A Stroke of Midnight: A Meredith Gentry Novel

Book Description

I am Meredith Gentry, P.I., solving cases in Los Angeles, far from the peril and deception of my real home–because I am also Princess Meredith, heir to the darkest throne faerie has to offer. The Unseelie Court infuses me with its power. But at what price does such magic come? How much of my human side will I have to give up, and how much of the sinister side of faerie will I have to embrace? To sit on a throne that has ruled through bloodshed and violence for centuries, I might have to become that which I dread the most.

Enemies watch my every move. My cousin Cel strives to have me killed even now from his prison cell. But not all the assassination attempts are his. Some Unseelie nobles have waited centuries for my aunt Andais, Queen of Air and Darkness, to become weak enough that she might be toppled from her throne. Enemies unforeseen move against us–enemies who would murder the least among us.

The threat will drive us to allow human police into faerie for the first time in our history. I need my allies now more than ever, especially since fate will lead me into the arm of Mistral, Master of Storms, the queen’s new captain of her guard. Our passion will reawaken powers long forgotten among the warriors of the sidhe. Pain and pleasure await me–and danger, as well, for some at that court seek only death.

I will find new joys with the butterfly-winged demi-fey. My guards and I will show all of faerie that violence and sex are as popular among the sidhe as they are among the lesser fey of our court. The Darkness will weep, and Frost will comfort him. The gentlest of my guards will find new strength and break my heart. Passions undreamed of await us–and my enemies gather, for the future of both courts of faerie begins to unravel.

From the Hardcover edition.

Download Description

Enemies watch my every move. My cousin Cel strives to have me killed even now from his prison cell. But not all the assassination attempts are his. Some Unseelie nobles have waited centuries for my aunt Andais, Queen of Air and Darkness, to become weak enough that she might be toppled from her throne. Enemies unforeseen move against us–enemies who would murder the least among us.

The threat will drive us to allow human police into faerie for the first time in our history. I need my allies now more than ever, especially since fate will lead me into the arm of Mistral, Master of Storms, the queen’s new captain of her guard. Our passion will reawaken powers long forgotten among the warriors of the sidhe. Pain and pleasure await me–and danger, as well, for some at that court seek only death.

I will find new joys with the butterfly–winged demi–fey. My guards and I will show all of faerie that violence and sex are as popular among the sidhe as they are among the lesser fey of our court. The Darkness will weep, and Frost will comfort him. The gentlest of my guards will find new strength and break my heart. Passions undreamed of await us–and my enemies gather, for the future of both courts of faerie begins to unravel.

Customer Reviews:

Merry Gentry tries some new tricks.......2007-09-07

A Stroke of Midnight is the fourth in Laurell K Hamilton's Merry Gentry series. They are best read in order, so I recommend you go back and start with A Kiss of Shadows (Meredith Gentry Novels). The series is a fun ride, so you might as well start from the beginning.

Merry Gentry is a princess of Faerie, where the Faerie are an ancient magical race that had powers which caused humans to think of them as gods. The Faerie are faded from their ancient glory and live among us, with unearthly beauty and superhuman powers bound by their treaty with our government. This fourth installment takes place over the course of a few days before the Yule holiday, when Merry returns from Los Angeles to her Faerie home.

Although Merry herself is mortal (dubious heritage on her mother's side), mysteriously she is belatedly awakening into a power that has not been seen for centuries in Faerie. Her power is manifested through sex - she is able to catalyze power in others and in her surroundings during lovemaking. This makes for erotic reading as Merry's primary mission, set by her Queen, is to have as much sex as possible with as many eligible Faeries in order to get pregnant. Pregnancy will secure Merry's place in the succession.

What makes this not pornography is that there actually is a plot and character development. The reader ends up caring about Merry and the future of the Faerie people. Even the internal Faerie politics, normally a snoozer for me, was well done and kept my interest. However, this is not a book for people who only want to read about sex inside committed relationships.

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

Meredith's Sidhe bodyguards, of all types and flavors are keen to have
sex with her as much as possible, as if any of them win the faerie bun
in the oven lottery, prestige awaits.

