Perfect Touch by Elizabeth Lowell

Author: Elizabeth Lowell
Publisher: William Morrow
Date of publication: July 28, 2015

An art dealer and owner of her own design studio, Perfect Touch, Sarah “Sam” Maddox travels the world to find the ideal artwork for her clients. Her sophisticated, comfortable life in San Francisco is light years away from the poverty of her family’s dairy farm, and Sam will do whatever it takes to keep her business strong. A dedicated urban career woman focused on her work, she doesn’t have time or energy for a family or distracting romantic entanglements.

Jay Vermillion recently inherited Vermillion Sky, a working ranch near Wyoming’s breathtaking Grand Teton Mountains—and the estates of the rich and restless. While he was fighting in two wars, his father tried to keep the homestead running, until illness stole his fight and then his life. Jay’s determined to restore Vermillion Sky, but first he’s got to settle a vicious battle with his former stepmother over some of his late father’s paintings. The last thing on his mind is a finding a wife and creating a sixth generation of Vermillions. 

When Jay hires Sam to handle his father’s artwork, it’s love at first sight—a mutually inconvenient attraction that is soon complicated by a double murder at the edge of the ranch and a potential betrayal even closer to home. Working together to unmask a murderer, Sam and Jay try to fight the intense heat between them. Then the killer targets Sam. And suddenly, Jay, the war-weary soldier, finds something he’s once again willing to die for . . .

Elizabeth Lowell is always an auto-read author for me.  I have read most of her books.  I just love how she combines the right amount of suspense and romance to make for a great read.  Perfect Touch is perfect example!  I really enjoyed this one.  

Sarah is an art dealer who is hoping to be hired by Jay to sell some paintings his father left to him.  Jay is in a huge battle against his father's ex-wife over the paintings.  He is hoping the proceeds will help to keep the ranch going for future generations. There is a murder, attempted murder and Jay realizes someone is hunting both him and Sarah.

The action picks up pretty much from the minute Sarah steps on the ranch right up to the end. I thought the book was fast paced and kept me guessing.  The romance was a nice addition as well.  The thing I liked about it was that it wasn't insta-love.  Jay and Sarah had been talking on the phone for weeks leading up to their face-to-face meeting.  That made their attraction more believable to me.
If you are a fan of Ms. Lowell's or if you are looking for a good romantic suspense, you will want to make sure to add this one to your TBR pile!

Night Diver by Elizabeth Lowell

Author: Elizabeth Lowell
Publisher: William Morrow
Date of publication: April 2014

After a family tragedy, Kate Donnelly left the Caribbean behind forever. But a series of bad management decisions has left her family's diving and marine recovery business drowning in red ink. Now her brother pleads with her to come back to the island nation of St Vincent. Without Kate's financial expertise, the iconic treasure-hunting enterprise started by her grandfather will go under. Unable to say no to the little family she has left, Kate heads back to the beautiful and terrifying ocean that still haunts her nightmares.

Night Diver is the latest from Elizabeth Lowell.  You all know I'm a big fan, so I dove right into this book.  I really enjoyed it as it felt like one of her earlier stand alone romantic suspense books.  It's a good, solid mystery with interesting characters and a great steamy romance.
  
Kate Donnelly is called home to try to save her family's business.  The biggest problem for her is that she hasn't been on the water in years since she witnessed her parents death in a tragic diving accident years before.  Major sparks fly when she meets Holden, the man who has been sent to help shut them down. I loved these two together.  I also loved that it wasn't an insta-love since they pretty much hated each other and didn't trust each other from the beginning.

As I said before, the mystery was pretty solid.  I felt like it was well laid out and planned. I also loved the aspect of not knowing who to really trust among the characters.  What I also thought was well handled was the panic attacks that Kate felt every time she was on the boat and in the water.  Her ease back into the life style was realistically gradual.  After reading this book, I might be tempted to learn how to dive.  It sounds absolutely beautiful under the water!  

