Monthly Archives: June 2007
A Diva Review – MAIN ATTRACTION
MAIN ATTRACTION
By :: Anna J. Evans
Ellora’s Cave, 2007
Reviewed by :: Elise Logan
Erotica BDSM/Fantasy, e-book
Edna is in a jam. She was forced to become a dominatrix (despite her submissive nature) in order to support herself. Her step-daughter uses her new position (as Queen) to ruin her reputation and demand restitution for imagined slights. As if that wasn’t bad enough, now she has a psychotic stalker after her. The Queen–ostensibly with only Edna’s best interests at heart, sends the Captain of the Guard to protect Edna.This is a refreshing and different story. Its a little bit mystery, a little bit family drama, a little bit farce, a little bit hot and heavy. The characterization is excellent, with Edna really popping to life. The interactions between characters and the dialogue are snappy and cute, and the plot moves along at a rapid pace. There are BDSM elements, but they aren’t overwhelming, and the story itself is a wonderful little romp through a twisted fairy tale.
I very much enjoyed this piece, and I hope to see more of this irreverent, delightfully readable author.
4 ½ Kisses
Created for Romance Divas :: www.romancedivas.com :: © 2007
A Diva Review – UNDEAD AND UNEASY
UNDEAD AND UNEASY
By :: Mary Janice Davidson
Berkley Sensation, June 2007
Reviewed by :: C.C. Ellis
Paranormal Romance
In this sixth book in the Undead series by Mary Janice Davidson, Vampire Queen Betsy is busy planning her wedding when her father and her stepmother die in a car accident. As she sits at the wake alone, she comes to the sudden realization that everyone she loves and cares for has deserted her. Her fiancé, the Vampire King is absent, her friend is in the hospital–even her informal guest of a werewolf is missing.
Just a coincidence, right? Or is it? Betsy must solve the puzzle without her usual help or become undead and unattached.
Wry wit and a brisk pace mark Ms. Davidson’s latest book in her successful Undead series. Betsy is drawn with such clever precision, and the story–a tantalizing mix of whodunit and paranormal fun–will have readers cheering.
4 ½ Kisses
Created for Romance Divas :: www.romancedivas.com :: © 2007
A Diva Review – PORTRAIT OF AN UNKNOWN WOMAN
PORTRAIT OF AN UNKNOWN WOMAN
By::Vanora Bennett
William Morrow, 2007
Reviewed by :: Rhonda Stapleton
Historical Fiction
Set during the turbulent reign of Henry VIII and his increasing involvement with Anne Bolelyn, Vanora Bennett’s novel focuses on the life of Meg Giggs, the foster daughter of Sir Thomas More. The story starts with the arrival of Hans Holbein, a painter commissioned to do a family portrait, who quickly entices 22-year-old Meg closer with his simpleness and honesty. However, Meg’s mysterious former tutor John Clement also shows up unexpectedly, reviving her childhood love for him.
Meg marries John, but life doesn’t prove to be simple—Thomas More’s increasing fanaticism against Protestantism drags down the reputation of the family name, and John’s secrets threaten to drive an irreparable wedge between Meg and John. When Hans Holbein reappears five years later to paint a subsequent, and very darkly toned family painting, Meg and the rest of the Mores will finally learn the answers to those painful questions. And all will be forced to make some difficult life decisions.
A beautiful, encompassing story, Portrait of an Unknown Woman is well worth the read. The backdrop of Henry VIII isn’t overwhelming, but provides enough context to make the story come alive in its time period. The primary and secondary characters are rich and vivid, and the story is amazingly fast to read. I wholeheartedly recommend this novel to anyone who loves Tudor-era fiction.
5 Kisses
Created for Romance Divas :: www.romancedivas.com :: © 2007
