Jean Johnson – The Guild

The third book in the Guardians of Destiny series, published May 6, 2014
Genre: fantasy romance with some steampunk thrown in
Cover: love it



Cult's awareness, it shall rise:
Hidden people, gather now;
Fight the demons, fight your doubt.
Gearman's strength shall then endow,
When Guild's defender casts them out.

For centuries, the mages of Mekhana have done their best to hide themselves and their powers from the rapacious needs of their so-called Patron Deity, Mekha. Greatest of their secrets is the Vortex, a Fountain hidden in the heart of the Hydraulics Guild. But even after the dissolution of Mekha and the freeing of his people, Alonnen isn't ready to reveal his guardianship to outsiders. Particularly when the remnants of Mekha's priesthood start looking for a new monstrosity to worship.
Rexei has hidden more than her powers for most of her life; she has also hidden her gender, wary of the hungers of the old priesthood. Only in the safety of the Hydraulics Guild's innermost secrets can she be herself. While the rest of her people struggle to reinvent themselves and find a deity they can trust, Rexei struggles to trust just one man, the Guardian of the Vortex. Events are moving fast, though; the priesthood is desperate for any new source of power, even a demonic one that requires certain sacrifices to access.


Another Jean Johnson book, what can I tell you that I haven’t written a dozen times before? I love her books, her writing style, the amazing world she has created in this series. The many different lands and cultures, where gods and goddesses are very real, and made powerful by the faith of their worshippers.

Prophets from a long time ago have foretold a series of events, and these events are happening now. The third verse is about Mekhana. Their Patron Deity was a false god, kept alive with machinery and stealing magic and life force from mages. At the convocation of the Gods, he was slain for good, and Mekhana is freed of him. As being a mage would get you captured and killed, the Mekhanan people had to develop their technology to do what other counties do with magic. The Guilds have grown strong and powerful to oppose the brutal priesthood. The priests are a bad bunch of men, preying on women and mages and doing whatever they please in the name of Mekha. But now their source of power has vanished and if they want to stay in power, they will need a new Deity fast. A foreign mage tells them how to bind a powerful demon instead, and using his power as their own.

A young woman named Rexei is working under cover in the main temple, examining a complaint from the servers guild about priests abusing the servers. When she overhears the foreign mage tell the local priests about summoning demons when suddenly all the signs of Mekha disappear from the temple walls and the priests’ robes, she knows he will have to be stopped. The priests quickly release their mage prisoners into the winter cold, trying to prevent a riot from the citizens they have abused for so long. The servers are thrown out of the temple as well. And so Rexei finds herself stemming the tide of a riot, and getting hauled away by the militia lieutenant to a place she did not know existed. There is a secret mage guild, and what she knows has to be shared with all the other countries and their Guardians. This demon summoning will have to be stopped, or they will all be overrun by demons from the Netherhells.

Rexei has been living on her own since she was 11, when her family was raided by the priests, and her mother was raped and taken prisoner. The priests breed their female prisoners to create more mages to feed their God, and the male mages who so choose, will join their ranks. Joining guild after guild as an apprentice, Rexei has managed to stay hidden for all those years, dreaming of a better time and a good Deity to lead her people. She has gathered a lot of knowledge over the years, learning all different kinds of trades and jobs and skills, staying where she was safe, fleeing when she was about to be discovered as a mage, or as a female, or if a priest shown attention to her.

But now, with her country thrown into a civilian war, with the militia and the priests battling for power, she needs to take her stand, and show her fellow mages and the various Guild Masters her vision of the future. A future based on the might and the structure of the various Guilds, with a benevolent Goddess named Guildra, and a new country name Guildara. They will have to act fast, before the priests manage to create a new God, keeping themselves in power. And Rexei will have to learn to trust the Mages Guild Master, and perhaps even find love in his arms.

But the priests are not happy that Rexei double crossed them, and they are after revenge, meaning to use her as a demon sacrifice...


