Romance Reviews, June 15, 2011
Jun 15, 2011SUMMERTIME SATISFIES Though most of us are year-round readers, there is something about the summer that makes you want to add a few more books to the TBR pile. Maybe it’s the longer days (more reading time), maybe it’s the warmer weather and the slower pace that goes along with it, or maybe it’s the promise of a vacation with days of doing nothing but reading. In any case, books of all kinds are coming our way just in time for summer, and there’s guaranteed to be romance for everyone. Sexy or sweet, adventurous or laid-back, contemporary or historical, mysterious or straightforward, funny or serious, paranormal…or not, and in print as well as digital formats, the latest romances are amazing—and a glass of iced tea and a comfy chair will enhance the pleasure!
Balogh, Mary. The Secret Mistress. Delacorte. Aug. 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9780385343312. $24. HISTORICAL
From the instant the serious, unassuming Edward Ailsbury, the Earl of Heyward, comes to the defense of the flamboyant, irrepressible Lady Angeline Dudley by calmly challenging a flirtatious rake in a roadside inn, she knows he is the only man she will ever love. Studious, principled, and proper to a fault, Edward is totally unlike the careless, wild rascals in Angeline’s family, and that, of course, makes him perfect for her; now if only Angeline can convince the earl that she is perfect for him! Old enmities, preconceived notions, incorrect assumptions, hidden insecurities, and woefully misunderstood feelings keep this pair confused, attracted, and at odds—until a strategic bit of meddling finally, and most effectively, sets things to rights. VERDICT With exceptional insight and uncommon flair, Balogh holds readers in thrall as she takes a staid, dutiful nobleman, pairs him with an impulsive, fun-loving heroine with an outrageous sense of style (especially when it comes to bonnets), and proves, quite definitively, that opposites do attract. Exquisite character development, sparkling wit, and a memorable supporting cast are additional highlights; the puzzling title eventually becomes delightfully clear. Balogh (The Secret Affair) lives in Canada. Note: Angeline’s two older brothers ultimately bite the matrimonial bullet in stories that were written a decade earlier but follow this one in time and will be reissued in a single volume this month. See “Second Time Around” on p. 66. [The Secret Mistress was an Editors’ Spring Pick, LJ 2/15/11.—Ed.]
Brenna, Helen. The Pursuit of Jesse. Harlequin Superromance. (Mirabelle Island, Bk. 5). Jul. 2011. c.288p. ISBN 9780373717194. pap. $5.50. CONTEMPORARY
Wedding planner, flower shop owner, and single mom Sarah Marshik is uneasy when she learns that the man who is renovating her new home is an ex-con; she is shocked and doubly annoyed that she is attracted to him. Sexy, charming Jesse Taylor, younger brother of Mirabelle Island’s sheriff, reminds her far too much of her nine-year-old son’s late wealthy, bad-boy father, and she’s not about to make the same mistake twice. But there’s more to Jesse than Sarah knows, and she has her own demons to slay. Yet the more time the two spend together, the harder it is to resist the dangerous feelings growing between them. VERDICT A wary heroine who learns to trust and a guilt-ridden hero who finally forgives himself find healing and love in this warm, realistic story that touches on some serious issues. The next two installments of Brenna’s popular series—Her Sure Thing and Redemption at Mirabelle—will be published in August and September, respectively. Brenna (The Moon That Night) is noted for her lively, heartwarming contemporary romances; she lives in Minneapolis.
Chase, Loretta. Silk Is for Seduction. Avon. (Dressmakers, Bk. 1). Jul. 2011. c.384p. ISBN 9780061632686. pap. $7.99. HISTORICAL
Knowing she and her siblings must attract more high-ranking clients to their new dressmaking establishment, fashion designer Marcelline Noirot, the eldest of three sisters, heads for Paris to convince the about-to-be-engaged Duke of Clevedon that she should be the one to dress his new duchess. Alluring, savvy, and determined, Marcelline succeeds beautifully. The only problem? The sizzling and totally unwanted attraction that develops between Marcelline and the duke! An outrageously direct, single-minded heroine with a scandalous heritage meets a caring, honorable hero who wants to do the right thing. Toss in a delectable cast of appealing characters (a charming, manipulative six-year-old is a standout), and this plot is off on a lively, emotionally compelling path to a marvelous story that is the first in a projected trilogy. VERDICT Carefully wrought personnae, beautifully handled sensuality, and lusciously seductive descriptions of the gowns—and everything else—make this another sparkling winner for the much-beloved, peerless Chase (Last Night’s Scandal); she lives in Worcester, MA.
e Cooper, Karina. Before the Witches. Avon Impulse. (Dark Mission: The Prequel). 2011. c.95p. eISBN 9780062105172. EPUB. $1.99. PARANORMAL
An undercover cop on a mission to bring down a human trafficking kingpin and one of the victims, a psychic “witch,” are thrown together when the Ring of Fire erupts with cataclysmic fury and changes the face of the planet—and the culture—forever. With no logical scapegoat to blame for the devastation, religious fanaticism takes over, and the witch hunts begin, threatening anyone deemed guilty by the Holy Order of St. Dominic and its killing arm, the radical Mission. VERDICT Chilling, gripping, and totally believable, this e-original novella is an engaging story in its own right and the perfect segue into Cooper’s “Dark Mission” series (see Blood of the Wicked, below). Cooper lives in the Pacific Northwest.
