Deal Me In: Zola's Pride by Moira Rogers

Deal Me In: Zola's Pride by Moira Rogers

This one was a DNF for me.

Eye of the Beholder by Jayne Ann Krentz

Eye of the Beholder by Jayne Ann Krentz

After a career-stalling tangle with a fraudulent gallery owner, Art Deco expert Alexa Chambers is ready to take risks to rebuild her reputation.  But when she secretly consults on an exquisite collection for the new Avalon Resorts, she doesn't know she will cross paths with the hotel's owner, the enigmatic and possibly threatening J. L. Trask.

Years ago, Trask accused Alexa's stepfather of murder--and vowed he would return to Avalon for revenge.  Now, their meeting is inevitable--and attraction immediate--as they trade sizzling sparks and snappy repartee.  But when a killer emerges from the shadows, these sensual partners team up to solve a deadly crime from the past.  Following a trail of clues to a trendy but decidedly strange New Age spa, Trask and Alexa don't need a crystal ball to see that their survival--and their chances of bliss--will depend on a little help from a higher power: a true and trustworthy love.

Alexa is determined to revive her career after a debacle involving her old boss and a lot of forged art.  She is secretly tasked with creating THE art deco collection of the southwest for the latest Trask hotel.  When she spots a forgery, she wrangles a promise that the piece will not be displayed in the hotel.  At the opening celebration she spots the forgery and about blows her top.  She decides to hide it in a closet so the press don't see it and is in the process when she is confronted by Trask, the owner of the hotel.  This is one of several humorous situations that pop up throughout this title.

Trask is determined to prove that his father was murdered and his questions are stirring up a lot of anger from certain parties.  When one such party ends up dying the same way that Trask's father did, he cannot believe it to be a coincidence.  Unfortunately, as Trask digs through the present and the past, his list of suspects grows rather than narrows.  Alexa is determined to help him if only to clear her step-father's name as he is one of the people Trask is looking at closely.  

Trask and Alexa make a wonderful couple--they are both strong and independent people who have their faults but together they are truly a balanced couple.  I have read this title several times and every time I am reminded why I enjoy it so much--and it always comes back to the characters.  The plot is fun and well timed but I read this book for Trask and Alexa.  If you haven't read this one, I certainly recommend you give it a try!

I purchased this book with my own funds. 

Siren's Call by Jayne Castle

Siren's Call by Jayne Castle

In the Alien catacombs of Rainshadow, there are creatures whose compelling songs lure the unwary to their death.  That's why Rafe Coppersmith, hired to clear out the catacombs for exploration, needs a music talent.  He knows the perfect one, but she probably doesn't want anything to do with him...

Ella Morgan had once fallen hard and fast for Rafe, but then he disappeared for months...and he's not about to tell her why.  Ella, too, has secrets that only her dust bunny knows.  She's not just a music talent; she's a Siren: a paranormal singer capable of singing men to sleep--or to their deaths.

But once on Rainshadow, Rafe and Ella will learn that surrendering to passion doesn't come without risks--and fighting fire with fire only adds to the flame...

I love the Rainshadow series and this is another amazing entry.  Ella and Rafe are a fantastic couple and Lorelei is a super dust bunny!  Just when I worry that the books are going to begin feeling formulaic, Jayne Castle switches things up and adds tension.  This book felt more tightly focused than the last entry or two in the series.  I also really enjoyed that while I guessed one of the baddies another came out of left field and surprised me.  I also enjoyed reading about the various weddings that Ella was a part of, especially the last one!  

All of the entities that make this series, and all of the Harmony books, so great are here: a strong heroine whose skills perfectly compliment the rakish, sexy hero; a fantastic dust bunny; friends from previous books, ties to books written as Jayne Ann Krentz, and hints as to where future stories might leave.  BUT, this book is more than just that...it is also a fast-paced puzzle with pieces both obvious and not parceled out at the perfect rate.  Without getting into the specifics of the plot, which is best discovered on your own, just know that this is the perfect way to spend a few hours!

Reading Challenges
New Release 
I Love Library Books
Story Sprites

I borrowed this book from my local public library.

Broken by Cynthia Eden

Broken by Cynthia Eden

Ex-SEAL and LOST founder Gabe Spencer is accustomed to the unusual in his job.  But when knockout Eve Gray steps into his office, he's rattled.  For the mysterious woman is a dead ringer for the heiress thought to be the latest prey of the serial killer who goes by the name Lady Killer.

When Eve awoke in an Atlanta hospital, her past was a blank slate.  Then she recognized her own face in the newspaper and vowed to learn the truth.  Determined to confront the nightmares hidden in her mind, she never expects to find a partner in Gabe.

