January/February,2000(Issue No. 5)

Shadows of Love by, Sally Painter Avid Press January, 2000 ISBN: 192961327X (Romantic Suspense/Thriller) 4 Hearts

When Celeste Bates finds herself in the clutches of white slavers, being buried alive, the last thing she imagines is being rescued by a handsome man--or being swept off her feet and onto a ship bound for America, but that’s just what happens! Brent MacGraft knows something about danger...and fear. Someone wants him dead, this he is sure of. But the arrival of Celeste Bates is something he wasn’t prepared for. Together Brent and Celeste find themselves thrown in the middle of a nightmarish conspiracy with white slaver Morgan Gaust leading the way. The dangers that surround the couple are great and the betrayal and horrors of their ordeal are frightening. But together Brent and Celeste must come to grips with their feelings and fears or risk losing their lives, right along with their hearts.

New author Sally Painter has written a fascinating historical romance that has a little of everything; danger, intrigue, suspense and just the right amount of romance to keep readers totally enthralled in this spellbinding story. If Shadows of Love is any indication, then this debut author is headed straight for the top! -Connie Stamych

Immortal, Lachlan has been tormented for years by an ancient prophecy that predicts he will rescue a blonde lady who has knowledge to the future from Lock Ness. At last Lachlan believes that he as found the woman he has been looking for--a 20th century school teacher that has been sent back through time to 1566.

When Amber finds herself splashing around in Loch Ness, only to come up for air and see Lachlan and his clansmen dressed in ancient clothing she at first believes that she somehow ran across a reenactment of some sort. It doesn’t take long for Amber to realize that is not the case as she comes to grips with the fact that she has somehow been swept back through time. But why? And better yet--how?

Amber and Lachlan are instantly attracted to one another in a way they neither expects, nor can deny. However, Lachlan and his clansmen are concerned as to how Amber will handle the truth of her situation when she learns of the legend, their immortality and the their enemies waiting to destroy them.

Reminiscent in many ways to the “Highlander” series I used to enjoy watching, The Inscription is as equally mesmerizing. Full of interesting twists and subplots with touches of the supernatural thrown in for good measure. Pam Binder has created a magical tale of eternal love that lingers in the mind of the reader long after the book is closed. I enjoyed this book so much--I plan to read it again! -G.D. Triplett

Lady Caryn and the people of Lochlorraine find themselves trapped in a bubble to float through time and space when a friend’s experiment goes awry. While in this magical bubble, they find themselves leaving the 17th century behind and falling victims to a horrifying dragon. Unfortunately the only way the people can escape the clutches of the ruthless dragon and return to the 17th century is to wait for the legendary Dragon Slayer to arrive.

Luke Slade is far from a hero--in fact, in an attempt to help keep his trouble-looking-to-happen cousin from danger, he agrees to drive the getaway car in a robbery. However, due to a bizarre twist of fate, they find themselves transported from their modern-day setting to Lochlorraine.

Luke finds himself greeted by the people of Lochlorraine and welcomed with open arms as their “Slayer.” Although Luke views their new setting as a safe place for his cousin, he is far from sure he can slay the people’s dragon. Especially when he finds out that the mysterious dragon is not exactly what it appears to be.

Danger and intrigue is all around them, as some of the other people that traveled through the portal have no problems with killing the Dragon and assisting Caryn’s enemy in taking over the kingdom--leaving Slade faced with a number of decisions and questioning his own abilities. This story ends with a dramatic, on-the-edge-of-your-seat conclusion that is sure to hold readers spellbound until the final page.

The Dragon Hour is remarkable paranormal tale with a cleverly laid-out time travel element and a unique portal with the floating bubble/capsule. The colorful cast of character and equally interesting secondary characters--and yes, even the villain, were engaging and fun to follow. Connie Flynn is a talented writer with a bright future ahead of her--I thoroughly enjoyed this unique tale. -Brenda K. Johnson

Ariel Windsor is a school psychologist who travels to Martha’s Vineyard for her cousins wedding. While there, Ariel meets filmmaker and reputed womanizer, Jared Naughton, who is staying as a guest at Ariel’s family home.

