I bought this book because of Linda Howard's short story, "Blue Moon." I was disappointed that she had the shortest entry in the book. The other stories were okay. I really wanted more from the Howard storyline. The story was great, there just wasn't enough of it.

The novella can be a challenging genre for an author, since she has to create believable characters and develop a satisfying romance in a much smaller amount of time.

While "Under the Boardwalk" is not one of the best collections out there, it's still a decent collection of stories. My biggest complaint with the book, as a whole, is the combination of historical and modern stories. While I, personally, enjoy both types, I know a lot of romance readers have definite preferences one way or the other. Also, it's more difficult to create a distinctive yet satisfying and smooth collection of stories set in different periods.

I bought this collection for Howard's entry, and the story itself contains many of the elements I enjoy in Howard's work. However, the story was almost too short, and a bit unsatisfying, and I really wanted to know more about the characters and their romance.

Dawson's "Castaway" is a decent entry, with appealing characters and a believable romance. There were some funny moments. My major complaint is that it seemed more a contemporary romance than an historical one.

Hunter's "Ruined" was my favorite of the bunch. I loved the hero and heroine, and enjoyed Hunter's writing style. I can't wait to check out more of her work!

Jarrett's "Buried Treasure" was, I think, the weakest of the bunch. I couldn't get into the characters and didn't really enjoy the romantic plot. However, I must disclaim that the American colonial period isn't a period I typically enjoy reading about.

Stewart's "Swept Away" was another solid addition, with good characters and a decent romance. I appreciated the emotional depth provided by Jeremy's facing of his past, and the sunburn provided a few chuckles.

All in all, this is a solid addition to the compilation genre.

Pocket has compiled five wonderful short stories from some of the romance genre's top authors. Each tale is superb, fully developed, and will grip fans who like short romantic tales.

Alabama Sheriff Jackson Brody hates a "Blue Moon" month because people seem to act crazier when the moon is full. Following up on some weirdness, Jackson meets local "witch" Lilah Jones in the back woods where the only electricity is between their hearts. Linda Howard scribes a winning rural love story.

In 1883 Texas, Drew Coryell lives by himself on an island. His ex-wife arrives, needing a big favor. The "Castaway" wants to punish his beloved, but their love remains strong. However, is it powerful enough to thwart the interference of her father? Geralyn Dawson provides readers with a fabulous western romance.

In 1843 Cornwall, her yacht crashed off of his cove. Rylan "Wicked" DeWilde never expected to fall in love with his guest Sydney Windsor. However, she is engaged to his enemy. Jillian Hunter adds gothic elements into her brilliant Victorian romance.

In 1772 Massachusetts Colony, Miriam Rowes becomes engaged to steady Chilton Chuff. However, pirate Jack Wilder returns to claim his beloved. Miriam needs to decide which beau will treat her as their most precious treasure. Miranda Jarrett shows why she is the queen of the colonial romance.

Private Investigator Jeremy Noble wants to see Jody Becket, but she has gone to Ocean City on a vacation. He grew up there, vowing never to return after the fire killed his family. Will he be able to go home to find love? Readers will be "Swept Away" by Mariah Stewart's wonderful contemporary.

Great fun lies within this magnificent anthology.

Harriet Klausner

I loved Linda Howard's "Bluebird Winter." It was a single parent's dream-come-true! A strong, handsome, well-respected doctor coming to the aid of a pregnant woman and falling, not only in love with her, but with her baby, too. Mmmm... In "The Gift of Joy" by Joan Hohl, who couldn't relate to two people living different lives discovering they both need a change? And when they have a chance meeting, what else would we all hope for, but to have the sparks fly! Unfortunately, Sandra Steffan's "A Christmas to Treasure" is the slightly weak link in this anthology - am I a cynic to believe it's just too good to be true?

I picked up this book for Linda Howards "Bluebird Winter". This book is a follow up to her books "Almost Forever" and "Sarahs Child". "Bluebird Winter" is about the young man that lived in the apartment complex of Sarah and her husband. He was the son of her single neighbor. He was "adopted" by Max (Almost Forever) and Romeo (Sarahs Child), they put gave him the money to put him through medical school. This book was great if you follow Linda Howard. It was like returning home and seeing how someone grew up. He grew up to be a successful doctor and finds himself a single mom. It was a cute story.

I was totally delighted by these stories. They were heart warming. I closed the book wanting to read more by these authors.

