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Volume 3, Number 6 June 2004 Home | MBW Index

Table of Contents

Cynthia Penn's Bookshelf Donovan's Bookshelf Kaveny's Bookshelf
Klausner's Bookshelf Laurel's Bookshelf Shelley's Bookshelf
Shirley's Bookshelf Vicki's Bookshelf  

Cynthia Penn's Bookshelf

A Cowboy Summer: Superromance No 1196
Debra Salonen
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373711964 $5.25 304 pages

From the "Home on the Ranch" series. Eight-year-old Zoey does not mind emotional blackmail to convince her mother to keep her promise of visiting her family's ranch. Anne Fraser's mother passed away before she fulfilled her lifelong dream of travel, and her husband has vowed to take her along those planned byways post-humorously. Anne's stepfather has a grandson, Will Cavanaugh, whom he also persuades to help out during tourist season. Despite her concerns regarding her daughter's serious asthma and her unresolved attraction for Will, Anne puts her life on hold to go to Silver Rose for the summer. Will comes home to take care of the ranch while Anne handles the guest operations. Anne still finds the one who gave her that all-important first kiss wildly attractive. Now virtual strangers, Anne and Will have become business partners for the summer. With his rodeo career on hold for the summer while he heals from yet another injury, Will finds surprising satisfaction in the operation of Silver Rose. Perhaps the influence of a spirited sprite and her sexy mother might a bit to do with his attitude. But regardless of their attraction, Anne and Will have virtually nothing in common and career considerations at the end of the summer. Author Debra Salonen has a gift for choosing unexpected characterizations to add zest to her narrative. In A COWBOY SUMMER showcases a remarkable young girl with the spirit of a warrior, the wonder of a tomboy, and the challenges of asthma Her bold adventurous nature lends the novel a strong sense of presence as she connects her mother back to her roots. Indeed, Anne grieves the loss of her mother, finding her touches in surprising detailed instructions for thinning garden carrots or in the stories of her generous heart reported by her mother's many friends. Moreover, Anne's journey to healing mirrors Will's as they both find courage to follow their hearts and a generous dose of fun in one busy eight-year-old. A COWBOY SUMMER comes highly recommended.

Under the Boardwalk
Carly Phillips
Warner Books
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
ISBN 0446532371 $18.95 274 pages

Very highly recommended. Ariana Costas' con artist family seems to stay ahead of the law by relying on a wink, a smile, and their legendary Greek charm. She fled their scandalous ways years ago, establishing a quiet life as a professor in Vermont. Now she returns home when her twin sister Zoe is presumed dead. Then gun shots and a surprise rescue brings about a sudden introduction to Quinn Donvan. Startling attraction draws them together despite their mutual better judgement. Undercover agent Quinn believed his coworker when Zoe claimed her twin would not return to Jersey to investigate her disappearance. Despite a promise to go home when she learns Zoe is alive, Ariana intends to find out what has happened to her twin. But a case of mistaken identity could blow two years of painfully laid groundwork to take down a drug operation being operated through a local casino. Now the sexiest man she has ever met is also Ariana' s only link to her missing twin. Fans of Carly Phillip's best selling novels featuring the sexy Chandler brothers will absolutely delight in Carly Phillips' newest release, UNDER THE BOARDWALK. Indeed, fans familiar with her wildly amusing and outrageously seductive style will instantly recognize her distinct authorial voice. UNDER THE BOARDWALK is Phillips at her best with memorable characters, amusing dialogue and outrageous antics that will have readers finishing her novel in a single sitting. Readers who have yet to experience this talented author's work will certainly want to add her novels to their keeper shelves. Bold and untamed, filled with fabulous characters including a troubled teen and unexpected family members, UNDER THE BOARDWALK comes very highly recommended.

The Brother Quest: Superromance No 1193
Lori Handeland
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 037371193X $5.25 304 pages

From the "The Luchetti Brothers " series -- Highly recommended. Colin Luchetti never stays in one place long, believing he does not belong anywhere. Staying on the move keeps him from feeling out of place. As a photojournalist the only thing he wants he can have; that is, seeing the world and then writing about it. So two months after Army Special Forces brother disappears, Colin receives a note and goes to Wind Lake, Minnesota to investigate the only clue he has - an address that leads to a day care center. Marlie Anderson had been his brother's pen pal but knows nothing about his disappearance. With no other leads, Collin sticks around for a while hoping something will lead to his brother. Twenty-five year old Marlie named her daycare Chasing Rainbows. In a town where everyone knows everyone, and with dreams that do not lead beyond the city limits, Marlie fails to recognize her own beauty, both outward and inward. Her generous curves more than capture the imagination of Colin, and her passion for living touches his heart. But Colin worries that his brother 's interest predates his own, and a brother should never poach on another brother's territory. Yet this rolling stone finds a life that is strangely compelling in this tiny town, discovering that even a rolling stone occasionally must come to rest. Author Lori Handeland pens an endearing tale in THE BROTHER QUEST. The disappearing hamster, dalmations, and children lend the story charm and humor. That a letter would lead Colin to Wind Lake seems reasonable, but the tenuous hope that lingering might lead to a clue to his brother's disappearance seems to stretch believability a bit. Nevertheless, the changes that Marlie and her children inflict upon him make for an absolutely delightful read. Marlie's game show junkie mother likewise lends a provocative yet humorous note. This walk on the lighter side will keep readers amused as to the twists love can take, making THE BROTHER QUEST come highly recommended.

Bared: Blaze No 132
Jill Shalvis
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373791364 $4.50 256 pages

Highly recommended. Twin sister Amber Willis travels the world playing with men's hearts and baring her beautiful body to the camera. When Amber cannot live up to her responsibilities, however, she calls in Queen Emma, as she calls her sister. Emma usually buries herself in her job, penning the scripts for soap operas when not rescuing her sister. When Amber calls asking her to step in for a modeling job, posing for a calendar of sensual poses, Emma steps in for her. It does not take long for Rafe Delcantro to realize that this complaint delight cannot be the capricious Amber. But he takes his time revealing his knowledge. He struggles to control his wild attraction to this stand-in model because her script writing still ties her to the Hollywood scene he seeks to escape. Indeed, Rafe is ready to retire from fashion model photography after this gig, find a nice girl, and settle down. Emma is completely contrary to his preconceived ideal, yet he cannot seem to fight his attraction. Perhaps a brief fling is in order. Jill Shalvis' gift for penning heated romance sizzles in BARED. Passion and light amusement combine in a tempting, fast paced read readers will love. Moreover, Shalvis' twist on the twin plot avoids the cliches common among such plot devices while playing on the light deception with marvelous effect. As a result, Emma and Rafe become remarkably sympathetic, convincing characters whose growth sparkles. As Emma bares all, she finds that exposure reveals needs and desires that only Rafe can fill. Fans of Shalvis' BACK IN THE BEDROOM will certainly be pleased to see Rafe get his own story. BARED comes highly recommended.

Shock Waves: Intimate Moments No 1199
Jenna Mills
Silhouette Books
300 East 42nd Street, New York, New York, 10017
ISBN 0373273576 $4.75 251 pages

Very highly recommended. From the first moment of their first encounter along the James, Brenna Scott knows that designer suits concealed Ethan Carrington's hard body and relentless dedication. Her dreams have led to believe that the federal prosecutor is in danger from Jorak Zhukov, a man who has targeted the Carrington family. She cannot help wondering what it would be like if he turned the intensity of his force of will from revenge to focus on her. Unfortunately, Ethan disbelieves her psychic visions, assuming that she acts the part of an innocent to win his confidence. At that first encounter, Ethan had a niggling feeling that they had met before. Ethan already knows the danger he faces from Zhukov. When Ethan and Brenna are kidnapped together shortly after they meet, Ethan is convinced she is working for Zhukov. They are transported to a palatial estate in Mexico, a place Brenna knows well from her visions. In her dreams, Ethan dies here. Now caught in a game she does not understand and falling in love with a man she barely knows, Brenna must trust a man who does not trust her even as their passion threatens to blaze out of control - and may be used against them. Author Jenna Mills pens yet another great read in SHOCK WAVES. A great believer in a metaphysical world that eludes ordinary senses, I adore series romance that dares to include some sort of paranormal element. Brenna's gift for precognition comes with the terrible perils and confusion that inevitably accompany such gifts when reading for oneself. Her deep ethical need to risk all to share her information, however tenuous, lends her character a memorable strength. Ethan's skepticism, while somewhat predictable, also seems somewhat inevitable. The clash of their value systems lends the novel a strong underlying conflict while the suspense elements keeps the plot moving quickly. The result is a hauntingly memorable read that comes very highly recommended.

The Fantasy Factor: Blaze No 131
Kimberly Raye
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373791356 $4.50 256 pages

Sequel to The Sex Solution - Recommended. As friends gather at Cadillac's most notorious honky-tonk, Sarah Buchanan sips diet coke and recalls her free-spirited youth. The death of a much beloved friend transformed the group's life, and Sarah went from wild child to the model of decorum over night. She took on the family business, forgetting her plan to escape the small town, and buried herself in good works and pleasing her grandmother. But when bad boy rodeo rider Houston Jericho returns to town and they cross paths at the honky-tonk, Sarah quickly rediscovers her desire for the wilder side of life. A soft porn video made the rounds of the high school twelve years ago. Houston has never forgot how Sarah propositioned him, suggesting they try each of the seven erotic ideas presented. They made it through the first memorable four before Sarah changed forever. Despite the passage of time, Houston has never forgotten making love to her, and when she proposes that they finish the last scenes together, he leaps at the opportunity. But when passion is satisfied, both Sarah and Houston may have to reevaluate their expectations and needs. In THE FANTASY FACTOR, sizzling chemistry somehow looses the glow of spontaneity demonstrated in the previous release, THE SEX SOLUTION, feeling a bit forced despite the terrific premise. Perhaps Sarah's rigidity and predictable capitulation is to blame considering her total devotion to her good girl image. Her restrictive lifestyle sharply contrasts her previous bad girl image, and while Houston is certainly the right bad boy to bring her back to life, there are few surprises to keep the reader reading for more than erotic sex scenes. Perhaps the author fell victim to a looming deadline, or writing the series of books in too short of a time. However, for readers who like an exciting premise and excellent erotica, THE FANTASY SEX FACTOR is worth perusing. THE FANTASY FACTOR comes recommended.

It Should Happen To You: Temptation No 971
Kathleen O'Reilly
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373691718 $4.25 218 pages

From "The Bachelorette Pact" series - Highly recommended. A single girl's worst nightmare comes true when astrophysicist Mickey Coleman sleeps with a coworker who videotapes their night together. Now he demands another night with Mickey or he will make the tape public. Rather than yield to such an outrageous ultimatum, Mickey decides to steal the tape. Unsuccessful on her own, Mickey hires a man with mob connections. Until Mickey comes along, Dominic Corlucci values self-preservation at all costs. One slip and he could loose two years of work or his life. He agrees to help Mickey much against his better judgement, despite her obvious attempt at deception with her wigs and spandex. The result is scintillating romance that makes their toes curl, even as Dominic risks blowing his case. Author Kathleen O'Reilly pens an engaging romance in IT SHOULD HAPPEN TO YOU. Quirky characterizations add zest to a fun tale that combines comedy and intrigue in a light mix readers will treasure. Both Mickey and Dominic are forced to think outside the box, yet manage to still remain to their characters. Indeed, Mickey's love of the stars puts a light in her eye that Dominic cannot walk away from, despite his better judgement. An engaging read, IT SHOULD HAPPEN TO YOU makes an excellent, light read that comes highly recommended.

Some Kind of Sexy: Blaze No 133
Jamie Sobrato
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373791372 $4.50 256 pages

Winner of the WordWeaving Award for Excellence. Forty years ago, the League of Scandalous Women formed for the purpose of intellectual debates, to further women's sexual freedom and to form a creative support group for the progressive thinkers of their time. Juliet Emory's Aunt Ophelia lent her leadership and her home to the group while raising her young niece. Certainly as a child Juliet failed to recognize that her aunt and her friends had been ahead of their time. Now a free thinking adult, Juliet mourns the loss of her aunt. When she finds Aunt Ophelia's diary, she vows to do something scandalous to honor her role model. A professional party planner, Juliet receives inspiration while planning a birthday party for Cole Matheson. His brothers assure her of Cole's party animal nature, so when the scheduled stripper comes down ill, Juliet steps into the role, fulfilling a wildly daring fantasy. Too much booze and sexual attraction lead Cole to a night in Juliet arms. But his brothers lied. Rather than a party animal, Cole plays conservatively with his sexuality and with his heart. When he wants to get to know the woman he shared the night with, she tries to bolt. Only fast thinking and a white lie will convince this woman to give him a chance, but only truth and steadfastness will get him a chance at forever. Author Jamie Sobrato excels my expectations of Harlequin's Blaze line in SOME KIND OF SEXY. The role reversal with Juliet seeking a fling and Cole wanting forever provides an interesting plot twist. But Juliet comes across as amazingly convincing and sincere, with a secretly soft center that make her character both bodacious and vulnerable. In many ways, Juliet is the scandalous kind of heroine we all secretly yearn to be. She revels in her sexuality, daringly living her fantasies and vowing to remain single. Conversely, scrumptious hero Cole does not do one night stands. His determination to spend time with Juliet forces compromises with unforeseeably disastrous conclusions. Juliet's assistant, a culinary wizard and lovely gay man, provides a wonderful counterpoint - I would love to see him pop again in a later book! In addition, the subplot sparkles with a mature couple struggling to revitalize their relationship. The forty-year-old Delia was once a scandalous woman herself and will inspire the wild child in all of us. I sincerely hope that Sobrato has more scandalous women waiting in the wings! An absolutely fabulous read, SOME KIND OF SEXY earns the WordWeaving Award for Excellence.

