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kathydavie's review against another edition
3.0
An anthology of 29(!) short stories revolving around love and murder in a mix of romantic suspense and thrillers with a few paranormal tales.
I primarily picked Love is Murder up because several authors whose work I follow are in it. It’s an uneven mix of good authors and bad ones. It starts with the really bad stories and gets unevenly better.
Series:
"Diamond Drop" (Bullet Catcher, 8.75)
"B.A.D. Mission" (B.A.D. Agency, 4.5)
"Deadly Fixation" (Belador, 5.5??)
"Hot Note" (Detective Shelley Caldwell, 2.5)
"Without Mercy" (Mercy Street, 3.5)
"Dying to Score" (Black Ops, Inc., 7.5)
"Dirty Low Down" (Jackie Mercer, 1.5)
"Holding Mercy" (Mercy Gunderson Mystery, 2.25)
"Vacation Interrupted" (Lucy Kincaid/Sean Rogan , 4.5)
The Stories
Roxanne St. Claire’s "Diamond Drop" is a potentially cute story of a diamond courier escaping thieves. The end has a wee twist. Predictable and jerky in the writing. The last scene was, pardon the pun, thrust in at the last minute. The story reads more like she suddenly remembered she needed to get it in for its deadline.
Carla Neggers’ "Cold Moonlight" is a sweet romance, although I have no idea where "cold moonlight" comes in as it’s daytime when the action occurs. This story was one of the worst. I liked the characters, and I think it has potential, but…
I’m guessing that Charlie got lost? Is that why Grit got pulled in and is so readily available? What is Elijah’s purpose here? They’re not Secret Service. Yes, I know that Neggers tells us that Grit has an easier time finding Charlie, but why is he trusted to do this? What has Charlie done? The romance that flares up between Grit and Marissa? Oh, gag. Neggers, please spend some time developing romances in the future. Don’t give us this melodramatic claptrap that sounds like a wooden soap opera!
Beverly Barton’s "Poisoned" is another lame story. I’m sorry, but I’ve had food poisoning before and it’s never affected me like this. This was just stupid. Barton compounds it with that insta-HEA.bMy really big question is: if Olivia is so weak, throwing up, terrible stomach cramps, and Jed has caught up to her, close enough to touch her. How is it that she’s able to run away from him and hide? Dumb, dumb, dumb. It’s at this point that I seriously considered giving this up. Then I went and looked at the list of authors still to come.
Robert Browne’s "Speechless" will appeal to adults whose mothers "always know best". It’s clever, although I was also annoyed that "I" never spoke to David but cut him completely out. Browne does provide a nasty twist at the end.
Andrea Kane’s "Lockdown" is an improvement on the earlier stories in this hostage situation during a wedding. Thank god. It’s mostly tell, but Kane at least provides a smooth, flowing story with enough background that it feels complete.
William Simon’s "Spider’s Tango" is a cute blend of two stories. An ex-husband encounters his ex-wife during an FBI operation in which they’re desperately trying to find the kidnapped president’s daughter before the really bad guys get her.
Laura Griffin’s "Night Heat" is heated on at least two levels. One being the hot, humid night and the other being the nighttime rescue operation, for the ambassador’s party has been crashed by terrorists. And Mike Dietz is enthralled by the bravery of one of the party guests.
Sherrilyn Kenyon’s "B.A.D. Mission" finds Sam Garrett coming out of retirement to arrest an old girlfriend. It’s okay. Nothing special. It doesn’t feel like a B.A.D. story, though.
Dianna Love’s "Deadly Fixation" is a paranormal fantasy about a minor character, Devon Fortier, in a race with a bounty hunter to capture a troll with a major spell that could start a war. Interesting conflict even though it drove me nuts with the conflict between Devon and Joleen.
I shouldn’t think Joleen wants to get on VIPER’s bad side…
Patricia Rosemoor’s "Hot Note" is cute enough. A quick peek at a case Shelley must solve that involves suicides by drowning in this paranormal tale.
Jon Land & Jeff Ayer’s "Last Shot" is one for our economic times as a family is being forced into foreclosure. It’ll get your heart racing and the end will have you looking for your own copy machine! Very clever, with me on the edge of my seat, hoping and praying for Molly.
