Lessons After Dark by Isabel Cooper

February 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Lessons After Dark by Isabel Cooper
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (334 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Aloe

A woman with an unspeakable past
Olivia Brightmore didn’t know what to expect when she took a position to teach at Englefiend School, an academy for “gifted” children. But it wasn’t having to rescue a young girl who levitated to the ceiling. Or battling a dark mystery in the surrounding woods. And nothing could have prepared her for Dr. Gareth St. John…

A man with exceptional talent
He knew all about her history and scrutinized her every move because of it. But there was more than suspicion lurking in those luscious green eyes. Even with all the strange occurrences at the school, the most unsettling of all is the attraction pulling Olivia and Gareth together with a force that cannot be denied.

Olivia knew the job she was taking on was unusual. She didn’t know exactly what a school for “gifted” children meant, but she knew it wasn’t going to be for common everyday gifts. She was a bit amazed though when she arrived and had to help a young girl afloat by the ceiling find a way to get back to the floor…

Isabel Cooper writes a very good story. Her words flow well, the storyline is interesting and she mixes danger and love together in active quest to stop a demon. There are no boring parts in this story.

The main female character, Olivia, married young, lost her husband, and sustained herself by playing at being a fake medium. As she matured, she found a mentor who actually trained her in areas of magic. It was this knowledge that got her the job. Because robertrobb.com buy generic levitra the process that causes PVD affects blood vessels and blood flow in the penile region. You should take viagra sans prescription no more than one tablet a day Kamagra is generally safe for consumption if taken according to the recommended dosage. For example, a number of the numerous reasons to think as there might be, even if more evidence required for confirming the potential of the following foods. order cialis robertrobb.com Thus, it’s by and by time to leave back your depressive times furthermore go ahead with online levitra no prescription 100mg , to end up typically the one utilizing an exhaustive sexual fulfillment.

The leading male character is Gareth. He was injured in the war, knew of her charlatan role, and works as a doctor. He has no respect for her.

The author makes the sparks fly between the two. He can’t keep his hands off her and she wants him just as badly. Even though they end up in bed, they can’t tolerate each other. This part of the story is one my favorite parts. Ms. Cooper has Olivia give as a good as she gets and easily shows how hard it is for them to pretend they don’t care.

Throw in a demon who lives in the woods, wanting to take over the school, and the plot speeds right up. It gets very exciting when he begins to break the portal between his world and theirs. The drama and tension worked into the story as the war begins between human and demon is well expressed by the author. As they learn how their powers work and try to save the students and perhaps the world, you won’t want to leave your chair until you’ve reached the end.

This one is going in my personal library as a keeper. If you enjoy a good read with a bit of paranormal influence, you’ll like this book. Why not give it a try yourself?

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Brightwater Blood by Shona Husk

February 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Brightwater Blood by Shona Husk
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (77 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Iris

To survive, they’ll have to think outside the circle.

Were-lion Lachlan Garvey is closing in on the Brightwater women, the last of a Shamanic line that the Council wants eradicated for their murderous use of magic. One minute he’s in his animal form, examining a dead body in a patch of charred grass. The next, he wakes up human—naked, shot and lying in a circle of his own blood.

Dayna Brightwater is sure the man she’s bound with a blood spell is the one who just murdered her twin sister. Yet even if she did have the stomach for revenge killing, she doesn’t have the power. But what to do with him now? If she lets him go, he’ll kill her, too.

Trapped in the path of a deadly magical fire, Lachlan has to think fast—and talk faster—to convince the beautiful Shaman he’s innocent. As the roaring flames creep closer, Dayna must choose. Trust Lachlan and use magic to save them both…or flee. And live with the knowledge she caused his death, proving that no Brightwater is capable of love.

Witches, shifters, and imminent disaster . . However, gingko biloba is the most popular herbal plants which is cheap cialis pills effective towards sexual dysfunction. Gradually, limiting the levitra 20 mg http://deeprootsmag.org/tag/placide-cappeau/ alcohol intake and eventually quitting it can help to increase wellbeing and fitness. No proper treatment to the issue of ED can lead a happier ordine cialis on line deeprootsmag.org and healthier life. You can get more information about this viagra buying online is through reading a levitra on line. . oh my! This short story is lacking nothing. Despite the length, the reader is treated to suspense, danger, backstory and a little “sizzle” (having the hero naked for most of the story doesn’t hurt, either!).

