Paradise

"Paradise" is an eminently readable compilation of novellas, with appealing characters and good writing. While none of the stories are outstanding or especially memorable, all are good enjoyable reads."Jessie's Girl" by Madeline Baker is a sweet story, portraying a pair of lovers who are charming but somewhat shallow. Kathy, especially, seems almost too good and naive to be real. The premise, involving Jessie as a vampiric Elvis, is a bit unusual, but also feels a bit "off." Of the four, this struck me as the weakest contribution.I really enjoy Nina Bangs' writing, and "Hunka" is no exception. The characters are appealing and well-developed, and the story brims with good humor and charm.I really liked the premise of Ann Lawrence's "Heaven-Sent." The characters are charming, and the romance and mystery are very sound. The "heavenly" slant also made this story a little out of the ordinary.Nance's "Best-Laid Plans" was another nice little gem. While it's not spectacular in any way, decent writing and well-developed characters make this a solid contribution.All in all, this is a great summer read, especially for the Elvis fan!

PARADISE constitutes 4 stories revolving Elvis, the king of Rock and the romances that soared with him around as the matchmaker. The first story by Madeline Baker may proved too far-fetch and mythical - with Jessie, a manifestation of Elvis in the form of a vampire, learning love can last longer than eternity and youth. The second by Nina Bangs hit all the right keys, with a calculative business lady falling in love with a theme park operator Dylan. The others by Kathleen Nance and Ann Lawrence were buoyant, focusing more on inner feelings between two lonely characters jumping at a chance in love. The stories are fleeting, transient like heavensteps to PARADISE - they are typical romances spiced up by wicked chemistry and rousing narrative. Not memorable nor poignant, but simply a good read taking you to heavenly dreams.

I wasn't taken with the first story. I like vampire romances but not with a former real person in the role.I loved the other three tales by new authors, Bangs, Lawrence, and Nance. Wonderful stories with Elvis as a side character or spirtual influence. Lawrence and Nances were so well written and complex, I soon forgot they were novella's. I loved Lawrence's "Virtual Heaven", Bangs' "An Original Sin", and Nance's "More Than Magic" recent single titles as well. Leisure Love Spell has a wonderful stable of new authors, I hope we'll be hearing more from them soon.

Four talented authors take the reader on a fun-filled tour through Paradise. ~ Lori Soard, reviewer for Word Museum