Review: Men Who Walk The Edge of Honor Series by Lori Foster

Trace of Fever
By Lori Foster

About The Book:
Undercover mercenary Trace Rivers loves the adrenaline rush of a well-planned mission. First he'll earn the trust of corrupt businessman Murray Coburn, then gather the proof he needs to shut down the man's dirty smuggling operation. It's a perfect scheme—until Coburn's long-lost daughter saunters in with her own deadly plan for revenge.

About the Author:

Lori Foster first published with Harlequin in January 1996. Her second book launched Temptation Blaze and her 25th book launched Temptation Heat. Since those early days, Lori has routinely had 6 to 10 releases a year. She's a Waldenbooks, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly and New York Times bestselling author with over 50 titles published through a variety of houses, including Berkley/Jove, Kensington, St. Martins, Harlequin and Silhouette. 

Savor The Danger
About The Book:

After she was kidnapped, Alani swore she'd never trust another man again. Still, something about this strong, sexy hero with the tender touch makes her want to believe him. As Jackson hunts downs a mysterious intruder, he swears he'll move heaven and earth to keep Alani safe. But what really happened that night? And will the truth bring them closer than they ever thought possible—or put Alani squarely in harm's way again? 

Review by Lynda:

These books, which are the second and third in the Men Who Walk The Edge of Honor Series, are pure Lori Foster. Her voice is strong and her heroes stronger. If you're not familiar with Lori Foster's work and would like to read an excerpt, you can do that here. The storytelling is solid, the plot, while not original, is fast paced with enough twists to satisfy most readers. Readers should be aware that these books are heavy with sexual content and may not be right for every reader. The storyline is contemporary and certainly reflects the dangerous world we live in. I've always enjoyed Lori Foster's style, especially her dialog. It's snappy and moves the story forward seamlessly.

Review of - The Luckless Prince by Rie Sheridah Rose

The Luckless Prince

by Rie Sheridan Rose

Published by Zumaya Otherworlds

ISBN: 9781612710143

320 pages

About The Book:

The Luckless Prince is an epic quest fantasy. Prince Roland and his squire, Stefan, journey downriver to negotiate a fur deal for his father. But the seemingly innocuous mission becomes a nightmare as the raft is attacked by a band of raiders. And their troubles are only beginning.

As Roland tries to return home and reassure his father of his safety, he finds himself taken prisoner by the mysterious elves of legend. And, in the end, only by forming an uneasy alliance
can their common enemy be defeated.

About the Author:

Rie Sheridan Rose has been writing professionally for the last ten years or so — though she has just added the “Rose” on the end. After putting up with her for the last eight years, she figured her husband deserved the recognition. Prior to last year, her work appeared under “Rie Sheridan.”


In that decade, she has published 4 novels, 1 short story collection, 2 chapbooks of collected stories, and five poetry collections as well as contributing to several anthologies.

Her stories have also been published in The Eternal Night, ShadowKeep and Verge ezines, as well as the EOTU and Planet Relish websites.

Her poetry appeared in the print magazines Mythic Circle, Dreams of Decadence, and Abandoned Towers as well as the Electric Wine and Tapestry ezines.

The Half-Price Books 1999 “Say Good-Night to Illiteracy” Anthology contained her children’s story “Bedtime for Benny”.

Both her short story anthology RieVisions and poetry collection Dancing on the Edge were finalists in the 2003 EPPIE awards. Poetry collection Straying from the Path and Young Adult novel The Right Hand of Velachaz were finalists in the 2004 EPPIE awards.

Her most popular stories to date are the Adventures of Bruce and Roxanne, humorous horror shorts several of which have been collected into two print chapbooks by Yard Dog Press.

She has also written the lyrics to several songs for Marc Gunn. Their “Don’t Go Drinking With Hobbits” CD is due out in August.

• Her latest book is The Luckless Prince, published by Zumaya Otherworlds.

• Rie lives in Texas with her husband Newell and several cats, all spoiled rotten.

• You can visit her website at www.riewriter.com.

• Connect with Rie at Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/riesheridanrose.

