price：$4.80
Berkley Trade
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Had me skipping over parts) 『"Daring Time" was a better book then "Wicked Burn", but it still had me skipping over parts. The idea for this book intrigued me, so I decided to give Beth Kery another try, but I must admit that this book still didn't give me confidence to read another of her books.
The plus points of this book were the characters, the descriptions of historical Chicago, and the sex. But the downside were the convuluted time bending, the descriptions of historical Chicago, and the sex. Yes, I know I rewrote the last two. The time travel wasn't all that believeable after awhile, a flimsy excuse that mabye magic was built into the house and love is the trigger. Toward the end my suspension of disbelief was tremendous. The historical aspects of Chicago, while interesting at first, droned on and on until I ended up skipping over some paragraphs, including about a four page boxing scene that reminded me of "Far&Away" (movie with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman). And the sex, while hot, got to be a bit much as they did it through the mirror.
I gave this book three stars because it is worth buying used. It's a pleasurable vacation novel, which is where I read it.
』
(4.5 stars. Nicely done creative time travel with a lot of erotic BDSM sex.) 『STORY BRIEF: Ryan is a Chicago cop in 2008. He inherits a mansion from his former college professor. Through a mirror he sees Hope who is 25 years old in 1906. They are able to communicate and touch each other through the mirror. He searches historical records and learns that Hope was murdered in 1906. He tries to warn her but it doesn't work, and she is kidnapped. Ryan finds a way to time travel to try and save her. The bad guys in both 1906 and 2008 kidnap women and force them into prostitution slavery. Hope is a social activist trying to help women.
REVIEWER'S OPINION: There is a lot of erotic, graphic, explicit sex including bondage, pain, whipping and rear door activity. The story is well done. I like this author. She thinks differently from the pack of romance writers. I hadn't read time travel done this way before. She has an interesting group of characters with interesting links among them. Some of the sex scenes almost felt a little too long but still good. I recommend this for readers looking for a lot of erotic sex set within a good story.
DATA: Story length: 341 pages. Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: strong/erotic. Number of sex scenes: 15. Total number of sex scene pages: 94. Setting: 1906 and 2008 Chicago, Illinois. Copyright: 2009. Genre: time travel romantic suspense.
OTHER BOOKS: To date, I've read one other book by Beth Kery. My 3 star review of "Wicked Burn" copyright 2008 was posted 1-4-09.』
(Reviewer's choice twolipsreviews.com July 2009) 『Chicago detective Ryan Daire can't believe his favorite college professor has gifted him with a sprawling mansion. Puzzled by his generosity, Ryan decides to live in the mansion but realizes on his cop's salary, at some point he'll have to sell it. Taking his partner to view it for the first time, Ryan spies a lady in period costume. Knowing his partner thinks he's crazy because only Ryan saw her; he can't help but be drawn by this luscious beauty. While continuing to live there, Ryan quickly figures out the mysterious woman in none other than Hope Stillwell, a lady who lived in the mansion over 100 years ago. Why does Ryan only see this woman who haunts his everyday life?
While you don't have to be a native Chicagoan to enjoy Beth Kery's Daring Time, it sure will make the places Ms. Kery describes come `alive' for you. Weaving seamlessly back and forth from present day to a Chicago one hundred years ago, we are presented with two unlikely characters, so much alike, separated by the barrier of time. Ryan Daire isn't your ordinary flatfoot - he's been classically trained under the tutelage of the famous University of Chicago professors and can quote Shakespeare by heart! He's a dominant man who's into BDSM, making sure his play partners are highly satisfied. Delving into Hope's past, he finds direct correlations to his current investigation of a man who is reputed to be the organizer of a human trafficking ring.
Hope Stillwell is a legend among the women of Chicago during her time. She's made it her cause to eradicate white slavery within the streets of Chicago, tirelessly saving women from prostitution. When she sees Ryan, she's immediately attracted to him, sensing he's the man for her. It's interesting to watch as Hope puts some of her antiquated feelings aside as she acquiesces to Ryan's dominant demands. Ryan is such a tender lover with Hope, sharing some highly intimate scenes which left me breathless.
If you love paranormal stories laced with mysterious and erotic elements, pick up Daring Time today. Bravo Ms. Kery! You warmed my heart to read such a superb story now chained to my "keeper shelf" set in my beloved city. 』
(More like 4 1/2 stars....) 『He was given a house... and so much more.
Detective Ryan Daire is shocked when a former professor gives him a mansion but he is even more surprised when he glimpses the woman in the mirror. Hope Stillwell is the daughter of a wealthy minister living in 1906. Why is she haunting Ryan? Can love break the barrier of time for Ryan and Hope? Meanwhile, both are facing dangers in their worlds... what will happen when the past and present collide?
Beth Kery has written one heck of a hot story! DARING TIME succeeds in being both one steamy romance as well as an intriguing time travel. Little details are woven into the storyline and come full circle, making the overall completeness of the tale quite enjoyable. DARING TIME is quite clever in the way things are resolved!
Beth Kery also addresses some deeper themes in DARING TIME. The issue of women being forced into sexual slavery is just as current today as it was in 1906. The parallels between the two worlds, as well as Hope's insight into some things we take for granted in our modern world, are fascinating. Hope is an early social worker with a passion for helping others and it's impossible not to like this feisty heroine. Beth Kery does a fabulous job at incorporating Hope's world with the contemporary world of today. Excellent!
COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES』
(Hot time-travelling passion) 『In //Daring Timme//, Ryan Daire is a detective in modern day Chicago. Hope Stillwater is a wealthy young lady of Chicago society, in 1906. Through the use of a mysterious mirror, they are able to see one another in each others time, igniting a passion that must be fed. As their desire intensifies, they come closer to being able to cross into the others time. As Ryan learns more about Hope and her world, he becomes aware of a mortal danger to Hope that only his actions to change history can prevent. As Ryan struggles to protect Hope, he learns to cross into her time, and set into motion a chain of events that will change time, and, perhaps, Hope's future, with Ryan Daire.
This book is a well-written imaginative tale containing time-traveling lovers, sleazy turn-of-the-20th-century Chicago politics and very explicit sex scenes. This book does not skimp on intimate details and graphic descriptions of sodomy, bondage and fetish play. However, these descriptions are not there simply for shock value, they are integral to telling the story of Ryan and Hope. Would the story work without these descriptions? Yes, but having this level of graphic detail provides a pulse-pounding aspect to this book that wouldn't be there if the usual nice words were used to describe these acts. All in all, I greatly enjoyed reading this story, but the more explicit elements in this book might be a turn off for some people.
Reviewed by Elyse Sabilia』 『The author ofWicked Burnpresents a story of how passion and danger make tempting bedfellows.
He sees her, wants her, needs her-now he has to have her.
