Schooling Miss Burke by Paty Jager

March 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Schooling Miss Burke by Paty Jager
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical
Length: Short Story (71 pgs)
Heat Level: sensual
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Aloe

A letter from home shatters politician Caleb Jamison’s world, returning him to his empty family home and cattle ranch.

Hettie Burke’s life takes a life-altering turn when she becomes the parent of her twin niece and nephew. Looking for work, she stumbles upon a covey of soiled doves on vacation and learns sometimes fate takes precedence over best-laid plans.

When Hettie crossed paths with the party of soiled doves, she didn’t know what was worse. Should she stay on the trail by herself and perhaps run across outlaws or Indians? Or should she expose her niece and nephew to women who lived this type of life?

Ms. Jager writes a good tale of the old west and exposes several of the warts that plagued this time period. Caleb, her hero, is a strong man who’s grown up on a ranch and has aspirations to be the Governor of Montana. Hettie is a young woman who hopes to get a job teaching school. The attraction between them is immediate, but Hettie can’t follow her heart. Her first priority must be the two children left in her care after their parents’ death.

The author adds the additional emotion of loss to both her characters. With Hettie it’s her sister and brother-in-law. With Caleb, it’s his entire family. Both are feeling lost and incomplete until they find each other.

The soiled doves were the most interesting part of the story. Many got to that point because it was the only thing they could do to earn money. The author treats this part of the story with discretion and it’s just part of the story, not the main focus of the plot. That makes it more palatable.

The word play and hesitation on Hettie’s part is fun to watch since Caleb has made up his mind she will be his. The author gently works her magic on the characters and gives you a good romance and a happy ending to a story that might not have gone well. I enjoyed reading it.

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Same as it Never Was by Gabriella Lucas

March 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Same as it Never Was by Gabriella Lucas
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (59 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Azalea

An artist with recurring dreams and the psychiatrist whose dreams mirror hers…is she a patient who needs his help? Or his soul mate from another time?

Psychiatrist Max Molinari specializes in past life regression. For years, he’s waited for a dream lover—the woman he has loved in many past lives—to walk through his door. Could his new patient be the one?

Artist Roz Lennon needs help unraveling her dreams of places she’s never been and a man she’s never met. When Roz draws the exact people and scenes from Max’s own regressive dreams, he has to fight to maintain his professional distance.

Roz could be the woman he’s searched for all his life, but he cannot lead her to that conclusion. Will Roz recognize him as they explore her dreams? Or is their soul-deep love all in his head?

Can a love exist through the ages?

Max Molinari has had recurring dreams since he was seven years old. Sometimes with different settings and time periods, but always with the same woman’s face haunting him. Now forty years old and still unmarried, Max has a practice where he specializes in past life regressions, half in the hope one day he will find the green-eyed woman of his dreams. One evening at an art gallery, Max finds some sketches that mirror his own dreams and he asks the gallery owner to contact the woman who drew them.

Rosalind Lennon appears at Dr. Molinari’s office clutching the card he gave the gallery owner. She, too, has been visited by recurring dreams and feels as though she has lived past lives. But Roz’ eyes are blue and she doesn’t recognize Max. In fact, there’s no recognition on either side. Still, Max begins several sessions with the young magazine executive and part-time artist who tells of Welsh castles, Civil War battles and other tales, all familiar to Max. He cannot insert himself into the equation: it would be unethical. Besides, Roz looks nothing like his dream woman. Finally, Max is determined to visit the site of one of her sketches he has purchased, ­a waterfall he learns is Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Maybe there, he’ll meet the dream woman.

I loved this story on many levels. It’s interesting, colorful and well written. I immediately empathized with Max and then Roz. Ms. Lucas does a wonderful job of feeding in plot points in a realistic manner and keeping the pacing active. The reader is rooting for the lovers to reunite and hoping that Roz is the lost love or can direct Max to the woman who is. An excellent story that deserves a best book award in this reviewer’s opinion.

