The Hampshire Hoyden is on my "read the cover off" list! Kate is an independent woman, whose heart is reluctantly touched by the most reluctant of ducal heirs. The repartee is quick, appeals to Shakespearean scholars, and Martin's trademark sparkling dialogue is guaranteed to bring chuckles. I recommend The Queen of Hearts, also by Martin, to lovers of humorous romance as well.

Another great romp by Michelle Martin. The characters are fun and likeable. The romance is believable.

Highly recommended!

"Yours 2 Keep" is a decent anthology of stories centering around "Y2K" bug-related disasters. As usual with anthologies, some stories were better than others, but all were good reading.

"Arts Magica" by Kay Hooper was one of the stand-out stories in this bunch. The hero and heroine were well-developed for a novella, and the premise was both interesting and different from the norm.

I don't normally enjoy overly sweet romantic stories, but I'll make an exception for "Gabriel's Angel." The characters and romance were very, well, sweet, and I was definitely rooting for them by the end.

"Stuck with You" is a decent story. The novella form forces the characters to undo long-time biases in a short amount of time -- a short enough time that the transition in their relationship felt abrupt. But, the characters were appealing, and I especially enjoyed the ending.

"Close Quarters" was probably the weakest of the bunch, although it's still a good read. The secondary characters were especially appealing with their mischief. But, again, the relationship transition felt awkward.

"Trouble at Midnight" is well-written, with an interesting premise. I liked the characters a lot, and enjoyed the story. But I felt a little cheated, too; this story could have used a little more development to be truly outstanding.

Despite all these criticisms, all the stories in this anthology were well-written and interesting. This is a very good read from some talented authors. (And, even better, since it's now 2001, we can look at the dire Y2K predictions and snicker. Hehe.)

The first two have a touch of paranormal to add to the new millennium atmosphere. The next three show us that pre-judgment could cost us true love unless fate and the Y2K bug step in.

Arts Magica - A quick easy read. A young wizard plays with an experiment created by the man she admires. When the Y2K bug hits she finds herself transported to his home in 1899.

Gabriel's Angel - The Y2K try's to put an end to Gabe Rawlins future in the new millennium. He meets a gorgeous angel who helps him find his way.

Stuck With You - When the Y2K bug hits Attorneys Lauren Alexander and Griffin Sloan find themselves stuck with each other. They learn that the Y2K and fate are working together to set the record straight.

Close Quarters - Veronica Rourke thinks she is committing a felony to protect her fathers privacy. When the Y2K hits she finds herself trapped with the man she is sabotaging.

Trouble at Midnight - Dora Wickers wants to make changes in her life...but she doesn't know if her Clark Kent / Banker boyfriend fits in. When the Y2K hits they find themselves stranded on a train forced to make a decision.

I liked the premise of true love being in the hands of fate AND the Y2K bug. Let me remind you this is an anthology, the stories are short and the relationships are quick, so don't be surprised if you come away wanting more. This passionate anthology is a fun easygoing read to start the new millennium with.

All of the stories in YOURS 2 KEEP were wonderful, which is not often the case in short story collections. Special standouts were "Arts Magica" by Kay Hooper, "Stuck with You" by Michelle Martin and "Trouble at Midnight"by Jill Shalvis.

Readers who loved Kay Hooper's THE WIZARD OF SEATTLE, will be estatic at the chance to see Richard and Serena Merlin again. In this story, you meet their apprentice, Felictiy Grant, who has yet to learn how to control her own powers. While experimenting with her powers, Felicity gets thrown back in time to 19th Century London and into the arms of one delicious scientist.

With "Stuck with You", Michelle Martin gifts readers with something that is often hard to find, a love story that is not only "sizzling" hot, but also heart sweet. When two adversaries are stuck in an elevator due to the Y2K bug, they are forced to find out that they have more in common than they knew. Their journey to this discovery is one of the sweetest that I have read in years. I've never read a book by Michelle Martin before, but I'm making it a Y2K resolution to change that and fast.

