The Bishop At The Lake: A Blackie Ryan Mystery by Andrew M. Greeley

The Bishop at the Lake by Andrew M. Greeley is a fantastic mystery featuring Blackie Ryan, a well known Greeley character. Blackie is sent by his boss, Cardinal Sean Cronin, to investigate a priest spreading false rumors about a prestigious appoinment…held by the Cardinal! What Blackie finds is an ineffectual lush who is not worth the worry. But, while there Blackie is introduced to the Priest’s family, the Nolan’s. Each character is described with Greeley’s typical wit and humor the reader is pulled in by his writing cadence and delightful leading characters. The Patriarch of the Nolan clan is sympathetic and strong, as is his enduring love for his wife. Their Granddaughter, Peggy Anne is at turns immature and wise beyond her years.With the introduction of Joseph, a balancing character for Peggy Anne, a secondary story is intrduced, that of young love. When the Priest Blackie is investigating, Malachai Nolan, is almost killed by a Hornet attack, Blackie is pulled deep into the family’s drama as he tries to find out who (and why) such an attack was made. Even though the villian is over-the-top and easily spotted, an observation voiced by Blackie Ryan himself, the reader is carried along to the predictable and fun ending.

This is not my first (and won’t be my last, I hope) Greeley book. His characters are always bold, bright and full of life. The books seem to end too soon and the glimpses into the families lives are true, just and usually full of love. I have been a huge fan of this authors works for years and have never been dissapointed. Thank You dear author.

Seducing the Mercenary by Loreth Ann White- A review by guest Bailey Stewart

Seducing the Mercenary
by Loreth Anne White
Reviewed by Bailey Stewart

The book was done, the last page read and yet I sat there holding it in my hands, unwilling to let it go. The sounds of the neighborhood slowly emerged from the jungle in my mind; I had been so engrossed that they had been shoved back into the shadows of Ubasi. Usually when I like a book, I jump up immediately and write the review; but not this time. I want to savor the feelings that still pour through me; its story holds me in its grip. What to say, how to articulate the sensations brought on by Emily/Emma and Jean’s story; the emotions that still hold me tight.

Ubasi, an African nation in the middle of turmoil, its tyrannical leader Souleyman ousted by Jean-Charles Laroque, Le Diable, son of the merciless Peter Laroque. Emily Carlin is a psychologist who works for the Force du Sable, a mercenary group that has been commissioned by the U.S. to help Souleyman regain power. She’s an expert in tyrannical pathology, alpha dogs as she calls them. Her job is to determine the best way to control Laroque, whose rise to power makes the U.S. uncomfortable because he can not be controlled as easily as Souleyman. The adage, better the devil you know than the one you don’t, comes easily to mind. Emily has to identify the dictator’s weaknesses in order to help the FDS devise their strategy; do they take him prisoner, or do they assassinate him? She has one week to find out.

Jean-Charles Laroque, a man with a mission, distrustful of everyone. Burdened with the legacy of his father’s cruelty, he must deal with enemies on all sides. Betrayal is dealt with quickly and ruthlessly. How will he handle the duplicity of the woman that he not only let into his castle, but into his heart.

Julia’s Chocolates by Cathy Lamb

Julia’s Chocolates by Cathy Lamb is an emotional read that grabs you from the first couple of sentences. “I left my wedding dess hanging in a tree somewhere in North Dakota. I don’t know why that particular tree appealed to me. Perhaps it was because it looked as it it had given up and died years ago and was still standing because it didn’t know what else to do….” And so, we the reader, meet Julia Bennett. Julia is running across the country toward her Aunt Lydia, the only truly loving person she has ever known. In Boston, on her wedding day, she escapes Robert, her sadistic and abusive fiance`.  From her Aunts concrete pigs in her front yard in Oregon, to the first meeting of the Psychic Night where Julia meets Katie, Caroline and Lara, Julia is wrapped in love and acceptance. Each woman has secrets, each offers emotional support and love to the other. Katie, too, knows the abusive power of a man. Caroline has a crippling gift and a shadowy past. And Lara, Lara has hidden her true self from everyone around her, even her Minister husband.

As the reader comes to know the women and to cry with them, laugh with them and share in their triumphs, there is still fear present for Julie. Because she knows Robert will find her, and when he does she is sure that he will kill her. She knows she can run away again, but she gathers courage from the friends she has made, the life she has made for herself and the new love that she is beginning to feel for Dean, a truly caring man who enteres her life. Julia will fight for the two children she has come to love and wants to adopt, for the Chocolates she makes and is praised for, but most of all for herself; her future.

