Over The Line by Cindy Gerard

When Anne blogged this ARC up at Let’s Gab…, she commented on Gerard’s lengthy build up to the first sex scene. She didn’t feel that the suspense overshadowed the romance. She just couldn’t take much more foreplay. Having read OTL, I now understand.

For me however, Gerard’s careful construction of the mystery captured my undivided attention. So completely, that I almost forgot about the HEA for the hero and heroine. I mean, I KNEW they needed to come together at some point—if the HEA were to be credible—but I was so involved in trying to figure out the real villian’s identity, that I didn’t have time for sex. Gerard put her characters in the same “WTF is going on?” state of mind and even they put off the sex they knew was coming.

It all worked together beautifully, bringing hero, heroine and reader to the edge of the page and keeping them there. The pace of action, the quick and numerous turns all contributed to Gerard’s extended foreplay, heightening reader anticipation. In OTL, Gerard achieves a balance and pace—pleasing to the reader—that I have not seen before.

Gerard did something else I love. She put the hero’s masculinity in question—giving him a face she likens to Opie and a heroine reaction both surprising and embarrassing. Let’s just say there was no swooning. Laughter? Yes. Swooning? No. Given that he is to be her bodyguard, this less than overwhelming picture of him is daring on Gerard’s part. She goes on to create a sexy, but flawed character—emotionally uncertain, inexperienced in private security, etc. His quiet competence—growing throughout the story—ends up casting a much larger—undoubtedly alpha—presence than any stereotypical tall, dark and dangerous description could have. Some grade A characterization.

Gerard’s heroine, a rock star in need of a bodyguard, also defies stereotype. Instead of hiding a simple, down-home girl underneath the flash, Gerard embodies her with a sharp business instinct and easily makes the distinction between the girl’s business and her personality. Brockmann fans will recall the over-the-top persona Cosmo’s love interest (Jane) sported in Hot Target. Outwardly, Jane presented herself one way, while hiding her true self from all but one or two individuals. Gerard does not take this tack. Instead, she makes the rock star stuff business and gives her heroine enough good sense to stand as who she is—without embarrassment.

Over The Line is an excellent addition to Gerard’s Bodyguard series. Having stumbled on this author—picking up my first book by her on an impulse buy with zero knowledge of her work—I am thrilled beyond words at finding a new auto-buy author. Love that.

Crazy Kisses by Tara Janzen

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Crazy Wild by Tara Janzen

Maybe I was a bit of a space cadet. Maybe I just was reading tired. After all, I did the majority of my reading of this book between 11 pm and 1 am. Maybe it was just me. But I didn't enjoy this one as much as I did the first two. This is Creed's story. Back to terrorists. And Creed could have been so much deeper than he was. I just didn't connect well enough with him. Given the torture that Creed went through in S America when he and JT were there, I felt like Janzen could have and should have made so much more of his PTSD. Don't get me wrong. Everybody else talked about it. All the Steele Street gang mentioned it, was worried about it, fretted over it. Even Creed thought about it. But we, the reader, just didn't really see enough of it to make it believable. I've read some amazingly well done PTSD heroes in other romances, and I just wasn't buying this one. Was it because Creed was a relative unknown to me before this book? I don't think so. Anyone else out there feel like this, or am I just Crazy? (ha, get it?... courtesy laugh, please...)

The story felt convoluted. I couldn't find my way from one end to another with the whole Russian/Czech/German bomb thing. Huh? And the ending? I wasn't sure how Creed and Cody ended up where they did. The whole book just made no sense to me.

What else was missing? Where was the humor? The first two books had such funny stuff mixed in. Granted, there is absolutely nothing humorous about PTSD, but there was also absolutely nothing humorous at all in this book. Much of what I enjoyed so much in the first two was the wild sense of almost campy adventure - the cars (did the Hummer not have a name?), the teasing, the silliness. All missing from this one. Sorely missing, I might add.

But, all was not lost. What did I like about this book? Oooohh. Something hot is gonna happen between Dylan and Skeeter. Wow. Janzen really turned it up with these two. I enjoyed every interaction. Dylan's guilt over wanting Skeeter, though she is 12 years younger - "not even old enough to drink." I loved the scene where Dylan was looking at her sketches of all the Steele Street guys, and he felt hurt that there wasn't one of him. Powerful.

Then there's Skeeter wanting Dylan to see her as an adult, wanting to be close to him. I so remember that feeling you get just standing next to "the one." Janzen did a great job describing Skeeter's emotions when she is close to Dylan. (If only she had done such a good job with Creed and Cody.) Each book reveals a little more about Skeeter, and her story is more and more intriguing... and sad. Just makes you love Superman all that much more, doesn't it, for rescuing her?

Anyway, Dylan and Skeeter redeemed this book for me. Their story, Crazy Love, is being released the end of this June. So first I must read Kid Chaos and Nikki's story, and then Dylan & Skeeter's story. I am looking forward to them both. That way I can just put Crazy Wild out of my head and return to the good feelings I had after reading the first two in the series (see below).

The Last Mermaid by Shana Abe

531: The tiny island of Kell is said to be enchanted, inhabited by an extraordinary creature who comforts shipwrecked sailors passing into the next world. Prince Aedan of the Isles believes in no such nonsense—until he awakens on Kell itself and meets the sensuous siren who rescued him from the sea.

1721: Ronan MacMhuirich, Earl of Kell, is the target of an unlikely assassin: Leila, a mysterious woman from an exotic land. But his irresistibly beautiful would-be slayer is in just as much danger as Ronan when she falls for this man with a magic of his own.

2004: What do you do when you inherit a Scottish island you never knew existed—and find yourself pursued by a handsome stranger who wants to buy it from you? That’s what happens to Ruri Kell when she accepts Iain MacInnes’s invitation to visit her birthright, and listens to a proposition as sinfully tempting as everything else about him.

Three seductive love stories, three passionate couples, all linked by one of the most romantic myths of all.

I had read another book by Shana Abe, The Smoke Thief, and really enjoyed it (it wasn’t romance but fantasy) so when I found this book in the romance section of the library, I wanted to give it a try. Abe has an elegant style and in her descriptions I could almost smell the sea, see the colors, feel the despair and joy.

I enjoy trilogies but am frustrated when I have to wait for each book. I know I’m not alone here. Shana Abe takes care of that in spades! Although the blurb says there are three stories, there are actually four. The story that begins the legend of Kell serves as the first romance. As with so many connecting stories, there is always one that is weaker than the others and for me the modern story seemed to get short shrift. Abe didn’t flesh out Ruri and Iain much. They function more like an epilogue – albeit a very satisfying one.

This is 580 pages long but doesn’t seem like it. I stopped at the end of each story to savor the HEA. The Last Mermaid had all the components I enjoy in romance: historical, fantasy and contemporary. It was also kinda neat that the mermaid wasn’t always a woman and I love the twist at the end. No spoiler here, it’s best if you read the book yourself. Really!

