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