ON TALL PINE LAKE by DOROTHY GARLOCK
GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING
OCTOBER 2007 (reprint)
ISBN - 0446616052
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
RATING: 5 MOONBEAMS
Nona Conrad has been making it through "by the hardest." Each day is a struggle - to go on after her parents' sudden death, to win her rightful inheritance from her untrustworthy half-brother, and to raise her high-spirited younger sister. Hired to manage a fishing camp deep in the Arkansas woods, the strong-willed redhead is eager to settle down - until she clashes with the camp's new owner. Simon Wright persistently dogs Nona's steps and is instantly drawn to her. But is he an ally or a charmer with his own agenda? While Nona decides, someone driven by greed will do anything to find out what she knows - and soon Nona and Simon will have nowhere to run.
Ever since meeting Simon Wright, Nona has wanted to wring his neck. He does everything in his power to annoy her while being totally charming to her sister and friend. Little does Nona know, Simon is there to watch over her no matter what.
Simon loves to annoy Nona. He can't help but love to see the sparks coming from his favorite red head. Simon knows that the secrets he's keeping from Nona could destroy any happiness he seeks to find with her. But that is a chance he's willing to take.
ON TALL PINE LAKE is Dorothy Garlock's 50th book. She is amazing many a fan over there years and from the looks if this book, she's not stopping anytime soon.
This is a definitely page turner with suspense and romance all mixed in. You won't know whether to smack some sense into Nona and Simon or want them to kiss and make up. These two sure are memorable characters brought to life by the wonder author, Dorothy Garlock.
I am ashamed to say this is the first time reading a book by Dorothy Garlock. Won't be making that mistake again. Fans will enjoy ON TALL PINE LAKE all the way to the end. Its definitely a great way to spend a weekend.
I give this a rating of 5 Moonbeams.
Nancy
Strictly Romance Reviews
ADRIENNE by D. Renee Bagby
Samhain Publishing
July 2007
ISBN 1-59998-523-3
Interracial Fantasy Romance
A Bron Universe novel
Adrienne Backett works as a teacher's aide at her college and all she wants to do is finish up and go home. She can finally be able to enjoy her time off for spring break vacation. But instead she finds herself being attacked by vengeful man who she reported to the dean for plagiarizing. He means to make her pay.
Malik, King of Ulan, has until his 25th birthday to find his bride or he must forfeit his throne. When a spell reveals her location, he sees his future queen being attacked. Malik angered goes to retrieve Adrienne. Not a very good way to meet your soul mate.
Adrienne can't believe she's being kidnapped. She is even outraged to discover that she is to be married within a week to a man she just met. Malik is thrilled to finally have found his mate. Now if only he can convince her that they are meant to be.
But no sooner do the happy couple began their new life as husband and wife, fate throws through a tailspin. Malik past comes back to haunt him. Strike two for Malik. Once again, he manages to smooth things over with Adrienne, and things quiet down and they are happy. Unfortunately for them they have spies among them and evil beings out to do them harm. Now that Malik has his wife, they will use whatever means necessary to destroy him. . . Adrienne.
I can't believe this book by new author, D. Renee Bagby--but from the looks of this book, ADRIENNE, she is going to lots of success in writing. ADRIENNE has plenty of everything in it. It has magic, romance, action, mystery and whole of a lot more. You'll have to read it to find out. Do not be turned off by the beginning part of the heroine's attack scene. This story will weave its magic over you just like it did me.
I enjoyed also the secondary characters like Khursid and Bayard who's keeping their relationship private until a curious young girl named Rena, discovers them.
There's a lot more I could say, but I don't want to ruin it for the readers. I can truly say that you too will love, ADRIENNE.
I give this a rating of 5 Moonbeams.
