Myrna Mackenzie

Natalie McCabe is not happy about needing a bodyguard. When she meets Vince Fortune, she really begins to doubt the wisdom of the arrangement. He’s too observant, and his mere presence is too commanding. On top of that, he’s attractive. All in all, he’s a definite threat to her ability to control the situation. As a top-notch investigative reporter, Natalie is all about obtaining and maintaining control. Since having witnessed the murder of Jason Jamison, enough bits and pieces of her show more life seem to be slipping out of her control. As the threats on her life escalate from words to actions, Natalie will find herself forced to rely upon Vince. Meanwhile, Vince finds himself feeling more than just a professional interest in protecting Natalie’s person as she tests his temper. Although better known for her family-centered romances, local author Myrna Mackenzie does an excellent job of mixing danger and attraction in this romantic suspense tale. show less

A very enjoyable Christmas anthology featuring the following three stories.

On the Secretary's Christmas List by Carole Mortimer (4 stars) – Romance between famous photographer Jackson and his assistant Bree. They’ve had a great working relationship for a year, but now Jackson is beginning to notice Bree as more than an assistant when he starts seeing other men showing an interest in her and his jealously kicks in. A really cute Christmas romance that also features cute puppy, Beau, who show more is a Christmas present to Jackson’s son.

The Soldier, the Puppy and Me by Myrna Mackenzie (5 stars) – Reluctant war hero Trey is back in his hometown as a favor to a relative to be the Grand Marshall in the town’s Christmas Festival. Next door neighbor Ella, who he has a shaky past with from their younger days, is in charge of the festival so there is no avoiding of the two meeting up again. Good thing that puppy Fizz (who Ella is fostering for Christmas) is around to get these two together. This was my favorite of the stories. Fizz stole the show with every scene he was in. The matchmaking pup was simply adorable and just too cute for words. A definite winner.

The Patter of Paws at Christmas by Nikki Logan (4 stars) – Romance between Gabe and Ingrid who both work at an Australian zoo and are currently monitoring African wild dogs. Although this story took place at Christmastime there was very little Christmas here. And the puppies in the story were rarely seen, since they were hidden for the most part in one of the dens that Gabe and Ingrid were monitoring. Despite that, this story still kept my interest for its uniqueness and I learned about something I was not familiar with before. show less

Darcy Parrish gets a temporary job as a chef for handsome Patrick Judson. Darcy has a spinal injury and has to use a wheelchair. She is living at Able House (an assisted living facility) in which Patrick is the chief benefactor. He has been caring for his three younger sisters since their parents’ death. He has also inherited his parents’ wealth and is trying to do good with it. Patrick is finding himself attracted to pretty and independent Darcy. With his sisters all grown up, he is show more able to go out in the world and do things he has always wanted to do. But he is finding it hard to leave Darcy. I really enjoyed this romance. Patrick was a great hero, he was so thoughtful and caring. Darcy was a good and interesting heroine. She really wanted to be a policewoman but had to give up her dream after her accident.

A sweet, feel-good romance by Myrna Mackenzie. show less

When Myrna MacKenzie created the character of David Hannon, the hero of "Just Pretending", she threw out all the stops when it came to charm, charisma, and caring cuddle-worthiness! However, she didn't stop there--she gave David a woman to love who was his equal in sex appeal, strength of character, and intelligence. Gretchen Neal is drop-dead gorgeous, and she has a wicked, drop-em-dead martial arts kick! David is an FBI agent who returns to his home town to investigate an old murder show more mystery. Gretchen, a detective with the local police force, is the chief investigating officer on the case. She and David become temporary partners, and at first they struggle to fight their overwhelming attraction to each other. When David pretends to be Gretchen's fiance to help her save face at a friend's wedding, pretending soon becomes real-life passion. When it comes time to part, will these two hearts afire be able to say goodbye? In "Just Pretending", Myrna MacKenzie offers vivid characterizations, and an intense relationship between a well-matched romantic duo! show less