Review -- Shadows of the Past by Carmen Stefanescu

Title: Shadows of the Past

Author: Carmen Stefanescu

Genre:  Paranormal, Contemporary

Published: Published December 4th 2012 by Wild Child Publishing

Ebook

231 pages

Rating: 4 stars

About the book:

When Anne and Neil leave on a one-week holiday hoping to reconcile after a two-year separation, little do they know that destiny has other plans for them. Their discovery of human bones and a bejeweled cross in the hollow of a tree open the door to the supernatural realm and the anguished life of Genevieve, a nun from medieval England.

Can Anne save her relationship and hel...moreWhen Anne and Neil leave on a one-week holiday hoping to reconcile after a two-year separation, little do they know that destiny has other plans for them. Their discovery of human bones and a bejeweled cross in the hollow of a tree open the door to the supernatural realm and the anguished life of Genevieve, a nun from medieval England.

Can Anne save her relationship and help Genevieve her eternal rest?

The twists and turns in this paranormal tale keep the reader guessing up to the end and weave themselves together into a quest to rekindle love.

 

This is a lovely story that merges the past and the present, magic and the mundane and superstition with the supernatural. I’m a fan of historical stories, paranormal stories and above all love stories and with this one I get all those elements and much more. Basically it is like getting two stories in one, a touching love story that transcends time. Of course I expect my heroines to overcome adversity and this story is sewn together with a spectacularly, surprising ending, hinting at more to come perhaps.  This author has written well-developed characters and distinctive details. She also introduces readers to a truly creepy cursed forest that will make me look differently at trees from now on. I loved that there was personal growth, mystery, grief and romance. Life contains a little bit of everything and so do truly compelling stories. If you are looking for a unique, intense tale that will leave you in tears and laughter then this is a story for you.

Review -- Love’s Second Sight by Darragha Foster

Title: Love’s Second Sight

Author: Darragha Foster

Genre: Historical, Vikings, Fantasy, Gods Goddesses

ebook, 97,000 words

Published: 11/26/2012

ISBN: 9781931761796

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About the book:

Love's Second Sight follows the paths of Thorgunna, Jarl of the Isle of Tiree and Leif Eiriksson, Norse explorer, as they battle natural and supernatural forces to be together. Tormented by Loki, the God of Lies, Thorgunna find herself trapped in the midst of the clash between the old gods and the Christ. Entangled and ensnared, Thorgunna is forced to choose between saving Tiree, and her own life, or saving Leif. Leif falls deeply and dangerously in love with Thorgunna, incurring Loki's wrath. Thwarted at each turn by Loki's tricks and deceptions, difficult choices haunt and plague him. To fulfill his mission for his father, his king and his God, he must forsake his beloved, heathen Thorgunna--or he can spend the rest of his life with her on Tiree, never to see the faces of his parents--or his God, again. Love's Second Sight is a smoky, seductive clash between tradition, exploration, duty, honor, blossoming faith and enduring true love alive with all the passion of the Viking Age.

Growing up named Venus it was no wonder that I have always had a love and interest in mythology and folklore and this story completely fed my hunger for fantastic traditional legends. The descriptions brought to life a magical world of Norse tradition in this epic tale reminiscent of the Historical romances I read as a teen. If you are looking to get lost in a time and place beyond your wildest imaginings this is the read for you.

Review -- Dancing in the Flame by Ann Gimpel

Title: Dancing in the Flame

Author: Ann Gimpel

Genre: Erotica, Paranormal

Length: ebook, 60 pages

Published April 22nd 2013 by Liquid Silver Books more details...

ISBN: 9781931761918

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About the book:

Life in a were bordello is all Keira has ever known. Because of her mixed blood, none of the magicians’ guilds want her, or protested when the Weres bound her as an indentured hooker. Mired in the hopelessness of her dreams, Keira longs for more.

Barrett, one of the Daoine Sidhe, runs a magician supply shop in what’s left of Seattle. No one is more surprised than he when th...moreLife in a were bordello is all Keira has ever known. Because of her mixed blood, none of the magicians’ guilds want her, or protested when the Weres bound her as an indentured hooker. Mired in the hopelessness of her dreams, Keira longs for more.

