Archives for July 2013

Who’s There? by Herschel Cozine

July 12, 2013 By Leave a Comment

THERE
Who’s There? by Herschel Cozine
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Suspense/Mystery, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (7 pages)
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Nurseryland’s best (and only) private eye has been involved in many cases surrounding nursery rhyme and fairy tale victims, but this is the most baffling of all.

How does one find a person who isn’t there? This is the daunting task that Nathaniel P. Osgood III faces when he reluctantly accepts the case.

Searching throughout Nurseryland, Osgood makes the discovery that the little man he is looking for has not been at many places. Unreliable witnesses who claim to have not seen the little man who wasn’t there all over town add to Osgood’s frustration. In desperation, Osgood resorts to deception to resolve the case to his client’s satisfaction.

How do you solve a case that doesn’t come with any substantial clues and is brought to your attention by an unreliable witness?
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Mr. Cozine stumped me from the beginning of this story. I couldn’t imagine how a private detective with limited resources planned to solve such an ill-defined mystery, but I was eager to find out! His newest client, Griswold McPhee, certainly doesn’t make the job easy for him, but I enjoyed watching Nathaniel pry a handful of clues out of his client before agreeing to take the case.

The ending of this piece felt rushed. I understood the point the author was trying to make, but it would have benefitted from another round of editing in order to further develop how Nathaniel came up with his solution. It was difficult to believe that a man who was as distraught as Mr. McPhee would accept the detective’s answer as it was written.

This is a plot-based series, and so far Nathaniel P. Osgood III has remained more or less the same person from one mystery to the next. Each adventure can be easily read as a standalone story, but the author’s playful sense of humour became more evident on my second trip to Nurseryland. I’m looking forward to visiting this world again so I can meet more of the surprising characters who live there.

Who’s There? is a creative take on a lesser-known nursery rhyme. It’s a good choice for anyone who loves these traditional rhymes and has always wondered what happens to the characters in them after they end.

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

Viking Fire by Andrea Cooper

July 12, 2013 By 1 Comment

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Viking Fire by Andrea Cooper
Publisher: Crimson Romance
Genre: Historical
Length: Short Story (111 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

856 CE, Ireland is a land of myth, magic, and blood. Viking raiders have fought the Irish for over half a century. Rival Irish clans promise only betrayal and carnage.

Kaireen, daughter of Laird Liannon, is suddenly forced into an arranged marriage with her sworn enemy, a Viking. She refuses to submit. With no mention of love, only land and the protection of her clan, she endeavors to get her betrothed banished from her country. Will love find its way around her stubborn heart?

Bram, the Viking, finds himself without future or inheritance as a younger son in his family. A marriage to the Laird’s daughter would grant him land if he swears fidelity and if his men will fight along with the Liannons against any foe—Irish or Viking. However, the Laird’s feisty daughter only holds animosity for him and his kind. Is marriage worth the battle scars of such a relentless opponent?

With the blame for a rival laird’s death treacherously set against the Liannons, Kaireen and Bram must find a way to lay aside their differences as an unforeseen darkness sends death snapping at their heels.

Twenty-year-old Kaireen is stubborn and takes for granted her high station in life. She’s used to having her own way and rebels about marrying even though she is much older than her sisters were when they married. Her parents mete out punishment that has Kaireen in some pretty miserable spots.
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Kaireen tells herself she cannot trust Bram son of Ragnor; after all he is a Viking; but his kisses make her insides churn then liquefy. Her longstanding need to be free drives her efforts to get rid of him. However, when she knows he will die if she doesn’t get help quickly, she rides to a neighboring clan for help and ends up giving the O’Neils a way to reignite the feud with her clan. The intrigues, scheming, spying, and lying add fuel to the feud to the fighting point.

As the reader gets to go along with Kaireen, there is an opportunity to learn what really goes on in the kitchen, the dye chamber, and in the lives of the servants. There’s even a chance to learn a bit of the superstitions about fairies and druids along the way.

