Book Review: The Void (The Tanner Sequence) by Timothy S. Johnston

This is the third Tanner Sequence novel I have read and I love the gripping intensity of these cleverly twisted mysteries.

The Void (The Tanner Sequence)

by Timothy S. Johnston

• File Size: 633 KB
• Print Length: 346 pages
• Publisher: Carina Press (March 30, 2015)
• ASIN: B00N0MYHBI

Genre: Sci Fi, Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: March 30, 2015
2403 AD
It would be easier to kill him than to trust him.
Transporting a serial killer might seem like a simple job for CCF Homicide Investigator Kyle Tanner. After spending years apprehending murderers, he's ready to hang up his pistol. Babysitting a prisoner will bring him to Alpha Centauri, where he can search for a way to escape the CCF forever.
If he makes it.
When his ship breaks down in deep space and a CCF research vessel comes to his aid, Tanner realizes he's in terrible danger: the scientists on board have blocked his distress call. And when Tanner's prisoner escapes, he begins to suspect that the proximity of the research vessel had nothing to do with luck and everything to do with the CCF's relentless reach.
Facing near-certain death by his own organization, Tanner must unravel a tangled skein of vengeance, duplicity and murder in deep space. But he's being held at the will of master puppeteers, and if he can't cut the strings, he'll dance straight to a gruesome, excruciating death….
A Tanner Sequence Novel

Review:
Kyle Tanner is a homicide detective working in space as part of the CCF (Confederate Combined Forces). He is known as an investigator who “always gets his man”. Tanner is almost always called in for the most serious murders. Of course, the CCF generally tries to keep murders quiet as they like the public to think that all is calm, quite and orderly. In truth, government dissidents are fiercely hunted and eliminated. Even Tanner and his partner, Shaheen, are becoming concerned about the excesses of the Council and thinking of ways to escape.

Tanner has captured the 'Grim Reaper' serial killer and is looking to take a break until his superior tells him that the Council is requiring him to personally deliver the prisoner for execution. Shaheen decides to come along on the trip so they won’t be apart and to perhaps make other plans. Midway between space ports their ship systems die, leaving them completely stranded in the void of space. They have no way to reach out to anyone for help so they are surprised and relieved when another ship approaches.

The 'rescuing' ship is a CCF scientific research vessel which has had similar malfunctions but had some systems survive. Their engineer has been working to get the other systems back on line. The small crew agrees to take Tanner and Shaheen on board to help although Tanner immediately notices the tension and realizes that the explanations they are being given do not really make sense. When Tanner discovers a body of a crew member that no one mentioned things quickly become even more tense as he insists on investigating. Tanner realizes why capturing the Grim Reaper was easier than expected as he begins to make connections between the scientific crew and his prisoner.

Author Timothy Johnston does a remarkable job of developing a twisted mystery with numerous suspects and lots of danger. I was pulled into the scenario very quickly and eager to keep reading to watch Tanner struggle to stay alive so he can solve another killing! There is a bit of technical, scientific detail that goes beyond my ability, or desire, to comprehend. Still it adds depth without hurting the story. Johnston does provide some graphic murder details and forensic autopsy description that some might find makes them queasy. That part I enjoy – not the gruesome parts but the science of it.

This would read fine as a stand alone but I recommend reading the books in order. I found the growth of Tanner, that has him interviewing the prisoner, interesting. The mystery is well developed with clever twisting and some final tangents that are well done even if not so surprising. I really liked the Agatha Christie style reveal too. I highly recommend this series to readers who enjoy detailed mysteries - whether earth bound or in space.

I received this ebook from the author for an honest review before release on March 30. 

Book Review and Giveaway: The Furnace (The Tanner Sequence) by Timothy S. Johnston

This is an intense mystery in an interesting and dangerous sci fi setting.

The Furnace (The Tanner Sequence)
by Timothy S. Johnston

File size: 1220 KB
Print Length: 390 pages
Publisher: Carina Press (December 23, 2013)
ASIN: B00F942TT2

Genre: Mystery, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: December 23, 2013
Dead Space, 2401 AD

Kyle Tanner is about to die. Alone, floating in a vacsuit only a few million kilometers from a massive, uncaring sun, he has barely enough time or juice to get out a distress signal before either his oxygen runs out or he succumbs to the radiation.