Although they are like night and day in their personalities, Jared and Ariel find themselves attracted to each another. However, this is with the assistance they receive from an outside “source.” Jared and Ariel find they are being nudged together with the help of a “family curse” and falling Spellbound for one another.

Readers will find Ms. Savoy’s debut romance novel to be a tender, endearing tale that they will fall in love with. The continual sparks that fly between the two main characters keep the story sizzling and the readers anxiously turning the page toward a happy conclusion. Spellbound is a captivating tale that comes highly recommended--not to be missed. -Connie Stamych

Although the couple in this romance novel are an unlikely combination, in the end they cannot resist the temptation of one another and give in to their desires and their hearts. Although the idea of a “wizard” in the middle of the New Mexico Territory was a bit much for me to swallow, the sweet seductive romance that brews between the two lead characters more than makes up for the unlikely concept. A Gambler’s Magic won a rating of 5 Hearts from me mostly because I absolutely love Emma Craig’s writing style. This writer has such a deft hand when it comes to penning “tall tales” that she makes the unbelievable--even a wizard in the wild west, seem oh-so-real! Not to mention her characterization--her characters literally jump off the pages of the book and find a solid place in readers’ hearts! -Marti Witherspoon

While herbalist Holly O’Mara was house-sitting for her friend Emma Nathan in Cadboro Bay, she put her spare time to use harvesting seaweed to be used in her chain of herbal stores. While gathering seaweed, Holly finds an old Jerry can--not your average gas can, either. This can came complete with its very own genie, who has offered to grant Holly three wishes.

Until Holly can think up three wishes; the usual do’s and don’ts along with world peace not being allowed, Holly carries the gas can around with her every where she goes. Asked to house-sit one of her other properties by his mother at a neighboring house, Luke Nathan uses his free time videotaping his search for Cadnorosaurus a mythical sea serpent that has supposedly appeared in the lagoon once every generation. Being a lawyer relying on “facts” and evidence, Luke doesn’t normally give in to flights of fancy such as this. However, there is not much he wouldn’t do for his mother, Emma, and agrees to do this regardless of his feelings on the matter. After all, if he can’t find evidence of Cadbosorous’s existence, then he can push his mother into giving up her search for the creature.

Luke and Holly find their “search” has led them straight into each others arms, proving not only that opposites do attract, but something magical is about to take place on Cadboro Bay--and not all of it in their control! Judy Gill has penned a superb supernatural romance that is both fun to read and funny. This romantic comedy had me grinning and laughing out loud to some hilarious antics that went on in the story. The characters are “real” and come across that way too. No Strings Attached is definitely a “feel-good” story that readers will be happy they bought--and read. -Marti Witherspoon

In 1860 Lord Connock arrives at London’s Kew Gardens to meet the botanical gardens illustrator Anne Sherwood. Due to her talent of illustrating plants, he hires her to draw a special tree that has been grown from a seed that world traveling naturalist, Michael McEvoy returned home with. Anne had helped her husband with his botany book before he dies--which he unfairly took all the credit for. Anne is now eager to make her mark on the scientific world and receive acceptance from her male peers who do not believe her capable of the task.

While in Ireland, Anne meets up with Michael and finds herself wildly attracted to the handsome botanist. Both Anne and Michael share their attraction for one another as well as their uncanny extra-sensory abilities that extends to trees and plant life--allowing them to know how plants feel--whether they’re thirsty, pest infected, etc., and both Anne and Michael sense that something is very wrong with Connock’s garden.

While the couple work together on the collection, they find themselves falling in love with one another, neither expecting the evil essence that is hovering over the beautiful garden in wait to destroy them should they learn the secret about the “Forbidden Garden.”

Once again Tracy Forbes has created a tantalizing historical romance that comes complete with unique paranormal undertones. Forbidden Garden is a stimulating tale that grabs hold of you from the first page--and never lets go! -Brenda K. Johnson

Shaylee is given a second chance at life after he home is attacked. While she lay dying, she is given a chance to become an angel of mercy, but to do this she must help save the life of Standing Wolf, a handsome Cherokee warrior--to do this, she must somehow find a way to set aside her hatred and prejudice against his heritage, or she will never see her son again.