As a reader I am unsure of how to tell you of the powerful emotions packed within the pages of this book. They will touch your heart, and your soul. Many topics are introduced, among them: abuse, breast cancer, self acceptance, and most of all love. There is, of course, a HEA for the reader and the characters you will come to care for. I, for one, can’t wait for another book from the author of this fantastic book.

The Trouble With Paradise by Jill Shalvis

The Trouble With Paradise by Jill Shalvis

Dorie Anderson was living a hum-drum life; working at a hum drum job and doing nothing to follow her dreams after graduating with a degree in Design. So, when a chance to visit Fiji traveling on a sailing yacht as a prize arrives- Dorie grabs it! After promising to work every holiday for the rest of her life for her Boss at Shop-Mart, she sets out to enjoy herself. While trying to board the yacht Dorie sprains her ankle in a humiliating, clumsy tumble brought on by her proximity to a cute guy. To make matters worse, the yachts Doctor is French, gorgeous and downright sexy!

Before she knows it she is trading heated glances with the sexy Doctor. But, before things can heat up, the yacht is caught in a Hurricane and the vacationers and crew are stranded on a deserted island. With one exception, one of the crew is missing. Was he swept overboard by the storm? Or is there a killer among the stranded survivors? Dorie is worried, she has decided if she ever gets off the island that her dreams are too important to ignore. Now her future career and her future love life are at stake!

Jill Shalvis shines with her trademark humor in this fun book. I found this book to be a light, fun read where the characters are far from ordinary and the romantic tension satisfying. This romance reader was left with a smile on my face. I look forward to more books from the delightful and entertaining Jill Shalvis.

Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer

 Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer is a hilarious look at two people who have more in common than they think,  although one is a Food Columnist and the other a Government Hitman. 

Agnes Crandalls life is falling apart around her as she works to cater a wedding, hold onto her dream home and write her latest Cranky Agnes Column.  Unfortunately Agnes has to put up with someone breaking in and trying to steal her dog, her anger issues (embrace your inner crazy) and putting on a wedding when it seems someone is trying to sabotage it.  Then there’s the matter of her fiancée, who bores her to tears. Thank goodness for Uncle Joey.

Shane Smith was in the middle of a mission when his Uncle Joey called him and asked him to come home and watch over “little Agnes”. Thinking that Agnes is a little kid, he is pleasantly surprised to find that she is in fact a grown woman. One who is distracting and inspiring fantasies while he should be worried about who is trying to kill her, steal her dog, and why.

Agnes and Shane work together to find the culprit responsible for sabotaging the wedding and trying to kill Agnes. As the turmoil continues the connection between the two characters grows from one of admiration and gratefulness, to hilarious sexual situations and a closeness that puzzles the two. Add in the mystery of the murdered Mafia man, and things get harder to say on track for the duo.

Agnes and the Hitman is an explosive look at the South and the people who inhabit it. The characters are unique, lovable and funny, and their emotions are felt by the reader. The conclusion is satisfying and leaves you ready for another by this dynamic writing duo! This book is wonderful and as a reviewer I don’t feel I’ve done justice to it. GO READ IT!

Die For Me by Karen Rose

Die For Me by Karen Rose

Die For Me by Karen Rose was a thriller filled with murder, madness and a love that survived it all.

Dr. Sophie Johannsen, a historian and archeologist, came home to Philadelphia to care for her grandmother after her stroke. When she answered an old friends call for help she became embroiled in a hunt for a serial killer whose idea of art is grotesque. While helping the police with their investigation she meets Detective Vito Ciccotelli; a man who is a danger…..to her heart.

Det. Vito Ciccotelli didn’t know the identity of the serial killer responsible for the gruesome murder victims recently uncovered. However, he does think that Sophie is an asset to the case, and someone special. Even though he is in the middle of a murder investigation, he can’t help feeling that they are meant for each other.

As Sophie and Vito unravel clues to the identity of the killer, they are brought closer together. Discovering who the murderer before he kills again is a puzzle both wish to complete. Now, as the two share secrets and intimate moments a killer is watching and waiting. He’s decided Sophie would make an exceptional end to his murderous game. Will Vito and Sophie survive to have the future both wish for?

Die For Me is a suspenseful tale that made this reader think about the book long after the book was over. The characters and the story that carried them are memorable and the killer, downright scary and looked upon with horror and fascination. Karen Rose created a sick and twisted mind in her killer and balanced the utter evil, with the goodness of Vito and Sophie. And, even knowing how the story ends, this reader slept with a light on!

