HUNTRESS' BOOK REVIEWS1 Return to main page HERE! E-Specials Amazon has many of these electronic books on their web site. If you prefer viewing your selection there, please click HERE! for the main page of Amazon's e-book page. Author: Diane Gaston Title - Lord Grantwell's Christmas Wish(Seasonal Historical Romance) Set in Yorkshire, December 1817. Lord Grantwell "Grant" has not seen Lillian Pearson since she stole military papers from him years ago. So he is surprised to find her on his doorstep asking for help. Lillian's husband has been murdered. The evidence points to her. His Portuguese family wants Lillian to hang. Grant does not believe she is telling the truth and is tempted to throw her out. But when his orphaned niece and nephew ask if she can stay at least until Christmas, Grant could not deny them. To pay Grant back for temporary sanctuary, Lillian takes over care for the children. (Hannah, the maid who had been tending them, is happy to be done with the duty.) Lillian finds that she is still very attracted to Grant and it looks as though he feels it as well. But there is no way to prove herself innocent of stealing those papers long ago or of killing her husband. Yet she has no one else to turn to. ***** FIVE STARS! Author Diane Gaston has a way of describing people and scenery so well, that I could easily envision it all. I actually lost myself in the story and was startled when danger reared its head, even though I knew it was coming. When Christmas rolled around, I was charmed at all the traditions they followed. Many of them I had never heard of before. I felt a warm glow as the children began to realize that they had truly found a home and people who cared for them. Masterfully done! ***** For your convenience you may read more about, or purchase this book, from Amazon in KINDLE format by clicking HERE! Reviewed by Detra Fitch. Authors: Sabrina Jeffries, Madeline Hunter, Mary Jo Putney Title - A Yuletide Kiss (Anthology) When We Finally Kiss Good Night by Sabrina Jeffries Fora Younger met Konrad Juncker years ago in Bath. She thought she had found someone worthy to be her husband...until Konrad left without a farewell. Konrad is now a famous playwright whose plays Flora has secretly criticized for The London Society Times. Besides reviewing plays, Flora is also the companion of Lady Hortensia Whitmarch. When they all find themselves (and others) stranded at a lovely inn, the viscountess takes it upon herself to play the role of matchmaker. The Unexpected Gift by Madeline Hunter Jenna Waverly owns a grand and respectable inn called The White Rose. Titled gentry often travel the extra miles it takes to stay there. Jenna and her staff treat each as if they were honored guests. She closed the inn for five days every Christmas specifically so she would not have any lodgers. This was her vacation time. Unfortunately, the icy weather has stranded several travelers at the inn. Then there is the gentleman who was found unconscious in the snow. Jenna would do all she could to ensure he survives and get well again. Not only did the gentleman survive, but he managing to spark something within her. Lucas Avonwood was tracking a broach stolen from his cousin, Marianne. An accident in the snow lands him at The White Rose and under the tender care of its owner. A romance starts between them; one that is threatened by the possibility of Jenna's soon-to-arrive brother being the villain Lucas hunts. When Strangers Meet by Mary Jo Putney Katherine "Kate" Mcleod's parents die, leaving her to the mercy of her greedy uncle in Bombay. The uncle decides to put her up for sale. A bedraggled stranger steps forward and becomes her hero. Helping her return to her caring aunt in London before disappearing. When Daniel Faringdom walks into a tavern on the Bombay waterfront, he finds a gently bred English girl being auctioned off. Unable to sit by and do nothing, Daniel spends almost all his money to win the bidding. The uncle insists they legally wed immediately. Neither Daniel, nor Kate, believes the official to be legitimate. In the seven years since that fateful time, Daniel has worked to better himself. He returns to England now only because he has unexpectedly inherited the Elland barony, property, and all its responsibilities. A snow and ice storm leaves him stranded at a lovely inn. This is where Daniel meets Kate again and learns the wedding vows spoken were legally binding. The pair decide to spend their time of isolation getting to know each other and deciding whether to annul the marriage or if they suit well enough to remain married. ***** FIVE STARS! I normally write a review for each story in an anthology; however, all three of these stories deserve the full five stars and for the same reasons. All have well developed characters, and the stories are masterfully told. Even though each story is separate and can stand alone, they actually intertwine. All three tales happen at the same time, in the same lovely inn. All the