NOT ANOTHER BAD DATE

By Rachel Gibson
AVON BOOKS (2008), 377 pages, $7.99 (paperback)

For every woman who has had her heart broken by her first love, this one is for you.
For all the times you dreamed of the guy bumping into you years later, being dazzled by your beauty, charm and success and regretting more than anything in his life that he let you go…..
“Not Another Bad Date” is for you.
Adele is the last in her small group of writer friends to find her soul mate. (And we’ve read about all the others in previous books.)
Or perhaps she did find her soul mate while she was in college, and lost him.
Zach was a college football star, and Adele was on the outer fringes of popularity. Still, after he broke up with his head-cheerleader girlfriend (a snob who had made Adele’s life miserable in high school) he was drawn to Adele and they embarked on a brief, yet passionate, affair.
Until ex-girlfriend told Zach she was pregnant.
So being a good Southern gentleman, Zach married his ex. And broke Adele’s heart.
Fourteen years later, Adele – who has inexplicably had three years worth of really bad dates – comes back to her small hometown to help her pregnant sister and teen-aged niece. And discovers her niece’s best friend is Zach’s daughter.
Like most of Rachel Gibson’s books, this one is a lot of fun. And this time, part of that fun comes from an “otherworldly presence.” One that is not only responsible for Adele’s bad dates, but whose mortal self was responsible for her heartbreak.
That would be Devon, Zach’s deceased wife.
Devon wasn’t the nicest woman on Earth, and is given a couple of chances to redeem herself and earn a spot in heaven. She’d rather torture Adele though, even though her worst efforts turn out well for Adele and Zach.
Eventually.
When Adele discovers the parentage of her niece’s friend, she panics and tries to escape before seeing Zach. She had been at the hospital all night with her sister, had a coffee stain on her sweater and suffice it to say didn’t look her best.
But she doesn’t escape, and as she watches Zach approach she thinks, “At one time or another, every woman alive fantasized about running into an ex and making him sorry he’d dumped her. …she’d had them a time or two about Zach Zemaitis, but she’d always pictured herself sizzling hot, not looking like crap with coffee down her sweater.”
Adele resists Zach as long as possible, certain that he will shatter her heart again if she gets too close. And, because of the machinations of Devon, he does. But he comes to his senses and gives Adele the ending she deserves.



Overall rating: 4 of 5 hearts. It’s just pure fun to read a Rachel Gibson book, and “Not Another Bad Date” is no exception.
Hunk appeal: 10-plus. Even though Zach shattered Adele’s life years before, he did have a compelling reason. And he has his moments when Adele returns to his life. He’s patient, thought he does jump to a wrong conclusion. Still, that just sets him up to be dashing and romantic at the end.
Steamy scene grade: XXXXX. Pretty much defined their entire courtship.

Happily-Ever-After: Very good. For every woman who has dreamed of having a man chase her across the country to apologize, this one is for you.

Upcoming…..

While September has been a bit slow in the romance world, the next few months promise better.
In October, look for “Mr. Cavendish, I Presume,” by Julia Quinn, a sequel to “The Lost Duke of Wyndham.” Also in October, Carly Phillips has “Lucky Charm,” Fern Michaels releases “Collateral Damange” and Susan Krinard has “Come the Night.”
Heather Graham starts a trilogy in October, with the next book coming out in November, and the final in December. In order, the books are “Deadly Night,” “Deadly Harvest,” and “Deadly Gift.”
J.D. Robb fans are in for a huge treat in November, with the release of “Salvation In Death,” and the anthology, “Suite 606,” which has an Eve and Roarke story, along with tales by Mary Blayney, Ruth Ryan Langan and Mary Kay McComas.
And Nora Roberts will release the final installment of her Sign of Seven Trilogy, “The Pagan Stone,” in December.
Also in December, Iris Johansen has “The Treasure,” and Beverly Barton “Dying for You.”
Of course, the Christmas romances will begin hitting the shelves in October as well.