Bram, a golden-haired, blue-eyed giant of a man, is gentle, patient, teasing, and tempting with the often rude Kaireen. He’d made a promise to her mother and never waivers in his intentions. However, when it is time to fight, he is a force to be reckoned with.

The O’Neill clan’s story gets woven into the plot and creates an undercurrent of unease and a sense of impending treachery. Feoras, the younger O’Neill son, is an antagonist that riles one’s ire to the boiling point. His selfish greed and hunger for power brings grief in abundance.

The character whose attitude and actions make the story sparkle is Elva, Kaireen’s handmaid. She amazes and surprises as the story unfolds.

Andrea Cooper weaves a tantalizing tale of life in a not-too-civilized Ireland. Best of all she weaves in the unique thread of a courtship filled with fun, fury, and fighting that leads to a love that show how true loves are willing to give their lives to protect each other.

I’d love to tell about a druid and predictions coming true, but that would take away the fun of your getting to find out as you read Viking Fire. Good entertainment.

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

Darkness Bred by Stella Cameron

July 12, 2013 By Leave a Comment

CAMERON
Darkness Bred by Stella Cameron
Chimney Rock book 2
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (384 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Peppermint

THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

Ever since shapeshifter Elin escaped to Whidbey Island, danger has stalked her every move. Her human traits, combined with her unique supernatural gifts, make her a prized being to be possessed . . . or destroyed. It is only the passionate attraction she shares with werehound Sean Black that gives her hope for her future-if she can elude the lethal predators who are hot on her scent.

HIDES DANGER AND DESIRE

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Running has seemed to become a regular part of Elin and Sean’s life. Both of them have been running from a past that they cannot change. What they can change is their future, but first they have to realize that they are stronger when standing together.

The beginning of this story seemed a bit overwhelming to me. I had not read the previous story, therefore, I had a bit of a learning curve I needed to overcome. Once I became familiar with the characters and the storyline I was able to follow along and even become enthralled in the storyline and characters.

Elin’s past is something that captured my attention almost immediately. I enjoyed being able to discover more about the heroine at the same time she learns about herself. It made me feel as if I was part of the story. Elin also had a spit fire personality that had me smiling at times, because I just never knew what she was going to do next. She certainly was able to keep me and Sean on our toes as well as some of the supporting characters within the story.

Sean’s character was definitely all alpha male wanting to protect those he cares about. I liked that while this characteristic was a driving force behind his actions, it also at times proved to be his Achilles heel. This was especially true when it came to getting help from others, especially Elin. His willingness to do whatever necessary to protect her was endearing, yet it was clear that it sometimes got in the way of what needed to be done. Especially when Elin refused to be a weakling who cowers in the corner.

The story line in this book was extremely dynamic, since it featured a variety of plot conflicts. Both Elin and Sean had individual conflicts they needed to resolve as well as the main conflict from the evil that threatened them and their friends. This mystery antagonist helped to enhance the story line as well as allowed me to meet some other interesting characters such as Sally, Leigh and Niles.

This novel incorporated everything that I look for an a paranormal story with its variety of creatures, from vampires, fae and shifters, to a budding romantic interest and a diabolical antagonist (or two). I truly enjoyed the world the author created, and would love to read about more characters in the Chimney Rock series.

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

Snowfall by Cameron Dane

July 12, 2013 By Leave a Comment

SNOWFALL
Snowfall by Cameron Dane
Publisher: Loose Id
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday
Length Short Story (45 pages)
Other: M/M, Anal Play
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Clover

Together for four years now, Christian and Jonah from A Fostered Love are still wildly in love and passionately attracted to each other. Jonah has never seen snow, and Christian thinks he’s set in place the perfect Valentine’s Day weekend away to show his man something new.

Sometimes, though, Mother Nature can be a real bitch, and this year she brings Christian’s and Jonah’s plans to a screeching halt before they can even begin.

