Destiny’s Hand by Lori Wilde

After ten years of marriage, Morgan and Adam Shaw found themselves drifting apart. Adam is on the fast track to becoming a VP at the investment bank where he works, while Morgan gave up her career in finance to own a small antiques shop. But the final straw for Morgan came when Adam's boss forced him to give up their trip to France to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary. So Morgan made plans to go without him and while she was there, she would meet with Henri Renouf to show him the box that goes with the White Star. What Morgan didn’t know was Henri was the man behind the theft of the White Star and was willing to kill to get her box. Will Adam find the strength to give up all he's worked for to follow Morgan to France or will Morgan become Henri’s latest victim in his quest to own the White Star

This is the first Blaze featuring a married couple, and when combined with the final book in the White Star series makes it a very powerful read. The sexual tension is extremely high throughout the book and in many ways this book feels more like a traditional Blaze than its more modern counterpart. The change of pace was refreshing and the ending…Well you’ll just have to read it for yourself. :)

Details: Blaze #260, June 2006

Bottom line: A great book

Show Her The Money by Stephanie Feagan

Whitney “Pink” Pearl was in charge of an audit of Marvel Energy, when she found a conspiracy to defraud Marvel’s stockholders. So she blew the whistle on the Marvel and her own bosses and became persona non grata to both companies. Desperate for a job, Pink went to work for her mother’s accounting firm and was assigned to work with Sam Weston, who investigates financial fraud. Her mother also introduces her to a lawyer known as Ed to represent her. Unfortunately for Pink both men are fighting for her attention, though neither one is doing a lot to help her solve her problems, especially finding the person responsible for sending her threats accompanied by bags of dog waste. Will the men cooperate in order to save her from the Doo Doo Stalker and which one will Pink pick?

I really enjoyed this book. Told in first person, I found myself laughing at the subtle humor as well as refusing to put the book down each time Pink’s life was in danger. I especially liked the Doo Doo Stalker and how his threats actually became conversations. In many ways, this book reminded me the most of Stephanie Plum in Evanovich’s books of the three Bombshell’s I’ve read recently. I highly recommend this book and I need to find the rest of the books she wrote.

Details: Bombshell #40, April 2005

Bottom line: A great book

The Medusa Game by Cindy Dees

When Isabella Torres joined the Air Force, she never realized she would become a member of the first all-female Special Operations unit. As a member of Medusa, they got the assignments that took advantage of their special skills. So when an Olympic ice skater found herself on the wrong end of an Islamic Jihad, the Medusa’s were called to protect her. Because of her Middle Eastern background, Isabella found herself being both protector and advisor to the young skater. Isabella came prepared to defend herself against guns, knives and explosives, but she the one thing she found herself wholly unprepared for was her sexy boss

Here’s another good Bombshell book. Unlike the previous book, this one is written in third person and features the point of view of several other characters – both the good guys and the bad guys. I’m amazed at the level of complexity Cindy managed to squeeze into the story. It’s definitely a worthwhile read and it looks like I need to add some more Bombshells to my to-be-read pile.

Details: Bombshell #79, February 2006

Bottom line: A great book

Stella Get Your Man by Nancy Bartholomew

Stella Valocchi left her cheating boyfriend in Florida and moved back to her hometown in Pennsylvania. There she formed a private investigation company with her former fiancé, Jake Carpenter – the man who was responsible for her moving to Florida in the first place. In order to make ends meet, they do odd jobs, even reposing a Santa’s sleigh with all its reindeer. Then one day, a client walks through their door and offers them big money to locate her brother. But big money is not necessarily easy money and Stella finds herself in the middle of car chases, gunshots, kidnapping and even a dead body or two. Can Stella avoid getting killed long enough to unravel the case, or will she end up floating in the river?

Okay Bombshell fans. This one’s for you. :) And the next one (and perhaps the next one and … )

Seriously, this is a good book. The comments on the cover hint that fans of Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum will enjoy her writing style and I think they’re right. This book is written in first person and has a relatively fast pace, like the Plum books and has a plot worthy of Evanovich, though Nancy’s sense of humor isn’t quite so over the top – instead the story has a more realistic feel. There were only two downsides to this book. First, it’s the second in the series – something I didn’t realize when I found it. Second, there is a sequel and yes, Nancy did leave a few threads unresolved so the story will carry over to the next book. So that means there are two books I need to find and add to my ever growing to-be-read pile.

Details: Bombshell #25, January 2005

Bottom line: A very good book

Extreme Bachelor by Julia London

Michael Raney practically lived with Broadway actress Leah Klein five years ago, but his job as a CIA operative didn’t permit luxuries like permanent relationships and the truth. So when his job forced him to return to Europe, Michael reluctantly broke up with Leah. The breakup devastated Leah, which eventually destroyed her career. Since there was nothing left for her in New York, Leah moved to Hollywood and attempted to rebuild her career from scratch. Things where starting to look up for Leah when she lands a minor role in an upcoming movie. Unfortunately, she runs into Michael again, only this time he working with a group called Thrillseekers Anonymous who is coordinating the stunts on her movie. It turns out that Michael has dated many of the actresses, including at least one of the stars in the movie, but now Michael only has eyes for Leah. But can Leah find it in her heart to trust Michael again, or will she leave him playing his role as the Extreme Bachelor?