While trying to make decisions that affect both herself and Lachlan (our hero), Dayna finds herself reading her mother’s and recently deceased sister’s journals and performing magic she does not think herself capable of. All the while, the reader is able to feel the impending doom and increasing urgency of the fire about to descend upon them.

The plot is well-crafted, the characters human, yet magical. The paranormal aspects of their beings do not overtake the plot. The suspense and drama are not over-done. The romance between Dayna and Lachlan is almost an afterthought as the fire and their actions with regards to that are most important. But you don’t miss the physical romance.

Even if you are not familiar with paranormal romances, this is a book you will want to read. Grab an hour or so, and enjoy yourself!

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The Mercenary Way by Tory Richards

February 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The Mercenary Way by Tory Richards
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (180 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

Kidnapped and imprisoned, Sarah Reynolds needs all the help she can get–but soldier-of-fortune Clint Becker is just a different kind of danger.
When a ruthless gem smuggler mistakes Sarah for her best friend Susan, she’s kidnapped and stashed on an island. Her only hope of rescue is Susan’s cousin Clint–a man whose my-way-or-else attitude is as infuriating as his muscular body is distracting.

Clint, ex-Navy SEAL turned mercenary, desperately needs a vacation. Rescuing a kidnapped woman from an island paradise isn’t what he had in mind. And when he encounters Sarah’s sassy mouth and tempting ways, he soon realizes he’s the one in trouble. Clint and Sarah elude her captors, but there’s no escaping the attraction sizzling between them. With danger pursuing them, they have to learn to work together. But can an opinionated florist and a rugged mercenary ever find common ground?

Danger, so real that death may be a breath away, plus Sara Reynolds and Clint Becker’s primal-need mating makes The Mercenary Way a spine-tingling, adrenaline-driven experience.

The curvy, soft, beautiful little Sarah has a sassy mouth, a spitfire temper, and determination that sustain her outwardly, but on the inside she is scared beyond belief. She has no idea what the goons who kidnapped her want. She does know they think she is Susan, who is her business partner and best friend. One such alternative http://pamelaannschoolofdance.com/aid-2027 levitra uk is chiropractic, which has proven time and again that it can heal neuromusculoskeletal dysfunctions. Therapy You and/or your partner may need therapy with a spe online viagra overnightt to determine the psychological causes of ImpotencePsychological causes are the dominating causes of erectile dysfunction in the men in addition of various physical causes. The pill takes effect in your body utilizes oxygen, it should be apparent to you that living and breathing causes oxidative stress and will often trigger symptoms to flare. tadalafil online india Some best buy for viagra companies around all over the world used to research on a particular seller. To protect her friend, she does not reveal her true identity which puts her in a dire situation.

Clint Becker, Susan’s cousin, is a mercenary who had been a Navy SEAL. For Susan, he takes time out and goes to rescue Sarah and finds himself tested to his limits as they make their way through the jungle, trying to stay ahead of the enemy. Clint has no place in his life for lasting relationships. His work does not lend itself to home, wife, and children.

Tory Richards strips most of the civilized amenities away, leaving survival instincts and the basic primal-needs of human beings at the fore for most of the story. At times the crude language and parts of the sexual encounters are a little off-putting, but the suspense and the hope for more than physical love to emerge keep one reading. Only late in the story, do the finer emotional, mental, and spiritual elements of love blend with the physical. When all these come together the poignancy of the love that Sarah and Clint share is breathtakingly beautiful.

Tory Richards’ skill in creating suspense and scenes of sexual encounters that sizzle and throb with life is phenomenal. Her description, especially those of the waterfall and its cave scene, takes the reader right into the action. She hijacks the reader’s attention and holds it from the beginning to the end of The Mercenary Way.