Heather Graham’s "Grave Danger" is too true and the title is a double pun. Graham does a great job of creating a whole story that flows well, even if the love story is a bit quick. She does at least provide some good reason for it. There’s plenty of action in here with movie props, zombies, and an on-the-loose serial killer. And a helping hand from the great beyond!
Mariah Stewart’s "Without Mercy" finds Mallory Russo investigating a cold case when new information comes to light (parents, this provides an excellent reason to know who your child’s friends are!!). Gruesome and heartstopping as the truth comes out.
D.P. Lyle’s "Even Steven" starts with a clear-up as Martha and Tim are planning their move. It’s heartbreaking to read as they look over all that they must leave behind. Their son’s murderer is being released from jail, and they can’t bear to live in the town that will let him out so soon. Lyle keeps you wondering throughout the story until the very end. And justice is served.
Cindy Gerard’s "Dying to Score" is a quickie mission that goes sour for the BOIs when Reed gets hit and is bleeding out. It’s only Tink’s determination that has, so far, kept the bad guys back. It’s a pip, and I always enjoy a visit with Gerard’s BOIs.
J.T. Ellison’s "The Number of Man" is a frustrating blend of annoying, confusing, and scary. I wish he’d done a better job of telling us that Michael is the stalker and his thoughts about dating Caitlyn are his fantasies. Not reality. It would have been better if he’d played up Michael’s mental issues rather than this confusing blend of Michael telling us he’s dating Caitlyn and then distancing Michael from the stalker calls Caitlyn is getting.
Bill Floyd’s "Hard Drive" is a conflict of interest for Howie when his ex-girlfriend is arrested for murder…and he stays mum. It’s an old trope that Floyd does well, even though I didn’t like Howie for his philandering.
William Bernhardt’s "After Hours" is a sexual mix-up with she/hes and he/shes who haven’t a clue. The two primary detectives in this alternate between warm and bigoted with casual exchanges between them. It’s a clever solution to the truth in this case. Nicely done.
Brenda Novak’s "Blood In, Blood Out" was a pip. Two guys who met in prison and befriended each other ended up in WITSEC together. And they’ve been on the run, dodging The Crew ever since. There’s a side story going on with Rex’s relationship with Virgil’s sister, Laurel. It’s a love-hate thing, and Rex is giving up. Very nicely done.
Vicki Hinze’s "Wed to Death" will have you worried and then crying as the wedding keeps getting postponed. It did tick me off that Matthew would be sacrificed if the op goes wrong when he was against it from the very start! All I can say is, emotionally, I’m so glad this was a short story. I’m not sure my heart would have survived if I’d had to read pages and pages!
Julie Kenner’s "The Honeymoon" will blow your mind with the betrayal and stupidity. It’s a sad tale, and yet, most of the ending you’ll feel quite righteous about.
James Macomber’s "Execution Dock" is a wide-ranging adventure with child custody issues setting off this male chauvinist pig who refuses to listen to the truth. And he’ll stoop to kidnapping and murder to salve his pride. Very good. Macomber is going on my TBR.
Alexandra Sokoloff’s "In Atlantis" starts as a typical chick lit that hits on Melissa’s curatorial interests as she shadows a potential art thief. It’s the ending that provides a surprising twist — and had me re-reading it several times because I couldn’t believe it.
Pamela Callow’s "Break Even" finds Eddie Bent, a lawyer whose caseload took a dive, anxious to take on this new case that could bring him back to the top. He’s also too soft for his own good as he too quickly learns. A lot of story for this short story. Nicely done. It sure took me in. Callow does leave us hanging at the end. Well, I think I want to be hanging. I don’t think I like the direction Callow appears to be pointing us.
Debra Webb’s "Dirty Low Down" finds a cocky private eye agreeing to be bait for a serial killer — and all the ways it goes wrong. You’ll laugh, you’ll panic, you’ll breathe a sigh of relief.
Toni McGee Causey’s "Broken Hallelujah" is about vengeance and vigilantes in New Orleans as two "opposing" forces take down the bad guy. Causey does get a lot in this story, and I have to agree with Brown, I want more, even if I am confused about that ending.
