Amy3

Hocus Pocus by Rhonda Plummer
Whiskey Creek Press
378 Pages
Electronic & Print
978-1-59374-806-7
Cost -$5.99 & $14.95
Genre -Paranormal Romance

A spell cast over three hundred years ago binds sisters to the commitment of choosing the perfect mate or losing their unusual powers. Telepathic communication, hypnotherapy, shared dreams and love come together to tell a story that is unique and wholly engaging. Hocus Pocus appears to be the first book in a series and as such it lays the groundwork for subsequent novels. The secondary characters are each memorable and multi-dimensional. I would imagine that some of them will be the featured characters in whatever books follow this one. This tale, with hunky cowboy Cole Young as its main attraction, has a straightforward plot that has Cole digging to uncover a gold digger and learning to open himself to the unexpected ideas of spells and the impossible becoming commonplace in his otherwise-normal life.

Hocus Pocus by Rhonda Plummer is a fun-filled adventure. Around each corner of this story there is something to beguile and bewitch, pun intended. I loved this book, just loved everything about it. I laughed so hard at the thought of one character's baldness being the result of a spell gone awry! And that was only one of the many, many endearing tidbits in this story. Rhonda Plummer is a fabulous storyteller. I am eagerly waiting for the next installment in this series. I don't know how it could get any better than this but I'm sure looking forward to finding out where she takes her readers next!

Rating: 4 ½ out of 5
© Amy D., September 2007

Wing and Tongue by K.Z. Snow
Ellora's Cave
77 Pages
Electronic
9781419912337
$4.45
Fantasy Romance

Trew has found great success in his work, but there are responsibilities that accompany being part of the Order of the Wing and Tongue and enjoying the title of Dragon Caller. One of them is the participation in a ritual, playing the suitor for a woman whose identity is a secret. Trew knows his duty is to join in, but he does so reluctantly. Elrisa is also chosen to participate in one of Galdesh's most important events, to garner the respect of the Farfields dragons. Will she and Trew be worthy to the tasks ahead of them? And, more importantly, will they satisfy the dragons?

I love romantic fantasies, and this is a good one. Many sex scenes spice the story up nicely but there are too many of them that lack any kind of emotional attachment for my taste. Still, the plot is so entertaining that I overlooked the random sex acts. Trew and Elrisa are both engaging, realistic characters. Both changed dramatically during the course of the story and it was stirring to watch their journey. I greatly enjoyed Wing and a Tongue by K.Z. Snow and I think lovers of dragons, fantasy and romance will enjoy this story, too!

Rating: 4 ½ out of 5
© Amy D., September 2007

Georgie and Her Dragon by Sahara Kelly
Ellora's Cave
Fantasy
e-book
80 pages
$4.45

This is one of those "Once upon a time..." books. I love fairy tales, especially the steamier sort, so Georgie and Her Dragon is right up my alley! This is the story of Princess Georgiana and a dragon named Theobald the Unlucky. Theo is under a spell, and it's Georgie's duty to free him from his dragon-y exterior and turn him into the man just waiting for her inside that big dragon body. A horny fairy, banished baby and sensitive dragon who even questions his sexual orientation make this a comedy of sorts.

I loved Georgie and Her Dragon. I love the way there is an almost instant bond formed between Theo and Georgie. Watching it grow, then become amorous, is very entertaining. Sahara Kelly has a delicious sense of humor and a talent for pulling a reader into any world she creates, so reading her work is always a joy. I can't think of one thing about this book I didn't love. Even the epilogue made me laugh out loud!

Rating, 5 out of 5
(c) Amy D., June 2007

The Jaguar Legacy by Maureen Fisher
Lachesis Publishing
Romantic suspense
e-book and Print
355 pages
$6.80 pages

The Jaguar Legacy has it all: romance, suspense, thrills, magic, intelligence and a bit of the supernatural. When Charley, a journalist, goes to a distant archaeological site to, hopefully, get the story of her life, she finds more than she bargains for. Much more. Dr. Alistair Kincaid, the to-die-for handsome archaeologist, is determined to keep his discovery secret. But when love comes into the picture, along with something deadly and dangerous that stalks them on black paws from the jungle enters their lives, they're forced to make some very tough--and life-altering--decisions.

