Tilly'sStory

June Francis/ Tilly’s Story/ Allison and Busby/ ISBN 987-0-7490-7992-5/ HB £19.99 /446 pages.

This is the third in a series set in Chester and Liverpool by the much loved saga writer June Francis. Those who have read previous books will know that Tilly is Alice’s youngest sister and that she sacrificed a lot to bring her sister up after their mother died and their father went off. The first two books in the trilogy were exciting and compelling but I really feel that Francis has excelled herself this time.

This story tells of Tilly growing up and standing on her own two feet against her sister’s wishes and the resulting coolness between them. We cannot help but admire Tilly’s determination to find work to support herself while she learns to become a writer. Her job in an office is short lived but she has found a decent home with Wendy and her mother over a newspaper shop. Meeting the people that come into the shop, Tilly finds work helping a private detective and also helping Eudora Black’s charity. Alice has never liked or trusted Eudora for reasons of her own, and she can never forgive her father for the way he treated his family, despite knowing that it was his illness that caused his behaviour. Tilly’s determination to see both her father and Eudora bring more grief to Alice.

This is a story of friendship and family life with a thread of mystery and danger running through the book to spice it up. If you enjoy stories that carry on down the years you will find this easy to follow and very enjoyable. Tilly is a warm and lovable character and Francis’ research of the period is as always unimpeachable.

You can never go wrong with this author because you always get what you expect. Five red roses. Linda Sole

Whispering Lake

Whispering Lake by Jessica Coulter Smith

Publisher: Hearts on Fire Books/ebook


Cassie has the ability to see, touch and talk to ghosts. Most of the time, people make her feel like a freak for having the ability to do so. Matt is her best friend for the last 5 years. Cassie adores Matt. He knows about her ability but has never made her feel different because of it. Cassie would love to have a chance to have a relationship with Matt but knows it will never be possible. Matt died more than 50 years ago and is a ghost.

Cassie is going on a mini vacation with her friends. She never expects to meet anyone who will be able to change her mind about Matt, until she meets Cole. Cole doesn’t have any misgivings with Cassie’s ability and completely accepts her for the person she is. Cole has his own secrets, which allow him to believe in Cassie.

Cole thinks he has found the woman that he can spend the rest of his life with, the one that lights a fire in him and an interest that he hasn’t felt since his last serious girlfriend. Now he has to decide if she is really the one for him.

Cassie’s friend Kari is also interested in Cole and she is willing to do anything she has too to get what she wants. Kari doesn’t like that Cassie is getting all the attention. Kari has always gotten the attention of the guys and doesn’t feel it is fair that Cassie is getting some of that attention now. How far is Kari willing to go to get Cole?

Now to complicate matters with Cole, Cassie’s getting her wish about Matt. Just when she thought she had problems with Kari when it came to Cole it is nothing compared to what Kari tries to do when going after Matt. Cassie is going to have to decide what she really wants either Matt or Cole. Cassie needs to decide just how far she is willing to go to get Kari to stop causing all these difficulties and not create any more problems. Cassie is going to have to keep her wits about her to overcome all the problems she is facing.


Werewolves, witches and ghosts oh, my. This one has all that and suspense that will keep you guessing just where this one will end up. It is an interesting book to read as it is hard to put down. You will be glued to your seat until the very end.


I give this one 4 red roses

Melinda Hammond/Moonshadows/Samhain Publishers/ebook/221 pages

It is 1746 and Sarah is making her first appearance at court with her husband. Everything is frightening and new, and the people are strangers, seemingly disapproving. Her husband leaves to fetch her a drink and Sarah steps on a gentleman’s foot. He is friendly and talks to her, telling her about a woman who is the King’s mistress. Her husband returns and is displeased to find her in the company of the Earl of Cordeaux, a wealthy man who apparently imagines he can ride roughshod over everyone.

Jez wakes up in the modern world to find Harry sitting beside her bed. It is time to get up and go to work. At work everything goes wrong and when Jez upsets the intray, a man picks up the bits for her. Jez doesn’t remember her dream of 1746 but the reader will, and because the name of the handsome man is Piers Cordeaux we begin to understand and the link is made. It is at this point that we realise Sarah and Jez’s stories will interlink and perhaps follow a similar path. As the earl tries to seduce Sarah and Piers seems to pursue Jez, both of whom try to resist because they are already married or committed, the reader is treated to a dark and delightful tale in both modern and olden times. But are Sarah and Jez two people or two halves of the same spirit?

This is an intriguing story, mixing the lives of two believable women. It makes for compelling reading and is beautifully told. The end is haunting and wholly satisfying. A book I thoroughly enjoyed! 4.5 red roses. Linda Sole

Cheyenne and Her Prince charming

Cheyenne and Her Prince Charming by Linda Lattimer/ebook/Lyrical Press


Cheyenne Maddison is a lawyer that likes to help people, usually women that are in need of help and someone that will fight battles for them. Women that are trying to get away from abusive husbands but don’t have the money to do so. Cheyenne helps them to get what they need.

Trey Mitchell spent one night in Las Vegas and woke up to a whole lot of trouble. Not remembering what happened and feeling like he was tricked he finds himself married. Not knowing what else to do he goes to the city his wife lives in which is LA. Trey is hoping to hire an attorney to help straighten out the mess his life has suddenly become.

Cheyenne never believed in love at first sight but once she sets eyes on Trey she is rapidly changing her opinion. Now she just has to help him with his problem and find out the truth about his marriage. When she finds the truth she just might be able to have a life of her own without having to continue putting her life on hold for everyone else. She just might be able to have the happiness in life that she is hoping for. With a little help from her assistants, Helen and Roger they just might be able to straighten out Trey’s life. They might be able to also get Cheyenne’s sister the help she needs so that Cheyenne will finally have a life of her own and the one she has always dreamed of.

When shocking facts come to light Cheyenne finds that things are not as she believed them to be and that when you really love someone then they are worth fighting for.


This is a really heart warming story. It is a modern twist on some fairy tales that make this one fun to read. It will have you laughing and rooting for both Cheyenne and Trey. It will also have to you turning the pages to see what happens next.


I give this one 4 red roses

Megan

Megan/Carole Llewellyn/Robert Hale /HB/ £18.99 224 pages

Megan has to leave her home in Wales and her family to enter service. At first she is unhappy, mostly because of her spiteful cousin Lizzie. Megan doesn't mind the work and the servants are friendly, but she is shown unwanted attention by Harold, the younger son of Mrs Fothergill. Robert Fothergill rescues her once but Harold rapes her at the second attempt. Unwilling to cause a scandal, Megan returns to Wales after her father dies. Misfortune seems to haunt her and her family and it is only after several years that this compelling story turns full circle.

A good, believable tale that makes the reader want to continue to the end. Four red roses, Morna

Captive Angel

Wendy Stone/Captive Angel/Eternal press/ebook 188 pages

Angela Carter wakes up to total darkness and to her horror realises that she is in a satin-lined coffin. What has happened to her? She is a doctor and understands she has been drugged but why and by whom? Is she to be raped or murdered? angel, as her mother used to call her, has been captured because someone needs her help and unless she does what he wants she may die at the hands of a coarse brute. These desperate men have been torturing a man for information he refuses to give and seems close to death. Can Angel help him and what will happen to them both if she does? It is inveitable that in such close confinement they should be drawn together, experiencing mutual desire, but can they escape - and can there ever be a future for them?

