Black Magic-Cherry Adair

Black Magic
Cherry Adair
Pocket, Jul 20 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9781439153819

In Western Australia wizard-geologist Jackson Slater is doing field work. His former fiancée wizard Sara Temple is in San Cristobel, Venezuela working on a luxurious hotel deal when the illness struck turning good well balanced people into homicidal psychopaths. When her mentor whom she considers her father since her parents died becomes ill, a panicked Sara instinctively shouts telepathically to the only man she ever loved for help. Jack still loves Sara and hears her cry and teleports to her side instantly as if he is one of Pavlov’s dogs.

Based on the mounting evidence, the Wizard Council fears the serpentine Omnivatics are siphoning off the life-force and power of wizards. They also believe the pairing of Jack and Sara is the only hope to prevent the malevolence from returning to take over the world in their evil way. The chosen duo believes they are a poor matching, but agree to work together to save the world; perhaps as a by-product they can save their relationship too.

This is an exhilarating second chance romantic urban fantasy in which the paranormal elements of wizardry and the Omnivatics seem genuine. The lead couple is a wonderful pairing of two people in love, but with polar opposite beliefs when it comes to magic as she never moved pass the death of her parents so she stopped being a practitioner; they are not a yin and yang fit, but together in unity prove that in their case their love makes for an inequality as 1 + 1 > 2. Like she did with her Night T-FLAC trilogy, Cherry Adair provides an engaging thriller starring two wizards in love; this time trying to save the world.

Harriet Klausner

Devil’s Highlander-Veronica Wolff

Devil’s Highlander
Veronica Wolff
Berkley, Aug 3 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425236277

In 1660 Scotland following the defeat of the Scots, the MacAlpin clan returns home to Dunnottar. A war hero, Cormac MacAlpin remains traumatized though thirteen years have passed since his brother Aiden was abducted while the pair were playing in Aberdeen. His best friend Marjorie Keith was with the brothers when the tragedy occurred and has since become an angel to the impoverished youth of the city.

When another child is snatched from the city’s streets, Marjorie begs Cormac the reclusive fisherman to save the kid. However, he remains immobile by shame and self-pity. She refuses to accept inertia from her beloved. Instead she keeps pressuring him to join her on an investigation into who is kidnapping children off the streets of Aberdeen or she will go it alone.

This is a wonderful seventeenth century Highlander romance starring a tormented reluctant hero who blames himself for what happened to his twin though he could do nothing to prevent the kidnapping and the angel who demands he save the latest victim. The story line is at its best when the focus is on 1660; the plot slightly decelerates when it centers on the lead couple’s traumatized look back to the tragic event of 1647 though that adds enormous realism as the snatching of Aiden made Cormac and Marjorie what they are as adults. Fans will appreciate Veronica Wolfe’s latest Highlander romance wondering what became of Aiden.

Harriet Klausner

Devil’s Highlander-Veronica Wolff

Devil’s Highlander
Veronica Wolff
Berkley, Aug 3 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425236277

In 1660 Scotland following the defeat of the Scots, the MacAlpin clan returns home to Dunnottar. A war hero, Cormac MacAlpin remains traumatized though thirteen years have passed since his brother Aiden was abducted while the pair were playing in Aberdeen. His best friend Marjorie Keith was with the brothers when the tragedy occurred and has since become an angel to the impoverished youth of the city.

When another child is snatched from the city’s streets, Marjorie begs Cormac the reclusive fisherman to save the kid. However, he remains immobile by shame and self-pity. She refuses to accept inertia from her beloved. Instead she keeps pressuring him to join her on an investigation into who is kidnapping children off the streets of Aberdeen or she will go it alone.

This is a wonderful seventeenth century Highlander romance starring a tormented reluctant hero who blames himself for what happened to his twin though he could do nothing to prevent the kidnapping and the angel who demands he save the latest victim. The story line is at its best when the focus is on 1660; the plot slightly decelerates when it centers on the lead couple’s traumatized look back to the tragic event of 1647 though that adds enormous realism as the snatching of Aiden made Cormac and Marjorie what they are as adults. Fans will appreciate Veronica Wolfe’s latest Highlander romance wondering what became of Aiden.

