TEMPTED BY THE HIGHLAND WARRIOR

MICHELLE WILLINGHAM

MACKINLOCH CLAN BOOK 3

HARLEQUIN

JUNE 19, 2012

4 STARS

Residing at her betrothed’s keep while her father is away, Lady Marguerite de Montpierre is horrified by her husband’s cruelty toward everyone, but in particular his Scottish prisoners. One night she hears the pained screams of one of the prisoners. Despite her maid’s protests and her own misgivings, Marguerite goes in search of the injured man. She manages to save him from the brink of death, but during her betrothed’s rage when the other MacKinlochs come for him, Marguerite flees with them when her maid is murdered by her betrothed.

The only one able to  calm Callum, who, after years of captivity is unable to speak, she finds refuge with the clan until her father, the Duc comes for her and tries to destroy the keep. Wanting to spare her new friends and the man she loves, Marguerite returns to her home, where she awaits a new betrothal. Callum cannot bear to be parted from her and sneaks in to Marguerite’s home so he can keep an eye on her.  Can their love survive and overcome all?

Buy Link

Callum MacKinloch is a tortured hero, so if you enjoy that trope, you will love this book. Ms. Willingham showed great skill in crafting a story featuring one who cannot speak, yet expresses his pain and desire so well that you can feel it. Marguerite, with her tender love for the wounded warrior, is the perfect heroine for him. TEMPTED BY THE HIGHLAND WARRIOR is one of the best medieval romances I have read recently.

Maggie Sefton- Cast On, Kill Off

CAST ON, KILL OFF

MAGGIE SEFTON

KELLY FLYNN KNITTING MYSTERIES NUMBER 10

BERKLEY PRIME CRIME

JUNE 5, 2012

FOUR STARS

Revisit with old friends in this new installment of the Kelly Flynn knitting mysteries series, written by the marvelous Maggie Sefton. Megan and Marty’s wedding day is quickly approaching and the final touches are being put on the bridesmaid’s dresses. The friends discover the seamstress, Zoe, is abused by her husband. They are soon able to assist her in leaving the situation and getting her to the shelter. But no only is her husband extremely angry because she left him, but the seamstress who mentored her is also angry because she believes Zoe not only stole customers when she opened her own shop but also a design that she then entered in a national contest. There is a confrontation, but who left Zoe dead in her car after a class?

Maggie Sefton's books are always to be enjoyed. It is like getting together with old friends and catching up with what's happening in their lives. CAST ON, KILL OFF is no different. The tenth installment of the delightful Kelly Flynn knitting mystery series shows lots of growth and good times between good friends. The mystery was satisfying, as always, with enough twists, turns and red herrings to keep you guessing.

buy linke

As always, I was sad to say goodbye, albeit briefly, to my friends in Fort Connor, Colorado and I look forward to the next installment.

Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris- The Janus Affair

THE JANUS AFFAIR

MINISTRY OF PECULIAR OCCURRENCES BOOK 2

HARPER COLLINS VOYAGER

MAY 29, 2012

FIVE STARS

Wellington Books and his junior archivist, Eliza Braun are back in action! This adventure begins with them being in the wrong (or perhaps right) place at the wrong time, when they witness the mysterious disappearance of a young woman from a train. And it so happened to be a young woman Eliza had met. When more disappearances occur, and an old, dear friend of Eliza’s from New Zealand is nearly taken, the two archivists take things personally and begin to look into the situation.

As they try to figure out the mysterious device that causes people to disappear in a flash of light, they discover misdeeds of a field agent who has been recently promoted. Their investigation takes many twists and turns, and even a few wrong directions, but for the reader, the journey is the greatest fun.

The sophomore follow up to the stellar Phoenix Rising last year, The Janus Affair is just as much fun as the first. Non-stop excitement coupled with character growth and a sparkling cast of supporting characters, this is a quick, enjoyable read. I would dearly love to meet Books and Braun in real life. They are both strong, fascinating characters. I can't wait for the next installment of their adventures.

 Buy Link