The Perks of Loving a Scoundrel byJennifer McQuiston

THE PERKS OF LOVING A SCOUNDREL
The Seduction Diaries Book 3
Jennifer McQuiston
Avon Books
ISBN# 978-0-06-233514-2
October 2016
Historical Romance

In her Seduction Diaries series, McQuiston pens the tale of a bookish spinster and a well-renowned ladies man. An accidental meeting between Miss Mary Channing and Geoffrey Westmore leads the two not only to be caught in a compromising position, but they also overhear an assassination plot. No one believes their tale of the plot (they think the couple are only trying to make up a story to take the spotlight off of them), so West decides to try and uncover the plot himself. To make matters worse, West's sister, Clare, informs him that he has to come up to scratch because Miss Channing is the Earl of Haversham's sister.

West does try to do the right thing, but Mary doesn't want to marry West because of his reputation. Now West is a bit taken aback because why would she refuse him? Then, Mary informs him that they must work together to seek out the conspirators to try and save whomever is on the hit list. West and Mary forge an unlikely alliance of sorts to get to the bottom of the plot. As time goes on, the attraction between them sizzles, and Mary realizes West isn't quite as bad as she believed. West and Mary insinuate themselves into the high society circles to try and determine the source. However, getting in the midst of some powerful people bent on assassination only means that they would have no qualms about taking out a bookish spinster.

A mix of intrigue, suspense and romance, this quick paced romp in 1858 England hits all the right notes. Even though this reads more like a detective story, the character building is equal to that of the action. West and Mary discover that there is more to someone that what is on the outside (or rumors). They slowly find their way around to understanding each other even as they discover who is behind the plot. The romance is slowly built and the scenes between them are realistic and hot. Mary's pregnant sister, as well as West's sister and best friend, Grant, make great secondary characters that also provide some comic relief. For readers of the first two books, while characters tie together, it is not necessary to read the first two to enjoy this one.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Jones
Rating: 4.5

A Chase for Christmas by Candace Shaw

A Chase For Christmas
Chasing Love Series)
Candace Shaw
Kimani
ISBN: 978-0373864782
November 2016
Romance

Ms. Shaw did a beautiful job bringing us a romantic story of two people, Blythe
Ventura and John “Prez” Preston Chase III, who both have baggage they need to
overcome before they can learn to trust and find love.

Preston is the creator of the famous “Dart and Drive” video game and is worth millions.
He is also handsome and women according to his sister, practically throw
themselves at him.

When Blythe shows up to her Paint, Sip, Chat Studio, Prez is next door visiting his
sister also Blythe’s best friend. Prez has been flirting with Blythe for over a
year and she doesn’t “bite” but is friendly towards him since he is after all
her best friends brother. Prez is having a event for children he visits at the
hospital and asks Blythe if she would be interested in painting with the
children at the event and she agrees. Will the flirting heat up between these
two or will they stay in the “friend” zone?

From the moment I read the first page I was hooked and the story held my attention until
the last page. This is a very sweet romance full of likeable characters, cute
dialogue and great chemistry between Prez and Blythe. I really like reading
books that after the last page has been read the characters stay with you as
they did for me with this story.

I highly recommend you buy and read this book as it is one I will read again.

Reviewed By : Linda Chavis
Rating: 4

Layne's Third Wedding Belles book is worth the wait!

TO LOVE AND TO CHERISH

The Wedding Belles Volume 3

Lauren Layne

Pocket Books

ISBN# 9781501135170

November 2016

Contemporary Romance

Book Three in the Wedding Belles is the final installment and focuses on the original owner, Alexis Morgan and her silent partner/accountant, Logan Harris. Alexis has had a dream of owing her own wedding planning business, so she makes it to New York City to start it. She meets Logan in a bar, who offers her a deal - he will fund her business for half ownership. At first, she says no, but after a week, she takes him up on his offer. Fast forward eight years with her business going strong, the only thing left is maybe her inactive love life.

Logan has been in love with Alexis since he first saw her, but she's been oblivious. He's waited patiently, putting off his father's request that he return home to England so that he can run the family business, in the hopes that someday, she will give him a chance. Once he decides to put all his cards on the table, it will be up to her. The problem that Alexis has is that Logan is her friend, her rock and stability and she doesn't want to jeopardize their friendship over it. However, she may wait too long to realize that what he means to her is more than a business friendship. Is she willing to risk it all to find love, or will she let him walk away forever?

My second favorite of this series, I devoured it in practically one sitting. Something about unrequited love, willing to wait forever for the other person to wake up, makes my heart melt, especially when it's a seriously sexy British guy who just won't give up. Alexis is a bit of a work-a-holic, thinking that the only thing she needs is her work. Yet with her two friends getting their love lives in order makes her wonder about hers. She's just not willing to risk losing Logan as a friend. Logan, on the other hand, is just about tired of waiting. There are sparks between them and enough sizzle in there to keep it moving along. I enjoyed this series very much and this was a great ending all around!

Reviewed by Jennifer Jones
Rating: 4 1/2

FOR BETTER OR WORSE

The Wedding Belles Volume 2

Lauren Layne

Pocket Books

ISBN# 9781501135156

September 2016

Contemporary Romance


As part of the wedding planners known as The Wedding Belles, Heather Fowler dreams of moving up from her position as assistant wedding planner to actual wedding planner. So when a high profile client specifically requests her work, she knows this is her chance. However, her noisy neighbor is determined to keep her from sleeping with his loud music. When she confronts him, she didn't expect him to be so aggravating or so sexy.

Josh Tanner has lived the fast life in New York City and now wants to take it slower to live the life he wants. His new life includes music, not a pesky neighbor who seems to be a workaholic intent on giving him lessons on patience. Yet there is something about Heather that gets to him. Finding her attractive is the easy part, letting her into his life is the hard part.

Heather finds that the more she gets to know Josh, the more she realizes she doesn't know everything about him. When she finds out that he used to date her high profile client, she wonders exactly who Josh really is and why he is intent on staying alone. With the client's hands-off approach of her own wedding, it's going to take everything Heather's got to make this work. What she isn't ready for is how fast she falls for Josh or how hard headed he is when it comes to keeping her away from his heart.

Heather and Josh are an opposites attract type couple who have instant chemistry and that really propels this romance. Her job as a wedding assistant/planner is the background and is used not only to give it balance, but aspects of it come into play for these two to interact. Josh left behind the rat race after a personal life changing event. Yet his character goes through even more changes as the story progressed with Heather. Fast paced with plenty of sexual tension and a supportive secondary cast, Layne has delivered a page turner filled with angst, passion and appropriate comedic relief. This was a delight to read!


Reviewed by Jennifer Jones

Rating: 4

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD

The Wedding Belles Volume 1

Lauren Layne

Pocket Books

ISBN# 9781501135132

August 2016

Contemporary Romance

The first book in this series (there was a prequel but I'm not counting that one here), starts with one of the Wedding Belles wedding planners, Brooke Baldwin. Recently coming from California to New York City, she left behind her almost wedding and a con-man who she thought she knew well enough to marry. Still reeling from that, Brooke is hired by the Wedding Belles because she is one of the most talented wedding planners in the country. Her first assignment is Maya Tyler, a hotel heiress who has an overbearing brother, Seth, who is footing the bill. Instant attraction aside, Brooke cannot fathom why Seth is so arrogant and rigid, as well as determined to find out if Maya's sudden engagement means the would-be groom is up to no good. Brooke feels something for Seth as their time together becomes more intense, but is she ready to trust again this soon? And even if she does, is she willing to trust him with her heart?

