Tandem
By Elizabeth Donald
Ellora's Cave Publishing
ISBN:  1-4199-0636-4
Quickie/ Fun In The Sun/ Contemporary
48 Pages
Available Now


Jericho Trail, the ultimate hiking experience, but there were park rules that would be enforced for anyone who wanted to experience it.  Rule number one was that no one was allowed to hike it alone.

Chris Coleman was a seasoned hiker who meant to tackle Jericho Trail before she finished school and moved on.  But her now ex-boyfriend Charlie decided at the last moment not to join her. She finds herself facing a stern park ranger who refuses to let her hike without a partner. What’s a girl to do?

Reed Miller was suppose to hike Jericho Trail with his buddy Jack but fate intervened at the last moment and instead Jack took a nasty fall down a set of stairs and ended up with a broken leg.  Now Reed won't get to experience the trail, or will he?

Chris seizes the moment and persuades Reed to hike the trail with her as his partner; something even the ranger can't deny is okay since they will be two. But fate hasn't something more in store for both of them and the trail is filled with more than just the wonders of nature. Can two strangers learn what it is to work in tandem both on the trail and under the covers?

Tandem by Elizabeth Donald is a nice quick read.  The story is about two virtual strangers who learn about more than they planned on the hiking experience that is Jericho Trail. Chris comes off as a strong woman who has not had the best of luck with men in relationships and she seems to have some issues with trust and commitment.  Reed appears to be a straight shooter who knows what he wants and isn't afraid to admit it. The sexual tension between these two was hot and the love scenes will definitely leave you panting. A solid read for those who want a quick fix.  3 out of 5 Quills.

Reviewed by Debbie H.
March 28, 2007
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Review Index
Tandem
By Elizabeth Donald
Ellora's Cave Publishing

The Woman and the Raven
by Marlene vor der Hake

Alien Overnight
By Robin L. Rothham
Ellora's Cave

Beltaine Bargain
By Cindy Spencer Pape
The Wild Rose Press

Nick's Lady
By Katherine Kingston
Ellora's Cave

Every Word I Speak
By Cindy Lynn Speer
Drollerie Press

Die For Me
By Karen Rose
Vision, Hachette Book Group

The Angelini - Mystic's Run
By Jory Strong
Ellora's Cave Publishing

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The Woman and The Raven
By Marlene vor der Hake
Pub. Date:  03-02-07
ISBN:  1419660608
Fantasy


The woman hears the call of the raven and is compelled to answer it.  The wizard has set a task before her and only by valiantly battling the odds and completing her task will she learn who and what she really is. The journey is perilous and death may claim her but the raven calls. And the woman must follow where he leads her.

She is but a mortal, a hunter and trapper that exchanges pelts for goods. The sword forged with elfin magic falls into her hands and thus begins her journey to undo a great wrong. Along the way she must face ghosts, trolls, creatures of the deep, and always in the background the Shadow Sorcerer. But there are those who will help her along the way if she will just listen and follow the call of the raven.  For the raven is more that it seems and fate has a destiny far better in store for her.

The Woman and the Raven is a wonderfully crafted story reminiscent of the epic poems of old.  Marlene vor der Hake paints a beautiful tapestry with her descriptive words that breathes life into this tale.  You can easily visualize where this tale takes place and every where it leads you along the journey. The epic battle between good and evil is somewhat predictable, but still well told. All in all I found this book to be entertaining and captivating.  I look forward to enjoying more of her works in the future.  4 out of 5 Quills.

Reviewed by Debbie H.
March 28, 2007
Alien Overnight
By Robin L. Rotham
Ellora’s Cave Publishing
ISBN:  9781419910852
Futuristic
Available Now


Monica has spent her life hiding what she considers her insufficiencies. She is bold and outspoken and that has led her to her current job. She is slated to be a doctor for a group of Earth women who are going to mate with a group of alien alpha males to help continue their species. Little does she know just how much this new assignment will change her life. After one encounter in a room full of aroused males her hormones kick in and she goes through a growth spurt that prepares her for her next role…that of claimed mate to not one but two of these males.

