Hidden Obsession by Joanne Rock

LAPD Officer Graham Lawson was investigating a case of rape and abuse by a gang when he found himself in Linnet Wellbourne’s bedroom in the year 1190. Linnet is betrothed to a formidable knight, who is about to return from a crusade. Like many women of her time, the marriage was arranged and Linnet wasn’t looking forward to marriage with someone who left her locked in an iron chastity belt for the last three years. On the other hand, Graham believed he was involved with an elaborate hoax, conducted for a purpose he couldn’t fathom. But a chastity belt was too much for him to stand. Releasing Linnet from the chastity belt was only the first step in a new adventure into her sexuality for Linnet, who wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of her life with Graham. But will Graham settle for remaining in the past with Linnet or will duty force Graham to return to the present leaving Linnet behind?

Time travel books are among my most favorite types of book to read, so I was really looking forward to this novel. Unfortunately this book felt more like a historical romance than a time travel book. I prefer reading about contemporary characters no matter what the setting. So while Graham is a contemporary character, Linnet is not and I felt like something was missing from the story. I think the story line has a lot of potential and Joanne’s attention to detail is nothing sort of amazing. If you are a true fan of historical romances, I think you’ll really love this book.

Details: Blaze #256, June 2006

Bottom line: A pretty good book

Up All Night by Joanne Rock

When Jenny Moore finally convinced herself to attend a conference, which might help her overcome her fear of open spaces, it was due in part to the talks she had had with Dave Brady over the Internet for the last several months. How could she pass up the opportunity to meet someone who was kind and gentle? However, when Jenny met Dave in person for the first time, a sexy waitress captured Dave’s attention leaving Jenny alone and feeling worse than ever. Afterward, Jenny worked up the nerve to invite Dave to visit her room in the middle of that night for some hot sex – only to find that Dave had given her Devon Barnes' email address in place of his own.

When Devon walked into Jenny’s room, he was amazed at the lovely lady before him. It nearly made him forget how Dave had forced Devon to quit his job at the company he loved. However, this accidental meeting was to change both their lives forever as Jenny gave Dave the strength to fight for his job, while Dave gave Jenny the strength to overcome her fears.

This is another story in The Wrong Bed series and perhaps the best one of the series. I like the way Joanne pitted Dave against Devon as he tried to regain what he lost. The plot did have a few contrived elements, particularly those that ultimately lead to Dave’s downfall. On the other hand, this was one of the best Blazes I’ve read since Temptation and Flipside were canceled. I truly liked the story and the characters and can’t wait to read Joanne’s next book.

Details: Blaze #240, March 2006

Bottom line: A great book