Riding Hard-Vicki Lewis Thompson

Riding Hard
Vicki Lewis Thompson
Harlequin Blaze, Jun 17 2014, $5.50
ISBN: 9780373798070

Six months ago in Virginia, veterinarian Drake Brewster betrayed his best friend Regan O’Conelli when he slept with his buddy’s fiancée. Regan ended their partnership and friendship, and his engagement before moving to Shoshone, Wyoming (see Riding High).

Knowing he did wrong, Drake follows Regan to Wyoming to apologize. Thanks to Regan’s new fiancée, Drake is forgiven by his former veterinary partner, but not by the townsfolk who adore the O’Conelli brood (see Ambushed). At Spirits and Spur, bartender Tracy Gibbons overtly displays her scorn of Drake as she possesses a strong moral fiber. However, when she needs his help at a horse sanctuary especially with a pregnant mare, Tracy asks Drake. As she works with him, Tracy observes how gentle yet firm and diligent he is with the horses. Soon afterward, they begin a heated relationship that turns to love.

The latest engaging Sons of Chance Wyoming ranch romance (see Riding Home) is an entertaining contemporary starring two intriguing protagonists as he wonders if his terrible transgression will destroy his chance for happiness while she acts capable of tossing that biblical first stone at him. Although the Chance saga feels overly stretched to include these outsiders; series fans still will enjoy the changing relationship between the contrite and the moralist.

Harriet Klausner

Double Exposure-Erin McCarthy

Double Exposure
Erin McCarthy
Harlequin Blaze, Jun 17 2014, $5.50
ISBN: 9780373798087

To obtain an interview of renowned photographer Ian Bainbridge, Daily Journal reporters Emma Gideon and Kyle Hadley agree to pose nude except for green paint on their bodies. Whereas Kyle enjoys the event; Emma feels self-conscious and wonders if journalism is worth the cost of debasing herself though she appreciates watching the Jolly Green Giant grow. Things turn worse when some nut steals bags of clothing that the models including the journalists took off before posing.

Naked, the reporters make it to his home where they end up showering together. As they begin a tryst, Emma and Kyle fall in love. Holding them back from a total commitment is each fears their relationship must end soonest; not because of the paper’s “no hanky-panky” rule but due to them being rivals at work.

The first From Every Angle contemporary romance is a wonderful lighthearted tale that effortlessly combines humor and heat. The lead couple seems like opposites, but that proves skin deep to the delight of engaged readers.

Harriet Klausner

Sanctuary In Chef Voleur-Mallory Kane

Sanctuary In Chef Voleur
Mallory Kane
Harlequin Intrigue, Jun 17 2014, $5.50
ISBN: 9780373697755

In Dowdie, Texas Stephanie Clemens needs a liver transplant or very soon she will die from cirrhosis. Her daughter Hannah Martin overhears her mom’s boyfriend Billy Joe Campbell arranging an illegal deal. Hannah confronts Billy Joe who kidnaps her mom placing her in peril as she must have dialysis. Not long afterward, gang chieftain Sal Ficone’s enforcer with the red tattoo demands Billy Joe give him the missing money and drugs or else. When Billy Joe blames Hannah and admits abducting Stephanie, the man kills him. Frightened, Hannah drives until she reaches Chef Voleur off of Lake Pontchartrain where her mom’s friend Kathleen lives.

Instead of her BFF, Mackellis Griffin answers her knock. She asks for Kathleen who died twenty years ago. D&D Security P.I. Mack thinks the visitor is trouble and lets her leave, but feels guilty so does some research into her and her mom. Meanwhile Hannah realizes that Billy Joe’s car she drove to escape is where he hid the drugs; so the man with the red tattoo will come for her. Instead Metairie PD arrests Hannah for possession of a stolen vehicle and illegal narcotics. Mack arrives as her attorney and asks the judge to release her into his recognizance. While the pair dodges the red tattoo killer breaking the conditions of her bail, D&D Security search for her mom.

The latest Delancey Dynasty romantic suspense (see Gone and Dirty Little Secrets) is a terrific woman in peril from both sides of the law thriller that never slows down until the epilogue. Mack is a born protector mostly because of what happened to his mom years ago that still haunts him, and Hannah needs his protection.

Harriet Klausner

Undercover Warrior-Aimée Thurlo

Undercover Warrior
Aimée Thurlo
Harlequin Intrigue, Jun 17 2014, $5.50
ISBN: 9780373697724

In Hartley, New Mexico, NCIS undercover operative Kyle Goodluck poses as an IRS agent while he conducts surveillance on Lieutenant Henry Leland who just came back from a naval base in Spain. When Leland calls NCIS claiming terrorists are blackmailing him; Kyle heads to Secure Construction to talk with him. The agent arrives as thugs grab Leland and office manager Erin Barrett. A shootout occurs leaving Hank critically wounded, Erin rescued and the kidnappers escaping. After HPD Detective Preston Bowman and his foster brother Kyle discuss how to handle the case, Goodluck is assigned to keep the witness safe.

