Legacy of Truth by Genie Gabriel

May 23, 2013 by 7 Comments

Cover_Legacy of Truth
Legacy of Truth by Genie Gabriel
Publisher: Rogue Phoenix Press
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense
Length: Short (75 pgs)
Heat: Sensual
Rated: 4 Stars
Review by Rose

Thomas O’Shea is the bad boy in a family of overachievers, haunted by what he saw as a child. When he turns to a woman known as The Wizard to help him solve the mystery of his adoptive father’s death, the killers start closing in. His childhood memories hold the key to saving his family–if they can uncover the truth buried beneath years of fear and deceit.

Legacy of Truth is the 8th book in Genie Gabriel’s Halo Legacy series and can be read on its own. However, I have to admit that I think the reader would get the full effect of the book better if they were more familiar with the series. This is the first book of the series I read and there were times I found myself confused with the characters. I’m thinking that if I had read the series from the beginning, I might have found the read easier going.

That said, I loved the main characters—I really liked how the author put two damaged people together and showed how they could help heal each other. The mystery portion of the book was well done as well.

There were parts in the story that seemed to make leaps from one situation to the other and I had to go back and reread some of those sections. I don’t know whether they alluded to things that might have happened in earlier books or not, but that was the only drawback I saw to the book.

I am definitely going to go back and pick up the rest of the series–I’d really like to get to know these characters better and find out more about them and their lives.

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The Folly at Falconbridge Hall by Maggi Andersen

May 23, 2013 by 4 Comments

Cover_The Folly at Falconbridge Hall
The Folly at Falconbridge Hall by Maggi Andersen
Publisher: Knox Robinson
Genre: Historical romance
Length: Full (350 pgs)
Heat: Spicy
Rated: 5 stars
Review by Snapdragon

Vanessa Ashley felt herself qualified for a position as governess, until offered the position at Falconbridge Hall.

Left penniless after the deaths of her artist father and suffragette mother, Vanessa Ashley draws on her knowledge of art, politics and history to gain employment as a governess. She discovers that Julian, Lord Falconbridge, requires a governess for his ten-year-old daughter Blyth at Falconbridge Hall, a huge rambling mansion in the countryside outside London.

Lord Falconbridge is a scientist and dedicated lepidopterist who is about to embark on an extended expedition to the Amazon in search of exotic butterflies. An enigmatic man, he takes a keen interest in his daughter’s education, but Vanessa feels that he may disapprove of her modern methods.

As she prepares her young charge to enter into the modern world, Vanessa finds the girl detached and aloof. As Vanessa learns more about Falconbridge Hall, more questions arise. Why doesn’t Blythe feel safe in her own home? Why is the death of her mother, once famed society beauty Clara, never spoken of? And why did the former governess leave so suddenly without giving notice?

The opening of The Folly at Falconbridge Hall  immediately fills the reader with anticipation; especially if you are a fan of the classic romance novel. It is England in the late nineteenth century, and the new governess Vanessa arrives at Falconbridge Hall. It is The Perfect Setting. Vanessa admits she is less than beautiful – and penniless; our perfect heroine.

She is shown in ‘to the master’s study.’ What phrase could sum up the situation better? It is both a backdrop and statement about the style of life, the man of the house, even the stature of the house. The master is neither cuddly nor dashing, and we see no great hope in him right off the bat. He is, shall we say …intriguing? With a variety of intellectual interests. There are moments when we sense kindness, yet we cannot quite be sure. There is also that rather too interested groom, Lovel, but the romance part of this romance is in no hurry. And there are no early spoilers – just hints, so I’ll make no further comment. At this point, you are as sure as I that when love arrives it will be ‘just right’ as is everything here.

Vanessa’s tale progresses at just the right pace, and we are slowly drawn into the world that is Falconbridge Hall: the community of staff, events and operations of the great hall. Ms. Andersen’s star quality is truly her superbly strong and interesting main character, yet her descriptions are worth notice as well. “…rode around the estate enjoying the titter of swallows in the trees, past the gnarled old apple trees, the grass dotted with fallen fruit after the harvest…” The genteel old world aura is enjoyably supported in the most subtle ways throughout.

