On Wings of Morning
Marie Bostwick
Kensington, Nov 2007, $14.00
ISBN: 9780758222565
On Christmas day 1941, Morgan Glennon informs his mother that he has enlisted. Having flown planes before the war, Morgan knows he will serve as an army air force pilot, but hides from his mom that he expects he will be assigned some of the most dangerous combat missions.
Before the war in Waukegan, Illinois, Georgia Carter and flight school owner Roger Welles marry. He taught her how to fly as his wedding gift to his bride. However, the war intruded on their life together with Roger dying during a mission. Georgia joins the Women's Air Service Pilot (WASP), which flies planes from the factories to the bases across the country and possibly run flight tests on new planes. When Georgia and Morgan meet, they are attracted to one another but neither is ready to pursue more than friendship at this time.
ON WINGS OF MORNING, the sequel to FIELDS OF GOLD, is a fabulous World War II historical drama starring two likable protagonists who bring to life a bygone era when the country mobilized to fight. Georgia is a terrific protagonist who has joined the WASP so that she can transport planes from the assembly lines to the air bases across the country. Roger and Morgan also volunteered even though both understood their flying experience will place them in hazardous scenarios. Marie Bostwick reminds the audience what made the Greatest generation great is almost everyone understood the need to sacrifice for the war; something most of the country today has not done including this reviewer as the President uses a credit card instead of a war tax so that the bills are deferred for a future generation to cope with.
Harriet Klausner
Sunday, October 7, 2007
All Through the Night-Suzanne Brockmann
All Through the Night
Suzanne Brockmann
Ballantine, Nov 2007, $16.95
ISBN: 9780345501097
Long distance lovers FBI agent Jules Cassidy and movie star Robin Chadwick have decided they love each other and want to marry. Since Robin is doing an HBO series in Boston, Jules obtains a transfer so that the pair can live together.
Their plan is for a small wedding attended by mostly family and their closest friends. However, the list of attendees grows enormously as many people want to attend the gay wedding of the year including Jules’ Troubleshooter associates. As Jules works a dangerous assignment in Kandahar, Robin is frantic with worry that makes him wonder if he can live with his beloved working in the hottest spots. They also have problems with the media who want in because of who the engaged males are; a Hollywood star and an FBI agent. Finally a stalker will do anything to prevent the marriage from occurring as that person has plans for both Jules and Robin.
Fans of the Troubleshooter’s romantic suspense have waited too long for this particular tale to be told, but Suzanne Brockmann does it justice with a terrific thriller. The story line contains several fascinating subplots including the special love story between two gay men. Filled danger from terrorists to stalkers to reporters to family members, readers will appreciate this high point in a superior series.
Harriet Klausner
Suzanne Brockmann
Ballantine, Nov 2007, $16.95
ISBN: 9780345501097
Long distance lovers FBI agent Jules Cassidy and movie star Robin Chadwick have decided they love each other and want to marry. Since Robin is doing an HBO series in Boston, Jules obtains a transfer so that the pair can live together.
Their plan is for a small wedding attended by mostly family and their closest friends. However, the list of attendees grows enormously as many people want to attend the gay wedding of the year including Jules’ Troubleshooter associates. As Jules works a dangerous assignment in Kandahar, Robin is frantic with worry that makes him wonder if he can live with his beloved working in the hottest spots. They also have problems with the media who want in because of who the engaged males are; a Hollywood star and an FBI agent. Finally a stalker will do anything to prevent the marriage from occurring as that person has plans for both Jules and Robin.
Fans of the Troubleshooter’s romantic suspense have waited too long for this particular tale to be told, but Suzanne Brockmann does it justice with a terrific thriller. The story line contains several fascinating subplots including the special love story between two gay men. Filled danger from terrorists to stalkers to reporters to family members, readers will appreciate this high point in a superior series.
Harriet Klausner
Caine's Reckoning-Sarah McCarty
Caine's Reckoning
Sarah McCarty
Harlequin Spice, Nov 2007, $13.95
ISBN: 9780373605187
Texas Ranger Caine Allen and his friends have little hope that the three abducted females will survive their kidnappers. Still he is hired to mount a rescue so he follows the trail. However, Caine did not calculate the strength of one of the victims, Desdemona Blake. Desi is grateful to her rescuer, but begs him not to return her to her guardian, James Haddock. He was going to ignore her plea until he meets the odious Haddock. Instead he marries Desi to keep her safe from this bully.