Cooper, Karina. Blood of the Wicked. Avon. (Dark Mission, Bk. 1). Jun. 2011. c.384p. ISBN 9780062046857. pap. $7.99. PARANORMAL
It’s been more than five decades since the world slid into chaos, and now the battle lines between witches and religious forces are sharper than ever. With the mutilated body count mounting, lethal hunter Silas Smith is on a killing mission. Still, in order to find his quarry, he needs the help of the witch’s wary sister, Jessie Leigh, and he’ll do anything to achieve his goal—even lie. But Jessie also has secrets, and though their relationship soon explodes with passion, the double deceptions linger—until neither one can deny the truth. Flawed, complex characters trapped in untenable situations drive the plot of this high-powered, nonstop tale that nicely resolves the current romance but leaves a number of tantalizing loose ends for the future. VERDICT Dark, bloody, and violently descriptive, this steamy romance takes readers on an emotionally wrenching, sometimes gruesome journey into a grimly fascinating futuristic world that will draw readers in and leave them wanting more. Compelling and mesmerizing, this is a stellar start to this new series.
Day, Alyssa. Vampire in Atlantis. Berkley Sensation: Penguin Group (USA). (Warriors of Poseidon, Bk. 7). Jun. 2011. 311p. ISBN 9780425241790. pap. $7.99. PARANORMAL
Ready to face the dawn and die after 11,000 years as a vampire, Daniel walks into the Reflecting Pool on the Washington Mall and ends up in Atlantis, at the mercy of Serai, a long-dead warrior princess he could never forget. Yet Serai is not dead. Centuries earlier she and several others had been magically put into suspended animation to ensure the continuation of the Atlanteans. But the magical jewel that keeps them safe has been stolen, and, now awake, Serai must find it to save the other sleeping women. Together, Daniel and Serai search for the stone and renew their relationship, stalked by an evil that isn’t about to let them succeed. VERDICT Funny, sexy, and vastly creative, this swiftly moving romance gives new meaning to the phrase undying love and adds another sparkler to the author’s growing string of Atlantean gems. Day (Atlantis Betrayed) currently lives in Japan.
Kantra, Virginia. Forgotten Sea. Berkley Sensation: Penguin Group (USA). (Children of the Sea, Bk. 5). Jun. 2011. 278p. ISBN 9780425241837. pap. $7.99. FANTASY
On a mission to find other nephilim (lost children of air) before they become victims of the demonic children of fire, fallen angel and fledgling Seeker Lara Rho is drawn to itinerant seaman Justin Miller only to find he’s not one of her kind after all—but he’s not entirely human, either. Torn between loyalty and obedience to her group’s controlling leader and the bone-deep knowledge that Justin desperately needs her help, Lara defies the Headmaster and flees with Justin on a treacherous journey to Maine—and the sea—in search of his people and his newly remembered selkie heritage. VERDICT Strong, appealing protagonists realize their linked powers as they fight for their lives and their futures against a cadre of vengeful, relentless villains, demonic and otherwise, in this beautifully written, exquisitely sensual, and action-packed story that delivers a tender, rewarding romance and beautifully meshes with the series. Kantra (Immortal Sea) lives in North Carolina.
Lindsey, Johanna. When Passion Rules. Gallery: S. & S. Jun. 2011. c.400p. ISBN 9781451628371. $25.99. HISTORICAL
Saved as a baby from death when her would-be assassin whisks her off to England and raises her as his niece, Alana has no idea that she is actually Princess Alana of Lubinia. Rising unrest owing to the Lubinian king’s lack of a legitimate heir forces her Uncle Poppie to reveal the truth—and return with her to her homeland. Handsome palace guard Capt. Christoph Becker doesn’t believe her tale and takes Alana prisoner, leaving her to realize that proving her identity—and seeing her father—is going to be much more difficult than she’d thought. Old secrets, vengeful plots, and a few too many lies intensify this twisting story line. VERDICT Fast paced, intricately plotted, and laced with villainous court intrigue, this whimsical, magical tale puts a refreshing spin on the classic long-lost princess plot. A perfect way to spend a lazy summer afternoon. Lindsey (That Perfect Someone) lives in Maine.