Seth Tyler tries to steer clear of Brooke, but he finds himself making her schedule times with him to discuss Maya's fiancé and the (hopefully not) wedding plans. He wants to believe in the guy, but his gut instincts have never let him down yet. And his gut instincts are also telling him that Brooke wants him as much as he wants her. Yet when he finally thinks they are on the same page, she bolts. Working around schedules, appointments and trying to figure out where his best friend fits in all this, Seth is about as un-organized as he's ever been. Will his last decision cost him more than he's prepared to lose?

This was the first book but I read it last. I have to say this was my favorite of the three. Talk about heat, sizzling sex and yummy alpha male hero! Seth was definitely used to getting what he wanted and as a result, he comes across as arrogant and stiff. Enter Brooke, who doesn't take any crap from him and he doesn't know what to do with that. Maya is a sweet, somewhat naïve girl, but she comes into her own during this time. We meet the other two Belles, and while they aren't dominant in the book, it's enough to give a background for the next two. I seriously liked this one a lot!

Reviewed by: Jennifer Jones
Rating: 4.5

SUNSET IN CENTRAL PARK by Sarah Morgan

SUNSET IN CENTRAL PARK
Sarah Morgan
HQN
ISBN:  978-373-78923-8
September 2016
Contemporary Romance

The second book in this delightful series takes place in New York City and is Frankie’s story.  Frankie is a garden designer who is, among her closest three friends, the most relationship phobic.  She witnessed her father’s cheating and the havoc this played on her family and she is determined to avoid this for her own future.  Sadly, she manages not to have ANY romantic relationships and is most comfortable with her friend’s brother, Matt.

Matt, on the other hand, has been totally in love with Frankie for years.  He understands her vulnerabilities and her fears but has worked to break this down with a strong friendship.  Even his crazy cat likes to hang out with Frankie and given that they live in the same building this is convenient.

SUNSET IN CENTRAL PARK is a totally satisfying story, with a great build-up to the romantic culmination of the romance between Frankie and Matt.  I felt like I really knew these characters and I especially liked seeing a strong alpha male like Matt portrayed as vulnerable and capable of being hurt by Frankie because he opened himself up to her.  Really well done book with great romance!

Reviewed by Jeri Neal
Rating: 4

A NEW WHISKEY CREEK NOVEL

DISCOVERING YOU
A Whiskey Creek Novel
Brenda Novak
MIRA
ISBN:  978-0-7783-1880-4
June 2016
Contemporary Romance

This latest in the Whiskey Creek series tells India and Rod’s story.  India is a widow whose physician husband was shot by an ex-boyfriend who is getting out of jail.  She moves to the new community with her little girl, Cassia, to get a fresh start.  She is struggling with her in-laws, who have never approved of her and threaten to sue for custody.

Rod is her next door neighbor, a mechanic with a bad boy reputation, handsome, and wickedly attracted to India.  They meet under unusual circumstances and Rod quickly realizes that this lady comes with baggage.  He jumps in, however, to help her out and in the process they begin to explore their mutual attraction.

I had mixed feelings about this book.  I thought that India was a little too uncertain about herself and at one point I thought she was using Rod for protection and some sexual gratification.  She did odd things like sleep on his back porch and go into his home when he was not there.  The author wanted to portray her as vulnerable but she looked a little off.  There was no doubt about her commitment to her daughter but the reality was, she was picking a partner similar to her ex-boyfriend.  I was a little startled when Rod engaged in substance abuse to get closer to the ex.  I can’t remember ever reading this in a romance book before!

With all this, the book is well written and gets us in touch with these diverse characters.  I just thought the plot was a little uneven and some of the behavior of the main characters was a little unexpected!

Reviewed by Jeri Neal
Rating:  3

Stepping to a New Day by Beverly Jenkins

Stepping To A New Day
Beverly Jenkins
William Morrow Paperbacks
ISBN: 978-00062412-638
Women's Fiction
July 2016

After reading this installment of the Blessing series here is my hope. I hope that Beverly Jenkins never tires of writing about these characters that I have come to know and love. From the messy Riley with a hog named Cletus, who in this story we find trying to make his way back to Henry Adams by any means necessary, to the owner Ms. Bernadine Brown who purchased Henry Adams off eBay and all in between.

Riley left his ex-wife Genevieve Gibbs in a mess when the hog wrecked her home they shared while married but she has moved past that and is dating her high-school sweetheart Clay, who does not care for the new and improved woman she has become since the divorce from Riley. Will he get over it or will the new man in town Terence C. Barbour aka T.C. steal her heart.

While Genevieve is moving on, Riley is trying to get back to Henry Adams because he is out of money, can't pay the storage for Cletus or his rent he feels he has no choice but to get back "home" and get back in with Genevieve.

T. C. has moved to Henry Adams to help out his nephew. Hired as the town chauffeur by Bernadine Brown, she has T.C. pick up Genevieve from the airport and when they see each other there is immediate attraction. Henry Adams is a small town and while they go on about their lives they will run into each other and anything can happen.

Stepping into a New Day is what I've come to expect from Beverly Jenkins a well crafted story about people who struggle with life issues we all face. The series has drama, humor, romance and more and I find the thing I like the most is the power of community which is the central focus.

In this story a particular issue Ms Jenkins tackles is adult literacy and I love that she has one of the characters deal with it. I looked it up and in the US there are over 32 million adults that cannot read. So kudos to Ms. Jenkins for shining a light on this important issue.

There is a lot that goes on in Henry Adams so be sure to go back and start with book one, "Bringing on the Blessings". Though each book can be read as a "stand alone" story, I suggest highly you read them all.

Welcome to Henry Adams and buy this book !!

Reviewed by: Linda Chavis
Rating 5

Make Me Love you by Johanna Lindsey

MAKE ME LOVE YOU
Johanna Lindsey
Gallery Books
ISBN# 9781501105425
July 2016
Historical Romance

I used to be a big Johanna Lindsey fan years ago, with some of her early novels being my first historical romances. So I was excited to get her latest historical for review.

Brooke Whitworth is the daughter of an unloving father and aloof mother. She can't wait until her first Season so that she can marry and leave her family for good. Her cruel brother has been fighting duels with Lord Dominic Wolfe and as a result, the Prince Regent has ordered that the feud between them be settled - by marrying her to The Wolf! As foreboding and dire as that sounds, she actually is hoping that she can finally escape her brother and father and make a life with her new husband. As soon as she's packed up and sent to his estate, Brooke feels relief. When she arrives, she soon discovers that the Wolf is more bark than bite and she's determined to help heal him so that they can be married quickly.

Dominic has no plans on marrying his enemy's sister. He plans to scare her off by whatever means necessary, but he's stunned to realize that she doesn't scare easily. She's nothing like her brother either, which makes him angry because he's becoming attracted to her and the last thing he wants is to actually marry her. Brooke knows that her family expects her to follow their orders and undermine the Wolf for them, but she has no loyalty to them. She only wants to be loved and feel wanted and she's sure that Dominic is the perfect person for her. Will the marriage actually take place? Will Dominic realize that in order to let go of the past he must learn to trust the future?

The premise was something I was eager to read about, yet the characters fell short of becoming exciting. Brooke was the only one I truly felt for and kept hoping Dominic would be more than he ended up being. The father and brother were truly horrible people and no wonder Brooke was eager to wed the enemy! I kept picturing how Dominic might fall in love with Brooke and fight for her against her brother or something! The ending was rather a disappointment because there was no big showdown or anything that made this story compelling or even memorable. Could've been a great story. While it wasn't bad, it just just ended up being okay.

Reviewed by Jennifer Jones
Rating: 3

Don't You Cry by Kubica is a Mind Boggling Thriller!