When the CCF sent investigator Kyle Tanner to SOLEX One, a solar energy harvester past Mercury, he thought it would be an open-and-shut murder case. A crew member was found dead, minus his head and hands. Not the worst Tanner has ever seen, but the deeper he delves, the more nightmarish it becomes. A shadowy figure, bleeding from his hands, assaults Tanner in his quarters. Then two more turn up dead, missing their heads and hands as well.

With no one to trust and everyone a suspect—even the intriguing chief engineer, Shaheen—Tanner must navigate a crew on the brink of madness to uncover a conspiracy that could threaten the whole of the human race. Even if it means making the ultimate sacrifice…

Review:
This sci fi mystery grabs you from the opening as the protagonist investigator, Kyle Tanner, is drifting in space and dictating the report of how the murders and deaths occurred - including his own. Kyle sets up some background explaining his role as a reluctantly famous homicide investigator and enforcer. He continues explaining his assignment from Mercury to investigate a suspicious death on a far off space station known as SOLEX One. The space station, beyond Mercury and close to the sun, houses a small crew with four scientists who are studying and harvesting solar energy while all hoping they stay shielded from the risk of radiation.

The death Kyle is to investigate could have been an accident except for the bizarre fact that someone cut off and disposed of the head and hands post-mortem. Kyle begins his methodical interviews which clearly trigger a problem as he discovers when he is attacked in his cabin. Soon two more bodies are found, missing their heads and hands, and Kyle knows there is foul play afoot.

Everyone at SOLEX is a suspect until Kyle can uncover clues for motive and opportunity. Along the way he begins to form an attachment with the uniquely beautiful and brilliant chief engineer, Shaleen. Piece by piece he pulls together evidence that reveals a devastatingly dangerous plot of revenge. Shaleen is able to help with computer details as well as survival functions as the station suffers sabotage - not only at the hands of the murderer but by Kyle himself trying to trap the killer.

I really like Kyle as a no-nonsense investigator and it is interesting to watch as he purposefully decides that maybe he can stretch his life, and emotions, to include another person, Shaleen. The conspiracy plot is wonderfully diabolical and frightening as a bio-engineered assassination plan goes out of control.

The story is well written and engaging. The technicalities of the scientific elements are sufficiently explained to make it understandable to non-scientific readers. The author even supplies diagrams of the Station to help orient the activities during the investigation. Although the killing and decapitation is macabre, this is definitely a twisted mystery, not a horror story. I highly recommend this to those who love a good homicide investigation story.

I selected this book from NetGalley for review.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY: The author contacted me and has generously offered an ebook copy of this sci fi mystery for Giveaway as well as five signed covers!

ENTRY FORM HERE
Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!
I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.

For 3 Extra Bonus entries comment on the review OR
visit the author's website and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open WORLDWIDE.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) February 28, 2014.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after February 28, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review: Ashes & Alchemy (The Gaslight Chronicles) by Cindy Spenser Pape

This is a very engaging and delightful “gaslight” steampunk romance mystery!

Ashes & Alchemy (The Gaslight Chronicles)
by Cindy Spenser Pape

• File Size: 313 KB
• Print Length: 82 pages
• Publisher: Carina Press (January 6, 2014)
• ASIN: B00F942VRC

Genre: Steampunk, Sci Fi, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: January 6, 2014
A Gaslight Chronicles novella
London, 1860
Police inspector Sebastian Brown served Queen and country in India before returning to England to investigate supernatural crimes alongside the Order of the Round Table. If his wifeless, childless life feels a little empty sometimes, that's not too great a price to pay in the name of duty.

Minerva Shaw is desperately seeking a doctor when she mistakenly lands on Sebastian's doorstep. Her daughter Ivy has fallen gravely ill with a mysterious illness—the same illness, it seems, that's responsible for taking the lives of many of Ivy's classmates.

Seb sniffs a case, and taking in Minnie and Ivy seems the only way to protect them while he solves it. But as mother and daughter work their way into his heart and Seb uses every magickal and technological resource he can muster to uncover the source of the deadly plague, it's he who will need protecting—from emotions he'd thought buried long ago.