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A SEAL in Wolf’s Clothing by Terry Spear

February 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment

A SEAL in Wolf’s Clothing by Terry Spear
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (327 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Her instincts tell her he’s dangerous…

While her overprotective brother’s away, Meara Greymere’s planning to play—and it wouldn’t hurt to find herself a mate in the process. The last thing she needs is one of his SEAL buddies spoiling her fun, even if the guy is the hottest one she’s ever seen…

His powers of persuasion are impossible to resist…

Finn Emerson is a battle-hardened Navy SEAL and alpha wolf. He’s a little overqualified for baby-sitting, but feisty Meara is attracting trouble like a magnet…

As the only responsible alpha male in the vicinity, Finn is going to have to protect this intriguing woman from a horde of questionable men, and definitely from himself…

I got the greatest chuckle out of the pickle this otherwise competent and macho hero gets himself into. Doesn’t matter that he’s a Navy SEAL and a werewolf – all of his prowess and stealth can’t prevent him from falling in love. A man like him needs a woman who will challenge, poke, prod and thwart all his best laid plans and intentions. There’s no better heroine than Meara Greymere to get the job done and I enjoyed every moment.

It’s a great set up — Finn is going to protect the baby sister of his Navy SEAL buddy from her wayward ways. No man is good enough to be her mate but does he really stop to wonder why every single male is suspect and why he has such a keen interest in being so ‘thorough’? It can’t possibly be because he’s deluding himself, can it? No way could it be because he wants her for himself. He’s much too noble and focused to fall onto that well trodden path of lovey dovey cooing like his friend. He’s made of sterner stuff. He’s a soldier. Yeah, right. I could see him falling hard and wagging his tail all the way with mock growling and posturing. I adored Finn.

Good thing Meara is a woman not easily thrown off of the scent and she gives as good as she gets. I had fun watching the heroine be herself. She’s certainly stubborn, feisty and opinionated. She’s a planner, that one. But she never ever could have foreseen the action and diabolical betrayals that blow her little mating plot to smithereens. Her reactions to the bad news as well as the good were fascinating to watch. She’s not a weak character and she took turns impressing me and surprising me.

The drama that starts the ball rolling happens pretty fast in the story. It doesn’t take long before Finn and Meara are on the run, not knowing truly who to trust. People they thought they couldn’t trust became integral to their safety and those they never gave a second thought to their loyalty got a rude awakening. It was sad, really. Along these lines delayed viagra price in india restraint will just make her feel that you are no longer interested in her. Check your apparatus Your dive equipment and gear should be in good condition and checked properly before you place the order levitra on line sale for this medicine. It is available in the denomination of 180, 120, 240 and 60 capsules. viagra tab The companies also appoint lots of medical representatives for direct promotion of the viagra cheap prices medicine. It seems like bad guys are the best actors because they have the most to gain and believe they can’t lose. They treat it like a cat and mouse game with deadly intent but enjoy the feeling of power they get from pulling the wool over their eyes. It took some delicate and timely maneuvering to get the players in place for the big showdown. The author did an excellent job of putting it all together, stringing me along and hiding who the true villains were until the last possible moment.

Wait until readers get a load of Bjornolf. You want to talk about a hunky guy with chutzpah and mysterious vibes? He’s got it in spades. What an awesome character to introduce and tease readers with. I hope his story is next because I’ve certainly taken a keen interest in the man. So effective, manly and maddening, he was a great addition to the story. And what he used to tie up the other operative? Oh yeah, I’m there. Any man that cheeky has got to have a story to tell.

As I’ve come to expect from Ms. Spear, when she gets her hero and heroine together it’s a sizzling good time with plenty of great point-counterpoint dialogue, sensual build-up and scorching delivery. The editing was perfect, the descriptive words painted scenes that jumped off of the pages and grabbed a reader’s attention. The action was tight and delivered with a high-powered punch. I wouldn’t have expected anything less from a story about a well trained Navy SEAL and I was certainly satisfied. So was Meara.

As for the happily ever after, it started off romantic and thrilling and then the author put the brakes on by making me laugh and giggle. Finn is SUCH a guy! See me roll my eyes. And you know what? It fit. Perfectly.

A SEAL in Wolf’s Clothing is a non-stop action packed romance with kick, growls and sexy attitude. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough because there was so much going on, I couldn’t wait for what came next. A word to the wise – don’t start this book close to bed time, it’s too exciting! I also thought the guy on the cover with those dazzling aqua-blue eyes perfect brain-food for imagining Finn as he wooed his feisty heroine. Get your own copy and experience the adventure because he is as the story is, irresistible.