Caine finds Desi to be a caring hard working person, who his friends adore. He also enjoys making love with her as her enthusiasm is igniting. However, she hides something from him that makes Caine wonders if she can trust any man even one who loves her. However, when he learns of her missing twin sister, lost almost a year ago to marauders, Caine decides to mount a rescue as a means to prove to Desi she is everything.
CAINE’S RECKONING is a fresh spicy historical romance mostly because of the ultra-graphic descriptions of what happened to Desi pre Caine days. Readers will empathize with the heroine who expects her marriage will not last and worries about her sibling. Caine is a strong champion trying to do what is right for his beloved while controlling his frustration with her. Character driven readers will appreciate this powerful nineteenth century tale.
Harriet Klausner
Sarah McCarty
Harlequin Spice, Nov 2007, $13.95
ISBN: 9780373605187
Texas Ranger Caine Allen and his friends have little hope that the three abducted females will survive their kidnappers. Still he is hired to mount a rescue so he follows the trail. However, Caine did not calculate the strength of one of the victims, Desdemona Blake. Desi is grateful to her rescuer, but begs him not to return her to her guardian, James Haddock. He was going to ignore her plea until he meets the odious Haddock. Instead he marries Desi to keep her safe from this bully.
Caine finds Desi to be a caring hard working person, who his friends adore. He also enjoys making love with her as her enthusiasm is igniting. However, she hides something from him that makes Caine wonders if she can trust any man even one who loves her. However, when he learns of her missing twin sister, lost almost a year ago to marauders, Caine decides to mount a rescue as a means to prove to Desi she is everything.
CAINE’S RECKONING is a fresh spicy historical romance mostly because of the ultra-graphic descriptions of what happened to Desi pre Caine days. Readers will empathize with the heroine who expects her marriage will not last and worries about her sibling. Caine is a strong champion trying to do what is right for his beloved while controlling his frustration with her. Character driven readers will appreciate this powerful nineteenth century tale.
Harriet Klausner
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Texas Princess-Jodi Thomas
Texas Princess
Jodi Thomas
Berkley, Nov 2007, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425218259
In 1855 although he would have preferred not to accept the job, Whispering Mountain Ranch horse breeder Tobin McMurray knows the fee is too good to pass up; so he agrees to deliver a horse to Liberty Mayfield, daughter of a senator. He also to his chagrin accepted the stipulation that he teach Liberty to ride the steed.
Upon arriving at the Mayfield spread, Tobin is shocked to find his student avoiding her cold-blooded demanding fiancé Captain Samuel Buchanan in the barn from her. As he teaches her to ride, he also in his quiet way shows her how to be strong. When someone tries to assassinate her father, Tobin helps Liberty escape. As the reticent rancher and the fearful female head to the safety of his grandfather's Apache tribe, they fall in love. However, Buchanan is coming for her with help because he wants to control the Mayfield fortune.
Texas historical romance readers will cherish the latest winner from Jodi Thomas due to the lead couple; as each has people issues. The fast-paced story line never misses a beat once Tobin and Liberty meet. Although Buchanan is too brutal to be in the running for the caring Liberty, this is a terrific Thomas Texas tale.
Harriet Klausner
Jodi Thomas
Berkley, Nov 2007, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425218259
In 1855 although he would have preferred not to accept the job, Whispering Mountain Ranch horse breeder Tobin McMurray knows the fee is too good to pass up; so he agrees to deliver a horse to Liberty Mayfield, daughter of a senator. He also to his chagrin accepted the stipulation that he teach Liberty to ride the steed.
Upon arriving at the Mayfield spread, Tobin is shocked to find his student avoiding her cold-blooded demanding fiancé Captain Samuel Buchanan in the barn from her. As he teaches her to ride, he also in his quiet way shows her how to be strong. When someone tries to assassinate her father, Tobin helps Liberty escape. As the reticent rancher and the fearful female head to the safety of his grandfather's Apache tribe, they fall in love. However, Buchanan is coming for her with help because he wants to control the Mayfield fortune.
Texas historical romance readers will cherish the latest winner from Jodi Thomas due to the lead couple; as each has people issues. The fast-paced story line never misses a beat once Tobin and Liberty meet. Although Buchanan is too brutal to be in the running for the caring Liberty, this is a terrific Thomas Texas tale.
