A New One from Andrea Kane

THE SILENCE THAT SPEAKS
Forensic Instincts
Andrea Kane
Mira
ISBN:   978-0778317371
May 2015
Romantic Suspense

I have to start this review by noting that I’ve read the previous books in this series and have loved the fast paced, edgy stories created by this talented author.   This nicely written mystery involves Madeline Westfield’s need to find out why someone wants her dead.   She has a past history with one of investigators at the firm, and turns to them for help.   Marc, who has never gotten over his feelings for her, is dismayed when they are thrown together at his workplace.

Madeline, a nurse, and her ex-husband, a brilliant surgeon, are both employed by a hospital in the middle of a merger.   The unexpected death of the administrator, after heart surgery performed by Madeline’s ex-husband, just deepens the mystery.   When Conrad seems to be psychiatrically ill and is hospitalized at a private mental health facility, the team goes into action to figure out the details and motivations.   Is Conrad being framed?   Did he really have culpability in the administrator’s death?

Like previous books, this one involves team members including leader Casey Woods, cyber geniuses Ryan McKay and his brother Aiden, and Claire Hedgleigh and her psychic abilities.   A cast of characters has motive for framing Conrad and Madeline as FI works to figure out the who and the why.

My only complaint about this story was that the plot seemed a little unrealistic when compared to previous novels in the series.   Other than this, fans of this writer will enjoy this novel even if it is not her best offering.   The romance between Madeline and Marc is steamy and the who-done-it at the end was surprisingly.     I will continue reading the Forensic Instincts novels and eagerly anticipate the next one.

Reviewed by Jeri Neal
Rating:   3

Lorraine Heath's newest is an emotion packed romance

THE DUKE AND THE LADY IN RED
The Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James Place
Lorraine Heath
Avon
ISBN# 978-0-06-227626-1
May 2015
Historical Romance

Rosalind Sharpe has a secret, one that she must protect at all costs - even when the cost may be her own life. Her brother Harry is born with the same deformity as The Elephant Man. She must procure funds to help him and risk her safety and morals to help him. She sets her sights on the wealthy and one man that crosses her path is the Duke of Avendale. However she didn't plan on her feelings and attraction to come into play, or the very fact that he's the one weakness in her plan.

Avendale is one of the co-owners of the Twin Dragons, a gaming establishment in London. When he spies a lady in red in the crowd, he immediately becomes obsessed with her. Getting to know her becomes top priority. Once he does, and his profound attraction to her catapults her into his private life, he also becomes aware that she's hiding something. Learning about Harry, he knows he's just touched the tip of the iceberg with her. What he doesn't know is how deep she is involved in trouble. When he finally realizes his feelings are more powerful than he believed, her past catches up with her.

THE DUKE AND THE LADY IN RED is filled with plenty of emotional development between the characters as they slowly get to know each other. Rose's devotion to her brother, and his to her, give depth and meaning to her unscrupulous actions. Avendale's character starts off a little less interesting simply because of how enthralled he is with her from the beginning. Heath shows off her writing skills in transforming him from a lust craved society man into a wonderful person despite a traumatic event from his past. The ending was quite wonderful and even brought a tear to the eye. Previous titles in this series do not need to be read to enjoy this one.

Reviewed by Jennifer Jones
Rating: 4

Book One in Lucy Monroe's new Alaskan series

WILD HEAT
Northern Fire Series Book One
Lucy Monroe
Hatchette Book Group
ASIN# BOOMEMMSB6
May 2015
Contemporary Romance

After an eight year absence, Kitty Grant returns home to Cailkirn, Alaska to recover from an abusive marriage and divorce. She's nursing some big issues with trust, but also guilt because she left behind her best friend, Tack MacKinnon, without a backward glance. Tack is surprised she's come back, after leaving him high and dry all those years ago, but he soon discovers why she's back home. As they struggle to get beneath the reasons for her departure and return, they soon realize that their attraction is ignited in a powerful way, and Tack decides to offer a, "friends with benefits" proposal.

Tack and his brother own a hiking tour company that relies on the tourist industry that comes in from the cruise ships. Kitty's obvious insecurities threaten their relationship, as well as Tack wanting to keep their relationship hidden. Kitty is resilient, but even the toughest cookies still have some insecurities and she doesn't know why he wants to always keep her in the dark. Tack has loved Kitty all these years and to finally be able to have her, he's a bit insecure as well. It's obvious they both care for each other, but will they both be able to trust the other and let go of the past? When Kitty's ex makes a last stand, will she be able to stand up for herself, or will he threaten everything she's tried to overcome?

The book has a lovely feel to it, with the Alaskan backdrop and the homeyness of the characters as they live and work together. The wonderful secondary characters lend this book a certain charm. Tack and Kitty are friends that both want more but are afraid to truly let go and trust each other all the way. It takes time to overcome and we get to watch these two work through their problems and face the future together. The chemistry between them is steamy and well written. As the first in the series, I look forward to the next one.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Jones
Rating: 4

Great new offering from Lori Foster!

HOLDING STRONG
An Ultimate Novel
Lori Foster
HQN
ISBN:
978-0373779611
April 2015
Contemporary Romance

This book is the delicious
story of Denver and Cherry, featured in the previous novels of this series.
Denver is one of the fighters in Cannon Colter’s Ohio gym.  While he has signed
with the larger fighting association, SBC, he still calls Warfield home.  Cherry
is Denver’s sister’s roommate.  A consummate flirt, gorgeous, and a party girl,
Denver is convinced there is no way Cherry would be interested in him.  And
Denver wants more than a quick hook up, something that is incredibly unusual in
many romance books but very compelling in a male character.

Denver is wrong
about Cherry’s feelings.  While she may seem flirtatious with other guys her
eyes are totally on Denver and she loves him dearly.  When they finally hook up,
Denver has to be convinced that Cherry wants more than a one night stand and
would like a relationship with him.

A parallel plot involves the trouble
that Cherry is trying to escape from her past.  Denver and all his friends from
the gym come together to help Cherry out.

One of the best aspects of this
book, aside from the incredibly hot testosterone driven males and the beautiful
females, is the plot development and the various complex characters that
interact and come to life on the pages.  Like all of Foster’s books this one
leaves room for the next novel in the series and we are left wondering  what
happens to Arnie and Rissy and Stack and Vanity.  Stay tuned!  Yummy book that
will keep you reading page after page.

Reviewed by Jeri Neal
Rating:  4 1/2