Romance, February 15, 2011
Feb 15, 2011
SMALL-TOWN SETTINGS in romance are all the rage lately. Cities, of course, continue to be in vogue for certain subgenres (e.g., urban romantic fantasy), but for contemporaries in particular it seems as if everyone is headed for small-town or rural America. In some cases, the books are freestanding, but others are parts of ongoing series that center on the lives of people in one particular town or rural area. Typically, each book features a complete romance while bringing in numerous characters, most of whose lives progress from book to book.
The reasons for this are not totally clear, but it has been suggested that with the current social and economic turmoil, people want a simpler, more peaceful, safer life, and for many, small towns represent just that. Others have proposed the notion that small-town settings are ideal for the current spate of linked books because they provide a familiar, generally closed environment to which readers enjoy returning. Whatever the reason, small towns and their inhabitants have readers hooked, and they don’t appear to be losing popularity anytime soon. A small sampling of the current offerings are reviewed below.
AMERICAN IDYLLS
Anderson, Catherine. Here To Stay. Signet: NAL.(Harrigan Family). Feb. 2011. 411p. ISBN 9780451232410. pap. $7.99. CONTEMPORARY
Long the family hellion, successful horse trainer Zack Harrigan rethinks his life after yet another barroom brawl—this time defending a blind man from a bully—and takes a hard look at training miniature horses as service guides. His work with the miniature Rosebud attracts the attention of Mandy Pajeck, who is desperate to find a service animal for her blind and difficult 19-year-old brother. While Zach has serious doubts about letting Rosebud work with Mandy’s belligerent, spoiled sibling, he has no doubts about her. Her way with horses is magical and so is her way into his heart. But Mandy has no plans to marry—anyone. VERDICT Long noted for her remarkable ability to incorporate into her fiction with seamless sensitivity serious social issues and physical disabilities, Anderson has done it again, beautifully, penning another heartwarming classic overflowing with family, ranch life detail, humor, and love. A touching addition to the “Harrigan Family” series. Anderson (Early Dawn) lives in central Oregon.
Freethy, Barbara. At Hidden Falls. Pocket Star: S. & S. (Angel’s Bay, Bk. 4). Feb. 2011. c.400p. ISBN 9781439176498. pap. $7.99. CONTEMPORARY
When strange dreams of Angel’s Bay, a place she’s never been but where her police chief brother now lives, sends costume designer Isabella Silveira to the oceanside town, the last thing she expects is to slide off the treacherous road and be rescued from near death by Nick Hartley, a man she recognizes—from her dreams. Momentary attraction arcs between them, and while Nick has a rebellious teenage daughter who needs his attention and Isabella is focused on understanding and stopping the impending danger she senses, it’s only a matter of time before they are forced to deal with their feelings. A missing teenage mom, the search to identify the baby’s father, a long-ago deadly theater fire, and a mysterious pendant combine in this gently suspenseful romance that pairs a psychic heroine with a wary hero and keeps the action on target. VERDICT Once again, Angel’s Bay shines in Freethy’s talented hands as she updates the lives of continuing characters, adds several memorable new ones, and dusts it all with magic and hope. Another quietly insightful novel from an expert. Freethy (Suddenly One Summer) lives in the San Francisco area.
Garlock, Dorothy. Keep a Little Secret. Grand Central. Mar. 2011. c.384p. ISBN 9780446540124. $24.99; pap. ISBN 9780446540148. $13.99. HISTORICAL
Just arrived to take a teaching position in tiny Sawyer, OK, Minnesota native Charlotte Tucker is surprised to be both annoyed by and attracted to moody, rude Owen Wallace, one of the ranch hands at the spread where she will be living. The attraction between them is mutual, but Owen is on a deadly mission of his own, and he’s not about to let anyone, not even Charlie, change his mind. Still, she has to try. VERDICT Anger, regret, and revenge are the driving forces in this action-packed story that in classic Garlock style brings 1939 rural Oklahoma to vivid life, gives readers a sweet pair of rewarding love stories, produces a villain or two, and dramatically dishes out justice. This follow-up to Stay a Little Longer should please the author’s many fans. Garlock lives in Clear Lake, IA.
March, Emily. Angel’s Rest. (Eternity Springs, Bk. 1). Feb. 2011. ISBN 9780345518347.