Also, it appears that doing so, brings back long unused and dormant
powers from the time when the Sidhe were top dog, not the humans.

Apart from this, they have to solve the murder, in public, at a press conference, of two people, and the Sidhe are involved.

Overly fragmentary, and slow plot advancement, but still enjoyable.......2007-08-20

Princess Meredith, the private detective and not-so-private Princess of Faerie, is back in this 4th installment in the Merry Gentry series.

The race for the throne is underway, and Merry gets busy fulfilling her royal duties of trying to get pregent by one or more of her royal guards (all of the previously celtic dieties in centures and millenia past, when the primal forces of magic were much stronger in the world) ... and in the process, the Goddess (and the presence of magic along with her) begins to show more signs of returning, and restoring vitality to the faerie realm ... a vitality that has withered over the millennia under the cruel sadism of the Queen of Air and Darkness.

Prince Cel is still in prison, but his followers (and other elements opposed to having a half-breed like Meredith take the throne) have not been idle ... there has been foul murder done within the halls of the sidhe, and further murders are attempted - and neither Princess Merry nor her Elite Guards (even as they begin to reclaim some of their old strength from ages long past) are safe.

The author tells her tale with her usual mix of steamy magically-enhanced sex, mythological fantasy, court intrigue, and forensics. It's a highly enjoyable romp.

My only memorable nit is the authoress' tendency to write, at times, in extremely short and fragmentary chapters ... such as breaking up a single continuous scene into 5 chapters, of only 3-5 pages each. There's no apparent rhyme or reason to her chapter divisions, and her plot advancement is slow.

Reading this as I am hot on the heels of George R. R. Martin's excessively long-winded and overly complex "A Song of Ice and Fire", encountering back-to-back chapters of only 3-5 pages each, and all of them a seemingly unbroken continutation of the parahraphs immediately before ... it caused an involuntary nervous twitch, and I had to repress the urge to laugh hysterically.

Not great, but not nearly as bad as the last two.......2007-08-16

The Meredith Gentry series makes me wish I were not such a nice person. I don't want to keep reading these books. Truthfully, they keep disappointing me. But I am a person who finishes what she starts, and four books into a series I won't give up. I just won't.

That being said, A Stroke of Midnight is by far the second best Meredith Gentry novel after the first. The last two books were more a "Faerie Court Politics for Dummies" course rather than actual novels. I get so sick of reading about how the fey will never lie. Really? I've only had it beat into my head 1,000 times, I almost forgot. Also, you should always compliment a sidhe who is trying to look nice. And when they look for comfort they touch one another. I get it! Can we get on with the story now please?

A Stroke of Midnight almost went on with the story. I'll say... about 50 pages out of the entire 366, which is a lot considering the drivel contained in the last two stories. At least this book gave me a little info about why faerie started fading, what the sithen means to the future queen, and FINALLY a taste of what Queen Andais is all about. I'm still not satisfied. I still think I'm being strung along so that I will continue to shell out $8-$20 (depending on whether I spring for the hardback) for a series that has no clue where it's going and just expects me to go along for the ride. I have to be honest, though. This ride is a little boring and I might try to get off at the next station.

Debbie Does Fairyland.......2007-07-19

Laurell Hamilton used to write fiction with the occasional steamy scene - now all she writes is porn with just enough storyline for a back-cover synopsis. I wouldn't even call it "soft" porn.

This particular book was especially disappointing because the resident PI character (Meredith Genry) does absolutely no detective work on what by now has become the story's token murder. She decides to call in human police because the fey, over the centuries that they've had to live, are apparently unable to hide their mischief from forensic science. At this point, because with all there is for Merry to do, there just isn't enough time for her to have all the sex she wants, time within the sithen speeds up so that she can. That's all which takes place until the last chapter, when we learn that the Queen has solved the crime in her unique psychopathic idiom...she picked a suspect and tortured a confession out of him, making the entire investigation moot.

I've been reading Hamilton's work since the beginning of the Anita Blake series, when I lived in St. Louis myself. The local flavor and the unique blend of genres was extremely attractive. The memory of the experience held me to the series, and the author, long past the point of enjoyment.

