MORE THAN YOU KNOW
by, Helen R. Myers
Mira, $5.99
3 1/2 Hearts (Romantic Suspense Mystery)
Nicole Loring has had more than her share of tragedies in her young life. And is distrustful of people in general, but most especially the police. Having been estranged from her parents for some time, her only relative with whom she has a relationship, is her brother. But, Nicole’s whole world is turned upside down when he dies unsuspectedly and she learns through a police detective that they believe his death was due to his sexual perversions. However, the detective agrees not reveal this and let his death be labeled a suicide, instead. Nicole on the other hand, is convince beyond a doubt that his death was the result of a murder, and vows to prove it...if only someone would believe her.
Having once been a security guard for Nicole’s auction house, Roman McKenna has now been moved up to the position of police detective and finds himself working on the murder case involving Nicole’s brother. Unbeknownst to Nicole, Roman has been attracted to her for quite some time, and the attraction only seems to intensify the more he spends time with her. When Nicole reveals to Roman that her brother’s son was with him the evening that he died, Roman now stops doubting Nicole, and together the they work toward resolving the mysterious death. While in the midst of investigating and digging for clues, the couple find themselves falling in love.
Though this novel is not a “new-Age” romance, it was just too good to pass up. When I ran it by the editor, she said we could go with it, and leave it up to the readers as to whether or not they wanted romantic suspense and Intrigue included in future issues. Helen R. Myers’ writing ability never ceases to amaze me....she is on front stage with More Than You Know. I find myself drawn into the storyline with the first few paragraphs and completely enthralled until the final page is turned. The story is filled with strong modern-day characters, full of action, suspense, an intriguing mystery and, as is the case with her previous titles, a heart-stopping romance woven in. I for one, am anxious to see if this gifted and talented author will write a “new-age” romance. We fans do not even have to ask if it would be good....based on previous titles, we already KNOW!
-Brenda K. Johnson
HIGHLAND ENCHANTMENT
by, Lois Greiman
Avon, $5.99
3 Hearts (Paranormal /Fantasy/Sorcery)
This adventurous story has it all, Medieval Scotland as a backdrop for an “enchanting” story with a magical and dangerous amulet, and a powerful historical romance. An amulet (Dragonheart) finds its way into Rachel Forbe’s hands. Rachel is a princess on a mission to Save Scotland’s young king. However, she finds Liam, her childhood nemesis distracting her from her duties, as Liam appoints himself her protector since knowing the evil wizard, Warwick wants both Rachel and Dragonheart. The two team up for the dangerous mission. And together, while on their journey not only find themselves in danger with a veil of evil misting around them, but in each others arms....and falling in love. But Liam can’t seem to get past the difference in their stations in life. After all Rachel is a princess and he is a penniless, landless bastard who lives the life of a wandering nomad, steering very clear of involvement’s of the heart. In the end, Rachel realizes she must choose between the love she has for Liam and her duty.
Lois Greiman once again proves herself to be a leading name in Historical Romance. With the third and final book in The Highland Bride trilogy, she now takes her crown as the queen of Medieval Romance. Readers are not only gifted with a tender love story featuring a strong, yet beautiful heroine, and masculine and sexy highland rogue, but an original plot packed full of magic and intrigue. Ms. Greiman’s prose and dialogue grip the reader, sending them soaring back to the magical realm of the days of yore.
-Karen Goodman
THE BEWITCHING VIKING
by, Sandra Hill
LoveSpell, $5.99 (Paranormal)
4 1/2 Hearts
Tykir Thorksson is working against his will with the king, when King Anlaf forces him, by kidnapping Tykir’s nephew and holding him hostage until his does his bidding. The task he's given is to find Alinor of Graycote; a red-headed Virago. Tykir travels to Britain in search of the headstrong Alinor. Alinor, a widow three times already, wants nothing to do with men. Especially the men...or shall we say highest bidder, her meddling brothers keep marrying her off to. Having little choice in the matter, due to his cousin being a hostage, Tykir practically starts a war between the Vikings and the Saxons over Alinor, via a kidnapping of his own. While on their way back to Norway, Vykir and Alinor’s constant humorous bickering keeps his Viking travel companions highly amused...well, almost, unless you add in the fact that Alinor is a sorceress, which leaves the Vikings in a constant “on-guard” position trying to protect themselves from her magic spells and curses. Apparently, Alinor has cursed King Anlof in a most embarrassing way, and the other men fear the same. The conflict of this story is the growing attraction and desire for one another that Vykir and Alinor discover to be getting stronger by the day. And the fact that upon their arrival in Norway, Vykir must turn the red-haired bewitching beauty over to the king, in exchange for his nephew....and he has doubts if he’s made the right decision in doing so. Once the exchange is made and Alinor needs his help again....the final conflict of whether Vykir should save Alinor and lose his heart completely weighs heavily on the handsome Viking. Will Vakir be Alinor’s champion yet again? Or will he walk away and leave the little sorceress alone when she needs him most?
