Here are reviews I have for some of my books. Notice I put the WORST one first. Truthfully while it isn’t the best thing I ever wrote I don’t think it deserved such a bad review. ??
JERR’s 2 star review of Barefoot in the Snow:
Dave Seranno hadn’t intended to work late, but is glad he did when a barefoot Joy stumbles into his garage. Joy’s on the run from her abusive husband, and Dave’s garage is the closest safe place she can find. With her husband hot on her heels, Joy can only hope the sexy attendant will keep her hidden. Dave is no dummy, when a pretty lady asks that he help her, who is he to refuse? Besides, Dave has been fantasizing about this particular woman since he worked on her husband’s car, and now she has fallen right into his lap. There are a few obstacles, the age difference, her marriage, and Dave’s own failed marriage, but when fate steps in, all the excuses don’t stand a chance.
Barefoot in the Snow is Ms. Harlow’s second erotic romance, and having read her first published novel, Motier Faux which earned a gold star, I was looking forward to this new story. I was sorely disappointed in this one though. The storyline seemed promising but the execution simply wasn’t up to par. The characters were not realistic, and the chemistry that I loved from Ms. Harlow’s past book was lacking in this story. Joy’s character didn’t sit well with me. Half the time I thought she was playing head games, the rest of the time I felt she was looking for a father figure. While I can understand the idea behind Dave Seranno’s character being smitten by the young blond, I didn’t get the impression that these two could have been more than a casual affair. The sexual encounters didn’t do anything for me, and actually made me want to just skim them. They all bordered on pornographic, rather than erotic. While I know Ms. Harlow is capable of penning awesome stories, Barefoot in the Snow just isn’t one of her better stories.
Lorenna never expected that her husband would die from cancer leaving her a widow at twenty-three. Or that she would hold on to the life he created for them, but Lorenna wasn’t ready to let go just yet. When her isolated farm draws the attention of two escaped convicts, Lorenna faces every woman’s worst fear: rape. Fortunately, when she looks into the eyes of one of her captors, Lorenna is able to see past the exterior. What she finds is compassion and acceptance that she has never had before. Reese has spent eighteen years in prison for murder, but a freak chain of events has given him a second chance and Reese isn’t going to waste it. But first he must protect the woman who has been plaguing his dreams every night from the psycho who has his own plans for the lady of the manor. It won’t be easy, but telling her who he is and what he has done won’t be any easier. The question is, will she accept him or send him back to his jail cell?
Motier Foux is a powerful story of hope, love, and finding redemption when you least expect it. I loved this story. From the first page I couldn’t put it down! Lorenna is an amazing character. When her husband dies, she tries to hold on to the life they shared but even she knew she wouldn’t be able to hang on much longer. When two escaped convicts happen upon her farmhouse and kill her beloved dog, she realizes the mistake she made in staying so isolated. There are several scenes of near rape that some readers may find disturbing, but they are a necessary evil to tell this story. Ray, a vicious killer, is crazy and I found myself grinding my teeth just to get through his scenes. Reese, on the other hand, is my ideal man! Convicted of a crime when he was a teenager, Reese has spent the better part of his life behind bars. With no hope of ever getting out, he has had plenty of time to think about his mistakes. Lorenna’s character is alone, and while she loved her husband, he wasn’t the most attentive man, but Reese is more than happy to make up for it now. While the romance builds, the characters reveal different facets of their personalities, as well as bits and pieces of their pasts, both for the reader as well as for each other. Convict or not, you couldn’t ask for a better man to be stuck in the woods with, and Lorenna’s character is so sweet, she deserves to be treated like an angel. The sexual tension was immediate from the moment Lorenna’s eyes met Reese’s and I enjoyed every second of it! When they finally get together, there is so much emotion, and so much sensuality that I wasn’t sure I could make it through.
There are not many stories that are both erotic, as well as touching, but Motier Foux is both. What struck me most about this story was how well thought out this entire plot was. It was real, everything in this story ‘could’ have happened, and I enjoyed the fact that these characters were an honest portrayal of normal people. They were not corny, and they did get annoyed with each other from time to time. This wasn’t an immediate ‘happily ever after’ story, these characters had obstacles to overcome, but with all relationships, they managed to work them out. From start to finish I was embroiled in the lives, love, and emotions that came with such a complex couple. I couldn’t ask for more from an author. Motier Foux is a story that will stay on your mind long after you have read the final page. I was sorry to see it end, but you can bet, I will be looking for more from Ms. Harlow.
Dave is pretty happy with his uncluttered life. Divorced and with his grown daughter out of the house, he limits his entanglements with women to occasional bar hookups and takes joy in the freedom riding his motorcycle gives him. For the past year, he has been admiring the hot blonde who brings her Cadillac Escalade to the garage he runs. She’s another man’s wife, but no harm comes in looking and a little gentle flirting, right? And if Dave has noticed that she always looks sad and bears the signs of abuse, well there’s nothing that he can do about it. She’s an unattainable fantasy for him, anyway. Or so Dave thought until the night that she came running through the snow to him for help, barefoot and terrified and clad only in her nightgown.
