Beaudry's Ghost
By Carolan Ivey
Samhain Publishing
ISBN: 1-59998-852-6
Paranormal Romance
Jared Beaudry was mutilated and shot in the back by Bloody Zechariah Harris during the Civil War. For over a hundred years his spirit has roamed the beaches of North Carolina, refusing to rest until he finds a way to restore both his limbs and his honor while exacting vengeance on the man who took them. Although managing to make himself seen by a few people over the years, he's unable to make contact until he stumbles into a re-enactment of the battle where he died and meets psychic sensitive, Taylor Brannon.
Taylor has the ability to see spirits, an ability that terrifies her. She's spent her life running away from it. With the loss of her twin brother, Navy Seal Troy Brannon, Taylor tries to embrace her gift in an effort to make contact with him, but to no avail. Cutting her hair and dressing in her brother's Confederate uniform, she joins the re-enactment, hoping this will bring Troy to her. Feeling Taylor is the answer to his prayers, Jared makes a last ditch attempt to set things right by jumping into the body of a Union re-enactor, setting off a deadly chain of events no one could have foreseen.
Ms. Ivey has extensive knowledge of the Civil War and her ability to present the historical details in a way that doesn't slow the plot was quite impressive. I like the way the romance between Jared and Taylor develops and found the paranormal aspect done extremely well. The author has a talent for putting the reader right there in the thick of things, as the plot races along. The secondary characters were interesting and believable. The book could do with some editing to correct extra/missing words, but these didn't detract too much from my enjoyment of the story, which was well written. I do think the ending cries out for a sequel and hope Ms. Ivey has one planned for the near future.
4 stars out of 5
Elizabeth Melton Parsons
Jayna Incarnate
By Jane Shoup
Whiskey Creek Press
Historical Romance
EBook formats ISBN: 978-1-60313-925-5
Trade paperback ISBN: 978-1-59374-924-8
In an effort to halt her worsening mental illness, Samantha Bennett agrees to undergo experimental brain surgery. During the procedure Samantha's heart stops and her spirit travels back to 1745 and enters the body of a dying woman, Jayna Conroy. Jayna isn't just any woman; she's Samantha in a former incarnation and has risked death to escape the clutches of the infamous pirate, Shoale.
I was impressed with Ms. Shoup's seamless weaving of the different plots in her mystic, historical romance, "Jayna Incarnate." It's fascinating the way the author successfully merges the elements of time travel and reincarnation. I found Jayna charming and wanted so much for her to find the home, love and happiness she desperately seeks. The author created the perfect hero for Jayna in the body of Mackenzie MacAndrews, head of the MacAndrews clan.
The way their romance unfolds amidst the wonder and beauty of the Highlands is delightful. A man both strong and gentle, Mac takes the responsibility for his people seriously and is just as committed to keeping Jayna safe from the pirate who's determined to reclaim her. There's enough suspense and danger to keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
Ms. Shoup has a true talent for breathing life into her characters, making them come alive on the page. The historical details of the story were presented in an entertaining way. I read this book in one day, unable to put it down and recommend it to anyone who enjoys romance with a fresh twist.
4 ½ stars out of 5
Reviewed by E. G. Parsons
Pursuit
By Elizabeth Jennings
Romantic Suspense
Forever - Hachette Book Group
ISBN 13: 978-0-446-61891-5
ISBN 10: 0-446-61891-8
Court Industries heiress, Charlotte Court is shot in the shoulder after walking in on her father's murder. Discovering she's been set up to take the blame for murdering her father in his hospital bed and killing his nurse by CEO of the company, Robert Haine, Charlotte flees in her housekeeper's car. Wounded and feverish, she fears she won't survive the severe winter in the northeast. Seeking a place of warmth and safety she escapes to Mexico. Using her housekeeper's identity, she starts to heal and begin a new life in San Luis where she meets Navy SEAL, Matt Sanders.
Matt has some healing of his own to do. Severely wounded and left in a coma, he fought to stay alive. A shadow of his former self, he's come to San Luis to heal and regain his strength. Feeling an affinity for each other's emotional and physical pain, Charlotte and Matt are drawn together. Love blooms, but Charlotte never forgets she's not only wanted for murder, but is being hunted by Haine. She fears if she tells Matt the truth about herself, he may feel obligated to turn her over to the American authorities.
Haine had a plan, marry Charlotte and take over Court Industries. Charlotte rebuffs his advances putting an end to his dreams in that direction. Then when she and her father reject the eight billion dollar Pentagon contract he put together, Haine decides it's time to get rid of them both. Unfortunately his men botch the job and Charlotte has disappeared. Needing Charlotte dead and fast if he's to meet the Pentagon contract's deadline, he hires legendary hit man, Barrett, to find and kill her.
I found "Pursuit" by Elizabeth Jennings an interesting story with great characters. Using artist terms and having Charlotte zone out when planning a painting brought her character to life for me. Matt is the kind of man most women dream of meeting, strong alpha type with a soft side. I was intrigued by Barrett's character. He's a cold-blooded killer, but has depth and multi-dimensional character traits. He doesn't get pleasure from killing-it's all about the money and he takes great pride in being the best. Haine's character is just sadistic enough to garner hatred from the reader and I didn't feel it was over done.
The suspense builds to nail biting intensity and will keep the reader glued to the page. I love that the author uses different points of view to tell the story. Being able to know what everyone is thinking adds to the suspense and strength of the story. I did find information being repeated too often in the beginning. And being told over and over again that the heroine is the most beautiful woman in the world grated a bit. It's understandable though, because it's Matt's opinion and he's in love. Ms. Jennings gritty and down to earth writing style is a pleasure to read. For those who like romantic suspense, I don't think you'll go wrong with this one.
4 stars out of five - Elizabeth Melton Parsons, gottawritenetwork.com
May 15, 2008
