Write to Me by Nona Raines

January 13, 2016 By Leave a Comment

WRITE
Write To Me by Nona Raines
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (116 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Gloria Navarro met and married her soul mate. When he died, she felt she’d never know that kind of love again. But when she finds a love letter between the pages of a book and the man who wrote the missive, she starts to believe lightning might strike twice.

To Bryan Dunn, love is a four-letter word. He doesn’t go in for cheap sentiment or hearts-and-flowers. But he wants Gloria, and to get her, he’ll let her believe he wrote the silly letter. The longer he’s with her, though, the more he cares. If she discovers the truth about him, it just might break the heart he never thought he had.

Gloria has a very guilty secret. While perusing books of poetry at a used book store, she found a letter stashed away. The raw emotion, the clear distress at losing his love dripped on every careful word and seared her soul. Unable to help herself, Gloria had read the missive over and over to the point of having it memorized. Determined to return it – perhaps the letter’s real recipient might still find it – she is about to slip the paper back into the book of sonnets when a handsome man removed the book from the shelf. Bryan is a professor and one hell of a sexy man. He mightn’t be the writer of the letter, but he’s not one to let a small thing like that ruin the potential for such a wonderful relationship.

Initially I found that Bryan comes across as a bit of an anti-hero. He freely admits that his end goal with any woman is to get her into bed, and it’s not traditional hero behavior to start a relationship with a fundamental lie (that of authorship of the letter Gloria showed him). All that said, I genuinely found Bryan to be a complex and interesting character. While I strongly feel many more traditional romance readers might not warm to him – he doesn’t soften much until about half way through the story – I was drawn by his anti-hero characteristics. There are reasons – good and strong ones – as to why he doesn’t believe in happily ever after endings or the strength and bonds created through a good marriage. These layers made him interesting to me and helped me want to find out why he acts as he did and gave me patience to stick with him when some of his thoughts were less than charitable.

In some ways I found this to be a good-girl-turns-bad-boy-good style of story, but that label doesn’t do it justice. Gloria is older than many normal romance heroines (in her forties) and while Bryan is in his mid-thirties and definitely not some virginal young man, there is that age difference there. But it’s Gloria who in many ways is the innocent. She’s known real love – her dead husband was her soul mate in so many ways and Gloria still views the world through rose coloured glasses. Bryan might have some baggage and not really believe in love, but his feelings for Gloria grow deep and genuine. And I found this a very satisfying story to read and I thoroughly enjoyed watching Bryan twist and turn as he found himself emotionally and romantically growing and changing.

While this wasn’t the most realistic of stories, that normally doesn’t bother me too much. As long as the plotline isn’t outrageous I love reading for the escape. Readers who like their plots more logical and real might find some of the changes Bryan makes difficult to swallow, and other readers might not be able to see past his initial deceptions. The sex scene is sizzling hot and explicit, but there’s no kink or anything I found over the top. Readers who don’t like “bedroom door left open” style scenes might want to skip those parts, but personally I found the scene tastefully written and not added in merely for the sake of having sex. It fit the characters, situation and progression of the story very well to my mind.

I found this a sweet, wonderfully heartwarming story with vibrant characters and complexities in Bryan particularly that I found deeply satisfying to read. I really enjoyed both Gloria and Bryan’s characters and found their proverbial rocky path interesting and romantic. A great book I’ll happily read again.

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

The Guardian by David Wilma

January 8, 2016 By Leave a Comment

UARDIAN
The Guardian by David Wilma
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Genre: Historical, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Full Length (230 pgs)
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

In 1850, opposition to the Fugitive Slave Law grows in Philadelphia. Phyllis Lewis uses her job as a boarding house cook to expose the bounty hunters who seize runaway slaves. When the leader of her resistance cell is falsely accused of being a runaway and kidnapped by federal marshals, she resolves to rescue her friend. With the help of a harlot, a burglar, a traveling salesman, a lawyer, and a network of supporters, they confront the slaveocracy and the power and authority of the U.S. Government.

