Nibbles from Cobblestone Press

DIAMOND - Mia Romano
ISBN: 978-1-60088-106-00
February 2007
Romantic Suspense - Nibble
RRT Rating: 2

Bakersville, State Unknown - Present Day

When FBI agent Adara Alston learns of her sister's death, she is devastated, remembering her sister's pleas for Adara to come visit in their last conversation. Now it is too late. But, it's not too late for Adara to help find out who killed her sister. Luckily enough, Adara is chosen by the agent-in-charge as the best person to go undercover at the Luscious Lingerie modeling agency to investigate just that. But that's not all he's chosen her for...

DIAMOND has a good premise, but the characters are not quite believable or charismatic enough to pull the plot or romance off.

Kathy Samuels
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DOUBLE TROUBLE - Jennifer McKenzie
Divine Intervention Series II
ISBN: 978-1-60088-125-1
April 2007
Paranormal Romance
RRT Rating: 4

Fortuna, California – The Present

After her husband, Greg, died, Elizabeth fell into a depression and funk, gaining weight and remaining in bed all day. Jerod Anderson, Greg’s best friend and now hers, stood by her, let her cry on his shoulder, shared her grief and helped with her two teenage twin boys. After two years of this he asked her, “What are you doing? Why are you hiding away?” Angered that he would accuse her of running from life, she kicked him out of hers. He left.

She unexpectedly meets Jerod a year later. Things have changed, but can Elizabeth convince him of that? And will her boys want Jerod in her life?

While the humans are making a mess of their lives, not all is lost, for each has a guardian angel, and Thomas, Elizabeth’s angel, is hard at work. He wants to redeem himself after years of drunken behavior. Well, maybe he won’t be the help Elizabeth needs.

DOUBLE TROUBLE is an entertaining read, at times poignant, at times true-to-life. Many readers will identify with its message about grief and recovery, but everyone will enjoy the characters struggle with friends, honesty and how to express love.

Robin Lee
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FAERIE DUST - Yolanda Sfetsos
ISBN: 978-1-60088-095-7
February 2007
Fantasy Romance - Nibble
RRT Rating: 3

Sydney, Australia - Present Day

Shay Lee is one of the best Fae-Hunters, warriors who search for their brethren lost among humans and return them to Faerie. Usually strong and focused on quickly completing her assignment, Shay finds herself intrigued by her target, Glen Row. That intrigue soon grows into something more. Is Shay willing to give up her wings for love?

Action and adventure take center stage in Yolanda Sfetsos' FAERIE DUST, culminating in a sweet romance that will charm readers. A well-written and engaging story, it's perfect as a romance quick fix.

Kathy Samuels
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SINGLED OUT – Jennifer McKenzie
ISBN: 978-1-6088-105-3
April 2007
Paranormal Contemporary Romance
RRT Rating: 5

Eureka, California – Present Day

Thomas awoke with another hangover, and his boss is getting a little angry with him for falling down on the job! As Michaela’s guardian angel, his task is to get her together with her soul mate, but in his inebriated state, he can’t even remember the man’s name. There is nothing left for his boss to do but send him to angel rehab.

Michaela and Tim work at a beverage company and see each other every day. Tim is very attracted to Michaela but is never able to say the right things or feel confident enough to ask her out. Pretending to be a secret admirer, he sends her on a treasure hunt of flowers and beautiful gifts. After four long years, will they finally get some help from their guardian angels and get together?

SINGLED OUT is a delightful short story of laughs and love. My only complaint is that I wanted to read more about the goofy guardian angel and the difficult lovers.

Marilyn Heyman
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VALENTINE VENDETTA – Melanie Atkins
ISBN: 978-1-60088-084-1
February 2007
Contemporary Romance
RRT Rating: 3

As the only witness to a murder committed by Al Cappaletti, romance novelist Nikki Brooks is the prosecution's star witness. It also puts her life in danger since the mobster will do everything in his power to prevent her testimony. When Nikki's home is broken into the week before the trial starts, the District Attorney decides to stash her away in a remote ski lodge with a police escort. Unfortunately for Nikki, her babysitter turns out to be her childhood nemesis, Marc Trapani. Once the bane of her teenage years, Marc is now all grown up and gorgeous but still able to get under Nikki's skin. Which could be a good thing for a woman looking for hero material.

Short and steamy, with an ending that might seem a little too convenient, this nibble fills the bill for those looking for a quick, sexy romance fix.

Isabelle Spencer