As Gabe and Eve work together, their explosive attraction becomes irresistible.  Gabe knows that his desire for Eve is growing too strong, bordering on a dangerous obsession, but nothing pulls him away from her.  And when another Eve lookalike disappears, Gabe vows to protect Eve at all costs.  While Eve may have forgotten the killer in her past, it's clear he hasn't forgotten her.

Man, oh man am I having a great string of luck with books lately or what?  Add another book (and series) on the TBR folks because this one is a winner!  However, it is best if you go in not knowing too much so I am going to keep this short and sweet...

Gabe is an ex-SEAL who lost his sister in a kidnapping and who has dedicated his life to finding those who are lost, even if it is just recovering the bodies, so that families can have, at the very least, closure.  When Eve walks in and tells him it is her past that is lost, Gabe is both intrigued and suspicious.  So after ripping into Eve's story and verifying that she is indeed telling the truth about not knowing anything prior to waking up in the hospital, he takes on her case.  Eve, who may be missing heiress Jessica Montgomery, is incredibly strong for having lost an entire life along with all the memories thereof.  She is determined not to be a victim (although by the scars on her body she has already been a victim of something horrendous) any longer and fights to get Gabe to help her.  She knows she can't do it alone but is willing to do anything she can to help him help her.  

As Gabe starts digging into Eve's current life in order to figure out her lost one, he finds himself falling for her tenacity and perseverance in the face of an ordeal few could handle as stoically and forthrightly as Eve has.  When if comes to light that she might be Jessica Montgomery, he is with her every step of the way as they work together to solve the mystery of who the Lady Killer is, if Eve was a past victim, and how to keep her from becoming a future victim.  Just as one thing starts to go there way, two more stepping blocks pop up keeping tensions high.  While there are definitely times when the suspense line overshadows the romance, the suspense is just SO GOOD that I didn't mind and the romance was always brought back to the forefront and not just left behind for good.  And the baddie?  Is really, really bad.  And not who I thought it was at all!  

Highly recommended folks!  I have Twisted, the next in the series, on my coffee table right now and I can't wait to dive into it.  

Reading Challenges
I Love Library Books
New Release
Romantic Suspense

I borrowed this book from my local public library.

Birthday Month Reading Challenge: The Mackenzies Series by Linda Howard

Birthday Month Reading Challenge: The Mackenzies Series by Linda Howard

It's been a few months since I have participated in the birthday month reading challenge hosted by you me and a cup of tea.  It was fun to revisit this older series.  I reviewed book one (Mackenzie's Mountain) separately but decided to combine the last four into one review, so voila!  Enjoy!

Mackenzie's Mission: Joe Mackenzie has accomplished his dream of being in the Air Force...indeed, he is one of the best pilots they have ever seen.  He is currently heading up a top-secret project testing out the newest fighter plane: The Night Wing.  Caroline Evans is a top-ranked physicist who has been brought in to replace another scientist experiencing health problems.  As soon as Joe sees Caroline he decides to make her his.  

Caroline was always ahead of her peers intellectually but her skipping grades put her at a disadvantage as she never learned to deal with guys until they all had a lot more experience than she did and their heavy passes would scare her.  She developed a very prickly exterior as a defense and Joe is intrigued and delighted with her "hedgehog" behavior.  Unfortunately, problems have begun to develop with the Night Wing project and the clues are all pointing at Caroline.

Watching these two strong personalities come together is a lot of fun.  Joe makes some big mistakes and Caroline does not hold back in letting him know it!  But he will also protect her with his life and she will have to learn that she is no longer the only person to take into considerations while living her life--Joe is determined to be a huge part of it!

Mackenzie's Pleasure
Zane Mackenzie is one hacked-off SEAL dealing with two critical injuries to his team sustained during a training exercise which was supposed to be weapon free.  He is busy making his displeasure clear when a call comes in that his team is needed to rescue a kidnapped ambassador's daughter being held in nearby Libya.  

Barrie is frightened, naked, and tied to a cot when a moving shadow transforms itself into a man introducing himself as her rescuer.  She is completely out of her depth but does everything she can to aid in her own rescue earning the respect of Zane.  The rest of the SEAL team has to leave them behind as part of a diversionary tactic so Zane and Barry are on their own for a day or two.  They find themselves attracted to each other and act on that attraction.  During their extraction from the country, Zane is shot but Barry is unable to follow him to the hospital due to the sensitive nature of Zane's work as a SEAL and her father's overprotectiveness.

