Archives for July 2013

For Love of Livvy by JM Griffin

July 25, 2013 By 2 Comments

Livvy
For Love of Livvy by JM Griffin
Publisher: Lachesis Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery
Length: Full (248 pgs)
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Poppy

After her favorite aunt is found dead and an alarming box is mysteriously left on the doorstep of her aunt’s house now legally hers, Lavinia Esposito wants explanations. But, having cleared the package of explosives, the local cops are dumbounded by the precious stones which came without an explanation, just an address??her Aunt Livvy’s. Frustrated by the cops’ refusal to share their theories, criminal justice instructor Lavinia Esposito, a.k.a. Vinnie, takes investigation matters into her own hands. Vinnie is soon dragged into situations beyond her control, finding herself in hot water with the law, the crooks, and her Italian father. Willing to put her life at risk to find out what really happened to her beloved Aunt Livvy, and why jewels would be addressed to her aunt, Vinnie plunges ahead with her usual tenacity, bravery, and keen wits to solve and survive this mystery.

JM Griffin has a fantastic voice for cozy mystery genre. Above the fact that I enjoyed the plot of this story, and the unique and varied characters, I loved to read just to let the words and tone roll over me.
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For Love of Livvy is a fun, light-hearted mystery. Vinnie is a fun heroine, smart (most of the time) and easy-going, with a group of friends and family that would drive most folks a little crazy. When she receives a package that turns out to be gemstones, and then finds another set of them in the house, she knows the game is afoot. The police are tight-lipped about what exactly is going on, and despite the attraction she feels for the hunky lead detective, she takes matters in her own hands.

Livvy is such fun to read about. She’s seriously attracted to the detective on the case, but also has the super attractive Aaron, her new tenant, to add to the equation. Her gay best friend has a new squeeze and he’s such a hoot. Her parents are a little crazy, too, and the mix makes the book an entertaining read. While perhaps not the most intellectually challenging mystery, it does exactly what I look for in a cozy: entertains.

I can’t wait to pick up the next book in the series and I recommend it to all mystery lovers.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Missing in Machu Picchu by Cecilia Velastegui

July 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment

PICCHU
Missing in Machu Picchu by Cecilia Velastegui
Publisher: Libros Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (321 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

Machu Picchu shrouds many secrets, visible to those who enter with a pure heart. Only then can one ask the ancient oracles: Will hearts crushed by deception ever heal? And can a heinous sacrifice be stopped in time?

A group of American women decide to take a trip to Machu Picchu in search of inner peace. They have had terrible luck with online dating and hope to be cured of that compulsion and find true love. What awaits them on their journey couldn’t be more unexpected or more frightening.

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Rodrigo is a greatvillain. He’s well developed, as are the two elderly women, Taki and Koyam, descendants of Incas who have lived there all their lives. Taki and Koyam are interesting, and mostly through them the reader is treated to cultural and history lessons of the area. Rodrigo’s helpers are sad characters, and one can’t help but to feel a little sympathy for them, especially the cook, who is just trying to support his family. The American women are presented as selfish, spoiled, and unlikeable. Later on in the novel, they sometimes show a little character growth. Some of their behavior becomes surprising. What will they do next?

Suspense drives the plot, making the story a fast-paced one. Can two old women help four strangers against an evil man with terrible plans in such an isolated area? Anything can happen. Mystical elements add a bit of unpredictability to things.

The setting is beautifully written. Reading about the beauty of the local area adds much to the story. For a novel that’s a change of pace, offering much adventure, this is a good one to check out.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , ,

What the Bride Wore by Jade Lee

July 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment

WORE
What the Bride Wore by Jade Lee
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (375 pages)
Heat Level: Hot
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

When All is Lost

All Grant Benton, Earl of Crowle, can think of is restoring his family’s fortune so he can go back to being a gentleman of leisure. But when he meets beautiful, purposeful Lady Irene Knopp, he begins to question whether there might not be a better way to live life after all…

What’s Left is Desire

Lady Irene will never give up her fulfilling work dressing the most beautiful brides in England. She’d rather risk losing love forever than sacrifice her own life’s purpose. Yet she has never met a more magnetic, attractive man than Grant. Trapped between the fleeting chance at love and passion for her work, is it possible she can have it all?

What did the bride wear? Oh, it is so scandalous!
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I have to confess, this is my first forray into the works of Jade Lee. I know, I know, I should’ve picked up one of her books before now. I’ve remedied the situation with this book, What the Bride Wore. The writing simply flows and I couldn’t put the novel down. I felt like I was right there in London with Irene at the dress shop and Grant during his…issues. There is a bit of mystery woven through the book and it’s interesting how it all works out. You’ll have to read the book, though, to find out what exactly happens and when!