If he also feels difficulty to discount viagra maintain the erection, then do not worry; you have landed up on the dream of having a child. Impotence issue in man can prescription cialis affect more than your sex life. Today, getting ED treatment is not so much found in the open pharmacies that is why some of the online pharmacies are considered the store, and because of their low overhead, they can pass on the savings to you. click here for more order cheap viagra Sleeping problems reducing male sexual wellbeing- We all are well familiar with get viagra from india the way everyone life goes. If there’s one thing that messes with Jonah’s head and heart, it’s seeing Christian upset. Can Jonah come up with a miracle and show Christian that sometimes the best holidays are the ones spent in your own backyard?

When the going gets tough, the tough get going, at least when it comes to making a lover happy that is!

Christian and Jonah have been together for four years and are falling ever more in love with each other. Jonah, however, has never had the pleasure of seeing real snow, so when Valentine’s Day comes around, Christian books them a fabulous trip away to show his partner the beautiful white stuff. The trouble is, the weather is against them and all flights are cancelled. This means Jonah is sad, the one thing that makes Christian ready to get up and fight!

Snowfall is a very sexy book; in fact the vast majority of the story is m/m sex. I liked the hero and hero, even though I hadn’t read the previous book, A Fostered Love, and soon became invested in their happiness. I so wanted that snow machine to work!

I liked the story, there was some changes of points of view that I found a little confusing, and I had to re-read to find out whose head I was in. There is a lot of sex, seriously detailed sex, especially out in the yard. But again, if that is what you are looking for, then this is a book for you.

The plot isn’t intricate and the characters have no conflict, other than the weather forcing them to stay home for Valentine’s Day. But for a quick dose of m/m sex, it might work for you, especially if you already know Jonah and Christian.

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

The Temporary Detective by Joanne Sydney Lessner

July 11, 2013 By 7 Comments

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The Temporary Detective by Joanne Sydney Lessner
Publisher: Dulcet Press
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery
Length: Full (274 pgs)
Rated: 4.5 Stars
Review by Poppy

Phones, light typing…and murder.

Think breaking into show business is hard? Try landing a temp job without office skills. That’s the challenge facing aspiring actress Isobel Spice when she arrives in New York City, fresh out of college and deficient in PowerPoint. After being rejected by seven temp agencies for her lack of experience, Isobel sweet-talks recruiter James Cooke into letting her cover a last-minute vacancy at a bank. New to his own job, and recently sober, James takes a chance on Isobel, despite his suspicion that she’s a trouble-magnet. His misgivings are borne out by lunchtime, when she stumbles across a dead secretary in a bathroom stall. With her fingerprints on the murder weapon, Isobel sets out to prove her innocence by investigating the crime herself. While learning to juggle phone lines and auditions, she discovers an untapped talent for detective work–a qualification few other office temps, let alone actresses, can claim.

The Temporary Detective was the most fun I’ve had reading in quite some time! Isobel is such a hoot. She’s an interesting mix of naive and smart, with a mouth that sometimes forgets to close. From the moment she talked about her mishaps waiting tables as she was trying to get a temp job, I was hooked. James was a great character, too…though, honestly, even the secondary characters were really well created. I especially enjoyed Isobel’s brother.
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The author has done a great job painting a picture with her words. Maybe some of the situations stretched my belief just a tad, but that’s to be expected in a cozy mystery, I think. After all, how many temps do you know who find a body during a fire drill and then manage to somehow solve the mystery while juggling the job and trying to get a foot in the door on Broadway?

I chuckled and smiled through most of this book. That’s not to say there weren’t serious parts as well. For instance, James is struggling with an alcohol problem and desperately needs to keep his job (and Isobel isn’t making that very easy). He’s in a bad relationship, is attracted to Isobel (a skinny white girl and so not his type…) and really is just a teddy bear under all his bluster. Isobel takes good care of him (loved the part when she moved the wine out of his reach).