HEART OF STONE

By Diana Palmer
SILHOUETTE BOOKS (2008), 219 pages, $4.99 (paperback)

There’s a reason why fans start smiling when they see a Silhouette Book with Diana Palmer’s name on it.
And, a reason why they smile even brighter when they see it’s a “Long, Tall Texan” story.
Those who have read the multiple books in this series (Jacobsville, Texas is definitely blessed with many hunky cowboys) know what to expect, which is why we snatch them up quickly and find a place to hide and read.
When you read one of Palmer’s books you know that:
1) You’re going to need tissues,
2) You’re going to sympathize with the brave heroine who has suffered tragedy and heartbreak,
3) You’re not going to sympathize with the hero who despite being hunky and the love of the brave heroine’s life, is unreasonably hostile and/or nasty to said heroine for much of the story,
4) The story is going to end well with the heroine, and hero, blissfully happy.

And if they’re blissfully happy, so are you.
This is a quick and easy read, full of emotion that will have you smiling and crying. If you don’t have at least a sniffle or two while reading a book by Diana Palmer, you may need emotional counseling.
In this tale, Keely is an innocent 19-year who has been in love with her best friend’s brother for years. But Boone barely acknowledges her existence and Keely is sure her love is destined to be unrequited.
Her belief is solidified when Boone starts going out with his ex-fiancee, the dastardly Misty.
Of course, not all is as it seems.
Keely harbors secrets that makes her think a future with any man is impossible. But when her criminal father and his friend return to town and threatens her, suddenly unrequited love is the least of her problems.
Of course, Boone comes to the rescue. In both cases.
There are brief glimpses of some recurring characters, including Sheriff Hayes Carson, Cash Grier, Cag and Tess Hart and Officer Kilraven.

Overall rating: 4 of 5 hearts. Is it sappy? Absolutely. Predictable? Totally. Corny? Of course. And that is why readers love Palmer’s “Long, Tall Texan” stories. Shoot, even the name of the series is sappy and corny.

Hunk appeal: 10. Boone isn’t nearly as cruel and nasty as some heroes are in the beginning of the book, but he’s bad enough that watching him make up for it is satisfying.

Steamy scene grade: XX. He makes up nicely.

Happily-Ever-After: Very good. The great thing about Palmer’s books is that the ending is actually not at the ending. Boone reveals his secrets and his true feelings for Keely. She responds in kind, and they drift into their blissful ending.

Also this week …

REFLECTIONS AND DREAMS
by Nora Roberts (2001 paperback) 4 of 5.

"Reflections and Dreams," has been re-released – again. Actually, it's two books under one cover -"Reflections," the story of retired dancer Lindsay Dunne falling in love with Seth Bannion, and "Dance of Dreams," the tale of Ruth Bannion (Seth's niece and Lindsay's student) falling in love with dancing legend Nickolai Davidov.
In "Reflections" Lindsay is an appealing character whose bluntness and openness is endearing. While she lures Seth to love with no effort, it takes a bit more for him to admit it.
"Dance of Dreams" happens five years later. Seth and Lindsay are blissfully happy with their two children in Connecticut, while Ruth has fulfilled her dream of being a famous ballerina. She finds that falling in love with a dancing legend isn't easy - especially when he loves her back.
Note: Ruth and Nickolai make a brief return appearance in "Considering Kate," the Stanislaski book Roberts' released earlier this year. Check out pages 200-208.

TO CATCH A THIEF

By Christina Skye
HQN (2008), 372 pages, $6.99 (paperback)

“To Catch A Thief” is vintage Christina Skye.
Which is good. And bad.
Skye blends a character and setting from her older (and better) Draycott Abbey series, with a recurring Navy SEAL from her newer, Code Name/Foxfire series.
It would have been better if she’d just stuck with the Draycott storyline.
Not that there is anything wrong with Dakota. But the Foxfire shtick of surgically and experientially enhanced heroes just doesn’t do it for many readers.
At least in this case, it’s a bit more subtle.
Nell is an art restorer, and a serious mountain climber. But while those become valuable assets to the crusading good guys in the story, that’s not what brings her to their attention.
That would be her father, a former (maybe) art thief.
As is often the case in Skye’s tales, the plot is a bit contrived and sometimes frustrating to follow as she alludes to secrets and mysteries. And the entire super secret Foxfire organization with its quirky human experiments and unlikable leader is just hard to take.
Anyway, back to our story. A valuable piece of art is stolen from a museum, and our secret agents discover that the plan is to use it to fund a nasty terrorist group. They suspect Nell’s father of the robbery (and the murder that went along with it) and initially, believe that Nell was an accomplice.
It doesn’t take long for the skeptical and cynical Dakota to doubt Nell’s involvement. But that doesn’t let her off the hook. Dakota and his cohorts use her to locate her father. But even once they find him, they’re not done using her. Dakota isn’t happy about it, but his supervisor insists on using Nell to train Dakota for wall climbing.
Of course the more they’re together, the more their feelings for each other grow. And of course, Dakota becomes another Foxfire operative to break the organization’s rule about no personal involvements.
Oh, the Draycott connection? That would be Nicholas Draycott himself, and part of the story takes place at Draycott Abbey – where Adrian the ghost and his ghost cat Gideon reappear, so to speak.

