Title: Day of the Dead Author: Victoria A. Brownworth ISBN: 978-1-935226-05-5 Publisher: Spinsters Ink, www.spinstersink.com Available at: Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com; Moon Horse Books, www.moonhorsebooks.com Price: $14.95 - Pages: 170 Genre: Supernatural

If you're of a persuasion to like stories about vampires, succubi and other things that go bump in the night, this is the book for you.

Day of the Dead is a collection of stories in the supernatural genre. The book consists of five short stories and a novella that are most often set in New Orleans. Some characters appear in more than one story, but all of the works stand alone. Vampires are the most common topic, showing them at their most seductive. Hurricane Katrina factors into more than one of the stories showing that nature can be the most horrifying character of all.

People who like their creatures really scary won't find that here. If anything, what will terrify you is the idea of walking through the fog based on what keeps coming out of it in these stories. A couple of the stories aren't clear about what exactly the supernatural entity is and the vampire stories are definitely more loaded in the sexuality of the situation than the blood-letting. Certainly the most evocative selection is "Diary of a Drowning" about a woman who decides to stay in New Orleans during the hurricane. Some of the stories drag along and the reader may get impatient to find out how they end. The good thing about this type of book is that you can read one story, move on to something else and return to read another story.

An anthology makes it difficult for a reader to connect with characters that appear and disappear in a hurry. If you are a fan of this genre though, and are looking for some stories to read each night before bedtime, this book will meet that need and they're tame enough that you won't have to worry about nightmares.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce

Title: Iron Rose Bleeding Author: Anne Azel ISBN: 10) 1-933720-63-8; 13) 978-1-933720-63-0 Publisher: P.D. Publishing, Inc., www.pdpublishing.com Available at: Barnes and Noble, www.barnesandnoble.com; www.amazon.com Price: $16.99 - Pages: 187 Genre: Science Fiction

If you care about the Earth, this is a difficult story to read. It's classified as science fiction, but too much of it is true to be ignored.

Courtney Hunter has more curiosity than is good for her. For the past two years she's been working as an archivist at TAP International, headed by Taylor Alexandria Punga, a mysterious woman with powerful contacts all over the world. The facility where Courtney works has the highest security possible, which doesn't make sense since she can't see that the company makes anything, so she steals a special clearance ID tag so that she can snoop around. When she is caught she's offered an opportunity that she can't refuse. She can become Punga's protégé or be terminated. The training requires a lot of reading about economics, environmental issues, weather patterns, and politics, with one inescapable conclusion. The Earth is in trouble. Eventually, Courtney discovers that TAP represents an alien race that is studying the planet and may have an answer to save it, but the cost will be high, possibly higher than humans should pay. Courtney can't decide whether cooperating with the other race will make her a hero or the planet's biggest betrayer, but she finds herself with unexpected ties to TAP and comes to realize that cooperation may be the only way to save all of them.

Azel has done a tremendous amount of research about what is happening to the Earth for this story. As TAP keeps saying, all of the information is available to anyone who wants it, but, like TAP's organization, Azel brings it together in one place to create an alarming and very depressing scenario. It's the type of book that makes you want to run out and join every type of organization devoted to environmentalism that you can find. A lot more could have been developed about this issue, but Azel rushes the story to an incomplete conclusion. There is also a story involving the aliens that is hasty and not explained well. The characters are appealing, but what motivates their actions is often unclear and there is an issue between Courtney and TAP that is shocking and definitely needed more exploration. This is a good story that could have been much better with detail and elaboration.