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The Needle in the Blood by Sarah Bower

February 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The Needle in the Blood by Sarah Bower
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Genre: historical
Length: Full Length (522 pages)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

His lust for power gave him everything. But it might cost him the love of his life.

The Bishop hired her for a simple job: embroider a tapestry. It is an enormous work, a cloth trophy of the conquest of England. But her skill with a needle and thread is legendary. It would be uncomplicated.

She plans to kill him as soon as she gets the chance. He and his brother, William the Conqueror, murdered her King and destroyed her world. Revenge, pure and clean. It would be simple.

But neither planned to fall desperately in love. As the two become hopelessly entangled, friends become enemies, enemies become lovers, and nothing in life—or the tapestry—is what it seems. An unlikely love story born of passion and intensity, crafted by critically acclaimed historical novelist Sarah Bower,The Needle in the Blood is a “story of love, war, and the tangled truth of England’s birth.”

The Needle in the Blood is a medieval adventure rife with danger, romance, and rich, historical detail. Reading this book brought the world of mid-eleventh century, Britain to life. The nitty-gritty, down-to-earth particulars of this brutal era are engrossing and educational at the same time.

It was a fascinating time, the end of Anglo-Saxon England, when William the Conqueror took control of the English throne. William had a half-brother, a bishop named Odo. Odo makes a great hero in this story. He’s charming and driven; a political man from the word go.

Gytha is Saxon and hates the Normans. She’s tough, and does what she must to survive in a world turned upside down. She is practical and not romantic. The medical problem requires treatment with quick solutions thus enabling one to achieve timely erection and also maintain the secret to his 20mg tadalafil sale hard erection. Though these medicines are highly affordable, they are not always genuine and often aggravate the medical condition. buy cialis levitra Some of them are mostly diabetes type 1 as well as safety checks. viagra uk Nowadays it is a common issue in the world affecting 30% men. click here for more info cialis price This story, among other things, is about character.

Gytha wants to kill Odo, as revenge for taking away her mistress. She gets the chance to meet the powerful but lonely Odo, who is plagued by nightmares. Something unexpected happens during this meeting. From then on, her contradicting feelings battle each other. She calls Odo her enemy but still lusts for him. He’s tender with her as no man has ever been. Odo grows to love her, but she pulls away at first, creating great tension. She wonders if she’ll fade into the mass of treasures he owns.

The Needle in the Blood is based off of true events in British history. The tapestry central to this story actually exists and depicts the events that lead to Norman control. One particular scene woven into the tapestry shows the Bishop Odo caressing the face of his mistress. Quite possibly this was the inspiration for this work of fiction.

The writing is intelligent and engaging. Be forewarned though, this is not a light read. It’s obvious Ms. Bower spent time researching historical events and the time period for accuracy. Besides forbidden love, it’s also a tale of survival and politics of the era. One just doesn’t know what will happen next during the reading.

The Needle in the Blood is for fans of serious historical fiction who appreciate a good romance; it’s an enjoyable book.

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Assassins in Love by Kris DeLake

February 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Assassins in Love by Kris DeLake
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (356 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Aloe

When one killer falls for another

Agent: Misha
Profile: Highly trained in every method the assassins guild has to offer. Always goes by the book.

Agent: Rikki
Profile: Rogue assassin who kills only to rid the world of hardened criminals. Hates organizations. Always does it her way.

Love becomes a matter of life and death

Misha’s mission is to get Rikki to join the guild or give up her guns. He completely underestimated the effect she would have on him…and what heat and chaos they could bring to each other…

Getting caught with a dead body at your feet isn’t exactly an assassin’s first choice. It’s even worse when you’re caught by another assassin!

Kris DeLake is the pen name of Kristine Kathryn Rusch. I should have been able to tell when I started reading the book; she’s an excellent author. As Ms. DeLake, she grabs you by the hand and propels you into the story, pushing the envelope in this fantastic adventure. It’s well written, has a good flow, and contains both romance and intrigue.

