Thicker Than Water: Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll by Alicia Dean

January 11, 2013 By Leave a Comment

THICKER

Thicker Than Water by Alicia Dean
Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (120 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Aloe

Sometimes, secrets refuse to stay buried…

A ten-year-old accidental killing and an ancient cursed doll are only part of Julia Bennett’s problems. When she returns to her hometown of Covington, Oklahoma for an old friend’s funeral, she’s thrust into the middle of a murder case—and discovers she never stopped loving her high school sweetheart.

Jake Devlin is now the sheriff of Covington and faced with solving a murder. He isn’t surprised to find Julia in the middle of things. She still seems like the troublemaker whose reckless mistake caused a man’s death years ago…and who broke his heart when she left him without so much as a goodbye.

Jake makes it clear he’s over her, and Julia can’t wait to leave Covington behind. But when another friend dies, she knows she must stay. Can they put the past behind them and stop a killer before he claims another victim?

It’s amazing how one small moment can change your life completely. They’d been partying and were on their way home when they happen upon a man walking down the road in the dark. They survive; the man doesn’t. And all their lives fall to pieces in seconds…

When Julia returns to her hometown, she’s not looking forward to meeting the town folk. She left as soon as she graduated and hasn’t returned for anything except for things she can’t avoid. This time it’s for the death of a friend who was along on that car ride. He committed suicide. She finds that hard to believe, he was so full of life and so exuberant. Before much more time goes by, it’s apparent it was not suicide; it was murder.

Ms. Dean melds a series of murders into a tale of what happened a long time before anyone’s death as well as the current investigation. The past has significance for Julia. The present is full of secrets and unknowns. She also still has an attraction to Jake, who is the sheriff now. With guilt from the past still riding on her shoulder, she has a number of issues to try to put to rest.

The author’s story flows well, holds your interest, and entertains you. As Ms. Dean kills off characters, I began to wonder just who the killer would be. Julia’s girlfriend, Pam, thinks the doll is talking to her. None of those who rode in the car were untouched. The author takes you for a walk on a cobwebby path, with twists and turns and no real answers. She surprised me twice in this tale. I won’t share the surprises with you; you’ll need to read the story. I bet you’ll be surprised, too.

It’s a good mystery with a twisted tale that finally unwinds and offers a solution and some hope for Julia’s future. Why not get a copy on your ereader and settle in a comfortable chair and take a trip through small town, Oklahoma? I bet you remember the trip.

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

That Girl’s the One I Love by Alana Lorens

January 8, 2013 By 2 Comments

GIRL

That Girl’s the One I Love by Alana Lorens
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (65 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

Leyla Brand has one perfect day in her life: the day she meets rock singer Arran Lake at the Bele Chere Festival in Asheville. They have so much in common, Leyla is sure they are soulmates and will have a future together.

The very next morning, when Arran receives the call to hit the big time, he vanishes into the world of California rock and roll to become an international star, leaving her behind. Only a few phone calls keep them in touch — until his phone is disconnected. After that, all she has of him is every new song that hits the charts.

Five years later, she gets a message on the Internet from an unfamiliar address. Someone wants to know if she’s the Leyla of Bele Chere. Should she open that door and discover who this might be? Who else could it be? And if it is Arran, why does he want to contact her now, after all this time? Will he just break her heart again?

Leyla Brand finally got to meet Arran Lake. What’s the big deal? Arran sings in the Copper Moon Band, and Leyla is a real fan. It’s the South, and Arran isn’t famous or anything, but Leyla respects his talent.

These characters are nice, easy to like. They’re very down-to-earth. While reading their story, one almost feels like a friend going along for the ride. The characters are unique. Not only is Arran a musician, but he’s also a farmer!

Things happen fast with them. They spend a memorable night together and make a real connection. Then the problem hits. He gets the “big” call and has to leave on a whirlwind tour. Leyla has lost her heart to him, but they lose touch. Years pass.

The middle of the story takes an unforeseen turn when another man enters the picture. Why should Leyla wait around for a guy who seems to have lost her number? This section of the story is extremely fast-paced. What occurs rushes by without much emotional connection, but it’s meant to do this at this juncture. Leyla and this other guy aren’t very well suited. She learns some things and toughens up.

Once in a while, she remembers Arran, and that beautiful night they shared, but he’s long gone, famous by this time. Then one day she gets a mysterious email. Is it from him? If it is, will she try to reconnect after all this time? She guards her heart, and who could blame her?