Barrett, one of the Daoine Sidhe, runs a magician supply shop in what’s left of Seattle. No one is more surprised than he when the Sidhe leader commands him to extricate Keira from the weres.

Magic and intrigue throw Keira and Barrett into one another’s arms. Convinced they have a job to do, they struggle against the heat of the passion between them. Until it gets way too hot to handle.

For a short story this was an amazingly detailed and intriguing story. I love the world the author created and the magic and mixed with the coarse almost vulgar setting made for a captivating read. Barrett was a fantastic hero and the attraction between the two lead characters was as enchanting as the scenario they found themselves in. Keira is amazingly strong and yet a complete victim I don't think I would have blamed her one bit if she had a breakdown yet instead she worked her butt off and just did what had to be done to survive. Her fairy friend added a delightful aspect to the story and kept me smiling, I'd love to see Renn get her very own adventure. I'm looking forward to reading more about this world and all the fascinating inhabitants.

Review -- If Only By Lisa M. Owens

Title: If Only

Author: Lisa M. Owens

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 107 pages-Roughly 55,000 words

ISBN: 978-1-59578-989-1

Published: Published December 24th 2012 by Liquid Silver Books

 

Cost:

$4.99-LS Books

$4.74-Amazon

$4.99-Barnes and Noble

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

 

About the book:

 

An accidental slip on a patch of ice gives Bree Sexton the opportunity she has always dreamed of—a chance to go back in time and make things right, changing her life and her future. A poignant tale of second chances, and a woman’s fight to find her happily-ever-after.

What would you do if you had the opportunity to go back and relive your greatest mistake?

Five years ago, Bree Sexton walked out on her fiancé and into the arms of a charming and handsome stranger. She has regretted her decision ever since. Instead of a fairy-tale marriage, her “prince” shattered her dreams and her spirit with physical violence and emotional cruelty she barely escaped.

She then mysteriously wakes up in bed with the fiancé she loved and left, the life she’d dreamed of now a reality, until her cruel ex-husband reappears to destroy her new life. But what is real, and what is make-believe? Is she really getting the chance she has always dreamed of? And when it is all said and done, will she finally end up with the man she has always regretted leaving? Or will she wake up to discover herself alone?

 

 

This was a very emotional story and dealt with some very serious issues so I would suggest if this is a topic you have sensitivities with be warned that this is a very raw, very real depiction.

Who among us hasn’t wished to go back in time and take a different path, especially when decisions or actions lead to some horrible consequences or circumstances? I loved the paranormal aspect of her second chance. Scott is a wonderful leading man and I will admit to having a few moments of annoyance with Bree for some of her impatience at his reactions. But overall this is a fabulous book, full of emotion and really who doesn’t love a second chance story.

 

 

 

Links to find Lisa

http://www.lmowens.com/

https://twitter.com/_lisamowens

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-M-Owens-Author-Page/401065116637549

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6884569.Lisa_M_Owens

 

Buy If Only

http://www.lsbooks.com/lisa-m-owens-c343.php

http://www.amazon.com/If-Only-  ebook/dp/B00ASOMPH4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356572772&sr=1-1&keywords=If+Only+by+Lisa+M.+Owens

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/if-only-lisa-m-owens/1114147612?ean=9781595789891

 

Review -- A Tropical Affair by Pauline Saull

Title: A Tropical Affair

Author: Pauline Saull

Genre:  Historical

Published: Publish Date: March 31, 2013 by Liquid Silver Books

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About the book:

"When a British heiress discovers her fiancée is not the man he pretended to be she'll discover her sheltered upbringing has left her woefully unprepared to face a new life in Venezuela. The line between what is right and what you desire blurs in this exciting historical novel by Pauline Saull. When charming Carlton Blake convinces Elizabeth Hall to marry him, she is carried away with the idea of a life in 1880s Venezuela. But, when she travels to her new home for the wedding, she discovers her fiancée is only interested in her inheritance and his exotic mistress, Rosita, a beautiful Carib girl. Desperate, Elizabeth accepts shelter from British expatriate and rancher, Theo Furey. Will the embers her protector ignites within her become a flame Elizabeth cannot deny?