Review:
Minnie is struggling through the snow storm and smoke poisoned air to find a doctor to help her daughter, Ivy. She stumbles at a door that is her last resort. Police inspector Seb hears a thud and opens his door to find a small figure fallen on his doorstep. He takes her in and discovers that she is seeking the doctor who lives next door. Seb decides to step in and help by taking Minnie back to her “project” apartment to pick up Ivy.

They discovered the place had been ransacked and Minnie’s friend and sitter has been murdered.
Fortunately they found Ivy hidden away. Now Seb’s interest is really picqued and he decides that Minnie and Ivy will be safest with him while they investigate the murder and the mysterious illness that has Ivy sweating out what looks like black soot.

Seb has an unusual team of investigators to call upon for help - the Order of the Round Table. These are people with special, supernatural skills: enhanced smell, sight and healing touches as well as ability to detect lies, auras and more. His friends are more than happy to add their efforts to find the villain who has been experimenting on young children from a poverty level grade school. The team also suspects that Ivy may have some super ability herself.

I really enjoyed Minnie as a tough, determined character. Though single she ‘adopted’ infant Ivy to raise as her own when her mother, another friend, died.  Minnie couldn’t be anymore fierce and protective than a natural, loving mother. I also loved Seb who is a quite determined investigator who has grown accustomed to his aloneness in life but has buried dreams of family. These two make a wonderful pair in this quick novella that gives a good feel for other characters in the series. There is mystery, suspense, steampunk elements and of course, sweet romance! I definitely want to read more in the series and recommend this to others who like mystery and romance, with or without steampunk.

I selected this through NetGalley to review for Carina Press.

Book Review: Cloaked in Danger by Jeannie Ruesch

Very delightful! Warm, likeable characters, murder, danger and sweet romance make this a lovely Regency reading experience.
Cloaked in Danger
by Jeannie Ruesch

• File Size: 534 KB
• Print Length: 280 pages
• Publisher: Carina Press (January 27, 2014)
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00F93X7ZI

Genre: Historical Romance, Regency
4.5 of 5.0.

Book Description
Publication Date: January 27, 2014
Aria Whitney has little in common with the delicate ladies of London society. Her famous father made his fortune hunting archaeological treasures, and her rustic upbringing has left her ill prepared for a life of parties and frippery. But when Gideon Whitney goes missing in Egypt, Aria must embrace the unknown. Armed with only the short list of highborn men who'd backed her father's venture, she poses as a woman looking for a husband. She doesn't intend to find one.

Adam Willoughby, Earl of Merewood, finds London's strangest new debutante fascinating, but when he catches her investigating his family's secrets, he threatens to ruin her reputation. He doesn't intend to enjoy it so much.

When their lustful indiscretion is discovered, Adam finds that he regrets nothing. But now, as Aria's father's enemy draws near, Adam must convince his betrothed that she can trust him with her own secrets...before it's too late.

Review:
Aria is a strong independent young woman who would rather be traveling with her archeologist father than pretending to enjoy the ton balls. The last trip her father, Gideon, made he refused to allow her to accompany him and made her stay in London with her new, pregnant step-mother. After a successful discovery, Gideon’s team was attacked, he went missing and his partner returned to London gravely injured. Aria is attending balls with the pretense of finding a husband as she tries to investigate the investors on his list who might know something about the last attack.

Adam Willoughby discovers Aria in his future brother-in-law's bedroom where she doesn’t belong. Adam has already had to rescue his sister from a disastrous marriage and scandal. He will do whatever it takes to protect her from further hurt, even if it means protecting her from her new fiancé. Adam decides to follow Aria until he can figure out why she seems to be investigating his family.

Aria and Adam dance around each other and their secrets. They finally share their secrets and Adam insists on helping her in her search asking her to be patient which is truly difficult for her. It isn’t long before their association creates complications in the form of a forced engagement. Adam discovers he is pleased with the idea but Aria is still resistant.

Meanwhile, a proper family friend and local merchant presses his suit on Aria even though she has expressed her disinterest in marriage, particularly to him. When Aria disappears her stepmother claims it is just her usual running off. But Adam suspects there is more involved. Either that or he has been fooled into falling for a woman who doesn’t really exist.

Aria and Adam are very warm, likeable characters, even though they both have their share of bullheadedness and there was a point where I rolled my eyes at Aria’s headlong foolishness. The mystery is wrapped in danger and intrigue and the details are well crafted. I was a little confused why law authorities were never brought in even when they went to rescue Aria. Even with these few questionable issues I really enjoyed the story.

