Agnew Books

I bought this book based on the reviews here, and I wish I hadn't! It wasn't at all what I expected and will be of no use to me at all.

I wanted a book that gave tips but wasn't 'this is how you draw a tree in three easy steps.' This book had a few such sections!

I also didn't like the art at all, it was more in the realm of graphic design than fine art for me.... I don't want to create images that look perfect like photos! I find them kind of soulless personally (although the author of course is VERY talented, I just prefer a different style personally is all).

Each to their own of course, but this isn't the sort of book I thought I was buying, it left me quite disapointed. For lovers of airbrush only I'd say, and beginners.

Truely generous of the author to share his great techniques. The book is a gold mine of color and applications. The steps are
very helpful. The technique results are fabulous!

Gorgeous nature artwork. The frog is exceptional. Agnew's rendering of translucent animal skin, dewdrops and leaves is miraculous, but you won't learn how exactly to airbrush those types of things. How the works get from roughed-in ideas to detailed airbrushed plant foliage is NOT well-documented here. If you want to learn how to do detailed airbrushing, this is not the book for you. But if you want to be inspired by some great technique and learn some of it (for example, how to do translucent effects) this book is excellent.

Recently I bought a load of painting tutorial book and this one has got to be the most detailed and well explained of them all. I was really surprised because I was not expecting them to go in such detail. I got the book "painting wildlife texture step by step" and "painting the secret world of nature" was even better in explaining how to paint nature texture. For exemple, the snake scales are better explained in the secret world of nature..and there are also step by step on how to paint realistic wood texture which was not in any of the other books that I have.

This is a really fantastic book.

I've found this book to be extremely useful as an artist. There are several easy to understand demonstrations on how to achieve various techniques, such as creating haze, fog, and humidity both for close up scenes and those at a distance. Other demo's include creating light and shadow, animal skins, furs & feathers, foliage, water, snow & ice, and sand & mud, to name a few. Each demo is accompanied by a complete materials list of easy to find items. Some of his techniques call for the use of an airbrush, but there is no need to run out and buy the best model available as a simple craft airbrush/air could work. The airbrush techniques described can be achieved with a little practice. Even if one didn't wish to use an airbrush and preferred to use glazes, I would still highly recommend this book because the exercises do not focus on the use of an airbrush, but rather a layering of paints.
In the final chapter John Agnew showcases a few of his works, including some breathtaking murals he completed for various zoo exhibits and museums.

I really enjoyed Dark Fire. This book does an excellent job of setting up the series without getting bogged down in exposition.

The concept of a "haunted town" where everybody is so laid back about it is really cool too. It's just there, part of the scenery, and doesn't really draw attention to itself. Very nicely done, and creates a spooky backdrop to this perfect story.

Erin came across as a tough heroine. She could hold her own, didn't believe in ghosts, and really didn't want to accept Lachlan's help. Yet, at the same time Lachlan seemed determined to protect Erin, even though he knows she doesn't want his help. Lachlan was sexy from the first time we saw him, and I completely understand why Erin couldn't keep her hands off him -- I wouldn't be able too either. :) The supporting cast seemed very real, and this world feels very fleshed out, which is something I look for in my paranormal reading. Does this world feel as if it begins and ends with the two covers, or does it feel as if these people are still walking around, loving, and living, even after I close the book. The town, the characters, all of it feels vividly real. It's like a place I wish I could visit on vacation. As if it's there, on the map somewhere.

An excellent read. I read it pretty much all in one sitting -- it was just TOO GOOD TO PUT DOWN!
:)

A small town where the unexplained is the norm. The male lead (Lachlan)was fine, and most of the secondary characters, but the "heroine" Erin was one of the most annoying creatures I've encountered in a long time. The book is 334 pages and Erin is still whining about "Can I trust him, can I trust him" blowing hot and then cold towards Lachlan through the first 200 plus pages in the book. We are told that Erin is a strong woman and has recently left home (at the age of about 29 as I understood it) where her parents have been very domineering and controlling. Her immaturity and angst could be understood if she were a teenager, but wasn't particularily attractive in a woman pushing 30. Also as a librarian (again I am assuming that she has a degree in library science.)she should be an expert at researching and gathering information, but apparently this never crossed her mind when strange things began happening to her and in the community. There was also a scene where the local cop (Danny) mentions a possible rape and the sexual habits of previous victims. Have you ever heard of confidentiality! There is a protocol and chain of evidence that must be maintained in cases of suspected rape. Medical and law enforcement professionals are aware of this, even in small towns. This series has potential but definitely needs some work.

