tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49423228215401469952024-02-08T09:05:21.404-08:00The Romantic postHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-48897572807212558052011-06-14T12:09:00.002-07:002011-06-14T12:10:08.359-07:00The Devilish Montague-Patricia RiceThe Devilish Montague<br />Patricia Rice <br />Signet, Jul 5 2011, $7.99<br />ISBN: 978-0451234056<br /><br />Still recovering from war injuries suffered on the Peninsular, Lord Blake Montague applies for a position as a cryptologist in the War Office, but is rejected. Instead War Secretary Lord Castlereagh advises Blake to marry wealth as his family cannot afford to waste money on the spare to buy his colors; only a moneyed bride could as the stunned Blake sarcastically states: “I should marry to save England?”<br /><br />Blake meets Miss Jocelyn Byrd-Carrington and the prince of profanity Percy the Parrot who she just bird-napped from the Duke of Fortham. She explains to Blake Percy belongs to her brother Richard so she is justified in rescuing the foul mouthed fowl. Meanwhile, Blake finds life with Jocelyn, her family and the animal kingdom invigorating though life changing. However, a series of accidents has Blake conclude someone has tried to kill him. With Richard, French cursing Percy and the parrot’s soul mate assisting him, Blake breaks a secret code in which he realizes his country is in peril from inside and out. <br /><br />The second Rebellious Sons Regency romance (see The Wicked Wyckerly) is an amusing marriage of convenience twisted tale. The jocular story line is fun as the extended Bird-Carrington brood (pets are included) is a Regency version of You can’t take it With You as Blake and his fowl comrades brilliantly break the French code but he struggles to break the code of betting on love.<br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-64425523766351380272011-06-14T12:09:00.001-07:002011-06-14T12:09:39.619-07:00Temptress in Training-Susan Gee HeinoTemptress in Training<br />Susan Gee Heino <br />Berkley, Jul 5 2011, $7.99<br />ISBN: 9780425242117<br /><br />In 1812 Sophie Darshaw’s father vanished. Four years later, although she has not given up on finding her father, Sophie Knows she was fortunate to obtain work as a seamstress in Madame Eudora’s upper class brothel when the Madame abruptly sends a stunned Sophie to the estate of Lord Fitzgelder, a rake known for his wild orgies. Sophie is unsure why. <br /><br />The Earl of Lindley seeks those traitors who killed his family. He feels Fitzgelder is his best source for information so he is at the pervert’s estate. There he meets and rescues Sophie from Fitzgelder. She goes to a nearby inn with him right behind her. Both seduce the other expecting to obtain information, but instead find love. However, neither has time to understand their feelings as they are almost killed by rogues; and soon after she encounters her amoral father. Yet it is a locket she wears that may provide Lindley with the lead he seeks to locating his family’s killers.<br /><br />The latest Fitzgelder Regency romance is an exciting amateur sleuth espionage thriller starring an Earl on a mission of revenge and a seamstress who was a support character in the previous historical tales (see Damsel in Disguise and Mistress by Mistake). The story line initially feels convoluted as so much happens so fast, readers need a flowchart to follow. However, all converge into a terrific romantic suspense as love and danger collide.<br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-84529002042236527752011-06-14T12:08:00.002-07:002011-06-14T12:09:07.784-07:00Darkness At Dawn-Elizabeth JenningsDarkness At Dawn <br />Elizabeth Jennings <br />Berkley, Jul 5 2011, $7.99<br />ISBN: 9780425242124<br /><br />When Lucy Merritt was fourteen years old, her CIA operative parents died on a mission in the Himalayan kingdom of Nhala. She watched both of them get killed and chose a quieter and safer lifestyle, that of a book restorer.