Arran sets up a special concert, and she goes there as a journalist. What’s going to happen when they lay eyes on each other again? The suspense is great.  The setting is descriptive and their relationship believable.

These two are good together, but life gets in the way. Theirs is a sweet story and gratifying.

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

Roar! by Mariposa Cruz

January 4, 2013 By Leave a Comment

ROAR 

Roar! by Mariposa Cruz
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (71 pgs)
Heat Level: sensual
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Focused on the bottom line, corporate paralegal Linda Underwood answers to no one. Her world is torn apart when a bear shifter turns her romantic weekend rendezvous into a desperate struggle to stay alive. Now a recently-turned shifter herself, she is determined to beat the affliction by ignoring her newly awakened beastly impulses.

After the accidental death of his wife, shifter Flynn Cromwell finds solace in a remote mountain cabin, immersed in his computer network security work. When he discovers Linda’s ravaged body near the brink of death, he’s compelled to protect her.

Can Flynn save Linda from her own stubborn nature and defend her from a vicious shifter with a taste for her blood? Can Linda soothe the beast within, even the score with her maker, and gain Flynn’s trust as well his heart?

Kate and Jack are shifters and part of a colony mingled with many other paranormal creatures. When Linda, a paralegal from her work, is seriously wounded from a black bear shifter it’s up to Kate and Jack and their friends to help piece together what’s going on in their small town and make things safe again.

The author has created a vivid world filled with an interesting hodge-podge of assorted characters. While it took me a bit of time to get everyone sorted out in my mind, this is a vibrant book filled with all kinds of wonders, politics and adventures waiting to happen. The pace of the book is fast, events occurring one after the other so the reader feels a little like they’re on a roller coaster racing from one scene to the next, but there’s so many people and events it’s always exciting. Also, while there is plenty of sexual tension and teasing, the love scenes are not explicit or graphic.

I enjoyed how the author took the whole shape-shifter storyline out of the box (this is the first were-bear book for me) and made a wonderful niche in the paranormal genre for herself. Readers looking for something different will really enjoy this.

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

Pack of Lies by Kimila Bowling

December 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment


Pack of Lies by Kimila Bowling
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (178 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Tulip

For as long as Rae Taylor can remember, she’s felt others’ emotions as if they were her own. With the untimely death of her grandmother, she leaves the city and returns to the quiet town of New Haven, hoping emotions won’t interfere while she mourns her loss.

Gage Archer has also returned home to New Haven and to the pack he left behind. Luke Bainer views Gage as a threat to both his growing alpha position and his attraction to Rae. Developing feelings for a woman outside the pack can be dangerous. Where Gage will do anything to keep Rae safe, Luke has other ideas.

As Rae struggles to control her special talent, no one is aware her gift is linked to a secret. A secret that could destroy Rae and the pack.

A dark twist on this compelling shifter romance from debut author Kamila Bowling. Readers will be captivated with this sensual love story. It grabs you with the first page and won’t let go until the last. It’s a twisted tale of secrets, lust and murder. Can I just say: I loved it and can’t wait for more from this promising new author.

Death brought Rae Taylor back to the town of New Haven. All she wants is to mourn the loss of her Grandmother, the last of her family. Instead, she’s fighting off the unwanted advances of an old friend. Her old friend, Luke, seems to think he has some claim on her. But Rae is more interested in exploring her renewed acquantance with Gage, the boy she once shared a sultry kiss with one long ago summer. And the atmosphere of the town where she spent so many of her childhood summers has changed to one of malevolence. Some of the townsfolk are using intimidation and violence to control the town. And wild wolves are attacking people all over town…including Rae, who is rescued by a mysterious black wolf. She is intrigued by her mysterious protector and the growing bond between them.

Gage Archer left town amid suspicions that he murdered his girlfriend. Now, he’s back to protect the girl he wanted all those years ago. A loyal friend to Luke, Gage walked away from Rae, the girl they both wanted to claim. But Luke has changed and so has Gage. He regrets leaving all those years ago so he’s not running any longer. If Luke want’s Rae then he’ll have to fight Gage for her.

When a string of murders and wolf attacks start back up suspicion turns toward Gage and the black wolf. Either he’s guilty or someone is going to a lot of trouble to make it look like he is. Rae’s not sure what to believe. She just knows there’s a close bond between her, Gage, and her wolf protector.

