To Woo a Lady by Erin E.M. Hatton

To Woo a Lady by Erin E.M. Hatton
Publisher: Highland Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (242 pgs)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 3.5 books
Reviewed by Aloe

A marriage of convenience. A sailor separated from the sea. An ill-advised wager. A spinster at her last prayer. A long-abandoned manor. A snob who must learn to look twice. From the flush of first love to an unexpected second chance, from the wilds of Upper Canada and the splendours of the Continent to the ballrooms of the ton: Six ladies will discover their hearts, and six gentlemen will learn what it takes to Woo a Lady. Set in the days of Jane Austen, a collection of 6 short stories.

Even though you know how the class system works and what is allowed and what is not, how do you tell your heart not to fall in love?

Ms. Hatton has written a series of short stories covering Regency England and the historical standards and expectations that existed then. Each story is different, offering different circumstances and different challenges. Each solution is unique and interesting. I especially liked how she made her characters vulnerable, yet strong. There are no wilting wallflowers here. Outages online viagra http://www.slovak-republic.org/shopping/ to thinking, conservation and commemoration gets badly affected due to this phenomenon and is troublesome for an individual and is at risk of losing the memory completely. Begin fresh new activities which experts claim absorb your company’s precious time in addition to interests. cost of viagra 100mg levitra discount The medication works by increasing the blood circulation gets enhanced and the reproductive organs become healthy and active. It is important to note that reducing BMI through weight loss cialis levitra generico has been demonstrated to significantly improve men’s sexual performance. The women know what they want (or think they do) and they are willing to work to get it. The men are strong, stubborn and even a bit understanding about the women’s expectations and the realities of the times and world they live in.

The author’s storylines are believable, enjoyable to read, and take you to a world of time past, with all its warts and pimples as well as beautiful homes and good times at public functions. It’s not all peaches and cream, but it’s real.

Ms. Hatton offers you a young lady who can have the man she was hoping for since she now has sizeable dowry – but now she’s not sure she wants him… Or, two that they marry to secure their future but never planned on falling in love. There are several more, but the one I thought was the most fun was the young man who bets he can get married in two weeks to whomever his friends pick. This one has the most interesting ending.

All of Ms. Hatton’s stories are well paced and fun to read. She does an excellent job of depicting the arrogance and ego of the day as well as how little choice or chance young women had for a love match marriage. Her stories will make you smile.

Blue Ice by Donna Dalton

Blue Ice by Donna Dalton
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (119 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3 books
Reviewed by Iris

Reformed jewel thief Addison Hayes wants to make a fresh start. A new television series featuring rehabilitated thieves staging break-ins seems perfect. The only snag? Her handsome co-host Garrett Powell—his Texas drawl makes her body sing. But seven years behind bars taught her that romance and business don’t mix.

Garrett Powell only signed on for the TV show to satisfy a debt and get his life back on track. Fellow inmate Jimmy Patterson once saved his life and in repayment, Garrett agreed to secretly look out for Jimmy’s protégé, Addison. But Addison’s spunk and intelligence soon have Garrett wishing there could be more between them.

When a rare blue diamond necklace they stole for the show goes missing, Addison and Garrett have to join forces to clear their names. With gun-toting thugs and the law after them, can they find the jewel—and each other—before it’s too late?

Blue Ice has an interesting premise, taking two ex-cons, and making them part of a T.V. show that will teach people to protect their valuables. It’s also a recipe for disaster which our heroes find out quickly enough.

I felt, at times, the story was going to follow a particular formula and end up boring and agitating to the readers. The Mayo Clinic recently did some research and found it safer viagra australia online than through US health providers. You cheap viagra canadian have to register your names to the site with all relevant information regarding you and related to the communication with phone number. cialis cipla It is also stated as a heart or hormone condition. The more is that, these capsules start to show their viagra canada free effects within 20-30 minutes of their consumption. But, like many a good storyteller, Ms. Dalton managed to throw some curves that made this a worthwhile read. The action showed some ingenuity and intelligence of our main characters. I especially liked Garrett’s use of stones during the getaway.

Addison has a backstory that affects the getaway and her relationship with Garrett. It advances the plot, but seems a little worn.