Lori Armstrong’s "Holding Mercy" is cute as Mercy Gunderson, FBI agent, tries to meet her boyfriend for a romantic date only to have her law enforcement training kick in. Poor baby. She does get, ahem, satisfied at the end.
Allison Brennan’s "Vacation Interrupted" means law enforcement is never truly on vacation. It’s a good story with a scary stalker who has the law on her side. Fortunately, Lucy and Sean are more interested in the truth.
Lee Child’s "I Heard a Romantic Story" is so incredibly sad. It’s all in a day’s work for our "protagonist" as he waits for his moment and has to sit through hours of the chief’s stream of consciousness prattling, trying to reassure himself about the undercover job his girlfriend is doing. I gotta wonder if the girlfriend knew what the plans were for that day.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a white background with the author/editor’s name at the top and a few of the contributors’ names at the bottom. In between is the title writ large and the letters functioning as a window to a red background with a woman in a very low-backed little black dress stepping forward, a gun in one raised hand.
The title is the theme, for Love is Murder is all its possible forms.
I primarily picked Love is Murder up because several authors whose work I follow are in it. It’s an uneven mix of good authors and bad ones. It starts with the really bad stories and gets unevenly better.
Series:
"Diamond Drop" (Bullet Catcher, 8.75)
"B.A.D. Mission" (B.A.D. Agency, 4.5)
"Deadly Fixation" (Belador, 5.5??)
"Hot Note" (Detective Shelley Caldwell, 2.5)
"Without Mercy" (Mercy Street, 3.5)
"Dying to Score" (Black Ops, Inc., 7.5)
"Dirty Low Down" (Jackie Mercer, 1.5)
"Holding Mercy" (Mercy Gunderson Mystery, 2.25)
"Vacation Interrupted" (Lucy Kincaid/Sean Rogan , 4.5)
The Stories
Roxanne St. Claire’s "Diamond Drop" is a potentially cute story of a diamond courier escaping thieves. The end has a wee twist. Predictable and jerky in the writing. The last scene was, pardon the pun, thrust in at the last minute. The story reads more like she suddenly remembered she needed to get it in for its deadline.
Carla Neggers’ "Cold Moonlight" is a sweet romance, although I have no idea where "cold moonlight" comes in as it’s daytime when the action occurs. This story was one of the worst. I liked the characters, and I think it has potential, but…
I’m guessing that Charlie got lost? Is that why Grit got pulled in and is so readily available? What is Elijah’s purpose here? They’re not Secret Service. Yes, I know that Neggers tells us that Grit has an easier time finding Charlie, but why is he trusted to do this? What has Charlie done? The romance that flares up between Grit and Marissa? Oh, gag. Neggers, please spend some time developing romances in the future. Don’t give us this melodramatic claptrap that sounds like a wooden soap opera!
Beverly Barton’s "Poisoned" is another lame story. I’m sorry, but I’ve had food poisoning before and it’s never affected me like this. This was just stupid. Barton compounds it with that insta-HEA.bMy really big question is: if Olivia is so weak, throwing up, terrible stomach cramps, and Jed has caught up to her, close enough to touch her. How is it that she’s able to run away from him and hide? Dumb, dumb, dumb. It’s at this point that I seriously considered giving this up. Then I went and looked at the list of authors still to come.
Robert Browne’s "Speechless" will appeal to adults whose mothers "always know best". It’s clever, although I was also annoyed that "I" never spoke to David but cut him completely out. Browne does provide a nasty twist at the end.
Andrea Kane’s "Lockdown" is an improvement on the earlier stories in this hostage situation during a wedding. Thank god. It’s mostly tell, but Kane at least provides a smooth, flowing story with enough background that it feels complete.
William Simon’s "Spider’s Tango" is a cute blend of two stories. An ex-husband encounters his ex-wife during an FBI operation in which they’re desperately trying to find the kidnapped president’s daughter before the really bad guys get her.