Jill Shalvis' "Trouble at Midnight", is another story of characters discovering new things about each other. Dora thought that her "soon to be" fiance Adam Morgan was just a dull, dependable Clark Kent kind of guy. She knows that other ladies would love to have a dependable man like him, but she longs for more adventure and mystery. It takes a Y2K disaster to show her that Adam is all the adventure she would ever need. He is one hot hero!

The other stories in the collection are just as good, but these three were my favorites!

The hero and heroine are smart, likable, and fun. Their attraction is convincing, circumstances are amusing...

Having not found a suitable husband during the three years since her come-out, Lady Sarah Thorndike must suffer the consequences. Daughters of the Duke and Duchess of Somerton have, in the past, never married less than an earl, and this daughter will be no exception! In their haste to have her married, Sarah's parents, the present Duke and Duchess, find what they consider to be a suitable candidate -- Fitzwilliam Hornsby, Viscount Lyleton. Actually, they found his parents, the Earl and Countess of Lavesly, who were, coincidentally, also looking for a marriage partner for their recalcitrant child.

Unfortunately, this young man is much more fond of clothes, the ton, gaming, and any number of other things than he is of the idea of marriage, let alone the actuality. It was something he knew he'd have to do someday, but preferably not for another ten or twenty years.

The two sets of parents contrive a summer visit of some two dozen acquaintances at the Viscount's own estate, Charlisle, so that the two young people can meet, get accustomed to each other, get betrothed, and then get married a month later. Nothing to it!

Neither set of parents nor the young people themselves, reckon on the disruption caused by the butler. John Rawlins is the son of a Duke, but from the wrong side of the blanket. In aid of his friend, Fitz, he assumes the office of butler for the duration of the summer party at Charlisle.

As the young couple contrive to become un-betrothed, the butler is not the ONLY one who laughed!

How sad for the rest of us that the author is no longer writing these books!

A duke's daughter who prefers the warmth and humanity of her servants, and a duke's bastard who was raised by servants meet at a summer house party. She is being married off to his best friend, and through a lot of ingenuity he, she, and 'the other he' make themselves hilariously unacceptable. There's wonderful use of poetry to spark dialog and discussion of actual events of Wellington's battles show us many dimensions of character. These characters and this author are worth knowing

As a Regency novel fanatic, of course I will try to read anything written by an author whose other work I have read and admired. Such was the case when I first heard about PEMBROKE PARK. This was her very first Regency, and it was NOT published by Fawcett! Rather, it was released by a very small press in Florida that specializes in a particular kind of novel: novels of particular interest to lesbians, gays, and folks sympathetic to their interests. It was listed at Amazon, and is still readily available, although first published in 1986.

To my great pleasure, and no little surprise, I found this book to be a 'perfect' Regency, following the habits and mores as we've come to know them, of wealthy, titled country folk, who take great exception to anything that disrupts their notion of how life should go on. All the standard characters and situations are here, deftly described in Ms. Martin's usual humorous way, but with the notable exception that the heroine ends up with--another heroine. There is also a gay romance that ends well. It is a very gentle love story, not at all titillating, so if you're looking for exposition into lesbian habits you won't find it in this book. But if you want a well-written, well-told, well-thought-out and witty story, set in this favorite era, I don't think you'll be unhappy if you read this book. I highly recommend it, in fact, because of these very reasons.

This is a 'perfect' Regency, following the habits and mores as we've come to know them, of wealthy, titled country folk who take great exception to anything that disrupts their notion of how life should go on. All the standard characters and situations are here, deftly described in Ms. Martin's usual humorous way, but with the notable exception that the heroine ends up with -- another heroine. There is also a gay romance that ends well. It is a very gentle love story, not at all titillating, so if you're looking for exposition into lesbian or gay habits you won't find them in this book. Except, of course, to discover they're just people, like the rest of us, with the same wants and wishes and problems to face in everyday life. However, if you want a well-written, well-told, well-thought-out and witty story, set in this favorite era, I don't think you'll be unhappy if you read this book. I would highly recommend it, in fact, because of all these reasons.