Luke is a ruthless would-be Alpha who takes what he wants. He uses his job as sherriff to control the town and its women. And now he’s staked a claim on Rae, his old girlfriend. But first he’ll have to turn her against Gage.

Pack of Lies is a dark and twisted tale of passion and intrigue. Passion for love and passion for killing. One is sweet, one is dark. One man is good – wanting only to protect. One man is evil – wanting only to dominate and destroy. Rae’s life is on the line as she decides which man to trust.

I really enjoyed this story with all of its dark edgy passion. Rae was a unique heroine who changed a lot during the story. Boy, did she ever. And Gage was one dreamy hero. Every girl oughta have one just like him. And I loved all those twists and turns the story took with bad guys coming out of the woodwork, surprises and secrets revealed left and right, and one hell of climactic ending that came way too soon. Pack of Lies left me wanting more from this promising new author.

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

Mine to Keep by Jannine Corti-Petska

December 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment


Mine to Keep by Jannine Corti-Petska
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Short Story (123 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Lady Elizabella Aldrich receives notice of an inheritance in Padua, Italy. Arriving from England, she discovers another heir lays claim to the castle. An unreasonably handsome Italian rogue stands between her and the castle she’s inherited.

Leonardo Da Mitri never met the noble who included him in his will. But after one look at Lady Eliza he relishes the challenge of defeating the beauty to make the castle his own.

Astonished to learn they must wed and remain married for a year, it soon becomes apparent someone does not want the nuptials to take place. As Eliza fights her growing desire for Leo, he fights for his life. Will he walk away from his inheritance—and Eliza? Or is he willing to risk everything to stay married to the woman who has claimed his heart as hers… to keep?

Lady Elizabeth Godwin has inherited a castle. Though not a wealthy, land-endowed one of her fantasties, it’s hers and Lady Elizabeth is determined to make the best of it. Leonardo Da Mitri’s solicitor informs him he’s been endowed with an Italian castle upon Lord Calendri’s death. Surprised, as he’s not of noble blood, Leo nevertheless decides to follow where his fortune might lay. Both Leo and Lady Elizabeth insist on the solicitor explaining how they can both be in possession of the same castle. What follows are certain conditions that shock and secretly entice them both.

A wonderful historical novella, this story made me laugh, sigh and thoroughly enjoy both Elizabeth and Leo’s adventure. While the language sometimes made me pause – with both the old style of speaking and a few Italian words peppered in neither of these detracted from the story. Both Leo and Elizabeth could be stubborn and difficult, their attraction was undeniable. The spice their relationship and interactions brought to the book really made it sparkle.

Hard core historical readers might find some nit-picks, but I really enjoyed the world, settings and characters. The romance builds slowly but is no less sensual because of that. The author manages to juggle the history elements, different social settings and intertwine an intriguing plot to wrap it up into a wonderful book I thoroughly enjoyed.

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

The Haunting of a Duke by Chastity Bowlin

December 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment


The Haunting of a Duke by Chastity Bowlin
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (292 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Reviewed by Fern

Facing danger from both sides of the grave, will two souls merge to find a love that conquers all?

Communing with spirits has been both gift and curse to Emme Walters. Now it’s made her a killer’s target. Emme knows why the Dowager Duchess of Briarleigh invited her to a house party—to investigate whether the duke, Rhys Brammel, murdered his wife years ago. But Emme never imagined she would fall in love with the brooding duke.

Branded by society as a possible killer, Rhys is suspicious of Emme and her alleged “gift.” Then a late night encounter creates awareness of her other, more attractive, aspects. When Emme’s life is threatened, Rhys becomes her protector.

Emme and Rhys find passion and peril as they join forces to solve the mysteries at Briarleigh. She made him believe in spirits, but can she make him believe in love?

Emme Walters is attempting to return to her bedchamber after awakening from another strange bout of sleepwalking. Lord Rhys Brammel follows her to try and understand what underhanded task she must be about at such a late hour. When she’s at risk of being exposed – and her reputation ruined – his natural, gentlemanly instincts urge him to protect her, and they both escape undiscovered. Both Rhys and Emme are enjoying a weekend party held by Rhys’ family, though each are reluctant in their own ways for their own reasons. Rhys in particular finds Emme’s motives for being present particularly suspect, but that distrust only fuels his curiosity and interest in the lovely young lady.