More Ebook Buzz.... Heart of a Soldier by Vanessa Hart

I'm in a hurry this morning, so perhaps this book won't get its full due, but... I found this time travel book while perusing the May issue of Passionate Ink Book Notes. If you don't belong, I highly recommend it. Because I never would have stumbled across this terrific book otherwise. Here's the blurb, courtesy of Liquid Silver Books:

On her way to her best friend's wedding, college student Stacy Webber is transported to 1963 West Germany, where the U.S. Army suspect her of being a Soviet spy. She's put under the guard of Douglas Lee Bradley III.

He worries that his sudden, explosive affair with the woman he’s supposed to be guarding could jeopardize his shot at Officer Candidate School. He doesn't understand a lot of what Stacy says but is drawn to her imaginative tales of the future. She just wants to get back to her own century and needs Brad to help her. She doesn’t expect to fall in love with him. Once Stacy uncovers the reason for her time-jump, she faces a terrible secret that affects Brad’s life. Will Brad’s future be saved if she sacrifices her own?

First of all, I found this to be one of the most plausible time travels I've ever read. The interactions between Stacy and Brad were well done, as were the references to 2006 and Brad's disbelief of things that were only 40 years in the future - even given the fact that he is a huge science fiction fan. Stacy's reaction to being transported in time is also believable, as she grasps onto the one person who seems symapthetic to her plight.

As the attraction and connection grows between them, Brad finds himself torn between wanting to believe in Stacy, and just finding the entire time travel scenario too implausible. When the true reason for her time travel becomes clear, as does her mode of transport, the two lovers struggle to find the key to happiness - should Stacy stay or should she go back to her own time?

I found this story nicely written, very sweet, and quite enjoyable. Quite shocking, really, how far we've come in my lifetime.

Passion by Lisa Valdez

In her second year of mourning, lovely young widow Passion Elizabeth Dare never dreamed she would be with a man again--and certainly not a complete stranger. But amidst the crowds of London's Crystal Palace, Passion finds herself discreetly, yet insistently, pursued by a sensual gentleman who awakens her long-supressed desires. After a loveless marriage of restrained propriety, Passion abandons herself to true bliss for the first time.

Intoxicated by his encounter with the beautiful stranger, Mark Randolph Hawkmore, Earl of Langley, cannot wait to see her again. As a series of rapturous rendezvous follows, he and his mystery lover find something rare and wonderful blossoming between them. But a blackmail scheme against the Earl threatens to destroy everything. As a scandal brews, each will have to choose between duty and desire...their love for their families--and their love for each other.

Passion is an extraordinary and powerful love story that literally ignites with the first encounter between its hero and heroine. Valdez brings them together in a coupling that is astonishingly erotic—for its time and place. And she continues to heighten that eroticism until it consumes hero, heroine and reader. Their physical need for one another transforms them on every level and, keeping with the single, unerring focus of this tale, Valdez uses their obsession with one another to reveal character. The heroine’s true artistic talent. Her dry wit and independent mind. The hero’s unflinching honesty within his own thoughts. His self-possession.

Valdez wastes little time letting readers in on their damned fate. There is no clutter, no side trips, no prolonging the misunderstanding, no foreseeable way to a happy ending. When she unmasks the need that drives them as a deep, unabiding love neither thought to ever have, Valdez elevates an already unbearable anguish to outright panic. It is just that gut-wrenching.

Valdez writes beautifully, evoking reader emotion with words both purple and profane. It is a talented pen that can simultaneously provoke and lure the reader, rendering enough shock to jolt the reader physically without loosening the story’s grip on her senses.

And it is the story itself that grips. Its characters breathe as you and I do. But it is their story—what and who they are together—that sweeps them and the reader forward. Not since Shelby Reed’s Midnight Rose, have I been as possessed, as captivated by a story. Which means I’m averaging two such reads a year.

Granted, Karen’s review (and others) prompted its appearance on my TBR list quite a long time ago. Had I simply gone online and bought it, I could have experienced it much sooner. But no, I had to search high and lo-cally, bumping it further down the list every time I could not find it. Ah well. So worth the wait.

My only regret is that I vaguely recall grumblings about Valdez’ next release. Something about its delay…

May TBR Challenge - Blackout... and a couple other Crazy books

I really like Annie Solomon's books. Absolutely loved Blind Curve. So, what did I think of Blackout? Not sure. Here's the blurb, courtesy of Annie Solomon's web site:

A month ago, she was a book dealer surrounded by family and friends. Now, suddenly, she can't remember the last four weeks of her life and everyone close to her has disappeared. Worst of all, she's the prime suspect in a murder she has no memory of committing, and she's being hunted from every direction.

Undercover agent Jake Wise has his suspect in sight and is ready to take her out—but something is keeping him from pulling the trigger. Is he tempted to protect Margo because she's innocent—or because he's falling for her? And if he's falling, what happens when he hits bottom? Nothing adds up and danger is closing in. But Jake is about to take the chance of a lifetime to save Margo—and if she's the assassin they say she is, it may be the last chance he ever takes.

So, what didn't work for me? The heroine, Margo. She wasn't deep enough for me. Perhaps that was intentional. After all, she was suffering from amnesia, and given who she is (which we later find out), it's not surprising that she would be in such total control. She was obviously one tough woman, but she wasn't sure why. As the reader, we figure this out long before she does. This, I knew was intentional, and I was ok with that. But if Margo was so seemingly unfeeling, why wasn't she puzzled by her lack of emotions? About 2/3 of the way through the book, Margo figured it out, and began displaying much more depth of emotion. At this point she became a much more believable and sympathetic character to me. I began to enjoy the book more. This is also where the action became more intense, and the story began to all come together, so maybe that had something to do with it as well.

What worked for me? The hero, Jake. Strong, reliable, there for Margo, but there because he wants the truth. He wants to avenge his mentor's death. And because he believes that Margo holds the key. Unwittingly, he finds himself attracted to her, even when he believes she might have pulled the proverbial trigger. I felt like he was a much more well rounded character than Margo. Yes, she did have amnesia, but I believe that it is possible to show real depth of emotion and flesh out a character with amnesia. In fact, it's a grand opportunity. I've seen a number of authors do this with a bit more success.

These two strong people come together in a flurry of fast paced action and subterfuge. Add in a high level cover up, and a bit of corruption into the mix. I did feel like the story lost its way just a little there in the middle, but Solomon wrapped it up fairly well in the last few chapters. The last scenes where Margo and Jake find themselves in danger, after the rest of the story has wrapped up felt unneccessary to me, though. I thought the book could have ended a chapter earlier.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, just not quite as much as I expected to, and not as much as I've enjoyed previous Solomon books.

