infamous scandal rag. However, she also learns the truth about who arranged her abduction four years ago. She vows vengeance, but knows only one person who could do this for her. Bella seeks out the pirate she never forgot. For his part, Captain Rose never forgot the lady he rescued.
The latest Secret Georgian Rakish romance (see A Lady's Secret and The Secret Wedding) is a fast-paced, action-packed tale starring a courageous female and a resolute hero who uses his half-brother’s reputation as Captain Rose when it is convenient to do so. The tale is filled with intrigue as Bella seeks revenge against the person who destroyed her life but instead she finds love as Buccaneer Bella, but her thirst remains powerful. Although the story line slows a bit in the center for fans to catch their breath, The Secret Duke is another superb historical in the Malloren world of Georgian romance Queen Jo Beverly.
Harriet Klausner
Jo Beverly
Signet, Apr 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780451229533
In 1760, Captain Rose looks forward to a hot meal, a warm bed, and rest as the Duke of Ithrone after two days at sea. Instead he checks a commotion at the aptly named Black Rat tavern where he sees two hooligans accosting a lady of quality. He saves Arabella Barstowe from certain rape. She repays him by stealing his horse and fleeing into the night.
Over the next few years, Bella survives in London by copying letters for an infamous scandal rag. However, she also learns the truth about who arranged her abduction four years ago. She vows vengeance, but knows only one person who could do this for her. Bella seeks out the pirate she never forgot. For his part, Captain Rose never forgot the lady he rescued.
The latest Secret Georgian Rakish romance (see A Lady's Secret and The Secret Wedding) is a fast-paced, action-packed tale starring a courageous female and a resolute hero who uses his half-brother’s reputation as Captain Rose when it is convenient to do so. The tale is filled with intrigue as Bella seeks revenge against the person who destroyed her life but instead she finds love as Buccaneer Bella, but her thirst remains powerful. Although the story line slows a bit in the center for fans to catch their breath, The Secret Duke is another superb historical in the Malloren world of Georgian romance Queen Jo Beverly.
Harriet Klausner
Out of Eden-Beth Ciotta
Out of Eden
Beth Ciotta
Harlequin HQN, Apr 1 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780373774432
In Eden, Indiana, a bored Kylie McGraw runs the family shoe store while wondering on her thirty-second birthday how she ended up in a rut instead of following her dreams of seeing the world like her brother, Spenser the photographer. She wants out, but sees no way to escape her ennui. Instead she celebrates her birthday by getting intoxicated and taken home by her high school crush, recently returned to Eden as the town’s police chief Jack Reynolds.
Kylie believes she saw a mob hit, but Jack laughs it off as an alcoholic pink elephant. When she begins renovating her store as a means of excitement, she runs into some issues with the nearby business. However, while Jack insists there is no mob presence in Eden, she persists on claiming someone stalks her. Meanwhile widower Travis Martin believes Kylie’s contention, but conceals why from her.
Out of Eden is an entertaining contemporary romance starring a likable cop and a thirty-something doing a life makeover starting with switching from flats to heels. Kylie makes the tale fun to read with her amusing asides and reflective realization that time is passing her by if she is going to go Into the Wild exotic locales like her brother does. Readers will enjoy this entertaining small-town romance.
Harriet Klausner
Beth Ciotta
Harlequin HQN, Apr 1 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780373774432
In Eden, Indiana, a bored Kylie McGraw runs the family shoe store while wondering on her thirty-second birthday how she ended up in a rut instead of following her dreams of seeing the world like her brother, Spenser the photographer. She wants out, but sees no way to escape her ennui. Instead she celebrates her birthday by getting intoxicated and taken home by her high school crush, recently returned to Eden as the town’s police chief Jack Reynolds.
Kylie believes she saw a mob hit, but Jack laughs it off as an alcoholic pink elephant. When she begins renovating her store as a means of excitement, she runs into some issues with the nearby business. However, while Jack insists there is no mob presence in Eden, she persists on claiming someone stalks her. Meanwhile widower Travis Martin believes Kylie’s contention, but conceals why from her.
Out of Eden is an entertaining contemporary romance starring a likable cop and a thirty-something doing a life makeover starting with switching from flats to heels. Kylie makes the tale fun to read with her amusing asides and reflective realization that time is passing her by if she is going to go Into the Wild exotic locales like her brother does. Readers will enjoy this entertaining small-town romance.
Harriet Klausner
Demonkeepers-Jessica Anderson
Demonkeepers
Jessica Anderson
Signet, Apr 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780451229571
With a little more than two and a half years to zero date, the clock is ticking down to 12/21/12 when the Mayans predicted that demons will rise to destroy the earth. The only hope to prevent the demonic global meltdown resides with the Nightkeepers warriors who must find their mates to fulfill their magical potential while the Order of Xibalta have other plans to prevent their endeavors.
In Austin, Lucius still feels remorse for being possessed by an evil Makol that has since been exorcised from his body, but not his mental state. He obsesses over atoning for his failures by channeling the Prophet's magic, but is incomplete without sex magic.
