Courageous Cain by D.J. Davis

June 1, 2016 By Leave a Comment

CAIN
Courageous Cain by D.J. Davis
Publisher: Champagne Books
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (335 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Josie Shepherd loves running free, with no one and nothing to tie her down—until a new job at a kennel introduces her to both an unexpected friend and a vicious, abused dog named Cain.

When Josie stumbles upon the body of a murdered woman, she runs to Deputy Gordon Wolfe, a disfigured man hiding behind his badge. His shy smile and affection for dogs make her reconsider what she’s running from.
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Now she’s on the run from a serial killer and her own heart. But when her friend is abducted and Cain appears to be the murder weapon, Josie’s attempt to save them both lands her in the killer’s lair. Josie’s strength and Cain’s loyalty are tested to the limit as they fight for their lives. Facing a killer is one thing, but facing her love for Gordon is Josie’s greatest challenge.

Can Josie and Gordon help each other undo the lessons learned in their youth?

Josie is a complicated woman. Her childhood was very rough and left her with serious trust and commitment issues. Consequently, Josie keeps everyone at arm’s length. The only family she has left is her dog, Fletcher. Josie’s first instinct when she’s around people is to protect herself, but I loved watching her with dogs. She’s shares a bond with them that is absolutely beautiful and wonderful to watch. When Josie runs from a disastrous relationship, she ends up in Rockglen, a picturesque small town. Josie gets a great job working with dogs and makes some new friends. She even begins to fall in love for the first time when she meets Gordon. Just as she’s finally beginning to feel at home, her happiness is marred by the presence of a serial killer who has made Josie his latest obsession. Cain, an enormous and abused dog, is the only link to the killer. Can Josie use her unique bond with Cain to solve the murders, or will she become the next victim? I must warn readers that this book contains graphic violence that is very hard to read.

Josie and Gordon are a sweet couple. While their childhood experiences were drastically different, they are both very damaged. Josie grew up learning that love is a trap. Gordon believes no one can look past his physical appearance and truly love him. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them learn to open their hearts to each other. There were a few setbacks, but that made their journey feel all the more real. I have no doubt that they are well on their way to a beautiful future.

As much as I loved watching Josie and Gordon, I believe Cain is the heart of this story. My heart broke for the poor abused dog. Cain has spent years being physically and emotionally tortured, and yet when he meets Josie, I could see glimmers of the majestic, loyal, and playful dog he could have been had he been taken care of properly. I cannot give away all the details, but I will say that readers, especially anyone who has ever loved a dog, should have a box of tissues on hand when they reach the conclusion of this book. I sure needed them.

Courageous Cain is an intense and emotional tale. I loved watching Josie forge true and lasting bonds of friendship with humans and dogs alike. Readers looking for a powerful suspense would do well to pick up a copy of Courageous Cain.

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

Traitor Knight by Keith W. Willis

May 27, 2016 By Leave a Comment

KNIGHT
Traitor Knight by Keith W. Willis
Publisher: Champagne Books
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (367 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

When Morgan McRobbie rescues a damsel-in-distress from a dragon, he expects she’ll swoon, murmuring “My hero!” Instead, Marissa has only loathing for the man everyone believes will betray Kilbourne. That’s fine with Morgan. A woman in his life would just complicate things.

A high-level informer threatens the kingdom’s security, and Morgan is out to stop him. Posing as a turncoat himself, he’s walking a fine line between honor and betrayal. A single misstep could result in disaster, and his mission is fraught with distractions: the pesky dragon, a pair of conniving courtiers, and the disillusioned damsel who’s certain Morgan can’t be trusted.
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If Morgan’s going to save the kingdom, win the girl, and manage to stay alive, he’ll need to step up his game. Because the traitor is lurking in the shadows, and his scheme calls not just for the betrayal of Kilbourne, but also the destruction of Morgan McRobbie.

Will Marissa ever be able to trust Morgan?

Morgan is everything a good hero should be. He’s loyal, honest, smart, and brave. Despite all the good he does for Kilbourne, he has a horrible reputation. I must say that I was baffled by how the majority of people treated Morgan when it is clear to anyone who spends any length of time with him that he is completely devoted to his country and king. His situation is certainly an indication of the kind of damage rumors, even unfounded ones, can do to a reputation.