The story is set in the future, when space ships are the normal mode of transport. Rikki is a rogue assassin. Following the concussion, generic price viagra she suffered with tension and migraine headaches. It strikes seemingly at random and tends to crop up cialis in australia at some of the absolute worst times. Unless you are a patient on antidepressant, antipsychotic, sedatives or some other drugs causing ephemeral impotence, you can certainly view here cialis sales uk. Men who prescription for ordering viagra could also try this internet therapy, which involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), other psychiatric tests, and talk therapy in doing away with ED. She doesn’t want rules, meetings or assignments she can’t choose. She’s a loner who likes it that way. Ms. DeLake made Rikki one tough cookie, but one you can’t help but admire and anxiously await her next move.

The author also creates a formidable assassin named Misha, who is highly trained and a member of the Guild. He has a past with Rikki, and that’s not a good thing. First, because she can’t remember it. And second, because it’s centered around the time of her father’s death.

Ms. DeLake makes the sex between the two hot, but they don’t have a lot of time to love. He’s watching her, she doesn’t trust him, and someone else is using them both. The author creates an intense tension that doesn’t let up until the end of the story.

This was a fast read for me because I wanted to learn the whole story and I didn’t stop reading until I was done. It was a very satisfying read and I plan on keeping the book in my personal library. Why not get a copy of it for yourself? If you like science fiction with lots of action and a good love interest, this one will be a sure win.

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Believe it or Not by Tawna Fenske

February 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Believe it or Not by Tawna Fenske
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: contemporary, paranormal
Length: Full Length (361 pages)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

Do you believe in…accounting?

Numbers never lie, so Violet McGinn found safe haven in the most boring profession she could find. Until her renowned psychic mother lands in the hospital and Violet has to run her business. Now you can have your taxes filed and your aura read, in one convenient location.

Do you believe in…music?

Drew Watson is the jaded owner of the local hot spot next door, and doesn’t need a single thing except a good crowd to dance to what he’s spinning on Saturday night.

Do you believe in…love?

The only thing Violet and Drew seem to have in common is that neither believes in that psychic hoo—hah. Except Drew seems to play exactly the right song at exactly the right time. And truth be told, it makes Violet’s heart dance just a little …

What do you believe in? In Tawna Fenske’s quirky novel Believe it or Not, the serious, down-to-earth accountant Violet, and the unconventional bar owner Drew, come to realize the answer is not as simple as it seems.

This is a fun book with underlying humor coloring the adventures of two mismatched characters. Violet wants normal and predictable. Drew is not your average guy. Sexy? Yes. Handsome and fun? Yes. Predictable? Far from it. He has male strippers perform at his bar, for goodness’ sake. However, he does make Violet stop taking herself so seriously.

Violet resists the crazy attraction she has for Drew. Drew also resists what he feels for Violet. For example, the removal of a testicular tumor could result in nerve and cute-n-tiny.com purchase generic cialis muscle damage to the penile region, which makes an erection that much harder to achieve. It just requires special care and right way, as prescribed by cialis 40 mg the physician. When levitra fast delivery a man is unable to experience erection issues. It is primarily because of high super cialis canada stress level in men. She’s not his type. She’s too uptight, like his ex-wife. So why can’t he stop thinking about her?

There is a light and airy feeling to this book as these two have their adventures. Violet is just trying to help her mother out while she recovers; then she intends to go back home, on the other side of the country. Of course, things are headed in the other direction, away from her plans.

This story has plenty of fun characters and enough tension and suspense to carry it through. Pay special attention to the music played at Drew’s bar. Is it a coincidence, or is there something paranormal going on? Also, Violet is confronted with a threat that could lose her and her mother everything.

Ms. Fenske’s writing is clever and humorous. Her characters are complex and yet realistic. Overall, I liked Violet as the heroine. Even though she initially makes decisions that hurt those around her, making her look bad, by the end, Violet was redeemed in my eyes.

Those who like witty stories with a touch of the paranormal will probably find this book entertaining.

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A Light on the Veranda by Ciji Ware

February 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment

A Light on the Veranda by Ciji Ware
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, sci-fi/fantasy
Length: Full length (461 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia
A secret may hold for a hundred years … and then it’s time for the past to take revenge

Daphne Duvallon vowed never to return to the South years ago when she left her philandering fiance at the altar. Now family has called her back to Natchez, Mississippi, a city as mysterious and compelling as the ghostly voices that haunt her dreams.

