FIRE AND ICE

By Julie Garwood
Ballantine Books (2008), 320 pages, $26 (hardcover)

The strengths of Julie Garwood’s books are the engaging characters she brings to life, and the chemistry she brews between the hero and heroine.

“Fire and Ice” fit rather nicely into her well-honed formula.

Sophie was peripherally introduced in “The Murder List.” Don’t remember? No wonder – it was written four years ago.

So to save yourself the frustration of not being able to remember Sophie – or other characters – from that book, you might want to read it again before you start “Fire and Ice.” Or, you can read this brief synopsis:

Regan and her friends Cordie (perhaps within the next decade we’ll read about her romance with Regan’s brother Aidan….or maybe not) and Sophie go to hear this quack self-help guru, to help Sophie (a reporter) expose him as a fraud. He tells everyone to write a “Murder List,” names of people they’d rather not exist.

Regan scribbles down a few names so he doesn’t suspect her of being a spy.

The next thing she knows, people on her list start getting killed. And she receives threats. She’s assigned a bodyguard – Alex Buchanan – who is a few weeks away from leaving Chicago and returning to Boston to work for the FBI.

They fall in love.

So in “Fire and Ice,” Regan and Alec are back, and so are some of Alec’s police buddies. But the new guy is Jack – Alec’s partner, and the hero of this piece.

Jack loses a bet and consents to a favor, which results in him sticking close to Sophie. Of course eventually he sticks real close.

Sophie is a strong heroine and Jack makes a good match for her. Their chemistry is good and it’s obvious to everyone that they’re head-over-heels – everyone but Sophie and Jack. And that just makes it fun to watch.

The suspense is intriguing and will keep you guessing in some aspects. The trip to Alaska is rather fun to read about – but keep a blanket handy. You’ll get cold when you read it.


Overall rating: 4 of 5 hearts. Garwood doesn’t release books very often, but when she does it’s a must read. This book has ties to the Buchanans (the modern day ones), which gives it additional appeal for fans of that series. But it’s also well-written, with engaging characters and a suspenseful storyline – which will appeal to all romance fans, and perhaps even to some mystery readers as well.

Hunk appeal: 10. Jack isn’t the flowers and candy romantic type. Thank goodness. His toughness, eventual protectiveness and capability give him a gruffy appeal. His reluctance to accept his love for Sophie is endearing as well. It’s just fun watching him fall.

Steamy scene grade: XXXX. And fall hard.

Happily-Ever-After: Good. Garwood has a knack for fun endings (who will ever forget Laurant’s and Nick’s finale in “Heartbreaker”) and while this one doesn’t match that one, it’s still a good one. Maybe a bit predictable, but that’s OK too.

Also this week…..



“When the Duke Returns,” by Eloisa James (2008 paperback) 4 of 5. This fourth book in the “Desperate Duchesses” series is just fun. Isidore, who we’ve watched not-so-patiently wait for her husband to return from Africa, finally gets to meet the man who made her a duchess when she was just a child. Their families arranged the marriage, and they were married by proxy when Isidore was quite young. Simeon returns looking to start a life with his docile, biddable wife. He was in for quite a surprise when he discovered his beautiful Isidore was a lot of things – intelligent, quick-witted, opinionated and stubborn – and most definitely not docile and biddable. While they struggle to decide whether to stay married or not, they can’t ignore the passion that sparks whenever they’re together – even though at times, both would like to. Then again, at times they both rather enjoy that passion.

A STONE CREEK CHRISTMAS

By Linda Lael Miller
Silhouette (2008), 217 pages, $4.99 (paperback)

Take a veterinarian who talks to animals, a lost reindeer named Rodney and a Christmas tree vendor named Kris Kringle and what do you get?

A delightful holiday romance worth reading.