From the very instant that Standing Wolf lays eyes on Shaylee, he can think of no other woman. She is his savior who rescues him both body, heart and soul--and when he finally claims her as his own, he will never let her go. Even with Shaylee at his side, Standing Wolf is clueless as to the lengths his enemies have gone to lay blame for their murdered chief at his feet. And now the only people who know--or believe the truth and can help him clear his good name Are his guardian angel and his best friend. Shaylee does her part and passes her test and even though Shaylee and Standing Wolf are in love, this doesn’t change their destinies.

While Standing Wolf has been proven innocent and taken his rightful place as the chief, Shaylee has been granted another chance at life. Shaylee finds her way back to Standing Wolf’s village and takes his side and is accepted as his wife and “beloved woman.” Though they share a deep and profound love, she is still sad because she has yet to see her son. In the end, there is a final battle with their enemies and Standing Wolf and Shaylee see justice done--and find her missing son.

Nobody writes Native American historical romance like Cassie Edwards--she is by-far the undisputed “Queen” of this sub-genre! Readers can always count on Ms. Edwards for richly detailed, historically accurate novels depicting lovable characters and happy endings. And Savage Grace is no exception! Reader find a little something for everyone in this latest soon-to-be best-seller--romance, paranormal, history and an inspirational story to fall in love with! -Connie Stamych

Creekford Massachusetts and its townsfolk are unlike any other--the inhabitants are all gifted with the “craft” and are either good witches or warlocks. Hannah Lowell is a daughter of the very powerful renowned family of witches. Hannah worries about developing the skills of her “craft” in order to ward off the advances of an evil power hungry warlock. But when Blake Wolcott moves to Creekford and the Crafter’s Guild welcome him into their tight-knit circle without knowing of his intentions to drain their small communities power by marrying one of the most powerful witches, Hannah is forced to get involved.

Hannah heads for Wyoming when her aunt Eudora convinces her that she must marry Jonas Mackenzie who is one of the only surviving members of a once-powerful Crafter’s guild family. But little does Hannah realize what task lay ahead of her. Not only was Jonas orphaned at an early age, but he has absolutely no idea that he’s a warlock. And having buried his wife ten years ago, has no intention of ever marrying again....until he meets Hannah!

Jonas meets Hannah and her odd cat Hepzibah who claims to be a witch and announces that she’s come to marry him, and although he first finds Hannah to be a bit scatter-brained, slowly but surely finds himself opening up to the idea of his heritage and the “craft” as well as Hannah.

Wish Upon A Cowboy is a shining example of Ms. Kane’s outstanding abilities to capture readers hearts with her captivating historical romances. This story has all the elements that have made Ms. Kane an icon in the industry--romance, paranormal, humor and happy endings. This is an author who never fails to delight her fans with each new story she pens and the latest endeavor is no exception! -Connie Stamych

The year is 1888 and herbalist Isabel Gomez is forced to sell the building next to her home--the trading post in order to save some money and make ends meet. What she didn’t figure into her plan was meeting Cooper Adair who buys the building from her. Cooper has traveled from Philadelphia to Florida in order to begin a new life for himself. He has big plans, too. He intends to open a pharmacy, marry his long-time sweetheart Marcella and live in a house with a white picket fence, happily ever after. However, what Cooper doesn’t expect is Isabel.

When Isabel learns of Cooper’s intentions to open a pharmacy she fears his competition will put her out of business. Even though Isabel is extremely attracted to the sexy blonde haired man and wonders if he might be the man she’s searched for her entire life, she concocts a plan to get rid of Cooper--with a little help from her familiar Grimalkin, the cat. Isabel comes up with a plan to seduce Cooper and make his fiancé’ jealous enough to break off their engagement, which Isabel hopes will send Cooper straight back to Philadelphia. However, Isabel didn’t count on getting emotionally involved with Cooper--but then love is not always something that can be planned out or produced from a magic spell.