The Guardian was a book that actually surprised me. It actually turned out to be a good read. With the beginning starting some what blindly as to not giving a description of the main narrating character I was some what thrown off. Phyllis’s name wasn’t revealed until several pages well into the book. After giving it much thought, and even though this was odd I really didn’t mind the lack of description of Phyllis. This gave the novel a different feel; with only knowing that Phyllis is of mixed race I felt I was allowed to give Phyllis a face that I wanted to see her as. As I think more on it maybe the author doesn’t want the reader to focus on the characters visual appearance. The actions of the characters made them likable or unlikable. And Phyllis was definitely a character that I found to be very likable and heroic.

Phyllis took pride in her duties as a cook for Mrs. Saltonstalh and those visiting the local boarding house. However, when first approached by Seth to be a helper against the Fugitive Slave Law she was some what hesitant. As events play out and Seth is actually taken by slave catchers Phyllis steps up and actually begins to lead a plan of action to find Seth.

This was a pleasant read that I found quite interesting and entertaining. At times the author got a little wordy and gave a little too much detail but he quickly recovered and found his way back to the meat of the novels outline. I am quite pleased that I stuck with the book and gave it a chance because it turned out that I became so involved in the plot and wanted to see how the story played out. I like that the women had a play in the movement and that they had a voice and played an important roll showing strength and courage during a time that women weren’t seen to have a voice. Even Katherine used the skills that she had to get the necessary information that was needed to help carry out their plan.

I enjoyed the plot and the strategy of how the story played out. The story is unique to me and I have to mention it was well written and told in a fashion that left me in suspense up until the finale was revealed. Only one issue I could mention would be that Mrs. Phyllis being a married woman was away from her husband for three months. Even though it was for a good cause, I found it odd that she would leave her job and husband for the cause of finding stolen freed slaves. Just in case it’s not understood this was a highly risky plan that was set in place that could have easily played out with unfavorable results.

Overall the book is enjoyable, gave a pleasing message of courage and determination to help those that were in need of help. It is a heartfelt read that people would actually risk their life in hopes to help others find and keep freedom. That in itself speaks volumes of the love for humanity and it’s right to be free. This is a novel that I found unique and would recommend this story of courage to anyone that is looking for an adventure that will keep them occupied until the last word of the novel is read.

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

Cowboy Lies by Lynde Lakes

January 8, 2016 By Leave a Comment

LIES
Cowboy Lies by Lynde Lakes
Ryan Ranch Trilogy Book 1
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (239 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Myrtle

Matt Ryan, cattle rancher, doesn’t tell Molly Smith, former newspaper reporter, that he is more than just a rancher—he’s is also a federal agent assigned to protect her and her baby. He hates lying, but the doctor warned him that if Molly remembers too fast it could cause a serious setback in her fight against amnesia. To protect Molly, Matt tells her they are married.

Molly can’t picture herself married to this controlling man and suspects he’s lying. Determined to get at the truth, she digs around on her own. Was it only the men chasing her she should fear—or was this tall, dark stranger asking for her trust also a dangerous man?

When a handsome stranger claims to be Molly Ryan’s husband, “trust me” were not the words she wanted to hear. Was Molly even her name?

Amnesia has blocked any memory of Matt Ryan, the handsome cowboy who claims to be Molly’s husband. She has a beautiful baby who “feels right” in her arms, but she lives on a wide-open Texas ranch that feels “all wrong.” What has happened?

Molly is thrown into a life that feels totally foreign to her, and although just about everyone around her seems nice and accommodating, something is just not right and she knows it. Her supposed husband, Matt, is an overly protective cowboy who runs their ranch with a natural rough and tough attitude. And although Matt is controlling, he also has a soft and tender side. And it appears he might actually be in love with Molly, although she does not remember him as her husband or as her baby’s father. The one thing that keeps her playing along is a spark of recognition, plus the fact that this stranger adores her tiny daughter.