Morgan had no idea the direction his life would take when he rescued Marissa from the dragon. Morgan and Marissa have good chemistry and would definitely make a good couple, but unfortunately the terrible rumors about Morgan hang like a black cloud over any possibility of romance. After Morgan rescues Marissa, she agrees to dine with him. Morgan’s true personality shines through wonderfully, so I was very disappointed when Marissa doubts her instincts and persists in believing the worst about him. Granted, some of Morgan’s actions are very suspicious, so I can understand Marissa’s confusion. Despite the rocky beginning of their relationship, their encounters never fail to be entertaining, and I have high hopes for their future.

Just when Marissa is beginning to trust Morgan, he finds himself firmly on the wrong side of the law, and she is forced to take matters into her own hands. Her plan to reveal the true traitor is clever and well thought out, but will she be able to expose the true traitor in time to save Morgan?

I truly enjoyed Traitor Knight. Morgan and Marissa are strong characters I had the pleasure of getting to know. I recommend Traitor Knight to anyone looking for a good fantasy with just a dash of romance.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Spotless by Camilla Monk

May 4, 2016 By 1 Comment

SPOTLESS
Spotless by Camilla Monk
Spotless #1
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full length (332 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Island Chaptal—nerdy IT engineer by day, romance novel junkie by night—just walked into her messy New York apartment to find Mr. Right waiting for her. No, wait…Mr. Clean.

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The buttoned-up Island is soon having a blast racing from Paris to Tokyo following the clues in her mother’s will, and for the first time, she’s ready to get close to someone. But falling for a hit man may be the very definition of loving dangerously.…

Some very dangerous people think Island knows more than she’s telling.

Island’s life has never been particularly exciting. She has a good job, a great friend, and a serious addiction to romance novels. Everything changes when March blows into her life. March is probably the most unique hit man I’ve encountered in a book. His obsessive need for cleanliness and order is both entertaining and sad at times. While March can be truly terrifying, he is definitely the lesser evil when compared to the other hit man after Island. Unfortunately, Island learns this the hard way. Fortunately, March has no intention of abandoning Island until he’s fulfilled his contract. As March and Island work at unraveling her mother’s secrets, the more Island realizes she didn’t know her mother at all. Island slowly begins to develop feelings for March, but he has secrets too. Will Island ever be able to fully trust anyone?

Island and March are certainly an odd team. March’s rigid standards definitely clash with Island’s more relaxed approach. I enjoyed watching her push his buttons, and a scene involving a stack of road maps was particularly entertaining. As much as I enjoyed following March and Island on their adventures, I must admit I was a little confused by Island’s developing attraction to March. When I finished reading, I didn’t feel as if I really knew much about him. He is very reserved and rarely ever talks about anything personal. I could tell at times that he wanted to say and do more, but just wasn’t capable or ready to take that step. I think that Island could be very good for March if he would let her in. However, March doesn’t think he is good for Island, and I agree. His life is very dangerous, and unless he makes some serious changes, I don’t see a future for March and Island. While I didn’t expect any passionate declarations of love, I had hoped that the end of the story would have been a bit happier. However, I do get the sense that there is still hope for this odd couple.

Ms. Monk’s writing style well paced and easy to read. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter were always a source of entertainment. I found that as I read, I would just glance at the next quote and then find myself hooked into reading another chapter.

Reading Spotless was certainly a wild ride. I never knew what mess Island would find herself in next, and I look forward to reading more about Island and her adventures in the sequel.

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

The Jade Lioness by Christina Courtenay

April 20, 2016 By Leave a Comment

JADE
The Jade Lioness by Christina Courtenay
Book Three in the Kumashiro series
Publisher: Choc Lit
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (352 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Can an impossible love become possible?

Nagasaki, 1648

Temperance Marston longs to escape war-torn England and explore the exotic empire of Japan. When offered the chance to accompany her cousin and Captain Noordholt on a trading expedition to Nagasaki, she jumps at the opportunity. However, she soon finds the country’s strict laws for foreigners curtail her freedom.
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On a dangerous and foolhardy venture she meets Kazuo, a ronin. Kazuo is fascinated by her blonde hair and blue eyes, but he has a mission to complete and he cannot be distracted. Long ago, his father was accused of a crime he didn’t commit – stealing a valuable jade lioness ornament from the Shogun – and Kazuo must restore his family’s honour.