Iron Rose Bleeding tells a distressing story that is, unfortunately, all too real. The reader should be prepared to be bothered by what is revealed about the Earth and its prospects. However, maybe the reader should be bothered and that way something might be put in motion to try and reverse these trends. Azel provides aliens who come to save the Earth. One could wish it was going to be that simple.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce

Title: Fireside Author: Cate Culpepper ISBN-10: 1602820449 ISBN-13: 978-1602820449 Publisher: Bold Strokes Distributed by Bold Strokes Books (www.boldstrokesbooks.com) Price: $15.95 - Pages: 223 Genre: Paranormal Romance/Lesbian

Fireside is a place and a story of redemption. Three dedicated women join forces to help other women and their children start new lives independent of the men who have abused them. Abby, a doctor already established at the facility called Fireside, ministers to the physical well being of the residents and Cleo, an attorney who takes care of the legal aspects of the residents’ lives, are joined by a therapist named Mac.
Mac is self-assured and professional, as is proven within the first hour of her arrival at Fireside. She and the other two women meet and are forced into a team immediately as they deal with a crisis—and Mac proves her worth right from the start.
The bond that was forged in the early part of the story grows as it continues. However, hints of secrets that each woman harbors are slowly, gradually revealed. These secrets are not easily shared, even among each other in the closeness of the bond they have formed at Fireside. Gradually, though, light shines on their shadows and the women find the healing and wholeness that they strive so wholeheartedly to give to others. For Abby, it’s an old memory that haunts her from which she must be released. For Cleo, a reunion with someone dear to her heart is realized and a relationship renewed. For restless, rootless Mac, specters of a past she doesn’t understand or even remember must be dispelled and allowed rest, but first she must discover what it is that’s following her. Along the way, romance blooms between two of the characters. Seemingly forbidden, at first, they find that this secret, too, is to be brought to light and celebrated.
Culpepper’s writing is crisp and refreshing, even in the midst of the difficult subject matter she has chosen for this story. Her turns of phrases are unique and resonate like harp strings plucked to create a beautiful tune. Fireside is a finalist for the Golden Crown Literary Society’s “Goldie” award in the Paranormal Romance category.
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Reviewed by Anna Furtado

Title: Murder in City Hall Author: Mary Jane Russell ISBN 10: 1-935216-13-9 Publisher: Intaglio Publications, www.intagliopub.com Available From: Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com Price: $16.95 Pages: 282 Genre: Mystery

Mary Jane Russell uses her expertise and experience to bring readers an intimate look at the politics of a mid-sized city hall. Her heroine, Molly Hamilton is a civil engineer. Molly is a workaholic, who does her best to help projects succeed. She's well liked by most of the city employees, with the exception of Jack Sampson, her boss.

Jack is a mean spirited man who likes to rule through threat and intimidation. No one is sorry when Jack is found bludgeoned to death in his office. Unfortunately, Molly is the last person to admit seeing Jack.

Christine Miller, a police detective who has been dating Molly, is determined to prove her innocence. What follows is a novel full of well drawn characters as Russell shows her readers inside the closed doors of city hall.
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Reviewed by RLynne

Title: Murder Takes to the Hills Author: Jessica Thomas ISBN 10: 1-59493-178-X Publisher: Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com Available From: Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com Price: $14.95 Pages: 264 Genre: Mystery

Murder Takes to the Hills is the sixth novel in the Alex Peres series. While it starts in Provincetown, murder and mayhem follow Alex and Cindy on their vacation to a small town in Tennessee. The novel begins with Alex and Cindy beginning to snap and snarl from the stress of a seemingly endless remodel of their home. Adding to the stress is Cindy's creepy feeling that she's being stalked. A vacation definitely is what their friends and loved ones order.

Beulaland, TN., pop. 1237, is Tennessee Walker horse country. The cabin, borrowed from Cindy's cousin, is up an idyllic mountain complete with a tarn on top. Unfortunately, trouble, and humor, always follow Alex. Soon, this rural countryside is experiencing scary and cruel acts. What follows is a wild ride of a story involving the wonderful population of Beulaland, some great animals and a near arrest. This is a wild romp of a read that just may have readers looking up B and B's in Tennessee.
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Reviewed by RLynne

Title: October’s Promise Author: Marianne Garver ISBN-10: 1594931453 - ISBN-13: 978-1594931451 Publisher: Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com Available From: Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com; Moon Horse Books, www.moonhorsebooks.com e-Book available from Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com Price: $14.95 - Pages: 224 Genre: Romance/Lesbian

October’s Promise begins and ends with a journey. Libby Jackson has time on her hands when she receives the notice that she’s inherited property from a man she’s never heard of. She leaves New York to settle matters and to take a much-needed break. She travels to New Hampshire to discover a sympathetic lawyer, a lovely old lake house filled with personal mementos from the previous owner, a little dog bound and determined to see her happy, and an enigmatic hitchhiker that keeps coming back to Libby every time she’s in need of rescue.