<br /><br />However, the monarch is under attack by terrorists. As her father the king is dying, Princess Paso asks America for help specifically requesting her friend Lucy. The CIA recruits Dr. Lucy Merritt who would do almost anything for her friend although she has gigantic doubts about this request. The Feds sweeten the pot by enabling her to look at an ancient document when in the Himalayas. Accompanying her on her ‘pilgrimage” to where her parents died in the line of duty is her fake fiancé U.S. Army Captain Mike Shafer; whose mission is to keep Lucy safe and obtain a flash drive allegedly containing information on the terrorist scheme that threatens millions. However, her courage under fire forces him to reassess his partner as she takes one for the cause.<br /><br />This is an exhilarating romantic suspense in which readers will feel they are at the top of the world. The lead couple are a wonderful pairing as each is brave, intelligent, caring and knows frozen tundra (he is 10th Mountain); their attraction does not overwhelm the mission. Although the changing viewpoints provide a 360 story line that is two edged as readers understand what is going on from the perspective of the key players but also makes a choppy flow to the action-packed story line. Still fans will feel the biting cold while trekking mountainous Nhala alongside Mike and Lucy.<br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-28958228742986502412011-06-14T12:08:00.001-07:002011-06-14T12:08:37.348-07:00Cold Touch-Leslie ParrishCold Touch<br />Leslie Parrish <br />Signet, Jul 5 2011, $7.99<br />ISBN: 9780451233004<br /><br />Twelve years ago, tweener Jack informs fifteen year old Olivia Wainwright the man was going to kill her after he receives the ransom from her parents. He drowns her, but, Jack who condemned her to die brought her back to life. Her return to the living gave her a unique skill of seeing and hearing the death of people she touches.<br /><br />Following an arson burning down Fast Eddie’s Savannah bar, bones are found in a wall. Now an eXtreme Investigator Olivia realizes this is the remains of the young Jack who saved her life from a psychopath who she believes kidnapped both of them. One touch and she will see the lunatic. Skeptical Homicide Detective Gabe Cooper wants the killer of the child found so he takes a chance on Olivia’s alleged paranormal abilities. However, as he begins to fall in love with her and knows other kids are at risk, the cop fears for the psychic’s life from this insane predator and from her emotional turmoil that is driving her over the edge.<br /><br />The second Extrasensory Agents romantic suspense (see Cold Sight) is a great thriller that hooks the reader from the onset with the Olivia abduction and never slows down until the final confrontation. The romance is cleverly used to enhance the emotional turmoil of the lead couple while the super investigation remains the prime focus of the story line. With stunning twists, strong lead couple and a predatory psychopath, readers will enjoy Leslie Parrish’s powerful paranormal police procedural.<br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-73488883135646862362011-06-14T12:07:00.000-07:002011-06-14T12:08:07.329-07:00Spirit of Seduction-Olivia QuincySpirit of Seduction<br />Olivia Quincy<br />Signet, Jul 5 2011, $7.99<br />ISBN: 9780451233332<br /><br />When she was a child, Zoe Bell spent two weeks each summer in the shadows of Chapin House on Chapin Point in Danmouth overlooking Cape Cod Bay. As an adult, due to her successful business ventures on Amazon Zoe can afford to buy Chapin House. Thinking the Cape Cod abode might be the impetus to drive her boyfriend Sam Stafford and her to the next level in their relationship and always dreaming of owning the place, Zoe impetuously buys it.<br /><br />The purchase works the opposite of what Zoe intended as it becomes a pointed wedge issue between her and Sam who loathes the slow pace of the island compared with his Manhattan lifestyle where he still works while she remains on the Cape for the summer. Meanwhile Zoe becomes aware that Chapin House has a resident of sorts in Robert Chapin. When a homicide of her cantankerous fiftyish neighbor Curtis Nickerson occurs, State Police Detective Andrew DuBois suspects Zoe as much as the ex wife and other locals as the killer; even as she and Ethan, the nephew of the victim, fall in love.