characters mingle throughout the entire anthology. Each story focuses on a main couple. There is also a cat that makes a brief appearance in each. This anthology will put you in the Christmas spirit no matter what day of the year you read it. Romantic, fun, and a bit of humor blends together in a way that will keep you glued to the pages. Outstanding! ***** For your convenience you may read more about, or purchase this book, from Amazon in KINDLE format by clicking HERE! Reviewed by Detra Fitch. Authors: Madeline Hunter, Sabrina Jeffries, Mary Jo Putney Title - Seduction on a Snowy Night (3 novellas) This novel is composed of three fantastic novellas from three legendary bestselling authors. BONUS: after each novella is a sneak peek of the author’s next novel. Below you will each novella listed separately. Each will have a synopsis, one through five star rating, and a review. A Christmas Abduction by Madeline Hunter Caroline Dunham, with the help of a few others, abduct Adam Prescott, Baron Thornhill, as he is en route to enjoy Christmas with relatives. It seems that Adam has done Caroline’s sister wrong and she intends to change that. **** FOUR STARS! This is a crisp ride in the countryside – with just a bit of kidnapping. The story hooked me immediately as the author described a main character and his surrounding so vividly that I could almost see and smell them myself. Now that is talent! A tad of humor is inserted as well. Seems every time Caroline turns around, Adam has escaped his prison and is popping up beside her. Terrific! **** A Perfect Match by Sabrina Jeffries Colonel Lord Heywood arrives at a wintry ball to keep Katherine “Kitty” Nickman from marrying a vile man. To do so, he whisks Kitty and her cousin, Cassandra “Cass” Isles, away – and just in time! (Not that Kitty was thinking about eloping with the vile man known as Captain Lionel Malet, but Malet definitely intended to force the issue.) Yet Heywood may be no better, because he is secretly a fortune hunter. He must wed for money to save his estate. He might consider trying to win Kitty for his own; however, it is Cass that he is drawn to. As for Cass, she is secretly an heiress who intends to marry only for love. **** FOUR STARS! Sabrina Jeffries definitely knows drama. This story is full of it. From the first page until the last I was entertained. I often found myself grinning or chuckling in amusement. There is even light suspense toward the end. The heroine is head strong and full of determination when it comes to marrying only for love. I adored her from the beginning. Brava! **** Wicked Winter Night by Mary Jo Putney Seven years ago, Anthony Raines proposed to Lady Diana Lawrence. Rightly, she turned him down. Then she left England to become a dashing lady traveler and ended up in India. Now Anthony is the fifth Duke of Castleton. Diana has returned to England with her giant pet cat, The Panda. Anthony and Diana meet again at a costumed all (after Diana and her hostess finish showcasing an exotic Hindu dance.) He still wants to marry her, but she is still resisting. To spend time with her, Anthony kidnaps The Panda and sends word where she is to meet him for the cat’s return. Now Diana is snowed in with Anthony at a remote lodge. Passion still simmers between them. Will she succumb? **** FOUR STARS! Each character is well developed and I came to care for them quickly. Diana is a little too determined to become a spinster, in my opinion, but Anthony may well change that! He certainly has the bravery to risk her wrath by kidnapping her most loving feline companion. I enjoyed seeing some of the Indian culture (dance) in the story as well. **** For your convenience you may read more about, or purchase this book, from Amazon in KINDLE format by clicking HERE! Reviewed by Detra Fitch. Author: Joanna Sims Title - The Sergeant’s Christmas Mission(Brands of Montana #9) Former Army Sergeant Shane Brand suffers from untreated PTSD. He has gotten used to being left alone in his garage apartment and drinking to forget. Other than night time gigs where he would sing and strum his guitar, the only other thing he would do is remodel his classic motorcycle. (He has been working on it for years.) But then his new landlady moves in with her two boys. Things are about to change. Rebecca Adams inherited the house and tenant. Though he looks rough, Shane is nice and easy going. He proves this on day one when he pays a veterinarian to help a dying kitten even though he was allergic to it. Yet he drinks far too much. That is fine as long as he is not drunk around her boys. Now if only she were not so attracted to him. *** THREE STARS! If you have not read the other titles in this series, as I have not, do not fret. This story stands alone. For those of you who have followed along, you will be glad to see how previous characters are doing. Of course, they are reduced to secondary characters though. Recon, the German Shepheard, and Top, the kitten, are inseparable and add a delight