Novak, Brenda. Inside. Mira: Harlequin. Jul. 2011. c.448p. ISBN 9780778329930. pap. $7.99. ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Pelican Bay State Prison is the last place exonerated ex-con Virgil Skinner wants to be. Yet when he makes a deal with the state to protect his sister and her children from his former prison gang, that’s exactly where he ends up. Now he’s working undercover to find a killer in the toughest ultra–maximum security prison in California and one misstep from exposure and sudden death. But the inmates and bad cops aren’t the only threats, as vengeful outside gang members are on the move. Virgil and Chief Deputy Warden Peyton Adams try to stay ahead of the danger and smoke out a security leak, but the hot, unexpected attraction that crackles between them could prove to be the biggest threat of all. VERDICT Gritty, violent, and steamy, this tense, well-delineated thriller provides a frightening glimpse of prison gang culture and its wide-reaching influence. With ramped-up action and some wickedly uncommon characters, this white-knuckler satisfies on many levels. Novak (Killer Heat) lives in the Sacramento, CA, area.
Quinn, Julia. Just Like Heaven. Avon. (Smythe-Smith Quartet, Bk. 1). Jun. 2011. 374p. ISBN 9780061491900. pap. $7.99. HISTORICAL
Reprising incidental characters from her popular Bridgerton series, Quinn launches a new quartet featuring the memorable Smythe-Smith family of stunningly discordant musicale fame with a witty romp that has a pair of childhood friends resisting their feelings because they couldn’t possibly be in love with each other—could they? An accident and a brush with death turn their preconceptions upside down—just in time for misunderstandings to complicate things even further. VERDICT Lively, swiftly paced, and often hilarious, this engaging story overflows with likable characters and will keep readers laughing, flipping pages, and happily rooting for caring, sensitive Honoria and honorable, conflicted Marcus finally to get it right. A delightful start to a promising series. Quinn (Ten Things I Love About You) lives in the Seattle area.
Richards, Caroline. The Darkest Sin. Brava: Kensington. Jun. 2011. c.304p. ISBN 9780758242778. pap. $14. HISTORICAL
Tormented by recurring dreams of her abduction and near drowning and fearing for the safety of her family, Rowena Woolcott seeks help from the one man she thinks can find the villain and keep them safe, amateur sleuth Lord James Rushford. Her methods are unorthodox, but Rowena is desperate. Rushford finally agrees to her daring plan that she pose as his mistress, and soon they are swept up in a twisting game of greed and betrayal that pits them against an obsessed, unstable aristocratic killer who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. VERDICT Dark, sultry, and infused with evil, this violent, chilling tale takes readers into the shadowy, treacherous world that lurks just below society’s civilized surface on a secrets-filled, nonstop journey that will keep them turning pages until the very end. A fitting sequel to Richards’s debut novel, The Deadliest Sin. She lives in Toronto.
Ridgway, Christie. Can’t Hurry Love. Berkley Sensation: Penguin Group (USA). (Three Kisses, Bk. 3). Jul. 2011. c.304p. ISBN 9780425242100. pap. $7.99. CONTEMPORARY
It’s Giuliana Baci’s turn to find love, but things start off with her car being crushed and her apartment burning down. Fortunately, she does have a place to live; unfortunately, it’s next door to the family winery, Tanti Baci, and currently inhabited by her former lover, Liam Bennett, who is more than willing to share. But there’s been bad blood between Liam’s family and the Bacis for decades, and although Liam is there to help, Jules doesn’t trust him. Still, she knows she must if she wants to salvage the business. Fast-paced action, a crumbling diary, an old legend, and an abundance of wedding detail keep things interesting as the three Baci women struggle to save their beloved winery. VERDICT Funny, lively, and lusciously sensual, this delectable reunion romance sparkles like Tanti Baci’s wedding wine and ties up a few loose ends as it nicely concludes the trilogy. Ridgway (Then He Kissed Me) lives in San Diego.
Singh, Nalini. Kiss of Snow. Berkley Sensation: Penguin Group (USA). (Psy-Changeling, Bk. 10). Jun. 2011. 415p. ISBN 9780425242094. $25.95. PARANORMAL
From the time her family was taken in by the SnowDancer wolf pack after they escaped from the PsyNet, the network that links all members of the mentally gifted Psy race, X-Psy Sienna Lauren and pack leader Hawke have clashed. Now, as Sienna matures, they are suddenly fighting a growing attraction, and although Hawke struggles to resist, it’s only a matter of time before Sienna takes matters into her own hands. When a vicious Psy enemy sets out to destroy the defiant Changeling (shapechanger) strongholds, SnowDancer is at the top of the list. As the danger closes in, keeping mentally lethal Sienna’s identity a secret becomes more important than ever. VERDICT Intense, sensual, and dynamic, Sienna and Hawke’s gripping story is one that series fans have been waiting for. While this title can stand on its own, readers new to the series may want to delve into the earlier books first. An exceptionally compelling hardcover debut for Singh (Archangel’s Consort), who lives in New Zealand.