Chicago Detective Ryan Daire has many secrets: a love for Shakespeare, an appreciation for all the finer things in life, and an absolute lack of restraint in the bedroom. Now he has an even bigger secret. In every shadow of the sprawling mansion he's recently inherited he can seeher-tempting, ethereal, and untouchable. Hope Stillwater inhabited that mansion in 1906. Raw desire has formed a conduit between these two passionate souls who are separated by the barrier of time. Intoxicated by each other's presence, Ryan and Hope come close to crossing that inviting boundary between two worlds. But there is danger: Ryan's job has put him on the trail of a depraved criminal in an investigation that's risking Hope's eternal fate. Now he must do whatever it takes to change history, protect Hope from harm, and set his desires free.』
price：$3.73
Black Lyon Publishing
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Good until ending) 『I thought this book was good (not great) until the ending. I still don't think I get it. You want the characters to come together at the end, but it was kind of annoying to see a man so emotional over a woman and the woman be the one to turn him away. The worse part was trying to figure out the ending. I know some people like open-ended books so they can contemplate the author's intent for the ending. I, however, am not one of them. I have thought for hours since reading it just yesterday as to what the ending means for the actual town of Heatherfield and the characters. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, but it's not a horrible book.』
(Romance Novel Not TIme Travel) 『This is a romance novel and if you are into romance novels, buy it. But if you are looking for a time travel book, this is not the book for you.』
(wonderful story from an amazing and gifted writer!) 『Lots of people can put words together in a coherent manner in order to tell a story. It's quite another thing to infuse those words and stories with passion. For that reason it's rare that any work of fiction grabs my attention and won't let go until I reach the end. Ms. Pike has that passion and it permeates the entire story. And that kind of passion comes only from the heart and the courage to reveal much of oneself to the reader. One simply cannot write of such love and paranormal experiences without having lived it. And anyone who attempts to demean her understanding of the "paranormal" by suggesting it's lacking in so-called scientific explanations greatly confuses "scientifically-induced" altered states of consciousness with actual direct and personal experience of the limitless possibilities around us. Any attempt to limit "Heatherfield" to "just" a romance novel is a reflection on the reader and not Ms. Pike who is an amazing and talented writer. Indeed, "Bravo!"』
(A page-turner, good characters, but holes in the story) 『OK, first of all, a disclaimer: I haven't read romance novels since high school, except for maybe 3 total in the past 30 years, and all of them attracted my interested because they were of the paranormal variety.
In all 3 cases, the books had terrific character development, good pace, and were hard to put down. And, ultimately, that's what matters when reading a book, right? That you enjoy it?
I know I won't forget the characters of Heatherfield. Characters that come to life are the most important feature of any book. Well done in that respect!
However, why is it that the authors of paranormal romance novels seem to understand so little about the paranormal?
Although the book was an enjoyable page-turner, the paranormal aspect of the story was full of holes. Hence, it gets docked 1 star.
Please, authors of 'paranormal' romance novels: Please do your readers a favor and buy the entire catalog of Star Trek Next Generation and Star Trek Voyager episodes, and watch them all, before you write your next book! Then maybe your depiction of alternate realities might be a bit more believable! Evidently, most of your readers don't care, but you might attract a lot more readers if you got a bit more educated on the paranormal before attempting to write about it.
』
(Unique love story) 『In M. Jean Pike's novel Heatherfield, devoted couselor Tory Sasser is on her way to help a client during one of her more vulnerable moments when Tory's car spins out of control, and she finds herself in Heatherfield, in 1949. This was the setting of the book Tory read earlier in the evening, a novel that it seemed Fate wanted Tory to read. Jake Benjamin, a sensitive loner, helps Tory get her bearings and offers to let her stay on his property. The two slowly develop feelings for each other, and Tory is torn between her newfound love and the desire to get back to her familiar 1999 life. This very interesting premise drew me to the book, and I'm glad it did. I would give it 4.5 stars if I could, but since I can't, and the good qualities of the book far outweigh the minor flaws, I gave it 5. I love that the character Jake is willing to show emotion, even crying a time or two in the book, which is refreshing in a romance. More often, the heroine's object of interest is a macho alpha male, but Jake is a real, relatable character. Some parts toward the end of the story became a bit convoluted, but the loose ends are tied up by the epilogue, and it was a satisfying ending to me. I'd recommend this book to just about anyone!』 『Where her heart is, there will she be also ... Deep in a box of used books, counselor Tory Sasser comes across a novel without an ending: Heatherfield. As she reads the story of scarred war veteran, Jake Benjamin, her tears fall on the pages-and she could swear new words appear where once there was nothing. But the fictional town of Heatherfield isn't all it seems, nor is its creator, Destiny Paige. When Tory's car runs off the road into the mist, she's transported back to the 1940s-into the novel, trapped by the spirits that govern the place through Destiny. Even more, Tory is caught by the honest warmth and complicated tenderness that is Jake Benjamin. Realizing she's falling in love with Jake, Tory is desperate to find her way back home to reality. Yet what is more real than true love? No, Heatherfield isn't all it seems ... not at all. Reviews and Other Information: "M. Jean Pike has captured a chiller of a paranormal romance in her astounding tale Heatherfield... Her vision of the late forties is incredible. Mingled with flashbacks of war, beautiful mountain scenery and a horrible car accident, the images were vividly colorful and just plain stunning. This is a unique romance that will make you laugh, chill you with "gooseflesh" and bring tears to youreyes." Angela Steed, Author of 1080 Kiss. "Heatherfield yields a great plot with complex characters that keep the story moving at a steady pace. I was deeply moved by Jake and what he has suffered during the war. Tory is a refreshing woman who had me on the edge of my seat wondering her outcome in this story with the past and the present. M. Jean Pike weaves a spellbinding page-turner read. The story is beautifully told." Cherokee Sanders, Coffee Time Romance. "Heatherfield is an interesting paranormal tale with a unique and surprising ending. That the ending caught me unawares is an understatement, in fact, Heatherfield reminded me of a TWILIGHT ZONE episode ... The romance between Tory and Jake is delightful and the descriptions of Heatherfield and its populace are so vibrant, that I felt transported there." Marlene Breakfield, Paranormal Romance Reviews.』
price：$3.64
Red Sage Publishing, Inc.
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Sinfully delicious story with a cool curse will keep you riveted, only wish it were longer!!) 『Secrets 27- Devil in a Kilt by Nicole North Erotic Anthology- June 2009 4 Stars
Shauna MacRae is respected professor, so why she is having deliciously erotic fantasies about the highlander on the cover of her latest romance book?! When her stupid obsession with the strange man on a cover of book starts to affect her work and her friend starts to talk Shauna about losing focus, she decides to take action. But instead of seeing a psychologist, she decides to participate in mock Grandfather Mountain Highlander Games, surely she can find a highland man at least resembling her fantasy and get her fantasy man out of her system so she can function. When a magical brooch from her grandfather and an old sword are placed in her hands she is transported and discovers to herself in the bed of the man of her dreams. But he isn't acting like the lover of her fantasies and when he starts to strip search her for weapons, well, that when she wonders if she is going insane!
But what Shauna doesn't know is Gavin MacTavish is all too real but 4oo years ago in Scotland! When Gavin's mad father demands he marry a lass to save the family he thinks his father has completely lost all his sanity. When a beautiful lass falls in his bed he doesn't know what to do with her. But when he finds out she is a MacRae, Gavin thinks perhaps his father is correct. He should marry. After all, Wilona MacRae cursed his clan. If he marries Shauna maybe he can break the curse, that is if he can keep his hands off Shauna!
But the MacRaes don't want the curse broken and as Shauna discovers more about the mysterious curse it forces her to use all of her ingenuity to unravel it, but can she do it before she is killed?
This was a scorching read. Nicole North really knows how to turn up the heat and anyone who loves highlanders will wish they were in Shauna's lucky shoes! Gavin is super HOT!! Plus this story was complex just when I thought it was resolved it turns and we find more about the curse. The curse definitely made the story more interesting I only wish the story had been expanded on the curse and it's impact on Gavin and Shauna's relationship. It was that good! This was a great, short novel you won't regret reading!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club 』
(A Scorching Read) 『I'm a longtime Secrets reader and this volume doesn't disappoint. Debut author Nicole North tackles the Highlands of Scotland in her DEVIL IN A KILT. Spunky Shauna and shape-shifting Gavin steam up the pages. Throw in a centuries-old curse, magic, humor and suspense, and what you have is a story that is impossible to put down. I can't wait for the next book from Ms. North!』
(Hot, Hot, Hot!) 『I thoroughly enjoyed the Secrets anthology and really enjoyed Nicole North's first book. Who couldn't fall in love with the hot sexy Highlander? With my own Highlander roots, I can't help but be drawn to their stories. And Shauna is Gavin's match in this delightful shapeshifter tale of curses, humor, and love. Can hardly wait for Ms North's next book!』
(5 blue ribbons from Romance Junkies) 『HEART STORM by Liane Gentry Skye Navy SEAL Byron Burke has had a lifelong obsession with the water. He'd been rescued from the shore by the Burke family as a child with the only clue as to his true identity being a unique birthmark resembling a trident framed by a pair of wings. Now he's all grown up with more questions than answers and his family's deaths weigh heavily on his heart. Despite all his training, Byron throws caution to the wind and takes his surfboard out into an impending hurricane. Little does he know that his actions will bring him in contact with a mermaid. Sirenia is the last fertile mermaid of her brood and unless she can locate the prophesized Lost Son of Tritan her kind will die out. How was she to know that the injured land-walker and the fabled mer-man are one and the same?