Overall rating: 3-minus of 5 hearts, a bit more if you’re actually a fan of the Code Name/Foxfire series. Despite the irritating Foxfire bit, the characters are appealing – including recurring mystery man Izzy. If you're looking for authenticity, a story about how Navy SEALS really work, you don't read this. But if you're looking for a light read where a strong hero unwittingly falls for a strong heroine, you’ll probably like it.

Hunk appeal: 10. Dakota finds himself having to choose between “duty and emotion” a couple of times – the “duty” being the mission and his job, the “emotion” being Nell. Would have been nice if he had chosen Nell at least once. Other than that, he was pretty solid, but like his pals from other books, he loses points for being a human experiment.

Steamy scene grade: XXXX. Definitely solid.

Happily-Ever-After: Good. As is often the case with Skye, the ending dragged out somewhat, but when it finally ended, Nell and Dakota were living happily-ever-after.


Also this week …


INNOCENT AS SIN

by Elizabeth Lowell (2007 hardcover, 2008 paperback) 4-minus of 5.

Sift through way too detailed accounts of various guns, African upheaval, the criminal workings of third world counties, political corruption and banking, and you’ll actually find a pretty good romance.
Rand is a reluctant operative for St. Kilda Consulting, who has been looking for the man who caused his brother’s death. He is assigned to investigate the bad guy’s personal banker. After reading Kayla’s dossier, Rand is convinced she’s a victim, not a crook. And when he meets her, he’s even more convinced.
And smitten.
So while trying not only to survive once in a world of evil but to stop it, the couple embraces their rather instant attraction. Their banter was fun, and their instant devotion to each other endearing.

THE EDGE OF DESIRE

By Stephanie Laurens
AVON (2008), 433 pages, $7.99 (paperback)

There are two problems with reading books written by Stephanie Laurens.
First, she’s wordy, often taking a page when a couple of sentences would do – especially with the more steamy scenes. (Thirteen pages?)
The second problem is despite often having to muddle through the wordiness, Lauren quickly hooks you and forces you care about the plight of the characters, therefore sentencing you to read the entire book.
The good news? You’re ultimately glad you did.
“The Edge of Desire” marries off the final member of the Bastion Club. This was a group of seven men, all former spies, who after the war return to London (around 1816) with the need to find wives. They weren’t interested in the "hen-witted flibbertigibbets" paraded on the marriage mart and they refused to be trapped into marriage by conniving matrons.
So each man found his true love, his soul mate, on his own.
Christian actually met – and fell in love with – his future bride before he went off to fight the war. Letitia loved Christian as well, and promised to wait for him.
But she didn’t.
What will confuse readers – and certainly confuses Christian as well – is that Letitia is just as angry at Christian as he is at her. But she does explain about 127 pages into the book.
The book opens when Letitia appeals to Christian for help. Her husband has been murdered and her beloved brother is the top suspect.
Letitia is much more upset about her brother’s plight than her husband’s fate.
To spare her brother from being wrongly prosecuted for her husband’s murder, and to save her family from ruin, Christian and Letitia team up to find the real murderer.
In the process, they tumble upon quite a mystery – and into several beds.
Letitia realizes just how little she knew about the man she married, and what they discover while seeking his murderer shocks her. And what Christian discovers about his past with Letitia is just as surprising.
While unraveling that mystery, they fall in love in again. But Letitia is afraid of being hurt by Christian again – and Christian is afraid he won’t be able to convince Letitia to take a chance on him again.