And at this point in her career, I doubt that Hamilton could stop writing porn. She has already alienated the audience which enjoyed her books for the stories - if she were to try to go back to that style, then she'd stop selling books altogether. So I propose that she pull out all the stops with an Anita Blake/Meredith Gentry crossover, consisting entirely of swapping sex partners surrounding a lesbian love-fest centerpiece. The fanbois will love it.

Average customer rating:

Good Enough for Re-read
A Midnight Treat
Cheesy Supernatural Romances
50-50
Full Moon Love

Stroke of Midnight
Sherrilyn Kenyon , Amanda Ashley , L. A. Banks , and Lori Handeland
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Accessories:

Avon ANEW CLINICAL 2-Step Facial Peel

ASIN: 0312998767
Release Date: 2004-11-02

Book Description

Winter Born by Sherrilyn Kenyon Two enemy Were-Panthers discover that fate has destined they become lovers. Pandora must learn to trust Dante's foreign nature. But as she slowly succumbs to the truest passion she has ever known, dark forces have already set out to reclaim her.... Born of the Night by Amanda Ashley When Lady Shanara Montiori is taken hostage, she learns that the rumors about her captor are true. Lord Reyes is afflicted with the dark curse of the werewolf. Still, Shanara can't fight the attraction they both feel. Will their love break the curse-or feed its powerful hold? Make It Last Forever by L. A. Banks An innocent mistake forces the beautiful Tara onto a mission to save herself from the dark fate that awaits her. Salvation comes in the form of a seductive biker with a heart of gold. But will surrendering to their ripe attraction unleash a danger even she cannot control? Red Moon Rising by Lori Handeland Novelist Maya Alexander's peace is shattered when she is stalked by a Navaho skinwalker who has taken on the guise of a wolf. Her only hope is the mysterious Clay Philips. In his arms, she seeks protection-but as the red moon rises, no one is safe from the danger that lurks nearby....

Customer Reviews:

Good Enough for Re-read.......2007-01-09

I've had this anthology for a long time, and recently re-visited it...

Winter Born: Why do authors/publishers place on-going series in anthologies? To attract readers like me. New readers. This was the first of Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series I've read. I enjoyed it enough that it got me intersted in tackling the series.

Born of the Night: This has been my first work of Amanda Ashley's as well. It was my favorite of the four stories in this anthology.

Make It Last Forever: I have enjoyed L.A. Banks Vampire Huntress books, and this story was an intersting addition.

Red Moon Rising: Lori Handeland's story also got me intersted in her series. In Red Moon Rising the bad guy was a Navajo skinwalker. I haven't read a skinwalker story in a while, so it was an interesting change. I enjoy books with a Native American theme.

A Midnight Treat.......2006-08-01

Great for a little relaxation after a long day. Not the most sensual read out there, but definitely memorable. Sherrilyn Kenyon's couple in particular, epitomizes the intrigue of paranormal romance and the other authors also deliver sheer delights.

Cheesy Supernatural Romances.......2006-03-08

If you enjoy reading cheesy romance novels with lots of steamy sex, this is the book for you. However, if you enjoy reading good quality horror novels (e.g., Anne Rice), then absolutely do not buy this book. The stories in this book are not long enough to fully develop the characters, and the supernatural plotlines are not even remotely interesting.

50-50.......2006-01-25

I liked 50 percent of this book. I enjoyed of course my favorite author Sherrilyn Kenyon's Winter Born. I also enjoyed Lori Handeland's Red Moon Rising. Her "moon" series is not bad, if you're into werewolves and their hunters. I liked Make it Last Forever, by L.A. Banks okay, but the ending was very anti-climatic. Born of the night left me hanging, too.

Full Moon Love.......2005-10-09

St. Martin presents to you four it their best paranormal romance authors as they present to you many creatures that everyone may not know about but these authors plan on giving you a dose of their world.

Sherrilyn Kenyon writes an intriguing story of two werepanters who both want nothing but to stare clear of each other, but when Dante gets a whiff of a female were panther he can do nothing but respond to Pandora when the two met each other the animal in both of them respond to the attraction that is there. Pandora and Dante fought the attraction of each to only realize that fate has lead them to one another.