I loved the book a lot, Rexei is one resilient young woman who has managed to stay out of harms way for so many years. Scared of getting close to someone, concerned about the rest of her family, her father and her half brothers. Always on the run. She is very capable of taking care of herself, but now there is no place left to hide, with everyone knowing who she is. With the mages hiding place overrun with the freed mages, she will have to share the rooms with the Master himself, and even his bed in this cold winter time. So when Alonnen discovers Rexei is no boy but a woman, which was fun. He is very gentle in getting her to trust him, and Rexei finds himself attracted to him, for the first time. She knows all about what happens between men and women, having been treated as a boy for all those years, but she is still a virgin. And seeing Alonnen naked has made her curious, as he doesn’t immediately try to jump her bones.

Alonnen is not only the mage Guild Master, he is also the Guardian of the Vortex, a source of magical power that has been kept hidden from their mad God. He is not trained like the mages or Guardians in the other countries but he does his best, and he will accept help when offered from the other Guardians. Rexei has to tell her story to them as well, and even when witnessing all those strange new things, she keeps her head cool.
Alonnen really is kind of nerdy, certainly not a gorgeous alpha male, and I enjoyed that aspect a lot too.

I really liked this mix of magic and technique; I totally see motorcycles and cars drive around there in a kind of medieval setting. It is fun, and very well written and plotted out. I think you can read this book as a stand alone but I really do not recommend that. Please start with book 1 to get a feeling for the world building and everything that has happened before. And if you can, you really should start with the Sons of Destiny series first.

The only thing I really did not like in this book, are the love scenes. At the end of this book, Rexei is still technically a virgin, so I think you can get my hint. I mostly skipped and skimmed them. Though the use of technical metaphors was fun and certainly original.

9 stars.

© 2014 Reviews by Aurian

Heather Webber – Trouble in Bloom

The fourth book in the Nina Quinn series, published April 24, 2007.
Genre: cozy mystery
Cover: beautiful



For a while it seemed landscaper Nina Quinn's life was one big bed of roses. Her garden makeover business, Taken by Surprise, was blooming. Her pesky ex was finally out of the picture, and a hunky new beau, Bobby MacKenna, was in it. But then the weeds started taking over when Bobby accepted a job in another state, nipping their blossoming relationship in the bud. However, he's back in town to appear with Nina on Hitched or Ditched, TV's sleaziest reality romance show, since they promised Bobby's lawyer cousin they'd help him dig up some dirt on the show's producer. Then an uncomfortable situation grows far worse when there's death behind the scenes . . . and it turns out the only reality is murder.
Nina would much rather be installing an indoor garden at the dysfunctional local nursing home than getting her hands dirty in this dangerous business. But if she doesn't uproot a cold-blooded off-camera killer, those invasive weeds may push her six feet under.


Nina has been getting over her heart break of Bobby MacKenna leaving for a new job in another state, and trying to rediscover herself, find out what she wants and needs in life. And now he is back in town to help his grandfather find a new place to stay. Bobby has also promised to help his lawyer cousin with a case, and so Bobby and Nina are a pretend couple in the tv show: hitched or ditched. The camera will follow both of them for a week in their usual life, and they have daily shoots at the studio, with some intimate questions. The audience will then vote at the end of the week, are they a couple truly in love, or should they ditch the other. There is also a great gay couple in the show, and I really enjoy how Perry gives Nina a make over, and how she likes the new her.

It is very hard for Nina to keep refusing Bobby, as she still has feelings for him, and he is very persistent in wanting back in her bed. But what future do they have if he is living so far away? And she also still has feelings for her ex-husband Kevin, who cheated on her with his partner. Her house is still a huge mess, thanks to her mother and her remodelling ideas, so Nina has been sleeping on the sofa for months now.

The hostess of the show is getting death threats, but is this real, or is she faking it to get higher ratings? After all, there is also a journalist from another tv station on scene, taping segments for his own show. Nina being her nosy self, soon finds out that all is not cozy with the people from the tv show. They all seem to be cheating on each other, so when the hostess is found dead in the hot tub, there are suspects everywhere. Nina wouldn’t be Nina if she would not try to solve the case herself. Especially after the second body pops up ...


I really enjoy this gardening series by Heather Webber. This time it is a bit light on the gardening, only one small project in a very high end nursing home. But there is some intrigue with her employee Kit, whose relationship is going down the drain. And Kit ending up at Nina’s house is the best thing that ever happened to Nina, as he sets her house to rights in no time.

As usual, Nina’s gorgeous cousin Ana goes after the most handsome man on the set, seeing Hollywood in her future already. I really love the little interaction between Nina and her neighbours and I admit, I am so happy her mother and sister are not my relatives. Those two are really ditzy, although Maria has a very important clue for them in the end.

