The Lure of the Loner What is it about a loner—that aloof, mysterious, unattached, self-contained character who plays his or her cards close to the vest—that is so fascinating? Is it the unknown that appeals? The mystery? The danger? Or is it the challenge of drawing them out and making them connect? Whatever it is, these characters lure us in and keep us coming back for more. Whether it’s a rugged, taciturn cowboy; a battle-hardened veteran; a self-reliant, capable sheriff; a guarded, protective single mom; a watchful, enigmatic spy; or any number of other wary types, romance has them all. Of course, by the end of the story, they aren’t really loners any more.
Burrowes, Grace. The First Kiss. Sourcebooks Casablanca. (Sweetest Kisses, Bk. 2). Feb. 2015. 384p. ISBN 9781402278877. pap. $7.99; ebk. ISBN 9781402278884. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
[Complex, compelling characters with difficult pasts and plenty of issues to work through are highlights of Burrowes’s engaging trilogy that features an idyllic rural small-town Maryland setting and makes good use of Burrowes’s family law expertise. The first book in the series, A Single Kiss (Jan. 2015), was reviewed in LJ 12/14.]
With his lady-killer reputation and flirtatious nature, it’s unlikely, according to his siblings, that perpetually single business attorney James Knightley will fall victim to love. Widowed, then divorced concert pianist Vera Waltham and her young daughter, Twyla, have moved to the area, and to James, she’s a kindred spirit. However, convincing Vera, who is currently plagued by mysterious acts of vandalism and a difficult, abusive ex, to take a chance on him—and on love—is another matter entirely. VERDICT An abundance of musical references add a lyrical, soul-stirring layer to this tender, insightful romance that brings a suspicion-prone, perfectly matched pair together. Including another pint-sized charmer to the mix and seamlessly keeping fans up-to-date on continuing characters, this sophomore series installment is sure to resonate with music and romance fans alike.
Burrowes, Grace. Kiss Me Hello. Sourcebooks Casablanca. (Sweetest Kisses, Bk. 3). Mar. 2015. 384p. ISBN 9781402278846. pap. $7.99; ebk. ISBN 9781402278853. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Appalled to find a pair of huge draft horses on the property she and her foster son just moved to, prickly Sidonie Lindstrom is surprised and a tad grateful when drop- dead-gorgeous farrier MacKenzie Knightley shows up to take things in hand—and annoyed to learn that the horses may well be hers. But Mac is much more than he seems, and when he neglects to tell lawyer-hating Sid he’s a practicing attorney as well as a horseshoer, he sets the stage for a major rift in their budding relationship. Exciting, attractive main characters, clever banter, and lively action keep the story on track, while the frustrating machinations of a by-the-book social worker add a mean-spirited touch. VERDICT With insight, humor, and heart, Burrowes wraps up her first contemporary trilogy as she melts the long-standing reserve and secret insecurities of the eldest Knightley brother and the fierce wariness of a determined foster mom. Burrowes lives in rural Maryland.
Everett, Lily. Heartbreak Cove. St. Martin’s Paperbacks. (Sanctuary Island, Bk. 3). Mar. 2015. 320p. ISBN 9781250018380. pap. $7.99; ebk. ISBN 9781466808096. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Although not a native, after three years on Sanctuary Island, Sheriff Andie Shepard knows this is the perfect place to put down some long-needed roots. She certainly isn’t seeking out a companion in the process—especially a distrustful, lost eight-year-old who hardly says a word. But Caitlin is the daughter Andie’s army ranger brother, Owen, never knew he had, so when Caitlin’s mother is killed and Owen is sent overseas, naturally Andie welcomes her. Trust comes slowly, but horses and loner Sam Brennan’s perceptive insights play their part, helping a fearful child to heal and bringing Sam closer to Andie, as well. VERDICT A resilient, caring sheriff and an emotionally wounded hero find love against all odds in a soul-satisfying romance that highlights the importance of family, second chances, and loyalty; adds a dollop of danger; and treats fans to the magic of the idyllic Sanctuary Island and its elusive wild horses. Everett (Shoreline Drive) also writes as Louisa Edwards; she lives in Austin, TX.