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Half Past Mourning by Fleeta Cunningham

March 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Half Past Mourning by Fleeta Cunningham
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (312 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

An hour after her wedding, Nina’s new husband and his ’55 Thunderbird disappear, and the search for him is inconclusive, leaving her married but alone with no answers as to what happened. Waiting for word from him, wondering where he is, she has no real future until she spies his car in a parking lot and starts asking questions.

When Professor Peter Shayne uncovers a driver’s license concealed in the trunk of the T-Bird he’s just purchased, he tracks down Nina for more information. As they follow clues together, Peter finds himself attracted to this woman, but what if they locate her husband? How can he declare his love for her if she’s still married?

Torn and confused by the unfolding secrets of the boy she loved and married, Nina doubts she can trust her growing feelings for Peter. She must discover her husband’s whereabouts, even if the truth hurts.

Living in limbo can sap a person’s courage and destroy dreams—a truth Nina Kirkland comes to realize more every day. However, a canary yellow T-Bird she would know anywhere brings back memories and hurt. It also sparks an old need to compete, plus it brings Dr. Peter Shayne PhD front and center in her life.

Twenty-four-year-old Nina, true to her vows and promises, looks at no man as a possible romantic partner. She’s a wedded woman without a wedding night and has been for two years. The romance and love part of her life is on hold. However, the caring, precious, patient love that gently wraps around her like a magic mist rejuvenates her courage and gives her hope. More than that, it gives her a companion that loves her ‘little-girl-tomboy’ side that shows as she relates to her fourth graders, the competitive car racer side and the compassionate, caring sides that shows with her uncle, friends, and young students.

Dr. Peter Shayne is comfortable in his own skin—ah, what a hero! He does not kiss another man’s wife, neither does he walk away from the married Nina who touches that place in his heart that’s never been touched before—he bides his time. He offers support and help and lets a deep all encompassing love grow strong enough to give Nina the courage to trust her judgment again after having her faith in herself badly shaken. He’s not at all affronted when pretty little Nina tells him she can win the gymkhana with his T-Bird but he cannot. He even wants her to teach him so he can win at a later time. Can you believe!

The secondary characters are background to showcase the hero and heroine. However, many of them have very realistic personalities. Nina’s uncle Eldon Lassiter, even though in a wheelchair, is a busy man yet helps others along the way, but most of all he’s Nina’s solid-as-a-rock family. Marigold, the mother-in-law, more or less falls in the ‘ witch’ category—my goodness, how Nina survives her is a miracle. The never-present husband Danny Wilson, while not bodily present, is very much a part of the plot. His absence is wrapped in mystery and in times brings on suspense before the truth comes out.

The humor and joy Sinbad the cat and Princess the 1924 antique Isotta exotic touring car add give that special little flavor that makes Half Past Mourning even more delightful to read.

Fleeta Cunningham slips in mores, styles, and pastimes of the 1950s era as she lets the reader share time with the characters as they work to make sense of their lives. Her subtle, understated writing style moves along smooth as silk and slips the reader into a sparkling, enjoyable vicarious experience.

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The Mercenary Way by Tory Richards

February 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

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

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

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

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

The curvy, soft, beautiful little Sarah has a sassy mouth, a spitfire temper, and determination that sustain her outwardly, but on the inside she is scared beyond belief. She has no idea what the goons who kidnapped her want. She does know they think she is Susan, who is her business partner and best friend. To protect her friend, she does not reveal her true identity which puts her in a dire situation.

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

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

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

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A Marshal of Her Own by Linda LaRoque

February 24, 2012 By 4 Comments

A Marshal of Her Own by Linda LaRoque
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
genre: Contemporary, Historical, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (99 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Water Lily

Best Book 2012 copy

Despite rumors of “strange doings” at a cabin in Fredericksburg, investigative reporter Dessa Wade books the cottage from which lawyer Charity Dawson disappeared in 2008. Dessa is intent on solving the mystery. Instead, caught in the swirling mist that surrounds the cabin, she finds herself in 1890, in a shootout between the Faraday Gang and a US Marshal.

Marshal Cole Jeffers doesn’t believe Miss Wade is a time traveler. He admits she’s innocent of being an outlaw but thinks she knows more about the gang than she’s telling. When she’s kidnapped by Zeke Faraday, Cole is determined to rescue her. He’s longed for a woman of his own, and Dessa Wade just might be the one—if she’ll commit to the past.