Amanda Ashley writes an enchanting story of two royal families who have come to hate each other at a level of hate that's far beyond the hate of love but when Lord Montiori's youngest daughter is captured by Lord Reyes a family feud but when everything comes down to it Montiori feels his only way to get around Lord Reyes is to go through his daughter. The curse that has been set upon Lord Reyes' family is one of pure hate for every male that is born the curse will fall upon them but when Lady Shanara falls in love with Lord Reyes the hands of density are turned. When Lord Montiori comes hunting for his daughter to only seek revenge but his level of revenge is one of hate but not of destiny would have its way.

LA Banks brings a back-story to her legendary Vampire Huntress Series. The first back-story we look into Tara & Rider's. While Rider grew up on the wild side of things he never really realized his destiny of being a Guardian and had it not been for Tara a fallen Guardian he would have never realized his true calling and would have missed his opportunity to care for the new Millennium Neturs'. The love that Tara & Rider share is far from beyond their destiny for their love allows them to be with each other one day a year and to maintain their love for that time. LA truly gives her fans something to work with as they await her series of the Vampire Huntress to produce another head hitter.

Lori Handeland writes the story of a Navajo medicine man with special powers that allow him to change skins with the power of words. Maya is a writer who gave up everything to be able to have freedom away from her family. Clayton is a hunter who's sent to keep Maya safe from the untimely danger. The two find their selves attract to each other, which only attracts more danger.

The Stroke of Midnight was an extremely interesting anthology full of interesting creatures and people truly giving you a new respect for the paranormal world.

Average customer rating:

Three Excellent Short Story Contemporary Romances
Very touching stories about soulmates finding each other.
A Winner For The Holidays!!!!
Three national bestselling authors write a great anthology.

Stroke of Midnight
Carly Phillips , Janelle Denison , and Jacquie D'Alessandro
Manufacturer: Onyx
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0451411641
Release Date: 2004-10-05

Book Description

New York Times bestselling author Carly Phillips reunites two long-ago lovers for a bittersweet holiday reunion. But what will it take for them to forget the past, and warm up to the scintillating promises of the future?

Customer Reviews:

Three Excellent Short Story Contemporary Romances.......2006-09-08

I've read alot of romance anthologies and this is one of the best contemporary ones. All three authors do a great job with writing and character development considering the short story format. Very touching and heart-warming especially with the holiday theme.

Phillip's is about reuniting long lost lovers. Dennison's features best friends turning to love and D'Alessandro goes with the good ole' opposites attract.

Each story is rated R for the love scenes, which are well written btw and not at all lewd or smutty.

A really good pick if you don't have time to read a full length novel or want to sample any of the authors writing styles.

I recommend A Gift Of Love by McNaught et al. as an excellent anthology with contemporary and historical settings.

Very touching stories about soulmates finding each other........2005-03-12

Midnight Angel by Carly Phillips:
I really liked this story because it was very believable. Two high school sweethearts went their separate ways after graduation because the guy wasn't ready to settle down. After they've both matured as adults and established themselves in their careers, they reunite 10 years later when he realizes that all the fame and fortune in the world isn't worth anything compared to the true love he left behind. Dylan certainly knows how to woo a woman, with lots of romance and sentimentality, which I found VERY appealing. Holly is distrusting at first, because Dylan broke her heart when he left her 10 years earlier, and she finds it hard to believe that he really means to settle down to a quiet life with her and give up his more glamourous life and women. But she is smart enough to understand why he left then, and why he returned now. And she knows she must follow her heart and choose the man with whom she shares this deep passion and electrical connection, rather than settle for a safer relationship with someone she isn't "wildly in love' with. (I did find it hard to imagine that John gave up Holly so easily and stepped aside when Dylan came back into her life). The sexuality is very steamy and somewhat graphic, especially the scene involving Marshmallow Fluff. The dialogue is very realistic and compassionate, and not full of unnecessary conflict and hurtful bickering like most other romance novels.