On the way to the hospital, the thugs attack the EMT vehicle; Hank dies while Kyle shoots one of the attackers; he commits suicide rather than be captured. As Kyle and Preston work the case to learn what the alleged terrorists wanted and keep their witness safe, the NCIS Undercover Warrior and the courageous office manager fall in love. However, first they must take down the cold hardened killers before considering their future as anyone associated with the late Hank is walking dead.

This Copper Canyon romantic suspense (see Power of the Raven, Winter Hawk’s Legend, Falcon’s Run and Secrets of the Lynx) is an action-packed entry starring two intrepid protagonists and a solid support cast in an enchanting location. Fans will appreciate the late great Aimée Thurlo’s usual superb storytelling as she showcases her talent by providing her readers with another strong thriller.

Harriet Klausner

A Bride By Summer-Sandra Steffen

A Bride By Summer
Sandra Steffen
Harlequin Special Edition, Jun 17 2014, $5.50
ISBN: 9780373658275

In Orchard Hill, Michigan someone abandoned Joey; leaving the baby with the Sullivan brothers; Reed, Marsh and Noah (see A Bride Before Dawn). The three bachelors struggle with caring for the infant while they wonder who the mom is and which one of them she believes is the dad.

Reed and tavern owner Ruby O’Toole (see The Wedding Gift) meet when both were almost hurt by a maniac in a Corvette. They are attracted to each other, but he feels Joey and bodily excretions come before a firebrand female; and she recently vowed no more men even a nice keeper. As Reed and Ruby forge a friendship, platonic seems impossible.

The latest Round-the-Clock Brides (see A Bride Until Midnight) is an amusing contemporary as love proves bothersome when two people can’t agree on what flavor ice cream to share. Readers will adore Ruby for her outlook (just ask Nanny McPhee), and appreciate Reed for his persistence with her but especially with his little pal Joey.

Harriet Klausner

Forever an Ex Victoria-Christopher Murray

Forever an Ex
Victoria Christopher Murray
Touchstone, Jun 17 2014, $15.00
ISBN: 9781476748856

Seven years ago in Los Angeles, Sheridan Goodman, Kendall Stewart, and Asia Ingram met at a prayer group and became friends. With the help of prayer and having each other’s back, they weathered the break-up of their marriages (see The Ex Files). Now the exes are back so each turns to prayer and their BFFs to weather the new storm.

Basketball player Bobby tries to persuade Asia to permit their daughter Angel to attend the School of the Performing Arts in NYC. Bobby and Asia begin a tryst that leads to his wife Caroline warning her to stay away from her husband. When Asia ignores the cuckooed spouse’s admonition, the spiteful woman retaliates via Angel.

With her children grown and away, Sheridan and Brock love the empty nest. Her ex-husband’s fiancée Harmony meets with her to ask her questions about Quentin’s cheating. Sheridan informs the worried woman that she believes Quentin will be faithful to her. Not long after that, Sheridan observes Quentin with Jeff, his lover when he was married to her.

Kendall returns to Malibu, sight of where her former husband Anthony and her sister Sabrina betrayed her. She remains estranged from both of them and wants nothing to do with their child. Anthony’s brother, D’Angelo, proves helpful, but hides his attraction to his one-time sister-in-law. However when Sabrina becomes critically ill, Kendall has to decide whether to forgive their transgression.

Forever an Ex is an engaging inspirational extended family drama as the three BFFs deal with different troubles caused by the returns of the exes. Fans will enjoy the prayers, fears and tears as Victoria Christopher Murray provides an engaging tale.

Harriet Klausner

The People In The Photo-Hélène Gestern

The People In The Photo
Hélène Gestern; Emily Boyce (translator) and Ros Schwartz (translator)
Gallic Books, Jun 10 2014, $14.95
ISBN: 9781908313546

Hélène Hivert knows next to nothing about her mom who died when she was three. Over the years, her father refuses to speak about her mom. She becomes excited when she finds a photo of her mom taken with two men after she had won the 1971 Interlaken Amateur Tennis Tournament Ladies’ Single. One of the men in the picture is listed as P. Crusten winner of the Men’s Single.

Hélène takes out a newspaper ad seeking info re the people in the photo. Swiss biologist Stéphane Crusten responds to her ad by sending her a copy of his dad’s Geneva Tennis Club membership card that also contains a photo. Excited Hélène responds and soon the pair exchange correspondences and find more photos of their respective parents. However, the truth may not set them free as the picture begins to focus with each wondering if they were better off not knowing.