Laura Griffin’s "Night Heat" is heated on at least two levels. One being the hot, humid night and the other being the nighttime rescue operation, for the ambassador’s party has been crashed by terrorists. And Mike Dietz is enthralled by the bravery of one of the party guests.
Sherrilyn Kenyon’s "B.A.D. Mission" finds Sam Garrett coming out of retirement to arrest an old girlfriend. It’s okay. Nothing special. It doesn’t feel like a B.A.D. story, though.
Dianna Love’s "Deadly Fixation" is a paranormal fantasy about a minor character, Devon Fortier, in a race with a bounty hunter to capture a troll with a major spell that could start a war. Interesting conflict even though it drove me nuts with the conflict between Devon and Joleen.
I shouldn’t think Joleen wants to get on VIPER’s bad side…
Patricia Rosemoor’s "Hot Note" is cute enough. A quick peek at a case Shelley must solve that involves suicides by drowning in this paranormal tale.
Jon Land & Jeff Ayer’s "Last Shot" is one for our economic times as a family is being forced into foreclosure. It’ll get your heart racing and the end will have you looking for your own copy machine! Very clever, with me on the edge of my seat, hoping and praying for Molly.
Heather Graham’s "Grave Danger" is too true and the title is a double pun. Graham does a great job of creating a whole story that flows well, even if the love story is a bit quick. She does at least provide some good reason for it. There’s plenty of action in here with movie props, zombies, and an on-the-loose serial killer. And a helping hand from the great beyond!
Mariah Stewart’s "Without Mercy" finds Mallory Russo investigating a cold case when new information comes to light (parents, this provides an excellent reason to know who your child’s friends are!!). Gruesome and heartstopping as the truth comes out.
D.P. Lyle’s "Even Steven" starts with a clear-up as Martha and Tim are planning their move. It’s heartbreaking to read as they look over all that they must leave behind. Their son’s murderer is being released from jail, and they can’t bear to live in the town that will let him out so soon. Lyle keeps you wondering throughout the story until the very end. And justice is served.
Cindy Gerard’s "Dying to Score" is a quickie mission that goes sour for the BOIs when Reed gets hit and is bleeding out. It’s only Tink’s determination that has, so far, kept the bad guys back. It’s a pip, and I always enjoy a visit with Gerard’s BOIs.
J.T. Ellison’s "The Number of Man" is a frustrating blend of annoying, confusing, and scary. I wish he’d done a better job of telling us that Michael is the stalker and his thoughts about dating Caitlyn are his fantasies. Not reality. It would have been better if he’d played up Michael’s mental issues rather than this confusing blend of Michael telling us he’s dating Caitlyn and then distancing Michael from the stalker calls Caitlyn is getting.
Bill Floyd’s "Hard Drive" is a conflict of interest for Howie when his ex-girlfriend is arrested for murder…and he stays mum. It’s an old trope that Floyd does well, even though I didn’t like Howie for his philandering.
William Bernhardt’s "After Hours" is a sexual mix-up with she/hes and he/shes who haven’t a clue. The two primary detectives in this alternate between warm and bigoted with casual exchanges between them. It’s a clever solution to the truth in this case. Nicely done.
Brenda Novak’s "Blood In, Blood Out" was a pip. Two guys who met in prison and befriended each other ended up in WITSEC together. And they’ve been on the run, dodging The Crew ever since. There’s a side story going on with Rex’s relationship with Virgil’s sister, Laurel. It’s a love-hate thing, and Rex is giving up. Very nicely done.
Vicki Hinze’s "Wed to Death" will have you worried and then crying as the wedding keeps getting postponed. It did tick me off that Matthew would be sacrificed if the op goes wrong when he was against it from the very start! All I can say is, emotionally, I’m so glad this was a short story. I’m not sure my heart would have survived if I’d had to read pages and pages!
Julie Kenner’s "The Honeymoon" will blow your mind with the betrayal and stupidity. It’s a sad tale, and yet, most of the ending you’ll feel quite righteous about.
James Macomber’s "Execution Dock" is a wide-ranging adventure with child custody issues setting off this male chauvinist pig who refuses to listen to the truth. And he’ll stoop to kidnapping and murder to salve his pride. Very good. Macomber is going on my TBR.
