Bad Kitty by Cari Quinn

October 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Bad Kitty by Cari Quinn
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday
Length: Short Story (73 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, Anal Play, Fetish, Toys, Spanking
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Anemone

Reformed bad girl Nikki Carson has spent the past year trying to forget her boss’s Halloween party and the unbelievable sex she had with her boss’s hot twin, Patrick Nolan. Patrick hasn’t mentioned that night since, much to Nikki’s endless disappointment.

Years of following in the wake of his womanizing brother cause Patrick to wonder if Nikki even knows which twin she slept with. He can’t believe she could possibly prefer him over her slick, polished boss. That doesn’t mean he’s been able to stop fantasizing about taking her again. Against the wall. On the floor. Everywhere.

It’s Halloween again, and trick or treat takes on a whole new meaning when Nikki and Patrick go for round two. Especially since Nikki’s come prepared with a Domme kitty costume meant to drive Patrick wild. And this kitty’s ready to show her claws if she doesn’t get what she wants…

Being in lust with the boss’s brother is hard but Nikki Carson is bound and determined to get a piece of Patrick Nolan again. Patrick often feels over shadowed by Easton’s slick style but when his twin brother’s secretary drags him off for a quickie at the annual Halloween party, he can’t believe his good luck.

Doubt creeps into Patrick’s mind when he realizes Nikki might be interested in his brother instead. A year of lonely nights has passed and this Halloween, he plans to set the record straight and give her a night to remember and start off many more together.

Nikki and Patrick sizzle in this Halloween novella. Nikki is a spunky bad kitty (reference to her Halloween costume) and Patrick is one heck of a hot hero and together, their chemistry is hot enough to burn the pages. The writing is snappy and clever while the dialogue remained natural and fun. And of course the sex was hot.

Bad Kitty is a sexy, fun read. Did I mention the sex was hot? Ms. Quinn has crafted a delicious tale of a Halloween party gone right for the both of her characters. This author is an autobuy for me as her books always deliver in every way. If you like dress-up with a twist of light makeshift BDSM play and characters with great chemistry, I highly recommend this book.

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Callie’s Honor by Kathleen Lawless

October 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Callie’s Honor by Kathleen Lawless
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (310 Pages)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 4 Books
Reviewed by Canterbury Bell

After her husband’s unmourned death, Callie Lambert looks forward to peaceful years on her Oregon ranch, doing things her way. Yet all too soon a handsome stranger shows up, a man who chips away at her façade without even trying and turns her dreams of solitude upside down.

Rafe Millar seeks only revenge for his brother’s murder, and then he will move on. Settling down is not for him, not anymore. But something in Callie’s defiant green eyes and proud spirit makes him care more than he wants to—until he discovers the murdering scoundrel is not only Callie’s neighbor but a rival for her hand in marriage.

You live alone in the middle of nowhere trying to make a life for yourself when a stranger rides up to your home towing a lost cow that you know is yours. Do you welcome him, shun him or fear him?

Of course, you welcome him and thank him…all the while aiming your shot gun at him. That is how Callie Lambert met Rafe Millar. Rafe is not here accidentally…he is here to avenge the death of his brother at the hands of Callie’s neighbor and his two sons. Knowing that Callie is recently widowed and in need of some extra help with her ranch only made the trip a little easier for Rafe. This is the only way to get close to Denzell and prove he is a murderer. So a night sleeping in her barn in exchange for some small chores around the ranch lead to a longer stay. So why does he make her so unsettled?

Surviving a nightmare of a marriage to a drunken, abusive man, freedom was all Callie was looking for, not the stirring that came each time Rafe was around. Not to mention her distaste for the pursuits of her neighbor, who just happens to want her land. His concern for her, his constant offers of purchase… what does it hold that he wants it so badly? But confusion and accusations about Rafe’s true identity, a hasty marriage and an unexpected arrival all pull together to ensure that Rafe will find out!

Callie is a survivor, a product of her determination to build her life for herself and no one else. The emotional and physical scars she carries are crying out for the right man to remove. However, Rafe is a man on a mission. But Callie’s presence puts a roadblock on his plans for revenge. He is kind, caring, almost to a fault but determined to protect her while trying to follow his own destiny. Their chemistry is shouting out from the very first time they meet and never cools, it just steadily simmers until it finally boils over.

Kathleen Lawless is a new author to me and I enjoyed this story very much. She does the dynamics of a new relationship so well that you are drawn in instantly, with no thought of leaving. She keeps the tension steady and the desire unrelenting throughout without so much as a detour no matter what circumstances are thrown to our unprepared lovers. And believe me; some of the curve balls unexpected and just add to the enjoyment of the storyline.