Oh, but a tiny, almost unnoticed thread of disquiet twists its way through the tale. The thread regards a ‘captive’ beauty and that too, is worth waiting for. It is a curiosity, but also, perhaps, ominous. Vanessa’s life will go on an unpredictable course…Author Maggie Anderson never disappoints in the wonderful romance, that truly transports readers to this other, older world. Reading this novel is sitting down hoping for a proper tea and being served fruit cake along with the plum jam and scones. My recommendation: put this right to the top of your reading list.

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Lady Mercy Danforthe Flirts with Scandal by Jayne Fresina

May 23, 2013 by Leave a Comment

MERCY
Lady Mercy Danforthe Flirts with Scandal by Jayne Fresina
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (377 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

When a Perfectly Proper Lady…

Lady Mercy Danforthe always has a plan. It’s what makes her such a successful matchmaker, and why she’s obligated to spend a great deal of time generously organizing the lives of her friends and family. But there’s one man beyond her help. One man whose recklessness she can’t rein in; whose chaos she can’t contain. Her ex-husband, Rafe Hartley. Her one—and only!—mistake.

Flirts with a Reckless Rogue…

Rafe has never forgiven Mercy for running out on him. Their hastily annulled marriage may have one lasted three hours, but that doesn’t mean he needs her help finding a proper wife. Someone needs to teach little Miss Know-It-All a lesson about keeping her adorably freckled nose out of other people’s business. And it just so happens that Mercy “Silky Drawers” Danforthe still owes him a wedding night…

A Scandal’s Never Far Behind

What goes around, comes around, especially for a mysterious lady in black. Imagine my surprise, shock and delight when I figured out that this book picks up where another had left off, but years later. There is no doubt that this is a standalone read but when I realized that this Mercy Danforthe is the same one from The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne it tickled my fancy to realize that this young girl is all grown up and is still as opinionated and full of herself as before. What kind of trouble is she going to get into now?

What a tangled mess of yarn. It’s as true now as it was then – things that happened in our youth shape our decision making process in the future, for better or worse. I remember Mercy as being outspoken and quite a little lady of action. That inner motor, that drive to do and to make a mark has been honed and perfected in the Lady Mercy of the present. Readers will have no trouble at all figuring that out.

What they won’t realize although I had a sniggle of memory from before, is why she is the way she is. I blame it on her brother. Readers will be quick on seeing that as well. It’s tragic, really. You know the old saying, “attention for being bad is better than no attention at all”? That sums up the backdrop that drives the overall motive of the story. It started out that way but became a way of life. It’s pitiful! But don’t let Lady Mercy hear you say that, she’d be affronted. She has things all planned out and all the logical details dance to her whim. Or so she likes to think. As the tale goes on, a reader gets under to understand that Mercy isn’t shallow but very passionate, caring and still has her bonnet hung on one man. The worst sort of man – Rafe.

Rafe is borderline anti-hero. He has a veneer, a role he plays and he makes sure no one sees anything other than what he wants them to see. The rest see what they want to, and that’s just fine with him. Except, there’s this delightful older woman who sees in him something much more and it was gratifying to see that he took her words to heart. One of them will rue the day but half the fun is in figuring out who, why and when. As a reader gets to know him, the nuances that make up the man begin to show and he’s actually a pretty good guy. He’s really confused, confounded and tied in knots whenever Mercy is on the scene but that’s part of his charm. I suspect readers will pick up on the clues long before Rafe, the man who makes denial an art form, figures out his true feelings. Until then he has the misguided notion that Mercy should find him a bride. That has ‘disaster’ written all over it and I had a ton of fun watching that intent unravel.

When Mercy and Rafe do experience that long delayed wedding night, it’s well written and does not go according to plan. Nothing between them actually does which is perfect.

