Christmas Awards 2011

Wednesday 29 August 2007

Interview with BL Foxxe


Tell us a little about yourself…

I recently hit the big three oh, on August eighteenth, two oh oh seven. I was born in nineteen seventy-seven. I live in California, but have lived in Buffalo, New York for ten months; and in Newport News, and Hampton, Virginia for two and a half years. I gained inspiration, a few realizations about my strengths and weaknesses, and am glad to be back in my home state once more.


What do you write?

Paranormal, Fantasy, futuristic, sometimes alternate history, it depends on my mood. I also am working on a few young adult novels, with another pen name. Only recently I got into the erotica contemporary scene. I’m still working on some kinks which like to appear in my books at the worst of times.

Why do you write?

It is compulsive. I have to do it. I go into withdrawal if I don’t. On the flipside, when I’m having a bad week, I go into a bad depression. So I’m trying to work on gaining a balance.

What are you writing now?

Second novella to Parking Lot Warmup which has been contracted for Dark Eden Press. I’m also working on a paranormal one that I’ll submit soon. Not sure if it’ll be vampire or not. I go with the flow and whatever the muse wants to portray itself as this time.

I’m also doing edits for other novellas in a few other publishing houses, but since this is Dark Eden, I’m not going to discuss those.

What kind of clothes do you like to wear?

Comfortable, slouchy, give the bag ladies a run for their money in bulky stuff. Seriously, I am learning what new styles I do best in. Right at this moment, I’m wearing a light cotton top which goes to the middle of my thighs and gray stretch shorts with lace edging the bottoms. Normally I’m in sweat pants and some kind of long loose shirt with sleeves.

Are you in love? Have you ever been?

Right now? No. I thought I was in the past, none of the relationships worked out. I’m no virgin, but I’m not convinced I shouldn’t go past the imagination of the mind at the moment.

Do you have a dream lover – and what does he look like?

Ehhh…oh jeez. Uhm, yes I do sort of. Only he ain’t human if you get my drift. I sometimes see him as a vampire, other times as a shifting griffon. What I can honestly say is that he shifts his coloration around, leaving me guessing what he’ll look like next. Lately though I haven’t seen him, in dreams or anything else…So right now, I don’t know what he looks like.

What kind of comfort food do you like best?

Some people like chocolate. I like munching on whatever is available. For me its turkey bologna, cheese, and crackers. It could even be small cups of fruit. I used to drink soda, but stopped except for once a week, cause it was killing my teeth. I still drink coffee, and tea once in a blue moon. May start drinking it again until I can find better coffee that my stomach will tolerate.

What makes you laugh? Cry?

What makes me laugh? A good joke, usually a forward. A good book with its comedic moments and great way of dealing with situations which could otherwise be horrible.

What makes me cry? Unnecessary loss of life. Frustration with plans gone wrong. A poignant moment in a good book. Yes, I read lots and lots of different books.

What do you do to amuse yourself when not working?

I do some role playing on yahoo groups. Usually the kind where I’m in with a fairly small crowd of like-minded individuals who won’t turn into a snobby clique and refuse to write with others who are learning the ropes. Currently, I’m in three, on hiatus for two, and working on creating one that may or may not become an actual book series. *shrug*

I’m not into the live action type of scenario because I’m nowhere near where some of those events take place. I’m also not the most sociable gal around either.

Just recently I began Jazzercise class again because 1) I happen to like the flow of music and steps in a routine which can be downright challenging. 2) I needed the exercise since I wasn’t able to walk very far without some nasty pain in my ankles and knees. 3) It keeps me going, even though I’ve only attended three days so far.

What is it in a man or woman that turns you on? The clean version please!

Good question. First off, I’d say that intelligence is critical, but not to the point that I’m being made to feel like a complete ignoramus. It doesn’t go over well. Errm, fairly nice appearance, not model perfect, but at least clean is good. I’m sure there are other things, but I’m drawing a severe blank. I guess that’s why half of my characters are snarly individuals at first glance or description before they might actually begin mellowing out. Not to mention…I no longer really know or care what turns me on. Mostly the alpha growlers in darn good books. *grin* Hope that helps.

What do you hate about life?

Not being able to find a blasted job! Grrr…uh anyways, just something that is giving me a bad moment or two recently. I also don’t like the fact that I feel like a parasite at the moment. It doesn’t give me the warm and fuzzies because I hate feeling useless.