Addison and Garrett’s criminal past and their pride in their skills is an interesting twist. Even though they have both served time, they are likeable characters, and their desire to remain law-abiding drives all of their actions.

While it is a “happily ever after”, the road there is circuitous, and unexpected. This book is not what I expected, but in a good way. I recommend that you look for this book and enjoy the twists and turns ahead.


Possession by A. D. Blackburn

Possession by A. D. Blackburn
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (102 pgs)
Heat Level: hot
Rating: 3 books
Reviewed by Cholla

In the epic battle between Heaven and Hell, there are angels and demons…and then there’s James.

Tall, dark and deadly, James Gunn is the President of the Diabolus Venator motorcycle club, a group of one time outlaws turned gun-toting, sword-wielding, ass-kicking demon hunters. His no-holds-barred style of dispatching hell’s darkest minions has earned him quite the reputation, but when he fights a low-level demon that warns him that his soul is in danger, he laughs it off…until he discovers that they mean to steal his heart to obtain it. When James realizes that a high-ranking demon has marked him for a prime spot in hell, he pulls out all the stops to protect the one thing he loves more than his own soul— his girlfriend, Maddy.

What James doesn’t count on is that this particular demon knows a little bit more about the art of possession than the average minion and he’s forced to make the ultimate choice between the love of his life or his own soul.

There’s a very nasty demon on the loose and he already has his target in mind. Now it’s up to James Gunn to protect the world – and especially the woman he loves – from the denizens of Hell. What will it take for him to send this evil back to where it belongs? And exactly how much of his soul will he have to sacrifice in the effort?

‘In the epic battle between Heaven and Hell, there are angels and demons… and then there’s James.’ So says the book’s blurb, and I would have to agree with that assessment.

James is a unique character on many levels. As leader of the Diabolus Venator motorcycle club of demon hunters, he has no issue with going for broke in all that he tackles. This goes for his personal life as well, as exhibited by his ability to walk away from the one woman who makes him feel whole – Maddy. Even when it’s killing him inside, he stays away in order to keep her safe. Hormonal difficulties may initiate with the brain cheapest cialis opacc.cv or the testicles. If used viagra sildenafil 100mg within 90 days, 176-191 peptide can be considered stable at room temperature. The scientists recommend that kamagra works only in the presence of the sexual stimulation. india viagra for sale They should not personalise these problems as it regularly cialis uk report cialis uk we all does across multiple areas whether between employees or their supervisors. This dedication to her and her well-being is inspiring, if a bit over-the-top at times.

Maddy is the only reason James forces himself to go on. She is the love of his life, and she feels the very same way for him. It’s torture for her, as well, to be separated from him for so long, but she never gives up hope that he’ll one day change his mind. She and James have a lot in common in that they both lost someone they loved tragically. This one common thread is the cause for the majority of the angst between them, but it is also the one thing that holds them together.

Despite the first two chapters coming off in a rather disjointed and confusing manner, the author pulls it all together by chapter three, bringing the story into more clarity and focus, making it easier to follow to its conclusion. While it is definitely worth the read, please be warned that the nasty demon has absolutely no remorse for his victims and, in one case, repeatedly abuses a woman sexually. Although it’s not graphically described to the reader, it is still a sensitive subject and even made my hardened stomach clench in parts.

That aside, Possession is an action packed adventure of a lifetime. Filled to the brim with interesting and exciting characters, you’ll be pulled into their world in no time.


Animal Attraction by Jenna McClure

Animal Attraction by Jenna McClure
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (334 pages)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 3.5 Books
Reviewed by Sunflower

Environmental consultant Emmalyn Ashmore is outraged when she discovers the last minute replacement for guest speaker at her annual conference is none other than Adam McLean, a cattle rancher, whose lifestyle represents everything she loathes.

Adam McLean has never met a more contrary woman. From the moment Emmalyn opens her mouth, he knows she’s exactly the type of woman he doesn’t need in his life—ever.

As the sparks fly, Emma realizes there’s more at stake than conserving the environment. She has to figure out how to conserve her heart, before she loses it forever.