Dessa wasn’t the only person swept back in time through the pages of this incredible tale. With A Marshal of Her Own, Linda La Roque has hit my “automatic buy” list.

Ms. La Roque does a wonderful job of blending modern day strengths and sensibilities with nineteenth century history, setting, society and morals. She makes the past come alive in this novella. Modern day Dessa Wade is smart, strong, bright and beautiful. Her caring and curiosity prompt her to do whatever it takes to solve a cold case and find what happened to Charity Dawson. And she succeeds in a way she never imagines.

Marshal Cole Jeffers could easily have been the stereotypical 1890’s marshal, but he’s not. The scenes from his point of view give a fabulous depiction of how a modern woman and a modern world would look like through nineteenth century eyes. Ms. La Roque does a marvelous job of bringing both the past and present characters to life in their different settings. The sights, scents, and sounds of the west are vividly described as are the local customs, clothes and prejudices. The sweetness and intensity of Dessa and Cole’s romance took my breath away. I didn’t want to put this book down. (I ended up reading it while the Super Bowl was on. And I really like football.) I’ve read other books by Ms. La Roque. She gets better with each one.

A Marshal of Her Own ended with both a satisfying happily ever after and a hint of more to come. It was the perfect balance which makes me long for the next installment. I hope you’ll join me on this time travel adventure by picking up your copy today.

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Hot Under the Collar by Jane Leopold Quinn

February 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Hot Under the Collar by Jane Leopold Quinn
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Short Story (87 pgs)
Heat Level: HOT
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Lotus

After a spectacularly failed romance left her devastated, all Isis Garrett wants is to start her library in this West Texas town. The last thing she wants is another man, not even the handsome preacher who offers his church for her books.

Pres MacKay is starting a new life as a preacher. He can’t hide his attraction to the sweetly rounded new librarian even as she pushes him away. Can he discover the way into her closed heart and prove to her he’s one of the good guys?

Pres isn’t about to give up on Isis, though. The question is can she forget the pain of the past and see a future with him?

The Librarian and the Preacher: dull premise, you say? Try hot and fast! I hadto read this book all in one sitting. It captivated me from the first few pages!

Determined to lead a proper and spinsterish life as a librarian while running away from a disastrous previous relationship, Isis is persuaded otherwise by a handsome preacher. Even their kisses are hotter than a 100 degree day.

Isis Garrett traveled from Egypt to Paloverde, Texas to start a library and a new life. The hero, Preacher Prescott Mackay, is enjoying helping people in his parish and taking care of his ranch. Both of them are hiding secrets from the past they worry would have others see them in a not-so-desirable light. What secrets are they both hiding? Will the other person think less of them if their secret is revealed? Isis very reluctantly agrees to a date with Pres. She thought that since he’s a preacher, he would surely be a gentleman. What they experience together is a sensual treat sure to have your pulse pounding.

Ms. Quinn’s writing is wonderful, making the vicarious experience seamless. The plot is well-written and moves along at a quick pace. I felt as if I were transported into this frontier town, experiencing life in 1877. With historical stories, I am often worried the descriptions might take over the story which would have me lose interest in it. Ms. Quinn makes sure her characters are up front and center, with the description enhancing the story like whipped cream on dessert. The characters themselves are honorable and attractive people (despite Isis worrying about her self-perceived plumpness). They won my admiration when they help Opal, a town prostitute, showing her the same concern and regard as anyone else. The characters’ internal struggles about their past and their interactions with each other make for a very satisfying story.

Hot Under the Collar was a wonderful reading experience. The author has won me as a fan and I will be looking for more books from Ms. Quinn! If you enjoy a well deveolped historical and don’t have much time to read, you won’t want to miss out on reading this very sexy novella.

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Operation: Tempt Me by Christina James

February 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Operation: Tempt Me by Christina James
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full length (257 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, Anal Play, Toys, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Librarian Cambrie Brasher has been given an ultimatum—win the grant for the library or lose her job. To accomplish the task, Cambrie needs a man. Not just any man, a military man willing to be her pen pal. Thanks to an old friend, Cambrie connects with Miller Daly, a sexy Navy SEAL who ignites her sensual side and promises to make her hottest dreams a reality.