Harriet Klausner

Devil’s Highlander-Veronica Wolff

Devil’s Highlander
Veronica Wolff
Berkley, Aug 3 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425236277

In 1660 Scotland following the defeat of the Scots, the MacAlpin clan returns home to Dunnottar. A war hero, Cormac MacAlpin remains traumatized though thirteen years have passed since his brother Aiden was abducted while the pair were playing in Aberdeen. His best friend Marjorie Keith was with the brothers when the tragedy occurred and has since become an angel to the impoverished youth of the city.

When another child is snatched from the city’s streets, Marjorie begs Cormac the reclusive fisherman to save the kid. However, he remains immobile by shame and self-pity. She refuses to accept inertia from her beloved. Instead she keeps pressuring him to join her on an investigation into who is kidnapping children off the streets of Aberdeen or she will go it alone.

This is a wonderful seventeenth century Highlander romance starring a tormented reluctant hero who blames himself for what happened to his twin though he could do nothing to prevent the kidnapping and the angel who demands he save the latest victim. The story line is at its best when the focus is on 1660; the plot slightly decelerates when it centers on the lead couple’s traumatized look back to the tragic event of 1647 though that adds enormous realism as the snatching of Aiden made Cormac and Marjorie what they are as adults. Fans will appreciate Veronica Wolfe’s latest Highlander romance wondering what became of Aiden.

Harriet Klausner

Damsel in Disguise-Susan Gee Heino,

Damsel in Disguise
Susan Gee Heino
Berkley, Aug 3 2010, $7.99
ISBN 9780425235980

Actress Julia St. Clement was Lord Anthony Rastmoor’s mistress until he lost her gambling with his nasty cousin Cedric Fitzgelder. Outraged to be a stake in a game of chance and fearing the despicable Cedric, Julia flees disguised as Mr. Alexander Clemmons learning to eat soup through a moustache

Julia continues to travel as a male, but accompanied by a “wife” Sophie, learns that Cedric plans to kill Anthony. Still garbed as a male, she warns her former lover who recognizes her in spite of her clothing, wife and mustache. As they begin a second tryst with her seen as his male companion in public, they begin to fall in love again, but she no longer trusts her heart or him with her heart. Meanwhile the duet begins to investigate the secrets of their families espically after her wife mysteriously vanishes.

This enjoyable Regency romance is a fun Comedy of Errors as Julia keeps up her masquerade to fool the foul odious Fitzgelder. Although her starting a second time with someone who gambled her away displays inanity, love or inane love depending on your perspective, readers will relish the courageous Mr. Clemmons as a Damsel in Disguise.

Harriet Klausner

Seduction Wears Sapphires-Renee Bernard

Seduction Wears Sapphires
Renee Bernard
Berkley, Aug 3 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425235966

In 1859 Ashe Blackwell lives a hedonistic lifestyle since his return from India. However, his grandmother makes him a wager he cannot avoid. She demands Ashe behave with decorum for an entire season or lose his inheritance. There is one additional stipulation Ashe especially loathes as he feels he can act properly in accordance with the inane rules of the Ton. Grandma insists prim and proper Bostonian Caroline Townsend will serve as his chaperone.

They are enemies even before they meet; their initial encounter is hate at first sight. Caroline hopes to earn enough money to open up a school for women while also secretly dreams of a grand adventure in the boudoir of a rake. Ashe just wants the prickly colonist to go back to Massachusetts. His schemes to send her across the pond fail as everyone seems to love Caroline. However, the sleepwalking Caroline charms Ashe who wants to make love to her. As they fall in love, his former resentful mistress, his avaricious relative and his time in India threaten to send his American back home single and ruined.

The latest Jaded Gentlemen Series (see Revenge Wears Rubies) is a wonderful gender war Victorian romance starring two enemy combatants who come out swinging from the first bell. The story line is fast-paced fun as Caroline and Ashe detest one another while also wanting one another. Sub-genre fans will enjoy waltzing with this “not so charming” couple.

Harriet Klausner

Burning Up-Virginia Kantra, Nalini Singh, Angela Knight, Meljean Brook

Burning Up
Virginia Kantra, Nalini Singh, Angela Knight, Meljean Brook
Berkley, Aug 3 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425235959

“Whisper of Sin” by Nalini Singh. In 2072 San Francisco, leopard shifter Emmett and his pack rescue Ria Wembley from a rapist. She is under their protection while they fight an evil destroying their beloved city. Emmett knows Ria is his soul mate.