Navy SEALs are the subject of many women's fantasies and Byron is no exception. He's intensely hot but as a reader you get the sense that there's more to his story then simply a love for the water. Liane Gentry Skye does a beautiful job of incorporating Byron's preference for the sea to the underwater existence of merfolk.
THE BOY NEXT DOOR by Hannah Murray Isabella Carelli's latest endeavor at finding a man interested in a little something kinkier than the missionary position has resulted in yet another disappointment. All she wants is a little slap and tickle and some bondage. Is that really too much to ask? Apparently so... but how was she to know that Jacob Hale, the boy next door, would share so many of her delectable fantasies?
Hannah Murray will entice women to view that `boy next door' in a different light with this contemporary tale. This story really captured my interest because of the humorous way Isabella divulges her penchant for a little BDSM in the bedroom.
DEVIL IN A KILT by Nicole North Shauna MacRae has been besieged with fantasies involving a Highland hunk she'd noticed on a cover of a romance novel. As a `born-again virgin' there's not even a substitute male she can use to take the itch off so she's left with her vivid imagination and no outlet to assuage her need. That is, until she takes a trip to the Highland games and touches an ancient sword belonging to Gavin MacTavish. Next thing she knows, she's transported back to the year 1612 and into the presence of her `fantasy man - a man who suffers a curse he believes that she can break.
Scottish highlanders are a favorite of many romance readers and Nicole North's adds an exciting paranormal element that truly captures the imagination. This is Ms. North's first published story and I'll be anxious to see what she comes up with next.
THE BET by Leigh Court Damian Hunt, Viscount Atherton, makes an outlandish boast that he can bring a woman the ultimate joy by only using his mouth - and not actually touching her in any way culminates in a bet with very high stakes. George risks losing his London house if Damian can pull it off and Damian stands to lose his prized horse. Not just any woman will do for such a bet; George believes his younger sister Claire is the perfect model of womanhood for Damian's challenge. She's practically on the shelf and a prude to boot. George is confident that there's no way that Damian can pull it off. Damian however, believes a little creativity and Claire's love of literature just may play right into his hands.
Leigh Court's THE BET had me chuckling at the antics of Damian and George which were made even more humorous by Claire's prudish attitude towards the men's self indulgences. THE BET is Ms. Court's second SECRETS novella and certainly has cemented herself a place on my authors to watch list.
The Red Sage SECRETS anthologies have long held space on my keeper shelves. Like its predecessors, SECRETS VOLUME 27 contains four tales of varying genres that deliver on readers' desire for something more erotic in their storylines. Each of these authors delivers a captivating story full of intense scenes guaranteed to have you in search of more writing by them. If you enjoy anthologies then I highly suggest checking out the various SECRETS anthologies - I know my foray into the more risqué romance storylines began with a SECRETS book and I've never regretted picking up any of these tantalizing reads.
Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)』
(Loved it!) 『This is my first Secrets anthology, and I really enjoyed it. Particularly, Nicole North's Devil in a Kilt. I love time travel stories and this one is such a fun, sexy, engaging story, I couldn't put it down. It also features a wonderful romance and a super-hunky hero. Plus, the novella length is just right for my schedule. I can't wait to read more from this author! It's also inspired me to collect more of the Secrets volumes to see what I've been missing.
』 『Heart Storm by Liane Gentry Skye Sirenia's the last fertile mermaid of her brood. Racing against a hurricane, she must search out and mate with the only merman who can save her kind--the prophesied Lost Son of Triton. When Sirenia rescues injured Navy SEAL Byron Burke from drowning, she seals herself into his life debt. When the time comes to ask Byron for her freedom, her heart threatens to stand in the way of the last, best hope for her kind. *********************************** The Boy Next Door by Hannah Murray Isabella Carelli isn't just looking for Mr. Right, she's looking for Mr. Tie Me Up And Do Me Right. In all the wrong places. Fortunately, the right place is right next door. And the boy next door is just about ready to make his move... ******************************* Devil in a Kilt by Nicole North A trip to the Highland Games turns into a trip to the past when modern day Shauna MacRae touches Gavin MacTavish's 400-year-old claymore. She finds the Devil in a Kilt she's had erotic fantasies about for months. Can she break the curse imprisoning this shape-shifting laird and his clan before an evil witch sends Shauna back to her time and takes Gavin as her sex slave? *********************** The Bet by Leigh Court I can make a woman come using just my words... That outrageous claim by a very drunk Damian Hunt escalates into a high stakes wager between two friends: Damian bets his prized racehorse that he can do it... George Beringer gambles his London townhouse that he can't. George chooses his virginal sister, Claire, for the bet.』
price：$2.76
Ellora's Cave
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (I liked it, but not as much as some of her other books. The sources of conflict are good.) 『STORY BRIEF: Maya is an archaeologist in 2001. She and her friend Sara are walking on the beach as a storm approaches with a time travel wormhole. They get transported to the year 1314 in Scotland. Thomas is laird of the MacGregor clan and never smiles. He and Maya fall in love. Robert MacAllister is Thomas's enemy. Robert wants to steal Maya for himself.
REVIEWER'S OPINION: I've read most of Jaid Black's work, and I love her as an author. Jaid Black is creative, doesn't do the predictable, has unexpected humor and almost always surprises and delights me in her work. This was one of her earlier books, written under the name Tia Isabella. Many romance novels have good guys and bad guys, and I can often predict the conflicts. Not so in this book. On a few occasions, the bad guy did something clever, but the good guys were able to figure it out and not fall for it. It was a nice change of pace. The story continued beyond the couple getting married which was a little different as well. Sometimes, I was chuckling at the odd sound of some modern day sentences using old Scottish/Gaelic words. For example, one guy is saying to another "I am rubber, ye are glue. Whatever ye say bounces off my fine form and sticks tae the likes of ye." I'm glad I read this book, but if you haven't read any of Jaid Black, I recommend you start with some of her other books first, see below.
DATA: I read this as an ebook on Kindle. Story length: Kindle count 7112 (about 6 hours reading time). Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 11. Total number of sex scene pages: 29 Kindle pages (using text size 1). Setting: 2001 Tampa, Florida, and 1314 Scottish Highlands. Copyright: 2001. Genre: time-travel historical romance.
OTHER BOOKS: For a list of my reviews of other Jaid Black books, see my 5 star review of "One Dark Night" posted 4/2/08.』
(Definite Recommend) 『This is a story of a pair of female anthropologists that are studying the relics from an ancient castle in Scotland. Maya finds that the painting of the Lady MacGregor is very similiar to her in eye color and hair color. She and her friend Sara are intrigued by the Clan MacGregor.
While walking on the beach during a hurricane the two girls are swept bak in time to meet this Clan. Maya and Thomas, the laird of the clan, antagonize each other. both being strong willed and independent. Maya just wants to get home, until she realizes that she has fallen in love with Thomas.
Thomas has been taught that women are faithless and untrustworthy. He is unprepared for the force of his attraction to Maya. I will say he is open minded when Maya explains her origins.