Harriet Klausner
Friday, October 5, 2007
Rematch-Erynn Mangum
Rematch
Erynn Mangum
Think, Oct 2007, $12.99
ISBN: 97816000060960
Lauren Holbrook feels as if God must be punishing her as the truck accident has left her favorite haunt Shawn’s Café without coffee beans and consequently her without her caffeine chocolate fix. At work at the Brandon Knox Photography Studio, Lauren believes she is doing God’s work by matchmaking (see MATCH) couples that she knows belong together. Her current pairing is her boss Brandon and the office receptionist Hannah.
However, in spite of helping love succeed, Lauren is taken aback when her late forties dad informs her he is going to a weekend singles’ retreat that makes her panic about a potential future stepmom; everyone knows that even single dads don’t date. Then there is the Ryan question; Lauren is not sure whether she wants more than just a friendship or sharing a mocha or two (make that a few thousand) with him.
The latest Lauren Holbrook matchmaking romance is a fun tale as this time Lauren has to deal with much more personal matters: how she feels about her father dating and how she feels about Ryan. The matchmaking of her boss and their receptionist is handled with Lauren’s usual aplomb (that fans of the previous tales will understand) as nothing goes right yet everything goes perfect. Although some of the key secondary characters behave oddly at times, readers will enjoy Lauren’s deep commitment to helping people find loving mates.
Harriet Klausner
Erynn Mangum
Think, Oct 2007, $12.99
ISBN: 97816000060960
Lauren Holbrook feels as if God must be punishing her as the truck accident has left her favorite haunt Shawn’s Café without coffee beans and consequently her without her caffeine chocolate fix. At work at the Brandon Knox Photography Studio, Lauren believes she is doing God’s work by matchmaking (see MATCH) couples that she knows belong together. Her current pairing is her boss Brandon and the office receptionist Hannah.
However, in spite of helping love succeed, Lauren is taken aback when her late forties dad informs her he is going to a weekend singles’ retreat that makes her panic about a potential future stepmom; everyone knows that even single dads don’t date. Then there is the Ryan question; Lauren is not sure whether she wants more than just a friendship or sharing a mocha or two (make that a few thousand) with him.
The latest Lauren Holbrook matchmaking romance is a fun tale as this time Lauren has to deal with much more personal matters: how she feels about her father dating and how she feels about Ryan. The matchmaking of her boss and their receptionist is handled with Lauren’s usual aplomb (that fans of the previous tales will understand) as nothing goes right yet everything goes perfect. Although some of the key secondary characters behave oddly at times, readers will enjoy Lauren’s deep commitment to helping people find loving mates.
Harriet Klausner
Everything Forbidden-Jess Michaels
Everything Forbidden
Jess Michaels
Avon, Nov 2007, $13.95
ISBN: 9780061283949
In 1814 Miranda Albright searches for her mom’s runaway dog Oslo. Instead she sees her family’s neighbor the Earl of Rothchild Ethan Hamen without a shirt and licking a female “down there”. She becomes tingly.
Three years later, Miranda’s dad died leaving her, her three younger sisters and her mom in massive debt. Miranda struggles to pay the bills, but only her sister Penelope understands the problem. Their spoiled mom and sister Beatrice think Miranda is a miser who does not want to have a good time. Their other sister Winfred is too young to understand their plight. Miranda feels guilty that she rejected wealthy suitors during her recent season; but Penelope points out, she had no idea how broke the family was..
Penelope is their only hope if she finds a wealthy match. However, for her to have a season they will need money. Miranda offers a deal to her “sex tutor” Ethan She explains they are destitute, her father’s family rejects them and her mother’s family has no money. Her father’s friends have called in their debts, but are willing to forgo them if she gives herself over to them. Ethan is willing to finance her sisters’ seasons; for every month that Miranda has sex with him, he will fund a sibling. She is to come to him once a week. They seal the deal with a kiss, but end up making love. As they fall in love, both will be hurt by their illicit affair, but not as much Penelope.
This is a refreshing erotic Regency romance starring a courageous heroine sacrificing herself by doing what she feels she must for her sisters especially her best friend sibling Penelope. Whereas Ethan is an interesting rake, Miranda’s mom and Beatrice are spoiled and unlikable. Still sub-genre fans will enjoy this heated historical.
