DARKNESS UNKNOWN

Darkness Unknown

by

Alexis Morgan

7/26/2009

(Fifth in "Paladin" series)

Alexis Morgan's seductive Paladin series continues with a red-hot romance between a powerful warrior sworn to secrecy and the irresistible woman who makes him lose control....

Gwen Mosely's life changes forever when she stumbles across a handsome stranger, bleeding and left for dead in the woods behind her farm. But the real shock is how his wounds heal overnight -- a trait he shares with Gwen's teenaged half-brother Chase.

Jarvis Donahue can't keep his eyes -- or his hands -- off the sexy redhead who rescued him. Gwen's warm smile and lust-filled eyes are impossible to resist...but Jarvis immediately recognizes Chase as a fellow Paladin, a warrior born to defend mankind in the relentless battle against the Others. Although Gwen may hate Jarvis for it, he is duty-bound to introduce Chase to the Paladins' dangerous lifestyle.

As the barrier between the two worlds weakens, the threat grows perilously close to Gwen's farm. Jarvis is determined to protect his lover -- but if he reveals his identity, he not only betrays his people's secret, he risks losing her forever....
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*** (3 ½ Stars) Oh, I hate it when a good series hits a bump in the road and starts to drag, and this was the book that did it in the Paladin series, for me. I recall reading the first 4 books in this series and tearing through them really fast. I loved the world created by Ms. Morgan, and the idea that two worlds could live in parallel to each other. I am not sure if it was the fact that this book takes place in a different location than the others, with a different group of characters, or that I waited too long to find this book after reading the others (and didn’t recall all the details and how this one tied in).

That aside, this wasn’t a bad story. Not by far. But it was a lot tamer than the others. Jarvis was OK….but he didn’t seem to command the story the way I remember Trahern, Barak, or Devlin doing in the other stories. He and Gwen make a good couple…but Jarvis has such a bleak outlook on how many lives he may have left, that I wonder how he and Gwen will make it. Oh well…I guess I will have to leave this story in “the moment” and accept the characters for who they are. I think Jake and Chase’s stories (should they get one) will probably be better. Jake seems like he has more fun to me.

By the way…this series gets the award for having THE BEST covers in my opinion. I would buy these books just to gaze at the covers.

DEATH ANGEL

Death Angel

by

Linda Howard

7/18/2009

In Linda Howard’s gifted hands, second chances, unexpected romance, and unrelenting action combine into a riveting new novel of suspense. In Death Angel, bad girls can wake up and trust their hearts, bad guys can fight for what’s right . . . and dying just might be the only way to change one’s life.

A striking beauty with a taste for diamonds and dangerous men, Drea Rousseau is more than content to be arm candy for Rafael Salinas, a notorious crime lord who deals with betrayal through quick and treacherous means: a bullet to the back of the head, a blade across the neck, an incendiary device beneath a car. Eager to break with Rafael, Drea makes a fateful decision and a desperate move, stealing a mountain of cash from the malicious killer. After all, an escape needs to be financed.

Though Drea runs, Salinas knows she can’t hide–and he dispatches a cold-blooded assassin in hot pursuit, resulting in a tragic turn of events. Or does it?

Left for dead, Drea miraculously returns to the realm of the living a changed woman. She’s no longer shallow and selfish, no longer steals or cheats or sells herself short. Both humbled and thrilled with this unexpected second chance, Drea embraces her new life. But in order to feel safe and sound–and stop nervously looking over her shoulder–she will need to take down those who marked her for death.

Joining forces with the FBI, supplying vital inside information that only she can provide, Drea finds herself working with the most dangerous man she’s ever known. Yet the closer they get to danger, the more intense their feelings for each other become, and the more Drea realizes that the cost of her new life may be her life itself–as well as her heart.
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**** (4 Stars) Though she doesn’t seem to write like she used to, I thought this was a better-than-average Linda Howard book. In fact, at times I thought I was reading an Anne Stuart book. I liked the twist on the story being told from the other side “the bad guys’ point-of-view). With this story, Ms. Howard wants us to know that there are levels of bad, and some are justifiable. I bought it for the duration of the story.