Breakfast At Bethany's: Temptation No 975
Kathleen O'Reilly
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373691750 $4.25 218 pages

From "The Bachelorette Pact" series - Very highly recommended. So much for the Bachelorette Pact. With Jessica and Mickey married, Beth decides it is her turn. Dreams of daisy nosegays quickly give way to practicality, however, as she places personal ads on the Internet. Too bad that a string of dates fails to ignite her libido the way a certain reports does. Unfortunately, he does not come on their date to find his perfect mate. Instead, Spencer James wants to write article about Internet dating, with Beth as his focus. He offers his help, rewriting Beth's ads to give them originality and zest, in exchange for a story about the results. More than a dozen dates later, Spencer finds himself jealous of Beth's potential mates and unable to act on his attraction. One failed marriage to a society woman has him leery of Beth's background, and his inability to deal with emotion makes it impossible to approach her for more than sex. He certainly has no interest in accumulating any more alimony payments even if Beth does rock his world. And Beth will settle for no less than a ring on her finger. Author Kathleen really hits her stride with BREAKFAST AT BETHANY'S, creating a quirky, off the cuff romance readers will find delightful. The series of ads that begin each chapter are fabulous, especially as they shift to reveal Beth's aggravation with Spencer. The power of their magnetism never fails, even as Spencer fights it every step of the way. Readers will find BREAKFAST AT BETHANY'S an excellent follow through for Jessica and Mickey's stories. Moreover, they will also be eagerly anticipating the final bachelorette's story, with Cassidy's turn in THE LONGEST NIGHT.

For the Love of Jake
Kirstin South
eXtasy BOOKS
P.O. Box 44062 Burnaby, B.C. V5B 4Y2 Canada
ISBN 0373791372 $6.99 eBook 199 pages

Highly recommended. Getting lost on the way to her first fashion shoot for photographer Jake does not make for an ideal beginning. His harsh criticism and demanding ways force rigid compliance to his demands. Ashley's anger builds, resulting in a wildly successful photo shoot. Soon she receives the much coveted offer to become season's Simm's girl, but only if Jake photographs her. Before they can even begin, however, Jake is accused of rape of another of the agency's models. Ashley's initial impression of the rather unkempt, dirty photographer gives way to the truth when Jake reveals that beautiful fashion models make him feel intimidated. Rather than the unkempt long red hair and straggly goatee of their meeting, Jake is actually a quiet, dark haired attractive young man. As Ashley finds herself irresistibly drawn into helping him, they both find themselves in danger. Author Kirstin South pens an irreverant look at sexuality and assault in FOR THE LOVE OF JAKE. The randy romance combines explicit sex, off the cuff humor, quirky characterizations and scintillating dialogue in an intriguingly memorable read. While it might not be to everyone taste with its S&M and B&D elements, the curious, the amused and the addicted will find this walk on the wild side a heck of a lot of fun. Ashley's compliance to Jake's demands quickly gives way to surprising strong heroine who gives as good as she takes. Jake is a bit more difficult to get to know, and readers may be a bit baffled as to why Ashley finds him so irresistible, but by the end, even the most hardhearted reader cannot help but find him at least amusing and sincere. Secondary characters bring their own eccentricities to the mix, especially the dildo-toting Silly, furthering the wild fun. FOR THE LOVE OF JAKE comes highly recommended.

Girl Gone Wild: Blaze No 135
Joanne Rock
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373791399 $4.50 256 pages

From the "Single in South Beach" series -- Very highly recommended. Chef Giselle Cesare's brothers are out of town, clearing a week of over protectiveness. Giselle plans to revel in her temporary freedom, indulging her sensual appetites with the same wicked pleasure that she creates sensual deserts for the Miami singles' club called Club Paradise. When journalist Hugh Duncan suddenly appears in her kitchen in the wee hours of the morning, Giselle thinks her fantasies have been answered until he admits that he is an investigative reporter. Suddenly Giselle's freedom seems irrevocably tainted by scandals from the past. Trading international intrigue for the society pages has been difficult for Hugh. His temporary reassignment nearly at an end, he hopes to turn a piece of fluff assignment into real news when he heads to Club Paradise. The scandal of a year ago still has not led to the arrest of a major player, whom he soon comes to realize was involved with Giselle while married to another stake holder in the resort. The consequences of stirring up old news could be devastating to the resort if Giselle cannot dissuade him with more tempting offerings. Readers have come to expect excellence from Joanne Rock, and once again she delivers with style in GIRL GONE WILD. Her scintillating prose and juicy sensuality combine in fiery passion that leaps from the page. Fans that enjoy believable heroines with less than perfect pasts will treasure Giselle, with her complicated ties within the resort. From phone sex to a room named the Pleasure Parthenon, Rock's text revels in sensual indulgence. With richly realized characterizations and a tasteful combination of business with pleasure, GIRL GONE WILD is a delectable treat that comes very highly recommended.

Soul Awakenings: Exploring The Spiritual Journeys of One Hundred Women
Michelle A. Quigley
Cameo Publications, LLC
PO Box 8006, Hilton Head Island, SC 29938
ISBN 0974414921 $19.95 304 pages

Very highly recommended. In a society that dictates that women put their families, jobs and other responsibilities ahead of themselves, few women seem to pay close attention to their spirituality. Yet it is our spirituality that gives us the strength to persevere and overcome life's challenges. Indeed, spirituality attracts people to our lives, bringing us peace, joy and happiness. Yet spirituality goes by the wayside quickly without a sense of community and connection to others. Hence the necessity for such inspirational books as SOUL AWAKENINGS that connect the reader with an extraordinary community of women with profound spiritual insight. In SOUL AWAKENINGS, author Michelle Quigley interviewed one hundred women from across the country regarding their spiritual journeys and how they balance their spirituality with their everyday lives. Quigley recognizes that each individual is a spiritual being and that it is our awareness of the Divine that carries us through adversity, inspires us in times of doubt, and gives us joy in times of celebration. Remarkably, Quigley balances her interviewees between those who come from traditional religious backgrounds with metaphysical and other paths. The result is well rounded view of spirituality seen through diverse eyes that will appeal to a wide audience. Quigley's insight into the spiritual thread that binds all women in a sisterhood proves to be incredibly uplifting for all seekers. Her words bring both strength and comfort, helping to alleviate the soul searing isolation that many seekers feel when they have difficulty discussing spirituality with others. As each of us works our spiritual paths, it is books like SOUL AWAKENINGS that reminds us that we are not alone in our spiritual journeys. For those who seek to reconnect, or those who wish to validate their own experience through the voices of others, SOUL AWAKENINGS is a powerful tool. Each chapter includes questions for reflection and meditation so the reader can trace their own spiritual awakenings and honor those who aided them on their journey. However readers might define their understanding of the Divine, SOUL AWAKENINGS has something for everyone. SOUL AWAKENINGS comes very highly recommended.

Silent Witness: Blaze No 1200
Kay David

Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373712006 $5.25 304 pages

From the "Code Red" series -- Recommended. Andrea arrives at her sister Vicki's home to help her unpack only to walk in on unspeakable tragedy. Her sister claimed to have been returning to Courage Bay after a disastrous marriage and divorce. Only now a family armoire has fallen, breaking her six-year-old nephew's leg. Horribly, the child has born silent witness to his mother's death, trapped with her body for hours. Kevin suffers from Selective Mutism and does not even call for help. A paramedic, Andrea calls for help while trying to comfort the child. When word of his ex-wife's death reaches Grant Corbin, he immediately leaves LA to come to his son's aid. He is not prepared to meet with Andrea's hostility or the lies his ex-wife created. After a year's absence from his son's life, Grant hopes to make up for the past. However, when Grant sees Kevin with Andrea, he has to reevaluate his own needs and desires. Having failed at his marriage to her sister, Grant has little hope doing better by Andrea despite their mutual attraction. Once again author Kay David proves her excellence at creating tales impossible to put down with SILENT WITNESS. However, discerning readers may be a bit distracted by a couple of plot points. First, too little time elapses between the time of Vicki's death and the growing romance between Andrea and Grant; however, the timing is implicitly necessary to keep Grant's decisions immediate regarding his son. Certainly Grant's determination to put his son's best interests ahead of his own desires demonstrates a remarkably loving parent facing an impossible and painful situation. Secondly, author David unfortunately mirrors a commonly held myth among romance writers. Despite commonly held belief, if a man's name appears on the birth certificate, the courts always favor the father who cares for the child since birth. Biology does not determine custody under the circumstances David creates. Nevertheless, the painful family drama and tender romance results in a read that comes recommended.

Two on the Run: Blaze No 1205
Margaret Watson
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373712057 $5.25 304 pages

From the "Count on a Cop" series - Recommended. As she leaves the Midland, Illinois library, Eleanor Perkins she should have paid attention to her instincts. She quickly finds herself victim to a man holding a gun. But he is no ordinary criminal. He warns her to not use the tricks taught in her self-defense class, because he knows them all. He should since he usually enforces the law, not breaks it. On the lam, police officer Mike Reilly intends to stay alive long enough to prove the corruption within his department. His coworkers are equally determined to see him dead, even if it means taking down an innocent librarian. Their mutual danger soon has both Eleanor and Mike working together to prove the truth, forcing them to place their trust only in each other. Author Margaret Watson pens a fast paced read in TWO ON THE RUN. While the cops chasing Eleanor and Mike seem strangely inept at times, and there are the obligatory Stolckhom Syndrome elements, the power of the writing and the excitement of the drama keep the blood pounding. Scintillating dialogue, sharp wit and surprising dashes of wry humor combine for a fun read. TWO ON THE RUN comes recommended.

The Longest Night: Temptation No 979
Kathleen O'Reilly
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373691793 $4.25 218 pages

From "The Bachelorette Pact" series - Very highly recommended. The Windy City's original party-girl, Cassandra Ward makes no apology for her lifestyle. She lives by four rules, clean sex, frequent sex, no promises and no monogamy. With a body that haunts men's fantasies, she is the kind of a woman who likes to live them out. She believes that sex is great exercise, clears the complexion and relieves stress. Most men agree. When Noah turned her down six months ago, she walked away without a thought. When he approaches at Beth's wedding, she cannot forget the pain she sees in his eyes because she put there. Somehow her victory dance does not seem as much fun as it used to. So she decides to give him a second chance. For six months Noah Barclay has dreamed of Cassandra after she ruined him for anyone else. Where he once turned down her advances, he is desperate for another chance. He wants her, no doubt, but he wants far more than just sex. So he makes a deal with Cassandra. He offers to give up sex, to do the who touchy-feely thing, if she will consider monogamy. He is determined to prove that a man and a woman can have a great time without having sex. He will stake his future on it. Wow! THE LONGEST NIGHT is an exhilarating read that will certainly please fans. At last Cassandra meets her match in Noah. The last of the bachelorettes, Cassandra has underestimated the power of finding the right man. Fiery, sassy, and in control, Cassandra lends the series the obligatory bad girl with no apology. Her delight in sex, her determination to play by her self defined rules and her ability to control any situation, until Noah comes along, lends the series pizzazz and an appealing strength. Noah matches Cassandra in power with his determination to override his libido and capture Cassandra's heart. Funny, sexy and memorable, THE LONGEST NIGHT is the best of the series, coming very highly recommended.

The One Who Got Away: Blaze No 134
Jo Leigh
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 0373791380 $4.50 256 pages

From the "Men to Do" series -- Highly recommended. Ten years ago Ben Bowman was the one who got away. Taylor Hanson has never forgotten their magic. When her brother's wedding brings them together again, she vows to put the past into perspective and break the spell Ben has held over her life. Only when she sees him again, Ben is even sexier and more devastating than ever. Moreover, he returns her sentiments. Now they have a week to create new memories before going their separate ways. Seven days and seven nights bring more than sexual satisfaction for Ben. While Taylor treats this as a week to gain perspective and change her life dramatically, she treats her time with Ben as a way to using him as a comparison for every man she meets. She certainly does not seem to be looking to build a future together. So Ben will have to find a way to ensure that when their week is over, she does not simply move on. Author Jo Leigh has built a strong reputation for sexy romance. In THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY, she creates a delightfully sensual tale of second changes. While the plot might seem a bit thin at times, the remarkable chemistry between Taylor and Ben makes for an electrifying read. While friends caution Taylor that life is not a fairy tale and at some time she has to come back to reality, Taylor definitely proves that dreams can come true. THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY comes highly recommended.

