Dear Author: Romance Book Reviews, Author Interviews, and Commentary

Dear Ms. Dodd:

You are a very polished and talented writer and this entry into the Darkness Chosen series is as fast paced and readable as the others. Adrik Wilder left his family at age 17, became one of the most feared mercenaries in the world, leading a tribe of outlaws, all vying to be badder and meaner than the next. He’s settled in around the borders of Tibet and Nepal where he, as Warlord, pulls off daring raids that makes him and his dysfunctional band of bad men rich.

Karen Sonnet is the developer of adventure hotel chains. Think HGTV extreme homes only multi family dwellings. Homes in the most remote, hard to get to regions that cater to providing the thrill of a lifetime. Karen finds hers project, a new hotel on Mount Anaya set in the Himalayas, suffering the worst of luck. It’s almost like the mountain is cursed like the locals suggest. But Karen is determined to stay. She never fails. She can’t. She has to live up to the impossible expectations of her father, Jackson Sonnet, who has never given her one shred …

Dear Ms. Dodd:

I reviewed the first in the series, Scent of Darkness, and enjoyed the updated play on the boss/secretary theme. Touch of Darkness uses another standard romance trope turned on its side (as opposed to turned on its head). Touch is an adventure romance between former lovers who must trust each other to reach the end safely. The twist is that it is Tasya, the heroine, who leaves the hero.

I think that which book will be a reader’s favorite will depend largely upon their emotional response to the main characters. I liked Anna and Jasha in Scent over Rurik and Tasya in Touch but Touch is just as well written. It’s the work of a professional writer who knows exactly what makes an appealing story. Tightly plotted, fast paced, with well developed characters, the book hits all the right tones.

Rurik Wilder is a member of the cursed Varinski clan. His ancestor sold his soul to the devil in exchange for power, …

Dear Ms. Dodd:

When I first heard that you were doing a paranormal series, I was a bit skeptical. Not every author has made the transition from contemporary or historical to paranormal well. I also will admit that I haven’t read you in years (2003 to be exact) because I was quite perturbed at your handling of the adoption issue in the Lost Texas Hearts series. I began the book with not a little cynicism.

Ann Smith is in love with her boss, Jasca Wilder. One day she’s given the opportunity to drop off some important paperwork at Jascha’s vacation home. Before going up, she gives herself a pep talk and a makeover and is determined to make a play for Jascha. She’s done with being shy and non assertive. Ann’s plans are quickly derailed when she sees Jascha morphing from a wolf to a man. Like any SMART woman would do, Ann flees. She forgets that this is a man she loves and just freaks out. She throws her stiletto at him, drawing blood, runs out of the house, hops into her car and …