Title: Broken Rules Author: Addison Paisley ISBN: 9780595469864 Publisher: iUniverse, iUniverse.com Available at: iUniverse.com; Amazon.com Price: $13.95 Pages: 177 Genre: Romance

Abby Grant works in her father's design company in Lansing, Michigan and lives her private life by a set of strict rules. She doesn't form attachments to anyone and she never spends more than one night with a woman. There are plenty of women out there willing to share her company and she doesn't see any need to make a commitment. Her mother certainly didn't when she ran off and abandoned Abby and her father.

A trip to Los Angeles to receive an award from a design association turns her life upside down. Erin Davis owns a lesbian club named ED's. She's just come out of a relationship that ended painfully and hasn't healed from that, but, when Abby walks into her club, there is an immediate attraction. Erin recognizes Abby for a "player" though and doesn't want to have her heart broken again. Abby is completely floored by how she reacts to Erin and contemplates breaking her own rules. The stress of that relationship and the shock of meeting her mother and learning that she's been wrong about many things sends Abby fleeing back to Lansing.

Both Abby and Erin try to forget each other and find relationships with other women, but they can't forget the sparks they felt between them. The final question is whether Abbey can break some of her rules in order to find a meaningful relationship with Erin.

Broken Rules is a predictable, but enjoyable story. It's well written and flows from point to point. The characters are fully developed and there is enough tension in the story to keep it interesting. There's nothing surprising or challenging in the story that makes it unique, but that shouldn't be considered a negative. It can be read in a couple of hours and will make a good way to pass an afternoon.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce

Title: Carly's Sound Author: Ali Vali ISBN: 1-933110-45-7 Publisher: Bold Strokes Books, www.boldstrokesbooks.com Available From: StarCrossed Productions, www.SCP-inc.biz; Bold Strokes Books, www.boldstrokesbooks.com; Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com Price: $15.95 - Pages: 256 Genre: Romance

Ali Vali is best known for her "Devil" series, featuring Cain Casey, her family, friends, and enemies. Carly's Sound introduces another tall, dark, successful woman, Poppy Valente. Poppy, two years after losing her long time lover to cancer, is just returning to the land of the living. In her absence, her faithful staff has kept her chain of Caribbean resorts running. Now, it's time for the latest resort, "Carly's Sound" to open, and for Poppy to take back the reins of control.

Julia Johnson is escaping to Carly's Sound with her twin brother. He has gotten work there, and Julia and her baby daughter Tallulah, are posing as his wife and child. Julia has had her daughter out of wedlock and is running away from the disapproval of her cold and distant family.

Vali paints vivid pictures with her words as she writes about the growing attraction between Julia and Poppy, and the struggle Poppy has in learning to love again. Vali draws comparisons between the constant crashing of the waves on the shore, to the constant of Poppy's love for Carly, and the way that love washed over her. Vali also does a wonderful job showing the dance of new love between Julia and Poppy, with the pain and guilt of saying goodbye to Carly. She does this with some magnificent symbolism.

Carly's Sound is a great romance, with some wonderfully hot sex, but it is more than that. It is also the tale of a woman rising from the ashes of grief and finding new love and a new life. Vali has surrounded Julia and Poppy with a cast of great supporting characters, making this an extremely satisfying read.
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Reviewed by RLynne

Title: Fully Involved Author: Erin Dutton ISBN: 9781933110998 Publisher: Bold Strokes Books, www.boldstrokesbooks.com Available From: StarCrossed Productions, www.SCP-inc.biz; Bold Strokes Books, www.boldstrokesbooks.com; Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com Price: $15.95 - Pages: 233 Genre: Romance

Reid Webb and Jimmy Grant had been friends since they were children. Where you saw one, you saw the other. It was only natural that they would decide together to become firefighters and that they would end up in the same station. They depended on each other for everything and their families formed one extended family.