Needing freedom from the overwhelming expectations of her parents, Erin Greenway moves from Arizona to Pine Forest, Colorado, to become a librarian in the small town described to her by her best friend, who insists most locals believe in ghosts. Since it is Halloween, Erin and another librarian decorate the library for a children's spooky story hour. As she arrives at the library, Erin hears eerie noises and smells a nasty odor. She is thinking of yesterday's assault on a woman when the voices enter her mind. One sounds threatening while the other seems protectively sexy.

Visiting Scot Lachlan Tavish is in town hunting the Ancient Vampire, who killed his parents and left him for dead. Lachlan believes that the vampire has staked out Erin and he plans to keep her safe though she distrusts his motives. Still, neither can resist the passion between them and soon make love. However, the malevolent blood sucker is coming for both of them and love is not a good emotion to have when one needs logic, and rational thought, items that have abandoned Erin and Lachlan.

Fans of erotic vampire romances will gain great pleasure from Denise Agnew's fantastic DEEP IN THE NIGHT: DARK FIRE. The story line is action-packed as readers anticipate a powerful final confrontation, but also is filled with an ardent romance so that the audience receives additional pleasure from the cleverly designed plot pulling in two directions. Erin and Lachlan are a delightful couple regardless of which vernacular they use and the villain is as vile a foe as one can imagine. Halloween is rarely as good as this tale is.

Harriet Klausner

In Pine Forest, the residents believe the tales of ghosts that run amuck, all except Erin Greenway. This new librarian doesn't believe in the ghosts or the tales that the native's of Pine Forest believe.

Erin has been in Pine Forest for four weeks, settling in and adjusting to her new life and job. The last thing on her mind really, is a man. Especially when a woman is attacked in the park, Erin is wary of strangers. But when Lachlan Tavish shows up on her doorstep, fangs bared, all of the common sense that she possesses goes flying out the window and her libido takes over. Even though Erin is immensely attracted to Lachlan, she senses secrets beneath the surface with Lachlan that she doesn't completely trust him. Lachlan claims to be tracking down an ancient vampire, but Erin can't help but wonder what prey Lachlan is really seeking...this vampire or her!

What evil is lurking in Pine Forest? Who is Lachlan Tavish? Will Erin realize that danger is on her doorstep, in more ways than one, before it is too late?

Sensual, riveting, exciting and explosive is Denise A. Agnew's first book in the Deep is the Night Series, DARK FIRE. Erin and Lachlan are profound characters who draw readers deep into the story, make us crave their lust and sensuality and we hate to see their story end. A combustible couple who arouse our senses and each others, who are perfect for each other. DARK FIRE literally sent chills down my spine when reading it. The creaks and moans, the movements of the mansion where Erin works in, had me jumping, looking over my shoulder and straining to hear every sound. This is the first story I have read by Denise A. Agnew and after reading it, I have already added her to my auto-buy list. The prologue itself, draws readers in before it is even over. The words are hypnotic and seductive, luring the reader to keep reading.

DARK FIRE is wonderfully written, suspenseful, highly arousing and intriguing. The Deep is the Night Series is off to a fantastic beginning with DARK FIRE. I can't wait for the next tale in this series, to find out what else this talented author has in store for us next.

Reviewed by Tracey West for The Road to Romance

Love it.

Body chemistry loveeeeeeeeeeeee that story thought it was so cute. Like the others even Jaid Black

This book contains six short stories, described below.

5 stars to NIGHT SCREAM by Denise A. Agnew. Wow! Very good. This is a fun story which ends with hot erotic sex. CIA-type agent meets girl who is in training to be an agent. They fight something evil together. Story length: 46 pages. Sexual language: erotic. Number of sex scenes: two. Setting: current day top secret location. Genre: erotic paranormal romance.

5 stars to BODY CHEMISTRY by Tawny Taylor. Wow! Very well done. Wildly erotic. Allie is attracted to a nerd-type genius at work who usually bores women with talk of his laboratory work. He accidentally spills a formula on himself which is like catnip to women. Story length: 41 pages. Sexual language: erotic. Number of sex scenes: three. Setting: present day unknown town. Genre: erotic contemporary romance.