“Blood and Roses” by Angela Knight. With justification Ameris has no choice but to seduce an abomination (in her mind) vampire knight Raniero. However, as she becomes acquainted with him, she changes her opinion of his race

“Shifting Sea” by Virginia Kantra. In 1853, Major John Harris inherits an estate in Scotland and much more, the love of Morwenna, one of the Children of the Sea.

“Here There be Monsters” by Meljean Brook. Ivy flees Mad Eben Machen who chases after her. When he catches her, she will find the heart of the monster.

The four romantic fantasies are entertaining tales starring fully developed protagonists in terrific settings as each author contributes a world building winner.

Harriet Klausner

Nauti And Wild- Lora Leigh and Jaci Burton

Nauti And Wild
Lora Leigh and Jaci Burton
Heat, Aug 3 2010, $15.00
ISBN: 9780425234426

“Nauti Kisses” by Lora Leigh. Rogue’s brother John Calvin Walker, Jr. has moved to Lake Cumberland, Kentucky. However, as he seeks a peaceful lifestyle after all his escapades he misses his beloved Sierra, who he has known from her birth and is almost family. When she is attacked by a stalker in Boston, John’s father, who is also Sierra’s godfather, asks his son to keep her safe. Sierra makes it clear she is irate with John for leaving her.

“Riding the Edge” by Jaci Burton. In Vegas federal agent Rick Benetti is assigned to keep Ava Vargas safe while escorting her to her father, a senator. He also investigates Ava’s involvement with his former gang. Ava has a rescue mission of her own; to save her best friend since childhood Lacey from self destruction with Rick’s cousin, Bo

The latest Nauti Kentucky bad boy (Nauti Nights and Nauti Dreams) and Riding Bad Boy (see Riding on Instinct and Riding Temptation) romantic suspense thrillers are exciting novellas with kick butt lead females who are perfect matches to their hunks. Fans of both series will enjoy this collection.

Harriet Klausner

Tempting Fire-Sydney Croft

Tempting Fire
Sydney Croft
Bantam, Jul 27 2010, $15.00
ISBN: 9780385342285

In the Brazilian rainforest, a force massacres a highly regarded elite Navy SEALs unit. Cryptozoologist experts insist the Chupacabra predator cannot exist in spite of the shocking evidence that they agree speaks otherwise especially with the only survivor Chance McCormack insisting so.

Agency for Covert Rare Operatives (ACRO) sends field agents Sela Kahne who brings expertise on the mythic logical Chupacabra and Marlena West to investigate. Sela has another skill of being able to read the mind of her partner while they make love. She needs to do so with Chance, but is attracted to the man who saved the SEAL and leads their expedition Logan Mills; at the same time Chance and Marlena pair up. Meanwhile vicious Phoebe of ITOR also wants the Chupacabra.

The latest ACRO paranormal romantic suspense thriller (see Riding the Storm, Seduced by the Storm and Taming the Fire) is a strong tale with a legendary beastly spin. The lead foursome makes the rumble in the jungle seem genuine as they chase after the Chupacabra; a creature they hope does not exist while also falling in love. Series fans will appreciate the latest confrontation with ITOR over the Chupacabra.

Harriet Klausner

Water Bound-Christine Feehan

Water Bound
Christine Feehan
Jove, Jul 27 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780515148244

In Sea Haven, Rikki Sitmore dives for sea urchins. However, her attention radically changes when she notices a man in trouble in the swirling currents. Rikki rescues severely injured Lev Prakenskii. Besides his physical traumas, Lev suffers from situational amnesia, but is well aware he must remain hidden as someone wants him dead.

Reluctantly Rikki takes Lev to the estate she and her five “sisters of the heart” call home. Like Lev, Rikki has issues as she cherishes the water and loathes the fire as a tragedy left its imprint on her. Each has deadly enemies coming for them, but together with two hearts beating as one, they can overcome anything even lethal predators and autism.

Returning to Sea Haven, home of the Drake Sisters, Christine Feehan begins a new saga as once again some paranormal is blended inside a mystery, which in turn is inside a powerful romance. Though somewhat similar in tone to the “parent” Drake Sisters’ series, the audience will relish this action-packed tale from the moment Rikki saves Lev from drowning and fans will enjoy this entertaining thriller. Ironically even with a strong love story between two traumatized souls and plenty of suspense, it is the deep look at what haunts the pair especially Rikki and the tragic fire that brings compassion to the tale.

