Don’t Be Silly! At My Age? by Jacqueline Diamond

July 26, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Don’t Be Silly! At My Age? by Jacqueline Diamond
Sisters, Lovers & Second Chances Book 2
Publisher: K. Loren Wilson
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

At 54, the strong-minded nurse doesn’t believe in romance. At 60, the successful novelist is sure he knows all about it. They both have a lot to learn, mostly from each other!

Nurse Mandy Matchett dreams of writing a book. Why not take a class taught by her neighbor, mystery writer Richard Forbes, even though she finds him arrogant and her cat hates his dog? This outspoken duo is on course for a collision that will rock both their worlds.

Don’t Be Silly! At My Age? is the second book in the Sisters, Lovers & Second Chances series. Reviewers raved about Really? At Your Age?, which features Mandy’s sister, Dr. Cody Matchett. J. Molynick called it “…a riveting read! I finished it in a matter of a few hours.” Irene S. wrote, “This is a book that I will keep and reread again.”

Life is full of surprises.

The author did an excellent job of creating likeable and memorable characters whose realistic flaws helped to propel everything forward. I was honestly a little sad to say goodbye to them in the final scene. Even the characters who could occasionally be a little grumpy or flaky ended up winning me over. They felt like genuine people to me, and I wished I could have spent more time getting to know them. I’m now hoping to read the first book in this series and would love to continue on with it in the future if the author writes additional sequels as well.

My only piece of constructive criticism for this book involves a subplot about someone who may have meant Mandy harm. Of course I hoped for a peaceful resolution, but he had an understandable reason for being furious with her. I was fascinated by the growing conflict between them and wished more attention had been paid to developing this storyline after it was first mentioned. If that had been the case, I would have easily given this a full five-star rating as everything else about it was delightful.

This was such a tender but honest description of life in a small town. I grinned every time I discovered a new social, business, or familial connection between the characters. Just like in our world, everyone knew everyone else in this community, and there was no such thing as a secret. Yes, it could be a little insular at times, but that was perfectly normal for such a tight-knit and tiny community. I appreciated the fact that the author spent so much time describing the many different types of relationships everyone had with each other. It was absolutely perfect for the setting.

Don’t Be Silly! At My Age? was a well-rounded romance that I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read.

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Godsend by Elvira Bell

July 23, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Godsend by Elvira Bell
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Erotic Romance, Historical, LGBTQ
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

Ari and Vidar are Viking warriors and blood brothers. Will handsome thrall Elric break their bond…or make it even stronger?

When young Saxon Elric is sold to Norse slave traders, he thinks that his life is over. He is brought across the sea to the settlement of the Norsemen and becomes the chief’s thrall, and neither the chief nor the warriors are lenient with him. Two of the warriors are different, though—Ari and Vidar. Elric senses that their bond goes beyond mere friendship, and wishes that he himself had someone who would care for him.

Ari and Vidar have been lovers for years, but they have to sneak away whenever they want to be together. Vidar is next in line to be leader, as the chief’s nephew, but he’s shy and insecure and only feels at home on the battlefield. Ari looks different than the other warriors, since his mother was of foreign descent, and he’s had to learn how to stand up for himself.

The two of them are blood brothers, linked together forever, but even though they are lovers they can’t go against the taboo that prohibits free men from being passive during sex. Ari feels that something is lacking, and Elric’s arrival gives him an idea—what if they invited Elric to join them in bed? The thought excites him, and Elric himself seems eager to please.

The only question is how Ari is supposed to get Vidar to agree to letting another man into their relationship…

Imagine having your freedom within reach, only for it to be taken cruelly away. This is what happens to Elric on the last day of his service to a farmer. He has served five years and, after doing one more trip to the market, will be a free man. Until his farmer sells him to the Vikings.

This is a well-written romance that only touches on the Viking culture, focusing more on the romantic elements of the story. It moves along at a fair pace, and you see how Elric’s life changes, and the pressures upon Vidar. Ari is the one in the middle of them both, the one who helps make the dream a reality.

A lovely story with a great supporting cast. This is the first book by this author I have read, and it won’t be the last. Definitely recommended by me.