Veronica
SEXIEST MAN ALIVE by Diana Holquist Warner Forever OCTOBER 2007 ISBN 978-0446617987 Romantic Comedy Rating 4 ½ Moonbeams What if you found out your one soul mate on earth as chosen by destiny was the world’s hottest movie star? Could you find the courage to leave your life behind and go after him? Are you sure? Well that is a question Jasmine Burns is asking herself. Her psychic sister, Amy revealed Jasmine’s true love for a price. After much debating, Jasmine gives in and pays Amy to finally reveal her prince charming name. JOSH TOBY. Josh Toby, famous actor but is tired of just being judge on his looks instead of his acting skills. He wants to be taken by fans and critics alike as a serious actor. With the help of his friend, Josh finds a way to disguise himself long enough as an unknown actor in a theater performance. Jasmine refuses at first to help Josh but he manages to charm her to work with him. She doesn’t know how but Josh manages to bring out the best in her and overcome the issues that she’s dealt with over the years. Josh falls for Jasmine and is prepare to do anything to make her his forever. But things get in his way like his pretend girlfriend, Cleo. Cleo, who claims to be in love with Josh. Things finally work at despite the crazy and hilarious antics of the characters of SEXIEST MAN ALIVE. Diana Holquist has done it again by bringing fans the much anticipated sequel of Make Me a Match. Fans will be delighted with SEXIEST MAN ALIVE as a new fan like me. Fans will be drooling over the cover but remember, that is just beginning of something amazing. I give this a rating of 4 ½ Moonbeams. Veronica
THE EDUCATION OF MRS. BRIMLEY by Donna MacMeans
Berkley Publishing
OCTOBER 2007
ISBN 978-0-425-21830-3
Historical Romance
Rating: 5 Moonbeams
All that Emma wanted was a secure job that would provide enough money to keep her hidden from her wretched uncle. Emma never knew all the trouble it would bring her for the little white lie she told.
All Lord Nicholas Chambers was peace and quiet so he can paint to his heart content. He never counted on the instructor to invade his home with her request for help.
Not accepting anything less, Nicholas lives up to his reputation. He will answer all of Emma's questions about what happens between man and woman if she will pose for him in some scandalous wardrobe.
But what started as uneasy alliance turns into something more than both Nicholas and Emma expected. Emma learns more than she ever thought she could. Nicholas finds himself more and more fascinated with the very desirable, Mrs. Brimley.
Unfortunately for Nicholas, his brother arrives disrupting his time with Emma. Even more dangerous is the fact that William cons Nicholas and takes one of his most precious items back to London for the world to see.
All the while, Emma is suffering as well thinking Nicholas has abandoned her. To make matters worse Emma's despicable uncle kidnaps her. Things get worse before the heroine is reunited with her hero.
This is a charming tale of love and seduction. THE EDUCATION OF MRS. BRIMLEY will have new fans craving more from Donna MacMeans.
Fans will fall in love with Nicholas like I was. Emma will charm fans as well with her feisty and spunky attitude.
I give this a rating of 5 Moonbeams.
Veronica
Strictly Romance Reviews
BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY by Cathie Linz
Berkley
October 2007
ISBN 0425218317
Romantic Humor
Rating: 5 Moonbeams
After her plus-size modeling career tanks, Leena Riley becomes a receptionist in her hometown veterinarian's office. Too bad the vet is Cole Flannigan, a boy who taunted her all through school. Good thing Leena has grown into her curves, because he's about to grow very fond of her.
Leena's career in modeling tanked so she is now forced to go back to her home town. She's forced to take job for a former child bully. The towns very own playboy, Cole Flannigan who loves to tease Leena. He's the hometown playboy who can charm any woman but Leena.
Everything Cole says is taken wrong by Leena. She thinks he is still trying to mess with her head. But in reality he's falling hard for the clueless Leena. So Cole will do what it takes to win her over? Will Leena stop being her usual self and realize what she stands to lose? Like every great story, there has to be drama if the characters are meant to be.
Cathie Linz brings fans another fascinating story. Everything about BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY is very charming and fun filled. All the characters are full of life and have their own mini tale written in this story. Everyone gets their act together and get their happy ending.
I give this a rating of 5 Moonbeams.
Veronica
Strictly Romance Reviews