Content Notes: Historical, 1800's, Adventure, Sexy Spicy Romance"

 

What a brave woman Elizabeth is. I’d like to think I would have the courage she does if faced with the same situation. I loved how adventuresome this heroine was and how bravely she faces the obstacles that she encounters. She had a very enlightened attitude and the way she embraced her new life was refreshing. I was drawn into the story by the wonderful descriptions of this beautiful unspoiled setting and the charming characters. I could practically feel the lush humidity, see the exotic wildlife and touch the surrounding vegetation. Theo was so stoically heroic and Carlton so very smarmy and her new female friends were so accommodating and encouraging. I found this to be a delightful way to pass a Sunday afternoon and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Review -- Ride The Savage Land by Larry Payne

Title: Ride The Savage Land

Author: Larry Payne

Genre:  Western Novella

Published: Published February 2013 by Wild Child Publishing

Rating: 4 out of 5 star

About the book:

When a Comanche raiding party abducts his wife, Jake Hollister unpins his star and ventures out on a quest to find his beloved Suzanne. Now, six years later, the same fate has befallen his close friend John Henry Parker's wife, Sarah.

Agreeing to ride together until Sarah is found, Jake and John Henry enlist the aid of an ex-buffalo soldier, Zachariah Benson. They follow a trail of death and destruction until a Comanche war party forces them to return home to recover from wounds.

Their relentless search resumes when Jake visits an old friend, Charlie Bold Eagle, and persuades the Indian tracker to help them. A chance encounter with Lou Garvey, an Indian trader, soon brings them face to face with the feared Comanche War Chief, White Buffalo.

 

If you are looking to be transported back in time to the American Old West then this is the novella for you. It is a classic story for a new generation, where loyalty and integrity are romanticized and good versus evil is at the heart of the story. Jake Hollister is a solitary character due to unfortunate circumstances and I found myself drawn to his sorrow but puzzled by him. I understood what happened to his wife but I wanted to glimpse deeper into his feelings and his actions. This story is not for the faint of heart and I will admit to finding it a tad violent for my tastes but it gets the point across as to how urgent it is that Sarah be found. Sarah is a fabulous character and whether it was the fact that she was the only female lead I found I had a great connection to her. She was strong and determined and I wanted her to survive. If classic westerns are your choice when it comes to reading then  this is a definite must read because the details fairly jump of the page and I could practically feel the dust from the trails tickling my eyes and nose.

Review -- Hieroglyphs by Kit Wylde

Title: Hieroglyphs

Author: Kit Wylde

Genre: Paranormal/Light Romance

Published August 2010 by Wild Child Publishing

Length:  63 pages

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About the book:

When a new hieroglyphic alphabet is discovered on an ancient Egyptian scroll, expert archaeologist Joslyn Wetherly is called in to decipher it. Joslyn is obsessed with the scroll, and that obsession threatens her marriage.

But soon her life is threatened as the secrets of the scroll prove dangerous. Before Joslyn realizes what is happening, she is embroiled in a rivalry between two long-dead pharaohs, their Egyptian gods, and past life karmas.

Will Joslyn survive the secrets revealed in the scroll? Or will she be the next victim of the ancient feud?

 

Kit Wylde takes readers on an amazing journey with this captivating Egyptian paranormal adventure. Archaeologist Joslyn Wetherly is a dedicated professional torn between a job that takes her away from a husband she loves and who seems resentful of her career. My absolute favourite part was the time travel back to ancient times. The details were delightful and I fell under the spell. I only wish there had been more scenes with such information and description. This is a charming story with a little bit of everything, mystery, romance, history, intrigue, magic and malevolence. I would suggest anyone who has day-dreamed of pyramids or past lives should definitely pick this one up because it will be a hard one to put down. It has been days since I finished reading this story and yet I still feel the connection.