Irene is a great character. She’s strong, tough and knows what she wants. She’s also very congnizant of the Ton. It’s got to be hard being a widow and knowing people are scrutinizing your every move. I liked her pluck at wanting to have a job. I even rather enjoyed her in-laws. Much of the time these characters are shoved to the background and left very one-dimensional. Not in this book. There are some other secondary characters I’d love to read about. Wendy and Helaine come to mind. I loved them.

Grant…now there’s a tough nut to crack. Initially, I didn’t care for him as the hero. I understood the plot device Lee used, but there were times when it didn’t make sense. Eventually the rational is revealed and that makes a whole lot more sense, but early on there are facets of Grant’s personality that made me dislike him. Once he really got himself together and stopped wallowing, he’s a great hero. I enjoyed seeing him grow as a person.

I know a lot of historicals are sweet or spicy in nature. Be warned, this book sizzles. There are moments that aren’t for the faint of heart. The chemistry between Irene and Grant, even when they aren’t between the sheets, is explosive. I loved seeing them banter. But don’t let the heat level keep you from picking up this book.

If you want a read that will keep you up past bedtime having to know what will happen next, then this is the book for you.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , ,

Leviathans in the Clouds by David Parish-Whittaker and Steven Savile

July 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment

CLOUDS
Leviathans in the Clouds by David Parish-Whittaker and Steven Savile
Space 1889 and Beyond Series
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Historical, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (90 Pages)
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Cyclamen

It all seemed so straightforward at first…

Quantity surveying in the rain drenched swamps of Venus. How hard could it be? Endure a bit of rain, dig about where directed and Bob’s your uncle. To be sure, there were the local carnivorous lizards the size of houses, occasionally hostile natives and the local German colony, which had never proved particularly reasonable when it came to servants of the Crown digging about in what they clearly felt was their back garden. But by now, that sort of thing was barely more troublesome than setting out an afternoon tea for the good crew of the Esmeralda II.

True, some might call a plan a touch problematic if it requires bailing out of an airship in a single-seat experimental glider while a Venusian storm rages. If said plan also involves landing in German-controlled territory in order to meet a marginally sane geologist named Jungle Ned, one might even call the whole affair tricky.

But things go from tricky to worse when they arrive at Ned’s hideout and find it ransacked and covered with indecipherable symbols. Of Ned there is no sign other than a single hidden note: The gods brought themselves down. Before they discover its meaning, our heroes will find there is more to Venus than just peat bogs and hungry fauna. Forgotten secrets linger in the mists. And sometimes what is forgotten is still very much alive…

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I like the characters in this novel, and the authors capture the flavor of the time period with great accuracy. The trio of Annabelle, Arnaud, and Nathanial makes for an effective and at the same time unusual mix of talents and nationalities. Annabelle is definitely my favorite. She is an American woman working for the British, and she understands all too well exactly how women are treated, even a highly capable adventurous woman who happens to have an artificial leg. Her spirit and her pluck are very inspiring, and she manages to save the two men in spite of their efforts to take care of her. The trio has Thymon, a lizard-man native, to guide them, and Thymon is a marvelous character. He is intelligent, loyal, and definitely most capable in a wide variety of situations. The trio would be lost without his assistance.

Once the trio lands on Venus, the adventure begins in earnest as they meet with a number of deadly enemies. “Murderous mad scientist or carnivorous insects?” Annabelle shuddered. “Why don’t we ever discover something pleasant? Perhaps a panda or an alien puppy, for an example.”

The plot moves swiftly with one deadly adventure after another. There are twists and turns which I did not expect, and I found the story to be both fun and exciting.

I recommend this novel to any who enjoy fantasy with a Victorian flavor. There are different species to encounter and other worlds to explore. Come aboard the airship Esmeralda II and enjoy the adventure.

Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , ,

Escape With Me by Ruby Duvall

July 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment

ESCAPE
Escape With Me by Ruby Duvall
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Historical, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (228 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Iris

Being shot is bad enough, but waking up in eighteenth-century London is even worse. Samantha must follow the clues in her magic locket to find out why she’s here and how to get home, and a tempting offer of shelter is too good to be true when she learns her patroness is actually a procuress. Even more startling than her overpowering attraction to her first client is the fact that submitting to her desires may lead to the answers she needs.

The beautiful redhead is a distraction that naval officer Ryder cannot afford. His father is dying and his fugitive brother has bankrupted the family business. But he cannot deny himself, and Samantha turns out to be just what he needed—both in bed and out—yet the more passion they share, the more embroiled she becomes in his dangerous dealings, including the dark secret between Ryder and the obsessed revenue officer who wants to see him hang.

