Romance Reviews, April 15, 2011
Apr 15, 2011
IT'S ALL ROMANTIC SUSPENSE In my previous column (LJ 2/15/11, p. 91) I addressed the creep of suspense elements into almost all areas of romance, blurring the various genres and subgenres and creating a delicious array of romances that often defy easy categorization. However, classic contemporary romantic suspense—the kind that takes a pair of modern-day protagonists, gives them a major mystery to solve or a killer to stop, and has them catch the villains and fall in love along the way—is alive, well, and keeping its many fans happily terrified. While occasionally throwing in a dash of ESP or strong intuition, the straightforward suspenseful romantic mystery thriller is one of the mainstays of the romance genre. Though its lines often thin between mystery and romance, it is the perfect vehicle for tempting readers to try both. Note well, librarians, it’s not easy to pigeonhole some of these books, and, unfortunately, publishers do get it wrong; relying on the spine label doesn’t always work. For example, the books below have been variously labeled romance, romantic suspense, and fiction, yet all would be considered romantic suspense or romantic thrillers by most readers. Ultimately, it might not really matter, as long as the reader enjoys the book.
CHILLS & THRILLS
Barton, Beverly. Dead by Morning. Zebra: Kensington. (Dead by..., Bk. 2). May 2011. c.416p. ISBN 9781420110357. pap. $7.99. ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
A serial killer has the Powell Security Agency in his sights, and he is slicing up the employees and their family members one by one—and in deliberate imitation of an earlier slasher, the Carver. The killings devastate the agency, but they have a personal meaning for Det. Maleah Purdue—her college boyfriend was slain by the Carver. As they work together to make sense of this increasingly twisted puzzle, Maleah and criminal profiler Derek Lawrence are faced with the dual problem of stopping a killer who is closer than they think and dealing with their relationship, which has taken a surprising turn. VERDICT The popular and dependable Barton has again created an intricately plotted, thoroughly engrossing serial killer tale that satisfactorily resolves the current dilemmas but leaves a stunning cliff-hanger, leading up to Dead by Nightfall (Dec. 2011). Barton (Don’t Cry) lives in Alabama.
Brockmann, Suzanne. Breaking the Rules. Ballantine. (Troubleshooters, Bk. 16). Apr. 2011. c.528p. ISBN 9780345521224. $26. ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
With a vicious, alcoholic stepfather and a self-centered drug-addicted mother, the Gillman siblings know all about abuse and neglect. When gay, diabetic teen Ben begs his older sister, Eden, for protection from their stepfather, she takes him in and sends word to their Afghanistan-based Navy SEAL brother, Dan. Help ends up coming from the last person Eden would have expected—her estranged husband, Izzy. Child and sexual abuse, prostitution, human trafficking, gay bashing, and a host of other evils stand in sharp contrast to the awe-inspiring lengths to which family and friends go to keep one another safe, making this page-turner as heartwarming as it is heart stopping. VERDICT Brilliantly blending multiple story lines into one gritty, seamless whole, Brockmann (Infamous) keeps the pace quick, the action violent and hard-hitting, and the romance emotionally intense. A superb, nail-biting addition to the enduring “Troubleshooters” series. Brockmann divides her time among Boston, New York City, and Siesta Key, FL. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 11/1/10; library marketing.]
Foster, Lori. When You Dare. HQN: Harlequin. May 2011. c.448p. ISBN 9780373775712. pap. $7.99. ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
When Dare Macintosh rescues a friend’s young sister from a white slavery ring in Tijuana, Mexico, he also liberates a woman who doesn’t fit the profile. Why 30-year-old, best-selling suspense author Molly Alexander had been captured is a mystery even to her. Yet someone again tries to kidnap her from a busy store parking lot, so she and Dare head for the safest place he knows—his Kentucky estate. Family members, a former fiancé, and a nutty fan top the suspect list, but getting to the truth won’t be easy—and neither will resisting the couple’s reluctant but growing attraction. VERDICT Steamy, edgy, and taut, this romantic thriller is the first entry in a back-to-back trilogy (Trace of Fever [Jun.] and Savor the Danger [Jul.]) highlighting mercenary heroes “who walk the edge of honor” and only accept missions that advance worthy causes. Get the summer off to a sizzling start. Ohio-based Foster (Back in Black) is a prolific and popular author noted for her sexy, fast-paced romances.
