MY LADY MAGE

A Warriors of the Mist Novel

Alexis Morgan

Signet Eclipse

ISBN 978-0-451-23744-6

Paranormal/Fantasy Romance

Calling upon the gods to help her people, Merewen's prayers are answered and they allow her to summon the Damned, the Warriors of the Mist: centuries-old warriors sworn to the gods' service until they win their salvation and rest--to help her defeat the enemy--the usurper, her uncle Fagan and his henchmen. Her uncle does not have the Gift as she has, the ability to call and communicate with horses, and only those with this Gift can keep the horses happy and remaining at the Keep. The Five Warriors who sleep beneath the cold depths of the River, come to her aid with their supernatural fighting skills and with their individual avatars. Yet Gideon, the Captain of the Warriors, senses an evil more monstrous than Fagan--he senses a dark magic fueled by innocent suffering and death. Gideon has no doubt that the Five can defeat Fagan and return rule to the Lady Merewen...but what about the dark evil threatening the land of Agathia- and when the Damned's  mission is over, how will he ever be able to leave his beloved Merewen and return to the depths of the River? 

MY LADY MAGE is an exciting, magical and spirited beginning to a new fantasy romance series. The world-building is fascinating but not overwhelming, the five Damned and their animal avatars deeply interesting and compelling, and there is a sensual romance between Gideon and Merewen and a non-sensual romance developing between another Damned, Sir Murdoch, and Alina, Fagan's much-abused wife. Readers be warned that not everything is tied up at the end of MY LADY MAGE, but will continue with the next book in the series due out in March of '13. I found MY LADY MAGE to be a page-turning fantasy romance. 

 

Reviewed by Debora Hosey

4 

How to Be a Proper Lady Review

HOW TO BE A PROPER LADY
Katharine Ashe
Avon Publishing
ISBN# 978-0-06-203176-1
Historical Romance

Captain Jin Seton just had his ship sunk by the beautiful Captain Viola la Vile. Only she is the very reason he is here - to bring her back to her family in England after fifteen years missing. Viola has no intentions of going back, so they make a wager, and is one that will push them both to their limits. However, as their time together draws to a close, Viola begins to realize she may have gained a family, but lost her heart. With quick wit and banter, searing passion, and harsh realities of the slave trade all combine for a lush mix in this high seas romance. An adventurous and sizzling romance that is perfect for the summer!

Reviewed by: Jennifer Jones
Rating: 4

Carolina Home Review

CAROLINA HOME
Dare Island Series
Virginia Kantra
Berkley Sensation
ISBN# 978-0-425-25093-8
July 2012
Contemporary Romance

The start of her Dare Island series, Virginia Kantra introduces us to the Fletcher family. Set on the North Carolina coast, Matt Fletcher and his father run a fishing boat business, catering to the rich people who spend money for a day's worth of fishing.

As a single father of a teenager, Matt finds himself attracted to the new teacher, Allison Carter. She's his son's teacher and far too young for him. Allison also finds herself attracted to the local heart throb, yet as much as she tries to avoid him having heard stories about his love life, she finds that she enjoys his company. Yet when Allison's parents arrive to talk some sense into their daughter by urging her to leave the remote town, Allison fears that her heart may have already been lost, just at Matt decides they really don't belong together. Can she teach him that all they need is each other? I really enjoyed this heartwarming and romantic journey between two people who have to learn to trust each other and not what everyone else thinks. With Matt's brother, Luke, bringing his daughter home while he's in the military, as well as their sister Meg arriving, there will be plenty more adventures for this family that will capture reader's hearts.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Jones
Rating: 4

A Scandalous Scot Review

A SCANDALOUS SCOT
Karen Ranney
Avon Publishing
ISBN# 978-0-06-202779-5
July 2012
Historical Romance


The ghosts of Ballindair Castle are real, and so is the secret that Jean MacDonald is hiding from the Earl of Denbleigh, Morgan MacCraig. She and her far more beautiful but vain sister are hiding from the world by living as maids in the castle. Then, Jean suddenly finds herself caught in a compromising position with the Earl, forcing his hand. With the unexpected arrival of love, Jean must now face the fact that she may lose Morgan once he discovers the truth about who she really is. Jean and Morgan are perfect for one another, with the right mix of fresh chemistry and wit to transform physical desire into something more substantial. Jean's selfish sister is the perfect anti-heroine that brings them together. Ranney is a gifted writer with a penchant for creating the perfect Scottish romance!