Harriet Klausner

Bedeviled Angel-Annette Blair

Bedeviled Angel
Annette Blair
Berkley, Aug 3 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425235973

Guardian angel Chance Godricson returns to earth (with a heavenly shove from his BFF Angus) out of concern for one of his clients, agoraphobic sufferer Queisha Saint-Denis whose life he saved eight years ago when he died in a mall collapse. The mortal faces difficult challenges as the Fitzgerald couple disappeared on a mountain climbing trip. Queisha is the legal guardian of their five years old twins Lace and Skye because they trust her to care for them as she had been their surrogate mother birthing them.

Works Like Magick employment agency owner Viveca assigns Chance to serve as the cook for Queisha and the children. He also serves as guardian to the frightened twins. Queisha struggles to provide the twins with what they need. Chance has problems too as he sheds his feathers whenever his thoughts stray to Queisha, adheres to the awkward angelic honesty tenet regardless, and hardest of all tries to remain detached.

The second Works Like Magick urban romantic fantasy (see Naked Dragon) is a terrific tale with plenty of humor especially as Chance struggles with unacceptable thoughts and dreams, and the heavenly dictate of complete honesty. The twins enhance the story line though perhaps they are too precocious while Angus is more an impish messenger than a guardian angel. With a strong lead couple and a taut look at an agoraphobic battling her neurosis to raise young children, Annette Blair provides a strong heavenly sent thriller.

Harriet Klausner

The Secret Eleanor-Cecelia Holland

The Secret Eleanor
Cecelia Holland
Berkley, Aug 2010, $15.00
ISBN: 9780425234501

By 1151, the Duchess of Aquitaine is perhaps the most powerful female on the continent even before she marries elderly French King Louis VII. However, being the Queen of France fails to live up to the title as expected by Eleanor. In fact she is treated with scorn and feels she has lost some of influence rather than see it expand as she anticipated.

When he son of the Duke of Anjou Henry visits the royal court, Eleanor feels the younger man is her male counterpart especially since he has a strong chance of becoming the King of England. Although her husband has her constantly watched, Eleanor and Henry secretly meet and plot for her to dissolve her marriage to Louis and wed Henry.

Although Eleanor has been the star of biographical fiction (see The Captive Queen by Alison Weir, The Courts of Love by Jean Plaidy, and Eleanor The Queen by Nora Lofts) numerous times, Cecilia Holland provides a strong tale that focuses on her motivations. Although the key historical events are not new to sub-genre fans, readers will enjoy the latest Eleanor of Aquitaine fictionalized account as Ms. Holland affirms the two-time Queen set the stage for powerful females who follow her lead over the centuries

Harriet Klausner

Awakened By A Kiss-Lila DiPasqua

Awakened By A Kiss
Lila DiPasqua
Berkley, Aug 3 2010, $15.00
ISBN: 9780425235560

“Sleeping Beau”. French Marquis Adrien d’Aspe is awakened by a kiss. He spends the best night of his life with his rescuer, which his being a rake says a lot. However, she vanishes. For the next few years he searches for his beloved until he finds his Catherine.

“Little Red Writing”. Assigned by the king, ambitious French Count Nicolas de Savignac believes if he uncovers the identity of the popular infamous political satirist Little Red he will receive an award and a promotion. That is until he meets the outlaw writer Anne de Vignon as he prefers to incarcerate her in his bed.

“Bewitching in Boots”. The French king’s illegitimate daughter Elisabeth de Roussel has her choice of almost any man at court. However, the only male she covets Tristan de Tiersonnier rejects her. She mounts a campaign to get the injured former King’s Guard commander into her bed permanently.

These are three enjoyable erotic romantic rewrites of classic fairy tales. The stories are fun with their adult makeover though none of the cast is very deep. Readers will enjoy Lila DiPasqua’s sexual twist turning children’s tales into heated adult romances.