This book is the second a series that began with Wedding Survivor. It has a relatively complex plot full of twists in turns and an interesting sense of humor. One of the things that really worked for me is the way Julia managed to foreshadow events in the future, they hinted at a possible danger, but you don’t know when or where it’s going to strike. All in all, I really enjoyed this story.

Details: Berkley Sensational, May 2006

Bottom line: A very good book

Even Vampires Get the Blues by Katie MacAlister

Being half-human and half elf makes life more of a challenge for Samantha Cosse than for most people. Unable to complete her studies to become a Diviner, Samantha opened a private investigation agency specializing in retrieving lost items. Her first client is Paen Scott, who must find a relic called the Jilian God in order to save his mother’s soul. Of course, there are others that would do anything to prevent Paen and Samantha from finding the relic. While Samantha finds herself strongly attracted to Paen, she realized that he is a Dark One – a vampire without a soul, and only though the assistance of a Beloved, can Paen get his soul back. Of course, Paen doesn’t want his soul back, but given the tingly feeling deep down inside whenever they’re together, Samantha realizes that she may have to become Paen’s Beloved even if he isn’t interested and assuming that she stays alive long enough.

Katie is arguably one of the most versatile writers today, writing contemporary and historical novels, along with paranormal and young adult novels. I’ve enjoyed many of her stories and this one is no exception. Her skill at writing historicals adds to this contemporary story though the detailed descriptions of the area along with the incredible research it took to keep all of the mythological elements accurate. While this is not part of the Aisling Grey Guardian novels, it is set in the same universe. If you liked those novels, I’m certain you’ll like this one.

Details: Signet Eclipse, May 2006

Bottom line: A very good book

Drop Dead Gorgeous by Jennifer Skully

Madison O’Donnell is convinced she’s going to die of a stroke on her twenty-eighth birthday, exactly the same way as her father did when on his twenty-eighth birthday. With only two weeks left to live, Madison wants to fall in love – that breathless kind of love that everyone should experience at least one in their lifetime. When an ominous series of events happen to Madison, her boss, T. Laurence Hobbs has decided her latest boyfriend, Richard is behind them. Since Madison refuses to see the bad in anyone, T. Larry faces the challenge of convincing Madison that a middle aged, balding accountant is a better match than the hot looking, younger Richard. Will he succeed or will Madison fall prey to her “perfect” boyfriend.

The hero in this book is definitely a non-traditional romance – after all, not every woman wants to fall in love with a middle aged, balding, tax accountant. Yet Jennifer pulls it off in such a way that not only are you rooting for the unlikely hero, you’re truly happy when he succeeds. This book is filled with Jennifer’s quirky sense of humor and is definitely worth reading.

Details: HQN, April 2006

Bottom line: A very good book

Tease by Suzanne Forster

Tess Wakefield just moved to New York from California to become the Creative Director at a high profile advertising firm. She’s in complete control of her life, including her decision to trade an active sex life for successful career. But that’s a small price to pay for Tess, who experimented a lot in college and found sex highly overrated. That is until she met Danny Gabriel.

Danny is the Co-Creative Director at the New York, and part of Tess’s new job is to bring Danny under control. His outrageous ad campaigns such were starting to cost the company clients. Rather than bringing Danny under control; Danny surprises Tess by talking a client into using an S&M club as a backdrop for their ad campaign. Then he uses the S&M club to convince her to give up control of her sexuality. And even more surprising is that Tess likes it.

This novel focuses on a particular type of sex - S&M, which will immediately trigger strong reactions in most readers. I suspect many readers will pass up Tease simply because of this. That would be a shame. While this story undoubtedly pushes the limits of sexuality more than any other novel published by Harlequin in the past, it doesn’t push it as far as some of the stories that where recommended reading for Spice authors. In fact, I believe that many of the scenes in Tease could have been included in a Blaze in the right context. Rather than focus on the leather, chains and other devices, this story focuses on what’s happening inside the heroine’s mind as she learns about how to release control in order to gain satisfaction.

You only see the heroine’s point of view in this story, which I believe is a shame. I really wanted to see what was happening inside the hero’s mind, though it probably would have forced the story to go in a different direction. The story itself was somewhat predictable and the ending left me feeling unfulfilled. However, Suzanne’s description of the heroine’s time in the S&M club was very impressive and extremely well done. I really enjoyed the emotional rollercoaster she created.

