• Rated 5 stars

“February 6, 2004
MaryGrace Meloche, Ontario, Canada

Just when a reader thinks she has read every conceivable storyline, she gloriously uncovers a surprise. Mary Balogh writes a splendid story, filling TEMPTING HARRIET with hot, sweltering sexual lust. My, my, what was I reading ten years ago, when these little Signet Regency Romances were all the rage? Goodness - some of today's top authors started cutting their "writing teeth" on these delightful Regency treasures.

TEMPTING HARRIET is about a beautiful, charming, pristine woman and her duke. A love story, which began six years earlier, of two ill-fated people who desperately tried to deny their love for one another.

Born a parson's daughter, Lady Harriet Wingham, now a wealthy widow, sadly becomes the paramour for the Duke of Tenby - her once great admirer. The duke could not and will not marry Harriet as she is beneath his title. Instead the lovers engage in a soiled liaison. From cover to cover, Mary Balogh toys with her reader's sentiments. This is bittersweet romance at its finest.

To enhance the story's spice, Balogh draws some delightful secondary characters. The duke's great-aunt literally steals every scene she graces. As a reader, I loved this meddling, old coot.

Part of series, which includes COURTING JULIA and DANCING WITH CLARA, this wonderful story is perfectly enjoyable on its own. This Mary Balogh gem is indeed hard to find, but what a reading treat - try to hunt it down, for it is extremely well done!

Grade: A+

MaryGrace Meloche.

MaryGrace wrote this review Sunday, April 13 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“One of the greatest pleasures in reading is finding a new author who simply oozes talent. Shelly Thacker’s INTO THE SUNSET is captivating from start to finish and if this is any indication of this author’s storytelling ability, then I plan to read a great deal more from Ms. Thacker!

Mini Synopsis:
The Heroine - Annie Sutton is a genuinely good person. She readily offers a quick smile and a tender heart. Which is remarkable, because most of her life, Annie has felt like a fish out of water, but now the people of Eminence, Colorado are offering friendship and protection. And for the first time, Annie begins to feel at home! Difficult to understand? Not really! For Annie Sutton is a generous, admirable and caring person. Still, the question remains: has this former rich man’s mistress found true acceptance or will the good people of Eminence turn their backs once they learn of her devastating background?

The Hero - U.S. Marshall Lucas McKenna is a dangerous man who chafes under the prejudice the good folks of Eminence show toward him. Yet, much more annoying are the unfamiliar sensations Antoinette Sutton pulls from him! For the first time in his life, Lucas McKenna is experiencing troubling feelings toward a prisoner! What is wrong with him? What has happened to his judgment? The woman HAS confessed! She has confessed to shooting his brother; she has confused to stealing his brother’s money; she has even confessed to a baby - his brother’s baby! In Lucas’ mind, there is no doubt, Antoinette Sutton is immoral, contemptible and guilty, yet in Lucas’ heart, Annie Sutton is courageous, honorable, and very innocent!

Reviewer's Comments:
There are many, many good things in Shelly Thacker’s book. First of all, Lucas and Annie are two very enjoyable characters. Annie jumps from the pages as a lovely young woman, who is genuinely distressed over the mayhem her former lifestyle packs. And U.S. Marshal Lucas McKenna appears to be a good lawman, a lawman who doesn’t know quite what to do with his prisoner or with his growing masculine feelings! Some good sexual tension crackles between the two, further heightened by the occasional reference to Annie’s 'fancy woman' background. And this makes for delightful reading!

So why the slip from this reviewer’s PERFECT grade? Although Thacker’s dramatic climax is wonderful, it played out a little too tidy or maybe a little too forced! Still in the end, every character got their just dues and for that I was in total agreement! Conclusion: INTO THE SUNSET is a fabulous romance that’s as captivating as it is tender. If you find a copy, do buy it, and read it . . . allow Shelly Thacker to steal your heart.

Status: Worth Reading Again
Grade: A-
Sensuality: Tender

MaryGrace Meloche.

MaryGrace wrote this review Sunday, April 13 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Loretta Chase is a talented, amusing author. And MISS WONDERFUL is a delightful, humorous story. And with this kind of symmetry, reading is absolutely dandy!

Mini Synopsis:
The Honorable Alistair Carsington is in Derbyshire to convince its residents that a man-made waterway (a canal), would be in everyone's best interest. As his partner quickly points out, they need this project to transport coal quickly and cheaply to their eager customers. But Alistair also hopes such an achievement will provide a new purpose in his otherwise unimportant life.

