Book Review: “Unsanctioned Memories” by Julie Miller

Unsanctioned Memories by Julie Miller
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Back Cover: FBI agent Sam O'Rourke was on an unsanctioned mission to hunt down his sister's murderer. The steely-eyes lawman's investigation led him to Jessica Taylor - the one victim, in a string of many, who'd escaped with her life and whose missing memories made her a target for a demented madman.

Posing as a ranch hand, Sam was determined to gain the fragile woman's trust to solve this crime. However, Sam hadn't counted on this lone witness awakening his deadened heart with her sumptuous beauty and unflinching courage. A case that had begun as an unrelenting thirst for vengeance suddenly roused his every protective instinct. Now Sam had an intensely personal stake in reeling in a killer...

This was my least favorite of the series. Jessica comes off as tough and resilient in parts while at other times she’s almost too stupid to live. I can’t count the number of times she put herself into danger making Sam have to come to her rescue. When she ran into the woods by herself despite orders to stay put, I wanted to slap her, especially when her dog ended up getting hurt. That little mutt was quite a scene-stealer but regardless I don’t like it when animals are put in danger by dumb owners. Fortunately, Sam was there to save the day yet again and Harry lived to bury another bone.

Don’t get me wrong though, Sam is not without his own faults. After discovering Jessica is the only survivor of the serial rapist/killer who murdered his sister, he lies to her. Instead of telling her he’s a federal agent bent on tracking down the creep that attacked her and bring him to justice, he pretends to be a handyman doing odd jobs around her place. Why to build the trust. Not cool.

Survivors of these types of situations have a hard time redeveloping trust. In themselves and in others. But the first thing he does is deceive her with his intentions. I had a really hard time with that.

However, despite these personal issues for me, Ms. Miller managed to create a story that allowed the characters some redemption by the end so we can assume a satisfyingly happy ever after for them. If nothing else, read the story for Harry the dog. He’s well worth your time spent on this novel.


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Book Review: “Kansas City’s Bravest” by Julie Miller

Kansas City's Bravest by Julie Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Back Cover: Arson investigator Gideon Taylor had his hands full with three suspicious fires and no leads. Complicating matters were his unresolved feelings for former colleague Meghan Wright—the one woman he'd never got out of his system. She'd become the target of a stalker, whose proximity to Gideon's assignment was no coincidence.

But as Gideon and Meghan joined forces to uncover the secrets scorched to cinders, it was clear a five-alarm inferno was about to ignite between them. Could they reveal who was responsible for what appeared to be an elaborate plan before the sizzling embers of their relationship were permanently extinguished...?

Firefighter Meghan isn’t the typical chick in a man’s job that some authors think readers want to see in their books. She experiences realistic struggles in regards to her job. She’s not seen flinging around a ladder or managing the hose by herself like its nothing. Still she really loves what she does and still retains her feminine side.

Scarred by past events, Gideon could very well be the “to hell with life, I just want to have fun” type of guy, but he’s not. He actually wants a wife, kids, and the white picket fence. Unfortunately, the woman of his dreams walked out on him two years ago.

Now with a stalker arsonist after her, Meghan must rely on the man she abandoned to help find the person(s) responsible before she ends up one of the victims.

A great mix of romance and suspense, “Kansas City’s Bravest” is a welcomed addition to the series. With a niece currently in the fire academy, I enjoyed re-reading book 5. I’ll probably share it with her and get her opinion as a female firefighter. Of course that won’t be until she’s out of the academy. I get tired listening to all they go through and I don’t have to do it. I can only imagine how exhausted they all must be.


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Book Review: "The Rookie" by Julie Miller

The Rookie by Julie Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Back Cover: Suddenly something was more important to rookie officer Josh Taylor than busting a campus drug ring and making detective. Because when Josh's undercover investigation strangely intersected with his older and pregnant professor, Rachel Livesay, sparks of danger--and passion--ignited.

Rachel had no one to turn to until Josh vowed to protect her from the sperm donor who threatened to snatch her newborn child from her arms. But Josh was her "student," not a knight in shining armor--and falling for him could be deadly for them both!

