AJ’s Review

Highland Dragon by Kimerbly Killion

Once again I delved into reading something I don’t normally do, thanks to the reputation of the author (and the fact she is the Missouri Romance Writers of America president and darn good at it too). Highland Dragon is a historical romance set in Scotland, with sexy kilted men and the fighting women who loved them. Calin MacLeod thinks he’s the lord of all he sees—until he meets up with his betrothed, Akira Neish. As the dragon the book is named after, she quickly subdues him by convincing him to part with his beard. He gives in, partly because he knows things about her that he’s not too proud of—like the birthmark she bears is not a witch’s mark but a brand, a brand given by Calin at Akira’s birth.

I usually have a hard time reading the Scottish lilt used in these historicals, but Ms. Killion so thoroughly grounded me in 16th century Scotland that I felt like I belonged there and could understand them. Calin and Akira are beautifully human, leading readers on a trail of love that’s bound to encounter some nasty bumps. In addition, the story is peppered with secondary characters who certainly deserve a book of their own. (Hint: Kendrick, please!)

I read while working out on an elliptical. If the book is good, I tend to do longer workouts. If it’s really good and I’m near the end, I’ll end up doing my cool down walk with the book in my hand. And in Highland Dragon’s case, I had to finish it after the workout was done. That’s a good read!

Past Reviews by AJ

Oh.My.Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs here.

Paper, Scissors, Death by Joanna Campbell Slan (Midnight Ink, 2008) here.

Beneath Bone Lake by Colleen Thompson here.

Melanie's Review

The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood

The point of our book reviews is to steer you toward good new work, but it’s Christmas and I haven’t read much. Instead, I’m recommending my favorite book of all time, The Blind Assassin, by Margaret Atwood.

In a word, it’s brilliant. In fact, my review won’t do it justice. But if you like complex, clever reads, this one’s a gem.

The plot is revealed in non-linear fashion through back story, fast-forwards, occasional newspaper clippings, and personal letters. There’s even a story within a story, a lurid tale doled out during clandestine lover’s trysts.

The story revolves around the relationship between Iris and her sister Laura. Their lives are so entwined that they love the same man and are irreparably hurt by the same man.  One of the delights of the book, for me anyway, was the sly revenge wrought by one sister on behalf of the other. Payback at its most masterful!

I hesitate to reveal too much, because much of the satisfaction is derived from the delicately layered way that secrets are revealed.

It’s so good, I re-read it occasionally. I’m never disappointed. Enjoy!

Past Reviews by Melanie

This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper here.

The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox here.

She Flew the Coop by Michael Lee West here.

Good Grief by Lolly Winston here.

Sloan's Review

Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Imagine being born into a life where you fight for your life against your natural enemies but against those in your pack as well.  Where the only salvation you have is the brother who guards your back and the sister who gives you hope.

Meet Fang Kattalakis, a fierce Katagaria were-hunter belonging to a pack run by his father who hates him.  He can shift between human and wolf.  His brother Vane is the only one he can trust. 

Aimee Peltier is from a Katagaria Bear Clan.  The family runs Sanctuary, a place where all are welcome to come and mingle, but no fighting is allowed.  Wolves and bears don’t mix, or do they?

By a cruel twist of fate, Fang is severely wounded by blood sucking Daimons and goes into a coma and his soul is lost in some kind of hell. Aimee pulls him out and they begin a journey that both realize is impossible.

I have always loved Sherrilyn Kenyon’s books from the very first one I read to all the others that followed.  Bad Moon Rising does not disappoint.  The characters and the cultures are rich and carefully developed to give the reader a story that keeps them turning pages.

I give this an 8 on the McBride Moxy Meter.

Past Reviews by Sloan

Unleashing the Storm by Sydney Croft here.

Stay the Night by Lynn Viehl here.

Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward here.