romp or two. This book is perfect for your next vacation read. *** For your convenience you may read more about, or purchase this book, from Amazon in KINDLE format by clicking HERE! Reviewed by Detra Fitch. Author: Caro Carson Title - The Majors’ Holiday Hideaway (American Heroes) Major India Woods has eleven years in the military and is currently stationed in Belgium. Her best friend, Captain Helen Pallas, lives in Fort Hood, Texas. During a two week vacation in December, they trade houses. India tries not to date men with families. She knows what it is like to never have a parents’ attention and refuses to take a father’s attention away from their child. While in Texas, she meets her next door neighbor, who seems to be a carefree bachelor. Major Aidan Nord has twelve years in service. His four-year-old fraternal twin girls are away with his sister and he is bored – until he meets India. He does not want another woman to pity him being a widow with two kids, so he does not mention his past. *** THREE STARS! This story is basically two adults having a vacation fling with no strings attached. Expect several bedroom scenes. During the last third of the book, the twins come home and India’s character is sort of in shell shock for awhile. It was interesting to experience. The author did a fabulous job expressing it all. This is a well written story with a bit of humor that I could not read fast enough. *** For your convenience you may read more about, or purchase this book, from Amazon in KINDLE format by clicking HERE! Reviewed by Detra Fitch. Author: Tara Taylor Quinn Title - An Unexpected Christmas Baby Tamara Frost has been called home by her father. He is in need of her help. Someone is stealing from her father’s company, Owens Investments. Tamara is to use her profession, as an efficiency consultant, as a cover to investigate. The prime suspect is Flint Collins. There is no concrete proof the culprit is him though. Flint’s mother has just died in prison giving birth to a daughter. Flint is still in a bit of shock when he receives three-day-old Diamond Rose. He has given up his plans of going into business for himself. Job security, for Diamond’s sake, means everything to him. She means everything to him. He would be the best brother/father possible for Diamond. Then he meets Tamara at the office and they hit it off. If only she did not act as though she were hiding something from him. **** FOUR STARS! There is more going on that I tell in my synopsis. It seems at one point that the entire world is conspiring against Flynn, yet he never asks for help. Flynn is a strong character, in more ways than one, so deserves a strong match. He finds that in Tamara. She has had her share of heartbreaks too. The story is well written and the main characters have well developed backgrounds. I actually came to care for a few of them. I will be looking for more stories by Tara Taylor Quinn. **** For your convenience you may read more about, or purchase this book, from Amazon in KINDLE format by clicking HERE! Reviewed by Detra Fitch. Authors: Regina Scott, Sarah E. Eden, Jen Geigle Johnson, Annette Lyon, Krista Lynne Jensen, Heather B. Moore Title - A Yuletide Regency (6 Novellas) Always Kiss At Christmas by Regina Scott Mary Rose knows that her mother’s health is getting worse, but no man will listen to her. The only option available is for Mary to wed well and then men will HAVE to listen (or deal with her husband.) Though her mother keeps pushing her toward Chester Godwin, Mary’s heart prefers a rising solicitor, Julian Mayes. **** FOUR STARS! A delightful story filled with fun and romance during a Christmas Eve party. The entire story happens within twelve hours. Mary/Meredith and Julian will continue their courtship in the Fortune’s Brides series. **** A Yuletide Match by Sarah E. Eden Adelaide Northrop is the Ton’s most sought-after and successful matchmaker. Her current assignment is to find a bride for Mr. Porter Bartrum, a widower and young father. To do this, Adelaide would attend a Yuletide house party with him. However, since Porter does not want everyone to know that he has hired her, Adelaide would attend as a guest with his best friend, Vance Munson and his sister, Chloe. **** FOUR STARS! To me, little Lewis is the best part of the story. He is mischievous, rambunctious, and an utter delight. This story covers a little over a week in time. The character of Adelaide is insightful, observant, as well as inquisitive. I hope to see more of her. **** The Forbidden Duke by Jen Geigle Johnson The new Duke of Salsbury, Stephen Harrington, has a strong sense of duty and is expected to court and wed Lady Fenninway. Lady Catherine Aster’s family seeks an alliance with the Lennard family. Everyone knows that the Salsbury and Aster families dislike one another. Each family believes the other family harmed their own. Yet since neither Stephen, nor Catherine, know who the other person is, they have a scandalous dance at a ball. Of