Speaking of which, I mention Mrs. Pyke. What an odd duck. Ungrateful wench too. Both Rafe and Mercy had dealings with that woman and I’m still of undecided mind if she was a helpful secondary character to have, or a hindrance. I felt bad for the kids and I kind of expected someone to say or do something, but they never did. Not really. It got my dander up.

Other secondary characters were much better received and I thought they did a splendid job of highlighting both Rafe and Mercy’s personalities not to mention prodding the plot and/or conflict along as needed. Most were interesting and gave the scenes flavor.

The most silly, endearing and fun scene came towards the end. I cracked up at the part when someone fainted and Lady Ursula made her demands. Those couple of pages were well written, pure genius and had me grinning from ear to ear. The best part was the reward of a satisfying happy-ever-after. Well worth the journey.

Lady Mercy Danforthe Flirts with Scandal is an eventful book about a busy lady who learns the value of being true to herself and that perfection is way overrated. It’s entertaining, well told and dare I say, cute. It’s light on the suspense and there’s no dark drama. Sometimes, airy but with substance is exactly what I need and on the day I read Lady Mercy Danforthe Flirts with Scandal, it was perfect.

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That Night by Diane Dooley

May 23, 2013 by Leave a Comment

THAT
That Night by Diane Dooley
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (44 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Lindy Hopkins works early, works late, always gets the job done and never, ever has incredible one night stands with handsome coworkers. Until that night. But it’s okay. She’s just going to keep on pretending that it never happened.

Alex Anderson never imagined that buttoned-down workaholic Lindy had the ability to transform into a table-dancing, champagne-guzzling femme fatale. Until that night. And it’s not okay that she’s been giving him the coldest of shoulders ever since.

Neither are prepared to face the other, but they have no choice. They’ve each booked the company Catskill cabin for a few days before Christmas and are both too stubborn to budge. Over mulled wine and under a blanket of snow, it’s starting to look like that night might happen all over again.

But this time Alex is playing for keeps, while Lindy is determined that no man will come before her career. Will they find that love is forever or will it be just another night to remember?

Lindy has borrowed her friend’s cabin for a few days of well-earned vacation, determined to do nothing but rest, relax and read. After unpacking and pouring herself an enormous glass of wine, she settles onto the couch with a forbidden delight – a cheesy romance novel. She’d barely begun to unwind when the cabin door bursts open and the unwelcome sight–Alex–enters. Some sort of mix up had her friend double booking the cabin – allowing him a few days vacation simultaneously with her own long-awaited rest. Unable to believe her terrible luck, Lindy tries to continue her break and ignore the sexy intruder. Sensual, frustrating images of “that night” they’d shared many months ago continue to bombard her, and Lindy knows her ignoring Alex will only work for so long before sparks fly.

I really enjoyed this book. Alex is a hoot! Smart, sexual and super-charged, he’s a wonderful hero. I particularly liked how patient he is with Lindy – who is having a hard time accepting she’d acted so outrageously on “that night” – even when she made me grit my teeth with her continual denial over their brief fling. Alex made me laugh and sigh – everything a hero should be. Lindy is more of a mixed bag. I related very well with her need for a break, her love of wine and eclectic assortment of reading material (everything from an Elanor Roosevelt autobiography to a Management textbook to spicy Greek romance novel) and while I connected with her I also never really fully understand her adamant denial of her fling with Alex. Despite a few small things like this, overall I really enjoyed the novel. Alex and Lindy have a bunch of things in common (lurid reading material included) and when they’re not trying to discuss or argue about “that night” they seem to have a lot of chemistry and work well together.

This is a slower-moving romance story but still quite steamy and sensual. There is plenty of sexual tension between Alex and Lindy. I really appreciated Alex’s patience with Lindy, especially when it came to helping her open up emotionally. There was no macho, alpha insistence or bullying – he was patient and kind, a real gentleman. In no way though was he weak – he knows exactly what he wants, but is prepared to play by the rules to get it. This is a spicy, wonderful romance story that I think will appeal to a broad range of readers. I found that the plot is interesting, the romance scenes spicy and enticing but not overly graphic or offensive. An enjoyable read I’d recommend.