The romance is sweet and sensual. The reading moved along at a good pace and I enjoyed some interesting phrasing like the samples shared below.  This has a good combination of regency elements - settings, characters and story with danger. I recommend this to any reader who enjoys a good historical romance

[Editing note: there are a couple of minor errors but two glaring errors in reversed names which I hope are corrected for the released version.]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aria goes to check on her father’s injured business partner:

   She didn’t need light to know what she’d find, and she steeled her shaky limbs against the visage that lived in her mind like a violent crime witnessed and never forgotten. Location 507.

Aria’s thoughts about Adam:

...He was a good man. He cared.
   About her. His family. He was gentlemanly toward everyone, in fact. That, in her mind, was a finer quality than his title and yet, by nature of this world, those attributes paled in comparison to the value of being an earl.
   She far preferred the attributes that made him a man. Location 1833.

I selected and received this from the publisher for review through NetGalley.

Book Review: Realm Walker by Kathleen Collins

This is fast paced and full of wonderfully engaging action and strong characters.

Realm Walker
by Kathleen Collins

• File Size: 381 KB
• Print Length: 189 pages
• Publisher: Carina Press (October 28, 2013)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• ASIN: B00E1V5S3S

Genre: Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 28, 2013
An estranged mate, a mangled body and a powerful demon who calls her by name…

As a Realm Walker for the Agency, Juliana Norris tracks deadly paranormal quarry using her unique ability to see magical signatures. She excels at her job, but her friends worry about her mysterious habit of dying in the line of duty without staying dead. That's only the first of her secrets.

Most people don't know Juliana became the mate of master vampire Thomas Kendrick before he abandoned her seven years ago. Most people don't know the horrors she endured at the hands of the vampire he left in command. Most people don't know her true parentage, or why a demon on a world-threatening rampage has taken a personal interest in her…

Even as Juliana pursues the demon, it goes after all she holds dear—including Thomas, who is back to claim her for his own. But if she can't reconcile her past and learn to trust herself again, she will lose him forever.

Review:
Juliana is a Realm Walker with special abilities that help her hunt, trap and, if need be, kill paranormal entities who refuse to abide by the rules that separate the magical world from the normal, human world. She is half-mage and half dark fae who works side by side with werewolves, mages and others of paranormal ilk. Juliana has been successful in her post and is often sought to lead the teams because of her abilities to see auras, distinguish creatures by scent and speak most known and even forgotten languages. Few know Juliana’s history and even she doesn’t remember all details of her difficult, orphaned childhood.

One person who thinks he knows her pretty well is master vampire, Thomas Kincade. He took Juliana into his household when she was just a street urchin and was befriended by his sister. Thomas helped train Juliana and watched over her as she matured. When she became nineteen he overwhelmed her by saying that she was to be his mate and declaring how powerful they would be together. This frightened Juliana who thought she needed some time to adjust. Thinking he would give her time to live a little life as her own person Thomas left the next morning with instructions for his coven to watch over her.

Now, seven years later, Thomas has returned to discover that Juliana is bitter about his abrupt departure. Bit by bit he learns more secrets, including that she has suffered and nearly died on several occasions. Somehow he has to convince her he left with good intentions and that he wants her for reasons beyond the power she can bring to their union.

First Thomas has to get close to Juliana while she is busy battling a demon who is able to jump from host to host. If that isn’t bad enough, the snarky demon has apparently been summoned to kill Juliana herself. Although Juliana has returned from several death experiences she is not immortal. It will take all her skill and help from some special sources when the demon possesses Thomas as the tool to hunt her down.

This story jumps into battle action right from the opening and never slows down. I really enjoyed the fast pace, full action as well as the conflicted emotions. Both leading characters are really strong personalities and there is great tension between them as they struggle to find a place of trust and sharing of their strengths. There are unexpected and powerful connections revealed that add to the intrigue and intensity of Juliana’s situation. I highly recommend this very engaging story and I look forward to reading more by Ms. Collins.

It's hard always being strong:

There were times like this when she was so utterly tired of being strong, of pretending that she could handle the world on her own that she became tempted to let him rescue her. Hew was the only one that ever cared enough to take care of her. That’s why it broke her heart when he left. Location 1860.