---

Crazy Hot... by Tara Janzen
I've read all kinds of reviews of this series - leave your sense of reality at the door. Not realistic enough. Blah blah blah. I disagree. I absolutely adored this book. What a sense of fun and adventure. I loved that there was a history between Regan and Quinn. Actually, between Regan and all the Steele Street guys. It really set the stage for the entire series. I loved all the car references. I loved the action. This was just a fun, escapist adventuresome novel. But Janzen did throw in some deep stuff as well. The entire Kid storyline is quite sobering. I could have done without the Nikki/sex angel thing, actiually, but I was totally willing to overlook that and take the book for what it is.

Crazy Cool...
Kat and "Superman". This one was a tad more convoluted than the first one. Less "terrorist"y, and more "revenge"y. But still thoroughly enjoyable. Once again, I loved all the car stuff; the way Hawkins cringes while Kat messily eats in his beloved car is hilarious. Once again, you need to be willing to accept the book at face value, but if you can do that, you will be thoroughly entertained. I look at it like this: For many years, I was a critical care repiratory therapist. Yet, I still watch ER, most nights without screaming "Where's the damn RT?!?!" "They don't do it that way, you idiot!" Face value, people. It's all about the entertainment. Once again, there is a heartbreaking storyline related to Kid, and it does serve to temper the hilarity and wild campiness of much of the rest of the book.

I can't wait to read the rest of this series. Now I just need to find the time!

Been plowing through my TBR stack like it’s my job….

Linda Castillo

Dead Reckoning

Both hero and heroine are interesting, less than perfect characters. He battles pain, prescription drug addiction and a resulting surliness—at best, or complete loss of control—at worst. She was a victim at 17 and the burden manifests itself into a measure of bitchiness and degree of isolation off the scale. Castillo skillfully subjects readers to the same anguish experienced by both, soliciting both empathy and admiration for their struggles.

The mystery is interesting, but not so difficult to unravel. And I’m not certain if that may have been by Castillo’s design. It is the characters—their individual crises and the tension building between them—that moves the story along. A fast but good read and her latest I believe.


Perfect Victim

My first DNF this year. These characters lacked common sense—thinking, saying and doing outright stupid things. You have to suspend belief along about page 5. And leave it suspended.

Lisa Kleypas


When Strangers Marry

Vintage Kleypas set in pre-statehood Louisiana. It read like a good, formulaic romance written in the 1980s. Of course, compared to Kleypas’ later work—particularly her Derek Craven, Bowrunner and Wallflower series—When Strangers Marry lacked depth in both plot and characterization. A quick, light read, but not a keeper in the tradition of an early Garwood title.


A Stranger In My Arms

More vintage Kleypas that reminds me of an interview I saw on Arsenio Hall once (seriously dating myself there). Referring to the actress that played Hope on Days Of Our Lives, Arsenio acknowledged that she absolutely could not act when she joined the soap. But she was so beautiful, with so much potential, that the audience didn’t mind watching her learn. They were entranced despite her less than stellar performance. Because I know Kleypas ultimately produced stunning work, I’m equally forgiving—in an Arsenio kind of way—of these early titles.


Shadow Lover by Anne Stuart

Another from Stuart’s backlist. I liked this one. The mystery was interesting and not readily solved. The pull between the hero and heroine was laced with menace—in true Stuart style—but not enough to limit their appeal. Overall, one I’m glad I read.


Shadows and Lace by Teresa Medeiros

Another very old fashioned historical—you know, Part I, Part II and so on. Pretty good overall, but again, not a keeper to read again. I’m working my way up to reading Medeiros’ paranormal title everyone raved about last year. Just wish I liked paranormals.


French Twist by Roxanne St Clair

A contemporary I picked up right after finishing Fetzer’s last book. Although good, St Clair pales in comparison. I couldn’t get more than a few pages into French Twist. After the edgy Fetzer title, I had to revert to a historical or two before trying French Twist again. I’m glad I did. It was fairly good. A fast read with only a couple of “they wouldn’t really do that” moments. I liked it enough to pass it on to a friend.

May TBR Challenge: Over The Edge

Title: Over The Edge
Author: Suzanne Brockmann
Year Published: 2001

Blurb:

Her passion is flying. As one of the best helicopter pilots in the naval reserves, Lieutenant Teri Howe is strong, dedicated, and highly skilled–until a past mistake surfaces, jeopardizing everything she’s worked for.

Rock steady Senior Chief Stan Wolchonok has made a career of tackling difficult challenges. So it’s no surprise when he comes to Teri’s aid, knowing that his personal code of honor–and perhaps his heart–will be at risk. But when a jet carrying an American senator’s daughter is hijacked, Stan’s unflinching determination and Teri’s steadfast courage are put to the ultimate test. The rescue mission will be daring and dangerous. But somewhere between peril and resolution, the line between friends and lovers begins to blur, pushing both their lives over the edge. . . .

Why did you get this book? I inadvertantly started Brockmann’s SEAL Team Sixteen series out of order—reading Sam and Alyssa’s story first. I worked through the remaining books in this series as I could get my hands on them—again, not in order. Over The Edge was the last book I picked up and it has been languishing in my TBR stack. Despite loving these characters, I just felt that I knew all there was to know about them already. I didn’t anticipate any surprises, just an easy, comforting visit with them again when I got around to this book.

Do you like the cover? It’s nice, yes.

Did you enjoy the book? I loved the book. I had forgotten how quickly and completely Brockmann captivates with tight action, rapier wit and emotional tension. The time we spend in these characters’ thoughts is as enjoyable and engaging as their dialogue; as riveting as their actions. High praise from someone prone to skimming entire sections of internal thought. I’ve read damn few authors capable of lending animation, humor and edge to a character by simply letting us into his head. Brockmann can. She also nails every opportunity to deepen characterization through action and dialogue.

I didn’t get the easy, comfortable return to this cast of characters I expected. The pace of the action, the secondary and assorted underlying plots, and the realization that THIS is the book where Gina is attacked all served to wind me up. Brockmann doesn’t shy away from unpopular politics or violence. She does however, carry off both with integrity, IMO. As with the other books in this series, I couldn’t stop reading and didn’t want it to end.

As for the “new” characters—Stan and Teri—I enjoyed getting to know them. The romance reader in me particularly enjoyed the way Brockmann wielded Stan’s steadiness, man-to-get-things-done persona—turning it into unadulterated sex appeal from the very first scenes in the book. This guy turned me on.

Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again? No and yes—the minute Into The Storm hits shelves in December.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing it on. I don’t keep books. Generally.

Anything else? Just a small gripe about the blurb. Teri's past mistake? Never materializes in the story. The blurb is misleading.

My little granola...

My little granola.....



So I ask my 3-year old if he would like to wear his sandals. Sure, he says. I put them on his bare feet. He walks around for a moment, then decides they don't fit right. I shrug and say, ok, sneakers it is. I put his socks on and reach for his sneaks. He objects, grabbing his sandals instead. With socks? I ask. Yeah. You can't wear socks with sandals, I explained. Yes I can. Ok then. So here he is, socks and sandals. His Dutch grandmother would be so proud. Sigh.