Sandra Hill has written numerous Viking Romance novels. All of which have been exquisite. However, as a reader who prefers the new-age twists implemented into the historical or contemporary settings, I found The Bewitching Viking to be one of the BEST historical paranormal romances I’ve ever read! It caught my attention immediately and didn’t let go until he last breathtaking line in the book. The storyline is packed with action, suspense, intriguing paranormal elements and last but definitely not least enough laughs and comedic dialogue to keep readers literally giggling out loud. It’s the kind of story that while reading it, readers will have others around you asking “hey, what’s so funny?” And the only comment you will have is “oh, nothing” as you continue laughing and smiling your way through the book. This is truly a remarkable book to debut the new A Wink And A Kiss series....and will most likely be a hard first book in this promising series to measure up to.
-Brenda K. Johnson
SELENE OF THE SPIRITS
by, Melissa Pritchard
Ontario, $22.00 (HB)
4 Hearts (Paranormal)
Being a Victorian spiritualist in the 1850’s proves to be more difficult for Selene Cook than she imagined. With little money or recourses at her disposal, Seline attempts to use her special psychic abilities to earn a hefty income. He dream soon becomes a reality when an extremely wealthy benefactor steps into her life. However, once her abilities are left to doubt, everything soon changes. In an attempt to save her reputation, Selene solicits the help of Sir William Herpath, a married scientist, in hope that he will help prove that she’s not a hoax and. Part of their agreement, is that Selene travel with William to Wales to undergo an intense investigation. Once there, some of Selene’s powers are disproved by the scientist. Yet a few, such as reading someone’s future just by looking upon their face cannot be disproved. While spending much time together, the two begin an affair that ends in Selene’s pregnancy, and William denying responsibility.
Melissa Pritchard has written an excellent book with well-drawn characters, just the right amount of emotional tension and unique storyline. The inclusion of paranormal elements sprinkled throughout the story only adds to the emotionally charged drama. While some readers may be bothered by the affair William has while married, if you can get past that, will revel in this novel. Selene Of The Spirits, gets a thumbs up from this reader who is anxiously awaiting the next “otherworldly” tale from the very talented Ms. Pritchard.
-Connie Stamych
THE NIGHT DRIFTER
by, Susan Carroll
Ballentine (HB), $19.95
5 Hearts(Paranormal)
With the second installment in the stunning St. Leger family saga, readers are gifted with the story of Lancelot St. leger, who has the ability to drift in and out of his body. Lancelot looks upon his gift as a malicious curse. His restless “night Drifting,” which allows him to drift in and out of time and space oftentimes gets him into trouble. During his travels, Lancelot carelessly loses the fabled St. Leger sword. In an attempt to find his family heirloom, Lancelot resorts to drifting again. While doing so, he meets up with Rosalind, who mistakenly thinks him to be Lancelot’s ghost, rather than the real thing.
Rosalind, not knowing where the sword came from or to whom it belonged, decides it must be owned by her ghostly visitor.....a visitor she finds herself strongly attracted to. Things then get even stranger for Rosalind when the family bridefinder introduces her to the real Lancelot. Both Lance and Rosalind deny their destiny as each other’s soulmate, but the attraction is strong and find the denial to be mute. Another twist the this entertaining story, is the fact that Lance discovers that the rival for Roasalind’s affection is his alter ego Sir Lancelot, the ghost of his other self.
Susan Carroll has written a hauntingly powerful tale of love, destiny and otherworldly delights! I found myself up reading until the wee hours of the morning, hating to put it this engrossing book down until the next day. This deftly skilled author has claimed her place among the best of the best with this glorious series. What wetted readers appetites and started the ball rolling with The Bride Finder moves flowingly into The Night Drifter, the next installment, a truly riveting tale that should not be missed! This book will leave readers screaming for more, more, more!