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The Scottish Lord by Joan Wolf

July 22, 2021 By Leave a Comment


The Scottish Lord by Joan Wolf
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

TWO HEARTS BEYOND CONTROL

Frances Stewart was the most stunning beauty of the London Season, with every noble gallant at her beck and call, and the most eligible lord in the realm, Sir Robert Sedburgh, begging for her hand.

Lord Ian Macdonald was the most headstrong and arrogant young blade ever to sneer at society’s strictures and to scorn caution’s advice in his reckless pursuit of his own desires.

As fate would have it (no one else would dare recommend such an unsettling alliance), these two paragons of pride came together. And as all of Regency society held its breath, first a few discomfiting sparks flew, and then the explosion came…

After reading two other books by Joan Wolf, I can hardly believe she wrote this one because it’s so different from the others. That’s a sign of a skilled writer. I may have my favorite dish at my favorite restaurant but sometimes I like to shake it up and get a different dish. Most likely I’ll get my favorite dish the next time. The point is that I’ll still go back to my favorite restaurant. It’s good to be different.

The technique in this story was my “different dish” and Joan Wolf is my favorite restaurant. The technique was written in multiple points of views. There were three different perspectives – the hero, Ian, the heroine, Frances, and Ian’s cousin, Douglass. I would not consider it “head hopping” but it was unique to me to have a first, second and third person speaking. It was further intriguing to me that the story started out with Ian’s cousin, Douglass, speaking in first person.

The execution of the plot was impeccable. The plot itself was complex with many moving parts. The synopsis doesn’t even give a hint to the depth of the storyline. There were several plot twists that I didn’t see coming. I was fixed to my seat from beginning to end, turning the pages as fast as I could. I couldn’t wait to see how it was all going to turn out.

The heroine, Frances, was unrealistically beautiful. Her exquisite looks were mentioned a few too many times for my taste. With her beauty came unsurmountable stubbornness. However, in Ian’s presence she became weak in a toxic way.

Ian, the hero, definitely did not make my book boyfriend list. He initially was obnoxiously selfish, jealous and cocky. Fortunately for his sake, he was somewhat humbled near the end of the story. I believe it was because Ian was childhood friends with Frances that made their romance relatable and acceptable. They had an unbreakable connection despite all the turbulence in their relationship.

Considering the rollercoaster ride Ian and Frances’s romance put me on, I felt the ending was abrupt. I wanted a more solid closure. I would have enjoyed an epilogue. I actually expected to discover The Scottish Lord to be a book one in a series. I wanted to know more about Maggie, Ian’s sister and her relationship with a man who was a family rival. Did Maggie’s mother approve of Maggie’s relationship with this particular man?

There were many positive elements in this book to recommend it. I felt it was worth my time and consider this an entertaining book. I believe The Scottish Lord would be a great book to debate at a book club. I can see how there would be mixed reviews worth discussing. I actually read that Ian and Frances are going to make an appearance in another one of Joan Wolf’s books called The Rebellious Ward. I already requested it. 🙂

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The Billionaire and the Escort by Evelyn Mahony

July 22, 2021 By Leave a Comment


The Billionaire and the Escort by Evelyn Mahony
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

In the world of high-end escorts, getting personal is never part of the arrangement.

When Josh Roberts became a male escort, there was no room for emotions. They went against the job description. He had a full appointment book and enough clients to pay the bills. There was definitely no time to get attached to an older, extremely successful, incredibly gorgeous man who paid for his services.

But Josh can’t turn down the money that has started rolling in, along with the gifts and the opportunity to live in the lap of luxury as the man flies him around the world to play pretend as his boyfriend. How on earth is he supposed to say no? Especially once he starts falling for his client.

James Barnwell is the successful CEO of Winter Luxury Resorts who stumbled upon Josh Roberts in a dark, high-end bar in midtown Manhattan. The young man was cocky, young, beautiful and offered James exactly what he was looking for—the chance to be with a man who knew the ropes and offered no opportunity to get attached. James had a lucrative business to run and meetings all over the world to attend. Having someone by his side would just weigh him down—or so he thinks, until he finds himself caring deeply for the man he pays for companionship, and it completely changes his world.