<br /><br />This is an engaging paranormal mystery that is at its best when the focus is on the lead protagonist Zoe. The ensemble support cast includes unnecessary sexual coupling that detracts from prime twin subplots of who killed Nickerson and Zoe’s troubling relationships with Sam, Robert and Ethan. Still, sub-genre readers will enjoy Zoe’s summer of discontent when she learns the hard way that you can’t go home.<br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-36965022158561884752011-06-13T12:03:00.000-07:002011-06-13T12:04:01.124-07:00Can’t Hurry Love-Christie RidgwayCan’t Hurry Love<br />Christie Ridgway <br />Berkley, Jul 5 2011, $7.99<br />ISBN: 9780425242100<br /><br />Almost a year ago the three Baci sisters said they will diligently work for the next twelve months to save the family century old Napa Valley vineyard that was failing. A lot has happened since the trio inherited Baci from their late dad. Two of the sisters have since found love and marriage (see Then He Kissed Me and Can’t Hurry Love). They are committed to stay and work at the vine yard.<br /><br />The oldest sibling Guiliana remains adamant that she will leave once the year is up in one month even as her apartment has been burned down and her car destroyed. Jules is forced to move to the neighboring vineyard owned by Liam Bennett though they are uncivil with each other as they have been for a long time. However, with a gala planned to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of the vineyard, the couple agree to a one month truce, which will end when she leaves. Their attraction remains hotter than the inferno that destroyed her apartment, but someone stalks Jules with bad intent.<br /><br />The final Three Kisses contemporary vineyard romance is an engaging tale starring two enemies in love. Although the story line is somewhat typical of the sub-genre and the villain over the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, fans will relish this fun frothy frolic as the lighthearted heated banter between the oldest Baci and her childhood friend and nemesis former lover make for a wonderful read.<br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-63799390662848636262011-06-12T11:44:00.000-07:002011-06-12T11:45:05.981-07:00The Angel In My Arms-Stefanie SloaneThe Angel In My Arms<br />Stefanie Sloane<br />Ballantine, Jun 28 2011, $7.99<br />ISBN: 9780345517401 <br /><br />In 1811 the injured Earl Marcus MacInnes is unhappy with his current Young Corinthians assignment in rustic Dorset near his home as he knows the locals detest his family with good cause. He is to investigate smuggling activity, but not by locals; instead there is evidence that Napoleonic agents are at work.<br /><br />Marcus meets Sarah Elizabeth Tisdale, a klutzy daughter of the baron. He thinks her family is in cahoots with the dangerous smugglers so he keeps an eye on her, which even in male garb he finds appealing. Soon his inquiry grows deadlier as he deals with homicides, a kidnapping and stolen emeralds as traitors are involved; but it is his heart that he has lost to Sarah that has him concerned.<br /><br />The latest Regency Rogues Young Corinthian romantic suspense (see The Devil in Disguise) is a fun historical starring a fabulous lead couple and an engaging support cast. The investigation and romance are engaging mostly due to the improbable over the top of Lewesdon Hill Sarah; who brings compassion, courage and clumsiness as she climbs into one caper after another; Marcus will have his hands full with her if he survives the mission. <br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-50905847480307895722011-05-20T15:40:00.001-07:002011-05-20T15:40:31.364-07:00Make Mine a Bad Boy-Katie LaneMake Mine a Bad Boy<br />Katie Lane <br />Forever, Jun 1 2011, $7.99<br />ISBN: 9780446582797<br /><br />After five futile years of failing to make it as an actress in Hollywood, Hope Scroggs returns home to Bramble, Texas. However, her plan is hammered on two fronts. First she arrives to meet a twin sister computer programmer Faith Aldridge she had not known existed; and second her high school sweetheart Slate Calhoun is in love with her sibling (see Going Cowboy Crazy).