debiw781

• Rated 4 stars

“Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques
Rating: 4.5


Imagine a fantasy world in which people have various Flairs of power while intricate family relationships are paramount. Such is the world in which HeartMates exist, couples who have a strong bond despite the fact that the road is never easy….



Dufleur Thyme has a Flair for time, but hasn’t been allowed to legally experiment with it ever since the explosion that killed her father. Her determination to clear her father’s name overrides everything else, particularly since she can’t legally use her own Flair.



Saille T’Willow knows Dufleur has his HeartGift and that she is his HeartMate, but her constant rejection is battering his very soul. His recent ascension to leading the family is fraught with unknowns as his now cryogenically encased MotherDam was a master at manipulation. Her deviousness may have cost him the very HeartMate he desires. Will Dufleur and Saille be able to overcome the obstacles that threaten the bond between them?



What splendid world building! Robin D. Owens makes the world of Celta come alive with her vivid images. The intricate details are beautifully conveyed and serve to enhance the storyline. From the legal aspects provided by SupremeJudge Ailim Elder to the social and political arenas explored through Passiflora D’Holly, Robin D. Owens provides readers with a thorough but entertaining view of this exciting world. HEART DANCE is the sixth book in the series, but can easily be read as a stand alone. Having read only the previous book, HEART QUEST, I can tell you that reading the prior books only increases my appreciation for this series as the stories and threads intertwine quite smoothly.



Both Dufleur and Saille are such tortured characters that one can’t help but hope for their happily ever after. Saille is a gifted matchmaker, but his skills were long denied by his deceitful MotherDam. Even worse, he can’t seem to break through the icy barrier that separates him from Dufleur. Dufleur has had her own series of tragedies, from her father’s death to being held captive by cult members seeking to kill her. Suppressing her Flair just isn’t an option for her, but the only way she can get the law overturned to allow legal experimentation with time may cost her the one man who cares for her. Both characters are so noble and yet the distance between them seems insurmountable. Thankfully, Robin D. Owens is a master at what she does, ensuring that readers will be thoroughly satisfied as the story ends.



Robin D. Owens creates such poignant and gut wrenching moments in HEART DANCE. This magical fantasy world is rife with heartbreak, betrayal, love, and friendship. The FamCats remain utterly adorable, and the antics of Fairyfoot and Myx add just the right touch of humor. This is a series I’m definitely going to have to go back and read the earlier books, as Robin D. Owens has me hooked!
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debiw781 wrote this review Sunday, October 21 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques Rating: 4.5 Imagine a fantasy world in which people have various Flairs of power while intricate family relationships are paramount. Such is the world in which HeartMates exist, couples who have a strong bond despite the fact that the road is never easy…. Dufleur Thyme has a Flair for time, but hasn’t been allowed to legally experiment with it ever since the explosion that killed her father. Her determination to clear her father’s name overrides everything else, particularly since she can’t legally use her own Flair. Saille T’Willow knows Dufleur has his HeartGift and that she is his HeartMate, but her constant rejection is battering his very soul. His recent ascension to leading the family is fraught with unknowns as his now cryogenically encased MotherDam was a master at manipulation. Her deviousness may have cost him the very HeartMate he desires. Will Dufleur and Saille be able to overcome the obstacles that threaten the bond between them? What splendid world building! Robin D. Owens makes the world of Celta come alive with her vivid images. The intricate details are beautifully conveyed and serve to enhance the storyline. From the legal aspects provided by SupremeJudge Ailim Elder to the social and political arenas explored through Passiflora D’Holly, Robin D. Owens provides readers with a thorough but entertaining view of this exciting world. HEART DANCE is the sixth book in the series, but can easily be read as a stand alone. Having read only the previous book, HEART QUEST, I can tell you that reading the prior books only increases my appreciation for this series as the stories and threads intertwine quite smoothly. Both Dufleur and Saille are such tortured characters that one can’t help but hope for their happily ever after. Saille is a gifted matchmaker, but his skills were long denied by his deceitful MotherDam. Even worse, he can’t seem to break through the icy barrier that separates him from Dufleur. Dufleur has had her own series of tragedies, from her father’s death to being held captive by cult members seeking to kill her. Suppressing her Flair just isn’t an option for her, but the only way she can get the law overturned to allow legal experimentation with time may cost her the one man who cares for her. Both characters are so noble and yet the distance between them seems insurmountable. Thankfully, Robin D. Owens is a master at what she does, ensuring that readers will be thoroughly satisfied as the story ends. Robin D. Owens creates such poignant and gut wrenching moments in HEART DANCE. This magical fantasy world is rife with heartbreak, betrayal, love, and friendship. The FamCats remain utterly adorable, and the antics of Fairyfoot and Myx add just the right touch of humor. This is a series I’m definitely going to have to go back and read the earlier books, as Robin D. Owens has me hooked! ”

