Easter Book Haul

Hello again.

Due to unforeseen circumstances (aka, pulling a muscle in my back/hip) the video I'd planned on filming has been put on the back burner for now.  Instead I filmed a really quick video on Easter Sunday so I could share with you the bookmail that had been trickling in over the last week.

I was hoping to save all my parcels, and some still aren't here!, until I had them all in a glorious pile and then I'd open them on camera.  However, I got so excited when I ended up with 5 parcels in one day that I forgot about that and tore into them - oops! ;-D

Anyway, I've already devoured two of the Amanda Quick titles, Til Death Do Us Part and The Girl Who Knew Too Much, and they were just the thing I needed to get me out of the reading funk I'd slipped into after binge watching seasons 1 & 2 of Wynonna Earp (ps. such a great urban horror/western series!).

Still have to get to the two cozy mystery books, as well as the final two Jayne Ann Krentz novels and The Immortals (which I have my fingers crossed for because I love a good urban fantasy with gods and goddess' in a modern setting).

So with all that reading still to do I'm going to love you and leave you.  And until I see you next time,

 

Book Review || Warrior's Woman

Warrior's Woman
LySanTer Trilogy #1
Johanna Lindsey

Published: orig 1990 (cover reissue 2010)

Avon, mass market pbk, 422p.
ISBN: 9780380753017

A PASSION THAT COULD CONQUER GALAXIES

In the year 2139, fearless Tedra DeArr sets out to rescue her beleaguered planet Kystran from the savage rule of the evil Crad Ce Moerr.  Experienced in combat but not in love, the beautiful, untouched Amazon flies with Martha, her wise-cracking, free-thinking computer, to a world where warriors reign supreme - and into the arms of the one man she can never hope to vanquish: the bronzed barbarian Challen Ly-San-Ter.  A magnificent creature of raw yet disciplined desires, the muscle-bound primitive succeeds where no puny Kystran male had before - igniting a raging fire within Tedra that must be extinguished before she can even think of saving her enslaved world.

from original back cover, 1990

As strange as it sounds, this was the book that kicked off my love for sci-fantasy as a teenager. I remember borrowing this from my friend in Yr 10 French (thank you, Becca!), and devouring a good portion of the book in that one double lesson.  I loved it, and I didn't want to give it back, but luckily I saw the same book at the local store a few days later and begged my mum to get it for me - and she did.

While it may just be a cheesy romance book to most people, the introduction of the Martha, the AI computer who seems to run Tedra's life, and Corth, a humanoid robot, characters that belong to Tedra DeArr, were the first artificial characters that I'd come across.  Up until then I'd been reading the usual teenage stuff or English required reading, The Outsiders, Picnic at Hanging Rock, etc., but hadn't made the jump into more adult books in my personal reading life.

Included in the wonderful world building are the amazing creatures Lindsey created.  The taraan, sa'abo, fembairs, and the hataar.  These were the first fantastical creatures I'd come across in fiction outside of mythology, and while not a complicated plot to follow, the story just swept me up and let me forget about the world for a few hours.

With Warrior's Woman I got a glimpse into an amazing word where a woman could be strong and tough, and fly through space in search of adventure. It didn't hurt that her soon to be love interest, Challen, was amazing in my imagination, but still, it was far more than just a romance book to me.

Fast forward way too many years. . . 

So now picking this book up and re-reading it with the perspective of an adult, I find that there is still something charmingly naive about Tedra and Warrior's Woman.   Yes, it's sexist in places, and quite cheesy and formulaic to boot, but I still rather like it.  Tedra is still a strong female protagonist, and Martha - although silicon based - is just as feisty.  Corth takes a back seat in the scheme of things, and even bossy-boots Challen will defer to Tedra in some matters.  Quite enlightened for a barbarian.

I loved the contrast between the futuristic Kystran and the feudal/medieval (with a twist) Sha'ka'an cultures.  Shades of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court there with the culture clash, and this is well demonstrated in the scene where Tedra had no idea what an uncle is despite knowing the word, or when she asks the crystal necklace to change colour to annoy Challen ;-D

It's now many years later, and I still have that original book - now battered and tattered - that sits on my shelf beside the replacement copy I bought.  Warrior's Woman is great book, quick and fast paced, that continues to hold many memories for me ;-D

Oh, and if you're interested, it is the first book in a trilogy.   I won't tell you who the next two books belong to - because that would be a HUGE spoiler ;-D

Until next time,

 

Four thrift stores in two days

This week has been a mixed week.  Had a few health snafu's, and am still trying to come to terms with the closure of the only bookshop within 100kms!, but on the plus side, had amazing thrift shop finds this week.