In the beginning, I couldn’t put my finger on either Drea or Simon. Was someone undercover? Were they just both bad and tired of it? How do I sympathize with them? The first few pages start out with a red-hot sex scene on a balcony (reminded me a little of “Kill and Tell” (also by Howard), and then the sex dries up for many, many chapters but the time in between is spent learning the characters and what makes them tick. I found out when the book was over, that I could sympathize with both characters (not that I know what it is like to be as assassin or arm candy. LOL.)

THE WARRIOR

The Warrior

by

Sharon Sala

7/16/2009

John Nightwalker is a strong, rugged Native American soldier who has seen many battles. While hunting down an old enemy, he crosses paths with Alicia Ponte. On the run from her father—a powerful arms manufacturer—Alicia seeks to expose her father's traitorous crimes of selling weapons to our enemies in Iraq. But Richard Ponte will do anything to stay below the radar…even if it means killing his own daughter.

Drawn to the mystery that surrounds Alicia, John feels compelled to protect her. Together they travel through the beautiful yet brutal Arizona desert to uncover deadly truths and bring her father to justice. But their journey is about to take an unexpected turn…one that goes deep into the past.
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**** (4 Stars) Ahhhh…there is something about a Sharon Sala book that simply pulls at my heartstrings. This one was no exception to the rule. Though the premise of this book is not really new…man vows revenge on his enemy for killing his family and with the help of his ancient Native American spirits he roams the Earth for many, many years (ok….centuries) until he finds his enemy and kills him. In the meantime, his nemesis dies and is reincarnated many times over, always making similar mistakes in life as he waits out his final death.

What is different about this book is the way Sharon tells the story, of course. 500 years after the murder of Nightwalker’s beloved mate, Whitedove, he finally finds the woman Alicia he can love, and maybe even possibly trust in telling his story to, only to find that she is not only the daughter of his enemy (in his most recent life) but that she, is also the reincarnation of Whitedove. Nightwalker must kill her father if he is to fulfill his destiny and avenge his family and, meanwhile, Alicia’s discovered horrific secrets about her father and he is trying to kill her. Nightwalker must keep Alicia safe, kill the father, and explain how he is 529 years old.

This was a fast-paced enjoyable read. Just as I expected it to be.

McKETTRICK'S LUCK

McKettrick's Luck

by

Linda Lael Miller

7/12/2009

Like his celebrated ancestors who tamed the wilds of Arizona, Jesse McKettrick's Indian Rock ties run deep. The Triple M Ranch is in his blood, along with the thrill of risk. But with his land at stake, Jesse won't get involved in Cheyenne Bridges's scheme-- despite the temptation she brings.

Cheyenne grew up in Indian Rock and left its painful memories behind to become a self-made woman. Now her job is to convince Jesse to sell his property. Jesse's not the kind of man Cheyenne could ever forget, but he's too wild and dangerous for a woman committed to playing it safe. Yet sparks of attraction fly, tempting Cheyenne to lay it all on the line for the passion she sees in Jesse's eyes.

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*** (3 Stars) I had high hopes for this book/series, especially after just having read the “Montana Creeds” trilogy. However, I thought this book just didn’t measure up (it was written 2 years before the Creed series). I don’t know if it was because the basis of the story takes place around the corporate world (which I have no interest in) or if it was missing the sarcasm and snappy humor (not to mention the smokin’ hot love scenes) of the Creed boys….er…men, but I finished the book feeling like something was missing. The story, if judged by itself, was pretty good.

I did the two-day read and felt things moved along quickly, but I think I can honestly say that I didn’t really even like the two main character all that much. Jesse McKettrick is wealthy, lazy, and spends most of his time at a poker table. He doesn’t even WANT a job, for pete’s sake! And Cheyenne, the heroine of the story, is deceitful and weak. I don’t often say this, but I think if we were able to check in with these characters on down the road…say in 5 years, they will be divorced and much happier apart. Ha! I am in no hurry to read books two and three in this series…and that just bums me out.

