No Place To Run by Maya Banks Paperback, 352 pages Published December 7th 2010 by Berkley Genre: Romantic Suspense Source: Publisher

“I’ll be better when you’re naked.” When I read a statement like that on the first page of a Maya Banks romantic suspense novel, I know to hold on to my panties for a smokin’ hot ride!  After delivering an emotionally gripping opener to the KGI series with The Darkest Hour, Ms. Banks continues her action-packed quest with the Kelly brothers in No Place to Run.

Sam Kelly, a former Army Ranger, is in Mexico staking out an undercover mission with his brothers and their private, special ops team, KGI.  He enters one of the local bars and is immediately attracted and distracted by a waitress named Sophie, who quickly becomes a regular visitor to Sam’s hotel room and bed.  Their chemistry sparks with intensity from the start and while they know this is a fleeting moment of time with each other, they are determined to make the most of it.  What Sam does not know is Sophie is only pretending to be waitress in order to get close to him and gain information for her father, Alex Mouton, who is  the very man Sam and his brother’s are trying to take down.  Fast forward five months. Sophie, believing her father is now dead, knows that her uncle has taken over her father’s business.  Uncle Tomas is in hot pursuit of Sophie because she has the key that unlocks her father’s vault which contains his assets and secret information regarding his extensive arms network.  Sophie is also five months pregnant…with Sam’s baby.  She knows Uncle Tomas will kill her in order to recover the key and his men are closing in on her.  Convinced she has no other option, Sophie runs to Sam, trusting that even though she has betrayed him, he will still protect his unborn child.  Sam is dumbfounded when he finds Sophie floating in the lake outside his home, shot, pregnant and barely alive.  His protective instincts kick in and he is determined to find out how and why Sophie found him along with the rest of the secrets she is hiding.  After Sophie reveals that she is Mouton’s daughter and that along with herself, the Kelly family is a target for her uncle, Sam and his brothers derive a plan to take down the organization once and for all.

Ms. Banks gives us suspenseful, OMG moments with twists and turns you would not expect, but will keep you enthralled until the end.  What really drives her stories (and are my favorite part) are the intense, compelling and endearing characters.  Sophie has been through hell growing up under strict confinement and in fear of her ruthless and evil father.  Never-the-less, she is fearless, brave and ready to endure whatever is necessary to protect her baby.  Despite his tough exterior, Sam is a very tender and compassionate man.  This is evident when he relishes Sophie’s pregnant body during sensual moments and when he rushes to his family’s side during a health crisis.  But his protective and possessive nature takes a strong hold when he fights to protect Sophie and their unborn child.  Also, I continue to be moved and impressed by the Kelly family, who once again unite to protect one another and are generous in their acceptance of outsiders like Sophie.  Brothers Garrett and Donovan are initially skeptical of Sophie given her secrets and believing she was nothing more than a casual lay.  However, they quickly learn that Sam’s feelings for and connection with Sophie is more than just a passing fling.  They immediately love and treat her like a sister, willing to put their lives on the line to save her “because that’s what family does.”

Sam, Garrett, Donovan and the other Kelly brothers have a unique, enigmatic quality that will pique your curiosity to know more.  With their robust sensuality and sex appeal, I am at an impasse as to which one I want to come after me!  No Place to Run delivers everything I love in a romantic suspense.  Anyone looking for a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat storyline with military brothers who know how to please and protect their women should definitely check out this exciting series!

Favorite quote:

“I love you, Sophie.  I can’t tell you at what moment I fell in love with you.  Maybe it was the first time I looked across the bar in Mexico and there you were.  Maybe it was the first time we made love.  Or maybe it was watching you fight for our child.  And then for my mother.  It doesn’t matter.  I love you .  That’s it.  That’s all.  I hope to hell it’s enough.”  Her heart squeezed.  She’d always tried to imagine what it would be like to here those words.  To know that she was loved.  Nothing had come close.  There was so much joy.  It hurt.  It shouldn’t hurt, but she felt too small for her skin, like she’d burst right out of it.

Series list:

• The Darkest Hour (KGI, #1)
• No Place to Run (KGI, #2)
• Hidden Away (KGI, #3) March 2011

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• Edge of Sight by Roxanne St. Claire
• Mass Market Paperback, 376 pages
• Published November 1st 2010 by Forever
• Genre: Romantic Suspense
• Source: Publisher

Amy and Tracy are chatting about Edge of Sight by Roxanne St. Clarie today.