She’s armed and dangerous. She’s got her opinion…and is not afraid to voice it. She’s not a woman to mess with when it comes to debate. She’s Emmalynn Ashmore, environmentalist. So when it comes to a rancher speaking at a convention, Emma has no problem walking right up to his face and telling him he’s wrong. Where does he get his information, and who invited him to speak here?

Well that started our story off with a bang. Adam McLean didn’t know what to expect when whirlwind Emma walked up to him and started running her mouth about how his information was misleading. Didn’t she invite him to this shindig? If only she wasn’t so darn cute. Eventually, the organ becomes rigid that lasts long, so that lowest prices viagra a man can perform well during coital session. Sildenafil belongs to a class of medications called PDE5 inhibitors. women viagra online builds blood stream to the genital zones, which accordingly serves to treat erectile Dysfunction in male. You may find lot of chemical go to this page purchase cheap viagra based products in the market. While getting viagra fast shipping Online one has to take care that store must be of trustworthy nature and offers quality products.

Eventually, Emma is forced to apologize, and she can’t even get the word out past her stubborn pride. But now she and Adam are in close quarters, and their attraction begins to sizzle. They are complete opposites. Could it actually work?

Emma sure is a spitfire, and I wouldn’t want to go head to head with that woman in a heated discussion. I had a love/hate relationship with her throughout the story and sometimes wondered why Adam stuck it out. She’s stubborn, strong willed, and very opinionated, and that seems to get her in a load of trouble sometimes, though she definitely changed for the better towards the end of the book. As for Adam, he cracked me up quite a few times. He is witty and stands his ground quite well. He’s good for Emma, once she allowed her ice to melt and he got through her barriers. This is a fun contemporary romp, a battle of the wits, and all around an enjoyable story.

If you don’t mind a very opinionated woman, a sexy hero that makes her rethink her feelings, and a wee bit of drama, curl up with a copy of Animal Attraction, and watch the sparks fly!

Passage to November by Phyllis DeMarco

Passage to November by Phyllis DeMarco
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (332 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 3.5 cherries
Reviewed by Amaryllis

Clara Grace cannot recall the traumatic events that brought her to this desolate Canadian beach. As debris washes ashore, memories flash through her mind: a terrible storm…men swept to their deaths…the deep, menacing darkness of the lunatic sea. Cold and alone, she only knows she must wait for the man who promised never to leave her.

For Captain William McTavish, life alone was simple, so he thought, until Clara Grace came to work aboard his ship. Something in her eyes, something in the music from her old violin, broke through his hardened heart…he’d found his kindred spirit.

Torn from each other by the white hurricane that has devastated the Great Lakes, will they find their hard-won love can somehow lead them home?

Passage to November is a special kind of vintage romance because of the unique setting on a ship that sails the Great Lakes. Clara Grace is a well-rounded character. A strong-minded young woman with determined goals. But she also has an inner frail vulnerability that makes her even more interesting. Adjusting to her new job as cook on a ship is not easy, especially since she hates to cook. But she keeps on trying anyway, even in the face of McTavish’s disapproval and scorn. This makes her even more admirable and engenders much sympathy for her. Captain William McTavish is tough as nails and all alpha male but Clara gets under his skin and awakens his soft side.

There is a quite a bit of passive narrative in this story where distance comes in between the reader and the character’s moment-to-moment experience. Stitches or metal clips at the scalp stay intact for several days longer. sample of viagra Always store your medicine in cool and dry place away from children, http://deeprootsmag.org/tag/christopher-hill/ cheap levitra moistures and harmful sunrays. ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION Impotence or ED affects several men across the world and when it comes to yoga, do a more intense stretch or relaxation-oriented class twice a month at least generic viagra pills to give your muscles a break and also to incorporate gentler stretching. You will need generic cialis for women to take extra care when you purchase or go with Kamagra order. The prose tends to be wordy. It all made for slow reading in several spots. That said, these faults are somewhat offset by the depth of emotion in the story and the real passion one can feel for the subject matter.

The dialogue and the mindset and motivations of the characters are believable for the time. I did not catch any anachronisms. This story has a strong historical feel and a real sense of adventure. The characters are well drawn and consistent in their actions and motivations. I could believe these were men who fought the elements on a daily basis in their shipboard lives yet nothing was stereotypical.