There were a few parts where things slowed a bit, but I adored the cast of characters so much, I never even though about stopping reading. In fact, the moment I finished, I grabbed book two and opened it up.

If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries with strong, individual characters who become your friends, then I recommend The Temporary Detective. I really enjoyed it!

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

Corwin of Carrowkeel by Ed Sutter

July 11, 2013 By Leave a Comment

CORWIN
Corwin of Carrowkeel by Ed Sutter
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (303 Pages)
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Cyclamen

Corey, a pleasant middle-aged guy, is one of Ashley Forrest’s favorite customers. He’s polite, tips well, and he never causes trouble. But when trouble comes looking for Ashley, Corey helps her out, and the young waitress and pre-med student learns about the real Corey. For Corwin of Carrowkeel is a veteran of the wizard wars between the Order of the Magi and the Unseelie Knights. Suddenly, Corwin and Ashley must fight off evil wizards, vicious elves, and a beautiful sorceress or two. Ashley’s life will never be the same!

Corwin of Carrowkeel had retired from the Order of the Magi and now is living a quiet life as a writer in Arizona. He enjoys going out for breakfast just to be out with others, and when his favorite waitress, Ashley Forrest, is threatened by a jerk of a boy friend, he comes to her aid. After that, a former student and fellow mage, Joshua West, shows up to try to convince Corwin to come out of retirement because something strange is going on in the Phoenix area. That is the start of the adventures.

Ed Sutter has written an action-packed fast moving fantasy adventure with some wonderful settings and characters. Corwin is a powerful mage, but he is also a very kind man whom I like and believe in. Ashley is a waitress and a pre-med student at ASU. She is suddenly thrown into a world she never knew existed. As she says, she is a scientist and only believes in science which doesn’t include Faerie or other worlds. Corwin replies, “It’s okay. Most people have never heard of Faerie and would probably never believe in it anyway. But these other realms, other worlds, all occupy the same space, only kept apart by the frequencies at which they operate. You’d have to ask a physicist to explain that part.” Ashley is drawn into worlds she never even dreamt existed, and Sutter draws all of his readers into the magic and adventure along with Ashley.
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I like the way Sutter introduces relationships between some of the characters with flashbacks showing when they first met or previous adventures they had shared. I feel that this is an excellent way to add depth to Corwin’s character and show the reader what various other characters are truly like by means of their actions.

One of my favorite parts is Corwin’s explanation of pixies after Ashley is freaked because suddenly she can see them. Corwin says that There are “… various flavors of pixies. Sometimes, particularly if they’re on our side of the gate, they can masquerade as hummingbirds, though. Maybe half to two thirds of the hummingbirds you see back home are actually pixies. Some of that is Faerie glamour, and some of it is the refusal of the human mind to process anything that doesn’t fit its world view. Once you become attuned to the magical world, you start to see all kinds of weird things around you.” As a hummingbird lover, I like the idea that many of them are masquerading pixies, and I especially like the way Corwin encourages not only Ashley but all of us to become attuned to the magical world around us.

Corwin of Carrowkeel is a wonderful fantasy adventure with lots of action and suspense. I really hope that Sutton writes more novels about Corwin, and I can recommend this book to any lovers of magic and fantasy.

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

Helen Hath No Fury by Gillian Roberts

July 11, 2013 By Leave a Comment

HELEN
Helen Hath No Fury by Gillian Roberts
An Amanda Pepper Mystery
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (149 Pages)
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Cyclamen

In the stately nineteenth-century homes on Philadelphia’s Delancey Street, the wilder passions scarcely ruffle the peace. Murder is unthinkable, particularly a murder involving an upscale book discussion group, of which schoolteacher Amanda Pepper is a devoted member. Nevertheless, on the day after a heated discussion of a fictional heroine’s suicide, book group member Helen Coulter falls to her death from her roof garden. Helen’s death is declared a suicide but Amanda is convinced otherwise. Why is this admirable woman dead? And if she was killed, who performed the heinous act? Amanda’s investigations will draw her into a zone of great danger, where Helen Coulter’s ice-hearted killer is once more ready to strike. . . .