5 stars to GHOST OF A CHANCE by Shiloh Walker. Very good. Interesting story of ghosts and reincarnation. Nice ending. Chelsea inherits a house. She goes to live there for awhile to write. Ghosts are involved. Since the story is good, I won't give anything away through spoilers. Story length: 54 pages. Sexual language: erotic. Number of sex scenes: six. Setting: current day Warren, Kentucky. Copyright: 2004. Genre: erotic paranormal romance.

For a list of my reviews of other Shiloh Walker books, see my 4 star review of The Missing posted 11/12/08.

4 stars to PAST RUNNING by Mlyn Hurn. Pretty good. Craig is excaped convict who forces his ex-wife Aeryn to help him escape. Story length: 42 pages. Sexual language: erotic. Number of sex scenes: three plus. Setting: current day small U.S. city on the coast. Copyright: 2004. Genre: erotic contemporary romance.

4 stars to THE BECKONED by Jaid Black. Nice story. Somewhat surprise ending. Puawai is a New Zealand Indian living in present day America. She time travels back to 1776 and meets Major Jack Elliot a military man. They had been dreaming of each other for years. Story length: 59 pages. Sexual language: erotic. Number of sex scenes: three. Setting: present day and 1776 rural Ohio. Copyright: 2004. Genre: time travel romance.

3 stars to EARTHWORK by Annie Windsor. I liked it, but would have preferred a more defined ending. Keli and Dram join forces to fight an evil group. They have witch-type powers, which exist in some humans in the year 2800. The story ends after the first battle but the evil continues. I wanted to know more about the evil group and what was going to eventually happen. There is some bondage and sadism. Story length: 47 pages. Sexual language: erotic. Number of sex scenes: two. Setting: 2800 earth. Copyright: 2004. Genre: erotic paranormal romance.

I bought this book because I'd been hearing about Ellora's Cave and wanted to see what their books were like. I figured an anthology would give me a general idea of how steamy the books are and what kinds of stories they produce.

I have to say that I laughed at first when I started reading Body Chemistry by Tawny Taylor. I couldn't get into the heroine's head. She was always saying things like, "Oh, my god!", "Oh, boy", or "Oh, yes." Over time, the story did grow on me because the erotic material is fresh. I just had a hard time with Allie Larson's way of thinking and talking.

Thankfully, I was impressed with and enjoyed Ghost of a Chance by Shiloh Walker. It is a story where past lives and present lives mix. It has a brilliant mix of the paranormal with strong sexual tension.

Earthwork by Annie Windsor is definately sexy and erotic. There is certainly some steamy material here that will keep you warm on a cold night. I'm not used to reading male dominance/ S&M type stuff, so this was a change for me. I also usually don't read futuristic romances. But, I do love stories with strong psychic elements and this has all three. If you like alpha heroes with a strong dominant streak, you'll like Earthwork.

I was less interested in Mlyn Hurn's tale, Past Running, and it is probably the only story I never re-read. Maybe because it's about an abusive ex-husband bent on kidnapping and more, I just wasn't really excited by it. There was little in the way of steamy scenes and the villain was repugnant, so I read it through and didn't look back. If you like romantic suspense or thriller type books, you might enjoy this tale. I think Mlyn Hurn is probably good as a full-length novel writer, I just wasn't titillated by this as a short tale. I thought there needed to be more about Aeryn and Devlin and less on the ex-husband. This story reads like it is an excerpt from a longer novel rather than a solid, stand alone erotic piece.

I enjoyed Jaid Black's story, The Beckoned. She did a good job of creating a time travel romance in a very short format. I also loved the fact that the heroine was an Indian woman from New Zealand in love with a colonial American. The heroine's background added something special for me and made the story fresh and unique.

The first story of the book is Denise A. Agnew's Nightscream. A vampire and a headstrung aspiring agent get caught together alone in the special investigation's office while attempting to get rid of a very determined banshee. Things heat up between them as agent Conall Tierney seems just as bent on seducing Evelyn as he is on capturing the banshee. It's a good story and there is something sexy about Conall. It would have been nice if this one was a little longer.