DON'T YOU CRY
Mary Kubica
MIRA
ISBN: 978-0-7783-1905-4
May 2016
Mystery

In downtown Chicago, a young woman named Esther Vaughan disappears from her apartment without a trace. A haunting letter addressed to My Dearest is found among her possessions, leaving her friend and roommate Quinn Collins to wonder where Esther is and whether or not she's the person Quinn thought she knew. Meanwhile, in a small Michigan harbor town, an hour outside Chicago, a mysterious woman appears in the quiet coffee shop where eighteen year old Alex Gallo works. She is immediately drawn to her. However, what starts as an innocent crush quickly spirals into something sinister. As Quinn searches for answers about Esther, Alex is drawn further under a stranger's spell.

DON'T YOU CRY is a mind boggling thriller. Quinn wakes up to find Esther is missing and questions her own behavior in chasing off her friend. But she senses things are not as they seem and will not give up trying to figure out what happened. When a woman just like Esther shows up in Alex's world, the reader wonders what is going on and where the author is taking you. As the story unravels, pieces begin falling into place. Be prepared for a fast paced ending!


Reviewed by: Kathy Fisher

Rating: 3

RIDE HARD - a new series by Laura Kaye

RIDE HARD
Raven Riders Book 1
Laura Kaye
Avon
ISBN# 978-0-06-240333-9
May 2016
Contemporary Romance

The first book in her new series, Laura Kaye introduces us to the motorcycle club, The Ravens Riders. We saw a glimpse of them in her previous series HARD INK where the girls, Haven and Cora, were abducted by gang members. When they were rescued, they were sent to the Ravens because they help people in need who are trying to free themselves of abusive relationships. The President of the Ravens is Dare Kenyon. He's tough, protective and sex on a stick. So when Haven Randall shows up at the club, she's obviously in dire need of help and he can't say no.

Haven is running, but even she knows it's only a matter of time before her father finds her. Hiding away at the motorcycle club was the plan until they could get her moved far away under a different name. Yet when she meets with Dare, the attraction is instant and unstoppable. Dare is constantly at war with himself because he's a bit older than Haven, but he can't stay away. Haven's father has put out a reward so it's either stand together or send Haven off somewhere safe. When danger comes, Dare and Haven face the ultimate risk that turns deadly.

Having read the HARD INK series, which I loved, I was excited about this one. It did not disappoint! Dare is a strong, sexy man and a tough leader. His interaction with Haven is at first strictly protective. He's attracted to her but he thinks he's too old for her. Haven is also strong with everything she's had to endure and she really puts up a fight for her life and for Dare. The chemistry is on point and hot! A great action, suspense filled romance to put on your summer reading!

Reviewed by Jennifer Jones


Rating: 4 1/2

LINGER By P.J. O'Dwyer

 

P.J O’Dwyer

LINGER

Satin and Steel Series, Book 1

Black Siren Books

ISBN: 978-0-9848997-9-1

May 2016

Romantic Suspense

  

She is in for the fight of her life.  He simply wants revenge. 

LINGER, the latest release from P.J. O’Dwyer, is a roller-coaster ride filled with twists and turns that will keep readers on edge.

With the possibility of being charged with first-degree murder, Brit Gentry needs a break and somewhere other than home to regroup with hopes that this nightmare will go away.  Unfortunately, her nightmares will multiply and being kidnapped is just the beginning.

Colt Rivers has spent the past several years behind bars, wrongfully accused of stealing millions of dollars in artifacts from Afghanistan.  Deciding that spending more time behind bars was not ideal he escaped with one thing on his mind.

Brit and Colt’s worlds are on a collision course with fate and the pair must learn to trust each other if they are to survive.

Author, P.J. O’Dwyer writes stories with strong heroines to match the equally alpha heroes. In LINGER we get not just a strong woman in Brit Gentry, we get a female counter-sniper which pairs perfectly with the former Army Ranger, Colt.  LINGER touches on PTSD and some of its lasting effects.  A fantastic story with well-written characters and definitely a must read if you are a fan of military-themed titles.  I cannot wait for book two in the Satin and Steel series, DEADRISE.

Rating 4½

Reviewed by Monica Solomon 

Author Bio
P. J. O’Dwyer is an award-winning author and an active member of Romance Writers of America. When asked where she gets her story ideas, she laughs ruefully and says, “It helps being married to a cop.” She lives in Maryland with her family.

Connect with P.J. on these sites
www.pjodwyer.com
www.facebook.com/AuthorPJODwyer
https://twitter.com/PJ_ODwyer
https://www.linkedin.com/in/p-j- o-dwyer- 8256333a

Because of Miss Bridgerton by Quinn begins a new series

BECAUSE OF MISS BRIDGERTON
Julia Quinn
Avon
ISBN# 978-0-06-238814-8
April 2016
Historical Romance

Even though this book has a "Bridgerton" name in it, it really begins the romances of the Rokesby brothers. Sybilla "Billie" Bridgerton is quite the tomboy. She's forever wearing pants, getting herself into predicaments not fit for a lady, and the latest has her stranded on top of a roof while trying to rescue a reluctant cat. She's known the Rokesby brothers all her life because they are neighbors. In fact, it's been an unspoken assumption she would marry either Edward or Andrew. Yet it's the oldest, George, that she's always been at odds with and in fact, she's quite sure he can't stand her. So imagine her horror when he is the one that happens upon her while she is stuck on the roof.

George knows that he and Billie are an unlikely pair, either as friends or at the very least if he has to marry her because they might be stuck on the roof all night alone together. And yet, even after they are rescued by his brother Andrew, he should be relieved to be out of her presence. However, he finds himself asking about her health, finding himself in her company more times than naught, and to his utter shock, finds that he actually admires her. Even worse, his admiration turns into attraction.

Billie has thought she would marry one of the brothers, but more and more her thoughts are turning towards George. His arrogant and aloof nature has blinded her to the real George. The one that has her pulses skittering and her ever increasing desire to see him. When she finally realizes that she not only admires him, but has fallen in love with him, has her attitude caused him to give up on her forever?

The usual Julia Quinn Bridgerton novel attitude is there, complete with a feisty heroine who doesn't fit into the "norm" of her time. The hero is a staid, solid, somewhat dull person, or so it seems to Billie. Because he is heir, he has certain rules and obligations that his younger brothers do no have to adhere to. With Billie and George, it's almost like oil and water, but yet there is some magic that happens when these two are forced to see each other through new eyes. With sexual tension slow creeping along until a very heated scene, it builds up the romance nicely. The next few books should prove even more worthy of a read.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Jones
Rating: 4

Under the Desert Sky by Sara Luck is a unique romance worth the read!

UNDER THE DESERT SKY
Sara Luck
Pocket Books
ISBN# 978-1-5011-3055-1
April 2016
Historical Romance

In the Arizona Territory, Phoebe Sloan is trying hard to make ends meet after her husband dies, leaving her behind with a young son. She makes a last ditch venture with ostriches, selling the prized feathers that are in high demand for big city women in order to keep her son's heritage. However, someone is bent on having her fail and isn't pulling any punches.

Christian De Wet is bringing two quality ostriches to the U.S. from his homeland of South Africa. When he arrives in Arizona and meets with his buyer, he also meets the beautiful widow who is having a run of bad luck. When her nearly ready batch of new eggs are destroyed, he knows it's more than bad luck, so he decides he will help her get on her feet as well as offer some protection. With the attraction nearly instant, Christian and Phoebe draw upon each other for support and eventually love. When the danger escalates, it involves more than the birds, and it may cost Phoebe dearly.

The originality of this book, with the setting and the heroine dealing with ostriches, make this a fascinating read. I enjoyed the details that Ms. Luck puts into this story and the reader can see the historical research that was involved. Christian and Phoebe are both independent and strong, yet there is a vulnerability about them both that draws them to each other. This reads more than your typical romance novel and that is a bonus. Filled with engaging and unique characters, setting and plot, this book feels more like you have traveled back in time and are actually there. A very well constructed story and worth the read.