Meet Me At Midnight by Janelle Dennison:
I was very moved and deeply touched by this realistic story. Shane was the-boy-next-door and had a platonic brotherly-sisterly relationship with Alyssa since childhood. They both suppressed their attraction and romantic/sexual interest for the other because they didn't realize it was reciprocal, and therefore feared it would jeopardize their best-friendship. When committment-phobic Alyssa announces her resolution to settle down and marry because she doesn't want to end up lonely, Shane can't imagine her with any man other than himself. Out of this jealousy, he devises a brilliant and very romantic plan to quickly help Alyssa realize that he's the only one for her. The dialogue between these two flows very naturally. The feelings expressed are genuine, sweet and caring. And I found it most refreshing that although Alyssa expressed feeling self-conscious about her not-so-skinny body, Shane was greatly attracted to her womanly curves and sexy voluptuousness.

Mine At Midnight by Jacquie D'Alessandro:
This was a good story, but sort of a let-down after reading the first two which centered around couples with a long history together eventually finding soul-mates in each other. The couple in this last story had a casual business relationship for two years, without ever having shared anything personal during that time. Merrie was annoyingly perky, and Tom was such a stick-in-the-mud that it was hard to imagine that these two had what it takes to form a lasting relationship. They didn't seem at all compatable, making the story less believable and realistic. The situation that threw them together seemed hokey and contrived, as did much of the dialogue. I warmed up to Tom after he became Santa because of the meaningful way he interacted with the children. As Merrie and Tom began working more closely together as elf and Santa, they revealed a common childhood experience, and although they each handled it in very different ways (which accounts for their opposite personality types), this was the common bond upon which their relationship blossomed, however it always seemed to be more about the sex than about any deep or true soul-mate kind of love. Just an OK story for me, whereas the first two bowled me over.

A Winner For The Holidays!!!!.......2004-12-20

This was a fun holiday anthology by some of today's great authors.

Carly Philips story bring back together two lovers that went different directions with their lives but still secretly they still care for each other. Dylan has made it big. He is a famous Hollywood star but there is one thing missing from his life and that's Holly. Can he correct the mistake he made years ago and prove to Holly that they are meant to be together?

In Janelle Denison's story Alyssa is looking for love and has made a new years resolution that will bring her out of her safe corner. Problem is every guy she meets she compares to her best friend Shane. That is until she meets her secret admirer. Now all bets are off and her New Year's resolution may be a new beginning for her.

Jacquie D'Alessandro's story brings two people together from a business relationship that are as opposite as can be and shows that there is a reason why opposites attract. Can a happy "Elf" and a straightlaced "Santa" have a happy and jolly Christmas as well as find love?

These were all strong stories with although not "new" storylines were still fun and engaged this reader. For a fun holiday read with brand new stories from some of today's hottest authors you can't miss with this read.

Official Reviewer for www.romancedesigns.com

Three national bestselling authors write a great anthology........2004-10-30

MIDNIGHT ANGEL by Carly Phillips

Dylan North is a famous actor about to be reunited with long-lost lover, Dr. Holly Evans. They haven't spoken in almost ten years. Dylan dreamt of Holly a month ago-a Christmas dream. Dylan knows it'll be a challenge, but he's desperate to win Holly back. Perhaps ten years have passed, and more than a few women, but his feelings for Holly are as strong as ever. Dylan can sense his Midnight Angel-a special endearment he has for her-still has feelings for him.

Though the powerful sexual connection is still intense, the question is whether or not she can trust him emotionally in this sensitive and pleasantly intense tale by Ms. Phillips.

MEET ME AT MIDNIGHT by Janelle Denison

Shane Witmer and Alyssa Harte are best friends, and Shane is tired of hiding his feelings and desires for her. He comes up with a plan that is sure to win the woman of his dreams. Little does Shane know that his New Year's resolution and Alyssa's are right on par with one another. Prepare to be titillated and pleased with Ms. Denison's charming novella.

MINE AT MIDNIGHT by Jacquie A'lessandro

Merrie Langston and her accountant, Tom Farrell, are about to turn their business relationship into a very personal one. After two years, and both feeling that they are not each other's types, Tom wants Merrie to know how he feels about her. Holidays are painful for Tom, and playing Santa for his client, Merrie Langston, at the last minute, raises some strong feelings and helps to exorcise his painful past. Ms. A'lessandro pens a truly heartwarming story.