I'm glad I picked this for review from Netgalley.

Book Review: Holiday Kisses Anthology

This is just what it claims: a nice Christmas Romance Anthology.

Holiday Kisses Anthology

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 627 KB
• Publisher: Carina Press (December 5, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English

 Genre:  Contemporary Romance
 My Rating:  4.0 of 5.0

Product Description
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like...Love!

A man gives the gift of trust and receives a second chance at love in return. A woman helps to heal the wounded heart of a soldier. A couple finds that true love knows no distance. And a young widow learns that there can be two great loves in a lifetime. Love, romance and passion come together in this collection of four seasonal shorts.

Anthology includes:

This Time Next Year by Alison Kent
A Rare Gift by Jaci Burton
It's Not Christmas Without You by HelenKay Dimon
Mistletoe and Margaritas by Shannon Stacey

Shannon Stacey's Website : click here
Jaci Burton's Website : click here
HelenKay Dimon's Website : click here
Alison Kent's Website : click here

Overall Review:
I liked each of these stories which are heartwarming Christmas tales perfect for quick reading. These are short so they focus on the romantic conflicts as the plot feature. Yet the authors are able to give their characters sufficient depth to make them interesting in the different dilemmas they have to overcome.  I had not read any of these authors and this is a nice way to get a feel for their writing styles.
Overall Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

This Time Next Year by Alison Kent
Brenna Keating is on her way to spend Christmas with her grandmother when treacherous roads and a skittish deer put her car in a ditch. Riding to the rescue—literally—is Dillon Craig, a reclusive doctor who insists she weather the storm in his cabin.

Since returning from Afghanistan where he treated wounded soldiers on the front lines, Dillon’s made it a point to avoid any emotional involvement. But his unexpected guest has him dangerously close to breaking his own rules.

Brenna has a plan for her life – until she’s stranded for three days with Dillon. Soon, the chemistry sizzling between them forces her to re-examine her priorities. The man is gorgeous, if taciturn, and a true hero in every sense of the word. No woman in her right mind could resist him, and so Brenna doesn’t – even though she can’t stay…

Review:
Brenna has plans to spend a year serving as a nurse in an impoverished African nation. On her way for a Christmas visit with her Grandmother she has an accident and ends up being rescued by a handsome, brooding ex-military doctor.  Dillon has secluded himself to bury his trauma from serving in Afghanistan. He serves the local community but isn’t interested in socializing or getting close to anyone. At least he wasn’t interested in getting close until this warm beauty heated things up in his cabin in the woods.

The author was able to develop likeable characters with a tightly written romance that flows nicely.
Rating 4.25

A Rare Gift by Jaci Burton
Book Two in the Kent Brothers Series

With a disastrous marriage behind him, Wyatt Kent has no interest in getting involved with any woman, let alone his ex-wife’s younger sister. But when Calliope Andrews hires him to build an addition onto her daycare center, Wyatt can’t help but notice she’s a desirable woman, as warm and funny as his ex was cold and aloof.

Calliope fell hard for Wyatt the first time he walked through the door of her family’s home, and can’t believe her sister let him get away. He’s still the star of all her fantasies, and she’s determined to prove to him she’s nothing like his manipulative ex. Wyatt may be all business, but Calliope sees the way he looks at her when he’s supposed to be working…

It’s not long before Wyatt and Calliope are keeping each other warm on cold December nights. But it’s going to take a Christmas miracle for Wyatt to put his trust in love a second time.

Review: Calliope has loved Wyatt for years but he was married to her older sister, the flamboyant beauty queen. It turned out that they didn’t have the same goals; the marriage was disastrous and didn’t end well. Wyatt has stayed away from any involvement with women since.  He would resist Calliope except she is so persistent.  She is intent on proving that she is not her sister and that she is just the right woman for Wyatt. Will Wyatt let her walk away or will he try to deal with his pain and take a chance on Calliope?

This is a nice story with likeable characters.  Wyatt was incredibly stubborn and Calliope had to be relentlessly persistent to get through to him. It was almost too much but the way it resolved worked.
Rating: 4.0

It's Not Christmas Without You by HelenKay Dimon
Carrie Anders officially broke up with Austin Thomas when she accepted a dream job in the city. Unofficially, she misses him and is tempted to sneak back to her West Virginia hometown to see him. That's why this year, she's not going home for the holidays. Her heart can't take any more mornings after where nothing has changed--and Austin has made it clear he's not interested in relocating.