debiw781 wrote this review Sunday, October 21 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques 3.5 Stars What if your very existence was anathema to the one you were falling in love with? Witches and vampires are known enemies as a witch’s blood is pure poison to a vampire…. Rocker Michael Lynsay needs a break. His vampiric nature is in danger of taking over so he retires to a friend’s home to get his head together. He doesn’t expect a visitor, especially not one as tantalizing as Jane Renan. Jane has her own secrets, however, ones she dares not share with Michael. Will these secrets destroy both Michael and their growing love? FROM THE DARK starts off slowly, more along the lines of a sensuous romance than what I was expecting. However, the romance is a bit on the dark side and there were some scenes that I found a bit unsettling for a romance. Michele Hauf does keep these scenes well within the boundaries of her world, but I initially struggled with the notion of Michael becoming bewitched by Jane. In the beginning, the chemistry between Michael and Jane seemed to only be a product of the sex magic rather than true love developing. About halfway through the story, FROM THE DARK suddenly clicked for me. The relationship between Michael and Jane started to feel real. The ending is perhaps one of the most intense ones I can remember reading although some readers may find it a bit on the violent side. Perhaps Michele Hauf did too good of a job at keeping the secrets that gradually unveil as the tension and uncertainty between Michael and Jane is a bit overwhelming and detracts somewhat from the storyline. FROM THE DARK is definitely worth reading, although not nearly the caliber of Ms. Hauf’s later Nocturne release, FAMILIAR STRANGER. Oftentimes, first books in a series are bogged down in the world building so it will be interesting to see how this series develops as there is some definite potential, particularly with Ravin Crosse as the next heroine. ”

debiw781 wrote this review Monday, October 15 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques Max Darling, a murderer? Annie Darling knows there isn’t a chance Max is a murderer, but all of the evidence is stacked against him. After all, his car is found with the murder weapon inside and Max himself was covered in blood with no memory as to what had happened. Annie is willing to do whatever it takes to clear Max’s name, even if it means putting herself in harm’s way. Will Annie and her friends clear Max’s name or will Max forever be branded as an adulterous murderer? DEAD DAYS OF SUMMER is Carolyn Hart’s 17th book in the series, but it is my first foray into her world. Needless to say, it will not be the last Carolyn Hart book I read! Ms. Hart draws even a new reader to the series into her vastly entertaining world, populated by the most colorful characters. Annie and Max have a variety of quirky friends and Ms. Hart makes the most of each individual’s unique skills in this clever mystery. In fact, the characters are the true heart of this tale as the mystery itself is fairly easy to figure out. It is the characters who keep the reader turning the pages. After all, who knows what crazy plan this group will come up with next in their quest to clear Max’s name? Carolyn Hart does a beautiful job at establishing the community on Broward’s Rock, South Carolina. Not only are the inhabitants vividly portrayed, but one gets a real sense of the layout of the island. Generally, the further a series progresses, the harder it is for new readers to jump in the midst of the storyline as the characters and settings are fairly well established. Instead, Carolyn Hart easily welcomes new readers into her Death on Demand series with DEAD DAYS OF SUMMER. Count me in as a new fan! ”

debiw781 wrote this review Monday, October 15 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Will two books bring together Jenna McBay and Slade Walker… or will the advice tear them permanently apart?


Jenna’s bookstore, her legacy from her parents, is in serious financial jeopardy. She needs a miracle to save it but instead she finds a dubious inheritance from her Aunt Madge, the book How To Wed A Man of Means. Slade, on the other hand, needs a nanny for his 7 month old daughter, Emily. His purchase of Find Ms. Right leads him directly to Jenna’s doorstep. What happens as Jenna and Slade follow their often conflicting step-by-step instructions on how to find the perfect partner?


If ever you considered using an advice book to find true love, Lori Soard’s laugh-out-loud tale should convince you otherwise! Some of the suggestions from the books and their absolutely ridiculous consequences are nothing short of hysterical. However, the second half of the story is where Ms. Soard truly shines as the reader is drawn into the feelings of insecurity felt by both Jenna and Slade. After all, how can they believe in a relationship built on two advice books? The humor also becomes even funnier, if you can imagine, as Jenna and Slade face the ultimate version of Murphy’s Law, in which anything that can go wrong does so in the most horrifically amusing way possible.


