Week ending November 16, 2012
Barnes, Sophie. There’s Something About Lady Mary: A Summersby Tale. Avon Impulse. Nov. 2012. NAp. eISBN 9780062225375. EPUB $3.99. HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Mary Croyden thought her father was nothing more than a talented surgeon; his only legacy was to teach her all of his skills. Upon his death, she discovers that in fact he was a marquis, and he left her his title and wealth. Suddenly, Mary has to make her way among the aristocrats. Fortunately, she meets Ryan Summersby, an infuriatingly attractive lord who takes her under his wing. Little does she know that he was sent to protect her from unknown conspirators bent on seeing her dead. The tension between Mary and Ryan keeps the story from falling into trite mystery territory, and the whole book has a lovely sense of humor. The reader will enjoy watching the leads do their best not to fall in love and fail—repeatedly!
Verdict This latest title in Barnes “Summersby” series (after Lady Alexandra’s Excellent Adventure) is a fun mystery that livens up a romantic tale filled with delightful characters. The perfect book for a rainy Saturday with a cup of tea.—Emily Thompson, SUNY at Oswego Lib.
Barnes, Sophie. The Secret Life of Lady Lucinda: A Summersby Tale. Avon Impulse. Nov. 2012. c.281p. eISBN 9780062225399. EPUB $3.99. HISTORICAL ROMANCE
William Summersby has resigned himself to marrying a woman he doesn’t love until a beautiful, clever lady sweeps in and changes his life forever. The mysterious Lucinda Blackwell has manipulated William into marriage in hopes of bringing justice for her murdered family. What starts as a tense and mistrustful relationship soon blooms into a steamy romance. What Lucy and William don’t know is that her parents’ murderer has found Lucy and has no intention of waiting for her to find him. Who was behind the slaughter of Lucy’s family? Will William and Lucy find out before it’s too late?
Verdict The plot of this third installment in Barnes’s “Summersby” series is well paced, with just the right mix of suspense and romance. The alternating flirtation and antagonism between our protagonists tease the reader. With a few changes in setting, the author adds interest with descriptions of exotic Constantinople amid the lovely English settings. All in all, a good book for fans of Jane Austen who seek a bit more steam in their stories.—Sonnet Ireland, Univ. of New Orleans Lib.
Cole, Chloe. Overdrive. Samhain. Jan. 2013. 103p. eISBN 9781619212213. EPUB $3.50. EROTIC NOVELLA
Vintage-car mechanic Frankie Sepkaski has a reputation for being wanton, and even though it may not be entirely founded in truth, it is a rep she is determined to protect. Wealthy architect Mac Galbraith is an antique-car collector who just happens to find his mechanic hotter than his vintage Mustang’s engine. When Mac promises only friendship, Frankie stops hiding behind her reputation and succumbs to his advances. But her revelation at dinner leaves him offering much more. Frankie can handle a bedroom mentor as long as there are no emotional attachments, as she knows a man of Mac’s means and this grease monkey will never be a match. When Mac finally has her convinced otherwise, the issue of their class differences is brought to light and jeopardizes their romantic future and a chance at real happiness.
Verdict Although the narrative fizzles briefly when a character’s abrupt attitude change proves unlikely, the sensual romance between these two protagonists will have the reader devouring the pages of this amusing yarn. Cole (Just One Night) also writes as Christine Bell.—Kara Kohn, Plainfield P.L., IL
Lynn, Cherrie. Leave Me Breathless. Samhain. Nov. 2012. 206p. ISBN 9781619213791. EPUB $5.50. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Macy Rodgers is a 25-year -old former Texas rodeo champion who manages her parents sporting goods business. It’s Valentine’s Day, and Macy is at a honky-tonk with her closest friends, Samantha and Candace, who are surprising Macy by inviting Seth “Ghost” Warren to meet them. The last time Macy saw Ghost was in the backseat of his shiny black ’69 GTO convertible approximately one year ago. Ghost has been out of town caring for his sick grandmother and traveling with his heavy metal band, but he is back in town working at his friend’s tattoo parlor. Petite, pretty Macy and tall, tattooed, and pierced Ghost pick up right where they left off. Since their relationship is new, readers are able to learn Macy’s and Ghost’s backstories, which include overbearing ex-lovers and relationship insecurities when searching for “the one.”
Verdict This spinoff of Lynn’s “Ross Siblings” series (Unleashed; Rock Me) announces itself with a welcoming warning about graphic sex, car sex, phone sex, bed sex, in-the-livingroom-with-the-front-door-open sex. It is all there. Enjoy!—Joyce Sparrow, Kenneth City, FL
Shalvis, Jill. Under the Mistletoe: A Lucky Harbor Short Story. Forever Yours: Grand Central. Dec. 2012. 100p. eISBN 9781455544905. EPUB $1.99. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Although missing her family in Lucky Harbor, WA, Mia Hutchinson is happy with her life in New York, attending graduate school and spending precious free time with her hottie boyfriend, Nick. Thinking that things are moving along well, Mia asks Nick to go home with her for her aunt’s Christmas Eve wedding. But relationship-phobic Nick refuses. Heartbroken, Mia goes home unaccompanied. Alone, Nick realizes his mistake. Now he has only to fly across the country, convince Mia to give him another chance, and, more important, convince her family and friends he’s worthy of Mia’s love. Fists and words fly as Nick learns that’s easier said than done.
Verdict Fans of Shalvis and her “Lucky Harbor” series will enjoy catching up with Mia and other characters from the previous books. To refresh reader’s memories, check out Shalvis’s The Sweetest Thing. Under the Mistletoe is a quick, fun holiday read to warm up a chilly winter’s night.—Christyna Hunter, Loudoun Cty. P.L., Lovettsville, VA
About Bette-Lee Fox
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