It's been weeks since I last set foot in most of the thrift shops around town - we have 4 - and usually I come away with a few books, perhaps one that is currently on my Book Depository wishlist.  However this week I had amazing luck.  It all started with wanting a bedside table so I could once again see the time on my alarm clock...

I went into the first thrift shop, which is opposite a gym that pumps out the most annoying perky (and loud) music, but within 30 seconds I had my first book (Jason by LKH).  I knew that this was going to be a good day.  I browsed for as long as I could stand the music, but found two Agatha Christies for $1ea.  They are in an edition I like, and I don't have them yet.  Then I found a copy of The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham.  This has been on my wishlist for ages, but I could never find a cover that I liked.  However, this edition is so 80's and funky that I wasn't going to quibble over the $1 price tag.  Even though this was a great haul so far, I'm most excited about the poetry anthology that I picked up just before I headed for the cash register.

Book Review || To Catch a Leaf

To Catch a Leaf
A Flower Shop Mystery #12
Kate Collins

This edition
Published 01 November 2012
Kennebec Large Print, paperback, 411p.
ISBN: 9781410443151

Flower shop owner Abby Knight is aglow with happiness now that she's officially engaged to her longtime beau, Marco Salvare.  Nothing will dampen her joy - not a new dent on her beloved Corvette, nor her future mother-in-law's micromanaging of her wedding.  Until wealthy dowager Constance Newport is killed, and Abby's assistant, Grace Bingham, is left a hefty sum of money, making her the prime suspect.  Then Abby and Marco stumble upon an elaborate heist.  Before she can throw her bouquet, Abby will have to throw a killer in jail.

Since I borrowed this book from my library they only had the large type edition available.  However, this is the cover that I will be getting so it matches the rest of my books:

Obsidian, mass market pbk, 336p.

ISBN: 9780451235237

Again, this is another cosy series where I've been reading the books out of order - and while that isn't too much of an issue with the Tea Shop Mystery series, it does matter with this series.  There is such a reliance on the relationships in the series that I'd recommend you read these books in order so as not to become totally lost - or potentially spoil yourself like I did.

As with other books in this series, and with Theodosia from Tea Shop series, I found that I have the same problem from book to book.  A main character that can't, or won't, stand up for herself and say NO to those near and dear.  There are all these bossy, frustratingly annoying characters that keep trying to do things, or override Abby's decisions and she never puts her foot down and tells them to take a hike.  It aggravates me to no end, and is my No. 1 gripe about this series.

However, as a cosy mystery book it was reasonably fast paced - taking place over a matter of days -  with a limited, yet interesting, cast of potential murderers.  The identity of the culprit was well hidden, with a few red herrings thrown in to divert attention, and I only figured out who dunnit a few pages before the big reveal... yah me! ;-D... and the side mystery that is interwoven with the main plot line seems totally unconnected at first, but plays a part in the unmasking of our villain.

So while this is no Miss Marple, it was quick and fun to read.  If you like cosy mysteries, or A Tea Shop Mystery, then give this series a go.

I'd rate this book:

Hope you enjoyed this review.  If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them in the comment area below.

Until next time,

 

Book Review || Jane Austen in Scarsdale

Jane Austen in Scarsdale
Or, Love, Death, and the SATs
Paula Marantz Cohen

Published in 2006

St. Martin's Press, hardcover, 275p.
ISBN: 9780312325022

Anne Ehrlich is a dedicated guidance counselor steering her high-school charges through the perils of college admission.  Thirteen years ago, when she was graduating from Columbia University, her wealthy family - especially her dear grandmother Winnie - persuaded her to give up the love of her life, Ben Cutler, a penniless boy from Queens College.  Anne has never married and hasn't seen Ben since - until his nephew turns up in her high school and starts applying to college.

Now Ben is a successful writer, a world traveler, and a soon-to-be-married man, and Winnie's health is beginning to fail.  These changes have Anne beginning to wonder... Can old love be rekindled, or are past mistakes too painful to forget?