But when Temperance is kidnapped and sold as a concubine, he has to make a decision

Temperance’s trip to Japan isn’t at all what she expected.

Temperance had hoped that her trip to Japan would be a beautiful adventure. However, once Temperance realizes she will not be allowed to travel around the country; her excitement quickly turns to boredom. Consequently, she decides to do a bit of exploring on her own and meets Kazuo. Their first meeting leaves her wanting more, and once again she dares to escape the confines of the small island she’s living on. Unfortunately, this mistake proves to be very costly, and Temperance’s life is changed forever. I must say that while this is book three in a series, it can certainly stand on its own.

Temperance is a very easy character to like. She’s definitely naïve at the start of the story, but she is kind, caring, and always willing to help others. Her inner strength is put to the test more than once in this book, and I had the pleasure of watching Temperance grow into a great character.

Temperance and Kazuo make a very good couple. They are attracted to each other from the moment they meet, and I must admit that their connection is formed a little fast for my taste. Despite this issue, Temperance and Kazuo’s relationship still feels genuine. However, the restrictions on foreigners make the idea of a happy ending for the couple seem truly impossible. Ms. Courtenay did an excellent job of building suspense gradually. As this romance progressed, the couple moved from one precarious situation to another, and I wasn’t entirely sure that Temperance and Kazuo would find a way to be together without fear until the very end.

Temperance and Kazuo face separate dilemmas throughout the story. As they try to avoid being caught by various enemies, they try to tackle one problem at a time. However, the solution to both Temperance and Kazuo’s problems are found in the same place, and Temperance plays a key role in restoring Kazuo’s family honor. It was not exactly the solution I expected, but it was certainly satisfying.

The Jade Lioness is a very enjoyable book. Temperance is a sweet character, and I liked cheering for her and Kazuo against all odds. I recommend this tale to anyone looking for a different historical romance.

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

Serena’s Fall by M.K. Smith

March 10, 2016 By Leave a Comment

FALL
Serena’s Fall by M.K. Smith
Publisher: Champagne Books
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (267 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Betrayed by her once-upon-a-naive-time friends, Serena, the last Water Fey, can’t touch any man she would ever want without dooming him to a hero’s brutal death. So she lives outcast among her own kind, caring for orphaned Fey children, casualties of an ancient war that broke magic and doomed the Fey to possible extinction.

Now her friends are back, desperate to use her powers to stop the return of the greatest evil the Fey have ever faced. Prophesy says if she doesn’t magic-up a hero and bond him to a mysterious, mystical sword, the human world will be the next to fall.

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But Serena’s tired of human heroes dying because some Water Fey said so. With her combat boots strung tight and her corset even tighter, it’s time to weave some new lines of destiny.

Serena has certainly found herself in an impossible situation. As the last Water Fey, her powers and the hero of her choosing are the only chance left at saving the world for humans as well as the Fey. Serena’s life hasn’t been easy, and she isn’t at all sure the world is worth saving. However, when her old friend Chloe calls for her help, Serena reluctantly agrees to a meeting, even if it means seeing Rachel again. Once I read how dire the situation is, I couldn’t fault Serena for walking away, but even in the first pages of this story I could tell that Serena isn’t a quitter. Chloe wants to save the world and I could tell that Serena was going to figure out a way to make it happen.

Serena is an interesting character. She has suffered a lot at the hands of people she should have been able to trust. Consequently, she is understandably very guarded. She wears her makeup and corset like armor against the rest of the world. As I read, I couldn’t believe how many hard choices Serena faced. She has to make a lot of personal sacrifices for the good of the mission as well as for the sake of repairing relationships. Once Serena is fully on board with the plan to save the world, she takes on immense responsibility. She is uncompromising and unwilling to sacrifice anyone along the way.

The relationship between Serena, Chloe, and Rachel is beyond toxic. It was quite painful to read, especially when the trio first reconnected. Few details were initially revealed concerning the tragic circumstances that caused the friendship to fracture. However, the little I knew left me very confused about why Chloe and Rachel seemed so indifferent to the pain Serena endured. Gradually more details were revealed that went a long way to explaining everyone’s behavior. I do wish those details had been provided sooner in the story.