Austin's been waiting for Carrie to realize she can't live without him. But when he hears she's not coming home for Christmas, he decides to take action. If Carrie won't come to the country, he's going to bring a piece of the country to Carrie - in the form of a Christmas tree lot just minutes from her apartment. He's certain daily meetings will entice her to come home with him, this time for good.

Their attraction is as hot as ever, but with such contrary Christmas wishes, can either of them get what they really want this year?

Review:

Here is another stubborn couple. They acknowledge that they love each other but he wants to stay in the country and she wants to live in the city. It appears that neither will compromise. Austin pursues Carrie in the city and thinks if he helps her date a city guy she will see the difference and recognize that the other fellow isn’t right for her. Their combustible chemistry reaffirms their  sexual attraction and love but that doesn’t provide a solution to their work arrangements.

The author is able to provide backstory that supports the insecurities of both characters. The good romantic conflict and its sweet resolution is portrayed through an easily flowing style.
Rating 4.0.

Mistletoe and Margaritas by Shannon Stacey
Heating up the Holidays

Claire Rutledge still believes in love, despite losing her husband. So, after two years, she’s not surprised by the steamy dreams telling her it might be time to start moving on. But she didn’t expect her friend Justin to have the starring role.

Justin McCormick has loved Claire since the moment he first saw her, but his best friend got there first. Now that Claire is ready to move on with her life, Justin is finding it harder than ever to hide his true feelings. And when they both get caught up in the holiday spirits at a party, their simmering mutual attraction boils over into a night neither of them can forget…

Review: 
This one was a bit more on the sexual side as a good part of the story revolves around the pairs desires that they are trying to hide or suppress. It seemed that Justin’s attitude flipped but he is able to get good advise that helped them resolve their dilemma in a nice way. Again the characters are likeable and this was an easy read.
Rating 4.0 I received the eBook copy for review from Carina Press through NetGalley.

Book Review: A Clockwork Christmas - A Steampunk Christmas Anthology

Happy ticking! Four stories with mechanical gear work and Christmas cheer.

A Clockwork Christmas - A Steampunk Christmas Anthology
Authors:  Gail, Stacy; Forte, PG; Schwartz, Jenny; Coi, J.K.

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 692 KB
• Publisher: Carina Press (December 5, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005Z1C47Q

ISBN:         9781426892752
Genre:  Sci Fi, Fantasy, Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
   
URLs:        
Publisher Website : click here http://ebooks.carinapress.com/8944228A-4DD7-4023-88F7-DDB1510B0C59/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID={A0A6E711-1982-40B9-AD94-47256F4D3B04}

We Wish You a Steampunk Christmas

Changed forever after tragedy, a woman must draw strength from her husband's love. A man learns that love isn't always what you expect. A thief steals the heart of a vengeful professor. And an American inventor finds love Down Under. Enjoy Victorian Christmas with a clockwork twist in these four steampunk novellas.

Anthology includes:

Crime Wave in a Corset by Stacy Gail
This Winter Heart by PG Forte
Wanted: One Scoundrel by Jenny Schwartz
Far From Broken by JK Coi

Stories also available for purchase separately. 117,000 words

Review: All four stories are fun and different, engaging reads. Sometimes it is hard to get a full story in the shorter works of an anthology. These stories are all nice lengths that allow completion for each tale and a good feel for the voice of the authors. I would enjoy more stories by any of these authors. 

Crime Wave in a Corset by Stacy Gail
Setting: Turn of the Century, Boston
Cornelia is a sleek, sexy thief preparing to celebrate Christmas. She didn’t decide on that career at school but rather as the result of childhood training and limited options.  She is a survivor from a life as a street pick pocket. She has a kind heart and tries not to hurt people who can’t afford to lose things but she still is a first class thief who steals from the rich.

Roderick is a Professor of Engineering at Cambridge University. He has made a point to capture Cornelia to make her return a Faberge egg she stole from his family. He shackles Cornelia with a timepiece that will explode in seven days, midnight Christmas eve, if she doesn’t steal back the egg and return it in time.

