Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

RITA Reader Challenge: Silver Sparks by Starr Ambrose

This review was written by Ashlea. This story was nominated in the Best Contemporary Single Title Romance category.

The summary:     

The Larkin sisters are used to hearing whispers behind their backs. Being raised by hippie parents in the small resort town of Barringer’s Pass, Colorado, they were always considered oddballs, and for a while, they did everything they could to earn the name.  But now, older and wiser, they're discovering that it's not so great to be the wild child, and are struggling to earn a new place for themselves in town.

When Maggie Larkin resists the come-ons of a sleazy actor in town to shoot a film, she pisses off more than a pretty boy and his manager.  Turns out that Rafe DeLuca isn't just a movie star...he's possibly a killer, and Maggie's landed herself in more trouble than she could imagine.  Enter Cal Drummond, cop extraordinaire, who's been trailing DeLuca himself for weeks, convinced that his recently murdered sister is one… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: Hush by Cherry Adair

This review was written by Randee . This story was nominated in the Best Romantic Suspense category.

The summary: Thrill seekers Zakary and Gideon Stark travel the globe in search of extreme adventure, but a trip to Venezuela to jump off the world’s highest falls catapults them into a perilous game of life or death—where they don’t know the rules. Kidnapped with a woman Zak knows nothing about, the brothers are held prisoner deep in the jungle.

A risky, deathdefying escape separates them and nearly claims Zak’s life . . . until his recovery reveals a baffling new sixth sense. Now, to find his missing brother, Zak and the mysterious Acadia Gray will have to out-smart, out-gun, and out-maneuver not just the brutal kidnappers but also a new player who joins the adrenaline game: a ruthless opponent who wants the Stark brothers dead—at any cost.

And here is Randee's review:

I always recommend Cherry Adair’s smart and sexy romantic suspense to anyone interested in stories about… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: “Unforgiven” by Ruth Ryan Langan

This review was written by Emily A. This story was nominated in the Best Romance Novella category.

The summary:      

The shattered soul of an angry spirit imprisoned in a Scottish manor house could be a young widow's only salvation.

And here is Emily's review:

Ironically I don’t have much to say which is odd, because I usually have a lot to say.

This novella was fine, but filled with characters we’ve met before like the lonely widow, the haunted mysterious Scottish mansion, the groundskeepers, etc….

The ending was a bit of let down with gimmicky twists. I did appreciate the heat in this one compared to the other novellas, but I thought this one the weakest novella in the collection.

I think in a longer book the author might have made ways to make it more distinctive. If you’re like me and a print reader, you’ll buy the whole anthology. Since I read the whole anthology, I am including bonus lightning… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: I Love the Earl by Caroline Linden

This review was written by Willaful. This story was nominated in the Best Romance Novella category.

The summary:     

A single lady in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a suitor Margaret de Lacey has accepted her unmarried state with dignity, if not delight. She had no suitors when she was young and starry-eyed, though regrettably poor, and it’s unlikely any man will court her now that she’s older, wiser, and still just as penniless.

Until, that is, her brother unexpectedly inherits the dukedom of Durham and settles an enormous dowry on her, making her the most eligible heiress in town. No gentleman in London is more in need of a wealthy bride than Rhys Corwen, Earl of Dowling. He contrives an introduction to Margaret because of her dowry, but she swiftly sets him right: no fortune hunter will win her heart or her hand.

Far from put off, Rhys is intrigued. Interested. Entranced. And soon the only thing… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: To Seduce an Angel by Kate Moore

This review was written by Phyllis. This story was nominated in the Best Regency Historical Romance category.

The summary:     

The youngest of the Jones brothers, Kit, has just been made the Marquess of Daventry-heir to his vengeful grandfather, the Duke of Wenlocke. Kit wants to free his family from the old duke, and he hires the beautiful Emma Portland to tutor his young wards while he makes his plans.

But Emma's true identity may be even more dangerous to Kit than his dastardly uncle. And the feelings they begin to have for one another may spell their mutual doom.

