Reminiscences of the Spanish-American War by Charles Gaurveau

This is an interesting perspective of a young man who joins the army to fight for the US in Cuba and the Philippines. Although not full of historical details, there are some interesting tidbits: since he’s only 19 when war breaks out, he needs his father’s permission, the tinned beef and tomatoes, and the reception he receives in many towns while in his uniform. He also gives a haunting description of Nagasaki, Japan and a brief picture of San Francisco before the devastating turn of the century earthquake. Overall, a good starting reference for those interested in the Spanish-American War.

Touch the Flame by Marie Patrick

Rancher and former Texas Ranger, Spencer Channing has a habit of bringing home strays. When he finds a woman in the desert, nearly dead from heat stroke, he brings her back to his ranch and his large, and well-intentioned, family. But nursing Reesa back to health is only part of the problem, her memory is gone and she has in her possession a small fortune in diamonds. And one diamond (The Flame) is being hunted by a ruthless killer. The story was an enchanting mix of legend, history and romance. Ms. Patrick to to be commended for bringing 1870s Texas alive in such vivid detail.

Spoonful of Sugar by Tia Dani

This is a cute romance.  Although not big on conflict, this romance is a feel good story about a jaded sheriff and a widow who’s afraid of gossip. Throw in a cat, a dog and four kids and you have a delightful mix.

A War Nurses Diary: Sketches from a Belgian Field Hospital (World War I) I bought this as an ebook. I don’t know if it’s because of the formatting or what but most of the pictures didn’t show up. The story flowed very well and was sad but funny as the volunteer nurses and doctors fled before the German Army in WWI rolled in Belgium. Although there isn’t much detail, the author does a good job of telling what must have been a terrifying journey with doses of humor and humanity and an amazing amount of luck.

Masque by Lexi Post

This is an erotic romance that is quite a page turner! Determined to prove herself, Rena Mills wants to turn an abandoned abbey into a bed and breakfast. Except the abbey isn’t exactly abandoned; it’s full of ghosts that want to move on and it’s Synn MacAllistair’s job to help them. Caught between worlds, Synn must guide Rena through a series of pleasure rooms before time runs out. Based on Edgar Allen Poe’s The Masque of the Red Path, Masque is a sensual mix of intrigue, romance and the supernatural. Best of all, there’s some unusual twists. Ms. Post has done a wonderful job of penning a hauntingly erotic tale.

Tin Angel by Raine English

Alice Hart’s life is nearly over when she realizes she’s never really lived at all. For nearly seventy years she’s mourned the death of her first love (killed during World War 2) and now the gift he’d given her of a tin angel will offer her a second chance at love and life. Turned back into a beautiful twenty something, Ally now pretends to be her own neice when friends come calling. Poignant and funny, sad but lighthearted, Ally’s search for love tugs on all the heart’s  strings right until the final moment when she must choose between her first love and the one most recently found. An amazing story I really didn’t want to end.

Bottle Full of Scorpions by John Dominick

Written in the first person from the main character, Ben’s point of view, this book is a vivid portrayal of the monsters inside people and is wonderfully mirrored by the scorpion-like aliens devouring mankind. The description of the aliens and their eating habits are gruesomely detailed and foreshadow the ending. Ben is doggedly realistic and at times it makes him unsympathetic but overall I enjoyed the story and was rooting for him.

Mic by Lynda Bailey

Girl mechanic who’s never been loved has a chance with hometown hero who’s been scarred from a big city romance. This story is a fun mix of two fairy tales The Ugly Duckling and Cinderella, with an usual supporting cast. Michaela and   Scott star in a slightly naughty but humorous romance that I couldn’t help but smile about at the end.

Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes by Denise Grover Swank

Rose Gardner is the ultimate underdog. If working at the DMV isn’t bad enough, she had visions and tells them to people without thinking about the consequences. Now, she’s seen the worst thing possible—her own death and her murderer. Rose doesn’t start off as a strong heroine, but circumstance and a rather hunky and understanding neighbor help make her into a likable heroine that you can’t help but cheer on.
Ms. Grover Swank adds a splash of Southern small town humor to complicate issues as Rose sets out save her own life. I enjoyed this book so much, I immediately bought the second one in the series.

Let Us Prey by Jamie Lee Scott

While the PI meets a Detective romantic twist isn’t a new one, the authors use of role playing based on the PI’s clients best-selling books made this a unique and fun read.

Unwrapped by Chantilly White

Determined to avoid becoming her mother, Mia has struggled to find just the right guy to give her heart. Thankfully, Derrick has been under her nose the whole time and has been waiting for the perfect opportunity to prove that he’s the man for Mia. This is the best kind of romance, one where the hero must actually romance the heroine to win her from friend to lover, gaining everything and losing nothing. The path to true love never ran smooth, and this story is certainly no exception. But it is a great (although very steamy) romance.