course, immediately upon learning the identity of their partner, the two separate. Too bad neither can seem to forget the other. **** FOUR STARS! It was so interesting to learn why the two families dislike each other so much. It was equally as interesting to watch Stephen and Catherine’s courtship; especially since her uncle avidly hated the Salsbury name. This is a well done story that left me feeling … smug. **** Mistletoe at Willowsmeade by Annette Lyon Thirty-two-year-old Eleanor Hadfield is the governess to the children of her cousin, Henry Brunson. Long ago, she had left for her one Season in London and Julian Stephens had went off to war. Now both are spending Christmas at Willowsmeade. Could the pair finally find love? **** FOUR STARS! Julian is a Navy Captain, so he is used to regrouping and determining his next course. It was fun to watch him do so with Eleanor. The story gave me a warm feeling. Well written and fun to read. **** Follow the River Home by Krista Lynne Jensen Arabelle “Abby” Hyatt (and her mother) have finished their time of mourning for her brother, George, and his wife, Jane. They died of consumption last year. Now they must think of themselves and Eleanor, George’s infant daughter. Hybrigge House is entailed to Mr. Hewitt Forbes. Luckily, Mr. Forbes is about to ask for Abby’s hand in marriage. To solve all their problems, Abby is prepared to accept. When Major Isaac Linfield, an old friend of George’s, arrives for a short visit, Abby is thrilled to see a childhood friend. She does not care about his missing leg. It does not make him less of a man. However, Isaac had received a letter from George’s deathbed asking Isaac to look after those he loves, and Isaac intends to do just that. ***** FIVE STARS! Not many authors have the hero of their story be disabled. Jensen is not only brave to have done so, but has done it superbly. This tale of romance left me glowing with pleasure. ***** The New Earl by Heather B. Moore Celia Thompson’s parents died years ago. Her brother, Bart, died three months ago. Now her father’s second cousin has arrived to take possession of his inheritance, which happened to be her home. She has two options: Move in with Aunt Marianne (when she returns from her third honeymoon) or remain where she is as a charity case. Celia wants to hate Aaron Thompson, but he is too kind, sincere, and understanding. When he asks her to marry him and remain at Banfield Estate with him, she believes the proposal is out of pity and refuses. Now what? **** FOUR STARS! Though this story could have happened in reality, Lady Celia struck me as a bit too aloof and cool. I never came to care for her. Aaron’s character was the direct opposite. He came across as sensible and warm. Good thin opposites attract. By the end, I was left totally satisfied. **** For your convenience you may read more about, or purchase this book, from Amazon in KINDLE format by clicking HERE! Reviewed by Detra Fitch. Author: Sarah J. Maas Title - Catwoman: Soulstealer Teenager Selina Kyle grows up in the slums of Gotham City, fighting in the underground arena. It is the only way she can get money to keep a roof over her head and to care for her ailing sister, Maggie. But all that changes when Social Services steps in. In exchange for Maggie going to a decent and loving couple’s home, Selina joins the League of Assassins and heads off to train for two years. Selina returns as Holly Vanderhees. A rich socialite who cares only for shopping and having a good time. At least, that is what she allows people to believe. In truth, Selina if forging a friendship with Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn. With Batman away on a mission, Gotham is ripe for picking and the trio of ladies make a formidable team. At night, Catwoman tangles with Batwing. By day, Selina/Holly dallies with Luke Fox, her handsome neighbor. Catwoman must pull off her biggest heist before the League of Assassins finally catch up to her. Time is running out. ***** FIVE STARS! This story starts out by showing Selina’s horrible, young teen life and explains why it is so much harder than any other person’s. The story continues two years later when she returns to Gotham City with a plan. That plan is kept under wraps by the author until well in the book, and I refuse to tell or give spoilers. When the plan is finally revealed, readers realize that everything Catwoman has done had a specific purpose. In the exciting conclusion, it all comes together and I am left grinning like an idiot. ***** For your convenience you may read more about, or purchase this book, from Amazon in KINDLE format by clicking HERE! Reviewed by Detra Fitch. Author: Leigh Bardugo Title - Warbringer (Wonder Woman) Diana, Princess of Themyscira, knows it is wrong to rescue anyone from shipwrecks along the island’s coasts; but when she spies a teenaged girl barely hanging onto wreckage, Diana acts on instinct and dives in to save her. Diana is … truncated (278,933 more characters in archive)