Two men are trying to play make believe—until they realize their sham might be closer to reality than they thought.

An Escort and a Billionaire – sounds like the start of a joke, right? Well, it’s actually the start of a love story between a young artist and an older business owner. Trust me, it will all make sense.

I enjoyed how the story rolled out, with the instant attraction and the constant fight to keep things professional. I also loved how it was James who was the insecure one who needed baby steps. It is hot and steamy from the word go and only slows down as you near the end. Once again, this all makes sense for the story.

What I found a little confusing was the ‘Daddy’ part of it. Now, I love a good Daddy story as much as the next person, but nine times out of ten, the dynamic didn’t exactly work.

On the whole, this was a great story with the opportunity for more from this cast of characters. I enjoyed it all and have no hesitation in recommending it for a steamy summer read.

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

Back To Life by John Carson

July 21, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Back To Life by John Carson
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Fern

It looked like a simple murder case. But the victim’s false identity is just the beginning…
Edinburgh DCI Harry McNeil’s dangerous job wasn’t made for relationships. So when a female officer’s mutilated remains wash up in a canal, it feels like proof he was right to leave his long-time girlfriend. But the investigation takes an unexpected turn when he discovers the corpse was carrying a police ID belonging to a cop already dead and buried.

Digging deeper, McNeil learns the woman was actually a software engineer nosing around high-tech, classified projects and poking into murky government corners. So when a second body surfaces, he fears the truth lies in the darkest corners of greed and corruption. And someone is determined to make certain those secrets never come to light…

Can McNeil catch the killer before the deadly tables are turned on him?

BACK TO LIFE is the second book in the gritty DCI Harry McNeil Scottish crime thriller series. If you like hardboiled detectives, dark humor, and snappy banter, then you’ll love John Carson’s unputdownable tale.

I really enjoyed this second story featuring DCI Harry McNeil and DS Alex Maxwell. While there is an interesting and decent plotline surrounding a new Artificial Intelligence company involved in making driverless cars and the complicated murder of a police officer – Linda Smith, who oddly actually died more than three months ago yet her police warrant card was found on this new body – I actually mostly really enjoyed the growth in both Harry and Alex’s characters.

While both were enjoyable in the first story (Sticks and Stones) in this second outing I really feel the author had the time and space not just to allow us as the reader to spend more time with them, but also helped flesh out their working relationship to a greater degree. I admit that each character felt more three-dimensional this time around and I became a lot more attached to them both. Harry is dealing with his recent break-up and complications arising from extracting his life from his ex – who still lives just around the corner and they frequent many of the same places. I also feel Alex really comes out to be her own character, I got a better understating of who she is and enjoyed the fact her personality shone through a lot better and she wasn’t just the underling learning from a decent boss and trying to grow her career.

Readers looking for a strong romance in their mystery story probably won’t find this fits their needs. While there is certainly more dancing around Alex and Harry’s feelings in this story there is no overt motion on either side to instigate a romance. That said, there did feel to me like some chemistry might be bubbling away in the background and I feel the author might be leaving their options open in that regard as the next few stories progress.

What I did really enjoy though was the deepening of the working – and friendship – dynamic between Alex and Harry and by the end of this story they each felt a lot more “real” to me and I was committed to seeing a lot more of this series through. The plot was strong and well-woven, but in some respects I feel it actually took a back seat in this book to the relationship and character growth of the two main characters. And for a series like this, having a book where the focus is on the characters and their growth isn’t a bad thing. Particularly since I didn’t feel the plot suffered in any meaningful way.

For a well written police-procedural mystery with some deeper than usual and interesting character this is a great book to try.

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Witness to Slaughter by K. A. Lugo

July 20, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Witness to Slaughter by K. A. Lugo
Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, LGBTQ
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Jack has coped through previous holidays, but this one feels different. It’s been four years since he lost his family, and clues to finding those responsible have dried up. Hopelessness has him so tightly wound that he’s often driven out of his claustrophobic apartment before the ever-present black dog of depression drags him to a place where there’s no coming back from.