Nightkeeper Jade wants to do more than just be a combat support person, but her clan only provides secondary services. Jade and Lucius are attracted to one another so she decides they both can get what they want through a sexual binding. However, as each denies their love while their attraction grows, their King orders them to hook up and to rescue the sun god from their enemy.
The latest Final Prophesy urban romantic fantasy (see Nightkeepers, Dawnkeepers and Skykeepers) is a fabulous entry that moves forward the overarching countdown while also providing a strong story line. The lead couple makes the plot work as each has powerful ambitions that could be achieved if they would embrace their attraction as being more than just sexual desire. Their “Not in Love” refrains while going to the Underworld to rescue the Mayan deity will have the audience appreciating the skills of master magician Jessica Andersen.
Harriet Klausner
Jessica Anderson
Signet, Apr 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780451229571
With a little more than two and a half years to zero date, the clock is ticking down to 12/21/12 when the Mayans predicted that demons will rise to destroy the earth. The only hope to prevent the demonic global meltdown resides with the Nightkeepers warriors who must find their mates to fulfill their magical potential while the Order of Xibalta have other plans to prevent their endeavors.
In Austin, Lucius still feels remorse for being possessed by an evil Makol that has since been exorcised from his body, but not his mental state. He obsesses over atoning for his failures by channeling the Prophet's magic, but is incomplete without sex magic.
Nightkeeper Jade wants to do more than just be a combat support person, but her clan only provides secondary services. Jade and Lucius are attracted to one another so she decides they both can get what they want through a sexual binding. However, as each denies their love while their attraction grows, their King orders them to hook up and to rescue the sun god from their enemy.
The latest Final Prophesy urban romantic fantasy (see Nightkeepers, Dawnkeepers and Skykeepers) is a fabulous entry that moves forward the overarching countdown while also providing a strong story line. The lead couple makes the plot work as each has powerful ambitions that could be achieved if they would embrace their attraction as being more than just sexual desire. Their “Not in Love” refrains while going to the Underworld to rescue the Mayan deity will have the audience appreciating the skills of master magician Jessica Andersen.
Harriet Klausner
Lion's Heat-Lora Leigh
Lion's Heat
Lora Leigh
Berkley, Apr 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425233801
Director of the Bureau of Breed Affairs Lion Breed Jonas Wyatt knows the only person who could bring him to his knees is his assistant, Rachel Broen. He realizes she is his mate, but refuses to act upon his need as she deserves better than him. Still he wishes he was the father of Rachel’s baby daughter Amber instead of Devon, but is satisfied that the baby recognized his voice when she was still in the womb.
Philip Brandenmore of Brandenmore research kidnaps Amber as he plans to experiment on the infant to foster his goal of using Breeds to slow down aging in purebreds. Jonas rescues the baby, but not before she is injected with some unknown elixir. A raging Jonas, who believes in his soul that Amber is his child, goes berserk with plans of vengeance. However, keeping Amber safe comes first, so he moves his soulmate and “his” daughter into the Breed Sanctuary where he relocates to keep the two females he loves safe.
This is a great entry in the Breeds saga as readers get what we waited for as Jonas no longer can deny his feelings. The key to finally force him to accept the inevitable is not his kick-butt tiny mate, but her daughter; sired by someone else. With a major leap forward in the overarching series as well, fans fully appreciate Jonas turn to accept his mate, but will he also go against what is known of Breed and accept Amber too.
Harriet Klausner
Lora Leigh
Berkley, Apr 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425233801
Director of the Bureau of Breed Affairs Lion Breed Jonas Wyatt knows the only person who could bring him to his knees is his assistant, Rachel Broen. He realizes she is his mate, but refuses to act upon his need as she deserves better than him. Still he wishes he was the father of Rachel’s baby daughter Amber instead of Devon, but is satisfied that the baby recognized his voice when she was still in the womb.
Philip Brandenmore of Brandenmore research kidnaps Amber as he plans to experiment on the infant to foster his goal of using Breeds to slow down aging in purebreds. Jonas rescues the baby, but not before she is injected with some unknown elixir. A raging Jonas, who believes in his soul that Amber is his child, goes berserk with plans of vengeance. However, keeping Amber safe comes first, so he moves his soulmate and “his” daughter into the Breed Sanctuary where he relocates to keep the two females he loves safe.
This is a great entry in the Breeds saga as readers get what we waited for as Jonas no longer can deny his feelings. The key to finally force him to accept the inevitable is not his kick-butt tiny mate, but her daughter; sired by someone else. With a major leap forward in the overarching series as well, fans fully appreciate Jonas turn to accept his mate, but will he also go against what is known of Breed and accept Amber too.
Harriet Klausner
Friday, March 5, 2010
Home In Carolina-Sherryl Woods
Home In Carolina
Sherryl Woods
Mira, Mar 30 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 978-0778327561
Sports injury therapist Annie Sullivan is eating breakfast at her mom’s restaurant in Serenity, South Carolina when the newspaper states that Star braves pitcher Ty Townsend is on Injury Reserve following surgery to his shoulder after suffering a potential career ending injury. He is back in Serenity to heal with home cooking, which makes Annie unhappy as they were seeing one another until he betrayed her with a sports groupie Dee-Dee.