Harriet Klausner
Jess Michaels
Avon, Nov 2007, $13.95
ISBN: 9780061283949
In 1814 Miranda Albright searches for her mom’s runaway dog Oslo. Instead she sees her family’s neighbor the Earl of Rothchild Ethan Hamen without a shirt and licking a female “down there”. She becomes tingly.
Three years later, Miranda’s dad died leaving her, her three younger sisters and her mom in massive debt. Miranda struggles to pay the bills, but only her sister Penelope understands the problem. Their spoiled mom and sister Beatrice think Miranda is a miser who does not want to have a good time. Their other sister Winfred is too young to understand their plight. Miranda feels guilty that she rejected wealthy suitors during her recent season; but Penelope points out, she had no idea how broke the family was..
Penelope is their only hope if she finds a wealthy match. However, for her to have a season they will need money. Miranda offers a deal to her “sex tutor” Ethan She explains they are destitute, her father’s family rejects them and her mother’s family has no money. Her father’s friends have called in their debts, but are willing to forgo them if she gives herself over to them. Ethan is willing to finance her sisters’ seasons; for every month that Miranda has sex with him, he will fund a sibling. She is to come to him once a week. They seal the deal with a kiss, but end up making love. As they fall in love, both will be hurt by their illicit affair, but not as much Penelope.
This is a refreshing erotic Regency romance starring a courageous heroine sacrificing herself by doing what she feels she must for her sisters especially her best friend sibling Penelope. Whereas Ethan is an interesting rake, Miranda’s mom and Beatrice are spoiled and unlikable. Still sub-genre fans will enjoy this heated historical.
Harriet Klausner
Thursday, October 4, 2007
The Queen's Lady-Shannon Drake
The Queen's Lady
Shannon Drake
Harlequin HQN, Nov 207, $7.99
ISBN: 9780373772315
As a child she left Scotland for France accompanied by the four Mary Ladies in Waiting. Finally in 1561 recently widowed nineteen years old Queen Mary, no long the Queen of France, has returned to Scotland to sit on the throne. Accompanying the young Queen is her close friend Lady Gwyneth MacLeod. Gwyneth listens closely to Mary's desires and offers sage advice to go carefully with her heart as there are many who resent losing power with the monarch’s return. However, as she warns her regal friend, Gwyneth ironically struggles to heed her own advice. Instead she is attracted to Lord Rowan Graham, whom she is not sure she should trust.
Mary sends Gwyneth and Rowan on a mission together in which their allure for one another openly ignites as desire tugs at both of them. However, treachery places the pair in danger with Gwyneth forced to choose between the love of her heart and the love of her friend; either choice may lead to execution.
THE QUEEN’S LADY is a strong historical fiction enhanced by a wonderful romantic subplot. The story line hones in on the political instability and overall country-wide chaos caused by Mary’s return to Scotland. The difficult relationship between the lead couple augments Shannon Drake’s entreatingly profound look at the fifteenth century furor caused by Mary Queen of Scots homecoming.
Harriet Klausner
Shannon Drake
Harlequin HQN, Nov 207, $7.99
ISBN: 9780373772315
As a child she left Scotland for France accompanied by the four Mary Ladies in Waiting. Finally in 1561 recently widowed nineteen years old Queen Mary, no long the Queen of France, has returned to Scotland to sit on the throne. Accompanying the young Queen is her close friend Lady Gwyneth MacLeod. Gwyneth listens closely to Mary's desires and offers sage advice to go carefully with her heart as there are many who resent losing power with the monarch’s return. However, as she warns her regal friend, Gwyneth ironically struggles to heed her own advice. Instead she is attracted to Lord Rowan Graham, whom she is not sure she should trust.
Mary sends Gwyneth and Rowan on a mission together in which their allure for one another openly ignites as desire tugs at both of them. However, treachery places the pair in danger with Gwyneth forced to choose between the love of her heart and the love of her friend; either choice may lead to execution.
THE QUEEN’S LADY is a strong historical fiction enhanced by a wonderful romantic subplot. The story line hones in on the political instability and overall country-wide chaos caused by Mary’s return to Scotland. The difficult relationship between the lead couple augments Shannon Drake’s entreatingly profound look at the fifteenth century furor caused by Mary Queen of Scots homecoming.
Harriet Klausner
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