Alexandra Sokoloff’s "In Atlantis" starts as a typical chick lit that hits on Melissa’s curatorial interests as she shadows a potential art thief. It’s the ending that provides a surprising twist — and had me re-reading it several times because I couldn’t believe it.
Pamela Callow’s "Break Even" finds Eddie Bent, a lawyer whose caseload took a dive, anxious to take on this new case that could bring him back to the top. He’s also too soft for his own good as he too quickly learns. A lot of story for this short story. Nicely done. It sure took me in. Callow does leave us hanging at the end. Well, I think I want to be hanging. I don’t think I like the direction Callow appears to be pointing us.
Debra Webb’s "Dirty Low Down" finds a cocky private eye agreeing to be bait for a serial killer — and all the ways it goes wrong. You’ll laugh, you’ll panic, you’ll breathe a sigh of relief.
Toni McGee Causey’s "Broken Hallelujah" is about vengeance and vigilantes in New Orleans as two "opposing" forces take down the bad guy. Causey does get a lot in this story, and I have to agree with Brown, I want more, even if I am confused about that ending.
Lori Armstrong’s "Holding Mercy" is cute as Mercy Gunderson, FBI agent, tries to meet her boyfriend for a romantic date only to have her law enforcement training kick in. Poor baby. She does get, ahem, satisfied at the end.
Allison Brennan’s "Vacation Interrupted" means law enforcement is never truly on vacation. It’s a good story with a scary stalker who has the law on her side. Fortunately, Lucy and Sean are more interested in the truth.
Lee Child’s "I Heard a Romantic Story" is so incredibly sad. It’s all in a day’s work for our "protagonist" as he waits for his moment and has to sit through hours of the chief’s stream of consciousness prattling, trying to reassure himself about the undercover job his girlfriend is doing. I gotta wonder if the girlfriend knew what the plans were for that day.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a white background with the author/editor’s name at the top and a few of the contributors’ names at the bottom. In between is the title writ large and the letters functioning as a window to a red background with a woman in a very low-backed little black dress stepping forward, a gun in one raised hand.
The title is the theme, for Love is Murder is all its possible forms.
romancejunkie1025's review against another edition
3.0
Diamond Drop ... Roxanne St Claire 3 stars
Kinda fun to read. Typical St. Claire twists… but damn could that have ended any more abruptly and still not really have had a conclusion…jeez!
Night Heat.... Laura Griffin 3 stars
Interesting story. Fun little twist but again ended way before I was ready. I definitely wanted more of Jane and Mike.
B.A.D. Mission.... Sherrilyn Kenyon 3.5 stars
This one was better and had the potential to be great. I would love to see this fleshed out into a least a longer novella. But all in all a well written and CONCLUDED short story.
Dying to Score... Cindy Gerard 4.5 stars
Oh man, what can I say? It was great to see Tink and Johnny back in action and bickering with all that sexy an intense passion. Can’t wait for the spin off series so I can read more about these great folks.
I only read these four stories from my favorite authors so my review of the anthology isn’t exactly complete but that’s my two cents and you’re of course welcome to read all of them if want a full experience. But honestly my TBR pile is sooo tall who has the time!
Kinda fun to read. Typical St. Claire twists… but damn could that have ended any more abruptly and still not really have had a conclusion…jeez!
Night Heat.... Laura Griffin 3 stars
Interesting story. Fun little twist but again ended way before I was ready. I definitely wanted more of Jane and Mike.
B.A.D. Mission.... Sherrilyn Kenyon 3.5 stars
This one was better and had the potential to be great. I would love to see this fleshed out into a least a longer novella. But all in all a well written and CONCLUDED short story.
Dying to Score... Cindy Gerard 4.5 stars
Oh man, what can I say? It was great to see Tink and Johnny back in action and bickering with all that sexy an intense passion. Can’t wait for the spin off series so I can read more about these great folks.