If you have not been introduced to the works of Kathleen Lawless, this is an excellent place to start, just like I did!! You will not regret it.

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The Chauffeur Wore an Evening Gown by Roni Adams

October 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Chauffeur Wore an Evening Gown by Roni Adams
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (155 pages)
Heat Level: Hot
Rating: 5 books
Reviewed by Moonflower

When Erin O’Malley agrees to pinch hit for her brother’s limo service and drive millionaire JR Stone to the Governor’s Ball, she has no clue how crazy her night will get.

Dumped by his fiancée on the night he’s to accept the biggest award of his career, Josh Stone convinces his chauffeur to slip into an evening gown and onto his arm. They fool everyone into thinking they are an item, but once they kiss, there’s nothing fake about the chemistry between them.

Can a blue-collar girl really appeal to this multimillionaire, or is Josh only playing for the crowd?

I fell in love with The Chauffeur Wore an Evening Gown. It’s a sexy hot read that kept me captivated and had me hooked from the very first page.

There is something about an average woman finding her well-to-do prince charming. It is an ageless tale that never gets old for me. This story literally had the prince putting the gown on the woman, grabbing her hand and saying, “let’s go”.

Erin O’Malley is a woman of many talents. She can do finish work on construction sites, design landscapes and drive a limousine. Her family ties are strong and she is always there to help any of them in their time of need. Forcing her brother to take a night off when he has the flu leads her to becoming the faux fiancée of JR (Josh) Stone. She never dreamed that she would be donning an evening gown and diamonds just to keep the customer happy and by doing so getting her brother an exclusive chauffeuring contract with his firm.

Josh just got unceremoniously dumped by his fiancée. Now on the biggest night of his life he is without a date. To top things off, he may have just done the stupidest thing ever in his life. He coerced his chauffeur into playing the part of his loving date. He is still not sure if it was stupid because of the situation or because he is so utterly attracted to her.

The circumstances of the story, the progression and the ending were all so realistic that it makes me want to go get my chauffeurs license and start driving around rich men. At no time did I not believe their attraction and ultimately their love, even Josh’s position of falling for Erin right after breaking it off with his fiancée. It was clear from the beginning it was not a love match between him and Veronica. Erin and Josh resisted giving into their passions the whole way, making their inevitable relationship smoking hot and extremely passionate.

The only frustrating thing that I found was that apparently the novel is part of a series called Millionaire’s Club, but I can’t find it anywhere. So if you happen to know more about it, please show this reviewer some love and share the information.

The Chauffeur Wore an Evening Gown is a very lovely read. It had a great pace and flowed well, never seeming rushed or forced. Ms. Adams did an exceptional job with the telling of this story and I plan to look into her other titles. She writes romances with heart and with passion that burns you down to your toes. All great attributes in my book!

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Her Biggest Fan by Sharon A Donovan

October 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Her Biggest Fan by Sharon A Donovan
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (278 pgs)
Heat: Sensual
Rated: 5 books
Reviewed by Snapdragon

From the shadows of the woods, he keeps vigil. The stage is set to drive the pretty little princess insane. He’s coming for her. And when he catches her, he’ll pounce on her like the big bad wolf.

After receiving a disturbing fan letter, New York Times best-selling author Tess Kincaid flees to the New England home she’s inherited following her father’s death. The manor has been tainted, every room staged to resemble the way it was in its glory days. However when Tess calls the police, the chilling props vanish into thin air.

Ruggedly handsome Sheriff Mike Andretti is called to investigate the reported burning candles, dancing gargoyles and otherworldly events. When he discovers no trace of the eerie setting, he finds himself caught between duty and desire. Is the woman with the bewitching green eyes delusional or is this a trap of twisted wit set by a demented fan?

Award-winning author Tess Kincaid doesn’t want to know her biggest fan. He’s gotten way too close. Somehow. She can’t know he’s a particularly predatory photographer. She does know he’s been in her home. What he doesn’t know is she’s leaving: leaving New York and her stylish condo, and returning to her charming coastal-Maine roots. The tense drive, the dramatic storm all amount to nothing, compared to what she’s escaping.