“The Rookie” was the first of Julie Miller’s books that I read and it will always hold a special place on my bookshelf. It caused my obsession with the Taylor Clan and Precinct series as well as Ms. Miller's work in general.

Josh is a somewhat cocky 20-something who we get to watch mature as the storyline progresses. The kid brother of a clan of cops and firefighters, he feels he has a lot to prove but in reality it seems as if he’s already proven it. He just needs to learn he’s not a lone ranger in the deal.

On the other hand, Rachel is forced to work alone by life’s circumstances. Her ex-husband found more interest in other women than the wife he had at home. She didn’t have any family to lean on and now she’s pregnant by a sperm donor that wanted to lay claim to her unborn baby. She had nowhere to turn but the ever-chivalrous Josh felt it his duty to protect her.

The age difference between the two (she was 35 and he was 28) kept getting brought up but that didn’t bother me as much as the teacher-student aspect. Even though he was just pretending to be a student it could have caused a great deal of ethical trouble for her. While that was sort of addressed but sort of left open, it kind of left a question there, but since it’s not really relevant to the romance or the mystery/suspense resolution, I guess it doesn’t matter. Just me being nosy. LOL

Josh's brother Mac from "In the Blink of an Eye" (the 3rd book of the series) makes a cameo appearance in this book as does his brother Gideon, the arson investigator from book 5 in the series "Kansas City's Bravest". When I read this book the first time, I read it in before Mac's story so I didn't really care about the references to his returning to work but I liked the inclusion of the two brothers in this book. Wasn't too much to make you think "Who are these guys?" but enough to make you want to read their books.

I recently learned that Harlequin Intrigue has re-released these in Kindle format through Amazon. The Rookie’s link is here. I highly recommend the Taylor Clan series for anyone that likes romance with a touch of suspense. Julie Miller does it well.




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Recap: Dancing with the Stars – Season 14: The 1st Results Show

After two weeks of dancing, we learn now who will be the first to get the axe.  Following an energetic opening dance by the pros and the troupe, the lowest scoring women and their partners are brought up to learn their fate. Melissa and Maks, Gladys and Tristan, and Martina and Tony.

The first to be revealed as safe was Melissa and Maks followed by Gladys and Tristan. Martina and Tony are revealed to be in jeopardy tonight. Martina responded with an amused “Really?”

Next up, Sugarland joined Matt Nathanson on stage to sing “Run”, with a sexy dancing assist from Tristan and Peta.

Brooke gets to interview the highest scoring men who are all having a good time. Jaleel’s little 2 year old daughter appeared to have agreed with the judges on his week 2 dance by taking one look at the replay, saying “Dora” and walking out of the room. LOL. Now it’s time for Jaleel, William, and Roshon to have the opportunity under spotlights to learn their fate.    

Jaleel and Kym are the first of the male stars to be revealed as safe while Roshon and Chelsie are in jeopardy. The audience didn’t like that and responded with a lot of boos. Happy to avoid a riot, Tom announces that William and Cheryl are also safe.

The new troupe including some old and some new members take the floor. Oksana, Kiki, Sharna and Sasha are joined by new dancers Emma and Henry. Some really good talent here and it looks like we might have some potential future pros. Nice.

Tom announces Dancing with the Stars Live in Las Vegas opens April 14^th at the Tropicana Joey Fatone, Sabrina Bryan, Kyle Massey, and Carson Kressley. Lacey Schwimmer will be among the pros.

The highest scoring ladies interview in the skybox with Brooke. Katherine is compared to Kristi Yamagochi who also started out this well and went on to win with Mark. Then Maria is revealed to have had broken ribs and not just strained while Sherri confesses she’ll need a restraining order to keep her away from the dance floor. Under the spotlights while the ladies hold hands across the stage it is revealed that all three are safe and coming back next week.

Before we find out the fate of the remaining dancers, Sugerland returns to the stage with their latest single. Sasha with Sharna, Oksana, and newbie Emma provide the dance accompaniment. Sugarland will be appearing on the new ABC show Duets with Kelly Clarkson, Lionel Richie and Robin Thicke. .