MONTANA CREEDS: TYLER

Montana Creeds: Tyler

by

Linda Lael Miller

7/9/2009

(Third story in Montana Creeds trilogy)

Whether winning championship belt buckles or dealing with Hollywood types for endorsement deals, former rodeo star Tyler Creed can handle anything. Except standing on the same patch of land as his estranged brothers. Yet here they are in Stillwater Springs, barely talking but trying to restore the old Creed ranch—and family.

Lily Kenyon knows all about family estrangements and secrets. The single mom has come home to set things right, to put down roots for her daughter. What she doesn't expect is Tyler Creed, whom she's loved since childhood. Now the handsome, stubborn cowboy who left home to seek his fortune just might find it was always under the Montana sky.…
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****(4 Stars) Ahhhhh…..there is nothing like a good book that makes you laugh, tear up a bit, and give a deep, satisfying sigh when it is over. Tyler’s story was one of these books. In fact, the whole trilogy was one of the most enjoyable series I ever read.

Ms. Miller really stepped up the steam on this book. Tyler and Lily like it hard, fast, and often—but it was done in such a way that it was more charming and fun, then crude and profane. Their relationship started in their high school years, much like Dylan and Kristy, but whereas Dylan and Kristy had been intimate as teens, Lily and Tyler had been platonic.

The romance aside, this story has a great family story. Tyler is the last to give in and make up with his brothers, and, he has the saddest story of the three boys. His parents both committed suicide (at different times) and he was really a lost boy trying to find his way. In addition, he learns he has a 13 year old son he fathered when he was fifteen (via a generous older woman who was busy teaching him the “ropes” at night, after teenage Tyler dropped virginal Lily off at home after their dates.) The relationships that Tyler builds with his son, develops with Lily’s daughter, and mends with his brothers were so well written that I actually teared up. I am sad to see the series end—but happily adding them to my Linda Lael Miller Keeper Shelf”.

MONTANA CREEDS: DYLAN

Montana Creeds: Dylan

by

Linda Lael Miller

7/7/2009

(Second in the Montana Creeds trilogy)

Hailed as "rodeo's bad boy" for his talent at taming bulls and women, Dylan Creed likes life in the fast lane. But when the daughter he rarely sees is abandoned by her mother, Dylan heads home to Stillwater Springs ranch. Somehow the champion bull rider has to turn into a champion father—and fast.

Town librarian Kristy Madison is uncharacteristically speechless when Dylan Creed turns up for story time with a toddler in tow. The man who'd left a trail of broken hearts—including her own—is back…and this time Kristy's determined to tame his wild ways once and for all.
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**** (4 Stars) This is the second book of the Montana Creed trilogy and I was just as glued to Dylan’s story as I was to Logan’s. I started falling in love with Dylan in the first book, and I still love him after this book. Ha! He is a little bit “bad boy” and a little bit “boy next door”.

In the first book, Dylan made several appearances in Stillwater, his hometown, though he didn’t really want to be there. You have to wonder why, since he never sold his share of the family homestead and had even brought in a retired championship rodeo bull as somewhat of a pet. Soon he finds himself in temporary custody of his two year old daughter Bonnie and in the presence of his high school sweetheart, Kristy. Kristy and Dylan rekindle their relationship (and Ms. Miller steamed up the story a bit!) and Kristy formed an attachment to Bonnie.

Yes, this story, like the first one, was Harlequin formulaic. But there was also a little bit of suspense and some good old fashioned romance (I want someone to fill the bathtub with rose petals for me! –sigh--). The relationships between all family members and indeed, all characters in the story, seem real and believable. I very much enjoyed the story and already have Tyler’s (the youngest brother and last story) sitting on my desk.