Joy has landed in Dave’s lap like a beautiful scantily-clad parcel. She is equally attracted to Dave and gladly accepts both his offer of shelter and protection and his sexual advances. Even with Joy’s husband and his threats lingering in the background, this situation almost seems like a dream come true for Dave. Frequent and enthusiastic sex and affection from such a gorgeous creature? He would gladly hang on to her forever. But Joy is almost twenty years younger than Dave and has a different set of expectations out of life. Even if Dave can convince her husband to let go of her, is he truly ready for how his life would change with Joy in it?
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Melissa Harlow’s novella Barefoot in the Snow is a quick sexy read about finding a second chance at love. This is a take on the “damsel in distress” theme, complete with a knight in shining armor. Or, rather, a knight on a shiny Harley. It features a couple of main characters that will definitely make an impression on the reader as well as a nasty villain.
I can’t say that I made a real connection with any of the characters, but Ms. Harlow definitely does a good job developing them in this story. The character Dave feels pretty realistic. He has many “typical” male features and human failings that make him a sympathetic character. He is very much an alpha male, almost over-confident in his ability to keep Joy safe while at the same time completely lost when it comes to dealing with a crying woman. He is selfish regarding sex and birth control but at the same time very gentle and tender in the way he wants to take care of Joy.
While Dave feels real, Joy does not. She’s more like a doll, it seems, and almost too sweet, passive, and biddable. Her yearning for a real family is poignant, however, and it somehow redeems her in my eyes and keeps her from appearing to be a two-dimensional character.
The thing I enjoyed the most about this story is the wish fulfillment aspect. Both see each other as a fantasy. Joy’s wishes involve a romance story, while Dave’s revolve around having a beautiful, young, busty blonde in his bed. The sex scenes in this story – which are many – are very sensual, and the chemistry between Joy and Dave positively sizzles.
The ending feels a little rushed, which is a bit of a shame. I would have liked to read more about our main characters dealing with the antagonist. It’s probably my own penchant for violence and mayhem, but I do enjoy a good versus evil struggle or two, because it makes a happy ending all the sweeter. Regardless, Ms. Harlow does tie up the loose ends neatly, and I appreciated that.
Bookwenches 4.25 review of Stolen Property: The Abduction of Mayree Jacobs:
When Mayree Jacobs was abducted right outside of her work, she never thought she would be in a position of begging for her life. She also never thought she would watch a sweet, young man die right before her eyes. Her captor is another entity completely. After locking her in the cellar, and telling her that she can't live because she is the only witness to his crime; she didn't believe that she would fall for a criminal with a hardened shell around his heart. Being overweight and uncomfortable in her skin has been a lifelong battle, but when she starts to see herself through her captor’s eyes, her life changes and she barely recognizes herself.
Hardened criminal Quinn didn't expect to become enamored with the voluptuous creature that he stole to help his dying brother. The feelings she invokes in him are hard to digest. Though he wants her like no one else he has ever been with; he can't help but wonder if she will run at the first opportunity.
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I was not only surprised by this book, but I was also intrigued. When I first read the blurb, I wasn't sure what to think: a book about an abduction and love? I am glad I went ahead and read it. This is an entertaining read, and Ms. Harlow writes with a hidden depth that a readers might not get to enjoy if they can't see past the sexual aspect.
I especially enjoyed the characters. Mayree is overweight and has no confidence in herself as a woman. She is realistic, and her expectations in life form are exactly what would be expected from someone with low self-esteem. She blossoms before the reader's eyes.
Quinn is quite another story. I can't say that I liked him at all through most of the story; for me this is the sign of a talented author. I like when I can feel more than just warm happy thoughts when I am reading a romance. Quinn fits that need perfectly. He is also complex, and I enjoyed watching his true colors unfold.
On the surface, this is a very sexual book with a bit of deviant pleasure that might not be for the faint of heart. Beneath is a sweet love story that opens into many dimensions, and pushes many envelopes. Is this book for everyone? Probably not. Is this book a good read? Yes. For anyone that may have "delicate sensibilities," enter at your own risk. I recommend this as an entertaining book with a devilish side. I will be on the look out for more by Ms. Harlow.
JERR’s 5 of 5 star review for: Stolen Property; The Abduction of Mayree Jacobs
Mayree Jacobs is happy to finally get off work after doing six days of the afternoon shift. Mayree would be happier if she wasn't overweight and had someone to go home to. As Mayree headed to her car for home she was abducted and put into the trunk of a car. Mayree began to think of the horrible things that would happen and no one would even know she was missing. Quinn Ross would do anything to save the life of his brother, Jack, even adding kidnapping to the list. Quinn knew he should have never let the nineteen year old tag along but he did and now Jack died. Mayree would do anything to keep Quinn from killing her and Quinn is willing to take her up on that offer.