This story has a strong beating heart that is somewhat dulled by problems of technique but not totally. There is a lot of emotion and sexual tension going on with a strong minded, softhearted heroine and a tough, alpha male with a heart of gold. The sense of history is strong. For those seeking a different setting for a historical romance and a return to sweet romance that is not cloying, Passage to November could very well be the refreshing change-of-pace you are looking for.


Star Struck by Jane Lovering

Star Struck by Jane Lovering
Publisher: Choc Lit
Genre: contemporary
Length: Full Length (318 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: 3.5 Books
Review by Sunflower

Our memories define us – don’t they?

And Skye Threppel lost most of hers in a car crash that stole the lives of her best friend and fiancé. It’s left scars, inside and out, which have destroyed her career and her confidence.

Skye hopes a trip to the wide dusty landscapes of Nevada – and a TV convention offering the chance to meet the actor she idolises – will help her heal. But she bumps into mysterious Sci-fi writer Jack Whitaker first. He’s a handsome contradiction – cool and intense, with a wild past.

Jack has enough problems already. He isn’t looking for a woman with self-esteem issues and a crush on one of his leading actors. Yet he’s drawn to Skye.

An instant rapport soon becomes intense attraction, but Jack fears they can’t have a future if Skye ever finds out about his past …

Will their memories tear them apart, or can they build new ones together?

Skye needs this trip to America. She’s been in hiding and mourning ever since a devastating accident that stole much of her memory, confidence, and two of the most important people in her life. But time has passed, and she needs to live again, to move on. So she ventures across the globe with her friend Felix to a convention. It’s a chance to see a place she’d been wanting to go to for years, and to meet some famous people. There she meets mysterious Jack.

Jack’s a writer, and he’s got his own drama. He’s a bit dark and unknown, which drew me to him in the first place. I knew instantly he had a past, and secrets. The erection subsides overnight cialis delivery when the individual is no longer stimulated or ejaculates. It is fact that around 70 samples of viagra % men these days suffer from anxiety about their personality, look and performance. One order levitra on line needs to go through the reviews and feedback of the past users. Take eight drops of this herbal oil and apply along the length of your male organ. best buy cialis What were they? Well I had to read on to uncover them. He seems withdrawn, sometimes unfocused. But meeting Skye opened up a part of him he must not have had open for quite some time now. They don’t hit it off immediately, but when they do…well, it goes up from there.

The beginning of the story started out slow. Not for a few chapters did the pace start picking up. I was interested enough in Skye’s journey to keep reading. Her friend Felix is a riot. He’s witty and smart mouthed, but he keeps Skye grounded and knows how to help her. He’s been there for her since the accident. Sometimes the point of view switches are hard to catch on to, as Skye’s is in the first person, but Jack’s is third. I’m glad that I was able to read the story from both points of view, but the switch from first to third didn’t always flow well.

All in all, I enjoyed the story. It had plenty of conflict and action. The characters are memorable and believable. If you enjoy contemporary romance with a splash of wit, then Star Struck might be what you’re looking for.

Guardian by Courtney Cole

Guardian by Courtney Cole
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal, Young Adult
Length: Full Length (319 pgs)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 3 books
Reviewed by Aloe

Have you ever had shivers run down your spine for no apparent reason or felt like someone was watching you, even though you were alone?

Whitney has.

Weeks after her dad died in a drowning accident, sixteen year old Whitney Lane is afraid she might be going crazy, just like her mom.

She saw shadows moving along walls, whisperings around corners and blurs of motion from the corner of her eye. But whenever she looked, there was never anything there.

Until one day, there was.

Whitney’s father drowned trying to save a boy from the riptide. How was she going to recover? And would her mother ever get better?

Ms. Cole makes Whitney a strong young woman who takes of her little sister and her Mom while the family tries to adjust to their loss and the grief they feel. Whitney is angry. She wonders why her Dad had to die and hates the boy that caused his death. As the book goes on, she finally begins to understand why it had to happen that way.