MONTANA CREEDS: LOGAN

Montana Creeds: Logan

by

Linda Lael Miller

7/5/2009

(First in "Montana Creeds" trilogy)

Descendants of the legendary McKettrick family, the Creeds are renowned in Stillwater Springs, Montana—for raising hell…

After years of wandering, Logan Creed, a cowboy with a dusty law degree, has returned home. To put down roots, to restore his family's neglected ranch…to have kids of his own proudly bearing the Creed name.

Divorced mom Briana Grant has heard the stories about her gorgeous neighbor. So Logan's kindness with her young boys is a welcome surprise, especially when her ex reappears. And when an unknown enemy vandalizes her home, Logan shows Briana—and the folks of Big Sky country—just what he's made of.
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**** (4 Stars) I haven't read a Linda Lael Miller book in several years--even longer still from a McKettrick/Creed series, but I am sure glad I did. This was a really great start to a new spin-off trilogy about the Creed family. Logan, the oldest brother of the three, starts off the series...he's successful, yet has failed in many ways and he returns to his roots to find himself and forgiveness, and in the process finds Briana, the love of his life.

I love the way that Ms. Miller developed the characters in this story. Younger brother Dylan made some appearances (and I think I am already in love with him) and our main characters Logan, Briana, and her two boys Alec and Josh, are believable and loveable. Even Vance, Briana's ex-husband makes a good character in the story (I have known a few Vance's in my time!) You can tell this is a Harlequin extended story--it has most of the basic formula there, but it was really enjoyable and feel-good at the end. Now...on to book two. Dylan!!!

DORP DEAD

Dorp Dead

by

Julie Cunningham

7/1/09

From http://www.amazon.com/

Gilly hides his brilliance so he will fit in and not attract attention at the orphanage. One day he discovers that he has been apprenticed to the town ladder maker. His excitement at finally having a home soon turns to horror. Will he be able to escape the terror that Kobalt, the ladder maker, plans for him?

A reissue of the novel that dramatically changed children’s literature in the 20th century.

Julia Cunningham’s ground-breaking novel, first published in 1965 and unavailable in any edition for a decade, is reissued for a whole new generation of readers to call their own. “Here . . . is the story of a boy who discovers himself, who basically comes to grips with that most contemporary of problems, the isolation of the individual. It is told within the near-classic framework of the story of the orphan who survives and escapes maltreatment to find love, but it is told in frank, literate terms in the lingo of today’s youngsters. And it has, as an additional dimension, a touch of the Gothic tale, a tinge of terror and a shade of romanticism.” (The New York Herald Tribune)
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**** (4 Stars) I waited for this book for two years on Paperbackswap.com and it was well worth the wait. I first encountered this book in 1977 when I was in 6th grade. Ms. P, my teacher at the time, used the book as a read-aloud. Though I only remembered two elements of this story (the cage being built for the boy and the words “Dorp Dead” being written on the cottage door), it must have left a big impact on me at the time because I never had never forgotten it.

Gilly, the highly intelligent young man in the story, is orphaned at the age of 10 with the passing of his grandmother. He is placed in the village orphanage where he never quite fits in (and purposely chooses not to). On a walk through the woods, he finds a special place he can go to for solitude and one day encounters The Hunter, a mysterious stranger. Upon returning to the orphanage one afternoon, the head mistress informs Gilly that he is being fostered out to the town ladder maker and shall live and work as his apprentice. Gilly is hopeful to have a purpose in life and makes a new friend through Mash, the dog, who lives in the home too. But soon, Gilly learns that the man he lives with is sinister. He is building a cage to keep Gilly in. Gilly escapes the cottage by climbing one of the ladders up through the chimney and hides in his secret place in the forest. The ladder maker comes after him, however, Gilly is saved by The Hunter and Mash, the dog.

What makes this 90 page book so wonderful is the emotion and style the author, Ms. Cunningham, uses to covey the story. This book could easily be a fairy tale or a gothic horror story. I wouldn’t have been surprised if Gilly had run into Red Rose or Snow White in the forest where he hid. This is a MUST READ for anyone who loves classic children’s stories. Good luck finding it….after 32 years I am not letting this book go.