Miss Mirabel Oldridge thinks such a proposed waterway would destroy the tranquil beauty of her countryside and she wants nothing to do it. She does not care that Mr. Carsington is a famous Waterloo hero; or that his father is a well-to-do member of the peerage; or that Mr. Alistair Carsington is a man . . . all man . . . from his immaculate boots, to his big, broad shoulders, to his beautiful, thick hair – hair that never, never seems to be out of place! No, she cares not! Why the wretched man even manages to make his limp appear brave and elegant!

But time is running out! Carsington has to make Mirabel understand! He has to stop her resistance! Along with his last hope, she will ruin his friend and his brothers! But it is his honor and pride that truly stops him from telling her that the great canal scheme, between them, is his only chance for economic independence – independence to offer for her!

Reviewer's Comments:
Loretta Chases makes it clear that her heroine needs the love of a good man and there is no finer man than Alistair Carsington to tender up some very good loving. But what is totally clear, Chase's MISS WONDERFUL is well worth reading. Loretta Chase’s ability to wrap two adversaries into one big, bright comical creation is sheer genius. Often, I chuckled aloud (at the bottom of page 188 (hardcover edition) begins Chase’s flawless, FUN seduction scene - probably one of the finest this reader has read); yet there were times, Ms. Chase managed to ravish my heart with remarkable sadness. There is little doubt Loretta Chase is one heck of an author – funny and poignant writing skills are not easily dismissed! With great anticipation, I look forward to Book 2, in the Carsington series, MR. IMPOSSIBLE.

Grade: A-
Sensuality: Warm

MaryGrace Meloche.”

MaryGrace wrote this review Monday, March 24 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Because I love poignant, achy stories, a dear friend recommended Theresa Weir's LONG NIGHT MOON. Was I disappointed? Not really! Did I find it poignant? Not really! Did I find it irresistible? In a painful, unhappy way . . . YES . . . but perhaps 'overwhelming' would be a better word!

Mini Synopsis:
Nash Audubon has been to Hell and by his own choice he continues to live there. His outlook can only be described as careless and embittered, for to live his life any other way would surely mean Nash Audubon would lose his mind! Sara Ivy also lives in Hell. Is it her choice? In a terrible way . . . yes! Sara Ivy's existence is wretched and now with a little help from Nash Audubon, her situation just got worse! Or did it?

To the outside world, beautiful Sara Ivy lives the good life. She is married to a very wealthy, attentive husband; who seems to dote on her every whim, or so tabloid reporter Nash Audubon thinks! But he is wrong, the sharp-worded newsman is very wrong; for it seems, Sara's thoughtful societal hubby beats the stuffing out of her, whenever he is unhappy and it seems Mr. Ivy is always unhappy! And if that isn't monstrous enough, every authoritative person is under his social influence. So Sara struggles alone! Very alone . . . until Nash Audubon senses things are not right!

Reviewer's Comments:
LONG NIGHT MOON is a well-crafted story thanks to Theresa Weir's skillful pen. The storyline may not be the sort of thing I generally seek; yet I must confess Ms. Weir’s accomplishment kept me involved. Would I recommend this read? You know, I don't know! Although LONG NIGHT MOON is uncomfortable, it is extremely insightful! So I'm giving LONG NIGHT MOON my highest page-turner rating of B+. But more important, thanks to LONG NIGHT MOON I will hunt down more from this very fine author, which means everything from this reader!

Just a quick note:
In the opening pages, Ms. Weir wrote, "To used bookstores - thanks for keeping those out-of-print books in circulation." I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment - THANKS USED BOOKSTORES EVERYWHERE!

Grade: B+
Sensuality: Warm

MaryGrace Meloche.”

MaryGrace wrote this review Friday, March 21 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“More than not, Lori Foster is an author who rarely disappoints. And without a doubt, HARD TO HANDLE is the best in her SBC Fighters series . . . so far!

Mini Synopsis:
Harley “Hard to Handle” Handleman has everything going for him. Sexy good looks; a sexy hard body; and a sexy shattering job. Yea, Harley Handleman has everything, except the ultimate prize of all . . . contentment. Lately, “one night stands” somehow leave him wanting and the SBC “Title Fight” somehow always excludes him. What’s a guy to do?

Anastasia Bradley loves her job. She is a “life coach”; she helps her client gain confidence; to uncover their true path in life; basically to accomplish their goals without too much stress involved. Anastasia Bradley thinks Harley Handleman needs her services! Harley Handleman thinks Stasia’s services would just be dandy . . . in his bed!