From a time when the oldest settlement on the Mississippi was in its heyday and vast fortunes were made and lost, Daphne begins to uncover the secrets of an ancestor whose fate is somehow linked with her own. In a compelling and mesmerizing tale, now Daphne must right the wrongs of the past, or follow the same path into tragedy…

A Light on the Veranda is a multilayered story. It takes the reader back and forth from the present to the nineteenth century when another Daphne lived—a Daphne who yearned for love. Interesting parallels emerge between the two Daphnes.

There’s more to Bluff House than Daphne ever imagined when she left New York to move to the deep South. Family roots run deep in Natchez, Mississippi and Daphne’s family is no exception. The old harp at Bluff House plays in the wee hours of the morning and Daphne has visions about ancestors, long-dead.

As Daphne tries to rebuild her life she meets wildlife photographer, Sim Hopkins. Sim stirs her blood, but Daphne has experienced disastrous relationships firsthand. Trusting a man does not come easy. Even so, Daphne and Sim have a sizzling chemistry she can’t quite dismiss.

Sim has no idea his family has roots in Natchez—he’s there to photograph birds painted by Audubon long ago. The major forms of these exclusive medicines canadian pharmacies viagra are * Tablets * Soft tablets * Jelly Moreover, these online medical stores are making huge money by selling counterfeit drugs and it is the user who is suffering. This personality sees the world through different eyes than viagra generic sildenafil the average person. Penile dysfunctions, adrenal tissue india viagra damages and other related ones. But, at purchase cheap cialis the same time it is true fact that nothing is as superior as kamagra to get back your erectile power to perform sexual intercourse. Though drawn to Daphne, he has unresolved issues he hasn’t been able to come to terms with for ten years. Invisible ties seem to pull them together. It’s almost as if ghosts from the past urge both Sim and Daphne to move past all their hang-ups and reach for a happy-ever-after denied so long ago.

Ciji Ware’s ability to weave a tapestry showcasing past and present lives and emotions is amazing. An ever-present thread in the tapestry is the extent of influence the Whitaker “blue devil” genes can have on generations. Ms. Ware stirs in emotional struggles, environmental upheavals, and economic woes. This passionate tale wouldn’t be complete without manipulations of malicious ‘meanies’ such as present-day Daphne’s “Magnolia Mama”, the vindictive Jack Ebert and nineteenth century Daphne’s family and husbands. The book isn’t all darkness and gloom. There are several bright spots actually. The secondary characters are a kaleidoscope of colors that blend and add texture and continuity to the tapestry that tells a fantastic tale about mingled lives of many families—past and present.

The magic of rich, emotionally charged music that Ciji Ware writes about pulls the reader into an-otherworldly-place that transcends time. She engages all the senses with descriptions that make the story come alive as she takes the heroine and hero on a journey. They find redemption, but also bring peace to long-dead ancestors. One can almost hear a sigh of relief echo across time as ghosts of ancestors whisper well done and finally rest in peace.

A Light on the Veranda, with its well-researched history, ‘so-real’ characters, subtle humor, and meant-to-be love story is a book to be enjoyed more than once.

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Before She Dies by Mary Burton

February 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Before She Dies by Mary Burton
Publisher: Zebra (Kensington Publishing)
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (410 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

He Is Their Judge…

In death, they are purified. Holding his victims under water, he washes away their sins as they struggle for their last breath. Then he stakes their bodies to the ground, exposing them for what they really are. Witches, sent to tempt and to corrupt…

Jury…

No one knows about defense attorney Charlotte Wellington’s murdered sister, or about her childhood spent with the carnival that’s just arrived in town. For Charlotte, what’s past is past. But others don’t agree. And as a madman’s body count rises, she and Detective Daniel Rokov are drawn into a mission that’s become terrifyingly personal…

And Executioner

At last, she is within his reach. All his victims deserve their fate, but her guilt is greatest. And with every scream, he will make her see what it means to suffer and repent—before she dies…

She makes him crave dark, evil passion. She must be a witch. The “voice” whispers, she’ll steal his soul. He must kill, but first he must purify her.

Better go lock the doors, close the blinds, and turn on the night lights. Before She Dies is hard to put down once started and if night comes, one surely wants to be locked in safe and secure.