March, Emily. Hummingbird Lake. (Eternity Springs, Bk. 2). Mar. 2011. ISBN 9780345518361.
ea. vol: Ballantine. c.336p. pap. $7.99. CONTEMPORARY
Mystical, magical, and possibly angel-touched, the tiny, isolated community of Eternity Springs was founded in 1888 by a trio of miners who struck it rich in silver high in the Colorado Rockies and named for its restorative hot springs. The town flourished then dwindled as a result of family feuds and enmities, and today, with 827 permanent residents, it is fighting to survive as the special, conceivably bewitched place it is. In Angel’s Rest, averted from a suicide attempt when he was tackled by a mangy boxer on a snowy Colorado mountainside, landscape architect Gabe Callahan, devastated by the deaths of his wife and young son, finds the same dog caught in a trap and takes him to the local, very attractive vet, Nicole Sullivan. But this is just the beginning, and as Gabe is reluctantly drawn into the life of the town, agreeing to design a healing center around the legendary hot springs and dealing with the dog who thinks he is its owner, Gabe slowly begins to heal—and then a passionate Christmas Eve sends his life, as well as Nic’s, into a tailspin. Bridal skeletons, silver bars, and old secrets add zing to this sweet, touching story that takes a pair of emotionally wounded souls and gives them a gentle, angelic shove in the direction they both know they want to go.
In Hummingbird Lake, Sage Anderson, establishing a new artistic life in Eternity Springs after a mentally debilitating, lethal tour of duty with Doctors Without Borders as a pediatric surgeon in Africa, is terrified when her lessening bouts of post-traumatic stress disorder spike after she is called upon in an emergency to deliver her friend’s twins. Her painting has always helped keep the flashbacks in check, but now the nightmarish episodes are returning, and keeping them secret will be harder than ever, especially when perceptive scientist Colt Rafferty gets involved. Longstanding family issues, mental and physical illness, and a dash of evil drive the conflict in this tense but ultimately uplifting story that reprises old characters, introduces some new ones, and lets love work its healing magic. VERDICT March also writes lighthearted romantic comedies as Geralyn Dawson; she lives in Texas. Her new series gets off to a satisfying start and will appeal to fans of Debbie Macomber and Marilyn Pappano’s “Bethlehem” series. [Heartache Falls, the next in the series, will be out in May 2011.]
MORE IDYLLIC SETTINGS
Alexander, Victoria. The Perfect Mistress. Zebra: Kensington. Feb. 2011. c.400p. ISBN 9781420117059. pap. $7.99. HISTORICAL
Caught between poverty and selling the rights to her great-grandmother’s scandalous memoirs, Lady Julia Winterset suddenly finds herself at odds with Harrison Landingham, the Earl of Mountdale, the proper son of one of her great-grandmother’s ex-lovers. There is no way that Harrison will allow the book, The Perfect Mistress, to be published (even though his elderly father is totally flattered and thinks it’s just fine). Julia has little choice, so Harrison decides on a seductive plan of his own. VERDICT A hero caught between scandal and desire, a heroine desperate to stay solvent, and a flamboyant, freethinking ghost set the waters roiling in this lively, sensual Victorian romance. Another link in Alexander’s growing chain of winners. Alexander (Desires of a Perfect Lady) lives in Omaha.
Guhrke, Laura Lee. Scandal of the Year. Avon. (Abandoned at the Altar, Bk. 2). Feb. 2011. 356p. ISBN 9780061963162. pap. $7.99. HISTORICAL
Aidan Carr, the twice-jilted Duke of Trathen, is in search of a suitable wife, and the last thing he needs back in his life and haunting his thoughts is Lady Julia Yardley, the outrageously unconventional divorcée who scandalized society and nearly ruined him the year before by naming him as the “other man” in her divorce proceedings. But Julia needs to pay her debts, and Aidan needs a social secretary, and so the mysterious Mrs. Boodle, the duke’s reputedly stout, middle-aged, widowed secretary, is born, throwing the wary pair together and opening the door to the fierce emotions that still sizzle between them—and their scandalous potential. Well-done, critically placed flashbacks add character depth and historical perspective, while period references, such as the heroine’s love of her Mercedes motorcar, keep readers firmly aware of the early Edwardian setting. VERDICT Witty banter, lively humor, and electric sexual tension provide an exquisite counterpoint to the more serious issues of spousal abuse and the lack of women’s rights in this poignant, passionate, spicy story that pairs a marriage-averse heroine with a caring, determined hero and stretches out the disquiet until the very end. Readers will sigh with delicious relief when the final page is turned in the latest stunning addition to Guhrke’s “Abandoned at the Altar” series. RITA Award winner Guhrke (Wedding of the Season) lives in Idaho.
Hayes, Gwen. Falling Under. NAL: Penguin Group (USA). Mar. 2011. c.336p. ISBN 9780451232687. pap. $9.99. PARANORMAL
Falling for a stranger, or anyone at all for that matter, is totally out of character for quiet Theia Alderson. Yet when stunningly handsome Haden Black shows up at her small-town high school, she recognizes him as the same seductive boy who has been haunting her surreal dreams and is irresistibly drawn to him, despite the mixed signals he sends out. But Haden is not what he seems, and when Theia discovers the truth and the part she was slated to play in Haden’s life, she realizes that it might be up to her—with a little help from her friends—to change things. VERDICT In an eerie, intriguing YA debut that is sure to have some crossover appeal for Twilight fans of all ages, Hayes has spun a magical, sometimes terrifying tale of teens caught at the intersection of the human and demon worlds and their struggle to save their souls and escape the evil that could destroy them both. Hayes lives in the Pacific Northwest.