Reviewed by: Jennifer Jones
Rating: 3

THE SCARLET BRIDE

The School For Brides #3

Cheryl Ann Smith

Berkley Sensation

ISBN 978-0-425-25081-5

June 2012

Historical Romance

Simon Harrington thinks it is time to settle down and set up his nursery with a suitable wife of the ton. Though Lady Jeanette has turned him down once or twice, he is determined to make her his wife. Then late one night, he rescues a young woman being accosted by two thugs, and nothing is ever the same. For the young woman he saves is a runaway courtesan, a mistress to a cruel, sadistic earl. He takes her to the courtesan school, a safe haven for former courtesans who are schooled to find proper husbands. The only thing, though his head tells him to continue to court Lady Jeanette, his heart and body demand Laura Prescott--who is totally unsuitable to become his wife. Simon knows he must stay away from Laura, but when her former keeper turns up dead--murder--and the hue and cry is for Laura, he knows he must help her find the real murderer before Bow Street comes calling--and before he is totally lost in love...

THE SCARLET BRIDE is a compelling, page-turning entry in the School for Bride series.  Well-written with a well-matched hero and heroine, wonderful dialogue, sensual and suspenseful with an unexpected twist, THE SCARLET BRIDE makes for compelling historical romance reading. Laura's plight--as that of the other courtesans in the series, will touch your heart and make you angry at the inequality and treatment of women during the Regency era. 

Reviewed by Debora Hosey

4

GOLD
ISBN: 978-1-4516-7272-5
Chris Cleave
Simon & Schuster
Fiction
July 2012

Kate and Zoe are best friends. The two have been track cyclists since the age of 19. Now at 32, both of them are competing for gold again. 2012 will be their last chance to compete.

Zoe has the determination and drive to win, but Kate has the talent. However, it is Zoe  who has won the gold medals in the past. She is currently at the height of her career. Unfortunately, she is making unwise choices which threaten to take away everything she has worked so hard to gain.

Kate is married to Jack, another Olympic gold medalist. They are the parents of Sophie, eight years old, who has a fight of her own. Sophie is currently battling her second bout of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Kate has never won a gold medal.  So, this year is especially tough. She is acutely feeling the pressure of competition and the stress of her daughter's illness. Her lifelong dream of Olympic gold may become just that: a dream.

Mr. Cleave, the author of the best-selling book, "Little Bee," has written a suspenseful, plot-twisting novel which again will engage his readers to the very end!

Reviewed by Charlene McConnell

Rating: 4

ONE GOOD FRIEND DESERVES ANOTHER
Lisa Verge Higgins
Five Spot
ISBN:  978-1-4555-0030-7
Women's Fiction
June 2012

Dhara, Marta, Wendy and Kelly have been close friends since college. Together they created the "Six Rules of Dating." They firmly believe these rules have prevented undue heartbreak when dealing with the opposite sex.

Now in their thirties, the four friends find themselves breaking "the rules." Dhara has agreed to an arranged marriage by her parents. Kelly is repeating a past mistake. Wendy is going to marry "Mr. Perfect," but she may become the "runaway bride." Marta is sadly discovering her boyfriend isn't what he claims to be.

This is a wonderful novel about friends, love and support. A great summer read!

Reviewed by Charlene McConnell

Rating: 4

More July Reviews!

COTTAGE BY THE SEA
Robin Jones Gunn
Howard Paperback
ISBN:  978-1-4165-8345-5
Fiction
July 2012

Erin and Sharlene are living their dream. Their new wedding planning business, "The Happiest Day," is a monumental success. In one year, they are so busy they decide to hire an assistant. Erin is also overjoyed when her son, Jordan and his fiance' request their services for their upcoming wedding.