This is a great story and although not as steamy as some of Jaid Black's other stories it is very enjoyable.』
(INCREDIBLE!) 『What an amazing book! If you're tired of the same old formula when it comes to historical romance then you'll love yourself for getting a copy of After the Storm. This story has everything! From time travel, to humor, to intense emotion and erotic sensuality this book is a definite keeper.
In the present day Maya Jones is one of the worlds leading anthropologists. After unearthing some amazing artifacts from an ancient scottish castle, Maya finds herself drawn inexplicably to the story of the Laird of the castle. Thinking of taking a small vacation Maya and a friend find themselves participating in a hurricane party on the coast of Florida where *poof!* she and her best friend are swallowed up by the storm and transported through a wormhole into ancient Scotland! Using her understanding of ancient peoples Maya and her friend become part of an ancient and fearsome clan the MacGregors!
Most amazing is that Maya finds herself as drawn to Laird MacGregor in the flesh as her historical view of the Laird. She's never known a more virile or exasperatingly stubborn man. Hilarious hijinks ensue as Maya and the Laird take turns pursuing each other, forging an earth shattering love that spans through the ages and gives birth to a dynasty.
I also recommend Before the Fire also by Tia Isabella and any and all books by Jaid Black.』
『Seasons of Seduction Volume III Includes the stories: A Man of Vision By Kate Willoughby, I Was an Alien's Love Slave By Charlene Teglia, On Her Back By Renee Luke, Panther's Pleasure By Cathryn Fox, Sunshine for a Vampire By N.J. Walters, The Pirate and the Pussycat By Lacey Alexander』
price：$7.99
Berkley
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Such a Good Book) 『This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. This is the first book I have read by Lynn Kurland and I am now hooked. I highly recommend reading this book.』
(A Great Story) 『This book is well written, funny and has intrigue. A great read, couldn't put it down.』
(A wonderful read!) 『Again, Kurland surpasses her other books! Once more I have found a book I couldn't put down unless I had to.
I liked Alexander from the previous novel A DANCE THROUGH TIME, so was thrilled to read of his adventure in 12th Century England. The book has humor, romance, intrigue and we even meet King Richard to boot! A thrilling novel from start to end.
I loved Margaret, who is a modern woman born in the wrong time period. She can take care of herself and that is putting it mildly! Alex in no way trys to "tame her" as in some romances along the same lines but accepts her for who and what she is...a woman in charge of her hall and people. Who has done her best for them after her brothers and father die and she is left with the responsiblity of taking care of them. A strong woman in an age ruled by men who think women are weak and should be seen and not heard or listened to.
Even the secondary characters are of interest in this one. Baldric is hilarious, especially his need to unravel tapestries when he is composing his prose. I laughed when Elizabeth gifted him with knitting needles and pink yarn!
One of my favorite scenes was on Alexander's and Margaret's wedding night. Question: What do you give a woman who is a virgin, who you KNOW will skewer you if you take her virginity, to distract her before you do the "deed?" I'll leave it up to the next reader to find out. I found Alexander's solution (thanks to his brother-in-law) quite humorous.
Of course we once again meet Jamie and Elizabeth, Zachery, Patrick and Joshua from A DANCE THROUGH TIME. I wonder if Kurland will do a book featuring Zachery? Only time will tell I suppose. I know she's written one featuring Patrick, but I have yet to read that one.
A throughly enjoyable book and one I recommend. However, before you read this one, start with A DANCE THROUGH TIME, Elizabeth and Jamie's foray in 1311 Scotland.』
(Love Lynn Kurland) 『I like the way she writes, she is funny and I like to think of time travel as a theme in a story』
(A time-travel story well-told...) 『This is Alex's story... having already taken one trip into the past with Jamie in Dance Through Time, of course he was fated to make another trip, right? Only this time he ends up in medieval England as prisoner of Margaret of Falconberg who, of course, meant to capture someone else.
This story is one that's full of passion told through emotion... of the anguish and confusion in someone torn between two centuries... of a man and a woman who must find a place in both. I love this book (although I do skip over Cedric's rhyming episodes) and I like the way Lynn unfolds the story and their emotions and thought-processes.』 『A medieval map leads corporate exec Alexander Smith on a journey back in time...where a beautiful woman helps him rediscover his own chivalrous - and passionate - heart.
• First time in print • Lynn Kurland is the national bestselling author ofThis is All I Ask, A Dance Through TIme, andStardust of Yesterday •Stardust of Yesterdaywas the winner of two RITA Awards and a Waldenbooks award for bestselling first romance • Few romance writers have created such a whirl of critical acclaim and reader response as Kurland - a major new star on the rise』
price：$7.99
Berkley
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (amazing! couldn't put it down!) 『A fantastic time travel romance. I started reading it after work and ended up finishing it in one night because I just couldn't put it down. Sapphire Dream is action packed and always keeps you guessing. I can't wait for Pamela's next book!』
(Saphire dreams Reviewed by twolipsreviews.com) 『Brenna Cameron is a lonely soul. She is a modern 20th century woman all alone. Her only relative died when she was ten. and she has been alone in this world ever since. Her only remembrance of her mom is her sapphire necklace she wears. When she wakens one day to find her self on a ship and not in her nice warm bed she is stunned. Why is she on a ship? Where is she? Has someone kidnapped her? Rourke Douglas is from the 16th century. He knows he is sailing to fulfill the prophecy of a woman who, according to his magical friend, has been a secret his family has kept for many years. This woman is to fulfill a destiny. But from the moment Brenna appears, trouble follows her. Can he keep her alive to long enough to fulfill this grand destiny?And when he starts to fall for her green eyed vixen will he be able to let her return to her time or will he fight to keep her in his?
Sapphire Dream is a beautiful, feisty love story by Pamela Montgomerie. I loved the blend of the modern and 16th century. I really felt for poor Brenna. Despite being thrust into a time she has no clue about, with people she has never met before, she does amazingly well at adapting. She is a fighter, and she is no damsel in distress. She saves herself; I like that aspect of her. Rourke is fighting many demons when we meet him. The first one being a flame haired dwarf that won't let him get off the stormy ocean. I found their interaction really humorous. It is obvious Rourke respects and likes Hegarty. He just wishes he wasn't so bossy! Rourke wants nothing to do with the prophecy till he meets the beautiful Brenna. She earns his respect and his heart. Now just to keep her alive is going to be a challenge! Sapphire Dream is a time travel romance to remember I really enjoyed reading this one.』
(Stunning!) 『This book was so refreshing with plot twists and a brilliant and engaging story. I can't wait to see the next book by this author!!』
(fabulous time travel paranormal romance) 『Brenna Cameron is in Castle Stour in Scotland seeking information about her mysterious past. She puts on a sapphire pendant and somehow she ends up on board a pirate ship the Lady Marie off of Scotland in the late seventeenth century. She also finds out she is wanted for piracy when Brenna thinks how as she just arrived in 1687.
Pirate Captain Rourke Douglas wants nothing to do with the strange newcomer though he assumes she is tied to his family prophecy. However, due to her he also loses all he earned at sea. Needing time to regroup, Rourke goes to his family home as Viscount Kinross, but provides protection to Brenna to both their amazement. As they fall in love, Brenna wants to return to her time, but soon finds herself in a Gordian knot of saving her beloved or herself.
This is a fabulous time travel paranormal romance starring an intriguing lead couple. The story line is fast-paced from the onset and never decelerates even with several terrific plausible twists and spins. Readers will enjoy SAPPHIRE DREAM, but set aside time because putting it down before completion is not an option.
Harriet Klausner 』 『A gem of a time-travel romance series begins.