This is a sensual, exciting and hard hitting story with the promise of others to follow. A must read! 4.5 red rose, Morna

Trial By Fire

Trial By fire/ Anne Ireland/Eternal Press/ebook (long)

Ally Matthews, recently widowed and suffering the tragic loss of her child, rents a cottage in the English, Cambridgeshire countryside for the Christmas season. Her brother will soon be joining her for the festivities, but whilst alone in the cottage, Ally hears whispers and laughter, leading her to speculatively question her imagination. Neighbour, Brian Forrester, who owns most of the land and knowledgeable about its history, is also on hand assisting Ally in unravelling a few unexpected mysteries, events and encounters.Whilst constructing the story, Ally’s new novel takes on a life of its own where the past and present are uncannily intermingling in mysteries of the paranormal, witnessing her dreams unfolding in the novel.

Drenched in emotions, intrigue, rivalry, jealousy, bitter revenge, death and more, Trial By Fire will fail to disappoint and certainly leave readers with much to ponder on.Reviewed by Delores four red roses

Christmas Awards Winners

I am happy to announce that the winner of the main award this year is Pamela Kavanagh for The Touchstone. Publisher Robert Hale Ltd. Congratulations to Pamela! It was a close run thing but in the end The Touchstone was a clear winner.

Pamela will be receiving a small gift from Red Roses For Authors to mark her popular win. So many people told me what a lovely book it was and I am delighted by the response to the voting this year.

The winner for the short award is the ever popular Sloane Taylor for her book French Twist. Publisher Eternal Press. Congratulations to Sloane for producing consistently good books. Sloane will also receive a small gift to mark her win.

I shall be informing the publishers of these wins and I shall need an address to send the gifts to the winners.

Also, one voter will be asked to choose an ebook of their choice as a thank you for sending in the votes.

Reviews will resume in the next few days. Happy Christmas to all our authors. Every author reviewed here is a winner in our eyes!

CHRISTMAS AWARDS

CHRISTMAS AWARDS 2008

Our reviewers have chosen some of their favourite books of the year. Readers can nominate the books they liked best from the list below and email in to vote for them. You have until midnight December 1st to get your vote in for your favourite!

The author of the book that receives the most votes will receive a small gift from Red Roses For Authors. There are two awards, one for longer books and one for short.
One email voter will receive the prize of an ebook.

Please send your emails to
indsole@yahoo.co.uk

The nominees for the main award are:

A Dangerous Charade by Anne Barbour/publisher Robert Hale
Adam Loveday by Kate Tremayne/publisher Headline
Mis Staked by J Morgan/publisher Champagne Books
Hide and Seek by Sandra Wilson /publisher Robert Hale
Infidelity by Debbie Gould/ publisher Red Rose Publishing
Witch’s Heart/Tabitha Shay/ publisher Eternal Press
The Touchstone by Pamela Kavanagh/publisher Robert Hale
The Dangerous Mr Ryder by Louise Allen/ publisher Mills & Boon
Before The Storm by Judith Lennox /publisher Headline
The King’s Daughter by MC Halliday/ publisher Samhain
The Paradise Will by Elizabeth Hanbury/ publisher Robert Hale
Dragon’s Heat by Missy Lyons/ publisher
In The Arms Of Danger by Jadyn Chelcee/publisher Eternal Press
Cassie’s Sheikh by Linda Sole/publisher Red Rose Publishing

The nominees for the short award are:

Dreams of Destiny by Taylor Kincaid/ Red Rose Publishing
Eleven Hour Fall by Robert Appleton/Eternal Press
French Twist by Sloane Taylor/ Eternal Press
One Night at the office by Raven Starr/Red Rose Publishing
Wicked Temptations by Tambra Kendall/ Whiskey Creek Press
Bound by Magic by Amanda Cummings Red Rose Publishing

Vote for your favourites!

Psychic Passions

Ally Robertson/ Psychic Passions/Eternal Press/ebook/189 pages
This book opens with a beautiful, sensual dream. Caprice has abandoned her turbulent marriage for freedom but she hadn’t bargained for the silence and loneliness it brought. She now shares a studio with three other artists – one of who is a blue-eyed god, a man who reminds her of a famous painting. She begins to dream of him, to become obsessed by her dreams. Cassidy seems to empathise with her but he has deep-seated problems. When Caprice is involved in an accident, Cassidy reads her unsent letters to him and begins to understand her deepest feelings. Cassidy makes a supreme sacrifice to save her life and they are clearly connected. Danger and suffering lies ahead but can they overcome it to find happiness?

This is a deeply emotional and very sensual book that grips the reader from page one. 4.5 red roses, Morna

Lover's Vows

LOVERS’ VOWS
BY
JOAN SMITH.
PUBLISHED BY ROBERT HALE LONDON.
ISBN978-0-7090-7390-9.





This Regency romance is somewhat different from the normal line of this genre.
Lord Dewar, who is the infrequent visitor to his Ancestral home, St Alton’s Abbey which was situated in Harknell in the heart of Kent, surprised everyone including his eccentric mother, by a sudden unannounced visit to his Seat.

It had been two years since his last visit and Miss Holly McCormack had not even missed him, but was quick to relay to him the fact that she considered him very remiss in his duty to his dependants in the village, when she did see him. She was mainly interested in the local orphanage, which Lord Dewar supported, albeit rather sadly according to her reckoning. Holly McCormick herself reliant on the charity of her Uncle and his family, worked hard on supporting this particular charity. The local vicar who ran the orphanage, thought her eminently suitable to be his wife, but he was not in too much of a hurry to ask her. He told her that he would ask Lord Dewar for a donation for the orphanage to do very necessary repairs to the home. Holly decided that she would give Lord Dewar a list of the things she deemed he should attend to before he went back to London, herself. His visits were usually short but this time it seemed he had no desire to rush away in fact he decided to stage a play in the Abbey and intended to enlist the help of the entire village to do this. This course of action was a surprise to Holly and to many others in the village. Holly considered that he had many other duties, which should come before his play acting and told him so.

The play, which Dewar had decided on, was Romeo and Juliet and soon the whole village was drawn into the excitement, except Holly, who at first refused to have anything to do with the presentation, but was later unwillingly seconded into the play by Lord Dewar.

What was to happen during the time Lord Dewar was so engrossed in his presentation was a complete surprise to everyone including Holly herself. She was courted by a rich friend of Dewar who had come down from London to help with the play. Sir Swithen who had ties to the London theatre and was well respected fell in love with Holly and determined to make her his wife. She was amused by his attentions, but had no intention to marry him. But was thrown together with him at every opportunity by Lord Dewar.

But is this to be Holly’s fate? Can she really marry this dandified fellow and why has Lord Dewar decided to prolong his stay, will the Vicar eventually ask Holly to marry him and would she accept him anyway? Read this unusual book and follow it’s twists and turns it will keep you well amused, especially in this dreadful weather. I award this book 4 red Roses. AS.

Witch's Moon

Witch’s Moon by Tabitha Sha

Eternal Press/ebook


Princess Kali and Capitan of the Guard Koran T have been denying their feelings for each other for a long time now. Trouble is brewing and the King has ordered Koran T to protect his daughter at all costs and remove her to a place that no one will ever know where they have gone. Ordered not to return until the king beckons, Koran will do everything in his power to protect Kali. Now if he could just get her to cooperate his job would be much easier.