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Phoenix by Elizabeth Richards

May 23, 2013 by 1 Comment

PHOENIX
Phoenix by Elizabeth Richards
A Black City Novel
Publisher: Penguin Books
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, YA, Paranormal, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Full Length (350 pgs)
Age Recommendation: 16+
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Weeks after his crucifixion and rebirth as Phoenix, Ash Fisher believes his troubles are far behind him. He and Natalie are engaged and life seems good. But his happiness is short-lived when he receives a threatening visit from Purian Rose, who gives Ash an ultimatum: vote in favor of Rose’s Law permanently relegating Darklings to the wrong side of the wall or Natalie will be killed. The decision seems obvious to Ash; he must save Natalie. But when Ash learns about The Tenth, a new and deadly concentration camp where the Darklings would be sent, the choice doesn’t seem so simple. Unable to ignore his conscience, Ash votes against Rose’s Law, signing Natalie’s death warrant and putting a troubled nation back into the throes of bloody battle.

Hold on for this wild ride!

There are few books that stop me in my tracks. This is one of those books. I like a story where I’m snagged from the beginning and don’t want to put it down. Yes, this was one of those books.

Elizabeth Richards writes with an intensity and a flowing quality that immersed me right into the story. I didn’t want it to end. I felt like I was right there in Black City.

This story is geared towards teens and here’s where my conundrum lies. Natalie and Ash are very much in love and they deal with love and life in many ways that teens do. But there is a lot of sexual contact that might not be for a younger teen. There is a lot of emotional distress in this book that a younger reader might not understand, either. But don’t let that deter you! This book definitely packs a punch.

The push and pull between Natalie and Ash is interesting. I could identify with both characters. She wants to protect him and he refuses to sacrifice her. Intense reading. I got a little irritated with them after a while because I wanted them to just work things out, but come on! This is fiction and well, everything can’t go smoothly.

If you want a book that’s rife with emotion and struggle as well as some hot love, then this might be the book for you.

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A Passion for Pleasure by Nina Rowan

May 23, 2013 by Leave a Comment

PASSION
A Passion for Pleasure by Nina Rowan
Publisher: Grand Central
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (384 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Cholla

Prelude to a Kiss

A brilliant pianist and notorious rake, Sebastian Hall indulges his passion for music and women with equal aplomb. But now that his elder brother has married, his father insists he pursue a more respectable path and find a suitable wife.

Music to Her Ears

As a girl, Clara Whitmore quietly loved her piano teacher from afar. Yet her youthful crush cannot compare to the powerful desire she feels when she unexpectedly meets Sebastian again. Perhaps the man who once dominated her dreams could be the husband she has hoped for—and save her from the fate she most fears.

Love Strikes a Chord

Risking scandal, ruin, and their own reputations, Sebastian and Clara enter into a marriage of convenience. But the pair soon discovers that their undeniable attraction is anything but convenient. Swept up in a crescendo of desire, Sebastian and Clara take each other to new heights of ecstasy—until secrets from the past threaten to doom the duet forever. Now Sebastian will have to change his tune—and prove his love is true.

When Sebastian and Clara come face to face for the first time after many years, she’s just as enamored as she was as a young woman. He’s oblivious to who she even is. But he’s not oblivious to the effect she has on him. When they discover their attraction is very much mutual, the trouble begins. Each holds a secret they don’t want to make public, but together can they find a way to satisfy the other’s needs and find happiness too?

Clara Whitmore is desperate for help and she’ll stop at nothing to get it. That includes proposing to her one-time piano teacher, Sebastian Hall. Lucky for her he just happens to be the handsome and charming son of an earl. Clara’s self-sacrifice and single-minded determination to get back what she’s lost is both endearing and a bit crazy. The author does well with balancing her crazy moments with her more clear-headed ones.