The undercurrent of chilling, terrifying violence threatens to suck Charlotte Wellington and Sooner Tate under as each works to make a life outside the hocus-pocus of Madame Divine’s carnival tent—a place Grady Tate had demanded they work.

Charlotte Wellington, a hard-edged defense attorney made it to where she is with determination, hard work, and hard lessons learned from Grady Tate. Her colleagues believe her to be a trust-fund baby—she acts the part. She guards her secrets well—past and present. Her newest secret is having sex with the intense detective Daniel Rokov—strictly for sexual gratification with no strings attached. Consistent use of these herbal pills improve energy levels, levitra 20mg generika stamina, vitality and vigor. You can check out the service provider and it viagra free pill will give you late results. The purchase of this medicine won’t burn buy viagra sale wouroud.com your pocket. It inhibits the working of c-GMP in the body prescription free viagra when the user consumes the medicine. Where this connection takes them makes spellbinding reading.

Even after eighteen years, Charlotte’s life as a carnie still influences and shadows her. She is still haunted by memories of her dead sister Mariah; the baby Sooner; her own dead mother who had come to believe she was truly psychic; and the alcoholic, dyed-in-the-wool carnie Grady Tate. When the carnival comes to town, Sooner and Grady Tate storm back into Charlotte’s life big time.

Old ties that still bind tangle them all in the snare of a killer that believes his mission in life is to trap, purity, and then kill “witches”. This character chills the blood. WOW!

Detective Rokov and his colleagues, with skill, dedication, and tenacity, work the case of the vicious killer who is unspeakably cruel to his victims. Detective Rokov can be as hard-edged as Charlotte is when the need arises, but he is also gentle with giving bad news to victim’s families, respected by his coworkers, and truly caring with his own family—particularly with his grandmother. She’s a sweetheart.

The secondary characters, many as complex and memorable as the primary characters, make Before She Dies a gripping story. Grady Tate has as many layers as an onion. As the layers are peeled away, the reader sees not only his flaws and saving graces but also sees how Charlotte and Sooner came to have their hang-ups.

Sooner who, at eighteen, is determined to spread her wings, fly away from the carnival, and make her way in the world, stirs up a hornet’s nest. Secrets, fears, hatreds, and horrific tortures boil to the surface as author Mary Burton, with subtle clues and foreshadowing, weaves the antagonist into the plot as she continues to weave in the “not-to-be-denied” love that claims Charlotte and Detective Rokov for its very own. However, the multi-layered, memorable characters, the complex plot, and spine-tingling horror are so engrossing; it is easy to overlook the subtleties. Who the antagonist is may be a real surprise.

Ms. Burton’s amazing ability to weave together a tapestry of a tale that keeps one turning pages with bated breath is phenomenal.

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The Taming of the Rake by Kasey Michaels

February 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The Taming of the Rake by Kasey Michaels
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (379 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Meet the Blackthorn brothers—Three unrepentant scoundrels infamous for being mad, bad and perilous to love

Charming, wealthy and wickedly handsome, Oliver “Beau” Blackthorn has it all…except revenge on the enemy he can’t forget. Now the opportunity for retribution has fallen into his hands. But his success hinges on Lady Chelsea Mills-Beckman—the one woman with the power to distract him from his quest.

Desperate to escape her family’s control, Lady Chelsea seizes the chance to run off with the notorious eldest Blackthorn brother, knowing she’s only a pawn in his game. But as Beau draws her deep into a world of intrigue, danger and explosive passion, does she dare hope he’ll choose love over vengeance?

One man’s whipping sets a course of events that ultimately takes a path of vengeance and turns it into a journey of love. A reader will figure out that the two beleaguered protagonists will get their happily ever after, eventually. What happens along the way however, is a grand bit of storytelling where some of the characters end up in very different places than what a reader is initially presented.

Oliver “Beau” Blackthorn is the eldest of the Blackthorn brothers. For all of his aura of responsibility, cunning and deviousness there remains a youthfulness to him. A reader will see it early on but will also see how it got destroyed. After reading this story and watching him fall in love with Chelsea, I don’t think it was demolished as much as suppressed, hidden and denied. It didn’t serve him well at all in the beginning. But with the heroine, elements and hints of the young, hopeful and earnest man he once was start to surface. He learns to trust her and like a flower unfurling in the sun, Oliver experiences emotions and feelings he never thought he would. Certainly he had no idea what to do with them, and that was the beginning of the entertainment.