Silver Master by Jayne Castle

Silver Master by Jayne Castle

Silver Master by Jayne Castle

In her latest paranormal written under the name Jayne Castle, Jayne Ann Krentz returns readers to the world of Harmony; where Psy-talents are normal and alien artifacts are honored and studied with awe.

When Celinda Ingram fled Frequency four months ago to escape a psychotic Guild leader, she had hoped to start her matchmaking career over. It took time, but she’s getting there. Unfortunately she now has the Cadence City Guild to deal with since she purchased a bauble at an antique store for her dust bunny, Araminta. How was she supposed to know that the bauble had been recently stolen from the Guild?

Davis Oakes had been hired by the Cadence City Guild Boss, Mercer Wyatt to find the stolen bauble. In the course of his investigation he follows a lead to Celinda and feels ALL his senses stir the moment he meets her. Having a dust bunny of his own, Max, he is isn’t too surprised or even upset when Araminta steals the bauble from Celinda as she is handing to him. He does feel as though he owes the dust bunny a favor, she has given him the perfect excuse to spend more time with Celinda.

Celinda and Davis must work together to find the bauble before whoever stole it comes looking for it again. Not an easy task for two people who don’t trust easily. As their attraction flares and burns hotly Celindas recent past rises up to squash her, but Davus rises to the occasion staking not only his reputation and life, but his heart on a future with Celinda. As the two try to find who stole the bauble and why, they must learn to trust each other with their darkest secrets.

Silver Master is aptly named as the reader soon discovers. The plot is filled with colorful and memorable characters, many who have their own books, and a worthy mystery. However, the dust bunnies clearly steal the book! A satisfying read for this reader and fan of Jayne Ann Krentz. Be warned, the passion doesn’t flare as high for this book as some of the authors others, but still a good read for those who prefer more story than sex.

The Royal Mess by MaryJanice Davidson

The Royal Mess by MaryJanice Davidson

MaryJanice Davidson returns to the world of the Alaskan Royals in this third and possibly finale book in the series. The usual fast paced, witty, snarky attitude from the characters are back. In other words, MaryJanice Davidson at her best!

When Nicole Kernski sent the letter to the King of Alaska she was honoring her mothers last wish after she died. For her honesty she was rewarded with…..a Royal title she didn’t want and became First in line to inherit the throne. Never mind that she knows more about hunting and fishing than signing bills into law! Nicole must now reconcile herself to her new future as a possible Queen. And whatever is she going to do with her pesky bodyguard with his silky black hair, light blue eyes and body that makes her sit up and take notice? Will she ever be able to convince him that love with a Royal Princess is possible?

Jeffery Rodinov wasn’t shocked when he heard there was a newly found Princess. After all, he had worked at the Royal Palace for years! However, he was unsettled by his immediate and scorching attraction to the new Princess Nicole. Will this Royal bodyguard let duty form his future or will he follow his heart instead?

Normally I don’t gush, but I adored this book. Where else could you read a love story that contains an illegetimate Princess, a Royal family and it’s foibles, and not only smile but laugh like a loon throughout? This one is going on my keeper shelf!

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Sex and the Psychic Witch by Annette Blair

Sex and the Psychic Witch by Annette Blair

Sex and the Psychic Witch by Annette Blair is a cute look at Witches, Ghosts and knocking down emotional walls.

Harmony Cartwright was drawn toward the linen gown at a costume yard sale, not only by her job as a buyer for her and her Sisters Antique store-the Immortal Classic, but she was drawn by her psychic gift as well. She felt the urge to trace the gowns history and was led to Paxton Castle and King Paxton, its owner.

King Paxton has spent decades running from any type of emotional commitment, one reason he has decided to sell Paxton Castle after completing renovations. King wants no ties with the Castle he feels is home, nor with the Ghost who haunts its walls. Little does he know that with Harmony’s appearance the ghost will be given a name and he’ll face his fears as well.

King and Harmony are drawn towards each other from their first confrontational meeting. Their attraction for each other is scorching in it’s intensity. But, there are secrets to be discovered for Kings past and Paxton Castles future to be laid to rest. Will King and Harmony’s future include the other, or will Paxton Castle remain haunted not only with a ghost, but a future of unhappiness?

Sex and the Psychic Witch is a Hot, Hot, HOT read. With a fun look at a haunted castle and a witch of a ghost, not to mention Harmony the witch, this book will bring a smile to your face. Just don’t forget some ice water to help you cool off!