When Cooper and Isabel are together a number of strange happenings occur. All of which Isabel links back to her magical cat Grimalkin, who her father told her was enchanted. Even with the various magical forces working in their favor and in spite of the jealous fiancé’ stirring up trouble, the unlikely couple find that the power of true love is by-far the greatest magic there is!

My Loving Familiar won a 5 heart rating from me because of the interesting cat character Grimalkin and the obvious research put into the story as far as herbal uses, remedies, etc. I didn’t particularly like the character Cooper, as I found him to be quite rude and snobbish and not at all nice to Isabel. However, once I got past the initial shock of Cooper and delved into the story and got to know the other characters in this book, I fell in love. C.J. Card is a fantastic writer with incredible story-telling abilities. I would dearly love to see a spin-off featuring the spunky cat character Grimalkin. -Brenda K. Johnson

Lady Ashlynne Myrafloures is used to living the life of a pampered miss until she finds herself orphaned and homeless with no one to rely for her survival but her slave. After having been betrayed by a friend and put into slavery, Sky Warrior Falkon finds himself biding his time until he can escape to freedom.

When a surprise attack takes place Falcon is given an opportunity to escape--however, Falcon also takes his deceased owner’s beautiful daughter along with him. Falcon’s initial plan is to hold Ashlynne hostage and ransom her off to her fiancé. But Falcon has a change of heart when the relationship between he and Ashlynne shifts from owner and slave to a mutual attraction and ultimately a sizzling love affair.

Fearing Ashlynne’s fiancé will not give up the engagement without a fight--along with his vengeance against Falcon, the couple run away to start a new life together. However, not far behind them is Ashlynne’s fiancé who arrives to wed her and throw Falcon back into the life of a slave. But Ashlynne and Falcon work together to come up with a plan to escape before Falcon’s betrayer destroys their relationship and their lives forever.

I normally do not read science-fiction or futuristic romance novels. However, I read this particular one because I have always been a big Madeline Baker fan and adore her historical romances. I am happy and surprised to say that I loved this book! Ms. Ashley has a way of writing a fantasy story in a make-believe setting that draws the reader in, making them believe in the unbelievable. The Captive had a little of everything I’ve come to love (and expect) from this writer--mystery, suspense, romance and a thrilling roller-coaster ride to another time and place that came alive won this reviewer over--I can’t wait to read my next futuristic romance! Amanda Ashley (a.k.a. Madeline Baker) proves herself a true master of her craft. -Brenda K. Johnson

Captain Garrick Asquith-Wolf, the Marquis of Cardiff finds himself standing at Heaven’s Pearly Gates after a strange storm and a flash of lightening sends him there. Apparently, he is being given a second chance to earn his way into Heaven, but only if he becomes Lucy Hartford’s guardian angel.

If there was ever a lady in need of rescuing or a guardian angel, it’s Lucy Hartford. Lucy is forever getting herself into one hitch after another. But then again, Garrick is right there waiting to catch her should she fall out of a tree, or find herself in a new scrape. Although Garrick is well aware that he cannot allow himself to become involved--emotionally or physically with Lucy, he cannot help from stealing a few kisses from the attractive lady. Nor can Lucy stop herself from kissing her handsome savior back. However, Lucy does not realize the impact of their actions and how this might be jeopardizing Garrick’s chances to get into Heaven.

Garrick’s attempt to protect Lucy takes him along on a thrilling adventure-filled ride from the fancy ballrooms of London, to adventures on the high seas all the while fighting the forces of good and evil battling for his soul. Pamela Britton has written a wonderful tale with a gallant hero and an adorable heroine who needs is his perfect match. My Fallen Angel is a magnificent swashbuckling tale that is only made better by the paranormal elements thrown in for fun. I’m anxious to see what this talented lady has to offer readers next--it’s going to be difficult to top this book! -Marti Witherspoon

Anita Blake is back for another round in the Obsidian Butterfly. The tough, zombie animator and sexy vampire slayer who also works as a police consultant for preternatural crimes in St. Louis now finds herself in New Mexico in this, the ninth book of the series by Laurell K. Hamilton. Although Anita Blake is needed by and works alongside the law enforcement, and viewed as an asset, she is loathed and sought after by many nosferatu who feel she is a genocide executioner has at times found herself walking a fine line between both sides---while she loves a werewolf and a vampire (remember previous Anita Blake books) she defies her feelings and has refused to have contact with either one in over a year. Because of who--and “what” they are, she fears giving herself completely to either. But things change.