Secrets
Heather Cullman
Signet
375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014
ISBN 0451210913 $6.99 352 pages

Recommended. Christian English owes his life to friend Gideon Harwood who rescued him from slavery in the Middle East. Gideon brought Christian home with him to England, offering a life to replace the one that Christian cannot remember. Even his name comes from his most recent experiences since amnesia has robbed him of his past. Now he has fallen in love with Bethany, a resident of Gideon's home. But without a past, Christian has no future to offer her. Bethany keeps her own secrets intentionally. Horrendous circumstances once forced her to exchange her body for the care of her younger sister. She had become the mistress of a member of the aristocracy, but her subsequent pregnancy resulted in rejection. Tragically, the child was stillborn. Now she passes as a widow but knows her past does not bear scrutiny. When Christian proves to be a member of the ton, she believes she must give up all hope of their ever being together. Author Heather Cullman pens a tender tale of love in Regency England with SECRETS, which explores the era's sordid side while delicately maintaining the rich emotional nuances of a finely crafted love story. Christian's transformation from rake to gentleman in the wake of his time in slavery reveals the power of second chances and the genuine goodness of his heart. Bethany's profound challenges expose the difficult challenges of her era as she struggles to overcome her shadowy past. SECRETS comes recommended.

A Full House: Superromance No 1209
Nadia Nichols
Harlequin Retail Inc
PO Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269
ISBN 037371209X $5.25 304 pages

From the You, Me & the Kids series - Highly recommended. Dr. Annie Crawford dreams of a quiet place where the wind can blow her troubles away. Then comes a call late in the night from the police reporting that they have her teen daughter who was joyriding and in the company of a boy with a record. When she needs the summer to spend near her daughter, Annie's request is denied by the hospital, although they offer her two weeks. So she resigns to get her daughter out of the city for the summer. Annie hopes to take time for herself while her daughter spends part of her time with her remarried father nearby, but not all things go as planned. Lieutenant Jake Macpherson was the arresting officer for Annie's daughter. When he turns up in the emergency room not long afterward, Annie feels especially driven to save his life. Their subsequent acquaintance inspires Jake to spend the summer recuperating near Annie's vacation destination in hopes of seeing her again. His movie star ex-wife leaves their five-year-old daughter in his care for the summer as well. Soon Jake finds Annie -- along with everyone else that makes for a full house. Author Nadia Nichols has one of those amazingly voices that stays with a reader. From the first paragraph in A FULL HOUSE this reviewer recognized Nichols' voice with its delicate lyricism and powerful undertone. Annie and Jake share an equal need to spend time with their children and to find a measure of healing. Moreover, this character driven novel has several unexpectedly delightful characters that span three generations, including elderly Lilly who has lost her independence to Annie's troubled teen daughter. A FULL HOUSE is a lovely and beautifully told story of new love and healing that comes highly recommended.

Guilty Secrets: Intimate Moments No 1286
Virginia Kantra
Silhouette Books
300 East 42nd Street, New York, New York, 10017
ISBN 0373273568 $4.75 256 pages

Highly recommended. Nurse practitioner Nell Dolan, nicknamed the Angel of Ark Street, cannot afford a single mistake that might bring undue scrutiny. So when a reporter appears on her doorstep just when her pharmacist reports missing drugs, she is understandably concerned. Moreover, Nell has secrets that she cannot afford to have come to light, especially with the clinic's need of donations. Joe's injury while reporting in Iraqi damaged him in ways no one can understand. His hard cynicism extends to his stateside investigations, even the expose he intends to write regarding the Ark Street clinic. The less Nell willingly reveals, the more Joe's investigative side becomes piqued. Soon he finds his loyalties torn, however, between his devotion to his career and his feelings for the enigmatic Nell. Few authors truly excel at presenting consistently excellent reads in series romance, but author Virginia Kantra has established herself at the top of the list. As always, Kantra creats powerfully memorable characters that are deeply wounded and marvelously memorable. In GUILTY SECRETS, Nell and Joe seek healing in an unexpected relationship that they are both terrified to trust. While she appears amazingly misguided at times, Nell's gracefully handing of potentially dangerous situations and sincerely good heart certainly redeem her. Indeed, perhaps it is Nell's contradictory personality that truly draws the reader in. She is powerful and resourceful on one hand, and dangerously codependent on the other. Certainly it lures Joe into loving her despite his innate cynicism. In addition, Kantra does a marvelous job of bringing a dangerous world, with its seamy underbelly, vividly alive. While GUILTY SECRETS may not be her very best offering, it still comes highly recommended.

Cynthia Penn
Reviewer

Donovan's Bookshelf

Producing Musicals
John Gardyne
Crowood Press/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, N. Pomfret, VT 05053
1861266278 $29.95 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquare.com

The basic principles described in PRODUCING MUSICALS can be applied to all types of musical products, from cabaret-type entertainment and very small musicals to large-scale, multi-media presentations. Producers, directors and designers will appreciate the in-depth survey of each role in the musical's success, benefiting from John Gardyne's extensive background as a London director, writer and producer.

Dr. Who: The Audio Scripts V. 2
Robert Gate
Big Finish/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, N. Pomfret, VT 05053
1844350495 $27.50 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquare.com

The second volume of Robert Gate's DR. WHO: THE AUDIO SCRIPTS is a recommended specialty pick for fans of the TV show and dramatists interested in science fiction. Big Finish Productions has produced ongoing audio adventures based on Dr. Who since 1999: THE AUDIO SCRIPTS provides the original scripts for four of the publisher's most popular stories, accompanied by an essay by actress India Fisher.

The Dream Kingdom
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
Little Brown UK/Trafalgar Square, Dist.
PO Box 257, N. Pomfret, VT 05053
0316860050 $29.95 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquare.com

Cynthia Harrod-Eagles' DREAM KINGDOM is the 26th book in 'The Morland Dynasty', so be forewarned: it's not entirely a stand-alone read: not if you want the complete rich tapestry of her Edwardian England setting. The social season of 1908 brings romance and pleasure to the Morlands as wealth and new technology come to life. But the war with Germany looms over all, and even new technologies and romance can't keep back the undercurrent of strife which will reach into the Morland family and change its course.

Out of the Dark
Linda Caine & Robin Royston
Transworld UK/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, N. Pomfret, VT 05053
0593048172 $24.95 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquare.com

Linda Caine is an artist; Robin Royston a practicing psychiatrist specializing in trauma: the two met up when Linda Caine began experiencing flashbacks and images out of nowhere. Together the two began an exploration of African roots which were to reveal the heart of forgotten memories and the source of Caine's depression, making her autobiography OUT OF THE DARK an emotionally charged, volatile self-exploration.

Parthian Shot
David Wishart
Hodder & Stoughton/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, N. Pomfret, VT 05053
034082736X $24.95 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquare.com

David Wishart's fine Marcus Corvinus mystery is set in early Rome and provides an excellent historical mystery revolving around politics and intrigue. Marcus hates politics but becomes unwillingly involved when his latest investigation proves the attack on Parthian Price Phraates. Twists and turns of plot mark a fast-paced mystery.

Paths of Destiny
E.V. Thompson
Time Warner UK/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, N. Pomfret, VT 05053
0316857211 $28.00 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquare.com

Set in Cornwall in 1854, E.V. Thompson's PATHS OF DESTINY centers around one Alice Rowes, a child rescued from a workhouse life of poverty by a village reverend who employs her as a housemaid. When he dies of a heart attack, Alice faces many changes: not the least of which is a romance which may take her far from her uncertain roots.

Nutrients A-Z
Dr. Michael Sharon
Prion/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, N. Pomfret, VT 05053
1853755265 $16.95 1-800-423-4525 www.trafalgarsquare.com

Want a pocket-sized paperback encyclopedic reference of herbs, vitamins, minerals and supplements which offers quick reference? Look no further than Dr. Michael Sharon's NUTRIENTS A-Z: now in its revised fourth edition, it discusses foods, herbs, vitamins, minerals and supplements in common foods from coconuts to kiwis.

Firefly Books
4 Daybreak Lane, Westport, CT 06880
1-800-387-5085 www.fireflybooks.com

David Posen's LITTLE BOOK OF STRESS RELIEF (1552979180, $12.95) is packed with over fifty short 'prescriptions' of advice for leading a calmer life. The key, Dr. Posen maintains, is to change thinking and lifestyle which contribute o heightened stress levels: chapters explore concepts of mind/body interactions and stress management. Robera Cava's DEALING WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE (155297927X, $17.95) appears in a newly revised edition to provide important strategies for handling stressful situations and people. From dealing with anger customers and subordinates to handling sarcasm and abusive behavior patterns, DEALING WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE will address all kinds of situations especially work-related.

Firefly Books
4 Daybreak Lane, Westport, CT 06880
1-800-387-5085 www.fireflybooks.com

These picks for parents provide excellent, affordable home and library references. June Thompson's SPOTS, BIRTHMARKS AND RASHES (1-55297-681-5, $12.95) provides parents with an easily-used guide to common skin problems in kids. From fungal infections and contagious rashes to growths and bruises, this helps parents identify and troubleshoot kids' problems. Joanne Stone and Keith Eddleman MD's PREGNANCY BIBLE (848-6, $45.00) provides everything needed to understand pregnancy and early parenthood, from staying healthy during pregnancy and preparing for parenthood to coping with emotional issues before, during and after childbirth. Much of this information is available elsewhere, but the clear presentation of this ''Bible' of health facts makes it a winner above all others. Chrissie Gallagher-Mundy's CESAREAN RECOVERY (904-0, $19.95) provides an excellent guide to post-cesarean exercises and programs for recovery. From handling the baby and keeping to exercise routines to understanding the lasting effects of a cesarean, this provides mothers with fine recovery tips. Alison Mackonochie's PEE, POOP AND POTTY TRAINING (675-0, $12.95) provides parents with an understanding of basic training; from realizing how a child's system works and knowing when a child is ready for potty training, to the best way to prepare and proceed with successful strategies. Peter Walker's HOP, SKIP AND JUMP (674-2, $12.95) provides a range of fun exercises to help kids develop good posture and balancing skills. These exercises are designed for parent/child interaction and promise fun as well as practical applications.

Diane Donovan
Reviewer

Kaveny's Bookshelf

The working title of this month's feature is "Kaveny cuts to the chase, " which is another way of saying in my tenure as literary editor of Midwest Book Review I've never come upon any literary work as delightfully sardonically vitriolic as

The Rebellion of the Beasts: Or, the Ass Is Dead! Long Live the Ass
written in England in 1825 by Leigh Hunt (1784-1859)
with an Introduction by Douglas A. Anderson
Academy Chicago Publishers
ISBN: 0897335201 $21.95 151 pages

What is fascinating about this book is that it exists because of literary collaboration which stretches across 180 years of history from the English Prince Regency and then reign of George IV (1820-1830) to present. The work is a result of the efforts of World-Class J.R.R Tolkien Literary scholar Douglas A. Anderson. Anderson has made it his business to resurrect deserving dead authors who have slipped from the public eye, because he believes they deserve to be read and they have produced works of lasting value. In this case Douglas did one hell of a good job. Because, even though Rebellion of the Beasts is written in Georgian narrative voice and diction, it as fresh as if it were written yesterday as Leigh Hunt takes no prisoners among the rich and powerful, and those who make it their business to flatter them and in the process change the colors of their own noses. I only had to watch a single episode of the reality television show The Apprentice in which a bevy of sycophants are locked in a life and death struggle to become magnate Donald Trump's right hand minion to see how little things have changed in the nearly two centuries since The Rebellion of the Beasts first appeared.

I read The Rebellion of the Beasts in a single day in two sittings because I simply could not put it down. For starters, it is like Animal Farm only funny. If you liked George Orwell's 1945 novel Animal Farm, you will love The Rebellion of the Beasts. If you hated Animal Farm you should read The Rebellion of the Beasts anyway because it is a much, much better book. Leigh Hunt did with literary stiletto and rapier what Orwell did with literary hammer and anvil. The work stands on it own as a literary creation even after 180 years. However the fifteen page contextualizing introduction by Douglas A. Anderson is a value added feature which contributes greatly to the enjoyment of the Leigh Hunt's work without in any sense bogging it down or overshadowing it. Knowing Doug as I have over the last twenty years I believe this is because he wants to get the reader to the text with essential background information as quickly as possible.

For myself, and speaking (I hope) for other critical l readers, I am grateful that Doug allowed the text to stand as the author wrote it without the impediment of seemingly endless self-reflexive footnotes. Notes that have (sadly) come to pass for scholarship in some of the secondary works of criticism of the fantastic I have taken that grim duty to read and review. To say it another way, he has given us a living work with which we can do what we wish, as we may chose to read it on an elaborated or un-elaborated register. This is the same thing that characterizes Anderson's work on Tolkien. He seeks to communicate the author's intent to the best of his abilities rather than advance his own agenda.