<br /><br />A jealous Hope plans to put on an Academy Award performance at her sister’s wedding. Coming from Los Angeles is Bramble’s bad boy turned success story Colt Lomax. He crashes Faith’s wedding as he heard Hope is marrying someone else. Although their desire is palatable, their battles seem even more powerful. Will the wild ones realize their attraction is love or will both return to live separate lives in Southern California?<br /><br />The other twin’s zany Deep in the Heart of Texas romance is an amusing tale due to the eccentric cast starting with the lead couple. Readers will laugh out loud at the antics of the battling Hollywood duet and the matchmaking antics of the townsfolk as Katie Lane provides a jocular contemporary.<br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-17723317921547541622011-05-20T15:38:00.002-07:002011-05-20T15:39:25.363-07:00Scandal in Scotland-Karen HawkinsScandal in Scotland<br />Karen Hawkins <br />Pocket, May 24 2011, $7.99<br />ISBN: 9781439175934<br /><br />Renowned actress Marcail Beauchamp sacrificed her happiness by sending away her beloved sea captain William Hurst. She did so as she felt deeply that was best for both of their families. Marcail has never forgotten the only man she has ever loved.<br /><br />A blackmailer forces Marcail to steal an onyx box from William or else watch her family ruined. Inside the box is an artifact that William needs to free his brother Egyptologist Michael held prisoner by an Egyptian sultan. William is shocked when Marcail meets him on his ship. Her plan is to seduce him, drug him and steal his box. She succeeds and he follows her, but when he catches her, the box is gone. Explaining his sibling’s dire straits, they team up chasing after the person possessing the box.<br /><br />The second Hurst Amulet Regency romance (see Sleepless in Scotland, The Laird Who Love Me and One Night in Scotland) is an enjoyable second chance at love thriller although the story line feels somewhat like a middle book as the overarching theme moves forward very little. Still the lead couple is a wonderful pairing with this being the first male Hurst to star. Saga fans will enjoy the sea adventure of the actress and the captain.<br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-52084333746821497842011-05-20T15:38:00.001-07:002011-05-20T15:38:53.844-07:00Lady of Seduction-Laurel McKeeLady of Seduction<br />Laurel McKee <br />Forever, Jun 1 2011, $7.99<br />ISBN: 9780446544771<br /><br />In 1803 Lady Caroline Blacknall never expected to die off the coast of Ireland, but nasty weather left her shipwrecked and clinging for her life. Her goal was to obtain The Chronicle tome on the barrier island Muirin Inish, but now she prays she survives her ordeal at sea.<br /><br />Sir Grant Dunmore saves Caroline from downing. However, he is also the man who put her life in peril. She believes there is a good soul inside his rakish exterior and obstinately decides to bring his goodness to the surface. As visitors begin to come to the island, Caroline is caught in the crosshairs of dangerous schemes in which her safety depends on believing her heart that Grant as the man she loves will protect her this time. <br /><br />The final Daughters of Erin Regency romantic suspense (see Duchess of Sin and Countess of Scandal) is an exiting thriller starring a courageous heroine and a man seeking redemption even if it means his life. The story line is fast-paced as fans of the series will marvel at Laurel McKee’s talent showcased by the metamorphosis of Grant. Sub-genre fans will enjoy the entire well written trilogy.<br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-32869148129691609962011-05-19T12:41:00.002-07:002011-05-19T12:42:02.660-07:00Lord Langley is Back In Town-Elizabeth BoyleLord Langley is Back In Town<br />Elizabeth Boyle <br />Avon, May 31 2011, $7.99<br />ISBN: 9780061783517<br /><br />For two years the Ton assumed traitor Ellis, Baron Langley was dead. Now, he is back with plans to uncover who accused him unjustly of treason and why as the widower wants to go home to spend time with his beloved daughters after twenty-five years of loyal service to the Crown.