Sloane, Stefanie. The Devil in Disguise. Ballantine. (Regency Rogues, Bk. 1). Jun. 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9780345517395. pap. $7.99. HISTORICAL
Exceedingly rich, stunningly beautiful, and firmly “on the shelf” by choice at 26, Lady Lucinda Grey skillfully refuses myriad suitors while helping her three aunts build up their horse-breeding enterprise. All they need is one particular stallion. So when the horse’s owner, the notorious Duke of Clairemont, comes into her life with a wager—three months of courting vs. the stallion—she can’t refuse. Little does she know that the duke is on an undercover mission to protect her, and his presence has nothing to do with courtship. Attraction and love catch them both off guard, complicating things rather nicely. VERDICT Engaging, proactive protagonists, a delightful assortment of supporting characters (especially Lucinda’s strong-willed aunts), and solid, often witty writing are pluses in this adventure that, despite a rather hasty conclusion, is a lively and entertaining read. This debut novel is the first in a back-to-back trilogy (The Angel in My Arms [Jul.] and The Sinner Who Seduced Me [Aug.]) featuring spies in the Young Corinthians group. Sloane lives in Seattle.
SECOND TIME AROUND
Balogh, Mary. More Than a Mistress/No Man’s Mistress. Dell. Jun. 2011. 770p. ISBN 9780345529046. pap. $7.99. HISTORICAL
Jocelyn Dudley, Duke of Tresham, intends to punish the woman whose interference caused him to be wounded in a duel and finds love instead in More Than a Mistress (2000), Balogh’s hardcover debut. The duke’s younger brother, Ferdinand, wins an estate in a card game and clashes with the woman already living there, who will risk everything to keep her home, in the typically unconventional No Man’s Mistress (2001). Follows chronologically the new prequel, The Secret Mistress (reviewed on p. 64).
Blake, Jennifer. Luke. Severn House. (Louisiana Gentleman, Bk. 2). Jul. 2011. c.384p. ISBN 9780727880086. $28.95. CONTEMPORARY
When romance writer April Halstead becomes the target of deadly vengeance, Luke Benedict is determined to save her—whether she wants him to or not—in this sultry, suspenseful Southern charmer that was originally published in 1999 by Harlequin’s Mira imprint and is second in Blake’s “Louisiana Gentleman” series about the Benedicts of Turn-Coupe, LA.
Cameron, Stella. Shadows. Severn House. Jul. 2011. c.256p. ISBN 9780727880017. $28.95. CONTEMPORARY
Left homeless and penniless when her elderly husband dies, sheltered Leah Cornish reaches out to Guy Hamilton, a man who once offered her help, and gets a few surprises, as well as a new love—eventually. First published in 1986 as a Harlequin American Romance, this gently sensual story of two troubled souls is a classic series romance. While distinct from Cameron’s current paranormal suspenseful romantic thrillers, it delivers the emotional punch that her readers have come to expect.
Macomber, Debbie. Out of the Rain. Mira: Harlequin. Aug. 2011. c.512p. ISBN 9780778329886. pap. $7.99. CONTEMPORARY
In this reissue of two of Macomber’s earlier series romances, a wedding consultant and a cynical divorce lawyer learn a few things about love when they agree to a “convenient marriage” in Marriage Wanted, a 1993 Silhouette Special Editions title; a young woman questions her feelings for the man she loves when an exciting stranger comes to town in Laughter in the Rain, a 1986 Silhouette Romance. Sweet and heartwarming, these stories are classic early Macomber and would add a tender touch to any romance collection.
Macomber, Debbie. A Season of Angels. Avon. Jul. 2011. 384p. ISBN 9780062072399. pap. $9.99. FANTASY
Angelic prayer ambassadors Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy are sent by the Archangel Gabriel to make sure three Christmas prayers are answered appropriately in this creative trilogy of heartfelt, touching novellas that was first published by Harper/Avon in 1993. This first of Macomber’s popular angel books was last reissued in 1999, and fans will be waiting.
FAREWELL: Beverly Barton
Romantic suspense fans will mourn the loss of best-selling Alabama-based author Beverly Barton, who died unexpectedly of heart failure on April 21. Noted for her chilling, well-crafted romantic thrillers, many of which are set in the South, Barton published more than 70 novels for Silhouette and Kensington during her 20-plus-year career, most recently Dead by Morning, which will be followed in December by the final book in her trilogy, Dead by Nightfall.