Olivia O’Ballivan is a small-town vet who spends more time with animals than people. She’s got trust and abandonment issues – thanks to her mother’s desertion when she was a child, and even her beloved famous brother’s leaving to find fortune and fame – but that doesn’t stop her from becoming attached to new-guy-in-town Tanner.

Tanner has definite commitment issues.

So when they embark on a no-strings-attached affair, it seems the best for both. But it doesn’t take long for each of them to realize they’re in love – and no-strings isn’t best at all.

In fact, they both discover they want strings. Lots of strings. And not just the strings of lights they buy to decorate for Christmas.

The simplicity of the plot, and the fun that Linda Lael Miller has with entwining Christmas magic in the story, should put it at the top of holiday reading lists. But Olivia’s sadness about missing her grandfather, and her angst over those abandonment issues thanks to dear old mom, make her less than a cheery and fun heroine to read about. Tanner doesn’t help matters – he’s still grieving for his deceased wife, misses his grandmother, and is conflicted about whether he should be forcing his daughter to live in a boarding school for protection.

All of this soul-searching, angst and sadness makes for a rather somber read much of the time.

But the romance between Olivia and Tanner is touching, endearing and sweet. It’s also fun to read about Brad and Meg (“The McKettrick Way”) as they enjoy their happily-ever-after.

Overall rating: 3 of 5 hearts. Perhaps a bit too somber at times, but still a touching and sweet romance full of Christmas spirit.

Hunk appeal: 10. Perhaps a bit too somber at times….but Tanner is a good man who treats Olivia well and tries to do the right thing for his family.

Steamy scene grade: XXXX. Not too somber.

Happily-Ever-After: Good. Perhaps a bit too somber….but Tanner and Olivia are well on their happily-ever-after way and seem to be a bit perkier.


Also this week…..



Silver Bells

by Fern Michaels, JoAnn Ross, Mary Burton and Judy Duarte
(2008, paperback) 3 of 5.

This is a collection of short, holiday stories that are easy, quick reads. In “Silver Bells,” by Michaels, movie-star Amy discovers she can go home again – thanks to high school boyfriend Hank. In “Dear Santa,” Holly discovers the magic of Christmas – and love – thanks to Gabriel. In “Christmas Past,” Nicole discovers love is worth trying again – thanks to David. And in “A Mulberry Park Christmas,” Jillian goes home again, and discovers love again – thanks to Mac.

THE PAGAN STONE

By Nora Roberts
Jove (2008), 305 pages, $7.99 (paperback)

Nora Roberts very, very rarely disappoints.

But the finale of her latest otherworldly-type trilogy fizzled somewhat.

Perhaps it was because the bad guy wasn’t really a guy – or gal. Perhaps it was because Gage and Cybil weren’t really romance hero and heroine worthy.

Maybe it was because Gage and Cybil’s “courtship,” if you can call it that, seemed to be more about the physical than romance.

And maybe some readers aren’t just enlightened enough to latch onto characters who are way too casual and “cosmopolitan” about certain things.

Or maybe all the research and speculation about the big evil entity lurking in their lives just got a bit tedious and overshadowed the romance.

Regardless, “The Pagan Stone” wasn’t as good as its predecessors, “Blood Brothers” and “The Hollow.”

Still, a disappointing Nora Roberts book is better than many and it’s still an intriguing story. And besides, if you read the first two books, you’ve got to read this one.

Encouraged by successful battles against the evil thing in the earlier books, the team of six is ready to dispense of the bad entity for good. They’re far from totally confident they can, but they know they have no choice.

Of course we started “The Pagan Stone” with two couples already blissful – Quinn and Cal (“Blood Brothers”) and Fox and Layla (“The Hollow.”) By the way, Layla was less annoying in this book.

Gage and Cybil resent the notion that fate may be forcing them toward couple-dom. They acknowledge a physical attraction, but are determined not to be paired for eternity.

Of course, they end up paired for eternity.