Two months later Zane shows up on Barry's doorstep as she is figuring out a way to run away--she is pregnant and has overheard some compromising statements from her father that make it sound as if he may be a traitor to his country.  He proposes, she accepts, and they are now stuck with how to hide from her father, the original kidnappers who still want her, and a possible mole working on their behalf.  Couple this with some of the funniest morning sickness scenes written and you have another winner.

Mackenzie's Magic
Maris wakes up in bed with a hunk and can't remember how she got there or who he is.  Come to find out she has stolen a million-dollar horse from the stables where she is head trainer and the man is Mac--a drifter who has been working there.  Mac is actually much more than that but it takes a while for Maris to remember her own reality as well as unraveling the cover-up story that Mac has created.  Between recovering her memories, falling in love, and rescuing Sole Pleasure, this is a fast paced and very enjoyable novella.  

A Game of Chance
Chance was adopted at fourteen when Mary found him on the side of the road raging with fever and fighting pneumonia.  All grown up he now works for a shadowy dangerous government group taking down the worst of the world's bad guys.  His sites are set on terrorist Hauer when he gets a lucky break-- Hauer's daughter.  Chance figures he can use her to get to her father.  

All is well with the plan until Chance realizes that Sunny has successfully hidden from her father most of her life and wants nothing to do with him.  Sunny is brave and gutsy and has worked hard to make a life for herself away from her father.  Chance adapts the plan to use her as bait but all hell breaks loose when it works.  Can Chance repair the damage he has done to their budding relationship?  This was a fabulous series wrap up!

Head Over Heels by Susan Andersen

Head Over Heels by Susan Andersen

Who said "you can't go home again"?  In Veronica Davis's case, who'd want to--especially when you hail from Fossil, Washington?  But now she's back among the good-ol'-boys who think she's fair game just because she's in a waitress uniform.

The truth is, Veronica's the boss--at least until she can sell the family saloon and skip town again as fast as her feet can carry her--and nobody knows that better than Cooper Blackstock.  From behind the bar, the ex-Special Forces Marine sees all.  And his undercover agenda has made the feisty boss-lady's troubles his own.

And her troubles are considerable, what with a family in turmoil, a pseudo-bartender with dangerous secrets, and death threats.  Though the town surprisingly rallies in support, it's still a good thing that Cooper will be there to catch Veronica if she stumbles--if he doesn't start falling himself.

Veronica is back in Fossil, Washington to take guardianship of her niece after her sister's murder.  Part of this includes selling the bar where she worked for a large part of her teenage years until she was able to escape without looking back.  Veronica wants to get as much as possible out of the bar to set aside for her niece Lizzy's future.  Unfortunately, while waiting for it to sell, she has to step back into the past as there is a waitress shortage and Veronica has to fill in.

Also working in the bar is Cooper Blackstock.  He is the half-brother of the main suspect in Veronica's sister's murder and is determined to clear his half-brother's name.  Eddie was the only bright light in Coop's life after his parents divorced and Coop will do anything to help him out, including going undercover in the bar owned by Eddie's ex-wife in order to try to uncover who really murdered her.  When Veronica shows up, Coop has very low expectations as Crystal, the murder victim, was a manipulative schemer who used Eddie's daughter to continually extort more money out of Eddie.  It is a pleasant surprise then when Coop realizes that Veronica is nothing like her sister.  It is an unpleasant surprise to discover that he is developing feelings for her.

Veronica can't wait to get back to her life in Seattle but is determined to do what she must to make the transition as easy as possible for Lizzie; after all, this sweet six-year-old is dealing with her mother's murder and her father being the prime suspect.  A twist of fate has Veronica and Lizzie sharing their house with Coop who is renting the attic rooms.  This puts them in close contact and there are lots of sparks and witty banter between the two as they both allowing their pasts to impact their present.  Veronica needs to know that Coop is more than a drifter (his cover for working in the bar) who is passing through life with no ambition.  After all she watched her mother work herself to death while her father blissfully let her.  Coop needs to know that Veronica will take him as is without trying to change his.  Growing up his mother always made sure he knew he and his father weren't good enough and after the divorce she married up and only took Coop in when his father passed away.  

As if this isn't enough, there is still the matter of protecting Lizzie, finding the real murderer and dealing with their growing attractions towards each other despite themselves.  This story is populated with great characters; Veronica and Coop are both strong leads who know what they want and are determined to get it--and their interactions together are priceless.  Lizzie is a complete sweetheart who would melt the heart of the coldest codger and she quickly wraps Coop around her little finger.  Coop hasn't been a part of Lizzie's life since she was an infant and he quickly vows to change that as soon as he clears his brother's name.  Add in a secondary romance involving Veronica's childhood best friend Marissa, Marissa's two incredibly precocious children, Eddie the missing father, and other colorful characters around Fossil and you have quite a fun story.  