I only read these four stories from my favorite authors so my review of the anthology isn’t exactly complete but that’s my two cents and you’re of course welcome to read all of them if want a full experience. But honestly my TBR pile is sooo tall who has the time!
lori_loves_reading's review against another edition
1.0
No short stories for me! Got thru three of them and had to move on to another book
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. Love Is Murder is an action-packed, adventure-filled, pulse-pounding anthology. The stories are short but compelling and full of unexpected twists and turns. To read my review in its entirety, please visit http://www.bookreviewsandmorebykathy.com/2012/06/07/blog-tour-love-is-murder/
witandsin's review against another edition
4.0
Blue Ribbon Rating: 4 out of 5
Original Review Link
“Diamond Drop” by Roxanne St. Claire
A mysterious woman in leather and heels. A diamond drop worth two million dollars. An unknown threat in a European rail station… It’s all in a day’s work for Bullet Catcher Donovan Rush. Donovan’s got an assignment to impress a new Bullet Catcher client and not even a siren in killer platforms can stop him.
“Diamond Drop” kicks off the LOVE IS MURDER anthology with a bang! Author Roxanne St. Claire has written a sexy, stunning story that drew me in from the start. “Diamond Drop” reminds me of silver screen suspense films in that it’s energetic, edgy and just plain fun. I absolutely loved the vibrancy of “Diamond Drop” — this is a story I won’t forget.
“Diamond Drop” is part of Ms. St. Claire’s Bullet Catchers series, but since I haven’t read any Bullet Catchers books, I can safely say “Diamond Drop” stands on its own. That being said, I’ll definitely be checking out the Bullet Catchers novels now!
“B.A.D. Mission” by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Former B.A.D. agent Sam Garrett is being called back into the field, and this time it’s personal. The only woman he’s ever loved is being accused of selling a weapon to terrorists and Sam has to figure out if she’s guilty or is an innocent who’s in over her head.
I absolutely adore Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love’s B.A.D. Agency series, so I admit to being biased in favor of “B.A.D. Mission.” In Sam and Danielle’s story Ms. Kenyon has penned a fast and furious defeat-the-terrorists plot that’s mixed in with a sensual reunion romance. The sparks that flew between Sam and Danielle were my favorite part of the story, but that doesn’t mean the suspense plot isn’t engaging as well. Fans of the B.A.D. Agency series will undoubtedly be pleased with “B.A.D. Mission” and readers who haven’t read any of the books will get a glimpse into B.A.D.’s fight against the Fratelli de il Sovrano, a terrorist group that’s the overarching enemy of the series.
“Deadly Fixation” by Dianna Love
Belador warrior Devon Fortier has caught wind of some Noirre majik-wielding mercenary trolls and it’s up to him to bring them in to face justice. There’s just one problem: bounty hunter and thorn in Devon’s side Joleen Mac is after the same target. If he wants to bring down the bad guys — or trolls, as it were — Devon will have to make a bargain with his own personal devil.
Svart trolls and leprechauns and bounty hunters, oh my! Set in the world of Dianna Love and Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Belador series, “Deadly Fixation” is an exciting paranormal romantic suspense that will have you avidly turning the pages. The sexual tension between Devon and Jo is to-die-for and I thought the honorable Belador warrior and the kick-ass assassin with a secret were a great match. If you haven’t read the Belador series, “Deadly Fixation” provides a small sample of what the world of the books is like. I’m desperately hoping Jo and Devon show up again in the series because Ms. Love left me wanting more of these two!
“After Hours” by William Bernhardt
When Major Mike Morelli and his partner, Lieutenant Kate Baxter, are called to a homicide scene, they have no idea that this isn’t a straightforward murder. A beautiful woman’s been killed, and the clues to her killer lie in the fact that neither the victim nor her grieving boyfriend are what they appear to be.
Author William Bernhardt takes readers through a homicide case with plenty of unexpected twists in “After Hours.” Mr. Bernhardt’s writing drew me into the story from the start and I found the case itself fascinating. A dash of romance and a message about finding happiness rounds out “After Hours,” making it an all-around wonderful read.
