Genre: Fantasy
A Stand-Alone Novel
ISBN: 9780505523839
Releasedate: June 13, 2000
Publisher: Dorchester Publishing
Format owned: MPB
For sale at: The Book Depository Store

Synopsis
King Richard had had it with frivolous females filling his ears with their foolishness. Yet for all his castles and dragon-slaying, he still needed a wife. Preferably one who wouldn't plague him with womanly whining. One who knew when to shut up. So why not lay claim to the sweetly saucy silent A MAN WHO REALLY LISTENS!

Princess Arianne had had it with meddling males making her life miserable. When her twelve brothers angered an ogre, she was the one stuck spinning nettles into shirts to save them from eternal servitude as swans. And she had to complete the task in total silence! To make matters worse, along came chatty King Richard, wanting to bed her, wanting to wed her. Rugged Richard made her virginal knees weak. But could even a king know a woman's mind--without her speaking it?

REVIEW
King of Avalon etc. etc. etc. – Richard – knows he has to marry, and as a king it should be a princess, but after months of meeting princesses, his ears nearly fell of from all the chatting about useless subjects they’ve been doing, he vows that he would marry the first person who know’s just how to shut up!


THY WILL BE DONE....

I was browsing my shelves for something to read, but it had to be different from what I’ve been reading lately. It was then that my eye fell on this novel. I bought it over a year-and-a-half ago becuase it appealed to me then, but never got around to reading it.

On the cover it says ‘A Faerie Tale Romance’ and it’s exactly that. Kate Holmes took a very well-known children’s faery tale and turned it into a humerous and wickedly fun to read adult faery tale. It totally brings flair on my bookshelves!

The Faerie Tale she uses in this novel is the one where 12 brothers are turned into swans by an old hag in the forrest after they broke into her home and ate her food. Their sister can turn them back by knitting each of them a sweater of nettles, gathered by the light of the full moon – but she has to do it without uttering a word; no singing and no one must know.....

When this event has occured, king Richard arrives at Ariane’s doorstep in the evening, all soaking wet and muddy footed. In that first meeting alone my heart took the leaps it did when my mum read me a bed-time faerie-tale story when I was younger.

Kate Holmes uses the ‘men are from Mars; women are from Venus’ in such a superb way, blends it into this fairytale, giving me the time of my life reading it. As it’s a faery tale historical facts might not be accurate and eventhough the writing sometimes is somewhat rough around the edges, its’all forgiven and forgotten when I turned the last page and let out a long sigh with the Happily Ever After! I was a bit sorry to see it ending where it did though. It would have been more satisfying to read on about the return of the boys at their father’s home.

King Richard etc. etc. etc. captured my heart straight away. Regal with a boyish charm and a typical male outlook on things, which comes perfectly to light with his thoughts being blended into this story. What else can a girl do but fall head over heals? Though he has many friends his relationship with John Paul is exquisite! (for those who are wondering – yes it is his uhm.... manhood...).

Princess Arianne is a young woman who took over her mother’s role in the keep when her mother passed away. Her absent minded father is not able to run the keep, leaves it all up to her. Beneath the weighing responsibility I sensed a girly girl who loves to sing and enjoy life, which came to surface again towards the end of the novel.

Arianne cannot say a word till she finishes knitting the sweaters. That fact, combined with the ‘men are from Mars; women are from Venus’ concept gives this story the oh so recognisable miscommunications between men and women. And as Arianne has difficulty explaining herself Richard has to dig deep and beyond his manly ways to try and understand her.

If you want something ‘dreamy’ to read, this is definitely a novel I would recommend. It gave me such a springtime, butterfly feel good feeling that I just know I will re-read it sometimes and therewith Kate Holmes achieves something not a lot of authors achieve with me as a reader.