When Brenna Cameron finds herself transported back in time to a seventeenth-century pirate ship off the coast of Scotland, she has no idea that she's in for the adventure-and the romance-of a lifetime with Captain Rourke Douglas. All thanks to a magical sapphire pendant she wears around her neck.』
price：$4.78
Tor Books
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (I loved the combination of history and sci-fi here) 『Plot Summary: A poor ignorant child becomes a victim of the Spanish Inquisition. A strange man offers to help her escape, and Mendoza accepts. She's taken to an otherworldly place where dozens of children are given food, education, and countless operations as they mature. The Dr. Zeus Company is creating immortal operatives who will cull Earth's treasures - plants, animals, art - before they become lost or extinct. These humans are turned into super beings who are no longer flesh and blood, but circuits and parts. When Mendoza is a teen, she's ready for her first assignment culling rare plants from England during the time of Bloody Mary.
What a wildly imaginative piece of science fiction! Just the premise alone is mind-bending - this is a futuristic story set exclusively in 16th century Spain and England. For my fellow die-hard romantics, I can attest that there is a romance, but it ends in a tragic, Romeo and Juliet fashion. Still, for something this unique, I can drag myself away from happily ever afters for a while.
I recall reading a column on Tor.com a few weeks back, where the writer was making a case that people who like historicals and people who like science fiction actually have a lot in common. In retrospect, I think the writer has a good point. This book blends the two into a cohesive whole that is stunning because of the amazing attention to detail. The cyborgs are advanced super beings who look down on the mortal `monkeys' they're forced to interact with. They become master charlatans in a dirty, dangerous world full of bacteria-ridden food, ignorant mobs, and precious artifacts they need to save for the future.
The story is told in the first person by Mendoza, and it recounts her earliest memories, along with her first, ill-fated assignment for the company. I was pretty much in thrall with the story, even though I could see the train wreck approaching at the end. She's an immortal being who has fallen in love with a mortal man. There's no way this could end well. Mendoza was so smart, so fast, so everything, but despite her inhuman qualities, she still had the ability to fall in love like only a teenager can.
I'm intrigued enough to want to read more, and I understand that the second story follows Joseph, Mendoza's mentor. Here's the reading order for The Company Series:
In the Garden of Iden Sky Coyote Mendoza in Hollywood The Graveyard Game The Life of the World to Come The Children of the Company The Machine's Child The Sons of Heaven』
(Historical Fiction, Immortality and Time Travel) 『Little Mendoza may be the only one in 16th century Spain who doesn't expect the Spanish Inquisition to be all that bad. Our fiery-tempered child heroine was innocent, after all, when they swept her up with the pagans who were planning to sacrifice her. Before she can experience their harsher attentions, Mendoza is rescued and given a new life as an immortal who will spend centuries working to preserve the treasures of history.
Mendoza's employers are time travelers from the far future who rescue children in mortal danger. The children are made immortal and prepared for service in the Company. The Company becomes rich in the future by "rediscovering" extinct species and lost treasures tucked away by Mendoza and her colleagues throughout the centuries. In return, the Company provides long life and access to the amenities of the future--such as chocolate and air conditioning.
Mendoza's first assignment is to infiltrate Elizabethan England and obtain rare plant samples from the botanical garden of Sir Walter Iden. Readers get an on-the-ground view of this period in England's history. We also feel the excitement and pain as Mendoza falls in love with a mortal who, no matter how she tries to avoid it, must someday die.
The author's writing skill endows the love-lived characters with a weary wisdom. Responding to Mendoza's sarcastic references to reincarnation, a team leader ten thousand years her senior snaps, "It's realer than you think. There are only so many personality types among mortals. They just use the same ones over and over. Zealots like your Nicholas keep turning up, and every time they do, they make trouble for everybody." What might it mean to have thousands of years of experience with human personality? A writer can only hint at the answer, and Kage Baker does so skillfully.
Kage Bakers first book in the Company series is highly recommended for fans of science fiction's immortality tales, from Robert Heinlein's The Notebooks of Lazarus Long to Poul Anderson's The Boat of A Million Years. The pace is sometimes slow, but allows us to feel the deepening relationship between Mendoza and Nicholas. Readers who savor the sweet pain of time travel romance should read this book, then continue with Audrey Niffenegger's The Time Traveler's Wife. Those who want to follow Mendoza career in the Company can pick up the next installment, Sky Coyote.』
(Great SF and Great Historical Fiction) 『The best time travel stories are not only great Science Fiction, but great Historical Fiction as well, dropping a POV character with a modern perspective (like the reader's) into the past and really highlighting the differences and similarities between the two.
I was a tough customer for this book, as early modern England was my specialty area as a history student. And yet, I found nothing to make me grumpy. Instead, the story grabbed me from the beginning and dragged me through to the end.
The bias in the historiography is definitely American. You generally won't see English historians writing about the English Civil war as a civil rights issue. But Baker convinced me that a case can be made for that perspective. I was intrigued.
It would not surprise me if Baker's historical fiction talents turn out to be on the same level as a great like Edward Rutherfurd. I am seriously looking forward to reading more from her.』
(Essential background, but weakest of the Company novels) 『Let me start by saying that I enjoyed In the Garden of Iden. Like all Kage Baker, it's a fun and compulsive read. It also gives some very essential background to help Ms Baker kick off her Company novels. That being said, I found this to be the weakest entry in what is otherwise a thrilling, always enjoyable, often thought provoking series.
I originally discovered the Company series through Ms Baker's short stories, specifically her collections Black Projects, White Knights and Gods and Pawns, both of which are truly excellent and neither of which contains a story that is less than superb. Having enjoyed those collections so much, I decided I wanted to "begin at the beginning" (if you can say that about a series concerning time travel, hehehe) to follow the increasing conspiracy and motivations of the Company and its operatives. Although I enjoyed ITGOI, it seemed significantly less weighty both in terms of the gravitas of the story as well as the quality of the delivery -- it was a fun read, but far weaker than the two story collections. Having now also read Sky Coyote, Mendoza in Hollywood and Graveyard Game, I think I can put my finger on what was missing here that leaves Garden, though enjoyable, a cut below the rest.
To begin with, concerning the weakness of plot, it's largely prologue to what is to come, essentially setting the stage for Mendoza's isolation and obsession, a plot point that is to fuel the stories of many of the operatives to come. Because it's largely just stage setting for the rest, the entire novel is largely an exercise in developing a single plot point -- Mendoza falling in love and getting burned (no pun intended, but I guess it works). The rest of the plot feels like scenery, and none of the Company machinations -- either the day to day affairs of how they go about their business "preserving" priceless items or the darker conspiracy plot line -- is really present here. Sure, there's a story line about Mendoza being there to rescue samples from Iden's rare garden collection, and Joseph working over health treatments on Iden, but they are really sub-sub-sub plots of little importance and given short shrift, subservient to developing Mendoza's love affair with Harpole. I suppose that you could say that where the other stories and novels, even when they are "about" the adventures of the operatives, are really "about" the Company, how it works and its darker conspiracies or the operatives fights against it, ITGOI is really just about Mendoza falling in love and losing that love. In that vein, and regarding the quality of delivery, I never really "bought" Mendoza's relationship with Harpole, and I think perhaps this is because at this time Mendoza is supposed to be 17 and the novel takes on her juvenile voice and tone.
So, all in all, the novel, though as I said it's a good read as anything by Baker is likely to be, it is a slighter affair than her other Company efforts and lacking in the real juicy details of how the Company operates or what is going on with the conspiracy and what happens after known history ends. Still, the book is a good prelude setting up the essential plot element that will drive on one level or another the rest of the Company books.』
(Historical Fiction, Immortality and Time Travel) 『Little Mendoza may be the only one in 16th century Spain who doesn't expect the Spanish Inquisition to be all that bad. Our fiery-tempered child heroine was innocent, after all, when they swept her up with the pagans who were planning to sacrifice her. Before she can experience their harsher attentions, Mendoza is rescued and given a new life as an immortal who will spend centuries working to preserve the treasures of history.