Lori Soard infuses a great deal of wit into FINDING MS. RIGHT that is sure to resonate with readers. This delightful tale is sure to induce laughter as the hilarious scenarios, particularly later in the book, are a sheer joy to read. FINDING MS. RIGHT will be greatly appreciated by all who enjoy a sweet romantic comedy.

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debiw781 wrote this review Saturday, October 13 2007. ( reply | view 1 replies | permalink )

0 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 5 stars

“Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques


Gabrielle “Gaby” Cody has a calling, a calling that sends her out hunting the demonic beings that prey on others. Her life has been one of solitude ever since the cancerous death of her mentor, Father Mullond. A new menace is now drawing her, practically daring her to defeat it. But Gaby is reluctantly developing ties as she discovers she now has a friend in her landlord, Mort Vance, and a startling attraction to Detective Luther Cross. Will these new ties only serve to hamper Gaby or will she begin to trust in others about her divine calling?


SERVANT: THE AWAKENING is the first book in what is sure to be an electrifying series. L.L. Foster (aka Lori Foster) delves deeply into the dark side with this supernaturally charged tale. Gaby is a haunted and almost tragic figure, isolated and alone. She has a sharp bluntness that is appealing as she lacks the usual social skills. Her angst enhances the storyline as there is a real reason behind her feelings of dread. L.L. Foster does an exceptional job at character development as she makes Gaby likeable despite Gaby’s determined efforts to be unlikable.


THE AWAKENING has a hint of romance brewing in it but is definitely an urban fantasy. Luther is attracted to Gaby despite all of his misgivings, while Gaby is reluctantly drawn towards the detective with a nose for trouble. Their personalities couldn’t be any more different and yet, somehow, it all works. Don’t mistake THE AWAKENING for a paranormal romance, however, as L.L. Foster takes readers into a haunting, shadowy world with this tale.


L.L. Foster brings a fresh perspective to the urban fantasy genre with THE AWAKENING. Despite the plethora of books available in the genre, THE AWAKENING has that extra bite that makes it stand out. L.L. Foster shows she has an edgy, dangerous side in this first, fascinating start to the series. One can easily envision a graphic novel accompanying this fantastic book, as it has that gritty feel to it. I can’t wait to see where L.L. Foster takes this series!
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debiw781 wrote this review Tuesday, October 2 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Mercy Hollings has spent a lifetime keeping people at an emotional distance. Called a freak and shuffled around in the foster care system as a child, Mercy has learned to keep secrets, particularly the secret concerning her psychic power. She calls it the “press”, her ability to control people via telling them what she wants them to do. Her power is a dangerous one as sometimes there are unintended consequences. Mercy only wants to help her friend, Sukey, but what follows is a nightmare. Mercy will have to learn to trust others if she and her friends hope to survive.

Okay, the names distracted me. I am already attached to two other series with heroines named Mercy and Sukey (albeit, spelled a bit differently), and there is even a Sam in one of those series. I hate to sound nitpicky, but those names already resonate very strongly for me with other characters and that kept me from really appreciating this story to the degree I would have liked.

Mercy Hollings is a quirky but very feisty character. I like her willingness to defend and protect her friends. Sukey is a fantastic best friend for Mercy, as her bubbly personality keeps Mercy in check. Mercy has had a horrendous past, and Sukey helps Mercy focus on the positive and on living life to the fullest.

Mercy’s love interest is Sam but don’t expect BEG FOR MERCY to follow the path of a traditional romance. BEG FOR MERCY is more of an urban fantasy laced with a touch of romance. The action is fairly high powered although the limits of believability were stretched a bit.

