Mercy
Three lives converge in Jo Leigh’s complex, tightly woven story. Successful businessman Will Desmond brings a puppy to the luxurious Hush Hotel, which has a place for the guests’ pets–and its own pet concierge, Mercy Jones. Will immediately notices Mercy and plans to use her to get something he has to have. Although she can’t resist Will, Mercy can’t believe they have any future. Meanwhile, Drina Dalakis is in the hotel for revenge. A Romanian Gypsy, she’s planning to get back at the people who sent her beloved husband to jail and his death. At the center of the story is a small dog with an expensive collar. Heavy with emotion and heart, Have Mercy (4.5) is a winner in every way. Injured hearts learn to love and trust as Will and Mercy discover the complicated truth about each other.
—Page Traynor
Romantic Times
Kidnapped!
Two previous kidnapping attempts have left heiress Tate Baxter agoraphobic, kidnap-phobic and always afraid. Her father has her in a bubble of protection — in the form of her bodyguard, former military man Michael Caulfield — that cuts her off from life. When her therapist suggests using a professional pretend-kidnapping service to conquer her fears, Tate agrees, although Michael is against it. But when she’s really kidnapped, both Tate and Michael have to face their inner demons to save themselves.
Kidnapped! (4.5), by Jo Leigh, is an innovative, riveting adventure as Tate develops from a terrified young woman to an adult determined to fight for what she wants. The adventure is constant and nonstop.
—Page Traynor
Romantic Times
Relentless
Heart-stopping action and adventure twists with romance and sex in Jo Leigh’s Relentless (4.5). Working in Kosovo as a forensic accountant for the United Nations, Kate Rydell discovers that a CIA-connected group, Omicron, has created a terrible, illegal weapon. When she tries to expose this, she ends up working undercover in America. As a hotel maid, Kate sees a murder and goes on the run again. She can’t afford to be involved. But Detective Vince Yarrow needs her help, and when he finds her, he’s drawn into the violence Omicron is willing to dole out to make sure their secret never comes out. The excitement is endless, and the attraction between Vince and Kate sizzles.
—Page Traynor
Romantic Times
Closer…
Christie Pratchett is being stalked. So far, this man has cost her a job, her friends and, worst of all, her peace of mind. A phone call brings help in the form of Boone Ferguson, who served with her late brother in Delta Force. But Christie stalker is no ordinary man, and it’s soon clear that her brother’s life — and death — were more complicated than she knew, and that his past has changed her life forever. The entire situation is full of secrets and death. Excellent excitement, tension, sex and mystery combine to make Closer … (4), by Jo Leigh, a book that flies by as your heart pounds. Boone and Christie are great together.
—Page Traynor
Romantic Times
Time After Time
Perfect Timing Anthology
The simplest and most poignant tale is Jo Leigh’s Time After Time. Raised by two older parents who taught her a love of things from the 40s and 50s, Betty Kroger never really fit in among her peers, including Matt Stevens, the popular kid she pined after who never even noticed she existed. Now a grad student in New York, she visits the traveling exhibit when it arrives at the Met. She sees a picture of a singer performing at the Stage Door Canteen in 1945 just before the end of the war. Moments later, she’s there herself, standing in the spotlight as the singer dazzling the crowd. Among the spectators is sailor John Stevens, grandfather of her old crush.
This one has significantly less plot than the other stories, which works better for the short format. It really is just two people who meet and fall in love. It’s a highly emotional story with two very sympathetic characters. John has been through four years of war and is haunted by his experiences, unsure if there’s a place for him back in his Kansas hometown anymore. Betty has always been a misfit, and now she’s in a place and time where she not only fits in, but is a star. The thrill she experiences is palpable. The romance is quite touching… the emotions evoked by the author’s storytelling make it work, and this was my favorite of the bunch.
Lick & a Promise
Vibrant, colorful food stylist Margot Janowitz finds her career plans in danger when she lands the job from hell. When Daniel Houghton III moves into her friendly co-op, she can’t resist making over the uptight architect. She soon puts him on her list of men to do—to enjoy for now, if not forever—but when she’s done, will they still have their careers or their hearts? A Lick and a Promise (4.5) by Jo Leigh delights with an interesting setting, sympathetic characters and sizzling sex.