Sebastian Hall’s life of doing as he pleases has come to an end. Coming on the heels of his brother’s marriage, his father has given him an ultimatum of marry or else. When Clara, frantic with need, gives him the perfect opportunity to make his father happy, he agrees. What he doesn’t expect is to find a woman full of passion – and secrets. I’ve always been a sucker for musicians and Sebastian is no exception. He’s witty, he’s charming and he’s handsome. Not to mention that he’s harboring his own secrets. His situation really spoke to me though and his desire to keep it quiet was more than just stubborn pride.

I’ll admit I was a bit wary of the idea of marrying for the sake of meeting obligations, but the author did an excellent job of making it work. Together, Clara and Sebastian are a dynamite couple who are compatible both in and out of the bedroom. When Sebastian pulls a surprise move near the end of the novel, you really find out just how perfect they are for one another. I couldn’t have been happier at that moment.

A Passion for Pleasure is a romantic and humorous story about desperation and the acts that accompany it. Both steamy and exciting, this historical novel was a true joy to read.

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The Magic of I Do by Tammy Falkner

May 22, 2013 by Leave a Comment

MAGIC
The Magic of I Do by Tammy Falkner
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (306 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Peppermint

Desperately Seeking Excitement…

With the temporary prohibition on magic on the land of the Fae, Claire Thorne might as well go back to the Regency world. The haut ton has just as many annoying rules as her world, but at least they have parties and dances. Plus, the roguish Lord Phineas “Finn” Trimble is there…

When the feisty faerie tumbles into his room through a magical portal, Finn can’t believe how completely unpredictable she is. Even before the two stumble into a dangerous intrigue that threatens both their worlds, Finn discovers that his hitherto carefree life is about to go up in smoke…

Move out of the way vampires, werewolves, and zombies, and make room for the faeries. Yes, I said faeries, and while Claire may be beautiful, she is as feisty as any other paranormal creature I have ever been introduced to. It was nice to see a faerie be portrayed as a strong independent female.

Finn is not a  human  weakling either. Finn has a subtle strength to him that I came to enjoy. He didn’t have to prove that he was the big man on campus to win over my heart, or Claire’s. It was the small things that proved that he was more than capable of protecting the ones he cared for and providing whatever they needed. While his playboy antics were a problem for him in the past, it is clear that he is not willing to miss a good thing when it comes to Claire. His ex’s popping up in the story also made for interesting little twists that enhanced the story line.

One aspect that I think is worth mentioning was how entertaining Claire’s internal battle was when it came to Finn. His being human was a large concern of hers and on more than a few occasions almost blinded her to not only how much Finn cared for her, but also her own feelings towards him. Her past plays a large role in her prejudices against humans and faeries having relations, so her relationship development with Finn allowed me to see both her romantic as well as personal growth. It also provides a better idea of real life prejudices, because I could sympathize with her feelings, yet not agree with them.

This story was absolutely entertaining from beginning to end. It is a story I would most certainly recommend for its distinguished characters and exciting plot line.

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One Day in Apple Grove by C.H. Admirand

May 21, 2013 by Leave a Comment

APPLE
One Day in Apple Grove by C.H. Admirand
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (303 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Caitlin Mulchahy doesn’t have much time for socializing now that her sisters’ handyman business is thriving. For Dr. Jack Gannon—former Marine medic—keeping the residents of Apple Grove healthy is a welcome distraction from the haunting memories of his time served in Iraq. Although the two have lived in the same small town their whole lives, Cait and Jack barely know each other. That is until a stray puppy leads them to the same place at the same time. But it will take more than one adorable canine to get these two together—it’ll take a whole town.

Hometown hero returns to live a normal life after serving in the military – sounds like something a soldier would do. But how often does a person read about him rushing out to save a puppy to end up with a master carpenter named Caitlin? That adorable little puppy is part of a masterful plot by the author to bring about a wonderful well-told romance for readers to enjoy.

If a reader is looking to escape overwrought angst, diabolical criminals and only wants a sweet and satisfying romance story, then this tale fits the bill. I had no idea about Ms. Admirand’s storytelling voice and I was pleasantly surprised. It was refreshing because it hones in on three basic things, Jack, Caitlin and Jameson, the puppy. This is a character driven romance and they were a delight to get to know.