Reviewed by Jennifer Jones
Rating: 4 1/2

The Study of Seduction by Jeffries is a solid winner!

THE STUDY OF SEDUCTION
The Sinful Suitors Series
Sabrina Jeffries
Pocket Books
ISBN# 978-1-4767-8607-0
April 2016
Historical Romance

Lady Clarissa Lindsey is a beautiful sparkling diamond with a fair amount of willfulness in never wanting to marry. After fending off many suitors, she has been targeted by a determined French Count who seems not to take no for an answer. When her cousin Warren, who has been her protector, must leave in order to find and help her brother in another country, he asks his close friend Edwin, the Earl of Blakeborough, to step in for him. At first, it seems unlikely that these two will agree but it soon becomes dangerously clear that Clarissa needs the protection.

The Count is bent on stalking Clarissa, even to the point of threatening her. Edwin and Clarissa hastily say that they are engaged to be married, hoping that this will put the man off. Yet, it makes matters worse. Finally, seeing no alternative, they wed in haste in order for Edwin to protect Clarissa. With that comes the other realities of marriage and a dark secret is exposed, a secret that has Edwin wanting to protect Clarissa even more. The dangerous Count is still lurking and unwilling to step aside and everything they have could be destroyed if the Count gets his way.

This romance begins slowly enough that the reader is engaged in the characters and their dilemmas. By the time that they agree to marriage, the plot devices are solidly in place to speed this story along. The unknown danger creates a sense of underlying tension without being overly written, making this a very enjoyable read. Edwin and Clarissa may have started off as just friends, but the attraction was there from the beginning and is nicely built upon making this a very believable character driven love story. The Count is a dastardly fellow and a villain worthy of the climactic ending. A wonderful mix of intrigue, passion and love, it's a solid winner.

Reviewed by Jennifer Jones
Rating: 4 1/2

A Churn for the Worse by Laura Bradford

A CHURN FOR THE WORSE
An Amish Mystery
Laura Bradford
ISBN: 978-0-425-27303-6
March 2016
Berkley
Mystery
In Heavenly, Pennsylvania, shop owner Claire Weatherly and Detective Jakob Fisher must work together to figure out a string of robberies and a murder in the Amish community. When an Amish farmer is found dead in his barn, his family believes it is God's will but Detective Fisher knows that the farmer did not hit himself in the head with the shovel found lying beside his body. And then a stranger appears at the farmer's home and money is now missing. Getting to the truth is difficult though because the Amish will not talk to the detective so Claire has to go with him to help.
A CHURN FOR THE WORSE is a good addition to the Amish Mystery series. Watching Claire and Jakob fall more in love, as well as Jakob's increasing contact with his Amish family makes the reader want to know what will happen next to bring them all together. Learning about the Amish way of life is interesting as well. Heavenly seems like a peaceful vacation spot and reading about it lets the reader forget their way of life for a bit. The plot flows nicely and the characters are well defined. A solid read for the series.

Reviewed by Kathy Fisher
Rating: 4

POISONOUS by Allison Brennan

POISONOUS
Allison Brennan
ISBN: 978-1-250-066848
April 2016
Minotaur Books
Teen-aged internet bully Ivy Lake fell off a cliff and the only one that still cares is her mentally challenged eighteen year old step brother, Tommy. He is distraught and doesn't understand why his blended family is now falling apart. A year later, there are still no answers. Tommy thinks if someone could figure out what happened to his step sister, everything will go back to the way it was before so he writes to investigative reporter Maxine Revere. This isn't the type of case Max usually takes on, but something in Tommy's simple honesty gets to her and she wants to help. She travels to Corte Madera, California with her assistant David Kane and is happy that the police are willing to let her be involved. But the more she digs into Tommy's dysfunctional family, the more she thinks this may be a case she cannot solve.
POISONOUS is a fast paced story that will hook you at the beginning and reel you in for the long haul. Each page brings more information to light until you feel like you are Max's assistant and trying hard to figure out what happened to Ivy. When things start going wrong, you will frantically turn pages to try to get to the end before someone else dies. When the ending does come, it is almost in slow motion as you cannot believe where this twisting road has led you. An excellent read! This book is a must for adrenaline junkies of all ages.

Reviewed by Kathy Fisher
Rating: 4

What We Find by Robyn Carr

WHAT WE FIND
Robyn Carr
Mira
ISBN: 978-0-7783-1885-9
April 2016
Contemporary Romance

This newest book by Robyn Carr brings us the first in what I hope will be a new series. Living in Denver, Maggie Sullivan is a neurosurgeon whose world seems to be crashing down. The wrongful death suit brought by parents of a teen who died while under her care, the end of a long term romantic relationship, problems in her medical practice, and the sense that there must be more to life than working all create a crisis. Maggie retreats to her father’s campground and country store in Sullivan’s Crossing, Colorado. This place is her roots, in her family for generations, and she loves it and her father.

Maggie’s life has been complicated. Taken away from Sullivan’s Crossing as a young girl, when her mother divorced her father, she intensely missed the gruff and crusty man whom she adored. When her mom remarried a neurosurgeon her life became focused on the best schools, socially appropriate contacts, and getting into a top tier college. When Maggie found herself fascinated by her stepfather’s profession, she ended up in medical school and residency before becoming a respected and talented neurosurgeon.

Now Maggie has come home to take a break. Almost immediately her father suffers a cardiac incident that necessitates surgery and Maggie realizes that her short break needs to be extended. She’s not really sorry.

There are numerous points in this book when Maggie’s strength and gutsiness emerge and amaze. This is no wimpy intellectual who lives in her head. There’s a strong part of her character that harkens back to Sully and his earthy roots. I really liked that about this woman.

At the same time Cal Jones is taking his own break, getting ready to hike the Continental Divide Trail that bisects the campground. A mysterious, handsome man, he begins helping out at Sullivan’s Crossing and finds himself powerfully drawn to Maggie. Cal has many secrets of his own and must come to some resolution of his past before pursuing a more serious relationship with the complicated Maggie.

As a person who has read every book produced by this talented author I am pleased to say that this novel is well written and fantastic. There is a special ambience about Carr’s writing style that brings the reader into the affective lives of her characters. We understand these people through their dialogue and their multi-dimensional character development. Filled with passion and affect, this book, while not officially listed as such, looks like an excellent start to a new series. Certainly there are characters emerging in this book who could have their own novels. This book reminds me so much of the first Virgin River novel with its focus on real people, family relationships, and finding happiness! Excellent book!

Reviewed by Jeri Neal
Rating: 4 1/2

STONE COLD COWBOY - a western romance sure to please!

STONE COLD COWBOY
Montana Men Series Book Three
Jennifer Ryan
Avon
ISBN# 978-0-06-243532-3
March 2016
Contemporary Western Romance

Rory Kendrick has been trying to find out who is stealing cattle from him and his brothers herd. Following a trail leads him straight into something so horrific, he can't comprehend it. Finding the beautiful Sadie Higgins bound and hung up from a tree with barbed wire both infuriates him and awakens something in him that is more than protective. Getting Sadie help, he figures out that she had been trying to stop the thieves because her brother was one of them. He vows to make whoever did this to her pay for more than the price of the cows.

Sadie tried to stop her brother Conner from stealing the Kendrick cattle, but she didn't count on the men he was running with, especially one they call the Devil, who strung her up. Even though she was lucky she didn't die, she knows that she can't protect her brother anymore. Rory makes her question what it is she feels for him, especially now that she is working at his ranch as a cook. At this close range, something is bound to happen. The romance simmers and then heats up rather hotly. The two are beginning to work on their future plans, what will happen once her brother and his buddies show back up for more?