Throwback Thursday:Chain Lightning by Elizabeth Lowell

Author: Elizabeth Lowell
First published in 1988 by Silhouette

Damon Sutter had set out to explore the Great Barrier Reef. Instead, his dreams of adventure took an unexpected twist with Mandy Blythe's arrival. Their association was supposed to be strictly business; yet she was too smart and independent to suit him. But avoiding her was difficult, and watching her had become better than any dream.

Though Mandy had been tricked into going to Australia, she'd never been fooled by Sutter. He was a womanizer who'd left a string of broken hearts across several continents, making him the last man she had expected to fall for. But the tropics created a different world, and paradise was only a heartbeat away.

Chain Lightning is one of Ms. Lowell's early contemporary romances.  For the most, I enjoyed the story, even if it was a bit cheesy.  Damon and Mandy spend a month on a remote island on the Great Barrier Reef. They are thrown together by Damon's aunt.  The big problem is that Mandy is afraid of the water because of a tragic accident years  before.   

I liked Damon and Mandy together.  They definitely had a lot of chemistry.  In fact, this is probably one of the more erotic stories from the 80s that I have read.  But, then this author can really write a great love scene.  I did have to admire Mandy for the way she was able to work through her fears and reclaim the sea that she loves so much.  The only thing I didn't like was the big lie that Mandy told Damon.  I thought it was sneaky and made me lose some respect for her.  

Throwback Thursday: Dark Fire by Elizabeth Lowell

Author: Elizabeth Lowell
First published in 1988 by Silhouette

The Andean Cloud Forest in Ecuador is mysterious and beautiful. Trace Rawlings is a man who lives by his own rules. Ruthless and domineering, he takes what he wants. But Cynthia is used to someone trying to manipulate her, having dealt with her father all her life. She feels sure she can handle Trace. After all, he's just there to guide her through the treacherous forest, right?


Unlike it the first book, Fever (my review), I just really did not enjoy this book.  I don't think I have ever read a book where the heroine was just beyond TSTL!  I get that Cindy didn't want anyone controlling her or want to rely on anyone ever again.  But, really? You are a woman alone in Ecuador with no idea how to navigate the wilderness and you take off on your own?  I rolled my eyes through the entire book. I have to say that I was on Trace's side through most of the story.

I will give props to Ms. Lowell.  I have always said that she really knows how to write a love scene.  The one in this book is definitely hot!  If you ignore the rest of the story, that scene makes the book worth reading.

Review: Dangerous Refuge by Elizabeth Lowell

Author: Elizabeth Lowell
Publisher: William Morrow
Date of Publication: April 2013

On the surface beautiful, quiet Shaye has little in common with dark, dangerous Tanner. He's a suspicious big city cop come home to the historic Davis family ranch to settle his uncle's estate. She's working for an environmental conservancy that acquires and protects old ranches-and she wants to preserve the Davis homestead.

When the suspicious death of Tanner's uncle at his ranch throws the two opposites together, tempers flare and sparks fly. While they have trouble seeing eye to eye, Shaye and Tanner agree on one thing: they need to uncover the truth.

You all know I love Elizabeth Lowell.  She is one of those authors who I can go to for a great story and a hot romance   Dangerous Refuge is her latest offering.  While not her best, the book was enjoyable.  I liked the characters.  Tanner and Shaye were a good fit for each other.  Their romance was pretty quick and steamy.  My only problem with it, was that there wasn't the usual build up to the heat.  Instead of feeling the attraction  i was continually told that it was there.  I usually love this author's love scenes, but the ones in this book were a bit disappointing.

The mystery was fairly good.I thought the explanation for  Tanner's uncle's death was, while sad, kind of cool.  I wonder if it is actually something that could happen in real life.  There was a lot of action in the end of the book.  I liked how it was shown from multiple perspectives. The ending was a bit rushed and an epilogue would have been nice.  I think most fans will enjoy this latest.  