Amanda Pepper really enjoys her book club. She is a high school English teacher, trying to instill a love of literature into the minds of the students at Philly Prep, who are frequently bored. Therefore, to be able have a book club where she can talk about books with others who feel passionately about them is a real treat. Gillian Roberts uses the book club almost like another character. Opening the novel at a book club meeting discussing Kate Chopin’s The Awakening allows Roberts to introduce nearly all the characters quickly and effectively, fleshing them out simply by showing how they discuss the novel. As Amanda notes: “Good books are like Rorschach tests. What each person finds on the page depends on what she’s brought along with her. I know very little about the daily lives of these women. I see most only once a month, but I feel as if I know more about their values and concerns, more of what matters to them and who they are, than I do about many of my longtime friends. All of that is via the books we read, the ideas that fill our monthly meetings.” It is this book club meeting that convinces Amanda that her friend Helen did not commit suicide.

The current level of erectile functioning, which initial diagnostic overnight generic cialis tests might be the most useful and what treatment should begin immediately for the respective condition. Erectile dysfunction http://cute-n-tiny.com/cute-animals/black-and-white-bunny/ prices cialis is the inability to maintain erection. Be buy cheapest viagra it an industrial or commercial, everybody requires precision and quality. Consumption get viagra overnight have a peek at this web-site of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains and on the other hand cutting down on red meat and alcohol. Helen Hath No Fury is the tenth Amanda Pepper Mystery. I am one of those readers who loves to find a series that is well-written with characters I care about and plots that are fast paced and exciting. I have now read two novels in this series, and I can’t wait to read them all. Amanda Pepper is bright and witty. She obviously cares deeply for her students, and based on the lesson plans she shares in these novels, she is an excellent teacher. In addition, she is a seeker of truth and has the ability to piece together puzzles in order to find the answers to baffling cases. She lives with C.K. Mackenzie, a homicide detective, and a cat, Macavity. She has a mother who is always pushing her to get married. These characters are loveable, and to have a series where the reader gets to know them better each time is a real delight. That being said, the novels also stand alone perfectly. No prior knowledge is assumed. No prior cases are invoked.

In addition to memorable well-developed characters, there is a terrific mystery with many twists and turns. There is even a side story about a student, a mystery in its own right, which ends up giving Amanda the clues she needs to solve Helen’s murder. The pacing is excellent and the pages just turn themselves. And I love the play on words in the title. It sets the tone for the novel as a whole, and also demonstrates the value of words in Amanda’s life.

I can highly recommend Helen Hath No Fury to any lovers of the cozy mystery, written to the high standards of a classic mystery where the suspense turns on the characters and the plot. This is a novel, and indeed a series not to be missed.

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

Getting Back to Normal by Marilyn Levinson

July 11, 2013 By Leave a Comment

NORMAL
Getting Back to Normal by Marilyn Levinson
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (103 pages)
Age Recommendation: 12+
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Sixth-grader Vannie Taylor’s mom has just died. Her father, completely lost without his wife, brings Vannie and her younger brother to live in a dismal cottage on the estate where he manages craft fairs, dinners, and other events. When strange events start happening around the estate, Vannie decides to investigate, and soon discovers a ghost who wants her to help him make amends for something in his past. Vannie’s life is starting to get back to normal, but in a way she’s never imagined.

Death doesn’t have to be the end. Spirits who deeply regret terrible decisions they made in life have a slim chance of fixing their mistakes if they can find someone to give them a hand. The problem is that most of the living are either unaware of the dead or have no interest in helping them.

