|
Home  Reviewer's Choice
|
Latest Reviewer's Choice Awards |
|
|
|
|
Written by Administrator
|
|
Saturday, 28 July 2007 |
|
Angelina’s 
| |
Wild Bill and Michael have been through a lot together, from hunting down the evil vampire who murdered Michael’s best friend (and nearly murdered Wild Bill), to making a pilgrimage into Wild Bills past that put them on the radar of a “swarm” of nasty, passive-aggressive vamps, and nearly ended in disaster. While he might try to play it cool outwardly, Wild Bill is man enough to admit to himself that he doesn’t want to live without Michael, the “heart of his heart.” When their little visit to the past threatens Michael’s future, Wild Bill has to decide what he can live with – and what Michael can live without… I’m a huge fan of Jordan Castillo Price, and especially of the Wild Bill and Michael’s stories. The first set of five, Channeling Morpheus, traced Michael’s emotional journey. The second set, Sweet Oblivion, gives us a window into Wild Bill’s evolution. Bill, a man terrified of responsibility, is forced to make life and death choices for his lover; and in doing so, he’s forced to make some life-altering choices for himself, not the least of which is who he wants to be, and what he really values. If you’re looking for a “happily ever after,” in Elixir, you’ll be disappointed. Characters as complicated as Michael and Wild Bill don’t ride off into the sunset so easily. But when Bill says “whatever hell we’d been through together… this little slice of heaven was worth it”, you know that even if the road ahead is full of obstacles, together they’ll figure out the best way around (or through) them. With cameos from some of our favorite secondary characters (hello Suzanne and Dr. Harmon), Elixir is a fitting end for an amazing series. My only complaint is that I’m not ready to say good-bye to these characters whom I’ve come to love. On the other hand, I can’t wait to see what new worlds Ms. Price is preparing to introduce us to. |
Kerin's
| Title: Kismet
Author: Monica Burns
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Historical
Publication date: January 2010
ISBN: 978-042523-215-6
Pages: 330
Series: N/A
Reviewer: Kerin
| |
|
Warning: Kismet contains a scene of dubious consent and may not be suitable for the faint of heart. Allegra Synnford is a survivor. Taught at a very young age that life is what you make of it, she’s become the master of her own destiny. Wanting for nothing, she travels to Morocco to attend the wedding of a friend, not knowing that her life will forever be changed. Sheikh Shaheen of the Amazigh has a secret that, if revealed, could trigger a war, destroying everything he loves. Only with Allegra can he find peace even though, at the best of times, his time with her is bittersweet because he’s plagued by a past that he cannot outrun. Shaheen and Allegra find in each other what both of them have so desperately wanted yet been afraid to feel—love. With love comes vulnerability and when Shaheen’s past threatens his future, he’s forced to make a very difficult decision. Shaheen can keep Allegra safe by sending her away, but that will garner her hatred. Hatred he can live with but her death would destroy his soul. In the end, his choice will leave its mark on their lives. Will he listen to his head or to his heart? Kismet is an extraordinary book and I can’t thing of a better way to kick off 2010 than by buying a copy. I write this review knowing that I will be unable to do Monica Burns’ latest release justice because Ms. Burns is a master at keeping her readers completely engaged from first page to last. Allegra is an amazing woman who’s made the best of a life that was not of her choosing. She is an unparalleled lady—intelligent, resourceful, and determined. Shaheen possesses great strength and his emotions run deep. I was enchanted by the way Ms. Burns revealed the light, teasing, fun and flirtatious sides of the characters when both had experienced so much pain and suffering. My emotions ran the gamut along with theirs as I laughed, I cheered, and more than once, I cried. The interactions between Allegra and Shaheen are like a tensely played chess game, their words, as they try to keep each other at a distance, conflicting with the chaos rioting through their bodies at their close contact. Every scene is so vividly described that you experience all of the emotions of the characters—their fear, uncertainty, and desire. Their attraction was a tangible heat, scorching the tips of my fingers as I turned pages—I simply could not read fast enough! After reading the bio posted on Ms. Burns’ website, I was afforded a deeper understanding into the wealth of emotions she poured into Kismet. Tenacious, sassy heroines and strong, sexy heroes are her signature style and she’s boldly penned one of the best books I’ve read in years. Thank you Monica Burns for sharing your story and that of Allegra and Shaheen—you’ve left your mark on this reader and I excitedly look forward to your future releases! |
| |