Review -- Devious by Mark Love

Title: Devious

Author: Mark Love

Genre: Mystery

Published March 2013 by Secret Cravings Publishing

Length: 212 Pages

ISBN: 9781618856159

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About the book:

Jamie Richmond, reporter turned author, is doing research for her next book. Attempting to capture the realism of a police officer’s duties while on patrol, she manages to tag along for a shift with a state police trooper. A few traffic stops and a high speed chase later, Jamie’s ride takes an unexpected turn when she witnesses the trooper being shot. Although it is not a fatal injury, Jamie becomes obsessed with unraveling the facts behind this violent act. While she is trying to sort out this puzzle, she becomes romantically involved with Malone, another trooper with a few mysteries of his own. Now Jamie’s attention is divided between a blooming romance and solving the crime which is haunting her. Jamie begins to question the events that took place and exactly who could be behind the shooting. It was a devious mind. But who?

Mark Love pulled me in from the very beginning, kept me guessing until the end and kept me completely entertained throughout. Jamie Richmond is the best kind of heroine, she’s a real woman, she’s got flaws and perfections and that made me feel invested in her adventures. Malone is magnificent, perhaps sometimes he seemed a little too perfect but after all isn’t a perfect man what we all say we want. It wasn’t until a few of his flaws showed through that I truly felt myself going head over heels for this sexy and sensitive cop. All the characters in this book were well developed and added to the atmosphere and the story itself. I loved the mystery itself because it moved at just the right pace and it wasn’t full of non-existent clues making it impossible to solve or so transparent that the answer was staring you right in the face. I can recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries because I’m certain they will love it. I cannot wait to see what Jamie can get up to in another adventure.

Review -- Falling Sky by James Patrick Riser

Title: Falling Sky

Author: James Patrick Riser

Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction

Published May 2013 by Wild Child Publishing

Length: 74 Pages

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About the book:

Following a devastating world war, the surface of the planet has been covered in a substance called Dust, a weapon that can break down the physical make up of entire cities, reducing them to rubble and preventing citizens from rebuilding their lost metropolises for several years. In order to survive, humanity has taken refuge in crowded, underground cities.

Ian Blum is a 15 year old boy living in one such city. His crippling social anxiety confines him to a solitary life at home, while his parents are away at their jobs. The person he interacts with the most is his home school professor, Michael Wasley. One night, Ian is visited by a mysterious figure in a dream. The man warns Ian of a great earthquake that will destroy the cities, killing all of the inhabitants. The man charges Ian with the task of getting everyone out.

Soon after, Ian finds out that he isn't the only one who has had this dream and reluctantly joins a group of rebels who has made it their mission to drive everyone from the cities for their own safety, however, no one believes in the stranger's prophecy. Ian and the rebels must find a way to get the people to safety at any cost.

James Patrick Riser takes readers on a fascinating journey to the future with this Young Adult Science Fiction adventure. Ian Blum is a sympathetic character whom I think in spite of his unique circumstances or perhaps because of them, is easy to relate to and even easier to like. I loved the tone of this book, the straitforwardness of the situation and the mixture of the mundane and the mysterious. Even though we don’t deeply delve into some of the characters there is a sense of familiarity with them and I was able to relate to all of them. I loved the flashback and dream segments because they added just the right amount of information and the precise time. I can easily recommend this to young adults and fans of YA fiction if they are looking for a swift and sensitive read. If you know of anyone who has any type of social anxiety this is a refreshing story that neither preaches nor offers bandage solutions, it simple describes things as they are and accepts them as such. I’m hoping this isn’t the last I’ve seen of Ian as I’d love to see how he is getting on now.

Review -- Your Heart My Soul by Daisy Banks

Title: Your Heart My Soul

Author: Daisy Banks

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Published March 2013 by Liquid Silver Books

more details...ISBN: 9781931761

Length: 126 Pages

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

About the book:

Two sets of lovers, one on this plane, one on another, fight their way out of chaos to find love in this haunting romance from Daisy Banks. Find out what happens when love refuses to die, even when the lovers do.

Does love last beyond death? The ghost of Sally Addleforth has no doubt. But shamed and disfigured by her murderer, her spirit lingers, hidden from the patient soul of her man, William Reliance Smith.

Libby Chesterton is an American in England, and she’d rather go home than face the problems her British inheritance has created. Her dilapidated store, with its frightful contents, proves more trouble than it may be worth.

Gareth Saunders, antiques expert and psychic, catches a bout of Lancelot fever as he helps his adorable client with the store and the spiritual possession threatening to overwhelm her. Wedding bells will ring—one way or another.

