**BLOOD RED SCREAM by Tragedy88 - [Alt] Buy Books On The Web, ISBN: 0741401630, 137 pgs., 7/99

This terrific contemporary uber story revolves around the life of a very troubled and very lonely computer hacker by the name of Taylor. Having suffered through a nightmarish past, the young woman is still reluctantly tied to the employer who rescued her from the streets - a very wealthy, deadly and heartless employer vent on using Taylor to advance her power. For the hacker life consists of time spent working amidst her computers in an out-of-the-way warehouse, and time spent trying to loose herself in alcohol and sex - until the day she receives an e-mail complementing her on one of her Web stories and suddenly she finds herself... with a friend. Tragedy does a nice job establishing rather original characterizations in a suspenseful, poignant storyline. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [Review based on a pre-publication electronic version of the novel]

Available from:      Barnes And Noble      Buy Books On The Web

**BREAKING AWAY by Tonya Muir - [Alt] Renaissance Alliance Publishing, ISBN: 0967419646, 500 pgs., Jan. 2000

This talented new author explodes on the scene with a gripping, fast-paced, poignant and passionate saga that you are very likely going to want to get through in one sitting so reserve a nice chunk of time for this one. The book actually consists of two stories - WITH FALTERING STEPS and MAKING STRIDES. With the the world of horse breeding as a background, WITH FALTERING STEPS begins with Mafia henchwoman Lacey Montgomery visiting a horsetrack to look into the reason why her boss's horses are not performing well as of late. She finds much more than she bargained for in the form of a spirited little rider named Rachel Wilson who suspects foul play herself and who immediately volunteers to help. As the investigation proceeds, Lacey finds herself not only learning a lot about horse breeding and racing, but growing increasingly close to the kind-hearted young woman whose troubled past rivals her own and who soon has her yearning for a different life - a life away from the violence of the Mafia, a life with a soulmate she'd never thought she'd find. Tonya paints a thoroughly fascinating picture here of two women, each fighting demons of their own, who find in one another the strength to fight those demons and reach out for their dreams. The characterizations are beautifully done - believable and engaging while the plot itself weaves a number of different story threads into a fascinating literary tapestry. Featuring equal parts passion and tenderness, the romance completes a story guaranteed to jump into many a reader's list of favorites. This first-class effort comes VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! Set about a year after the initial meeting between Mafia henchwoman Lacey Montgomery and horse trainer Rachel Wilson, MAKING STRIDES begins with the two settled down in domestic tranquility, making a life now with each other and Rachel's charming nine year-old Molly. In retirement from a life of crime she is more than happy to have left behind, Lacey nevertheless finds herself sometimes struggling with the challenges of her new family, unaccustomed to either the day to day responsibilities or the depth of emotion her heart now seems capable of. These are challenges, however, which are soon put aside when Lacey and Rachel find themselves dealing with a much greater concern - the knowledge that someone from Lacey's dark past wants the ex-henchwoman - and to get to her they are more than willing to go through friends...and family. With no weak points whatsoever, this sequel's strengths are so many I could go on for several pages. The characterizations are outstanding with two thoroughly endearing, likeable, well-established heroines. The supporting cast - from the sweet, poignantly innocent Molly, to Lacey's youthful, hero-worshiping apprentice, Rico, to the shadowy mob-leader Vinnie. among a number of other memorable characters - are all interesting figures with defining qualities that make them stand out in the reader's mind and that contribute to the plot at every step. The relationship between the two protagonists has been beautifully fleshed out from its beginnings in the first story to a deeply committed, emotionally complex partnership that is compassionate, supportive, fiercely passionate and tenderly romantic all at once. Weaving moments of quiet domesticity with intense confrontations, heart-stopping suspense, fast-paced action and gentle humor, MAKING STRIDES is a remarkable fictional tapestry by one of our most accomplished bards. Certain to become an instant classic, it gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!