Jack wants to be left alone with his sorrow, but when he’s offered double his fee by the wife of one of the city’s most elite families, how can he refuse? She wants him to follow her husband, Franklin, as she suspects he’s cheating and needs photos to get around the strict prenup. Franklin leads Jack across the city to The Majestic Lounge, the Castro District’s most popular gay nightclub. By the time he finds Franklin, Jack is forced to break up a heated argument between him and club owner, Chad Lucas.

Lucas approaches Jack the following day, wanting to hire him for added security during the club’s popular annual Drag Queen Extravaganza. The event’s usual excitement is marred by the deaths of several of Lucas’ friends that authorities are calling suicides. Lucas convinces Jack something more nefarious is going on and agrees to the job.

Does the city have another serial killer on its hands, one who’s targeting the LGBTQ community? Can Jack find a witness? Surely in the crowded nightclub, someone must have seen something.

I enjoyed this installment of the Jack Slaughter series. The plot was engaging and intensely moving. The twist in the story was unexpected. I enjoyed the friendship and love between Jack, his previous partner Ray and Ray’s wife.

It’s the holiday season and Jack is trying to live a normal life participating in the yearly toy drive and attending holiday functions but unfortunately, he is still coping with the loss of his wife and daughter. It’s been 3 years since his wife Leah has gone missing and Jack is no closer to solving the mystery. The story here didn’t allow time for Jack to investigate his daughter’s death and wife’s disappearance. I would liked to have read more about Jack’s personal case. It’s understandable the case he was hired to do took priority but since hardly anything was mentioned about Jack’s personal case until the very end it makes me think this series could drag on forever. Jack is a nice guy and he deserves closure, but would closure for Jack mean an end for Jack the private investigator?

I don’t like that Jack contemplates suicide. I would hope he would fight and search until the very end to know what happened to his family and that he’ll be able to heal by helping other families that this may happen to. I see Jack as a strong guy that has a lot of fight and him giving up doesn’t fit his character. Helping people is what he does and I hope someone can offer him the same help.

It’s an interesting coincidence that I read this book during LGBTQ Pride month, June. Ginnie, the wife of Franklin Whitney-Cumming, the Third, hires Jack to follow her husband for proof that he is cheating as evidence that he broke the prenup agreement. It’s during this investigation that he meets the club owner Chad ‘Marilyn’ Lucas who hires Jack for security during the Drag Queen Extravaganza.

I got a little confused when the author switched names during the second half of the book. The first part of the book the name Chad was used and then during the 2nd half, the name Lucas was used.

I like how the fellows on the police force work together, and I enjoyed their humor, especially dealing with cases that could work on their mental health in a bad way. The author allows readers to see that we all heal in different ways and in various time spans and that some require a little more patience for healing after a loss. Jack’s strength to carry on each day despite how heartbroken and hopeless he feels is uplifting. I like that the author gives the details of the investigation but still leaves the reader with questions and suspense. Book 2 is an enjoyable read and I can’t wait to read book 3.

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

Pioneer Women: Voices from the Kansas Frontier by Joanna L. Stratton

July 20, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Pioneer Women: Voices from the Kansas Frontier by Joanna L. Stratton
Publisher: A Touchstone Book published by Simon and Schuster
Genre: Non-Fiction, Historical
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

From a rediscovered collection of autobiographical accounts written by hundreds of Kansas pioneer women in the early twentieth century, Joanna Stratton has created a collection hailed by Newsweek as “uncommonly interesting” and “a remarkable distillation of primary sources.”

Never before has there been such a detailed record of women’s courage, such a living portrait of the women who civilized the American frontier. Here are their stories: wilderness mothers, schoolmarms, Indian squaws, immigrants, homesteaders, and circuit riders. Their personal recollections of prairie fires, locust plagues, cowboy shootouts, Indian raids, and blizzards on the plains vividly reveal the drama, danger and excitement of the pioneer experience.

These were women of relentless determination, whose tenacity helped them to conquer loneliness and privation. Their work was the work of survival, it demanded as much from them as from their men—and at last that partnership has been recognized.