Stolen Property is the second story of Ms. Harlow's that I have read and she once again brought great characters. Quinn knows that he has done things in his past that weren't right. Going in and out of jail throughout his life should have taught him right from wrong. When Quinn meets Mayree he realizes that he wants to be good in someone's eyes and he wants to be loved. Mayree has little doubt that she must do whatever Quinn tells her or he will kill her. When Mayree begins to develop feelings for Quinn, she allows her low self-esteem to get in the way. Quinn and Mayree coming together brings each other the strength they need to grow. The sex between them gets heated with each encounter. Mayree may have been a virgin when she met Quinn but he brings out the sexual submission in her. They engage in lots oral, anal, bondage and even unusual toys for sex. There are a few secondary characters that add an added layer to the storyline but they don't take away from Quinn and Mayree's story. I really enjoyed Stolen Property and can't wait to read more from Ms. Harlow.
CoffeeTime Romance 5 cup review for “The Collector”
THE COLLECTOR Rating: 5 Cups
Ava Renolds is an angel who has landed in the depths of hell. Lying in chains, she is praying for death when in walks a devil who becomes an angel of mercy.
Dalton has killed for a woman as he has never done before; simply because she asked. On the run from his boss and mentor, he has to hide Ava, because otherwise she would be eliminated.
Ava never thought she would be saved and never dreamed her savior would come in such a handsome package. Unsure of what she needs, she has found something worth living for. Dalton will protect Ava against anyone -- even someone close to home.
The Collector is an outstanding story. I was truly shocked by the talent Melissa Harlow used to conceal the identity of the enemy. Ava and Dalton are one of the sweetest couples, even though Dalton at first appears to have less than a sterling character. The author tells a truly beautiful story despite the ugliness of the crime. I will be keeping an eye on Melissa Harlow and look forward to reading more of her stories.
Delane
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Title: A Barbed Wire Cross Author: Melissa Harlow Publisher: Renaissance eBooks Reviewer: L.T. Blue Rating: 4 Stars Heat Level: H Connie is stuck in a rut. She has resigned herself to life in the small town with a soon to be ex-husband, who compared her to burnt meatloaf before leaving her on her 40th birthday. When a young man with clearly defined muscle walks into the diner where Connie works, she can't take her eyes off him. Javier never thought he would run into the one woman in the small town that would cause his heart to skip a beat. Too bad he is in town for an urgent job and has no time to waste. A chance trip to the bank for Connie causes a ripple in Javier's world. Connie had no idea that trip to deposit her $100 tip would result in her being taken as a hostage by the very man she drooled over in the diner. Ms. Harlow continues with her bad boy doing illegal things and the woman that fall in love with them books in A Barbed Wire Cross. I enjoyed Connie and Javier's story and the depth of emotion that was present. The sexual chemistry was instant and we don't have to wait very long for hot and sweaty sex. Javier and Connie completed each other and the age difference between them was barely noticeable. Javier comes across as a tough man of the streets but the more we get to know him we realize that Javier just wants what is best for his brothers and that meant leaving the streets that killed his mother. The danger that surrounds Connie and Javier make their love for one another stronger even though they have only known each other a short time. The sex didn't include any toys or bondage but it is still steamy and hot with just the friction created by Javier and Connie. There are plenty of secondary characters in this story and an attack on a female that some readers may find offensive. Overall I enjoyed reading this latest edition from Ms. Harlow
3 Divas Review for “A Barbed Wire Cross” by Dark Divas Reviews
Summary: Connie's husband left her on her 40th birthday for a younger woman. She's disgusted with him and her unfulfilling life as a waitress in a small-town diner.
When a gorgeous young man comes into the diner where she works and flirts with her she doesn't think much of it even though he leaves her a hundred dollar tip. He is way too young and too good looking to be serious when he asks her if she will go out with him sometime. Yeah, sure, sometime...
What neither of them know is sometime will come sooner than they think for both of them because when Connie's shift is over she has a hundred dollar deposit to make at the bank- the same bank the man from the diner and his friends have planned on robbing...
Deb’s Review: A Barbed Wire Cross by Melissa Harlow starts out to be one strange story. As I read along, I just did not feel very keen on this book. I felt the passion at first between Javier and Connie was just sex, plain and simple. The best part of this book came in the middle, so I will say it finished nicely.
Connie kept my interest in this book the most. I wanted to see if she was as strong as I hoped the heroine in this book would be. Ms. Harlow did not disappoint me. Connie's compassion, and passion to find what she was missing, touched me deeply.
Javier has a very strong presence in his role as the hero. At the beginning, he was shaky to me. His character evened out, it made him nicer and more enjoyable. His past was hard and made him older than his actual age. Now, the gods shined down on him and Connie. Javier prayed they would give them both the chance they deserved.
By the middle of the book I was reading nonstop. Connie and Javier were battling to hold on to what they had. There were moments, when I thought that was it. I was quite pleased that they had more to give to this book.
I think what threw me was the plot line; it really did not at all catch me right at first but as I said before, by the middle of the book it all catches up nicely. Do not put this book away! Keep reading, because it gets better. You get more than bank robbers. The story holds a twist that will have you saying, "oh!". I know it did me.
Barbed Wire Cross, is an unusual story, but has a lot of heart. This is my first time trying Melissa Harlow's work. I would love to try something else by this author.