Quinn Barnett, at first blush, appears to be a drifter. However, as the story unfolds, we find that she’s actually on a mission of the heart from which she must not be deterred. So when a dog named PJ and one Libby Jackson keep pulling her in a direction different from the one she’s intending, it all makes for an interesting story. She is a reluctant knight in shining armor. Libby keeps getting into trouble and Quinn seems to be the only one who can save her. But will Quinn want to be the one to rescue her from her dull, disappointing life? After all, Quinn’s never been one to stay in one place for long and she has something important she needs to do.

Marianne Garver’s first offering, October’s Promise, is a Golden Crown Literary Award finalist in the Debut Author category. It is an absorbing story that will keep the reader turning page after to page to see what will happen next to the two main characters. The ending is sweet and speculative and lingers on the mind long after that last page is turned.
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Reviewed by Anna Furtado

Title: October’s Promise Author: Marianne Garver ISBN-10: 1594931453 - ISBN-13: 978-1594931451 Publisher: Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com Available From: Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com; Moon Horse Books, www.moonhorsebooks.com e-Book available from Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com Price: $14.95 - Pages: 224 Genre: Romance/Lesbian

Libby Jackson is living a satisfying, if unexciting, life in New York City as an advertising executive. When someone she has never heard of leaves her some property in Turtle Cove, New Hampshire, it seems like a good way to get away for a few days. She quickly finds herself surrounded by mysteries. Why does the town seem familiar? Who is the stranger who left her his property? And just who owns this strange dog that keeps showing up and guiding Libby in making decisions?

Quinn Barnett likes being a free soul. She goes where she wants, does what she wants and has no interest in settling down. She's just planning on passing through Turtle Cove when she meets Libby who seems to need help with a lot of things. Libby can't start her car. Libby gets locked in a basement with no one knowing she needs help. Libby needs to fix up some property. And then there's this darn dog that won't leave Quinn alone and always seems to know when Libby is in trouble.

Neither woman has plans to stay in Turtle Cove, but the scenery is beautiful and the people in the town are friendly. Maybe it's time to make some life changes for both women. Besides, doesn't one of them have to take care of that dog?

October's Promise is a fairly standard romance from that version where two feisty women meet and have to get past their stubbornness to see what each means to the other. The story, while well told, follows a predictable course and offers no surprises. The best character in the book is the dog that keeps popping up and seems to be clued into all of the situations better than the humans. The scenes where he pops up are the best in the book.

This book has humor, nice characters and some good sex scenes. A romance fan will find all she wants to distract her for a few hours. Plus, that dog is pretty hard to resist. Since it's mentioned in the epilogue, there's a good chance that he hasn't stopped interfering with lives around Turtle Cove.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce

Title: Playing for First Author: Chris Paynter ISBN-10: 0982285833 - ISBN-13: 978-0982285831 Publisher: Blue Feather Books, www.bluefeatherbooks.com Available From: Blue Feather Books, www.bluefeatherbooks.com; and Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com ebook available at Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com Price: $14.99 - Pages: 208 Genre: Romance/Lesbian

In Playing for First, we are given a glimpse into the possibility of what it might be like if a woman athlete were given a chance to move up the ranks among the baseball pros. Amy Perry has a chance to do just that. She’s good, she’s humble, she’s professional, and she’s on her way up. That’s why Lisa Collins, an Indianapolis sportswriter is interested in covering Amy’s story. Frankie Dunkin, Lisa’s close friend and confidante, and owner of the local lesbian bar, is interested in her, too. Frankie hopes to see a woman play professional baseball before she dies. Of course, that isn’t going to happen for a while, at least Lisa hopes so, in spite of the fact that Frankie is a breast cancer survivor.