The last three to learn their fate are Jack and Anna, Donald and Peta, and Gavin and Karina. The next couple coming back is Donald and Peta while Gavin and Karina join Roshon and Chelsie and Martina and Tony in jeopardy. Jack and Anna are also safe.

With Roshon and Chelsie announced as safe, Gavin and Karina along with Martina and Tony are revealed as the bottom two after the votes were combined with the judges’ scores. Martina is hoping for another week while Gavin wants to improve “about 5 points out of ten”.

Unfortunately for her, Martina and Tony have the lowest score and eliminated tonight. Gavin hugged her and admitted to being a big fan and honored to be on the show with her. I think many agree but with the level of dancing on this season’s show, Martina just didn’t have a chance.

What did you think? Did the right person go home?

What do you think about Gavin being in the bottom two as well? Did he deserve it or should someone else be there instead?

Leave your comments below.

TV Review: Season 14 "Dancing with the Stars" Week 2

Another great week of dancing on DWTS. The scores spread out a little bit more than the six points we had last week but there are still some pretty clear top, middle, and bottom of the pack contenders. How did your favorite do?

1. Roshon and Chelsie – Quickstep

In describing this dance, Tom Bergeron took the words out of my mouth. “Very high energy.” Don’t know about the judges but that’s what I’m looking for in the quickstep and that energy has to last throughout the dance. I think Roshon did that well tonight. It was very enjoyable and surprised me a lot. He transformed his hip-hop background very well into this sophisticated dance. Score 26 Total 49/60

2. Sherri and Val – Jive

Fun. Energetic. Wish I had that much oomph in my caboose. The flicks and kicks I normally see in that were lacking. Totally missed the pulling between his legs but I loved that she just kept going. Made me wonder if it was on purpose or not. Enjoyed it. Score 23 Total 46/60

3. Melissa and Maks – Quickstep

Maks makes them cry no matter what he does. If he’s strict, they cry. If he praises them, they cry. The boy just can’t win. Over all, there were some fumbles but the complexity of the dance deserved higher than 6s and 7s. They at least did everything in their dance do it sort of irks me they got low scores. Part of it makes me wonder if they are holding Maks to a higher standand for teaching since he does it all year long. Do they expect him to be able to teach a student better in the same amount of time as the others? Makes you wonder. Overall, I think Melissa did a great job and kept in hold. I do wish she smile or something. Show us she’s having fun, even if “the Quickstep is harder than giving birth.” LOL Score 20 Total 40/60

4. Jack and Anna – Jive

I really liked their pass-through, very unique going from front to back. It had good content and for the most part seemed energetic. There was parts where Jack looked like he couldn’t wait until it was over, not that I blame him. The Jive is a MONSTER! Technically it had some difficulties but I think that will become better with the more confidence he gets. Score 21 Total 44/60

5. Gladys and Tristan – Quickstep

NICE! The music a little slower than expected for a quickstep but don’t want the woman to have a heart attack. Her frame wasn’t as formal as it should be and she sagged a lot towards Tristan. Overall, it was entertaining and the five was not called for. I’ve seen worse performances in previous years get higher scores. Not cool, Len! Score 19 Total 42/60

6. Katherine and Mark – Jive

I love that a big star like Katherine could still get so embarrassed by the suggestion to “shake her naughty bits”. Mark is one choreographer good at getting the shaking going on the dance floor, though parts were a little over the top. Katherine has some amazing legs and did the flicks and kicks like a pro. I worried last week that she might not be able to keep up with the sexy dances but she’s proving me wrong. WTG! Score 26 Total 52/60

7. Jaleel and Kym – Jive

Great energy in this but the precision wasn’t there. I was really disappointed in the kicks but overall it was enjoyable. Jaleel showed a lot of ability last week but this week was just so-so. He sort of fell into the middle of the pack this week and I’ve seen many in the middle fall due to lack of votes. I don’t think he has much to worry about though. I’m really hoping he redeems himself next week. Score 22 Total 48/60

