Hard Evidence by Pamela Clare

I love discovering new authors. I can’t remember exactly what drew me to this book originally—whether I read a review that caught my attention or saw an ad—but something prompted me to order it from Amazon. Whatever the reason, (and yeah, yeah, I know, a mind a terrible thing to waste) I’m grateful, because I really enjoyed it.

Julian Darcangelo has spent most of his adult life in deep cover for the FBI. In the wake of a botched raid, he’s made it his life’s mission to take down a Russian mob boss trafficking in young girls. The last thing he needs is an investigative reporter getting in his way.

Tessa Novak didn’t ask to be caught in the middle of Julian’s war, but here she is.  And the closer she’s drawn to the troubled Darcangelo, the deeper the danger surrounding her.

Visit Pamela Clare's site.

Pick posted: 2-01-07

Once Upon a Time There Were Three Princesses. . . by Christie Ridgway

Do you love books with connected characters? Love stories with smart, vulnerable women and hunky men with issues? Then, honey, have I got a series for you! You have to read Christie Ridgway's Wisegirls series, about three sisters from a California mob family. The first is An Offer He Can't Refuse. Tea Caruso is trying her best to distance herself from her "connected" family. She's built a business as a decorator, but between the Caruso name and a clientele with kitschy taste, it's hard to command any respect in the Palm Springs design community. Now she has a golden opportunity, in the form of Johnny Magee's mid-century modern house, to change at least part of that.

Johnny has an agenda of his own. He hasn't had a decent night's sleep since his 33rd birthday, the same age his father was when he was gunned down outside the house Tea is so sure will turn around her career. Rumor has it the Caruso family ordered the hit in retaliation for Johnny's dad killing Tea's father. Johnny doesn't dispute the former. . .but he has serious doubts about the latter. He needs to find out the truth--and to do that, he's willing to use Tea.

When these two meet, sparks fly. Serious sparks. Burn-down-the-house sparks. This book is hot, it's funny, it's serious-- it's great! So give yourself a treat. Buy An Offer He Can't Refuse this month, if not today. Because if you're like me, you love reading these connected stories in order. And the second in the series, The Care and Feeding of Unmarried Men, comes out in May.

I, for one, can hardly wait.

Visit Christie Ridgway's site.

Pick posted: 4-03-06

The Trouble With Valentine’s Day by Rachel Gibson

Kate is having a bad month when she decides to return to Gospel, Idaho for a little R&R. It’s not enough that she was dumped by her boyfriend and is stressed out by her job? It’s not enough that her first attempted seduction of a good-looking stranger in a Sun Valley bar on her way to Gospel was flat out rejected?

Oh no. She might be able to put those things behind her -- especially that last one. But when the stranger turns out to be Rob Sutter, former ice hockey mad man, it’s hard to forget the way she embarrassed herself. Especially when it turns out he lives in Gospel and his sporting goods store is right across from her grandfather’s market.

Once again Rachel Gibson does what she does so well -- writes fast-paced dialog, troubled men and strong women. Get yourself a copy and prepare for a day of entertainment.

Visit Rachel Gibson's site.

Pick posted: 11-01-05

Dear Journal, (diaries being for teenage girls and British twenty-somethings)

Have had nose diligently to grindstone lately, finishing up current manuscript. Get gold star for good work ethic. Mustn’t pat self too vigorously on back, however, as way behind on own reading. Not a good thing-- sends self deep into withdrawal twitchies.  

Have compiled list of novels I intend to carve out time for the minute schedule permits. Once own book is in mail, it’s going to be just me, a chair, and my TBR (too-be-read) pile! Can hardly wait.

He Loves Lucy by Susan Donovan
Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince by JK Rowling
Dead As a Doornail (Southern Vampire series) by Charlaine Harris
Black Ice by Anne Stuart
My Surrender by Connie Brockway
Cross Your Heart and Hope to Die (Blackbird Sisters series) by Nancy Martin

Pick posted: 10-01-05

read Susan's past Romance picks...