Three national best-selling authors come together to write midnight stories of true love. All of them have a strong sense of warmth and a fair share of heat. Be sure to pick up your copy of A STROKE OF MIDNIGHT. This anthology is not one to be missed.

(For Sizzling Romances, October 2004)

A Stroke of Midnight[hardcover,merry Gentry] (meredith gentry, 3rd)

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A Stroke of Midnight[hardcover,merry Gentry] (meredith gentry, 3rd)
laurell k hamilton
Manufacturer: Ballentine
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Product Description

meredith gentry,princess of the fairy realm runs for her life in this wonderful erotic paranormal series from the fabulous l.k.hamilton!

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stroke of midnight

Manufacturer: st.martins press
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ASIN: 0739447556

Product Description

four stories of sensual paranormal romance by four of romances most intriguing writers in the genre today.in an unseen world that lurks in the shadows,they roam the night-feral,passionate and dangerous.and when their world touches ours,a primitive desire takes hold,leaving mere mortals powerless in its wake...four unforgettable tales of vampires,werewolves,shapeshifters.read as in a moment passion and forbidden desire collide...

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At the Stroke of Midnight
John K. Butler
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In the 1930s and '40s, he wrote about the otherworldly landscape of Southern California with a tough elegance themes bordered on poetry, driving his tarnished but noble knight through a neon-lit neverland. After a few years, a call from Hollywood sprung him from the pulpwood pages of the detective-fiction magazines and onto a movie lot, where he began crafting features that would light up the screens during Tinsletown's golden age. It wasn't Raymond Chandler. It was Chandler's compadre from the pages of Black Mask and Dime Detective magazines, John K. Butler, whose star shone as brightly as Chandler's in the pages of the pulps. Chandler went on to movies and best-selling novels; Butler stayed in the picture business, his work never reaching book form. Until now.

Witches Night: A Stroke of Midnight Anthology

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Enjoy a little Halloween spirit all year round!

Witches Night: A Stroke of Midnight Anthology
Linden Bay Romance Authors
Manufacturer: Linden Bay Romance
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ASIN: 1602020019
Release Date: 2007-04-23

Book Description

Witches Night is the first in our series of anthologies celebrating Halloween night, when the veils between worlds are thinnest and anything can happen. To kick it off properly, we've put together a collection of spicy, saucy, magical tales of witches and the people who love them. From the dabblers and charlatans to the full-fledged sorceresses of old, each of these stories is filled with curses and spells, wit and passion by authors familiar to our readers as well as some new, exciting faces. Under the Spell by Kallysten: In this sweet romance, Tina uses magic for one last night with the man she loves, with some surprising results. The Witch's Apprentic by Barri Bryan: A wonderful comedy fantasy that has the apprentice witch Marigold facing off against Master Wizard Diogenes Devayne in a humorous battle of seduction. One Magickal Night by Melanie Anderson: Sensual and intimate, this contemporary romance has Jane and Conner meeting for what both of them expect to be a one night stand. But magic has a way of changing things... The Way You Look Tonight by Vivien Dean: A charming sequel to Two Lives in Waltz Time, Maddy and Cash have one last night in the U.S. before moving to England, and Cash intends to make the most of it. No Other Magic by Ariel Graham: A stunning dark romance by a talented new writer. Carrie is just starting to touch her magic, but has she summoned Mr. Right or something far more sinister? Black Cat by Cat Johnson: Lar has existed as a cat for a thousand years, with all the discomforts and indignities that go along with it. But when he is adopted by Belinda and gets a look into her life, can his curse finally be coming to an end? Witch of the Wind by Lee Rowan: In this beautiful, evocative finale, Meri and Matt both protect and serve in their own way. Matt serves in the Colorado Air Rescue, risking his life to save others. And Meri uses her magic to protect Matt.