Harriet Klausner

All I Ever Wanted-Kristan Higgins

All I Ever Wanted
Kristan Higgins
Harlequin HQN, Jul 27 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780373774586

In Georgebury, Vermont Callie Grey knows she loves her boss, Mark Rousseau, who dumped her. She dreams he will realize she is his one too until he shatters her dreams breaking her hart when he announces on her thirtieth birthday he is engaged, but not to her.

Callie’s mother throws her a birthday party at the family run Misinski’s funeral home. Embarrassed by her mom’s kindness and her family’s advice to ignore the butthead, Callie decides to wake up her unrequited beloved by dating someone else to make him jealous. Shy veterinarian Dr. Ian MacFarland prefers animals to people especially after his former wife toasted him. However, he likes Callie, who lives life to fullest; she thinks he is pathetic, but decides he will do to achieve her mission. As they fall in love, he fears commitment so Callie who has revised the mission has a tough assignment, but she has Bowie to serve as her matchmaking canine.

This is an amusing contemporary romance starring two wonderful likable lead protagonists, a charming setting (even the funeral home), and a strong support cast. Fans will enjoy Callie’s strategy to provide the vet with a personality make-over though sitting on his lap while he sits on a rocker makes her think he is perfect. Fans will enjoy this entertaining lighthearted frolic due to the eccentric cast (canine and human) who bring out the fun in this charmer.

Harriet Klausner

Body Master-C.J. Barry

Body Master
C.J. Barry
Berkley, Aug 3 2010, $14.00
ISBN: 9780425234556

Secret government agent Seneca Thomas of Extraterrestrial Criminal Enforcement Locality (XCEL), New York City Division, provides a needed innate skill as she can identify the alien shapeshifters who live amidst mankind. The aliens were stranded on earth when their spaceship crashed two years ago in the Badlands. They use homo sapiens DNA to appear as human.

Seneca’s partner Riley is killed in the line of duty while hunting for “Jack” a serial killing shifter. Wanting revenge, Seneca is outraged when XCEL leadership assigns her Max Dempsey as her new partner; Max is a dreaded shifter who offered his services to find the rogue killer. He conceals his personal agenda of killing the psychopath who murdered his wife and exposed their race to potential disaster even perhaps genocide. Worse he detests his attraction to his acrimonious human partner. Both are stunned with what they find.

In some ways mindful of Alien Nation, the opening XCEL science fiction romantic police procedural is a terrific manhunt (make that ET hunt) thriller. The story line is fast-paced with the shifters intermingled with New Yorkers coming across as genuine. With the two lead investigators forging a star-crossed relationship while going after Jack, but discovering so much more, readers will relish C.J. Barry’s entertaining tale.

Harriet Klausner

Heart Journey-Robin D. Owens

Heart Journey
Robin D. Owens
Berkley, Aug 3 2010, $15.00
ISBN: 9780425234549

In the year 407 since the colonization, highly regarded cartographer Helena Del D’Elcampane and her FoxFam Shunuk prefers the remoteness of traveling the unmapped sector of Celta. However, recently Del senses her HeartMate is near. She rushes back to civilization to meet him, but also learned of the horror of that happened to her Family, except for an infant, dying in an inferno.

Her only living relative cousin Dookee has been adopted by Straif Blackthorn and his HeartMate Mitchella (see Heart Choice). Grieving her loss although not close to her Family, Del is taken back to learn her HeartMate is actor Raz Cherry (support role in Heart Fate and Heart Change), who has expected his HeartMate to come to him as the Oracle informed him and he sensed her arrival. She had doubts re a HeartMate, but he embellishes her hesitation as he is more interested in his acting career than a lifetime commitment; until a serial thief keeps stealing from them as if he or she seeks something specific, but nether know what.

The latest Celta romantic fantasy HeartMate stars two total opposites sharing in common one thing; reservation about what a permanent relationship would do to their respective vocation. Saga fans will enjoy their vacillation as that refreshes the story line as much as the mystery. With the return of some of the stars from the previous thrillers, the audience will relish the expanding Owens universe as her newest entry is told with the usual plenty of heart.

Harriet Klausner

Siren's Call-Devyn Quinn

Siren's Call
Devyn Quinn
Signet, Aug 3 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780451230935

Kenneth Randall was so filled with grief from the murder of his wife, the shocked man wandered into the ocean and nearly drowned. A woman saved his life leaving him on the beach supposedly with no memory of her saving his life.