James, Eloisa. When Beauty Tamed the Beast. Avon. Feb. 2011. c.384p. ISBN 9780062021274. pap. $7.99. HISTORICAL
Her vivacious beauty, a rejection by her current princely flirt, and a series of false assumptions have the entire ton gleefully thinking Linnet Berry Thrynne is carrying a royal bastard—and, therefore, is now unmarriageable. So she finds herself accompanying the Duke of Windebank to the wilds of Wales as the perfect bride for his son, a brilliant physician and impotent nobleman with a beastly reputation, in order to ensure the succession. But Linnet is not pregnant, and Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant, is not impotent. He is, however, in possession of a rather beastly temper, rude manners, and a determination not to marry or fall in love—a challenge that Linnet is more than willing to accept. Stubborn, passionate, and complex characters; a darkly romantic setting (a marvelous tide-filled pool comes to mind); and a fascinating dose of realistic historical medical detail thanks to a scarlet fever epidemic add to James’s latest winner. VERDICT Graced with sly humor, addictive dialog, elegant prose, and a skillfully woven subtext, this smart, deliciously sensual twist on a fairy tale classic is a breathtaking addition to James’s series of reimagined fairy tales. Readers will be clambering for more. James (A Kiss at Midnight) lives in the New York City area.
Jeffries, Sabrina. How To Woo a Reluctant Lady. Pocket Star: S. & S. (Hellions of Halstead Hall, Bk. 3). Feb. 2011. c.350p. ISBN 9781439167557. pap. $7.99. HISTORICAL
Frustrated by her grandmother’s edict that she, like the rest of her siblings, marry within the year or have her funds cut off, Lady Minerva Sharpe sets out to beat her grandmother at her own game. She will become engaged to a scoundrel and force Gran to relent. When Giles Masters, a rogue she has found fascinating since childhood and now the model for the spy hero in the romantic novels she writes, appears in response to her startling public announcement that she is interviewing applicants for a husband, Minerva decides that he is perfect for her fake engagement scheme. But Giles has plans of his own, and they definitely don’t include anything fake. An independent, marriage-wary heroine and a smart, determined hero with hidden depth set tongues wagging and sparks flying in this effervescent romp. VERDICT Vastly appealing characters, witty badinage, and a lively sense of fun make this a delightful read and a welcome installment in Jeffries’s latest series. Jeffries (A Hellion in Her Bed) lives in Cary, NC.
Scott, Amanda. Highland Master. Forever: Grand Central. (Scottish Knights). Feb. 2011. c.400p. ISBN 9780446574310. pap. $7.99. HISTORICAL
When independent, fiercely loyal Catriona Mackintosh finds a wounded man on her clan’s land and brings him home to heal, she is surprised to learn that he was on his way to talk with the leader of Clan Chattan, her grandfather. What she doesn’t know is that “Fin of the Battles” swore an oath four years earlier to avenge the death of his father by killing the Clan Chattan war leader, Catriona’s father. A conflicted hero, a fearless heroine, a tricky political situation, and irresistible love propel this adventure to a surprising, most rewarding conclusion, with all the flair one has come to expect from a literary “Highland Master” like Scott. VERDICT Once again, Scott’s deep knowledge of Scottish history combines with her strong, superbly rendered characters, intricate plotting, and passionate motivations in a riveting tale of love, loyalty, courage, and revenge to add another colorful thread to her vivid medieval-romance tapestry; the first in a new series. Scott (Tempted by a Warrior) lives in Folsom, CA.
VALENTINE'S DAY TREATS
While romance can blossom all year long, Valentine’s Day brings love to the fore, and contemporary series romances—be they suspenseful, sexy, sassy, or sweet—are among the best at making sure that the holiday doesn’t go unnoticed.
Davis, Justine & Cindy Dees. Deadly Valentine. Silhouette Romantic Suspense. Feb. 2011. c.224p. ISBN 9780373277155. pap. $4.99. ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Chocolates and champagne are definitely off the menu as the characters in this duo of adrenaline-charged novellas are plunged into secrets-laden Valentine’s Day adventures that are intense, dangerous, and darkly romantic. A CEO’s administrative assistant is kidnapped at gunpoint by a nerdy new hire who morphs into someone totally unexpected in Her Un-Valentine, Davis’s tense story of deranged obsession and corporate theft. In Dees’s The February 14th Secret, a letter from Layla’s childhood friend who died in the Middle East precipitates a Valentine’s Day meeting with a stranger looking for answers and sends them both on the run from murderous thugs as they try to unlock a dangerous mental mystery. VERDICT With clever plots, sexy heroes, and nonstop pacing, this twinset from two of this line’s most popular writers is just the thing for readers who like their Valentine’s Day treats edged in thrills and lightly sprinkled with blood.