I find it fascinating that Leigh Hunt has used number of science fiction like tropes that allow the story to succeed on both a comic and horrific level. I found myself quite willing to suspend disbelief and accept Hunt's premise (Big Idea, according to science fiction and fantasy editor David Hartwell) that animals are sentient, communicative, and feel pain. Once granted along with much laughter The Rebellion of the Beasts must evoke pathos and empathy from any feeling reader. This work because succeeds because of a key choices Leigh Hunt made as to how he tells the story of much beleaguered animals who rebel, take over London and them become as brutal to the other beasts as their former human masters had been to them. Clearly an allegory critiquing the English Class system, this classic work thus arouses first sympathy and then horror and of course comedy

He tells his story from the viewpoint of a morally clueless Quaker former Cambridge student. This young man learns the secret of communicating with animals as a result of arcane knowledge gained as from a library break in. This knowledge is implemented by breaking the heart and then causing the suicide of a chambermaid in order to gain the essential toenail parings of a Doctor of Divinity which will complete the potion which then empowers our narrator to communicate with the beasts of the world. He survives the rebellion of the beasts and the overthrow of humanity to work in various capacities for successive regimes of brutes (a word still used on the BBC for animals as of a feature I listened to today on the Web.) Until the Ass becomes King only to fall to yet another revolution.

The thing that inspires so much pathos in the reader is that the narrator is in fact an unfeeling moral idiot who is always capable of doing the expedient thing, and feeling nothing for the horror he reports. For example, the narrator coldly reports on the conversation of a pre- rebellion bloody half skinned and being flayed alive eel. To be honest as I read the accounts of pre-rebellion animal suffering presented in a number of different animal voices I was glad I became a vegetarian six months ago.

It is also possible to look at The Rebellion of the Beasts as a portal into early 19th Century England which was a very brutal place if you were not high clergy or an Aristocrat. I know this having visited the workhouse, deportation courts, and debtor's prisons that served my Irish ancestors so frequently and so well on my trip to The United Kingdom last fall.

I hope it does not appear that I am beating a dead horse as I continue to praise this book, but it does have a certain lyrical vividness in the small details of its narrative which give the work a medieval vibrance of the sort that one sees in the work Umberto Eco and at the same time modern cinematic quality. For example one of the first signifiers that the rebellion of the beasts is underway is the appearance of a Frog in His Majesties royal cup of chocolate, while at the same time others are being tormented by ghosts of the geese that were plucked to fill their down pillows. I would like to suggest that this because in the days when print and picture were really the only mass media available writers were compelled to construct their works in forms that embodied both a conciseness and richness of an image, a talent that needs to be recovered by most modern writers. This is a handsomely produced volume belongs on my readers shelves and deserves a place on the shelves of school, public, college, and research libraries and offers something to some very wide range readers from the bright young adult to the postgraduate literary researcher.

Philip E. Kaveny
Reviewer

Klausner's Bookshelf

Red Stag
Guy De La Valdene
Lyons Press
ISBN: 1592281346 $22.95, 299 pp.

Vincent was born to an unmarried maid working on the estate of the Count and Countess of Costebelle. He has no idea who his sire was, but his Uncle Serge Lebuison, who also works as the gamekeeper, serves as his male role model as he becomes a young man. When he was nineteen, someone kills his beloved Serge. Count Costebelle hires Vincent to replace his late uncle. Vincent blames poachers who he believes were chasing the famed RED STAG and he vows vengeance. However, Vincent forgets his need for revenge when his childhood friend Nicole Costebelle returns from Paris. Nicole and Vincent begin to fall in love, but they will soon learn why they can never be more than friends even while a hunt for the RED STAG has been set in motion... Though this tale is set in the late 1960s early 1970s, it feels more like a Victorian novel due to the setting, poaching, and the privileged aristocracy. The story line seems subdivided between a murder requiring resolution against insight into the upper and working classes (including professional poachers). Though feeling out of time, readers will appreciate this vividly descriptive character study of the interaction and great divide between isolated social classes.

Counterfeit Kings
Adam Connell
Phobos
ISBN 0972002642 $14.95, 381 pp.

In the far distant future three percent of Earth's energy come from the gas mines above Io, Jupiter's volcanic moon. The harnessing of energy is the work of the Furnaces which is the brainstorm of Kingston who created a powerful empire in which he and his wife are the king and queen. During the Push, a war was fought to wrest control of the mines from Kingston but he and his allies were victorious. To prevent another successful assassination during the war he created Ringers, surgically transformed men to serve as Kingston's bodyguards. The system worked and the empire thrived until an assassin was able to slip past the guards and kill the king and take control. The ringers and Kingston scatter and claimants to the empire want the king to stay gone for twenty days for that means he will be officially declared dead with his empire to go to the most powerful claimant. Horracks and his pregnant wife Sari, once bodyguards to the royals, are asked to find the king before the time is up. They do not know that Kingston's illegitimate children and an old enemy working for rival business man want them to fail. Adam Connell debuts with an excellent future world tale in which business rules and sabotage and assassination is the order of the day. COUNTERFEIT KINGS is not a happily ever after tale but it is a realistic one as business rules the galaxy. There are many villains in Mr. Connell's story that readers will love to hate more than they will love the protagonist, a man who doesn't even know what his best option is in the coming war. Counterfeit Kings is a mesmerizing, action-packed and riveting work of science fiction.

Breakfast at Stephanie's
Sue Margolis
Delta
ISBN: 0385337337 $12.00

In England, wannabe singer Stephanie Glassman raises her two and half year old Jake by herself as her son's dad Albert Rossi is a stuntman in Hollywood. Stephanie currently works as a temporary pianist performing at Debenham's during the Yuletide season. While performing at the store, rising superstar Frank Waterman arrives with his fiancee on his arm. Frank and Stephanie performed in a show together over seven years ago. Not long after that Frank arrives again sans his girlfriend. He asks Stephanie to go out with him saying seeing her let him know he was marrying the wrong person. Albert comes to town to surprise Jake for Christmas, but pulls a bigger shocker on Stephanie when he proposes to her. Will Stephanie date Frank, marry Albert, or neither. She needs to choose by New Year's. Breakfast at Stephanie's is an enjoyable contemporary character study starring a warm protagonist who wants to do the right thing for her beloved son, herself, and her career, but has no idea what that is as what is good for one is not necessarily good for the other. This exclusiveness makes her decision difficult, but Stephanie is a solid trouper even if she detests starring as Mrs. Claus. Though the action is limited, readers will appreciate this fine look at a struggling performer.

I Thirst For You
Susan Sizemore
Pocket
ISBN 0743467434 $6.99, 352 pp.

He's running from his captors in the Arizona desert when vampire Marcus Cage stumbles upon Josephine Elliot who is camping there. She is a sensitive empathic pilot struggling to cope from a crash that killed five passengers. A crazed Marcus, weakened from the drugs he was forced to take and the rays of the sun thinks running into Jo is a miracle. Marcus drinks Jo's blood until she becomes unconscious. Marcus needs to protect his Breed, but he also believes that meeting Jo is a miracle because she is his soulmate. Marcus keeps her captive until he realizes that Jo being with him is dangerous to her so he walks out on her. The local sheriff persuades her that Marcus is crazy and needs to be found for his own protection. She finds him, but they are handed over to the Patron and his followers at a top secret laboratory. They want the secret of immortality and thinks Marcus can give it to them. When the vampire gets over being angry at Jo for leading his enemies to him, they work together to find a way to escape. Flat, sizzling and erotic are only some of the words that describe the relationship between the vampire and the empath. The author is so good at world-building that readers find themselves believing that vampires are living in this world hiding in plain sight. There is a lot of action in I THIRST FOR YOU but it is the characters who make this vampire romance such a compelling and enthralling reading experience that it will satiate readers thirst for a tale with a bite.

The Spy Who Loved Me
Julie Kenner
Pocket
ISBN: 0743446054 $6.99

In Los Angeles, thirty-seven years old attorney Phineus "Finn" Teague detests his current work that leaves him bored evn at its most exciting moments. Instead he hides inside his apartment dreaming of being a super agent saving the world and getting the girl in an eight hour job. However, his daydreams dramatically change as he lusts over his neighbor Diana Traynor. Amber Robinson works undercover for a top secret government agency. She and her partner Brandon are tracking Drake, terrorist mercenary by tailing his girlfriend, Diana. Amber has even moved into the same complex. When Finn seems to be everywhere especially when it comes to Diana, Amber wonders if he is a bad spy though his background check states civilian lawyer. She decides to seduce the truth out what appears to be a wild card operative not realizing that he will take her to some place she never has been before: love. THE SPY WHO LOVED ME takes Walter Mitty and places him inside a James (make that Jane) Bond-like thriller complete with beautiful babes, wacky wizardry, a vile villain, and a stupendous spy story. Amber is a wonderful protagonist while Finn is a bungler who quickly learns reality is a lot different than dreaming or game playing. Yet he will risk his life if it means Amber is safe. Tongue in cheek, readers will appreciate Julie Kenner's espionage romantic suspense tale.

Small World: A Microcosmic Journey
Brad Herzog
Pocket
ISBN: 0743464702 $13.00

Brad Herzog takes readers on a descriptive tour of "famous" locations such as Athens, Jerusalem, Moscow, Mecca, Congo, London, Cambridge, Baghdad, Rome, etc without crossing any ocean. One wonders how Mr. Herzog accomplished his feat of visiting these locales yet not transverse by air or sea the Atlantic or the Pacific (except to Hawaii). Simply, he stayed inside the United States where he went from Cairo to New Madrid, Missouri or searched for David in Jerusalem, Arkansas. Mr. Herzog makes a powerful case that the states have plenty of interesting locations so that the vacationer might not ignore feeling that there is as much culture and history to absorb in Moscow, Idaho as in Moscow, Russia. The author makes the case that in deed there is plenty to see when one traces the three mile train from London to Cambridge, Illinois. Small World: A Microcosmic Journey is a delightful insightful look at the vast treasures waiting for Americans within their own nation for a lot less than going overseas. The book is written in such a way so that the casual reader gets a taste of a unique locale while being able to put the book down and pick up this fine reference tome another day (I read the book over ten days). The audience will picture Kerouac and Kuralt touring together with Herzog as their driver places like Versailles and Paris.

Swallow the Hook
S.W. Hubbard
Pocket
ISBN 0743467582 $6.50, 332 pp.

After mishandling a case in Kansas City, Frank Bennett was fired from the department. He took a job as the chief of Police in the small town of Trout Run, located in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. At first he thought it would be a quiet job but when he got a homicide case, he realized that he could be very happy living and working in an area where everybody knows everybody else. Mary Pat Sheehan was a friendly twenty-eighth year old woman who lived with her parents and never dated. When she was discovered dead behind the wheel of her car, nobody, including her parents, knew that she was pregnant or that she died from complications stemming from the delivery. Frank discovers that Mary Pat gave birth to a healthy girl and handed her over to a shady adoption ring. The radical environmental group Green Tomorrow, whose leader was murdered while staying in Trout Run, and various residents who feel they were played as fools by this group are ready to brawl and Frank hs all he can handle to keep the peace. S.W. Hubbard is a genius at creating all types of characters, who touch the heart of reader. The audience will root for them to get their heart's desire and understand their pain. The two sub-plots intersect in a surprising twists but readers will not find out who killed the environmental or where Mary Pat's child is until the author chooses to reveal the answers. SWALLOW THE HOOK is a fascinating police procedural.

My Seduction
Connie Brockway
Pocket
ISBN: 0743463226 $6.99, 384 pp.

In 1801 the Nash family mourns the death of their patriarch who died in Paris a few months ago but also worries about their impoverished state. Three men arrive offering to do anything for the four Nash females. Christian "Kit" MacNeill explains to one of the daughters Kate that he and his companions were betrayed while spying in France. Their father sacrificed his life for their freedom. Kate whose husband was a soldier who died while on duty rejects his offer of help as she remains angry with her father and leaders who send the young to die. She refuses to provide atonement for Christian, who feels guilty that someone else died in his place. Not long afterward her mom passes away. Kate journeys to see a distant relative by marriage, who she hopes will support her and her sisters. On the trek she loses her driver, but Kit arrives insisting on taking her to her destination. As they travel together through wintry Scotland, they fall in love, but she rejects the notion of another military man and he knows the aristocrat she goes to visit is more suited for her station in life. The first of three Regency romances starring honorable males who believe they have a debt to pay, MY SEDUCTION is a strong Regency romance that will thrill readers of the sub-genre. Fans will feel the frozen conditions warmed by the growing love between the two protagonists. Kate is almost shrewish in her vehement rejection of Kit who initially needs her absolution, but soon wants her love. These two make the opening gamut of Connie Brockway's Rose Hunters series a triumph for readers.

Stone Heart
Candace Sams
ImaJinn
ISBN: 1893896986 $13.75, 210 pp.

His parents and he were driven out of The Order into the realm of the Outsiders for violating the prime directive of not sharing magical solutions with the humans. The adults died not long afterwards leaving five years old David Angus MacGregor struggling to survive. He becomes an acrimonious hateful soul punishing anyone for the slightest supposed affront. Finally disgusted with his malicious behavior, the Lead Sorceress changes Angus into a hideous statue and he will remain that way until someone frees him from his stone coffin. When he was still flesh, Angus did a kind deed for a child. She vowed to repay him and over the next three centuries that debt has passed down from her to her descendents. In the present, a dying Aunt Aggie asks her niece Karen Matthews to go to Scotland to free the soul inside the statue. Though thinking this is foolishness, Karen, in spite of also dying from a defective heart and not believing, completes her deathbed vow freeing Angus. They immediate fall in love, but how will he react when he realizes that his beloved is ironically dying? STONE HEART is a terrific fantasy romance, the third tale in the Order universe (see GRYPHON'S QUEST and THE GAZING GLOBE). Karen is an inspirational person embracing life while near death; Angus has a second chance to redeem his soul, but life's cruelty hits home when another loved one is near death. Will he choose salvation as his cherished redeemer is dying or will he turn bitter and angry at fate? Candace Sams enchants her readers with a fabulous magical story in which the strength of sorcery seems genuine but feeble next to the power of love.