<br /><br />As he climbs up a drainpipe of his house, the quintet of Nannies invade the same home occupied by Lady Minerva Sterling. While he enters her bedroom, she tosses out the army of ex’s. He offers her a betrothal of convenience so she can avoid scandal and he can avoid women. She accepts but gives him three prim and proper rules that he acquiesces to. Still, as he investigates the accusations, he tries to seduce the ugly flannel off his fiancée; not realizing his adversaries give better opportunities to hold her than his seductive attempts.<br /><br />The latest Standon Widows Regency romance (see Mad About the Duke and How I Met My Countess) is a great suspense thriller as the disgraced hero works diligently to clear his name and to make it with the prim and proper widow. The story line is fast-paced but it is the zany cast especially the Nannies who make for an entertaining, often amusing, but always dangerous to either the heart or the body tale.<br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-22412661261269687552011-05-19T12:41:00.001-07:002011-05-19T12:41:31.563-07:00The Sins of Viscount Sutherland-Samantha JamesThe Sins of Viscount Sutherland<br />Samantha James <br />Avon, May 31 2011, $7.99<br />ISBN: 9780061765544<br /><br />Viscount Grayson Sutherland mourns the death of his wife and child as he plans suicide by duel. Instead, he lives while his opponent lies dead. His remorse and guilt on top of his grief makes him a nasty drunk.<br /><br />The sister of Sutherland’s victim Claire Ashcroft is raging at Sutherland for the death of her brother. Seeking revenge she plans to break the womanizing sop. Thus, she comes to London pretending to be a widow though she has never been married. Her plan is to seduce Sutherland until he falls in love with her; and then leave. However, he seduces the virgin but she becomes pregnant and they agree to marry, which gives her a close look at the darkened soul of a man who can only redeem himself with love. <br /><br />This engaging historical romance stars two fascinating beloved enemies whose matchmaker is the man Gray shot dead, her brother. The story line focuses on the relationship between the lead couple although the plot has a Bill Murray’s movie Groundhog Day feel as the pair fight over nothings, make love, fight again and make love again, etc. as the deaths that haunt them fade into the background. Still fans will enjoy the redemption of Viscount Sutherland who believes he has so many sins he deserves hell not the heaven offered by Claire.<br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-84774111709637720162011-05-19T12:40:00.000-07:002011-05-19T12:41:00.487-07:00Scarlet Nights-Jude DeverauxScarlet Nights<br />Jude Deveraux <br />Pocket, May 31 2011, $7.99<br />ISBN: 9781439107997<br /><br />In Edilean, Virginia, twenty-six years old Sara Shaw and Greg Anders are to marry in three weeks. After receiving a late night call Greg leaves without notifying his fiancée. <br /><br />Two days after Greg vanished; worried about the safety of his sibling undercover Fort Lauderdale Police Detective Mike Newland enters a still reeling Sara’s apartment. He explains he is the brother of her BFF Tess and is staying with her. He conceals that he is there to catch Greg’s mother Mizelli Vandlo while the FBI wants to nab con artist Anders. As she helps them set up a sting to catch a thief, in his wildest imagination, Mike never expected to fall in love with his hostess while Sara wonders if she is fickle as she reciprocates his deepest regard.<br /><br />The third Edilean romantic suspense (see Days of Gold and Lavender Morning) moves the town into the present with an engaging police procedural romance. Readers will root for Sara although wonder why an intelligent young woman rebounding from her fiancé’s desertion allows a stranger to bully her. Still Jude Deveraux fans will enjoy the commitment phobic Florida cop and the jilted Virginian falling in love.