Reviewer's Comments:
More and more, in my mind, I find the storylines in romance novels tend to run together! Even in books I like very much, I seldom remember the plot. Well, that can’t be said of Lori Foster’s SBC Fighters series! Shortly into HARD TO HANDLE and I was back in the SBC groove. This unique Lori Foster series vividly survives in my memory . . . truly! Yep, HARD TO HANDLE is about one sexy man and one strong woman neatly assembled into one great story. I love Lori Foster! Talk about an auto-buy list; this author is firmly at the top!

Grade: A-
Sensuality: Even the innuendoes are sizzling HOT!

MaryGrace Meloche.”

MaryGrace wrote this review Tuesday, February 19 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Reading and reviewing is at times a daunting task, but when the writer is gifted, the task is so much easier! From the first page, Sarah Elliott's THE WAYWARD DEBUTANTE engaged my interest.

In her first London season, Eleanor Sinclair is the daughter of a viscount. She is beautiful, intelligent, but a bit of a bluestocking. Which frankly means Eleanor Sinclair has not had many offers of marriage??? In fact, the poor girl has a difficult time filling her dance card. So rather than endure another night of social disgrace, Eleanor Sinclair decides to create a sick friend, don a disguise, and sneak off, alone, to the theater. Whereupon, she encounters the most handsome rogue, James Bentley.

James Bentley also passes through life under a disguise. In reality, the rakish Mr. Bentley is really the Honourable James Stanton, the third son of an earl, who loathsomely discarded his aristocratic name, when he turned sixteen.

Reviewer's Comments:
Ahh, the old mistaken-identity plot, but what makes THE WAYWARD DEBUTANTE such fun is the characters' budding relationship. Through a series of harmless meetings, the romance gently takes root. Slowly the author nurtures the lust and desire. Elliott allows her characters to experience humor, delicious conversations, until finally . . . the kiss!

Of course, to further the story, the mistaken-identity deception must eventually collapse. But sadly, with that collapse, the entire reading mood turned from delightful to the land of unforgiving coldness. The poised, rakish James became murky and grim, and the story turned into a patchwork of misunderstandings and dark, dismal reflections. My. My. How selfishly this reader wanted to experience the mood set in the beginning chapters, right through to the end!

Final thoughts for THE WAYWARD DEBUTANTE —
The beginning is pleasant; the middle is delightful, but the ending is off-kilter. Certainly, not a story to analyze deeply, nevertheless THE WAYWARD DEBUTANTE is a page-turner. Despite the quibble with Elliott's sudden mood switch, overall I enjoyed her story and yes, I would recommend it to others looking for a bit of diversion.

Grade: B
Sensuality: Warm

MaryGrace Meloche.”

MaryGrace wrote this review Monday, January 28 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“A Topnotch Road Romance!

Until now, Adam Vickery, the Marquess of Tannerton (Tanner) led a life filled with gaming, sport, and loose women, but now another woman intrigued him. A proud, defiant woman and he cared not what crime warranted her to wear leather shackles! In part, saving her life had vindicated his tormented past and he vowed he would see her safe.

Marlena Parronley had once idolized the Marquess of Tannerton. During her London season, the foolish, young baron's daughter from Scotland had experienced an innocent obsession for the dashing marquess. Now, she lay naked beside him. The Marquess of Tannerton, the man with the tousled brown hair and soft green eyes had become her rescuer! She owed him her life! The warm, friendly, flirtatious marquess had plucked her from the hands of death and now she would grant him this brief time!

She was a fugitive! An accused murderess! Marlena Parronley, the baron's daughter from Scotland, had become Viscountess Corland and Viscountess Corland had been found standing over the body of her dead husband! And neither Tanner's money nor his influence could aid her. Soon they would part . . . forever! So for now . . . this time was his!

Reviewer's Comments:
In THE MYSTERIOUS MISS M, Diane Gaston showed great poignancy. In THE IMPROPER WIFE, written under the pseudonym Diane Perkins, the author displayed humor and sensitivity. In her latest release, Ms. Gaston decides to try her hand at a road romance and success is THE VANISHING VISCOUNTESS!

This reader has long enjoyed road romance, simply because the hero and heroine spend a significant amount of time together. En route from one locale to another, the couple is forced to work on a relationship through danger and isolation. If done properly, the hero and heroine appear to be the only ones on the page. In THE VANISHING VISCOUNTESS, Diane Gaston sticks to this formula, yet quietly attaches sub-plots and the entire package ties together beautifully.

From any author, my single request may seem selfish, but I want entertainment! In THE VANISHING VISCOUNTESS, Diane Gaston entertained me!
Grade: A-

MaryGrace Meloche.”