Shadow Moon
Elysa Hendricks
ImaJinn
ISBN 1893896420 $13.75, 214 pp.

Seven years have passed since Dale's sister Cathy disappeared with her clothing and a crystal left behind. Dale will never see her sister again and starts to throw the crystal into the river when a storm passes overhead and transports Dale into another world. Raf Jel Jater searches the mountains for the slaver Devros when he comes across a naked unconscious Dale and saves her life. When she awakens, she realizes that she is no longer on earth but on a world much like medieval Europe. Raf pretends to be a slaver so he can locate Devros and put an end to his crimes that threaten to plunge the country into war. Dale is frantic to find the crystal that Raf hides from her because she has to go home to her daughter Thea who needs her for a kidney transplant. Thea uses the remaining crystal to transport herself to the world her mother is in and finds some allies that guide her in this strange land. As Thea struggles to reach her mother, Dale realizes she loves Raf but knows she and Thea must return for the life-saving operation. Elysa Hendricks is a first class fantasist who builds incredible worlds and creates alien species that seem believable. Readers will adore the Shakar, a feline humanoid species who lack mankind's ruthlessness. They adopt Thea in a special magical bonding ceremony. Raf and Dale are warriors, willing to fight for a cause. Fans will root for them to find a way to be together if he survives his battle with Devros. SHADOW MOON is an enchanting romantic fantasy that readers will put on their keeper shelf.

Fairly Human
Holly Fuhrmann
ImaJinn
ISBN: 1893896994 $13.75

Bernie has been appointed head of the Fairy Godmother bureau of Fairyland. He is elated with his assignment not so much because of the power imbued in his position (though that is nice), but because he can finally pound those three pain in the butts who somehow always succeed, Blossom, Fern and Myrtle. No Beltane Festival for these nuisances for he has an assignment for them that pleases him almost as much as his new wife does. Having obtained approval from the council, Bernie informs the trio they are being punished for breaking the rules. They will live as mortals among mortals for six months without magic and as their true selves, beautiful young women, not elderly godmothers. They journey to Erie, Pennsylvania to live near the Aaronsons; a family they have helped in the past. The Aaronsons are pleased to see the trio, but a bit taken aback by their true form. In the big city, they find employment and soon have males wanting to date them. They enjoy their human stay, but that begs to ask what happens when their sentence ends. Will they choose the magic of Fairyland or the enchantment of Erie? FAIRLY HUMAN is a terrific fantasy that hooks fans of the genre especially those of Holly Fuhrmann with a neat twist to end her enchanting fairy godmother novels by having the stories of the three heroines told. As usual in a Ms. Fuhrmann novel, the impossible seems possible and real as the key cast feels genuine including Bernie and his lovely spouse. The support characters feel like homecoming for those who have tasted the previous fantastic novels. Once again readers will be charmed.

Forever Crossed
A. Leigh Jones
ImaJinn
ISBN 1893896242 $13.75, 232 pp.

She is not totally human but she is also not totally a were-leopard either as she doesn't change at the full moon. Olivia Peters was hurt by a shifter when she was younger but to everybody's surprise she didn't turn. She does have some of the shifter's powers as well as the abilities inherited from her grandmother who was a witch and a healer. She works at Forever Crossed, a funeral parlor in the Carolinas and since she started no zombies have risen nor have any vampires who didn't want to rise from the earth. She is also a private detective who works with the local police on seemingly supernatural crimes. In the past three months many vampires have been killed and humans have been drained of all their blood. The police want to capture this rogue vampire as does Antonio Vesci, the Undead Ruler of the Carolinas. He knows the rogue wants to take over Antonio's territory. Antonio's ally Luka Niera, the were-leopard Ra'Jahn will help the vampire in his battle. Lukas believes Olivia is necessary for the upcoming fight. When the rogue and his allies strike at Olivia, it is Luka who Olivia turns to for help and it is Luka she is attracted to even though she believes the were-leopards will never accept her because she isn't a purebred. Fans of Laurell K. Hamilton's AnitaVerse will enjoy FOREVER CROSSED, an urban fantasy that takes place on an Earth where supernatural beings exist and are accorded the same rights as humans. Olivia is a delightful lead character doubting her prowess though the were-leopards think otherwise. A. Leigh Jones is a creative world builder and fantastic storyteller who must provide a sequel to her bloodthirsty fans.

The Seeker
Sharron McClellan
ImaJinn
ISBN 1893896250 $13.75

Iliana the trancer gave up her magic to save the life of a child from the reaper Mako (see THE GIVEN). Most of her keep display open hostility towards Iliana, feeling she sold herself as a "trancer whore" to the reaper. Her friend Aria and the Lord of the Keep Talon seem to somewhat understand what Iliana did, but even with them, the marked trancer keeps her distance. Warrior Lore desires Iliana though she shows no interest in him except as a teacher training her to be a fighter so she can protect herself from the angry assaults of others. For personal reasons Lore wants to refuse to take her on as a student. Talon learns that another Mako female Medea seeks the powerful Orb of Dalis though no one knows that her plan once she possesses the power is to first kill Iliana for stealing Mako from her. Lore accompanied by Iliana seeks this potent artifact before Medea obtains it in case it can harm his people. On the quest, Talon and Iliana fall in love as each discovers much about the other and the goddess that rules over everyone. This is an exciting romantic fantasy that will hook readers the moment that Iliana cannot receive service without disdain. However, the tale really takes off once young Benn informs Talon of Medea's pursuit of the orb. Iliana and Lore are terrific heroic protagonists facing incredible obstacles. Though reading the delightful first tale would help the audience better understand the geas that Iliana has imposed on herself, sub-genre fans will still find plenty of enjoyment with fantastic Sharron McClellan's magical journey to self and couple discovery.

Kiss the Night Good-bye
Keri Arthur
ImaJinn
ISBN 1593896218 $13.75, 223 pp.

Nikki Jones is taking her test to enter the Damask Circle, an organization of good supernatural beings sworn to fight evil whenever they find it. She does her best to pass so she can marry her vampire love Michael Kelly. In the room she senses a great evil and through their telepathic link Michael senses her fear. Seline, the leader of the Damask Circle, informs him that an old malevolence has infiltrated the organization with the principle targets being them. Over a century ago, Michael killed a vampire sorcerer who murdered his lover but what he didn't know was that Emmett Dunlevy had a twin brother just as evil with the same powers. Wylin swore he would bring his brother back to life but to do that he needs to sacrifice Michael and Selene. Michael is kidnapped and Nikki disguised as Selena travels to the ghost town where he is being held. Nikki tries to rescue Michael and destroy Dunlevy but her beloved doesn't remember her and there are all kinds of supernatural traps in town waiting to be sprung. If they can't defeat Dunlevy, they will die and his brother will be resurrected. Kerri Arthur is one of the best writers of vampire romantic thrillers on the market today. Her latest work has plenty of action and villains that are easy to hate but it is the love between the protagonists that makes this work very special. KISS THE NIGHT GOOD-BYE has the feel of a historical western since everyone in the ghost town believe it is the nineteenth except Nikki and the villain. Readers will really sink their teeth in this memorable and ensorcelling supernatural tale.

Child of Twilight
Margaret L. Carter
Hard Shell
ISBN 0759937141 $TBA 260 pp.

Although she is half human and half vampire, Gillian doesn't want to have a blood bond with her teacher and mentor Volnar so she runs away hoping her father, psychiatrist Roger Darvell, will come to her aid. Roger has only seen his daughter once since in the vampire culture he has no say on her upbringing. On her way to Roger's home Gillian gives her address to Dr. Greer the man who picked her up while she was hitchhiking but she ran away when she shapeshifted. She wasn't supposed to be able to do anything like that until she reached adolescence and she has no control over it. When she reaches Roger's home he allows her to stay with him and his human bond-mate Britt until something can be worked out. Camille, a half mad vampire wants to punish Roger for the death of her brother and her being locked away for the last fourteen years. She has Dr. Greer kidnap Gillian and then she kills him, making her look like a savior in Gillian's eyes. Roger and Britt risk their lives to rescue Gillian and stop Camille before she kills anymore humans. Margaret L. Caster's sequel to DARK CHANGELING is everything a good vampire romance should be. The exploration of vampire culture, the villain who wants nothing more than to destroy Roger, the vampire's love for a human and his growing love for his daughter contribute to making CHILD OF TWILIGHT one of the best vampire books this reviewer has ever read. Hopefully Ms. Carter will write Gillian's story because readers will want to see what she is like when she is a grown-up.

The Change
Lynne Hansen
Hard Shell
ISBN: 0759944911 $9.00

In 1874 Kansas, Hannah Gray and Daniel Drumm who are in love seek privacy in a corn field near a town dance when a giant wolf attacks them. In spite of Daniel's heroic effort to save his beloved, the animal bites Hannah on the forearm before fleeing into the night. Not long afterward, Hannah cannot sleep during the full moon, but soon finds her clothing full of blood. Already frightened, Malvinia the water witch scares her even further by informing Hannah that she is a werewolf. The only cure besides death is to cut off the paw of the Lupe Garoux that changed you. Desperate, Hannah hopes to return to 100% purebred human before she bites a friend. This is an engaging historical werewolf tale whose ending will surprise readers though it should not. The story line hooks the audience from the moment that Hannah is bitten until the final climax. The transformation of Hannah from young in love teenager to werewolf is handled quite cleverly so that the reader accepts the conversion as genuine. The audience will taste the Great Prairie with its miles of cornfields as a decade after the Civil War comes vividly to life, but this is clearly a classic style horror tale that targets an appreciative early teenage audience.

Weapons of Ruin
C.L. Scheel
Hard Shell
ISBN 075994069X $6.00 (download) 251 pp.

After defeating the traitors Kazan and Malgora, Kitarisa and High Prince Assur return to Daemon Keep for their wedding. Assur eagerly awaits the nuptials, but Kitarisa is wary of him having been denied the love of Kazan and her siblings Alea and Alor, who like their father seek power and riches. Although they were banished to the Catacombs, they are now free and about to make trouble for Assur and Kitarisa for Alea has entered into to a conspiracy that will change the old power structures. Two Sacred Weapons are stolen and from the evidence the Qualani people did the deed. Assur and his advisors ride out to confront them, but are later convinced they been lead on a false trail. When they return to Daemon Keep, they find a traitor showed their enemy a secret entrance inside. Taking the last Sacred Weapon they kidnap Kitarisa and two other highborn ladies. Assur and his warriors must stop the invaders and free Kitarisa from the spell she is under or else she will be lost to the high prince forever. WEAPONS OF RUIN is an exciting and enthralling sword and sorcery tale that will appeal to readers who love a great fantasy. Kitarisa has had a hard life but in spite of the danger she is in, she is compassionate, kind and forgiving. Assur must stop a deadly plot from coming to fruition even though the odds are against him. He must also save his beloved from her enemies with the help of the mages who are the only ones that can expel the dragon spirit from her body. Readers can look forward to reading more books in this magical series.

TimeQuest
Susan C. Yarina
Hard Shell Word Factory
ISBN: 0759940479 $12.99 303 pp.

At Superstition Mountains, Arizona, Dr. Sara James knows from her cousin Caytlyn's trip to the past (see TIME RIDER) that the plant Black Sage is the safest cure for snakebites though none seem to exist today. Sara wants to find Black Sage though Caytlyn's husband, Matthew Joseph Barton Black Hawk warns her that 1882 is a very dangerous age for a twenty-first century person. Sara's persistence persuades the couple to assist her on her quest. Historian Barton Grey Wolf knows of Sara's obsession as he suffers from unrequited love that he hides from her. When he learns of her plan to go back in time, he worries that she might break vows made by several people including his own ancestor the legendary Apache Shaman, Grey Wolf. Still to keep his beloved safe and to insure no one violates the oaths, Barton goes back in time without telling her as does her sibling Jeff, who seeks to locate the missing Dutchman's gold. Sara is upset because she wanted to go, but also finds herself falling in love with Barton. She meets her brother's girlfriend Patricia Shoemaker and they agree to go back in time without being accompanied by the men. TIMEQUEST is an exciting adventure laden romantic tale with a pinch of Native American mythos. The story line is action-packed especially in the past, but most significant is that the audience will believe that the individuals traveled back to the late nineteenth century. The prime cast (the James siblings and their significant others) come across as fully developed so that their exploits make for a delightful read. The audience will not want to lose any time reading the finale once it is released.

Two on the Run
C.J. Carmichael
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373712057 $5.25, 298 pp.