This is a fluffy, romantic contemporary that I picked up from the library purely because of the Jane Austen association, and while I am still undecided as to what I really think of this book I do know that I will not be adding it to my bookshelves.

As you can tell from the synopsis above it all sounds rather familiar doesn't it - like a Jane Austen book perhaps?  And you would be right as this is the basic premise that Austen used in Persuasion.  So this book is basically an updated, and contemporary version of Austen's final book.

Even though I know this, I was still hoping to enjoy the book.  Sadly it was not to be.  I found the characters to be rather two dimensional and I had no emotional connection to them whatsoever.  I didn't care if they got reunited, fell in love, or just wandered off into the sunset alone.  I just wanted to get to the end of the book!

To be fair, there were bits I did like.  Winnie's final letter was well done, as was the final scene with the fiance and Anne.  The cover is quite attractive, and for a hardcover it was easy to handle while read.  However, that is about all the positive aspects I can say about this book.

This alone tells me that I was either in a reading funk of enormous proportions - or I really didn't like this book.  I may give it another read-through before sending it back to the library {just to make sure that I gave it a fair chance}, but I won't be checking out any more books by this author for a while regardless.

If you want to read a great book about getting a second chance at love, with all the feels, then read Persuasion and save yourself the disappointment.

Overall I rated this book:

Until next time,

 

Book Review - The Hexed

The Hexed
Krewe of Hunters #13
Heather Graham

Published: July 2014

Harlequin MIRA, mass market pbk, 390p.
ISBN: 978-174356597-1

A place of history, secrets. . . and witchcraft

Devin Lyle has recently returned to the Salem area, but her timing couldn't be worse.  Soon after she moved into the eighteenth-century cabin she inherited from her great-aunt Mina - her 'crazy' great-aunt, who spoke to the dead - a woman was murdered nearby.

Craig 'Rocky' Rockwell is a new member of the Krewe of Hunters, the FBI's team of paranormal investigators.  He never got over finding a friend dead in the woods.  Now another body's been foud in those same woods, not far from the home of Devin Lyle.  And Devin has been led to a third body - by a ghost?

Her discovery draws them both deeper into the case and Salem's rich and disturbing history.  Even as the danger mounts, Devin and Rocky begin to fall for each other - something the ghosts of Mina and past witches seem to approve of.  But the two of them need every skill they possess to learn the truth - of Devin's might be the next body in the woods. . .

Ghosts, ghosts and more ghosts!  Throw in some witches, Salem, a couple of bodies and you've got The Hexed in a nutshell.  I'm a sucker for witches and genealogy, so I really enjoyed the history that Heather Graham incorporated in to the storyline.  

The characters in The Hexed were exactly what you'd expect from a Romance book.  You have a pretty girl who meets the handsome, strong and possibly heroic guy.  They get into trouble, fall in love/lust, make out like little bunnies, solve a murder and possibly live happily ever after.  So if you're looking for amazing characters that will break your heart with their realism, then perhaps this isn't the book for you.

However if you are still interested The Hexed follows Devlin, said pretty girl, and our protagonist who has recently moved into her great-aunt's cabin.  There, along with Poe - the raven she inherited -  Devlin writes childrens books.  One day she hears cries for help from the woods surrounding her home.  In true romance fiction style our budding sleuth heads out to see what's happening, only to stumble upon the body of a newly dead woman.  Devlin runs for the road and flags down a car - this car belongs to Rocky, our potentially heroic love interest, who has been sent to find out who is killing the women.  Mystery and chaos ensue.

Apart from our lovers, Devlin and Rocky, there are more than the usual number of secondary characters that don't hesitate to jump into the action.  All are interesting in their own way, and all have links to a murder that took place over 10 years earlier.  Out of all the characters, my favourites would have to be Great-Aunt Mina - yes, she does have a part to play - as well as Poe, the guard Raven who protects Devlin.

On to said mystery angle.  It was well constructed and executed, with suspect all over the place.  They make good grist for misdirection mill by the author, and it worked.  My attention was successfully diverted from the identity of the real killer - I definitely didn't see it coming.  The identity of the killer came right out of left field.  So congrats to the author in that respect.