Kali cannot believe that Koran T has removed her from school and taken her away. At first believing that he has lost his mind, she is determined to thwart him every chance she gets.

There is more trouble for them than anyone at first imagined. Just when they think they are somewhere safe, Kali is kidnapped by another enemy. Koran T has to rescue the princess before he can tell her how he really feels, but knowing there are things in his past that most do not know he fears how she will react.

While recovering from an attack Kali finds out what Koran has desperately tried to hide all his life. Now Kali understands why he has done what he has done and also why he has always felt he was never good enough for her.

With them both being witches, once they have bonded their relationship has become permanent and nothing and no one will stop them from being together, but to be able to return home they must overcome obstacles that are standing in their way. Neither one knows what is happening at home. They understand that they must get back there before the trouble that was brewing overflows and destroys everyone. All will be needed to overcome the evil that is coming. Kali, Koran and their friends and family will have to come together to fight the battle that is headed their way.


This is the third book in the Witches of Salem series. The story was very fast paced. It was a lot of fun to read. You never knew what was going to happen next. I loved the emotional ups and downs. This is one not to miss.


I give this one 4 red roses. Larena

Red Rosas

Stacy Coverstone/Red Rosas/Eternal Press/24 pages

Thrown off the ranch for allegedly seducing her employer – Carlotta’s – son, Teresa has nowhere to go but the streets. However, Quentin rescues her from attempted rape and takes her to a friend’s house. What happens when they return to the range is violent and strange, and will haunt Carlotta for the rest of her life.

This was an enjoyable psychic story. Four red roses. Morna

Photo Op

Sloane Taylor/Photo Op/Aspen Mountain Press/ebook/51 pages
Emily Peters has had her share of being the intrepid traveller in the cause of getting those all-important photographs. Now she is in Paris and it is time to relax and spoil herself a little. She was forty years old, uninterested in either marriage or children, and she had promised herself the chance to take a cooking course from her favourite chef. However, the surprise invitation to the infamous S&G club was very exciting indeed!

Wonderful food wasn’t the only thing on offer that night. The rich and famous had come out to play and so had Nicholas Caine. He was intent on making beautiful music with the famous photographer he had wanted to know better for years – but who is going to get the biggest shock by the end of the night?

There is pathos and hurt uncovered and I am hoping these two will get together again in further books. Once again Sloane Taylor mixes humour and sex into a delicious blend of gourmet delight. Five red roses. Morna

Four brilliant new books from Robert Hale

The Paradise Will by Elizabeth Hanbury
Robert Hale
Regency
May 2008
9780709085492
£18.99

Elizabeth Hanbury’s debut novel, The Paradise Will, is a gorgeous Regency romance that would make Georgette Heyer proud!

Miss Alyssa Paradise has inherited her late uncle’s property in Dorset – much to the chagrin of her foppish cousin! Although many doubt whether a mere unmarried lady could possibly manage such a large estate, Alyssa is determined to prove her doubters wrong – especially Sir Giles Maxton!

Giles Maxton was a good friend of her uncle’s who had been hoping to purchase her uncle’s land in order to expand his already impressive estate. Giles is furious that his plans have been thwarthed because of this mere chit of a girl. Such a grand estate needs a man like him in order to thrive and flourish and Giles is determined to obtain what is rightfully his.

As luck would have it, one of the provisos of the will stated that once a month Giles and Alyssa have to dine together. Giles is determined to use this as an opportunity to get his hands on the estate – despite Alyssa’s fury that she would have to spend time with this insufferable man! Alyssa was initially apalled as she couldn’t for one second think of anything which she might have in common with Giles. But when the two start spending more and more time together, Alyssa immediately realizes that beneath the brusque, taciturn and arrogant façade lurks a heart of gold.

But as they are both promised to other people, can they ever have a chance of spending their future together?

The Paradise Will is a joy to read! It’s hard to believe that this accomplished Regency novel is Elizabeth Hanbury’s first book! Funny, tender, evocative, atmospheric and brimming with plenty of charm, Elizabeth Hanbury is a name historical romance readers would do well to remember!

The Touchstone by Pamela Kavanagh
Robert Hale Publishers
Contemporary/Paranormal
May 2008
9780709084679
£18.99

Pamela Kavanagh’s latest novel is a cross between Maeve Binchy and Barbara Erskine. A fascinating contemporary tale of romance, friendship, secrets, relationships and the paranormal, The Touchstone is the exciting second novel from this talented writer.

Rissa Birch got the shock of her life when on her deathbed her mother announced that the man she thought was her father was not her biological parent. Determined to find out the truth about her parentage, Rissa decided to head to a small town in West Wales, where she hopes to find enough evidence to substantiate the lead which she found in her mother’s personal belongings.

On her arrival, Rissa encounters Catrin Jenkins, a young woman who appears to have a charmed life: she has the job of her dreams, parents who love her, good friends and a gorgeous fiance. But as the two women become close friends, Rissa realizes that Catrin is not as happy as she is making out to be.
Catrin begins to wonder whether she is doing the right thing in marrying her fiance Will. As the years have progressed, Catrin’s feelings for Will have been more fraternal than romantic – and she’s finding herself unable to stop thinking about the gorgeous architect Ewan.

But the two girls are soon united by distrubing dreams which could put their lives in jeopardy. As their dreams escalate and their fears increase, Rissa and Catrin realize that they must unite in solving this mystery – or else risk losing everything!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Touchstone! Warm, spellbinding and captivating, I can’t wait to read more novels by this wonderful writer!

The Meticulous Messenger by Wendy Burdess
Robert Hale Publishers
Historical Romance
May 2008
9780709085423
£18.99

The Meticulous Messenger is a fabulous romantic mystery from the author of The Unaccomplished Lady Eleanor!

When Wilhelmina Crump and her cousin Lavinia where sent off to France in order to find a suitable husband, little did they realize that danger was just around the corner. With the French Revolution in full swing and cries of revenge ringing in their ears, the girls realize that they must cut short their visit or else risk falling victim to the braying mob of angry peasants out for their blood!

But just before they leave France, Wilhelmina’s guardian hands her a letter addressed to someone mysteriously known as “The Stag”. Wilhelmina is suitably alarmed. Who is “The Stag”? Why has she been chosen to be the one to deliver this letter to him? And why do mysterious letters addressed to this person keeping coming into her possession?

Just when she thinks that things cannot possibly get any worse for her, Wilhelmina is shocked when she finds herself being pursued by the handsome Duke of Linthorpe and the enigmatic Earl of Thurlston. What is it that they want from her? Are they in any way connected to “The Stag”
As her cousin’s life is thrown into jeopardy, Wilhelmina realizes that she’d better find some answers – or else risk losing everything which she holds dear to her…

Imbued with plenty of intrigue, mystery and romance, The Meticulous Messenger is a beguiling historical romance you will find yourself unable to put down. Written with plenty of skill, flair and charm, The Meticulous Messenger is another triumph for Wendy Burdess!

Abigal’s Secret by Roberta Grieve
Robert Hale Publishers
Saga
May 2008
9780709085522
£18.99

Abigail’s Secret is an engrossing and engaging wartime saga from a talented new writer: Roberta Grieve.

