Romance Book Reviews
The Grotto by Evelyn Rogers
Love Spell, May, 2002Paperback, 384 pages
ISBN: 0505524791
Subgenre: Gothic
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
Gothic Romance is back -- and better than ever
with this new entry from bestselling author Evelyn Rogers.
In Tuscany, the beautiful American widow
of the cruel Conte Pietro Donati returns to the
family estate to salvage what she can of the fortune
that was squandered by her late husband. The Conte
had deserted the Villa Falcone years ago, leaving the
townspeople who depended on the Villa without
a way to feed themselves. Naturally, they are
quite hostile to the widowed Caterina. Nevertheless,
Caterina is determined to make the Villa shine again,
to resurrect the once-lush vineyards and olive trees
which filled the area. But her attorney seems determined
that she sell the property. And the villagers all think
the Villa Falcone is cursed. When a dark, handsome stranger shows
up to help with the restoration, Caterina is intrigued. But
Roberto Vela seems to have his own agenda -- and it may
not include Caterina's happiness at all.
Dorchester Publishing's new gothic romance imprint, Candleglow, is off to fantastic start with Evelyn Roger's Devil in the Dark, and The Grotto. All of the elements of a traditional gothic are here: the determined heroine, the brooding hero, the threatening and passionate atmosphere. But Ms. Rogers has taken these elements and given them a fresh, modern feel that shows that gothics do have a place in the new millennium. Roberto Vela, the hero, is mysterious, but just enough of his compassion and humor shine through to illustrate what kind of man he really is -- although his identity is kept a secret for most of the book. Gothic romance is worth rediscovering, and Evelyn Rogers is just the author to take you on your escape into dark fantasy.
Night Games by Nina Bangs
Lovespell, May, 2002Paperback, 368 pages
ISBN: 0505524805
Subgenre: Time Travel
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
In the year 2502, most of the men have an unfortunate
performance problem. Earth is a virtual paradise of riches, with no
disease, poverty or need to work. Procreation is accomplished
via scientific methods and everyone is incredibly bored,
which has led to some odd
sociological changes: sex is now a spectator sport, with teams
and MVPs -- much like the present-day NFL. Superstar
Brian Byrne is at the top of his game: he's rich and
enormously popular throughout the known worlds.
He grew up on a poor outer rim world, and was
rescued by an agent who knew his good looks would
serve him well in the rough and tumble world of
professional sex sports. Brian made it to the top
(he's the MVP of the Sex Super Bowl), but he's
been feeling a bit burned out lately, so he
pops back to old Earth via time travel (a popular
vacation method) to his ancestral home in Ireland.
The last thing he wants to see is another woman --
but he immediately runs into Ally O'Neill. The bestselling
author of books about how to be the perfect, subservient
wife has big problems -- her husband left her and her editor
now wants a book from a single woman's perspective. And it
better be juicy. So when Brian shows up, he seems like
the perfect one night stand, all in the name of research.
But somehow, as she gets to
know him, he seems more like a keeper. The trick is
how to convince him that life in the past with one woman
is better than a life in the future with thousands of
women, but without love or commitment.
No one writes paranormal romance quite like Nina Bangs. She takes a wild premise, throws in likeable, passionate, and great supporting characters and then lets the fun begin. Her stories are fast-paced, funny and, of course, sexy. This is a great summer read that is sure to put a smile on your face.
The Pursuit by Johanna Lindsey
William Morrow, March, 2002Hardcover, 320 pages
ISBN: 0380978555
Subgenre: Historical
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
Sent away to London to live with relatives when
he was very young, Lincoln Ross Burnett, 7th Viscount
of Cambury, has now returned to his native Scotland.
His bitterness towards his mother
for sending him away after his father died has only grown
over the years. When Lincoln meets Melissa MacGregor,
the young couple knows that they are meant to be together
forever. But Melissa has sixteen incredibly overprotective
uncles who have so far managed to scare off every
potential suitor. Remembering Lincoln from his fractious childhood,
the uncles decide he is not worthy of their niece and packs him
off (literally) on a slow boat to China. But Melissa is not
one to be dictated to by mere uncles and determines to
marry the man of her dreams, regardless of the obstacles.
The Pursuit is a romantic, exuberant and touchingly funny novel, which should especially delight longtime Lindsey fans. Melissa is the daughter of Kimberly Richards and Lachlan MacGregor from Love Me Forever; other familiar characters also make an appearance which adds to the fun of the story. Lincoln's difficult relationship with his mother adds a serious aspect to the story which, combined with the entertaining dialogue and true affection between the lead characters, makes for a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Return to Book Reviews Index
More from Writers Write