Ok, first of all, I personally love Jude and just about everything she writes (notable exceptions would be High Tide and Legend- both of which were poorly written) but, this short story just doesn't make me go "hmmmm.." Maybe because I didn't like Legend I was a tad biased against this story since it picks up where Legend left off. Again, it wasn't as poorly written, but there was just no magic. Likeable, but not memorable. However, I REALLY liked Linda's little tale. Her tale starts out like so many dates that we have and just choose not to talk about..but, this time, instead of showing the guy the door, we show a little more. The chemistry in this is just phenomenal. And, hey, let's face it..this is why we women read romance novels and especially why we read Linda Howard..THE SEX!! I have never wanted to be a character as bad as I wanted to be that girl. One word describes this tale...GRRRRR. The rest of the stories are fluffy and sweet, but if you want REALLY good dreams, ditch the rest and just read Linda.

White Out annoyed me so much they were having sex before they knew each others names that is disgusting.Quite frankly Tanner Price was not a likeable character.Hope was stupid having sex with a man you don't know with no protection is as tupid as a person can get. I loved The Teacher it was another wonderful read from Jude Deveraux.If you want more from her then try Twin of Ice and Twin of Fire they are her best. I like Jolly Holly that was cute and the ending was wonderful. I liked the one with Caleb and Quinn that was very good because you don't have to wonder about how the love came about.In most of them they seem to just fall in love however they had known each other for a long time and they had been in love for a long time.I liked the one with KIm and Tony they were perfectly mathced I also loved the way that she forgave her father.

I only read the Linda Howard story "White Out," so I can't give a review of the others. But, that one alone is great. Yes, the premise of the Price's and Hope's relationship--and fabulous sex--is not something that can be applied to reality. But, so what? The story is still cute, fun, and very sexy. Plus, Howard has a true talent for making almost any scenario plausible with her skilled writing (e.g. anyone read "Son of the Morning"?). If you don't want to buy the anthology, I recommend settling in at Borders with a cup of coffee and reading "White Out" right there. Very Entertaining!

The weather isn't the only thing heating up in Washington D.C. A young, blond woman is found strangled. The murder weapon is a white, silk priest's amice. Attached to the victim is a note, "Her Sins Are Forgiven." Police detective Ben Paris is part of the special investigations team assigned to the "priest" case, along with his long-time friend and partner, Ed Jackson. When psychiatrist Dr. Tess Court joins the investigation team, not everyone is pleased. Is Tess getting too close to the case? Is she getting too close to Ben? SACRED SINS is one of Nora Roberts' earlier suspense novels. I recently read her latest, THE VILLA, and find that her style of writing and character development has really grown over the years in comparison. Nevertheless, I enjoyed SACRED SINS. It's well-written, starts off with a bang to reel you in, and shocks you in the end. I found myself appreciating the relationship between the two detectives, Ben and Ed, more than the relationship between Ben and Tess. But maybe it's just me.

"Sacred Sins" is one of Nora Roberts' older works from the 1980's. None-the-less, it is a fantastic read, filled with sexual tension, suspense, mystery and intrigue.
Top psychiatrist Dr. Tess Court has been convinced by her senator grandfather to help the police catch a serial killer. Her profile on the killer, nicknamed "The Priest", indicates a disturbed and terrifying mind at work.
Detective Ben Paris doesn't have much respect for psychiatrists after his brother's unsuccessful treatment of post-war depression, which ended in tragedy. Ben doesn't care about profiles and motivations; he just wants to get his man. Ben and his partner, Detective Ed Jackson, are a wonderful odd-couple, and their interaction provides readers with some wonderfully witty and amusing scenes.
Tess and Ben continue to work together because they both have a common goal - stopping "The Priest". As they spend time together, a powerful attraction develops between them, and Tess and Ben's relationship blooms into a passionate romance.
As Ben and Tess work to catch the killer and delve deeper into his mind, it becomes apparent that Tess may be his next target, and his only hope for salvation!
Now Ben can only wait, and pray that when this madman decides to go for Tess, he will be in time to stop him.
"Sacred Sins" is a truly entertaining and exciting read. I was completely absorbed by the story and enjoyed every minute of it. Nora Roberts has once again created rich and realistic characters who will win readers' hearts and has crafted a top-notch tale guaranteed to leave readers sated and happy!

In March of 1997, I asked readers of Nora Roberts & Patricia Cornwell to convince me which author's stories I should try next. I was convinced to try Nora -- with a little nudge from Nora (she posts on boards on AOL). Nora suggested that I pick up a couple of her titles from used bookstores and see if I liked them or not.

My first read was SACRED SINS. Now, a year and a half later, my life has completely changed -- all due to reading this WINNER and meeting Nora & her wonderful, wonderful fans (w/them, we created a website in Nora's honor!).