The discovery of the murderer did surprise me; I honestly did not know who to vote for. But the book ended with a major cliffhanger concerning Nina and her relationship, and I have no idea what will happen next, or what/who I want for her. I will have to read the next one soon to find out.

9 stars.

© 2014 Reviews by Aurian

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Maya Banks – After the Storm

The eighth book in the Kelly/KGI series, published January 7, 2014.
Genre: romantic suspense
Cover: ugly, they should have left his head of completely, so I could just admire his arms.



The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business.
Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background.
Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the U.S. government can't…

Over the years, Donovan Kelly has fought relentlessly for justice, women and children always holding a special place in his heart. Working side by side with his brothers, Donovan has witnessed firsthand the toll it's taken—physically, mentally, and emotionally—on his loved ones, and the innocent lives caught in the crossfire. What he never expects is for his next mission to happen right on his home turf—or for it to take a very personal turn.
Picturesque Kentucky Lake is the perfect place for a soul in search of safe harbor. A beautiful stranger has arrived—desperate, breathless, and on the run from a dark past closing in on her and the younger siblings she has vowed to protect. Donovan must now draw on every resource at his disposal—if he wants to save a woman and the children who may prove to be his destiny.


I have read a few reviews about this book, when it was newly published. And those reviews made me decide to wait a while with reading this book, until I would have forgotten some of the negatives. To my own disappointment, I have to agree with the negative reviews, so I am sad that this book did not live up to my usual level of enjoyment a Maya Banks book gives me.

For me, this book lacks suspense, and battle scenes and planning. It has an enormous lot of feelings and emotions and Donovan thinking: they are mine, they are my family, I just know it, I will never let them go. In my eyes, he is a psychopath. The way he takes over their life completely, their care, how he is determined to deal with their bad past on his own, forbidding Eve to even think about it.
And his whole family just accepts this as normal behaviour, Donovan has not known these people for 5 minutes and he thinks as Eve as his, and her half brother and half sister as his kids. Yes, I know, in the other books his brothers acted much the same, just knowing the woman they are supposed to treat as a job, is much more, and can be the one. But there is still some courting, and not this complete taking over as Donovan is doing. He was creepy in his desires. Eve is still recovering from her injuries from the storm, very malnourished and weak, and he is determined to have her in his bed that same evening. No, just not. He talks about taking things slow, but he is a steamroller and just does whatever he thinks is the right thing to do.

And then there is Eve, who has been on the run from her stepfather for a while now, she is at her wits end. She doesn’t want to trust Donovan but she has no other choice. She also loves being his family, and with his family, something she has never known herself. (She grew up with an aunt as her stepfather did not want her, until recently). She fell for him, and did not question much about anything, until she thought he had betrayed her and only wanted the children.

I also did not really believe the behaviour of little Cammie, four years old, scared of everyone, and suddenly accepting of Donovan, wanting to call him daddy, and asking freely for food or toys, when she was absolutely conditioned not to.

What I did like was the little storyline of Rusty and Sean, which I had seen coming for a while now.

The other Kelly’s of course all play their part in this book as well, as it takes place in their hometown and later in the compound where they all live. The couples are all very happily married, and breeding like rabbits. But the attitude of those men for “the wives” really grated on me from time to time as well, keeping them out of everything, keeping them safe. Ignorant, pregnant and chained to the kitchen sink is more like it.

So, I liked the writing style, and the story itself, because it is Maya Banks. I would have DNF-ed the same book by another author for sure. I really dislike Donovan and his attitude in this book though, the characters act really unbelievable. I know this is fiction, but it still has to be believable in some sense for me to enjoy a book. I have to like the characters, and I really did not. Eve was not strong enough, she did not stand up for herself against Donovan and all those other Kellies who were just happy that Donovan found his future in her.

I liked the first part, with Travis working and supporting his sisters, but after Donovan took them into his house, I just did not like it anymore.

4 stars out of 10.

© 2014 Reviews by Aurian

Anthology – Blood by Moonlight

A collection of stories by Jocelynn Drake, Terri Garey and Caris Roane, published October 23, 2012.
Genre: paranormal romance / urban fantasy
Cover: I like it



Just in time for the scariest season of all, three popular paranormal authors come together to tell original tales of romance where anything can happen under a Halloween moon . . .