Alinea Quote
‘My horse threw me,’ he said. That was close to the truth anyway.
Her equally perfect left brow quirked upward to join the right. Her more that perfect lips twitched with amusement as she let go of his chin and silently stepped back, eyeing him with exactly the same expression Nurse had used whenever he’d told a fib.
Richard blushed ‘.... all right then, I fell off.’
She smiled with an irritating trace of smugness. ‘It was right after everyone else got lost, you see, and – Well, they did!” he said defensively when her smile widened. ‘I’m the king, you know. They’re supposed to follow ME, not some damned bug hart, with as nice a rack as – What? What?!’
She was laughing at him. Outright laughim at him!!!

4,5 stars

Genre: Suspense
Stand-alone Novel
ISBN: 978-0-77832-483-6
Releasedate: May 2008
Publisher: MIRA Books
Format owned: HC - Rhapsody
For sale at: The Book Depository Store

Synopsis

On a remote stretch of the rugged coast of Ireland, folklorist and illustrator Keira Sullivan pursues the mysterious Irish legend of an ancient Celtic stone angel. As she searches an isolated ruin, she's certain she's discovered the mythic angel, but before she can examine her find, she senses a malevolent presence…. Is someone in there with her? Then the ruin collapses, trapping her.

Keira's uncle, a Boston homicide detective, enlists the help of Simon Cahill to find his missing niece. Simon, an expert with Fast Rescue, a rapid-response search-and-rescue organization, is trying to keep a low profile after secretly assisting in the takedown of a major criminal network, but he rushes to Ireland, pulling Keira out of the rubble just as she's about to free herself.

Simon isn't interested in myths or magic, nor is he surprised when Keira can't find a trace of her stone angel. He doesn't believe it exists. But the gruesome evidence of a startling act of violence convinces him that whatever she found in the ruin, the danger she faces is real.

When the violence follows them to Boston-and escalates-Simon and Keira realize that the long-forgotten story that has captivated her has also aroused a killer…a calculating predator who will certainly kill again.

REVIEW

Patsy, an Irish woman living in Boston with a great story-telling ability,- tells about a legend from Ireland concerning a Stone Angel, three brothers and a place called Beara Peninsula. This inspires Keira, a folklorist and artist to go to this place and illustrate what the story entails. However she gets more than just the normal fairies, myths and folklore – and soon she finds herself in a bizarre swirl of circumstances that on their own seem like accidents but all together might be something more.

I started off reading this novel as a Romantic Suspense because that’s the genre what it’s published in. When I finished reading though, I thought to myself - ‘If I was the judge of it, I’d say it’s more a Contemporary Romance.’ - as the suspense left things to be desired.

I had a bit of trouble getting into the story. The chapter’s each begin in a Law & Order sort of style, starting with date, time, location and as a big fan of the series whenever I started reading a new chapter I heard that tone you hear in the series :S. It should get you eased into the story but instead it slowed me down and made it feel a bit chaotic to me.

The story re-located from Boston to Ireland and I just love to read about the Irish setting. Carla touched a certain vibe that for those who’ve been to Ireland know what she means however some things are a bit cliché as well as making me find it funny. Having been there myself the Irish Knitted jumpers aren’t worn so much anymore ;-) these days. However the time spend in Ireland was way too short for me.

Carla has her own way in writing and you need to keep a straight head making sure not be distracted too much when you read. A lot of characters are main characters in The Angel and sometimes that left me hanging and wondering what happened to the Hero and Heroine – Keira and Simon. I really loved them as characters and feel more pages should have been used to deepen their connection and getting to know them. At some point the storyline of Abigail and Bob took over the story completely.

Keira is this amazing character, extravagant, an artist with a passion for folklore, fairies and myths. I found things of myself back in her that made me instantly understand her and her quirks. Simon is a bit of a mystery, but kind, caring and a balanced person. With his dark hair, green eyes, incredible voice and lean body it made the package of a hunk-a-liscious hero complete for me.