I am pleased to say that Serena and Chloe truly mend their relationship. Unfortunately, Serena and Rachel will never be close again. They can barely manage to be polite to each other. The only reason they tolerate each other is for the sake of the mission and Chloe. From what I read, I don’t believe Rachel has any redeeming qualities. While I know that Rachel’s life has been far from perfect, it certainly doesn’t in any way excuse her behavior.

Overall, I liked reading Serena’s Fall. Serena is an intriguing and well rounded character, and I’m curious to know what will happen next. Serena and Chloe accomplished a lot in this book, but the world is still in peril. I hope that Mr. Smith has a sequel planned for Serena and her friends.

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

New Smyrna Swing by D.D. Queens

March 4, 2016 By Leave a Comment

SWING
New Smyrna Swing by D.D. Queens
Publisher: Champagne Books
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (178 pgs)
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Newbie Florida P.I. Jenna Palmer’s bad day starts when she finds her Albert E. Gator mailbox smashed to smithereens. Things go from bad to worse after she returns home from a therapeutic mani-pedi to discover her ex inside her house—the same ex who’d run off with their lottery jackpot, and a bartender from the local biker bar. But the worst part is, he’s dead. Now she has to solve the toughest case of her fledgling career.

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Is Jenna really the only one with a motive for killing her ex?

Jenna is an odd character, and I had a hard time deciding how I felt about her. There were times when I was highly annoyed by her attitude, and then other times when I felt sorry for her. Jenna has a very easy going attitude, and despite her lack of close friends, she is friendly and pleasant with most of the people she meets. However, she doesn’t seem to be overly concerned with anything that doesn’t directly affect her. I found her to be self-centered, and I don’t like how she treats the few friends that she has. Fortunately, as the story progressed, Jenna made some progress in that department. I truly believe she is well on her way to being a more compassionate person.

When Jenna’s ex is killed, she is the prime suspect. Understandably, she wants to clear her name as quickly as possible. However, I don’t think she went about it in quite the right way. She seems to go out of her way to irritate the detective on the case. With all the stunts she pulled, I’m very surprised that she didn’t get in serious trouble. I couldn’t help but think that if she had been more forthcoming with the information she had compiled, she and Detective Johnson would have gotten along much better. Despite this issue, I will admit that Jenna really does have a talent for being a good detective. There were very few leads in the case and she does an excellent job of tracking down every shred of evidence she can find.

The conclusion of the mystery caught me off guard. There were very few suspects, but the true culprit was not someone I had ever seriously considered. Once Jenna began to suspect this character, everything wrapped up in a quick, but satisfying way.

I think New Smyrna Swing is a good book. I enjoyed watching Jenna solve the case in her unique way. I recommend it to anyone looking for a quick and fun mystery.

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

Cranberry Blood by Elizabeth Morgan

February 10, 2016 By Leave a Comment

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Cranberry Blood by Elizabeth Morgan
Blood Series-Book One
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (184 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Killing Vampires? Easy.
Tracking someone? Simple.
Helping, and protecting a Vampire slayer . . . . Bloody hard work!

Thirteen years ago, Brendan Daniels made a deal with a psychic. In exchange for information on the whereabouts of a Rogue Werewolf, he promised to help and protect Sofia’s granddaughter. Unfortunately, he had no idea what he was letting himself, or his Pack, in for.

Nothing about Heather is simple, from her weird dietary needs to her life’s mission. The girl can handle herself, but the promise to protect her soon becomes a need, and one he can’t fully understand.

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Born Infected.
Addicted to blood . . . but not by choice.

Heather Ryan is the current Slayer in a long family line. Like all before her, she has spent her life searching for her ancestor, Marko Pavel, the Vampire her family has sworn to kill. If that isn’t complicated enough, she is also a born “Infected”, and to keep her from becoming insane or giving in to her darker side, she is on a very strict diet.

Now that her Grandmother Sofia has passed, it is up to Heather to take the family legacy into her own hands. Or at least, it would have been…if her Grandmother hadn’t sent a Werewolf to help her.

What is the irritating Brendan supposed to help her with? Sofia never told either of them. Luckily, it doesn’t take long for Heather and Brendan to find out that the Vampires have big plans, and that the Leeches have waited a long time for them both.

Can a vampire slayer and a werewolf ever get along?