Herron, Rita. The Missing Twin. Harlequin Intrigue. (Guardian Angel Investigations [GAI], Bk. 4). Jun. 2011. c.224p. ISBN 9780373695515. pap. $4.99. ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Five-year-old Sara Andrews has always had a mental link to her identical twin, Cissy. Now Cissy is in danger, but can the terrified Sara convince their mother that Cissy, who supposedly died at birth, is still alive? Sara’s mother, Madelyn, and psychic GAI operative Caleb Walker race against time to put the pieces together and find the missing girl while being faced with a totally unexpected problem—a powerful mutual attraction. VERDICT Emotionally gripping, quickly paced, and littered with bodies, this latest addition to Herron’s “Guardian Angel Investigations” series features a complex plot, a cast of likable characters—including a pint-sized charmer—a fragrant hint of the South, and a heartwarming sense of family. A satisfying hair-raiser with a gentle psychic touch. Herron (Brandishing a Crown) lives in Georgia.
Jackson, Lisa & Nancy Bush. Wicked Lies. Zebra: Kensington. Jun. 2011. c.384p. ISBN 9781420103397. pap. $7.99. ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
It’s been two years since Laura (Lorelie) Adderley has heard psychopathic serial killer Justice Turnbull’s voice in her head. His sibilant whispers suddenly scratch at her mind, and she learns that he has escaped and is on his way back to Discovery Bay. It’s clear that the gifted women of her family cloistered at Siren Song lodge—or anyone who gets in the way—are no longer safe, and it’s only a matter of time before the slaughter begins again. As the bodies pile up, Laura finally reaches out to journalist Harrison Frost, but will it be in time and is he the “truth seeker” whom her sister Cassandra says she needs? VERDICT Once again, siblings Jackson and Bush have teamed up on a chilling, slightly paranormal thriller that continues the story begun in Wicked Games. Terrifying, grim, and downright creepy, this is one that may give you second thoughts about visiting the Oregon coast (sorry, Oregon) and is definitely one you don’t want to read alone at night. Best-selling authors in their own right, Jackson lives in the Pacific Northwest, and Bush lives in Oregon.
Perry, Marta. Vanish in Plain Sight. HQN: Harlequin. (Amish Suspense, Bk. 2). Jun. 2011. c.384p. ISBN 9780373775767. pap. $7.99. ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Planning to renovate his late uncle’s house in Lancaster, PA, and then move on to California, engineer Link Morgan, fresh from a disastrous mission in Afghanistan, finds hidden in the walls of the old building the suitcase of a woman who disappeared 23 years earlier. For freelance illustrator Marisa Angelo, the bag just might hold the answers she’s been looking for since her mother walked out of her life. Unfortunately, someone doesn’t want the truth to come to light and will do anything to prevent it. Although their pasts make them wary of responsibility and relationships, Link and Marisa realize that their only hope is to work together, never thinking that it will bring them closer in other ways, as well. VERDICT Reprising a number of characters from Murder in Plain Sight, Perry skillfully continues her chilling, deceptively charming romantic suspense series with a dark, puzzling mystery that features a sweet romance and a nice sprinkling of Amish culture. Note: This is not an inspirational romance, but owing to the setting, it might appeal to those readers, as well. Perry divides her time between Pennsylvania and the South Carolina coast.
Poarch, Candice. Deadly Intentions. Dafina: Kensington. (Quest for the Golden Bowl, Bk. 4). May 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9780758238030. pap. $6.99. ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
On a mission to find her family’s missing heirloom bowl, Lisa Claxton wangles a housecleaning job at the Virginia Beach home where she thinks the item might be. Things get off to a rocky start when she discovers the housekeeper’s dead body—and literally falling into the arms of Brian Knight, the war-wounded grandson of the home owner, doesn’t help. Now there’s a killer at large and a bowl to be found, and in spite of the danger, Lisa is not about to give up. The pair just need to unearth the killer before they become the target. VERDICT A fast pace; lively, down-to-earth dialog; a dash of violence; and an abundance of characters, both old and new, keep the rather complicated plot on track in this latest addition to Poarch’s suspenseful, family-oriented series. Poarch (Island of Deceit) lives in Springfield, VA.
Roberts, Nora. Chasing Fire. Putnam. Apr. 2011. c.480p. ISBN 9780399157448. $27.95. ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Rowan Tripp, like her legendary firefighter father, is a veteran Missoula, MT, smoke jumper, and she knows nothing can match the thrill of leaping into the heart of a forest blaze and beating it into submission. Even the lingering grief over the death of her jump partner can’t keep her from feeling the rush. But from the moment she connects with rookie hotshot firefighter Gulliver Curry, she knows this season will be different—she just never expects it to take a dark, murderous turn. But someone is out to make trouble, and people will be dead before the fire season is over. VERDICT In her inimitable style, Roberts pens an incendiary tale of murder, mayhem, and life on the rugged Western fire lines. The abundance of firefighting and smoke jumping detail lightened with a pair of delightful love stories will keep readers entranced. With a nod to Blue Smoke and Montana Sky, Roberts combines the scenic grandeur of the West with the high-stakes allure of taming a raging “dragon” and has created another enthralling romantic thriller. Roberts (Happy Ever After) lives in Keedysville, MD.