Review by Lynda:
"What do you plan to do next?" Stefan asked his new found kinsman.
"I plan to claim your kingdom."

Those words found about half way through the book really sum up the treacherous journey Stefan has experienced his whole life. Since a small boy, he has known what it is to be alone, without true family or the comfort of knowing one's place in the world. And what a world author Rie Sheridah Rose has created.

Mankind is secure and thinks it has no rival since the demise of the Elven world, but they are mistaken. Beginning with the adventure first initiated by Prince Roland, a set of circumstances congeals around the Prince and his loyal friend and protector, Stefan. One that will test their bond of friendship and the security of their two worlds. They must forge a new alliance to overcome an evil menace that is determined to destroy both their kingdoms.

Author Rie Sheridah Rose has created a believable fantasy world through precise descriptions, colorful languages, cultural loyalties, and the power of friendship and purpose. This story will attract YA readers and adults alike.

Continue the Tour:

Thursday, July 28

Guest blogging at As the Pages Turn

Book reviewed at A Word’s Worth

Interviewed at Paperback Writer

Review: When Stars Align By Carole Eglash-Kosoff

 

When Stars Align
By: Carole Eglash-Kosoff

About the book:

The love that Thaddeus and Amy feel for one another can get them both killed. He is colored, an ex-slave, and she is white. In 19th century Louisiana mixed race relationships are both illegal and unacceptable.Moss Grove, a large Mississippi River cotton plantation has thrived from the use of slave labor while its owners lived lives of comfort and privilege. Thaddeus, born more than a decade earlier from the rape of a young field slave by the heir to the plantation, is raised as a Moss Grove house servant. His presence remains a thorn in the side of the man who sired him. Deepening divisiveness between North and South launches the Civil War and changes Moss Grove in ways no one could have anticipated. With the war swirling we see the battles and carnage through Thaddeus’ eyes. The war ends and he returns to Moss Grove and to Amy, hoping to enjoy their newly won freedoms. With the help of Union soldiers, schools are established to educate those who were formerly prohibited from learning to read. Medical clinics are opened and businesses begun. Black legislators are elected and help to pass new laws. Hope flourishes. Perhaps the stars will now finally align for the young lovers. In 1876, however, the ex-Confederate states barter the selection of President Rutherford B. Hayes for removal of all Union troops from their soil in the most contested election in American history. Within a decade hopes are dashed as Jim Crow laws are passed, the Ku Klux Klan launches new violence, and black progress is crushed. ‘When Stars Align’ is a soaring novel of memorable white, Negro and colored men and women set against actual historic events

Read an Author Interview Here

Review by Kelsey G:
WHEN STARS ALIGN is a truly epic love story, told against the backdrop of an extremely volatile time in U.S. history. I found the story fascinating, and the characters were extremely real. The antagonists leaps from the page with a ferocity and clarity that made my skin crawl at times, while the poignancy of Amy and Thaddeus' ill-fated love was of Shakespearean proportions. The language of this novel was very period-appropriate, though modern readers will find it at times both jarring and appalling. However, this accomplishes the story's purpose: to give us a realistic look into the lives and love that unfolded during a time of devastation and hope. The plot moved at a brisk pace, hitting all the high points in the events leading up to and following the Civil War. We are introduced to famous key players, like Lincoln and Stephen Douglas; people who affected the course of a nation. We also get to know (and love) the "everyman" characters that were impacted. The injustice suffered by the black and colored population is recounted with an even hand, so that the romance still shines through; the thread that holds this story together. Any self-respecting historical romance enthusiast will devour this book with relish. Even if historical romance isn't your cup of tea, this novel is a fabulous piece of fiction, one that I'm sure many will enjoy!

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AND THE TOUR CONTINUES:

Wednesday, July 27

Interviewed at Divine Caroline

Thursday, July 28

Book reviewed at Celtic Lady’s Reviews

Review of To Be Sung Underwater by Tom McNeal

To Be Sung Underwater
By: Tom McNeal

About the book:Judith Whitman always believed in the kind of love that "picks you up in Akron and sets you down in Rio." Long ago, she once experienced that love. Willy Blunt was a carpenter with a dry wit and a steadfast sense of honor. Marrying him seemed like a natural thing to promise. But Willy Blunt was not a person you could pick up in Nebraska and transport to Stanford. When Judith left home, she didn't look back.