I will say that while most of my experience reading The Hexed was positive, there were a few issues that really niggled.  The first is that there is no real relationship between Devlin and Rocky.  Just a closeness enforced by a murder investigation.  Amazingly, they managed to hold off jumping into bed until the last third of the book (which is quite refreshing for a change!).   Also - and this is my biggest criticism - that there was no real resolution in regards to the punishment of the killer once he/she/it were caught {trying not to give any spoilers away there ;-D}.  There was no trial, or any other measurable means of justice.  Very annoying to invest in a book and then feel let down at the end.

So in conclusion, while The Hexed is not in the same literary league as War and Peace, or even The Diviners, this book did tick most of the boxes that I look for in regards to a M&B style romance book.  It was fast paced, and the world building let me envisage the characters, and their story easily.  Harlequin MIRA has been publishing some amazing mysteries in the last couple of years and I would recommend that you try them as they aren't all straight up romance with a bit of mystery on the side.  In all I really enjoyed reading The Hexed.  It is a quick read (I finished in under 4 hours) and would be great for travelling.

Until next time,

 

Review: Lucy Valentine to the Rescue

Truly, Madly

A Lucy Valentine Mystery, Bk 1
Heather Webber

Mass Market Paperback, St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 9780312946135

Lucy Valentine is as smart as can be, as single as you can get, and so not qualified to run a matchmaking service.  But when her parents temporarily step down from the family business, Valentine, Inc., it's Lucy's turn to step up and help out - in the name of love.  Plus her rent is due.

 

Her's the problem: Lucy doesn't have the knack for matchmaking.  According to family legend, every Valentine has been blessed by Cupid with the ability to read 'auras' and pair up perfect couples.  But not with Lucy.  Her skills were zapped away years ago in an electrical surge, and now all she can do is find lost objects.  What good is that in the matchmaking world?  You'd be surprised.  In a city like Boston, everyone's looking for something.  So when Lucy locates a missing wedding ring - on a dead body - she asks the sexy private eye who lives upstairs to help her solve the perfect crime.  And who knows?  Maybe she'll find the perfect love while she's at it...

 

 

My thoughts....

 

Having bought the second book first, and loving it, I had to quickly find this at my old library.  I'm glad I did because I really enjoyed this book.  Lucy Valentine is a sweet, but slightly neurotic character - when you get to know her family can you blame her? - who finds herself thrown into the deep end of matchmaking when she caves in to her father's request to run the family business while her parents take a break.

 

A former trust fund babe, she lives on her grandmother's estate, with a pushy cat called Grendel.  On her first day in the office she gets a vision from a client that leads her on an Alice in Wonderland journey to find a killer - before they find her.  Add into the mix a quirky group of close-knit friends and family, a bitch of a client, a suspicious cop or two, and a pit-bull of a journalist and you have all the makings of a real page turner.  I did like the way that Ms. Webber was trying to limit the uses of Lucy's 'gift' and I laughted when Lucy met Sean.  However, it's when Lucy's at the matchmaking office, trying to make said matches, that I got a good giggle.  Swatches... ha!

 

Sean, our very hot P.I, is a refreshing change from the ever popular take charge, healthy as a horse, superman type of mate.  He's a man who's had to face his own mortality, and make lifestyle changes.  This was done in a realistic fashion with humor and sensitivity, and is not at all cliche.

 

Thoreau and Grendel are the little scene stealers of the group. Just too cute for words.

 

I enjoyed the first three books (reviews 2 and 3 pending) and will definitely try to get my hands on 4 and 5.  A great start to a quirky new series.

 

Review: It's To Die For

To Die For

Blair Mallory, Book 1

Linda Howard

 

Published 2004

 

Mass Market Paperback, Piatkus, 378p.

ISBN: 0749935294

After a painful divorce, Blair Mallory follows a dream and opens a health club.  But Nicole Goodwin, a troubled member of the club, develops a strange fixation on Blair, imitating her style and dress, even the car she drives.  Then Nicole is gunned down in the club's parking lot.  And Blair is the only witness to the murder...

 

At first the police investigation concentratres on Nicole and her acquaintances, but then someone tampers with Blair's car, and sabotages her home and business.  The police - including Blair's old flame Lieutenant Wyatt Bloodsworth - are baffled because these attempts, while serious, are very different in tone from Nicole's murder.  Is Nicole's killer seeking to remove a troublesome witness?  Or was Blair the intended victim after all?