Edward--better known as “Death,” is Anita’s mentor and is the only other person capable of killing as well as she is. Edward approaches Anita to call on a favor she owes him--he needs Anita’s expertise along with her firepower to slay a preternatural creature unlike any either of them have encountered before. A creature that has committed some truly heinous crimes--killing, maiming, then vanishing into the night. While Anita works with Edward to slay the supposedly invincible creature, she finds herself surprised to see that her partner whom she’s only ever viewed as a cold and ruthless killer has a somewhat normal life in New Mexico. Anita also has issues with the officer in charge in Albuquerque who thinks her powers to be evil. If all of this weren’t enough pressure, Anita battles an inner turmoil over having shut down her ties with her “otherworldly” lovers to go it alone.

The Obsidian Butterfly is a wonderful edition to the long-lasting Anita Blake series. Although readers got to know Edward a bit better in this book, I found delving into emotional side only gave readers a scarier image of the mysterious man from previous books. I found myself a bit sad and missed seeing an appearance of either Richard, or Jean-Claude--the infamous vampire and werewolf from earlier books, but also felt that Laurell K. Hamilton did an excellent job of bringing “death” into the limelight and grounding him a bit as a normal man. The Obsidian Butterfly is an emotional roller-coaster ride of terror--a thrilling and heart-racing story that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seat. -G.D. Triplett

Witness To Death, the tenth installment to J.D. Robb’s fantastic futuristic suspense series is probably the “best of the best” so far!

In 2059 the technology has been advanced to give greater control for the invironment. And through it all crime is continueing to take hold of New York City--which keeps homicide detective Eve Dallas busier than usual. Although she is bogged down with loads of work, Dallas makes time for her billionaire husband, Roarke who takes her to the opening performance of a new play. But things aren’t necessarily as they seem and although the happy couple enjoy the play, Eve discovers that the death scene portrayed on stage is real and that a murder has taken place. Upon her discovery, Eve closes off the scene of the crime to investigate.

The slain man is a veteran actor named Richard Draco--a man most people despised as a person. And that makes Eve’s job even tougher than it already is, as anyone eho ever came into contact with the famed actor had a motive to kill him for being such a hateful, mean individual. Eve attempts to locate the murderer, but before she can apprehend him or her, someone else fingers the culprit and throws Eve off beat. An attempted blackmail scheme leads to yet another murder. While Eve’s investigation leads her closer to capturing the killer, she finds herself somewhat shook up by the investigation and its effect on her personal life.

Witness To Death is a tantalizing story which leaves readers wanting more from J.D. Robb and Eve Dallas. As is always the case, this famed author delivers an emotionally moving futuristic story that unfolds and ends with a climactic web of deceit, betrayal and mystery. The relationship between Eve and her husband Roarke make this exciting story a romance in every sense of the word. -Brenda K. Johnson

When pilot Carly Callahan’s plane malfunctions during a freak storm, leaving her no other choice but to eject into the ocean 1200 miles off the coast of Spain, she if rescued and pulled aboard a pirate ship, The Phoenix. It doesn’t take long for Carly to find out she is actually the captive of Andrew Spencer who insists she is Lady Amanda Paxton--and his instrument in a vengeful plan against the man who destroyed his family. Carly also finds that not only did her identity apparently change when she was hoisted aboard the pirate ship, but so did the year--it is now the early 1800’s.