BEG FOR MERCY is a fun first novel. While I did have some qualms about the book (most notably the names), I fully intend to read the second tale to see where Toni Andrews takes this story. The “press” is an interesting choice for a psychic power, and I hope to see further revelations about Mercy’s past.
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debiw781 wrote this review Friday, September 28 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques Everyone wants the dragon orb…. Caleb is a golden dragon, a warrior enslaved by witches and ordered to protect Lisa Singleton from the black dragon. Lisa has grown content with her dragon roommate but never expects to see him in his human form. Caleb is determined to protect Lisa at all costs, but just who are the good guys and who are the bad guys? Witches, dragons, and even a few demons are invading the area as Lisa has a secret even she doesn’t know. Will Caleb’s love for Lisa triumph all else? And will Lisa learn the secret of the mysterious dragon orb in time? Allyson James does an excellent job with world building. Who doesn’t want to travel to Dragonspace? Allyson James creates vivid images that make this alternate world seem as real as the San Francisco setting in which most of the book occurs. The history and different designations of the dragons are also well explained, and I certainly hope to see even more of the various dragon castes in future books. Lisa’s journey to self confidence after her recent history of failures is a joy to behold. Caleb is likeable but I must admit that Malcolm, the black dragon, stole my heart. Allyson James does perhaps too good of a job with her secondary characters as I wanted more of Malcolm and Saba and am thrilled to see that the second book in the Dragon series will feature their story. DRAGON HEAT is an excellent start to what looks to be a promising new series! ”

debiw781 wrote this review Sunday, September 23 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

They thought the murders had ended….


The members of the Otherworld Crime Unit (OCU) recognize the similarities immediately between the murder of Samantha Kipfer and Lillian Crawford (see BLOOD SECRETS for details on Lillian’s murder). But that case was solved, wasn’t it? Besides, Lillian was murdered in the Otherworld community of Necropolis while Samantha was found in the human city of San Antonio. Can there be a connection?


Lycan Jace Jericho doesn’t want to work with humans but he does want to solve this case. He can’t deny the attraction he has to Officer Tala Channing, despite the fact that he senses she is hiding something. Will Tala’s secret destroy them all? And just who is behind these horrific murders?


If it’s a book by Vivi Anna, you just know it’s going to be good. DARK LIES is spectacular, even better than the first book in The Valorian Chronicles! This time the OCU ventures into the human world as we get a taste of just how deep the prejudice against the inhabitants of Necropolis truly is. Vivi Anna sensitively addresses the issue of prejudice without getting bogged down in it; in fact, the story is enhanced by these issues as they directly impact the relationship of Jace and Tala.


Long time fans of Vivi Anna will appreciate her signature heat as the attraction between Jace and Tala is sizzling hot! The emotional highs and lows are brilliantly conveyed as one is drawn into the hearts and souls of the characters. Lyra Magice plays a more prominent role in DARK LIES and I sincerely hope she gets her own story soon.


DARK LIES is easily read as a stand alone despite the continuing storyline. Vivi Anna provides all of the necessary information so that one can appreciate DARK LIES without reading BLOOD SECRETS. However, I highly recommend reading both books, simply because they are so enjoyable!
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debiw781 wrote this review Sunday, September 23 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Jeri Smith-Ready follows up the spectacular EYES OF CROW with VOICE OF CROW. Once again, step into a world where magic is alive and animals are Guardian Spirits….


The battle with the Descendants has left behind survivors in Asermos, such as Filip and Kiril. Meanwhile a grim fate has practically decimated Kalindos, a fate that will either unite or destroy the villages. The Descendants aren’t yet done with the Asermons or the Kalindons, as Rhia and Marek’s own child is at stake. And just what is this vision of the Raven?


If you haven’t read EYES OF CROW yet, stop and immediately read that book first. Jeri Smith-Ready has created a beautiful, haunting world and these first two books in the trilogy should be read in the correct order so that the reader can fully appreciate it.


As in EYES OF CROW, atmosphere plays a critical role in VOICE OF CROW. Jeri Smith-Ready ensures that the mood, whether festive, somber, or angry, is easily visualized. The symbolic imagery of the animals and the various Aspects add another layer of depth to the overall ambiance of this tale.


Jeri Smith-Ready continues to develop her characters as they are beginning to show growth from the deep life lessons they are all facing. In VOICE OF CROW, Rhia and Marek are entering the second stages of their powers during a time of great turmoil. One would expect that Rhia, with her Aspect of Crow and her gift at hearing the deceased, would be a somber character but she is instead full of life. Marek faces many challenges in this story and Jeri Smith-Ready sensitively addresses a very delicate, often forgotten or overlooked issue, with his character. I couldn’t help but cry at Marek’s anger and Rhia’s love, the love that ultimately saves him.


VOICE OF CROW is a powerful second novel in a trilogy that has solidified Jeri Smith-Ready as a true force in the genre. Her powerful tale of magic and heroism is both poignant and unforgettable. The characters in the Aspect of Crow series are heroic in their flaws, as each one works through their difficulties, ultimately leading to further growth. VOICE OF CROW is an absorbing and captivating tale that is a definite hit!
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debiw781 wrote this review Sunday, September 23 2007. ( reply | permalink )