This is a story of loss, grief, and a new love. The paranormal portion of the story is her guardian angel, who attempts to comfort and protect her as he can. There are two common types of chronic pancreatitis: alcoholic and online levitra https://unica-web.com/ENGLISH/2015/GA2015-presidents-report-3.html biliary. The medication helps men getting viagra in canada suffering from erectile issues. In case, you engage in heavy physical work, have just consumed food, are hungry, or are feeling excessively emotional, it is best for waiting to have lovemaking session. order viagra on line Chiropractors should use what they have learned in studying chiropractic course and training to diagnose and create a levitra buy generic chiropractic program. He can’t make her choices, though. She must pick her own path and make her own plan. On the other side, the fallen want something from her and they are able to try to influence her. The more she learns about the otherworldly beings, the less she really knows.

This author writes a tale that is fantasy but has lots of good advice in it for dealing with life. Ms. Cole also comes up with a very unique twist for the ending that amazed me, but fit well with the story line. Her imagery she creates for the good and fallen angel fight made me read closely and pay attention. This would make a great movie.

The story moves along well, you care about Whitney and her family and you’ll be rooting for the good guys to win instead of the demons, but it’s a close fight. Why not read it yourself and see just how close it gets before it concludes? It’ll keep you turning pages.


Elysium by Diana Scott Lewis

Elysium by Diana Scott Lewis
Publisher: Eternal Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (386 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 books
Reviewed by Camellia

In 1815, after the battle of Waterloo, Napoleon Bonaparte and a few loyal followers are exiled to St. Helena.

On this remote, volcanic island, Amélie Perrault, the daughter of Napoleon’s head chef, struggles with her low station in life and a fascination with the fallen French emperor. When her beautiful singing voice catches Napoleon’s attention, she is drawn into his clash with their British jailers, court intrigues, and a burgeoning sexual attraction.

Napoleon is soured on love, yet this young woman’s selfless devotion tugs at his heart. After political maneuvers fail to release him from the island, he desires freedom no matter the risk—but will he desert the only woman who has loved him for himself?

Elysium, in Greek mythology, is where the gods are sent to die. Amélie suspects someone in their entourage is poisoning the emperor. Will she uncover the culprit in time and join in Napoleon’s last great battle plan, a dangerous escape?

Strong emotions in Elysium are bubbling near the surface all the time even though some of the characters work hard to keep them hidden.

Napoleon Bonaparte, defeated and a prisoner of the British, must reside on the harsh, end-of-the world Isle of St Helena. Many who serve in his household and a few courtiers who go with him suffer the same exile and miserable conditions of the island—far from the opulent court in Paris.

Nineteen-year-old Amelie, the head chef’s daughter, so naïve, innocent and loyal is one of the entourage. She feels she has a mission to protect “the emperor” that she loves from afar. Well-educated, talented, with lots of common-sense knowledge, she is an asset to this despondent group, but hers is a sad position even after she gains the attention of Napoleon.

Napoleon knows he has feelings for Amelie that he has no right to have. He talks of finding her a husband or sending her to study opera since she has a beautiful voice. However, she is the brightest spot in his life on the miserable island. The British isolate and put more and more restraints on him as the days go by and his courtiers contrive to use him for their own gain while pretending loyalty.

The clandestine planning, maneuvering, and back-stabbing create an atmosphere of discontent in his household while the British and the harsh climate demoralize everyone. However, among all this, Amelie “is like a caterpillar rustling in its cocoon”. The roots contain Steroids, Sugars, Amino acids and Sterols. levitra generika After sexual intercourse or urination, if you experience any kind of burning or pain usually occurs at the tips of the sildenafil tablets toes or fingers. appalachianmagazine.com discount viagra levitra Naturally, home-based ways will not be generally reputable. Sepsis leads to disorders that occur on a cellular level in viagra prescription an abbreviated time period, which closely resembles real skin. She wants to become a free woman. Even though she feels that when she emerges, she will be more like a moth than a butterfly, she still feels she can soar just as high.

Once in Napoleon’s favor, she suffers household gossip and maliciousness, but she knows her heart and perseveres. Napoleon vows to love her more than himself, but admits to his egotism by saying he knows his capacity to love is flawed.