8. Maria and Derek – Quickstep

Better than last week, but I’m still not sure if she’s going to make it for the long run. She maintained a great frame throughout, good hold/body contact when needed, though it did look like a lift in that front corner. Guess the lift police wasn’t paying attention. Overall it was good job and I think Derek has enough votes to keep her in next week regardless. Score 25 Total 46/60

9. Martina and Tony – Jive

I loved, loved, loved the inclusion of the judges in the beginning and end of the dance. It’s always cute to see their expressions (and I’m sure it doesn’t hurt to distract them a little from the actual dance). Martina still seems very hesitant on the dance floor and with the caliber of celebrities this year, I’m not sure if she’s going to have time to get that confidence. Hopefully, she’ll be able to pull it off, but I think she’s going to be one in jeopardy tonight. Score 17 Total 37/60

10. Donald and Peta - Quickstep

This guy is adorable and totally rocks since he got Len to admit to under-marking him. WTG Donald!!! He has great moves on the dance floor and lots of stamina. Another lift the lift police didn’t catch but you gotta give them (as well as Maria and Derek) for risking it. While Donald has middle of the pack scores, I think he’s going to do well and move into the top soon. Score 24 Total 45/60

11. Gavin and Karina – Jive

The kicks and flicks were not as sharp as they needed to be tonight for great scores but still better than last week. Gavin needs to learn some confidence in himself so that his charisma shines through in the dance. He still seems too much in his head while he’s dancing. He’s a musician. The musicality should flow through him like a Jedi but so far, it doesn’t play well on the screen. Score 21 Total 41/60

12. William and Cheryl - Quickstep

William has awesome sex appeal which is evident by all the screaming when he took the floor. Unfortunately the Quickstep requires a little more than just sex appeal. His frame was weak towards the end and he needs to learn to pull his butt under when he dances. Technique is very specific in this dance and the points should have reflected this. However, I feel that only Len’s did. He did have good connection with Cheryl though the dance was over scored. Score 25 Total 49/60

So who do you think will get the boot tonight? Who is going to make it to the finals? And who has the potential to take home the coveted Mirror Ball? Leave your comments below and check back tomorrow for a recap of tonight's elimination.

TV Review: Season 14 "Dancing with the Stars" premiere

I know I'm kind of late but due to my work schedule this week I wasn't able to watch the whole show until last night. I'm also not a dancer so all comments are based on my opinion only regarding entertainment value.

1. Maria Menounos & Derek Hough

I didn't see the first season and there were some shows in the seasons I didn't watch, but this is the first time I can remember Derek and his partner ever going first. I've heard at other fan sites and forums through the years that Derek is considered sort of the 'golden child' of DWTS so it made me wonder if perhaps he's fallen from grace. Or maybe the show execs are doing what they can this year to show he's not all that favored. Who knows but it was quite interesting.

Anyway, the dance wasn't bad for a first dance of the season. Not anything to write home about but not awful. Maria sort of had a deer-in-the-headlights plastic look on her face throughout but that could be attributed to nerves. She was first after all and from what I understand, she has like zero dance experience. If she loosens up and looks like she's enjoying herself, she just might become a contender. Score: 21

2. Jack Wagner & Anna Trebunskaya

I’ve always loved the 'redheaded Russian' and her choreography and tonight was no different. For anyone else, the cheesy intro might have made me turn the channel (or in this case fast forward) but she makes it work with the rest of the dance. She really showed how Jack could take the dance and have fun with it. It was light and airy. Jack did a wonderful job and Anna complimented his strengths well. Still he seemed hesitant at times but for a first week dance, it was pretty good. I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do next week. Score: 23

3. Donald Drive & Peta Murgatroyd

Last year, Peta was off first and if this dance is any indication, she shouldn’t be first this time. Donald is pretty well-known in the ‘Cheesehead’ community so he should garner some fan votes and he’s got some moves too. With as big as he is, I’m not really sure how he’s going to manage the elegant formal ballroom styles but he can definitely get ‘funky’. The first boos of the season were heard when his scores were revealed and, entertainment-wise, I felt it better than Maria and Derek’s so I have to agree. Score: 21