Jeffries, Sabrina. If the Viscount Falls. Pocket. (Duke’s Men, Bk. 4). Feb. 2015. 374p. ISBN 9781476786049. pap. $7.99; ebk. ISBN 9781476786131. HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Twelve years ago, Jane Vernon’s world was shattered when
she found her fiancé, Dominick Manton, in her cousin Nancy’s embrace and sent him packing. But the scene had been staged by Dom, owing to machinations by his cruel, vindictive brother, George, to force Jane to jilt him. Now George is dead, his widow, Nancy, is missing, and Jane and Dom are thrown together in a frantic race to find the elusive woman, get some answers, and sort out their feelings for each other. VERDICT Secrets, treachery, greed, and a dash of stupidity (not the protagonists’, of course) weave through the plot of this fast-paced, deliciously passionate romance that brings love to the last “Duke’s Man” and is a perfect conclusion to Jeffries’s addictive quartet. A sizzling romantic adventure; nicely done. Jeffries (How the Scoundrel Seduces) lives in North Carolina.
Update: RWA 2015
Although the schedule isn’t out yet for the Romance Writers of America (RWA) annual Librarians’ Day event this year in New York (July 22, 2015), we do know that longtime favorite Jude Deveraux will be the luncheon speaker. Featured panelists for the main RWA annual conference (beginning July 23) are Barbara Freethy, Julia Quinn, and Nalini Singh. Lisa Kleypas will emcee the RITA Awards ceremony on Saturday, July 25. Look for more information in the April 15 romance column.
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all by myself
Dalton, Lily. Never Surrender to a Scoundrel. Forever: Grand Central. (One Scandalous Season, Bk. 3). Feb. 2015. 432p. ISBN 9781455523993. pap. $8; ebk. ISBN 9781455523986. HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Neggers, Carla. Echo Lake. MIRA: Harlequin. (Swift River Valley, Bk. 4). Feb. 2015. 352p. ISBN 9780778317432. pap. $7.99; ebk. ISBN 9781460349700. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Ryan, R.C. The Rebel of Copper Creek. Forever: Grand Central. (Copper Creek Cowboys, Bk. 2). Feb. 2015. 384p. ISBN 9781455572267. pap. $8; ebk. ISBN 9781455572274. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
NOT GOING IT ALONE
Barton, Beverly. Just the Way You Are. Zebra: Kensington. Feb. 2015. 352p. ISBN 9781420135589. pap. $7.99; ebk. ISBN 9781420135596. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Carr, Robyn. One Wish. MIRA: Harlequin. (Thunder Point, Bk. 7). Mar. 2015. 336p. ISBN 9780778317722. pap. $8.99; ebk. ISBN 9781460380406. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Florand, Laura. Once upon a Rose. Laura Florand. (La Vie en Roses, Bk. 1). Feb. 2015. 299p. ISBN 9780988506596. pap. $14.99; ebk. ISBN 9780988506565. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Frost, Jeaniene. Bound by Flames. Avon. (Night Prince, Bk. 3). Feb. 2015. 342p. ISBN 9780062076083. pap. $7.99; ebk. ISBN 9780062075826. PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Miller, Linda Lael. The Marriage Charm. HQN: Harlequin. (Brides of Bliss County, Bk. 2). Feb. 2015. 384p. ISBN 9780373778928. pap. $7.99; ebk. ISBN 9781460349755. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Quinn, Julia. The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy. Avon. (Smythe-Smith Quartet, Bk. 4). Feb. 2015. 384p. ISBN 9780062072948. pap. $7.99; ebk. ISBN 9780062072955. HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Scott, Regina. Would-Be Wilderness Wife. Love Inspired Historical. (Frontier Bachelors, Bk. 2). Mar. 2015. 298p. ISBN 9780373283026. pap. $5.99; ebk. ISBN 9781460378885. HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Wilde, Lori. Back in the Game. Avon. (Stardust, Texas, Bk. 1). Mar. 2015. 384p. ISBN 9780062311269. pap. $7.99; ebk. ISBN 9780062311276. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Second Time Around
Balogh, Mary. Beyond the Sunrise. NAL. Feb. 2015. 432p. ISBN 9780451469694. pap. $15; ebk. ISBN 9780698156111. HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Kelly, Carla. Summer Campaign. Sweetwater: Cedar Fort. Mar. 2015. 272p. ISBN 9781462112258. pap. $8.99; ebk. ISBN 9781462110377. REGENCY ROMANCE
Kristin Ramsdell is Librarian Emerita, California State University, East Bay. She is the author of the romance section of What Do I Read Next? A Reader’s Guide to Current Genre Fiction (Gale, annual) and Romance Fiction: A Guide to the Genre. 2d ed. (Libraries Unlimited, 2012)