Over The Line by Cindy Gerard

(As blogged on http://annescomments.blogspot.com)

I was blessed to be gifted with an ARC of Cindy Gerard's latest installment of The Bodyguards called Over The Line, Romantic Times 4-1/2 star top pick, which comes out on May 30th (thanks so much Cindy!). The book can be preordered/purchased at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or at New and Used books.com. You can also read an exerpt here.

Without further ado, here is the blurb for the book:

WHEN EVERY FRIENDLY FACE COULD MASK A KILLER…

“Sweet Baby Jane” Perkins has carved out a mega-selling reputation as rock’s favorite bad girl. But her hard-living, tough-talking image can’t prevent the sharp dose of reality that hit home when her estranged mother is killed in a car accident. As bizarre coincidences escalate in her own life, Janey grows certain that someone is watching her every move, and it’s not one of her adoring fans…

THE ONLY PERSON SHE CAN TRUST…

Since leaving the Army Rangers six months ago, Jason Wilson has been adrift, a warrior without a war. Now he’s taken his first civilian assignment for his army buddy’s security firm: protecting a rock diva on her sold-out tour. Far from being a spoiled star, Janey is a revelation—sweet, modest, and incredibly sexy. Their friendship is turning to mutual, heated desire, but it’s a distraction that could cost them more than their hearts…

MAY BE A PERFECT STRANGER.

Drawn into the depths of a deadly secret, they’ll face off against a killer growing more ruthless every day, and Jase will discover just how far he’ll go to protect an explosive passion he never expected…

Did I like this book? Yes. Did I love this book? You bet your sweet bootie I did! Over The Line is a capativating and compelling read that will have you turning page after page in anticipation of what happens next.

Jase and Janey don't get together sexually until you're into the book a bit and I have to commend Ms. Gerard on a job well done. It was like reader foreplay... I wasn't sure which was more overpowering, the anticipation in the waiting or the wanting them to just get down to it already. It was an element of the book that was wonderfully done yet drove me crazy at the same time... hence, foreplay. God, I love it when an author has me devouring the pages.

And the whodunit in this book.. man, oh man... there are so many suspects you don't have a clue as to who it is. You might think you do, then something else happens and it changes your mind. I wanted so badly to peek to the back of the book to find out who was making Janey's life a living hell, but I resisted the temptation.. and let me tell you that was very, very hard to do! I even emailed Ms. Gerard to tell her so. BUT, when I got to the whodunit, I was soooooo glad that I didn't peek! It would have ruined the surprise to find out who it really was. Let me say, I honestly and truly was shocked when I found out who it was.. my jaw dropped, my eyes bugged out, and I was like, "Holy shit!" Seriously, it was that big of a moment for me. I didn't see that coming. Not for a single second.

So, my grade for Over The Line: A

It's a fan-freaking-tastic addition to The Bodyguards series, and I'm anxiously(and impatiently) awaiting Manny's story in Under The Wire which will be coming out in *gasp* December! WAIL! I've got to wait SEVEN FREAKING MONTHS? That's way too long. But WAIT! Then we've only got to wait a little while longer, June 2007, for Dallas and Amy's story in Into The Dark. Oooooh, that's very good news. So, I guess I can overlook the SEVEN torture-filled months waiting for Manny's story since it's only a little while after that to get to the find out what happens with Amy and Dallas.. you know you're dying to know as much as I am. There's no point in denying it... we're all wanting to know just what the heck Amy's story is. Soon my friends. Soon. : )

Charming the Highlander by Janet Chapman

A feisty beauty tempted by a bold highlander's touch...When a plane crash strands brilliant scientist Grace Sutter on an icy mountaintop in Maine, she finds herself alone in the wilderness with the only other surviving passenger -- Greylen MacKeague, a sexy, medieval warrior who's been tossed through time to find the woman he's destined to love. Forced together to survive the harsh, wintry landscape, neither expects the fierce passion that flares between them. But Grace is not used to letting her heart take control, and Greylen will settle for nothing less than her heart's surrender.

This is the first in a trilogy about some sexy Highlanders from the 12th century who are thrown into the 20th century and are living in Maine. Grey is strong and protective of both Grace and the infant he thinks is hers. Grace is still mourning her sister's death and although she's promised her sister to give the child to his father, she really doesn't want to give him up. Especially since she thinks the father is insane - he really thinks he's from the 12th century. She's a scientist and just knows that's impossible.

Now Grace really is a rocket scientist (I loved this aspect of our heroine) and there are some sticky complications with her boss. Grace seems to be constantly in jeopardy. Whether it's from a nasty ice storm or from a shady company that wants her rocket propulsion research.

Oh yes, there's another complication, MacKeague and the baby's father, McBain, are mortal enemies and were in the midst of battling each other when they got thrown into the future. They still hate each other.

I loved this book even though I read it way out of order. The other two are Loving the Highlander and Wedding the Highlander (in that order). I read them in 3-2-1 order and still enjoyed them!

Deep Blue by Kat Martin

For reporter Hope Sinclair, writing about the recovery of a sunken Spanish treasure off Pleasure Island should be her big chance. But Hope can’t help feeling that she’s been hand-picked for this job for all the wrong reasons. Someone wants Hope out of New York and off the story that could blow a corruption case wide open. If they think sending her to paradise will shut her up, they’ve got another thing coming.

Hope’s subject, treasure hunter Conner Reese, isn’t happy to have her along for the ride. He doesn’t need the publicity, nor does he want an incredibly tempting redhead on board, driving his crew—and himself—to distraction. But there’s something else, too. As a former Navy SEAL, Conner can sense extreme danger, and danger is following Hope Sinclair very, very closely…

Now, in the deceptively serene beauty of a sultry Caribbean paradise, Hope and Conner are moving ever closer to finding a priceless Incan relic, and diving deeper into waters more treacherous than they could possibly imagine… treasure off Pleasure Island should be her big chance. But Hope can’t help feeling that she’s been hand-picked for this job for all the wrong reasons. Someone wants Hope out of New York and off the story that could blow a corruption case wide open. If they think sending her to paradise will shut her up, they’ve got another thing coming.

Not a compelling read. I’m usually pretty compulsive about finishing a book once I’ve started it but I had no problem putting this one down to do something/anything else. The relic doesn’t figure much in the story and the tension of the plot is weak. I liked Hope and Conn but there were just too many push/pull scenes: she’s hot for him, he’s hot for her, but… She loves him but doesn’t trust him because of a previous relationship gone bad; he loves her but she just won’t let herself commit. And the sense of danger doesn’t build, it’s just there, sort of. This is the third in a series about 3 sisters but I haven’t read the other two books, Midnight Sun and Desert Heat. Maybe they’re better.

On the positive side, at least I finished it. It was good enough for me to persevere to the end.

Perfect Weapon by Amy J. Fetzer

I found Fetzer’s next book, Perfect Weapon, as good as Naked Truth in some ways, not as compelling in others.