Lieutenant Miller Daly has been haunted by dreams of a woman he’s never met. Thanks to the machinations of his former commander, he’s saddled with some frumpy librarian who wants to be his cyber pal. What he really needs is a cyber siren TO take his mind OFF his mission and give him the opportunity to play out some of his most erotic fantasies.

Cambrie is no frump and she shares Miller’s interest in a hot affair. Unfortunately, he’s always in another corner of the world and Cambrie is devoted to the frail aunt who raised her. They must steal every steamy moment together, but how long can the fires of their passion sustain them?

I enjoy romance fantasies about librarians; they are usually full of surprises and often toy with the stereotypes. Operation: Tempt Me didn’t disappoint.

Cambrie is an all around good woman. She lost her parents when she was young, was raised by an aunt and now she’s doing the responsible adult thing by caring for the woman while her health is precarious and is stuck in a nursing home. The heroine has a job but it’s in jeopardy. All good plot conflicts that grab a reader’s heart strings and strums them to perfection. She also has a wonderful sense of humor, sense of justice and a good heart. Sounds very vanilla, doesn’t it? Not for long.

Enter Miller, the hero — a strong man doing dangerous things while serving our country as a Navy SEAL. Right there is a reason to snare my attention. That he has been dreaming of his perfect woman but hadn’t any hopes of finding her any time soon rang the romance bells in my head. He was going to find more than he imagined and everything he hoped for, but better. The plot thickens.

How does a vanilla woman entice a red hot alpha hero? By tapping into the vixen inside and letting her out to play. And that is the one thing that Ms. James delivers exceptionally well. Every kinky, naughty, deliciously experimental bed scene was well done with some interesting dialogue sprinkled in to showcase the forward movement of their relationship. For readers that really get into the erotic side of erotic romance this book should be a winner. From the toys, to the computer, from the actual meeting and the various ways the hero takes the heroine, it’s all well done and initially, exciting.

After awhile, the spanking, the verbiage, every time they’re together, they jump on each other — it’s not a bad thing, but I got bored. At first I skimmed, and then I just plain skipped those scenes to get to where real story telling took place. Yes, there were moments where their eyes met and words were exchanged that do indicate that they were falling in love and it was beautiful, as a romance should be. But it was just too overdone and became repetitive. There’s only so many ways to say the big “O” is coming and I’d swear every one was used.

The ones that stand out are the earlier scenes where Miller discovers how unique and special Cambie is. She lets him explore and allows him ‘to boldly go where no man has gone before’. His reaction was as yummy as this reader could have wished. I enjoyed the heroine’s blushes, the hero’s growls and the emotional tug of war that came from both of them realizing that where they both are in life makes the success of their relationship almost impossible.

Ms. James has an uncanny knack for writing emotion. When it came to important matters of the heart, of dealing with family and friends, the dialogue was a winner. There was no doubt in my mind just how much Cambrie was respected, how much she loved her aunt, how determined she was to make a difference in one young boy’s life or how she deeply she felt about things important to her, because it was all there in the words.

The ending was crafty, entertaining and quite delicious. I loved the big surprise and how it was orchestrated. I enjoyed how the author described the whole scene and even there, how she injected humor. I laughed at Miller’s fellow soldiers and sighed at the last sentence. This story has a great happily ever after wrap up.

Operation: Tempt Me is a really fun read. It has a lot going for it, characters that are fascinating to read about, internal conflicts that make sense, physical hijinks that could make a person’s cheeks warm and energetic dialogue that kept the story flowing. There is so much to enjoy and certainly this book is guaranteed entertainment. I think readers of erotic romance are going to have a great time when they pick up their own copy of Operation: Tempt Me. I’m glad I read it.

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The Fires of Passion by Jean Adams

February 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The Fires of Passion by Jean Adams
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (282 pages)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Camellia

Every woman should know a man like Blaize Hathaway.