Throwback Thursday: Whirlpool by Elizabeth Lowell

Author: Elizabeth Lowell
First published in 1994 under the title, The Ruby by Ann Maxwell
Republished in 2006 by Avon

When an exquisitely crafted, authentic imperial Faberge egg mysteriously shows up at Laurel Swann's home studio, she knows it can only be from one person--her father, who has drifted in and out of her life for as long as she can remember. But this time Jamie Swann leaves her something too many people will kill for.

Out of her league and desperate, Laurel is forced to accept help from the very man who is trying to ensnare her father in his own web of double crosses. Cruz Rowan can help her stay alive, but will he do the same for her father?


Whirlpool would make a pretty good spy movie.  It has everything that a good spy story needs: Spies, double crosses, action and romance.  I loved Laurel and Cruz together  The instant attraction felt real and for once I didn't mind the insta-love part of the story.  They were both strong characters that meshed well together.  

I will admit that I absolutely despised Jamie, Laurel's father   I thought the way he treated his daughter and the way he used her was despicable   I thought he got off way too easy in the end.  There were a couple of twists in the book that kept me guessing. While it's not the greatest work of Ms. Lowell's, it is one of her entertaining ones. The audio-version is read by Carrington McDuffie.  She is one of my favorites.  If you missed this one, make sure to check it out!   

Beautiful Sacrifice by Elizabeth Lowell

Author: Elizabeth Lowell

Publisher: William Morrow

Audiobook: Harper Audio 

Narrator: Richard Ferrone

Date of publication: May 2012

According to Maya legend, December 21, 2012, will mark the end of the world as we know it. Is it myth... or will their prediction become reality?

Archaeologist Lina Taylor has devoted her life to studying ancient Maya artifacts, splitting her time between digs in South America and the classroom teaching college students. But the professor's structured, academic life is about to spin out of control. Some extremely valuable and important Maya artifacts have gone missing. Are the culprits fanatics determined to create chaos and usher in annihilation?

Being a big fan of Elizabeth Lowell's,  I have been eagerly waiting her new book since it was not a continuation of her St. Kilda series. With December 21, 2012 approaching,I was looking forward to seeing Ms. Lowell's take. Sadly, I have to admit, Beautiful Sacrifice was a disappointment to me.  I'm not saying I hated it, I just thought it was an OK read. I was hoping for a real adventure with a romance, but the book fell short of my expectations. I was expecting some exciting time in the jungle with treasure hunting.  In reality, they spent very little time in the jungle and the romance was not very exciting.

I felt like there was way too much information dumping involved.  I often felt like I was listening to an archeology text book about the Mayan culture.  It got kind of boring and I stopped caring about the background information. I was eager for the story to just keep moving.  As to the romance, other than the love scenes, I didn't really feel the connection between Hunter and Lina.  Other than being told over and over that there was an attraction, I never would have seen them together.  I just didn't feel it, which is unusual in her books.  Finally, I'm still trying to figure out how some of the characters fit into the story and why they were included. There as just too much going on and when the reveal came, I was a bit puzzled.  Looking back, I didn't see how any of it pointed to this person.


I will say that I did enjoy the audio part of the book.  Richard Ferrone has an excellent reading voice.  It's probably the thing that kept me from turning this book into a DNF post.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that her next book is better.

Throwback Thursday - Lover in the Rough by Elizabeth Lowell

Author: Elizabeth Lowell

First Published in 1984 by Silhouette Books

Reba Farrall was lost—until a kindly old gentleman took her under his wing and helped heal her shattered spirit. Now her dearest friend is gone, leaving her with a doubting, broken heart...and half-interest in a California gem mine. But Chance Walker has burst into Reba's life—a daring adventurer who believes in nothing except the priceless uncut stones for which he searches the Earth. In the blistering heat of Death Valley—in the intoxicating presence of a jewel more exquisite than any he has ever seen—Chance must confront a dire peril that stalks the sad and sensuous beauty. For only he can save Reba Farrall from harm—and only she can teach him how to love.