Overall, this is a fun anthology. Certain stories stand out more than others, but it definately has a lot of variety!

Mainly bought this for the Jaid Black story. But was impressed by the Shiloh Walker story. This was my first story by her. Of course since it's a continuation of an established series, I didn't quite know what was going on. But that really didn't matter. It made me want to start on the series. Jaid Black and Lora Leigh are my all time favorites. But now, I have to add Shiloh to this list. Keep up the good work, Shiloh.

This book gives us a good general overview of the history of the Czech people and of the Bohemian crown lands. Its main flaw, common with many other similar books, is unbalanced coverage of events from chronological point of view. There was a disproportional attention given to events in newer history at expense of more distant past. Roughly half of the book deals with the history in the period between 1914 and 2002, although this area entered the history as early as in the 9th century. The newest history since 1989 is especially excessively presented in a too detailed way and it would be better to use this space for more exhaustive presentation of more distant history. Otherwise, the author is fair and ideologically and ethnically impartial and from this aspect no serious objections can be given against the book.

I read location appropriate books when I travel and I bought this book among others for a recent holiday in Prague. The history of the area is rich and complex and of course, lengthy! This book thoroughly covers over a thousand years of history balanced nicely between periods with a perfect level of detail, moving between key events and quickly describing the key players. It was a nice enhancement to my visits to many of these places.

I recommend the book for anyone who wishes to learn more about this region of the world and I also recommend visiting there!

I really enjoyed this book, which is a comprehensive and fast-moving account of the history of the Czechs and their lands.

I teach (management) with the International Program of an American university in Prague. My students are almost all Czech and I greatly admire them and love the magical city of Prague. To help me understand my students and their context, I learned Czech and read Czech history pretty extensively. My interests, which focus on the period from the creation of the First Republic (1918) until the Velvet Revolution (1988/9), are explored by many current history texts. However, while specific periods in Czech history are dealt with, a truly comprehensive history has not been available.

This is now remedied. What Hugh Agnew provides, is a very readable, fast-moving text that covers Czech history from the eighth century until the present. The book is excellently researched and the style, while erudite and flowing, is without any pedantic undertone. Of great importance, changing political and power patterns of a broader European region are explored and their impact on the Czech lands explained. This provides the reader with a wider focus and sets Czech historical developments within a European context; something that many histories fail to do, or fail to do adequately.

A second significant issue is that Agnew deals even-handedly with competing forces in the Czech political and power scene. There has been a tendency for many historians, especially earlier Czechs writers, to follow predetermined fault lines in approaching their subject. This is often reflected in stereotypical themes of Germanic influence and Czech efforts to counter this. While Agnew deals sympathetically with the renascence of Czech national identity and aspirations he preserves a fine degree of informed criticism and balance.

I greatly enjoyed reading Hugh Agnew's book and think that many will find that it provides a much-needed, complete, balanced, and enthusiastic overview of Czech politics and the evolution of national identity. It provides excellent coverage and material for multiple ways of expressing the evolution of the Czech lands and the growth of a distinctive Czech national identity.

A spooky castle, haunted dreams, and unsolved disappearances makes FOREVERMORE an engrossing, spellbinding tale of a love that wouldn't die.

Mae Sutton travels to Scotland to put to rest disturbing dreams she's had all her life. In the home of Aidan Ramsay (a man she's incredibly attracted to at first sight), Mae finds an uncanny resemblance between her and the painting of a woman from another century-Maggie Mae Ramsay.

Soon Mae starts dreaming about the life of Maggie Mae beginning with the deep love between her and the man she married, and the tragedy that drove a wedge between them. But in the dreams Mae Sutton is Maggie Mae Ramsay and the leading man is Aidan Ramsay. Moor Castle seems to be the center of all that's wrong-a sinister place where people have gone, but never returned from.

A horrible mystery surrounds Moor Castle, and Mae needs to unravel it before she can be happy in this life with Aidan Ramsay.

FOREVERMORE will draw you into the mystery, the drama, and the chilling family secrets of Moor Castle. Sometimes love refuses to die even beyond the grave.