When Gage confesses his love – and it does rather charmingly come out like a confession dragged out by torture – he says, “I’m not here with you because of some grand design dictated before either of us were born. I don’t feel what I feel for you because somebody, or something, decided it would be for the greater good for me to feel it. What’s inside me is mine, Cybil, and it’s in there because of the way you are, the way you sound, the way you smell, you look, you think….

“I’m in love with you, and I’m almost through being annoyed about it.”

And by the time you read that, you’ll almost be through being annoyed at Gage and Cybil and the research that bogged down the story somewhat.

Overall rating: 3 of 5 hearts. While the research and speculation about how they can best defeat the evil entity gets cumbersome, there is still enough witty dialog and repartee to make it worth reading. Nora Roberts is incapable of writing a bad book. This one just isn’t as good as most of hers.

Hunk appeal: 10. Gage is a good enough guy, and while he stumbles a bit – and is somewhat too casual – he does rally nicely at the end.

Steamy scene grade: XXXX. Doesn’t stumble here.

Happily-Ever-After: OK. The evil is destroyed and the town can live without the fear that strikes every seven years. The couples are all paired and headed toward wedded bliss.

Also this week…..

A BRIDE BY CHRISTMAS
by Heather Graham, Jo Beverley and Candace Camp (2008 paperback) 3 of 5.

These are actually stories by these authors written 19 and nine years ago. Even though they’re all short stories, they do drag at times. Still, they’re Christmas stories and that makes them more tolerable. In Graham’s story, “Home For Christmas,” a Yankee captain confiscates a Southern home, and captivates it’s young mistress – Isabelle. She is torn between her feelings for Travis, and her allegiance to the Confederacy. In Beverley’s, “The Wise Virgin,” Joan gets entangled in a feud between her uncle and his long-time enemy, and falls in love with the enemy. She thinks their future together is doomed not to happen, but she underestimates the power of true love. And in “Tumbleweed Christmas,” by Camp, Melinda becomes a housekeeper and cook for a curmudgeonly rancher. By Christmas, he’s not so curmudgeonly any more.

A McKETTRICK CHRISTMAS

By Linda Lael Miller
HQN (2008), 280 pages, $16.95 (hardcover)

If you’re having trouble finding the Christmas spirit this season, spend a couple of hours with the McKettricks.

Linda Lael Miller has written an historical Christmas tale focusing on the family many of her fans have come to love.

Lizzie McKettrick is coming home to the family ranch, after spending years away at school. She’s bringing home a city boyfriend to meet her family. She is excited to be going back to the Triple M and is looking forward to becoming the town’s school teacher – and to her boyfriend proposing marriage.

But her plans were rather derailed – like her train, which was knocked off the tracks by an avalanche.

With their lives in danger, an unlikely group of strangers form a bond, as they try to keep their Christmas spirits alive despite knowing their lives are in danger. Morgan, a doctor on his way to Indian Rock to set up practice, takes charge of caring for everyone, with Lizzie by his side.

It doesn’t take long for Lizzie to realize that her city boyfriend isn’t the one – and that Morgan is.

Lizzie and Morgan’s courtship isn’t all that, but this is a sweet and fun holiday read that won’t take up much of your time, and will definitely help get you in the Christmas spirit.

It doesn’t take the entire book for the passengers to be rescued – thank goodness – and the rest of the book mainly focuses on Morgan and Lizzie’s courtship, albeit a rather tepid one. However, their love isn’t.

The bottom line is, if you want a decent holiday story, this will do the trick. Especially if you’re a McKettrick fan.

Overall rating: 3-plus of 5 hearts. The romance isn’t great, but it’s a sweet holiday story that is certain to get you in the Christmas spirit, with a twist or two that will keep you smiling and thinking of the season.

Hunk appeal: 10. Morgan doesn’t have that tough-guy, save-the-damsel sort of appeal, but he’s a good guy. And most definitely the love of Lizzie’s life.

Steamy scene grade: XXX. First comes marriage….well, sort of.