Ty knows he screwed up when he could not resist the seductive offer, but wants a second chance with Annie. However, the proof of his transgression is his three years old son Trevor who he is has solo custody of and refuses to give up his child even for Annie. As Ty tries to earn a second chance, Dee-Dee arrives in Serenity willing to use Trevor as an extortionist ploy to get what she wants.
The latest Serenity Sweet Magnolias romance (See Sweet Tea at Magnolias) is a pleasant second chance at love romance starring a warm cast filled with southern charm. Although everyone involved proclaims what is best for Trevor is what they want, each of the adults except for Dee-Dee’s thought provoking BF and Annie’s sandwiched mom come across selfish. Still readers will enjoy dining at Helen’s restaurant in serenity where sweet ice tea is served to drink.
Harriet Klausner
Sherryl Woods
Mira, Mar 30 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 978-0778327561
Sports injury therapist Annie Sullivan is eating breakfast at her mom’s restaurant in Serenity, South Carolina when the newspaper states that Star braves pitcher Ty Townsend is on Injury Reserve following surgery to his shoulder after suffering a potential career ending injury. He is back in Serenity to heal with home cooking, which makes Annie unhappy as they were seeing one another until he betrayed her with a sports groupie Dee-Dee.
Ty knows he screwed up when he could not resist the seductive offer, but wants a second chance with Annie. However, the proof of his transgression is his three years old son Trevor who he is has solo custody of and refuses to give up his child even for Annie. As Ty tries to earn a second chance, Dee-Dee arrives in Serenity willing to use Trevor as an extortionist ploy to get what she wants.
The latest Serenity Sweet Magnolias romance (See Sweet Tea at Magnolias) is a pleasant second chance at love romance starring a warm cast filled with southern charm. Although everyone involved proclaims what is best for Trevor is what they want, each of the adults except for Dee-Dee’s thought provoking BF and Annie’s sandwiched mom come across selfish. Still readers will enjoy dining at Helen’s restaurant in serenity where sweet ice tea is served to drink.
Harriet Klausner
Touch Of Seduction-Rhyannon Byrd
Touch Of Seduction
Rhyannon Byrd
Harlequin HQN, Mar 30 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780373774487
Tiger-shifter watchman Aidan Shrader arrives In Lennox Kentucky to protect little Jamie from the Casus. He knows explaining to her ferocious Aunt Olivia Harcourt, the kindergarten teacher, was going to prove difficult as she is willing to die to keep her niece safe. He stuns the protective woman with news that her sister Chloe remains alive but imprisoned by the enemy although Jamie’s mom Monica is dead.
Realizing she cannot keep Jamie safe from evil as every malevolent paranormal wants her niece’s witch blood, Olivia puts her trust and her beloved relative reluctantly in Aidan’s hands. A loner who was once sold into captivity, Aiden knows deep into his primal instincts that Olivia is his eternal soul mate, but he distrust everyone since his days of bondage.
The latest on the “Edge” Primal Instincts romantic urban fantasy is a terrific entry that moves the forward the overarching war between the ancient evils and the Watchmen keeping clans like the Casus in line yet also provides a warm tender love story. Filled with action, readers will enjoy the newest tale as Aidan knows Olivia is his forever, but he cannot cope with a forever; while Olivia knows the enigmatic shapeshifter is her eternal love. Both understand Jamie comes before sorting out their feelings. This is another winner from Rhyannon Byrd.
Harriet Klausner
Rhyannon Byrd
Harlequin HQN, Mar 30 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780373774487
Tiger-shifter watchman Aidan Shrader arrives In Lennox Kentucky to protect little Jamie from the Casus. He knows explaining to her ferocious Aunt Olivia Harcourt, the kindergarten teacher, was going to prove difficult as she is willing to die to keep her niece safe. He stuns the protective woman with news that her sister Chloe remains alive but imprisoned by the enemy although Jamie’s mom Monica is dead.
Realizing she cannot keep Jamie safe from evil as every malevolent paranormal wants her niece’s witch blood, Olivia puts her trust and her beloved relative reluctantly in Aidan’s hands. A loner who was once sold into captivity, Aiden knows deep into his primal instincts that Olivia is his eternal soul mate, but he distrust everyone since his days of bondage.
The latest on the “Edge” Primal Instincts romantic urban fantasy is a terrific entry that moves the forward the overarching war between the ancient evils and the Watchmen keeping clans like the Casus in line yet also provides a warm tender love story. Filled with action, readers will enjoy the newest tale as Aidan knows Olivia is his forever, but he cannot cope with a forever; while Olivia knows the enigmatic shapeshifter is her eternal love. Both understand Jamie comes before sorting out their feelings. This is another winner from Rhyannon Byrd.
Harriet Klausner
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