Finally, there are some interesting minor characters in Curt Reed, Amy’s manager in the minors. Will he turn out to have her best interest at heart, or will he be another prejudiced jerk like many of Amy’s teammates? And Marge Thompson is quite the colorful women’s baseball team manager that will give the reader a smile or two. Finally, there is Sarah Swift, Lisa’s fellow sports reporter, who proves to be a good friend when the chips are falling in all the wrong places.

As the story progresses and Lisa spends time with Amy, the two women discover an attraction for one another. However, the relationship can be tense at times, because Amy is closeted, while Lisa is not. Spending time away from Indianapolis brings Lisa to a surprising realization about her feelings and starts her on a journey of discovery regarding who is really important to her, and who it is that will win her heart as rivals battle for first place.
The story gives us a glimpse into the emotional struggles of many different aspects of women’s lives. There is the battle to overcome fear and emotional scarring from a fight against breast cancer, and one against the prejudice that might likely be encountered by a woman who makes it into the majors. Finally, there is the timeless struggle of early relationships when love is budding and in its tentative stages.

Playing for First is a first offering from novelist Chris Paynter and has been short listed for the Ann Bannon Popular Choice Award. It’s a solid story with characters we can care about. Perhaps one day, we will see a woman play in the majors. We can only hope she will be like Amy Perry when it happens.
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Reviewed by Anna Furtado

Title: The Pleasure Set Author: Lisa Girolami ISBM 10: 1-60282-144-5 Publisher: Bold Strokes Books, www.boldstrokesbooks.com Available from: Bold Strokes Books, www.boldstrokesbooks.com; and Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com ebook available from Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com Price: $16.95 - Pages: 236 Genre: Romantic Intrigue

Author Lisa Girolami has a rich background in the Hollywood film industry. She has used this background as a backdrop for The Pleasure Set. Laney DeGraff is the president of the First Bank of Rodeo, located in Beverly Hills. Even though Laney is used to her wealthy clients, she is still impressed by the rich and powerful women to whom she's introduced by a new client, Theresa Aguilar. Dressed from head to toe in Prada clothing, sporting an exquisite tan, the lovely Theresa introduces Laney to a world of wealth and hedonism that not only flaunts the rules, but prides itself on "f. . . .g" the system.

Laney is also being courted by Detective Sandrine Girard, a fraud investigator with the Beverly Hills Police Dept. Sandrine is very grounded, shares a love of Mark Twain, and is the polar/emotional opposite of Theresa's Pleasure Set. Just as Laney starts to grapple with what she really values, she realizes that she may have already made the wrong choice.

Girolami has done a wonderful job portraying the wealthy dilettantes along with the complex characters of Laney and Sandrine. Her villain is a great combination of brains and ruthlessness. Of course, the sex scenes are fabulous. This novel is a great blend of sex, romance, and mystery, and the cover. . . .is perfect.
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Reviewed by RLynne

Title: The Scorpion Author: Gerri Hill ISBN-10: 1594931623 - ISBN-13: 978-1594931628 Publisher: Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com Available From: Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com Ebook available from Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com Price: $14.95 - Pages: 289 Genre: Romantic Adventure/Mystery/Lesbian

In this Gerri Hill offering entitled The Scorpion, we meet Marty Edwards, a cold-case investigative reporter with lots of experience and a book on the topic under her belt. When she shows up at the Brownsville Police Department at the request of murder victim’s sister, she’s expecting to ramble through the evidence and testimony, perhaps find a fresh lead to help the police out, and bring closure to young Carlos’ ten-year old murder case to help his sister and his mother find closure. What Marty gets is something very different—an uncooperative, unappreciative police lieutenant, scant evidence, a seasoned police detective for a babysitter, and a very dangerous mystery.

The babysitting detective, Kristen Bailey, has problems of her own. Unaccepted as part of the law enforcement team, she’s frustrated in her work and unfulfilled in her relationships. When things start to go very wrong with this case, Bailey and Edwards have no one to turn to but each other and, as the heart-stopping action begins, the reader will be hard pressed to put this one down.