 

 

 

Hi there!  As promised I'm starting to post my thoughts on the books that I've recently devoured as part of my week long book marathon.  To Die For by Linda Howard was a real surprise for me as I'd only read her wonderful Mackenzie's series, or a historical romance.  So when I picked it up I was a little dubious as I either love it or I don't when it comes to Linda Howard.  Thankfully in this case I loved it.

 

This is the first of two books - Drop Dead Gorgeous being the sequel - and I just couldn't put it down.  In To Die For we are introduced to our protagonist, Blair Mallory.  An independant woman who knows what she wants in life.  As former cheerleader turned successful gym owner, Blair may look like a fluffy and ditzy blonde, but she's got the instincts of a barracuda.  So when Nicole, the copycat, gets dumped from the gym, Blair is delighted.  The copycat psycho is finally out of her life... until closing time that is.  As Blair closes up for the night she sees Nicole and an unknown male waiting for her in the shadows.  When she hears a gun shot and hits the ground, Blair is sure that her life is in danger.  After the police arrive, it is discovered that Nicole is dead.  Could her night get any worse? ... Yep.  

Enter Wyatt Bloodsworth, now a Lieutenant with the local police force. A big man with a forceful personality, he's also the guy who had dumped her 2 years ago - after just 3 dates.  Now he's back.  And much to Blair's annoyance, seems determined to muscle his way back into her life and her bed.  If he can keep her alive long enough to solve the case that is.

 

Blair is such a fun character great fun character.  The book is told from her POV, but I do like the interaction she has with the reader.  Blair and Wyatt have major chemistry (OMG, you could power a small town on the electricity they produce!), and I love the way that Ms. Howard has Blair writing down lists of Wyatt's misdemeanours for him to read.  It's such a novel idea... I may have to try it one of these days.

My only problem with the book was Bloodsworth's constant ability to get the better of Blair.  I know a strong male lead was called for when there is such a strong female character, but her inability to pull him up short when he needs it is a bit frustrating.  Having said that, Wyatt is a great character who is loving and protective of Blair.  He's a guy who knows what he wants and makes it happen.  I know that's a bit of a circular arguement, but tough ;-D

Blair's family are wonderfully vivid.  My take on her mother is just stand back.  She's one scarily together and practical lady.  Her sisters are very loving and protective, and I love Siana with her dimples.  The idenity of the Blair's attacker is a real surprise.  It crossed my mind for like 2 seconds, but I dismissed it because I didn't see the connection.  When it's all explained it does make sense.

For those of you who don't like very graphic books rest easy.  There is little actual violence in this book, no real swearing and no graphic sex scenes - which I found quite refreshing.  I'd recommend you put this book aside until you have time to read it all the way through as it would be such a hard job to put it down. 

So if you like a good murder mystery, romance or books by Nora Roberts, Jayne Ann Krentz, etc., then this is a good book to add to your collection.  I have already ordered Drop Dead Gorgeous so will post an update ASAP. 

I give this book

Happy reading!

Return to Rebel Ridge

Don't Cry For Me

Rebel Ridge #2

Sharon Sala

 

Released: September 18, 2012

 

Mass Market Paperback, Harlequin MIRA, 400 p.

ISBN: 9780778313427

 

 

Mariah Conrad has come home. Badly wounded on active duty in Afghanistan and finally released stateside, she has no family to call on and nowhere to go—until Quinn Walker arrives at her bedside. Quinn…her brother-in-arms, ex-lover and now maybe her future.

 

Quinn brings Mariah to his log cabin in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky to rest and recuperate both physically and emotionally. While she's incredibly grateful, Mariah is also confused and frustrated. She's always stood on her own two feet, but now even that can literally be torture. She's having flashbacks and blackouts, hearing helicopter noises in the night. She wants to push Quinn away—and hold him closer than ever.

 

But will she get the chance? Those helicopters are more than just post-traumatic stress; they're real—and dangerous. Bad things are happening on the mountain. Suddenly there's a battle to be fought on the home front, and no guarantee of survival.



Having read the first book in the series, Next of Kin, I was looking forward to getting my hands on Don't Cry for Me... and I wasn't disappointed.  Quinn Walker was a character that caught my interest in NoK, and even before Ms. Sala announced a second book, I was hoping that Quinn would get his own story.