And here is Phyllis's review:

I can't figure out who the angel was supposed to be – hero or heroine? The hero is too young (twenty-ish) and his story too improbable. [SPOILER: The heroine was a princess? Sorry, Anne Gracie did that one much better.]

RITA Reader Challenge: The Doctor’s Deadly Affair by Stephanie Doyle

This review was written by Lindlee. This story was nominated in the Best Contemporary Suspense/Adventure Romance category.

The summary:     

Fresh on the heels of their disastrous date, Dr. Camille Lawson is none too pleased to find Dr. Wyatt Holladay darkening her doorstep. But a mystery ailment is claiming her patients - and just maybe the gorgeous doctor can help her get some answers.

What should be a simple investigation of medical causes quickly reveals a very real threat. Someone is targeting Camille by killing her patients, one by one. Surrounded by suspects and unable to convince the authorities crimes are being committed, Wyatt is the only person who can keep the infuriating beauty safe.

With everything on the line, he must protect her reputation, her life and her heart.

And here is Lindlee's review:

The good news is I loved the main couple in The Doctor’s Deadly Affair. The bad news is that this romantic suspense would have been… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: Scandalous Desires by Elizabeth Hoyt

This review was written by Milena. This story was nominated in the Best Historical Romance category.

The summary:     

Widowed Silence Hollingbrook is impoverished, lovely, and kind--and nine months ago she made a horrible mistake. She went to a river pirate for help in saving her husband and in the process made a bargain that cost her her marriage. That night wounded her so terribly that she hides in the foundling home she helps run with her brother. Except now that same river pirate is back...and he's asking for her help.

"Charming" Mickey O'Connor is the most ruthless river pirate in London. Devastatingly handsome and fearsomely intelligent, he clawed his way up through London's criminal underworld. Mickey has no use for tender emotions like compassion and love, and he sees people as pawns to be manipulated. And yet he's never been able to forget the naive captain's wife who came to him for help and spent one memorable night in his bed...talking.

When his bastard… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare

This review was written by HarperGray. This story was nominated in the Best Regency Historical category.

The summary:     


Spindle Cove is the destination of choice for certain types of well-bred young ladies: the painfully shy, young wives disenchanted with matrimony, and young girls too enchanted with the wrong men. It is a haven for those who live there. Victor Bramwell, the new Earl of Rycliff, knows he doesn't belong here. So far as he can tell, there's nothing in this place but spinsters...and sheep.

But he has no choice, he has orders to gather a militia. It's a simple mission, made complicated by the spirited, exquisite Susanna Finch--a woman who is determined to save her personal utopia from the invasion of Bram's makeshift army.

Susanna has no use for aggravating men; Bram has sworn off interfering women. The scene is set for an epic battle...but who can be named the winner when both have so much to lose?

And here… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer

This review was written by Emily A. This story was nominated in the Best Inspirational Romance category.

The summary:      


Having completed his sentence for the unintentional crime that derailed his youthful plans for fame and fortune, Levi Grant looks to start over in the town of Spencer, Texas. Spencer needs a blacksmith, a trade he learned at his father's knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past. But small towns leave little room for secrets...

Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she steels herself against the attraction he provokes. His halting speech and hesitant manner leave her doubting his intelligence.

Yet as the mysteries of the town's new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart. Levi's renewed commitment to his faith leads Eden to believe she's finally… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: The Restorer by Amanda Stevens

This review was written by Anne . This story was nominated in the Best Paranormal Romance category.

The summary:     

My name is Amelia Gray. I'm a cemetery restorer who sees ghosts. In order to protect myself from the parasitic nature of the dead, I've always held fast to these rules passed down from my father…until now.

Detective John Devlin needs my help to find a killer, but he is haunted by ghosts who shadow his every move. To warn him would be to invite them into my life.

I've vowed to keep my distance, but the pull of his magnetism grows ever stronger even as the headstone symbols lead me closer to truth and to the gossamer veil that separates this world from the next.