As a reader can well imagine, coming back from war when one has seen action and loss of life is a major adjustment. Many times there are not only physical injury but emotional/mental as well. That is Jack’s conflict.

Caitlin’s is more about balancing the family dynamic, which seems to be changing, and her feelings for Jack. Her character is faced with trying to balance her dreams of her youth to the dreams and expectations of the woman she’s become.

Jameson just wants a happy and loving home. The key is ‘loving’. It’s through the little furry dynamo that a reader has the door opened to the growing relationship between the hero and heroine. And the author didn’t’ miss a trick when it came to the care and wellbeing of the beloved canine. Jamie wasn’t a prop but a part of a growing little family. His importance plays a key role later on and is the cause of the only outside conflict. It’s short but effective and powerful.

Unlike the puppy, it took Jack a lot longer to figure things out because he had so much healing to do. He knew the basics and did what he could but it was the vocalization of what happened and facing it that he didn’t know quite how to go about. I really felt for him. He was such a wonderful and giving person – there for everyone and anyone that needed help. Yet, he had a really hard time accepting help for himself.

Enter the secondary characters. Caitlin’s dad is one smart man, same with Jack’s. That family dynamic is what I believe makes this an extra special story. There’s respect, genuine caring and no added drama about dysfunctional families. They have their quirks, to be sure, but there is a love that has nothing to do with the physical which permeates this book. I found it enchanting. Then throw in the community at large and how they interacted and I got that warm and fuzzy feeling. This was a real place, with real people and they come together when it means the most. The author captures that small town atmosphere perfectly.

Yes, Caitlin and Jack do get together in the sheet sense but it’s mild and sweet compared to some I’ve read. And a couple of the scenes actually lead to more emotional and revealing writing regarding the conflict. It’s all good.

One Day in Apple Grove is a special treat of a romance that’s not to be missed. It made me feel good after reading it and reinforced my belief that love between average people motivates them to do above average things in pursuit of the happily ever after.

Sometimes the book inspired laughter, other times introspection but it was always entertaining and engrossing. This was a great people story and worth taking the time to read – especially if a reader is softhearted like me who likes puppies to have happy-ever-afters too.

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Down and Out by Marcy G. Dyer

May 21, 2013 by 3 Comments

DOWN
Down and Out by Marcy G. Dyer
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing Inc
Genre: Contemporary, Inspirational, Action/Adventure, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (112 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rated: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

When a down on her luck publicist moves home to Odessa, Texas, she’s thrust into a volatile job with a handsome security consultant showing her the ropes when a stranger decides she must be his and he’s determined to win her love – at any cost. Can the handsome consultant protect her from the stalker or will she end up buried in the desert?

Candace Downs last name maybe Downs, but she is definitely not out, hence the title of the book – Down and Out.

Candace was recently a publicist in New York until she was let go from her job and had to move back home. With only a beat up old VW Bug, a few clothes and living in an apartment over a friends garage she didn’t have anything to lose when her cousin Carl offered her a job at his towing company. On her first day on the job Candace mets “the most beautiful man she’d ever seen’, co-owner of Viper Security Josiah Bradley and a feisty red head Beth Anne. Candace is definitely way out of her normal work environment being around guns and adventurous escapes after completing a repo. She definitely didn’t expect to pick up a stalker when called to the scene of a wreck.

Unbeknown to Candace the day she is called to tow Lucien Robard’s car from the scene of an accident, her quiet uneventful life is about to be completely changed. Lucien is obsessed with Candace and has his mind set on making sure she is the proper lady for him to marry. He hacks her social media account to track her goings on. He submits a job resume to a job at a bank, where he thinks is appropriate for her to work. Along with sending flowers and gifts to her job and home, he shows up at the hospital when Candace’s father is admitted. Candace is forced to file a formal complaint with the police department. The complaint doesn’t stop Lucien. He only set more antics in motion.