What do you hope to achieve in life and when will you know that you have been a success?

I hope to achieve good sales for all the books I write, now and in the future, although I’m still learning the ropes from those times in the past.

*Major sarcasm alert* Gee…when I can at least say that I’m now living in an apartment on my own? That I don’t have any debts? *sigh – end sarcasm alert*

In all honesty, I really don’t know. I’ll be happy when I can announce release dates for books no matter where they’re being sold. That I think is when I know I’ve made some success.

What are you going to write next?

Mmmm…working on different projects. Have about three zillion works in progress. I’ve got a few currently filed in a folder called “Writer’s Block and Headache” mainly because I don’t know when I first started them and why I’m drawing a blank.

I’ll probably do something with a mix of elements

Monday 27 August 2007

Whisper Moon


Missy Sue Hanson/Whisper Moon/Book One Natural Realm Trilogy/Dark Eden Press/ebook/46 pgs

Sidda has returned to a place she thought she never would, but she comes to Hunter for a new job and a new life. When she meets Baine something in his eyes makes her faint, her mind whirling with primeval pictures. A strong physical and emotional bond is formed between these two, which makes this book compelling reading.

This story of shape shifters battling against evil, bound as lovers and soul mates, is beautifully written with tender emotion, lifting it above the run of the mill stuff. I recommend this and look forward to the next books in the series. five red roses, Anne

Something Blue


JB MCCall/Something Blue/Dark Eden Press/ebook/36pgs.

Cassie is waiting to fit the maid of honour for her dress, and she has only a few hours to get the work done before the wedding. Desperation drives her to search the best man's room. What she discovers is not quite as it seems, but gives Cassie ideas.

Good fun story about two people separated by distance and their busy lives learning to love each other. I liked this, Morna. 4.5 red roses

Interview with Dalton

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Sunday 26 August 2007

Interview with Sherry James


Tell us a little about yourself
Well, I'm a farm/country girl. I practically grew up on the back of a horse and showed horses and barrel raced. I was even a rodeo queen in my younger days! I still live in the country and have four horses. My favourite sports are rodeo and horseracing. I'm happily married and have two very energetic kids who keep me hoppin'. I've been writing and working toward a successful writing career for about half of my life. I'm also a huge Dierks Bentley fan! And, since I live in Nebraska, I'm a huge Cornhuskers fan! And one quirky thing about me is I have a very large witch collection. Kind of goofy I know, but I loved the TV show Bewitched when I was growing up. As a result of that fascination with the show, my aunt bought me a cute witch when she visited Salem, MS. From there it just snowballed and grew into a collection. And btw, Elizabeth Montgomery (aka Samantha) and I share the same birth date, and she was a big horseracing fan just like me. Hmm. Okay, more than you wanted to know, I’m sure.


What do you write?
I write contemporary romances that hopefully makes people laugh a little, and drool a lot! ;-) Drool over hot heros, that is! I've also written several historicals that I haven't found a publisher for yet, and I've got a witchly paranormal in the works. I also write nonfiction magazine articles when I can squeeze it into my writing schedule.


Why do you write?
I love to tell stories. And I love to be swept away by the excitement, passion and adventure of a good romance. I also love to do research, travel and meet new people. Writing gives me an excuse to do all of those plus indulge in my love of writing.


What are you writing now?
Right now I'm starting to work on Country Fling, my second book for Ellora's Cave. It's the sequel to Cowboy Fling that was released this past May.


What kind of clothes do you like to wear?
I'm really a jeans and T-shirt kind of girl. And I love my boots and my tennis shoes.


Are you in love? Have you ever been?
Yes, with my sweet hubby. He's terrific. Very supportive and an awesome cook. I love it when he cooks. In the kitchen that is! Uh, well . . .okay, the other way isn't so bad, either. ;-)


Do you have a dream lover – and what does he look like?
Oh, boy! Harrison Ford has always done it for me---especially as Indiana Jones. Yum. He's tough, rugged, smart, adventurous, and yet he's sensitive and sexy as all get out!


What kind of comfort food do you like best?
That's an easy one. M & M's call my name a lot. In fact, too much.