And here is Anne's review:

Amanda Stevens is a very good storyteller. The book is set in and around Charleston and the right atmosphere lingers through the book. It’s full of scents, humid warm weather, southern… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: I’m Not Her by Janet Gurtler

This review was written by Lindlee. This story was nominated in the Best YA Romance and Best First Book category.

The summary:     

"For the first time in my life, I didn't feel envy..."

Tess is the exact opposite of her beautiful, athletic sister. And that's okay. Kristina is the sporty one, Tess is the smart one, and they each have their place. Until Kristina is diagnosed with cancer.

Suddenly Tess is the center of the popular crowd, everyone eager for updates. There are senior boys flirting with her. But, the smiles of her picture perfect family are cracking and her sister could be dying. Now Tess has to fill a new role: the strong one. Because if she doesn't hold it together, who will?

And here is Lindlee's review:

I feel a bit guilty criticizing a book about cancer, but I wasn’t really crazy about I’m Not Her. I had two major issues while reading.

My first issue can… read more »

RITA Reader Challenge: My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren

This review was written by Beth. This story was nominated in the Best Contemporary Inspirational Romance category.

The summary:     

Unknown to her quaint town of Deep Haven, Isadora Presley is the star host of My Foolish Heart, a popular syndicated talk radio show. From her home studio, she gives listeners advice on romance . . . even though she’s never had a date. It’s not that she doesn’t want to, but since a tragic accident took her mother’s life, panic attacks have trapped her inside her small neighborhood.

And though she always reminds listeners that their perfect love could be right next door, it can’t possibly be true for her. Especially when a new neighbor moves in. Sure, he’s handsome, but with his unruly dog and Neanderthal manners, Caleb Knight is the last man she’d ever fall for.

To Issy, love isn’t worth the risk. Until she starts to have feelings for a caller—a man she’s never even met but finds honest, charming,… read more »

Synthetic Dreams by Kim Knox - A Guest Review by Carrie S

Synthetic Dreams has cyberpunk noir atmosphere down pat.  This book fits beautifully into the worlds of Blade Runner, Matrix, and Neuromancer.

Like those works, it also pays tribute to classic film noir, with a blonde femme fatale, a loyal, spunky brunette (they happen to be the same person, natch - that's not a big spoiler as it's revealed right away) and a mysterious, laconic detective (actually, security guy, but he fills the hard-boiled detective role). 

There's gorgeous world-building, graceful exposition, tons of plot, sexual tension, hot sex, and action.  The only thing missing is three-dimensional characters to invest in.  I can't even begin to describe the plot, but here's what Carina Press has to say:

RITA Reader Challenge: Compassion Can’t Wait by Carly Phillips

This review was written by Phyllis. This story was nominated in the Best Romance Novella category.

The summary: In Carly Phillips's Compassion Can't Wait, two high school sweet hearts are reunited years later, as if by fate, and discover that if you believe in yourself and each other, anything is possible.

And here is Phyllis' review:

This is a nice, sexy story of old flames reunited.

As a kindness to a teenage boy whose brother's suffering from advanced leukemia, the heroine, a hospital social worker, contacts her ex-boyfriend, now a star baseball pitcher, to meet the boy.

The Last Night by Nico Rosso - a Guest Review from Carrie S

Some people want scientific explanations for everything in fiction.  I'm not one of them.  Frankly, I prefer it if we never know why the zombies walk the earth, or how the Force works, but if the author feels he or she simply must try to explain the science of what's happening, I'll usually accept it and move on.  You can get away with a lot of bad science and as long as the characters are compelling, I don't care.  But people, this was just too much.

The premise of The Last Night, insofar as I understood it in one reading, is that a chain of devastating earthquakes worldwide destroyed all the cities.  The earthquakes, and volcanic activities, still rumble every few days.  All this seismic activity churned up the soil and unleashed previously buried microbes that infected people, turning them into "ashers".  Ashers have skin (and possibly internal organs - I wasn't clear on this) that has turned to stone (or a stone-like substance).  They have the mindless persistence of standard zombies but they can feel fear… read more »