Stay alive. That’s all Dr. Sydney Hale can think. In one terrifying minute, her life was turned upside down. Now, the cops think she’s a murder suspect, the government wants her to come in, and somebody will do anything, including kill, to the get the knowledge only she has. Alone, she’ll never survive on the run. What she needs is a perfect weapon, and Marine Jack Wilson just may be the answer to her prayers.

Jack has always been clear about who the enemy is, but now, he’s not sure. Why is Sydney Hale the only survivor of a government lab breach? What secrets is she hiding? Why is the government lying to him? Jack intends to find the answers to all his questions, but first, he has to keep Sydney alive long enough, and if there’s anything this marine knows, it’s how to keep moving and fight back. What he doesn’t know is what to do about the fierce desire she awakens in him. With no one to turn to but each other, sexual tension explodes into a passionate hunger and tender love neither can fully trust—or live without. And with the stakes rising, Jack and Sydney will make their stand, gambling everything they have on a choice that could save—or destroy—them both…

The action and suspense in this is every bit as good as it was in Naked Truth—which I liked very much. Fetzer writes with such economy, such precision that her pace seems to be on fast-forward. Again, not a word wasted and no place for the reader to catch their breath before the next turning point. Tight action. A narrow window of time. Multiple, layered forces—both good and evil—in play. And a hero and heroine at the core, drawing all of the forces in around them, shrinking the circle of action to a single point of conclusion. Very like a Clancy or Grisham novel, except for the on-air time for the heroine. Fetzer gives equal footing to both hero and heroine; the latter is not just a character trait for the hero.

So the pace and the sharp writing style are there in Perfect Weapon. What isn’t there is the unexpected, but powerful connection between the hero and heroine. Sure, there is attraction. There is even humility, humor and great tension in Fetzer’s sex scenes. But in Naked Truth, Fetzer gave us a hero and heroine drawn with such depth the reader knew them; and felt just as overcome as they did when sex and emotion converged with surprising poignancy. The romance of Naked Truth took my breath away more than once. Perfect Weapon held none of those moments for me.

The difference, I think, is the depth and believability of each character. They do not seem as strong in Perfect Weapon. In this one, the hero suffers terrible loss at the onset of the story. Fetzer does a fair job of crippling him with grief in the first part of the book. But then that grief seems to just slide away. Not in a “he’s over it” way, but in a “the grief no longer warrants its own character” kind of way. As if the devastating and brutal loss no longer plays a role in motivation or character definition. That was a problem for me. I think Jack would have been far more interesting if Fetzer had let him power through those life and death situations without lessening the crushing weight of his guilt and grief.

In Sydney, Fetzer gives us another strong, capable heroine--brilliant and assertive actually. She is also thrust into a deadly, horrifying firefight within the first 20 pages of the book. We see her in total panic, scared out of her mind, before we get to see her in competent, self-commanding mode. The switch between the two felt abrupt and the inherent conflict underdeveloped. Placing a woman who is always in control into a set of circumstances and events that are completely out of her control makes for some interesting conflicts. It just didn’t feel like Fetzer bared enough of those inner conflicts or connected Sydney’s wisecracking to her desperate reach for the nearest coping mechanism.

All that being said, I still found the couple engaging and their attraction sexy. Their lack of angst—as compared to Naked Truth—does not completely undermine their power to captivate the reader. I’ll shut up on this now.

Interestingly, Fetzer’s third leading character, Cisco, nearly steals the show. He is a deeply intriguing government agent with more emotional and intellectual depth than either Jack or Sydney. His struggle for the truth and all of its consequences is captivating. And his care for unwitting participants—namely Sydney and Jack—is palpable, even though it is largely unspoken. Here, Fetzer gives us a beautifully drawn character that powers the story as much as the action.

Overall, this is another Fetzer book I would recommend to other readers. I will continue to look out for new work from this author. Despite what appears to be little marketing or promotion efforts on her behalf, I have found mention of a new release slated for July.

April TBR Challenge: Linda Castillo's Depth Perception

Title: Depth Perception
Author: Linda Castillo
Year Published: 2005

Why did you get this book? I added this one to my TBR list after reading its blurb in a (February 2005) Writerspace.com email newsletter.

Do you like the cover? It’s nice enough. But I do think the story would have been better served by a darker image, suggestive of the evil and desolation present in its characters. As is, the image of this woman—complete with purse and low-heeled pumps—does nothing to clue readers in to her peril or her emotional devastation.

Did you enjoy the book? Enjoy is not the appropriate word to describe this reading experience. Depth Perception is a very good read. The writing is strong, characterization deep and consistent, the story compelling. I would recommend it to my reading friends.

However, very little in this book is pretty. Both hero and heroine have suffered the deaths of their children—she through the brutal murder of her 7-year old son and her husband, he through the apparent accidental drowning of his toddler boy. As a parent, this subject matter is usually off limits for me. I have neither the stomach nor the nerve to read (or watch) the stuff of my worst nightmare.

The blurb gives away his loss and I’m not sure why I dismissed it as benign. Maybe I thought since it was presented in the past tense, his son’s death would figure less in the story than it ultimately did. Her own loss—and grief twisted with a bit of the paranormal—were well masked and, had I known upfront, I most likely would have passed on this book.

As a result of their experiences, both hero and heroine are hard to watch. Their wounds are still open. Both remain in a weakened state of mind. Neither appears ready to touch or be touched—emotionally or physically—by another person. Castillo wastes no time in sharing this state of affairs with the reader. And it is precisely this challenge, this hopelessness that kept me turning pages.

Castillo’s secondary characters are difficult to stomach as well. It is near impossible to know who to trust and most—good and bad—behave menacingly toward the hero and heroine. There are no safe havens in this book—not even in our hero’s arms—and Castillo does a fine job of making the reader feel equally frightened and lost. Testament to her writing and storytelling abilities. And the reason I would recommend her to other readers.

Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again? Yes, this was my first Castillo book. And yes, I plan to read some of her other titles, starting with The Shadow Side.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing it on. I don’t keep books. Generally.

Anything else? Only one concern, a minor dent in credibility. When I went to Castillo’s website to grab an image of the book cover for this blog, I noticed a quote from Harriet Klausner on the homepage.

Dark Characters From Stuart and Carlyle

Devil’s Waltz by Anne Stuart

The Honorable Miss Annelise Kempton had no idea the kind of trouble she’d get into when she accepted an invitation for a self-made man to shepherd his daughter through her first season. Particularly when Christian Montcalm, the most notorious man in London, seems undecided whether to marry Annelise’s charge for her money or seduce the staid Annelise herself. Add to that a sinister secret, naughty statues and two addle-pated young lovers, and you have the perfect recipe for high-spirited happy ever after.

I can easily echo sentiments already expressed everywhere else online. I enjoyed Devil’s Waltz very much and, if I kept books, this one would qualify as a keeper.