Abby Cookson’s life is one of constant pain, hardship and drudgery. She lives in a derelict house with her father, Wally, a violent drunkard who delights in frightening his daughter, who has never got over the cruel abandoment of her mother when she was a mere child. Abby dreams of leaving her father behind and of starting afresh elsewhere, but guilt keeps her a prisoner in her father’s house.

Respite for Abby comes when she meets a handsome sailor called Joe. The nephew of the local milkman, Abby soon begins to find herself drawn to the charismatic young man, who wastes no time in telling her how he feels about her.
For once in her life, Abby is truly happy and when she gets a job at a local department’s store, her happiness is complete. But when her respectable employer rapes her and leaves her pregnant, Abby realizes that she must leave Joe, her friends and everything that is familiar to her and start afresh somewhere else.

Joe is heartbroken when he finds out that Abby has left town. Having falling passionately in love with her, he’s determined to find her and show her how much she means to him. But with dark clouds of war gathering around them, will Joe and Abby ever find their way back to one another?

A heatwarming tale of passion, revenge, tragedy, survival and romance, Abigail’s Secret is a brilliant debut novel by a fantastic new writer of historical sagas.

All these lovely Regency Romances are awarded 4.5 red roses!

Colonel Brandon's Diary

COLONEL BRANDON’S DIARY
BY
AMANDA GRANGE
PUBLISHED BY ROBERT HALE LONDON.
ISBN 978-0-7090-8616-1.





This book, written in the form of a diary by Colonel James Brandon, a main character from the well loved book, ‘Sense and Sensibility’ by Jane Austin, gives an insight into his personal life from the age of eighteen years.

James Brandon, the younger of two sons, knows that he will have to make his way in the world after he finishes his studies at Oxford and intends to become a Lawyer.

His elder brother Harry is a drunkard and a womaniser but their father can see no wrong in him, in fact Harry’s behaviour seems to amuse their father, who will eventually inherit Delaford the family home and will also marry their father’s ward Eliza, who is a considerable heiress.

James and Eliza are secretly very much in love and plan to marry as soon as James can afford to take a wife. They are heartbroken when they learn that the engagement between Eliza and Harry is to be announced, against Eliza’s will, at a forthcoming ball their father is to hold for all of their neighbours. They are devastated with this terrible threat and so they plan to elope the very next day. Unfortunately, their plans are betrayed to James’s father, by a young maid and James is sent away at once by his father, to stay with his aunt and he is told that he may not return until Eliza and Harry are married.

A few days after he arrives at his aunt’s Castle James learns that Harry and Eliza are married and because of this his father allows him to go back to Delaford. James cannot bear to be at Delaford with the love of his life married to his brother. A marriage in which he is sure she will be miserable. He could not bear to be at his home where everything about him reminds him of his lost love. He leaves immediately for London on the way he stops for refreshments at The Black Swann Inn. There he meets an old friend who is travelling with his uncle, learning of James troubles the uncle advises him to become a soldier. The idea appeals to James and he eventually buys a commission and is sent to the Indies.

While in the Indies James’s Father dies and Harry inherits Delaford, he hopes that Eliza is happy and that Harry is taking care of her.

Two years later his sister Caroline writes to say that Eliza has left her husband and is now divorced and ruined. James longs to go to Eliza but it is not until the end of the year that he is able to go back to England to search for her. There are many trials before James finds Eliza. It is not the meeting he had hoped for, for she is desperately ill. James takes her from the debtor’s prison where she has been for some time and finds a home for her and waits for the inevitable, showing her love and kindness until the end. Believing that his life is also over he makes

arrangements for the welfare of Eliza’s daughter.

If you have read the original book you will know how the story progresses from here, the heart- aches and the pain, which he writes in his diary giving all of the details of his life over the next few years. Reading the diary we learn more of Brandon’s hopes and fears his pain and sometimes his joy. The ending we all know, but we live it with him through his writings in his diary, sharing his inner hopes and fears. This book is well worth reading and I award it .4 Red Roses.AS

French Kiss

Straight-laced children's author, Rachel Conklin, awakens on a deserted island wrapped in the arms of a sexy pirate. Convinced she's in a dream conjured from the pages of her breakout novel, Rachel casts her inhibitions to the wind and rides the waves of passion. Pediatrician Henri Bernier wasn't quite sure what to do with the sexy mermaid he'd pulled from the sea. Then she started kissing him and sent his libido soaring. Now the good doctor is ready for anything. (Published: 2008)

available from

http://www.eternalpress.ca/

www.fictionwise.com

This is the latest in Sloane Taylor's funny, sexy series of the Naughty Ladies Of Nice. We hope to have a review for Sloane's latest book here soon!

Interview With Kristin Battestella

Kristin Battestella
Questions for Red Roses For Authors/Reviews /Interview
Tell us a little about yourself
What do you write?
A writer is supposed to specialize, isn’t she? Niche, genre? I write whatever strikes me, although what strikes me tends to be horror, dark fantasy, science fiction, and a touch of mystery. I’m a non fic gal as well; newspaper work, reviews, essays. Truly if I have something to say, I write it generally before I say it!

Why do you write?
I write to express myself. I have something to say that I hope informs, inspires, and entertains others. It’s my way of sharing who I am, along with something special and fantastical. If I don’t write I feel strange. It’s like a phantom limb. Writing is always with me. When I drive, I think of good things, the shower. Writing and inspiration are everywhere.

What are you writing now?
I’m dabbling with another dark fantasy. I don’t want to say too much. It’s a bit experimental and out there for me. I’ve always been going back and forth with a horror short called The Haberdasher. I’ve collaborating with my fellow NJ author Leigh Wood, and I’m doing some more naughty material under a pen name.

What kind of clothes do you like to wear?
I don’t think I’m goth, but other people seem to think I am. I’m not a vampire but I wear a lot of black. I haven’t been well the past few months, so its comfortable black gear, as opposed to my usual button down shirts and dress pants and high boots. Jeans and jerseys are my weekend wear, and I adore days when I don’t have to get out of my pajamas.

Are you in love? Have you ever been?
Yes and Yes! I just got married actually. You must love someone to up and move your whole life somewhere else for someone. Meeting my husband has also affected my writing. I write with more emotion and romance and relationships and sex scenes than I did before. No wonder.
Do you have a dream lover – and what does he or she look like?
My husband would say it’s Sean Bean. He’d probably be right. ;0)

What kind of comfort food do you like best?
I don’t know that I have one particular comfort food. Sometimes I want to eat at 3 am and by golly I eat whatever’s available! I’ve been into pistachio recently. Pistachio pudding, ice cream. I love Spumoni.

What makes you laugh? Cry?
I tend to be a bit heartless and laugh at some of the stupid things my family does. I’ve been watching The Office recently. I think I prefer intelligent comedy over slapstick or teen romps. If I’m on an emotional kick, I’ll cry over the silliest thing. I think it takes a lot for me to flat out ball my eyes out, but my lips tremble over the sight of anything inspiration or pretty. I was quivering in the store picking out a birthday card for my dad.

What do you do to amuse yourself when not working?
It’s still working a bit, good practice, but I love doing movie reviews and making screen captures. I enjoy analysis shows, often to the point that family won’t want to watch a show with me. I like to yell back at the TV some of the onscreen absurdities. Often I end up with the record player on, and I sing in the kitchen while I cook. No, I can’t sing!