Available from:      Amazon.com

**CHASING SHADOWS by C. Paradee - [Alt] Renaissance Alliance Publishing, ISBN: 0967419698, 400 pgs., Spring 2000

An impressive debut for a new bard on the scene, this novel actually consists of two stories. THE AGENT introduces FBI agent Toni Viglioni, who burned out from years of service in dangerous, covert operations and wanting to at last put down roots, requests a transfer to a less stressful job. Days later she is heading for Cleveland where the local law enforcement desperately needs help trying to capture the serial killer responsible for a number of gruesome murders. One of the locals working on the same case, junior coroner Megan Donnovan finds herself increasingly frustrated as politics muddle her efforts to advance the investigation. Amidst the mystery and danger of a city with a killer on the loose, these two women join efforts - forming a working partnership between them only to soon find themselves seeking a partnership of the heart as well. C does a nice job here of developing the relationship between her characters slowly, making it into a believable one that draws the reader in. As a mystery the story also works well, keeping you guessing 'til the end. This is a fine first effort that comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! DANCING WITH SHADOWS features the return of Agent Tony Viglioni and her partner doctor Megan Donnovan in a suspenseful sequel to THE AGENT. Set a couple of months after they first teamed to find a serial killer, this second tale finds the two settling into their new lives together, dealing with family and tying a few loose ends from Tony's past, only there are some that wont appreciate the Agent's sudden scrutiny of those loose ends and to keep her from possibly ruining their plans they are more than willing to ensure Tony's retirement is of a much more...permanent nature. C. Paradee very effectively continues to develop the relationship between her two heroines here, drawing us into their newfound happiness and the challenges that go with it even as she's revealing a potential danger that could destroy it all. A well-written, entertaining read that comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [Review based on a pre-publication electronic version of the novel]

Available from:      Open Book LTD

**CHOSEN (THE) by Verda - [Alt] Renaissance Alliance Publishing, ISBN: 1930928025, 2000

Set in a mythical, medieval world where a sadistic Sovereign rules the land, slaves serve the whim of their masters and women have little say in the course of their lives, Verda's story is an intriguing, action-packed, fast-paced tale about two very different women from opposite ends of this society who against all odds find in one another the inspiration to change their world and themselves. Daughter of the Sovereign, Lady Roslin is resigned to accepting an arranged marriage to a man she hardly knows when fate intervenes, wrenching her from the comfortable, protected, controlled existence she's known all her life to bring her face to face with the handsome rebel leader leading a slave revolt. An accomplished, fearless warrior, Brice can command thousands but behind the cold blue eyes and warrior garb hides a secret. Forced since birth to live a lie and scarred by a cruel rejection, Brice is committed now to bringing freedom to the land but the sudden appearance of a beautiful little blonde will complicate things - opening old wounds and making the rebel leader vulnerable when Brice can least afford it. In a world of extremes where you are either slave or master and inequalities define the differences between men and women, Brice and Roslin will struggle to find a middle ground, fighting to create a society in which both they and their people will be free to love and be happy and most of all...be themselves. Verda delivers a very entertaining story here with nerve-wracking twists and some very poignant challenges to the relationship. A great read that comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Available from:      Open Book LTD

**DARKNESS BEFORE THE DAWN by Belle Reilly - [Alt] Renaissance Alliance Publishing, ISBN: 0967419603, 196 pgs.

Set in the present day and featuring a very timely storyline, this new novel begins in the Big Apple as all the principals are gathering together. On one side of town, Captain Catherine Phillips rushes to grab a taxi on her way to the airport and the transatlantic fligth to Rome she'll be piloting. Termed by some of her co-workers as "Frosty the snow-bitch" but known by others as an intelligent, no-nonsense professional, the beautiful Air Force veteran has come to a crossroads in her life. No longer fulfilled by her job, she carries a letter of resignation fully intending for the trip to Rome to be her last in the employ of Orbis Airlines. On another side of town a van also rushes to the airport carrying the Orbis crew members who will be servicing that flight. The youngest among them, Rebecca Hanson, is a dedicated flight attendant who's worked her way quickly up the ranks through hard work and determination. Looking forward to the layover in Rome, Becky nevertheless feels the nerves upon hearing she'll be working with the infamous Captain Phillips. All too soon she's meeting the woman and not under...ideal circumstances. The third group of players are the final ones to arrive - fiercely loyal to a homeland torn apart by war, the Albanian nationals board the flight to Rome under false identities, determined that before the night is over they will have set in motion a plan to force the hand of the world's greatest superpower - caring little for the fellow passengers whose lives they're about to change and fully prepared to sacrifice those lives for their desperate cause. Reminiscent of those emotional airport thrillers which have always been a popular draw - Belle's story is compelling with solid characterizations. Centering on a crisis still fresh in the minds of many, the novel has a very distinct modern atmosphere and terrific timeliness. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [Review based on a pre-publication electronic version of the novel]