Michaels, Tanya. His Valentine Surprise. Harlequin American Romance. Feb. 2011. c.224p. ISBN 9780373753475. pap. $4.99. CONTEMPORARY
When Santa doesn’t come through with a new mommy for Christmas, six-year-old Vicki Hathaway decides she needs to take matters into her own hands—so she emails the entire PTA saying she needs a mother and her daddy needs someone to be his Valentine, landing them both in the principal’s office. But young, attractive Shay Morgan is not the principal/sporting-goods store manager Mark Hathaway had expected, and although they clash from the start, they can’t deny the attraction between them. VERDICT Funny, sweet, and overflowing with small-town flavor, including some depressingly accurately described secondary characters, this light, frothy romance is a fun, quick read and, despite a too-easy solution to one problem, is sure to keep fans entertained. Michaels (Texas Baby) lives in Georgia.
Radley, Tessa. The Boss’s Baby Affair. Silhouette Desire. Feb. 2011. c.192p. ISBN 9780373730803. pap. $4.75. CONTEMPORARY
Shocked and furious when he returns from a business trip to find a stranger looking after his infant daughter, widowed garden center mogul Nick Valentine, set on confrontation, is caught completely off guard by his visceral attraction to the new nanny, pediatric nurse Candace Morrison, as well as by her obvious love for his daughter. Candace feels the sensual pull as well, but she is hiding a secret that could turn Nick’s well-ordered world upside down—once she tells him (and he accepts) the truth. VERDICT Lies, secrets, and miscommunication plague the protagonists in this sexy, emotionally involving story, which is haunted by the actions of a woman no longer alive and features an intriguing cast of secondary characters (e.g., an adorable baby, a powerful, vindictive ex-father-in-law) and an unusual (at least for most North Americans) New Zealand setting. Radley (Saved by the Sheikh!) lives in New Zealand.
Sharpe, Isabel. Turn Up the Heat. Harlequin Blaze. (Checking the E-Males, Bk. 1). Feb. 2011. c.224p. ISBN 9780373795994. pap. $4.99. CONTEMPORARY
Determined to get over her old boyfriend and trying to sort out her own personality, event planner Candy Graham agrees to become a client of her friend’s online dating service, Milwaukeedates.com. But when she creates four different profiles to match the various aspects of her personality she wants to explore (Child at Heart, Professor, Superwoman, Sexy Glamour Girl) and dresses accordingly for her different rendezvous, she attracts the attention of her sexy journalist neighbor, Justin Case, who thinks she may be up to no good. VERDICT Funny, quirky, and fast-paced, this smoking-hot romantic comedy is definitely Blaze, and once readers get by the characters’ names, it should appeal to those who like their Valentine’s Day celebrations served up with humor and plenty of heat. First of the “Checking E-Males” trilogy. Sharpe (Surprise Me) lives in Wauwatosa, WI.
Weber, Tawny. Breaking the Rules. Harlequin Blaze. (Uniformly Hot, Bk. 2). Feb. 2011. c.224p. ISBN 9780373795963. pap. $4.99. CONTEMPORARY
Struggling with bills, a failing art gallery, and a lawsuit from her greedy stepdaughter, widowed Sophia Castillo is up for a visit from one of her wounded brother’s army buddies. But he has sent Max St. James, on leave from duty in the Middle East, to check up on Sophia, and although Max considers his buddies’ sisters definitely off-limits, he can’t resist the lovely Sophia. VERDICT A heroine on the mend from a stifling, mentally abusive marriage and determined to control her own life and an army hero used to being in charge set the pages on fire in this clever, amorous story that nicely incorporates the Valentine’s Day theme, adds a malicious vandal mystery, and is part of Blaze’s first 12-book continuity series featuring heroes in uniform. Weber (Riding the Waves) lives in Northern California.
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Popular Culture Collections Journal of Popular Romance Studies,published by the International Association for the Study of Popular Romance and launched in August 2010, has been assigned its official ISSN 2159-4473. This peer-reviewed online journal presents “scholarship on representations of romantic love in popular media, now and in the past, from anywhere in the world” and is available at jprstudies.org. |
| Author Information |
| Kristin Ramsdell is Librarian Emerita, California State University, East Bay. She is the author of the romance section of What Do I Read Next? A Reader’s Guide to Current Genre Fiction (Gale, annual) and Romance Fiction: A Guide to the Genre (Libraries Unlimited) |