I was glued to this book from the onset. Sadie is tough but not as mean as the man who nearly killed her. Conner is a typical drug addict, wasting everything and everyone around him, including his own family. I really had no patience with him and wanted to see justice served to them all. The other brothers play a small role in this book, as well as Luna, Sadie's friend. Looks like Colt and Luna may get their own story next!

Reviewed by Jennifer Jones
Rating: 4

An American in Scotland by Karen Ranney

AN AMERICAN IN SCOTLAND
Karen Ranney
Avon
ISBN# 978-0-06-233752-8
March 2016
Historical Romance

Set during the time of the American Civil War, Rose MacIain travels to Scotland to ask for help. She is desperate to sell their cotton so the people on her family's plantation can survive. When Duncan and the MacIain family assume she is a widow who was married to his cousin, they immediately decide to help her. Not correcting them, Rose continues the charade in order to get back to Charleston where she will sell their cotton to Duncan.

Duncan feels she is hiding something, but he never imagined the secret she was withholding. Once he discovers who she really is, they are already enroute to America. Learning about the injustices and horrific conditions with what she faced, he feels more than obligation to her; he is in love with her. However, the threat that Rose faces is more than starvation - it may cost her life.

Ranney does an excellent job of writing about a New York born woman living in the South and what daily life was like for her at this time. Great historical research on her part also imparted new knowledge for me in how Scotland's involvement kept the Civil War going on longer than a few years. Rose's ordeal is very well portrayed and even though I loved Duncan for who he was, Rose was the star in this romance. The romance is steamy, although it wasn't the major player in this book, which reads more like a historical fact story.

Reviewed by Jennifer Jones
Rating: 4 1/2

Caught by You by Jennifer Bernard

CAUGHT BY YOU
Love Between the Bases Series - Book 2
Jennifer Bernard
Avon
ISBN# 978-0-06-237219-2
January 2016
Contemporary Romance

Just in time for baseball season, book two in this series features the sexy catcher of the Kilby Catfish, Mike Solo. With sparks already started in the first book, ALL OF ME, Donna MacIntyre and Mike Solo are headed for an epic romance, plus a few complications. Mike has a vow of celibacy that he begins every year at the start of the season. So at the end of the season, he's thrilled when the feisty red-head finally agrees to hook up with him. Yet he's disappointed and taken aback when she shuts him down without an explanation.

Fast forward to the beginning of the next season - Mike and Donna run into each other again, only this time she looks worse for wear. Delving into the problem, he discovers that her ex is trying to gain custody of her son. Mike has his own issues he's dealing with, too. A marriage proposal seems to be the answer to her prayers, but it may not be the wisest answer considering that their hearts may end up paying the cost.

I enjoyed the first book and definitely feel this one is right there with it or maybe even a little better. Mike and Donna are two sizzling characters that have plenty of attraction, but also good hearts. Mike's vow of celibacy makes for some great scenes and the drama with the custody battle keep the pages turning. Settle in for a major league romance!

Reviewed by Jennifer Jones
Rating: 4

One-Eyed Dukes are Wild by

ONE-EYED DUKES ARE WILD
Dukes Behaving Badly Novel
Megan Frampton
Avon
ISBN# 978-0-06-241278-2
January 2016
Historical Romance

Lady Margaret Sawford is a bit scandalous, doing what she wants (within reason) and living with her sister who is married to a Duke. She is very skilled at cards and uses her skills to win money in order to help the less fortunate women in need. So when she happens upon a sinfully handsome Duke with an eye patch, she thinks he is just the sort of adventure she would like. Imagine her disappointment when the Duke of Lasham turns out to be very proper, very staid and very UN-adventurous. After they meet a again, they form a friendship of sorts; she will introduce him to new adventures and he will be her bodyguard as she goes to seedier places. Margaret is attracted to Lasham but she doesn't want to trap him into marriage, so being scandalously adventurous might just be a bit precarious as well.

The Duke of Lasham has always done the right thing - it's was he was trained and educated to do. On account of his eye-patch, he hates being the object of stares and talk. So he avoids it whenever possible. Then along comes Lady Margaret who makes him want to be adventurous, want something more and yes, want her. However, will he be able to let his guard down long enough to embrace life and a chance for love?

This was a very unusual hero. Lasham had a very strict upbringing, being molded and formed into a Duke at a young age, so he was never allowed to be anything but proper. Then we have Lady Margaret who goes against the rules and her parents in order to live her life as she wants. These two shouldn't be anywhere near right for each other, or should they? They both wage war against their attraction to each other. It was fun to read how these two eventually worked out a way to see each other for who they really are. The secondary characters were an added bonus, with Lasham's friend Jamie giving timely advice to his unadventurous friend, and Margaret's sister Isabella and maid Annie. There is also a wonderful little serial story of Georgiana and the Dragon that was a delight to read as well.

Reviewed by Jennifer Jones
Rating: 4

The Rock by McCarty is one you won't want to put down!

THE ROCK
Highland Guard Series Book 11
Monica McCarty
Pocket Books
ISBN# 978-1-5011-0878-5
December 2015
Historical Romance

The eleventh book in this series follows Robert the Bruce's elite Highland Guard from the time of William Wallace's death to when The Bruce takes Scotland. Each book has dealt with each of his Guard's, their battles, exploits and loyalty to Bruce. With the series almost complete, it is not exactly necessary to read each book in order, but altogether they give a complete picture.

The Rock is Thomas MacGowan's story. The son of the castle blacksmith, he is just a commoner. Yet as a child, he formed friendships with the family in the castle, including Lady Elizabeth Douglas and her brother. He loved Ella from the first moment he laid eyes on her. Everyone, including his father, told him that she could never be his. Thom loved her anyway and when he finally told her, she broke his heart by not returning his feelings as she thought they were just friends. Leaving her and his life as a smithy behind, he had better plans for himself and set out to make them happen.

Lady Elizabeth doesn't understand why Thom can't just go back to being friends. Seeing him again after five years makes her see him in a new light. He's grown into a powerful man and one she can't live without, even if she only wants to be friends. She can't afford to let her confused feelings get in the way because with their stations in life, they could never be together. Even as her brother arranges for her to marry the new Earl of Moray, Thom elicits feelings within her that she can't understand.

Thom has tried to stay away from Ella ever since she broke his heart. Knowing that she is to marry another, he holds out hope that she will admit that there is something more between them than friendship. Time is running out and Elizabeth's brother will do anything to make sure she marries.

I found myself completely absorbed in this book. I have read previous titles in this series, but none captured my attention quite like this one. Thom loves Ella but she doesn't love him, or so she thinks. It takes quite a bit of growing up for Ella to understand what her feelings toward Thom really are. Bound by society's rules, she cannot marry Thom because he's a commoner. Even if they do get together, there are serious repercussions that will happen, so in the event that they can get together, it cannot end well. MacCarty does a great job of historical research, making the reader understand that while Thom makes a great man, warrior and friend, he cannot have Elizabeth. I felt Thom's pain, his anger and resentment towards Elizabeth, but then you also can understand where Ella is coming from. There were a few times I wanted to smack her, but overall, MacCarty leads you down this angst and passion filled labyrinth of romance you don't want to put down.

Reviewed by Jennifer Jones
Rating: 4 1/2

My American Duchess by Eloisa James

MY AMERICAN DUCHESS
Eloisa James
Avon
ISBN# 978-0-06-238943-5
February 2016
Historical Romance

Merry Pelford is on her third fiance. After breaking the first two engagements, she is determined to go through with this one or she will be forced to return to America so as not to live in shame. Lord Cedric Allardyce is the perfect match for her or so she believes until she meets a stranger on a balcony one evening. This stranger and she begin a conversation that leads to her realizing that she is attracted to this man. But her attraction has to be short lived because she realizes later that he is her fiance's twin brother.