From the very first words I was drawn into an enchanted story; the almost poetical beauty of the words hooked my attention and the fabulous storyline kept me turning pages. I loved how so many different things popped up and surprised me at every turn yet flowed effortlessly. I can honestly say as a North American I’ve often dreamed of a long lost relative leaving me property in England so I loved the premise of this story. Libby and Gareth are both such practical people in the face of such mythical occurrences and yet they both easily embrace the supernatural with an aplomb that is refreshing in its sincerity. I enjoy stories where I feel as if I really get to know the hero and heroine and with this story I got to meet and become familiar with two appealing couples. I loved the sense of history that accompanied this story. The broad appeal to the mixture of the themes is sure to please everyone as there is romance, history, a ghost story and antiques. It’s a delightful bundle and a fabulous way to enjoy a fresh summer day or cold winter night. The details were fascinating but didn’t weigh the story down. This is my first story by this gifted author but if it is any indication of her other works it will definitely not be my last. I enjoyed her writing style and look forward to seeing if I find her other stories as magical.

Review -- Sweet Cravings by Eva Lefoy

Title: Sweet Cravings

Author: Eva Lefoy

Genre: Erotica, Contemporary

Word count: 19,439

eBook ISBN: 9781613334911

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

About the book:

Riding the waves of a sugar high, Violet Cunningham seduces the town’s newest pastry chef, slathering him with whipped cream in his secret kitchen. But all that is made of sugar melts, and her brazenness vanishes soon after their tryst, leaving her battling old insecurities about her waistline and appetites, courtesy of her mother. Positive she’s only made a fool of herself, she’s mortified when her boss sends her back to sexy Chef Max’s kitchen and into the proverbial frying pan.
After a red-hot date, her chef disappears, and Violet’s emotions simmer to a boil, forcing her to confront the awful truth: there’s more to life than pastry.

Let me be honest; I’m not a fan of French pastries and desserts but Mon Dieu, Eva Lefoy completely whets my appetite with her short and steamy story. My favourite heroines are curvy gals and the only thing better than a big beautiful heroine is one who has a larger than life attitude and the aplomb to go after what she wants. Now Violet isn’t perfect, she has insecurities and flaws which to me just makes her more interesting, more believable. I love when I can relate to the heroines and in Violet I felt as if I made a friend. And really who wouldn’t want the sexy Chef Max who has a delicate touch with sweets and a deft touch with the heroine’s body? Can I say I’m jealous of the heat from this couple? Ohh la la, but they steam up the kitchen and the bedroom. I so enjoyed this story as it was the lunch time read I loved how swift the story was yet I didn’t feel as if it were sacrificing the integrity of the character’s personalities. If all Eva Lefoy’s characters are this easy to relate to I’ll definitely be adding her to my must read list.

Review -- Heart Raider by Sophia Knightly

Title: Heart Raider (Heartthrob Series, Book One)

Author: Sophia Knightly

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

About the book:

Hot passion and intrigue ignite between a reclusive billionaire and a headstrong reporter marooned together during a hurricane on Turquoise Bay.

Intrepid TV reporter Veronique Whitcomb is the last person reclusive billionaire Nick Cameron expects to show up on his doorstep in the wake of Hurricane Abby. All grown up with heart-stopping allure, she is far different from Ronnie, the tomboy he remembers fifteen years ago as her camp counselor. Yet enticing as she is, Nick just wants to be left alone. The burnt-out corporate raider has retreated from the cutthroat corporate world after a scandal he was falsely accused of nearly landed him in jail. Still reeling from his ex-wife's betrayal, Nick has no intention of falling in love, but keeping Ronnie at arms' length is proving impossible.

When it comes to Nick, Veronique doesn't understand the meaning of "No." He was her childhood crush, the gorgeous summer camp counselor who saved her from herself when she as a rebellious kid coping with an alcoholic, drug-addicted celebrity dad and an emotionally unstable mom. In love with him and unstoppable in her zeal, she is determined to vindicate Nick's name and alert him to criminal activity that if not stopped in time, could destroy him.

As danger and suspense builds, Nick must keep the head-strong Ronnie out of harm's way--and out of his heart--but how can he when she's raided his heart in a sweet and spicy way?