Shortly after Jordan's wedding, Erin receives bad news. Her father has had a stroke. His second wife, Delores (15 years his junior) has made it clear that she will not be her husband's caregiver. After Delores leaves, Erin finds herself asking Sharlene to run the business while she takes care of her father at his cottage located hundreds of miles from her home.

This novel meticulously examines the difficulties some of us are now experiencing: caring for aging parents. In addition to the caregiving, the protagonist finds herself  trying to rebuild a relationship with her father which she thought was long dead.

Reviewed by Charlene McConnell

Rating: 4

Review: RAVISHING THE HEIRESS by Sherry Thomas

RAVISHING THE HEIRESS
Sherry Thomas
Berkley Sensation
ISBN #978-0-425-25087-7
Historical Romance
July 2012

Millicent has always known she was to have an arranged marriage. One that required duty and least of all love. However, she fell in love with her husband-to-be on sight and has never quite gotten over it. The newly titled Earl Fitzhugh, after a bit of bad luck having his cousin drop dead at the ripe old age of 32, Fitz seems to have acquired a mountain of debt and a ruinous estate along with his title. The only way out was to marry an heiress and it seemed the one picked for his late cousin is the one for the job. She's just as good as any, after all, since he can never marry the woman he truly loves, the beautiful but not wealthy, Isabelle Pelham.

Their marriage is one of convenience at first, but then, astonishingly, it slowly gives way to a deep friendship. Fitz, never realizing his wife is in love with him, carries on his duties and becomes quite successful with the help of Millie, who seems an enigma to him. Millie, meanwhile, is ever hopeful, and finally has the chance she's waited for with Fitz. However, is it too late now that Isabelle is back and Fitz doesn't really require her fortune anymore?

Grab your hankies because this one elicited a few tears along the way. Full of sorrow and unrequited love from several characters, the anguish is heart wrenching on both sides as we watch Millie and Fitz both love someone they know they cannot have. The ending, although a bit too quickly wrapped up without much fanfare, seemed to stay true to characters. Set in the late Victorian era, I enjoyed reading about the end of the 19th century. Certainly the upcoming book about Fitz' twin sister Helena Fitzhugh in October, will be eagerly anticipated!

Reviewed by: Jennifer Jones
Rating: 4

More July Reviews

Here are a few Berkley Mystery releases for the month of July:

CLOAKED IN MALICE A Vintage Magic Mystery by Annette Blair. ISBN: 978-0-425-25143-0 July 2012  There is nothing Maddie loves more than fabulous vintage clothes, but the visions she gets while touching them are starting to wear her down. But when a beautifully dressed girl comes into her shop claiming to not know who she is, Maddie isn't about to turn her away. It must be because she looks so much like her friend Dolly Sweet. When Maddie touches Paisley Skye's childhood cloak, she is given the view of a horrible kidnapping and murder. What Maddie does next reveals more than her clothing.

CLOAKED IN MALICE is a page turning thriller. A wonderful addition to this series, Annette Blair once again finds the perfect mix of paranormal and real life mystery. This book will lead you on dead ends, twisting roads, and unbelievable endings. I enjoyed every single page. This story is a must have for the summer months.

Reviewed by: Kathy Fisher
Rating: 4.0



MURDER FOR CHOIR A Glee Club Mystery by Joelle Charbonneau. ISBN: 978-0-425-25137-9 July 2012.  A first in a new series release! Even as a struggling opera singer, Paige Marshall has never seen anything like the competition of a high school show choir. As their new coach, she is getting an icy reception from students who doubt her skills. Her best male singer is suspected of killing the coach of their schools fiercest rival choir. For Paige to clear his name, she will have to sort through the suspects and try to avoid the person who wants her to go out on a sour note.

MURDER FOR CHOIR is a new series that starts off in an intriguing way. There is a lot of the story that can be gotten into, with Paige's history, and her meshing with her current position. This story line has more paths than a spider vein. Paige is a super slueth who is not afraid to put herself in danger in order to get to the bottom of things. A few times I could feel my heart pumping to see if she would escape a harrowing situation. I am eager to see how this series pans out.

