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Tuesday, August 23, 2011

2 in 1 Novellas: Stroke of Midnight and Almost an Outlaw

I have 2 novellas by Carina Press today. First up is:

Stroke of Midnight

Author: Bonnie Edwards
Publisher: Carina Press (01/24/2011)

An unlikely Cinderella...

When hardworking single mom Jaye Sinns meets younger playboy Alexander Carmichael, the sexual chemistry between them is undeniable. So Jaye gives in to temptation and allows him to whisk her away for her first-ever vacation. Two glorious weeks of no inhibitions, no strings and no responsibilities.

A charming prince of a guy...

Life with Alex is every woman's fantasy-sizzling sex in the back of a limo, on a private plane, in exotic settings. But it's not enough to fulfill a woman like Jaye for long. No matter how hot the sex is.

A happy ending?

Alex is soon craving more than Jaye's body: he wants her love and admiration, too. For the first time in his life, he can't buy the thing he desires most; and now he must decide if he's willing to work at being the kind of man that Jaye needs, and give her the happily-ever-after she deserves.

Stroke of Midnight is modern day Cinderella story. Alex sees Jaye at a convention and whisks her off for 2 weeks of luxury and of course, sex. While the attraction was instant, I liked their relationship. There was definitely enough of a back story so that I had a sense of where both Alex and Jaye were coming from. Both guard their hearts closely, but love is inevitable. In the end, they both grow and learn that they can have it all. Alex was so cute as he kept trying to find ways to make Jaye stay with him longer than the agreed time. I was very satisfied with the ending. This was a great novella, perfect for a rainy afternoon.


Next is Almost an Outlaw:

Author: Patricia Preston
Publisher: Carina Press (01/10/2011)

Rancher Austin Cade rides into Liberty looking for his old comrades, the James-Younger gang. He needs their help tracking down the horse thief who's stolen his prized mare. In town, the former gunfighter is reunited with Darcy, the first girl he ever kissed-and never forgot.

Young widow Darcy Branson owns a shop full of fashionable ladies' attire, but continues to wear mourning black so she won't forget her role in her husband's death. Austin stirs a passion inside her that has long been dormant, but can Darcy learn to believe in Austin-and love-enough to let go of her tragic past?

Time is rapidly running out... As a cousin to Jesse James, Darcy has attracted unwanted attention, thanks to her rumored association with the gang. Soon Austin and Darcy are faced with confronting not only their growing desire, but danger in the form of a deadly bounty hunter...

Almost an Outlaw was quick, but so well written that I felt like I had read a full novel. Ms. Preston did a great job of making feel like I knew the back story and the characters. Darcy and Austin share a past, but guilt over the death of her late husband prevents her from moving on. I was cheering Austin on for not settling for anything less than love. That was a nice twist. You don't often see the man saying he wants all or nothing. The little mystery was of the killer was a nice added bonus and enhanced the story.

I definitely recommend both novellas! You won't be sorry.

--Kari

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