Angie McCaffrey’s latest clients require creative advertising for their vampire cosmetic line. During customer research, Angie visits a nightclub which caters to pseudo-vampire patrons. There she meets Eric Taylor, a strangely alluring man, who immediately mesmerizes Angie.
The more Angie sees Eric the more questions she has about him. What does he have to do with her boss’s disappearance? Is he truly a vampire? Angie’s infatuation with Eric deepens and their passion blocks all common sense, even about the hidden danger that threatens both of them.
Début author Clare Willis takes the popular vampire theme and offers a darkly enticing plot that “sucks” in the reader. Just when we think we know where the story leads we are shocked by the turn of events. Deliciously complex characters, mysterious settings and an entertaining storyline make ONCE BITTEN by Clare Willis a must read for vampire aficionados.
Something Scandalous is the third in The Spinster Club series with Elizabeth, the youngest daughter of the Duke of Kendal weaving the path in a wickedly fun novel. Elizabeth is hoping that the distant heir to the Duke of Kendal will arrive before she is thrown out of her home by her greedy cousin Richard and his wife Caroline who are desperately trying to weasel their way into the title.
Expecting to find an elderly man as the heir, Elizabeth is thrown for a loop when she sees William Atherton the son of the late heir, but next in line for the title, in her home. Initially believing he had his seven siblings are intruders she tries to kick them out, leaving a humorous beginning to a often laugh out loud book. A delightful story ensues with Elizabeth trying to use her not so fine tuned feminine wiles on William to entice him to stay, and William trying to sell off the estates to go back to America where he is seeking the hand of a woman he has pursued for five years.
Christie Kelley writes another terrific tale of The Spinster Club introducing new characters who vibrantly light up the pages. The romance between Elizabeth and William fills the page with laughter and you are anxiously waiting to see what happens yet. Excellent book that fans will love, if you have never tried one of Christie Kelley’s books now is the time to pick one up.
Every new revelation in DYING SCREAM only adds to the mysteries surrounding the Thornton estate plus all the individuals somehow connected to this historical property and its distinguished family. Mary Burton cleverly entangles distinctive characters in imaginative scenarios, resulting in an intriguingly suspenseful story.
When Adrianna Barrington must sell the historical Thornton estate which she inherited from her late husband, Craig, some in the local community do not like her decision, especially when the new owner wants those buried in the family graveyard to be moved off the property. She was only married to her husband for several months before they were involved in an automobile accident which damaged his brain, putting him in a coma for two years before his death and causing enormous medical expenses. Right before the bodies are exhumed, Adrianna receives an anniversary card from Craig, which she believes is the work of someone just upset because of what will happen to the home and graves.
As the head detective for Richmond’s missing person’s division, Gage Hudson puts forth much effort to solve every case. Two of his unsolved cases are of women who were associated with Craig, and Gage believes they could have possibly been killed by the Thornton heir and hidden on the property. When it comes time to move those buried in the graves, he is present and is definitely glad when the unidentified body of a woman is unearthed. Although the detective and Adrianna were involved for a short period, he plans to stay forced on the case and not let any lingering feelings influence his actions. When she continues to receive items from her dead husband and the murdered body appears to be linked to him, too, Gage and Adrianna realize past secrets may well be affecting the present.
Romantic suspense stories by Mary Burton are always cleverly original and absolutely riveting. The intricate, brilliantly developed plots will keep your undivided attention on each page as riveting details are constantly divulged. Much of the information learned in DYING SCREAM points toward the story going in a certain direction, but frequently the next new detail completely changes how the following sequence of events transpire. There is much secrecy in this story, some having to do with past truths and others relevant to the present, and these hidden disclosures keep the reader in the dark along with the characters. Throw in some extremely unexpected twists, and one never knows what will be unveiled on the next page. I was continuously changing my mind as to the identity of the killer, as Ms. Burton gives subtle clues during the story but nothing completely concrete, which only ups the suspense. Each character comes across as realistically lifelike, especially when motives are learned. When the inner thoughts of the killer are conveyed, the scenes are chillingly dramatic as his ruthlessness is palpable. As for Gage and Adrianna, the interplay between them is genuine as they both still care for the other but feel they must keep any emotional connections under control. Their conversations really portrayed how they tried to keep distance between them, but occasionally some sincere concern managed to sneak in. First-rate suspense and unfolding mysteries grab the reader from the start of DYING SCREAM, and these intrigues only continue to heighten until the stunning conclusion.