Down and Out is a novel that has it all! Adventure, humor, suspense, clean Christian romance and a lot of crazy stalker action mixed all together. At times I thought I was reading a script for a Lifetime movie while watching an episode of Repo Man.

The author did a fabulous job with the plot, keeping it interesting and the surprises with what would come next. The characters were likable and the humor from Bertie and Gertie, you couldn’t help but love them. The slow romance that built between Candace and Josiah Bradley was oohh so the teaser. I have to give two thumbs up for the author’s development of the crazy mind of Lucien. She took it there and didn’t lack any on making him believable crazy. I enjoyed the fact this was a Christian read, but as with life we have bad seeds so Lucien’s character and actions fit the novel. Dyer was not too soft in the approach.

I did notice quit a few typos that stood out and long with some editorial corrections that were missed that were very obvious.  For instance, Josiah was stabbed with a knife, but later it says he was shot. Candace’s sister’s name is Kim, but calls her Brandi in one sentence.

Over all I really enjoyed this novel. I look forward to reading more books from Marcy G. Dyer in the near future.
I would highly recommend Down and Out if you are looking for a thrilling novel with a ending you won’t be able to predict.

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The Mad Earl’s Bride by Loretta Chase

May 20, 2013 by Leave a Comment

BRIDE
The Mad Earl’s Bride by Loretta Chase
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Genre: Historical
Length: Short Story (143 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

Gwendolyn Adams is about to propose to an earl. On his deathbed.

Gwendolyn Adams isn’t shocked at being asked to save a handsome earl’s dying line, even when she learns the prospective bridegroom is seriously ill and possibly insane. She’s quite a good nurse, after all, and her family is famous for producing healthy male children. Those stories about his riding the moors half-naked on a pale white horse? Extremely intriguing—especially after she gets her first look at the gorgeous lunatic.

The Earl of Rawnsley wants only to lose what’s left of his mind in peace and privacy. But his busybody relatives have saddled him with a surprise bride and orders to sire an heir forthwith. (And they say he’s mad?) But with Gwendolyn, his health is returning, and his resistance … crumbling. Is it possible that love is the finest madness of all?

Don’t let the short number of pages deceive. This is a pithy, chock-full-of-action, sizzling love story that keeps one’s attention big time.

Gwendolyn Adams feels like she was made for the purpose of handling Dorian, Earl of Rawsley, with his neurological disease and aberrant behavior. She also sees her opportunity to have the hospital that she wants so very much—a hospital where she can use her own methods to treat people with mental health problems. As the Countess of Rawsley, she would have money and power to make her dream come true.

Gwen had me in her corner early on when she ignored Dorian’s raging and threats and told him that a witch would be drummed out of the coven in disgrace to go away on mortal’s orders. Moreover, she declared that she would never get anything accomplished if she did what she was told as she continues to drag him out of the quicksand whether he wants to be dragged out or not.

Dorian became the Earl of Rawsley pretty much by default. He feels he is irreparably flawed. He suffers miserably with his malady. But he is physically fit—a gorgeous man with yellow, predator eyes that gleam brightly at the unsinkable Gwen. He is amazed when he cannot browbeat or frighten her. Instead of showing fear, she says he is handsome beyond any man she’s ever seen and looks at him in a “bone melting way”.

The secondary characters are no match for the dynamic Dorian and Gwen once they join forces. How she manages his malady and how they manage the would-be-controllers of his life make riveting and often humorous reading.

The tried and true friends Hoskins, Bertie, Dain, and Dr. Evershaw add a new dimension to the story while relatives and even Dr. Kneebones, Dorian’s longtime doctor, raise red flags with their mindsets.

The back story of Dorian’s family, the unusual love scenes mesmerize; plus how Gwen takes care of Dorian and how he takes care of her sweep the reader along apace with no side trips to distract.

Loretta Chase does a phenomenal job of revealing the complexities of the characters and the situation as she grabs the reader’s emotions, assails the senses, and races long with the reader in tow toward a splendid happy-ever-after. Her concise, focused writing style keeps one in the action with the primaries.

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