What makes you laugh? Cry?
Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum novels, and Lois Greiman’s UN mystery series make laugh big time. These two authors are great at characterization and have some of the snappiest wit you’ll ever find. What makes me cry is seeing animals that are hurt or neglected and suffering. A few months ago a movie about the race horse Ruffian was on TV. Oh. My. God. I balled my eyes out. And I know it’s kind of crazy, but no matter how many times I watch Disney’s The Little Mermaid, I still cry at the end.


What do you do to amuse yourself when not working?
I love to read. Being a writer, who would have thought, eh?! I love to ride my horses, and of course, spend time with my kids and husband. I also love to scapbook all the pictures I take.


What is it in a man or woman that turns you on? The clean version please!
Actually, I find a man’s forearms and hands some of the sexiest parts of his body. So much strength there, yet if you’ve got the right guy, a lot of gentleness, too. And okay, I admit it. A well-muscled chest with a sprinkling of hair makes me drool.

What do you hate about life?
All the turmoil in the world. The fighting over the differences of opinion on religion. I wish we could just all learn to accept each other for who we are, get along and live in peace regardless of our religious beliefs. And I hate the outrageous price of gas!

What do you hope to achieve in life and when will you know that you have been a success?
Well, selling my first book was a major step on my goal ladder. Now that I've accomplished that after years of hard work, and I've since sold two more, I hope to keep writing and selling until I take my last breath. They’ll have to pry my cold, stiff hands away from the keyboard! So, I look at myself as already a success by accomplishing this much. But being able to make a comfortable living at it would be a nice perk! Also, if I can raise my kids to be kind, responsible and respectful adults who aren't afraid of hard work and chasing their own dreams, I'll be more successful than I could ever hope to be.

What are you going to write next?
As soon as I get done with Country Fling, I'll get busy on the third book in my Studs for Hire series for Black Velvet Seductions. Woman to the Rescue will be Terri Alberry’s story.


Lovely interview Sherry! We must review one of your books on here! Anne
this interview was forwarded to us by
Black Velvet Seductions!
www.blackvelvetseductions.com

Tuesday 21 August 2007


Sapphire Phelan/the Curse/Twilight Fantasies/22pgs/ebook
Rose finds herself tied to a post, a virgin sacrifice for a dragon. Not what a girl dreams about even if she is only a peasant! When the dragon carries her off to his lair, Rose is in for a surprise.

This is a short story so I can't tell you any more, except that this is a sexy romp. A bit of fun for your coffee break. Award four red roses, Morna



Sapphire Phelan/His girl/Twilight fantsies/32pgs/ebook

Amiee has been making love with her boyfriend Evan. Now she has to walk home through the woods and it gets scary. Something terrible happens to Amiee that night and she torn from the only man she will ever love. Can she find a way to reverse her dreadful fate?

I thought this story was a good one. It is sexy and fun but has more content. Award 4.5, Morna



Sapphire Phelan/Iridescent Invasion/A Lady Aibell Press/ Chippewa Publishing publication/ebook/28pgs

Kasee Adair is heading off to Coyote Buff, ready to put her divorce behind her and start over. When wild animals come close to her Kasee is nervous and feels something strange is going on. Kasee drives into town to find the sheriff and then the adventure begins.

Again this is a short story but it has a love story at its centre and I liked the twist at the end. I would like to read a longer novel by this author, but the shorts are sexy and good fun. 4.5 red roses, Anne

Monday 20 August 2007

Captain Wentworth's Diary


Captain Wentworth’s Diary by Amanda Grange

Robert Hale Publishers

223 Pages

July 2007

9780709082811



Captain Wentworth’s Diary is a fantastic re-telling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion from Captain Wentworth’s point of view which will charm and delight Austen fans the world over!



The novel opens in 1806 and dashing naval officer Frederick Wentworth is in Somerset visiting his curate brother and enjoying flirting with the misses of the county. But his world is soon rocked on its axis when he finds himself falling head over heels in love with Anne Elliot, the daughter of Sir Walter Elliot at Kellynch Hall, who is treated abominably by her family and regarded as plain by the rest of society.



But Frederick sees something in Anne that propels him to ask for her hand in marriage even though Anne is socially superior to him. Anne accepts, however, a few days later she breaks his heart when she is persuaded by her friend Lady Russell not to marry him leaving Frederick determined to forge his way in the world and to make his fortune in the navy.



But when eight years later, Frederick runs into Anne again, he realizes that his feelings for her haven’t changed, but will their past mistakes be a stumbling block for their future?