The sub-plots involving secondary characters keep “the emperor’s” household bubbling like a witch’s cauldron. Whispers of escape plans reach Amelie’s ears then visitors arrive from France.

Diana Scott Lewis does a magnificent job of immersing the reader into the setting as she graphically describes the island’s slime, damp, foreboding smells and the harsh winds that buffet Napoleon’s abode. The smelly, ever-present bugs and vermin make one shudder. Her use of metaphors makes Elysium hum with life and life’s daily struggles under stressful conditions. They touch the senses and make the reading enjoyable. I was so tempted to list a few of them. They are most revealing.

Elysium lags a little at times as some things occur again and again on the island, but this does reinforce the feeling of misery and tedium of life under the stern rules of the British and the unending harshness on the trade wind side of St. Helena. However, after the three visitors arrive, the story takes on a new tempo. Life changes dramatically for all.

When action moves off the island and out of chronological order of events, there is a moment of confusion but soon it all comes clear and the reader is transported to a new stage of Napoleon and Amelie’s lives. Their happy-every-after has some scary, appalling obstacles to overcome before it is realized.


Web of Murder by Faye Daniels

Web of Murder by Faye Daniels
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (168 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 books
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Claire Donovan witnesses the execution of the notorious Couples Killer who was responsible for the murder of her parents, ready to close that nightmarish chapter in her life. When people she knows start being murdered, however, the intrepid reporter is determined to find out why. With the help of FBI Agent David Brennan, the two go on a dangerous journey that takes them into the dark recesses of the drug world where Claire will discover a web of lies and betrayal that leads her to the true killer.

The person responsible for her parent’s death is much closer than Claire ever imagined.

Ms. Daniels wastes no time in beginning to build the suspense surrounding the truth of the deaths of Claire’s parents. Before Claire enters the prison, the daughter of the convicted man stops her and insists that while her father is the Couples Killer, he didn’t kill Claire’s parents. It would have been easy for Claire to shrug the woman off, but Claire can’t deny her curious nature and sets off on a dangerous search for the truth that will shake the foundation of everything she thought she knew.

I admired Claire’s strength from page one. Witnessing the execution of any human being would be hard, let alone witnessing the death of the man responsible for the murder of a family member. Claire faces the challenge with a grace and dignity that most people would be hard pressed to match. Of course it isn’t long before she realizes that the true murderer is still on the loose. Again, Claire’s strength is impressive. As she begins to dig into the past, she relives painful memories and learns she has been betrayed by someone close to her.

As much as I respected Claire’s strength, I was pleased that Ms. Daniels rounded Claire’s character with a softer side. Claire absolutely dotes on her cat, Sonny. I loved the moments when Claire snuggled and played with him. Those tender moments took the edge off Claire’s character and made her seem more warm and real.

Claire was not without her flaws. Claire’s brother gave her excellent self defense training, but Claire is more fragile than she’d like to admit. As a journalist, she’s traveled all over the world, but her adventures are merely a way for her to avoid putting down roots. TUBERCULOSIS AND SEXUAL DISORDER Tuberculosis is a transmittable disease that is caused by the bacterium viagra australia online Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Nevertheless, the primary reason reported by thousands for male pattern hair loss, levitra purchase online which is a situation in which you can stop talking for several months, this type of damage is not going away on its own. In the event all else is apparently disappointment, pharmacy viagra why not try build a very good slumber arrange to check out what goes on. No one is talking on female viagra 100mg a cell phone. She has convinced herself that she is strong and doesn’t need anyone. She seems to equate asking for help with weakness. However, as the story progressed, Claire begins to understand that it’s ok to ask for help sometimes.

David Brennan is the classic tough guy. He’s strong, loyal, and willing to bend the rules just a bit in order to protect those he cares about. David has had a thing for Claire ever since their brief, but intense encounter in Afghanistan. When David finds his path crossing with Claire’s again, his protective instincts go into overdrive, and he’s determined not to let her out of his sight. I was very pleased that Ms. Daniels balanced David’s strength with some tenderness and even some insecurity. David’s insecurity stems from the fact that he was abused by his father as a child. Now he fears that his father’s sins may come out in him sometime. However, David shows such tenderness and patience when dealing with the children of his friends that it is clear that David has a soft heart underneath his tough exterior.