Only – will she escape? For in her Dad’s old home, another chilling scene awaits…or then again, does it? Donovan cleverly plays with believability in this chilling tale. Our main character sees and hears things no one else does. When she arrives, Tess wastes no time getting help, and the local sheriff, Mike Andretti seems so sympathetic…yet even he cannot find the hint of a stalker. Mike is a find though: a charming New Englander with equally charming, chowder-cooking parents. He’s got a wonderful heart and is strong and endearing. In short – the perfect leading man.

Tension grows as the reader senses her stalker circling ever closer. We so desperately want Mike to believe her! The way events are going, poor Tess is starting to doubt herself. In fact, there are moments when we readers doubt Tess’ perceptions. Perhaps it is all some sort of madness; stress or depression or… But then in another moment, we see again through the stalker’s eyes.

Will Tess’ lack of credibility end in her death?

Often, the reader has more information than the main character; just enough, in fact, to make this all the scarier. Donovan has a wonderful ability to ratchet up the suspense from a creepy feeling all the way up to terror (and everywhere in between.) Her Biggest Fan will appeal to fans of the classic suspense/thriller for sure!

This is an exceptional combination of suspense and romance. Make this one a ‘Must read.’

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Puppy Love by Stephanie Bedwell-Grime

October 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Puppy Love by Stephanie Bedwell-Grime
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (62 pgs)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 3 books
Reviewed by Aloe

Emerald Douglas has fallen head over heels in love with the puppy she found on her doorstep. Oscar fills an empty space in her life and heart. That is, until a chance sighting of a lost dog poster in the park changes everything. Emerald knows she must do the right thing—she just isn’t sure what that is.

Cody Martin isn’t sure what to make of the woman standing on his doorstep. And Emerald is not prepared for the man’s heart-stopping good looks or his son’s tremendous joy at being reunited with his furry companion.

Can one small puppy lead three people on the path to becoming a family?

Emerald really wasn’t having a good day. She overslept and was late to an important meeting, she finds out she has to find a new apartment because they are going to demolish the building she lives in sooner than first quoted, and it’s raining hard enough to drown her. Finding the dog hiding in a bush was the highlight of her day!

Ms. Bedwell-Grime must be a pet owner herself because she recognizes how little time it takes for an animal to claim your heart. This is a cute, innocent novella about a career woman and a widowed man and his young son. It’s a toss-up over whether the dog or the child is the biggest matchmaker, and that’s my favorite part of this story.

This author knows how outspoken children can be about their ideas, never mind if the parents don’t share their enthusiasm. Jason, the son, makes all kinds of prudent suggestions: Why don’t you kiss her Dad? Why don’t you marry her, Dad? He makes me chuckle.

The story is a sweet romance where Emerald and Cody, the father, are just beginning to get to know each other. The love story proceeded a little faster than I expected but I do believe in love at first sight, so it could happen. Their romance dance is enhanced when Rudi, the dog, turns up missing again and they have to search for him. It’s a perfect moment of bonding.

This would be a good beach read or a nice little tale to read while sitting in front of the fireplace. It’s warm and fuzzy and it’d be good if you had a pet next to you that you could pat on the head while you’re reading. I enjoyed this read, why don’t you try it?

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Charade of Hearts by Sharon A Donovan

October 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Charade of Hearts by Sharon A Donovan
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (122 pgs)
Heat: Sensual
Rated: 4.5 books
Reviewed by Snapdragon

While scuba diving off the coast of Diamond Head with her diving partner on a quest to find a family heirloom, underwater photographer Dominique St. John witnesses his brutal murder and photographs it, ensnaring her in a deadly jewel ring. Then when the investigating officer turns out to be her partner’s identical twin, a man she knew nothing about, her life becomes a Charade of Hearts.

Welcome to the world of greed, intrigue, deception and murder. At its core is a blue diamond worth millions.

As honest as his twin was corrupt, Honolulu Homicide Detective Oliver Carvalho must convince Dominique that her diving partner and best friend was a crook. In a race against time, Oliver must rescue her from a ruthless killer, but his biggest challenge proves to be Dominique herself. Her heart has been torn by betrayal and can only be redeemed with love.

Charade of Hearts is very bit the adventure the wonderfully suitable cover suggests!

Dominique St. John and her partner, the utterly wonderful Roberto, set off to photograph a shipwreck, but also to locate a very specific treasure. They are not far from the stunningly beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii. For long moments at the start, we are distracted with the “wild and exotic beauty…of …majestic mountains … pristine beaches …butterfly and reef fish…” and even the contrast of light at the horizon. Then Roberto is murdered.