Customer Reviews:

Enjoy a little Halloween spirit all year round!.......2007-01-16

UNDER THE SPELL by Kallysten
When Tina was a child, her grandmother often brought her to the `magical' bookstore. Tina loved watching her grandmother and friend recite spells and incantations and the magic that would thrill her. Almost twenty years later, Tina revisits the "Other Worlds" in the hopes of finding a spell that will bring her boyfriend back to her for just one night.

Kallysten pens a charming tale that will have readers anxiously reading to find out what happens next. Does the spell work? Will Tina really be able to obtain her heart's desire through magic?

THE WITCH'S APPRENTICE by Barri Bryan
With no money left to dower his sharp tongue shrew of a daughter, John follows his wife's suggestion and obtains an apprenticeship for Marigold with the witch Endora. For a year and a half she patiently practices each lesson she is taught. Anxious to fly she `borrows' her mentor's broom without being certified only to be broadsided by mage, Diogenes DeVayne. She couldn't have possibly been in the wrong flight lane, could she?

This story is so much fun! I love Marigold's spirited and mouthy personality. I had to laugh at her ballsy comments throughout the story. Poor Diogenes has no idea what to do with her, but plenty of ideas on what to do to her.

ONE MAGICKAL NIGHT by Melanie Anderson
Connor's promotion to director at the investment firm is a huge achievement and he knows just the woman he wants to help him celebrate. Jane works as a waitress at a bar, Connor's been interested in her since he first saw her. He learned from one of the other waitresses that Jane is a witch, which only makes her even more intriguing as far as he's concerned.

Melanie Anderson will charm readers with this little tale. Jane's a hardworking gal who deserves a good man. The fact that she's a witch only adds to her appeal and makes me even more curious about the Wiccan beliefs.

THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT by Vivien Dean
Maddie is about to leave her old life in the United States behind and start a new one with her boyfriend, Cash, in England. She doesn't regret her decision but there's so much she'll be leaving behind when it comes time to board the airplane. Cash plans to make their last night in New York very memorable courtesy of magic glamour he'll use to recreate their room into the likeness of an old oil painting.

I love the thought of being able to use a little magic to alter the world around me, especially when it's done in the loving fashion that is represented here.

NO OTHER MAGIC by Ariel Graham
With a masked charity ball in full force. Carrie escapes the suffocating confines of the ballroom to find peace and quiet on the hotel balcony. She watches as a storm prepares to unleash around her. It's one week until Halloween and as much as she loves the magical season she longs for something real to go with it. In a childish moment, she makes her wishes known to the coming storm - then from the far side of the balcony comes a man's voice . . .

Ariel Graham will pull you into this story with an element of suspense. You'll want to know where the man comes from and why isn't Carrie frightened by his sudden appearance? This is a fascinating journey of self discovery and finding love in the most unexpected places.

BLACK CAT by Cat Johnson
A thousand years ago, just before Samhain, an evil witch cursed Lar to live as a cat. He's seen and endured a lot over the last century, but being neutered has got to be the worst thing imaginable. Belinda adopts him from the shelter, sans his manhood. He'd be thrilled to remain Belinda's `pet' if it wasn't for her loser boyfriend. As Belinda's friends are fond of telling her - karma has a way of getting around and Lar is very grateful for that little fact.

This delightful gem of a story will have readers laughing out loud at the antics of Lars as a cat as well as the devious minds of Belinda's friends. I admit that I loved being privy to Lar's thoughts as a cat . . . especially his opinions on talk shows and neutering.

WITCH OF THE WIND by Lee Rowan
Instead of celebrating Halloween night together, Matt is called out to rescue a young man off the side of a mountain. Meri understands Matt's devotion to helping others. While she waits, she does more than just sit at home waiting and worrying, she visits her little study upstairs where she does everything in her power to ensure he returns safely to her.

Lee Rowan does an amazing job putting together all the elements that make a story you won't be able to put down. Matt and Meri's devotion to each other and their jobs shines through the pages and will give readers a warm feeling even as they worry for Matt's safety.

WITCHES NIGHT includes seven fanciful stories centered around a witch theme. Each story is very different, but they're all delightfully imaginative and will thrill readers looking for a fun holiday read without much of a scare element. All of the authors portray witches in a positive light instead of warts, cauldrons, and nasty concoctions. This is a wonderful anthology that can easily be read and appreciated all year round.