Because I really like these main characters and they are great together, I’m all the more a bit disappointed that they didn’t get as much writing space as they did in this novel. I could easily see this book turning into a trilogy because the other characters really appeal to me and have potential to more. I found out that Abigail Brown has a novel dedicated to her story as well in The Widow but I didn’t miss the fact I hadn’t read that novel beforehand. In this novel events around Abigails past are well-explained and that was great to read, however it took attention away from Keira and Simon and I would have loved to seen the time spend on that storyline to have been spend to her mother, Eileens, past. It suited more in this novel and would have made me connect more to the current Hero & Heroines story.

In the end I think all the different plotlines – past and present – and characters make this story one with not too much depth and too little time spend with each character to fully grasp where Carla wanted this novel to head to and what she wanted to achieve. When I finished I had a major question about the plotline of the stone angel that still leaves me hanging and wondering what was what.

Having said that it was a great read and it did grab me at some level. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and the hours I spend reading this novel. It’s easy to read in terms of that there’s not a lot of use of technical terms in the police business. It’s a mixture of humor, drama, a bit of legend and an faint attempt to make things a bit thrilling as suspense but wasn’t able to achieve that last.

My advice is to not read this as Suspense (because then I would have to admit I won’t get any further than a 2,5 star novel) and read it as Contemporary Romance. So herewith I would like to emphasize that the 3,5 stars would be when you leave out the suspense part as a main factor in this novel. What made it a 3,5 star in the end instead of a 3 star book is because Carla Neggers was able to stir my inner emotions and touch my feelings with her characters. There is something about her story telling that does something to me, she paints clear pictures so that I felt as though I was captured in the scenes, looking in on it through a window.

It’s one of those books you can pick up on a dark rainy day, read it and when you finish you know you had a few hours nicely spend. It was an interesting read and makes me wonder how her other novels are so I am trying to get my hands on at least The Widow and some other books by Carla Neggers – most are out of print so hence my hunt begins…

3,5 stars

Genre: Regency
A Stand-ALone Novel
ISBN: 9781420100013
Releasedate: May 6, 2008
Publisher: Kensington Books
Format owned: MPB
For sale at: The Book Depository Store

Synopsis
A SCANDAL?

Spirited and sensual, heiress Leah Jamison knew she would marry one day, but she had thought it would be for love, not because of her father's trickery. Yet her anger soon melts itno arousal when she experiences the expert caresses and bold kiss of the man who will become her husband. Richard Wexton is a duke, accustomed to command. Instead of resisting him, all she can do is ask for more…

OR A WEDDING?
Richard Wexton, the Duke of St. Austin, is a man of honor and he is furious at the idea of being blackmailed into marriage! Alas, he has no choice but to consent to the outrageous scheme. Then he sees Leah for the first time: His bride-to-be is a beauty beyond compare. He cannot ignore his feelings of ardent desire--and passionate love...

REVIEW
Desperate to protect an innocent little girl from telltales and the gossiping tongue of the TON, Richard feels compelled to go in accordance with the proposition Leah’s father handed out in his scheming state of mind. Spirited as she is and believing to be true that love is what makes a marriage work – not this arrangement that was made behind her back – makes Leah not go along quietly.


But once she sets eyes on the dangerously handsome Duke of St. Austin, she comes to know that love might not just be all that holds a marriage together. She gets familiar with the feeling - the urge - that comes with feeling passion for a man she does not even know. Nonetheless, she does know she cannot get him out of her mind and is determined to make him open up to her!

This is an author to watch out for; Janmarie Anello knows how to write a heart-filling romance story set between a hero and heroine. You just know straight away, though they don’t know each other at the start, they belong to each other.

The cover of this novel does not instantly give you the regency vibe and I would understand a sort of reluctance to see it as such but trust me when I say this is a quality regency novel! A well thought out and good structured story that has all one desires from the regency genre. The jealousy within the “Ton” is so very well written, up to the fact where one looks in the other persons eyes and walks away without saying a word – the silent treatment – it makes you feel pity for the person undergoing it! Janmarie is telling a tale which is swiping you off your feet and making you long for more! The world of Duke’s and Duchess, and the longing of two separate people coming together and growing towards each other is making the story sparkle off the pages.