The setting of a modern day Texas ranch was portrayed well and I often felt as though I was riding the range, too. The secondary characters, especially Tita, who cared for the baby much of the time, was a nice addition to the story.

As things heat up, Molly catches Matt in several lies, which turns her blind faith into fear. Some lies are small, but others are big. Being the strong-willed, independent woman that Molly is, she takes matters into her own hands with deadly consequences.

This is an engaging story, but it does tend to drag out at times. And Molly does have lots of flippant moments where she trusts Matt then doesn’t trust Matt, and then trusts him again only to find that she shouldn’t have, or should she? During the last third of the book, several tense scenes bordered on not being believable, but never completely crossed that invisible line. With that said, I enjoyed the overall story and I am glad I read it.

But this is not just a cowboy story … No, there is much, much more to Matt Ryan and his attachment to Molly. If you enjoy involved plots with some twists and turns, romantically and otherwise, which is set on a Texas ranch with a handsome cowboy, this story might be the perfect one for you!

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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

Homeland Security Special Agent Eliana Solomon is on a mission to prevent terrorist attacks. Hard enough to do when the threats are human, almost impossible when it’s an evil, shape shifting jinni. Eliana needs help so she calls the sexy and beguiling psychiatrist, Arta Shahani. However, no matter how good he is at his job, the man is on her blacklist. On their last case together, the guy left her for dead. Arta is stunned when he receives Eliana’s call. Forced to abandon the woman he loves, he now fears she won’t accept his shape-shifting skills as a Persian Lion. Eliana, in the meantime discovers she is a direct descendant of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba with special powers of her own. But will her skill and Arta’s be enough to defeat the jinni, or will they lose the love history decreed for them as well as their lives in this battle of good versus evil?

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.

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Kiss of the Silver Wolf by Sharon Buchbinder

January 4, 2016 By 2 Comments

WOLF
Kiss of the Silver Wolf by Sharon Buchbinder
Kiss of the Jinni Hunter Series Book One
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (134 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

After Charlene Johnson’s parents are killed in a car accident, she becomes guardian to her disabled brother. With no income coming in, she is forced to move to Eden, Kentucky, the one place her mother told her to stay away from. Once there, she’s certain her mother would also warn her to keep away from the dark and sexy Zack Abingdon. A man of mystery who claims Charlene is his mate. Zack has waited for what seems a lifetime for the other half of his soul. He wants a family of his own, but the woman he has his eye on has no idea he is a werewolf. However, he knows he is the only one who can keep her safe from the evil that stalks Eden. While he tries to convince her he is the wolf of her heart, she is playing hard to get, and Zack is fearful he will lose her before he can mark her as his own. While Zack and Charlene are finding their way into love, an evil jinni who has wreaked havoc on the town of Eden for decades decides he wants Charlene for his own. When she learns the truth of her heritage, Zack hopes he can convince her he is the other half of her soul before it’s too late.

What secrets will Charlene discover in Eden?

Charlene is one tough cookie. She is so young to have so much responsibility placed on her shoulders. Between trying to finish her degree, pay the bills, and take care of her brother, Charlene just can’t make ends meet no matter how hard she tries. It was heartbreaking to watch Charlene try to do it all, and I was relieved when she finally decided to ask for some help. However, the help Charlene gets might come in an unexpected form. When she learns the truth about Eden, her family, and the evil they fight, I wondered if Charlene would stay, or run away.

The relationship between Charlene and Zack escalates very quickly. The sexual chemistry between them is explosive, but they also shared some very touching, tender moments as well. Even though their relationship became serious in such a short period of time, their relationship seems to work. Charlene and Zack mesh so well it was easy for me to forget they hadn’t known each other very long.

I must admit I found the community of Eden and some of its problems very odd. At first I thought that Eden was an isolated community in regards to the nature of its inhabitants. However, toward the end of the book, I learned this wasn’t the case. I can’t help but wonder if some of Eden’s problems could be solved by reaching out to other groups more often rather than keeping to themselves so much.