LOVE IS MURDER is a fantastic anthology with twenty-nine very different tales of romantic suspense. Editor Sandra Brown outdid herself with this collection. As with any mega anthology, there will be some stories readers like more than others. I highlighted four of my favorites, but there are a few other notable tales I’d feel awful if I didn’t mention. Heather Graham delivers a spine-tingling thriller with “Grave Danger.” A wedding and a honeymoon take a potentially deadly turn in Andrea Kane’s “Lockdown.” A dangerous stalker threatens two people who have nowhere to turn in “Vacation Interrupted.” A rescue mission turns into something more in Laura Griffin’s “Night Heat.” Julie Kenner does the unexpected in “The Honeymoon.” And there’s something incredibly haunting about Lee Child’s one paragraph tale, “I Heard a Romantic Story.” All in all, I recommend reading LOVE IS MURDER. With thirty incredibly talented authors delivering twenty-nine unique stories, LOVE IS MURDER is one anthology fans of romantic suspense won’t want to miss.
Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here courtesy of Romance Junkies.
Original Review Link
“Diamond Drop” by Roxanne St. Claire
A mysterious woman in leather and heels. A diamond drop worth two million dollars. An unknown threat in a European rail station… It’s all in a day’s work for Bullet Catcher Donovan Rush. Donovan’s got an assignment to impress a new Bullet Catcher client and not even a siren in killer platforms can stop him.
“Diamond Drop” kicks off the LOVE IS MURDER anthology with a bang! Author Roxanne St. Claire has written a sexy, stunning story that drew me in from the start. “Diamond Drop” reminds me of silver screen suspense films in that it’s energetic, edgy and just plain fun. I absolutely loved the vibrancy of “Diamond Drop” — this is a story I won’t forget.
“Diamond Drop” is part of Ms. St. Claire’s Bullet Catchers series, but since I haven’t read any Bullet Catchers books, I can safely say “Diamond Drop” stands on its own. That being said, I’ll definitely be checking out the Bullet Catchers novels now!
“B.A.D. Mission” by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Former B.A.D. agent Sam Garrett is being called back into the field, and this time it’s personal. The only woman he’s ever loved is being accused of selling a weapon to terrorists and Sam has to figure out if she’s guilty or is an innocent who’s in over her head.
I absolutely adore Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love’s B.A.D. Agency series, so I admit to being biased in favor of “B.A.D. Mission.” In Sam and Danielle’s story Ms. Kenyon has penned a fast and furious defeat-the-terrorists plot that’s mixed in with a sensual reunion romance. The sparks that flew between Sam and Danielle were my favorite part of the story, but that doesn’t mean the suspense plot isn’t engaging as well. Fans of the B.A.D. Agency series will undoubtedly be pleased with “B.A.D. Mission” and readers who haven’t read any of the books will get a glimpse into B.A.D.’s fight against the Fratelli de il Sovrano, a terrorist group that’s the overarching enemy of the series.
“Deadly Fixation” by Dianna Love
Belador warrior Devon Fortier has caught wind of some Noirre majik-wielding mercenary trolls and it’s up to him to bring them in to face justice. There’s just one problem: bounty hunter and thorn in Devon’s side Joleen Mac is after the same target. If he wants to bring down the bad guys — or trolls, as it were — Devon will have to make a bargain with his own personal devil.
Svart trolls and leprechauns and bounty hunters, oh my! Set in the world of Dianna Love and Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Belador series, “Deadly Fixation” is an exciting paranormal romantic suspense that will have you avidly turning the pages. The sexual tension between Devon and Jo is to-die-for and I thought the honorable Belador warrior and the kick-ass assassin with a secret were a great match. If you haven’t read the Belador series, “Deadly Fixation” provides a small sample of what the world of the books is like. I’m desperately hoping Jo and Devon show up again in the series because Ms. Love left me wanting more of these two!
“After Hours” by William Bernhardt
When Major Mike Morelli and his partner, Lieutenant Kate Baxter, are called to a homicide scene, they have no idea that this isn’t a straightforward murder. A beautiful woman’s been killed, and the clues to her killer lie in the fact that neither the victim nor her grieving boyfriend are what they appear to be.
Author William Bernhardt takes readers through a homicide case with plenty of unexpected twists in “After Hours.” Mr. Bernhardt’s writing drew me into the story from the start and I found the case itself fascinating. A dash of romance and a message about finding happiness rounds out “After Hours,” making it an all-around wonderful read.
