Romance | Chanticleer Book Reviews

An Editorial Review of “Mistress by Magick” by Laura Navarre

2014-02-14T10:39:14-08:00By Chanticleer|

"Mistress by Magick" captivated me from the beginning with its intriguing story line, along with Navarre’s lush writing style that makes every scene come vividly alive. She deftly interweaves the suspense of the impending Spanish invasion, the intrigue of two royal courts, the fantasy elements of fallen angels and the Fae, and deliciously pure seduction in this riveting tale of rivaling powers, deceit, and passion. Navarre's s romance novels are a secret pleasure for those—do I dare say—who consider themselves not the typical romance novel readers.

An Editorial Review of “Midsummer Magick” by Laura Navarre

2013-09-28T14:27:49-07:00By Chanticleer|

Laura Navarre is a wonderful story teller who takes romance novels to a new level. Those who enjoy sensuous heat with a measure of Phillippa Gregory's Tudor series intrigue, but who also take pleasure in the fantasy elements of magic and Arthurian legends a la Marion Zimmer Bradley will find the Magick Trilogy an enjoyable and engrossing read. These are not Y/A novels.

An Editorial Review of “Artemis Rising” by Cheri Lasota

2016-12-17T12:15:47-08:00By L. Costantino|

Rendered with a lush and lyrical touch, this Y/A historical fantasy depicts the romantic yearnings of two innocent lovers, both dedicated to and trapped by the belief that they embody tragic figures from myth and legend.This well-written and crisply paced novel mixes the two myths: one Greek, the other of the canon of Arthurian literature.

An Editorial Review of “Granddad’s House” by Kate Vale

2016-12-17T12:15:47-08:00By kbrown|

Vale’s writing captures germane issues that women face in today’s world: being torn about decisions made between life for oneself and the caring for a beloved elder who has dementia, the strife of feeling the need to be in at least three places at one time, the far reaching effects of the Middle East Conflict, along with the emotional bonds of family and friends, and the myriad of tugs that women must face as they navigate modern life’s complexities. If you want to get to know characters who embrace contemporary challenges with integrity and passion, then look no further than Kate Vale’s novels for a book about love and loss, friendship and family ties, and finding happiness.

“I, Walter” by Mike Hartner

2013-07-18T12:05:14-07:00By Chanticleer|

This grand adventure takes you on the high seas and to exotic ports-of-call during the Elizabethan era when a boy acknowledges that he must change his stars and expand his horizons if he is to live the life that he wants to live--one that is quite different than the one into which he was born.

“A Serpent’s Tooth,” a Walt Longmire Mystery by Craig Johnson

2019-06-04T15:00:46-07:00By kbrown|

In "A Serpent's Tooth," Walt must deal with a splinter group or renegade polygamy Latter Day Saints who have built quite the arsenal of weapons and an old vendetta that crosse the time-lines cartels. [Reviewer's note: Not since reading Jim Harrison's works have I encountered writings that are so satisfying to read.]

An Editorial Review of “Deadly Addiction” by Kristine Cayne

2016-12-17T12:15:48-08:00By L. Costantino|

Deadly Addiction captures the devastating effects of poverty and substance abuse on a First Nations community while portraying the love affair of one tribal member determined to help his people. As brutally violent as it is flirtatious, this novel offers readers a realistic glimpse of contemporary life on a First Nations reserve. The story is populated by wonderfully realized characters.

“Magick by MoonRise” by Laura Navarre

2014-05-26T15:03:20-07:00By Chanticleer|

If you are a devotee of "The Mists of Avalon" by Marion Zimmer Bradley and you enjoy sensuous romantic heat that threads through a great story, you will relish immersing yourself in the world Laura Navarre created that intersects sixteenth century English historical fiction with some surprisingly fresh interpretations of Arthurian legends, and then blends a new element into the mix: angelic lore.

Nardi Point by Nancy LaPonzina

2016-12-17T12:15:51-08:00By L. Costantino|

Love among the ruins: in this case, an archaeological dig at a new subdivision in North Raleigh, where rolling pastures and woodsy farms are giving way to housing developments such as Nardi Point. Nardi Point develops into a lovely, nuanced tale with the layers of relationships uncovered like strata of earth, revealing harsh truths and personal epiphanies.

Sacred Fires by Catherine Greenfeder

2016-12-17T12:15:51-08:00By S.C. Brentson|

What really drew me into this story was the Aztec history along with the overwhelming love the characters had for one another throughout lifetimes. The details of the ceremonies and sacrifices to the ancient gods were mesmerizing to read about. If you like a bit of history and ancient culture intertwined with a modern story-line, you will definitely enjoy reading Sacred Fires.