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Mae Sutton has always been fascinated with Scotland. So much so, that when she had the opportunity to go to Scotland as an exchange student, she jumped at the chance. That was several years ago now, and she had been back home in Montana for a while, but the pull Scotland had over her never ended. When she started having dreams again about a dark castle ruin in Tulcairn, she decided once and for all to put the mystery behind her as to why she had spent most of her life dreaming about Moor Castle and a woman who lived a century before.

Aidan Ramsey owns the property where Moor Castle rests. His family has lived in Ramsay Hall in the Highlands for many generations and has heard of more then his share of mysterious happenings at the ruins - people disappearing, strange sights and sounds in the vicinity of the castle, and much more. He also has dreamed most of his life of the castle, and one of his ancestors, Quinn Ramsay. When Aidan sees Mae during a tour of his home, he is shocked by her appearance. She looks exactly like his ancestor, Quinn's, wife, Maggie Mae, who disappeared 100 years ago and was never from again.

When Mae and Aidan meet, sparks fly from the first, and each is drawn to the other in ways they cannot explain. Also, a resurgence in Mae's dreams, which she learns are about Maggie Mae and Quinn, causes her to be more determined then ever to figure out why she has always been obsessed with Moor Castle. It has an aura of evil and gloom pervading it, so much so that Mae is overwhelmed, and she experiences flashes where she herself is living in the past, feeling Maggie Mae's same fascination with the ruins which may have been her downfall.

As Mae and Aidan spend more time together, they find themselves growing closer and closer. They also learn about each others' dreams and eventually come to realize they hold the answers to the mystery of what happened to Maggie Mae. But the evil surrounding Moor Castle is spreading, threatening to consume them both. They must come together to solve the mysteries surrounding Maggie Mae and Quinn, and to put an end to the castle's evil reign. What did happen to Maggie Mae on that long ago night? Did she abandon her husband to be with a lover as some suspected? Or was their something else involved in her disappearance and possible death? Only Mae and Aidan know for sure, and it is locked deep in their subconscious and the only way to draw it out is to face the evil in a fight for their souls on a night exactly like the one in 1898, on which Maggie Mae disappeared forever.

Wow!!! This is one intense read. It is extremely fascinating and will keep one engrossed from the very first page, and the introduction to the indomitable Mae Sutton. The theme behind this story is so amazing, it keeps the pages turning. Mae and Aidan are a perfect match, soul mates, if only they can come to terms with their unbelievable circumstances. They engage the reader in their lives, and those of their friends, all the way to the shocking conclusion. It is also different in that their adversary is not the traditional flesh and blood person, but an entity far more complex and indefinable, that is housed in the brooding castle.

The underlying reincarnation thread is so well-done, one can't help but believe. The blinking back and forth between past and present should be disconcerting, but it isn't. One understands what is happening in the dreams of Mae and Aidan and has no trouble following the story. This reviewer was blown away by the storyline. There are however, several instances of poor editing, which can be distracting, until one starts to just ignore them, to prevent being pulled out of the story. All in all, a phenomenal book, which has this reviewer eager to go find more works by Ms. Agnew.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, September 2002. All rights reserved.

Dreams of Maggie Mae Ramsay have come to Mae Sutton since childhood. A shift to nightmares, however, leads to a compelling need to visit the Scottish Highlands and learn more about Maggie Mae. Time shifts bridge the gap between Mae and Maggie, but no more so than meeting Adian Rasey, the man who owns the castle ruins where Maggie Mae disappeared. Indeed, according to the Mae's memories and the paintings she finds, Adain looks exactly like Maggie Mae's love, Quinn.

Mae's appearance likewise stuns Adain, because she looks exactly like the portrait of Maggie. Further, Adian also dreams, sharing a deep understanding of Mae's need to explore the past. But Moore Castle is a dangerous place where evil stalks the corridors and people mysteriously disappear. So Adain carefully guards his knowledge of the past and the people he and Mae resemble.

Author Denise Agnew weaves an entrancing tale that spans lifetimes in FOREVERMORE. Mae's fierce independence and determination to forego men meets its match in Adain's stubborn determination. These strong characters find themselves drawn inexorably together on a path of marvelous discovery. The mysterious links to the past and the powerful needs of the present provides a powerful tale of good triumphing over evil with heart-warming results. Indeed, Agnew's gift for deft intertwining of romance, mystery, gothic overtones, and the paranormal once again proves her remarkable storytelling gifts. FOREVERMORE comes highly recommended.

