Taste of Temptation by Carrie Alexander

Zoe Aberdeen’s looking for the story behind the lust potion. But when she can’t get any information from the police labs through normal channels, she turns to her nerdy neighbor, Donovan Shane who just happens to work in the police lab. While Shane has been feuding with his neighbor since she moved in, he feels bad about turning her down, so he decides to do a little testing. Unfortunately, the tests are inconclusive until he gets a taste of the potion. Then he finds himself working closely with Zoe to solve the mystery behind Lust Potion #9.

Nerds rule! :D While Shane is a pretty good nerd, I don’t think Zoe is the reformed Paris Hilton-like character the story makes her out to be. The story is full of twists and turns that are completely unexpected. All in all, Carrie created a fitting conclusion to the series and one I recommend to all Blaze readers.

Score:Great

Details: Blaze #296, December 2006

Hidden Gems by Carrie Alexander

Having dumped her current boyfriend and returning early from their vacation, Marissa Suarez becomes entwined in the theft of the White Star when Jean Luc Allard hides it in her luggage. Upset and needing comfort, Marissa turns to her long time, platonic friend Jamie Wilson for comfort. But the old friends become lovers when danger forces them together – an attempted mugging and a burglary are only the beginning, leaving Marissa and Jamie trying to unravel the mystery behind problems.

The second book in the White Star series is even better than the first. A great plot, believable characters and a realistic ending all contribute toward the great read. In fact, the only problem I can find with this book is the fact that I can't read the next story.

Details: Blaze #236, February 2006

Bottom line: A great book