Overall rating: 3-plus of 5 hearts. It’s not a book you’ll sit down and read cover to cover. But you will keep going back to it, wanting to unravel the mystery with Christian and Letitia, and waiting for them to embrace their happily-ever-after.

Hunk appeal: 10-plus. Even though Christian unwittingly messed up years earlier, he doesn’t hesitate to accept the blame and take measures to make up for his mistake. He’s protective, heroic, patient and passionate.

Steamy scene grade: XXXXXX. So much that it fogs up the rest of the book at times.

Happily-Ever-After: Good. The bad guy is discovered and thwarted, and Christian and Letitia end up together. And while Christian may be the last of the club members to marry, the gang is most likely to show up again when the mysterious Dalziel finds his true love.

Also this week …

NORTHERN LIGHTS

by Nora Roberts (2004 hardcover, 2005 paperback)

Nora Roberts’ website reports that Lifetime Movie Channel has decided to make four more of her books into movies for 2009. Her latest book, “Tribute,” is being considered along with “High Noon,” “True Betrayals,” “Midnight Bayou,” “Carnal Innocence,” and “Northern Lights.”
“Northern Lights” gets my top vote, ranking as an all-time favorite.
The come alive on the pages. Roberts takes readers a the small Alaskan town in the coldest part of winter, and you may find yourself getting up to grab a blanket while reading.
Nate is "escaping" to Lunacy as he runs from his past. He’s the sheriff.
Meg is a tomboyish loner, a gruff, self-sufficient no-nonsense woman who is perfectly content to remain snowbound alone at her remote home with only her dogs for company.
When a body is found, Nate begins to unravel a mystery from the past - a mystery that involves Meg somewhat. While he sleuths and adjusts to living in Alaska, he slowly falls in love with Meg.
She's not particularly thrilled at first. But the idea grows on her.
My second vote goes to “High Noon.” Roberts does a masterful job of entwining Phoebe and Duncan's romance while spinning a suspenseful story of an evil man's plot to destroy Phoebe. This book is actually more of a suspense novel than a romance story, but romance readers won't feel cheated.
The book I’d vote off the list is “Midnight Bayou," the only Roberts’ book I don’t like. The book’s niche is reincarnation. OK for a while, but it got to be a little much. Perhaps my romance mind just isn't liberal enough.

HOT PROPERTY

By Carly Phillips
HQN (2008), 376 pages, $7.99 (paperback)

Those who thought the “Hot Zone” stories were finished when the third and final Jordan sister married are in for a pleasant surprise.
“Hot Property” returns readers to the New York City public relations firm, immersing them once again in the world of hunky professional athletes.
Centerfielder John Roper takes center stage in this book, after appearing in a support role as Micki’s best friend in “Hot Number.”
The heroine is Amy, niece of Hot Zone partner Spencer Atkins, who was introduced as the daughter and keeper of Atkins’ eccentrically crazy sister in “Hot Item.”
In “Hot Property,” Amy moves to New York to work for her uncle’s public relations and sports agent firm. The story actually starts where “Hot Item” left off, at Sophie and Riley’s wedding.
At the wedding, John is instantly smitten with Amy and starts a flirtation. Problem is, his date walks up while he’s in mid-flirt, and Amy isn’t impressed with a man who would hit on one woman with a date nearby.
A month later, Amy starts her new job and meets her first client: John.
The sparks that sizzled between them at the wedding are still smoldering when they see each other again. But John’s life is infused with problems and it becomes Amy’s job to fix them.
First of all, John is recuperating from an injury – and a disastrous performance in the World Series a few months earlier. But it’s difficult for him to focus on rehabilitating and getting his career back on track with his mother, sister and brother calling him repeatedly, expecting him to solve their problems at their beck and call.
Amy intervenes and convinces him he has to weaken a few family ties and concentrate on his career. Which he does – while he’s concentrating on Amy as well.
John is the first to recognize, accept and embrace love in this relationship. It’s fun to watch a man in love work for the acceptance and love of the woman of his dreams.
Phillips exploded on the romance scene a few years ago with her series on the Chandler brothers, boosted by Kelly Ripa’s enthusiastic endorsement of “The Bachelor.” Since then, she’s gifted readers with several sizzling romances, full of passion and romantic turmoil that culminates in very satisfying happily-ever-afters. “Hot Property” is another of Phillips’ winners, a fun read that will keep you smiling.



