Sarah Bird - Terry Blain - Jennifer Blake - Nancy Block
Bird, Sarah - BOYFRIEND SCHOOL, THE (1989) (5)
This book contains a romance, but it's really more of a contemporary satire about the world of romance writing. It's a must-read for all fans of romance novels who are tired of the trashing they get from outsiders. I also thought the book was hysterically funny! ~Elena P.
Blain, Terry - KENTUCKY DREAM (Precious Gems Historical - 2/99) (4)
In 1794, widowed April Williamson wants to return to Kentucky, where she had lived as a child until her father had been killed by Indians at Blue Lick. The young woman enlists the reluctant aid of trader Daniel McKenzie and his partner in order to make the journey to the frontier, and she looks forward to her new life and the freedom she so desires. April is surprised to find herself increasingly attracted to the darkly handsome Dan, but although she admires everything about him, she can't help wondering about his past.
Dan McKenzie, trader, scout and Indian, had lived among the Indians before realizing that his destiny was in the white man's world. Now a successful businessman, Dan and his brother-in-law, James Murray, provide supplies to the army and citizens of Oak Point, Kentucky. He does not want to take this lovely young widow to Kentucky, believing she won't be able to care for herself on the rugged frontier; but although he tries, he can't erase her from his thoughts. Dan agrees to be her guide, but problems soon arise. Someone sabotages the wagons during the journey, and he needs to discover who is responsible and why. Also, our hero finds himself in a vulnerable position as he develops feelings for April. He's sure she could never love him in return once she knows everything about him.
This is a poignant story of a young woman who yearns for the freedom to make her dream reality and a young man, haunted by his past, who has no dream until he meets her. KENTUCKY DREAM is a blue-ribbon debut by Terry Blain, who accurately depicts the Indian Wars in the Ohio Territory and incorporates a heartfelt romance into this historical time period. If KENTUCKY DREAM is an example of the Precious Gems romances (available at Wal-Mart stores only), I will be reading more of this line in the future. ~Jolene Ehret for Bookbug on the Web
Blake, Jennifer - LUKE (MIRA - 3/99) (4)
April Halstead had fled from Luke Benedict and the small Louisiana town of Turn-Coupe when she was an emotionally devastated teenager, but a failed marriage, along with an abysmal case of writer's block, now have her running back home. This best-selling romance author's life only goes from bad to worse, however. Instead of finding a much needed port in the storm, she has to deal with increasingly threatening phone calls that further erode her shaky self-confidence.
When the anonymous caller manages to go public with threats made during a radio call-in show, April feels like she's jumping from the frying pan into the fire when Luke shows up with an offer of protection. He feels a compulsion to keep her safe, but the last thing she wants is his help or concern. Having once loved this darkly handsome man more than life itself, and still feeling the pull of physical attraction toward him, it's impossible for her to forget the devastating pain he caused her in the past. Luke knows very well how April feels; in fact, he doesn't really blame her, but his own rekindled feelings are so strong that he won't, or can't, do as she wishes and stay away. As the story develops and moves toward a startling conclusion, the two former lovers come to know the rewards that await when anger and mistrust are overcome...and love is reborn.
LUKE is a well-written contemporary tale about lost loves and second chances, and it also offers intriguing looks behind the scenes of the romance publishing industry. The story is set in a small Louisiana parish, but there is hardly a mention of Cajun or Creole to be found. Although I love a good Cajun story from time to time, it's quite refreshing to get a glimpse of how the other residents of Louisiana work, dream, and go about their daily lives. I found LUKE to be entertaining, suspenseful at times, and overall, very enjoyable. ~Connie Ramsdell for Bookbug on the Web
Block, Nancy - ONCE UPON A PIRATE (Harper - 1995) (4)
I borrowed this book from the library and liked it so much I bought a copy of my own. It is about a woman who traveled back in time and fell for her ex- husband's ancestor. This is not a deep book, but as the author says, "I tried to give you a bawdy, light-hearted story". I think she succeeded, and I will certainly be on the lookout for more books by this author! ~Janet (janetd@telusplanet.net)
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