Joanna L. Stratton has taken first-hand accounts of the experiences of hundreds of women of courage making their way to and living in rough territory. The lives of these women were dangerous and exciting. One never knew what would happen.

This book is filled with adventure and unknowns. The people these women encounter were sometimes friendly and sometimes wild and meaning to do harm. Younger and older women lent their voices here.

How could one survive in such risky circumstances? This book brings to life a time when women lacked all modern conveniences. Becoming complacent wasn’t an option.

Reading from the point-of-view of those who were in Kansas at such a wild time is enlightening. This book is worth a look at for those who are interested in Western history or women’s history—an interesting inside view.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Verses For the Dead by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

July 19, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Verses For the Dead by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
Publisher: Hachette Book Group
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

In this #1 New York Times bestseller, FBI Agent Pendergast reluctantly teams up with a new partner to investigate a rash of Miami Beach murders . . . only to uncover a deadly conspiracy that spans decades.

After an overhaul of leadership at the FBI’s New York field office, A. X. L. Pendergast is abruptly forced to accept an unthinkable condition of continued employment: the famously rogue agent must now work with a partner.

Pendergast and his new colleague, junior agent Coldmoon, are assigned to investigate a rash of killings in Miami Beach, where a bloodthirsty psychopath is cutting out the hearts of his victims and leaving them with cryptic handwritten letters at local gravestones. The graves are unconnected save in one bizarre way: all belong to women who committed suicide.

But the seeming lack of connection between the old suicides and the new murders is soon the least of Pendergast’s worries. Because as he digs deeper, he realizes the brutal new crimes may be just the tip of the iceberg: a conspiracy of death that reaches back decades.

Agent Pendergast finds himself sent down to Miami, Florida in charge of an unusual case – where a young woman was brutally murdered and her heart removed, only to be placed on the gravesite of another young woman who committed suicide more than a decade ago. The letter indicates the heart is a gift, but clearly a lot more than meets the eye is going on. Can Pendergast and his new partner, Agent Coldmoon discover what’s really going on?

I’ve been a long-time fan of Preston and Child’s and followed along the many ups and downs of their Agent Pendergast series. I’ve been particularly enjoying their more recent work – both City of Endless Night (the story directly preceding this) and this book. In many ways I feel it is Preston and Child returning to their roots with Pendergast – in that the main focus of the story is on the central the mystery and the complications that arise with Pendergast’s unusual but highly effective investigative mannerisms. I really enjoyed this addition to the series.

Indeed, this and the previous book (more than many others in the series) could perhaps even be read as a stand alone. While for sure a reader having read the numerous previous installments will have a far greater understanding of Pendergast and his foibles – unlike a number of the previous books in this series, the plot and majority of aspects to this story can be read just by themselves as the plot is contained within the story and not linked directly either to previous books nor left open-ended in a trilogy or sequenced manner.

I also admit to greatly enjoying seeing Pendergast do what he does best – solve murders, piece together complicated parts to a plot and forge his own path. Even more exciting for me was seeing a really great partner for Pendergast (though no one can outside D’Agosta, of course) in Agent Coldmoon. Left of center, I feel this character was an excellent support character for Pendergast. Highly intelligent, stable and not prone to leaping before carefully looking I felt in many ways Agent Coldmoon was a suitable and indeed worthy match to work with Pendergast. The two men also thaw to each other as they work and I believe come to respect and enjoy working together – something I would love to read more of.

This story was at last a really good, interesting and complicated murder mystery, but I feel a lot of the flair comes from Pendergast and Coldmoon’s characters in particular. Working with the new dynamic growing between these two men and having Pendergast taken out of his usual element of New York was lovely to read and while I didn’t initially have high hopes for Coldmoon (all too often there are significant flaws and/or failings in newly introduced FBI or police characters in this series) I was really impressed and, in the end, thrilled with his character and I really hope to see more of him again someday.

With the vibrant backdrop of Miami and the Florida surrounds, a really interesting and complicated murder case spanning the past and present day and a number of strongly written and intelligent characters this was a great book and an excellent addition to the series. I feel readers could certainly pick this up as a stand alone novel (though admit they might not find it quite as exceptional as I did) this is a fast-paced and excellent mystery/suspenseful read. Recommended.