Reviewed by: Kathy Fisher
Rating: 3.0


RED VELVET REVENGE A Cupcake Bakery Mystery by Jenn McKinlay. ISBN: 978-0-425-25138-6 July 2012. It may be summertime but the sales at Fair Tale Cupcakes are below zero. The owners Melanie Cooper and Angie DeLaura are willing to try anything. So when local legend Slim Hazard offers them the chance to sell their cupcakes at the annual Juniper Pass Rodeo, they are in. But not every one is as sweet as Slim, including star bull rider Ty Stokes. Mel and Angie are trying to steer clear of him, but when his dead body is found facedown in the hay, it's a whole different rodeo.

RED VELVET REVENGE will leave you hungry for a treat and more of the likeable characters. This story line flows like buttercream frosting. With each step forward in figuring out the mystery, Mel and Angie are met with obstacles that they graciously dodge. It is like reading about your best friends without having to get your hands dirty. Plus with the yummy recipes, this one is a winner!

Reviewed by: Kathy Fisher
Rating: 4.0


MURDER ON THE HALF SHELF A Booktown Mystery by Lorna Barrett. ISBN: 978-0-425-24775-4 July 2012. Stoneham, New Hampshire, has a lot of cute little shops like Tricia's but is lacking in bed and breakfasts. Pippa and Jon Comfort's Sheer Comfort Inn opens in a week and the couple has offered some locals a free night as a trial run. And boy does it become a trial. Pippa is murdered and her husband Jon, is actually Harry Tyler, a man Tricia loved and has believed was dead for the past twenty years. Now Harry is the main suspect, but Tricia doesn't believe he is capable of murder. Even though he has led a life of lies, it appears Pippa was not an innocent bystander.

MURDER ON THE HALF SHELF is full of surprises. This story line will not disappoint you for a great summertime read. The hilarious relationship between Tricia and her sister, Tricia finding another dead body, and then the shock of seeing Harry alive will keep you intrigued throughout the pages. Reading this one will not leave you disappointed.

Reviewed by: Kathy Fisher
Rating: 4.0

Some July Mystery reviews

Get ready for a great month of Mystery Romance releases! This month has a lot of fabulous reads that will get you through the last hot days of summer into fall. Here are a big chunk of reviews for July from publishers Obsidian and Berkley.

Obsidian releases for July 2012:

LETHAL OUTLOOK  A Psychic Eye Mystery by Victoria Laurie. ISBN: 978-0-451-23695-1 July 2012.  When a mysterious client approaches Abby with a crypic message about a young mother who has gone missing, Abby is more than willing to get involved. She and her business partner, Candice, meet with the parents of the missing woman but they refuse to allow a psychic to get involved. But Abby continues on with her eyes wide open.

LETHAL OUTLOOK is a wonderfully written mystery story with surprises, twists, turns, and just the right amount of psychic activity. I love this series in that it builds on itself, but a reader can jump in on any book in the series and catch right on. This one was one of my favorites. The characters were witty and smart, the story line was strong and I was totally taken in by the ending. A definite pick up for this summer.

Reviewed by: Kathy Fisher
Rating: 4 1/2


IN A WITCH'S WARDROBE A Witchcraft Mystery by Juliet Blackwell. ISBN: 978-0-451-23747-7 July 2012. Taking a night off from running her clothing store, Lily attends a local Art Deco ball, where vintage fashions steal the show. But when a young woman at the event ends up under a mysterious sleeping sickness, Lily senses a curse. Before she can solve the woman's magical ailment, she is asked to assist in investigating a string of poisonings in the Bay Area witchcraft community. Soon she suspects someone is not being so well intentioned.

IN A WITCH'S WARDROBE will capture your attention right off the bat. This series has just the right mixture of paranormal involvement with downright common sense. Lily is a strong heroine that keeps the reader hooked on her willingness to go the extra mile to figure out what is occuring. Another great addition to the Witchcraft Mystery series.