The only real downside to this book is its format. Trade paperbacks generally command a premium price and this one is no exception. At $13.95, it’s roughly three times the price of a Blaze, which is $4.75. So given the choice between buying one Spice or three Blazes, I’d probably choose the three Blazes, unless there was something very compelling about the Spice’s storyline. Hopefully Harlequin will eventually release these novels in a paperback format as they do for HQN novels that are published in trade or hardback. Until then, I guess I’ll have to read the back covers carefully.

Details: Spice, May 2006

Bottom line: A very good book

Vamps in the City by Kerrelyn Sparks

Darcy Newhart longed for a job in television like she had four years ago when she was still alive, so she pitched a new reality TV show called the Sexiest Man on Earth to the Digital Vampire Network. While selecting cast the cast for the show, Darcy decided to throw in a few humans just to make things interesting. Unfortunately, Darcy didn’t know how much trouble that would cause. Austin Erickson, human, is both a contestant on the show, as well as a member of the CIA’s elite anti-vampire team known as Stake-Out. Now Austin and Darcy are falling in love. If Austin survives elimination on the show, will he settle for the million dollar prize or will Austin insist on staying with Darcy for the rest of his life?

This is a follow-up book to Kerrelyn’s previous novel, How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire. Many of the same characters from the first book also make appearances in the second, so you may want to read the first novel first. I loved the sense of humor that she included in both stories, so if you like vampires and humor, these books are for you.

Details: Avon, May 2006

Bottom line: A very good book

Baby, I’m Yours by Catherine Mann

Vic Jansen watched his marriage fall about five years ago after his daughter died. Vowing never to love another woman, Vic moves across the country and takes up residence on a boat. But vows like that are often broken and soon Vic found himself having an affair with Claire McDermott. A broken condom lead to problems for both Claire and Vic when Claire finds herself pregnant. Now Vic wants to marry her despite her intentions of having the child and raising them by herself. Can Vic find a way to convince Claire to marry him or will Claire push Vic completely out of her life?

This is an interesting book with the heroine getting pregnant in the very first chapter, leaving the rest of the book for the heroine and hero to discover how the really feel about each other. Catherine also threw in a touch of suspense just to make things a little more interesting. If you like Desire, I’m sure you’ll find this book very interesting.

Details: Desire #1721, April 2006

Bottom line: A pretty good book

Honeymoon That Wasn’t by Debbi Rawlins

For Dakota Shea, the best honeymoons are ones without the newlyweds. When Dakota’s newly married sister decides to go on a cruse, Dakota ends up with a ticket to Hawaii. Little did she know that her sister also slipped a ticket to the second hunkiest guy at the wedding, Tony San Angelo. Unfortunately for the couple, the honeymoon didn’t last. When they returned to Manhattan, Dakota resumed her demanding job as a lawyer, forcing Tony to take on a legal challenge of his own – to make Dakota his own.

Another good book in the Men To Do series, Debbi pitted an insanely busy lawyer against a hardworking blue collar construction worker. There’s a lot of tension between the hero and heroine – both sexual and otherwise. Debbi also introduced another couple, Dakota’s brother and a temporary worker at her office. It might have been nice to see more of this couple in the novel, but maybe Debbi will reveal their story in a future Men To Do book.

Details: Blaze #250, May 2006

Bottom line: A pretty good book

Don’t Tempt Me… by Dawn Atkins

Samantha Sawyer has an insight that allows her to capture the inner essence of a person on film. She’s now using this skill to help launch her new business, Bedroom Eyes, which specializes in taking fantasy boudoir pictures. Because business was booming, she needed an assistant and who should show up but her own fantasy man, Rick West. While Rick also has a talent for taking exceptional pictures, his real job is undercover police officer and his latest assignment is to poke around Bedroom Eyes looking for evidence of a crime, which makes any feelings that Rick may have for Samantha truly forbidden. Will Rick fulfill Samantha’s fantasies or will Rick crush Samantha’s hopes for the future?

The first book in the Forbidden Fantasies brings with it a pair of characters whose relationship is forbidden from the beginning and with a conflict so deep, that if it’s uncovered, may divide them forever. The story is filled with lots of fantasies that drift through the characters minds and occasionally fulfilled in the story. Definitely a pleasant read.

Details: Blaze #253, May 2006

Bottom line: A very good book

Midnight Madness by Karen Kendall

From the moment Jack Hammersmith saw her picture, he decided that Marly Fine was The One. However, Marly isn’t so sure. Jack is the Governor of Florida, with all of the trappings of the office. Marly is a hairstylist who’s barely keeping ahead of the bills. But the real conflict comes from the fact that Jack comes from a family of Republican politicians, while Marly is a life long Democrat. Can Marly and Jack resolve their political differences? Well they do say that politics makes strange bedfellows :) .

Part of After Hours series, Midnight Madness is an interesting mix of romance and politics with a touch of humor tossed in for good measure. The resulting story is just plain fun. I highly recommend this book to both Democrats and Republicans.

Details: Blaze #252, May 2006

Bottom line: A very good book