Jocelyn Drake – Of Monsters and Men

Tempers flare and passions rise in Jocelynn Drake's Of Monsters and Men as the local werewolf pack clashes with the Winter Court's Wild Hunt . . .

I liked this short story a lot, wizard Gage is asked by the werewolf Alpha Jack to keep his pack safe from the Wild Hunt from the Fae Winter Court. And when he comes up with a non-lethal solution, the Winter Court abduct his Summer Court Fae girlfriend Trixie, so he has to get her back, no matter the cost ...

I want to read this series. As soon as my book buying ban is over, I will buy both of them.

8 stars.

Terri Garey’s – The Ghoul Next Door

In Terri Garey's The Ghoul Next Door, a witch and a warlock battle it out for possession of a haunted house, but the ghost may have her own agenda . . .

This was a fun short story, where the heroine is a witch, who wants to drive the man away who bought her ancestral house from her father, who was not allowed to sell it. But conjuring the spirit of her grandmother might not have been the best of ideas. The man in question interferes, and to keep him safe, she has to take some of his blood as well. What Cassie Calloway does not know, is that James T. Falco is not without powers of his own, and by mixing their blood, Cassie has unwittingly bonded them together. Which is exactly what her grandmothers spirit wants for her granddaughter ...
Together they will be able to fight the evil bent on destroying them both ...

I think I once read one of Nicki Styx books, and I don’t think I enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed this short story, which is in the same realm I think. I will have to re-read it if that is the case, and probably read the rest of the series as well. They have been gathering dust on my shelves for a while now.

8 stars.

Caris Roane – Trick or Treathen

And, in Trick or Treathen by Caris Roane, a master vampire struggles to stay away from the mortal woman who enflames his very soul.

A year ago, Jenna’s sister Britt vanished at Halloween, and Jenna just knows that a vampire has taken her. Treyne, the master of this area, can’t help her, as all vampire communities are autonomous, one master cannot interfere in the affairs of another master vampire. He knows whom has taken her sister, and he regrets that he cannot help Jenna, the human woman he has been falling in love with for a while now. But vampires and humans really should not mix, or bond together, he firmly believes that.
But now Jenna has finally grown strong and bold enough to try to sneak into his compound and make him help her, at gunpoint. Which is of course the most silly thing ever, his compound is guarded heavily, and he is so fast, she will never see him coming when he takes the gun out of her hand.

Overcome by mutual lust they go to his bedroom to indulge, and after that, he shows Jenna more about the truth of vampire law and the rules he must abide by. But his intention to drive her away from him backfires. And Jenna also does not give up on saving her sister. So when the evil vampire who has Britt, takes Jenna as well, Treyne just has to stop him, kill him and free Jenna and her sister, and all the other human woman the evil one has been abusing.


I did like this story least of all. A very big part is dedicated to love scenes, I would have like a few sentences explaining the difference between vampires and humans, as humans are not converted in to vampires in this world. Are they aliens? Secondly, some of the euphemisms really bothered me. Like taking or giving nourishment, when meaning feeding/sucking blood. Or “he put his fingers in her well” ...Yeah, no, just no.

6 stars

So, a really thin anthology with three short stories and two excerpts from other books to tease the reader even more. Still, overall, I enjoyed it.

7 stars total.



I think this book is no longer available in paper, at least not at Bookdepository, but you can buy the Kindle edition here: here

© 2014 Reviews by Aurian

Recommendations from Peggy for May 2014.

In order to bring some more variety to my blog, I have asked some of my bookish friends to tell about the books they have in the past month, and to give us a recommendation. Today’s post is made by Peggy from Belgium.