Reviewed by: Kathy Fisher
Rating: 4.0


PLOTTING AT THE PTA by Laura Alden. ISBN: 978-0-451-23749-1 July 2012
Beth is excited about the PTA's spring Senior Story Project, which pairs elderly residents with Tarver Elementary students to produce a book that the PTA can sell as a fundraiser. But when she discovers that Amy Jacobson, one of her regular customers at her bookstore, died from bee stings, she is derailed and determined to find out who sent killer bees to kill her friend.

PLOTTING AT THE PTA is a good solid read. It is predictible but is interesting in that the death of Beth's friend triggers the unearthing of an old murder. Following both paths of past and current is interesting and the ending wraps up some pretty nasty business. A nice read to take to the beach, far away from school.

Reviewed by: Kathy Fisher
Rating: 3.0

The Casanova Code

THE CASANOVA CODE

Book One: The Rake Patrol

Donna MacMeans

Berkley Sensation

ISBN 978-0-425-25083-9

June 2012

Historical Romance

In Victorian London, the Rake Patrol is born! Edwina Hargrove, devotee of puzzles and patterns, decodes a message in the Personals of a newspaper seeking a willing female companion. One of Edwina's friends works at the newspaper and announces that the ad was placed by none other than rake extraordinaire, Ashton Trewelyn. Determined to save innocents, Edwina and friends devise a scheme to shadow Ashton and foil his nefarious plans. Unknown to them, Ashton, newly returned from the serving in the army, has sworn off his rakish ways and places the ad to help a wounded friend. When there is another coded message from "the Guardians" that will meet at Trewelyn House, The Rake Patrol flies into action to save the innocents surely being molested there...Edwina and Ashton clash yet again and the attraction is undeniable and at high heat when they are trapped in a secret room together in the midst of Ashton's father's Japanese erotica collection...codes and plots and a secret society, Edwina's unwanted suitor and the other members of the Rake Patrol all add up to thwart a smooth road to a happy ending...

 

THE CASANOVA CODE, book one in the new Rake Patrol series, is a well-written, enjoyable and sensual Victorian romance with a modern though naive heroine and a wounded rake of a hero seeking paternal approval, both fully developed characters. MacMeans knows the period and makes the Victorian era come alive.

Reviewed by Debora Hosey

Rating:  4

WILLOW SPRINGS by Toni Blake

WILLOW SPRINGS
Destiny Series
Toni Blake
Avon Publishing
ISBN# 978-0-06-202461-9
July 2012
Contemporary Romance

Amy Bright, the sweet girl next-door who is always the bridesmaid, but never the bride, has fallen in love with her best friend, Logan Whitaker after a steamy, surprising kiss. After a terrible tragedy that shakes firefighter Logan to his core, he turns to Amy, who he shockingly kissed and now is a bit confused as to his feelings for his best friend. Then, when a beautiful woman arrives in town, she sets her sights on Logan. Amy must come out of her shell and show Logan what's she's really capable of being to him, and decides to write him "Secret Admirer" letters. As the weddings of Mike and Rachel, Lucky and Tessa draw near, Amy wonders if she'll ever have a wedding of her own, or if revealing her deep desires will scare him away. Readers will love watching quiet, nice girl Amy get out of her comfort zone, show some spunk and fight for her man, even as she battles her insecurities. Logan is a great guy, but like most men, can't see what's right in front of them until it's slapped against his head. There's lots of wonderful previous character scenes, especially with Mike and his family. This one is sweet, friends to lovers romance that is a great addition to your summer reading!

Reviewed by Jennifer Jones
Rating: 4

More July Paranormals

WICKED NIGHTS

Angels of The Dark-Book 1

Gena Showalter

Harlequin

ISBN: 978-0-373-77698-6

July 2012

Paranormal

Zacharel is the leader of one of Heaven's most unfit warriors. They are all on the edge of losing their wings and Zacharel is charged with keeping them in line and on task. Their every failure is his punishment, but as they have all suffered from some great loss, him included, he tries to give them some leeway. He is taciturn and expresses almost no emotion, that is until he meets Annabelle Miller. Rescuing her from an insane asylum, he quickly learns that she is a demon consort, although through no fault of her own. Zacharel starts to feel emotions for the first time in centuries and the hell on wheels Annabelle is entirely responsible. She has suffered much but still has a kind and generous heart, one that has captured Zacharel's. But in order to have her, he must find the demon who tainted Annabelle and somehow keep her alive. This is book one of The Angels of The Dark series and another fine example of why Showalter holds a special place on my favorites shelf. I love her alphas and she always has the knack to pick out a great heroine just right for these sexy guys!