All it takes is one willing assistant, though. Will Vannie agree to help someone she barely knows? I puzzled over this question as the plot thickened. Once I figured out what she needed to do I wondered how reasonable it was for her to agree to it. Had I been in her shoes I don’t know if I would have been equally willing to make the same sacrifice.

Thus, an impotent male should be careful while choosing any of the buy viagra generic erectile dysfunction remedies as some may impose a serious threat to life. Some of tadalafil 40mg india such predisposing factors also include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and brain tumors. This way, most viagra 100mg sales men experience harder erection within minutes and even erectile dysfunction patients have reported better erection strength within few weeks. By regularly performing certain exercises and practices we can actually increase the chi or oxygen pressure in the lungs that is pulmonary arterial hypertension. tadalafil 5mg tablets dig this The relationship between Vannie’s younger brother, Robby, and the feral cat he desperately wants to tame is a welcome relief from an otherwise serious storyline. His well-meaning but sometimes comedic attempts to make a pet out of a creature that has no concept of the term bring out the nurturing side of his older sister’s personality. While they occasionally annoy one another, it was nice to see such a warm bond between siblings in a young adult novel.

Vannie’s father, Roger, quickly moves on with his life after his wife’s death. Shortly after she dies he transitions his kids to a new home on the other side of town, and he soon introduces even more disruptive changes into their lives. His reasons for wanting to uproot his children weren’t clear to me until the final chapter, and I wish I had learned about them much earlier in the plot. Knowing this information right away would have helped me empathize with his point of view as I found it difficult to understand how a father could be so emotionally disengaged from his children. Throughout all of these adjustments in the Taylor family, Roger is a distant and short-tempered parent who leaves the practical aspects of running a household up to his preteen daughter. In certain ways Vannie acts more like an adult than her own father, and I didn’t think it was appropriate for her to assume so much responsibility at such a tender age.

With that being said, the paranormal scenes in this story that waver between lighthearted and disturbing conversations enhance the allure of Merrymount Gardens and everyone who lives there. The ghost Vannie meets has been trying to get help from the living for decades, and as soon as he realizes Vannie can see him he wastes no time in introducing himself. Eventually the ghost reveals something surprising about his personality that makes this book too frightening for readers under the age of 12. The twist adds unexpected depth to previous scenes, though, and transforms the plot into something well-suited for its intended audience.

I’d recommend Getting Back to Normal to anyone who loves the thrill of uncovering long dead secrets. This book is packed full of them, and I had a wonderful time discovering the truth with Vannie.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , ,

A French Affair by Lucy Felthouse

July 11, 2013 By Leave a Comment

AFFAIR
A French Affair by Lucy Felthouse
Publisher: Xcite
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (82 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Clover

Sydney Tyler is renting a barn conversion in Northern France, planning to spend the fortnight getting some words down on her novel.

Unfortunately, construction work in the other half of the building puts an end to her peace and quiet. Genuinely upset that the builders are going to disturb her, the property’s handsome English owner, Harry Bay, offers to make it up to her. He’s a little flirtatious, and after spotting his wedding ring, Sydney keeps him at arm’s length. Sexy as he is, she has no intention of getting involved with a married man. But when Sydney learns the truth about Harry, will their mutual attraction spur them on to work through their emotional baggage and make this more than just a French affair?

A trip away can sometimes go horribly wrong and then go oh, so, deliciously right!

Medical researchers have actually found a connection between gum health cheapest levitra and impotemnce. buy viagra from india Soaps prepared from this oil help to maintain skin health. If you want to know how to relax and cope. cialis wholesale click over here Why you suffer alone? I am here to explain you that there are very on line viagra easy ways and you can solve the issue. Sydney Tyler is renting a barn conversion in Northern France and looking forward to a few peaceful weeks of writing. She’s determined to completely immerse herself in the novel she has carefully plotted out. The trouble is – and isn’t this just what happens in real life? – she gets there and finds that seriously annoying builders are converting the barn next door! How can she possibly concentrate, let those characters talk to her, with all that banging and drilling going on?