When Jimmy's wife died in an accident, Reid and her mother stepped in to help raise Jimmy's young son, Chase. What they didn't count on was Jimmy dying in a fire under circumstances that leave Reid believing she caused his death. Now she knows she has to help provide stability in Chase's life and that means dealing with his Aunt Isabel, who arrives to be Chase's guardian. Reid fell in love with her when they were much younger, but she thought Isabel was straight and she was Jimmy's sister, so definitely forbidden territory.

Isabel has her own feelings about Reid. When they were children she resented the relationship Jimmy had with Reid and not with her. Now, she blames Reid for her brother's death, not so much for the accident, but because she drew him into the life of firefighting. What they have in common is a love for Chase and the determination they both have to give him the best life possible now.

As the two women struggle with their grief and anger, they realize they have to work together and then that an attraction is growing between them. There are a lot of issues that have to be resolved before they can decide if they want to be "fully involved," maybe too many issues.

Erin Dutton does an exceptional job of creating the personalities of her players. Reid Webb is a strong character – brave, stoic, guilt ridden. She has the patience to deal with a small child and his hurt, but not with the woman she loves. Isabel is a study in contradictions, one moment admiring Reid for the courage she shows and how she seems to instinctively understand Chase, and the next hating her for what happened to Jimmy. Chase struggles to be the "man" he knows his father would want him to be while trying to understand how one little fellow could have so many bad things happen to him.

The strength of the characters' emotions pour from the page and will catch the reader up in the story. This is not a sad book, but there are certainly parts that will cause tears to rise. Yet, it is also a story of hope, of how people can put their lives back together after great tragedy and how the definition of "family" needs to be revised for the world today.

This is one of the better books out there to read. It's also worth mentioning that this book has one of the best covers that has been out in a long time. It totally evokes the spirit of the book.

Erin Dutton is beginning to establish a reputation for producing this kind of work. Hopefully, she'll stay true to her talent.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce

Title: Merker's Outpost Author: I. Christie ISBN: 9780979412011 Publisher: Blue Feather Books Available From: Blue Feather Books, www.bluefeatherbooks.com; StarCrossed Productions, www.SCP-inc.biz Price: $23.99 - Pages: 352 Genre: Science Fiction

Intrigue, revenge, mysticism, martial arts and sexual attraction, all in a galaxy far, far away. Pick your favorite genre and you'll probably find some of it in Merker's Outpost. At times it has the Machaivellian twists of a Renaissance novel and traces of the Russian form as characters shift names to suit the situation. It's a story that holds your attention and requires your attention to be fully enjoyed.

Merker's Outpost is a planet protected by Guardian that several factions would like to control. Slave traders have setup a base and the smuggling of weapons and other illegal goods is also going on. Lieutenant Harriet Montran believes she is on a routine visit to the planet until she is betrayed by the soldiers who accompany her there and she is rescued by Guardian, a sophisticated computer system that contains the brain of a dead scientist. Harriet is recruited by Guardian to help clear the planet of the undesirable elements and in the process she discovers that her reason for being there is also tied to the plotting of a figure from her past who doesn't want her dead, yet, but turned into a metraperson, someone whose total ability to exert self determination is erased by a chip that is implanted in the brain creating a mindless servant of someone else.

Harriet has help with her efforts from several sources, including Major Zohra, an undercover secret operative of Naboth's Vine, an organization that is trying to save the galaxy from the scheming of more than one evil force. Harriet and Zohra have a bond developed when they were cadets together, but they haven't seen each other in many years and can't be sure how strong that bond still is. Together they must keep the planet and each other safe until rescue forces can arrive. They also need to discover what the secret is that Guardian is protecting, a secret that is so powerful that it could ignite galactic war and cost them their lives.

Merker's Outpost easily fits into more than one genre. It's an adventure story and a romance wrapped in a mystery. It takes place in a galaxy where bots that seem almost human do most of the mundane work and people change their appearance and genetics almost as easily as they change their clothes. It's a longer book that allows the two main characters time to develop their personalities and explore their past actions in a way that explains and enriches the story. The story tests the reader's attention. Characters are known by more than one name, which can be a little confusing at first, and the altered science and references to groups need focus to keep them straight, but this is a small matter. One weakness in the book is that, in a story that is slowly and meticulously spelled out for the most part, two critical points are somewhat rushed. Lord Chaney is painted as a major character in the opening pages and then is rather off-handedly dealt with. Alan Fermin is the resident evil and the book builds towards a confrontation with him, which is barely addressed. Another book is clearly indicated.