I digress.

Why should you read SACRED SINS? When I first read it, I could NOT put it down. I wanted to not only read about the developing relationship between Ben & Tess, but I also wanted to find out who was killing these women in Washington, D.C. My initial impression was that it was a good, fast read.

Then, in June, I re-read it. It was even BETTER the second time around. In fact, I put it right up there as my favorite romantic/suspense stories of Nora's -- with DIVINE EVIL, MONTANA SKY, CARNAL INNOCENCE, & her DEATH books.

Why is SACRED SINS such a great read? First, you have a very believable killer. Second, you have real cops in Ben & in Ed (read BRAZEN VIRTUE for Ed's story) -- their rapport is outstanding. Third, you have a very true-to-heart developing relationship between Tess & Ben. Fourth, Tess is extremely convincing as a psychiatrist. Her attempts to reach Joey were so compelling -- I wanted to reach into the book & slap his parents -- this was as real as it gets. Nora wrenched my heart w/it.

This is an excellent story to give to a NON-reader of romances -- who believes that he/she knows what romances are all about. While there is romance in this story, the emphasis is on the suspense -- wondering who the killer really is.

Of all of Linda Howard's early, often dated, novels, "Duncan's Bride" is a favorite, so I was disappointed with the story of Maddy's brother Robert, who makes a definite impression in the first book. Yes, Robert's your typical Linda Howard alpha male hero and Evie is a sweet honorable woman in her own right, but somehow I felt there was something lacking in their relationship and this just made the illogical plot points more glaring. The story was just too contrived to be believable -- Evie a traitorous spy?! This made Robert seem none too bright. I find that I enjoy Linda Howard's books more when the heroines are just as strong as their men; otherwise they seem too dominated for a 90s story. Unfortunately, the repackaging and reissuing of LH's old books that disguise the fact that they were written in the 80s do a great disservice to the dynamic stories she's now producing.

Linda Howard writes fantastic romance and the intensity of the chemistry between Evie and Robert is searing. As usual, Howard gives her heroine a fusion of vulnerability and inner charm that is complexed and textured. LOVING EVANGELINE is great for its romance with Robert as an obstinate man who cannot bear his life to be entrapped by his fervor desire for Evie much less admitting to himself that he is in love.

The emotions evoked by both of the characters are strong and passionate backed by an exciting story of fraud and embezzlement by Mercer in Robert's company. Robert suspects that Evie may be in league with Mercer and refuses to let his senses go with his heart for Evie...

LOVING EVANGELINE is another winner even though the suspense element in the book falters in comparison to DREAM MAN and AFTER THE NIGHT. The passion is just as sweeping and poignant. Just like what Robert said, "LOVING EVANGELINE took away his heart and soul." No doubt - reading this book took away all my heart and soul with the splendor of their passion.

I loved this book!! I think Linda Howard did a fabulous job as usual. I liked Evie's character and Robert was just compelling. One thing i've always liked in L.H.'s books is that they're very realistic. She mixes tragedy, passion, and suspense all into one book. I seriously recommend this book to people who haven't read it yet. Good job, Howard!!

Five authors contribute to this volume. I bought it intitally because I knew Jayne Anne Krentz, but her chapter is one of the weakest. Indeed, four of the five stories are pretty average, and definitely not keepers - but the fifth one...

Linda Howard's Lake of Dreams is a haunting, romantic, sexual tale which is definitely worth tracking down. I read the other stories once only, but I've reread Lake of Dreams many times and it is definitely a keeper... So buy all five, but you'll keep it for the one.

I purchased Everlasting Love after reading customer reviews praising Linda Howard's story, Lake of Dreams. Reading it reminded me of Remembrance (1994) by Jude Deveraux. It is a full length novel about soul mates struggling to "get it right this time". Remembrance is both poignant and unforgettable. I highly recommend it!

The stories in this book are all good. It was my first taste of Linda Howard, Kasey Michaels and Carla Neggers. I especially enjoyed Linda Howard's Lake of Dreams. I have since become a huge fan! Each of the stories is quite different and offers a different style of writing. What a great way to spend the day.....

I love Linda Howard. I have read every book of hers in print and it's a happy day when a new one comes out.

I bought this one when it first came out, and being a die hard fan, I've even re-read it. But it is far from her best book, and there is a scene at the end, just before the hero, Lucas, realises how wrong he's been, that is down right disturbing.

Dee is a good heroine, in that she is tough and smart and hardworking, but Lucas is not as good a hero. I think Howard's contemporaries are better than her Westerns, and that this is her weakest Western.