Andrew is the illegitimate son of a Duke who once had an extremely promising career in the Navy, but found it destroyed by a cousin named Richard who framed him thus having him court-martialed. It was then that Andrew set out on his own as a pirate captain. Andrew had just captured Lady Amanda Paxton in an attempt to thwart his cousin Richard’s plan of marrying the beauty who comes complete with a hefty dowry.

Carly is confused at first, believing herself to have been captured by a very eccentric modern aristocrat--a drug runner, perhaps? Having been dumped by her rich fiancé Richard (gee there’s a surprise) Carly is a bit bitter toward men. As Carly realizes that something did happen and she adapts to the changes she finds herself having odd, recurring nightmares--even odder still because Andrew is having the exact same nightmare.

Even though Carly and Andrew are being chased by Richard’s ship, the couple find their attraction for one another cannot be denied and they come to terms with their feelings for one another. In the end, Carly finds that she has to prove her real identity to Andrew--she also knows that there is only once chance to go home, but finds that she is having second thoughts--after all, there’s Andrew, the beautiful water and her heart which would all be staying in the 1800’s.

Susan Grant has made a stunning debut with her swashbuckling tale Once A Pirate. I thoroughly enjoyed this action-packed romance and am looking forward to the next adventurous tale from Ms. Grant. -G.D. Triplett

Sarina is a witch--not just any ‘ole witch, but a witch who finds her powers to be somewhat “useless.” Having been hired by Dagon Rasmus at Rasmus Castle, Dagon worries over her, as Sarina is accident-prone and driving his staff up the castle walls because of all her mishaps. In an attempt to straighten Sarina out, Dagon, also a powerful witch is approximately 400 years old and has decided it’s high time to settle down with a mate. But it cannot be just anyone, it must be someone like himself--a very powerful witch to insure powerful heirs.

After having rescued Sarina after numerous accidents and near catastrophe, Dagon finds himself very intrigued by the little witch who obviously has more power than she realizes or allows others to see. It doesn’t hurt that Dagon is immensely attracted to the accident prone witch who has managed to beguile him--now, if he can only look beyond his unreasonably lengthy list of requirements in a mate, he might just see his perfect match in Sarina.

Magical Moments is a light-hearted romantic romp that I found to be a whimsical tale featuring fun loving, endearing characters that I fell in love with. Donna Fletcher is an author to watch. -Karen Goodman

I enjoyed reading the light, entertaining romance. It is the story of Jason Stavros, a carpenter working to restore the elderly Miss Eulalie Bidwell’s mansion in Charleston, SC, and her lawyer, Miss Merrill Prescott, the Fourth. Jason is on his way to Miss Bidwell’s funeral to pay his respects when he encounters an elderly couple stranded as the man tries to change his tire in the pouring rain of a hurricane.

He stops to help and gets them on their way. As they pullaway and disappear, they metamorphosis into the cherub Cupid and his mother, Venus. As a reward to Jason for helping then, they decide he needs their assistance in meeting the right woman and settle on Merrill Prescott as just the person.

Miss Prescott has discovered an addendum to Miss Bidwell’s will, all very properly signed and witnessed, that she doesn’t recall putting in the file. She finds that Miss Bidwell has left the largest portion of her wealth ($75 million) to her Kerry Blue Terrier, Psyche’s Folly, and the care of that fortune and the dog in the hands of Jason Stavros and herself.

They and the dog are to reside in the two homes on Miss Bidwell’s property to probide a stable home for the dog. The purpose of this will, of course, is to keep Miss Bidwell’s fortune hunting niece and nephew, Belle and Beaumont and J.D. Bidwell, from inheriting the estate.

Cupid and Venus add the addendum to be sure that Hason and Merril have the chance to fall in love. After the shock of learning that they have been deprived of the fortune they expected to receive, Belle and J,D, vow to fight back and sue to regain what they consider their money. Into this equation, Venus’ philandering father, Jupiter (who is currently in family counseling with his wife, Juno), gets a glimpse of Merrill Prescott and is instantly in lust with her. He forbids any of the gods and goddesses from manipulating the human race in order to leave himself a clear field to capture the alluring Mss Prescott. Hason and Merrill now have to deal with not only the devious actions of Belle and J.D., but with the manipulations of Cupid and Venus to get them together, those of Jupiter to make Merrill his lover and their own growing attraction for each other.