This is a wonderful historical novel, full of secrets, mysteries and paranormal abilities. I sympathized with both Rhys and Emme, caught up in strictures and rules not of their own making, and each in their own way trying their best to balance their honor, duty and their own desires. While this could have been yet another historical romance the author adds far more depth both to the plot and characters. There are spirits who communicate with Emme, regrets of actions long past and all sorts of intrigue that make this a vivid, wonderful story to read.

There is plenty of conflict and tension in the forms of both Rhys’ and Emme’s scheming family, as well as both Rhys and his best friend’s inherent distrust in Emme’s paranormal powers. Artfully crafted this book will satisfy a wide range of readers, from those who love historical, to medium or even straight mystery readers. There is also plenty of sexual chemistry and spice to keep the romance readers turning the pages to discover what happens next. I greatly enjoyed this novel and found the author’s style, wit and tone of voice easily readable. Recommended.

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

Heart Murmurs by Suleikha Snyder

December 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment


Heart Murmurs by Suleikha Snyder
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary (Medical Romance)
Length: Short Story (36 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Despite her best efforts to stay professional, distant, and unmoved, cardio-thoracic resident Anushka Gupta can’t get brilliant—and gorgeous—neurologist Vince McHenry out of her head. So what if she presents all the symptoms of a woman in love, Anu is determined to fight off the disease. She’s not going to compromise her career for a fling with a professional playboy.

Hospital heartthrob Vince has never met someone so untouchable or so prickly, and he’s immediately consumed by her case. He even has a course of treatment in mind: a night of passion.

But when Anu’s defensive push comes to Vince’s passionate shove, he finds himself suddenly specializing in matters of the heart.

Dr Vince McHenry might be a brilliant doctor and a medical researcher without compare – but he is also an insufferably arrogant jerk. Anushka Gupta knew his every flaw, but she couldn’t help the fantasties of his smile and hands which haunted her daydreams. In a whirlwind romance, Anu isn’t certain whether to indulge in the insanity surrounding her and Vince, or run away and hold onto her independence.

This is short story is a modern medical romance. I found both Vince and Anu to be instantly likeable characters, neither of them being overly clichéd, and well rounded considering the brevity of the story. The setting is certainly in the present day (no wistful sighs or waiting for the doctor to take the lead here) and with just enough spice to bring a blush to your face and check no one else is reading over your shoulder. Anu is a strong woman who knows what she wants but isn’t domineering to achieve it, and Vince is equal parts arrogant jerk and fallible human.

Ms. Snyder is to be commended on a really well written story with memorable characters, sizzling sex scenes and a healthy dose equally made up of reality and fantasy. Highly enjoyable!

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

A Deadly Love by Jannine Gallant

December 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment


A Deadly Love by Jannine Gallant
Publisher: Wild Rose Press Inc
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (302 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

In the heart of the redwoods, a madman waits…

Recovering from a broken engagement and determined to start over, Brooke Wakefield flees to her grandmother’s home deep in the redwood forest. Discovering her teenage crush lives next door is a less than auspicious beginning. The last thing she needs is another man to break her heart, but every time Dillon glances her way, her heat level soars.

Dillon Tremayne isn’t looking for a relationship. With a young son, an eccentric grandfather, and a logging company running him ragged, he can’t afford any romantic entanglements. But Brooke’s humor and strength are hard to resist.

When a woman from his past is brutally murdered and another disappears, Dillon is heartsick—and terrified the killer will target Brooke next. Can Brooke and Dillon find love in the heart of the forest? Or will a madman’s twisted dream destroy their chance at happiness?

Startled by a ghost-like woman in a long white nightgown running onto the road in front of her car, Brooke Wakefield crashes her car. Dillon Tremayne finds her semi-conscious and bloodied, her car a mangled wreck. A killer is holding women hostage, torturing them with a hunt-and-chase type game that fulfills the sickness within him. When Brooke captures his attention what started out as a chance to help her Grandmother out and get herself back together in the sleepy little town turns into a twisted game from her darkest nightmare.

An old-school style psychological thriller, this small-town book is full of interesting, well-written characters. The author has done an excellent job setting up the atmoshphere of an isolated, fog-filled, woodsy little town, the perfect setting for a crazed stalker/killer. But it’s the characters that really shine through. Full of quirks and life, I found myself second guessing everyone trying to work out the mystery and stay one step ahead of the killer. I’m pleased to say I only had mingled success, with quite a few interesting twists.