St. Claire, Roxanne. Face of Danger. (Guardian Angelinos, Bk. 3). Forever: Grand Central. May 2011. c.432p. ISBN 9780446566575. pap. $7.99. ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Ambitious, risk-taking Viviana Angelino is determined to make her family’s fledgling private security company successful, so she takes on a top-secret job—posing as the body double for movie star Cara Ferrari in order to smoke out a killer who’s been targeting Academy Award winners. But the game plan changes when Vivi is attacked and the thug—who’s not the Red Carpet Killer but is wanted by the FBI for links to human trafficking—ends up dead. Now Vivi and sexy, rule-bound FBI agent Colt Lang find themselves working against time to solve the mystery, come to terms with their highly charged relationship, and simply stay alive. VERDICT Funny, sassy, and hot, this nonstop adventure captures readers from the start and keeps them breathless until the final wicked twist as the “Guardian Angelinos” series continues. St. Claire lives in Florida.
St. Claire, Roxanne. Shiver of Fear. (Guardian Angelinos, Bk. 2). Forever: Grand Central. Apr. 2011. c.432p. ISBN 9780446566599. pap. $7.99. ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
On a consulting assignment for his twin cousins’ new investigation agency, ex-FBI agent Marc Rossi heads for Northern Ireland on a shadowy, FBI-initiated mission to find recently widowed Devyn Sterling and convince her to leave Belfast. But Devyn is looking for her birth mother, and Marc isn’t the only one trying to get her out of town. When things turn violent and Devyn is nearly killed, they join forces to find Devyn’s elusive parent and get some answers, drawing them quickly into a morass of political turmoil, double-dealing, international intrigue, and threats of bioterrorism. VERDICT The second title in St. Claire’s new series is tense, emotionally gripping, and threaded through with evil, hatred, and lies. The sexy, compelling story takes a heroine desperate to find her roots, a hero plagued by the past, and an involved plot that seamlessly continues the story begun in Edge of Sight and will keep readers biting their nails until the poignant end.
MYSTERY AND MORE
Dreyer, Eileen. Never a Gentleman. Forever: Grand Central. (Drake’s Rakes, Bk. 2). Apr. 2011. c.480p. ISBN 9780446542067. pap. $7.99. HISTORICAL
With her plain appearance, ungainly limp, and aversion to the shallow life of the ton, spinster Grace Fairchild knows she’s the last person debonair rake Diccan Hilliard should marry. But when a vicious plan to discredit Diccan compromises them both, a hasty wedding foils the plot and saves their reputations as it ensnares them in an even deadlier web of treachery and danger. The pair are swept up in an intense, riveting, exceptionally complex adventure that delivers an engaging romance while seamlessly reprising characters and events from the series opener, Barely a Lady. VERDICT Seething with secrets and issues of trust and duplicity, the multitalented Dreyer’s latest foray into the historical romance realm rewards readers with exquisite characterization, flashes of dry, lively wit, a marvelous selection of villains, and a dark, compelling plot that unfolds in tantalizing ways. A startling hook will keep fans on edge until the next in the series, Always a Temptress, hits the shelves (Sept. 2011). Dreyer lives in St. Louis.
Grayson, Kristine. Wickedly Charming. Sourcebooks Casablanca. May 2011. c.384p. ISBN 9781402248481. pap. $6.99. FANTASY ROMANCE
Divorced and disillusioned by love, Prince Charming (Cinderella’s, in this case) pursues his passion for books and opens a bookstore in the Greater World. However, when he meets Snow White’s gorgeous stepmother, Melvina, at a book fair where she is protesting the way stepmothers and others are portrayed in fairy tales, both their lives take a surprising turn. He sets out to show Mellie the “Charming way” to get her point across in this fanciful tale with a serious core. VERDICT Unusual, whimsical, and wickedly clever, this funny romp takes a decidedly offbeat look at fairy tales from the characters’ points of view, with delightful, magical results. Grayson (Totally Spellbound) lives in Oregon.