It’s a shocking event; and perhaps a spoiler to mention here, but that event happens early and seems the true start of this dramatic, suspenseful tale. Dominique thought the world of him, so her motive in this pursuit can’t be doubted…although the giant blue diamond that is the treasure provides more than enough motivation for everyone else. We see how Roberto was targeted, through the very eyes of the man who ordered it: the Dragon. We see and understand just that hint more than Dominique does, and so sense the growing danger she faces.

Then in walks Detective Oliver Carvalho–who is, as it happens, too much of a coincidence for this reader. For various reasons, this character starts off in so contrived a manner as to be better planted in a soap opera. However, my disappointment and disbelief is momentary; the Detective is vastly more than a coincidental relation: he is in fact, a very dynamic and compelling character in his own right. To her credit, Dominique (and so Donovan) doesn’t forget Roberto and the feelings that existed before, making the following discoveries all the more poignant. Was Roberto the man she believed? And… is she now in danger, herself?

Details of sights and sounds bring this one to life – in the moments of suspense, maybe a little too close to life! The beauty of the backdrop for this tale is so well described, fans of Hawaii will be thrilled to read, and those who aren’t, will be fans by the time they finish. Descriptions are truly almost poetically enchanting, often in sharp contrast to the actual activity in any scene. The “rays of ambient light penetrating the sea water, colors were diffused,” brings such an image to my mind…no less the “heady scent of eighteen hibiscus drifted in…”

Mystery and suspense fans must read this, as everyone will find the Hawaii experience altogether rewarding! Charade of Hearts is full of suspense, beauty, and one important heartfelt struggle.

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Waiting For Yes by Claire Ashgrove

October 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Waiting For Yes by Claire Ashgrove
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (382 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 books
Reviewed by Camellia

Gabrielle Warrenton gave up everything to pursue her dream of a first-class Egyptian Arabian breeding farm. Her future lies in her new stallion’s success. Though she possesses an exceptional eye for horseflesh, she lacks the training knowledge, and Bahadur Mamoon has a date with the nation’s most affluent show in three weeks. Nothing that would present a problem given his previous credentials. Only, the sellers disguised one critical fact—he’s crazy.

Jake Lindsey-Sullivan was once part of an exceptional Arabian training team. Under his mother’s guidance, he developed an instinctual talent, but she was the star, the cornerstone of his life. Until she met a premature death. Grief-stricken and plagued by guilt, Jake abandoned the world of horses. Now an over-the-road truck driver, he evades the memories.

When a snowstorm throws two Arabian professionals into close-quarters, they discover an engulfing passion. But will Mamoon rip open emotional scars, or forever seal them shut?

The multi-faceted characters, mesmerizing imagery, and magical word pictures created by Claire Ashgrove make Waiting For Yes beguiling. These bring to life this love story of two adrift souls that carry so much hurt from past experiences that each feels unworthy of love.

Gabrielle Warrenton and Jake Sullivan travel the same lonesome highway in Kansas as a snow storm blows in. Gabrielle has a psychotic stallion in her trailer and Jake has followed her for hours in his eighteen-wheeler.

Destiny seems to have set a plan in motion for them. Snowed in together on her Imtiyaz Arabian farm, the haunted, loner Jake soon realizes the little red-headed dynamo horsewoman, who embodies everything he never wanted, eases the hollow emptiness in him. When he holds her close, it feels like “coming home”; his tension unwinds. Never has making love been so good. He sleeps with no ghosts of the past screaming and taunting in his dreams. Jake tells himself he can walk away after a brief interlude and go back to clocking miles in his semi—running from this past.

Gabrielle, the disowned daughter of a rich, well-known Arabian breeder, ran from her father’s control to make it on her own. But she fears she made a bad decision that may destroy her dreams of success for her horse operation in Ransom, Kansas. She had placed her hopes on Maroon, the beautiful but crazed Arabian stallion.

At this vulnerable time in her life, Jake comes on the scene and rocks her world. In all her twenty-six years, she’s never gone to bed with a stranger, but Jake “knows how to love a woman”. Taking her friend Margie’s advise, Gabrielle decides “to go with the flow”, to not over think things and to not ask questions.

As Maroon’s history comes to light along with Jake’s ability to handle horses, Gabrielle struggles with her need for Jake’s love, his approval, and his ability to handle the amazing Maroon.

As Jake sees her struggles, he bonds with her on much more than a sexual level and wrestles with his own demons. Does he run or stay, does he destroy her dreams and hopes or does he rally to her cause–questions he cannot seem to answer.

