The witching season is upon us
and publishers haven't let it go unchallenged.
Reviews by Jodi Israel
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Two anthologies celebrate the power of witchcraft and wishcraft. The first, "Bewitched" is a mix of contemporary and historical stories. Lead author Susan Krinard sticks to magic in her contemporary "Saving Sirena." The witches' council has spoken. Sirena will remain a cat unless she can convince a human to fall in love with her -- without using her powers. When she falls in love with her rescuer she is torn between wanting to bind him to her with witchcraft or letting love create its own bonds. Maggie Shayne tells of a young witch whose aunts are afraid to let fate handle important prophecies, especially when she's destined to marry the boy next door! Lisa Higdon and Amy Elizabeth Saunders round out the book with two historical stories. The first is set in Salem, Massachusetts (how appropriate!) and the second in Britain. This fast-paced anthology has something for everyone.
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Aiken tells a well-plotted story. Michael's hot/cold treatment of Amelia is easily understood as is their growing relationship. Though there are several well-written love scenes, this book leans toward the sweeter side of romance.
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Connie Brockway hits another bull's-eye with "All Through the Night". When Whitehall's Hound, otherwise known as Colonel Henry "Jack" Seward, goes after Wrexhall's Wraith, London's most notorious jewel thief, it is only a matter of time before Lady Anne Wilder knows her gig is up. However, she has no idea what Seward could want from her; she's only a jewel thief.
Unfortunately, as a spy for the British government, Seward isn't entirely sure what he wants from her either. Supposedly the Wraith has stolen a letter hidden inside a jewel box, a letter that could prove highly incriminating. But to whom? When Anne and Jack find themselves working toward the same goal, the sparks both erotic and otherwise fly. Brockway's love scenes are charged with passion and longing, leaving the reader anxiously turning the pages.
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Pat Warren's "No Regrets" is the darkest story of the month. When Maggie Spencer returns to Riverview, Michigan, to attend the funeral of her father, she does not expect to be questioned about his accidental death. She certainly doesn't expect to be embroiled in a murder investigation. Insurance investigator Ben Whalen hates to intrude on Maggie's grief but if what he suspects is true, her father's death was no accident. Unfortunately, the local police are being uncooperative. Ben is attracted to Maggie immediately and when the investigation throws them together, he realizes that the feelings are mutual.
Warren does a terrific job weaving the relationship and the murder investigation into a seamless story. Ben and Maggie have reason to be together. The mystery is a good one, just eerie enough to make you keep reading. Each murder brings new clues and new facets to their relationship. Warner Books has trimmed and focused its romance line. This example indicates that their approach is working!
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This month LoveSwept unveils their Men of Legend quartet. All the heroes have some similarity to a legendary hero. Sandra Chastain's "Scarlet Lady" features Rhett Butler Montana, gambler. Chastain's fans will be thrilled to learn this is another of her Mac's Angel's series.
Katie Carithers is determined to teach Montana a lesson. He holds the markers to her family plantation courtesy of her brother, a hopeless and lousy gambler. Katie wants them back and more besides! Though she beats him at poker, he discovers that the cards were marked. Montana doesn't want to feel protective toward Katie, but he knows she's in way over her head. Plus, he owes Mac, and Montana always pays his debts. He doesn't expect to fall in love in the bargain. Together he and Katie sizzle, both between the sheets and outside of them. And there's a cliffhanger epilogue, to boot.
Until next time, happy reading!
Jodi Israel is a member of the Romance Writers of America and reports each month on noteworthy new romances. Comments are welcome at jodi@tiac.net.
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