The way twists and plots are entwined within this passionate love tale got to me and made me want to keep reading on and on. She truly gripped me with this story and I thought it was a nice surprise as, honestly said, I didn’t expect it when I first started reading! What I found refreshingly new to my shelves, was the fact that they tried to make the best out of the situation at hand. With bantering about, no hate and fighting over the marriage they were both forced into. But accepting what simply was and even though Richard was reluctant against emotional ties it was great to see he opened up to Leah’s strong passionate charitable character. As well as the fact that this story was spread out over months and not just a few weeks in time, making it more realistic as you are able to indulge yourself into their world and get the feeling you get to know the characters through time.

Their connection grabbed me on a deeper level, their love for each other grows throughout the story, making their passion and love-scenes all the more intense to read. It gave me as a reader the feeling that the characters made their way into my heart.

The secondary story lines, which are implemented in this story through the jealousy of Richard’s previous bed partners, are adding to the story and making this novel a real page-turner! I absolutely adored Richards brother, Geoffrey, who is a rogue first hand and I am hoping and silently praying for him to have his own story in time. Because with the way Janmarie Anello writes her stories I just know I would re-read her novels from time-to-time, as this story has touched my romantic filled heart!

4 Stars

Genre: Fantasy
A Stand-Alone Novel
ISBN: 9780505527547
Releasedate: March 1, 2008
Publisher: Dorchester Publishing
Format owned: e-Book
For sale at: The Book Depository Store

Synopsis
ONE PROTECTOR

When dragon power flows through your veins, when dragon thoughts burn in your mind, you can accomplish anything. Natiya knows, for she carries one of the last eggs in the land disguised as a jewel in her navel. Day by day the Unhatched grows, and when at last it births they will be joined in a sacred and eternal bond. Gone will be the barmaid forced to dance for pennies; born will be Dag Natiya, revered Queen. Take her body or her soul, nothing will stop them.

ONE SLAYER
When dragon power flows through your veins, when dragon emotions trample your soul, you become a monster. So knows Kiril, for one destroyed his cousin. No matter how kind or joyful, all beings must succumb to the power of the wyrm. That is why Kiril vowed to destroy dragonkind—and he has almost succeeded. Only one egg remains. But there is an obstacle he did not foresee: love.

REVIEW
When the dragonhunter meets the tavern-dancer he knows there’s more to their connection than lust. Even though she’s reluctant to go with him, there’s no choice left for her once she was captured and imprisoned. In doing this, the secret she is carrying is jeopardized. Will their connection stand strong through the threat that linger’s on their trail….


It all starts with a smashing prologue making me hunger for more. In those first few pages the base of the story is set, instantly making me have a love-hate relationship with Kiril. Love because of his fiery temperament, determination and loyalty to his cause no matter how difficult it was to him. And hate because.... well Dragon-slaying isn't on top of the list I want my heroes to do as a profession. But in the first pages you actually feel him struggling with it. So needless to say I was intrigued and eager to read on and see what Jade Lee had in store with his character.

Natiya, a girl who's forced to work in a bar and dance for some cash, is the last person, who carries a dragon-egg, awaiting its hatching and becoming one with its mind, body and soul. Not just any egg, but the Queen-egg and nothing will come between her knowledge that Dragons are good; nothing will make her doubt this. Equally passionate about her destiny, as Kiril is of his, and even more determined to make it through. She will not be brought down from her cause by anyone.

When these two characters meet in this story you just feel there's this underlying connection between them. There is doubt about what they feel, lust in their doings and both heading the same way for different purposes. Jade Lee has a strong writing skill. Even though most of this novel is written like it’s one big scene between Kiril and Natiya; she is able to put together an underlying story, making it an intense, emotional and wonderful read. Usually, when you are in the middle of reading such a story, you read it as quickly as possible to hold on to the feeling for the characters because of the build up. Jade Lee was able to write every scene so that you can put it away for a day, start reading again and get straight back into feeling the same intense emotions. So throughout the whole story you are able to hold on to the feeling you had when you put it down for awhile.