Mendoza's employers are time travelers from the far future who rescue children in mortal danger. The children are made immortal and prepared for service in the Company. The Company becomes rich in the future by "rediscovering" extinct species and lost treasures tucked away by Mendoza and her colleagues throughout the centuries. In return, the Company provides long life and access to the amenities of the future--such as chocolate and air conditioning.
Mendoza's first assignment is to infiltrate Elizabethan England and obtain rare plant samples from the botanical garden of Sir Walter Iden. Readers get an on-the-ground view of this period in England's history. We also feel the excitement and pain as Mendoza falls in love with a mortal who, no matter how she tries to avoid it, must someday die.
The author's writing skill endows the love-lived characters with a weary wisdom. Responding to Mendoza's sarcastic references to reincarnation, a team leader ten thousand years her senior snaps, "It's realer than you think. There are only so many personality types among mortals. They just use the same ones over and over. Zealots like your Nicholas keep turning up, and every time they do, they make trouble for everybody." What might it mean to have thousands of years of experience with human personality? A writer can only hint at the answer, and Kage Baker does so skillfully.
Kage Bakers first book in the Company series is highly recommended for fans of science fiction's immortality tales, from Robert Heinlein's The Notebooks of Lazarus Long to Poul Anderson's The Boat of A Million Years. The pace is sometimes slow, but allows us to feel the deepening relationship between Mendoza and Nicholas. Readers who savor the sweet pain of time travel romance should read this book, then continue with Audrey Niffenegger's The Time Traveler's Wife. Those who want to follow Mendoza career in the Company can pick up the next installment, Sky Coyote.』 『
This is the first novel in what has become one of the most popular series in contemporary SF, now back in print from Tor. In the 24th century, the Company preserves works of art and extinct forms of life (for profit of course). It recruits orphans from the past, renders them all but immortal, and trains them to serve the Company, Dr. Zeus. One of these is Mendoza the botanist. She is sent to Elizabethan England to collect samples from the garden of Sir Walter Iden. But while there, she meets Nicholas Harpole, with whom she falls in love. And that love sounds great bells of change that will echo down the centuries, and through the succeeding novels of The Company.
』 『In 16th-century Spain, everybody expects the Spanish Inquisition, as they have a well-known tendency to cart people off to their dungeons on trumped-up charges. What 5-year-old Mendoza, on the brink of being tortured as a Jew, is totally unprepared for is to be rescued by the Company--the ultimate bureaucracy of the 24th century--and made immortal. In return, all she has to do is travel through time on a series of assignments for the Company and collect endangered botanical specimens. The wisecracking, mildly misanthropic Mendoza wants nothing to do with historical humans, but her first assignment is to travel to England in 1553--uncomfortably close to those damn Inquisitors--with Joseph and Nefer, two other Company operatives. Their intent is to gather herb samples from the garden of Sir Walter Iden, a foolish though generous country squire. (Kage Baker knows her Shakespeare: Sir Walter is the descendant of Alexander Iden, loyal subject of Henry IV, who slew the hungry rebel Jack Cade in that very garden in Kent.)
The cyborg trio poses as Doctor Ruy Lopez, his daughter Rosa (the irrepressible Mendoza, now grown), and her duenna, Doña Marguerita; Sir Walter's hospitality and discretion are bought for the promise of restored youth. (There are hilarious moments that call to mind the Coneheads, who claimed to be from France when caught doing anything peculiar.) Sir Walter's secretary, Nicholas Harpole, is immediately suspicious of and hostile towards the strange "Spanish" visitors, which prompts Mendoza to fall in love with him. Nicholas has his own badly kept secret: he's proudly Protestant at a time when Queen Mary and Philip of Spain are on a Catholicizing rampage. Mendoza knows Nicholas is probably doomed, andthat as a Company operative she cannot meddle with his fate, but love makes people do desperate things. Baker surpasses even Connie Willis in humor and precision of period detail in this fresh, ingenious first novel.--Barrie Trinkle』
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (last book ever from this author) 『one of the reason to read a romance book is to have a smile on your face at the end. there was no smile after reading this book, i wanted to burn it!!! the ending left you feeling very disappointed. it seems the heroine has gone through a struggle and still ended up the loser. not my kind of book/story and hate the fact that i wasted money and time on this book. never again for this author.』
(Crazy Mayzie) 『Sophia Johnson is a fairly new auther to me. I read the last book in this series first and enjoyed it enough to seek out the others. I am a fan of well written midieval romance and this author does it very well. I will be watching for more of her work.』
(Always Mine) 『As a young child Lydia Hunter was drawn to the portrait of an eleventh century laird, Damron of Blackthorn Castle. Claiming Lord Damron as her own, Lydia is compelled to visit the Highlands every year. This year's visit proves to be like none before. This trip to Blackthorn castle sends Lydia Hunter back in time to the eleventh century where everyone calls her Brianna and she comes face to face with `her' Lord Damron.
Known as a fierce warrior, Lord Damron is loyal to his king. When he is ordered to marry the purportedly meek Saxon, Brianna, he is less than thrilled. However, the Brianna he meets is anything but mild. Lord Damron's bride is spirited and bold. Claiming Brianna using his might will not work for Lord Damron. Brianna's heart cannot be claimed; it can only be given.
I absolutely adored Sophia Johnson's Always Mine! The concept of two souls being joined across time is so very romantic. While Damron is fierce and so totally Alpha, he doesn't cross the line and become a brute. Damron is totally tingle worthy! Brianna's strength of heart makes her a perfect complement to Damron, and the pair is a very charismatic couple. Always Mine is powerfully passionate and a treat for the heart.