Ten months since the good Samaritan rescued him, Ken returns to Point Rock Harbor on barrier island Little Mer, Maine to thank his angel and to put to rest his recurring dream of a sea nymph saving him. Little Mer Island lighthouse keeper Tessa Lonike is unhappy with the arrival of the man she pulled out of the sea almost a year ago. He should not have remembered her or what happened to him on that day. However, her sister Gwen is euphoric when the visitor offers to repair things. As Ken and Tessa become acquainted he figures out her deep watery secret and becomes protective when her former fiancé archeologist Jake Massey arrives claiming he has information on the heritage of the sisters.

The Dark Tides oceanic romantic fantasy is a fun tale starring a thorny acerbic shapeshifter who learns where good intentions lead and the obstinate man she rescued from the icy sea. The story line is fast-paced, but the villain is a caricature with no redeeming quality rather than a real adversary. Still readers will enjoy this entertaining tale due to the relationship between the lead couple.

Harriet Klausner

Kiss of the Rose-Kate Pearce

Kiss of the Rose
Kate Pearce
Signet, Aug 3 2010, $6.99
ISBN: 9780451230942

In 1485 the Druids and King Henry Tudor made a pact in which the priests are to eradicate the vampire race while he becomes ruler of England and Wales. In 1529 at the Richmond Palace, home of the court of King Henry VIII, there have been a series of murders; the victims drained of all their blood. Obviously a serial killing vampire or multitude of the undead is making the palace unsafe for humans.

The Druids assign born vampire hunter Rosalind Llewellyn to kill the predator. However, before she can find the hidden beast, she must deal with vampire protector Sir Christopher Ellis the Druid slayer. Attracted to one another, both are stunned when their superiors order them to cooperate in finding and destroying a rogue. Neither is prepared to be soul mates fulfilling an ancient prophecy if they truly team up and if they survive the deadly mission.

The first Tudor Vampire Chronicles is a wonderful historical romantic fantasy. The mystery and the history take a back seat to the paranormal and the romance so that the background to a vampiric King Henry VIII castle never fully comes to fruition. Still this is an exciting early fifteenth century star-crossed lovers' thriller as the immovable vampire hunter meets the irresistible Druid slayer.

Harriet Klausner

Whisper Kiss-Deborah Cooke

Whisper Kiss
Deborah Cooke
Signet, Aug 3 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780451230928

In New York City tattoo artist Rox is a Good Samaritan who tries to help those going through hard times. Her “projects” include her former roommate, Pyr Thorolf, who moved out to work with Niall Talbot.

Rox does not trust Niall so she confronts him. Neither anticipated the inferno “firestorm” their first encounter causes. Niall is stunned by Rox’s not blinking at meeting a dragon while she is stunned by her attraction to him. Neither have time nor the emotional desire for even a kiss as he tries to remain focused on his obsession, the destruction of Shadow Dragons. However he and the other Pyr remain fixated on their eradication mission so they keep their eye on the wrong ball as a new more deadly threat arises.

This is a terrific Kiss urban romantic fantasy (see Winter Kiss and Kiss of Fate) as the lead couple may be firestorm perfect mates in heat, but neither has the time or inclination to place their heart and soul in the inferno they spontaneously combusted at first sight. Both have issues, but still team up on a perilous trek in which one mistake means death. The author has Cooked another winner with the tattoo artist and the dragon shapeshifter.

Harriet Klausner

Sureblood-Susan Grant

Sureblood
Susan Grant
HQN, Aug 1 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780373774661

The pirate clans live in the Channels asteroid belt. They earn a substandard existence by raiding passing ships containing precious minerals needed for the intergalactic war fought in another sector. However, the clans have their own combat going on as instead of cooperating for the overall good of everyone, they fight with one another.

A new clan leader Dake Sureblood is a visionary who can see how teamwork would benefit everyone, but is blank as to how to proceed when no one trusts anyone from another clan; even he distrusts the other broods. Two clans the Surebloods and the Blues raid the same vessels. Dake saves the life of Valeeya Blue. Her grateful father Conn invites Dake and his kin to join forces with his clan. Already attracted to Val, Dake readily agrees. However, betrayal by opportunists causes the two clans to bicker and consider hostile actions against one another rather than teaming with Dake left in hell for five years after someone assassinated Conn. However, that traitor never counted on Dake returning to prove his innocence and claim his wife and their son as his though he knows she believes he killed her father.