I really enjoyed reading Ms. Buchbinder’s mythology of werewolves and jinnis. There is enough detail to provide an interesting base to the story, and the conclusion is very satisfying. However, I was delighted to learn that there is a sequel. I eagerly anticipate learning more about werewolves, jinnis, and their volatile history in the next book.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Kiss of the Silver Wolf. It is a fun, fast read sure to delight fans of paranormal romance. I plan to pick up the sequel to this exciting tale very soon.

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Tempt Fortune by Hebby Roman

December 14, 2015 By 2 Comments

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Tempt Fortune by Hebby Roman
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (312 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Myrtle

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Desperate to escape an arranged marriage, Angelina Herrera flees from Cuba to Key West to start a new life and build her own business. But when her past catches up with her, she realizes the only way she can avoid the arranged marriage is to marry another … in name only.

Drawn to the fiercely independent beauty Angelina, Cuban revolutionary, Alejandro Estava marries her. Though outwardly he agrees to the platonic relationship because of his secret past, he cannot deny his powerful desire to possess her completely.

But tempestuous forces more powerful than the hurricane descending on their island home unleashes their mutual passion while threatening their yearning for a lifelong bond.

Lies and deceit often come naturally to people, but never to a mynah bird.

Angelina is a Cuban aristocrat who flees Cuba in 1868 to escape an arranged marriage. She is a strong-willed woman who arrives in Key West with a plan to build her own cigar factory on land left to her by an aunt. Little does she know the land is nothing more than a muddy swamp. After disembarking, Angelina’s prized mynah bird escapes, giving rise to her finding Destiny Favor, her first American friend.

What would a story about two beautiful and engaging women be without two stunning men? Meet Alejandro (swoon) and Nathan (swoon again) who add lifeblood to this wonderful story of love and lust in an accurate historical setting rarely seen. The story of a Cuban cigar factory in Key West, with a woman at the helm, was enticing in and of itself, but this book had the added flair of giving the story two main characters in Angelina and Destiny. Rarely, is this double-main-character feat ever successful, in my opinion, other than with the famed Gone Girl, of course, which has no other similarities to this Tempt Fortune story. Ms. Roman, however, has written this story with a masterful hand and has given life to two incredible main characters. Adding to my delight was this writer’s amazing ability to add a Spanish language flair, which was completely natural and absorbing! So many times in a novel, I see writers giving a foreign language phrase … and then explaining it to the reader. Huge pet peeve! If written well enough, a writer shouldn’t need to explain their foreign phrasing. Ms. Roman could teach writers a thing or two on the subject. Excellent!

Hurricanes, fires, elegant balls, sailing ships, auctions, polite society, and not-so-polite society fill the pages of this novel, with each circumstance more engrossing than the last. But was the story absolute perfection? Almost. I have one minor criticism that may only be my personal preference — word choice. This exquisitely classy sounding novel was soiled by the few times the male anatomy was described in a mildly vulgar manner. The elegance of the sensual encounters felt marred by these ill-chosen words. It felt as though the words were dropped into the scenes like plops from the mynah bird. They did not belong.

This is a memorable book, and I can’t wait to see what others this author has available. Could they possibly be as good as this one? Tempt Fortune is my first Hebby Roman novel, but it won’t be my last.

If you enjoy authentic historical romances with incredible characters, especially ones that immerse you in the feel of Cuba’s past and the role Key West played, this is the novel for you!

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Last Enchantment by L.M.Connolly

November 19, 2015 By Leave a Comment

AT
Last Enchantment by L.M.Connolly
Agents of C.A.T
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (290 pgs)
Other: M/F, Anal Play, Forced Seduction
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Magnolia

An agent for CAT, the Central Agency for Talents, Tegan Gibbs was a powerful sorcerer until she was attacked and her virginity stolen along with her powers. Now she’s a normal human being with a thirst for revenge. To discover and capture her attackers, she must work with the Earl of Derrington, the only man to ever stir the desires she so carefully kept tucked away. But he’s an ancient vampire, and while once his equal, she now has nothing. Or so she thinks.