It features another Stuart hero that borders on villain. Adding my opinion to the collective scale, I’d weight Christian’s “degree of bad” on the heavy side. Even near the end—a happy end, mind you—he actually seems to consider leaving his heroine as hostage to brutes, envisioning a vile fate for her as he stands there weighing his chances of survival with and without her in tow. He went so far as to let her think for a moment that he would leave her behind. That was one of many moments that undermined my belief in him or even his potential.

Nicknaming the heroine “dragon” did little to endear me to him—or her—either. Stuart’s portrayal of Annelise is almost as harsh as Christian’s treatment of her. I wasn’t entirely comfortable with it and wondered how much Stuart really thought of her heroine—a woman strong on the outside and remarkably resigned on the inside. Protective at first, I finally tired of the dragon references and secretly wanted her to give in to her hope, however fleeting it felt to her.

Had it not been for the sparse moments of tenderness he showed Annelise, or her perseverance despite her self-loathing, I would have given them up to their miserable, independent fates. In the end, I simply wanted him to make her life better, save her from a misery that he was more than a little responsible for causing.

Still, it was a superb read. Primarily because Stuart writes so well, adding flesh to characters through dialogue and action in a way that few authors manage. Despite their flaws, Stuart’s characters penetrate the reader’s conscious. For me, I will always turn to a character calling me to slap him—hard—before I will turn to one that never fully materializes amidst weak dialogue and lame inner thoughts.


The Devil To Pay by Liz Carlyle

George Kemble, the man forever fixing everyone else’s problems, finds himself plagued by troubles of his own when his sister returns to London after a decade abroad. Sidonie Saint-Godard has lost her husband, but widowhood, unfortunately, bores her. When a thief called the Black Angel begins haunting the hells and alleys of London, robbing rich gentlemen of the ton, Kemble is mystified. He knows every member of London’s underworld, yet he does not know the Angel. But when a battered Sidonie collapses on his doorstep, bleeding from a nasty stab wound, Kemble begins to suspect the truth. Can he stop Sidonie’s dangerous behavior before someone else does?

Perhaps the Marquess of Devellyn can? The man unaffectionately known as the Devil of Duke Street has a watchful eye on his new neighbor, the mysterious Frenchwoman known as Madame Saint-Godard. In fact, he would like very much to seduce her, since he finds the lady lovely, intriguing, and almost disturbingly familiar . . . But when Kemble hears of his sister’s fascination with society’s most reviled nobleman, he is doubly alarmed. The Marquess of Devellyn is the absolute last person Kemble wants his sister in bed with—and for reasons which have nothing to do with Devellyn’s appalling reputation.

Also a superb read, again because Carlyle writes beautifully. Her elegant but economical descriptions pull me in and powerful characters tug me forward.

In The Devil To Pay, Carlyle’s hero and heroine are equally dark. And we see that darkness in them, through their demeanor and actions; feel it in the desperation of their private thoughts and listlessness.

For her hero, Carlyle does more than simply tell us Aleric is a rake with a dour view of his responsibilities—stereotyping readers can find in nearly every historical romance they open. Instead, Carlyle shows readers Aleric’s disdain—primarily for himself—every time he numbs himself by bottle or by lust.

In her heroine, Carlyle hides an impenetrable disappointment beneath the façade of activity, of doing something. Sidone is a woman who fills every moment with activity—some expected, some illicit and unsafe—never allowing the emotional undercurrent to the surface.

That each is inexplicably drawn to the other is understandable. Ultimately, Carlyle brings them together in an amazing sensual encounter that is powered by intense physical needs, heightened to near brutality. Then leaves them shattered by emotional longing so poignant even the reader aches.

I loved these two unconditionally; and ached for them.

Like those in Stuart’s The Devil’s Waltz, Carlyle’s characters see no way out from under the burdens that have carved their psyches. Unlike Stuart’s characters however, Carlyle’s Aleric and Sidone appear more deserving of a way out. The difference, I think, in the balance of strength and vulnerability in each.

Discovering Dani by NJ Walters... April TBR Challenge

OK, I know that the April TBR Challenge was supposed to be a book on your TBR list for 6 months or more, but y'all know I never have a book sitting around that long! This was sitting in my ebook reader for a full month - that's about as long as it gets for me, so this totally qualifies!

The blurb (courtesy of Samhain Publishing):
Dani O'Rourke has had the responsibility of raising her two brothers, Patrick and Shamus, since the death of their parents. As sole owner and operator of O'Rourke Cleaning Services, she is no stranger too [sic] hard work, but she is a beginner when it comes to men.

Burke is a very rich and successful businessman whose brush with death has made him question his priorities. He's traveled to Jamesville for peace and quiet while he plans the rest of his life.

Their lives collide when Burke accuses her of breaking into his cabin to steal from him. Their attraction to each other is immediate, and after a series of misunderstandings he finds himself caught up in the lives of Dani and her brothers.

But can this gentle, giving woman get a man as hard and cynical as Burke to believe in the power of love? Or will Burke leave town without ever discovering the wonders of life with Dani?
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I love NJ Walters' books. I've said it before. I'll say it again. This more traditional romance from Walters doesn't disappoint. Once again, Walters paints her characters well. You get the true sense of the deep bond between Dani and her brothers; she gave up basically her entire teenage and young adulthood to raise her brothers and keep the family together after their parents died. There is a true and loving bond between these siblings. I love the sense of family that Walters has portrayed in this book - the sense of protectiveness, respect, and caring that Patrick feels for his big sister (Am I right? Is Patrick's story coming? He is begging for one once he ages a few years!); the feelings of responsibility they all share for one another's happiness and well-being that comes out in so many ways; the 'we're in this together' connectedness that they share.

Into all this comes Burke, our hero. He comes from just the opposite kind of upbringing... and doesn't quite know what to make of this warm, giving, accepting family. All he knows is that he wants more of it. He allows himself to be drawn into their warm circle. Walters shows him as a very contradictory kind of guy. He is a ruthless businessman, but an accident and drawn-out recovery has forced him to re-evaluate much in his life. He doesn't realize what's missing until he finds it with the O'Rourke siblings. Still, he has too much personal baggage and history to let himself trust in it.

They each let their insecurities come between them, and therein lies the conflict. These insecurities are ones that we all face every day and can certainly relate to: learning to like and love who you are, knowing that you are worthy of another's love, and learning that letting someone in to help take care of you doesn't mean you can't do it yourself (or that they think you can't).

This was a very enjoyable read. A departure from the very steamy, explicit romances that Walters writes for Ellora's Cave. Walters proves that she is up to the task, and proves herself as a true romance author with this book.

Lots of time to kill on vacation...