Commander Kellen is delighted when he sees that Dr. Monica Teague is one of the few hybrid women still alive, a woman whose father is one of them. Now Monica is claimable and Kellen jumps in to be the first. There is something about her that is hard to resist.  Maybe it is her tough as nails exterior or maybe it is the thick layer of strength that she has. All he knows is that he can't wait to bed her and stake his claim in a way that will leave no one doubting just who she belongs to. Including her.

Alien Overnight by Robin L. Rotham was one book that I couldn't seem to put down. The entire concept fascinated me even though it is used way too much in this genre. She managed to put a unique spin on it and kept my attention from page one to the end. I like Monica and wanted her to be with Kellen. I was a little put off by the distance that was maintained between her and Shauss. I felt that it wasn’t a true ménage but more like one of convenience. I hope that there are more stories in this setting. Alien Overnight is definitely a book worth picking up and reading.  4 out of 5 Quills.

Reviewed by Debbie H.
August 21, 2007
Beltaine Bargain
By Cindy Spencer Pape
The Wild Rose Press
43 Pages
Available Now



Rhodri of Llyan and his man Hew are set upon by bandits leaving Hew hurt and in need of help.  They are sent to the village healer, Selene, a beauty that calls to the Earl of Llyan.  If only he were free to claim her as his own, but the secret he hid prevented him from ever marrying.

But Selene sensed the difference in him, the darkness just beneath the surface.  Little did he know that she hid a secret as well, a secret that just might be the miracle that he was looking for.

Beltaine Bargain is a short sweet love story with the perfect amount of sizzle.  I loved that Rhodri was not a werewolf or anything so common in the paranormal realm.  Instead the twist was perfect and fitting for the Earl of Llyan.  Selene was a strong capable woman who trusted in herself which was refreshing to this reader.  There is nothing more sexy than a woman who knows what she wants and is determined to get it.  This was one short story that I was sorry to see end.
4 out of 5 Quills.

Reviewed by Debbie H.
August 28, 2007
Nick's Lady
By Katherine Kingston
Ellora's Cave Publishing
ISBN:  9781419910876
BDSM
154 Pages
Available Now



Andrea is mortified when an ex turned stalker attacks her in her place of work, telling everyone present that she likes it rough and how he had worked hard to train her as a submissive.  Even more mortifying is when her sexy boss Nick shows up to help her out.  Once the ex is escorted out, Nick takes her back to his office to make sure that she is okay.  She is afraid that he will fire her especially when she reveals that she hasn't pressed charges against the man due to the place where she met him…a BDSM club.

Nick has had the hots for Andrea since she first started working for him but has done his best to keep it under control.  But when he learns that she shares the same draw to the BDSM world as he does he can't help but take a chance.  Only what starts out as a way to help her get past what her ex did turns into something so much more for both of them.   But it may take more than either of them knows to find that happily ever after that they want.

Nick's Lady is the long awaited sequel to Katherine Kingston's Dominant Boys Of Summer where we were first introduced to the character of Nick.  And what a character he is.  Such a complex man who pulls at heart strings as well as other tender parts.  He called to you and demanded his own story, of which Ms. Kingston delivers superbly.  Andrea is just the right woman for him with the submissiveness when called for but also a back bone of steel and a "take no crap attitude."  The compliment each other amazingly well and the foursome scenes that include Dave and Julie from the previous book were hot, hot, hot!  Although you don’t need to read the first book to enjoy this one I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t want to.  As always Ms. Kingston has a winner with Nick’s Lady, a book that will leave you panting for more.
4.5 out of 5 Quills

Reviewed by Debbie H.
August 28, 2007
Every Word I Speak
By Cindy Lynn Speer
Drollerie Press
12 Pages


Queen Sarah was blessed by the faeries with a wonderous gift when she was nice to one of them.  From that moment on every word she spoke was punctuated with a jewel or flower that fell from her lips.  This brought her to the attention of the King and led to her becoming the Queen.  But does he love her or only the jewels that she gifts him with.  Suddenly a girl known for her chatter can't keep quiet enough.  Then a Duke comes calling, his desire to exchange anything he has for the beautiful Queen.