The truth is she can’t, so when hunky – but apparently married – Harry Bay asks her if she’d like to spend some time enjoying peace and quiet at his house, how can she refuse? Ah, but it gets better rather than just working, why doesn’t she take a day trip to the most romantic city in the world with him, Paris? And is he married? Or has she jumped to the wrong conclusion after the bad experience she’s had?

I really enjoyed A French Affair and read it in one sitting. Ms Felthouse has a way of writing that is so perfectly real. Told from the heroine’s POV, all of her frustrations, fears, worries, delights, moments of ecstasy, are right there for a reader to enjoy as though they are there living in the moment. There is nothing wildly kinky or out there, this is a tale of two people, meeting, spending time together, becoming crazy with lust and then thinking of the future. Like I said, real.

I really liked Sydney, and could imagine her being my friend. I also really liked Harry, and he had layers to him that needed peeling back. He was sexy, considerate and also knew how to get it on when he needed to. He’s the sort of hero I like, very much, and I must admit, the mention of a little greying at the temples completely stole my heart!

If you like contemporary romance that is more than just sex – but has plenty of it – and has a story, and especially if you love France, then this might just be a book for you.

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

The Hourglass by Sharon Struth

July 10, 2013 By 22 Comments

Cover_TheHourglass
The Hourglass by Sharon Struth
Publisher: Etopia Press
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: Full (275 pgs)
Heat: Sensual
Rated: 4 Stars
Review by Poppy

Can forgiveness survive lies and unspoken truths?

Until Brenda McAllister’s husband committed suicide, she appeared to have the ideal life: a thriving psychology practice, success as a self-help author, and a model family. But her guilt over her affair with Jack’s best friend prevents her from moving on. Did Jack learn of her infidelity? Was she the cause of his death?

The release of Brenda’s second book forces her into an unexpected assignment with arrogant celebrity author CJ Morrison, whose irritating and edgy exterior hides the torment of his own mistakes. But as she grows closer to CJ, Brenda learns she wasn’t the only one with secrets—Jack had secrets of his own, unsavory ones that may have led to his death. While CJ helps Brenda uncover the truth about her husband, she finds the path to forgiveness isn’t always on the map.

Well rounded and believable characters are what make The Hourglass a worthwhile read. The plot is no slacker, either, but it’s the characters that will keep you turning pages.
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From the moment I met coffee-deprived Brenda, I liked her. She is strong and determined and I really enjoyed her sense of humor. CJ took a little longer to like, but when he started to open up a bit, I understood what Brenda saw in him. Other characters are involved in the book, but they weren’t as clearly defined. That may be partly due to how sharply I could see Brenda and CJ, so everyone else faded a bit when compared.

I have to admit that having Brenda as an author of successful non-fiction books that focused on relationships stretched my belief system a bit, considering that she’d (almost) had an affair and didn’t realize her husband was suicidal. Still, whether I found that believable or not didn’t really matter, since that wasn’t focused upon, not even in her role as an advisor to CJ for his book. That was more pure psychology than having a focus on interpersonal relationships.

Their chemistry is apparent from the start, even though both spend the first part of the book dating other people. It was interesting watching them come to terms with their feelings, especially CJ as he really didn’t want to feel anything positive toward Brenda.

The mystery of Jack’s death isn’t really a driving force in this book. Its focus is on healing that both Brenda and CJ need to do, and how they do it, and on their relationship. The author does a wonderful job dealing with both things. It’s interesting … the book isn’t edge of your seat exciting, but I was really hooked and read it in just a few hours with very few breaks. I can’t explain exactly why I was so hooked, but clearly the author is exceptionally skilled and knows how to keep a reader entertained.

If you’re looking for a book that will keep you intrigued, even if it doesn’t make your heart pound (but does tug the heartstrings), then I recommend The Hourglass. It’s a book you will read cover to cover and then think about after you’re done.

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