They also find themselves the recipient of a growing family of abandoned dogs, puppies and kittens after other people hear that Miss Bidwell left a large portion of money for Jason and Merrill to establish a shelter for such animals. Despite all the trials and tribulations (and some very entertaining manipulations by Jupiter, Venus and Cupid), Jason and Merrill manage to come through with flying colors and a love to last for all time. -Karen King

Olivia Archer Morrison returns to LaAngelle Plantation with her eight year old child, Sara, not quite knowing what sort of welcome she will receive. Having left her home as a young girl where she resided with the well-to-do Archers who had given her shelter and raised her after her parents died, only to elope with a rodeo cowboy din’t go over well. Now years later, after the cowboy love she married left her for another of his rodea groupies--olivia is home.

Having been persueded by her Aunt Callie to return, along with several other family members as her aunt is ill, Olivia must face the very people who attempted to prevent her from eloping and making a mistake all those years ago. When Olivia returns the family patriarch Big John, collapses from a heart attack when he sees her and has to be taken to the hospital. It doesn’t take long for the time and sins of the past to catch up with everyone and them to start pointing the finger of blame at one another.

While Big John is in the hospital, Olivia and Sara fall into a difficult routine at LaAngelle, Seth’s (Olivia’s step-cousin) spoiled, mean daughter Chloe does anything she can to torture and taunt Sara and is also causing problems for Seth’s fiance Mallory. Olivia and Sara attempt to help Chloe work through the apparant pain in her life and Olivia’s attraction to Seth becomes very apparant, too. While at LaAngelle, Oliva is plagued by recurring nightmares about her mother’s death. Each time remembering scatters of things that took place the night her mother drowned. If all this weren’t enough for one person to handle, there is a serial killer on the loose who targets little girls--and has done so for over twenty years. The killer is someone who is familiar to LaAngelle and to Olivia, too.

Although the relationship between Seth and Oliva came across as somewhat secondary and bland to everything else that took place in this story, It was hard not want the couple to work through their problems and differences, as they have seen more than their share of heartache throughout the story. While Ghost Moon is not the “best” Karen Robards book I have ever read, it is still a thrilling, fast-paced and thoroughly enjoyable tale that made every penny spent well worth the effort. -Connie Stamych

Utterly Charming is a sensational fantasy romance that sheds a “new” light on the sleeping beauty fairy-tale. When Nora, a female lawyer falls in love with the real Prince Charming--the very same man who has been fighting the forces of the evil witch Ealhswith for a thousand years and watching over Emma, the Sleeping Beauty, at first she doesn’t quite believe it to be real.

Nora now finds herself caught in the middle of an age-old battle between good and evil, with the man she loves fighting for the only woman he has ever known to love him--until now.

Utterly Charming has numerous twists and turns, yet comes out making the unbelievable seem all-too real. Kristine Grayson has written a magical story giving readers a glimpse from a different angle at a timeless story that just got better! If you enjoy romance novels that make you smile, make you laugh and end on a happy note, then you will love this one. -Karen Goodman

When anthropologist Ryan Burke joins the dig at the sight of Little Big Horn, she does so excited at the thought of working with Dr. Gaffney on the battleground project. However, that is before Dr. Gaffney realizes that Ryan is a female. After all women, in his opinion, are viewed as a negative disruption where field work is concerned. If that weren’t unsettling enough, Ryan is told by one of the other field workers thatGaffney is theiving and selling some of the artifacts he finds.

Ryan is an asset to the dig as she can speak the Lakota language fluently and knows many of the customs. In spite of all the efforts made, well-known Indian affairs lawyer, Dillon Wolf pushes to close down the project. But Ryan is temporarily given a magically powerful tipi to use when her tent is washed away during a storm. While inside the old tribal tipi, Ryan journey’s to the past where she finds herself in a large Inidan camp in Montana in the year 1876 right before the battle of Custer took place. During this same time, Dillon is rendered unconcious during a freak accident.