What is it in a man or woman that turns you on? The clean version please!
Hmm…I like a man who is intelligent and confident in himself, able to protect manly man! Yet there must be comfort and compassion. Adorableness helps, of course. Can’t be more specific and be clean. I do think attraction is relative.

What do you hate about life?
I don’t like that good guys seem to get the shaft. We seem to be on a downslide where nobody is winning. I like it when things are good, opportunities can be made for the better.
What do you hope to achieve in life and when will you know that you have been a success?
I’d like to see I won’t think of achievement and success until I’m on my deathbed appreciating things, but yes, I practice my Oscar speech in the mirror, who doesn’t? I’d like to be financially success enough to live freely of course, but I would like to think I can achieve that without stepping on the little guy, changing who I am, or losing my writing worth in the process. I want to be successfully honestly, can it be?
What are you going to write next?
I will finish The Haberdasher! I often plan which stories I will work on or go back to, like my space opera The Centaurians. The Vampire Family also calls for a sequel. You have to go where the writing takes you. Three years ago I never thought I’d be writing naughty scary bits and collaborating with an erotica author. It can happen!

Elemental Crossing

Elemental Crossing/Robert Appleton/Eternal Press/ebook/68pages
Marooned on Kratos with the man of her dreams, Kate isn’t always happy to go along with Jason’s wild schemes. Yet they have to find a place where they can survive in this hostile environment while they wait to see if a spaceship will come to rescue them.
Once again in this second book Kate and Jason are confronted by strange creatures. Some are friendly, some are dangerous, some are simply food – and some are poisonous to eat. How can they tell the difference? Kate falls ill and in a terrifying electric storm caused by an unidentified creature, Kate and Jason are separated. Each has to journey on alone to find a place to survive neither knowing if the other has survived. Will they survive and find happiness?
The second book in this fascinating sci-fi thriller series is as good as the first. Five red roses, Linda

The Cloisonne Locket

THE CLOISONNE LOCKET
BY
BARBARA HAZARD.
PUBLISHED BY ROBERT HALE LONDON.
ISBN 978-0-7090-8462-4




Miss Rosemary Barton orphaned at the age of ten years has been raised since that time by her Father’s sister, Mrs Mary Fleming. Mrs Fleming having a daughter Eleanor, just two years older than Rosemary and a son Henry of twenty two. They had been raised as brother and sisters. But now it was time that the girls were looking for husbands and although the Fleming’s did not intend to give the girls a London season, they would be making their debut in their local society in Kent. They also intended to have a small ball for them, during their season.

Rosemary, whose mother was Spanish, had a rare beauty with deep blue eyes, luxurious black hair and a slightly darker complexion than her cousin. This exotic sensuous beauty would put Eleanor completely in the shade, LadyAgatha Williams who was an old friend of Mrs Flemming and was at the moment was visiting the family, pointed out. Mrs Fleming, who had never considered her niece a beauty because of her darker complexion and hair colouring, preferred the pale complexion, and fairer hair which her daughter had of a typical English rose. Having had this difference in the girls pointed out to her and also being told by her childhood friend that every man who came in contact with Rosemary could not take their eyes off of her, this included the Vicar. Mrs Fleming was horrified and began watching her niece carefully. She realised that the attraction, which men felt towards her niece, was not encouraged at all by Rosemary who was completely unaware of her beauty and obvious sensuality.

Lady Agatha Williams secretly thought it would be a terrible shame if Rosemary was not allowed to blossom, with a London season. She asked if there was no one who could take responsibility for Rosemary so that both girls could have their season, but apart. Mary Flemming thought hard and long about the difficulties ahead if Rosemary and Eleanor were brought out together and at last came up with what she hoped could be a solution. A distant cousin, who was a known recluse and had no children of her own, may be persuaded to take Rosemary on. Rosemary being a considerable heiress would not be a pull on her purse strings and she was a well-mannered biddable girl who would be no trouble to the cousin. Mary Flemming wrote at once to Lady Emily Cranston.

Rosemary travelled to London with Lady Agatha Williams and her maid. Lady Agatha, had formed an affection for Rosemary and had she not been about to leave the country with her Diplomat husband, she would herself have delighted in giving Rosemary her London season. However she decided that she would see the girl was well established in the ton, in the short time that she could be with her, before leaving England.

The shock that Rosemary felt when they stopped outside of the tall forbidding house, she was now to call home, was no less than Lady Agatha felt as she accompanied the young girl into the dark and unwelcoming town house in Berkley Square.

Lady Emily Cranston was not at all welcoming and spoke very little to either Rosemary or Lady Agatha and after a very short interview said abruptly that Rosemary would now be shown to her room and Lady Agatha the door. As she drove away Lady Agatha was very worried about Rosemary’s future and determined to help in any way she could to ensure a happy outcome for the beautiful orphan.

During her life in Berkley Square Rosemary was to be very unhappy and in some considerable danger. Why did the bad tempered Lady Emily agree to house Rosemary when she obviously disliked anyone’s company other than her dog Prinny, a great Bullmastiff, who was as unfriendly as his mistress. Why did she finger a cloisonné locket which she wore around her throat every day and why did Rosemary see a look of sheer hatred, when she unexpectedly one day, looked up at her hostess? And why did Lady Emily watch the house across the Square through a telescope? How can Rosemary possibly find the happiness she deserves in this situation and with only one friend in London, to watch over her?

This Historical Romance has a good story line and is told with flare, a book to enjoy, it will give much pleasure to lovers of this genre. I happily award this book five Red Roses and look forward to the next book from author Barbara Hazard. AS.

When you get a five red roses from this reviewer is means the book is Special! Linda

One Ring to Rule

Title: ONE RING TO RULEAuthor: Charlotte McClainGenre: Romantic ComedyPublication Date: September 2008Book Length: Short storyPrice: $2.50E-bookPublisher: www.lyricalpress.com

Delightful Rating: four red rosesA formidable editor of her own publishing company, Lindsey Cartwright is bravely coping with life, coming to terms with the sudden abandonment she had suffered at the hands of Kent Farrington four years ago. Now that Kent Farrington has suddenly come crawling back into her life, Lindsey has the unwelcoming prospect of handling such a frustrating and emotional encounter during a busy convention. What does Kent Farrington want? Why has he returned? Lindsey will have to wait and see.McClain throws in all the necessary ingredients whipping up a delicious novel, making it a delectable read.Delightfully Reviewed by Delores Airey for Red Roses For Authors.

This book is also featured at Delores Airey's one blog. Lucky author!

Featured Author

Kristin Battestella writes for her hometown newspaper in New Jersey and has been writing science fiction, fantasy, non fiction, and horror for fifteen years. She enjoys being at home with her family, collecting records, and creating web pages in her spare time. Along with various sports articles, online reviews (Kristin's review of the film 300 earned 11,000 hits and crashed the Fire Fox News server!), and fiction work, Kristin's first eBook was published in 2005. She is a member of EPIC and is very active at the Kristin Battestella Yahoo Group. Kristin's first full length work The Vampire Family has been rereleased. In addition to numerous review, interview, chat, and blog appearances, Kristin recently attended the Philadelphia and Collingswood Book Festivals.

Kristin is our featured author this week. Her book Vampire Family has been selling well at Fictionwise and was favourably reviewed at this site.