Lila lives with her mother in the little town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania when the Union army faces off with the Confederates in the summer of 1863. Among the wounded is Captain Jack Montgomery, a man she will never forget. As the battle rages, Lila and her mother care for the overwhelming numbers of wounded and the many who die in spite of their efforts. Lila and Jack marry in the midst of the brutal war but their honeymoon is short lived. Jack returns with the Seventeenth Calvary and is captured by the Confederates and taken to prison where he suffers from starvation and malaria. Lila believes Jack has died and, to avenge him, becomes a spy assisted by a Pinkerton agent named Andrew who becomes enamored with Lila. But Lila’s heart is taken and Jack fills its entire space even if he is dead. She doesn’t care that she’s in imminent danger as long as she can avenge Jack’s death. Meanwhile, Jack’s best friend, David, who was also wounded, ends up in prison with Jack. Together, they manage to escape but Jack is very altered by the consequences of war and imprisonment. There is only one person on earth who may be able to make him happy again, his wife, Lila. This is where the adventure really begins. Lila's Vow is a fantastic ride through history and a love that would not surrender to the devastations of the most terrible war America has ever known. Ms. Wylie captured the Civil War in vivid detail and I believe I learned some things I did not know before I read this book. Ms. Wylie created a story of great joy and absolute sorrow. I could not put this book down. At times the sorrowful events ripped at my heart and, at others, it soared with the ability of the characters to overcome impossible circumstances. The characters were flawed and beautiful in their strength of purpose and pure grit. Ms. Wylie made me believe in them as if they were breathing people with all the defects and wonderful spirit of humanity. Lila's Vow is an unforgettable story. I look forward to reading about Jack’s friend, David, in her upcoming book, Jenny’s Passion. Bravo Ms. Wylie, Lila's Vow is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. |
Sheila's 
| |
Set during the American Civil War Mary Winter’s Southern Rose tells of Rose, a widow, and Agnes, whose husband is still away fighting. Rose is the school teacher who rooms with Agnes, the town’s seamstress. Rose has longings but since her husband is dead she is unable to assuage those urges. Agnes has secrets she dreads telling Rose. Both are convinced the other would be shocked by the secrets she holds. Both speak of their longings and begin a sexual relationship but Rose is frightened. When Agnes receives a letter her husband has died in the war, they realize they love each other but Agnes has no desire to mourn her husband. Will Rose be able to help Agnes realize there are proprieties that must be followed so they can remain in their community but live as they choose? I enjoyed Southern Rose. Mary Winter has beautifully captured the time period and place. A small town is not going to accept women who do not conform to a certain standard. While Rose and Agnes are widows and not confined by the same rigid standards as an unmarried woman, they must conform to the community standards so they can remain in the town and follow their livelihoods. As Agnes thinks back to her past in the saloon, she realizes the struggles she has overcome to be accepted by the town. When her husband dies and since it was a marriage of convenience, she does not believe she can mourn him in a way that is not disrespectful to Rose who loved her husband. I can understand Agnes’ thoughts on that. She does not want to make a mockery out of mourning a beloved husband. I also can understand Rose’s panic when Agnes states she doesn’t want to follow the current mourning customs. Rose is afraid of losing her job and home. Agnes is a survivor and knows she can always move on. Rose is more traditional and wants to stay where she likes the community. Neither wants gossip. I liked how the relationship between Rose and Agnes built during the story. Both of their thoughts are known to us readers. Both are thinking similar thoughts but are afraid to speak of them. Both believe the other is straight and would be shocked to know the other is thinking about her sexually. Rose is shy and unsure. I liked that. She really fits the time period. Agnes is more sure and was like many women at that time out in the western frontier--former saloon girls trying to go legit and forget their past and hope no one recognizes them from the past. Rose and Agnes are very believable and realistic in their approaches to their lives. They are equal partners. Agnes may be more experienced but Rose is not submissive in any way. They are a good match for each other. Mary Winter has given us a beautifully written story of lesbians during a time when standards of behavior for women were very rigid. I look forward to reading more from her. |
Sin's
| Title: Cowboy Love
Author: Sandy Sullivan
Publisher: Siren BookStrand
Genre: Contemporary
Publication date: September 2009
ISBN: 1606015575
Pages: 232
Series: n/a
Reviewer: Sin
| |
|
| Amy Russell found it hard pressed to trust anyone. A torn relationship had pretty much destroyed her image of strongly, healthy love. Confused she didn’t know who or what to believe in. Much to her distress her best girl friend sucked her into visiting her family. Interested she agreed to the visit not knowing it would have a profound change of circumstance in her life. Her love for horses, rodeos, and tall lean men would land her into meeting Tanner Lewis. Circumstance alone or maybe even fate landed Amy Russell at Tanner Lewis’ home. Catching her though, proved to be hard. He’d never met such a stubborn evasive woman in his life. That and she was his childhood neighbor’s best friend, not one to ditch. When he saw her in the audience at the local bar in which he performed, he saw the spark of interest in her eye and decided to go for it. Romantic dates and time spent learning of