Amanda Grange is simply fabulous! Written with all the flair and grace of Austen, Captain Wentworth’s Diary is another must-read by a writer who never fails to deliver spellbinding stories which are hard to put down and impossible to forget! Award five red roses. JB

Wednesday 15 August 2007

Yorkshire


Yorkshire/Lynne Connolly/Mundania Press/ebook/paperback/ISBN1-59426-296-9/ 182pgs

This is the first of the Richard & Rose series. In this book, Rose Golightly meets Lord Strang for the first time and is immediately attracted to him, though he is already engaged to be married. In a time when manners counted for everything, it was impossible to think of a relationship between them, but despite that it happens, because they simply cannot stay apart. However, a dreadful accident occurs and people are killed, both of them members of the same family. Their deaths leave Rose’s brother the new heir to the earldom and this could arouse suspicion that it was not an accident after all. The scandal could ruin the family, but fortunately Lord Strang knows a thing or two about clearing up mysteries of this kind. Will he be able to solve the mystery and clear James of plotting to murder the men who stood between him and the title – and perhaps more importantly can they find happiness together?

You will not get all the answers in this book because we are lucky enough to have a series of these wonderful stories! Lynne Connolly is an exceptional and very talented writer. I award this book five red roses. Anne
You can buy the print version at amazon and the ebook at Mundania Press.
www.mundania.com

Return to Winter


Return to Winter by Lynette Rees
Wild Rose Press/ 178 pages/ebook




After running away from everything and everyone Stephanie is returning home. Her biggest regret was running out on Dylan without an explanation. She is looking forward to returning home even though the reasons she left still remain. She has mixed feelings about seeing Dylan again. Arriving at the airport Stephanie is expecting her friends Matt and Sandy instead it is Dylan. The last time Stephanie saw Dylan was at Matt & Sandy’s wedding. Dylan is angry with Stephanie for leaving him without a word. Driving home Dylan and Stephanie decide to stop for some coffee and to chat. Stephanie asks Dylan to tell her why he picked her up at the airport and not Matt and Sandy. Dylan explains that Sandy is pregnant and went into early labor. Stephanie is hesitant to tell Dylan anything. She is afraid it might put his life in danger. He finally convinces her to tell him what happened. Stephanie tells Dylan that she saw Lawrence Black kill someone. She last saw Lawrence at the wedding and felt she had to disappear to save her life. Dylan urges Stephanie to go the police. She says she can’t as that could make Lawrence come after her. She explains Lawrence is very dangerous and has several criminal enterprises. Dylan asks how she knows this. Stephanie admits that two years earlier she dated Lawrence. After hearing all this, Dylan refuses to take Stephanie to her apartment, as it is right across the street from Lawrence’s place. Dylan instead takes Stephanie to his hotel, which is a converted castle. Upon arrival at the hotel, Dylan is met by a blonde woman, Cassandra, who she up and kisses him when he gets out of his car. Dylan introduces Cassandra as his new manager. Stephanie realizes this is more than just an employer/employee relationship. Evidently Dylan didn’t miss her very much as he didn’t wait long to get someone else. Dylan tells Stephanie that Cassandra is his fiancĂ© and he has been engaged for many years. This hurts Stephanie terribly as she now realizes that when they were together he was engaged to someone else. Dylan realizes that it was unfair of him to spring Cassandra on her even though he had been hurt when Stephanie left. Dylan tries to explain that Cassandra and he have been going their own way for years and they had just never gotten around to breaking off the engagement. Cassandra leaves the next day to pursue her own life in London. The engagement has finally come to an end.
You will have to read it to find out what happens next!


This book has a little bit of everything. This makes for a really good romantic suspense story. If you love suspense this one is worth reading and keeps you guessing until the very end.



I give this one 4 red roses.


Larena Wirum

Monday 13 August 2007

Interview with Shawna Moore


Tell us a little about yourself

I’m a fiercely determined and focused woman who survived a birth against all medical odds. During my high school days I won various writing competitions and earned a 4.0 GPA. I also maintained a 4.0 GPA in college. For fifteen years I worked in medical offices in a variety of capacities (medical transcriptionist, billing specialist/coder, secretary, medical assistant, and office manager). Those days were quite rewarding, but since embarking on a full-time writing career I haven’t looked back. I value my spouse, family and friends above all else in life. When it comes to values and opinions, I stand by mine even if I stand alone. I’ve always chosen leading over following. I’d go to the greatest lengths to protect my friends and loved ones, meet my goals and make my fondest dreams come true.


