The Mighty Quinns: Declan by Kate Hoffmann

Someone is stalking Dr. Rachel Merrell, who is better known to her radio listeners as Dr. Lillian Devine. The threatening letters force the radio station to hire Declan Quinn’s private security firm to keep her safe. From the moment Rachel and Declan meet, sparks fly and soon Declan wonders who’s going to protect Rachel from him. But when the threats escalate, Declan is forced to hide Rachel somewhere private, but their mutual attraction may prove to be their undoing.

The final book in the Mighty Quinn series features the middle brother Declan and is just as spicy as the other novels in this series. Kate did a good job at crafting the mystery of the stalker, while creating interesting characters at the heart of the story. I found it a real pleasure reading this book.

Details: Blaze #291, December 2006

Score: Great

The Mighty Quinns: Ian by Kate Hoffmann

Marisol Arantes is new to Bonnett Harbor and has already set Police Chief Ian Quinn’s siren wailing when she displays her explicit artwork in the window of her new boutique. Instead of convincing her to hide the artwork, Marisol convinces Ian to pose nude for a new painting despite Ian’s bet with his brothers to remain celibate. But little did Ian realize that Marisol is mixed up in an even bigger mystery, one that could land her in jail or even worse. Now Ian must find a way to protect his lover or he’ll lose her forever.

Another hot Blaze, featuring the oldest of the Quinn brothers. I loved Marisol and her adventurous style, especially her aversion to underwear ;) . I also enjoyed the way Ian managed to find a way to solve the mystery and save the day. This is a cute adventure, filled with all the sex that made Blaze popular. If you love reading about the Irish brothers, you’ll love this book.

Details: Blaze #285, November 2006

Score: Great

The Mighty Quinns: Marcus by Kate Hoffmann

Born to billionaire parents, Eden Ross’s childhood left only one thing to be desired – love. As far back as she could remember, Eden found herself a pawn in a battle between her parents. And given their money and materialistic attitude, it’s no wonder that Eden turned out to be the tabloid’s favorite party girl. The one that everyone wanted to sleep with. Except for Marcus Quinn. While restoring a boat for Eden's father, Marcus found her on board, trying to hide from the world. While he was tempted to throw her overboard, he decides doing so would ultimately cost him his job, along with any prospect of future referrals. But when Eden finally shows him a glimpse of the real person inside, Marcus must decide whether it’s worth risking her father’s wrath or give Eden the love that she so desperately needs.

I was a little apprehensive about this book when I picked it up as I hate jumping into a middle of a series. And starting out the story with a bunch of Irish kids only compounded things. However, it turned out that I really loved Eden. I enjoyed reading about the arrogant woman, who’s totally filled with self doubts and who’s self destructive behavior is practically explosive. Add to that, Marcus - a text book example of a gamma male, you have the makings of a very powerful couple. Which translated into a great book for me to read. I’m curious to see how the next book in this series turns out.

Details: Blaze #279, October 2006

Bottom line: A great book

A Fare To Remember by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Julie Elizabeth Leto, Kate Hoffmann

Can a New York cab driver also find your perfect mate? Mario Capelli believes he can. He takes pride in his ability to find the right person for some of his favorite fares, while he himself grows closer to his own special person, Iris.

In Just Whistle by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Hannah Robertson arrives in New York from the mid-west with a plan to break into the publishing business. Mario believes she needs a little help and Zachary Evans should have the right the contacts though his investment company. His plan also had the advantage that Hannah might help Zachary solve his own set of problems.

In Driven to Distraction, Julie Elizabeth Leto tells the tale of how Rachael Marlowe works with Mario to find out the truth about her lover, Roman Brach. But little did Rachael know that Roman was involved with some sort of secret organization – but was the organization working for good or evil?

Kate Hoffmann Taken For A Ride follows Sabina Amanar as she tries to save her grandmother’s apartment building from the clutches of the, Alec Harnett who plans to tear down her building in order to create yet another highrise. But Sabina finds it hard to stand firm, when she finds herself falling for the handsome real estate developer.

All three stories were interesting. Vicki’s and Julie’s stories had more of a Blaze feel than Kate’s, but all three were definitely worth reading. Julie’s is a special treat because her story includes a deadly assassin named Domino Black, who stars in her August Extreme Blaze. This is definitely a good summer read, especially if you like happy endings.

Details: Signature Select, July 2006

Bottom line: A very good book

Sinfully Sweet by Janelle Denison, Jacquie D'Alessandro, and Kate Hoffmann

Sinfully Sweet is a collection of three short stories based around a small chocolate store, whose proprietors like to play matchmaker.

Rebecca Moore raised her younger sister with barely enough money for food on the table. Now her sister is about to marry into a very wealthy family and the best man, Connor Bassett is interested in Rebecca. The normally conservative Rebecca has turned him down several times in the past. But will a taste of some Sinfully Sweet chocolate open her up to some new experiences?

Carlie Pratt is the exact opposite of Daniel Montgomery. Daniel is moving from the small town where he lives to the big city, while Carlie is happy to be in the small town where she can be close to work and school.

Kel Martin and Darcy Scott shared a one-night stand five years earlier. No names. No regrets. Except Darcy has plenty of regrets. She missed the extreme chemistry they had that night. When a chance encounter in Sinfully Sweet brings the couple together for the first time in since then, will Kel feel the same way.

If you like chocolate, short hot stories and chocogams, then you’re in for a treat. All three stories manage to pack a lot of detail as well as well developed characters into a relatively small package, which you can easily finish in a single sitting (unless you’re Sadhbh, who’d finish all three and still have room for another :) ).

Details: Blaze #231, February 2006

Bottom line: A pretty good book