Twenty years later, Judith's marriage is hazy with secrets. In her hand is what may be the phone number for the man who believed she meant it when she said she loved him. If she called, what would he say? To Be Sung Underwater is the epic love story of a woman trying to remember, and the man who could not even begin to forget.

Review by Kelsey G.
It has taken some thinking, but I believe I've finally concluded that I like this book. The love story is accurately described as "epic" and the characters feel very real and genuine. It is easy to take a genuine liking to the heroine. Other reviews have been rather liberal in their praise of Mr. McNeal's work, and while I may not share their level of enthusiasm, I agree that this book is worthwhile. The drawback is that it takes a rather long time for the main love story to actually begin. This book is a very meandering read, the first half is such that it must be endured. If you are a fan of fast-paced action and dialogue, skip this book. If you enjoy detailed character portraits and prose that is largely introspective, this may be your next favorite read! I must admit, the last half is truly touching. Mr. McNeal has a very solid grasp of human relationships, and the undercurrents of emotion that drive our every decision. The arena of marriage is presented from two viewpoints: we watch Judith as a child witness the dissolution of her parents' marriage, and years later, the tension of her own "comfortable" marriage escalate.

I would liken this book to a rollercoaster, with a very gradual incline, and then a giant rush to an emotional and dramatic end. If you have the time (and patience) this book is worth it! I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

Review: Texas Blue by Jodi Thomas

Texas Blue 

Book 5 - Whispering Mountain Series

by Jodi Thomas
www.jodithomas.com.

About the Book:

Gambling man Lewton Paterson wants to marry into a respectable family, even if it costs him his friendship with Duncan McMurray. After fleecing a train ticket from one of the three gentlemen picked to call on Duncan's cousins, Lewt makes his way to Whispering Mountain. But seducing a well-bred woman is harder than Lewt thought, and he realizes that to entice a McMurray sister, he'll need to learn a thing or two about ranching and love.

Review by Lynda:

Emily McMurry devises a plan to avoid the man she doesn't want to meet, much less fall in love with. But like most well-laid plans, the OOPS factor is always present, and in this case, very entertaining as well. This is a well written story with a character driven plot that touches the heart. And I love the way Author Jodi Thomas wrote a true romance instead of a sexual expose', which, in my opinion takes a heap more talent. The heart-stopping moments between Lewton and Emily are exciting scenes that deepen the character arc for the reader. I really loved this book and would easily recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable read.

Review: Whispers In The Sand

Whispers In The Sand

By Barbara Erskine
Author Biography

About the Book:
Recently divorced, Anna Coburn decides to cheer herself up by retracing a journey her great-grandmother, Louisa, a renowned artist, made in the mid-nineteenth century – a Nile cruise from Luxor to the Valley of the Kings. Anna carries with her two of Louisa's possessions – an ancient Egyptian scent bottle, and an illustrated diary of the original cruise that has lain unread for a hundred years.

As she follows in Louisa's footsteps, Anna discovers in the diary a wonderful love story from the Victorian past, and the chilling, more distant secret of the little glass bottle. Meanwhile, two men from the tour party are showing a disturbing interest in these mementos, and developing an unfriendly rivalry for Anna's attention. And, most frightening of all, Anna finds herself the victim of a haunting, a spectral presence that grows in strength and threat as the dramatic stories from three different eras intertwine in a terrifying climax...

Review by Lynda: 
Very good. It was like getting two books in one, with both Anna and Louisa's stories intertwined. Intriguing, mysterious, and so deliciously exciting. These female characters are so well written and you're immediately drawn into their respective lives with no wish to leave. I could smell and taste Egypt through the authors superb descriptions. One small draw-back for me were the male characters. They were nowhere as interesting as Anna or Louisa, so I tended not to care much for them by the end of the book. I do have to make an exception for Hassan, he proved to be a very strong magnet for my attention. If you think a trip down the Nile, with a lot of shadowy things menacing your every step sounds like a good read, you'd be right.