What do you write? I enjoy writing a variety of genres and sub-genres. Currently I’m focusing on erotic romance, erotica and women’s fiction and have completed 45 manuscripts (over half of which are novel length). The first book I had published was an historical erotic romance, SAINTS AND SINNERS, and that story—set during the Jazz Age—will always remain near and dear my heart.


Why do you write? Well before I started Kindergarten, I thrived on creating enchanting fictional worlds and characters. For most of my life, I wrote lots of stories for fun. Never thought of having them published. That all changed when my mother was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer back in 1999. Eventually, with the blessing of my husband, I embarked on a writing journey that led to a full-time career. During my mother’s illness, I started writing my first romance novel—a historical. Each day I shared the pages I’d written with my mother, an avid reader of romance and women’s fiction. Writing served as a creative outlet and a catharsis for me during her illness. It also provided us many hours of discussion that focused away from the pain and reality of cancer. She passed away in February of 2001, but her spiritual presence remains with me daily, spurring me onward to plot and write more stories.


What are you writing now? I’m writing Helle’s next adventures for the follow-up to HELLE IN HEELS which was released by Ellora’s Cave earlier this year. I’m also plotting two women’s fiction novels and editing a historical erotic romance. On August 31, my next Ellora’s Cave novel, ROUGHRIDER, will be available.


What kind of clothes do you like to wear? While I always study current fashion trends, my wardrobe purchases are no longer driven by them. I adore shoes, especially sandals and sassy pumps. I’ve put away most of the stilettos but have a favorite black-patent pair I step out in occasionally. Leather and suede jackets, handbags and accessories are some of my favorites. Silk blends and cotton in yummy pastels are my picks for much of the year. In the wintertime, fleece wear is my choice. Since I’m a full-time author, I dress ultra-casual when reporting to my desk and keyboard for 8-10 or more hours at least five days a week. But I also adore formal occasions. Ever since childhood, I’ve loved spending an hour or more planning the perfect ensemble, styling my hair, etc.

Are you in love? Have you ever been? For over a decade I’ve been married to my real-life hero—the man without whom some of my dreams couldn’t have become reality.


Do you have a dream lover – and what does he look like? No dream lovers for me. My fantasies involve my husband.


What kind of comfort food do you like best? Chocolate will likely always remain at the top of my comfort food list. Other foods are ice cream, slippery pot pie, and fried chicken. When the body, mind and soul need comforting on occasion, there’s no counting calories.


What makes you laugh? Cry? Puppies, smiling babies, nibbling kisses on my neck and shoulders from hubby, soaring toward the sky while on a swing at the park, memories of times spent with my mom and dad, sharing a slice of watermelon with my hero—these are all things that make me laugh. I’m not one prone to crying. It takes something quite profound to make me cry—although I have become teary-eyed on several occasions while watching a well-written dramatic passage play out on screen. Betrayals (by people I thought were friends) and the memory of saying the final goodbye to my beloved mother are events that have driven me to tears.


What do you do to amuse yourself when not working? I enjoy coffee and lunch with friends and family. Reading. Taking long walks (great for plotting new books and shorter stories). Spending time with hubby.


What is it in a man or woman that turns you on? The clean version please! When it comes to men and the attraction factor, the eyes have it for me. Sexy eyes and a sexy smile. A deeper male voice will always keep my attention riveted. And a man must have a good sense of humor and a caring nature. Of course, we all enjoy watching a handsome man, but looks don’t play a major role in what I find appealing. Looks fade and can be deceiving. Kindness, caring, intelligence and a steady hand to hold are more lasting and far more important in garnering and maintaining my attention and respect.

What do you hate about life? That we only have a finite number of days on God’s Earth to live, laugh, accomplish our goals, etc.

What do you hope to achieve in life and when will you know that you have been a success? I hope to live until I’m 100 and still write novels. Sign 100 publishing contracts and have those stories available for readers. Reach the New York Times list at least once. Provide as much love and support for my friends and family as humanly possible.

What are you going to write next? I’ve an idea for a category-length book that’s been simmering since RWA National in Dallas. During our vacation in the Sonoran Desert before the conference, I spotted the perfect physical prototype for the book’s hero. The story’s heroine came to mind while I was preparing lunch one day about a week after we returned home. This pair promises me they were meant to have their story told, and I’m convinced they’re telling me the truth.