Merker's Outpost is a good read. It has a little of something for everyone and the strengths far outweigh the weaknesses. If you're taking a book to the beach for a week, this is the only one you'll need.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce

Title: Promising Hearts Author: Radclyffe ISBN: 1-933110-44-9 Publisher: Bold Strokes Books, www.boldstrokesbooks.com Available From: StarCrossed Productions, www.SCP-inc.biz; and Bold Strokes Books, www.boldstrokesbooks.com Price: $15.95 - Pages: 265 Genre: Historical Romance

In Promising Hearts Radclyffe has returned to the frontier town of New Hope, Montana. Readers get to see how Jessie and Kate, (from Innocent Hearts) are faring, as well as meet an intriguing new character, Dr. Vance Phelps. Vance was severely injured in the battle at Appomattox, losing one of her arms. Coping with post-traumatic-stress syndrome, she's come to New Hope to assist the town doctor. What she finds is acceptance for her medical skill, and warmth in the arms of Mae, a prostitute who manages the girls on the second floor above the saloon.

Radclyffe has deftly and beautifully written of the romance that grows between these two characters, each of whom feels less than worthy. "Does it truly not matter what I am?" "What matters, my dearest Mae, is who you are . . . how tenderly you have taken me into your heart. " As Vance and Mae grow to love and trust, life goes on in the frontier town.

There are rustlers, bullies, and hypocrites in New Hope, along with guns and live ammunition. As Kate says, "It takes a strong will to live in this land. Most people couldn't."

Promising Hearts shows the growth and maturing of Jessie and Kate, as well as further developing other previously introduced characters. Radclyffe's medical expertise is there, in how Vance deals with gunshots and birthing babies. She has once again made New Hope, Montana, come alive on the pages. This is an excellent read.
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Reviewed by RLynne

Title: Residual Moon Author: Kate Sweeney ISBN: 9781933113944 Publisher: Intaglio Publications Available From: StarCrossed Productions, www.SCP-inc.biz Cost: $16.95 Pages: 227 Genre: Supernatural Mystery

Druid mysteries and Irish folklore permeate Residual Moon and weave their own type of magic.

Detective Sergeant Grayson MacCarthaigh (pronounced McCarthy) is still trying to recover from a personal tragedy that occurred two years ago and burying herself in her work seems to help. At the moment she has a case involving a serial killer that uses ritualistic aspects in his murders. The situation becomes increasingly unsettling to Gray as she realizes that her family is somehow involved in what is happening. A chance meeting with Dr. Neala Rourke, curator of the National Museum in Dublin, and the mysterious Phelan Tynan, who have accompanied a mysterious ancient stone for a tour of the US, indicates that the crime is farther reaching than had been thought.

Then Maeve, Gray's mother, reveals that she is a friend of Neala Rourke and that they all belong to an ancient society pledged to save the world from great evil, with Gray being the most important part of the plan. Though Gray has serious doubts about all of this, she allows her mother and Neala to take her to Ireland, where she is swept up in Druid beliefs, ancient stories of gods and goddesses and prophecies of what is to come. Gray begins to realize that the paths in her life, the intuitions she's always felt, the tragedies she's endured and the visions she's begun to experience are coming together for one purpose. Her only question is if she'll have the strength to overcome the force that is coming against her and claim her true heritage.

Anyone who likes books that are steeped in ancient history and beliefs, especially those of Ireland, will like Residual Moon. It combines a compelling story with terrific characters to create a really enjoyable story to read. Kate Sweeney has produced a cast of extremely strong and well defined individuals. Each one contributes to the story in important ways creating a story that is rich in content and form. The reader can feel the grief that grips Grayson MacCarthaigh's soul and the evil of Phelan Tynan rolls off of the pages. Even minor characters are given a development that isn't the usual in many books.