Reviewed by Lori Sears

Rating: 4 1/2

July Paranormals

BLOOD BEFORE SUNRISE

Shaede Assassin Novel-Book 2

Amanda Bonilla

Signet Eclipse

ISBN:978-0-451-23746-0

July 2012

Paranormal

Darian is unlike any other Shaede. She has unusual skills and can fight like the devil. She also has her own protector whom she loves fiercely. They are bound and as a Jinn she can ask anything of him and if possible he will grant it. But lately Tyler has been acting more than just protective, he has been downright jealous and crazy at times. Raif is another Shaede and a dear friend of Darian and for some reason Tyler is acting like they are more than just friends even though he knows their relationship is platonic. Darian loves Raif like a brother and nothing more. Tyler is everything to her, but after years of doing everything for herself she has trouble asking anyone for help. Raif lost his daughter and has thought her dead for a long time and when a crazy oracle mentions her to Darian she knows she will do anything to find the girl that means so much to Raif. Darian and Tyler find themselves in a crazy and twisted mystery with attempts on their lives at every turn. Darian knows she must protect Tyler because to lose him would destroy her, but in doing so she just might destroy the one man she has ever loved. This is the second book in this new series and just like the first one I was immediately drawn back into Bonilla's world and captivated by Darian's story. I love that the heroine is grumpy and fierce and loves just as hard as she fights. I was a little peeved at the ending, but hopefully when the next release comes out in March 2013, I will find joy again!

Reviewed by Lori Sears

Rating: 4 1/2

 

 

 

New Review: Rescue Me

RESCUE ME

Rachel Gibson

Avon

ISBN: 978-0-06-206912-2

June 2012

Romance

Sadie Jo Hollowell has spent the past few years trying to rid herself of her Texas upbringing.  When her younger cousin gets engaged and asks that Sadie be in the bridal party, Sadie’s main goal is to go and leave as soon as possible without having to hear the question “are you married yet?”  Being 30 and unmarried in Lovett, Texas is as much a sin as having flat hair! Vince Haven a former Navy Seal is in Lovett to discuss a business deal with his aunt, the last thing he was looking for was a relationship. When his truck breaks down on the side of the road and Sadie gives him a ride to the Gas and Go, it puts them on an unexpected journey into the unknown.

I definitely enjoyed the characters and the Texas-isms such as “Lord love a duck”. The chemistry between the characters is well developed along with the other characters in the book.  This is my first time reading this author and she definitely has a new fan in me!

Reviewed by Tasha Taylor

Rating: 4

New Review: Vengeance Moon

VENGEANCE MOON

A Novel of the Earth Witches, Book #2

Lee Roland

Signet Eclipse

ISBN: 978-0-451-23643-2

June 2012

Urban Fantasy Romance

Cursed by vivid images of her parent’s murder, Madeline Corso is possessed by a need to kill the men responsible for her parent’s murder due to a curse given to her by her mother. She has already killed two of the men but was arrested and has been serving time with the Sisters of Justice; she has tried to escape to fulfill the last request of her mother.  One day the Sister’s call Madeline in with them and tell her that she can be released; however, first she must retrieve the item that was given to her mother by the Earth Mother that was stolen by the last killer. Upon retrieving it she must bring it back to the Sisters. This mission brings her to Duivel, Missouri, where she comes upon Michael, a man who is as cursed as she is. Will she be able to complete the mission and gain her freedom and a love she never thought possible? Or will Michael be her distraction and downfall?

Vengeance Moon is the second in the Earth Witches series and was a very good read.  I expected more magic just from the witch series stand point.  I definitely plan to read the first book to catch up on the series and hopefully prepare for the next book.

Reviewed by: Tasha Taylor

Rating: 3