The romance in this one definitely overshadows the mystery surrounding Crystal's death.  While plenty of time is spent on discussing it and on Coop trying to investigate, the actual perpetrator and reason behind the murder seemed weak to me.  However, the romance between Coop and Veronica was so much fun that it completely made up for it in my opinion.  But for those of you who need a strong suspense line, this one might not fit the bill.  I would still encourage you to try it though because every other part of the story is outstanding.  

Reading Challenges
Romantic Suspense
Hard Core Reread

I purchased this book with my own funds. 

Mackenzie's Mountain by Linda Howard

Mackenzie's Mountain by Linda Howard

Mary Elizabeth Potter is a self-appointed spinster with no illusions about love.  But she is a good teacher--and she wants Wolf Mackenzie's son back in school.  And after one heated confrontation with the boy's father, she knows father and son have changed her life forever.

Still paying for a crime he didn't commit, Wolf Mackenzie has a chip on his shoulder the size of Wyoming.  But prim-and-proper Mary Elizabeth Potter doesn't see Wolf as the dangerous half-breed the town has branded him.  Somehow she sees him as a good, decent, honest man.  A man who could love...

Wolf's not sure he--or the town of Ruth, Wyoming--is ready for the taming of Wolf Mackenzie.

I love this book.  I have reread it many times and each time it is just as good as the first time I read it.  Written in 1989, it does feel dated in the fact that Wolf is constantly referred to as a half-breed and Mary is seen as a spinster and the dowdy schoolteacher cliche is alive and well in this one.  However, both Wolf and Mary rise above such labels and are so well written otherwise that it is impossible (for me) to allow the foibles of outdatedness to keep me from enjoying this book.

Mary has recently been hired by the tiny town of Ruth, Wyoming to teach grades nine through twelve.  As a transplant from Savannah, snowy Wyoming is a shock to the system!  When she sees that the top-performing student dropped out two months before she arrived, she is determined to meet with him and talk him into returning to high school to get his diploma.  This student happens to live on a ranch at the top of a mountain, so intrepid Mary, determined to get this student back into school, climbs in her car and tackles the snowy drive heedless of the fact that she is not accustomed to driving in the snow.  All is well until a water hose breaks, stranding her on the side of the mountain.  Fortunately, after a short walk, Wolf Mackenzie comes along in his truck to rescue her from her freezing stroll. 

Wolf Mackenzie wears a thick shell.  After being wrongfully convicted of a rape and being incarcerated for two years, he is not inclined to believe in the goodness of mankind.  However, he can't just leave the new school teacher to freeze on his mountain so he drives her to his house and does his best to warm her up.  This scene is fantastic as Wolf does not worry about Mary's sensibilities and Mary is both alarmed and intrigued by her reactions to his ministrations.  Just when things are really heating up, Joe, Wolf's son and the student Mary is looking for shows up.  Mary pulls herself together and once she discovers Joe's passion for planes uses that to talk him into tutoring and returning to school in the fall.  Mary is convinced that Joe is capable of achieving his dream of entering the Air Force Academy.

Due to Wolf's past and his being half-Indian, he is not highly regarded by the majority of citizens in Ruth, Wyoming.  This coupled with Mary's tutoring of Joe puts a target on her back and she is soon accused of "canoodling" with Joe.  Mary lights into everyone at a school board meeting leaving no doubt in any one's mind that she will tolerate no criticism or either Wolf or Joe nor will she allow anything to stand in the way of Joe's future.  Her adamant and consistent defense of both Mackenzie's slowly brings others around to her way of thinking and the Mackenzie men are beginning to experience a long-belated welcome into the community when a woman is attacked by someone bearing a strong resemblance to Wolf.

This event brings back all of the unpleasantness of Wolf's past and damages the town's newly positive feelings for him.  When Mary is attacked, she sees a pale hand with freckles proving Wolf's innocence but leaving the town in a frenzy because now the real attacker could be anyone.  Mary is determined to keep Wolf and Joe safe while they put their foot down that THEY will protecting HER.  Linda Howard is a master author and this book is one of her classic "bests".  As the first in the Mackenzie series, it sets a high bar for the rest of the books to live up to.  I enjoyed this reread so much, I am headed off to get the second book in the series right now which features Joe's story so I can reread it, too.  

Reading Challenges
Hard Core Reread
Contemporary Romance

I purchased this book with my own funds.