Oliver Derrington aches to bring Tegan back to life and into his bed. What starts as a rescue quickly turns into a passionate affair. They set fire to the night, but with the differences between them, Oliver fears his time with Tegan is limited. Yet, he’ll fight to protect her—and to keep her.

Danger threatens from an unexpected quarter, and if they don’t stop those responsible for stealing power from other Talents, they won’t have a future—together or apart.

A traumatic sexual assault alters a Talent’s identity and sends her on a journey for justice, and exploration of the new life before her.

Trigger warning: Some retelling of prior rape and its effects on the heroine.

Teagan Gibbs is an esteem Talent using her years of training, and sexual restraint to bring others justice until a botch clean-up job leaves her in need of some justice of her own. The effects of her traumatic assault leave her physically and mentally scared, but it isn’t just the intrusion of her virgin body that changes her forever. The effects on her powers are instant and irreversible. As she seeks to prove who the culprit behind her demise is, she is paired with the wealthy, charming, and surprising warm Oliver Derrington (Cransfield). They’ve worked together before, but not like this. Together, they give all of themselves to discover who has committed such a crime against Teagan, knowing what its effects would be and why they would commit such a heartless act. What Teagan discovers along the way is a part of herself she was never allowed to unlock. With every turn, she is freed a little more. With every twist, she comes closer to the woman she was meant to be, for herself and for Oliver.

My initial feel of the book was discomfort with such a traumatic catalyst. I believe it is due to the others uncanny ability to tell the story without aggressive details poured onto themselves. Instead, the reader is instantly focused on Teagan and her ability to pragmatically address her assault. She is clear headed or at least as clear headed as one could be after therapy. She isn’t in denial about what the assault has done to her, and mourns in her own way. However, she is not helpless. She uses the skills she still maintains in her diminished capacity to ensure that she is an active participant in bringing herself closure. She is smart, driven, and accepting of the changes she must make for her new life. Teagan is also practical and often uncomfortable with her emotions. She doesn’t gush over anything. Her admissions are quiet and face value honest as she attempts to understand her new normal. In some cases her fear is palpable, but in others it’s as if she’s never known fear in her life.

Oliver Derrington is a bonus she couldn’t have predicted would be a part of her life again. He is her strongest ally, works to understand how best to help her, and gives her space when she needs it. He reads her well, of course. I appreciated seeing his internal fight as he battled with wanting to protect her but not overwhelm her. He’s the type of hero that will wait for your call, before rushing to your rescue. He isn’t intrusive, feels things much deeper and quicker than Teagan, and trusts her instincts.

In Last Enchantment, first comes attraction then sex then love. Yet, their experiences together are not cheapened to some casual ill-timed fling. Instead, the decision is thoughtfully made and humbly accepted. Language is sexy, provocative, but rarely vulgar. There is more plot than sex, but tension holds true to erotica with warming build up as a constant reminder the hero/heroine attraction. Mild cases of head hopping appear in highly emotional scenes, but mostly as a means to describe something the original POV would not be able to explain on their own. Otherwise, the writing is fluid and each word carefully chosen to properly build attachment to the characters and drive the plot forward. The climb to the climax runs a bit long (over halfway through the book), but it doesn’t fast forward into completion once there. Instead, the descent is a gracefully slope down into what happens next before coming to a satisfying end.