Overall rating: 4 of 5 hearts. An unapologetic romance, with just enough tension to make it interesting without detracting from the love story. You engage with the characters, from the likeable hero and heroine, to their zany relatives. It will make you smile, laugh and sigh.


Hunk appeal: 10-plus. Roper’s devotion to those he loves, his patient seduction of Amy and his willingness and ability to say and do the right things makes him a definite keeper.

Steamy scene grade: XXXX. A definite keeper.

Happily-Ever-After: Good. Perhaps it’s a big drawn out, but who says that has to be a bad thing?

Also this week …

Strangers in Death (In Death)

by J.D. Robb (2008, paperback) – 5 of 5.

If you missed the most recent story featuring Eve and Roarke when it was released this past winter, you can now pick up a copy in paperback.
And if you haven’t, do it now.
It’s another must-read story in the beloved series about gutsy, tough and dedicated homicide detective Eve and the character that defines romance heroes, Roarke.
Eve's investigation of a murder might borrow a plot device from another well-known mystery writer (no need to ruin the surprise), but that makes it even more fun to read, once you figure it out.
As for the romance? It has Roarke, doesn't it? And while he and Eve have one brief tiff, it's rather humorous and ends well. Otherwise, they're in accord the entire book and enjoy several tender and romantic scenes, as well as witty moments.
And J.D. Robb fans are in for two more treats in the coming months. “Salvation In Death,” is scheduled for release in November, as is “Suite 606” an anthology featuring short story “Ritual In Death.”

FEARLESS

By Diana Palmer
HQN (2008), 315 pages, $24.95 (hardcover)

Warning: Don’t read this book without a box of tissues nearby.
Of course Diana Palmer fans don’t have to be warned.
“Fearless” is another book with ties to Jacobsville, where the rugged hero is set to foil the bad guys but isn’t able to thwart love and the heroine draws the readers’ complete support and sympathy.
Rodrigo was the “loser” in love in “Outsider,” when Sarina and Colby reunited and found their happily-ever-after. What readers didn’t fully realize in that book was how devastated Rodrigo was when his DEA partner, Sarina pursued her bliss with Colby.
Glory is a typical Palmer heroine, a damsel in distress type who has hidden depths and is stronger than she appears. An abusive mother left Glory crippled, but loving – and rich – step siblings came to her rescue. Despite a genetic heart condition, Glory has emerged as a tough assistant district attorney who is forced into hiding when a nasty drug lord she’s prosecuting threatens her life.
She hides at her step-siblings farm in Jacobsville – where Rodrigo is working uncover trying to capture the same drug lord.
So their “courtship” begins cloaked in lies, with neither able to reveal their true identities. Rodrigo decides to marry Glory, but immediately regrets the hasty decision. He treats Glory horribly, and says hurtful things to her that will have you grabbing for those tissues.
Of course, that’s Palmer’s trademark and the appeal of her books: The hero unwittingly hurts the heroine, then feels totally guilty about it and seeks to make amends. In this case, Rodrigo doesn’t know about Glory’s ties to her rich step-family, her successful career or the heart condition that makes her frail. So a few health scares and harsh assumptions puts Rodrigo squarely on that grovel path.


Overall rating: 4 of 5 hearts. Typical Diana Palmer: A bit corny, but delightfully romantic with pages that will make you cry and smile. Misunderstandings are such wonderful setups for groveling and it’s fun to watch Rodrigo stumble and fall – and then find solid ground again.


Hunk appeal: 10. Like all of Palmer’s heroes, Rodrigo is a bit rough at times, treating his heroine less than gallantly and making her, and the readers, shed tears. But like all of Palmer’s heroes, he adequately makes amends, feels suitably guilty and fixes everything in time for the happily-ever-after.

Steamy scene grade: XXXX. A bit moreso than many of her books.