When Dr. Keira Jessop is rescued from a drive by shooting by Zane Spinella she never expected to find out that he had only been in the right place to save her because he had been spying on her for the Special Investigations Agency (SIA). The SIA believe that Keira's grandfather and possibly even Keira herself have been dealing in stolen artifacts. In order to clear her grandfather and herself from these accusations Keira is now forced to travel to Puerto Azul to locate a very special statue which is said to have great power when both pieces are fitted together. Even worse she's forced to work with Zane. Zane had desired Keira from the moment he first saw her but he doesn't trust easily and the fact that Keira is suspected of illegal dealings makes it doubly hard for him. But that doesn't stop the passion from boiling over between them. Now, Zane has to protect Keira while deciding if he can trust her or not.

Ms. Agnew has given us another wonderful addition to her Special Investigations Series. Zane is a true alpha male with a soft side and Kiera is no push over. Packed with passion and adventure Primordial is one book that readers will want to add to their collections.

Melissa
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
(...)

Keira Jessop is forced to take on a mission for the Special Investigations Agency to clear her and her grandfather's names when they are suspected of stealing and selling artifacts on the black market. SIA are looking for a particular artifact suspected of being in the hands of Ludwig Haan, a man they suspect of other crimes including murder. But Keira is not in Puerto Azul alone, agent Zane Spinella, the man who saved Keira's life one time before, is there. Between the two of them they make the jungle even steamier but can they find the artifact, clear Keira's name, and solved the murder maybe they can with a little help.

This book was a good read and the story line was relatiively believable. It was interestingly set in 3 locations. The description of some of the scenes were very explosive and had me reaching for my husband!! I liked the strong independent woman who was game for anything to save her granfather, I felt the lead male role was slightly over matcho, but could imagine they are out there.

I may try another of Ms Agnews books, just to see if I like her continued style, this was my first book by her and I felt I have read better.
Truth be told I would still read it, so give it a go as there are great scenes, maybe just not enough!!

Marisa has definitely not had the best vacation, ok so it started out well but when things turn for the worse, her new friend calls in her fiancé and his buddies. One of these buddies is Jake Sullivan and not only is the man yummy but he seems to be interested (or at least stalking) her. But, after a disaster with Alex, her former military fiancé, she has decided she wants nothing to do with military men, too bad her hormones do not listen to her. She is convinced since Jake is taking his month leave in her town, working for her uncle, that she will just have to wait him out. Geesh she only has to wait a month, surely she can handle that. But when things start to happen around the tavern and it's living spaces that are not explainable, she seems to be attracted to Jake, for comfort at least.

Jake can't figure out what Marisa is doing to him. He normally has a protective streak a mile wide but when he helps rescue Marisa, it becomes even wider. When he is given the opportunity to take a closer look at his attraction, and determines it isn't just protective but also there is a sexual chemistry, hands on he will do what he can to be with Marisa. He is wondering if one time will be enough though. Will she be willing to take a chance on him, or will her past keep her from what they both want? Suddenly it looks like Marisa might be in danger again, and he knows he will do anything to keep her from being hurt.

Wow there are a number of sub plots happening in this one fast paced story. You have lost love, kidnapping, serious sexual attraction and friendships. If that wasn't enough you also have a serious hot Special Forces man and a woman he wants to protect. Private Maneuvers is the third book in the Hot Zone Series, and a fantastic addition at that. I was drawn in from the first page and it kept me intrigued throughout the story. I think anyone who likes a strong woman and a sexy man with scruples will thoroughly enjoy Private Maneuvers.

Tanya
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Marisa Clyde is adamantly against getting involved with the hunky soldier who rescues her after her Mexican tour goes very wrong. There's no doubt the sexual attraction between them is strong, but she's determined to ignore it. She'll be heading back to the United States and her uncle's bar so it's not like she'll ever see him again anyway, right? Wrong.

Jake Sullivan is a member of a Special Forces team and remaining detached and emotionless has aided him in the line of duty. Since meeting Marisa he's consumed with thoughts of her and believes that if he can just get her into his bed one time then his life will return to normal - or so he thinks.

