Title: No Law Against Love
Author: A 17 Author, 27 Story Anthology by:
DeborahAnne MacGillivray, Leanne Burroughs, M. J. Sager
Cheryl Alldredge, Marly Matthews, Jeanne VanArsdall
Victoria Oliveri, Cissy Hassell, Kemberlee Shortland, Diane Davis White
Rekha Ambardar, Jennifer Ross, Michelle Scaplen, Jacquie Rogers
Kristi Ahlers, Patty Howell, and Susan Barclay
Published in January 2006 by Highland Press
Genre: Anthology - Variety
ISBN: 0-9746249-0-X
Story One: Bad Cat by DeborahAnne MacGillivray
Destin, Florida – If a dog or cat attacks and bites anyone without provocation, that animal is deemed bad and the owner can be penalized one hundred dollars.
Ian rented the Florida beach house to finish his crime novel, but the added addition of meeting his next door neighbor Katlyn with the British accent was a wonderful perk. It was nice having someone that spoke his language. That was until Katlyn’s demon pussycat, Auggie continued to sneak into his home everyday and drift off with another item. Whenever he brought in bags of groceries, Auggie was always around to snip at something and take it far away. Finally fed up with the nuisance he is determined to do something about it, even if it means summoning the law.
When Katlyn is approached by Ian about her cat, she knows Auggie would never do anything out of the ordinary. Like Auggie is going to confess to any criminal ways, Ian thinks to himself after Auggie snatched seven bucks of New York prime that he had just brought home from the supermarket. Ian believes Auggie isn’t a cat and Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones is actually looking for the creature. Katlyn doesn’t believe that Ian St. Giles is a cat person. She offers him money for the steaks but he doesn’t accept it, so when she offers to prepare a meal, he agrees. Katlyn is delighted because Ian is just the man that she wants. When a neighbor calls a complaint in on Auggie, Ian is quick to come to Katlyn’s rescue, which makes their attraction even more closer. Finally the truth is revealed that Auggie is more or less her gopher and ends up fetching things from Ian until she has him in her clutches. And when Katlyn sees potential with Ian, she quickly summons Auggie to get Ian.
Bad Cat is a charming story. Ian and Katlyn are lovable characters both casting a casual eye each other’s way. Katlyn uses Auggie as a cat on a mission to intercept things from Ian’s house just to get him to come over and when he gets a close-up of Katlyn in her skimpy swimsuit, things really begin to heat the flames of desire. The little ploy wraps them in some heated moments and Auggie couldn’t be happier. Ms. MacGillivray creates a clever tale about a cat that obeys its mistress and makes two lovely characters blissfully happy. This charming story sizzles with delightful sparks!
Story Two: Chocolate in the Afternoon by Leanne Burroughs
In Great Britain it is illegal for a lady to eat chocolates on a public conveyance, yet it’s legal for a man to urinate in public as long as it’s at the rear of the vehicle and he places his right hand on the vehicle.
Lady Elizabeth MacNairy is on the run from her uncle. After her father’s passing her uncle insists she marry her cousin. Her uncle plans to get hold of her estate and Lady Elizabeth refuses to be his pawn. She finds a way to escape and lands inside an empty carriage only to find another man that is so captivating that her life is soon about to change. After she overhears him outside the carriage urinating she informs she will call the authorities.
Stephen Webber tells Lady Elizabeth to go right ahead and summon the authorities and he will tell them how she has entered his carriage. Also after she eats a piece of chocolate due to a hunger pain, he suggests he will have her taken in for that as well.
Lady Elizabeth knows nowhere to turn. Stephen is her only hope in finding a way out of her uncle’s hands. He offers to give her protection since she is trying to avoid her uncle. Stephen insists they marry so she can get her money from her father’s death before her uncle schemes her out of it. Lady Elizabeth discovers that he is a man that she can trust. If marriage is the only way she can be free of her uncle, perhaps marriage to Stephen wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Chocolate in the Afternoon is most refreshing. The dialogue is great and the story is fast paced pulling the reader right into the whole center of the action. Leanne Burroughs has penned a fantastic read with believable characters. The chemistry between the two is electric. Hmmm, and you might desire your own piece of chocolate when you are done! A story well done!
Story Three: A Second Chance at Forever by M. J. Sager
In multiple states it is illegal to have oral sex.
Ethan Jackson planned to marry Jennifer Shelton. He is surprised when he opens the door to find her in one hot attire. She had been an open book after reentering his life two years prior. He had been going through a messy divorce that had gone sour after twenty-two years and Jennifer had just finished caring for a husband with colon cancer. After meeting at their high school reunion old sparks ignited and things took a new approach into their love life. He thought she still looked great for her age. Twenty days for the last fifteen months their love-making had been whatever they desired but now she was offering him carte blanc and his heart was running like a race horse. What he would like is illegal but she knows the cops aren’t going to burst through the door and cart her away.
Not long after a great moment of sexual activities, Ethan is shocked when he accidentally learns Jennifer has breast cancer and is scheduled for surgery. He is even more surprised when she says it is over between them. She will not allow him to go through what she did with a sick cancer patient. He refuses to let her go after finding her again all these years. He believes their entire moment was just a quickie for her just to run off again. She confesses he is wrong but he is hurt and insists that his feelings have a say in the decision.
A Second Chance at Forever is a romantic story of two people who fall in love, separate then meet again years later to find that one hint of love still shines in their hearts. The story flows smoothly and is quite believable and the characters are lovely and determined in their actions. M.J. Sager touches the heart with this tale. One should never give up on love in any situation and M. J. Sager tenderly instills it with this great inspiration!