Waiting For Yes is a fantastic story with spine-tingling danger, sparkling humor, breathtaking love scenes, and heart-warming, unconditional friendship. The redemption and exquisite love make it a memorable tale.

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The Lily and the Falcon by Janine Corti-Petska

October 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Lily and the Falcon by Janine Corti-Petska
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (284 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 books
Reviewed by Camellia

Bianca degli Albizzi is outraged when sworn enemy Cristiano de’Medici asks for her hand in marriage. With her father’s blessing, she weds the handsome warrior to end the war between Florence’s two powerful families. But headstrong Bianca vows to teach her husband that loyalty cannot be bought…not even by seduction.

Cristiano, a well-known warrior with the wealth of a king, could have any woman he desires. But for the sake of peace he ends up with a defiant bride who awakens his deepest passion. Her vengeful scheming puts them both in peril, but is he prepared to sacrifice his life to safeguard the woman who has stolen his heart?

Mistrust, family loyalty versus spousal loyalty and Cristiano’s deep-seated fear wreak havoc on a marriage.

The gorgeous, wealthy, powerful warrior Cristiano de Medici wants Bianca with the long blonde hair and crystal blue eyes even though she is of the Albizzi family that strives to take political power from the Medici family in the fifteenth century city-state of Florence.

Cristiano tells himself that even though he never planned to marry, he will, to perhaps bring the two families to some kind of peaceful agreement if the marries Bianca. Yet, in truth, he cannot stop thinking about the slender blonde who speaks her mind with courage, and had a stubborn streak a mile wide.

Bianca, while telling herself she’ll marry to secure her immediate family’s well being, truly finds Cristiano breathtaking. True, his size and fierce look intimidate some, but to her he seems sculpted by God’s own hand. Her sister Francisca informs her that, according to gossip, he is reputed to be a great and gentle lover.

Ms. Corti-Petska develops the secondary characters with such economic skill that they play their roles in realistic fashion keeping emotions high but staying in the background as the mesmerizing love of Cristiano and Bianca struggles along under an oppressive load. With a brother like Piero and a sister like Anna who are both unstable, the obstacles seem insurmountable at times. As Ms. Corti-Petska reveals the motivation for the actions of the good and the bad characters, she manages to show there is a little good in the worst of them and a little bad in the best of them. Niccolo and Antonio add two very different and very male interests to the already volatile situation—so Italian.

Janine Corti-Petska paints incredible word pictures. With them she sweeps the reader into the teeming mass of people who throng the streets of Florence as the majestic wedding procession makes it way to the church. She invites one to luxuriate in the sights and scents of flowers: lilies, roses, gladioli, violets, etc. that enhance the Palazzo Ghilberti and enchants with Cristiano’s private garden, and she takes one’s breath away with the beauty of the palazzo. Exquisite descriptions are a feast for the senses

From time to time, the imagery used in love scenes and highly emotional scenes adds a poignancy and subtly that captures the imagination and thrills a romance reader’s heart. Also, the title is so fitting. Bianca is Cristiano’s “precious lily” and he, like a falcon, strikes swiftly and fiercely when he spots his prey. How these two move from “carnal pleasure” to a love that reaches the heart and soul makes GOOD reading.

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Priceless Deception by Jennifer Anne Coffen

October 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Priceless Deception by Jennifer Anne Coffen
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (352 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Book Rating: 3.5 books
Reviewed by Camellia

“The French Blue diamond must be destroyed.” Haunted by the words of her dying father, Lady Madeline Sinclair arrives for the London Season with more than parties and the latest fashion on her mind. She has sworn a vow, and the beautifully headstrong and fearless Madeline will allow nothing to distract her…until she meets the infamous Lord Colin, Duke of Douglas, a man known for his scandalous past engagement. With a dark grin and stormy eyes, he threatens to make her forget her duty, along with her manners.

Bound together by the mysterious diamond, Madeline and Colin soon succumb to the passion raging between them, even as the diamond eludes their grasp. But the true threat lies in the hands of an enemy whose dangerous obsession with the past has the power to destroy them both.

Priceless Deception is a Regency adventure with all the usual trappings along with fun, humor, and some really scary, life-threatening happenings plus a love that must navigate the troubled waters of dealing with an unfaithful fiancé that returns, of an unwarranted inherited bad reputation, and greed that’s run amok before finding safe harbor.