What do you do when you go on a 5 day ski vacation with a kid who has a broken leg, and you're the designated company-keeper? You bring a shitload of books. (excuse the poor language, I just finished posting at KarenS's blog LOL). So what did I read all week? There are so many of these, so I will keep them all short and sweet, or else you will be reading all damn day (whoops there I go again - gee, thanks Karen *g*). No deep thinking for me tonight :)

The Bodyguards Series by Cindy Gerard: My blogging partner has already posted about To the Limit, and my other blogging partner Anne posted a fantabulous synopsis and review of all 3 books, so I will keep these very brief. Let me begin by reminding you what a spy/PI/military slut I am :) .

To the Edge: Book 1. I loved this book. Hard, edgy, taut. Tortured, studly, ex-military turned PI hero with a loving, teasing, tremendous family. Stalker storyline. You just know that Nolan is a goner the minute Jillian is introduced and holds her own against him. Did I say I loved this book? I thought this was the best of them all - and I loved them all, but something about Nolan just grabbed me. Sigh. What a yummy hero.

To the Limit: Book 2. This one is about the only sister in the Garrett family. Eve, ex-Secret Service, meets up with Tyler McClain, her high school one-night stand, while trying to find a missing girl. Turns out he's also a PI, and they are both looking for the same missing girl. The dialogue in this one was terrific - I loved the way McClain kept getting referred to as the "rat-bastard" - kept me grinning for pages and pages in the midst of some pretty gripping drama.

To the Brink: This is Ethan's, the eldest Garrett sibling, story. Gerard is very careful to characterize him as seemingly very proper in the first 2 books, always impeccably dressed, but his siblings are always wondering what is lurking beneath all that perfection. We get to find out here, as he races off to save his kidnapped ex-wife in the jungles of the Philippines.

What I really like about Gerard's writing is that there is no extraneous fat. It is taut, to the point, yet incredibly descriptive at the same time. The characters are fleshed out enough that you really get a sense of who they are, but without flowery embellishment. You understand what is driving them. You know why Nolan has nightmares and drinks, why Ethan was overprotective of his wife, why Eve was unwilling to trust McClain. The writing style matches the stories - tightly written, yet captivating. Look for Over the Line, Jason "Plowboy" Wilson's story in June 06. Gerard is making us wait until June 07 for Dallas (the final Garrett sibling) & Amy. Damn her.

Dangerous Curves by Pamela Britton: I have only read Pamela Britton's historicals, but have always enjoyed the heck out of them. This is the first in HQN's contracted series with NASCAR. The heroine is an FBI agent who grew up with and had a crush on our hero, a racing team owner and former driving star. When he believes one of his drivers was murdered, he asks for her to investigate, knowing that she is a race car expert. This was a fun, light read - and suspenseful. I didn't figure out the whodunnit till the very end, and I usually get those very early on. I had read somewhere, I forget where, that HQN had insisted there be no sex in the NASCAR books. Not true with this one.

In the Groove by Pamela Britton: Although I enjoyed the first one more, this 2nd in the NASCAR series was also a fairly fun read. This is the story of a driver in a slump and an ex- kindergarten teacher with a penchant for getting herself into trouble. The story was sweet (sometimes a bit too saccharin sweet for my taste, but not too terribly offputting if you like that sort of thing), and there was just enough humor to make the sweetness tolerable. Not too much action in this one... more of an introspective look for both hero and heroine... learning to trust and love themselves and each other. True to Harlequin storyline. Oh, and this one? No sex. I mean none. That must have been pretty hard for Britton - her historicals can get pretty racy :) The 3rd NASCAR, On the Edge, is due out in September. Hope it's a bit better than #2.

The Penalty Box by Deirdre Martin: I loved Martin's first book, Body Check, but had been increasingly disappointed with each subsequent book. So it was with a cynical eye that I opened up The Penalty Box. I'm glad I did. I enjoyed it, really I did. I think. Other than a slight twinge of annoyance with the heroine's obsession with her weight, and the obnoxious references to her sociology professorship, this one was a winner. And Martin didn't overly dwell on it, no more so than you or I would, but I think that's my point. I dwell enough on my weight, I hate it when I have to think about it in books. And, I work in academia, so the sociology professor thing was too close to home - ick. You probably wouldn't bat an eye at it. But, I don't think either was overdone, so what's my point? I dunno. Shut up, Lori. OK, so our heroine was the stereotypical fat chick in high school that everyone made fun of. Hero was a famous hockey player who had to retire early due to one too many concussions. They meet up again at their 10 year high school reunion. Of course, she's a raving beauty now and no one recognizes her until they read her name badge. He immediately falls in lust with her. They begin an affair. Throw in a stereotypical nasty cheerleader type who hasn't changed since high school (except to get even snarkier), a druggie sister with a Harley-riding tatoo-laden boyfriend named (can you guess it?... I'll wait...) Snake, custody of her hockey-playing 9 yo nephew (guess who's his coach?), a trans-gendered weight watcher buddy, and a boatload of her insecurities and you have The Penalty Box. Did I say that there were some things in the book that were stereotypical? I can't remember. Too harsh? I don't mean to be. I really did enjoy it. I think.

Awaken to Danger by Catherine Mann: I believe I've said before how much I love Catherine Mann. This is the latest in her Wingman Warriors series. Another great WW addition. The twist here is that this is Tag Price's daughter as the heroine, with his co-POW as the hero. They've had the hots for each other forever, but he's trying to deny his feelings out of respect for dear old dad. No can do. Now someone's out to kill her. Who do you suppose is gonna protect her while dad is out of the country? Sparks are flying. Another good Mann story.

Scandal of the Black Rose by Debra Mullins: I really enjoyed this one. This is a historical which explores the ties between twins, love at first sight that must be denied, familial obligations, secret societies, the effects of scandals on families and much more. I loved that the hero, Roman, was so loving with the heroine, yet he was so tortured because he couldn't have her. What a screwed up society England was back then LOL. So honor driven that you couldn't be with the one you loved. Oy. Anyway, a good mystery as well as a good love story. Although I had a good inkling as to whodunnit, Mullins left just enough doubt that it wasn't until the mask was lifted, so to speak, that I was sure I was right. Well done.

A Study in Scandal by Robyn DeHart: Ehhh. So-so. A sweet historical. A girl obsessed with Sherlock Holmes. A straightlaced, stick-up-his-butt detective hero. She is constantly getting in his way. How could he not fall in love with her? I'm glad I didn't pay for it - it was part of the loot I won at the Celebrate Romance conference a few weeks ago, but since it was free, I'm inclined to be a bit more generous toward it. As I said, it was a sweet story, well written. It just wasn't anything special. Although, I have to admit, I did grin through the scene where our straightlaced, stick-up-his-butt hero jacked off to a porno picture book while thinking about the heroine after their first kiss. This was the first in a series about the 4 girlfriends. I'll give DeHart one more chance...

