Book Reviews

The following are shortened versions of reviews I have written, as well as the link to the actual pages they are published.

Shannon Anicas
Reviewer Coffee Time Romance
Contemporary/mystery/crime
Rating: 4 cups

First we meet Danny Calloway, a young boy who happens upon the
worst thing any child should see his sister's brutal rape and murder.
We are transfixed as the trial for it begins and a family has to relive
its worst memory. A boy is jailed, but not long enough for Danny.
He sets his life goal to destroy the one who destroyed his sister.
He throws himself into his love for basketball. His fury is fuel for a
great talent. Just as his life begins beyond his sister's murder,
tragedy strikes again.

Bitter is the New Black : Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smartass,Or, Why You Should Never Carry A Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office - Jen Lancaster

When I first "discovered" Mrs. Lancaster on her blog her sharp wit and sense of style intrigued me so I ordered Bitter is the New Black... I was far from disappointed. I couldn't sleep so I took the piece and quiet (the family was asleep after all) to dip myself in the delectable book and couldn't put it down. I read it from cover to cover and before I knew it the sun was coming up not just here but for Jen too. It was hard to not belly laugh at her wit and the side notes she incorporates through out the story. I would start only to wake the hubby and have to do the old hand on the mouth to stop the laughter. The way she describes being inebriated is so accurate and absolutely hysterical. I rooted for her and was heartbroken when she had to sell off the beautiful things she loved. I think it is because I have been there done that myself. It also made me open my eyes to my own spending habits. Bitter... Is a fabulous story that has a soul and makes you laugh when you least expect it. I recommend it to everyone.

Pamela Britton's DANGEROUS CURVES, is an amazing story! She not only has characters that are multi-leveled, but 'real'. She knows her NASCAR and makes you want to come back for more. DANGEROUS CURVES is non-stop fabulous! Pamela Britton's perfect for this high-octane book and you will want to read more in the eventual NASCAR Library series due to begin in February 2006 through Harlequin and NASCAR Library.

More at: http://www.shvoong.com/books/romance/96092-dangerous-curves/

CUTTING LOOSE
LISE FULLER
ISBN # 1-4199-0441-8
February 2006
Cerridwen Press
www.cerridwenpress.com
E-Book
$5.95
166 pages
Contemporary Romance

Playing with apes she could handle, but playing with humans, especially males, she could not handle. So Miranda Harper, zoologist, did what she knew best and kept herself and her feelings in a cage of her own making. That is until her little sister decided the cage needed some riling and forced her out of her comfort zone into something other then a lab coat - taking Miranda for a much needed fun night out with the girls. In the process, her sister’s sexy boss runs into them and for once, with the help of a few drinks, Miranda does not run out.

Gary Staunton was a professional football player whose career was soaring when an unfortunate accident destroyed more then just his football career. Thankful that he had actually studied hard in college, he was able to fall back on his business sense. Putting up a block whenever it came to matters of the heart, he was unprepared for what happened every time he even thought of the beautiful Dr. Harper.

Thanks the meddling of Miranda’s sister Danielle and the love a chimp named Sara, these two unlikely heroes form a great team on and off the playing field. They both realize how much they need each other’s help in many different ways. The adventure ensues as they find their way past their self-imposed blocking and find their way into each other's hearts.

This was a fun story from beginning to end. You laugh, you cheer, and you feel the love in the air. The vines of this story wrap you up and keep you held tightly until the very end. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Shannon Anicas
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Reviewer For Karen Find Out About New Books

AT CROSS PURPOSES
SAHARA KELLY
ISBN:1-4199-0557-0
April 2006
Ellora’s Cave
www.ellorascave.com
E-Book
Price Unavailable
122 Pages
Contemporary Romance
Rating: 3 cups

Detective Barbara Fremont has had to work twice as hard as the males in her squad room, not just because she is a woman, but because she is a beautiful buxom blonde. She is a hard as nails equal to the boys she works with, but working undercover as a call girl is giving her attention she does not like. She cannot afford to have them distracted in the line of duty, but she is the one distracted by her new sexy partner.

State Inspector Lou Franconi was not expecting that the hot blonde he thought was a hooker would not only turn out to be a cop, but would steal his libido and his heart. Divorced, he has no attachments but is not looking for any either. When forced to work together posing as a couple involved in the porn industry, including dressing the part, Franconi cannot help but lust after his new partner.

They crossed paths in the wrong way as they were on separate stake outs to bring down a DVD bootlegger. When they get assigned to work together to bust this porn smuggler, things go from hot to hotter in a blink of an eye. Can they keep their hands off each other long enough to crack the case or will the bad guys steal the show, literally?

This was a hot story with great chemistry, but it was full of twists and turns that at times led you down a dead end. The ending was a bit disappointing considering how good the rest of the story was to read.