Available from:      Amazon.com

**FOUR FROM WISHES by Judith K. Parker Xlibris, ISBN: 0738834122, 128 pgs., Oct. 2000

A very special treat from an exceptional storyteller, this collection of three short stories and a novella are tied together by a common theme of women achieving self-knowledge and self-respect through the courage to fight for what they want and what they believe in. The stories span a series of different time periods and settings with the first, THE EDGE OF THE WORLD set sometime in the nineteenth century. The story chronicles the experience of a group of women and their children after a storm separates them from their husbands, leaving them stranded on an island somewhere in the Pacific. As told by one of these women, the story follows the group as they finally make their way back to civilization to await the reunion with their husbands - but much has changed in three years and for some of those women there is no going back... Based on a very deliberate economy of words, Judith's writing style here is one that has always served her well - turning a deceptively simple story into fiction with tremendous impact. The second story in the collection, THE DREAMER AND THE DREAM, unfolds in the future. It's a world in which some human beings have the ability to make their dreams seem very real, a dangerous ability which has made these mutants into a threat to the society which now hunts them like rabid animals. The story begins with Officer Washington and her partner Palmer on patrol. The dreamer they're hunting is different from others - the manifestations far from deadly, at times...cute - and as Officer Washington is about to discover, even rather personal. Delightful and marvelously effective, this entry in the collection will leave a grin on your face. Similarly entertaining is the third entry, SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. Also set in a futuristic world this one unfolds in a society where finding one's soulmate has become a matter of money...or has it? ;-) This is storytelling that makes you think - about love, about science, and about what exactly is it that makes us who we are. The novella in the collection is without a doubt one of Judith's crowning achievements as a writer - a tale you'll be thinking about long after you're finished with it. BATTLE is a dark piece of fiction - a story which in the author's own words deals with "totalitarianism and the banality of evil". Some of you will be profoundly touched by this story, some will be deeply disturbed by it but I can guarantee NO one will walk away from it unaffected. It is a testament to the skills of this author, that her writing doesn't just create images - it INVOLVES us - it sparks our imagination daring us to create our own images, daring us to envisage horrors and a sense of hopelessness which imbues this tale with a very personal sense of psychological terror. Caroline is a young technician charged with the care and supervision of prisoners sent to the medical facility she works at. Elizabeth is her latest assignment. In the character of Caroline we can easily see ourselves, a young woman making her way through the days, working to improve her lot in life, working to fit into a system that is all she knows - a system she doesn't want to or doesn't care to question. In Elizabeth we see a prisoner - someone who chose to place herself above the system and who must now pay the consequences. BATTLE is the story of these two women - of two souls connected by a bond which evil will test. This is a MUST READ for ANYONE who enjoys a well-crafted, brilliantly written work of fiction. BATTLE and this entire collection carries my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!!

Available from:      Amazon.com

**HURRICANE WATCH by Melissa Good - [Alt]  Justice House Publishing, 2001

Set after the holiday season, this sequel to Missy's megahit TROPICAL STORM finds Dar and Kerry back in their usual hectic routines with one slight change - there's a new face on the block - an old one from Dar's past hired specifically to challenge the brilliant executive and with a grudge to settle as even more incentive. Continuing the characterizations from her first novel, Missy immediately starts to weave here an intriguing plot that will reveal more about her heroines' past and test them emotionally and professionally. Lots of atmosphere, exceptional storytelling, charming humor and a profoundly appealing vision of the love between two soulmates always ensure the quality of a Melissa Good story. This addition to her Dar and Kerry series gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!

Available from:      Justice House Publishing

**JOSIE AND REBECCA: THE WESTERN CHRONICLES by B.L. Miller, Vada Foster and Stephanie Elliott (Editor) - [Alt] Justice House Publishing, ISBN: 096776873X, 460 pgs., March 2000

This is an epic western saga offering a marvelous mixture of rousing adventure, heinous villains, heart-stoping action, outlaws-turned-heroes and a romance that will just warm the heart. Actually, with Miller and Foster at work on this - that romance will warm all sorts of places ;-) At the center of this story are two women - one, a deadly gunslinger, bitter from the injustices in her past - the other a gentle dreamer trying to escape the horrors of the present. Their destinies come together one fateful afternoon when the feared outlaw makes the choice to rescue a young woman in trouble. For her part Josie Hunter considers the brief encounter at an end once the girl is safe, but Rebecca Cameron has other ideas. Enthralled by the enigmatic figure of the legendary bandit, and desperate to escape a life that is quickly crushing her spirit, Rebecca decides to follow her rescuer - much to the older woman's chagrin. It is at first a difficult relationship but one which slowly begins to grow and change and deepen as the two unlikely friends share adventures, share their joys and pains and hopes and dreams, only to in time discover...they also desperately want to share their hearts. This is a beautiful, passionate love story that develops slowly, pulling the reader into this drama as the leads themselves discover the growing intensity between them. The authors spent considerable time researching the Old West which shows in the tale's air of authenticity. Set aside some time for this one because it is a long, thoroughly satisfying read you WONT want to put down. An impressive accomplishment that gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION! [Review based on a pre-publication electronic version of the novel]