The build up of the story and the dragon world is not a new thing within the fantasy/sci-fi/paranormal genre. Despite the fact the focus of this story was not mainly on the world, but more a balance of the world entwined within an epic love story. The world surrounding the two of them on their journey just added more to their love story and brought along the tragedy and some thrill to their connection.

Because the focus was more on the emotions both characters were going through, your imagination was completely able to create the world around them. Sometimes you just long to read this type of story and sometimes you don’t, but this time it fell right in place for me. So I had an absolutely superb time reading this novel, making this world visual for me and sighed when the story ended.

If as an author you are able to write a great story mainly about two terrific characters, to me you are a fantastic writer! In my opinion, this is great fantasy romance novel and it actually made me put Jade Lee’s other novels in my priority list of buying.

Jade Lee writes in her own unique way bringing something new to my bookshelves!

4 Stars

Genre: Historical
Standalone novel
ISBN: 0-980-17800-2
Releasedate: January 2008
Publisher: Helm Publishing
Format owned: TPB signed
For sale at: The Book Depository Store

Synopsis
...When a chauvinistic knight lands in a castle full of women, somebody has to change…

Soldier of fortune, Garrick of Hawkwood is ill prepared for the women of Castle Ladyslipper, especially its hostile mistress, Emma d’Arcy. Garrick is haunted by the spirit of Emma’s great-great grandmother Rose. Her actions caused the curse plaguing Emma and her female relatives. Though clearly at odds, Emma and Garrick cannot deny the sultry heat rising between them.

Liberally laced with humor, Castle Ladyslipper resonates with a timeless theme: Love can flourish even when sown in the rocky soil of misunderstanding.

REVIEW
When Garrick gets the assignment to go to Fairfield and marry Helene, the Lady of the land, he is determined to do so. He however did not anticipate that she was not there, but her stepdaughter was. And the spitfiry Emma was not going to tell this beast of a man where her stepmother was residing. But when King Henry decides to pay Castle Ladyslipper a visit, destiny unfolds and Emma and Garrick get awestruck with his new order!

This is just one of those stories that give you such a pleasant read. No heavy-set emotions to go through, no struggling mating rituals, no new world to discover. Most stories make you feel like you go through it all yourself, but this story just give you a glimpse in the lives of Emma and Garrick. It makes you feel you’re allowed to just come along on their journey in life.

Garrick is a typical historical sexy hero, who goes by the orders of the King and sticks to them no matter what. But when he comes across stubborn, feisty and reluctant Emma, from then on he starts having trouble to do what was ordered. He stands for what he feels is right and is willing to do whatever necessary to get it done. Emma, however, has a mind of her own. Bound by a “magical curse”, brought upon the ladies in the castle by one of her ancestors, she is now the one to keep hold of the amulet and wears it as an everyday reminder.

What captured me most in this story is not the paranormal influence, even though it is there, it is not dominant, I loved that. It is telling a story of life in 1089-just life as it is. It is not always spectacular and Lee Grantier describes that in a great way. She writes with such humour in her writing as well as a flair that just has you chuckle a lot and giggle as well. If you want to get away from the stress from nowadays living, this is a great novel to do so. Most of the story is about Emma and Garrick even though the characters surrounding them do play a certain role in their whole involvement as well.

There were many characters coming to scene, but Lee Grantier handled it very well and was able to give them all their own characters while they were mentioned. I just fell in love with the aunties and William, who with their own unique ways are an addition to it all and just as much a red thread in the story as Garrick and Emma (so on a personal note I’m hoping to be able to read a bit more about them in the future ;-) hopefully in the form of a trilogy or series!). I just loved the fact that the women of Fairfield were independent and did not sit around and wait for the men to lead; they took matters in their own hands and stood behind their lord and lady!