Wednesday 8 August 2007

The Petrakos Bride


The Petrakos Bride by Lynne Graham

Harlequin Presents

August 2007

ISBN: 9-780373-12653-8



Lynne Graham is one of Harlequin Presents’ most popular writers and in The Petrakos Bride, her captivating blend of unforgettable characters, steamy sexual tension, sizzling sex scenes and poignant romance will ensure that you will not be able to put The Petrakos Bride down.



Ten years ago, Maddie Conway used to worship the ground the gorgeous Greek tycoon Giannis Petrakos walked on. Not only was he sinfully sexy, but he lavished time, money and attention onto the charity for the mentally ill which had cared for her twin sister in her final days. Now, Maddie is working at Petrakos Industries as a lowly clerk and she cannot get Giannis out of her mind or her heart!



Giannis is intrigued by his clumsy and naĂŻve temp and he finds himself unable to resist having her as his mistress. But will Maddie want to be more to Giannis than just his partner in bed?



The Petrakos Bride is vintage Lynne Graham! Sparks fly between Giannis and Maddie and their emotional rollercoaster ride will ensure that once you start reading this book you will not want to put it down!


Sexy, spicy and romantic, The Petrakos Bride is Harlequin Presents at its spellbinding best! Four red roses. JB

Sunday 5 August 2007

Warrior Or Wife


Lyn Randal/Warrior Or wife/Harlequin Mills & boon/historical/papberback/ISBn 978-0-262-85190-8/UK £3.98/ 297 pgs

When Marcus Flavius Donatus returns to Rome after years away fighting in the wars he is told to visit the gladiatorial arena if he wishes to find Leila, the woman he seeks. There he sees a magnificent woman fighting as a gladiatrix, but only later does he discover that Leda is the woman he loves. Leila sold herself into slavery because her father threw her out. She has a secret, but even when Marcus persuades her that she should be his wife she does not tell him that the reason her father threw her out was because she was having his child. The plot has many twists and turns and the research is good, because we get a flavour of Rome and the gladiatorial arena.

This is a first novel for HMB but I believe the author has written for other publishers. She has the style of an established author and I enjoyed her book. I give five red roses for this story, Anne

J Morgan bio


J. Morgan grew up in a small town in northern Louisiana. A Fine Arts major in college J. dreamed of becoming the next Michelangelo or a comic book artist, whichever came first. It was only later in life that dreams of writing tore him away from the easel to buy a laptop and start writing. Two laptops later the stories keep flowing.
J. Morgan is happily married to fellow author Jenna Leigh. Well, happily is a relative term when it comes to who gets to read the new Dark Hunter book first. J. can be found in front of the TV pretending to write while really watching endless hours of drivel and laughing at the voices in his head who are constantly feeding him plotlines. While, the voices may not be in control yet, one day they hope to have a book deal of their own, ‘til then J. Morgan will continue to get to spend the royalty checks.

Saturday 4 August 2007

How wicked Can She Go?


J Morgan/How Wicked Can She Go?/Dark Eden Press/ebook 112pgs

Niki is a witch. She is also beautiful, lazy, loves sugar and is always trying to be wicked without succeeding. Her supervisor, Merlina, threatens to send her home if she doesn't do better and gives her an assignment. Gregory Hamilton is looking for his one true love and wants a spell to help him find it. Niki has to be wicked to him and turn him off love forever to prove her wickedness. However, when Gregory walks through her door all she can think about is getting him into bed, which turns out to be harder than it might seem. And what happens if a witch falls in love with a mortal? All this is going on while Niki is under almost permanent attack from pixies and trolls and the like - though the troll turns out to be likeable, which is unusual for a troll.

You are getting the picture? This is the most wonderful, funniest book I have read for a while and I love it. Magic and Mayhem and a witch who isn't as wicked as she would like to be plus fun scenes in the bedroom! J Morgan is a master of this art and deserves to be top of the tree when it comes to romantic comedy. I give a bouquet of red roses to this book and look forward to reading many more like it. Anne

No Place For A Lady


NO PLACE FOR A LADY/LOUISE ALLEN/Harlequin Mills & Boon Ltd/paperback
ISBN978-0-263-85187-8


September 1814.