 

As a former soldier, Quinn lives a quiet life on Rebel Ridge.  Content to roam the countryside as a forest ranger, he deals with the fall out of his time spent in Afghanistan.  Though still plagued with nightmares, Quinn does not hesitate to offer a place to stay to Mariah, one time lover, who herself is now state side and recovering from wounds she received during battle.

 

Suffering from lingering injuries as well as PTSD, it takes Mariah a while to settle in with Quinn, they man she loved, who she saved, and who left her without a word.  An independent woman, Mariah has trouble dealing with Quinn and his loud and affectionate family in the beginning.  An orphan, she has no idea how to relate to others in a family situation.  However, with the support of Quinn, and his mother, Dolly, and a scrawny red boned hound pup, Mariah slowly comes out of her shell.

 

But when trouble comes to Rebel Ridge - as it always does - it's Quinn who is in the firing line.  With no one to turn to Mariah has to overcome her injuries - and defy the odds - if she wants to bring her man back home again...

 

I loved Quinn and Mariah's relationship.  The building of a life together on a bond forged during war, the friendship and respect that the have for each other is refreshing to see in a contemporary romance.  This book, series, is a homage to family, friendship, loyalty and love.  A great read, and I would highly recommend to anyone who loves not only Sharon Sala, but the joys of a good book.

 

 

Classic Read: Divine By Mistake

Divine By Mistake
Parthalon Bk 1
P.C. Cast

Published: September 2006
(Originally published as Goddess by Mistake, 2001)
LUNA, Mass Market Paperback, 698 p.
ISBN: 978-0-373-80247-0

The most excitement teacher Shannon Parker expected on her summer vacation was a little shopping.  But then her latest purchase - a viase with the Celtic goddess Epona on it - somehow switches her into the world of Parthalon, where she's treated like a goddess.  A very temperamental goddess...

It seems that Shannon has stepped into another's role as the Goddess Incarnate of Epona.  And while it has some very appealing moments - what woman doesn't like a little pampering now and then? - it also comes with a ritual marriage to a centaur and the threat of war against the evil Fomorians.  Oh, and everyone disliking her because they think she's her double.

Somehow Shannon needs to figure out how to get back to Oklahoma without being killed, married to a horse or loosing her mind...

All hail Epona!  In the 6 years since I discovered Parthalon, this is still my favourite of all the books in the series.  Originally published as Goddess by Mistake in 2001, then undergoing a name change and reissue in 2006, Divine by Mistake is one of the best books in the fantasy romance genre that I have ever read.

Though the book clocks in at nearly 700 pages, there is just something so enticing about it that you don't notice how thick the book is while you're devouring it.  Shannon Parker is just your average woman, nothing magical about her, no special talents or powers.  It is only her resemblence to the Goddess' Chosen on Parthalon that gets her dragged into this mess.

I found Casts portrayal of Parker to be so witty.  The smart remarks that fall from her lips (or thought in her head) are some of the best quips I've heard.

That's it.  He was probably the mirror image of an Oklahoma bubba.  I could see it now, he would want to call me his sweet thang and slap me on the butt.

And her confusion with the similarities to her world, and her friends dopplegangers, is fun to read.  Her close relationship with Alanna is sweet, and I loved the relationship between Shannon and ClanFintan as it's not often that an author crosses the species barrier quite so thoroughly.  Seriously, a Centaur!  That's a little weirder than a vampire or werewolf, isn't it?  But Cast does it so well that you don't even question the pairing.

The use of mythology in this book is great.  I'm a bit of a mythology nerd, and the way Cast uses the Celtic myths and legends to bring Parthalon to life is wonderful.  Fomorian's, false gods, nasty Goddess Incarnate and a Celtic Goddess.  What more could a girl ask for?

Although this book is the start of a trilogy (with 3 further titles published later), I find that this is the book I return to time and time again.  A great addition to any paranormal romance readers library.  I just wish we could have had more time with Shannon and ClanFintan.  Just don't try and read it at work, you just don't get any done - I certainly didn't ;-D

Revisit Mackenzie's Mountain

Mackenzie's Mountain
Linda Howard

First Published (AU) 1989
Reissued (AU) in The Mackenzies 1999

Back cover

Wolf Mackenzie: The loner had a way with horses and a deep mistrust

for outsiders.  Until one woman dared to venture onto Mackenzie's 

mountain, determined to tame the rugged half-breed.