The People In The Photo is an entertaining family drama told mostly through snail mail and email. Hélène and Stéphane are a delight to follow as their moods change throughout the engaging storyline. Though somewhat passive, fans who appreciate something different will enjoy Hélène Gestern’s refreshing family drama.

Harriet Klausner

Lone Star Redemption-Colleen Thompson

Lone Star Redemption
Colleen Thompson
Harlequin Romantic Suspense, Jun 3 2014, $5.50
ISBN: 9780373278763

In Rusted Spur, Texas sexagenarian widow Nancy Rayford nears total collapse as she tries to keep the family ranch afloat until her son Zach returns from his marine tour in Afghanistan. When he comes home, Zach is shocked to find his Mama in ill health caring for the spread and for his four year old niece Eden that his late brother never mentioned.

Dallas TV reporter Jessie Layton reluctantly arrives at the Rayford ranch searching for her twin sister Haley who she hopes to persuade to visit their dying mom. Nancy lies to her son re Jessie’s visit, but he intercedes when the stranger and a cameraman Henry upset his Mama. The older woman explains she allowed Frank McFarland and his girlfriend Haley to live in a bunkhouse, but they vanished six months ago. In town, Danny’s brother Hellfire makes it clear he hates Haley and Jessie due to her DNA, and Sheriff Canter wants to lock up Jessie though he knows she is the sister. As the obstinate journalist refuses to leave town, she and Zach realize they share in common fixing estranged families and an attraction. However, when someone murders Henry and injures Jessie, Zach vows to find the killer before he permanently harms the woman he loves.

This super romantic suspense is anchored by a strong family drama. The support cast is solid even the missing sister while the lead couple goes from a gender war to a loving partnership. Readers will relish this thriller with it deep characterization and a terrific mystery.

Harriet Klausner

The Search For Sunlei-H.L. Grandin

The Search For Sunlei
H.L. Grandin
Acorn Book Services, Apr 22 2014, $14.99
http://www.acornbookservices.com
ISBN: 9780991583003

Five years ago, understanding the Promise of two potential outcomes, Tyoga Weathersby sent his beloved Sunlei away to keep her safe from the South Fork Shawnee. While Sunlei lived in the Iroquois village of Kanaitaro, Ty became respected in English and Cherokee circles, and with Trinity Jane has two young kids residing at Twin Oaks in Virginia.

The Promise whispers to Ty that his Sunlei needs rescuing from vicious Iroquois Chief Quisquis, who with French support reigns supreme in Ohio. Over the objection of his pregnant mate, Ty, his brother Tes Qua and his planation overseer Brister head to Tuskareegee to drop off supplies. Afterward, Brister returns to the planation. Ty and Tes Qua meet dying Standing Bird who tells them that the French and Iroquois are aware of the British army coming to attack them. Ty continues with the rescue while Tes Qua goes to Albany to warn the British. As he heads towards Kanaitaro, Ty visits his mother for the first time in five years. She berates him for not coming home with his family of whom she never met, and tells him he misused the Promise when he slaughtered several Indians. Sad Ty knows she is right as he struggles to contain his demons, but treks on with his quest.

The second The Legend of Tyoga Weathersby is an exciting Pre Revolutionary War drama. The leisurely-pace vivid storyline provides a deeper look at the Promise and enables the reader to feel they are on the journey; while his mate and mother rip skin from the hero that keeps him humanly grounded. The Search For Sunlei is a strong mid eighteenth century Colonial America historical.

Harriet Klausner

Protecting Her Royal Baby-Beth Cornelison

Protecting Her Royal Baby
Beth Cornelison
Harlequin Romantic Suspense, Jun 3 2014, $5.50
ISBN: 9780373278756

Bud explains to his pregnant lover who he is and warns her to flee as assassins have arrived to kill him, her and their unborn. Brianna Coleman runs for her life and that of her child. While jogging Hunter Mansfield avoids an out of control car that ends in a ditch. He helps the pregnant driver, who is in labor and suffers from amnesia.

Her vehicle has bullet holes so he believes her contention that an unknown adversary stalks her and her child. Hunter takes her to safety. As she slowly recalls events, Brianna and Hunter fall in love, but he fears for her life and that of her baby when she insists she needs to go to Cape Cod where the truth and danger await.

The second Mansfield Brothers romantic suspense (see The Return of Connor Mansfield) is a thrilling drama as the beleaguered heroine does not know who to trust except her Good Samaritan rescuer to help her in Protecting Her Royal Baby. Although the amnesia segue is an overused technique, readers will root for the brave couple (Hunter’s only fear is losing Brianna to her lover and her only fear is losing baby Ben) as they struggle to stay alive and keep her child safe.

Harriet Klausner