4. Gavin DeGraw & Karina Smirnoff

I’m going to admit when he was first announced as a contestant this year I had no idea who he was. But after Googling him I realized I’d heard his songs on several TV shows I watch and really liked them. Just never paid attention before who performed them. Sad, isn’t it? Anyway, Gavin made me think of Joey Fatone when he danced. He’s fun and entertaining, even playfully dished some back to the judges during the comments. He needs to work on making some of the moves sharper if he plans on making it to the end like Joey but he’s got potential. Score: 20

5. Roshon Fagon & Chelsie Hightower

This was another one I had to Google, but unlike Gavin, I still had no idea who he was after I did. His hip-hop style was a little what I expected from Romeo in Season 12. Chelsie really did well capitalizing on those skills and allowing Roshon to take the spotlight on night one, something not normally done in my opinion. But that ‘flash’ isn’t going to work for every dance but I do hope he at least makes it to the freestyle dances. I can only imagine how awesome Chelsie would be able to choreography that with Roshon’s skills. Score: 23

6. Sherri Shepherd & Val Chmerkovskiy

I love Sherri but who wasn’t jealous when Val told her to squeeze his rear? WOW! As Sherri put it, “There is a god!” LOL. Overall, Sherri really looked like she was enjoying herself in the dance. Though the score seems to indicate she did fairly well, I can’t say how she did technically. I was too caught up in how much fun she seemed to be having. I hope she stays around for a while. Score: 23

7. Melissa Gilbert & Maksim Chmerkovskiy

Like many others of my generation, I grew up watching Half Pint, I mean, Melissa Gilbert on TV. When I heard she was going to be on DWTS and paired with Maks, I knew I’d be watching this season. Unfortunately I wasn’t blown away. The choreography was extremely difficult, especially for week 1, but I don’t know if that’s what bothered me. I tend to expect more fun and flirty dancing in the first week to help us get to know them but they seemed so serious. Then again, it could have been that outfit distracting me. Whoa! In the past, the pro dancer has had input on the costumes and if that’s still the case, I don’t’ know what Maks was thinking. Hopefully next week will be better or she could find herself in jeopardy soon. Score: 20

8. William Levy & Cheryl Burke

William was the third star I had to look up this year but considering it was only three of twelve that I didn’t know this year compared to three of twelve I did know, that’s not too bad. Anyway, Googling him (especially the pictures) made me want to know him. HOT! HOT! HOT! I love that Cheryl seems just as taken with the guy as the rest of us. The dancing didn’t seem much more than a bunch of hip gyrations, but since the Latin dance involve that ‘skill’ and the ladies like it, I guess it’s not so bad. I do expect him to go far as long as he doesn’t get tripped up on the more serious ballroom styles but we’ll see. Great scores! . Score: 24

9. Martina Navratilova & Tony Dovolani

Did anyone besides me have flashbacks of Kate Gosselin when they saw Martina in that dress? Not the dancing. Just the image. *shakes head* Not good. Did they recycle that thing from Kate’s season? Fortunately, Martina did better on the dance and wasn’t as stiff but you could still tell she was totally out of her element. I guess you need to give her credit considering she’s spent nearly all her life involved in a tough, physically demanding sports career. Like Laila Ali, it’s got to be hard making the transition. For now, she just seems very timid. I’m hoping she comes out next week or she could be at the bottom. Score: 20

10. Katherine Jenkins & Mark Ballas

I love, love, love this woman’s voice and really can’t wait to see her doing a waltz or a tango after that foxtrot. Her classical training and musicality should give her the grace, elegance and yes even passion to knock those styles out of the park, er, ballroom. I hope Mark can get her to loosen up a little more and have some fun on the floor. She seemed so polished and professional throughout the whole dance I totally expect her to belt out an aria or something any moment. Definitely one to watch though. Score: 26

11. Gladys Knight & Tristan MacManus

The Pips really should have let Ms. Knight take a turn on the stage. She’s got rhythm. She’s got class. And like Bruno said, she’s “a star, a real one.” Not at all what I expected for a woman her age (or even half her age). Very impressive. My only concern is her stamina for the quicker songs like the jive and quickstep, because after all she is nearly 68. Hopefully, she’ll be able to keep up because I’d really like to see her stick around for a while. Score: 23