I discovered this book because of Amazon, after having read several of her Regencies. Most of my lesbian friends read this ages ago, and it's the only Regency novel *they're* like to read. As it came from Naiad Press, I should have guessed it'd be a lesbian novel, but I was just desperate to read ANYTHING this woman writes.

In spite of what you might think, there are NO "lesbian sex secrets" here: this is a "sweet" romance, with a twist--we're not in primarily heterosexual society here, and we get a feel for what it was like for lesbians and gay men at the time--the subterfuge necessary, the need to satisfy appearances, and the reaction of mainstream society around them. It is indeed a comedy of manners, and IF Ms. Martin is lesbian, I am amazed at her skill in depicting, in her other novels, a world foreign to the one she inhabits.

She writes lovely scences, lovely characterizations, and witty dialogue. Don't miss this novel due to any preconceptions: you'll do yourself an injustice, and that would be sad indeed.

A nice collection of artists, with some great examples of what they can do. But....
Paper stock is poor and some prints are a bit blurry.

This is a great artbook, featuring many famous furry artists. I love the art, and look at it regularly. If you're a fan of Michele Light, I recommend it.

This book started my physical collection of furry publishings, and still remains the best singal pice I have. Not only is it perfectaly published, but contains excellent examples of anthropomorphic artwork. Its my personal bible.

The story has potentials - an imposter who is actually a genuine article but doesn't know it. But the book didn't live up to them. The characters are likeable but under-developed, the plot is simplistic and predictable. The author tried too hard to write cute and funny dialogues, but failed. I got really annoyed - can't they talk like intelligent adults instead of sparring teenagers. Overall this book is superficial, frivolous, like a book written by adolescents for adlescents.

In light of the reviews already written on "Stolen Hearts," I thought it would be a really great book. I was disappointed. At best,this book is mediocre. Michelle Martin is not at all like SEP, as one fellow reviewer suggested. And while this story does have an interesting premise, Martin did not spin the story in a way that really caught my attention. Moreover, Tess Alcott is a highly unbelievable creature, and to make matters worse she is incredibly pretensious. As for Luke Mansfield, he is a static character, boring and completely lifeless. On the other hand, "Stolen Hearts" is a great improvement from "Stolen Moments," also written by Michelle Martin. So for anyone reading this review, I suggest you get the book from the library. Don't waste your money on this one.

I picked this book up from my library stack at around 11 last night. So much of the romance I've been reading of late has been so mediocre that I figured a few chapters would be the sleeping tonic I needed. Was I wrong. I ended up staying up and reading the entire book.

Winner of a Romantic Times' Reviewer's Choice Award, Stolen Hearts is a solid entry in the contemporary romance/jewel thief subcategory. The editorial reviews capture the set-up well. What I enjoyed was the gradual unraveling of the plan and the terrific twist at the end. The characters are a bit two dimensional but not to the point of annoyance. All told, a pleasant light read.

I have to agree that with the other reviewers that the characters are delightful and that the adventure carries you along - I even finished the book! I say this because I found a lot to annoy me along the way. The book takes place from late in 1803 until early 1804 - and while there is reference to the war going on, never is the short lived Peace of Amiens mentioned (1802-3) in relation to travel on the Continent by: 1) the lawyer 2) the hero or 3) the wicked uncle (who claimed to have been in France). Plus nothing about how the rival claimant may have got out of Europe.

I was also annoyed that the author couldn't make up her mind if the inheritance was a barony or a baronetcy - plus the villain could not have been disinherited in favor of the cousin who shouldn't have been able to inherit trhough the female line, etc, etc.

So 4+ stars for the characters and the adventure and 2 stars (or less) for the historical inaccuracy - at least the period is early enough that men still wore long hair -else the heroine would have had a problem.