<br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-69300697339877159582010-11-09T11:35:00.001-08:002010-11-09T11:35:48.265-08:00Marry Me-Jo GoodmanMarry Me<br />Jo Goodman<br />Zebra, Dec 1 2010, $6.99<br />ISBN: 9781420101768<br /><br />In 1884 residents of Reidsville, Colorado offer a medical job to Dr. Coleridge Monroe. He is somewhat surprised since he did not apply. However, he figures his ward since their parents died his sixteen year old sister Whitley did so in his place. She knows he is unhappy at the St. John of God’s hospital in NYC where Dr. Erwin stifles his research. <br /><br />In Reidsville, at the urging of Sheriff Wyatt Cooper whose wife Rachel pushed him to do so, deputy Will Beatty takes Cole to see two hermits, Judah Abbot and his son Runt. The family was a troupe of actors but the mother died birthing Runt and the older brothers left. While Cole examines Judah, Will finds an almost unconscious Runt bleeding horrifically from a beating. Cole realizes “he” is miscarrying due to a severe battering. Runt tells him her name is Rhyne and she is glad the baby is gone due to the sin. Will takes Judah to jail to keep Cole and Rhyne safe. They stay behind at his house so Rhyne can heal enough to travel. Wyatt and Rachel arrive as she knew Runt was female and pregnant so she sent Cole to her. She knows also Runt was raped. Cole takes Rhyne to his home where Whitley welcomes her warmly. As Rhyne and Cole fall in love a typhoid epidemic spreads killing many people; Cole and others work diligently to save lives and to figure out how it started.<br /><br />The lead couple is a strong pairing of two interesting people as she was thought to be a man until she miscarried and he is a research physician. His sister, her father and the leads from Never Love a lawman enhance the story line with a great late twist. Although readers will find it difficult to understand how Judah thinks, Marry me is a wonderful western romance.<br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-27900258916807710122010-10-09T11:41:00.002-07:002010-10-09T11:42:07.514-07:00Passions of a Wicked Earl-Lorraine HeathPassions of a Wicked Earl<br />Lorraine Heath<br />Avon, Oct 26 2010, $7.99<br />ISBN: 9780061922961<br /><br />In 1850 Morgan Lyons, an Earl, married seventeen years old Claire. However, he caught her in the arms of his brother Stephen in the conservatory on their wedding day. Misinterpreting what he sees, he feels betrayed and exiles his bride to rusticate alone in the country while plays the boudoirs of London.<br /><br />Three years later, having rebuilt his estate, Claire is no longer a frightened child although she knows in her heart her husband distrusts her. However, when her father, who arranged for her to marry Westcliffe, is giving her younger sister one season or she will wed odious Hester, she knows what she must do for her sibling. Claire has come to plead with her husband to help his sister-in-law; if need be though inexperienced she will seduce her mate. Morgan has other plans as he will marry his mistress Lady Anne once he dumps his wife.<br /><br />This is an exciting Victorian romantic thriller with a fabulous spin and a strong cast. Fast-paced, Morgan has quite a temper as he displays it several times, which is the key to the deep story line. Lorraine Heath once again provides a fabulous historical.<br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-24065936926539732102010-10-09T11:41:00.001-07:002010-10-09T11:41:32.457-07:00A Suitor for Jenny-Margaret BrownleyA Suitor for Jenny<br />Margaret Brownley <br />Thomas Nelson, Sep 2010, $14.99<br />ISBN: 9781595548108<br /><br />In 1881 with the deaths of their parents, Jenny Higgins takes charge of her two younger sisters Brenda and Mary Lou. Her plan is to find suitable husbands for both. Though in her early twenties, Jenny wants no mate for herself.<br /><br />When she learns Rocky Creek, Texas is filled with eligible bachelors, she and her siblings arrive looking for two spouses. Jenny puts up wanted: husband flyers throughout the town. She interrogates candidates, but finds no one who comes close to meeting her spousal criteria. Meanwhile Marshal Rhett Armstrong is attracted to Jenny and plans to be there when her plans implode, but also has mental scars from his war days. Jenny is falling in love with the law man, but stubbornly rejects her heart as Rhett fails to meet her husband measurement criteria.<br /><br />The second Rocky Creek historical romance (see A Lady Like Sarah) is an enjoyable inspirational frolic as readers will root for obstinate Jenny whose two track mind is finding two husbands and no more while her siblings seek to find their own spouses. Filled with humor and pathos, with Rhett seeking redemption knowing God forgave him but he has not forgave himself, readers will enjoy this warn inspirational Americana.