12. Jaleel White & Kym Johnson

Urkel can dance!!! LOL! I don’t know if Jaleel has any past dance training or experience but the comparison to Gregory Hines in the movie White Nights was right on the mark. That spin/leap at the beginning of the dance was very reminiscent of the one in the movie. And it totally rocked!!! He’s coming out of the gates strong and if he can continue to channel a bit of Stefan, especially for the ballroom dances, he might just have this one locked up. Really can’t wait to see him dance next week! Score: 26


I hope you enjoyed this season’s premiere as much as I did. They really picked a great, talented cast. Who were your favorites? Who do you think might go home first?

See you next Tuesday before the elimination show and then again on Wednesday when we’ll talk about who got voted off. Until then, keep dancing!

Book Review: In The Blink of an Eye by Julie Miller

In the Blink of an Eye by Julie Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Back Cover: Crime-scene Investigator Mac Taylor is known for his intellect, his dry humor, and his dogged persistence in finding out the truth. Blinded in an explosion at the lab that also killed his protégé, Mac has his legendary control tested by his new handicap and his newly-hired live-in nurse—Julia Dalton. Jules is the freckled-face, braces-wearing tomboy-next-door all grown-up—stubborn and sassy, and to Mac’s frustrated perception—surprisingly sexy.

I can’t find my copy of this book in the series so I’m going to have to go on memory. I picked it and book 4 of the series “Rookie” up at a yard sale a friend dragged me to and I’m not exactly sure when I read this the first time but it was sometime between 2004 and 2007. I know this because it was after CSI: New York premiered in 2004 and the first book of Julie Miller’s I bought at a store was “Nine-Month Protector” from The Precinct: Vice Squad Series and that released in September 2007.

I bring up CSI: New York because if you watch that show, you know the lead character is also a crime-scene investigator/forensic scientist named Mac Taylor. Even though Ms. Miller’s book was released in 2002, her description of her Mac Taylor as “known for his intellect, his dry humor, and his dogged persistence in finding out the truth” fits the Mac Taylor played by actor Gary Sinise perfectly. In fact, I remember spending most of my time while reading this book picturing Gary Sinise in this role as well. My admiration for the actor may have biased my judgment of this book but overall I feel it was an extremely well executed suspense plot and romance.

One night while working late, Mac uncovers some illegal activities taking place at this crime lab, but before he can pursue it, an explosion plunges him into a world of darkness and kills one of his staff. Circumstantial evidence casts suspicion on him being at fault and covering up something more serious. But in his current condition, there’s nothing he can do to solve the actual crime and clear his name.

Julia Dalton is an old family friend recruited by Mac’s mother to help him adjust to his disability. This is where I had some problems with the specifics of his blindness. I worked for 7 years at a disability services/independent living center with people who had all types of disabilities but most specifically a gentleman who was blinded in a car accident 30+ years earlier. While he could get around and adapt almost as easily as a sighted person, it took him many years after his accident to adjust. In this story we’re supposed to believe Mac lived on his own just six weeks or so after the explosion and went from a virtual hermit to a determined, adjusted individual shortly after Julia’s arrival. That takes a little suspension of belief. So if you are expecting a totally accurate portrayal of a person with a disability, you won’t get it here. Even so, the storyline is close enough that it presents a fairly adequate image of some of the difficulties a newly blind individual would go through.

From what I remember the actual case took somewhat of a backseat to the developing romance between Julia and Mac. She had some body image issues or something, I don’t remember exactly what it was but the lack of sight played a part in improving her self-image helping her see herself as a desirable woman. I went through something similar with my now husband when we were dating. (Still do sometimes, wondering how a great guy like him would be attracted to me but, like Mac, my husband saw something inside that he found attractive and the rest built from there.
Without giving away too much about the ending, I have to say the imagery used in the climatic fight scene was awesome. Yes, Ms. Miller actually had the blind guy fight the bad guy and the physical struggle, the mental confusion of trying to adjust to what he couldn’t see, etc. was just superb.