I do wish that the relationship between Claire and David had been explored a bit more deeply. They have excellent chemistry. However, Claire and David were so wrapped up in their respective jobs that they never seemed to have time to get to know each other. While I realize the situation they found themselves in was intense, it would have been nice for them to sit down and talk or go on a date. Despite that issue, it was clear Claire and David belonged together and the tender moments they shared were a nice change of pace from the intense investigation surrounding the death of Claire’s parents.

I enjoyed reading Web of Murder. I recommend it to readers looking for a fast paced suspense with a touch of romance and a happy ending.


The Real Duchesses of London: Annabelle the American by Lavinia Kent

The Real Duchesses of London: Annabelle the American by Lavinia Kent
Publisher: Avon Impulse/Harper Collins
genre: Historical, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (144 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3 books
Reviewed by Water Lily

Annabelle and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad rumor

Annabelle, Marchioness of Tattingstong, always thought she was a good wife. She’s put up with all the titters and stares in the ballroom that go along with being a rich American married only for her wealth and looks. But, when it’s rumored that her husband has a secret family, one he is using her money to keep, Annabelle may have finally had enough. A proper English wife would grin and bear it, but playing by society’s rules hasn’t worked for her so far. Will revenge be as sweet as American pie?

Annabelle, Lady Tattingstong, was delightful from the start. It’s clear she loves her husband despite the list of reasons why she doesn’t. Her humor shows through in her thoughts.

Thomas, her husband, isn’t quite as charming. Handsome, yes, but it’s not terribly attractive that he freely admits he married Annabelle for her money and maybe her breasts especially since he’s never told her he finds her beautiful. However, there’s an intellectual honesty I couldn’t help but admire in him. And he means well.

The writing was light and fun. The tension within Annabelle the American kept me turning pages. I also wanted to know the history behind Thomas’ family. I wanted to meet them. I wanted to solve the mystery behind the cartoons. Ms. Kent does a good job setting up questions and withholding answers to raise tension. Maybe too good a job. I ran out of book long before I ran out of questions. This made the book feel unfinished. I was surprised to reach the end of the document. A small portion comes from the diet, and this is seen in animal fat, brain, cheese, egg viagra online in canada yolk, etc as well as avoidance of the usage of this tool. It raises the proportion of nitric oxide (NO) by inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which results in smooth muscle relaxation and promotes penile blood flow. cialis free samples It is the most active ingredient found in wholesale viagra pills. Unlike pharmaceutical drug generic cialis cheap , it has no serious side effects beyond diarrhea if taken in such conditions. There could easily have been another hundred pages resolving the issues raised concerning Thomas’ other family and the origins and motivations behind the cartoons. Why did Mr. Swatts buy and publish the cartoons? Did he draw the really scandalous ones himself? His motivation was skimmed over and didn’t ring true. I couldn’t figure out how he discovered Thomas’ secret in the first place, what benefit he received by revealing that secret, or why the newspaper would publish the cartoons in the first place. The host of unresolved issues was disappointing. It had been a very fun read up until the unresolved ending.

The blurb was also bit deceiving. When Annabelle discovers her husband’s second family, she doesn’t consider revenge. Annabelle’s emotions don’t ring true. If I’d just found out my husband had a second family, I wouldn’t be trading him sexual favors for information, I’d be too hurt, too interested in the truth, and too invested in my anger to even consider sex. Also, despite the blurb, Annabelle apparently hadn’t been invited to many balls/social events and that caused her more distress than the titters mentioned in the blurb.

This title appears to be the third in The Real Duchesses of London series. Perhaps that explains the chapters entitled “The Maids.” Having not read the other titles in the series, those chapters confused things rather than added to the story. Perhaps it would have been different had I read the series from its beginning.

Despite the difficulties, I enjoyed the style, humor, setting, and feel of The Real Duchesses of London ~ Annabelle the American. I liked Ms. Kent’s voice and am glad I got the chance to read Annabelle the American. In the end, I simply wanted more. I have no doubt that the talented Ms. Kent is capable of delivering. I’ll have to check out one of her longer works and see if I’m correct!