The Duke of Trent is upset with his brother for giving their mother's ring to his fiancee. By rights, it is his to give, not Cedric's. However, he decides that the American girl he had quite a stimulating conversation with is the perfect woman for him and sets out to find her. When he discovers that his American girl is betrothed to Cedric, he can't believe it. Even so, he and Merry find themselves in a friendship that wants to be more. Merry soon finds that Cedric is not who she believed him to be and tries to cry off the engagement so that she may leave for America, but he's having none of it. Will she be doomed to marry a man she doesn't love?

I had high hopes for this book because well, Eloisa James. I found a few parts a bit hard to believe. After all, if the Duke and Cedric were twins, how could Merry not recognize that fact when she first met him on the balcony? Then there is another part that leads to same incredulity with them being twins. Merry seems a little flighty, perhaps, even though at the end she does finally fall in love for real and then it is Trent who doesn't believe in love. There is this push and pull with these two that gets a little tiresome with the first half, gains momentum throughout the second half, but then another plot used many times pops up. This is a little disappointing. I give higher marks for the second half, but was overall let down with this book compared to previous ones.

Reviewed by Jennifer Jones
Rating: 3

The Knave of Hearts by Elizabeth Boyle

THE KNAVE OF HEARTS
Rhymes with Love Series - Book Five
Elizabeth Boyle
Avon
ISBN# 978-0-06-228395-5
February 2016
Historical Romance

Boyle's latest book in her Rhymes With Love series features Lavinia Tempest, the twin sister of Louisa, the heroine in THE VISCOUNT WHO LIVED DOWN THE LANE. Having come to London for the season, the girls are hoping for good matches. All hopes go out the window when Lavinia falls on the dance floor at Almack's at her debut, creating a black hole where her future used to be. With invitations withdrawn, she and her sister are getting prepared to leave London as it seems to be the only recourse. That is until Alaster "Tuck" Rowland is able to convince her to stay and try again, with his help.
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Tuck can't forget how she felt in his arms. It's bad enough that he unceremoniously let go of her hand on the dance floor causing her fall, but it's worse that he placed a bet on how he would make her and her sister Diamonds of the season in just two weeks. Even though she knows nothing of the wager (at first), Tuck is able to convince her to stay and bring in his mother and uncle in to help with his plot. But it's he who will need help when he realizes that Lavinia shouldn't be with any other man except him.

This book really needs to be read after the previous book, but it's not truly necessary. Louisa's story is told along with Lavinia's in real time (meaning that even though we know Louisa's story, it is seen through Lavinia's eyes in this one). I liked the fact that this book started off a bit different. Tuck is the friend that stayed behind while his friends Piers and Poldie went off to war, with only Piers coming back. Everyone thinks he's a coward for not going and he does seem to give off a carefree air about him, but inside he's guilt ridden. He doesn't believe he is the right man for Lavinia, so when the ending comes, it's no surprise that it's Lavinia that takes matters into her own hands. Quite an enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Jennifer Jones
Rating: 4 1/2

A wonderful addition to this new Series by McQuiston

THE SPINSTER'S GUIDE TO SCANDALOUS BEHAVIOR
The Seduction Diaries Book 2
Jennifer McQuiston
Avon
ISBN# 978-0-06-233512-8
December 2015
Historical Romance

Book two in this series features Lucy Westmore, the sister of the heroine of the first book - Diary of an Accidental Wallflower. Lucy is a bit out of the ordinary compared to other girls and her sisters. She loves wearing trousers and working in her greenhouse. Her mother is quite adamant that Lucy find herself a husband this coming season (she is twenty one) and Lucy feels the walls closing in on her. Then she receives a letter from her recently deceased spinster Aunt E, who has left her a cottage on the Cornwall coast. She also is quite livid to discover that her father has "sold" it without her knowledge or consent. Taking claim to her life, she cuts her hair, dresses as a boy, and heads to Lizard Bay to see her cottage herself.

Lord Thomas Branston has left London Society after losing his sister. At her funeral, Thomas is also dumped by his fiancee. He heads out of London and stays away for three years. Buying the Heathmore Cottage is something he wants more than anything. He doesn't expect to see the actual owner dressed as a boy and refusing to sell him the property now that he's invested in some of the repairs. Any amount he offers her only seems to make her even angrier.

They both end up heading to Lizard Bay on the same train, and they continually butt heads throughout her stay in Lizard Bay. She's also quite upset that no one in town wants to take her to the hard to find cottage. She blames him for this, as well as creating a "ghostly" presence in the wind that howls around the cottage. Thomas isn't going anywhere and the more he's around Lucy, with a few kisses to add, the more she understands why her aunt thought so highly of him. Reading her aunt's diaries, Lucy is able to understand who her Aunt E was really and why she left her the cottage in the first place. When Lucy discovers the secret to the property and what Thomas didn't tell her, will Lucy be able to look past the hurt in order to see the real treasure of love?

I adored this book, with it's quaint town of Lizard Bay and the delightful people that inhabit it. Lucy was not one of my favorites in this book for the first half. She prejudges and is quite rude nearly all the time towards Thomas. I get that he tried to buy her property without talking to her, but to me that wasn't enough to keep talking to him like he was a bad dog every moment forward. Thomas is a beautiful hero, profoundly devoted to his sister and what happened to her was enough to send him into the countryside indefinitely. He's smart, industrious and has quite the capacity for taking a verbal beating. The romance between them is warm and fuzzy with a few high spots of heated passion. As I mentioned, the secondary characters of the town round this romance out to the point of having me wish there were further books set in this charming town.

Reviewed by Jennifer Jones
Rating: 4 1/2

Dukes Prefer Blondes by Loretta Chase

DUKES PREFER BLONDES
Dressmakers Series Book Four
Loretta Chase
Avon
ISBN# 978-0-06-210034-4
January 2016
Historical Romance

The last book in her Dressmakers Series, Chase brings us Lady Clara Fairfax's unlikely romance with a barrister.

Oliver Radford and Lady Clara Fairfax first met when they were children and have met again years later when she seeks out his help to find a missing boy. Their banter back and forth create an unlikely attraction, especially since Clara has been bored with all her recent marriage proposals because she is so infinitely beautiful. She wishes for someone to actually see her for something other than her looks or social status, but when someone does, can she really see him?

Radford enjoys Clara's quick wit and she seems unimpressed with him for the most part. The girl he knew before has transformed into more than a beauty. Radford wants nothing to do with the aristocracy (even though he's in line to be a Duke) and Clara has been born and bred for nothing but being a Duchess. Can these two who should have nothing in common, let alone a romance, be able to forget the rules and find true love?

This book, for the most part, was hard for me to get into. I enjoyed the first part, where Radford endured bullying by his cousins for being nerdy and odd. He met Clara back then and she came to his rescue, she got a chip in her tooth because of it. Years later, Clara and Radford meet again now that he is a barrister. His family isn't the sort that is involved with the aristocracy (his mother was a divorced woman when she married his father, who also a barrister). Lady Clara goes against everything to be with Radford and that's romantic in itself, but the romance as a whole was slow to develop and maybe that's why it was hard for me to get into it. I found myself skipping pages, which is never a good sign.

Reviewed by Jennifer Jones
Rating: 3

Latest J.D. Robb is a solid read

BROTHERHOOD IN DEATH
In Death Series #42
J.D. Robb
Berkley Books
ISBN: 978-0-698-16148-1
February 2016
Fiction

Dealing with murder is not an easy task, yet LT. Eve Dallas and the homicide division of the NYPSD makes it a priority every time they catch a case — regardless of the victim.