When Kimberley Holland shrugs off her family and relocates to the other side of the world, never does she imagine meeting the drop-dead gorgeous stranger who threatens her newfound freedom. His touch leaves her questioning far more than her good breeding, and leaves her hungry. Her grandmother’s wise words encourage living life to the fullest — but is one week long enough?

Blaize Hathaway despises wealthy women. They are predators who prey on ambitious young men, and the one he’s been tasked to spy on is no different. Then he meets Kimberley, who challenges all his beliefs.

Before Blaize can surrender to the fires of passion, he must escape the torments of a darkened past. Will he find the peace and love he yearns for or will he be too late?

Often life and events are seen through one’s own experience, not as they really are.

Kimberley Holland, a rich young woman with an overprotective family, declares her independence and comes to realize she knows little about the complexities of life. Her family had done her no favors by shielding her from much of the reality of life.

In Patiki Bay, New Zealand, far from her palatial home in Carmel, California, Kim battles homesickness, conquers fears, proves her talent is useful by refurbishing the Dolphin Hotel, and even helps a young Maori artist, Manu Elder, show his art and make a contact for a showing in a reputable art gallery in New York. Yet her accomplishments mean little when the love of her life speaks harshly to her and walks out of her life.

Blaize Hathaway, a wealthy and famous jeweler to the rich, walks in the door of the Dolphin Hotel on a mission. It’s no wonder that he feels like a cad for deceiving the beautiful Kim who is so naïve, trusting, honest, generous, and totally desirable. Blaize knows the complexities of life and how hard finding success can be and how high a price may have to be paid.

As Kim and Blaize engage in a unique courting ritual; there is humor, an undercurrent of unease and personal discoveries. Neither Kim nor Blaize want to believe that what they share is more than temporary. However, when the time is right, Kim is awakened to passion for possibly the first time and Blaize experiences true emotional connection that he’d never known in all his sexual encounters. Their fantasy world will be tested to it’s limits when Kim’s act of generosity is taken in the wrong light.

The secondary characters are mostly in the background, but Moana Elder, mother of Manu and Kim’s dear friend, is a mighty force in helping Kim through the pains of gaining her independence and becoming a woman. Moana’s advise give’s strength to Kim’s courage that took a beating when Blaize walked away with her heart.

Jean Adams creates hot, earth-shattering love scenes. Don’t be surprised if your eReader steams up a bit. The Fires of Passion is the second book in the two part Patiki Bay series. It reads fine as a stand alone story and is just as enjoyable as book one, Yesterday’s Dreams. Ms. Adams has a way of seting the stakes high for the hero and heroine. She forces them to face a harsh reality before finding their way back to their enchanted world—a world where passion rules. Ms. Adams’s knack for the multi-layered plot is highlighted throughout this novel. The Fires of Passion moves at a fast pace and totally involves the reader. If a suspenseful romance is what you’re in the mood for, give Ms. Adams Patiki Bay series a try. I think you’ll be glad you did.

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Shadowed Trust by Stacey Joy Netzel

February 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Shadowed Trust by Stacey Joy Netzel
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (260 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed By Dianthus

Ad-Man Jordan Blake believed image was everything—until his parents were convicted of murder, the family company went bankrupt, and his excessive drinking and arrest fueled the tabloids. When lawyer David Barnes offers representation in exchange for assistance in reopening his Colorado mountain resort, Jordan has no choice. It’s help or jail.

Hollywood wild child Lexie Sinclair disappeared by changing her name, joining the army, and marrying a soldier. One night, her husband wrapped their car around a tree, killed himself, and left her permanently injured. For the past few years she’s been content to live in peaceful obscurity as caretaker of David’s defunct resort.

Jordan’s arrival exposes Lexie’s true identity and brings her dead husband’s ‘friends’ calling. Jordan offers to help, but the shadow of his drinking leaves Lexie reluctant to trust. Can they conquer their fears and find the courage to face the criminals—and the world—together?