Annmarie Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed』
(Always Mine Time travel Romance;) 『I was really disappointed with this book. It would have been a great romance if the reincarnation body soul was left out. I thought I was reading a reincarnation Creed at the end of the story. The plot and threme of modern day Lydia in love with hot looking Scotish laird Damron and travel back to 1072,was good, but I didn't like her coming into the body of Brianna instead of her own body. What I couldn't understand is when Lydia/Brianna finally realize she was at last with the man she was in love with since childhood. Why did she keep herself distance. The conflict between the two was good. However they didn't grow together at the end. I didn't like the still born birth of their infant daughter. I don't know why the author put that in? This was the first Sophia Johnson book I'd read And I wasn't impress.』
(Could Have Been A Contender) 『This story just didn't gel for me. I mean Lydia finally gets the chance to meet the man she had been longing for her entire life and spends most of the book fighting and acting like a spoiled brat instead of a modern woman. She just didn't seem like the same level-headed person who was presented in the beginning of the book. I just felt that a person with her experience from being married, divorced and having a very impressive resume to boot would have used her brains more than her preferred method of cursing and name calling to deal with her problems. The only things left out of her repertoire was stamping her feet and sticking out her tongue. At least Damron had an excuse for his behavior actually being from that time while Lydia dealt with her problems like someone without a brain. Another aspect of Lydia's character that didn't gel for me was that she came across as a virginal school girl when dealing with the sexual aspects of the book instead of a grown woman with some experience.』 『The great Lord Damron is no more than a shadowy, powerful presence in the ruins of Blackthorn Castle. But the compelling gaze of his portrait draws Lydia Hunter to stand before him - and fall through time to become his beloved Lady Brianna. A tempestuous man with an incendiary nature, whose fury on the battlefield quickly routs his foes, Lord Damron must claim his Scottish kingdom and his bride. But Brianna's heart can be claimed in only one way - her way. And his iron strength is no match for her gentleness...』
price：$7.99
Berkley
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Oh, Lynn) 『I loved Lynn Kurland story in this book, couldn't get into the other stores much, but that could have just been me as I'm into time travel and Scottish historical right now. Romance for me has to have more then boy meets girl, boy looses girl, boy gets girl or vis versa. An adventure, or a myster...those who like the other author's in this group will more then likely like there stories.』
(Great Time Travel Stories) 『And the Groom Wore Tulle - Lynn Kurland -This short story follows Ian MacLeod from the Scottish Highlands dungeon of his arch enemy William Ferguson in 1313 to the backroom of a bridal boutique in New York city 1999. Ian MacLeod was thought to be dead and in disposing of his body, the knaves dropped him off in just the right forest that contained the portal to the future and his kinsman, Jamie MacLeod - only geographically he ended up thousands of miles off the mark but thankfully with a young woman who after her initial shock, took him in and would help him find his way home - somewhat the same way he would find his way into her heart. Fast, and amusing tale, highly entertaining. 4*
The Con and The Crusader - Maggie Shayne - This was a real cute story of a consummate con man, Jack McCain, about to be blown away by the mob, jumps into a well, and swears if he gets one last chance to mend his ways, he will `work' as hard as he can for a living. Naturally, this is a `time machine' well and he ends up 100 years in the past where `hard work' is a way of life. He is picked up by the local sheriff and herded along with a prison work gang until the widow Hawkins, needing a handyman and not able to hire one, uses a little used rule where a woman could save a man from prison if he wanted to marry her. Well, getting married was not in this con man's agenda but it sure beats prison and before he new it his heart was captured! 3-1/2*
A Bride Most Common - Angie Ray - I really liked this one, where the time travel was planned with a unique way of transporting a person's consciousness into a person on the verge of dying in another time, namely Regency England. The plain, short, but quite intelligent Lucy Taylor was hurtled back into the beautiful but impoverished Lady Cynthia's body just as she was about to take her wedding vows! Not quite revived from the transformation, she found herself agreeing to be married. Now she had a month to build an antique radio, right a mistake that could change environmental hazards, and put off consummating a marriage to a perfectly handsome studmuffin that was her husband! 4*
Conyn's Bride - Ingrid Weaver - On the eve of her wedding, Alanna Moore, museum curator, slips on an old bracelet she is cataloging, and is trying to get some last minute details completed when the lights go out and out of nowhere appears this handsome hunk, dressed in little more than leather pants, and a cloak who calls her by name and knows everything there is to know about her. He is Conan ap Rhys and he is back to wed her. - This was a delight and thoroughly enjoyable. I loved the poetically sensual dialog Conan uses as he tries to convince Alanna of their past love. Great story. 5*』
(Very good stories) 『AND THE GROOM WORE TULLE BY Lynn Kurland is about Ian Mc'Cloud, cousin to Jamie. Having found himself in his enemy's dungeon waiting to die, Ian is transported 700 into the future. THE CON AND THE CRUSADER BY Maggie Shayne is about a con man who jumps down a well when he is being chased by some people who want to kill him. He promises to work as hard as he can if he can get away from them. After he jumps down the well he wakes to find himself in the past. A BRIDE MOST COMMON BY Angie Ray is about Lucy who is sent back in time by her empolyer and finds herself in the body of Cynthia Randal and about to be married to Kieran Walcott. She is sent back in time to correct a mistake that will have a devistating effect on the wildlife of the future. CONYN'S BRIDE BY Ingrid Weaver is about a man who has traveled hundreds of years in the future to find his long- lost bride. When he does find her she is about to marry another man. These four stories are all wonderfull if a little on the short side. They could all have been given there own book each. Well done.』
(One of these deserves 5*'s the rest are pretty average.) 『Veils of Time is similar to most anthologies. At least most that I've read. Two of the stories are painfully average, one is good with the final being outstanding. Few authors can create a full fledged love story in less than 100 pages and as a result most of these left me feeling less than satisfied with the too rushed outcome.
Lynn Kurland's "And The Groom Wore Tulle" is a good story if you're looking for a laugh. It's about a 1313 Scotsman who time-travels to 1999 (just don't ask me how because I still can't figure it out). He meets the heroine who immediately takes him home (hey, this is a short story so things have to move unbelievably *fast*). The heroine is of the doormat variety and the story is light on logic and romance development but nonetheless it's still a fun read.
The Con&the Crusader by Maggie Shayne doesn't fare quite so well. It's about a con man who gets flung back in time (this time at least it's explained!) and saved from life in the slammer when the heroine rescues him by offering her hand in marriage. She quickly proceeds to turn this criminal into a hardworking family man. Sorry, I just didn't buy his quick reformation and Jack was just too smarmy to fit my idea of a hero. This one is my least favorite of the anthology because of its predictability and over-the-top sweetness.
A Bride Most Common by Angie Ray starts out great but peters out by the end because it becomes overstuffed with plot threads. Lucy gets sent back in time by her kindly old boss to correct an error. She awakens holding the hand of a regency hunk and quickly discovers that she's no longer in her own body and is married to the dude! Like I said, this one starts out great with lots of wit and charm but quickly becomes bogged down with other less interesting stuff and I lost interest.
Conyn's Bride by Ingrid Weaver is my favorite. The heroine, an antiquities dealer, finds a gorgeous Celtic bracelet in one of her shipments and can't resist slipping it on her wrist and, boy, does her life ever change for the better! Suddenly a gorgeous man appears professing his undying to love to her. He insists he's been traveling far and wide to find her and that she is long lost bride. She's excited (who wouldn't be?) but soon learns that he's only bumped his head _really_ hard and is more than a little bit confused. Or is he? This story works on all levels and is simply charming. It's very romantic, super funny, sensual and may even evoke a tear from a few readers.』
(Best Time Travel anthology ever!) 『Okay I love everything Lynn Kurland has ever written, "And The Groom Wore Tulle" is no exception. A continuation of Ian MacLeod's character (Jamie's Cousin) from "A Dance Through Time" (I recommend you read this first), this tale is hysterical. A mediaval Scottish warrior, and fabled lover, finds he's spoiled one virgin too many and winds up in the dungeon of his worst enemy. Thinking he is going to die, he wishes he could have found the way to the future and his cousin Jamie. Upon passing out the enemy's cohorts think he's dead and deposit him back on MacCleod land in the midst of the magical faery ring which transports him to 20th century NYC in the storage room of a bridal shop full of wedding dress, just waiting for the woman of his dreams to discover him and decide that he's INSANE! Thinking he's in heaven he dons one of the gowns (his angel robe no doubt) and things just get funnier from there. Maggie Shayne is probably best known for her vampire stories, so she's no stranger to paranormal romance. In this story, "The Con and the Crusader", a boy who's spent his life avoiding work has grown up into a conman. Having a shred of scruples left he doesn't con good folk only criminal types. When arrested by the police as a possible crime witness he is caught in the crossfire as the now wise criminals catch up with him. He escapes, still handcuffed and dives into a wishing well. As he falls he promises God he will work hard from now on, if only he survives this experience. Be careful what you wish for! He lands in the prison yard in a time gone by and is being perused by a beautiful older woman, a widow with two wards, who is decided upon making an inmate her husband to save her farm and the room over the children's heads in exchange for his freedom. It's a sweet story as love reforms him. Angie Ray's "Bride Most Common" is a tale about a time machine. The heroine is a scientist, her boss has invented a time machine, the time traveller enter's a dead body at the moment of death and carries on from there. Unfortunately his feckless relative, who tested the machine, freaked at the major bullet wound he finds in his new body and doesn't complete his task thereby changing history, Pollution is rampant, many species of animals are going extinct. The heroine must go back and fix things. To her surprise she finds herself the in the role of the bride in a marriage of convenience. It isn't long before the groom realizes this isn't the cold woman he thought would let him live his life in peace. He is drawn to her and she to him, but here's the catch he has to die to save the future and she has to return home. Whatever will they do?