<br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-88370432642941173532010-10-09T11:39:00.002-07:002010-10-09T11:40:52.452-07:00Passions of a Wicked Earl-Lorraine HeathPassions of a Wicked Earl<br />Lorraine Heath<br />Avon, Oct 26 2010, $7.99<br />ISBN: 9780061922961<br /><br />In 1850 Morgan Lyons, an Earl, married seventeen years old Claire. However, he caught her in the arms of his brother Stephen in the conservatory on their wedding day. Misinterpreting what he sees, he feels betrayed and exiles his bride to rusticate alone in the country while plays the boudoirs of London.<br /><br />Three years later, having rebuilt his estate, Claire is no longer a frightened child although she knows in her heart her husband distrusts her. However, when her father, who arranged for her to marry Westcliffe, is giving her younger sister one season or she will wed odious Hester, she knows what she must do for her sibling. Claire has come to plead with her husband to help his sister-in-law; if need be though inexperienced she will seduce her mate. Morgan has other plans as he will marry his mistress Lady Anne once he dumps his wife.<br /><br />This is an exciting Victorian romantic thriller with a fabulous spin and a strong cast. Fast-paced, Morgan has quite a temper as he displays it several times, which is the key to the deep story line. Lorraine Heath once again provides a fabulous historical.<br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-70408526194546846722010-10-09T11:39:00.001-07:002010-10-09T11:39:32.194-07:00A Suitor for Jenny-Margaret BrownleyA Suitor for Jenny<br />Margaret Brownley <br />Thomas Nelson, Sep 2010, $14.99<br />ISBN: 9781595548108<br /><br />In 1881 with the deaths of their parents, Jenny Higgins takes charge of her two younger sisters Brenda and Mary Lou. Her plan is to find suitable husbands for both. Though in her early twenties, Jenny wants no mate for herself.<br /><br />When she learns Rocky Creek, Texas is filled with eligible bachelors, she and her siblings arrive looking for two spouses. Jenny puts up wanted: husband flyers throughout the town. She interrogates candidates, but finds no one who comes close to meeting her spousal criteria. Meanwhile Marshal Rhett Armstrong is attracted to Jenny and plans to be there when her plans implode, but also has mental scars from his war days. Jenny is falling in love with the law man, but stubbornly rejects her heart as Rhett fails to meet her husband measurement criteria.<br /><br />The second Rocky Creek historical romance (see A Lady Like Sarah) is an enjoyable inspirational frolic as readers will root for obstinate Jenny whose two track mind is finding two husbands and no more while her siblings seek to find their own spouses. Filled with humor and pathos, with Rhett seeking redemption knowing God forgave him but he has not forgave himself, readers will enjoy this warn inspirational Americana.<br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-26855823835462507962010-10-09T11:38:00.001-07:002010-10-09T11:38:56.052-07:00Ten Ways to be Adored When Landing a Lord-Sarah MacLeanTen Ways to be Adored When Landing a Lord<br />Sarah MacLean <br />Avon, Oct 26 2010, $7.99<br />ISBN: 9780061852060<br /><br />In 1823 England, Pearls and Pelisses ladies magazine explain to its readers how to land a lord and names single aristocrat Nicholas St. John as a “Lord to Land”. Not wanting to marry and already tired of the marriage stalkers even before the article listed him as a top prize, Nicholas decides it is time to leave London.<br /><br />Following some toad she never met before who informed her that her father sent him to marry hier, Lady Isabel Townsend flees town in disgust while learning dear wastrel dad just died. Lord Leighton asks Nick to find his runaway sister Georgiana, which he agrees to do though insisting he is retired from the bulon days. Meanwhile Isabel needs money to maintain Minerva House for women in trouble so she plans to sell her beloved marble statues. When she is in trouble due to a runaway carriage, Nicholas rescues her. They are attracted to one another as he tries to uncover her dark secrets that she conceals from him and she wonders if he can keep her safe.