Peppered throughout the mixture of the thrilling action of the murder mystery and the women desperately trying to save their own skins, the tale takes on an undercurrent of sultry attraction. However, the personal history each woman brings to the table proves to add to their difficulties. Although neither woman can tout strong, sustaining relationships in their past, we wonder if (and hope that) this might be a turning point for both of them.

The Scorpion is a finalist for a Golden Crown Literary Society’s “Goldie” award in two categories: The Ann Bannon Popular Choice and and in the Romantic Suspense / Intrigue / Adventure category. Hill gives us another dose of what she does best. She surrounds an absorbing mystery with heart-pounding, thrilling action and combines it with a hefty dose of sexual allure between the two main characters. Her characters and her stories are always fresh, and this one is no different.
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Reviewed by Anna Furtado

Title: Tunnel Vision Author: Brenda Adcock ISBN: 978-1-935053-19-4 Publisher: Quest Books, www.regalcrest.biz Available From: Allied Crest Editions, www.rcedirect.com; and Moon Horse Books, www.moonhorsebooks.com Price: $16.95 - Pages: 210 Genre: Crime Drama

Tunnel Vision is a crime drama about three police detectives who are trying to catch a serial killer. When he decides to target them the action revolves around them trying to get the killer before he gets them.

Royce Brodie is a homicide detective in Cedar Springs, a small city near Austin, Texas, where she used to be a police officer. Royce left Austin after her partner was killed and her commander made her life miserable. She was never sure whether Tim Weston hated her more because her dead partner was his best friend or because she was sleeping with his daughter. She has managed to put her life back together and is happy in Cedar Springs working with a new partner Curtis Nicholls. Since she is considered the best detective in the division, it's not surprising that she's asked to train a new detective. The surprise comes when the detective is Maggie Weston, the woman who broke Royce's heart.

As the detectives gather information about who the killer is, Royce and Maggie have to deal with establishing boundaries on their new relationship. Royce also has to deal with Maggie's father who still has not forgiven her for what happened years before. Royce is proud to see that Maggie has excellent intuitive ability for figuring out clues, until that skill causes her to become the killer's next target. If they can't catch the killer, Royce may lose Maggie for a second time and this time will be permanent.

Tunnel Vision is well written, moves at a quick pace and is an enjoyable story. The main criticism of the book falls on the editor and publisher. There are too many pages where words are missing, as if someone forgot that you have to use "a" and "the" occasionally. It's sloppy that no one picked this up and it happens just enough to call attention to the problem, breaking up the reading rhythm. Otherwise, this is a book that holds your attention and keeps you reading. It's fine for a couple of hours of entertainment.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce

Title: Waltzing at Midnight Author: Robbi McCoy ISBN: 978-1-59493-153-6 Publisher: Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com Available at: Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com; Moon Horse Books, www.moonhorsebooks.com Price: $14.95 - Pages: 245 Genre: Romance

Waltzing at Midnight tells a story not seen enough in lesbian fiction. It's about a woman who finds at the age of forty that she is evolving into a new person and the many ways that her life is affected by the changes.

Jean Davis thinks she knows what her life is about. For more than twenty years she has built her existence around her marriage to Jerry and the needs of their two children. She passes through the time in a kind of fog of respectability, happy with her limited possibilities and enjoying the reflected glory of her family's accomplishments. All of that comes to an end when she decides to volunteer in the mayoral campaign of Rosie Monroe. Rosie is a well known businesswoman and major player in the power structure who exudes energy and vitality in everything that she does. Jean finds herself caught up in the highly charged environment that Rosie creates and realizes that she is changing in fundamental ways that call into question everything she has always thought about herself.

As Jean's personality begins to unfold, she finds that she likes being respected by other people and seen as someone who can get things done. As Rosie encourages her to stretch her abilities and move into her own career, Jean also discovers that she is developing an emotional attachment to a woman for the first time. She recalls reading Robert Frost's poem The Road Not Taken in high school and not understanding it, but the meaning has become crystal clear to her now. She has two roads before her, one of conformity and one with frightening possibilities. The choice is Jean's to make, but not without consequences.