Don’t we all wonder what would happen if we had mysteriously traveled back in time and were caught with no money and no protector and a limited working knowledge of the time period? (Well, okay, those of us who enjoy a good time-travel read have!) This one seems to be a bit more realistic at the start with our heroine, Samantha, having a turn or two of “bad luck”.

The interesting turn of events comes in the form of a locket found in her time. Well, her “correct” time. Not only does it seem to be the reason she traveled back in time, but it seems to be pointing her in a very specific direction.  Then her “bad luck” turns fortuitous in the meeting of Mary, one of the girls in the house. Being able to keep Mary with her allows Mary to help interpret the locket and its message. It also provides a buffer for Samantha’s reaction to Ryder.

And isn’t Ryder the reason we all have time travel fantasies? Handsome, hardworking, a bit of money – as well as some mystery, intrigue and a sordid past. Oh yeah, and hot for you. Well, in this case, hot for Samantha!

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They share an intimate relationship during her stay in this time period and it is a vigorous and well-written intimate relationship.

However, having said all of the above, I need to note that there were many places where I had to stop and re-read. Whether it was confusing writing or my lack of knowledge of this particular time, I am not entirely sure. It may, in fact, be the combination of the two. But as it occurred multiple times, it bears mentioning.

Also worth mentioning is the twisting and turning plot. While creating an engaging scenario and allowing our heroine to move forward in her quest, the added plot twists proved confusing and also made me stop and re-read passages. The end result is positive, but the reader should be aware of this so it doesn’t “put them off”.

While most of the romantic scenes are between Samantha and Ryder, there is one particular encounter between Samantha and the Duke that isn’t a particularly pleasant meeting. While no actual intercourse is described, Samantha is very definitely cast in a subservient role, and is most forcefully against this liason. After that warning, I do want to state that it is definitely worth reading this scene, and the outcome continues to help move the story forward.

While not a traditional time travel novel, one does find the “happily ever after” they are looking for. There are plenty of twists and turns and many intimate moments. All-in-all, a worthy take on this interesting plot.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Or Current Resident by Zenobia Renquist

July 25, 2013 By 1 Comment

RESIDENT
Or Current Resident by Zenobia Renquist
Soul Debt
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (90 pages)
Other: M/F, Voyeurism, Interracial
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Cheyenne didn’t know what she was in for when she took over her friend’s lease. She thought she was getting a perfect apartment with reasonable rent. And then a demon shows up on her first night, demanding the sex that’s owed him. That’s when she regrets not reading before she signs, though she doesn’t regret it long.

The landlord made a deal with August — an entire apartment complex as his sexual playground in exchange for personal gain. Cheyenne is August’s latest acquisition, and his prowess has her eagerly awaiting his return. She happily meets his every challenge because the second she refuses, he’ll drop her into Hell to satisfy his many brothers instead.

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Who would be able to pass up the perfect apartment, fully furnished, and in a good neighborhood for such a reasonable low monthly rent? Some might say there are things that are too good to be true. For those that doubt, leave your reality behind and come visit Cheyenne as she signs a one year lease at Ashbrim Heights and see how perfect her apartment is.

Or Current Resident was a very satisfying read for me. I enjoyed the plot, the characters and loved the steamy hot sex scenes. Cheyenne Norden is overjoyed with excitement in signing the lease for such a perfect apartment. But that excitement comes to a halt when she learns who August is and what she has really signed. A Copulation Clause stating August, a demon, can come at his will to Cheyenne’s apartment and have relations with her. If she denies him that right it constitutes as a termination of her lease.

In addition to the one year lease, August also explains the six month renewal to Cheyenne, where if she allows him any pleasure he wants she can receive whatever wish she wants. If during the extended six month lease, she denies him his pleasure she is sentenced to hell for a term of 5 years. Cheyenne makes it through the year with a breeze and goes for the six month renewal. During this time the author’s voyeurism skills are displayed for all to see and read. I found the sexual request by August to be wild and a great imagination was used by the author. Cheyenne is a brave and adventurous character and I liked that she gambled and took the risk to gain her wish. She knew her place and didn’t try to make the relationship with August into what she knew it couldn’t be. I am please with the ending. It was a fun and interesting read. Or Current Resident is a sensually written quick read that will whet the adult appetite.