Amy: So, Tracy. I read the first two chapters of Edge of Sight before knowing about the prequel (available for free at Roxanne St. Claire’s website). Then found out about it and read it. I recommend that everyone read it before starting Edge, don’t you? The prequel gave a lot of information as to the individuality of the characters and how their relationship began.

Tracy: I completely agree and appreciate you telling me about the prequel before I started. The novella gives a great introduction to Sam and Zach’s initial short, but passionate relationship. It was interesting to see how they both changed as individuals while they were separated for three years. I liked that Sam was a smart woman who didn’t play the helpless damsel in distress, but sought help and put her safety above her reluctance to be close to Zach again.

Amy: Yes, and while her feelings were still intense for Zach, she was cautious and did not immediately act on them even though she was dying to jump his bones!

Tracy: Well Zach did have that ex-military, protective alpha male thing going on, so I’d probably want to jump him too. I also liked that Sam was cautious. However, it felt like their relationship turned on a dime. One minute they were uncertain of one another and the next Zach bares his soul, all is forgiven and clothes hit the floor.

Amy: And once the clothes hit the floor, there were no inhibitions from either one. They were definitely hungry……….for each other!

Tracy: Yes, the passion was definitely there. Roxanne St. Claire also added a good dose of suspense. The journey to find who was after Sam kept me engaged throughout the book. And I don’t know about you, but I was surprised by the identity of the killer.

Amy: Totally surprised! Not knowing who she/he was kept the suspense on the front burner of the story. I also liked that Zach teamed up with his former military cousins to execute some clever strategies to identify the murderer and protect Sam.

Tracy: I always love stories that show a family banding together to support one another. This was particularly true in Edge of Sight as you saw siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles pitching in their expertise to help keep Sam safe.

Amy: Yes, and an Italian family to beat! I’m talking manicotti and ziti galore! And homemade vino made by Uncle Nino!!

This was my first read of Roxanne St. Claire, however her writing style has definitely “hooked” me and I am excited to continue this series. Ms. Claire defines a well rounded set of characters with an exceptional whodunit plot combined with steaming hot love scenes. I mean, the “self-pleasuring” scene alone had me drooling for more!

Tracy: Ditto on all counts!! I definitely fanned myself a few times reading.

I’d wanted to read some of her work, but was hesitant to start the Bullet Catcher series which already has 10 books. And while Bullet Catchers was mentioned, it didn’t play a significant role in the current series. However, after getting a taste for Ms. St. Claire’s writing, I’m sure I’ll work the Bullet Catchers into my to-read shelf along with the upcoming Guardian Angelinos books.

Favorite Quote:

Amy:

“I won’t lie and tell you I knew I loved you when I got on that plane to Kuwait.” Her eyes, even lit by the candles, showed he’d mad a direct hit. “But I think I did by the time I landed.” She lifted her fork, then set it down again. “That must have been some flight.”

Tracy:

“He tried to speak but nothing came out of his mouth, and his throat was so tight, he knew all he was good for was a sob. He pulled her up to him so they were kneeling face-to-face and this time he took her face in his hands and kissed her. He kissed her as gently as he could, trying to use his mouth against hers to say all the words she deserved to hear. Appreciation. Adoration. Affection. Love.”

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Seduced By A Highlander by Paula Quinn Paperback: 352 pages Publisher: Forever Available: September 1st 2010 Genre: Historical Romance Source: Publisher Reviewed by: Catherine

SINS THAT CAN’T BE FORGIVEN

Tristan MacGregor is famed throughout the Highlands as a silver-tonged seducer and an unrepentant rogue. Bold and charming, he’s dallied with many women, yet none as mysterious as the lass he steals a kiss from at king’s court. Little does he know this beauty is one of his clan’s greatest enemies.

PASSION THAT CAN’T BE DENIED

Isobel Fergusson has despised the bloodthirsty MacGregors ever since they murdered her father. She’s horrified to learn that the handsome stranger she kissed is of this clan. But Tristan means to possess her at any cost and Isobel’s body turns traitor at his touch. Can a man she’s sworn to hate be the only one she can ever love?

What an absolute sweetie this hero was! Wow! He was just perfect. He was funny and cheerful, and he was determined to win the heroine and end a family feud. He dreamed of living his life by the honor and principles of the knights of old. He lost his way there for a while and stopped making an effort to live up to his own expectations, but after he met the heroine and they began a friendship it quickly kicked back in.

Tristan made the story for me. Everyone else contributed to my enjoyment, of course, but it wouldn’t have had quite the same charm with a different hero. He was so cheerful and determined that it was hard not to love him. He took quite a few knocks in the story, but he just kept getting back up and continuing on. It was very admirable.

