Elle, a human hunter of demons, is driven by revenge. Then she’s forced to work with Patrick, an angel who refuses to take part in any holy wars. Patrick is so determined to live an ordinary human life that he won’t use his powers against a demon who has a personal connection to both him…
Sometimes I just want to be entertained when I pick-up a romance. No drama, no angst and a simple story of a man and woman in love. Anna Campbell has been self-publishing some great short stories lately and her latest – Stranded with the Scottish Earl – is the perfect book to pick-up in between…
I love the Maiden Lane series, though I thought Sweetest Scoundrel was a bit of a misfire. But then came Duke of Sin. Easily my favorite of the series, I tore through it in one evening. So when I heard Ms. Hoyt was releasing a novella to tie up loose ends from Duke of Sin, I…
I looked forward to reading this Regency novella about a hero recovering from the horrors of war. Unfortunately, it read more like a textbook for show versus tell and often reads like an outline rather than an actual story. The hero and heroine don’t have a real encounter until about 20% into the book which, for…
In this deftly crafted and expertly plotted novella, Eloisa James demonstrates her ability to know her characters and build them quickly. This particular tale involves Oliver, a gentleman who lives with regret over a youthful indiscretion, and Lizzie, who lives with shame regarding her first marriage. When the two are forced together at a country…
Alex Whitehall’s Second Skin is a stand-alone title, set mainly on an American college campus. I really appreciate and admire what the author is trying to do with this story.Second Skin is a NA (New Adult) romance title, this I believe places protagonists in their early twenties. NA is a sub-genre that is hard to…
I was pleased to learn that Elizabeth Essex would be publishing a new series of historical romances, as I’ve enjoyed her work in the past and have missed seeing her name on lists of forthcoming releases. Her new, Highland Brides series kicks off with Mad for Love which is either a short novel or a…
I’ve decided – Megan Derr is one of my new favorite authors. Tournament of Losers is a bit on the short side at only 67K words, but definitely tells the complete story of Rath, dock worker and former prostitute (well, still an occasional prostitute, but at 33, it’s not really a full-time gig anymore), who…
I don’t think The Liar’s Dice enhances Gambled Away. The slow pace, the setting, and ambiguous ending struck a discordant note with me and for me, it is the least successful novella in the anthology. A murder and the ensuing search for the killer drives the plot and unfortunately, Ms. Lin sacrifices the romance in…
I’m still sorting out my feelings about Raising the Stakes. I don’t read a ton of fantasy, but I like the genre and the way it challenges my imagination. I was initially wary of a love match between a con artist and an elven warrior but Ms. Cooper makes it work. The story opens in…