Available from:      Amazon.com

**LUCIFER RISING by Sharon Bowers - [Alt] Justice House Publishing, ISBN: 0963823167, 320 pgs., 11/15/99

In her commercial debut Sharon Bowers brings us a RIVETING story set in the glamorous and often deadly underworld of Miami - a world in which wealth, and seductive pleasures exist side by side with violence and death. It is into this very world reporter Liz Gardener finds herself stepping into as she pursues a story that has obsessed her for years now - the sordid tale surrounding a dark, beautiful and deadly ex-DEA agent by the name of Jude Lucien who having gone over to the other side is now one of the most powerful and feared drug lords in the business. With very different agendas, these two women will find themselves drawn to one another - sensing something very real in the other - sensing perhaps that neither is quite what she seems... This story is a WILD ride that will simply take your breath away as lies are told and hearts broken in the desperate struggle of two souls to persevere - struggling valiantly against the inner darkness threatening to destroy their love and the human foes determined never to give it a chance. Sharon's two heroines are beautifully depicted with incredible depth, rich emotional histories and engaging personalities. This is a FASCINATING, solidly crafted tale with a very contemporary feel to it and a well-paced blend of action and drama. It receives my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!

Available from:      Amazon.com

**REDEMPTION by Susanne Beck - [Alt] Justice House Publishing

Set in a modern-day women's prison known as the Bog, this new novel is a phenomenal, gut-wrenching story certain to immediately place Susanne Beck among many a reader's list of favorite storytellers. Told from the perspective of a young woman named Angel serving a sentence for murder, the story follows the daily drama of life in a setting where violence is the predominant state of affairs, the struggle for survival consumes most of the hours in a day, and despair holds the soul in a vice like grip. Bright, friendly and determined not to give in to that despair, Angel carves a niche for herself within the prison, surviving some initial encounters with its most violent denizens to become a respected inmate known for her skills at procuring things for the prisoners. It's a skill that will bring her to the attention of infamous repeat offender Morgan Steele when the legendary prisoner better known as "Ice" returns to the Bog. The minute Angel looks into the woman's icy blue eyes, she is drawn like a moth to a flame, sensing a connection she cannot explain and is not particularly interested in denying. Amused by the young woman's nervousness and charmed by her innocence, Ice takes the girl up on a dare that will forever change their lives as the two start down a road together they've never traveled before - fueling a passion that will rock them to the very core and nurturing a love that will make them stronger together...and so much more vulnerable apart. Joining Ice and Angel in this fascinating action-drama is a colorful cast of characters with some of the friendliest faces serving double duty as vicious killers. Susanne delivers here a story that pulls no punches, vividly describing the more harrowing aspects of prison life and making an important statement as well about the social ills that drive human beings into that life. Beautifully written and edited, the novel is both troubling and reaffirming - the type of memorable read that will stay with you for a while. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [Review based on a pre-publication electronic version of the novel]

Available from:      Justice House Publishing

**ROMAN HOLIDAY by Belle Reilly - [Alt] Justice House Publishing, ISBN: 0967419638, 300 pgs.

A sequel to Belle's action-adventure DARKNESS BEFORE THE DAWN, this new story finds Captain Catherine Phillips agreeing to spend a few days in Rome to watch over her recovering flight attendant, Rebecca Hanson. Feeling responsible for the young woman, Kate plans on an ordinary couple of days keeping Becky company but to their mutual surprise, the stay in the Eternal City soon becomes a magical holiday drawing two souls together and pulling down walls that have been in place for much too long. Featuring strong characterizations with two very likeable leads, Belle's latest also offers that air of excitement, magic and romance that was a part of the classic movie which shares its title. A delightful read - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [Review based on a pre-publication electronic version of the novel]

Available from:      Amazon.com

**STONE PILLARS: A BOOK OF POETRY by Judith K. Parker Renaissance Alliance Publishing, ISBN: 0967419654, 120 pgs., Jan. 2000