The story begins on the Bath Road just outside of Hounslow. A race between members of the Nonesuch Club, for a bet, almost causes a crash between a stagecoach full to bursting with passengers and a drag being driven by Max Dysart, The Earl of Penrith’s young cousin. As they narrowly whip past the stage Max catches a glimpse of a strained white face battling to control the horses, the face of a woman, but it can’t be, women do not drive stagecoaches.
Miss Bree Mallory is too involved with the running of the best coaching company on the roads, The Challenge Company, to be interested in mixing with the ton, or in marriage, she has won her independence through much hard work and does not intend to give it up lightly. She is half sister to James Kendal, Viscount Farley. Her Mother, a Baron’s Daughter was once married to the Honourable Henry Kendal, the son of a viscoun; when he died she married Mr William Mallory for love, much to the disgust of her family. Edwina Mallory’s eldest son, by Henry Kendal, was on the death of her husband taken by her in-laws to raise as was befitting of their grandson. Then later Bree and her young brother Piers were born to Mr and Mrs Mallory. The connection between their older half-brother and themselves was very slight and the two Mallory’s were content to leave it that way.
Bree was indeed driving the stage coach but she had tried her best to disguise the fact that she was a woman. Bree is a very independent and capable young women ,born out of her time as young ladies of quality rarely worked outside of their homes.
Meeting Max Dysart at The Bell Inn at Hounslow where both the stage and the drag whips stopped, he realises that she indeed is a lady of quite exceptional character and gentile birth, and is instantly attracted to her. To save her reputation Max drives the stagecoach back to the Mermaid Inn, where the stagecoach company is run from, much to Bree’s disgust. She however admits that he is a capital whip, in fact her young brother’s idol.
Through out this exciting book Bree and Max have their differences - can the outcome be a happy one with two such strong characters in contention?
There is something in Max’s past which haunts him and although he falls madly in live with Miss Bree Mallory, can this story have eventually, a happy and satisfactory ending? Have fun finding all the answers. I award this book 5 roses.

Thursday 2 August 2007

Interview with JC McCabe


Tell us a little about yourself . I’m married with three grown children and a German Shepherd. And ever since I could hold a pen I wanted to write stories.





What do you write? Romantic suspense





Why do you write? Writing is a gift that I can give to people.





What are you writing now? I am finishing my first novel KILLER CAREGIVER which is a romance suspense.





What kind of clothes do you like to wear? Because I am writing full time now, I dress casually. Jeans, shorts, depending on the weather but when I go out, I like to dress for the occasion.





Are you in love? Have you ever been? Yes. I’ve been married to the same man for almost twenty-nine years. I met my husband when I was seventeen years old and married him at nineteen.





Do you have a dream lover – and what does he look like? Oh yes…I have a few dream lovers….hmm, for my stories of course! Because I try and write about real people, I make sure my characters look like real people. My character Abby is a survivor of a sadist attack so she has scars. I guess if you’re living in the fire you have to look like you’re living in the fire.





What kind of comfort food do you like best? I love sweets but I am a vegetarian so I don’t overdose on sweets. Everything in moderation but I certainly will not snub a caramel chocolate bar or Reese’

Chocolate bar etc. etc. etc.





What makes you laugh? Cry? A great comedy show. Old reruns of I love Lucy. Suffering people make me cry. Those that have been abused. Sick children.





What do you do to amuse yourself when not working? I love to read. Exercise. I am most at ease when I am working out.





What is it in a man or woman that turns you on? The clean version please! A man who takes care of himself, is handsome but not because he has perfect features or a perfect body but a perfect heart. That's hot to me.



What do you hate about life? It isn't life I hate but what destroys it is what I hate. I hate what happened on 9-11and what has resulted from that tragedy.



What do you hope to achieve in life and when will you know that you have been a success? I think helping someone in need is an achievement. I try and help people everyday. This is a great feeling to know that I helped someone through a difficult time or watered someone's flowers, cared for someone who was sick. This is a great feeling to me. Fills me with great satisfaction. I will know I've been a success when God says "Good work, my good and faithful servant, come home." Oh and I'd like to see my novel Killer Caregiver a movie. I see it now everyday but no one else has yet....there's time....



What are you going to write next? Right at this time two ideas I have are kick boxing each other so I suppose whatever one wins, I'll write it. But these two plots are not even close knocking themselves out. No white flags here either....