Eve’s latest case is not yet a murder but hits too close to home. When Dennis Mira is attacked and his cousin missing, Eve wastes no time in trying to figure out what happened. Needing to first clear Dennis of any wrongdoing, Eve questions him as she would we any other person of interest. As the investigation progresses, secrets are revealed and the body of Edward Mira is found. Shortly after Edward Mira’s body is found, another man goes missing, then his body is found; yet another man is missing and so begins the race to find him before its too late. Now — its murder.

Eve is having a tough time with the attack on Dennis Mira and at the same time appears to be her most vulnerable. Charlotte and Dennis Mira are more than family friends. Long-time readers of this series are aware of Eve’s progress toward acceptance of family and friends. This story give readers another glimpse at how she continues to easily accept all of the people in her life.

BROTHERHOOD IN DEATH delves into the dark world of a college brotherhood, a fraternity like organization, where unspeakable acts of depravity started and continued through the decades. Now, retribution is the motive and nothing short of death will do.

Another solid entry in the In Death series that is sure to keep readers turning the pages or swiping until the very last page.

Reviewed By Monica Solomon

Rating: 4

Step By Step

STEP BY STEP
Crisis Team series
Candace Calvert
February 2016
ISBN:978-1-4143-9034-5
Tyndale
Christian Fiction - Romance

Three years after a tragic accident left her a widow, ER nurse Taylor Cabot is determined to move on. Her relationship with a handsome plastic surgeon gives her hope of stepping back into life. While in San Diego to train community volunteers Seth hopes to learn why Taylor is moving away from the crisis team and their friendship. He is not prepared to see her with another man. When a community crisis hits, emotions run high and truths ooze out. Will they make it through this?

STEP BY STEP is the first book of this series that I have read. Not knowing the back story did not stall the story line at all. Many references to older books were made so that the reader could jump right in. It is a well written, easily flowing story line. I will look up other books in this series in order to know Taylor and Seth better.

Reviewed by Kathy Fisher
Rating: 4

The Great Christmas Knit-Off

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS KNIT-OFF
Alexandra Brown
December 2015
ISBN: 978-0-06-238980-0
Harper Collins
Mystery

Sybil has always taken comfort in knitting and creating beautiful garments. But when her fiancé ditches her for her identical twin sister, things go from bad to worse. She also may be losing her job. To escape, she sets off to visit her friend Cher in Tindledale, a winter wonderland of quaint shops and snowy rooftops. Sybil is embraced by the town and when the owner of a vintage clothing boutique asks her to make an assortment of knits for their display window, she is thrilled. Hoping to heal her broken heart, the town doctor has even taken an interest in her. But right when she thinks things will be ok, her whole life begins to unravel.

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS KNIT-OFF takes a few chapters to figure out what is going on. The characters are very likable but the setting is a little odd at first. Soon, you feel like you have been taken back into time and the rest of the story flows nicely. It was a fun read.

Reviewed by Kathy Fisher
Rating: 3

To Helvetica and Back

TO HELVETICA AND BACK
A Dangerous Type Mystery
Paige Shelton
January 2016
ISBN: 978-0-425-27725-6
Berkley
Mystery

Star City is known for its slopes and powder. Nestled in the valley of this ski resort town is a side street full of shops that specialize in the simple charms of a time gone by. One of those shops is The Rescued Word, where Chester Henry and his granddaughter, Clare, lovingly repair old typewriters and restore old books. When a stranger in town demands they turn over an antique Underwood typewriter they are repairing, Clare feels she may need to be the one rescued. Later when the man's body is found in the back alley, Clare begins to wonder what did he really want with that typewriter?

TO HELVETICA AND BACK is the first in a new series full of family connections and old time charm. An easy read that flows well with characters that feel like old friends and a story line that connects easily, this series will soon be one of your favorite. A wonderful new read!

Reviewed by Kathy Fisher
Rating: 4

NEW WHITE HOUSE CHEF MYSTERY

FOREIGN ECLAIRS
A White House Chef Mystery
Julie Hyzy
ISBN: 978-0-425-26240-5
January 2016
Berkley
Mystery

White House executive chef Ollie Paras has served plenty of meals but things are starting to heat up for her. News of a bombing and attempted breakout at a federal prison reveals that the brother of a terrorist she helped to defeat is back with a vengeance. After she gets mugged, Ollie wonders if she is now a target. When a White House staff member is murdered, the officials know there is a security breach. Now Ollie is going to have to trade in her apron for a bullet proof vest.

FOREIGN ECLAIRS is a wonderful addition to the White House Chef Mystery series. Be prepared though, the ending will leave you hanging from a cliff. I have read this series since the beginning and have never been disappointed. This one is no exception! Ollie is a strong woman that we all can envy, except when she is being mugged......

Reviewed by Kathy Fisher
Rating: 4

Daisies for Innocence

DAISIES FOR INNOCENCE
An Enchanted Garden Mystery
Bailey Cattrell
January 2016
ISBN: 978-0-451-47688-3
Obsidian
Mystery

Ellie's life has blossomed in Poppyville, CA, since she opened Scents and Nonsense, a custom made perfume store. Her skills with herbal essences seem almost supernatural. Customers are flocking to her store to buy her wares or to sit in her garden, sip tea, and enjoy the homemade cookies. However, she knows there will be trouble when she finds out her part time assistant, Josie, is dating her ex. Before she can warn the girl, she finds her dead in the Enchanted Garden. Now she is the prime suspect and needs to search for the real culprit in Josie's past. Not an easy feat.

DAISIES FOR INNOCENCE is the first in a new series. It is well written, flows at a steady pace and introduces you to characters that you want as friends. It was easy to become immersed in the story line and to be surprised at the ending. I am eagerly awaiting the next release to this one.

Reviewed by Kathy Fisher
Rating: 4

NEW MYSTERY FROM KELLY LANE

ONE FOOT IN THE GROVE
An Olive Grove Mystery
Kelly Lane
January 2016
ISBN:978-0-425-27722-5
Berkley
Mystery

After leaving a man at the altar for the second time in her life, Eva Knox decides she needs to head home and regroup. But going home is not easy, people have not forgotten or forgiven her for leaving local boy Buck Tanner at the altar eighteen years ago. A death on her family's farm soon makes her the lead suspect and the sheriff investigating is none other than Eva's old flame Buck. With the police putting the squeeze on her, Eva and her sisters will have to step up to the plate before Eva is the next victim.

ONE FOOT IN THE GROVE is the first in a new series. With a beautiful setting, true small town story line, and strong women as characters, it has all the ingredients of a good mystery. A little slow getting started, the ending makes up for it. I look forward to the next installment.

Reviewed by Kathy Fisher
Rating: 3

RETURN TO MUSTANG CREEK

CHRISTMAS IN MUSTANG CREEK
The Brides of Bliss County
Linda Lael Miller
HQN
ISBN:  978-0373779086
October 2015
Contemporary Romance

This latest book in the popular Brides of Bliss County series tells the story of Charlotte Morgan, living in New York City as a successful advertising staffer.  Born and raised in Mustang Creek, Wyoming she has worked hard to escape her small town roots.  When she finds herself without a job, the hustle and bustle of the big city and the impersonal part of her life are too much and she packs up and goes home.

Charlotte has been raised by her great-aunt Geneva who has moved to assisted living after experiencing memory problems.  Her ark of a house is ready for Charlotte and her aunt’s friend, Millicent Klozz, is staying there with Mutley and Can-Can, her aunt’s pets.  Mrs. Klozz is a wonderful cook and the descriptions of her baked goods and meals are a bonus of this book

There is one regret that Charlotte has about New York City and it involves a veterinarian, Jaxon Locke, whom she met online.  His life was not focused on the city and they break up when he wants to return out west.  What Charlotte does not know is that he has tracked her to Mustang Creek and has taken a job with a local vet.  When they meet at the local inn, in a snowstorm, Charlotte is immediately suspicious of the handsome and charming Dr. Locke and wonders why he is showing up in her small hometown.