One week after Marisa and Jake part ways in Mexico they're reunited and Marisa definitely isn't happy about the circumstances. Jake has a month's leave from the Special Forces and he's arranged to help at Dexter's bar so that he'll have a chance to get to know Marisa better. While talking to Dexter he becomes aware that there's a potential threat and he vows to protect Marisa even though he knows she wants nothing to do with him for some unknown reason. Jake's determined to get Marisa into his bed but he thinks that once he's had her his interest will wane. Not once did he envision himself so in love with her that the mere thought of losing her would make him sweat.

PRIVATE MANEUVERS captured my interest from the very beginning and held it all the way through to the last page. Marisa and Jake make a wonderful couple and their refusal to acknowledge their attraction as anything more than physical makes this a sinfully delightful story. They've both got good reason to not want to get involved in a romantic relationship but none of those make a difference in the long run. I was particularly fascinated by the mysterious phone calls that Marisa kept receiving and why someone would be threatening her. I had several scenarios in my mind but none of them even came close to what really happens. Denise A. Agnew certainly doesn't disappoint with this smoldering hot tale. Now I'll have to go back and read the rest of the series.

The HOT ZONE series, so far, consists of these four titles:
MALE CALL - May 2007
UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER - October 2007
PRIVATE MANEUVERS - April 2008
CLOSE QUARTERS - releases May 2008

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

Marisa Clyde had never known such fear before. She never thought she would make it out of Mexico alive. The trip to Los Diablos was supposed to be fun and exciting, but had quickly turned into the most harrowing terror filled experience of her life. She could not thank Keith and his team enough for rescuing all of them. Marisa knew they had come primarily because Freddie was in danger, but they had been wonderful to everyone. She had particularly noticed chief warrant officer Jake Sullivan. When her injuries had become too painful to bear, he had appointed himself her caretaker. He had not left her side until he put her on a flight home.

Jake knew he shouldn't be in Clarksville. He had no real reason for being here except that he couldn't stop thinking about Marisa. He took a temporary job as bouncer in her Uncle Dexter's bar because he could think of nothing but being close to Marisa. Since she was working there, he thought it the perfect opportunity to get to know her better. He knew Marisa was running. She didn't want anything to do with Jake, and was determined to keep him at arms length. When she started receiving death threats, Jake again appointed himself her protector. They would both have to overcome some past demons to have any type of future together.


Jake and Marisa were very good together, and had wonderful chemistry to spare. This story is a good follow-up to Unconditional Surrender. You really have to read that first to follow and understand the whole story.

Neena is looking for men. Okay, specifically, she is looking for men to pose for the local charity calendar. She is down to needing a Mr. December and an alternate. The smarmy lawyer she just gave her card to will definitely fit the bill, but no way would the guy in the butt ugly Hawaiian shirt. Not only does he not fit the image of a hard body, but then there is the shirt and baggy pants.

But suddenly Neena is rethinking her position. When she and Mr. Hawaiian shirt are caught in a robbery gone bad at the café and trapped together, she knows she has made the wrong snap judgment decision. Now if she could just get her hormones to stop yelling at her and be able to ascertain what she wants next it would be perfect.

Mitch Gilroy (aka. Mr. Hawaiian shirt) has returned to his home town after a number of years in the Army. Specifically, he has come back to this area to be far away from anything military or stressful. He just wants to get his life back on track and work as a local handyman. He never expected to be taken as a hostage in a botched robbery attempt. But that is what he will do if he needs to so that the cute woman is left alone. Instead, he is trapped with her and agrees to be in the calendar.

Can the two of them let themselves live in the moment enough to see what is right in front of their eyes? Can they work together to banish their demons and build a relationship?

You should never judge a book by its cover, or in this case, the man by his hideous taste in shirts. Close Quarters is a funny, sassy, and suspenseful addition to Ms. Agnew's Hot Zone series. I enjoyed the interactions between Neena and her friends, as well as how she decides to take a chance on Mitch for the calendar, and in life. Ms. Agnew also does a fine job of writing a spicy romance scene. I thoroughly enjoyed Close Quarters and hope there is a book five in the future for this series.

Tanya
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

After a positively horrible day at work, Neena Williamson wanted nothing more than some decadent coffee cake at Davina's Coffee Shop. She had just started to relax when she got one of her feelings. That all telling feeling told her that today was not going to end well. She didn't know how bad it would get until she found herself looking into the end of a gun barrel by a masked man with robbery on his mind. When he tried to take her as his hostage, the local handyman, Mitch Gilroy stepped in, and dissuaded him. She found her later predicament being locked in the storage room with him a much better option than the alternative.

