Body Movers by Stephanie Bond

After Carlotta Wren’s parents skipped bail, leaving their family behind, she tried to raise her younger brother as best she could. With no money, she began a boring job working at Neiman Marcus selling designer clothes to her former friends. But her brother became involved with computer hacking and gambling, and soon finds himself arrested by a hot looking cop who tries to catch Carlotta’s interest. After bailing him out, she forces her brother to get a job and he ends up moving bodies for a funeral home while his new boss is looking to put the moves on Carlotta. Toss in a D.A., who’s looking for publicity by reopening her parent’s case, a murder investigation with Carlotta at the center; and three good looking men vying for Carlotta’s attention, her life is going to be anything but boring.

This book is the first in a series of books with Carlotta at the center. It introduces the characters by wrapping them up in a great mystery. There’s enough danger and confusion to leave you uncertain where the story is headed and it’s really easy to sympathize with Carlotta as Stephanie did a great job with her character. Definitely worth reading.

Details: Mira, July 2007

Excellence Rating: Great

Steaminess Factor: Yummy

just dare me… by Stephanie Bond

Gabrielle Flannery worked as the junior marketing exec for a major sporting goods company, when her boss moved on to a bigger and better job. She knew she could do the job, but so did another account exec, Dell Kingston. Their boss resolved the problem by pitting them against each other in a survival competition – the winner gets the account, and the loser gets nothing. But can Gabrielle resist Dell’s hot body long enough to win or will she give in and give up her dreams for a night of pleasure.

The next story in the Adrenaline Rush series is a more traditional Blaze with a strong sexual tension between the hero and heroine. I enjoyed watching how Gabrielle’s preparations always seemed to pay off when compared to Dell’s total lack of preparation. Though it did seem to me that Dell should have had a bit more sense of what not to do while out in the woods given his experience. Still, I loved the characters and the restraint shown by Gabrielle by not jumping into bed with Dell at the first opportunity. If you love Stephanie Bond’s Blazes, this is a must buy.

Details: Blaze #282, October 2006

Bottom line: A great book

3 Guys You’ll Never Date by Stephanie Bond, Jennifer LaBrecque, Rhonda Nelson

When three girls make a pact find new boyfriends while avoiding guys like ditch diggers, geeks and used-car salesman, they find that the worst guys may be the best ones of all.

You Can Leave Your Hard Hat On by Stephanie Bond tells the tale of how a successful architect, Samantha Stone, literally falls into the arms of Teague Brownlee who put down his shovel to catch her when she falls on a visit to her job site. Unfortunately for Samantha, his touch ignites memories from the last time they made love – 13 years ago.

The Total Package by Jennifer LaBrecque follows Deke Foster who manages to convince Abby Carmichael to remake his geeky image in order to make himself attractive for a very special person. What Abby doesn’t know is that she’s Deke's special person.

Her Hero? by Rhonda Nelson reunites Carley Deluna with her high school lover, Jackson Harper. When Jackson tells her that he no longer works as a mechanic in his father’s garage, Carley has high hopes for their relationship. But then Carley’s hopes for the future are dashed when he confesses that he now sells used cars for a living.

These three stories are short but cute and remind me of the traditional Blazes the authors used to write. So if you’re looking for a quick smile, I think you should check out this book.

Details: Signature Select, August 2006

Bottom line: A very good book