In Midland, Illinois as children's librarian Eleanor Perkins closes the facility she believes as usual she is the last in the parking lot. However, this time she is not alone as a man with a gun carjacks her vehicle and abducts Eleanor. The culprit who says his name is Michael makes one stop at an abandoned factory, but Eleanor who bravely perhaps stupidly mouths at him while she drives is too chicken to enter the building as she fears the dark. Mike Reilly is a cop on the lam from his blue peers. He has proof of police corruption that he wants to give to the FBI if he lives long enough to do so. His only regret was bringing into his mess Ms. Librarian whose courage has hooked him. Though terrible at relationships, he has a reason to live, but will die to keep Eleanor safe from those chasing after him. Eleanor, who dreamed of adventure, finds this dangerous trek is more than she wished for as not just her life is at stake; her heart and soul is on the line with Michael. Ignoring the Stockholm Syndrome and that the enemy seems pathetic versions of the Keystone Kops, police procedural romance readers will take immense delight in this on the lam tale. The story line moves at a brisk pace from the movement that electrifying Eleanor gets her first chuckle out of mysterious Michael until the final confrontation when she challenges him.

To Save This Child
Darlene Graham
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373712022 $5.25, 298 pp.

Though his practice is in Oklahoma City, Dr. Jason Bridges makes trips to Chiapas, Mexico to provide medical assistance to the isolated locals. This year his nurse Kathy Martinez cannot make the trip due to her own medical needs, but obtains an able replacement, Kendal Collins. Jason warns Kendal that she must not become emotionally attached to any of the natives; she understands his caution and includes her new employer too. However that proves easier said than done when Kendal meets two-year-old orphan Miguel. She takes full responsibility for the boy and decides to move heaven, earth and two governments so that she can raise him as her son. Jason finds himself failing to heed his own advice when he too falls in love. He wants to be at Kendal's side raising Miguel. TO SAVE THIS CHILD is an intriguing medical romance with a side dish of flying adventure that is at its best when the plot furbishes insight into the courageous Doctors Without Borders giving medical care to the remote and needy. The story line is fun to follow especially when health care is the center of the plot as it is for the most part. Though the plane incident that sandwiches the adventure seems unnecessary, fans of medical romance will appreciate this warm contemporary tale.

Silent Witness
Kay David
Harlequin SuperRomance
ISBN: 0373712006 $5.25, 296 pp.

While paramedic Andrea Hunt left Los Angeles to start over in her hometown of Courage Bay, her older sister Vicki also came home with more baggage caused by a disastrous marriage and divorce, but with one blessing her six year old son Kevin. Though flighty, Vicki cares for her child who suffers from Selective Mutism ever since his father Los Angeles Detective Grant Corbin left them without a look back or even a call. However, the return for Vicki ends tragically when her grandmother's huge armoire falls on her killing her while Kevin is hospitalized. Andrea takes over raising her nephew while Grant arrives in town vowing during the drive to be the best father to the son he has missed for a year. However, when he sees his silent son with his aunt, Grant realizes the lad is better off with her. Still he wants in, but Andrea despises him for ignoring his child and fears he might have killed Vicki. Still he seems so patient with Kevin that she reconsiders her first impression as she falls in love with both male Corbins. Though well written and exciting, readers will feel a somewhat bitter taste as the timing of anything romantic between the two lead adults seems too soon after the death of Vicki. Still Kevin is a wonderful child struggling with the radical changes to his environs including his father's "desertion", his mother's death, and his relocation even though his Aunt Andrea is a delightful nurturing soul. SILENT WITNESS is a deep family drama with a touch of a mystery and a warm romance starring the right couple in the right place at the wrong time.

Girl Gone Wild
Joanne Rock
Harlequin Blaze
ISBN: 0373791399 $4.50, 249 pp.

International investigative reporter Hugh Duncan is bored with his current assignment to write a report on Club Paradise until he hears someone singing "Summer Wind". Following the voice leads him to aromas of Italian cooking. His nose takes him to a feast for his eyes when he sees the singing chef. Giselle Cesare enjoys Sinatra, but right now relishes her freedom with her overly protective brothers on the road. Thank god for honeymoons and hockey teams. Giselle plans to have a fling without those two bruising siblings scaring away all males. Now Hugh is in her kitchen during off hours and both are hungry for more than just her Kama Sutra cream puff. As they follow up on that first combustible look, Giselle and Hugh fall in love, but he is there under false pretense as he is to write an expose of her South Beach hotel. The latest South Beach tale is an entertaining blending of business with pleasure with the emphasis on the latter. The lead couple is a fine pairing though both come across a bit fluffy in this lighthearted romp. Still, fans of the series will never look at dessert the same way again as the heated romance between the journalist and the chef gives new meaning to eclairs, cream puffs, cherries, and icing. Poor brother Nico will have to heat up one heck of an entree to top this tasty tale.

Some Kind of Sexy
Jamie Sobrato
Harlequin Blaze
ISBN: 0373791372 $4.50, 248 pp.

Four months have passed since her beloved Aunt Ophelia passed away, but Juliet Emory still mourns the loss of the woman who raised her. She finds her aunt's diary and though she fears that will tarnish the image of her beloved role model, Juliet needs to hear Ophelia's words. A sheet falls out titled the "Guiding Principles of the League of Scandalous Women", a wonderful reminder of their time together in new Orleans, but this time for her she is seeing the adult side of being a so called "scandalous woman" and plans to live up to her beloved aunt's creed so that Ophelia looking down will smile upon her niece. The Matheson brothers hire Juliet to perform at a special thirtieth birthday bash for their youngest sibling professor Cole Matheson. Cole hates parties, but at his gala his siblings insist he is not chasing skirts properly so they send Ms. Zorro to raise his libido. Afterward he and Juliet make love though neither believes in one night stands. Soon Cole realizes that she is the one, but how to make Juliet understand that they belong together when he competes with the image that her aunt has left behind for his beloved to emulate. This is a heated battle of the sexes with a role reversal as she wants a fling and he wants a serious relationship. The two lead subjects' debate over the Theory of Sexual Relativity is a delight and Juliet's discovery of the full person that Ophelia was is cleverly developed so that the audience can see what motivated her aunt (think of Billy Don't Be a hero). SOME KIND OF SEXY is a fabulous contemporary romance.

Sergeant Darling
Bonnie Gardner
Harlequin American
ISBN: 0373750234 $4.75, 249 pp.

Near Fort Walton Beach, Florida, everyone at Hurlburt Field knows that Flight Surgeon's Clinic nurse Patsy Pritchard has earned her "ice princess" label for her rejection of all things male. Sergeant Ray Darling is like much of the men on this air force base as he wants to be the one to reach first base with Patsy, a boost to his pride when the top guns have failed to score. However, Ray knows he has no chance as his experience with the opposite sex is lacking having graduated from college as a boy genius at eighteen. At a charity auction, Patsy's Aunt Myrtle Carter buys Ray and gives him to her niece. As they spend time together he begins to better understand why she is so aloof. Ray has loved Patsy from afar for a while, but now that he has the opportunity to prove that to her he realizes that this campaign is more difficult than some of the potentially deadly overseas missions he has had. Though readers will need to adjust to Patsy being "as prickly as a cactus", which leads to misunderstanding between the lead couple, Ray's campaign of love. aided by the brilliant strategist her aunt. is fun to follow. Ray is a terrific hero struggling between his inexperience with the other sex and his love for Patsy, who trusts no man with her heart having been widowed once before. Bonnie Gardner provides a solid military romance though the conflict between the lead couple seems minor and should have been resolved faster than the 100 hour first Gulf War.

His Baby
Muriel Jensen
Harlequin American
ISBN: 0373750242 $4.75, 248 pp.

Killian Abbott, head of the Abbott family's fashion conglomerate, loved his wife Cordelia until Paris when he found his long time rival Brian Girard, son of the CEO of the November Corporation, in her room. He knows at those rare times when his ire abates that he still loves his spouse, but will never forgive her. Thus he is divorcing Cordie. Cordie is desperate because she loves her husband. She made one mistake, but not what Killian thinks. Now she is tossing a Hail Mary to try to regain what they lost because Killian failed to trust her, but the ever optimistic Cordie will not accept failure. Her last chance is the baby she carries that she informs her spouse she is carrying which she learned about through a physical she has taken to obtain a job with his company. If he still goes ahead and divorces her, Cordie will still have their child to love and nurture. Though Brian's father is something else with his do or die rivalry (even upset that his son survived a near tragedy), readers will appreciate this second chance at love due to the upbeat antics of the intrepid wonderful Cordie. Killian is an interesting protagonist who acts at times like a four star general except when Cordie leaves him unable to speak. Though the extended Abbott crowd requires a scorecard to keep track of who's who, this tale belongs to the lead couple whom the audience will want to see Killian grovel to keep the sunshine in his life.

Lillie's Law
Dianne Drake
Harlequin Flipside
ISBN: 0373441908 $4.50, 218 pp.

Lilly Malloy sublimated everything she had into her law career even when she was a student. That is until she met reporter Mike Collier. Mike and Lilly share quite a heated love affair, but it went nowhere as both had ambitious dreams for their respective future. Judge Lilly presides over traffic court in which Mike enters expecting to talk his way out of nineteen illegal parking tickets. Instead, Lilly decides to teach Mike a lesson about paying his fines, not that their past would influence her decision. Feeling the ice she sends his way, Mike asks for a change of venue and then challenges her authority so Lilly, following the letter of the law, sends Mike to jail. Now he wants to get even with the judge who he feels abused her power with of course his desire being a lifetime sentence with Lilly as the perfect venue. The lead couple is a delightful pairing of two squabbling souls that make for a fun tale. Especially enjoyable is the opening courtroom scene as each slowly raises the ante until the judge trumps Mike with a weekend courtesy of the city. Though a subplot involving a crooked politician (oxymoron?) seems to take away from the gender war (they even team up), fans will appreciate this amusing second chance at love with a bit of pay back tale.

Breakfast at Bethany's
Kathleen O'Reilly
Harlequin Temptation
ISBN: 0373691750 $4.25

Not long after the four young women made their bachelorette pact, two of them have since walked down the aisle (see IT SHOULD HAPPEN TO YOU and PILLOW TALK). The third young lady, Bethany "Beth" Von Meeter wants to join her pals Jessica and Mickey in happy matrimony, but refuses to wed for anything less than love. Not feeling positive vibes with any of the men in her life, Beth places an ad on the internet. Reporter Spencer James, on assignment, responds. He wants to follow her exploits in on line dating as she seeks a mate through cyberspace. Beth agrees in exchange for Spencer providing her an improved personal advertisement. However, neither one expected love to blossom between the subject and the journalist, who is becoming jealous of the dates that the ad brings. Like the stars of the first two tales, this is a top quality contemporary romance starring two likable protagonists. The story line is quite enjoyable as Spencer does not know what he wants except that he does not want anyone but him kissing Beth. In turn she knows exactly what she wants and that is love if only the reporter would open his eyes beyond the story. The return of the other three females adds to the overall pleasure and gets readers ready for the finale in which Cassandra runs the anchor of what so far have been three fine stories.

Unforgettable
Rhonda Nelson
Harlequin Temptation
ISBN: 0373691734 $4.25, 224 pp.

Author Faith Bonner is quiet and mousy, but her audacious heroine of her novels, Zoe Wilder is brash and sexy. Faith is expected to act like Zoe at a Wilder murder mystery weekend gala, but the writer doubts she can pull off such a stunt. At the mountain lodge, an accident occurs that makes Faith believe she is sexy Zoe. Though he is attracted to her, lodge owner Lex Ellenberg wants to avoid Faith during the weekend event. However, after the accident, Zoe tries to seduce him and he wants to be seduced by her. Still his nagging conscience reminds him that Zoe is really Faith and he should not take advantage of her. Still he is not stone and her temptation makes him decides romancing the author for one UNFORGETTABLE night is worth her reaction when she recovers her memory, but wonders if one evening is enough. Though the amnesia theme may seem trite at first glimpse, Rhonda Nelson refreshes the premise with the twist that the heroine thinks she is the character of her novels. Two opposites could not exist as far apart as Faith and Zoe, which is part of the fun. Lex is a delightful protagonist who likes Faith and feels Zoe is over the edge, but wants both in one charming package. Yet when he has a chance to make love, he finds the temptation unbelievable because he wants Faith for more than just for one night, but fears how she will react if he makes it with her alter ego siren Zoe once she regains her memory. This is a fun tale starring a wonderful male and a schizoid female.

First Born
Lindsey McKenna
Harlequin
ISBN: 0373218788 $6.50, 250 pp.

At six years of age, a drug lord had Jason Trayhern kidnapped and physically and mentally tortured until his father's comrades rescued him. As a result of the trauma, he is not close to his father and keeps everyone at a distance even the people in his squadron. Two of his co-pilots requested a transfer because they didn't want to work with someone who wasn't a team player. Rather than give Jason a dishonorable discharge he transfers to another squadron, the 2-101 Aviation Regiment of Apaches at Fort Campbell. Jason knows this is his last chance to make good in the military but he is afraid his new boss Annie Dazen will be prejudiced about his past, especially the drug scandal he was involved in. However, Jason learns that Annie doesn't judge anyone's past and she treats him the way she does everyone else. As a result, he opens up to her and they start to fall in love but when they get transferred to Afghanistan, Jason is injured and loses his memory. Annie hopes that with time and patience, the man she loves will come back to her. FIRST BORN is a heartwarming and deeply moving story about the power of redemption and the strength of love to heal all wounds. It is great being reunited with Morgan and Laura end seeing how the years treated them. Lindsey McKenna demonstrates in the novel how alternate medicine can work when other traditional treatments fail. This is a book that uplifts the spirit and warms the heart.