Happily-Ever-After: Good. Perhaps Rodrigo overdoes it a bit, but he had a lot to make up for. He could have cleared up things a bit more satisfactorily verbally, but his actions spoke loudly. A short “epilogue” is a nice touch.

Also this week …

A WHOLE NEW LIGHT

by Sandra Brown (1989, paperback) – 4 of 5. "A Whole New Light," by Sandra Brown is being re-released in paperback. It’s one of the author’s oldies but goodies, a pure romance where love prevails. Cyn, her deceased husband, and Worth were best friends. Two years after her husband's death, Cyn discovers her feelings for Worth are changing. It's like Worth told her, he suddenly saw her in "a whole new light." It takes some time (nearly the entire book) for the couple to accept and deal with their changed relationship. But by the end, they appreciate their love and embark on a sweet happily-ever-after.

SOME LIKE IT WICKED

By Teresa Medeiros
Avon Books (2008), 384 pages, $7.99 (paperback)

“Some Like It Wicked” is a charming story that proves once again that love can conquer all.
Catriona is orphaned as a young girl and sent from Scotland to live with her British uncle. She dreams of returning to the Scotland her father romanticized with tantalizing stories, and returning her clan to its days of glory.
But when her uncle threatens to marry her off to “the next man who walks through that door and asks for your hand” Catriona knows her dreams are in jeopardy. And since she knows who that next man will be, she’s especially worried.
So, she devises a plan.
When she was younger, she met Simon, a dashing soldier who made a lasting impression on Catriona. She followed his military career, harboring a crush on the man who was deemed a hero during a sea battle.
But Simon considers himself a fraud, and returns home to act in the most un-hero-like manner possible. Still, Catriona seeks him out to be her hero.
It just takes him a while to fill that role properly.
Catriona’s plan is to marry Simon, then use her dowry to pay him to escort her to Scotland, where she hopes to be reunited with her brother. Strictly a business arrangement.
Right.
The trip to Scotland is long enough for the two to have some uncomfortable moments trying to resist the growing attraction between them – an attraction that started building the day Simon met the young Catriona in her uncle’s barn.
But the trip isn’t long enough for the couple to succumb to love. That comes a bit later after a few disappointments, a revelation or two and a transformation for Simon.
“Some Like It Wicked” isn’t as fairytale-ish as many of Medeiros’ novels, but it is well written and charming with witty, touching and tender moments. It probably won’t be your favorite Medeiros book, or your favorite of the summer, but it’s a fun story that you won’t regret spending time with.


Overall rating: 4 of 5 hearts. An easy read about a young girl chasing her dreams, and discovering love trumps all. You’ll appreciate Catriona’s spirit and while Simon is disappointing at times, he triumphs by the end.


Hunk appeal: 10. It’s more like Simon emerges as a hero. He’s spent years in self-destruction mode, but Catriona knows the prince she glimpsed years earlier is still in him somewhere. She just doesn’t know how deep that prince was buried. Her faith in him wavered somewhat, but she was rewarded for her trust.

Steamy scene grade: XXXX. Simon has his moments.

Happily-Ever-After: Good, if perhaps a bit drawn out. Simon does transform into a suitable hero, but is it too late? It’s good to see him have to fight for the woman who has loved him most of her life. When she finally tells him that she would wait for him “forever and a day” he replies, “You’ll never have to wait for me again because I’m never going to leave you.”

Also this week …

Before the Scandal: The Notorious Gentlemen (Avon Historical Romance)

by Suzanne Enoch (2008, paperback) – 3 of 5.

This is a book that will keep you turning the pages with the hopes that the bad guys will get their due and the hero will get his heroine.
And of course, he does. And they do.
Phin’s sister tricks him into returning home, after he spent years away fighting in a war. His guilt over bad behavior that resulted in his brother losing the use of his legs kept him away, as well as his belief that his family didn’t want him around.
When he returns home, he discovers his family’s friendly and helpful neighbor isn’t as friendly and helpful as they think. In fact, he stumbles upon a plot to run his family out of their ancestral home.
Of course, he foils that. And wins the love of long-time friend Alyse as well. It’s difficult to say which was the biggest challenge.
It’s a good book with a likeable hero and a suspenseful-enough story.