She didn't know Mitch, but her empathic abilities allowed her to sense that he had experienced extreme loss, and the ability to kill if needed. Even knowing that, she had not been able to get him out of her mind since the crises at the coffee shop. Neena thought about him during the day, and more disturbing, dreamed of him all through the night. When Mr. December had to drop out of her charity calendar photo shoot due to injuries he sustained during the robbery, she asked Mitch to take his place. This put them together more than they both felt comfortable with. She wanted him, and he wanted her, but they were reluctant to get involved. They tried to stay away from each other, but the night of the charity ball, they finally gave in to the feelings plaguing them.

When the man who robbed Davina's escaped from custody, Mitch made it was his personal mission to keep Neena safe. He and Neena were getting close, but both were holding their painful pasts back afraid of frightening the other or that there would be no understanding.

Mitch and Neena are two very troubled people with a lot of baggage from the past. They will have to resolve their past issues if they hope to have any kind of a future together. Even with the personal issues, they have chemistry galore, and a true friendship building. This fourth book in the Hot Zone Series is not to be missed. The story will draw you in, and keep you captivated.

Few books are as worthy of this pricing strategy. Go on, buy it. Impress your friends that you have purchased possibly the most expensive geogrpahy book EVER written.

This is without doubt the best introduction to the subject to date. The several authors bring a range of skills to bear on the manifold aspects of power and space and the editors do a fine job in sythesizing what is too often a mélange of incoherent ideas and findings.

I'd recommend this book as a perfect choice for advanced seminars in the social sciences--except that it is probably a little too expensive for the average student?

Freddie Bodine never thought going home for her twentieth high school reunion would present a second chance for her and Keith Wallace, her high school crush. As a new kind of relationship builds between them, one that Freddie always wanted, it might end way too quickly when Keith and Freddie clash over Freddie's career choices.

Freddie, an archaeologist with a thirst for adventure, an inquisitive mind, and a love of exploring, is excited about her upcoming archeological dig in Los Diablos Mexico. This is a dream come true for her and the only thing spoiling her excitement is Keith's disapproval and fear for her safety. Keith, Army Special Ops soldier, knows plenty about the instability and lawlessness of Los Diablos. He already lost one person he loved there. Will he lose Freddie, too?

Unconditional Surrender is a sweet love story with a bit of adventure. I like Freddie. She's a woman who has her own mind and would not be ruled by just her heart. Keith was not happy with Freddie's decision and he made it known but not in an overbearing way. His actions were fueled by love and wanting to keep Freddie safe from harm. These two were made for each other. They have sweet passion and great respect for one another, and even when they didn't agree with each other, it was with respect. I also liked Marisa and Jake and I'm very happy to say they have a book, too. Unconditional Surrender is a very enjoyable story.

Ley
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Fredricka Bodine has returned to her old hometown of Clarksville, Wyoming for her twentieth high school reunion. She is excited to see family, and old friends, but was very surprised to run into her old high school crush Keith Wallace back in town also. They hadn't seen each other since high school, but Freddie never got over him, or the dance they shared at the prom. Now, so many years later, she still felt the rush of intense attraction to Keith. What she didn't know was that he felt the exact same way, and didn't plan to let any more time go by, or allow the opportunity they had been given to go to waste. As Keith and Freddie get closer neither can deny what is between them.

Freddie is an archaeologist, and is planning on traveling to Los Diablos in Mexico. It was a chance of a lifetime, and she was looking forward to the trip. What she didn't anticipate was Keith's vehement refusal to allow her to go. He is a captain with Special Forces, and has seen first hand the volatile situation she would be going into. After many arguments, and against his better judgment, he doesn't stand her way. When Freddie and her traveling companions are caught up in a bombing, and a bandit raid, she only hopes she will get the chance to see her captain again. When news reaches Clarksville about the trouble with Freddie, Keith rounds up some of his buddies to unofficially go down to Mexico. Keith will not be without Freddie, and he is going to find her to bring her home.

Well written very suspense filled story. I liked the history between Freddie and Keith, and felt it added alot to the emotional pull between them.