Into the Lair

Into the Lair by Maya Banks

Samhain Publishing

287 pages

Ian and Braden have made a promise to their friend, Gabe. To protect his sister, Katie. Ian and Braden also know that Katie is their best chance at catching their enemy. What they haven’t counted on is the way she makes them feel. Dealing with their shape-shifting abilities isn’t helped at all by the way Katie makes their emotions feel so exposed.

Katie has been on the run for a very long time. Gabe always told her never to trust anyone, now she finds out that he has sent Ian and Braden to protect her. At first not sure if they are on her side or the side of her enemy, never realizing that there is now a new enemy, she runs from them. She is in hot water again and has to find a way out. Luckily for her Ian and Braden are determined to keep her safe and stand between her and the danger she is in.

For the first time in her life Katie is feeling safe and finding herself trusting Ian and Braden but is she making another mistake or has she finally found where she belongs. Only time is going to tell. Hopefully she can stay alive long enough to find out the truth.

Ian and Braden are offering her the home and safety she has always sought but does she have the strength to grab hold of it and trust them to keep her safe and loved? She is going to find out just how strong she really is. Ian and Braden are finding out that they can’t use Katie as the bait they had originally planned. To do so is destroying them and their concentration of their mission.


This is a great book. I loved the story line and didn’t want to put it down until the very last page. It has all the action and romance you could hope for. You fall for the main characters and have fun with the secondary characters. When reading this one your emotions run the gambit. I hated to see this one end but I really enjoyed the way it ended.





I give this one 5 red roses

Ebony Eyes

Ebony Eyes by Kenra Mei Chailyn

Red Rose Publishing

54 pages

Lea Sharpe can’t take it anymore. Looking at the bruises in the mirror she knows they only way to survive this latest episode of abuse from her boyfriend is to get out fast. Her best friend Morgana takes one look at Lea and tells Lea it is time to pack and leave. Lea knows this will be the only chance she has so she grabs it with both hands and run as fast as she can.

Months later Lea is putting her life back together by starting her own business so that she won’t have to depend on anyone but herself. She has worked hard to make her business work and put the memories behind her. Now she knows she is on the right track.

Morgana introduces Lea to another friend, Shemar Chestnut. The attraction between the two is instantaneous and hot. Shemar takes one look at Lea’s blue eyes and blonde hair and knows he has met someone very special. Now he has to decide if she is worth going against his parents. Shemar has never gone against his parents before and he knows they would never approve of Lea unless he stands up to them.

Lea knows she can find the happiness that has eluded her in the past with Shemar but only if she can overcome her memories and he can overcome his parents. The question becomes will they have the chance they both want?


This is a very sweet short story and will give you the warm fuzzies. This one touches on some dark subjects but still keeps things light.


I give this one 3-1/2 red roses

The Duchess

Rhonda Lee/The Duchess/Eternal Press/ebook/107 pages

The Duchess is bored with her boor of a husband. He treats her as if she were nothing and she is angry when he goes off without telling her where he intends to go. Bored with her life, the Duchess decides to experiment. She taunts a poor farmer into touching her naked body and invites him to bring his wife to court, perhaps with a threesome in mind. However, the next day a handsome peasant name Gabriel arrives asking for an audience. Gabriel is a hunk but even he doesn’t satisfy the Duchess’s whims. She embarks on a series of sexual adventures, learning many new tricks, but what will happen when the Duke returns home?

This is a highly sensual book, almost entirely about sexual encounters. It ended as if a sequel was intended. The story is very definitely not a romance, which is what Red Roses For Authors is all about. However, readers who enjoy erotica will I imagine find this a must. Only for adults! I give the book four red roses but on an erotica site I think it would probably get more. Morna

Mountain's Echo

Mountain’s Echo by Debbie Gould

Red Rose Publishing

ebook / 296 pages


New Mexico present day.

Jake and Scott are doing a job when trouble starts. Scott is injured and asks Jake to call, his sister Maggie. Jake had no intention of talking to Maggie again. After what had happened 10 years earlier he didn’t want to hurt her again. Now he has no choice but to contact her and ask for help. Hopefully she will be willing to do this for her brother.

Maggie never expected the message on her answering machine. The very last person she expected to hear from again was Jake. She knows something is very wrong. When Jake tells Maggie that her brother has been shot and she is his only chance of survival she is sent into a tailspin. She is going to have to learn once again to have Jake around and the emotions that are generated with him being so near. Being a medical assistant in a private clinic, Maggie has access to the medical supplies necessary without having to answer a lot of questions for which she has no answers. Hopefully she will be in time to save her brother.

Arriving in New Mexico she finds Scott in bad shape but it appears she will be able to help. Now she just has to figure out how to deal with her feelings for Jake while her brother recovers. Maggie doesn’t want to give Jake the chance to hurt her again. She thinks she has put the past behind her and has moved on. She is finding out how very wrong she really is.

Jake realizes this is an opportunity to right the wrongs from 10 years ago, a chance he never expected to receive after his treatment of Maggie. He wants to explain to her what happened all those years ago and hopefully make it up to her and get her back in his life. The place she has always belonged. Now he just has to convince her to allow him to explain and hear him out. He is starting to realize that is not going to be as easy as he thought it would be. Jake knows he never stopped loving Maggie and he hopes that she never stopped loving him. The question becomes did he hurt her too badly to be forgiven.

Maggie finally is confronted with the truth about what happened, but she is also discovering what she has always believed isn’t true. The truth is bringing back all the old pain and adding a few twists she never expected to hear or even imagine. She is trying to find her way to forgive both Jake and Scott but is unsure how to go about doing it. Coming to grips with the fact that she will loose the people most important to her if she cannot find it in her heart to forgive them gives her the strength to forgive.

Just when she sees the happiness that she has always wanted within her grasp, trouble comes pounding on their door. Now it is a matter of survival for all of them.


This is a great book. It keeps you on your toes with all the action. The strength of Maggie is very enjoyable to see. It was interesting to see her learn exactly how strong she really is as a person. The way the story flows makes it hard to stop reading.


I give this one 4-1/2 red roses

available from www.redrosepublishing.com

A Secret Treasure

Lindsay Townsend/A Secret Treasure/Bookstrand/ebook 102 pages

Eve’s brother David is missing. So when the Governor of Rhodes Island’s henchmen call she is nervous. However, one of them seems genuinely concerned. Both David and her father are outspoken and have made their dislike of Mussolini and his fascists plain – is it possible that David is involved in something dangerous?

Julio Falcone is on holiday in Rhodes. He is an armed policeman and he has been asked to inquire into this case of a missing person. His questions disturb Eve. She is no longer sure if she can trust him. She is determined to find her brother. Her parents won’t tell her anything; annoyed and frustrated, she thinks that Falcone is following her when she goes shopping. Is he following her because he thinks she can lead him to her brother or for a different reason?

When David turns up with only a slight injury, the mystery deepens and things become more dangerous. David has a secret that could get them into big trouble. Can Eve trust Julio?

This is an exciting mystery romance that takes place during troubled times, before the Italians joined the Germans in World War 11. As usual, Townsend carries the reader with her to the finish of this story, which ends with a clever twist. Well worth reading. 4.5 red roses. Linda

A Dangerous Charade

A DANGEROUS CHARADE
ANNE BARBOUR.
Published By ROBERT HALE London.
ISBN 978-0-7090-8465-5.