At times Tristan came off as a little sexist. But it was just a stray comment here and there and the heroine was quick to call him on it. Once he saw her point of view he was quick to adapt and agree with her. Isobel was a strong character and she wasn’t willing to be treated like a delicate flower. She didn’t run around playing warrior, but she was the rock that her family depended on. She had to play mother to most of her brothers and with no one else to keep food on the table, she had to labored just as hard as her older brother Patrick to keep the family fed.

There was quite a lot of humor in this book. It wasn’t over the top humor, but there were multiple times that I giggled over scenes. Especially when Tristan comes to visit Isobel’s family! Hilarious! That visit was not easy on him. Every time he turned around some other calamity was befalling him. One of my favorite quotes comes from that part.

“Clearly, they did not want peace. He had to escape their demented clutches, but he couldn’t even think without a wave of nausea threatening to overtake him.”

The heroine was not perfect for me although she didn’t irritate me to the point that I disliked her. Quite a few times she would say or do something that came off as a bit hypocritical. I started to get exasperated because it seemed like she was behaving that way just to be contrary. Luckily the author didn’t let her characters act like this was acceptable. Tristan was quick to point out when she was throwing stones in a glass house. That definitely made it easier to take.

There wasn’t a very strong sense of period in the book. Occasionally something would be mentioned about a political event, but honestly it all felt very vague. That isn’t a deal breaker for me, but I know it is irritating for some, so be warned.

One of my pet peeves is faux Scottish brogues. I cannot stand hearing “wee lassie” and “dinna fash yerself” and the like constantly. There was some of that here, but it managed to blend into the background and not irritate me into getting an eye twitch. Maybe because it was consistent and not just thrown in haphazardly? I’m not sure, but it worked for me here.

I was all set to give this a 4 grade, but the end made me drop it down to a 3.5. I am not a fan of cutesy and the end was full of it. There had been a few moments in the story where the sweet aspect had strayed close to the too sugary line but it never actually crossed it. In the end it did. The last couple chapters seemed to be there for no reason other than to show how happy Tristan and Isobel will be and to give everyone and their brother a chance to mend fences and be BFF’s forever. Some people really dig that sort of thing, but I’m of the mind that sometimes less is more. So less sweet and cute at the end would have been a boon for me.

Overall, I thought it was a pretty good book. I think it might even end up being a great book for people who like their romances a little sweeter than I personally prefer.

Favorite Quote:

Series list:

• Ravished by a Highlander (Children Of The Mist, #1)
• Seduced by a Highlander (Children of the Mist, #2)

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• Black Wings
• by Christina Henry
• Paperback: 295 pages
• Publisher: Ace
• Available: November 30th 2010
• Genre: Urban Fantasy
• Source: Publisher
• Reviewed by: Catherine

Escorting souls into the afterlife leaves Maddy little time for socializing-until devilishly handsome Gabriel Angeloscurro agrees to rent the empty apartment in her building. But when demons start appearing on Maddy’s front lawn, she realizes there’s more to her new tenant than meets the eye.

This book turned out to be quite a pleasant surprise. Urban Fantasy books seem to be hit or miss with me. First person narrative is not a favorite of mine—it makes me feel like I’m living in a vacuum—and too often I don’t like the heroine. It’s hard for me to read and enjoy a book when I’m stuck in the head of someone I don’t particularly like. I’ve also noticed that quite a few heroines seem to be bitchy and argumentative as shorthand for strong. Unfortunately, bitchy does not equal strong for this reader. My point with this surplus of information is that I actually liked this heroine. She hit me just right.

Another strong point in the book’s favor is the lack of love triangle. Thank you Christina Henry for not including that. I hate them! This book has enough tension and roadblocks in the relationship without the added headache of another man.

This was an incredibly quick read. Once the action starts it just doesn’t stop. You’ll find yourself sucked in and unable to set it down until you read just one more chapter. The writing is smooth and the author did a nice job of spicing the narrative with humor. It achieved a nice balance with the action and never strayed into the slapstick.

Maddy felt very real. Her reactions were more in line with a regular person’s, so it was easy to relate to her. There was even one part where she got her ass kicked and threw up from the pain before passing out. Now, you may wonder why vomit stuck out in my mind enough for me to mention it, but it’s just one more example of her atypical UF heroine behavior. She didn’t gracefully get beat up and still manage to not break a nail. Maddy had some knock-down-drag-out fights and she didn’t always win on her own. She doesn’t come out of the fight with her pride untarnished either. Some of those people cleaned her clock! But I liked it because it was way more believable than an invincible bad ass.