-Brenda K. Johnson
THE SECRETS OF SADIE MAYNARD
by, Linda Anderson
Pocket Books, $6.50
3 1/2 Hearts (Paranormal)
Renowned photojournalist, Memphis Maynard returns to her mother’s childhood home in Yancy County, West Virginia, to uncover the mystery behind the death of her grandmother, Sadie Maynard’s. It has been a long time since Memphis visited her ancestral home, as her mother, having had a terrible argument with her father, Sheriff James Maynard, packed she and her sister up when they were young children and left...for good.
As the story unfolds, we learn that decades before a wrongfully accused man named Amos Washington was convicted of murdering Sadie. The likelihood that Amos was framed causes Memphis to delve deeper and she finds herself leaning toward a more likely suspect, MacCauly Tate, a powerful man at that time. Memphis’ former lover, Jake Bishop, the author of true crime books is also investigating the same murder, and knows her time is running out. However, Cutter Tate, MacCauly’s grandson is bent on keeping the past, the past and doesn’t want Memphis or Jake unraveling his family secret. But Memphis finds the help she needs in uncovering the secrets of the past in a ghost that is determined to have the truth revealed.
The very talented and promising author Linda Anderson writes with such passion that readers are drawn completely into the story, and into the hearts and homes of the small town setting. The vibrant characters, mystery, intrigue and paranormal elements make for a compelling and truly satisfying reading experience. Readers of romantic suspense and paranormal romance will not want to miss The Secrets Of Sadie Maynard.
-Karen Goodman
CASE OF NERVES
by, Angie Kay
Leisure/LoveSpell $5.50
4 1/2 Hearts (Paranormal)
Dr. Kate MacGillvray decides she needs some down-time after a messy breakup with her philandering fiancé’ and losing a patient on the table in the Philadelphia ER in where she works. Kate takes a leave of absence and flies to Scotland to trace her ancestry, which she traces back to the Culloden Moor Battlefield. While there, Kate has flashbacks of a previous life she lived as Catriona MacGillvray and her ill fated love affair with Alasdair MacLachlan.....over a century before.
In town Kate meets the local doctor, Alec Lachlan and is instantly attracted to him and left with a feeling of de’javu, knowing she’d met him before...250 years before. However, Alec makes his dislike of female doctors crystal clear, which leaves Katy too afraid to admit her occupation to him. Like the civil war torn country that kept them apart in a previous life, will soul-mates Kate and Alec let the issues of the modern world keep them apart again, when the offer of a second chance to live happily-ever-after is staring them in the face?
First time author Angie Kay is destined to become one of the leading names of the new-age romance genre. Her debut novel A case Of Nerves is a well woven tale focusing on reincarnation and soul-mates. I loved the way the author included details of both the past and present lives of the couples and the intertwining love of both. This is truly romance at its best! Kudos go out to an author to keep an eye on!
-Brenda K. Johnson
BRIAR ROSE
by, Kimberly Cates
Sonnet, $6.50
3 Hearts (Magic/Fairies)
Traveling a desolate Irish road, British Captain Lionel Redmayne, hit by a sniper’s bullet lay dying, feeling the cold grip of death, and knowing no way around it. However, it’s his lucky day when healer Rhiannon Fitzgerald, born of fairy, finds him and starts to work her magic on the weary traveler, just as she does with any injured soul; human and animal alike, she happens upon.
Realizing that the unknown assailant is still out there and still intent on killing Lionel, the two find themselves in each others company for a while, and falling in love. But Rhiannon, knowing full well that they are complete opposites is powerless to control the ever-growing feelings she has for Lionel. Will the couple be able to work through their differences and come to a happy resolution? Read the book.....that’s where the answers are!
Best-selling author Kimberly Cates once again proves herself a powerful force within the romance industry. The blending of historical romance with magical elements involving fairies and healing is superbly done. Ms. Cates has a wonderful flair for writing and proves this yet again with her enchanting new novel, Briar Rose.