This charming story gets more and more interesting with many interventions from Mrs. Klozz and Aunt Geneva.  Jaxon and Charlotte are thrown together constantly in and out of the house.  This charming Christmas story is a very satisfying read that catches us up to the “brides” of previous books.  No one tells a holiday story quite like Linda Lael Miller and this one will not disappoint.  I read this in one sitting!

Reviewed by Jeri Neal
Rating:  4

ANOTHER TERRIFIC BOOK BY KRISTAN HIGGINS!

ANYTHING FOR YOU
A Blue Heron Novel
Kristan Higgins
HQN
ISBN:  978-0-373-78908-5
January 2016
Contemporary Romance

The latest in the Blue Heron series gives us Connor O’Rourke’s story.  A talented chef and the co-owner of a successful bar and grill with his sister Colleen, Connor has nurtured his love for Jessica Dunn for over ten years.  He has had many roadblocks in the relationship, most notably Jessica’s insistence that he really doesn’t love her and their relationship can go nowhere.  The book begins with Connor proposing to Jessica and her casual denial, dismissing his serious intent.  At least Jessica wants you to think it is casual.  Readers soon learn otherwise.

Jessica, who I completely adored, is a complicated young woman.  Raised in an affluent town by poor trailer trash severely alcoholic parents, she has been the parent to her younger brother for most of her life.  Handicapped and prone to rage, Davey is her complete responsibility.  Her mother has died and her father has disappeared, likely lost in his alcoholic misery.  Jessica works as a waitress and has managed to rent a small house for herself and Davey.  She expects to spend the rest of her life caring for him.

Connor has an unfortunate history with the Dunn family, having been mauled by the family pit bull when he rode his bike by their house.  Jessica’s father blamed Connor for the dog being removed by animal control and unfortunately Davey specifically blames Connor.  His attempts years later, to woo Davey through cooking and picking out a dog are hilarious and creative.

Swirling around in the book are all the past characters from favorite Blue Heron books including Connor and Colleen’s divorced parents, Colleen and Lucas, the whole family from the vineyard, the Manningsport Animal Shelter, and all the other colorful and zany characters we’ve known and loved.

This story made me laugh and cry and through it all, cheering heartily for the gutsy young woman who is trying so hard to pull herself up from her beginnings.  Connor just wants her to believe that he loves her.  This all makes for a wonderfully entertaining book filled with humor and proof of the power of love.  Thoroughly enjoyed this book!
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Reviewed by:  Jeri Neal
Rating:  4 1/2

                                               HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL

Now that The Romance Readers' Connection is back to it's standard Review Postings, you'll see that we have got quite a few reviews to post. We'll be issuing reviews that were delayed because our schedules did not allow us to get them out by the book's release date. You'll see these shortly and I know you'll be wondering why you're seeing reviews from last spring and summer but the intention is to not ignore a review on any book no matter how long it's been in our possession.

For the more recent reviews, you'll just need to scroll beyond this message. 

2016 promises to be a wonderful year for us booklovers. January alone has some wonderful releases, the latest Julie Hyzy White House Chef Mystery, Joan Johnston's latest Bitter Creek Novel, and historical romances by author Loretta Chase and Megan Frampton. For those of you following  Jennifer Bernard's Love Between The Bases novels there is a new release in that series as well.
We will also at some point address Tiffany Snow's Risky Business books that started in 2015. The latest release in that series is due in stores shortly and I think the story line alone is prompting a lot of discussion. So sit back, relax and experience the winter months in comfort with plenty of great new books to read.

As you can see we will be busy in 2016 so make sure you keep following us.

Until next month,

HAPPY READING!

Livia
 

TAKE ME ALL THE WAY
Coral Cove Series (Book 3)
Toni Blake
Avon
ISBN #978-0-06-239258-9
December 2015
Contemporary Romance

Jeremy Sheridan is home from the war in Afghanistan. However, suffering from PTSD is keeping him from living, so he decides to leave Destiny, Ohio and head to Coral Cove, Florida to start over. There, he tries to find a place for himself and makes a rather bad start of things. Wanting to give him a chance, Reece helps him with a place to live. Then, Jeremy risks his new found life over a cat.

Tamra Day is designing a new mini golf course for the town as they try to bring life and spark back to Coral Cove. When she spies a homeless man get into a fight and then carted off to jail, she knows her decision to swear off men was right even as she still longs for a relationship. Imagine her shock when the same homeless man shows up to build her golf course! Jeremy Sheridan is not what she had in mind, for that, or for a relationship. Slowly, she unravels the mystery of this new man in town. Sometimes things and people are not as they first appear.

I have been hooked on Toni Blake's books since SUGAR CREEK of her Destiny Series. Each book tends to add onto the other, and the Coral Cove Series is separate but still tied to the first series. Jeremy is Tessa's (WHISPER FALLS) brother. I found the trauma of Jeremy's war experience to be very believable without overwhelming the story. Tamra has kept everyone at arm's length for fear of getting hurt, but she decides to take a chance on someone at the risk of her heart. The attraction is pretty quick, even after Tamra believes him be a horrid person. Once they start peeling back the layers of each other, the sparks fly! I also loved the secondary characters, revisiting a few previous ones, and also the cat. Blake's books make you feel romantic and hopeful. Can't wait for the next one!

Reviewed by Jennifer Jones
Rating: 4

THE STRIKER
Highland Guard Series Book 11
Monica McCarty
Pocket Books
ISBN# 978-1-5011-0870-9
Dec 2015
Historical Romance

When Eoin (pronounced Owen) "Striker" MacLean sets eyes on Margaret MacDowell, he can't get her out of his head. Beautiful and spirited, she is also the daughter of his enemy. Try as he might, he can't stay away from her, giving her his heart and his name, even as he plans on never telling her he's with Robert the Bruce's Highland Guard. After he secretly marries her, he leaves her with his family as he heads off time and again for Robert. He never thinks one day she would betray him.

Maggie fell hard for Eoin, loving him with all she had. Yet, each time he leaves her, his family and his friend make it impossible to stay. So she leaves to go back to her home, unaware the chain of events that are set in motion, one of which leads to Eoin's death. Pregnant and in heartbreak, she is forced to raise her son alongside her father, who teaches him how to hate. Maggie agrees to marry again after six years, but on the day of the wedding, she comes face to face with her long dead husband, Eoin, who is very much alive.

Eoin has so much bitterness over his wife's betrayal, he's let her believe he was dead all these years, but now, he cannot let her marry another. Forced to come to terms with their past, their heartbreak and their subsequent reunion, Eoin and Maggie work together to try and get their son away from her father. Being together also makes them realize that they never stopped loving each other, but surrounded with so much misunderstanding and heartache, will they be able to open up to each other, or is it too much to overcome?

I enjoyed reading some previous books in this series about the Highland Guard. McCarty has done a lot of historical research of Robert the Bruce (who incidentally is an ancestor of mine) and it shows in her plots and storylines. Eoin is a hard man, sworn fealty to the would be King. However, keeping his wife aside, not talking to her, leaving her to fend for herself makes him a little less likable. Maggie is a bit of a wild child, often mistaken for a loose woman by her manner of dress and appearance. This is one of the things that draws Eoin to her. I found that if these two ever talked to each other at the beginning, it would have saved them six years of heartache and their marriage. The story opens up present day, switches to seven years prior, and then swings back to present. A lot goes on in this historical romance, especially historical elements, which may or may not be everyone's cup of tea. All in all, a good read that I couldn't put down.

Reviewed by Jennifer Jones
Rating: 4