I really loved Maddy’s relationship with Beezle. He was so cute and protective. He was just like a grumpy teddy bear that you wanted to cuddle! His interactions with the people who interacted with Maddy were a lot of fun too. I love when characters have that wise talking sidekick, like Bob in the Harry Dresden series.

This is a UF that actually felt like a UF instead of leaning toward a PNR. There was the beginning of a possible romantic relationship, but that was just a small focus in Maddy’s new life. The most sexual contact you’re going to get is a kiss or two. I didn’t mind though—I actually think it made the book better.

The author did a good job of hooking my interest into Gabriel though. The things that we learned about his past made him very sympathetic—especially because he doesn’t seem to recognize that his life should be any different. Also, the reality that they face with Maddy’s new political position makes me invested in seeing them work it out. I’d probably root for them on pure principle even if I didn’t like them together just to thwart a certain someone who thinks that he can rule Maddy’s life now no matter what.

I really liked the details of the world. Maddy’s job really interested me. I especially was intrigued by the politics of it. How interesting! The new political world that she has stepped into also seems like it’ll be quite fascinating to learn more about. The only real complaint I had about this book was the lack of world building. Don’t get me wrong, I understood her world and I enjoyed it, but there was just something missing for me in the development of it. Possibly the author will add depth as the series unfolds a la Kate Daniels.

The only warning I would give is for those that do not enjoy books that play with how bad Lucifer actually is. If you don’t enjoy anything but the traditional role of Hell and fallen angels you might just want to pass on this one. They weren’t presented as boy scouts or anything, but they weren’t quite as reviled as some might prefer. So be warned!

That leads to one last comment I’d like to make about the author’s style. She had a very clean writing style with the occasional flip into a more descriptive, powerful style. I also really liked the way the angels were portrayed as beautiful, but it was almost a terrifying beauty.

pg. 32: …opened her eyes to find the dark angel blocking out the sky, and all she could see was his awful beauty, haloed in starshine and moonlight, and his black burning eyes. He whispered her name, and his voice wound into her ear and down her throat and under her ribs, and she knew what he had come for.

I just loved the way it was written!

I urge all of you who are interested to go grab a copy of this book and try it out for yourself. Hopefully it works as well for you as it did for me!

Favorite Quote:

pg. 100 His dark eyes were lit by starshine, and I felt I was falling again into the heart of the universe. Not by some spell of Gabriel’s, but by my own foolish wants and needs. He had kissed me to save me–this much I understood. But my heart, my very lonely heart, ached for what I had never known before.

Series list:

1. Madeline Black

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Cowgirls Don’t Cry by Lorelei James Paperback: e-Book Publisher: Samhain Available: November 9, 2010 Genre: Contemporary Romance – Western Source: Purchased by reviewer Reviewed by: Sophia (FV)

Jessie McKay has accepted her marriage to Luke McKay wasn’t perfect. After two years of widowhood, she’s ready to kick up her boot heels—until Luke’s younger brother shows up to spoil her fun. But if Brandt thinks she’ll ever take orders from another McKay male, he’s got manure for brains.

Brandt McKay has avoided his sweet, sexy sister-in-law ever since the night he confessed his feelings for her weren’t the brotherly type. Unexpectedly faced with proof of Luke’s infidelity, Brandt is forced to ask for Jessie’s help in taking care of Luke’s young son. Jessie agrees on one condition—she wants Brandt’s boots exclusively under her bed for the duration.

The sexual heat that’s always simmered between them ignites. Brandt is determined to make the temporary situation permanent, proving to Jessie he’s a one-woman man. And Jessie is shaken by feelings she’s sworn never to have again for any man…especially not a McKay.

First Impressions: I was not sure I was going to like the direction this book appeared to be going after reading the prologue.  I was a disappointed and really didn’t want to see Jessie going down a destructive road.  I should have known better, Lorelei James never lets me down in heroine department.  Things turned around quickly and I knew Jessie was going to be ok.

The Hero: My heart always goes out to a hero who’s been in love with his heroine from afar.  Brandt is a bit different from some of the cowboys in this series.  He’s a little more understated, mature and gentlemanly.  Not that the cowboys in this series are any less loveable, but Brandt is far more obvious and outward with his feelings and is a stand up guy all around.  He’s just as sexy and intense as all the rest of the McKay men though. 

The Heroine: Jessie has been through hell and back after a less than perfect marriage, then becoming a widow, losing her home and being forced to pick herself up and start over.  When she is faced with the undeniable evidence of her dead husband’s infidelity she is shaken but steps up and handles the situation with grace.  I liked that she stood up faced her problems when walking away would have been so much easier.