Hiding from the past and fearing the future, Lexie Sinclair has closed herself off from the world for years. With the help of David Barnes, her world starts to resemble “normal” until Jordan Blake saunters into her life. With his black moods, chip on his shoulder and bottle of booze he is so completely wrong for her and yet she can’t seem to stay away. Maybe with the help of Sass and Rocky, Lexie can show Jordan there is life outside of the amber liquid and maybe one that includes her at his side. When a blast from Lexie’s past comes in demanding things she can’t willing give, will Jordan stay by her side or will the alcohol’s call be stronger than his resolve?

How Jordan got into this mess, he would never understand. He owed a lot to David Barnes, but coming out to this desolate camp and having to work for a spitfire like Lexie Sinclair wasn’t at all what he was thinking of for retribution repayment. There is something about her that calls to him, but she is a complication he definitely does not need in his life right now. When trouble comes knocking at his door, Jordan will have to decide if he wants the life he had or the chance to be the man he sees reflected in Lexie’s beautiful eyes.

With a merry band of wild animals, a deserted resort, and armed men gunning for a shoot out, Hades, Colorado will probably never be the same again. Shadowed Trust is the third book in Ms. Netzel’s Colorado Trust series. Each book is full of suspense and romance cleverly woven together to keep a reader on their toes.

This was a great story and it drew me in as a reader from the first pages. Lexie and Jordan’s characters had chemistry from the very beginning, but Ms. Netzel made sure that they had to work for the HEA in the end. The conflicts, suspense and subtle romance thrown into this story truly made this not only an enjoyable read but had me hating to see it end. The story flowed really well and kept me turning pages until the very end. Stacey Joy Netzel is a new-to-me author, and I wasn’t sure what to expect from merely looking at the cover, but in the end I was enthralled and wanted to get to know these characters more. If all her stories are as well developed and clever as Shadowed Trust I’ll being adding her stories to my ever growing TBR list. I recommend you give her a chance as well.

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The Girl Most Likely by Jana Richards

January 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The Girl Most Likely by Jana Richards
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (146 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed By Dianthus

Cara McLeod, the girl most likely to have the perfect marriage, is now divorced and, in her own words, “fat, frumpy, and over forty.” The thought of facing former classmates—and the ex-husband who dumped her—at her high school reunion terrifies her. Cajoled into attending by her kids and her best friend, Cara enlists help at the gym to lose weight and look great for the reunion. Personal Trainer Finn Cooper is more than willing to help—but does he have to be so to-die-for gorgeous?

Finn thinks Cara is perfect just the way she is. She’s everything he wants in a woman, except for one thing—she can’t get past the fact that he’s eight years younger. To Finn, age and weight are just numbers. But can he convince Cara the numbers she worries about add up to only one thing for him—love?

Cara McLeod isn’t having a great year so far, heck make that decade. Not only has her husband left her for a younger woman, she can’t see her toes anymore and her mother won’t leave her in peace about anything for even a day. Then, to put the icing on the cake she has a dead end job and two teenage daughters who aren’t her biggest fans. To say that Cara is having a bad decade is putting it lightly, but will a chance meeting with Finn Cooper finally make Cara see that she is worth more than her dress size? Or will the years of trying to be the perfect person for everyone be too hard of a hurdle to overcome.

Finn Cooper hasn’t always been the person that is today; the personal trainer on a mission to save anyone wanting to take his help is something new for him. After meeting Cara at her job, he is compelled to know more about her. She just seems so lost and he knows just the thing to make her see what a great person she is. When her high school reunion comes up, will that be the finally push that she needs to take the leap of faith Finn is asking of her? Or will finally hitting her limit with both her mother and ex-husband be the jet fuel that takes her back to the person she used to be? The only question left will there be room in the new Cara for Finn?

This was a great story with good morals attached to it. Not only did Jana Richards make the reader feel for her characters but she made the transformation that both Cara and Finn have something so realistic that anyone can see the great changes they both came to.

Not once did the story feel forced or feel as though Ms. Richards was trying to make a point in her work, but the characters really felt like they were the ones telling the story and it made the book that much easier to get into. Jana Richards is a new to me author and if this is the norm for her I will definitely be on the lookout for more works by her, and The Girl Most Likely would make a great addition to anyone’s keeper shelf.

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