Average customer rating:

I CRIED FOR THEM!!
Very short short stories
Mostly boring
Highly recommended
Three good stories

Stroke Of Midnight (Harlequin Blaze)
Jamie Denton , Carrie Alexander , and Nancy Warren
Manufacturer: Harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Anthologies | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books

Anthologies | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
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Under Fire

ASIN: 0373791186

Customer Reviews:

I CRIED FOR THEM!!.......2005-04-03

THIS BOOK WAS BEAUTIFUL. I ADMIRED ALL OF THE WOMEN AND THE MEN IN THEIR LIFE BECAUSE THEY HAD THE COURAGE TO GET WHAT THEY WANT AND NEED IN THEIR LIFE. MANY WOMEN AND MEN AREN'T THAT BRAVE AND I FOR ONE WISH I WAS HALF AS BRAVE!!

;) WILD THING ;)

Very short short stories.......2005-01-05

Too short to be a truly satisfying read but for a quickie, it will do.

Mostly boring.......2004-02-27

I really enjoy watching Sex in the City but somehow this wannabe was just annoying. However I did enjoy "Enticing" by Carrie Alexander. Somehow it did not come off as shallow as the other two.

Highly recommended.......2004-01-28

Three of Harlequin's most stunning authors combine their talents for STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, an anthology readers will not want to miss. New Year's Eve brings three single women together for a Venetian masquerade ball at the home of famous shoe designer Rafe Monticello. They agree that if they are all three still single the following New Year's Eve, they will show up at the party together next year. I confess to a fondness for anthologies that hold together as well as this one. While each story is unique, the overall effect is a wildly romantic New Years that heats cold winter nights with delightful passion. Indeed, Denton, Alexander and Warren dazzle readers with their harmonious offering that both tantalizes and pleases at any time of year.

"Impulsive" by Jamie Denton: Fashion reporter Natalie Trent meets sexy Joe Sebastian, who simply disappears into the night after a scintillating encounter. At least she gets to take home a pair of Monticello shoes and set up interviews with the people she meets. Significantly, Natalie wears an unbuttoned man's tuxedo shirt and shakes a stud from her hair when she meets her new friends, providing proof of a heated encounter with a man who disappears at midnight and suddenly reappears at the next New Year's party.

"Enticing" by Carrie Alexander: Isabel Parisi claims to come to the party for the French champagne and the Italian men. As a fabric designer, she has been working with the Monticellos on the spring line. During the course of the year, online correspondence leads to a wonderful friendship with Tom Grace. Despite her proclamations that she does not want to actually meet him, Tom crashed the party hoping to meet Isabel without destroying their friendship.

"Tantalizing" by Nancy Warren: Adrianne Sorenson attends the party because she is Rafe Monticello's accountant. Despite an endless string of women, Rafe Monticello wants the one woman who seems immune to his charms. Indeed, her clueless rejection only made him pursue harder. This year Rafe intends to overcome her reticent caution with spontaneous passion. Good thing that Adrianne is ready to overthrow her practical reputation in favor of something wild and unpredictable.

Three good stories.......2004-01-06

These three stories revolve around three women and an annual new years party thrown by a Choo-esque shoe designer. The short stories were VERY short, there was little time to develop the characters into people with whom the reader could relate. It was as hot as one would expect from a Harlequin Blaze title, but overall it struck me as a little too "Sex In The City" wannabe.

Average customer rating:

Stroke of Midnight

Manufacturer: Onyx Book
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0739446223

3 JAMIE DENTON book set: ABSOLUTE PLEASURE / HARD TO HANDLE / and STROKE OF MIDNIGHT

Average customer rating:

3 JAMIE DENTON book set: ABSOLUTE PLEASURE / HARD TO HANDLE / and STROKE OF MIDNIGHT
Jamie Ann with in STROKE OF MIDNIGHT Alexander, Carrie, and Warren, Nancy Denton
Manufacturer: Harlequin Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000RJ4FZ0

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