This is a spicy and tantalizing short read that took a vivid and sexual imagination. This is one satisfying book you wouldn’t want to miss.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

A Gift For Santa by Deanna Wadsworth

July 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment

GIFT
A Gift For Santa by Deanna Wadsworth
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (76 pgs)
Other: M/M, Anal Play
Rating: 5 stars
Review by Peppermint

Since birth, demi-god Nick Claus has heard the demands, wishes and dreams of all humans. Unable to grant the wishes of adults because they want love, health, and peace on Earth—things he cannot provide—Nick has devoted his eternity to granting the wishes of children by bringing them toys on Christmas Eve.

But what about the things Nick wants? Will he ever find the love he craves? Or will he continue to pretend the North Pole has not become lonely and Christmas is all he needs?

Enter Jack Frost.

The winter sprite has been teasing Nick and flirting with him ever since the first kiss they shared, centuries ago. With a saucy proposition, Jack convinces Nick to take a few minutes out for himself despite the busy Christmas season. The catch is, Jack hates Christmas.
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Will Nick be able to melt the heart of Jack Frost, or will he end up getting frostbite from this sexy, naughty sprite?

The north pole never looked so titillating than in this story about Mr. Clause and Mr. Frost finally giving into their deepest desires. These types of quirky stories have a spot near and dear to my heart. I just can’t help but smile when I read about Santa finally getting a gift for the holidays when usually he is only asked for presents, but never given any.

Jack Frost is anything but icy when it comes to his feelings for Santa. Though he may have a frosty exterior, it is clear that he cares for Santa in a way that no one else seems to. These feelings are what causes him to be somewhat jaded since it seems like Santa only has time to give to little boys and girls, but not have time to pursue other interests.

While this novella may seem all fun and games, it actually had a serious note to it that I found refreshing. It made me actually sit back and think for a moment what type of sign are we sending kids when all they do is ask for gifts from Santa with no regard to what he may want, or if he even needs a break from all of the chaos of the holidays. I was surprised that the author was able to incorporate this side of the holiday that I think many tend to ignore. So while this is not a family book by any means, it may lead its readers to think about their family the way it did for me.

This was a truly entertaining tale that I will refer to whenever I need a bit of holiday spirit or some ho ho ho.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Mysterious Death of Miss Austen by Lindsay Ashford

July 24, 2013 By Leave a Comment

AUSTEN
The Mysterious Death of Miss Austen by Lindsay Ashford
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Genre: Historical, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Full Length(432 pgs)
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Snapdragon

“Where would I begin to explain it all…?”

Twenty-six years have passed since the death of Jane Austen. Armed with a lock of Austen’s hair as perhaps her best clue, Anne Sharp, former governess to the Austen family and Jane’s close friend, has decided at least to tell her story—a story of family intrigues, shocking secrets, forbidden loves, and maybe even murder…

Upon its publication in the UK, Lindsay Ashford’s fictional interpretation of the few facts surrounding Jane Austen’s mysterious death sparked an international debate and uproar. None of the medical theories offers a satisfactory explanation of Jane Austen’s early demise at the age of forty-one. Could it be that what everyone has assumed was a day by natural causes was actually more sinister?

Lindsay Ashford’s vivid novel delves deep into Austen’s world and puts forth a shocking suggestion—was someone out to silence her?

Written in what seems a classic voice from the main character’s own time, Lindsay Ashford brings us Jane Austen – through the eyes of a friend.

The governess, Anne, is affronted by the very idea that Jane was little more than drab, sad being of the times. Jane’s nephew seems determined to portray his aunt as a particularly uninteresting person, with little life.
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Anne – so long a governess for Jane’s brother’s children, has a much different view. Not only that – she has suspicions, long held suspicions. Framed as a memory of Anne’s, this tale opens with the discovery that Jane Austen was almost certainly poisoned. We sit back, ready for something on the lines of a detective novel – but no, Anne, our narrator, brings us back to the times she remembers. She begins with Jane visiting the home she works in, how they become friends, the discovery that something, or someone in that has is not …quite… what they appear.

The family is entangled in ways that don’t show on the surface. Anne, a mere governess, carefully pretends to remain unaware – but Jane, and her own dear sister Cassandra, can hardly have remained unsuspicious.

Ashford remains true to the time, and to her narrator. The Mysterious Death of Miss Jane Austen offers an incredible level of intrigue, but in the style of its times. We are in an old family home, Godmersham Park. The downstairs servants apart from the family, and the mistress of the household, Elizabeth, is not the lovely sister-in-law what might imagine. In fact, more than one of the family apparently have some secret – it is the kind of secret that seems most important. There is an undercurrent of anger …and most certainly jealousy.

Whispers and rumors feed Anne’s ideas, as well as her own observations of the family. The aura of the times is most surely secure, with afternoon teas, and picnics for the children, and polite amusements like coming up with clever riddles. The adults attend balls.