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

Not the Killing Type by Lorna Barrett

July 16, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Not the Killing Type by Lorna Barrett
A Booktown Mystery, Book 7
Publisher: Berkley Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

It’s November in Stoneham, New Hampshire, and time for the Chamber of Commerce elections. The long-standing Chamber president is being challenged by a former lover—Tricia’s own sister, Angelica. Also throwing his hat in the ring is small business owner Stan Berry. Unfortunately, Stan isn’t in the race for long.

When Stan is found murdered, his political rivals become suspects. Angelica is going to need more than a vote of confidence from her sister—she needs Tricia to clear her name so she can win the election.

Tricia soon uncovers a ballot box full of lies and betrayals, and a chamber full of people who had grudges against the victim. But were they serious enough to lead to murder? It’s up to Tricia to pull the lever on a killer before it’s curtains for someone else.

A cute read with mystery and a little bit of mayhem.

Angelica is running for mayor. Her sister Tricia is sort of helping, but sort of staying out of the way. Angelica’s major opponent is found dead by Tricia. Hijinks will ensue.

This is a cute read. The writing flowed well and it was hard to put it down (I had to sleep sometime). I wanted to know what would happen next and how it all shook out. I like these cozy mysteries and like knowing there will be resolution at the end. It might not happen the way I expect and that’s good. I have to admit there is a lot going on in this book. It’s almost overwhelming just how much is going on, but I didn’t mind. Other readers might take note and it might not be their cuppa, but that’s okay.

If you’re in the mood for a mystery that’s got a neat ending and will leave you feeling cozy, then this is the book for you.

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

Change of Heart by Joan Wolf

July 16, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Change of Heart by Joan Wolf
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Gil Archer was a man of the world—the high-pressure, high-society world of international finance and diplomacy. Cecilia Vargas, his daughter’s riding instructor, was a woman outside that world, but he saw in her the warmth and love his grand estate lacked, and he took it for himself. She had married him for love—he taught her the meaning of ecstasy. But Gil still hadn’t learned that love was not something to be acquired and ignored—and the price of the lesson might be the loss of Cecilia.

I have a new author to add to my “favorite author list”, Joan Wolf.  I don’t usually add an author after only reading just two books by her; Joan Wolf is one of the exceptions.  The first book I read, The Pretenders, received a “Best Book” rating from me.  This book, Change of Heart, is also very good.

I find her writing to be engaging. It’s a deep connection thanks to her superior writing style. It’s more compelling when the scenery she’s describing turns out to be a place that was part of my childhood. Riverside Amusement Park’s last’s season was 1999. That was my go-to place with friends as a teenager.   I was astonished when I read that location in the plot. My dad, uncle and grandfather used to race at Riverside. I believe that there could be a possibility that I knew the hero’s, Gil Archer’s, daughter, Jennifer – that is if she was a real person of course.

It’s a bit early for me to be saying “in typical Joan Wolf fashion” that her writing was spectacular but I can share that her writing was consistent between her two books. It would be rare to read two “Best Books” in a row. It was quite close though, but I actually didn’t love the hero, Gil, enough to be classified as one of my “book boyfriends”.  The heroine, Cecilia, was a bit too much of a “Daddy’s girl” though we need to keep in mind that she was a young lady and Gil was quite a bit older than her. The dynamics of these characters’ relationships were a tad “off” for me and yet, they worked well enough to keep me interested from the beginning to the end of the story.

There are a few other developed characters presented throughout the plot that connected with me. I was pleased to see Cecilia remained strong and didn’t cave in completely to the demands of her father and Gil. Gil had a few things to learn about love and Cecilia was just the person to teach him. There were a few plot curves, though mostly it was predictable, but the quality of writing meant I didn’t really care.

I had high hopes when I started this story. Change of Hearts didn’t exactly hit all my feel good spots like the other book did, but it most definitely hit plenty enough for me to recommend reading this story without any hesitation. I’m considering both looking for Joan Wolf’s back list, and making her an auto buy. I already have another book by Ms. Wolf waiting in the wings, and I can hardly wait to start it!

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