What I've Been Reading

Annie Parks came to Hawaii to gather information and settle a score, not spend time handcuffed to a sexy stranger's bed. Okay, so this particular stranger saved her from drowning after she was pitched overboard by some goons. And he's about six feet of hard, Hawaiian muscle and gorgeous cool that's making forgotten parts of her say, "A-lo-ha!" She needs to stay focused, but a side dish of Kane Travers is awfully tempting.

Kauai Police Chief Kane Travers is not a vacation kind of guy. So it figures that when Internal Affairs suspended him, he'd end up rescuing a sarcastic, dishonest, extremely hot redhead who is clearly hiding something. Amnesia? Yeah, right. Kane's got half a mind to give Miss Whoever She Is something she'll never forget. His cop senses tell him that the lady's in deep and needs his protection. But how can he get her to tell him anything when all he wants is to take her home and do everything?

I was lucky when I won this book over on Alison Kent's blog but until I began reading this book I didn't realize how much. First let me say I love the character names- Kane Travers and Annie Parks. As you know, I don't delve into the story because the blurb tells it all, but I will tell you this- this was my first book from HelenKay Dimon and it won't be my last. It had all the elements to make a great story: humor, drama, suspense, mystery, sexual tension, and hot sex. I'll be looking forward to more great stories from Ms. Dimon.
Rating: B+

A mysterious plane crash . . . a dangerous trek through the Idaho wilderness . . . a smoldering attraction . . . and a deadly game of cat and mouse. In her latest tour de force of romantic suspense, New York Times bestselling author Linda Howard blends these elements into a gripping story that will keep readers breathless–and leave them begging for more. For in Linda Howard’s world, trust can be a weapon, a kiss can be a threat, and intimacy can be deadly. Bailey Wingate’s scheming adult stepchildren are surprised when their father’s will leaves Bailey in control of their fortune, and war ensues. A year later, while flying from Seattle to Denver in a small plane, Bailey nearly dies herself when the engine sputters–and then fails. Cam Justice, her sexy Texan pilot, manages to crash-land the aircraft. Stranded in the wilderness, and struggling to douse her feelings for the ruggedly handsome man by her side, Bailey begins to wonder whether this was a mere accident. Who tampered with their plane? Who’s trying to reunite Bailey and her husband in the afterlife? Cut off from the world, and with little hope of rescue, Bailey must trust her life–and heart–to Cam, as they battle the harsh elements to find a way out of the unforgiving wilds and back to civilization . . . where a killer may be waiting to finish the job.

I'm not sure why this book is getting the reviews it is at Amazon.com, but I freaking loved this book. This is Linda Howard at her finest. This book focuses on plot, yes, but the romance and characterization are prominent and, to me, that's what her books have been missing for quite a while. I hope Ms. Howard continues with this style, the one that made me fall in love with her stories in the very beginning.

The only thing I didn't like about this book was the abrupt ending. When I say abrupt, I mean it literally. It was as if there was a chapter missing from the final version of the book. I like closure, and I didn't get that for Bailey and Cam in this book. Unless a book is going to be a continuation story, it needs an ending, more than what Ms. Howard gave us in this one. Another chapter or at least an epilogue would have left me satisfied and given Up Close and Dangerous an A rather than a B+.
Rating: B+.


Millionaire of the Month: Jack Howington III

Source of Fortune: International security corporation

The woman he can never have: Meredith Palmer

When he arrived at Hunter's Landing, Jack got the surprise of his life. His best friend's shy little sister had become a breathtaking young woman—with an ax to grind. Still smarting over Jack's long- ago rejection, Meredith was now intent on luring the mogul into her bed…and her bed was right across the hall. At what cost would Jack keep a decade-old promise?

As with all Susan Mallery stories, this one was very entertaining. I liked Jack and Meri's past, I enjoyed Colin and Betina's secondary romance. What I didn't like at times was Meri's personality. There were times it was over the top and grated on my nerves. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't enough that I hated her because I did like her. Anyway, the story was great as are all Mallery stories.
Rating: B+


Would she accept one million euros to be his mistress for a month? How could practical American Stacy Reeves say no to Franco Constantine's proposal? The wealthy, arrogant CEO of Midas Chocolates was overwhelmingly passionate in his pursuit. Their union would be pure pleasure….

But Stacy did not know Franco's offer was part of a bet. Her acceptance would label her a gold digger and give Franco complete control of Midas. Unless the billionaire denied his dynasty for the woman in his bed….

To say I was disappointed with this book would be putting it mildly. Normally I love Emilie Rose, but not with this book. It just wasn't her best work. I can't explain why it didn't work for me, I still haven't figured it out, what she did differently in this book than in her others. Whatever it was, let's hope it doesn't happen again. Sigh.

Rating: C(maybe less)

A Midsummer Night’s Steam story

A year after her husband died while serving in Iraq, Cassidy Yates still nurses a broken heart. Thinking a vacation will help, she agrees to a week in Key West with her best friend, April. Upon arrival, April suggests a way for Cassidy to ease her pain—sleep with the sexiest stud she can find.

Not the type to bed hop, Cassidy refuses April’s idea and ends up alone. Abandoned by her friend, Cassidy decides to take a nighttime swim. In the Jacuzzi, she masturbates to the memories of making love to her husband. Mortified by her own behavior, Cassidy retreats to her hotel room, hoping no one witnessed her exhibition.

Chase Dempsey is a man with rugged good looks and a killer smile. He isn’t looking to fall in love and only wants few days of relaxation before returning to his Texas ranch. Still, he’s curious after watching Cassidy’s erotic display and wonders what makes the gorgeous redhead tick. When he finds her dropped sarong, he realizes she’s just given him the opportunity to find out…

I'm normally not a fan of short stories, but this one was really, really well done. It made me laugh and cry... hard to do in a short story. Great story. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Rating: A-.