Heather and Ryan know almost nothing about each other. Their only connection is Sofia, and since they both trust Sofia, they grudgingly accept the fact they’ll be working together temporarily. Neither of them is exactly happy about the arrangement. As I read, I was definitely intrigued by their situation. What event in Heather’s future could be so horrible that Sofia had to set a plan in place so many years in advance? It doesn’t take long for Heather and Brendan to get into serious trouble. Once Heather learns the vampires’ terrifying agenda, she’ll sacrifice anything to stop them. This book does contain some graphic violence. Readers sensitive to this content are forewarned.

Heather and Ryan are certainly a reluctant team. I completely understand their hesitance to trust each other at first. After all, they are strangers thrust together for a purpose they know nothing about. Both are very strong personalities, so they are bound to clash. At first, I found their bickering and arguing entertaining. However, I must admit that it got old after a while. Heather and Brendan help each other out of some horrifying situations. Each time I would think they had finally reached a point in their relationship where they will stop fighting and each time I was disappointed. I found this a bit frustrating because by the end of the book, it was clear that they did care about each other. Also, a romantic moment between them caught me completely off guard. While I could tell that they were slowly beginning to trust each other, I never sensed any real chemistry between them. To me, their bond seemed to be one of friendship rather than romance. Consequently, the romantic moment between them felt forced.

Despite this issue, I must say that Cranberry Blood is a well paced book full of danger and action. Ms. Morgan has clearly put a lot of time and thought into the world she has created. I found her version of werewolves and vampires interesting, and each twist in the tale kept me reading.

Overall, Cranberry Blood is a good book. The plot is a real nail-biter sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast paced paranormal filled with action.

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

The Case of the Mahjong Dragon: And Other Russell Holmes Stories by James McEwan

February 2, 2016 By Leave a Comment

dragon
The Case of the Mahjong Dragon: And Other Russell Holmes Stories by James McEwan
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Historical, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (145 pgs)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

“A brisk walk in the Botanic gardens before breakfast stimulates the mind for a good murder.”

The Case of the Mahjong Dragon and other stories, takes us into the world of criminal investigations by the Victorian private detective, Russell Holmes.

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This collection was inspired by a Shortbread Story competition based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

In the mood for a good mystery?

“A brisk walk in the Botanic Gardens before breakfast always stimulates the mind for a good murder…” The moment I read the opening line of this collection of short stories, I had a feeling I was in for a treat. Inspired by the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Mr. McEwan has created Russell Holmes and a rather entertaining cast of characters who work together to solve a diverse assortment of mysteries.

Mr. McEwan did an excellent job of gradually drawing out the details of Russell’s personality and the origins of his friendship with Major Wilson through their dialog and actions rather than simply “telling” about it. As I read, each story added a bit more detail and made the characters seem more realistic. I grew to like Russell, Major Wilson, and Mrs. Fergus. They are an eclectic bunch, but they are perfectly suited to each other.

I do wish that some of the cases Russell works on had been expanded in greater detail. All the cases are interesting and different. However, there is no real opportunity for the reader to solve the mysteries on their own. The focus of this collection seems to be more about Russell and the methods he uses to solve the cases. While I liked watching Russell work, I must admit that I thought several of the stories ended rather abruptly.

Despite this issue, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Russell Holmes and his adventures. The stories are well paced, and Russell and his friends are very entertaining. Fans of a good mystery would do well to pick up a copy of this book.

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

Kiss of the Virgin Queen by Sharon Buchbinder

January 7, 2016 By 1 Comment

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Kiss of the Virgin Queen by Sharon Buchbinder
Kiss of the Jinni Hunter Series Book Two
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (303 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

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Eliana always believed the stories her mother told her about her ancestors were myths, until now.

Eliana is exceptionally good at her job. Now that shape shifters and other paranormal entities are finally being recognized by the government, Eliana finally has the resources she needs to track down the jinni responsible for the death of a loved one and the loss of her childhood. Eliana plans to use science and logic to fight the jinni, but she might need faith and help from a higher power to defeat the evil stalking her. Kiss of the Virgin Queen is the second book in this series. While I highly recommend reading Kiss of the Silver Wolf first, Ms. Buchbinder provides enough detail that I believe this book can be read on its own.