If you absolutely have to have it, then buy it, but otherwise, try another - she's a great writer, but this one sinks...

ANGEL CREEK by Linda Howard boasts compelling characters like Dee Swann and Lucas Cochran in a Western frontier. Dee is a resilient woman ready to defend her Angel Creek from the ambitious Lucas in his expansion of his ranch, but is unwittingly caught in a web of passion with this man who had roused her desires like no other.

The secondary romance between Olivia and Luis Fonteras is much more subtler and tender. Both of the stories are served with passionate love scenes bound to keep readers fanning off the heat. However, the chemistry between Dee and lucas seemed just a tad too fast and developed.

Nevertheless, LINDA HOWARD did it with this one again - strong-willed characters in a tussle of love in a glorious frontier. It is an emotional read with Dee fending herself and letting go of her assuring independence for Lucas and her Angel Creek.

ANGEL CREEK is no doubt one compelling read that sizzles and brings out all that heated smoldering flames in the wild,wild west.

Great characters and a great plot and setting.

If I could give this book more then 5 stars I would've. Angel Creek is a great book that you'd love to read and want to read time and time again.

It was really well written the way Howard connected all of the different character and stories. I also loved the fact that there was an epilogue saying what happened to all of the characters later on in life.

If you are looking for a book with passion, sincerity and love, then Angel Creek is the book for you.

I've read it today in VO and I like it. Well, it's not my favorite book of Linda Howard, but the story was not unpleasant and I liked the idea of the heroe named Rule duly affected by the Viet Nam war (not so usual in the Linda Howard's héroes).He's stubborn and vindicative but he loves the heroine for years and never tells her his feelings so she's lost and thinks that he wants her only for lust...
Good book

Rule Jackson is a breath taking character!!! Linda Howard writes her characters; strong, tough, masculine, with a touch of sadness, weakness or flaws! When Cat finally admits her love for this tough guy -- sparks fly. Its a quick read, typically steamy & fantastic story from Linda Howard. I urge you to read all her novels--they are great. This one is a keeper.

This is one of the most romantic novels that I have read. My favorite part is the climax at the end of the novel. I must say that this is one of Howard's best work. Her writing is splendid. The climax at the end will have you sighing over and over again with how romantic it is. Rule (the male figure) is absolutely incredible. He is not the typical romance male figure that is often seen in most novels. He is controlling, dominate, and virile, yet at the same time, he is weak and desperately in love with Cathryn.

I recommend this book to all romance readers. Reading Howard's writing is completely different from just knowing what happens in the story. I must say that this is one of the best romances I have read. The climax is heart-breaking, it leaves your heart all tangled up and aching inside.

As a new reader of Linda Howard's work, I have so far enjoyed reading almost all of her books. Even though she has a tendency to pair a good female character with a semmingly despicable male character most of the time, the men have redeeming qualities in most of her books. I had thought that "Almost Forever" would be similar. I began reading this book finding Max to be a very refined, dignified British man, who would be well paired with Claire. Then it became clear that Max was entirely too full of himself. This often happens in Howard's books, but most of the time the woman is equally well matched the man, and she leads him to see that his usual tricks won't work with her. Claire, on the other hand, is a real pushover. He bosses her around from day one, and she lets him. I couldn't help but get the feeling that if there were a sequel to this book, we would find Max to be abusing Claire (if, that is, she were to ever get the gumption to even stand up to him at all).
In typical Howard fashion, the sex scenes are tremendous. Even though I had my problems with these two characters, it was easy to forget about them during the love scenes. But once the scene was over, Max was back to being the jerk, and Claire back to the subservient little lamb.
If you like the formula of romantic leads being paired together who seemingly have no business even being together in the same room, go for Howard's "Open Season" or "Heart of Fire." In both of these books, the men are highly conceited (much as Max in "Almost Forever"), but they meet their match with these women. These novels have great sex scenes, and much more well-paired characters out of bed as well.

This was by far one of the best books i've ever read. Claire is a representative character for all those shy, introvert, reserved girls out there with a low self-esteem. So its somewhat of a dream come true when she gets the prince charming to come after her. This story is a realistic fairy tale. linda howard's greatest quality is the way she intermingles fairy tales and reality. Almost Forever has a fairy tale story but it also depicts reality: there are women like Claire out there in the world who are not confident about their own individuality and who eventually, with some help, find true happiness in their private lives. I think this was a great book worth reading. Good job, howard!! I hope you write more books like this and Sarah's child. For those of you who haven't read Sarah's child and this book, i sincerely suggest that you go buy it!!