 

As a wannabe adventure hound I loved that I was able to experience the high vicariously through Veronique’s escapades. For me a great story is all about the characters and I just loved Ronnie and Nick. They are both so authentic, so real that it was easy to fall under their spell and fall in love with them as they fell for each other. Both have their share of faults but it only makes them all the more attractive. Ronnie is a ball of fresh energy. She’s vivacious and curious and I wish I could dance in the rain like she does. Seeing that this is book one in the Heartthrob series it’s no surprise that Nick is gorgeous with a capital “G” but what really did it for me, and apparently for Ronnie too, was his super huge heart. She might have had a crush on a compassionate camp counselor but she loses her heart to a jaded man who still cares more than he wants to admit. Their sexual chemistry is amazing and what woman wouldn’t love to run into her childhood crush now that she is all grown up and knows just what to do about it. This story had moments of heartbreak yet it left me feeling uplifted and looking forward to the next in the series.

 

Review -- Flirting Under a Full Moon by Ashlyn Chase

Title: Flirting Under a Full Moon (Flirting with Fangs Trilogy #1 )

Author: Ashlyn Chase

Paperback, 352 pages

Published April 2nd 2013 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

more details...ISBN: 9781402275692

 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

About the book:

If Brandee Hanson ever wants to go from waitress to photographer, she'll have to take some once-in-a-lifetime shots. But when she catches the gorgeous private investigator, Nick Wolfensen, on camera— transforming into a werewolf—she is thrown into a world of vampires, shapeshifters, and other paranormal misfits.

In order to keep his secret and stay clear of the supernatural council, Nick will have to convince Brandee not to release the photo. Fortunately, he was looking for an excuse to spend more time with the beautiful waitress anyway.

 

I’m a sucker for a funny guy and an even bigger sucker for a funny author! I don’t want to give anything away but I swear my cat might not talk to me until her next meal time because my every chuckle startled her so and it happened too often for her liking. I’ve been waiting to read Nick Wolfensen’s story ever since I read his brother’s adventure and was introduced to the sexy twin. I love how protective he is even though she is no wilting flower. Brandee Hanson is a fiery redhead and not many people can handle GI issues with as much aplomb as she and the author do. With a name like Venus it’s no wonder I loved the addition of the gods and goddesses and cannot wait to catch another glimpse of them. I’m already counting down to the next book in the series, How to Date a Dragon, a Hottie Fireman what more can this gal ask for!

This is a must read for fans of Ashlyn Chase’s Strange Neighbors series and for those who haven’t what are you waiting for?

Review -- All of Me, a McRaidy Son by Em Epe

Title: All of Me, a McRaidy Son

Author: Em Epe

Genre: Erotica, Contemporary
eBook ISBN: 9781615729272
Print ISBN: 9781615729289
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About the book:

Her Ultimate Bad Boy!

Barb Timms closed herself off after an emotionally abusive marriage. A simple joke brought her former high school sweetheart, Den McRaidy, to her doorstep. Den teaches her there are no boundaries when it came to their sexual desires.

Determined to make the culprit pay for the abuse committed against Barb, Den reverts to his old ways. The results are catastrophic when Barb is accused of hiring the assailant. He’s unable to admit his mistake without making the criminal case worse against her.

With prison time looming for Barb over Den’s method of dealing with her past abuse, Barb watches her world fall apart.

This is the first book by Em Epe that I’ve read but I can guarantee it won’t be the last! Her skill with bringing to life the almost gritty, completely real Den McRaidy has me already looking forward to the next story of hers that I will pick up. At times our hero seems just a little too hard-edged for Barb who needs some sentiment and romance in her life. She is a survivor who has suffered but doesn’t see herself as a victim; she is more intent on helping others and ignoring her needs. But her high-school crush puts her needs before his own, both in the bedroom and beyond. He is rough and blunt yet she knows exactly who he is and wouldn’t want him any other way. This is fantastic tale of the one that got away and opposites attracting. I don’t want to give away too much of the story but I loved how much despair was present yet how much positive emotion surrounded the situation. The supporting cast adds to the depth and emotion of this story and each and every one plays a definite role in adding to the action. The McRaidy men are definite keepers and Den is a definite asset to their gene pool.