Eliana’s story is heartbreaking. The tragic event in her childhood put Eliana on a mission with little time for a personal life, let alone love. Arta, and her immediate attraction to him catch her off guard. Eliana and Arta’s relationship intensifies very quickly. They have a bit of history, but haven’t spoken since then. However, the brief contact they had clearly left them both wanting more. I must admit I found Arta’s reason for staying away from Eliana unrealistic. Certainly the new found knowledge that he is a lion shape shifter is surprising, but in the world Ms. Buchbinder has created, it certainly isn’t a bad thing. Eliana has come across all sorts of paranormal creatures in her line of work. I truly think she would have understood Arta’s situation had he trusted her with the knowledge. As it is, his hesitation cost him precious time with the woman he loves.

I really liked the sections on King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Those chapters helped fill in Eliana’s history and inherited powers as well as some good detail concerning shape shifters and jinnis. I also recommend reading the introduction. Ms. Buchbinder provides some excellent insight on how she developed the story. While I knew that King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba’s story was going to be bittersweet at best, I truly enjoyed reading about their romance and how it affected Eliana and Arta’s future.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Kiss of the Virgin Queen. I relished the opportunity to learn more about Eliana and about the paranormal creatures that inhabit her world. This tale definitely lived up to my expectations. I highly recommend this captivating series to fans of paranormal romance.

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

Better Than Chocolate by J. Lynn Rowan

January 5, 2016 By 1 Comment

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Better Than Chocolate by J. Lynn Rowan
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (168 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Carmella Sannarelli is a people pleaser. She can’t say no to anyone, even when it means putting off her own personal goals in the process. So, when her best friend, Sadie Miller, calls with the announcement that she’s broken up with one fiancé and eloping with another in St. Croix, Carmella can’t stop herself from dropping everything and accepting the invitation to stand as maid of honor.

Jilted fiancé Ryan Wutkowski has been the third member of the Carmella-Sadie trio for nine years. He fully supports Sadie’s new engagement and upcoming nuptials, knowing it’s the right decision and best for both of them. But when he boards a plane to San Juan for a business conference, Carmella is the last person he expects to find occupying the seat next to his.
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Two days in San Juan, then a week in St. Croix–Carmella knows her two best friends are hiding something. But can she figure out what went wrong between them as she battles her own tingly, off-kilter feelings toward Ryan, while dodging advances from a womanizing best man, and confirming for herself that Sadie did make the right decision? When Ryan unexpectedly shows up at the rehearsal dinner and gets himself invited to the wedding, will Carmella finally uncover the secret he’s held since the day they first met?

Carmella doesn’t know her friends as well as she thought.

It was very easy for me to like Carmella. While she is certainly smart and clearly a loyal friend, I also admire Carmella’s quiet strength. She isn’t easily swayed by people and events around her. She’s clear headed enough to wait out the chaos and see to the heart of the matter. When she finds out that Sadie and Ryan have broken up, and Sadie is now marrying someone else, Carmella is understandably worried. However, rather than rushing to take sides by doing or saying something rash, she patiently listens to both sides of the story and tries to be as supportive as she can to both of her friends. Unfortunately, the truth behind Sadie and Ryan’s breakup might be more than Carmella can handle.

Carmella hasn’t had a lot of romance in her life. However, Carmella doesn’t obsess over this. Instead, she seems to be content to wait until she meets the right person. When Ryan and Carmella run into each other in San Juan, the sparks of attraction between them are subtle, but clearly there. Carmella is understandably confused by her feelings, and Ryan’s interest in her. After all, she’s known Ryan for years, and he and Sadie were together for most of that time. Carmella can’t deny her changing feelings for Ryan, but she doesn’t want to lose either of her best friends. On top of all that, Carmella is certain that her friends are hiding something from her. The secret they’ve kept might just cost them Carmella’s friendship. I eagerly anticipated discovering how such an unusual situation would be resolved.

I must say that Sadie and Ryan’s relationship didn’t make much sense to me. While it is clear that they care for each other, their feelings are not remotely romantic, or haven’t been for a long time. I have a hard time understanding why they would stay together for so long when neither of them was happy in their relationship. When I learned about how they started dating, their relationship made even less sense and was a little hard to swallow. Despite this issue, I really enjoyed how the story ended. I can’t say much without spoiling the story, but I will say that Carmella, Ryan, and Sadie all find their way to happy and very satisfying endings.

I really enjoyed reading Better Than Chocolate. I recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet romance that is fun and refreshing.

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