This Regency Romance is set in Bath, the main character is Miss Alison Fox, who has a dark secret. She is companion to Lady Edith, Aunt to The Earl of Marchford, Alison’s sworn enemy.
Alison, to help a dear friend out of some desperate trouble, takes a false name and uses her very great skill as a card player to win money for her childhood friend Beth. Beth’s husband has stolen money to pay a dept, but the loss of the money had been discovered and he must pay it back or go to prison. Beth was desperate and begged for Alison’s help.

Unfortunately winning the money put Alison in a great deal trouble, with The Earl of Marchford’s family and he has made it known that he would punish the perpetrator, when he eventually found her.

Alison told Lady Edith of her deception and tells her the whole story. Lady Edith has deemed it was not Alison’s fault and feels that Alison should go to Marchford and tell him the real truth, but she is too afraid to face him, knowing that he has been told a very different story, which he believes, so why should he believe her, a perfect stranger?

One day Marchford arrives at his Aunts house in Bath announcing that he has come on a visit merely to spend time with his beloved Aunt. Alison is terrified and longs to run away but cannot let Lady Edith down as she has become very attached to her employer.

Unbeknown to Lady Edith, Marchford has been sent to Bath by his sister on a very different mission. His sister believes Alison Fox to be ingratiating herself into Lady Edith life, so that she will be left a large inheritance from her employer.

At first Alison is terrified that Marchford will unmask her but surprisingly they become attracted to each other. Marchford cannot trust Alison but begins to truly admire her, she is gentle, kind and efficient and his Aunt is very fond of her.

There are many incidents in this engrossing story which try both Alison’s and Marchford's tempers. Can anything possibly develop between them, will he find out it was Alison who won the money from his sister-in-law so causing so much havoc in his family, will he believe the stories spread by his sister-in-law no matter what Alison might tell him?

This is quite an involved story well told and a pleasure to read. I award this book 5 Red Roses. AS

An Improper Suitor

Monica Fairview/An Improper suitor/Robert Hale/hardback/224 £18.99
ISBN 978-0-7090-8620-8

Julia Swifton is living with her grandmother. Her mother died of a broken heart, because Julia’s father deserted her when they were young. Julia has grown up with a dislike of rakes, so when her grandmother says that she must marry within a certain time limit or she will oblige her to marry Lord Thorwynn, a noted rake, she is quite determined that nothing will induce her to do so!

However, after a brush with a most unpleasant character called Captain Neave, who is Thorwynn’s enemy, Julia is pushed into closer contact with him. Discovered in an embarrassing embrace, she expects to be the centre of scandal. Thorwynn is prepared to do the right thing and marry her, but much to their surprise not a word of scandal escapes. What is going on and is there a deeper plot here?

This is a well-paced Regency romance, fun, nicely written and sprinkled with period detail of the right sort. I liked the heroine’s style and the hero was of course delicious. One of the best Regency stories I’ve read for a while. 4.5 red roses. Linda

Love Unexpected

Love Unexpected/Gwen Morgan/Eternal Press /23 pages

This book is actually two short stories.
Sarah and Her Angel Bear is about an airhostess who has just broken up with her husband. She is going home to her sister for Christmas and her kindness to a lonely child leads to love and happiness.

Cowboy with a car seat: Jan has stolen her dead sister’s child to save her from a bullying father. When her car breaks down a cowboy comes to her rescue and perhaps the future looks brighter.

These stories are just right for a coffee break. It is nice to read happy, pleasant stories for a change. I enjoyed them both.

Four red roses, Morna

Devil's Got A New Disguise

Lexie Davis/Devil’s Got a New disguise/ebook/126 pages/Amira Press

When Tyler’s friends dared him to seduce Jasmine Winters he refused, because she was his boss’s daughter. She was the plainest woman in the room and the rules of the game meant that he had no choice but to try. Jasmine was waiting for her sister Madison. When Madison arrived she turned out to be beautiful but she had a temper and she packed a heavy punch. Tyler was about to lose his bet!

Madison thinks her sister is innocent so when she discovers Jasmine is pregnant her first thought is to blame Tyler. However, the child isn’t his and Tyler has a thing for Madison. She thinks he is a jerk but when her father offers help with her business, Tyler is given the job of promoting it. They have a love/hate relationship but there is a strong sexual attraction. The trouble is that Madison doesn’t trust men – and with good cause. Can they ever stop fighting long enough to fall in love?

This is a sharp, tough love story. If you enjoy sex and quarrels you should like this one. 4 red roses, Morna

Dragon Heat

Read this heartfelt and loving review for Dragon Heat by an avid reader and a member of our group. Your review is much appreciated Caffey

DRAGON HEAT/Red Rose Publishing/ Ebook/ by Missy Lyons, is book one in the Dragon Heat Series. Being both a historical fantasy as well as a shape shifter of dragons,this is one totally unique and captivating read!

Set in 1716 A. D. inRidgecrest City, Island Of Sky, author Missy Lyons starts with a prologue that pulls the reader right into the story and the backgroundof the heroine, Alyssa, as she is made captive, tortured and forced toturn over her father's shipping business. Feeling the emotions ofAlyssa's torture both physically and emotionally brought about a start to this book that will make you mesmerized to continue reading to know her story more. Too, the empathy for the characters and story isstrong, realistic and photographic. Each chapter may end but the need to grasp to the next chapter right away will be a guaranteed!

After close to one year from being captive and escaping the dungeons below the King's home, Alyssa has been spending her year safely within a druid group of women called Elisaid, in the Mountains ofJabar. The Elisaid are a group of druid woman that have been cursedto finding love. They stay within their home of woman and deepen their skills in magic and fighting. It's here that Alyssa heightens her fighting skills as well as attempting to improve her magic. As she is not a druid like the Elisaid women are, her attempts with magic are met mostly with failure, but Alyssa's gifts of her physicalstrength keeps her safe and enhances her gifts through the year.With rarely having any male visitors to their home of the Elisaid,Prince Xanther of the Royal House Of Sinclair, the King's son, visits the Elisaid woman in the mountains to pick two woman to serve the Kingfor one year. As Alyssa and another woman are chosen, Alyssa plans to investigate and take on a revenge to all those who took so much from her, especially those who forced her to be branded with the dragon so she could be sold to slavery and lose her father's business.

Thosewith Dragon Blood are branded with the Dragon to continue the line andthey become Life Servants to the King, as their ones are becomingextinct. With both of Alyssa's parents dead, she believes she wasbranded falsely. As the King's son, Xanther recognizes those of hisblood and is immediately gallant towards Alyssa as soon as he sees herand her dragon brand. With both Alyssa and Xanther both feeling theinstant attraction to each other, Xanther is strong in hisassertiveness of what he finds and wants of her but Alyssa tries toresist the attraction as her past reminds her of attending towards the revenge she plans on.The world building of this story is wonderfully written, both veryarresting and so well established with ease and understanding in DRAGON HEAT, that it becomes genuine. The world of DRAGON HEAT is so realistic that its felt as being transported into that time as placein the castle and lands as the story unfolds.

The intensity of Alyssaand Xanther love is one that grows and struggles through the book as Alyssa also has to confront her past and future. There will be many times for tears as well as smiles when watching their relationshipsoar reading DRAGON HEAT. Both warm and beautiful, the tension ofboth the sensuality and adventure, made for a gripping story of Alyssa and Xanther. It was truly a wonderful joy to read DRAGON HEAT by Missy Lyons. This book is a full novel and available at Red Rose Publishing. There were so many times that there was no way to put this book down with the enthralling story of the romance and drama of this book.