This is a fun sort of Scottish Highlanders in outer space futuristic romantic science fiction romance. The story line is fast-paced from the opening raid and never slows down as betrayal and murder keep the lead couple apart. Readers will relish the swashbuckling escapades of Dake and Valeeya as he returns to avenge his father-in-law and himself while desperately wanting his spouse at his side and to finally meet their son.

Harriet Klausner

Simon Says-Donna Kauffman

Simon Says
Donna Kauffman
Harlequin Blaze, Aug 2010, $4.99
ISBN: 9780373795581

In Chicago night hotel manager Sophie Maplethorpe agrees to help her friend Delia out of trouble though if caught she will be fired. Delia spent the night with investment banker Daniel Templeton, a sex stamina star but she left her cell behind in his room; her fiancé hotel mogul (including Sophie’s) Adam Wingate calls every morning promptly at 7:00 so she better respond.

However, the Good Samaritan sneaks into the wrong room. Recovery specialist Simon Lassiter seeks a stolen emerald that he plans to purloin in order to return it to his client, the rightful owner. When he catches Sophie breaking into his room, he assumes she works for his adversary. However, he soon finds he needs her assistance to do the right thing. The problem is he cannot keep his hands to himself and she abets his roving hands with her own roving hands.

This is an amusing Wrong Bed contemporary romantic suspense that starts a bit slowly as the key players are introduced to one another, but once shifting into first gear never slows down as the lead couple takes the audience on a joy ride that Ferris Bueller would envy. Sophie learns the road to heaven is paved with good intentions though it takes her a while to understand that as her first encounter with Simon has him pointing a gun at her. Humorous, hot, and taut, readers will appreciate the escapades of the night manager and the recovery specialist as they fall in love.

Harriet Klausner

My Fake Fiancée-Nancy Warren

My Fake Fiancée
Nancy Warren
Harlequin Blaze, Aug 2010, $4.99
ISBN: 9780373795574

In Philadelphia, at Kepler, Van Horne Insurance, Co., David Wolfe needs a fiancée to obtain a promotion to partner at the family run firm. However, he has none and the myriad of women he dates or has dated would never do. He needs someone fresh.

Chef Chelsea Hammond, a friend of David’s sister, needs a temporary place to crash to save expenses while starting a catering business. Though she is reluctant and hides her reason for doubt, they agree that she stays in his place in exchange she will pose as his fiancée with her added stipulation of “no contact”. However, they end up making love and she falls in love with her faked fiancé, but he admits he is commitment-phobic.

Although the premise of a fake fiancée or “Occasional Wife” has been used a zillion times, Nancy Warren magically makes it fresh with a strong cast especially the support players like his sister and his co-workers who bring out the best and worst in the lead couple. Fans will relish this wonderful contemporary romance as the slow learner realizes why he reaches in his bed for a female phantom who never slept through the night there and the woman who wisely knows why.

Harriet Klausner

Firefighter Daddy-Lee McKenzie

Firefighter Daddy
Lee McKenzie
Harlequin American, Aug 2010, $4.99
ISBN: 9780373753208

Widower Mitch Donovan is a single dad who would do anything for his daughter Miranda as both cope with the tragic death of the woman in their lives. A dedicated San Francisco firefighter, Mitch has no plans for any other woman in his life besides his child and his mom Betsy Evans.

Schoolteacher Sonora “Rory” Pennington-Borland is known as “Miss Sunshine” by her students. Mitch’s daughter is in her class and Rory happens to be his mom’s tenant. They meet when his stuttering daughter introduces her daddy her hero to her class. Total opposites, Mitch and Rory are attracted to one another. However, she likes being a free spirit and is unsure she wants the responsibility of a child and he is unsure he can move on passed his wife’s death.

This is an enjoyable contemporary romance with a strong charming cast. Although the coincidence of his daughter’s teacher renting a room in his mom’s Victorian is doubtful, no one will care after the initial reaction. Lee McKenzie disaffirms Mark Twain’s comment: “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco as fans will feel the tenderness of different relational types of love by the matchmaking of the bread generations of their sandwiched beloved male with the teacher-renter.