MaryGrace wrote this review Sunday, January 13 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“February 15, 2005
Absolutely, wonderful! Not many debut writers would take this project on: choose a (wh.re) and invent a heroine. Amazingly, new author Diane Gaston not only tried but succeeded! And success was hers! Gaston charged THE MYSTERIOUS MISS M with sensitivity, feeling, and love. And the reader rejoices.

Lord Devlin Steele was a younger son - the younger son of the Marquess of Heronvale. As a youth he was reckless, carefree, and unruly. When he was of age, he defended England against Napoleon's evil. In the days leading up to Waterloo, he enjoyed the charms of a beautiful soiled dove, in a seedy gaming house. Four years later their paths crossed again, but this time the fallen angel was solely his . . . in lieu of a gambling debt.

Madeline was the victim of circumstance and the evil of one man. She lived her youth servicing men, men who earned her . . . earned her through gambling. But now she is free, thanks to the tenderness of one man - her fantasy man - a man who filled her heart for four LONG years.

Diane Gaston has written THE MYSTERIOUS MISS M with a gentle hand. Her words flow effortlessly across the pages. The characters, the setting, the storyline mesmerized this reader. The romantic detail swirls and Ms. Gaston’s characters live without familiar “romantic conflict.” Here the reader finds none of the bickering that so many authors rely on! Instead, Gaston solves all disagreements promptly and efficiently and this reader shouted THANK YOU!

Diane Gaston has written a masterpiece. THE MYSTERIOUS MISS M has every element a true romance book needs: love, sensuality, and worth! Good work!

MaryGrace Meloche ”

MaryGrace wrote this review Monday, July 30 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Truly, Julia Quinn wrote WHEN HE WAS WICKED from her heart. I think this is her finest book. It is everything a romance should be: lustful desire, total obsession, and cherished love.

Michael Stirling fell in love the moment he saw her, yet she was forbidden . . . she belonged to someone else . . . she belonged to his cousin! A cousin he loved, a cousin he respected, a cousin he would never betray. Then the inconceivable happened: his cousin died and . . . she was free.

Francesca Bridgerton was beautiful and lovely. She adored and loved her husband, John Stirling. They were happy; they shared a marriage made in heaven . . . they shared a marriage the angels had kissed! But then John died and she was alone. Yet, she still had Michael . . . her friend.

Of course, this is Book 6 in the “Bridgerton series.” Shamefully, this novel sat on my TBR Shelf for months, as I continued to shove it aside. Why? Because I was SO disappointed in Quinn's last entry: TO SIR PHILLIP, WITH LOVE. I firmly believed the 'Bridgerton series' had run out of steam!

I was wrong! Wrong, wrong, wrong! This time Ms. Quinn delivered. This time Ms. Quinn abandoned the COMPLETE Bridgerton history repeat. Big brother Colin Bridgerton was a crucial story character, yet his presence was firmly kept in the background. And I rejoiced! Thank you, Julia Quinn, for simply writing Francesca's story! Her story is romantic, beautiful and sensual . . . WHEN HE WAS WICKED is pure “Keeper Shelf” material!

MaryGrace Meloche ”

MaryGrace wrote this review Sunday, July 29 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“August 10, 2004 (Hardcover)
By MaryGrace Meloche (Ontario, Canada.)

Finally Karen Marie Moning gives Adam Black his story and THE IMMORTAL HIGHLANDER is excellent. Ms. Moning continues to grow with each new release. This is an author who understands the field of romance, in fact it is truly frightening how good this author has become.

Adam Black belongs to the highly advanced race of immortal beings. He is dangerous, unpredictable, and lethally seductive. And Aoibheal, The High Queen of the Seelie, is fed up. Adam has gone too far toying with the human race. She retaliates by trapping him in human form; furthermore, she forces him to live drearily on the outer regions of humanity without his diabolic powers. Worse - most humans do not even know Adam Black exists – for no one can see him – no one that is except Gabrielle O’Callaghan . . .

And with that, all I can say is - sweet heavens! Sexuality oozes from the pages as these two humorously hook up. Oh – this is what makes the romance genre such terrific fun. Remarkably, it is not the actual sexual act that creates the fun. No it is the lust, the desire, the wanting. Here Moning delivers big time! She flaunts the fine art of seduction and totally captivates her reader.

A word of caution - do not attempt to read this book, unless you have time set aside. This is truly an "nothing else exists" type of story. Very nicely done, Karen Marie Moning!”

MaryGrace wrote this review Saturday, July 21 2007. ( reply | permalink )