Not to be read on a cold, stormy night, this was scary enough to have me double checking the doors, but not gory enough to be horrible or over the top, it has a good balance. Dillon and Brooke certainly have chemistry, each is recovering from their own problems – Dillon from the tragic death of his late wife, Brooke from a broken engagement. The romantic pace between them is a realistic, gradual progression and the culmination of their desires is tastefully written.

An excellent find, I really enjoyed this book and would happily read more from this author.

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

Hot Summer Sands by Rachel Leigh

December 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment


Hot Summer Sands by Rachel Leigh
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (136 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Fern

Chef Michelle Hutton flees her controlling mother in the UK for the sun and freedom of Greece, longing for a new beginning and maybe just a bit of Zante’s local heat. Sexy, pro-bono lawyer Sam Clarke might just be the one to teach her to let go. He’s sexy, capable, and totally in control. And too damn hard to resist.

Sam Clarke and his best friend had once been the baddest boys to hit the local party scene– sex, booze, and more sex–until his friend is killed. Sam turned his back on the blatant sexuality of the island years ago, but can’t resist Michelle’s desire to bask in the sun and explore the need that grows between them.

Michelle Hutton has packed up her life and headed for Greece to start again. After arriving she decides to stop in the bar for a drink before collecting her bags and starting her new life, Michelle stumbles into Sam Clarke, lawyer, hunk and all around walking wet dream. They hit it off instantly and Sam offers Michelle a job with his sister’s restaurant. The attraction between them is electric and instant – and soon they find themselves growing ever more intimate on the Greek hot summer sands.

This begins as a fun and lighthearted book. It’s equally about breaking out of the molds your family tries to force you in, discovering yourself and how long lasting and erotic a supposedly brief summer fling can be. Frivolous and fun, it was a pleasure to read about Michelle casting off her proper English manners and embracing the inner vixen that had lingered within her for so long. Sam falling irrevocably in love practically at first sight was also a joy to read. But when Michelle lets her overbearing and slightly twisted mother ruin her happiness all the way from England the book takes a bit of an unhappy turn.

I was torn about this conflict in the plot. While part of me understood and accepted the issues Michelle needed to wrestle with, another part of me disliked how much power Michelle continued to give her mother. Even after acknowledging the fact her mother was a conniving, manipulative and unhappy woman Michelle continued to let the vindictive venom her mother spewed to almost ruin her relationship with Sam. After Michelle had gone to such lengths to leave her mother’s expectations behind and living for herself – extremely happily too – falling back into old habits and allowing her mother to cause her to doubt herself didn’t feel quite right to me.

The first half and endings were very enjoyable though, and the conflict did add some well-written angst into the novel. Overall I enjoyed the authors style and characters and the book was a good read.

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

Flying Home by T. R. McClure

December 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment


Flying Home by T. R. McClure
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Inspirational
Length: Full Length (192 pgs)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Daffodil

The last thing Colleen McLachlan is thinking about while flying over central California in her perky red and yellow Tri-Pacer is a man. After twenty-five years in the US Air Force, she’s ready for freedom and looking for a place to call home. When she’s forced to land in the middle of Matthew Berk’s almond grove, she discovers a home, a family, and a man!

Matt is perfectly happy taking care of the family business and teaching part-time at the local college. When Colleen literally knocks him off his feet, he quickly realizes there’s more to life than work.

Only problem is…there’s a bit of an age difference. Falling in love with Matt Berk goes against everything she stands for. Can she convince Matt she’s wrong for him or will he change her mind?

The older woman meets handsome younger man. Honestly I enjoyed this novel. I like how the author played on something most women have had an issue with – dating younger men, especially women who don’t even like telling their age for fear of being called “old.”

Colleen is so strong and so independent that it’s no wonder she would still be single.  I bet she’s intimidated more than one man!  Add in the fact that she’s a highly ranked ex-military and you understand the issue. But Colleen didn’t count on meeting Matt, who will make her rethink everything she thought she knew. Plus Matt is hot! Even this story couldn’t hide the handsome book nerd who makes Colleen’s pulse race. Throw in some funny family members from both Colleen and Matt’s family and you’ve got a great read.

This story is the epitome of sweet. It’s even sweet enough to allow an older teenager to read. And it’s brutally honest. Most people don’t tell you when you get married that you should like your in-laws and this story covers that as well as what to do with those pre-marital woes and jitters.

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