Sweeney's knowledge of Irish history and culture give the story depth. It's also a tight book. There are no wasted scenes. This is the type of book that draws you from page to page and then you're sorry when it's finished. The good news is that the end of this book leaves it open to Sweeney to use the characters again. If that story is as good as Residual Moon, it will be something to look forward to.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce

Title: Secrets So Deep Author: KG MacGregor ISBN: 971594931253 Publisher: Bella Books Available From: StarCrossed Productions, www.SCP-inc.biz; Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com Price: $13.95 - Pages: 266 Genre: Romance/Mystery

There are many kinds of secrets. There are those that you keep to protect yourself and those that protect other people. There are the ones you keep out of pride, the ones out of love and the ones you keep out of fear. And there are the secrets you keep because you're professionally required to do so or you think society doesn't leave you any other choice. All of them have an impact on how you live your life and all of them are found in Secrets So Deep.

Congresswoman Glynn Wright knows about secrets. She loved her husband Sebastian "Bas" totally and since his accidental death has tried to fill his Congressional seat as he would have. That means hiding her bisexuality from her constituents who tend to be more conservative. She has also chosen to cover up the fact that she is being treated for breast cancer. All of her secrets may become inconsequential though when her son Sebastian, Jr. "Sebby" tries to kill himself, again.

Glynn is devoted to her son, who she knows has been suffering terribly since his father's death. She will do anything to see him made well and decides to put her trust in Dr. Charlotte Blue, the psychiatrist who does his intake at the hospital, by revealing everything in the hope that it will do some good for Sebby. When Charlotte recommends a residential facility under another doctor's care, Glynn agrees even though she misses her son.

In her loneliness, she turns to Charlotte as a friend and it isn’t long before they develop stronger feelings for each other. Those feelings are going to be seriously tested when Glynn finds herself under suspicion in a courtroom. Now all will be revealed – her lifestyle, her illness, her involvement with Charlotte. Can she salvage her political career? Will this set back her treatments? Will she lose Charlotte? And, most importantly, how will all of this affect her relationship with Sebby?

KG MacGregor has demonstrated her mastery of the craft in this story. Her plot is not linear or one dimensional as in many books. There is the political plot of Glynn trying to do her job, the medical plot of Sebby's treatment and the love story involving Glynn and Charlotte. The separate plots flow together and wrap around each other creating a cohesive story with great reality. MacGregor's characters are extremely true to life. Glynn has weak and strong moments, periods of indecision when she's not sure what is the right thing to do. Charlotte had doubts about Glynn's innocence, as anyone would who hasn't known someone for very long. The reader can feel and identify with what these characters are experiencing. This is one of MacGregor's best written books and definitely worth reading. _____
Reviewed by Lynne Pierce

Title: Sometimes Quickly Author: Anne Laughlin ISBN: 1933720425 Publisher: PD Publishing Available From: StarCrossed Productions, www.SCP-inc.biz Price: $13.99 Pages: 122 Genre: Romance

Sometimes Quickly is the story of five women, four of them searching for greater meaning in their lives and one who is intent on disrupting them. Peg Ryan is a recovering alcoholic and a prominent attorney, who made a mistake many years ago, but now her life has stabilized and she's ready to share it with someone. She meets Allison Mitchell, the head of a real estate firm, by accident – literally. Peg runs into the rear end of a car being driven by Camille Bardon and Allison is the passenger. The attraction between Peg and Allison is instantaneous, a fact which doesn't please Camille at all.

Meanwhile, Peg's best friend Morgan, a police detective, meets Laura, the head of a company that is developing innovative software that will allow the FDA to approve drugs more quickly. Morgan is trying to establish a relationship with Laura who can only focus on the problems her company is having.

Camille is the bane of all of them. She stalks Allison, launches a blackmail scheme against Peg and her company, which specializes in industrial espionage, and is slowly destroying Laura's chances of receiving approval of its program by the FDA. The mystery is whether the other women will realize who is at the root of all of their problems before she has a chance to destroy them.