This book is so well written that I felt like I was in the center of the Mexican jungle, with blue-winged parrots, sweating workmen and thick mud. I felt, too, like I was privy to some special expedition, especially when Kincaid investigates the burial chambers hidden deep inside the jungle. It is, I think, one of the most memorable moments of this book, and believe me, there are many special moments to choose from. The Jaguar Legacy transported me from my ordinary life to a place where time stood still, at least for a bit, while the world moved on. Then, I got to be part of the "discovery crew" to uncover the lost secrets, while solving a sleek mystery.

I highly recommend The Jaguar Legacy to anyone who is a fan of romantic suspense. This is one of the best examples of the genre I've seen in a while!

Rating, 4 1/2 out of 5
(c) Amy D., June 2007

A Killer's Agenda by Anita Whiting
Samhain
Romantic Suspense
e-book
334 pages
$5.50

A Killer's Agenda is shocking and suspenseful, and filled with non-stop action. Brad Norton teams up with physic private investigator Alex Leahy because he can't believe the police version of how his aunt was killed. He knows there has to be more to it, and he's determined to find out what is missing from the story. But when he and Alex begin to become close, the investigation almost takes second place to the feelings that surface within him. The killer, however, won't let that happen. Brad and Alex find themselves in mortal danger, and they have no choice but to work furiously to solve the crimes that have already been committed.

A Killer's Agenda is a psychological thriller that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. I know I was! There are times in this book when I felt as if I had stopped breathing. It was that intense. Well written, and sure to satisfy if being scared silly is your cup of tea, A Killer's Agenda is definitely worth the time. It is a long-ish novel, but at no time did I want it to be shorter. Every bit is entertaining, especially the places where Brad and Alex first recognize their feelings for each other. Also, I liked the explanation of Alex's telepathy, and the way it is used in the story. When she uses her ability to check the people inside the place she's staked out, I felt it was a great way for the author to add a human touch to Alex's extraordinary ability. This is a highly entertaining story, in many ways.

Rating, 4 out of 5
(c) Amy D., June 2007

Hiring Cupid by Jane Beckenham
Linden Bay Romance
Contemporary
e-book and Print
204 pages
$5.99 and 15.99

In a moment of fleeting silliness, Carly tells her girlfriends about the insanely handsome, sexy boyfriend she's got. Or rather, the one she's just made up. Really, Carly has found success in other areas of her life, but not in the love department. So she makes up a story about a man, thinking it will never matter anyway. But when her friends invite her on vacation on a tropical island, she is forced to find a man--fast. Carly makes the first man who seems like a likely stand-in a business proposal, and she and Marco head off to paradise for a few days. But her friends don't show, and she and Marco are left to their own devices. The result is funny and sexy and very, very entertaining.

I enjoyed reading Hiring Cupid for so many reasons but mainly because it made me laugh. Don't get me wrong, this book is romantic and sexy, and the interaction between Carly and Marco is hot, but it's also downright funny, too. The way this couple behaves, the things they say to each other and the way they treat their blossoming relationship is wonderful to watch. I loved it that Marco isn't only a sex object. He's a compassionate, intelligent man, too. What more could a woman ask for?

Rating, 4 out of 5
(c) Amy D., August 2007

Sweet Surrender by Pam Marshall
Linden Bay Romance
Contemporary
e-book
260 pages
$6.49

Sweet Surrender by Pam Marshall is a story of love, respect and trust. It is poignant and touching and very hard to put down. I read it through in one sitting, and I suspect other readers will, too.

Rachel is an abused woman who runs from her abuser, and runs fast and hard. She knows she's got to hide, somewhere where, hopefully, Gavin will never find her. Somewhere where she'll be able to find her way to a new, calmer, safer life. Trusting the parish priest, she takes a job with Matthew Steele, a man who's helped other women in her prediacament. Matthew's sister, Kendra, has autism. Kendra functions well but needs supervision, and that's where Rachel can help. It seems they've found a good situation for everyone, but when red roses begin to arrive at Matthew's home, Rachel knows Gavin is on her trail.

This is a very well written story, one that grabbed me from the beginning. I hated it that Gavin caused so much pain, and cheered when Rachel ran. But as she and Matthew became attracted to each other I once again feared for her, knowing that Gavin couldn't be far behind. I think that's the point of this book--it gets the reader to care about the characters, and the characters, especially Rachel, to be open to trusting and caring even after they've been hurt. Up until the very end I wasn't sure how this would turn out. I knew what I hoped for Rachel, but I wasn't certain. The ending is perfect, and this is one truly heartwarming story.

Rating, 4 1/2 out of 5
(c) Amy D., August 2007