The plot was surprising, I had not seen it coming and the fact that this novel tells a story in a timeframe of about a year makes that it stands out next to other novels. The centre stage of this story is the love that from the first pages on sizzle between the two main characters and the emotions that go with that. It takes guts to write a story like this describing everyday feelings – really well – to simply say how it is and use the emotions like doubt and hurt as the reason why things happen the way they do.

It is very difficult to tell a story around two main characters who both have self-doubt, similar “issues” to go through and then make it towards a smashing ending while remaining close to themselves, it was superb to see that in the end there was still a fire between the main characters that sparkled from the pages. I thought it was the icing to the cake when the second half of the story unfolded into the climax.

Sometimes simplicity in a story is the way to go and if you can write it down like Lee Grantier did, to me, which deserves praises.

It’s a heart-warming story that can best be described as giving you the feeling of seeing a falling star. A sweetness that stays with you and fills your heart – this is a medieval romance that really deserves the title romance. It’s a love story as many should be and I will most definitely cherish it and re-read it many times!

4 Stars

Genre: Regency
Standalone novel
ISBN: 0-060-77315-4
Releasedate: May 1, 2005
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers Inc.
Format owned: MPB
For sale at: The Book Depository Store

Synopsis
Alex Scarston: Earl of Selbourne. Rake. Spy. With his efforts for England in the war against the French suspended, family obligations compel him to investigate the disappearance of Viscount Brigham's son. When the viscount's daughter becomes involved as well, Alex finds himself entangled in a venture that risks both heart and soul.

It's not that Lucia Dashing, youngest daughter of Lord Brigham, wants Alex to go away. She just wishes he weren't always so close - perhaps a few rooms, or streets, or continents between them would bank the heat of her attraction. But when her brother disappears and every clue indicates his safe recovery essential to the very sovereignty of England, she's no choice but to engage the earl in a battle risking her brother, her country, and her love.

REVIEW
Top notch Regency-for me anyway, it's just the way I want my regency to be! Charming, thrilling, sparkling is what comes to mind after reading this novel. Having read not a lot of novels in this genre I do know Shana Galen is a rising author of the new generation.

For the time it took me to read this book it has kept me in its thrall. It’s fast-written so you get caught up in the story straight away and it’s such an easy read that you totally forget the time.

Ofcourse the characters were breathtaking, I absolutely adored Lucia, more so because I recognize a lot of myself in her, making it all the more fun to read how she quickly wraps Alex around her fingers. I think it’s best to describe her as a Regency-chick with balls!!!

Now Alex is a whole different thing, you just have to love him. Throughout the length of the novel it was funny to read how he struggled with his feelings of love, without it taking the overhand!

The side-characters were amazing as well, making me very much curious how things will go on with Freddie and John. Because Freddie is a totally different man altogether and I for one want to peel of all the layers surrounding him, just like we did with Alex! And John, if he is anything like his twin-sister we are in for a ride with him as well. So maybe in the future we are able to read how things end with them as well!

It was a perfectly balanced novel. Not too much of this not too much of that. And the title fits the story perfect because it applies in so many different ways in this book.

I think I’m just awed by this smashing novel off Shana’s hands. It made me want to go and get more of her novels. I can hardly wait to read another one. Especially since it’s a light-read without missing any of the emotions, excitement and romance. It is still having me in its grip and in my opinion that makes it a perfect novel altogether.

Praises for Shana Galen all the way for putting a story like ‘When Dashing met Danger’ to paper!!!!

Quote of Lucia’s mind rambling about Alex:
“Oh! Horrid insolent man! He’s a rake, a scoundrel, a blackguard and – Infuriating man! Damn him!”

And most brilliant ofcourse was the scene where Lucia breaks into Alex’ home through a small window in the library – Priceless!!!!