Lady Madeline Sinclair returns to London to do what she promised her father she’d do as he lay dying. What a stir she causes among the Ton. Unaware of her parents’ scandal when she was a baby, Madeline is not particularly interested in the gathering whispers about her and what must surely be her inherited proclivities. Mothers of marriageable age daughters are uneasy. Madeline is a natural beauty and a new face to London Society for the Season. Moreover, her Aunt Cecilia (in financial straits) is desperate to find both Madeline and her own daughter Helena husbands. In true Regency form Aunt Cecilia sets about her task with determination but the two girls give little to no help. They have different agendas from Cecilia.

Helena doesn’t want the wealthy Lord Vickem who wants her and Madeline is totally focused on finding the cursed French Blue Diamond and destroying it just like she promised—even if it means breaking and entering a London house where she and her parents had once lived. Many of the ensuing events are predictable, but Ms. Coffen adds a special touch of humor and fun to what is going on making delightful reading.

Lord Colin the sixth duke of Douglas, who now resides in this London house, is intrigued with the intrepid young woman who maneuvers her way into his home and dares the wrath of London society to carry out her mission. For the first time since the “Juliana hoopla” Colin comes alive with interest in what is going on around him. The cinnamon-haired green-eyed enchantress with an air of innocence about her makes Colin’s blood heat—life is worth living again.

Jennifer Ann Coffen creates some antagonists that make one shudder. The lascivious, greedy Lord Rockford, the smelly miscreant Daniel Moore. And the conniving Juliana send chills up the spine. On the other hand, some of her other characters bring humor that tickles the funny bone. Her weaving together of fear, fooling-around, fun, and frivolity then enhancing it with a charming love story makes Priceless Deception sparkling, fast-paced reading that keeps one turning pages.

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Last Resort by Rolynn Anderson

October 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Last Resort by Rolynn Anderson
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Holiday, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (271 pages)
Heat Level: sensual
Rating: 4 books
Reviewed by Iris

Corporate fixer Rena Gordon needs to wrench a Canadian resort out of the red in time for the Canadian-American Winter Games—but employees bent on sabotage are blocking her every move. When her loose-cannon sister arrives after being kicked out of yet another school, Rena must face the past she’s worked so hard to hide, while fighting her attraction to a local fishing guide.

CIA agent Neal Jackson is undercover as a fishing guide to find terrorists at Big Bay. He needs Rena’s confidence to access her employee files without exposing his identity, but despite his vow to keep a professional distance, his feelings for her are anything but businesslike.

Caught between vengeful employees, a sister who likes to party, and a hot CIA agent—Rena’s corporate training didn’t prepare her for this. Can she trust her instincts to save the people and resort she’s grown to love?

Readers are in for a wild ride when a stressed heroine and a man who isn’t what he seems connect and fall in love at the worst possible time in either of their lives.

Rena Gordon has a ton on her plate. Not only is her job overly challenging, she has a family member show up to rock the boat. Rena also has skeletons in the closet that come out to play amidst possible saboteurs, and that’s just for starters. I liked that she wasn’t a quitter and was actually pretty smart. A strong heroine and perfect for the hero.

CIA agent Neal Jackson might be faking it as a fishing guide but he can’t hide from the truth of his feelings for the intrepid Rena. He’s a macho and professional guy and I enjoyed how he just couldn’t keep those pesky emotions of love and attraction at bay.

It’s not often I get to see a fishing resort used as a romantic location. It seems a little strange, but the author sure pulled it off. In fact the whole thing was well crafted and I was pretty happy with the results.

Ms. Anderson did an excellent job of keeping me on my toes. Readers are going to find lots of intrigue and deception as well as intricate story threads that at first seem disconnected but come together for an amazing and exciting conclusion. I enjoyed trying to figure out who the “bad guy” was, and certainly the author did a bang-up job of keeping me guessing.

Another aspect of the book I appreciated was that the drama and suspense were light enough to be an enjoyable read – no heavy darkness to endure.
The sensual tension between Rena and Neal was entertaining and made it quite romantic. Last Resort also has the benefit of being a book both mainstream romance readers and romantic suspense readers can get into because it was perfectly balanced between the two. The best part is the wonderful happily ever after.

Secondary characters are integral to the plot movement. Rena’s sister causes conflict and interest with her penchant for partying and the employees who may or may not be bad guys kept me guessing. I appreciated that the author didn’t paint the bad guys with a broad brush. In Last Resort, the guys in the story are specifically radical Muslims bent on terrorism and mayhem. The author was clear on that.

Last Resort is an interesting read that will keep your nose firmly planted in its pages. Make sure you leave enough free time to enjoy this one from cover to cover!

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