I bought this book by accidnetly but I have to say, I am not disappointed. I couldn't put it down and I have to admit, this book makes me cry. For me, books that make me cry are good one. And because of the simplicity of each character is what makes the book interesting.

As we all know that the heroine have to be strong and independent but with Claire, she is totally opposite. She's fragile and sensitive but if you look deep inside her, she is one strong woman; and that is what she's trying to be all along after her divorce. And all of these are what make she's real.

With Max, what more can you ask for? He is perfect but what I love about him the most is his connection with him and his family. For woman, he is a playboy but for family, he is a family man.

"Almost Forever" is one of my favorite book of all time. Everytime when I pick it up, I can't stop myself from reading it.

"A Bouquet of Babies" is a wonderful romance book that has three stories in one. Linda Howard opens the book with "The Way Home." In this story Anna and Saxon are very intimate. One day Anna has to make a decision that will, either way, change her life. Saxon, hurt by his past, is determined not to allow Anna too close. Will she succeed? It did not take me very long to become engulfed in this story.
"Family By Fate" is the second story written by Paula Detmer Riggs. I would have to rate this story close to "The Way Home." Liza and Max, total strangers, were on a skiing trip when their paths crossed. They came to know one another better, and fell in love. Later, an event happened that changed Max's life to the unexpected, but Liza knows that she can change him for the better.
In the third story, "Baby On A Doorstep," Caroline finds a baby on her doorstep by mistake. While she is searching for the father of the baby, she finds someone who she falls in love with. The problem is that he is not as willing as Caroline to be a family.
This book, "A Bouquet of Babies," is one that I would recommend to anyone that loves to read good romances.

A BOUQUET OF BABIES is a nicely packaged anthology with stories by Linda Howard, Paula Detmer Riggs and Stella Bagwell. Not that these stories lack poignancy or anything, but Ms Howard's story spears off such emotional powerhoue that the other stories falter in comparison. Linda Howard is amazing with her central characters, Anna and Saxon Malone in "The Way Home" where she explores a woman's heart trapped by Saxon's facade of impassion. Anna loves Saxon much but finds that he has withdrawn with his past as an orphan. Anna's pregnancy and marriage crumbles his assuring identity as a single man, but he knows he loves Anna and is willing to make a compromise. This story will wring heartfelt compassion for Anna and triumph when they succumb all the odds for a happy-ever-after.

The other story by Paula Detmer Riggs is equally heart-wrenching with Lisa and Max embroiled in an unforgettable passion. The other by Ms. Bagwell tells of Caroline Pardee falling in love with the father of a baby she has found.

A BOUQUET OF BABIES is worthwhile for fanatics of Ms. Howard and heart-rendering stories, but for those who have read "The Way Home" in her past books, the appeal of this book will be undermined though.THis is not to say that the other two authors are not good - they are equally credible. BUT with Linda Howard, she is incomparable.

When this book was delivered to me, I had no intention of reading it immediately since i wanted to reserve it for a more convenient time. But curious what Linda Howard's story would be, I scanned the pages and read the opening line of the prologue of "The Way Home." Just like the rest of her books, the first lines jolted me and caught me reading on an on. Its an extremely absorbing and heart-wrenching story. Saxon Malone came like an iceberg at first but as the story unfolds, i couldn't help a tear. LH never wasted a word or a line. She weaves magic in all her writings. This story is so emotinally-laden. Anna is a remarkable woman with such unconditional love and such an irrisistible force in Malone's life. The plot is perhaps unthinkable for Today's woman and it's albeit unconventional, but having read several of LH's books, i can say that she's a tremendously prolific genius of a writer who hardly puts limits to her writing.

The second story by Paula Detmer Riggs is a heart-tugging, heart-warming, and uplifting story. This is the first time that i encountered this author and i'm heavily impressed. "Family By Fate" is reminiscent of the film "An Affair To Remember." Even the poignancy of the film is carried in this story. You'll surely adore and admire Max Savage as much as i do. He's lucky to have such a formidable heroine like Lisa. The story offers delightful scenes, lots of interesting characters, has a vibrant pacing, steamy, and towards the end, i got the feeling that i was reading a full-length novel. I'll definitely grab other books from this author.

Stella Bagwell's "Baby On A Doorstep" makes an enjoyable read as well. Caroline Pardee finds a baby by mistake and in the search for the baby's father she finds a handsome but unwilling guy.

Three in one- "A Bouquet of Babies" is a book i can recommend to anybody who loves beautiful romance.