In all, Last Enchantment was more of a complex thrill ride than a sultry erotica for me. The slight differentiation did nothing to diminish my enjoyment of the author’s delicate writing and riveting twists. I smiled, I winced, my heart broke, and I cheered for the complicated win. So I wasn’t disappointed that Last Enchantment didn’t strike me to wake up my husband in the middle of the night for some moonlight and lovemaking. Sometimes, a blush and a squirm is just as sufficient and this was one of those times. I recommend Last Enchantment to any reader who enjoys sexy exploration, with layers of thick plot, and tender romance. A great book club choice as there were multiple points where I would have liked to discuss my theories on the assailant or just commiserate with someone about Oliver’s ability to be all things at once. If you aren’t in a book club, enjoy in total silence with a glass of your favorite wine. Might I suggest a sweet red?

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

The Garden of Love by Mary Eleanor Wilson

November 18, 2015 By Leave a Comment

LOVE
The Garden of Love by Mary Eleanor Wilson
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Short Story (149 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Widow Finola MacNamara needs a home—and a job. She’s no stranger to hard work, but faced with the dire prospect of being forced to work as a saloon girl, she finds work as a housekeeper for a Louisville banker with an ailing young son. Caring for the young lad helps her grieving heart to heal, and she even finds a secret place for the garden that will make her whole again. But has she also found love, as well?

Widower Timothy Adams has already lost his wife, now he fears losing his son, too. He’s expecting the housekeeper he’s hired to be an old widow woman, but the lovely brunette who steps off the train isn’t what he was expecting. Before long, his young son is blossoming under Finola’s loving care and his house is soon feeling like a home again. But can the upstanding town banker truly have found love with his Irish housekeeper?

Finola McNamara is recently widowed and finds herself working in a unsavory saloon as a housekeeper. This job is unsettling in her heart so when a job opportunity opens in Louisville, Kentucky she is willing to relocate and step out on faith. Timothy Adams is in need of a housekeeper and caregiver for his sick son. Though Timothy hopes for a older gray haired stout housekeeper he is in total shock when Finola approaches him at the train station. Will this young widow woman be able to handle the job?

Reading this book gave me a good, cheerful feeling. This book is absolutely adorable. I enjoyed the storyline, the writing, the wholesomeness of values and the family bond. This book was a pleasure to read and I am thankful to the author for sharing such a wonderful story.

I so loved the characters and the realness that they portrayed. I can actually picture the scenes at the dinner table taking place. My mouth watered to read the delicious meals that Finola prepared. Finola is a sweetheart that came into Timothy and Liam’s life at exactly the right time. Both Finola and Timothy are broken hearted from the lose of their mate. Their meeting is a chance for both to heal from their broken hearts. It’s admirable to read how Finola brings with her her faith and her devotion to what she believes and holds true. Finola is much more than a housekeeper. She is strong, kind hearted and talented. I enjoyed her strong spirit and whit.

Another character I enjoyed was Liam. At first he came across as spoiled and only thinking of himself, but as the book went on he became mature and often time humorous in things he said. He is wise to be a youngster. I enjoyed so much how he appreciated Finola and what she did for him and his father.

There are quite a few typos that I should mention. One typo even spelled Liam’s name wrong.

The title of the book was fitting with the story. And the explanation for the garden of love is very touching. Who knew a garden could be not only healthy but healing for a family?

The writing at times is so poetic and the word usage shows the author has a real talent for not just telling a story but she knows how to write it with extra flair.

“Spring thundered into Louisville with storms and temperatures that played up and down the thermometer like the squirrels in the trees.”

The author really took the time to compose such poetic words. May be it’s just me, but that description really gave me a visual of how the weather and daily temperatures varied during this particular time in the book.

This is a book that I highly recommend. It’s a feel good story, with characters that will leave a strong impression well after the novel is finished.

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Lassoed by a Dom by Desiree Holt

November 18, 2015 By 1 Comment

DOM
Lassoed by a Dom by Desiree Holt
Rawhide Book 7
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (130 Pages)
Other: BDSM, M/F
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Sorrel

Just for an instant their gazes connect, then he’s gone. Barrel racer Trish Barton wants to find that mysterious man in black who, in brief seconds, pushed all her buttons. A born submissive, she sees herself on her knees before him, bound by the lasso he’d held in his hand.