It is so hoped that Liam and Elsbeth, two other characters in DRAGON HEAT,would have their story told as well as the fight to solve the curse. Lady Isabelle, Mother Superior of Elisaid, the leader, having abackground with the King, makes you want to know more as how she gotto where she was. Its hoped that her story too will be told, and a truly to just to be able to re-visit this so enchanting world. Thebeauty and joy of DRAGON BLOOD by Missy Lyons, earns and deserves all the five roses.Caffey

Time Shift

Christiane France/ Time shift/Amber Quill Press, LLC. Ebook, 100 pages.

Mariette had come to France to see the real Paris – a beautiful city she has heard so much about. She wants to experience for herself what her grandfather had told her of his life here in W W l l.

When she discovers his old house has suffered a fire she is curious and asks to go inside. She has an accident and then something strange happens and the book becomes very sexual. She has walked into an orgy taking place in the eighteenth century and mention is made of the Marquis de Sade. She enjoys her encounter with Phillipe but then encounters the Marquis de Vernnay, who is too cruel for her liking.

Are her erotic encounters all in her head and can she find her way back to her own life and happiness?

This is an erotic adventure and will not suit everyone. However, If you enjoy this kind of book you will love it. It gets four red roses from me. Morna

The Fair Haired One

Rorry Lynch/the Fair-Haired One. Novella~2 of the Daughters Of The Dagda Series. Red Rose Publishing. 77 pages/ebook.

Clio, daughter of the Dagda, Lord of all living things is alone walking a beach on earth. She expects to be dragged back to exile in the underworld at any moment, but watches a threesome on a beach and then gives herself without love to a stranger. Disappointed at not finding love she becomes a seagull and flies across the ocean to a new place. She is searching for love. When she meets Connor she is drawn to him but he says that his heart is dead. Can she bring him back to life and happiness?

This is a fable about goddesses from myths and legends. It is also the story of two people searching for love. A nice story with a happy ending. 4 red roses Morna

Ransom Love

Ransom Love by Rita Karnopp

Eternal Press/ ebook

1868 Montana Territory

Jennie has spent the last four years surviving among the Blackfeet Indians. Taken as a young girl, she still struggles to forget her life among the white people. She thinks she will never be able to return to that way of life.

Cody Larimer has his reasons for rescuing girls and women that have been taken captive by the Indians. He has just been hired by Jennie’s sister’s adoptive mother to find Jennie and bring her home. Cody can usually find the ones he is searching for. He thinks Jennie is just another woman to be rescued.

At first Jennie fights his rescue but as time goes on things start to change. Cody wants to get Jennie to Fort Benton where her sister Violet is. First he has to convince Jennie this is what she wants and they have to manage not to get killed by the men that have been hired to kill them. Now, if they can only figure out why someone would want them dead. They also are trying to fight their attraction to each other. It is a complication they neither want nor feel it will ever be able to go anywhere.

Fighting the weather, outlaws and Indians they have to wonder if they will ever survive this rescue. Jennie is convinced that if she does make it to civilization she will never be accepted since she has spent four years among the Indians. She has decided that as soon as she can she will escape from Cody and go to California to start a new life. Cody isn’t about to let her get away.

On the way to Fort Benton Cody is hurt badly and Jennie isn’t sure she is going to be able to save him. While taking care of him they run into more trouble. Now if she can just figure out how to get out of this latest mess they just might be able to survive.

Once at Fort Benton they find things aren’t quite what they expected. Just when they think things are going to be fine they find that Violet has run away and no one will say why. Jennie wonders if she will ever see her sister again. Four years ago she made sure that the Indians where unable to find her little sister, Violet, when she was captured, now her sister is rumored to have left Fort Benton to search for Jennie on her own.


This story is full of twists and turns. Just when you think you know what is going to happen along comes another twist. This one is full of bad guys and lots of action. It is hard to put down once you start reading. Some readers may have some problems with some of the situations but each part adds to a great whole.


This is a 4 red roses read. Larena

Infidelity

Debbie Gould/Infidelity/Red Rose Publishing
Ebook/321 pages

Dan gets a call that sends him hurrying to his sister's home but his partner insists on coming too. Melanie's husband Tony is a brute and she needs to leave him fast but he gets home before her brother and Luke arrive. Melanie and Tony fight and end up falling down the stairs. Tony is killed but Melanie is bleeding. Luke deserted her years before but now he makes a vow that he will never run out on her again – but will she ever trust any man again?

Melanie lost the baby she wanted so badly. She is suffering, hurt by the pain and humiliation heaped on her by her former husband. No one understands better than Luke. Luke has a terrible secret in his past that scarred him for life. He does not believe that he can find personal happiness after what happened to him – but what he can and must do is protect the woman he loves, because her life is in danger.

This is a beautiful love story. Tender and touching but also terrifying in places. Love wins out against the evil of others. A lovely book and one to keep. Five red roses, Linda

Featured Author/ June Francis

June Francis is one of England's best and most loved writers, particularly for her warm and wonderful sagas. Her historicals are researched exactly and very popular. We are privileged to feature June here this week!

June Francis was born in Blackpool but was reared in Liverpool where she still lives. She started writing in her forties, producing articles for My Weekly and has since gone on to have twenty-five novels published. These included historical romance for Harlequin Mills&Boon and sagas for other publishers. Married with three grown-up sons, she enjoys fell-walking, history, swimming, reading and lunching with family and friends.

These are just a sample of June's wonderful books!

Two New Regency Stories from Hale

Sarah Stanley/Star-Crossed Summer/ Robert Hale Hardback £18.99
ISBN 978-0-7090-8395-5 /224 pages

Beth Tremoille was cast out of her home by her spiteful stepmother after her father died, seemingly the mistress of all her late husband’s property. However there is another will naming Beth the true heiress. Sir Guy Valmer, whose father was cheated out of the estate by Beth’s father, is determined to have both her and the estate he believes rightfully his. Beth becomes the mistress of a blacksmith in order to stay alive. She steals and cheats until she attracts the attention of a titled gentleman who asks her to be his wife – but will Sir Guy catch up with her?

This book might cause lovers of the traditional Regency to lift their brows. Think Moll Flanders rather than Heyer and you are on the right lines, though this heroine doesn’t quite have the audacious wit of Moll Flanders. A lot of cheating, lying and whoring goes on in this entertaining book, which ends as if there is a sequel planned. Different! I found it fun to read. 4.5 red roses. Morna


Jeannie Machin/A Christmas Courtship/Robert Hale. Hardback £18.99. ISBN 978-0-7090-8656-7/ 223 pages

Blanche Amberley thinks she is in love and persuades her ailing father to allow her marriage, even though he must do her suitor’s scheming father a favour before he will allow it. Blanche thoroughly despises the man who now owns her father’s estate and wishes he had stayed away from the area, but when Blanche’s brother is in trouble the man she thought she loved shows his true colours and turns out to be an even bigger rogue than we all thought. As Christmas approaches, Blanche discovers the true meaning of love as Sir Edmund takes charge.

A typical Regency filled with threats, blackmail and a dashing hero to ride to the rescue. This is the stuff that lovers of the genre expect from their fix of romantic nonsense. Fun to read and very enjoyable. 4.5 red roses Morna