Known to her online fans as "Wishes", Judith K. Parker is one of the most prolific and talented writers to emerge from the Internet publishing arena. Equally proficient at writing prose or poetry, skits or parodies, Judith has built a reputation for her incredibly sensitive commentaries on the human condition and an economy of language in her writing style that makes every sentence count - every scene, every allusion come to life. STONE PILLARS is an extraordinary collection of some of the best poems by this marvelously talented poet including the piece which gives the collection its title and which has long been a personal favorite among Judith's fans. Even readers whose tastes do not normally extend to poetry will find themselves turning the pages here, riveted by the simple honesty and quiet impact of these beautifully crafted poems. A true delight, STONE PILLARS gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!

Available from:      Amazon.com

**SUNNE IN GOLD (THE) by Nene Adams - [Alt]  Shady Ladies Press, Inc., ISBN: 0970212704, 256 pgs., March 2001

With her MYTH and GASLIGHT series Nene Adams has secured a spot among many a reader's list of favorite online authors. THE SUNNE IN GOLD now marks her spectacular debut in print. Set in medieval Ireland, the novel introduces us to Lady Cathelin Brigit O'Cameron, a striking, proud Irish warrior - and Madrigal, a beautiful Muslim slave girl stubbornly surviving despite the horrors experienced during many ears of captivity. As the story begins Madrigal is in fear for her life thinking of the tortures sure to come when the castle she is enslaved at is taken by the dreaded knight Blacksunne - a warrior whose very name inspires terror in the bravest of souls. It is a day that will change her life forever, setting in motion a series of events that will place two noble hearts at risk while joining them in the fiercest of bonds. This is an epic historical romantic saga with plenty of action, rich drama, FANTASTIC characters, and a plot that will literally captivate you 'til the very end. One of the best new ones this year, THE SUNNE IN GOLD is NOT to be missed guys! It receives my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!!

Available from:      BookZone

TIOPA KI LAKOTA by D. Jordan Redhawk - [Alt]  Renaissance Alliance Publishing, ISBN: 1930928033, 2000

Set in 18th century America amidst the Lakota Indians, this first novel from Redhawk is a colorful, historical romance that begins with the birth of yet another girl-child to the proud Lakota warrior Wanbli Zi. Hoping for a son, the warrior is nevertheless assured by the tribes' shaman that the child's future will not be an ordinary one - he has seen visions and in those visions the child follows the way of the warrior. Fifteen years later the shaman's prophecy has become reality as that girl-child is well on her way to becoming an accomplished hunter and fierce warrior but before then she must face a coming of age... and a vision of her own. Redhawk gives us an intriguing look into the native American culture of this period in history while developing a touching romance between two very different women. This is a compelling, solid story well-worth the read.

Available from:      Open Book LTD

**TROPICAL STORM by Melissa Good - [Alt] Justice House Publishing, ISBN: 0963823159, 471 pgs., Jan. 1999

Set in modern-day Miami, this terrific new novel centers on the lives of two strangers whose destinies bring them together amidst the turmoil of a hostile corporate takeover. Wealthy, brilliant and deadly, Dar Roberts has cultivated a well-earned reputation as one of the most efficient corporate raiders in the Information Technologies business. To her bosses she is a formidable weapon to be used in the never-ending struggle for power, control and profit. To the people employed by the companies she assimilates - the executive is a predator - cold and merciless. It is a reputation she is living up to as she prepares to decimate the work force of a recent acquisition. In charge of that work force is Kerry Stuart - a smart, young manager whose life had been going well until the recent turn of events. With dogged determination, Kerry has escaped the pressures of family to make her own way in the world - establishing a career and rising quickly within a small company - only to now have to face the prospect of those efforts being for naught as a disconcertingly beautiful blue-eyed shark strolls into her office. Missy's many strengths as a writer are quickly in evidence throughout the first parts of this story - rich descriptions that engage your every sense - multi-layered characterizations that draw you into the psyche of the characters and a story very much grounded in human emotions, human frailties and strengths along with the raw vulnerabilities that ultimately make us all seek the comfort of another soul. Working in the Information Technologies industry herself and a native Miamian, Missy also imbues the story with a very realistic feel. TS is one of the finest, most engaging stories I've ever read - a fantastic professional debut for a very gifted storyteller. It gets my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!! [See the sequel HURRICANE WATCH]

Available from:      Amazon.com

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