Harriet Klausner

A Mom For Callie-Laura Bradford

A Mom For Callie
Laura Bradford
Harlequin American, Aug 2010, $4.99
ISBN: 9780373753192

Widow author Betsy Anderson has not moved on since her husband Mark died eighteen months ago. Literally moved by a picture of Paxton Bridge in a bookstore calendar, she leaves Manhattan to see the real thing twelve hundred miles away. She knows her spontaneous act is certifiable as there are nicer views from New York City’s pedestrian bridges than this one in Cedar Creek, Illinois, but she felt compelled to go see this stone bridge, as if this simple inane act symbolized moving on.

At the bridge, Betsy meets Police Officer Kyle Brennan, a single father uninterested in any romantic relationships since his Callie’s mother Lila deserted her. At a bookstore in town, Betsy meets fan Angela Murphy whose husband Tom is Kyle’s partner. They discuss true love, which leads to Betsy staying in town to write her next book. As the author and the cop begin to see one another, her guilt over defiling her late spouse’s memory and his remorse over doing the wrong thing for his child Callie by dating threatens to end their relationship.

This is a wonderful contemporary romance starring a grieving widow who knows she loved Mark, but was not in true love with him and the cop who makes her tingle and sweat. The keys to the story line are Callie is not precocious or rabid and Laura Bradford’s ability to tell a Heartland romance without denigrating big cities or turning small towns into Eden. At times false impressions seem overly done, although one could argue the lead couple’s emotional baggage is the cause. Still the overarching theme that home is where the heart feels the contentment of being loved and loving back makes for a delightfully contented read..

Harriet Klausner

The Ghost and Miss Demure-Melanie Jackson

The Ghost and Miss Demure
Melanie Jackson
Love Spell, Jul 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780505528353

Restorer Karo Follett quit her previous position with a potato salad flourish that haunts her as she became a pariah though her cause was just. She struggles with finding a new position and finally scores work on a remote plantation, Belle Ange in Virginia. She immediately travels to her new job site before her employer might change their mind.

She arrives at her destination during a torrent. At the front gate, lightning hits her. Suddenly Karo sees an apparition having trysts like an eighteenth-century Marquis de Sade; Karo has met the original owner of Belle Ange, Hugh Vellacourt. Fearing she suffers from PTSD, Karo meets her British boss and is attracted to him but vows to adhere to her pledge not to mix work and pleasure. As she helps restore the mansion into a tourist attraction, she tries to ignore the ghosts and their sexual spirits as much as her desire for her employer.

The Ghost and Miss Demure is an enjoyable paranormal romance starring an outraged female who has become an ardent misogynist and the two males in her life who make her reconsider her vow of no men allowed. The background never quite settles on modern day restoration romance or ghostly interlude yet fans will enjoy the antics of “Miss Demure” and her unwanted mates. The ghost is very entertaining as his attitude is his French peer was a phony upstart who became a legend because vellacourtism is not as sexy as sadism; mindful of Robert Wuhl’s presentation in Assume the Position on Bissell vs. Revere. Karo’s triangle between the British hunk haunting her heart and the S&M spiritual expert advising her how to use her vagina makes for a lighthearted fun frolic.

Harriet Klausner

Renegade-Elaine Barbieri

Renegade
Elaine Barbieri
Leisure, Jul 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780843963656

In 1866 Samantha Rigg obsesses over her vendetta to avenge the murder of her father, a Pinkerton agent. She pleads with Alan Pinkerton to hire her, but he says no out of fear for her life as her attitude is dangerous and besides she lacks experience; he begs her to grieve but move on.

Refusing to end her avenger’s quest, Samantha travels to Texas to go after a deadly bank robber. She believes rancher Matt Stait is posing as a rancher to conceal he is a killer. Samantha obtains work as a saloon girl so she can go undercover seeking proof of her assertion. However, she never anticipated falling in love with the man she suspects is the cold blooded murderer of her dad; nor he would likewise expect to be attracted to her.

Renegade is an entertaining western romantic mystery due to the dangerous tango between the feisty intrepid woman obsessed with justice for her late dad and the “outlaw-rancher” she believes in spite of her seditious heart in her gut is his killer. That relationship irony makes for an enjoyable Americana romance as each distrusts love as much as they do the target of their deep affection.

Harriet Klausner