Peggy:

I have read 9 books in the past month, and the 2 books I enjoyed the most are:

1. On the surface - Kate Willoughby



2. Blood past - Samantha Young




The one I can recommend to all Aurian’s readers is:

Kate Willoughby – On the surface



Book one of In the Zone
NHL player Tim Hollander lost his temper one time and threw a water bottle at an abusive fan. After "Bottlegate," he's traded to the San Diego Barracudas, where he'll need to keep the bad publicity to a minimum while proving he can still compete with the younger guys on the ice.
Erin Collier is a pediatric nurse who's never seen a hockey game, but gets in line for Tim's autograph at a PR event in hopes of impressing the doctor she has a crush on. When an obnoxious fan gets pushy toward Erin, Tim rushes to defend the pretty stranger, throwing a punch in the process.
Grateful for the rescue, Erin agrees to stand by Tim during the resulting press conference and host him at a hospital charity event. Their chemistry is palpable, and soon their lives are intertwined. But Erin doubts a hockey player is capable of anything resembling a real relationship. And if Tim can't get her to see beyond what's on the surface, they'll never last longer than a single season...


This was the first book that I read from Kate Willoughby. I must confess that the reason that I chose it, was because I love reading stories about ice hockey.
So when I saw this book, it immediately caught my attention and I started reading it the moment I got it.

NHL player Tim Hollander just moved to San Diego. His old club traded him to the San Diego Barracudas after an accident with an abusive fan. First he’s very mad about it. He has play with his old club for many years and now they abandoned him.
But then he starts thinking that it could be a good thing. This could mean a fresh start for him. So he decides with his 2 old friends (who now also play for San Diego Barracudas) to do their best and to prove to everyone that they can still compete with the younger guys on the ice.

Then one day Tim meets Erin Collier, a pediatric nurse. She works in a hospital and has a ‘secret’ crush on a doctor, who also works in the hospital. But so do many of the other nurses, so in order to get his attention she decides to get an autograph from a San Diego Barracudas player. Erin knows nothing of ice hockey or NHL players but the doctor is a fan. So she gets in the shortest line of the two (it’s her break so she doesn’t have much time) and that happens to be the line for Tim. But things go wrong when the person before her in the line gets pushy. At the end Tim rushes to her help and gives the man a punch in the face.

Afraid for bad publicity the club give a press conference where Erin stands by Tim’s side and this isn’t the only time she helps Tim out. When he gets sick, she remains with him. Tim really likes Erin (she doesn’t act weird about the fact that he’s a famous NHL player) and he wants to get to know her better. At first Erin keeps her distant because of the ‘bad’ reputation that a NHL player has but the more she gets to know Tim, the more she likes him.

Tim shows her who he really is and that he really wants a serious relationship with her. He wants a home with her. Erin also learns more about ice hockey, a game she knows nothing about. Their relationship grows but there is one great obstacle, Tim lost someone very important in his life and that pain is still great. Because of that loss, he made a big decision and that decision could cost him his relationship with Erin.
Does Erin love Tim enough to accept his decision? Can she overcome her uncertainty?
Or will Tim lose her in the end?


I really liked this story. It is a sweet romance about two people who find each other and fall in love. Tim was a sweet guy and I liked Erin also very much. And I also enjoyed the other NHL players and the ice hockey games. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

Aurian: Thanks for the recommendation Peggy! It sounds like a lovely sports romance, and how fun to find out you love Ice Hockey. Is that sports big in Belgium?

How about you, reader, do you enjoy sports romance? Did you read this book or author before?

© 2014 Reviews by Aurian

Interview with Annie West

It is almost time for the Love Letter Convention in Berlin, Germany, and I would like to introduce you to some of the authors who will be present. Today, I am interviewing author Annie West. This will be the first time Annie is one of the guest authors at the convention.



I have “met” Annie on Facebook a few years ago when I was a newby, and blithely entered a competition not meant for me all the way in Europe. But Annie was nice enough to send me one of her books anyway, all the way from Australia, and so I read Girl in the Bedouin Tent (you can read my review here). I don’t usually read Harlequins any more, although I devoured them as a teen, and to my surprise, I really liked this one. Sadly, I have not read one of her books since, but I certainly plan to.

So, time to ask Annie some questions.

Annie writes contemporary romance for Harlequin and Mills and Boon.

Aurian: Hi Annie, welcome to my blog, have some hot chocolate and Dutch cookies. Are you looking forward to visiting the convention in Berlin already?

Annie: Hi Aurian. Thank you, it’s lovely to be here. The weather is turning cool here in Australia through autumn so Dutch cookies and hot chocolate sound perfect. Yes, absolutely, I’m thrilled to be attending the Berlin convention.

Aurian: Are you going for some sightseeing while in Germany this time? Or perhaps just some shopping for chocolate? Have you been to Berlin before?

