Trevor Meldal-Johnsen - Barbara Metzger - Kasey Michaels
Meldal–Johnsen, Trevor - ALWAYS (Bamboo Grove - 1998) (3+)
Set in Hollywood of the 1970s, ALWAYS is a fast-paced novel
about a young man who is obsessed with the life, career, and
death of an actress from the 1940s. Romance, suspense,
possession, reincarnation, murder—this book has something
for everyone.
Hollywood screenwriter Gregory Thomas is compelled to find out everything there is to know about the 1940s budding actress, Brooke Ashley, who mysteriously died in a fire. He is overwhelmed by the feelings he has for this woman he's never known except through her films, and is determined to investigate the circumstances of her death. Gregory's fiancée, a famous actress in her own right, tries to distract him from his obvious infatuation, but he is so involved in his hunt for the truth that it dominates his whole life.
Very mysterious forces are at work as Gregory's attraction for the actress invades his dreams and every waking hour, and unexplainable things begin happening to him to stop his investigation. The accidents turn into attempted murder as he delves deeply into the life of Brooke and discovers that one of his own prior lives is entwined with hers. A psychic named Olga, a minor but pivotal character who is a former friend of the actress, helps Gregory navigate between his current life and his former life with Brooke.
Reincarnation or possession? Accident or murder? Friend or foe? Just who is who, or rather who was who in a former life? In this 1979 romantic suspense thriller, which was recently reprinted in hardcover, Trevor Meldal-Johnsen brings several paranormal elements into play to explain the overpowering obsession of trying to connect with a once-in-a-lifetime soul mate. Although I didn't find the main characters to be overly sympathetic, the concept of the story is interesting and some of the main characters are quite likable. ALWAYS should appeal to those readers who enjoy a strong paranormal theme and a light dose of romance. ~Vicki Patterson for Bookbug on the Web
Metzger, Barbara - MISS LOCKHARTE'S LETTERS (Fawcett - 1998) (4)
Believing herself to be dying of influenza, Miss Lockharte sends off scathing letters to all the people who have taken advantage of her in her short life. The letters bring romance, money, and intrigue; not to mention a set of hilariously asinine twins, a lot of disappearing hats, and a ferocious dog. Metzger has always penned what many consider to be "true" Regencies —charming, light little books, where the emphasis is on humor, not passion. I found MISS LOCKHARTE'S LETTERS to be one of her funniest books in some time; even fans of humorous contemporary romances—books by Jennifer Crusie, for example—will probably enjoy the laugh-out-loud humor here. Of course, the intrigue is rather silly, and the ending is rather rushed, but that's common in books of this length. ~Elena P.
Michaels, Kasey - ESCAPADE (Warner - 1999) (4+)
Setting: Regency England
Caledonia Johnston wants justice, and her target is Noel Kinsey, a card fuzzer who cheated her brother out of his modest inheritance. While her brother departs for India in shame, Caledonia and her friend, Lester Plum, set off for London in search of vengeance. But her plans go awry when she hijacks the wrong coach and reveals her intentions to her mistaken victim, the irritating Viscount Brocton.
Simon Roxbury, Viscount Brocton, is intrigued. The fact that his assailant is obviously female—and quite determined to shoot him—piques his interest, and the discovery that they share a common enemy cements his fascination. Although the chit escapes him that evening, he nabs her in a second attempt, and ignominiously hauls both Caledonia and Lester off to save them from themselves. To keep Caledonia occupied, he persuades her to pretend to be a woman of great means, to tempt the profligate Kinsey into declaring himself in order to obtain her fortune. Meanwhile, the two romantic combatants furiously deny their growing feelings for each other by declaring their mutual disgust of the other's presence.
Complicating matters are the secondary characters, whose schemes affect the lives of both Simon and Caledonia. Viscountess Brocton, Simon's mother, is appalled at the threat of becoming a dowager, and she frantically searches London for a suitable husband for herself, while hoping to make a match between Caledonia and Simon. "Bones" Boothe and Armand Gauthier, Simon's co-conspirators against Kinsey, add intrigue and humor to the story and provide insight into the hero's character.
Taken at face value, the basic conflict of ESCAPADE might seem a bit farfetched; however, Ms. Michaels uses sparkling, perceptive dialogue to make the story believable and the reader sympathetic to her characters. The author manages to skewer the foibles of her characters in a funny, accurate, and very loving way, while still respecting their individual dignity, much like the writing style of Jane Austen or Georgette Heyer. The interaction between Simon and Caledonia becomes increasingly unpredictable and touching as the story unfolds. This reader couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. ESCAPADE is the perfect choice for those who enjoy madcap romantic comedy amid the grandeur of the Regency era. ~Deborah Roy for Bookbug on the Web
Michaels, Kasey - INDISCREET (Warner - 1998) (4)
Sophie Winstead is in London for her first season, intending to find a wealthy gentleman to marry. The beautiful Sophie is well versed in the art of dazzling men, but she needs the help of Bramwell Seaton, the Duke of Selbourne, to make a suitable match. Bram was once a fun-loving charmer, but now he is straight-laced and boorish. He has been trying to live down the reputation
of his late father, whose tawdry affair three years earlier with
Constance Winstead (Sophie's mother) rocked the ton. During a party at Lady Buxley's home, the late Duke and the widow had been cavorting naked on the balcony when a servant accidentally swung open the doors and pushed them to their deaths. This shocking event kept the gossips' tongues wagging for years.
Sophie and Bram have had to contend with the scandalous legacy their parents left behind and they will not allow history to repeat itself. As far as Bram is concerned, falling for the widow's daughter would be the worst mistake he could make, and Sophie vows never to become a fool at love. Yet how can they resist the powerful attraction that exists between them? Is it possible for Sophie and Bram to overcome the gossip and scandal and find happiness together? INDISCREET is a charming, lighthearted romp, offsetting the serious struggles of the hero and heroine with funny and entertaining results. Kasey Michaels has given Regency fans another well-rounded, delightful love story. ~Robin Peek for Bookbug on the Web
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