Overall, well worth the read, which I plan on doing again...as soon as I find out where I put the book.


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Book Review: Sudden Engagement by Julie Miller

Sudden Engagement by Julie Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Back Cover: With blazing blue eyes and beckoning broad shoulders, Brett Taylor was irresistible to most women. But Detective Ginny Rafferty wasn't about to succumb to his potent charm. The lady cop had learned early about love and betrayal, and buried her feelings beneath her badge. So the last thing she wanted was to pose as the brawny neighborhood hero's adoring fiancée, especially since she went weak in the knees every time he came too close. However, they had each lost a loved one to the killer they hunted, and Ginny needed Brett's connections to catch the perpetrator. Except she knew better than anyone that this sudden engagement could endanger her heart--and her life. But some things were worth the risk.

First, I need to comment on Ms. Miller’s allusion to Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado”, a short story about a man who’s insulted by a friend and seeks revenge by getting said friend drunk and sealing him alive in a brick tomb. When I read this back in high school, the idea of being buried alive totally freaked me out and the tickling of the bells belonging to the dead man brought on many nightmares. That’s why I almost didn’t make it through this story but I’m really glad I did. The suspense builds throughout the story and even though the suspects are named early, the mystery remains until the end.

Ginny Rafferty and Brett Taylor were introduced in the last book, “One Good Man”. Ginny is a police detective and unlike many romantic suspense stories where the female cop is a kick-butt, take-names type female, Ginny actually struggles in her position. Her short stature makes it difficult for her to be taken serious and she’s developed a chip on her shoulder as a result. That chip makes it hard for Brett to get close.

Brett is the typical Alpha male of romance fiction, wanting to save the damsel in distress but I get the impression throughout the story it’s more from his upbringing than the need to be superior. His old fashion ideas are frustrating at times but still somewhat amusing, like trying to shield Ginny from seeing the dead body at the beginning. She’s a cop. A detective. I can’t remember how long she’s been on the force but I assume in a city the size of Kansas City she’s seen a dead body or two.

Unlike his cousin (and most of his siblings) Brett isn’t in law enforcement. Instead, his construction company works on restoring old buildings in the neighborhood he grow up in. he’s already rehabbed several building on the block where the Ludlow Arms is located. When he was younger, his best friend lived (and died) in this building but while he wants to renovate it, the state of deterioration is too much and he’s forced to demolish the building. But not before a dead body is found in the basement.

Since his best friend’s abusive father disappeared around the time Brett found his best friend beaten to death in the building’s basement, it’s quickly assumed (and later confirmed) it’s the missing man. For a while, I guess, Brett could have been considered a suspect since he felt responsible for his best friend’s death. He was supposed to meet his best friend the night he died to try to talk him out of eloping, but he had too much to drink, lost track of time, and didn’t make it.

Though he suspected his best friend’s father, Brett never found what happened the night his best friend died. Now that the father was found buried alive in the basement wall of the building and appeared to have died around the same time as his best friend, Brett has more questions.

That’s where Ginny comes in. Spurred on by her sister’s unexplained murder years ago, she’s driven to find out who left this man in the wall to die. What she doesn’t expect is to discover a connection between this murder and her sister’s. Since the neighborhood is distrustful of outsiders, Ginny must rely on Brett to connect the dots. A quickie (fake) engagement between the two of them gives her the inside track she needs.

While I generally find fake engagements in romance to be a tired plot device, I found Ms. Miller used this extremely well in the story. If you excuse everyone’s almost immediate acceptance of these two characters sudden engagement, the interaction between the two of them as an ‘engaged couple’ to be highly enjoyable.

The climatic conclusion of the story was breathtaking and satisfying. I really enjoyed that Ms. Miller allowed Ginny to actually show her strength by outsmarting and physically subduing the murderer in the end without any help. I do wish she wouldn’t have allowed Ginny to turn into a quivering and clinging shield once Brett showed up but it was brief so I’ll forgive it.

Overall, a fabulous story and well worth the read.