As most of you probably know, I am a huge fan of Elizabeth Lowell.  So far I have enjoyed most of her books.  I think Lover in the Rough might be the exception.  You can definitely tell that this is an early work.  If I had to chose a word to describe it, that word would be cheesy.  I couldn't help but giggle through this entire book.  The subject matter, gems, serves as a metaphor for just about everything in the book.  From the beauty of both Reba and Chance's eyes to the sunsets and desert. It is loaded with them!

Chance Walker, with his mustache and slight Australian accent comes in and sweeps Reba off her feet, of course! Even though she has been hurt and is untrusting, she falls for him immediately because he is just so handsome and rugged.  She just met the man and she agrees to go camping with him, alone in the mountains.  Wouldn't you wonder why the sudden interest in a "dead" mine that you own?  Yet it takes her forever to figure it all out; long after the reader. Of course in the end, the hero redeems himself and the heroine takes him back with open arms. This probably wouldn't be the one of her throwbacks that I would recommend.

Throwback Thursday - Fever

Author: Elizabeth Lowell
First published in 1983 by Harlequin

Rye McCall has a problem. He's got an obsessive father who's trying to ensure a dynasty, but Rye's rebellious and determined to lead his own life. And to make matters worse, he's just met a woman who may thwart both men's plans. For one brief, high-country summer, Rye manages the impossible--to keep his father's world at bay. But he's lost control of his own plans--he's fallen in love with Lisa Johansen. Now he's told too many lies for his happiness to last. He knows that. What he doesn't know is how to finally tell her the truth.



Fever has everything that I have come to love about the older Harlequin romances: cheesy lines, bad fashion, steamy loves scenes, a big misunderstanding and a HEA for a couple that I can believe in. Rye is a total alpha male and Lisa is the stereotypical, naive wall flower who doesn't know her own potency or worth. Yes, it's cheesy, but you just can't stop reading it. Being written by Elizabeth Lowell guarantees it will have at least one hot steamy sex scene. This one has one that goes on for pages and pages!

I definitely recommend this early work by Ms. Lowell. It is a quick read and worth the afternoon it will take to devour it!

--Kari

Throwback Thursday - Only His

It's been a busy week getting ready for the holiday, so this one will be brief:


Author: Elizabeth Lowell
First published in 1991 by HarperCollins Publishers

Escaping the ravages of the Civil War, a gently reared lady must leave behind everything she knows -- and trust her life and her future to a dangerous gunfighter with a passion for vengeance.

A team of prize Arabian horses is all that Willow Moran has left -- and Caleb Black is the only man who can help her reach her brother in the Colorado Rockies. But she fears this stranger who burns to avenge the wrongs of treacherous men. For Caleb is as wild and unpredictable as the uncivilized land he loves. Yet, though she challenges him at every turn, the spirited southern lady knows this proud, enigmatic loner is her destiny. And no matter what peril awaits, they must face it together -- for Willow has become a fever in Caleb's blood ... awakening a need so fierce that he would defeat the devil himself to possess her.

This one would have been on my top 10 books read in 2009, had I done a top 10 then. I loved everything about this book. Willow and Caleb are 2 characters that I really liked. Willow is feisty, strong, yet innocent at the same time. Caleb is my favorite type of hero. Only His has everything you could want in a great romance: love, adventure and a steamy relationship that develops slowly. Their first kiss alone is hotter than the average sex scene in a typical romance novel. Aside from romance, this story is also about second chances and learning to trust and love again. This is the first in her "Only" series. I have read the other 3, but this one is my favorite by far! If you haven't read it, give it a shot. Maybe it will become one of your top 10 in 2011! 5 stars!

-- Kari