Jake Keenan will never forget that one brief glimpse of the woman who set him on fire, a woman he’d give anything to master. How could she have taken root in his dreams after that one brief glimpse?

Then Fate throws them together and gives them the opportunity to fully explore the Dom/sub connection they crave. But Trish isn’t yet ready to give up the rodeo circuit, much to Jake’s dismay. How can he convince her she can both her career and a relationship with him?

Trish is an up and coming barrel racer focused on her career. However, in this love at first sight short, the chemistry between Trish and Jake sizzles and she finds herself trying to decide between her love life and her career.

Fate has somehow chosen for them. In addition to Trish being a barrel racer she’s also a submissive. Luckily for her, Jake is a Dom. I liked that their passion and chemistry is given chance to grow. So often, couples in this situation try to separate their public and private lives but, Trish and Jake are given a chance to be a couple, a sub and her master. And for those who may be wondering if it will be a happily ever after, I assure you it is. Trish and Jake actually make it to that point but not without the normal relationship pitfalls.

As with every Desiree Holt book I’ve read, there’s more that happens than just the impossible-to-ignore-passion that they have going for each other. I have read many Desiree Holt books but this was my first in the Rawhide series. I look forward to checking out the others after this one.

What I appreciated about reading this book was, even though it’s part of a series and there are obviously characters from previous books present, it didn’t hinder or confuse me. This book is totally about Trish and Jake and it could be read as a stand-alone. An easy recommend for readers who don’t have much time but love a good hot read.

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Shadow in the Smoke by Jo Hiestand

November 10, 2015 By 8 Comments

MediaKit_BookCover_ShadowInTheSmoke

Shadow in the Smoke by Jo Hiestand
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Mystery/Suspense, Contemporary
Length: Full (344 pgs)
Rated: 5 stars
Review by Snapdragon

Janet Ennis tragically died five years ago in what the police labeled an accidental fire. But Janet’s mother, Nora, believes it to be murder and arson. And she’s hoping ex-cop Michael McLaren can prove it quickly, for she’s losing her memory to dementia. As McLaren pokes through the case details, he becomes emotionally involved with the dead woman. Yet, Janet isn’t the only person who threatens his mental well-being. A series of arsons on his own property hint that he’s upset someone connected with this case.

Motives for Janet’s murder rise like the smoky tendrils of a fire. And, motive aside, the murder scene seems a bit too pat: a drought-stricken landscape eager to lap up flames and a conveniently locked door barring Janet’s escape.

Will McLaren solve the case while Nora can still comprehend the resolution, or will Harvester’s plans see McLaren’s career go up in smoke?

Shadow in the Smoke presents main character Michael McLaren; a quiet, intelligent but reflective soul, who’s personality could be straight out of any 20th century British detective story.

He insists he’s not a private detective–not a licensed one, anyway. However, he’ll admit the odd case has “fallen into his lap.” He’s not the positive, arrogant solver of crime many of his ilk are. He’s not a genius, nor especially tough…’no Philip Marlowe,’ to be sure.

But he’s persistent. He’s sympathetic. And more importantly, he’s thoughtful. As he begins to pursue clues, we too see them and come to understand the import of each.

The challenge is obvious at once; unexplained death. Hiestand presents the victim’s mother sympathetically; she may or may not have a point, but her feelings are real. Readers find themselves touched as much as intrigued. McLarren is touched as well, and spurred on by a lovely, velvety voice from the past.  He’s also deterred by his own past, like his old boss, the detective-Inspector.

A lot happens around the fittingly rainy Village of Darleycote; and there are occasional moments of suspense, but mostly, readers will find themselves puzzling out the mystery and enjoying the characters.

Shadow in the Smoke presents a truly original investigative main character, a wonderful study of human emotion and motivation, and a perfectly satisfying mystery. This reader is excited to find a wonderful addition to the classic British mystery! Five stars and an absolute must read for fans of Agatha Christie, Naio Marsh and the like.

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