Every Word I Speak is a dark tale that brings to mind the original Grimm fairy tales when there wasn't a happily ever after.  It also brings to mind the old saying, "be careful what you wish for."  Sometimes the price you pay to get there and remain there isn't worth the prize you wanted.  Ms. Speer tells quite a story in only twelve pages.  It is well worth taking the time to read if you are a fan of the pre-Disney world of the Brothers Grimm.

3.5 out of 5 Quills

(c) Reviewed by Debbie H.
September 2, 2007
Die For Me
By Karen Rose
Romantic Suspense
Vision, Hachette Book Group USA
September 2007
558 Pages
$6.99


Detective Vito Ciccotelli and his partner are called in when a body is discovered in  a snow covered field.  When one body turns into a graveyard of horror, Vito calls on archeologist Sophia Johannsen to help with  the police investigation.  A madman is on the loose and even worse than the murders he is committing, is the torture that he is inflicting on the victims.

Vito and Sophia are drawn to one another but both come with so much baggage that it is a wonder these two ever make it past hello.  But the spark is there and more than lust may ignite…If they can only survive the man who wants them to die for him.

Karen Rose has penned another can't put down, spine tingling thriller.  Her books are the best of the best and Die For Me is everything that you look for.  It has the thrills and chills, the mystery and intrigue and the sexual chemistry and love that many have come to expect from Ms. Rose.  I hope that she will continue with the Ciccotelli family and especially give Tino a story of his own.  With every new book there is a fountain of characters that are just screaming to star in the next book.  Her main characters are well rounded and deliver but it is the secondary characters that keep you coming back for every new book just hoping that this one will have so and so's story.  No one does it better than Ms. Rose.  So if you only read one book this year make it one by Karen Rose…you won't be disappointed.

5 out of 5 Quills
Reviewed by Debbie H.
August 31, 2007
The Angelini - Mystic's Run
By Jory Strong
Ellora's Cave Publishing
ISBN:  9781419912283
Werewolf/ Vampire/ Ménage a trios or More
219 Pages
Available Now


Mystic Renaldi is one of the Angelini, those born to guard between the human and supernatural world but she does not bear the gifts of the other members of her family.  She is not a hunter, has no wolf inside her.  At least not one that she can find and call forward.  When she is sent by her grandmother to a howl in the hopes that she will find acceptable wolf mates, Mystic rebels at the idea.  Then with the help of friends runs when one wolf makes known his intention to claim her.

Hawk wants her from the moment he sees her.  Though she runs from him he can feel the bond and knows that he is destined to be one of her mates.  She is his key to a pack of his own.  But so much more than that as well.

Christian is a lone wolf who never had a pack to call his own.  He has taken a human job as a detective and rides the line between human and supernatural often. One glimpse of Mystic and he knows that she is his.  His wolf howls with the need to mate and claim her.

Roman has searched for centuries for the woman that will be his mate.  He’s more than a vampire, more than a shape shifter.  His search leads him to Mystic and unknown to him, the life of an Angelini mate.

What happens when three alphas are forced to share the woman they need?  And what happens when a woman on the run from what she doesn't know finds herself claimed by three?

Mystic's Run is a gripping story that compels you to keep reading, glued to every page as the magical story unfolds.  No one does it so well as Jory Strong.  Wolves and vampires and a race of those in between that seek justice and serve retribution.  The Angelini is one series that you won't regret reading.  Ms. Strong takes an often overdone genre and breathes new life into it.  There is a sensuality that comes through with every word you read and the suspense and intrigue keep you wondering where she is going.  I hope that this series never ends.
5 out of 5 Quills

(c) Reviewed by Debbie H.
September 9, 2007