Putney, Mary Jo. Nowhere Near Respectable. Zebra: Kensington. (Lost Lords, Bk. 3). May 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9781420117226. pap. $6.99. HISTORICAL
When she overhears a conversation maligning her biracial heritage, fiercely independent Lady Kiri Lawford flees from the estate of her fortune-hunting suitor and runs straight into a band of smugglers. When distraction arrives in the form of notorious but most observant Damian Mackenzie, Kiri escapes—and finds herself on the run with a sexy rogue who has not only rescued her but remarkably manages to save her reputation, as well. Separated by a vast social gulf (he’s a bastard gaming club owner; she’s the daughter of a Hindu princess and an English duke), Kiri and Mac fight the magnetism that crackles between them—until a bizarre, deadly threat to the throne takes them on an adventure that levels the playing field. VERDICT In Kiri, a strikingly beautiful, lethal warrior queen, Putney has created one of her most memorable heroines to date. She pairs her with an honorable, valiant hero and drops them into a fascinating, fact-based dilemma that thoughtfully and realistically addresses some serious social issues and is guaranteed to keep the pages turning. This third “Lost Lords” title is exquisitely and sensitively written. Putney (Never Less Than a Lady) lives in the Baltimore area.
Quick, Amanda. Quicksilver: An Arcane Society Novel. (Arcane Society: Looking Glass Trilogy, Bk. 2). Putnam. Apr. 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9780399157370. $25.95. HISTORICAL PARANORMAL
The only thing that surprises high-level glasslight talent Virginia Dean more than waking up in a glittering mirrored room next to a dead body is having enigmatic investigator Owen Sweetwater, a man she has little reason to trust, come to her rescue. But Owen is not there by accident. He is hunting a killer targeting glasslight readers, and he badly needs Virginia’s help. Intrigued, Virginia warily agrees, never thinking that in working so closely with Owen to unmask a sociopath, she will fall in love with, and be claimed by, one of the most dangerous men she has ever met. This is the second in the trilogy within the larger “Arcane Society” series featuring books written by Jayne Ann Krentz under all of her noms de plume. Quicksilver follows the contemporary In Too Deep by Krentz. The last book, Canyons of Night by Jayne Castle, Krentz’s futuristic alter ego, is scheduled for a September release. VERDICT Once again the ever-entertaining Quick treats readers to a wickedly witty, mercurial tale, filled with her own sexy brand of humor-laced sensuality, an abundance of intriguing characters (including a dazzling collection of Millicent Bridewell’s exquisitely made, deadly clockwork toys), and a lively adventure successfully resolved but lightly peppered with tantalizing hints of what’s to come. Quick lives in the Seattle area. [See Prepub Alert, 10/25/10.]
SECOND TIME AROUND
Hill, Sandra. The Reluctant Viking. Avon. May 2011. 480p. ISBN 9780062019103. pap. $7.99. TIME TRAVEL
Swept back to the tenth century while listening to a self-improvement tape, a contemporary businesswoman finds love with a fierce Viking warrior who looks exactly like her husband in this fast-paced, funny 1994 Lovespell title that is a time-travel classic.
Maxwell, Cathy. Falling in Love Again. Avon. May 2011. 375p. ISBN 9780380787180. pap. $7.99. HISTORICAL
Separated for years after they are forced by their families to wed, Mallory and John Barron meet again in London when she confronts him when his debts threaten to send her to prison. Now, together, they discover a greedy villain, as well as unexpected love, in this classic 1997 title, also released as a 2006 ebook (ISBN 9780061742774). An older, well-written Maxwell book for all collections.
Librarians’ Day at RWA
The Romance Writers of America® (RWA®) 2011 conference (New York, June 29–July 1) will be preceded by a daylong event specifically for the local library community, held on Tuesday, June 28, at the New York Marriott Marquis hotel. The schedule includes a discussion of communities in romance, an overview of the Harlequin lines, the effect of genre-blurring on mysteries and romances, and a publishers’ roundup. Speakers include writers, librarians, and publishing professionals, with Lara Adrian, Robyn Carr, John Charles, Jayne Ann Krentz, Judi McCoy, Deanna Raybourn, and Leah Hultenschmidt among those scheduled to present. Avon author Julia Quinn will be the luncheon speaker. This highlight of the conference, at $25 (which includes lunch), is money and time well spent. For more information and to register, go to bit.ly/gI9quZ.
On the front lines of promoting romance among her patrons is RWA’s 2011 Librarian of the Year, Wendy Crutcher, materials evaluator for Orange County (OC) Public Libraries, CA.
Kensington Founder Dies
Those familiar with romance publishing will be saddened at the March 2, 2011, death of Walter Zacharius, founder in 1974 of Kensington Books and the firm’s CEO until 2005; he was 87. His vision, business savvy, and uncommon willingness to take risks on new ideas turned Kensington into the innovative romance powerhouse it is today. Zebra, Dafina, Brava, and Aphrodisia are among its romance imprints.