Mother Please!
Brenda Novak, Jill Shalvis, and Alison Kent
Harlequin
ISBN: 0373836058 $6.50, 384 pp.

"Upstairs Downstairs" by Alison Kent. In Tatem, Texas, since her father passed away five years ago, Avery Rice is very protective of her mother, teacher Susannah. Seeking freedom to date, Susannah drafts Computer Science teacher David Marks to occupy her daughter. David has loved Susannah since high school and hopes Avery will see him the way he lovingly sees her. With her matchmaking mother on his side he believes can succeed. "The Road Home" by Jill Shalvis. In Martis Hills, California author Jason Lawrence keeps visiting veterinarian Melissa Anders with different animals though he acts uncomfortable around his "pets". His incentive to visit the vet comes from her mother as he owes his life to her. As Mel and Jason fall in love he fears how she will react to the truth because she wants nothing to do with her mother, who gave her up at birth. "What a Girl Wants" by Brenda Novak. Quantum physicist Abby Ashton is stunned that her parents are filing for a divorce. Her mom Claire is irate that her spouse for thirty-three years cheated on her and so she is out to have a good time. Meanwhile her dad Walt is thinking of selling the family automobile parts business to former NASCAR legend Gunner Stevens. Abby obtains Gunner's help to aid her in her attempt to reconcile her parents in exchange for her supporting his purchase of the business. Abby arranges for the foursome to go to Mexico where love flourishes. These three novellas are fine contemporary romances starring two generations of women struggling with relationships with one another and especially with the men in their lives.

The Dark Tower VI: Song of Susannah
Stephen King
Scribner (Grant)
ISBN: 1880418592 $30.00, 432 pp.

Instructed by the Crimson King's Low Men thugs and applying the power of the Black Thirteen, the demon-mother Mia, using the body of the body of Susannah Dean as her host, travels to Midtown Manhattan in the summer of 99. Mia understands that she must give birth at the right time at the right place to begin the end of the Dark Tower. Trailing her in order to prevent the event at the Dixie Pig are adolescent Jake, his talking pet Oy and Father Callaghan. Meanwhile, in 1977 Enrico Balazar and his goons have traveled to East Stoneham, Maine where they plan to kill bookstore owner Calvin Tower. Gunslingers Roland and Eddie arrive at the bookstore also seeking Enrico as bullets fly and a frightened young author of a bestseller called Salem's Lot wonders when his fantasy world turned to deadly reality. The sixth tale of the Dark Tower series continues the path towards the finish with two prime exhilarating subplots that will enthrall the audience. The ironic technique of King placing King inside the novel comes off as chutzpah that works especially the ending. Still the key to this rendition and the previous sagas remain that the characters hold true to their respective essence throughout the adventures. With the finale in this saga to be published soon, fans of Stephen King will rejoice this epic series maintains its' high standard throughout, but newcomers should start with the first novel.

The Tarnished Eye
Judith Guest
Scribner
ISBN 0743257367 $24.00, 288 pp.

The small town of Blessed, located in Northern Michigan, is divided into two groups, full time residents and the summer people who live in their "McMansions". Edward and Paige Norbois and their four children don't even bother with the summer residents because the father is a loner who come up to Blessed to get away from people. Except for the youngest children, all the members of the family have a problem or secret they wish to hide. The family is getting ready to fly on their new plane when someone executes everyone except for the little girl who dies from a blow to the head. Sheriff Hugh De Witt takes charge of the investigation but he is very short of help and the Ann Arbor Chief of Police can't help him because he has his own big investigation to cover. Someone is killing female co-eds and the college town is in an uproar wanting the perpetrator found yesterday. As Hugh investigates the killings, he finds a link between the massacre at Norbois' summer home and the Ann Arbor murders. Now he has to do is find out where that link will take him. While working the investigation, the sheriff is learning to let go of the intense pain he has felt ever since his eleven month old died from SIDS. It is fascinating reading about the investigation as the author takes us through it step by step. THE TARNISHED EYE is a very visual book that would make a good movie because the readers come to know and care about the DeWitt family inside a powerful police procedural. Judith Guest has written a very exciting and enjoyable psychological suspense thriller.

Murder at a Vineyard Mansion
Phillip R. Craig
Scribner
ISBN 0743246764 $24.00, 272 pp.

Retired police officer J.W. Jackson lives in the Ocean Heights section of Martha Vineyard with his wife and two children. He takes on odd jobs to earn extra money including some detective work when he becomes interested in an unusual crime. The Silencer is a modern day Robin Hood, who "fixes" music systems that are playing too loud in moving vehicles or homes with the windows open. He somehow fries them. Robin Pierson is building a castle on Chappaquiddick much to the consternation of the neighbors who feel he is destroying the picturesque area. A delinquent vandalizes the structure forcing Robin to hire security guard Ollie Mates to make sure it doesn't happen again. Someone murders Ollie and Robin's neighbor Maud Mayhew wants to hire J.W. to prove that her son Harold is not the killer. J.W. turns down the case and shortly thereafter, Harold is also murdered probably by the same person who killed Ollie. A guilty J.W. decides to investigate both deaths and crosses paths with the Silencer who he doesn't turn into the police because he sympathizes with his actions. Good Morning America book club author writes another crime thriller that has very little blood and gore but plenty of action to keep the reader entertained. The protagonist has caught a lot of killers in his day but even he is surprised who the perpetrator is and very little shocks him. MURDER AT A VINEYARD MANSION gives the reader a glimpse of the very rich who believe their wealth could because a multitudes of crimes, both moral and criminal. Mr. Craig makes Martha's Vineyard so appealing readers will want to take a summer vacation there.

Grudge Match
Jay Brandon
Forge
ISBN 0765308924 $25.95, 880 pp.

Eight years ago San Antonio assistant district attorney Chris Sinclair proved to a jury that Detective Steve Greerdon participated in an armed robbery. Steve insisted he was set up by other police officers who wanted Steve to join their little club of ripping off drug dealers and other lowlifes, but he refused so he took the fall for a crime he never committed. Chris, now the District Attorney, finds DNA evidence and a witnesses exonerating Steve who is pardoned. Steve wants to reconnect with his son and enjoy his freedom but the police officers who set him up want him back in prison. Chris doesn't know who to trust on the force and sets a tail on Steve so he always has an alibi. Meanwhile Chris's lover, psychiatrist Anne Greenwald treats a patient who says Steve is guilty. When two police officers are murdered and Steve is on the scene, Chris has doubts about his innocence. The only way to find out who the dirty cops are is to set up a sting if Steve is willing to risk his life and trust an officer of the court who could put him away again. When it comes to writing innovative and exciting legal thrillers, Jay Brandon is one of the best in the business. His latest protagonist seeks truth at any cost yet for all his years as a lawyer has a touch of innocence that readers will cherish. The walls of blue start off solid but by the time GRUDGE MATCH ends a few cracks give readers hope that the police will speak out when they see wrong doing. Fans of Linda Fairstein and Christine McGuire will definitely love this book.

Memorial Day
Vince Flynn
Atria
ISBN 0743453972 $25.95, 407 pp.

Intel learns that countries harboring terrorists are transferring their stock and bonds into gold while at a top-secret installation a Pakistani terrorist is being interrogated by CIA black ops agent Mitch Rapp. Intel finds out that Al Qaeda is preparing to strike at the United States, making the World Trade Towers destruction seem like a child destroying a toy. Mitch and a group of commandos raid a small Pakistani mountain town where they find proof that Al Qaeda is getting ready to attack America. Going through the documents and the computer disks, Mitch and other operatives believe that the terrorist group is trying to smuggle a nuclear bomb into the United States. Through diligent effort and good investigative work, they are able to locate the bomb which was being shipped into the country by boat. Further Intel lead Mitch to believe that a second bomb has already been smuggled into the country and it is set to go off at the White House festivities on Memorial Day if Mitch can't locate it in time. Vince Flynn is one of the best writers of action thrillers on the world scene today. His protagonist is a true patriot, willing to get his hands dirty if it means saving innocent lives. He can't stand or deal with the politics that get in the way of catching terrorists and believes the legal rights belonging to ordinary people should be suspended for active terrorists. Readers won't know until the last paragraph if the hero finds the nuclear bomb and is able to prevent it from going off. MEMORIAL DAY is more frightening than a horror tale because the premise of the story is all too plausible.

Twenty Seven Bones
Jonathan Nasaw
Atria
ISBN 0743446534 $25.00, 288 pp.

He was an FBI agent for twenty-seven years, looking forward to retirement so that he can play golf and catch up on his reading but now that the time has come E.L. Pender is bored silly. He occasionally teaches a course at Quantico where he meets his old friend Julian Coffee, the chief of Police of St. Luke, an island in the Caribbean. Julian offers him a free vacation in his tropical paradise if Pender will help track down the serial killer known as the Machete Man. Peter has captured high profile serial killers and is considered an expert on the subject. Pender gladly agrees to travel to St. Luke and sink his teeth in another serial killer case but he has never gone up against killers as the ones who are committing the crimes. Anthropologists Phil and Emily Epp along with their servant and accomplice Bennie believe they will remain young and live for eternity if they catch the last breath of a dying person. They are cold, calculating, and totally ruthless; willing to do whatever it takes to get what they want. They will turn out to be Pender's most formable enemies. Jonathan Nasaw, the author of THE GIRLS HE ADORED and FEAR ITSELF has written another exciting chilling crime thriller told from the point of view of the protagonist and the antagonists. The juxtaposition of the serpent in paradise works brilliantly throughout the storyline and readers will feel shocked that people could carry out such carnage. Emily is the female Hannibal Lechter who weaves an evil spell over all who comes in contract with her.

Translations of Beauty
Mia Yun
Atria
ISBN: 0743483561 $23.00, 288 pp.

Twins Inah and Yunah were born in 1973 in South Korea to married schoolteachers. The sisters enjoyed a happy early childhood in their homeland until Inah was hideously scarred during a scalding accident that left her visage permanently marred. Knowing that Inah would forever be ostracized in Korean society, the family immigrates to the United States moving into the Korean-American community of Flushing, Queens. Over a decade passes and Inah drops out of graduate school at Oxford to first backpack in India and then to relocate in Italy. Yunah follows her sibling to Italy, but the reception is cold and angry as Inah does not want her here. Now the once close twins argue over their future, their past, their father, and finally the disfigurement that made them no longer identical. TRANSLATIONS OF BEAUTY is a delightful family drama that focuses on the long term impact of a trauma on twins. The story line alternates between Yunah narrating glimpses back to their childhood with her providing a present day description of the Italian encounter of trouble between them. The ill winds into this Korean house seems overextended yet provides a deep look at battling loving twins from Yunah's respective. Though more of Inah's sullen perspective even if it is just what is going on inside her head, would have provided a stronger character study, fans will appreciate this deep look at discord in a Korean family.

And the Shadows Took Him
Daniel Chacon
Atria
ISBN: 0743466381 $25.00, 352 pp.

William Molina feels good that he is the first Hispanic-American to be promoted to management as a dispatcher in Fresno and shocks his wife Rachel, his teenage daughter Vero , and his two sons teen Billy and preadolescent Joey by taking them to dinner. The family has never been to a waitress based restaurant where a person serves the meal. Not long after that William knows he has obtained the American dream as he relocates to Oregon as a middle class worker. However, Joey also realizes that leaving impoverished Fresno did not remove the stereotype label of Latino gang member. While Joey performs at his new school in the role of punk hood, William struggles with the darker side of the American dream that he finds lacks substance. Already known for his temper though he always controlled his fists, his anger may break his family apart if he does not learn to control his growing wrath. This is an intriguing character study that takes an extremely dark look at the impact of the American dream on one's roots. The story line is driven by the five Molinas as readers get a close look at each of them and through them aspects of the Mexican-American culture. Daniel Chacon paints a deep tale that makes the case that assimilation is not all that it seems.

Death of an Effendi
Michael Pearce
Poisoned Pen
ISBN: 1590580664 $24.95, 186 pp.

In 1909 Egypt the Mamur Zapt, Gareth Owen, joins several VIPs on a shoot that makes him feel like a duck out of water as most of the effendi attending are financiers or royals. However, during the gala, someone shoots the Russian Tvardovsky. As expected by his position, Owen begins to investigate to determine whether the death was an accident or a homicide with his only clue being that the foreign victim discussed crocodiles in Egypt. Prince Fuad interferes with the Mamur Zapt inquiries trying to insure that an accident is reported if he cannot stop the investigation. However, Gareth continues to look into the matter with the diligence he always brings to his job though he worries about the repercussions from the royals, especially how Fuad will react. Fuad increases the pressure for Owen to conduct a sham, but he refuses. The Mamur Zapt series consistently provide some of the best early twentieth century police procedural tales on the market. The latest entry, DEATH OF AN EFFENDI, is a fabulous tale that as usual provides an intriguing glimpse at Egypt in 1909 where foreigners heavily influence what happens to the country. The investigation is top of the line as Gareth struggles with Prince Fuad's reluctance and with potential witnesses fearful of alienating foreigners and or the Mamur Zapt. Fans of historical mysteries will appreciate this tale that brings to life a bygone era whose impact remains strong almost a century later.