Linda Howard’s tale of a prim and proper schoolteacher who falls in love with the town’s pariah - a half-breed Indian called Wolf Mackenzie.  He is a loner who works with horses and lives with his son, Joe, on their mountain ranch.  When Joe quits school, Mary (the new schoolteacher), turns up at his house to try and get Joe back into school.  But instead she has to be rescued from her broken down car by his father, Wolf.  The instant these two meet sparks fly.

Mary Elizabeth Potter, Mary, is as sweet as they come.  Raised by her late Aunt Edith, she is fascinated by this big, complex man.  Released from prison for a crime he didn’t commit, he holds a grudge against the people Ruth, Wyoming.  When a few local women are attacked and raped, it doesn’t take long for the people of Ruth to point their finger at him.  Incensed by their bigotry, Mary steamrolls ahead, tutoring Joe, and trying to open people’s eyes to truth about the Mackenzie men.  It doesn’t look too good for Mary’s plans until she herself is attacked and is able to identify the assailant as a white man.  This puts a bee in the bonnets of the residents of Ruth, who now have to look within their own to find a rapist.

Mackenzie’s Mountain is a rare combination of romance and action.  Wolf’s initial reaction to Mary and her acceptance of it will nearly have you in tears.  Joe, as a teenager, is far more mature than his years but you can see the type of man he will become (and read about it in Mackenzie’s Mission) and the drive and determination that he has to get him there.  Wolf is wonderful as the standoffish cowboy who desperately tries to keep Mary safe and free from speculation regarding her attraction to him.  Mary is a kitten who thinks herself a tiger.  I loved them.  I wouldn’t have Ms. Howard change a thing about this book.

Although this was first published in 1989 as a single story Mills & Boon book, my copy includes both Mackenzie’s Mountain and Mackenzie’s Mission (Joe’s story) so I wasn’t aware of its origins.  That doesn’t matter.  I would still be unashamed to sit on the bus with this book be it with a sappy M&B cover, or the tartan monstrosity that I've got (pic above).  It is one of the best romance books that I’ve read in a long time.  Once I finished this volume I immediately searched for the other title in the series.

This book is a fantastic start to what is a wonderful series.  In future books you follow the stories of Joe (Mackenzie’s Mission), Zane (Mackenzie’s Pleasure), Maris (Mackenzie’s Magic) and even Chance has his own story (A Game of Chance).

There are audio books for this series available (Audible.com and CD), however paperback copies of the books are hard to come across.  I stumbled upon mine at a local second hand bookshop – and managed to find the other three there as well over a 2 year period.  Amazon and Book Depository may have a few left on occasion, but you have to get in quick or they'll be gone ASAP.

If you are addicted to romance books, or are a fan of Linda Howard's other titles, then I recommend that you try this book.  Great for the bus or train, or even a lunch hour escape.

Scent of Danger a Delight!

Available @AMAZON

Scent of Danger

Andrea Kane

Orig. Pub. Feb 2003

Re-issue Dec 2006

Back cover

When Dylan Newport, a high-powered attorney for the company that manufactures C'est Moi -- the revolutionary fragrance that makes women irresistible to men -- finds his boss, Carson Brooks, shot and nearly dead, he sets out to fulfill what may be the billionaire CEO's last wish: to find out whether a business deal he made twenty-eight years ago to start his company also resulted in his fathering a child.

Dylan's search leads him to Sabrina Radcliffe, a brilliant management consultant who is shocked to learn her father's identity. Yet when she meets Carson face-to-face, there's an instant connection. His appointing her interim CEO is the opportunity of a lifetime, until she becomes the target of his enemies. As suspects -- and victims -- begin to pile up, Sabrina turns to Dylan and finds that their own perfect chemistry is kindling into soul-deep desire. But first they must confront an elusive adversary intent on destroying everything -- and everyone -- they cherish.

This is the first book I had ever read by Andrea Kane, and it left me wanting more.  It’s rare these days when an author can finish a book and still leave you wanting more.  I used to feel that way about LKH, but now when the library gets a new Andrea Kane I’m there baby!