An Unlikely Governess by Karen Ranney: This was another one in my bag of goodies at CR. I'm not a big Scottish historical freak, but free is free, right? And I did really enjoy Ranney's Highland Lords series (thanks, Nicole!). See? I can be open-minded. So I figured I'd give it a shot. It was pretty good. Not great, but pretty good. The heroine was believable, the hero as well, for the most part. I did have a hard time figuring out what his attraction to her was. Ranney went out of her way to describe how unattractive Beatrice was at the beginning, yet Devlen immediately was attracted to her. Pheremones? Must be. I have no other explanation, and Ranney didn't seem to, either. Aside from that, the hero and heroine are drawn together to protect a 9 yo duke (Devlen's cousin). Seems someone wants to kill him. Or is it all in his mind? Plenty of people with motive, including our hero himself. If you are a good guesser, you may get a partial on the whodunnit, but it's definitely a twisted one. This is a dark book for sure. As I said, all in all it's pretty good. If you like Scottish historicals and/or Ranney (do they go hand in hand?), this will be a winner for you, I'm sure.

A Whisper Of Roses by Teresa Medeiros

I picked this book up at my local UBS because Medeiros appears somewhere on my TBR list. Though not the book I had listed, A Whisper Of Roses, published in 1993, was a wonderful surprise. Reminiscent of Garwood’s historicals set in the Scottish Highlands, this book evoked the same breathlessness, the same certainty that its hero and heroine are truly destined for each other.

Blurb:

A Daring Warrior…

As she peered over the edge of the gallery, Sabrina Cameron trembled at the sight of sun-bronzed giant striding into view. But she never recognized the stranger…not until the moment she found herself surrounded by arms of warm steel—and drowning in smoldering green eyes that had once held cool disdain but now shimmered with passion. Morgan MacDonnell, the boy, had been her tormentor. Now it looked as if Morgan, the man, would prove infinitely more dangerous…

A Defiant Beauty…

Though hatred divided their clans, Morgan MacDonnel had come to Cameron Glen hoping for a truce…only to find that by evening’s end the only way to avert bloodshed between the two families was for him to marry his enemy’s daughter. But even as Morgan spirited Sabrina away to his rugged fortress, his battle would not be won. For this delicate rose of a girl would put up a bold fight…and the spoils of victory would be nothing less than a heathen MacDonnell’s heart.

I loved the setup for this romance. The hero’s reluctance to love, to trust, makes sense. He is a son without a mother, raised to power by a man both hapless and barbaric; and the protégé of a man who represents all he longs for, all he lacks under his own clan’s decrepit existence.

The heroine is strong and bright, but has not been allowed to live outside the expectations and experiences of a woman of her time. Ultimately—and this is more in Coulter’s style—she is handed over, along with a settlement of livestock, to Medeiros’ hero.

Why did I so enjoy a book filled with characters and events that should otherwise grate? The romantic fool in me? The dyed-in-the-wool romance reader in me?

The romantic fool in me loves a man who can handle (fend off) a woman—in this case in a physical battle—without leaving a mark. In A Whisper Of Roses, this was a telling moment, one in which the reader gets a first glimpse at a plan Sabrina’s father has clearly been crafting for years. It also entices readers with a hint of gentleness, a promise of the care he will show her.

He is a Scot and calls her “lass”. Sorry. I just love that. Beats “sweetheart” any day.

The drunken hilarity of Morgan’s clan. They cracked me up.

Morgan’s gentleness—despite his size, his strength and his knowledge. When he knows that the gun Sabrina’s mother holds to his head shoots only a bouquet of flowers, he still surrenders—allowing himself to be locked in the dungeon. Just one example. There were many more, and frankly, these are the moments that hooked me.

There was one part—part three specifically—that I could have done without. In this final section (unnecessary overall, IMO), our Laird dons an Englishman’s disguise, moves about in English society and goads Sabrina—now confined to a wheelchair—into walking again. For its time, this is where I found the story unbelievable. Add to that my aversion to powder and paint—for men and women both—and this part of the story fell flat.

Overall, I liked it. It swept me away. Very few books are doing that for me right now. Not entirely sure why this one did, but it did. And I admit it without an ounce of sheepishness.

Naked Truth by Amy J. Fetzer

Naked Truth is a tightly written, fast-paced story featuring CIA operatives, ex-military, private for-hire retraction specialists, military, DEA, drug and arms dealing, and more. Amidst the whirlwind of action, Fetzer weaves an emotionally intense romance that kept me turning pages until the end.

Blurb:

Clandestine operative Alexa Gavlin has nothing left. No country. No contacts. And no memory. Thirty days have been chemically erased. Stolen by whom she knows. Why, that's anyone's guess. Accused of murder and treason, Alexa becomes the hunted, trapped by what she can't remember and betrayed by her own people. Struggling to refit the puzzle before someone catches her between the crosshairs, her new mission is to stay alive long enough to learn the truth. Till she meets the man behind the laser sight...

Killian Moore is a lot of things, former Marine, retrieval expert, and pissed off. Blackmailed into hunting down the operative suspected of ruining his career, Killian sees Alexa as nothing more than some sexy vital statistics and the means to clear his name. His mission is specific, bring her in or take her out--until he locks horns with the beautiful agent and everything he believes and feels unravels with each encounter. He tells himself she's an expert at deception, yet what they share between the sheets is raw, tender, and very real. But she's on the run again, and Killian knows if he doesn't catch her, the enemy will. Alexa has every reason to be wary, but Killian desperately needs her to believe in him.

Cut off from their government, betrayed and hunted, they can rely on no one but each other. From the jungles of Colombia to the sparkling metropolis of Hong Kong , as each piece falls into place, Alexa and Killian learn that nothing is as it seems, and stopping terrorists set on a collision course will test their precious trust to the absolute limits.

I love contemporary romance as much as I do historical romance. However, I usually find the love stories in contemporaries more difficult to 'fall into'. In stories featuring a good deal of action, it is even tougher. The realist in me almost always finds it hard to believe anyone, woman or man, can get carried away by infatuation and lust when their lives are in constant danger. In Naked Truth, Fetzer more than convinced me, building characters that were true in both action and emotion.

Fetzer delivers the action and each development in the relationship between Alexa and Killian in a writing style that is sharply punctuated. The pace is very fast; each scene sharply written, then edited with a scalpel. There doesn't seem to be a single word wasted. I'd describe her telling of this story as staccato and unapologetic.

The end result is an emotional relationship between her main characters that is sharp, cutting--palpable to the reader. And, given the pace, the highly emotional moments between these two take both them and the reader by surprise. Very nicely done.

Fetzer's economic writing style also served to save readers from cliches, stereotypical villains and cookie cutter government types. It was hard to know who to trust; difficult to differentiate villains from honest government agents. Fetzer proved very adept at weaving a current of distrust through both the action and the romance. Like I said, kept me turning pages until the end.

This is another case of finding an author I love. Looking at her backlist, I see a number of Silhouette titles. Not sure if I will attempt to find and read those, but I will certainly pick up her latest, The Perfect Weapon (which does not appear to be a sequel to Naked Truth).