Grave Undertaking
Mark de Castrique
Poisoned Pen
ISBN: 1590581164 $24.95, 276 pp.

When his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Charlotte police officer Barry Clayton leaves the force and returns to Gainesboro, a North Carolina mountain town. He helps his parents and his uncle run the family business, the Clayton and Clayton Funeral Home. He is there when Pearly Johnson's coffin is exhumed so it could be moved to the family plot. State Senator Richards paid a lot of money to be buried in Pearly's plot, which is next to Caleb Turner, a Union sympathizer. Before they reach Pearly's coffin, they discover the skeleton of another man on top of the coffin, a bullet in his head. A wallet is found with four hundred dollars and a picture of Barry's girlfriend Susan Miller. They identify the body of Samuel Calhoun, a private detective who was buried with the gun of Susan's father. Both Susan and her father become suspects in the death of this sleazy blackmailer. When Barry makes inquiries, he is shot. Still he thinks the killer is someone in the justice department and Barry and his friends better find out who it is before someone else dies. Mark de Castrique has written an exciting regional mystery that gives readers feeling of what it is like living in a small southern mountain town. The protagonist is a hero in the truest sense of the word as he gives up his job to take over the family business that means everything to his mother and uncle. He's patient with his father, tries to protect his girlfriend, and find a murderer. GRAVE UNDERTAKING shows the importance of the funeral home in the community as neighbor helps neighbor in time of need.

Murder in Montparnasse
Kerry Greenwood
Poisoned Pen
ISBN: 1590580427 $24.95, 298 pp.

Bert and Cec along with five other Australian soldiers are drinking and having a good time in Paris in 1918 when the seven witnessed a murder. Now a decade later, Bert, Cec and one of the other five Johnnys are concerned that someone is killing them off one at a time. At the inquest, two died allegedly accidentally when Maccie drowned in an irrigation ditch and Conger's van fell on him while he was fixing it. The three mates think otherwise as counter evidence disputes the official findings. The men discuss their belief with Phryne Fisher, renowned for her investigative skills. Phryne's inquiries into the seven and a seemingly unrelated case involving a missing fiancee that somehow goes back to 1918 in the Montparnasse section of Paris too also links back to her own past in the same locale at the same time. Regardless of her memories, a murderer is on the loose and must be stopped before anyone else dies. MURDER IN MONTPARNASSE is an exciting historical mystery that brings to life the late 1920s and a perspective from that point back to the end of World War One in Paris. The story line engages the audience due to the star as she plunges deep into the investigation while memories of her own waif lifestyle in 1918 Paris flash through her mind and her personal woes spin somewhat out of control. The support cast either enhances the who-done-it or brings insight into what makes Phryne tick. Phryne has starred in other adventures so that anyone who reads this delightful tale will seek other works starring a wonderful protagonist.

The Second Coming
John Dalmas
Baen
ISBN: 0743488164 $24.00

Two thousand years ago, while the Roman Empire flourished, corruption also blossomed. In that moral void, the Infinite Soul arrived to pass the word. The United States has made terrific progress on the race and gender fronts almost eliminating the negative isms from the dictionary as showcased by a black female president. However, the country is suffering from a drastic depression and as the original Rap said "violence seems as American as apple pie". Corruption and amoral behavior grows. A cult forms around the teachings and miraculous abilities of Ngunda Aran, who insists he is not THE SECOND COMING, but just a guru preaching that love is the basic force of the universe and that fear is the corollary. Aran insists the Infinite Soul is coming back to coincide with an asteroid heading towards Earth, but not as a carpenter. This time he will return in the body of a married black Canadian software guru, who rejects the notion that he has Christ's soul inside his heart. Will this anointed one be nailed in the crosshairs of an Uzi from those who want him and his benefactor dead? THE SECOND COMING is an exciting telling of the return of the Infinite Soul, but with a Hindu twist to the tale. As John Dalmas points out the philosophy and writings of Aran can be traced to Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's Michael novels making this book a treat for her fans. Though at times pontification slows down the plot, post-apocalyptic fans will take immense pleasure with this engaging story because Aran, the president, the Infinite Soul and his enemies seem genuine in a world heading either directly to heaven or hell with no in between rapture weigh station.

1634: The Galileo Affair
Eric Flint and Andrew Dennis
Baen
ISBN: 0743488156 $25.00

Two forces are at work in 1633-1634 Europe as the Thirty Year War devastates much of the continent. In Germany, the twentieth century West Virginia transplants forge the United States of Europe based on the principle of democracy. On the other extreme resides powerful Cardinal Richelieu who wishes to dominate a European theocracy. He knows that this "Grantville" is a threat to his ambitions especially those alliances with Sweden and the Ottomans. Pope Urban VIII welcomes the displaced Americans who come to Venice to stop the plague from spreading and to offer an alliance with His Holiness. Urban sees this group as a potential counterpoint to the growing influence of Richelieu and considers that odd thinking Roman Catholic priest amongst them could defend Galileo at his upcoming heresy trial. Though the Americans are split on whether to aid the beleaguered astronomer, Cardinal Richelieu has plans to discredit them regardless of what they intend to do. This alternate history series is already one of the best around and each new entry appears better than the previous one, a seemingly impossible feat. 1634: the GALILEO AFFAIR is a terrific tale that provides the audience with a combo slapstick historical techno-thriller that brings to light an intriguing era, but does it with anachronisms and humor. Galileo's theories are placed in a different light than that taught in school adding to the overall mercurial splendor. The ending must have come from "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" as Eric Flint and Andrew Dennis insure nothing remains sacred within their retelling of the seventeenth century.

The Road to Damascus
John Ringo and Linda Evans
Baen
ISBN: 0743471873 $25.00, 682 pp.

The ET Volkswanderung has arrived to conquer the residents of planet Jefferson, cut off from the rest of the Concordant. Nothing survives the devastation of these marauding interplanetary travelers once they engage in their usual hostile activities. To battle the Volkswanderung, Commander Simon Khrustinov and his Surplus on Loan (SOL) Bolo prepare for one final onslaught yet they successfully vanquish the enemy. However, much of Jefferson is in ruins from the war. Infrastructure either no longer exists or so feeble it might as well not be there. To rebuild the planet means a major influx of capital (both money and people), but few are willing to pay the cost. When the unpopular government tries to make tough decisions, it gains no support and collapses. Narrow vision Utopians take over with a special agenda to use the powerful Bolo to ethnically cleanse their enemies, not understanding the moral dilemma imposed on this thinking war machine with a conscience. This is an exciting military and post military science fiction novel that would make Keith Laumer proud of what John Ringo and Linda Evans has done with his Bolo. The story line is at its best when the audience observes the reconstruction options and the ethics issues, none of which are easy or cheap. At times harsh and condemning those foolish enough to believe that no one besides the soldier and his or her family have to pay for war and its aftermath, readers will get the no free lunch message that there is a price to pay when conflict, even in the case of defense, is deployed.

Killer Smile
Lisa Scottoline
HarperCollins
ISBN: 0060514957 $25.95, 368 pp.

Amadeo Brandolini moved from Italy to Philadelphia where he found work as a fisherman. He soon marries and begins a family when World War II breaks out. The FBI incarcerates Amadeo as one of ten-thousand Italian-Americans designated as an enemy. Amadeo is sent to Fort Missoula, Montana without the benefit of a trial to work in the sugar beet field. Not long afterward, Amadeo works with one other person and no one else in the vicinity. He is later found dead, ruled a suicide. Years later, Amadeo's son "hires" Mary DiNunzio of Rosato and Associates to sue the government for reparations. Being from South Philly like the victim and her client, the case means a lot more than her usual load to Mary. However, she never expected the roadblocks put up by the Feds nor that Amadeo might have been murdered and that her inquiries have brought her to the attention of the Saracones family who willingly will murder to keep World War II data interred in a dusty archive. The return of Rosato and Associates (See COURTING TROUBLE and EVERYWHERE THAT MARY WENT) would be a reason unto itself for legal thriller fans to rejoice. However, KILLER SMILE also adds a terrific insightful look at an ignominious moment in United States history with the lock up of ethnic Americans. The timing is perfect with the no fly list and enemy combatant principle employed today. Lisa Scottoline does not neglect the modern day investigation led by brass South Philly cheese steak attorney Mary. Readers will enjoy this entertaining yet educational cautionary tale on how easy the first amendment is tossed aside under the guise of "national security".

Wedding Bell Blues
Robyn Amos
Harper Torch
ISBN: 0380815435 $6.99, 384 pp.

In San Diego, a tired Moni Lawrence searches for her new home after relocating from Dunkin,Virginia. As she wearily drives down the streets, Grant Forrest leaves his home wearing a towel to pick up his newspaper. His cat escapes and he pursues it losing his wrap in the process. Moni avoids the feline only to see a naked Grant. She drives through his fence into his swimming pool. A few weeks later Grant and Moni are in court as he has sued her for the cost of fixing the fence. She insists that she will do the job. The court agrees to allow her thirty days to satisfactorily complete the repair. However, soon Grant's neighbors are furious with him for allowing the petite Moni to lift heavy wood. Next thing he knows he is cutting the wood to size. Moni says she suffers from the dreaded DDS, Damsel in Distress Syndrome as everyone assumes because she is small she is helpless. As she works the fence, they fall in love, but twice divorced Grant fears trice failure on the relationship front. WEDDING BELL BLUES is an amusing contemporary romance that never takes anything too seriously yet still forges a delightful relationship tale. The story line is terrific especially when seemingly even strangers turn Moni inadvertently into "Thomasina Sawyer" as everyone wants to not just help her, but do the work for her. To her credit she objects to the notion that she is conflicted with DDS. Grant is an interesting counter to her, but no question she is the star of a fun novel.

Take Me, Take Me with You
Lauren Kelly
Ecco (Harper)
ISBN: 0060565519 $22.95

In 1993, Lara Quade works at the Institute for Semiotics, Aesthetics, and Cultural Research in Princeton, New Jersey. At work Lara receives an anonymous ticket to a concert. Trying to figure out who sent it, she rules out her father who deserted her and her older brother Ryan over two decades ago. She knows it cannot be momma, who in Lake Shaheen, New York drunkenly drove their car into a moving train with then six year old Lorraine (as Lara was called back then) and Ryan as passengers. At the concert, Zedrick Dewe sits next to her. Afterward, Lara invites Zed to her home where they end up arguing. Someone beats up the institute's director. Lara thinks Zed did this; she confronts him only to learn he is her half-brother. Their mutual father killed his mother and spent his remaining life in Attica for the crime. Lara wonders whether her crazy mother did that deed and plans to confront Ryan about her theory. However, first she and Zed, though they share common blood, want to make love. The storyline moves back and forth with ease between 1971 and 1993 as Lauren Kelly uses the past to tell a story about the present. The character driven story line focuses mostly on Lara looking back and wondering whether her mother killed her spouse's mistress and allowed her husband to take the fall. Zed is an intriguing protagonist as he knows he must avoid the incest offerings of Lara, but their tragic past has left both lonely and each other's arms feels comforting. TAKE ME, TAKE ME WITH YOU is a terse family drama.

Way Past Legal
Norman Green
HarperCollins
ISBN: 0060564547 $24.95, 272 pp.

Manny Williams enjoyed his vocation of master thief, but his last job left him wealthy though concerned. He and Rosario hit a small Brooklyn brokerage house expecting a small "fee", which is better than too much, but got the mother lode instead. Though they escape to Coney Island, he knows the Russian mob will be looking for him. In retirement, Manny thinks the time is right to snatch his five-year-old son Nicky out of a lousy foster care family and start over just the two of them. The abduction goes smooth until Manny and Nicky reach Eastport, Maine, where he has car trouble. The townsfolk treat the two Williams males as if they have been long time residents as he waits for his vehicle to be repaired. However, his previous life comes to New England as his Brooklyn based enemies have a score to settle and arrive with guns firing at anyone who stand between them and Manny. Surprising even himself Manny refuses to let those angels who have come to the aid of he and Nicky get hurt even if it means his life for this small town as taught the cynic the meaning of life. This is a refreshing character study wrapped inside a delightful thriller. The story line is a bright look at the trials and tribulations of a single father, raising (and running) with a kindergarten age child. The cast is top rate, but Manny is the focus as he learns the importance of caring for others in this small out of the way Maine town though the lesson may cost him his life.

The Alias Man
Bill Pronzini
Walker
ISBN 0802733816 $24.00, 228 pp.

In Vancouver, Canada Sarah has lived in limbo since her husband's car was found in the ocean and he was believed dead. The only part of her life that gives her pleasure is her book store but since Scott lost so much money in the stock market her financial position is precarious. Morgan has been married to Burt for four years but lately he has vanished for days at a time. When she confronts him with her opinion, he walks out on her. Jessie loved Darrin but when