Annie: Aurian, you already know my weakness for Ritter Sport chocolate! If I have time I may visit the big Ritter store in Berlin. The only time I visited the city before I went there and loved it. Sigh. This time I won’t be sightseeing in Germany, sadly, but after the convention I’m meeting up with my husband for a short holiday in the Austrian Salzkammergut then in the very north of Italy. Very exciting! Obviously I’ll need a store of chocolate for the driving…
Aurian: Yes you've already told me about this superstore, and yes, everyone needs chocolate, so I hope you will have time for a visit.

Aurian: Can you tell a little about the books you have written so far, and what is next on your schedule, some completely different genre perhaps, a secret project?

Annie: I’m currently working on my 23rd book for Harlequin. It’s a sheikh story, a type of romance I’ve discovered I enjoy enormously as I can put my own spin on the idea of the powerful yet protective hero who is emotionally challenged by a heroine. One of the things I love about writing romance is the deep emotion and the satisfaction of bringing about a happy ever after. My ‘completely different’ project is my very first novella, which I published at the beginning of May. ‘Back in the Italian’s Bed’ was a joy to write – all the emotion of a longer story, all the ups and downs and what ifs, but in a different, shorter format. Then later in the year I’ve got two new Harlequin titles: a very passionate full romance about two lovers from opposite ends of the social spectrum (Damaso Claims His Heir) and a scorching reunion story (Rebel’s Bargain).

Aurian: If someone unfamiliar with your books wanted to read one, which one do you think is the best one to hook someone to your writing? Which one do you like the most yourself?

Annie: Truly, Aurian, I can’t claim to have a favourite. Each one has meant falling in love with a brand new hero - that’s one of the perks of being a romance author! My best advice is to visit my website (www.annie-west.com) and browse the excerpts to see what appeals. The stories range from reunions to Cinderella stories, to marriages of convenience, Beauty and the Beast and all sorts of themes in between. For pure Cinderella fantasy you could try ‘Protected by the Prince’ look here, for a heroine battling the odds there’s ‘Imprisoned by a Vow’ look here or for a quick taste there’s ‘Back in the Italian’s Bed’ look here.

Aurian: Who are some of your favourite authors, and what book are you reading for fun, not research, at the moment?

Annie: I love reading Sarah Morgan, Jane Porter and Liz Fielding (in fact too many Harlequin authors to mention). Historical authors Anna Cambell, Christina Brooke and Loretta Chase. Then there are mystery writers like Julia Spencer-Fleming and Carola Dunn. I’ve just started reading Fiona Harper’s ‘Invitation to the Boss’s Ball’ which is making me smile.

Aurian: Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions Annie, I look forward to seeing you in Berlin in a few weeks.



Growing up on the east coast of Australia, I didn't get to ride a kangaroo to school but I did acquire some valuable survival skills like what to do when faced with a venomous snake or when caught in a dangerous rip while surfing. As the dangers of ocean swimming involved close observation of tall, burnished surf life savers, you could say I began researching early to become a romance writer.

I've been a reader almost as long as I can remember and the idea of being without a book sends a chill down my spine. In my teens I got hooked on romance and never looked back. The boys at school just didn't make the grade when compared with all those charismatic romance heroes.

Fortunately I found my own tall, dark romantic hero while at university, where despite the distraction I completed an honours degree in Classics. After a surprisingly interesting career in public administration I found myself with young children and a burning desire to do what I'd always secretly dreamed - to write romance rather than government reports. I've been writing fiction ever since and loving it.

Along the way my books have hit bestseller lists, including USA Today, as well as finalling in or winning a range of awards including the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award.

Now I live with my family at Lake Macquarie, north of Sydney. We're close to marvellous wine country, superb beaches and the beautiful lake. My favourite things are books, travel, long walks, good company and great food. I get to spend my days fantasising about gorgeous men and their love lives, which can be hard work, but I have no regrets. There's nothing better than that sigh-worthy moment when your hero and heroine finally get their happy ending, or when a reader contacts you to say they loved your story too.

I adore hearing from readers, so feel free to contact me. You can also subscribe to my occasional online newsletters via email.