The tipi Ryan is using belongs to Wolf who is likewas confused by some visions he’s had involving horseless carriages and man-made buildings that are high enough to touch the clouds. All ethnic issues and the obvious time period differences aside, Ryan and Wolf find themselves falling in love. But there are still several unanswered questions--such as the unknown image of someone who dies in a battle as well as Wolf’s true identity.

A Love Beyond Time is a extremely touching story that at times brings a tear or two to your eyes and tugs at the heart strings. Judie Aitken has managed to successfully blend several different romance sub-genres, which combined create a magical romance novel featuring time-travel, paranormal, magic, Indian Mysticism and lore, history, romance--plus so much more! Ms. Aitken is truly a master storyteller--one of the best there is! -Brenda K. Johnson

This is the story of a warlock Reuben and his ex-wife and hereditary witch Mini who find themselves facing a life sentence behind bars--ahem, as lovebirds in a birdcage of a small pet shop as payment for past indiscretions. It’s there the unhappy couple will remain until they learn to get along and stop arguing over everything and do some good deeds. And, the good deed this couple comes up with, is a plan to play matchmakers for two mortals; Zach a pro football player and Justine, owner of Little Shop Of Critters, where the witchy couple now reside.

Zach and Justine met on a cruise and although they were very attracted to one another, their present circumstances prevented them from connecting once their trip was over--leaving each of them to feel as though the other has “left them hanging,” so-to-speak.

Adrienne Burns has written a hilariously “wacky” and off-beat romance novel with some of the best protagonists as well as a sensational cast of secondary characters that I have come across in years! While the plot a bit weak at times and the story not as fast-paced as I prefer my romances to be, I did very much enjoy the warlock and his wife and all their funny antics throughout the book. -Karen Goodman

Annabel Lowell is a female firefighter--a smokejumper who while working, attempts to escape the forest fire, seeking refuge in a cave. When she wakes up she finds herself thrown 94 years from the present San Francisco, 2000 to the year 1906. While in the past Annabel meets up with another firefighter of that era, Cole Brady. Although the idea of a female firefighter doesn’t go over too well with the men of that time, Annabel helps to put out a deadly fire taking place after the big 1906 earthquake and it is then that she find her place in both 1906 and Cole Brady’s heart.

Annabel knows what her future holds--uncertain danger and a life without the new friends and the new life she has found in the past. But to stay in the past, Annabel worries about the time she has and what the “Future” holds in an uncertain era she knows little about. Either way, Annabel must make a choice between her heart and the life she left behind.

Author Elizabeth Hallam is an amazing writer that is taking the sub-genre by storm. With her last release Allura’s Wish, readers were awed by the talented Ms. Hallam. Now, with the release of Yesterday’s Flame, readers can sit back and yet again enjoy a timeless and haunting tale that is sure to win over some new fans for this talented author. -Marti Witherspoon

When sculptor Jordy Decker travels to the Florida Keys looking for inspiration fo her art, the last thing she expects is becoming embroiled in a mystery that will forever change her life. While working through the mystery, Jordy runs into Malacai L’Baan an eccentric author of the bestselling fantasy Dark Pearl Fantasy series. The mystery that has taken hold of Jordy is linked to some disturbing letters to Malacai from an apparant obsessive fan who has decided that the Dark Pearl is real and will go to any length to possess it.

Although the dangers are all too real, jordy cannot help but be drawn to Malacai and is unable to resist the attraction she feels to the enigmatic author. As they grow closer and their attraction stronger, so does the danger. And Jordy and Malacai find themselves immersed in an age-old legend of myth and magic involving the fabled Dark Pearl that has the power to destroy both of them.

Donna Kauffman has written a spellbinding romance that is so hot it near sizzles when the pages are turned. After reading the Legend MacKinnon, I wasn’t sure if Ms. Kauffman would be able to top that one. But surprise, surprise--The Legend of the Sorcerer has topped its predecessor and is by-far the better of the two stories! This is a really supurb story to curl up with and get lost in! -Connie Stamych