Ingrid Weaver's "Conyn's Bride" is by far the best story of all. The heroine is a museum expert. She is cataloging a shipment of Celtic antiquities when a box bursts open and suddenly she is faced with an authentic Celtic warrior who claims to be her long lost fiancee. A Sleeping Beauty story of sorts, one of timeless love. You see he left his love behind to do his duty, only to return as she has decided to go to him, she drowns in a flooding river as he watches unable to save her life. He feels his own life is ended but a woman of magic tells him that he will have another chance with his soulmate in another time, another place. He knows his heart's mate at once but will he convince this woman that he is the love of HER life?
Fabulous collection of stories, I hope they will do others. ~ Leslie Tramposch - Pghromance』
『Today's bestselling romance writers invite you to four special weddings--across the veils of time...
National bestselling author Lynn Kurland'sAnd The Groom Wore Tulle
National bestselling author Maggie Shayne'sThe Con and the Crusader
Rita Award winner Angie Ray'sBride Most Common
National bestselling author Ingrid Weaver'sConyn's Bride
* Time-travel and weddings--a match made in heaven!』
price：$7.50
Bantam Books
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (A sweet fairytale for cynics) 『Teresa Medeiros, with her upbeat tone and delightful sense of play, has written another fairytale novel with Touch of Enchantment.
Smart and talented--yet mousy, cynical , and unappreciative--wealthy Tabitha Lennox is nearly at the helm of one of the richest businesses in the country when an unexpected computer program hurls her 700 years into the past.
Tabitha, who has never experienced nor really expected love, meets brave, honorable knight Sir Colin of Ravenshaw, who exudes an earthy sexiness and sincerity that she find irresistible.
These two strong-willed people come to love and need one another, but their relationship is threatened by a neighboring English estate tyrant, Colin's long-standing engagement to someone else, his past heartache, and the revelation that Tabitha is an (albeit reluctant) witch. Eventually Tabitha must use the supernatural powers she has always feared and disowned to save herself and Colin from doom.
Familiar characters and plot twists do not mar this novel much because it unfolds in such an uplifting, happy, and ultimately satisfying way. 』
(A great read) 『Touch of Enchantment is a sequel to Breath of Magic. It is a tale about Tristan and Arian's only child, Tabitha, and her adventure in medieval times.
Tabitha has everything she wants. She, like her father, is a genius, graduated from MIT at the age of fifteen, is a department head at Lennox Enterprises and the world is basically at her feet. But throughout her life, Tabitha has felt alone. She has special abilities that she can't understand or control, and she's learned to see them as a curse. Her fear of her abilities has also taught Tabitha to see herself as different from everyone else, which has led her to a lonely life, aloof and set apart from others.
The story opens with the news that her parents are missing. Tabitha is given a video clip her mother made for her. It explains an heirloom that her mother has kept hidden from her father. The emerald necklace allows the wearer to make desires or wishes come true. It also allows the wearer to travel through time. Unfortunately, Tabitha skipped through most of her mother's instructions and decided to experiment on the necklace instead. Her experiment goes awry and she finds herself in the middle of a meadow, in medieval England, and about to be run down by a knight on a horse.
Tabitha's adventure leads her into the arms of the man she was destined to love, but despite their growing attraction, there are obstacles they can't seem to avoid. Colin is betrothed to another and breaking the betrothal contract will mean war for him and his people. Tabitha is considered a witch and the locals have a habit of burning them at the stake. Colin's nemesis is aware of Tabitha's special abilities and is trying to kidnap her and murder Colin.
This was an entertaining read but I'm not sure it was as good as Breath of Magic. Breath of Magic, however, is blessed with a very memorable character in Arian and that is a hard act to follow. Nevertheless, Touch of Enchantment is good enough on its own with a solid storyline and great characters. 』
(Loved this story) 『I have read several books from Teresa Medeiros and I have to say that this is one of my favorites. It was a fun read that was very cheesy in a nice way. It is nice to read a story once in awhile where the hero isn't such a womanizer. I chuckled quite often in this book. Sometimes a trip from reality is a fun read if you are not expecting something too dark or deep.
I enjoyed their love story and was very happy with the ending. Although, I would have liked to have had more insight to Colin's thoughts after landing in 2020 but I guess that might have taken a bit from the ending.
I never read Breath of Magic so I am looking forward to reading that one.
』
(A Very Entertaining Book by Teresa Medeiros) 『Tabitha receives an amulet that helps her focus her magic. Unwittingly she errors and finds herself wisked through time to the era of gallant and not so gallant Knights. Sir Colin is returning from the Crusades and being chased by an excellent villian, when he comes upon a this strange looking woman. She is dressed in clothing from the future which make her definately out of character for the era. Fearlessly, she protects the Knight and is mistaken for his woman. He is impressed by her bravery as well. Keeping her wasn't his choice, and when magical things happen she must explains them away, as he is much against magic. Everyone knows that a witch must be burned, and Sir Colin allows his opinion to be known to Heiress Tabitha. A bumbling witch from the future, Tabitha keeps her secret. Will he want her burned, if he discovers she's a witch?
This story develops quickly, has plenty of action, and held my attention. The villian is perfect, the friends amusing, and the main characters endearing. Some of the side characters are endearing also. I enjoyed to ending as much as all the rest, and frankly would not have minded if the story continued.
Teresa lives up to her much earned reputation of being an excellent writer. I recommend this book to all who enjoy romance with a touch of magic.』
(Fun, Silly Sequel Set in Medieval Times) 『I couldn't get enough of TOUCH OF ENCHANTMENT. It was cute and silly, and quite fun to read. The premise of the story is, in the year 2020, reluctant white witch Tabitha gets zapped 700 years into the past by her mother's magic amulet and into the life of beleaguered Scottish knight Colin of Ravenwood. In his company, she does everything from being imprisoned in a cold, dark dungeon to facing a mythical monster in battle. Very fairytale-ish, indeed. I enjoyed Tabitha's dealings with medieval folk and her accidents with magic (as well as all her sarcasm and one-liners). I also thought that Colin, a chivalrous knight devoted to God, was an intriguing hero.
TOUCH OF ENCHANTMENT is the sequel to BREATH OF MAGIC, which is about Tabitha's parents. I enjoyed both books immensely. Each has enjoyable characters and its own unique time-travel storyline. My advice is to read them both, in order. They are great fun and have wacky senses of humor!
』 『From the bestselling author ofBreath of MagicandShadows and Lacecomes a beguiling new time-travel love story in the hilarious, magical voice that has made Teresa Medeiros one of the nation's most beloved romance writers.
Heiress Tabitha Lennox considered her paranormal talents more a curse than a gift. So she dedicated her life to the cold, rational world of science. Until the day she examined the mysterious amulet her mother had left her and found herself catapulted seven centuries into the past--directly into the path of a rearing black charger ridden by a chain-mailed warrior.
Sir Colin of Ravenshaw had returned from the Crusades to find his castle in ruins, his enemy poised to overrun the land where generations of Ravenshaws had ruled. The last thing he expected was to half trample a damsel with odd garb and even odder manners. But it is her strange talent that will create trouble beyond Colin's wildest imaginings. For everyone knows that a witch must be burned...but it is Colin's heart that is aflame, over an enchanting woman he must not love, yet cannot live without.』
『Most witches are delighted with their talents, but Tabitha (yes, she's named after theBewitchedcharacter) is not only embarrassed by her talents, she has never honed her skills. Things just happen, especially after she is bequeathed a mysterious amulet that transports her back in time. In this sequel toBreath of Magic, modern girl meets medieval knight. And although Sir Colin of Ravenspeare, Tabitha's knight in shining armor, can't figure out her pajamas and bunny slippers, he is able to look past Tabitha's short hair and modern manner to find true love. Witches aren't exactly welcome in medieval England, so unless Tabitha can convince Ravenspeare to travel into the 20th century with her their future will remain uncertain.』
The scallop of large satisfactory ! northern countries and - [ of how much ] botan shrimp are ! tightly.
getting to know the technique of motorbike expensive sale -- Ta -- if -- -
>