one another turned serious over the span of a long distance love. While each went on with their daily lives, they continued to date. With Amy’s trust issues, and Tanner’s new career, life couldn’t get any complicated. And just when they’d moved a step forward, untoward occurrences hurtled something else in-between them. Murder, drug possession and some crazed criminal stalking them have them scrambling to solve many issues to find if they can truly be together. Cowboy Love by Sandy Sullivan captivated my attention at the very beginning and the complexity of the story drew me in further. Layer by layer, I enjoyed watching the discovery of strong love unfold. I hoped throughout the story that Amy would see what was right in front of her and that Tanner would be patient enough to let everything fall into place. When the twists and turns came and the serious nature of the accused crimes, my heart crumbled, knowing the type of effect it would have on Amy. Tanner proved he’s a hero to the end and a man that stays by his woman. I would strongly recommend this r |
Tina’s
| Title: No Reservations
Author: Megan Hart and Lauren Dane
Publisher: Black Lace
Genre: Contemporary
Publication date: 2009
ISBN: 978-0-352-34519-6
Pages: 222
Series: n/a
Reviewer: Tina
| |
|
Leah and Kate are not having the best Christmas. Kate is dealing with her lovers' ex-wife who doesn’t seem to understand that "ex" means she is no longer his wife. That she isn’t entitled to barge into his room while they are having sex, she is not allowed to twist his children into hating her, and she is not allowed to play helpless victim to get attention. Leah is stressing over meeting her boyfriend, Brandon's family. They all seem so normal and happy that is scares her the minute she meets them. Facing the fact she really does love him, Leah runs. And takes Kate with her. To Vegas. Little do they know though the men they left behind refuse to sit and wait for their return, no they are going to chase down their sexy women and bring them back once and for all letting them know they come first above all else and love is worth fighting for. Megan Hart and Lauren Dane bring a modern love story to life with No Reservations. Kate is scared of committing to her lover Dix. She cannot stand his whiny ex-wife and she doesn’t want to make his teenage children feel like they have to choose between her and their mom. So she thinks waiting is the answer. But Dix knows what he wants. He wants Kate. She is everything his ex is not and everything he needs in his life. He just has to convince Kate that he loves her with No Reservations. Leah is a dom and likes control and order. Lucky for her she is in love with a guy who loves to be told what to do and wants nothing more than to please her. Brandon might be a sub in the bedroom, but he is not a pushover and Leah is about to learn when he loves he doesn’t let go. I personally loved No Reservations. It has lots of steamy sex, but a heart that will keep you reading and wanting more of these sexy modern women and the men that love them so well. When you want a steamy romance to keep you warm and toasty, pick up No Reservations - you will be glad you did. |
Victoria’s
| Title: Lessons from a Scarlet Lady
Author: Emma Wildes
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Genre: Historical
Publication date: January 5, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-451-22879-6
Pages: 336
Series: N/A
Reviewer: Victoria
| |
|
Lady Brianna is a proper lady of British peerage. Newly married to Colton, the Duke of Rolthven, Brianna is determined to be more than just arm candy for her husband. Knowing the tendency within the Ton to have husbands go astray, Brianna hatches a bold plot to keep her husband in her bed forever. What will be Colton’s reaction to finding a hellcat in his bed? Make sure you have plenty of time to savor Lessons from a Scarlet Lady because once you start this historical romp from the truly wicked pen of Emma Wildes, you simply won’t be able to put it down! As soon as Brianna is exposed to the forbidden courtesan’s book Lady Rothburg’s Advice, her life is destined to change forever. Reading the advice from a well-known courtesan is truly eye opening to the shy, almost virginal Brianna, but she musters the courage to utilize the tips with her new husband. Colton considers himself lucky to have such a beautiful bride, but is biding his time for the luster of his wedded state to wear off so he can take on a mistress to engage in other wanton delights of the flesh. He’s flummoxed when Brianna starts to do highly intimate things to and with him that no woman of well-bred society should be aware of, let alone able to accomplish. Taken aback by Brianna’s boldness, he finds he simply cannot get her out of his mind. He craves her with an erotic hunger and must have her at anytime, anywhere! After the initial shock of Brianna’s new-found prowess wears off, Colton begins to wonder where she learned such bedroom tricks. Could his mild mannered wife be cheating on him? Discover for yourself why Emma Wildes is an auto-buy author for me as she delivers once again a page turning historical classic in Lessons from a Scarlet Lady. of Brianna’s new-found prowess wears off, Colton begins to wonder where she learned such bedroom tricks. Could his mild mannered wife be cheating on him? Discover for yourself why Emma Wildes is an auto-buy author for me as she delivers once again a page turning historical classic in Lessons from a Scarlet Lady. |
|
|
Last Updated ( Monday, 04 January 2010 )
|
|