Happily-Ever-After: Good. Actually the best part is when the McKettrick men save Lizzie and the train passengers (come on, this didn’t ruin anything. You knew they would.) The remaining story wraps up Lizzie’s and Morgan’s relationship, but it’s almost anti-climatic. Just kind of a sweet.

Also this week…..

Captivated & Entranced
by Nora Roberts (1992 paperback) 5 of 5.
This was re-released in a two-for-one this month. And if you haven’t met the Donovans before, don’t hesitate to make their acquaintance now. It starts with “Captivated,” Morgan and Nash’s story. And one of the best break-up/make-up scenes ever is in this book (have a box of tissues handy). The Donovans are a family of witches, and Morgan is perhaps the witchiest. Nash is a movie writer, and solicits Morgan for consultation regarding one of his scripts. And the rest is magic. Next, in “Entranced,” it’s Sebastian’s turn. He teams up with private investigator Mary Ellen and creates magic with her, while foiling a kidnapping ring.

SALVATION IN DEATH

By J.D. Robb
Putnam (2008), 353 pages, $25.95 (hardcover)

Eve and Roarke are back with a suspenseful story that will enthrall you by capturing your curiosity and snare you with the usual wit, repartee and passion that have made this series of books an addiction for many readers.

For those of you who have never read one of J.D. Robb’s books, find copies of the first two stories of the series, “Naked In Death” and “Glory In Death.” You’ll be hooked.

And by the way, for those who don’t know this yet, J.D. Robb is Nora Roberts.

In this tale, Eve and Roarke are enjoying their happy albeit never restful marriage. Surrounded by an eclectic group of colorful friends, Eve tries to deal with the complicated and scary parts of her life – like planning a wedding shower – and the mundane, like solving a murder.

Or two.

This book actually has two murders for Eve and her trusty partner, Peabody, to solve. One is cracked pretty quickly, the other takes up the entire book.

While conducting a funeral mass, a priest is poisoned. As Eve begins investigating this intriguing case, she unearths secrets and will prevent you from being able to put the book down.

And of course when she goes home, Roarke is there to help her unravel the mystery – and help her remember that her life is about more than solving murders now.

Roarke isn’t quite as involved with helping her solve this case as in some others, and perhaps there isn’t quite enough of him in the book. But when he’s there? He’s…..well, he’s Roarke.

As one expects from a J.D. Robb book, the banter and dialog between characters is snappy, witting and fun. Especially between Roarke and Eve, although Peabody has become quite a sidekick as well.

Like when Eve comes home to Roarke the first evening and says, “I thought you were somewhere else today. Like Mongolia.”

“Minnesota.”

“What’s the difference?”

Then she asks, “Did you buy Mongolia?”

“Minnesota.”

“Either.”

“No. Did you want it?”

And then there are the mushy scenes, those tender moments that these two driven, tough people share only when they’re alone.

As usual, this book hits on all cylinders.


Overall rating: 5 of 5 hearts. The interaction between Eve and Roarke, and the couple and their friends, is always fun and witty and would make it worth reading even if there was nothing else. However, there is a big something else that will keep you turning the pages – the murder. It’s a good mystery to solve.

Hunk appeal: 10-plus, plus, etc. Roarke is the standard to measure all others – and they all come up short. It doesn’t hurt that he owns planets and is the most powerful, rich and gorgeous man in the universe. But he not only totally loves Eve, he totally understands her. And still considers her “everything and all things” for him.

Steamy scene grade: XXXXX. Roarke and Eve. Enough said.

Happily-Ever-After: Very good. Eve solves the case beautifully, and she has her moment with Roarke. Of course the best thing is knowing we’ll be reading more about Eve, Roarke and the gang. In fact, “Promises In Death” is scheduled for release in February. Something to look forward to after the holidays.


Also this week…..

Home for the Holidays

by Johanna Lindsey
(2000, paperback) 5 of 5.