In the midst of a blizzard, Lady Skena MacIain of Craigendan trudges through the deep snow frantic to find her children. At last she finds them near a fallen English knight who was lost in the storm. The children said they were following the Lady of Winter when they discovered their Christmas Knight.
Noel de Servian is touched by Skena’s care and protectiveness as she nurses him. No one had ever shown him such tender care before. Skena feels an unnatural connection with Noel which grows stronger even when it is revealed that he is the new Lord of Craigeden, granted to him by the English King Edward. But Noel has more secrets that may crush their blossoming love and danger surrounds Skena at every turn.
ONE SNOWY KNIGHT instantly captured my attention and held me in thrall. Best selling author Deborah MacGillivray writes historically accurate tales with authentic period dialog which adds a rich dimension to her story telling. All senses are engaged while indulging in this beautiful book; hearing the Scottish brogue, feeling the highland mist, smelling the healing herbs in the stillroom, sighting the colorful plaids and tasting the honeyed mead, all exactly as Ms. MacGillivray so aptly describes them. This passionate love story, between a brawny knight with a tender heart and a beautiful lady with kenning beyond most others, will call to your heart and stay in your thoughts long after the reading.
Strong characterizations and a totally gripping premise will draw you into this remarkable story, but it is the interaction between the hero and heroine which keeps you devouring every word. Kimberly Killion has crafted a most satisfying story set in early sixteenth century Scotland featuring the spirited individuals who lived and loved during this turbulent period in history.
When young Calin MacLeod sneaked into the castle belonging to an enemy of his clan, he saw his own father killed. A daring move by the future laird sets into motion a plan for revenge which will deeply affect him and many who live in Scotland. He waited eighteen years to carry out his plot, but when Calin goes to retrieve the woman whose secret past is only known to a select few, he finds the feisty female whom he will marry is not going to be easily won over.
Akira Neish was raised within the clan led by the man who murdered his father. Calin has never spoken with his betrothed, and has only corresponded with her through a few letters. She has some fanciful ideas about the man to whom she has been promised, and none of them fit the male who says he will be marrying her soon. Akira has lived a poor life but one filled with the love of family, although an odd birthmark has made her the ridicule of those living around her, some even proclaiming she is a witch. So when she discovers Calin is now the laird of his clan, she cannot help but wonder why such a commanding man would want to marry someone like her and frequently questions the reasons behind his actions. With the fate of many lives in his hands, Calin know he must convince Akira to believe him while still deceiving her by not revealing several key facts, ones which can drastically alter their futures and even those residing in Scotland.
Kimberly Killion brings historical stories to life with unparalleled believability. From the very first, this fascinating tale of retribution and duty quickly turns into a romance filled with conflicts and danger. Though this love story between Calin and Akira takes years before they officially meet, their guarded connection before then only adds more intrigue to their destined union. There are numerous profoundly touching moments all throughout HIGHLAND DRAGON, and I found myself completely riveted time and again as I awaited the outcome of these often crucial dilemmas. Both Calin and Akira demonstrate much strength as they cope with adversity, especially when their sense of duty is at odds with their inner feelings. These two express themselves with such honest conviction, and some of their conversations had me laughing while others brought tears. Several of the retorts delivered by Akira are candidly shocking, and others lead to clever banter between characters. While they prove their devotion for Scotland in many ways, their love for one another is portrayed with so much compassion plus desirous yearning, and any intimacy between this couple is depicted with passionate enthusiasm and sincerity. There is much colorful imagery in the story, and this attention to details makes the scenes realistically credible. The dialogue for these dynamic Scottish characters is masterfully written by Ms. Killion, as their exchanges take you to another time yet every meaning is expertly understandable. There are lots of memorable characters in this story, both main and secondary, and I did not want to say good-bye to many of them. Hopefully, Ms. Killion has another book in mind for one of these beloved characters. HIGHLAND DRAGON is a must-read, as its emotional impact and historical details are unforgettably notable.