What worked: There is so much that worked for me in this book and this is supposed to be a short and sweet review so, I’ll try to narrow it down.  I loved that Jessie didn’t put up a huge fight over her feelings for Brandt throughout the entire story.  Yes, there was some reluctance but she didn’t put up ridiculous obstacles.  I also liked the we got a little dose McKay family antics throughout the book.  Good to know they have been getting’ busy, procreating and raising the next generation of wild McKays.  Of course the romance was intense and sexy and I loved both Jessie and Brandt.  Finally, if you read my blog you know I’ve developed a strange fascination with the llama.  I love’em.  Now I’m convinced that Lorelei James loves ME and specifically wrote llamas into the this story.  That’s right folks, there are llamas in Cowgirls Don’t Cry. So full of win I can’t stand it.  lol

What didn’t work: I wouldn’t necessarily say this didn’t work for me but I will say I was uncomfortable at first with the situation with Luke McKay’s baby being at the center of this romance.   But I do think Lorelei James handled this well despite the very sad circumstances and the eventual outcome was appropriate.  Also, more llama time would have been nice. *g*

Final conclusion: Lorelei James just can’t disappoint me with this series.  At ten books in and a huge cast of characters she still manages to bring a hero and heroine that are unique and stand out among the cowboys and cowgirls that have paved the way before them.  

Favorite Quote:

He whispered fiercely, “Give it to me.”

 

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Enemy Within by Marcella Burnard Paperback: 352 pages Publisher: Berkley Trade Available: November 2, 2010 Genre: Futuristic Romance Source: Publisher Reviewed by: Tracy 

After a stint in an alien prison, Captain Ari Rose wonders why she even bothered to survive. Stripped of her command and banished to her father’s scientific expedition to finish a Ph.D. she doesn’t want, Ari never planned to languish quietly behind a desk. She wasn’t built for it, either. But when pirates commandeer her father’s ship, Ari once again becomes a prisoner.

As far as pirate leader Cullin is concerned, Ari’s past imprisonment puts her dead center in Cullin’s sights. If she hasn’t been brainwashed and returned as a spy, then he’s convinced she must be part of a traitorous alliance endangering billions of lives. Cullin can’t afford the desire she fires within him and he’ll stop at nothing, including destroying her, to uncover the truth.

For Alexandria Rose Idylle (“Ari”) being a leader and a well-trained soldier was her calling.  Her role as Captain of an elite spaceship gave her purpose and praise, which she lacked growing up.  While on a mission, Ari is kidnapped and detained by the evil and heartless Chekydran aliens.  She is subjected to three months of torture, starvation and degradation which, by all accounts, she should not have survived – that is unless she is now a Chekyrdan spy. Upon Ari’s return, she is placed on her father’s exploration ship while her commanding officers assess whether she is a friend or foe.

A mere three months after her return, Ari is still physically weakened and trying to manage vivid flashbacks of her captivity which prompt her to go into lethal rages.  A standard planetary exploration goes awry when Cullin Seaghdh and his pirate crew hijack Ari and her team.  However, all is not as it seems.  Seaghdh has ulterior motives – Ari may be the key to saving his empire as well as unlocking his heart.  The Chekydran will not make his mission easy as they ruthlessly pursue the pair with deadly consequences.

Enemy Within is an interesting sci-fi/futuristic romance filled with action, intrigue and deception.  Ari was a refreshing heroine who impressed me with her strength and intelligence.  The emotional journey to cope with imprisonment and control her flashbacks was both credible and heart-breaking (yes, I shed a few tears).  Her strategic mindset and logical approach to danger balanced well with her emotional turmoil, creating great dynamics with Cullin who was equally sharp-witted.  And while I liked Cullin, his character was less memorable only because his evolution was less transformational than Ari’s.  As a couple, the pairing worked well, but the romance side of the story took a bit of backseat to discovering who Ari is and the play between rival governments.  The futuristic setting provided interesting and enjoyable elements, but I think this might be better appreciated by more dedicated sci-fi romance readers than a newbie or casual reader.  As the reader, be prepared for 7-feet tall octopus-like aliens, light scientific talk and made up words and devices.  For example, expressions like “by the twelve gods” and “baxt’k” are used in lieu of “by god” and…well…the good old fashioned f-bomb.

First-time author Marcella Burnard provides an intriguing, well-written release.  I am fascinated by the world she created and interested to read her next book Enemy Games which releases in spring 2011 and features two characters introduced in this book.

 

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