Roderick works with Cornelia as she locates the egg and formulates a plan for the heist.  His contempt for her profession begins to turn to respect for her intelligence, survival instincts and ingenuity - not to mention being drawn to her sexually. He helps her build the airship they will use for the dangerous plan. A twist of irony reveals that the egg is now in the possession of a sick child. When it comes time to steal the egg will Cornelia be able to pull it off or will she sacrifice her life?

This story has good intrigue, vibrant characters and some light “naughty” fun. Rating 4.0


This Winter Heart by PG Forte

Setting: 1870, Santa Fe.
Ophelia Winter is the daughter of a brilliant inventor. Dario was interested in her father’s work and willing to invest in his projects. When Dario met Ophelia it was love at first sight. They were  soon married but shortly after the wedding Dario leaned the devastating truth about Ophelia. He demanded that she get out of his life since she had lied to him and she would never be able to provide the family he desired.

Eight years later Ophelia dares to return with a her son, Arthur, in tow. Ophelia’s father has died and her step-siblings refuse to honor her share of the inheritance. To protect Arthur and give him the things in life he deserves she determines to introduce Dario and convince him to provide for his own son. Ophelia is disappointed to return to the estate and find the magnificent mechanical garden that had been built for her totally abandoned and in disrepair.

Dario hasn’t celebrated Christmas, or much of live at all since he cast Ophelia out. He has had a lot of devastating deaths in his family.  Dario is still drawn to the beauty of Ophelia but doesn’t believe that Arthur is his son and doesn’t believe that Ophelia can give either of them true love. Will it cost the life of one of them for Dario to recognize the strength of her love? Once he realizes Ophelia’s true feelings what steps can he take to convince her that he will never doubt her again?

I really liked the strong emotional tugs and revelations in this story. Ophelia is a surprise but her emotions are clearly genuine. This is a nice “reunion” love story. Rating: 4.25


Wanted: One Scoundrel by Jenny Schwartz

Setting: 1895 Swan River Colony, Australia
Suffragette Esme doesn’t want a man for a husband. What she needs is a scoundrel who can pose as a gentleman to be accepted in society and to go into the men’s clubs where she cannot enter. He must be willing to argue her views in her stead.

Esme’s Uncle introduces her to Jed as just the man, a card shark, fresh from America.  Jed immediately notes Esme’s remarkable beauty. Before long he is appreciating her independence, fairness, kindness, determination and other admirable qualities. He enjoys having her show him the community and explaining the Christmas holidays that occur even though it is summer in Australia.

Esme is being pursued by an arrogant, social snob, Bambury, who thinks he could tame her to be a quiet and acceptable wife. Jed isn’t about to let Bambury succeed in his advances even before he determines that he might have to convince Esme that he would be the right man for her after all. Jed is a hero on more than one occasion and is able to use some abandoned inventions to save the day.

I thoroughly enjoyed the history of Australia and political arguments woven into this story. The story flows easily. I loved the characters and the sweet romance. The underlying humor is a hoot!  Rating: 4.5


Far From Broken by JK Coi

Setting: Manchester, England
Jasper is a spymaster but he had hidden that part of his life from is wife, Callie, a beautiful ballerina. Callie is captured by Jasper’s enemies and brutally beaten. She has survived with the help of government doctors who have patched her together with mechanical limbs and implants. She is not sure she is glad to be alive in this condition.

Jasper has been away for four months tracking down the monsters who attacked his wife. But Callie thinks his absence was a rejection of her broken body. The government has invested a lot in her recovery and they have plans to use her as a new weapon. 

Jasper still loves his wife and doesn’t want her to be a tool of the war office. How can he convince her of his continuing love and help her overcome her physiological trauma that has kept her house bound? He had failed to protect her once. Can he accept her new strengths and protect her when they come under attack together?

I liked how this story pulled me into the horror and fear of Callie’s situation right from the beginning descriptions. Although I didn’t agree with Callie’s depression you can feel her pain. I liked Jasper’s warm love and how he was determined to help Callie move beyond the tragedy and rebuild their life together.

This is an entertaining story with fast action and a renewed love that brings the strong characters  together as a team. Rating: 4.25.

Learn more about the book and authors at: http://www.facebook.com/AClockworkChristmas

I received this book through NetGalley for an unbiased review.