-Marti Witherspoon
BITTERSWEET SUMMER
by, Rachel Wilson
Jove, $5.99
4 Hearts(Ghost)
In 1895 new York, Tobias Rakes returns after spending several years fighting Indians in the “Army Of The West,” in the Dakotas. When he returns it is with a heavy heart and an injured leg as he was shot and disabled while fighting abroad. However, upon his arrival home, he finds that his grandmother has left him a sizable inheritance. He uses the money left to him to purchase an old Crowfoot Castle, in spite of the fact that the Rakes and the Crowfoot families have been feuding since long before the American Revolution.
If the purchase of the Crowfoot Castle wasn’t enough to shock folks, the fact that Tobias hires Genevieve Crowfoot to act as housekeeper, certainly does. While cleaning one day, Genevieve finds a piece of paper that she thinks will lead her to a hidden treasure. What Genevieve finds, is the castle’s ghost “Granny Crowfoot,” who does everything in her power to run Tobias off. However, nothing, not even the ghost of her long-dead ancestor can keep Genevieve and Tobias from falling in love. When it becomes apparent that someone is trying to kill Tobias, Genevieve first suspects the ghost, and confronts Granny, at which time Granny explains that she cannot hurt anyone in her current form. Together Genevieve and Tobias discover the culprit is all too human, and work to unravel the mystery man...or woman. If this struggling couple can somehow overcome the numerous obstacles in their path, and the various other family secrets, the duo can emerge victorious and in love.
Rachel Wilson has written an intriguing tale with a masterful blending of historical suspense with supernatural elements woven in which creates a hauntingly romantic tale not to be missed. Bittersweet Summer is a magnificent addition to the acclaimed Haunting Hearts Line.
-Karen Goodman
THE IMPOSTOR
by, Elaine Fox
Leisure/LoveSpell, $5.99
4 Hearts (Time-Travel)
A Washington D.C. speechwriter, Flynn Patrick travels to England to attend a wedding. However, he’s been there before. In fact, he’s returning to Mereston, the home where his American adoptive parents first found him. While attending the wedding, Flynn clumsily falls into the water fountain and discovers that he’s traveled back in time to nineteenth century England. The time-traveling hero embarks on a number of hilarious adventures while traveling “abroad.” The first of which is meeting up with Melisande St. Claire as she is climbing down a balcony in an attempt to elude her betrothal to the duke’s heir, a cold and evil man Melisande has a total disdain for.
Flynn and Milisande are as mis-matched as two people can be, however the couple somehow bungle their way through the nineteenth century via several close calls and mishaps along the way. There’s an added surprise to this tale, that readers will enjoy discovering. Elaine Fox writes with a style all her own. This enjoyable time travel tale had me smiling and giggling all the way through it. The lovable characters and their true to life antics make the unbelievable come to life with such a magnitude that even readers of straight historical and contemporary romance alike, will find themselves caught up in The Impostor, a time-traveling treat for readers of all genres.
-Connie Stamych
A MAGICAL MOMENT
by, Monica Jackson
BET Books/Arabesque, $4.99
4 Hearts(Paranormal)
While attorney, Taylor Cates is working with several residents of a battered women’s shelter, she thinks nothing out of the ordinary when some of the women state that they wished their husbands were dead. After all, these woman had been repeatedly abused by these men, that was a natural feeling, right? Or so Taylor thinks, until several of the husbands wind up murdered. Not quite sure if the deaths are coincidence or actual murder, Taylor doesn’t become too apprehensive until a private investigator, Stone Emerson. She gets concerned as he is employed by a husband to a woman residing at the shelter shows up asking questions due to the fact that his employer has received death threats. Taylor is very attracted to Stone, but doesn’t want to break a confidentiality she has with the women at the shelter and divulge information. However, Taylor is torn because she has no desire to see another husband die, either. The attraction is also felt by Stone. In fact, he’s felt that way from the very first meeting, but Taylor showed no reciprocating signs, keeping their time on a strictly business level. While the brewing attraction between the couple continues to grow, Stone, realizing he may have to protect Taylor if the murderer targets her in some way, finds himself in the middle of the murder investigation protecting the lady he loves.
A Magical Moment, though more Romantic Suspense than paranormal, is a masterfully told tale of intrigue, mystery and a touch of paranormal that readers will delight in reading. Monica Jackson’s talent shines through with her latest release, promising to propel her to new heights of success.
-Karen Goodman
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