LOVE IS MURDER is a fantastic anthology with twenty-nine very different tales of romantic suspense. Editor Sandra Brown outdid herself with this collection. As with any mega anthology, there will be some stories readers like more than others. I highlighted four of my favorites, but there are a few other notable tales I’d feel awful if I didn’t mention. Heather Graham delivers a spine-tingling thriller with “Grave Danger.” A wedding and a honeymoon take a potentially deadly turn in Andrea Kane’s “Lockdown.” A dangerous stalker threatens two people who have nowhere to turn in “Vacation Interrupted.” A rescue mission turns into something more in Laura Griffin’s “Night Heat.” Julie Kenner does the unexpected in “The Honeymoon.” And there’s something incredibly haunting about Lee Child’s one paragraph tale, “I Heard a Romantic Story.” All in all, I recommend reading LOVE IS MURDER. With thirty incredibly talented authors delivering twenty-nine unique stories, LOVE IS MURDER is one anthology fans of romantic suspense won’t want to miss.
Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here courtesy of Romance Junkies.
jonetta's review against another edition
4.0
I will read other stories over time.
This review is for Diamond Drop by Roxanne St. Claire ★★★★
Bullet Catcher Donovan Rush is picking up and delivering a diamond purchase to a new client in Paris. Along the way, he encounters some very interesting challenges.
This is a cleverly written story, reminiscent of the early style of the series. While it’s short, it manages to pack intrigue, romance, witty banter and a startling twist in a few pages. It’s so well done. It’s also the last story in the series but not quite the fitting end I had in mind.
This review is for Vacation Interrupted by Allison Brennan (10/12/20) ★★★★
FBI Analyst Lucy Kincaid and Private Investigator Sean Rogan attempt yet another crime-free vacation. This time it’s on Cape Cod and things are looking pretty promising until Lucy answers a call to help a man in distress in the water. She later determines that the man thinks someone tried to kill him.
This is a really short story (22 pages) and I couldn’t imagine this being all that interesting. Silly me because once I started I was completely engaged. Well done, especially considering its brevity. Guess Lucy & Sean will never have that true vacation.
This review is for Diamond Drop by Roxanne St. Claire ★★★★
Bullet Catcher Donovan Rush is picking up and delivering a diamond purchase to a new client in Paris. Along the way, he encounters some very interesting challenges.
This is a cleverly written story, reminiscent of the early style of the series. While it’s short, it manages to pack intrigue, romance, witty banter and a startling twist in a few pages. It’s so well done. It’s also the last story in the series but not quite the fitting end I had in mind.
This review is for Vacation Interrupted by Allison Brennan (10/12/20) ★★★★
FBI Analyst Lucy Kincaid and Private Investigator Sean Rogan attempt yet another crime-free vacation. This time it’s on Cape Cod and things are looking pretty promising until Lucy answers a call to help a man in distress in the water. She later determines that the man thinks someone tried to kill him.
This is a really short story (22 pages) and I couldn’t imagine this being all that interesting. Silly me because once I started I was completely engaged. Well done, especially considering its brevity. Guess Lucy & Sean will never have that true vacation.
literaryfeline's review against another edition
3.0
http://www.literaryfeline.com/2012/06/bookish-thoughts-thriller-3-love-is.html
lorihenrich2021's review against another edition
3.0
Lucy and Patrick are on a ski weekend at a mountain retreat. While there one of the other guests is found dead. Lucy jumps into action and examines the room and body. She discovers something that leads her to think this is a accidental death. When other mysterious things happen Lucy is sure that there is something amiss.
I liked this but reserve judgement until I can read a complete novel.
I liked this but reserve judgement until I can read a complete novel.
hollie313's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
ibeforem's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
This large collection of romantic suspense short stories was a little hit or miss. Some of the authors I was familiar with, and some I would add to my TBR. But I think that calling some of these stories romantic suspense was a stretch. I think it's hard to build up the "suspense" part of the romantic suspense in the length of a short story. Some of them were "action action action, kiss at the end". But sometimes it's nice to read something you can digest in bite-sized chunks.