You may have to do a bit of scrounging to find this one, but it will be worth the hunt. It was actually a hardcover before it was released a year later as a paperback. It's a perfect holiday story, borrowing the "Scrooge" theme. Like most of Lindsey's books, this is a historical romance, set in turn-of-the-century London. Baron Vincent is a man void of emotion, one who has lived his 29 years without love, without friends and without a Christmas tree. Then he meets Larissa, a sweet young woman who is only supposed to be pawn in Vincent’s plan for revenge. Of course he falls in love with her and she changes his life. Unfortunately, he did tell her all of that until after she discovers Vincent is responsible for her and her family’s misfortunes. Which makes for a great reconciliation scene.

SUITE 606

By J.D. Robb, Mary Blayney, Ruth Ryan Langan, Mary Kay McComas
Berkley (2008), 344 pages, $7.99 (paperback)

Of course in this anthology, J.D. Robb steals the show.
Even a short story starring Eve and Roarke is enough to excite fans and “Ritual In Death” is the definite highlight of this book.
So let’s focus on that one.
Eve is accompanying Roarke at a party in a hotel (owned by Roarke, of course) when a bloody, naked man stumbles in.
Instantly, the party changes from social tedium to murder investigation for Eve. And for Roarke, since he delightfully tags along for much of this one.
The murder and mayhem occurred down the hall from the party – in Suite 606.
As an anthology story, it’s short and quick. But the exceedingly talented Nora Roberts (aka J.D. Robb) excels in infusing the story with the typical humor, suspense, wit and passion that is the earmark of this series.
In the other stories, Mary Blayney’s “Love Endures” is a sweet tale about a couple estranged for years by the lies crafted by the heroine’s husband. When he dies, his ghost must linger until the truth – uttered from his lips – reunites Stephen and Summer.
The other two stories aren’t as strong.
Ruth Ryan Langan, usually reliable for writing stories worth reading, gives readers a disturbingly haunting tale this time – with an ending that’s far from satisfying. Mary Kay McComas’ story is cute, but a bit mind-boggling.
But Robb’s story alone makes this worth reading.
And even better – a full-length Robb book is now available now. Look for a review of “Salvation In Death” next week.


Overall rating: 4 of 5 hearts. Robb’s story is a definite 5, Blayney’s a 4, and the other two would be 3s. One thing positive – they’re all quite different. You’ve got a futuristic murder-suspense, a historical with a ghost, a paranormally weird story and a time travel tale.


Hunk appeal: 10. Of course, Roarke is off-the-scale 10-plus-plus. The others are OK. Stephen gets major points for “enduring” and his behind-the-scenes care of Summer for years. Sam is just put in a too-weird-for-words situation. And a wizard for a hero? Almost works.

Steamy scene grade: XXXX. In some, more than others.

Happily-Ever-After: Good. The best thing about the Robb book is knowing a full-length tale awaits. Langan’s ending was not good at all. Blayney’s ending was a bit weird, but good. McComas’ ending was better than OK.


Also this week…..


KISS AND TELL


by Suzanne Brockmann (1996, paperback) 4-plus of 5.

Before Suzanne Brockmann hit it big with her Navy Seal novels, before she became an advocate for a social cause or two in her books, she wrote pure, sweet romances. And she was quite good at it.
“Kiss And Tell” is the first of a trilogy, and is a story that only advocates romance and love.
Leila couldn’t wait to shake the sand from her shoes and leave her small, beach hometown for the big city. She’s home for the holidays, and bummed because boyfriend maybe-soon-to-be-fiancee Elliot, wasn’t able to join her for the New Year’s Eve masquerade party.
But she wasn’t alone at midnight. She shared a shockingly passionate kiss with a man dressed as a Ninja, someone she didn’t recognize during their all-to-brief interlude. When mystery man has to hurry away due to an emergency beeper summons, she’s left wondering, who kissed her?
Marsh is the best friend of Leila’s brother, and the local doctor. And Leila’s lifelong nemesis. He’s always secretly been attracted to Leila, but even he was shocked by the result of that kiss. He can’t way to explore what it means, but is thwarted when he learns Leila didn’t realize it was he she had kissed.
Not knowing what to do, he gets drawn into a ruse of “helping” Leila find the man. And all along, he tries to woo and court her.
And the results are sweet to read.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