This is an exceptionally well developed story and one that was refreshing to read because it follows a different path to its conclusion. Many people find themselves at a crossroads in their lives where they have to choose what has always been or dare to try something new. Most books choose to tell the easier stories of younger characters and ignore what happens to more mature women. Jean's struggle is one that many readers will identify with. Though this is a romance, the central theme is about the ordeal Jean goes through in weighing family expectations against the excitement she feels over discovering talents and interests she never realized she had. This isn't a story just about a woman discovering lesbianism, but of one opening up her life and finding out who she was, could be and wants to be.

Rosie Monroe is central to Jean's development. Everyone should have someone in their lives like her. She encourages Jean in her explorations and allows her to soar, even when it might take Jean away from her. She provides strength, experience and wisdom when it's needed, but she never dictates to Jean what she should do. Most importantly, she refuses to lead Jean away from her family, knowing that it would destroy their relationship, and instead leaves Jean to determine for herself what her course should be.

It's hard to believe that this is Robbi McCoy's first book because it's written with such skill. She doesn't rush her points, but draws the reader along at exactly the right pace. Not only is it enjoyable, but this is one of those books that it's hard to put down. If Waltzing at Midnight is indicative of McCoy's innate ability, then readers have some good stories to look forward to.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce

Title: Wind and Bones Author: Kristin Marra ISBN 10 1-60282-150-X Publisher: Bold Strokes Books, www.boldstrokesbooks.com Available From: Bold Strokes Books, www.boldstrokesbooks.com; and Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com ebook available from Bold Strokes and from Bella Price: $16.95 - Pages: 236 Genre: Romantic Intrigue

Kristin Marra has given readers an incredible story about survivalists, patriots, and international conspiracies all combined with a strong love story and some very hot sex. Jill O'Hara, the heroine, has returned to her hometown of Prairie View, Montana, to bury her father and take the reins of the family empire. Complicating Jill's life are memories of her first love, Annie, who still lives in Prairie View, and Sheriff Rae Terabian. The sheriff is mysterious, gorgeous, and looks great in uniform.

Marra also provides wonderful descriptions of northeastern Montana with its meadowlarks, sunsets, wind and endless vistas. It's in this vast country that Jill is forced to examine her own attitude toward the land and its people. Faced with the death of her father, Jill has to look at the role her family has played in the history of the area. A Pulitzer prize winning reporter, she also knows a good story when she sees one being played out on her land. What follows is a scary, life threatening adventure that will keep the reader glued to her chair.

Wind and Bones is a wonderful read with great suspense, action and characters.
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Reviewed by RLynne

Title: World on Fire Author: Geonn Cannon ISBN: 10) 1-933720-64-6; 13) 978-1-933720-64-7 Publisher: P.D. Publishing, Inc., www.pdpublishing.com Available From: Moon Horse Books, www.moonhorsebooks.com; Barnes and Noble, www.barnesandnoble.com; and Amazon, www.amazon.com Price: $17.99 - Pages: 200 Genre: Romance/Adventure

From the time when she was a little girl and a firefighter saved her that was the only career that Alexandra Crawford ever wanted. She enjoys the excitement of fighting the fires and the camaraderie that she shares with the other members of the department. Her busy schedule doesn't leave her much time for a social life, but that changes when a minor injury takes her to the emergency room and she's treated by Dr. Rachel Tom. The women feel an immediate attraction and try to set up dates, but are interrupted more than once by a surprising rash of fires that breaks out. It quickly becomes apparent that an arsonist is on the loose and that firefighters are his specific target. Through grief and fear the bond between Alex and Rachel grows stronger and becomes something to fight for as the killer turns them into his special target.

This is a fairly routine story. While the characters are pleasant enough, there is still the feeling that they're not remarkable. The reader will not find any surprises or twists in this story and can probably anticipate most of the plot peaks before much has been read. The fires add a little excitement to the story, but they also follow a predictable route. The book can be read quickly in a few hours and will provide some entertainment, but nothing about World on Fire makes it stand out from other stories about firefighters and their world.

If you're looking for a book that will entertain you for a couple of hours, World on Fire will do. This is one that can be interrupted by other chores and you'll have no trouble following the story when you go back to it.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce