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Janie Mason

This novella-length romance (plus a bonus vignette) is a stand-alone sequel to Janie Mason's SERVICING RAFFERTY.
Gigi Thompson is tired of being window dressing. So when she is hired as the assistant to the Newtown High School athletic director, the challenge of making order from the chaos of his office is a welcome challenge. A recent sexual scandal in the school has made inter-office dating taboo, but that’s okay with her. She’s learned the hard way that dating co-workers leads to trouble.
Sean Fitzgerald is a high school history teacher and the new head football coach for the Newtown Lions. The school’s athletic director is as warm and fuzzy as a block of ice, and the team’s starting quarterback is on the verge of failing two classes. So, if teaching, coaching and tutoring a player aren’t enough to keep him busy, the sexy new assistant in the office is one distraction he doesn’t need.
But once Sean admits he's fallen for Gigi, it takes an all-out blitz to convince the redhead they're worth fighting for.

A Lady and her Wolf

To all our dear followers; readers and authors alike,

I have been on my writing journey for nearly a year now and am coming to the portion of my novel where I'm wrapping up the various mysteries and romances. With that in mind I'd like to ask a favor of you all. What are your opinions on the short blurbs at beginnings of chapters?

You see, I'm writing a historical romance/mystery. If you are a follower of Sabrina Jeffries you'll be familiar with what I'm talking about. For several books now she's had snippets of correspondence between two characters at the beginning of each of her chapters. If you aren't aware, she's finally come out with the story where these two have the starring roles.

I have employed this same tack in my current piece of work. I did, however, put my own spin on the technique. I've used the secret diary entries of my leading lady's great aunt, from the age when she was on the marriage mart.

I have included the first entry for your perusal.

Sept 17, 1715

Today I received this journal as a gift from my father for my sixteenth birthday. After much consideration I have decided I will use this wonderfully made tool to document my search in such hopes that it will help me chronicle a categorical search culminating in the discovery of the legendary Settrington jewels. I have armed myself with a copy of the poem my father shared with me. I shall begin by systematically searching the household for hidden rooms, passageways, and compartments. My hope is that through these efforts I will be led down the path to discovery or at the very least leave behind a detailed path of my journey that one of my descendants might be compelled to continue.

Remember, these are the diary entries of a long dead relative. Though both women are after the same goal. The heroine of this story lives in 1813 England and is the tender age of 19.

Thoughts? Ideas? Criticisms?

Sincerely,

Michele Buchholz

Shadow Bound - Book Review

Shadow Bound by Erin Kellison
Summary: Adam Thorne has devoted the last 6 years of his life to researching and tracking beings called wraiths, possessed humans who feed on human souls, and who have taken control of his brother Jacob. He finds Talia O'Brien, the half-fae daughter of Death himself and the key to destroying the wraiths. Her ability to move within the Shadow world has kept her alive, but now the wraiths want her for themselves. As they are pursued, allies become enemies and safety comes at too high a cost. Despite the danger around every corner, Adam and Talia cannot resist the growing attraction between them. For this unique woman, Adam will sacrifice everything he has, including himself.

This book surprised me and that's hard to do. I'm a big fan of paranormal romance and consequently, I've read a lot of them. After awhile, they tend to blend together, with similar themes, similar character types and similar conflicts. Shadow Bound surprised me by different from any of the books I've read lately. Although the author uses a familiar creature, the fairy, she does so in a way that separates her from the likes of Laurell K. Hamilton's Meredith Gentry. (note to Erin: Thank you for not once using the the term "Seelie.") Other paranormal romance writers should take note, Erin is the future voice of this genre.
 
I was blown away by the evocative prose in the prologue and initial chapters. It reads like poetry - not something I expect to find in a romance novel. I just wish there were more of this type of writing throughout the rest of the novel.   
 
In typical romance style, the story is told from alternating viewpoints of the two main characters. This doesn't bother me because I like seeing the story from both sides, but if you are used to another genre, this could throw you.  I found the story intriguing and the pacing fairly well done. It does lag a bit in the middle, but I can forgive that when the story still keeps my interest.
 
I highly recommend reading Shadow Bound. The follow up, Shadow Fall, was released a few days ago. I haven't read it, but I will. Erin Kellison has a unique voice and I eagerly await her upcoming books.

Friday Book Review - Mistress By Mistake

Today in the Friday Review, I'm reviewing the book Mistress By Mistake by Susan Gee Heino. In the interest of full disclosure, know that Susan is a member of our critique group and our first published author. However, that is not the reason why I decided to review this book.

I had two criteria when choosing a book for this project; One, that it was that is was a romance and two, that it was the first book published by an author. Romance is my favorite genre so that was a no-brainer. Reading a first time author just seemed to fit - I like to start at the beginning, whether it's a series or an author. And let's face it, Nora Roberts doesn't really need more publicity, does she?

Also, in accordance with the FTC rules, I should tell you that I purchased this book, it was not provided to me.

Mistress By Mistake by Susan Gee Heino ISBN 978-0-425-23151-7

Evaline Pinchley and Lord Randolph Dashford have one thing in common - neither of them wants to marry. Although this might seem an odd premise for a book (especially for people who don't read romance), in Regency England (1795-1837) it makes perfect sense.

I have to say upfront, that Regency romances have never been my favorite thing to read. The women are always fluttering about, swooning with the vapors. And the men - well, let's just say that you don't find a lot of Alpha males running around in lace cravats and satin knee breeches. I had some preconceptions going into this book, to say the least.

Well, I was wrong. Mistress By Mistake combines a heroine who is feisty and independent with a hero who is a man's man. No fluttering, no lace cravats. These characters feel real - with human failings that a reader can understand and relate to.

In the opening scene, Evaline gets drunk on her birthday and ends up in Lord Dashford's bed - something more than a few of us can relate to (I'm not talking about me. No, really). The resulting actions and reactions fill the book with drama and intrigue. And just when you think there isn't any reason for them not to be together, his fiance shows up - and the bridge is washed out, stranding them all together with nothing to do but have a picnic in the dining room.

What kept me interested in this book, in addition to the well written characters, was the humor. Let's face it, writing humor well is hard. But writing humor for Regency England? Yikes! The author has a real talent for using humor in the right place to make the characters and situations come alive and feel real to the reader.

The author writes a complex story and there are several subplots woven around the main romantic plot that keeps the reader hooked . Will Evaline's aunt succeed in her evil plotting? Why is there so much interest in the abandoned property next door? And why is the boat grotto so popular? Well, perhaps that last one is obvious.

I highly recommend reading Mistress By Mistake to everyone. To help make that possible, I'll be giving away an autographed copy of Mistress By Mistake (graciously provided by the author) next week. Check back Tuesday for further details - and tell all of your friends and followers.