By Lisa Plumley
Zebra (2008), 344 pages, $6.99 (paperback)


There’s no place like “Home For The Holidays,” and there’s nothing like reading about romance at Christmas.
Lisa Plumley once again gifts readers with a Yuletide story sure to put you in a holiday mood, with characters certain to make you laugh – and shake your head.
Rachel is a rather annoying small-town-girl-turned-LA-snob, who gets an unfair comeuppance in the big city, and decides to hide out and lick her wounds back home during Christmas.
Reno is the local hero, the small-town kid who made it big in the NFL, who then returned home to run a sporting goods store and endear himself to the locals by being the go-to-for-any-favor man about town.
So, he was only doing one of his favors when he agreed to pick up Rachel at the airport.
Their courtship was rather unorthodox, since Rachel was in full LA-is-so-much-better-than-this-place mode, and Reno was determined to change her mind. There was also the fact that Reno was suffering a lot of guilt because his best buddy fancied himself in love with Rachel, and was counting on Reno to hook him up.
Oh, and then there were Reno’s parents, who separated over Tom’s insensitive Christmas gift.
In other words, this is vintage Plumley. She’s created a cast of characters that are a bit eccentric, quirky and likeable and spun a story that will make you smile.


Overall rating: 4 of 5 hearts. It’s really tough to not like a holiday book. And it’s really tough not to like the quirkiness and fun that Plumley infuses in all her stories. And there’s lots of Christmas in this one as well!


Hunk appeal: 10. Reno is just a good guy. Almost too good, at times. He loses points when Rachel discovers he was supposed to be setting her up with his best friend, by deciding he’s the affronted because she doesn’t understand how he felt.

Steamy scene grade: XXXX. A good guy.

Happily-Ever-After: Good. It’s another hero-rushing-after-heroine-to-stop-her-from-leaving scene. But hey, it works! Reno goes after Rachel, catches her, apologizes – accepts her apologies – and both say very mushy, very romantic stuff that makes it a good ending.



Also this week…..

BIG SKY WINTER

by Diana Palmer (2008, hardcover) 4 of 5.

Actually, this is a two-in-one, with both stories written in 1986. But as most of her stories are, these two are timeless and you’ll enjoy them every bit as much now as you would have 22 years ago.
In the first story, “Rawhide & Lace,” Ty is a homely rancher, who is nasty and cruel to the woman he loves – the beautiful model Erin. Of course it’s a self-defense mechanism, to keep her from breaking his heart. It doesn’t work – in more ways than one. His nastiness runs Erin off, but not before their passion resulted in a pregnancy. She tries to tell him, but he’s nasty again. Soon after, she wrecks her car and loses the baby and her career.
Ty finds out about that shortly before Erin inherits half of his ranch – with the stipulation that she lives there. She doesn’t want to, but knows a lot of innocent people would lose their jobs if she refuses. Ty is determined to make up for his part in Erin’s accident, but still slips into nastiness often. Of course they end up married, and eventually happy – after clearing up misunderstandings and learning each other’s true feelings.
“Unlikely Lover” is the sequel to “Rawhide & Lace,” featuring Ty’s former nemesis and neighbor, Ward. Mari is the niece of Ward’s cook, and becomes an unwitting pawn in auntie’s matchmaking scheme. Even though Ward and Mari are both aware of the aunt’s plot, they succumb to the love that simmers between them.
Of course Palmer’s name is on the cover, so they have to suffer many self-erected obstacles before they can embark on happily-ever-after. But of course, they finally get there.