4 Stars

Genre: Paranormal
Standalone novel
ISBN: 0-553-56334-3
Releasedate: February 1996 (re-release August 2009)
Publisher: Bantam USA
Format owned: MPB
For sale at: The Book Depository Store

Synopsis
Boy millionaire Tristan Lennox, a pagan satyr in a $2000 suit, throws an annual magic contest in Manhattan to try to trace his former partner, who stole a magic computer program named Warlock and disappeared into the ether. Smack into the middle of his special event, riding her willow broom, flies Arian Whitewood, a 17th-century witchlet from Massachusetts, who rubbed her emerald amulet and conjured herself away from the mob of Puritans who were trying to drown her. Arian, petite and fiery, has to contend with the new magic of the 20th century; and Tristan has to learn to trust again, as is the vogue. Medeiros is unrelievedly cute as she shuttles her characters back and forth across the centuries.

REVIEW
The start of off this novel was a bit messy and confusing to me but once I was settled and comfortably into the storylines it turns out to be a nice read. Although it was a predictable story, it didn’t bring anything new to me, but it was still a good read.

I found that more could have been done with the characters ~who were really appealing ~ something was s bit off-key. It didn’t run as smoothly as I thought it would be. It missed some … what can I call it … well “flair” perhaps.

It did have an interesting thing, it was time-travel with a different approach to it but because I couldn’t connect all the dots it took me out of totally being sucked into the story. I really liked Arian’s character, but she came on a bit too strong for a girl coming from the 17th century. I found her a bit too independent. Thrown into the future with all new techniques and experiences to which she adapts with no apparent difficulties – I found it very hard to believe!

On the other hand I loved Tristan’s character, straight up to the point where she breaks through the wall around his heart I found him irresistible, but after that he lost every appeal to me. Not claim worthy in my opinion!

It was really strange to read a book where things seem so promising and in the end you feel like you read a story to which you couldn’t connect. I expected more of Teresa Medeiros, but I still have a few books by her hand on my bookshelf, so I will give her novels another go but I have to admit this book just didn’t do it for me. All in all it was a nice novel to read, especially when you have a lot on your mind and need something to read in between all the stressfulness but it is not one of those books you yearn to read over and over again!!!

Quote:
“You’re fired, now get back to work!!!”

2 Stars

Genre: Paranormal
Standalone novel
ISBN: 0-8217-5963-9
Releasedate: August 1988
Publisher: Zebra
Format owned: MPB
For sale at: Sorry Out Of Print - check for secondhand

Synopsis
Bearing a striking resemble to Christina O'Mara, a beautiful woman who disappeared without a trace years ago, Kristine Gavin is transported back in time into the body of her double and falls for Christine's devastatingly handsome husband Sean O'Mara--a man who might be a murderer.

REVIEW
This book was published in 1988 – I was ten years old – and not in the slightest interested in reading Historical Romances. It’s amazing to see how writing novels have progressed since then. Nowadays books have to be erotically charged, emotional rollercoasters and daringly bold. I found it refreshingly appealing to read a novel from way back when, when conversations were lighter and emotions there but no as heavy-loaded.

Constance Oday-Flannery has made my heart flutter lightly like a butterfly in my chest when I read this novel. First off because Sean O’Mara has an Irish-heritage, second off because he made Rivanna into a stud-farm – I just love horses! – and third off it has a touch of time-travelling in it, combined with a blooming romance, it’s a perfect historical novel to me.

Back then the books still had over 500 pages! So the story didn’t have to be edited into 375 pages. I can’t imagine I had this book laying around for over a year and not touch it before. Constance writes in a funny but lovely way. It made me burst out in laughter and it made me grin and giggle a lot!

I don’t know if Constance has written a lot more books but I do know if I ever come across another it will be added to my : ‘buy straight away list’, because in my bookcase at this moment she stands out as a good read for in between the A+-list novels of this time.

QUOTE:
Still laughing, Sean crossed his arms over his face to protect himself and backed away from her. Eventhough the towel could do little damage, she was wielding it like a saber, slashing at him like a trained swordsman.

3,5 Stars