An heir who may be an imposter, and adventure and intrigue along England's shires.
Isabel is the protector to young Jamie, come to claim his inheritance from his grandfather, after his father is murdered by his own brother. While travelling through England they are met by Jamie's guardian-Lord Brett.
Various adventures, mishaps and imbroglios commence and they barely make it to Brett's home alive.
But, is Jamie the *real* heir? Or is he an imposter? And will Isabel and Brett fall in love?
I loved Isabel, she is feisty, smart, and not above hitting a man where it counts. Brett complements her and Jamie is a bright lad, who deserves his own book, someday.

I am sorry to say that I have to disagree with the majority of readers. I found "Stolen Moments" an absolute dud. While Harley Jane Miller is an interesting character, Duncan Lang is a whiny nobody who keeps making references to some comtess so and so. Jeez, who cares? More importantly, Michelle Martin cannot write! Her syntax is terrible. And for me to notice is a pretty big deal, since I'm usually easy to please. From the looks of it, nobody edited this book before it went to print. Furthermore, the premise of this story was so improbable it made me want to gag. About half-way through the book I put it down in favour of something else. That's how much it had me enthralled. If Michelle Martin insists on writing, she should stick to lesbian erotica...as for the mainstream, please spare us.

Harley Jane Miller has never been allowed to fully grow up - she has been imprisoned in the shell of her sugary alter ego, Jane Miller, the Princess of Pop.

When she runs away in New York from her overbearing manager, he hires a detective with problems of his own to track her down. When they find each other, the fun has already begun.

I enjoyed this book not only as a wonderful read, but as a tribute to every movie musical ever made about musicians, performers, and artists. The careful reader and musical lover will be well rewarded by sly bits which interact so perfectly well with the plot and characters that at first I had trouble believing that there were one-liners that hit on performances by Elizabeth Taylor, Elvis, Danny Kaye, and more.

Read it for the plot, and find yourself humming along with Harley Jane as she finds freedom, grows up, and finds the man she loves. Read it and laugh and dream a little dream.

There's nothing better than discovering an author whose books you've never read. I am so impressed with Michelle Martin's writing. She's developed the plot and characters of Stolen Moments beautifully! Stolen Moments is my favorite of her books so far. Duncan is delicious and Harley is fascinating. I would suggest this book to everyone who enjoys good romance!

I was expecting Susan Elizabeth Phillips style. Not even close. Not anything like My Best Friends Wedding. I don't even know where the reviewers came up with those comparisons. The book was just okay. Sam was just a little too smart alec to even be charming. I will probably read another book from Martin - but I won't buy one.

... good enough mainly because of the many likable secondary characters - everyone behaves plausibly, and most everyone is kind. The heroine is smart, resourceful, and loyal to her friends. Unfortunately, the hero is somewhat obtuse and kind of flat, which might explain the lack of sexual tension. There are indeed too many details about horse dressage. Still, this is a good story, well written, and probably worth the price of a paperback.

As a first time reader of Michelle Martin, I was pleased to have another author to add to my list of names to watch for new releases. I would recommend this author to anyone who is looking for a well paced plot, with some action (although not so much as an adventure category). Ms. Martin's strong suit is her snappy and even witty dialogue, which is a must to keep any book from dragging. This book does not drag... The characters are well developed, secondary as well as primary, and even the antagonist has qualities that keep her human, rather than a cookie cutter "bad guy." Perhaps the only complaint, and this is a minor one, would be that there may be more attention paid to the details of horse dressage than the average romance reader may be interested in. But that merely makes it informative, if one wishes to brush up on that subject. I highly approve of Ms. Martin's writing skills. The book caught my attention because of the comparison to Susan Elizabeth Phillips on the back of the jacket. If any readers are fans of Ms. Phillips, they will enjoy this book as well. I immediately ordered a back copy of one of Ms. Martin's earlier books after completing this one.