If you want to know more about Annie and her books, you can find her here:
Website: here
Facebook: here
Email: annie(at)annie-west(dot)com

© 2014 Reviews by Aurian

Julie Hyzy – Grace Interrupted

The second book in the Manor House Mystery series, published June 7, 2011.
Genre: cozy mystery
Cover: beautiful



Civil War re-enactors have set up camp on the grounds of Marshfield Manor. The group is very believable, especially when the unrest spills out of the barracks and into the sumptuous mansion. Grace manages to settle a minor squabble, but loses the war when actor Zachary Kincade is found stabbed to death.
Jack Embers, the groundskeeper, falls under suspicion when he’s linked to the death of Zachary’s brother years ago. But there were others out for Zachary, actors who can be very convincing when the coveted role of “general” is on the line. Grace feels responsible for finding the murderer… and for the sweet tuxedo kitten, Bootsie, found on her doorstep. Can she come to the rescue of her friends without putting herself in danger’s way?


Grace’s predecessor Abe was a huge fan of re-enactment, and so he rented out a big part of the southern grounds to a Civil War re-enactment group. They haven’t even set up yet, when trouble arrives at the manor. Two ladies are determined to visit the grounds, although they have been told repeatedly that part of the park is off limits. But they are bent on visiting Zachary Kincade and make him pay for standing up their friend at the altar, in a very nasty way.
While Grace and her security team are still trying to get red of the ladies in a friendly manner, the man in question, and the General in charge of the re-enactment group arrives, only making matters worse, when on of the ladies tries to taser Zachary. The man laughs it all off, and tries to charm Grace, with no effect but giving her the creeps. And then Zachary spots Grace’s almost boyfriend Jack Embers and his younger brother Davey, and attacks Davey, yelling about him murdering his little brother. But it was Jack he was really after, he just got confused as Jack has changed in time, and Davey now looks exactly like his brother then. Grace wants to know the truth, but Jack does not want to tell her the old story, and walks out on her.

The evening gets only worse for Grace when she arrives home in a downpour, and gets even wetter while rescuing a kitten that has taken refuge underneath her car. Her two housemates arrive a little bit later, when Grace tries to coach little Bootsie from underneath the sofa with some cheese. They both fall for the kitten immediately, making plans on keeping her. But Grave wants to try and find her owners first, being sure they must be worried and missing her.

Early the next morning Grace is called by Marshfield security. Zachary Kincade has been murdered that night, and they need her to handle the press and the police. After last years struggle with Abe’s murder, the Emberstown police force has gotten reinforcements from an experienced female homicide detective from the big city, who likes to be called Tank. They still immediately try to jump to the conclusion that Jack must have been the killer ...

When no real progress is made by the police, Grace has no choice but to “help” investigate, she even sends her secretary out undercover with the re-enactment group. Frances is a born gossip, so if anyone can get to the truth about the undercurrents in the re-enactment group, it is her. But Grace really misses her on the job, now she has to take every call herself, solving the little problems that Frances keeps away from her so she can do her own job, managing the estate.


It seems that a relationship between Grace and Jack is cursed from the start, every time they make an appointment for that first date, something gets between it. And especially now, that Jack is not willing to share what happened with Grace, or to open up to her, I think she should just look elsewhere and forget about him. Not that I thought for a minute he is the murderer, but he just walks away from Grace and the help she can offer him.

Grace is also under a bit of pressure from Bennett, her boss and the owner of Marshfield Mansion, and probably her great-uncle, to come and live in Abe’s former cottage on the estate so he can look after her. In return, he will buy her old Victorian house from her, and renovate it. She just can’t keep up with all the repairs needed on her own, even though he gives her a generous salary. But Grace is not ready to give up her independence, or her two housemates who are dear friends. She knows that Bennett is probably lonely, but living with him and on his expenses, is not a solution she can live with. But how can she tell him without hurting his feelings?

The murder victim sure made a lot of enemies, so there are enough suspects to investigate. The real killer though, was a bit of a surprise, and the ending was suspenseful and very well written.

I like Grace as the main character, she is a really nice person, I love how she fell for the little kitten even though she is allergic, and how she interacts with her two gay housemates. They are very nice secondary characters, and they look after her, especially in a fashion sense that was fun.

I look forward to reading more of this series soon, and I am glad that I have two more books on my shelves, and the third will be released soon.

8 stars.

© 2014 Reviews by Aurian