Chelsea’s character is many things but the one thing that tops them all is, she’s fun. I got a charge out of how alternately smart she was, then blushingly innocent, before shocking the hero with her cheeky wit and stunning him with her plans. You see, she always comes up with a plan. It may sound silly, it may be over the top or just plain genius, but she always comes up with something. And it cracked me up every time. It was one of the best things about her because of what it did to the hero. I can just imagine the author rubbing her hands briskly together with an evil “bwahahaaa” as she concocted another predicament to toss at the hero and heroine. It was one snafu after another and Chelsea never took no for an answer, nor did she ever take a defeatist attitude. She was plucky, inventive and quite charming. Oliver never stood a chance.

The first set of secondary characters is the Blackthorn siblings. I was introduced quite thoroughly to Puck. Again, I found myself giggling as I imagined this poor beset upon young man having to travel all over the country, chasing after his brother and hopefully wife-to-be. He was a cheery sort and seemed rather vacuous in demeanor. Nothing could be further from the truth. The scene at the Crown showed he was made of sterner stuff. Also he has the ability to think on his feet and is as dedicated and loving to his brothers as a reader could wish. He was a great support cast and I enjoyed getting to know him. Good thing too because the next book is about him. I’m excited. This helps achat viagra pfizer http://robertrobb.com/the-right-redistricting-commission-reform/ to cure diabetes. 2. At the same time, there could be other reasons causing ED, viagra purchase uk such as smoking, alcohol, depression, cardiac or brain issues, rectal or prostate surgery can cause ED Age is one of the most common denominator of men with erectile dysfunction or impotence, an inability to get an erection. Having thoughts about deep guided meditation? Check this link check for more levitra overnight shipping for more helpful tips: Anyone who snores nightly or who sleeps with a snorer knows just how irritating the snoring condition can be. Man suffering with found with cardiac apprehension may bring you to speak to the doctor before using it. levitra from india As for the other brother, Jack, the author pretty much kept me in the dark but threw some very interesting tidbits to whet a reader’s appetite for the future. He’s a real mystery not only to me but to his own family. Very cool.

The other secondary characters are the bad ones. They either participated in the wrongs of the past or are perpetuating future grievous harm now. The ‘crow’ was truly the evil in the piece. It takes one to know one and ironically, Chelsea’s sister recognized him for what he was right off of the bat. In a way, I liked her shrewish disposition because it was entertaining and I could tell she enjoyed twisting the figurative knife. Chelsea’s brother is a bully. He’s not inherently evil, but he’s not a nice person. I sort of pitied him – but only a little. Even the bad brother had his own epiphany by the end of the story, but the truth didn’t enlighten him for long. After learning about him, I don’t think he could have responded any other way. He wasn’t a strong man of character. In fact, sour grapes was quite fitting for him. Once you read the book, you’ll know what I’m making reference to.

The family dynamics between Oliver’s family and Chelsea’s was fascinating to read about. The author took great pains to make sure I understood how unconventional the Blackthorn brother’s childhoods were. It is on the one hand sad and on the other, really bizarre, especially for the time period. Chelsea’s was normal yet that isn’t a compliment.

I was completely charmed by the verbal byplay between Oliver and Chelsea, and then again between Oliver and his brother, Puck. It kept the story lively, intriguing and faced paced. Another thing
Ms. Michael’s did extremely well was having Oliver introduce the heroine to ‘what the fuss was all about’ between a husband and wife. Chelsea’s response was entertaining and the results of some of the scenes were deliciously spicy. They were well spaced, effectively placed and sweet and saucy all at the same time. They were a credit to the story.

The Taming of the Rake is a rollicking good read. I laughed, I gasped and I giggled some more. The author kept surprising me with one fiasco or plot twist after another. The drama was light and enough to keep the story moving at a steady and energetic pace. I enjoyed the characters, the setting, the descriptions and the dialogue. I can’t think of one thing the author could have done better, I had that good of a time. If a reader is looking for a story that entertains, makes a reader smile and provides a sense of justice satisfied, all the while making it hard to put down due to the twists and turns of the adventure, then The Taming of the Rake is a real winner.

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