Shannon Anicas
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books

CHRISTY’S GHOST
SABLE GREY
ISBN# 1-59632-141-5
July, 2005
Loose-Id Publishing
www.loose-id.com/
E-Book
$5.99
134 pgs (Adobe Acrobat)
Time-Travel Genre
5 –cups

At first the reader meets Christina Hale, a beautiful, no-nonsense, very determined 27 year old woman about to marry Stephen, whom barely likes, to stay in her father’s good graces. She has chosen a beautiful house on a lake in the South for the outdoor ceremony when the hostess tells her of Christy’s ghost, a young girl who was also set to marry at that very same house, only to die on the cliff over looking the lake the day before her marriage. Intrigued, Christina begins to read the diary left by Christy.

We begin to learn about Christy Monroe, a rather plain and mosey, 18 year old girl forced into marriage to a despicable man, Adam. As the pages of the journal and story turn the reader begins to learn more about Christy and her world as she sees it. One night, in a strange turn of events these two worlds collide in a way that changes the history of both characters, forever.

Christy’s Ghost was my first Sable Grey novel and it did not disappoint. From the turn of page one I was pulled into two very different, very believable worlds. Sable Grey draws you into her characters until you are one with them. Each of them with their flaws is so realistic the reader can sense what the characters sense at the same moment with them. The reader can feel for both Christina and Christy in their triumphs and anguishes. These are two very different women with different needs yet together they make their dreams come true.

Ms. Grey is an excellent story teller in this tale of two women. The reader feels like they are actually in 1743 and she effortlessly flows between then and the year 2005. The reader does not feel forced into either one and the scene changes are seamless. The transition between the speech styles of these time periods is also impeccable. The reader is aware of the switch but not with a shock, but a gentle transformation of each character. Christy’s Ghost is not only believable, but enchanting. I highly recommend this treasure to everyone who loves romance, mystery or historical period books.

None So Blind
Carol McPhee
ISBN # = 1-59088-503-1
February 2006
Wings ePress
wingsepress.com/
E-Book
$6.00
218 pages
Contemporary
Rating: 4 cups

Born to run should be the slogan of Kate McTavish, because she does it often regardless of the consequences. She is a strong and stubborn woman, not ready to be tamed by a marriage to a man she isn’t sure she loves. Setting off two days before she is to said “I do” on a stormy winter day she finds her self in a predicament she can’t escape.

Dayton Deveraux is a newly confirmed bachelor who splits his time between his fish packing plant and his family’s house he has pain-stakenly remodeled. He and his German Shepard Duke are content with living alone and a life free from red-heads. As he is enjoying a quite night by the fire, events unfold that will change his and Duke’s life forever.

When these two worlds collide on Dayton’s front yard neither is going give up who they are easily. In order to survive they will have to learn to adapt and compromise, something neither is keen on doing. When one accident leads to another and communications fail they learn that perceptions aren’t always reality.

Both past and present fears will complicate this relationship but if they can get past the past they can conquer anything. Not letting the world get them down is the task at hand and Carol McPhee does a beautiful job of telling this amazing story.

This is a well told story that makes you fall in love with the characters. You feel their pains and triumphs as each page turns. You are cheering them both on and wanting more. The story is very well developed and does not disappoint. From beginning to end I related with the characters and could feel who they were.

Despite deception, disabilities, and dogs this couple is destined to take a place in our hearts as well as be together. I recommend this with 4 cups of enthusiasm.

Shannon Anicas
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance

THE WARRIOR
HEATHER GROTHAUS
ISBN # = 0-8217-8006-9
Released in March 2006
Kensington Publishing Corp
www.kensingtonbooks.com/
E-Book
$5.95
166 pages
Historical Romance
Rating: 4 cups

For most of young Haith's life she felt doomed to pay for her mother's sins. A bastard by birth, yet a lady by right, Haith lived a life a commoner as forced by her father's bride. The only joys in Haith's life were her half-sister Bertie, her wise aunt Minerva and her haunting dreams. Believing she was cursed to her mothers fate, Haith tried to shake the man she dreamt of and live her tortured life as a servant of Lord Nigel, the despicable tyrant Lord of Seacreast.

Tristan D'Argent was a warrior in battle, and as many believed in life as well. He fought many battles to earn his right to his bride and his new land. He along with his trusted friend Pharao served their King proudly and was awarded with the deed to Greanly. This deed would come with a high price, allegiance with a man they both despised, Lord Nigel of Seacreast.

This historical romance is a great tale of love and loss as well as courage and strength. The reader is transported to 1066 England when the tale begins. It moves forward to 1075 when the world as Haith and Tristan know it is beginning to change forever. Their worlds collide and change the course of history for both. In this tale carefully woven with Ms. Grothaus’ attention to detail you will experience love, betrayal, and loss in a time that is mysterious and magical.

This amazing story will have you convinced you are sitting in the manor with these characters. It weaves a beautiful tale that is timeless. I especially enjoyed the strength of its two main characters as well as the love shared with the very important secondary characters. It affirmed that love has no boundaries and can over come odds and that all things are possible if you just believe. I believe this story will be around for a very long time. I raise my chalice four times to this hearty story.

Shannon Anicas
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books

If you are interested in me reading your works and/or reviewing them feel free to contact me at: shannon.anicas@gmail.com