Sometimes Quickly is an appropriate name for this book because everything happens at a rapid pace, perhaps a little too rapid. The story moves from peak to peak with very little action in between that would allow the reader to digest what is happening. The result of this is a book that holds the reader's attention, but has a rushed feel to it. The incidents could have been fleshed out more, which would have made the book longer and kept it from feeling like things were developing too fast. However, at its heart, Sometimes Quickly has a good story with strong personalities.

Allison comes off as the surprising character when she shows a strength that isn't anticipated and Morgan is inspiring in her determination to find out what is going on at Laura's company. Even the evil Camille comes across very clearly, although the reader will easily conclude that she has some serious mental health issues.

Laughlin has mastered the skill of character development. Now she needs to work on developing her plot more fully. The end of this book indicates that there will be another one, so she should get a chance to correct the weaknesses.

Sometimes Quickly is an excellent fast read. If you're taking it on a trip with you, you're going to need to throw another book in the suitcase, but this one is worth reading.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce

Title: The Rainbow Cedar Author: Gerri Hill ISBN: 9781594931246 Publisher: Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com Available From: StarCrossed Productions, www.SCP-inc.biz; and Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com Price: $13.95 - Pages: 228 Genre: Romance

Jay Burns has known for a long time that her relationship with her partner Katherine is in trouble. Katherine is so focused on making partner in her law firm that she's seldom home and they're very disconnected when she is. Jay is convinced that she shouldn't throw away eight years, so she buries herself in developing her new interior design business and avoiding confrontation. That becomes more difficult when she meets landscape designer Drew Montgomery. Jay tries to tell herself that their growing friendship is because of their mutual interests, but that delusion doesn't hold up long. The situation is further complicated when Katherine arranges a strange trip to Hawaii for them with a lawyer from her firm and the lawyer's "date" – Drew.

When Katherine and the lawyer are more interested in running off together, Jay begins to suspect that work is not all that has kept her lover away from home. As one relationship unravels, another one strengthens, until Jay finds herself in the confrontation she had hoped to avoid, but no longer fears. There is another life with Drew if they can put all of the pieces back together.

This is a standard Gerri Hill romance. The story is well told and most of the characters are appealing. The reader may wonder why Jay puts up with a minimal relationship for so long, but many people get caught in a status quo situation that they don't change until something dramatic happens. The really appealing character in the book is Drew, who could easily take advantage of a situation, but holds herself to a higher standard. She provides a stark contrast to Katherine.

At the heart of the story is a theme that often isn't popular, infidelity, by both Katherine and ultimately Jay. Jay's choice is softened by the knowledge of what Katherine has been doing, but she still cheats, with a classic reaction from Katherine. The reader will probably be able to work her way around Jay's indiscretion because of Katherine's behavior.

The Rainbow Cedar is a good vacation or weekend reading book. The story will be a good way to spend a few hours seeing how these women work out their situation.
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Reviewed by Lynne Pierce

Title: Thirteen Hours Author: Meghan O'Brien ISBN-10: 1-60282-014-7 Publisher: Bold Strokes Books, www.boldstrokesbooks.com Available From: StarCrossed Productions, www.SCP-inc.biz; Bold Strokes Books, www.boldstrokesbooks.com; and Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com Price: $15.95 - Pages: 241 pages Genre: Erotica

In Thirteen Hours, O'Brien introduces workaholic Dana Watts, who has only had sex once, and Laurel Stanley, a very hot stripper. It's Dana's birthday, a Friday night, and knowing she would be working late, one of her friends has sent Laurel to entertain her. What happens next is a claustrophobic's worse fear: Dana and Laurel are trapped in an elevator which has broken down.

O'Brien uses the thirteen hours wisely as she shows the varied aspects of her protagonists. Each starts out somewhat disdainful of the other, but through a very erotically hot game of "Truth or Dare," Dana and Laurel come to know and appreciate each other.

Meghan O'Brien has given her readers some very steamy scenes in this fast paced novel. Thirteen Hours is definitely a walk on the wild side, which may have you looking twice at those with whom you share an elevator.
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Reviewed by RLynne