Scent of Danger is a romantic suspense novel that delves into the cut throat world of business.  In a nutshell, it revolves around Dylan Newport, a high-powered attorney, who finds his boss, Carson Brooks, shot and almost dead, and he sets out on what might be his bosses last wish: to find his biological child.  His search leads him to Sabrina Radcliffe, a beautiful and brilliant management consultant who is shocked to learn her father’s identity.  Yet when Dylan takes her back for a face-to-face with Carson, there is an instant connection between father and daughter.  When Carson appoints her interim CEO she becomes the target of his enemies.  As suspects – and victims – pile up, Sabrina turns to Dylan and finds that their own chemistry is perfect, kindling into soul-deep desire.  But first they must confront an elusive adversary intent on destroying everything.

This book took almost no time to get through.  Andrea Kane dragged me under her spell and I was lost in the world of Dylan and Sabrina.  It isn’t as gritty or edgy as Twisted, but still it is a great ride as you try to uncover the identity of the killer.  Now, although this book isn’t a demanding read, you do have to pay attention to the who’s and what’s so that you can follow the underlying subtext.

I loved Dylan and Sabrina’s relationship.  Even more was the interaction between Carson and Sabrina’s mother.  Having been an AI (artificial insemination) baby, Sabrina’s parents have never met.  It was nice to see them as supportive of each other, and Sabrina.  I’m not sure it would work like this in real life, but that’s why we have books isn’t it :-D

If you liked Kay Hooper’s Noah Bishop series, or Sharon Sala’s many books then this will be right up your alley.  Try not to read it before going to sleep – it’s not conducive to a good night’s sleep – as you’ll have to stay up to finish it.

Remember the tissues when you read Tallchief

Tallchief
Dinah McCall

Mass Market paperback 1997
HarperTorch US cover

Back cover

A Dream... or a Nightmare?

Ever since the night Morgan Tallchief lost the only woman he would ever love, he

has struggled to seal away the past.  But now Kathleen Ryder is back in his life - 

still pursued by the deadly secrets that forced her to flee before.  And even though

Morgan swears to protect her, he is helpless against his own rekindled passion.

Kathleen has never forgotten the achingly sweet hunger that bound them together

years ago.  Now, still on the run, all she dares ask is that Morgan keep her safe - 

never expecting that he has the power to breathe life-giving fire to an ember that has

grown cold.

Cover I have

Written by Sharon Sala under her pseudonym Dinah McCall, this is the heart-wrenching story of Morgan Tallchief, and how a ghost from his past comes back into his life.

At eighteen, Morgan was on top of the world.  With only two weeks until he graduated, an athletic scholarship in the works, and his beautiful and shy girlfriend, Kathleen Ryder by his side.  All that ends in an instant the night her house explodes... with her in it.  Grief stricken and numbed by his loss, Morgan turns his back on school and running, joining the navy - leaving his heart behind in the grave of his love.

Now, 16 years later Morgan is out of the navy and working as a successful artist when out of the blue he finds his lost love Kathleen standing on his doorstep.  Not only is Kathleen alive {shock...horror!}, but she has also brought a piece of their past with her... their daughter Trisha.  

Hidden by the FBI in Witness Protection (with her parents) since she was 14, Kathleen is now a single parent with a killer on her trail.  Her father's testimony was only part of the reason their family hid.  Unbeknownst to her, he held a little something back from the FBI - and now the bad guys want it.  With no other options, she packs up her daughter, and seeks out the one man who can help her.  But the reunion of the long lost lovers doesn't quite go as Kathleen expected, and while both of them get some good verbal hits before they call a truce for the moment Morgan is wary of her return.  Just what will it take to convince Morgan that she didn’t want to leave him all those years ago?

This book is a real tearjerker at times.  I enjoy most of Sharon Sala’s books, but this is truly one of her best.  Morgan is a man who never got over the death of his love, and Kathleen is a strong woman who has never forgotten her high school sweetheart.  The author brings them together in a wonderful way, making readers root for the success of their reunion. The addition of Trisha, their daughter, and the closure that this brings to Morgan is lovely.  I wished for a longer book, but the world is well developed, and their back-story well fleshed out.  You care about these characters, but the only criticism that I do have is that the ‘bad guy’ responsible for her flight back to Morgan doesn’t seem right.  He is the son of the man her father testified against, and his desperation to get back a piece of evidence is strange (although if someone the account details to millions stashed overseas I suppose you’d want it too J).  His demise is wonderfully appropriate, and as a reader, you just can’t wait for it.

This is a standalone book with no others being written about the Tallchief family, but that doesn’t matter because I didn’t really want to know about any of the others.