<br /><br />The sequel to Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Nicholas’ twin brother Gabe’s tale) is an enjoyable Regency romance starring a strong cast especially the intrepid heroine. Fast-paced from the moment that the list places a bulls-eye on Nicholas’ butt and never slows down from there. He and Isabel fall in love while he works on her secrets and finding Georgiana.<br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-18740214200363865842010-10-09T11:36:00.001-07:002010-10-09T11:36:57.231-07:00Karen Wiesner’s Kaleidoscope Series-Karen WiesnerKaren Wiesner’s Kaleidoscope Series<br />Karen Wiesner<br />Whiskey Creek Press, Dec 2010, $18.95 <br />ISBN: 9781603138048<br /><br />Perfect Cadence. Thirty-year-old Keri dumps her commitment phobic boyfriend and heads alone to the family cabin owned by her boss Angela. There she meets Angela’s cousin Joshua who came to mourn the death of his mentor and friend. A decade ago they shared an incredible day together before he left her after the KISS. Poignant<br /><br />In Cahoots With Cupid. Kaleidoscope Office Services owner Angela has always tried to insure others were happy as she did with Keri and Joshua. She failed to take care of her herself when she fell hard for younger Kiowa, but walked away. They meet at a wedding where he plans to raise her Fever..A winning tale<br /><br />Behind Amethyst Eyes. For years Aimee hides her crush on accountant Rob. When her father dies, she has a slim chance to make it with the family accountant. Sweet.<br /><br />Jordana's Chair. Dex is used to dating glamour, but is attracted to the total opposite of his prototype Jordana. Realistic<br /><br />Paper Tiger. Single father Widower Billy and his son love Veronica as they have for years, but she rejects his proposals until he learns why when her past comes to haunt them. Entertaining<br /><br />Cabin Fever. Single mom Shayna struggles to overcome the lack of interest her ex has with their son. Teacher Widower Dakota reaches out to mother and child. Hearwarming.<br /><br />The Longest Night. Model Jolie and photographer Jag married but bliss failed to come with it as she wanted to stay home to raise a family and he wanted to see the world. Two years apart, she has given up on him and love, but he has not. Enthralling<br /><br />The first five entries of were in various Jewels of the Quill anthologies; the last two have not been previously released. Each contemporary romance contains fully developed lead couples as Karen Wiesner displays her talent with this strong first time together collection of the Kaleidoscope tales.<br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-37356443233622459642010-07-10T11:34:00.000-07:002010-07-10T11:35:07.505-07:00Black Magic-Cherry AdairBlack Magic<br />Cherry Adair<br />Pocket, Jul 20 2010, $7.99<br />ISBN: 9781439153819<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-6757560697694136462010-07-09T10:09:00.006-07:002010-07-09T10:10:26.219-07:00Devil’s Highlander-Veronica WolffDevil’s Highlander<br />Veronica Wolff <br />Berkley, Aug 3 2010, $7.99<br />ISBN: 9780425236277<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-46617236730545344212010-07-09T10:09:00.005-07:002010-07-09T10:10:22.879-07:00Devil’s Highlander-Veronica WolffDevil’s Highlander<br />Veronica Wolff <br />Berkley, Aug 3 2010, $7.99<br />ISBN: 9780425236277<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-65506791225948197162010-07-09T10:09:00.004-07:002010-07-09T10:10:14.102-07:00Devil’s Highlander-Veronica WolffDevil’s Highlander<br />Veronica Wolff <br />Berkley, Aug 3 2010, $7.99<br />ISBN: 9780425236277<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4942322821540146995.post-53611631441901849882010-07-09T10:09:00.003-07:002010-07-09T10:09:43.284-07:00Damsel in Disguise-Susan Gee Heino,Damsel in Disguise <br />Susan Gee Heino<br />Berkley, Aug 3 2010, $7.99 <br />ISBN 9780425235980<br /> <br />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<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Harriet KlausnerHarriet Klausnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15737192992257674872noreply@blogger.com0