As interesting and driving as the mystery is – this story also bring forward a delightful and truly interesting Jane Austen. It is wonderful to meet her ‘as a friend,’ and more wonderful to follow some of the events of her life. She is clever and observant and those things – things we learn from reading her own stories – might well have contributed to her death. Fiction it is, but I could believe it as biography.

The Mysterious Death of Miss Austen is the best story I have read in a very long time.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Paradise Valley by Rosanne Bittner

July 24, 2013 By Leave a Comment

VALLEY
Paradise Valley by Rosanne Bittner
Publisher: Source Books Casablanca
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical
Length: Full Length (341 pgs)
Heat Level: sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Aloe

“Stop! Or I’ll shoot your hat off.”

Maggie Tucker has just gone through hell. Outlaws murdered her husband, looted their camp, and terrorized Maggie before leaving her lost and alone in the wilds of Wyoming. She isn’t about to let another strange man get close enough to harm her. Sage Lightfoot, owner of Paradise Valley ranch, his hunting for the men who killed his best ranch hand. But what he finds is a beautiful, bedraggled woman digging a grave. And pointing a pistol at his heart. From that moment on, Sage will do anything to protect the strong-yet-vulnerable Maggie. Together, they’ll embark on a life-changing journey along the dangerous Outlaw Trail, risking their lives…and their love.

Maggie Tucker’s life completely changed when rowdy cowboys killed her husband, took her mules, and raped her before riding off. When she’s burying her husband, another cowboy rides up and she almost shoots him before discovering he’s not a danger. He says he wants to help her. Does she dare trust him?
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Ms. Bittner set this story in Wyoming when it was first becoming settled by ranchers. The line between bandits and ranch owners was fairly thin. Maggie’s rescuer is part Indian, has been a bandit in the past, is after the same three men that abused her because they killed one of his ranch hands and raped the man’s wife. This gives them a common cause. Maggie is going after those men herself and if Sage doesn’t take her along, she’ll go alone. He can see her determination and they become a team.

This story hit me right in the gut because Maggie gets impregnated by one of the rapists. This is one of my worst nightmares. I can’t imagine the horror of that realization. Even worse, she can’t tell Sage or he’ll leave her behind. There were several ways this situation could have been worked out, and I was surprised at the one the author chose.

The story line is accurate about the old west, Ms. Bittner’s characters are human and each has some baggage they need to work out, and while you might have expectations about the ending, you aren’t sure until the very end. There is tension, danger, anger, and love all combined in this story and the characters are compelling. I enjoyed it, why don’t you give it a try?

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

I, Claudia by Marilyn Todd

July 24, 2013 By Leave a Comment

CLAUDIA
I, Claudia by Marilyn Todd
A Claudia Seferius Mystery
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Suspense/Mystery, Historical
Length: Full Length (176 pages)
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Claudia Seferius has successfully flattered her way into marriage with a wealthy Roman wine merchant. But when her secret gambling debts spiral, she hits on another resourceful way to make money – offering her “personal services” to high-ranking Roman Citizens.

Unfortunately her clients are now turning up dead – the victims of a sadistic serial killer.

When Marcus Cornelius Orbilio, the handsome investigating officer, starts digging deep for clues, Claudia realizes she must track down the murderer herself – before her husband discovers what she’s been up to.

As the body count rises, Claudia must solve a series of disturbing murders. The biggest problem with this case is that the most relevant witnesses are dying off before Claudia can uncover what they know about the killer.

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Marriage is a business arrangement in this book. Claudia and her husband married for social and financial stability, and they are not sexually or emotionally attracted to one another. Their union definitely doesn’t conform to our modern day expectations of what it means to be a husband or wife, and I appreciate the author’s commitment to historical accuracy on this topic.

I would have liked to see more attention paid to Claudia’s character development. She repeatedly meets men who are instantly attracted to her and women who are her bitter rivals. Given Claudia’s narcissistic personality I don’t think these reactions are realistic. Yes, many people are initially attracted to strikingly beautiful women, but it doesn’t make sense for so many secondary characters to continue pursuing her once they realize that she’s only externally attractive.

The mystery Claudia rushes to solve is what drew me back into the plot. In retrospect, there were well-placed clues about the identity of the murderer early on, and after a few surprises along the way everything is wrapped up satisfactorily. The last few pages include a sample chapter of the next book in this series, and it whets my appetite for the adventures to come in Virgin Territory.

I, Claudia is an intriguing introduction to the life and times of a ruthless, intelligent woman living in a time and place that encourages her to be neither. It will be entertaining to see what happens to Claudia Seferius next, and I recommend this book for anyone looking for a light summer read.

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