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Book Review: "One Good Man" by Julie Miller

One Good Man by Julie Miller

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Back Cover: "Mitch Taylor had faith in his gun, his badge, and his years of experience. But he knew society girl Casey Maynard was trouble, and protecting her would be hell. Twenty years on the force had toned Mitch s body and honed his senses keeping Casey safe from her stalker wasn't the issue. Keeping himself from falling for her was.

She d been alone, scared for so long. But in Mitch s arms Casey felt things she thought she d lost forever: safety, trust...passion. She needed him there as a cop, to serve and protect. But she wanted him there as a man, to give her something worth living for..."

While I’ve read many of the Taylor clan series, and the subsequent spin-off series The Precinct, this was my first opportunity to read the premiere story of the series “One Good Man”. I’m hoping to actually read and review this entire series (Taylor clan and Precinct) from start to finish before the next in the series “The Marine Next Door” releases in May. Since I’m still missing a few of the books, getting them all in might be wishing thinking but here goes.

Abducted and physically scarred by a sick madman, Casey Maynard isolated herself from the world at her family’s estate. But when her assailant escapes from prison set on revenge, her solitary existence as well as her life is put in jeopardy. Enter Captain Mitch Taylor.

Normally a police captain would delegate protection detail to a lower man on the totem pole but when the police commissioner requests his presence and a much coveted (but apparently unlikely) promotion stands in the balance, Mitch makes the exception…even though his past prejudices to the ‘privileged elite’ lead him to be quite annoying. Orphaned at a young age, he went to live with his cousins (who end up featured in later books in the series) and while his uncle and aunt treat him like one of their own, life isn’t easy with six other kids in the household.

Still he grows up to become a respected working class cop and married a woman from a wealthy family who cheated on him when he couldn’t give her the life she wanted. Reason enough to be bitter towards all rich women, right? *rolls eyes*

If that was the only reason to resent Casey, I probably would have be extremely turned off by the conflict but Ms. Miller actually took it one step further and made Casey act the spoiled debutant putting the lowly cop in his place. This leads to Mitch condescendingly (at first) calling her “Princess” which of course, Casey didn’t like because she wasn’t the privileged brat she wanted him to believe. Fascinating interplay between the two characters throughout the story as they work overcoming past hurts, current misconceptions, etc. to find a common ground.

The whole plot with the killer, his sister, and the prostitute did get a bit convoluted as it progressed but I guess that’s to be expected with category length titles. Perhaps if it was a single title that could have been expanded more but all in all a great story. I’m glad I took the time to go back and read this. Definitely not time wasted.

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Book Review - The Forbidden Bride by Debra Cowan

The Forbidden Bride (The Hot Zone, #6) by Debra Cowan

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Back Cover: "Jilted. Betrayed. Hurt. Detective Robin Daly would never forget what being left at the altar felt like. Nor would she forget the part Nate Houston had played in it all. One word from him had caused everything to crumble: her wedding, her trust in men...and the respect she'd once had for him.

A string of arson-murders brings fire marshal Nate Houston back to Presley, Oklahoma--and back into Robin's life. To end the crime spree, he and Robin must work together. But to handle the desire between them, they must settle the past...."

Detective Robin Daly never learned why she’d been jilted but she did find someone to blame. Arson Investigator Nate Houston, one of the groomsmen, had done something to talk her fiancé out of going through with the wedding. Five years later when they are forced to work together to find a serial arsonist/murderer, she’s determined not to let him upset her life again, but she finds that hard when she starts falling for the man.

The heroine seemed a bit wishy-washy for me at times. Too stubborn at one point while not stubborn enough the next. Giving up on find out the truth from her ex after only one year but still hating Nate after five. Then once the truth was revealed she went from hating Nate to seeing him as some kind of savior. I didn’t like that. Made her seem really needy. Fortunately by the end she somewhat redeemed herself.

As far as the mystery/suspense aspect, the plot seemed to fall flat around the middle but the build-up (i.e., the different arson/murders and connecting the dots to find the connection) was decent. The climactic scene was pretty suspenseful but disappointed when the heroine had to almost be rescued again instead of overcoming some of her shortcomings to play at least an equal part in the resolution.

Good read. Wish I had read the other books in this series but they are not necessary to enjoy this one.




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