Story Four: A Love To Remember by Cheryl Alldredge
In Florida if an elephant is left tied to a parking meter, that fee still has to be paid.
John Gage was sure being in the police force consisted of more than just piles of reports and dealing with a woman who refuses to put money in a parking meter. With only two parking meters in the town and loads of parking places how does a woman rack up twenty dollars worth of tickets? Why do the two other cops continue to ticket her when they know she will not pay the fines? Somehow a picture of a dear old grandmother formed in his mind. He is stunned when he hears the woman rides her elephant into town, surely they jest, but it is for real. But the woman owns an animal refuge outside the city limits and takes in old circus animals and John decides it is high time to pay her a visit.
Calliope Smith has no one, her family died in a car accident so she only has one person that helps her on the animal refuge. No sooner than John happens on her property, it was almost like love at first sight. Her heart practically told her so. They begin a conversation and Calliope wishes to introduce him to her tiger, Tasha, but he eagerly passes. Hmm, if she is meant to be with this handsome man, she can’t marry someone who doesn’t like animals. John doesn’t understand why Calliope wants him to men her tiger when the beast doesn’t like men. Did she wish the tiger to eat him? Besides he was only here to see if he had any reason to arrest her, so why is his heart pumping wildly? Suddenly Dolly, the elephant steps in and slightly pushes the two together, making the chemistry between the two instant.
A Love To Remember is a sweet story. At first I have to admit I didn’t know where it was going with the elephant but Ms. Alldredge created a most charismatic story that had its perks! I immediately fell in love with this tale!
Story Five: Mad Love by Marly Matthews
In Great Britain there is a license to keep a lunatic.
Lady Sabrina Williams learns that her father has gone and done something again, but her mother is so elusive with her she won’t come to the point. Her father has always spent and lost so much what could he possibly have done now? She is shocked when she learns that her father has lost her, of all things to the Duke. But Sabrina is not a possession to be bartered yet her father was drunk and now Sabrina has been given to the Duke. When the Duke, Pembroke enters the room, they begin a banter of fireworks that heats the home more than a fireplace. Pembroke thinks she is a bit of a lunatic as others so casually have mentioned when they tried to get near her.
Pembroke soon discovers that Sabrina is his kind of lady. If she doesn’t agree to marry him the money owes by her father will have to be paid. Sabrina is so fired up she could kill her father. But her father tries to make amends and says he will not allow her to go to the Duke, he just had a weak moment. Sabrina and Pembroke find themselves attracted to each other. He finally admits she is a woman he has known in his dreams and is madly in love with her.
Mad Love is a story of a rare love filled with promise and everlasting togetherness! Marly Matthews pens a most beautiful story of love. It was spellbinding from beginning to end! I absolutely loved the way the conversation carried all the way through the story!
Story Six: The Woman in the Window by Jeanne VanArsdall
It is against the law to dress or undress a mannequin without pulling the blinds.
Carli is dressing a mannequin at the store; CJ’s when he sees her and is spellbound by her instantly. Jason Block super coach gazes at one woman and is smitten, has he gone insane? But he cannot get her off his mind. They have dinner today and share some great conversation. When she learns he is a pasta man she offers to cook for him one night. He had always been afraid of the L word but with Carli he just might change that.
The Jaycee’s Jail and Bail Charity Ball Drive decides to have a fundraiser. After Jason is transported to jail he calls on Carli to put up his bail. And when someone turns her in for dressing the mannequin he has to come to her rescue, a double whammy. Jason doesn’t understand why Carli would wish to help an old lady, who put her in jail, but it is Christmas and she doesn’t want the woman to be alone. Jason goes with Carli to make an old lady enjoy a happy holiday.
The Woman In the Window is a beautiful tale of finding love just by observing someone in their actions. Two lovable characters blend together and make a perfect couple in more ways than one. Ms. VanArsdall generates a cute little story that leaves a smile!
Story Seven: A Toast to the Bride and Groom by Victoria Oliveri
If any couple in Pennsylvania is inebriated, they cannot legally marry.
Maryette Browning does not wish to marry Master Westbrook who is a complete stranger no matter how much land he has to offer. By marrying the prominent businessman she could enter society – she wants love! Needing some fresh air she goes for a walk but a gusty wind spins her around and a man comes to her rescue and even retrieves her tossed umbrella. For his thanks he only wishes a place to stay since he is new. His name is Johnathan and he expels his travels to her as they share some tea.
Maryette enjoys Johnathan’s company but in three days she is marrying some stodgy businessman. He admires her beauty and finds her a most agreeable companion. His desire is truly for her. When their lips meet, their kisses are full of flaming heat and her heart truly desires him. Maryette confesses to her dearest friend, Hannah, her dilemma. Hannah offers her a whole bottle and tells her to drink it all. Once she is inebriated she can’t marry the snotty businessman and will be free to marry Johnathan.
A Toast to the Bride and Groom is a story that I say Bravo! This is a most entertaining story that brings a warm glow to the heart. Ms. Oliveri brings her characters to life in a tale that truly is gratifying!
Story Eight: Bare Feet and Cherry Pie by Cissy Hassell
In Alabama you may not drive barefooted, (this Alabama girl turned Georgia girl was told that a lot), in Kansas, it is illegal to place ice cream on cherry pie.
Simone Beauvais is just passing through when a siren goes off and she is pulled over by Lincoln Hayes. She is one beauty all the way down to her, what, bare feet? He’ll have to give the girl a ticket. She claims she wasn’t speeding and even her voice is sexy. He only stopped to see if she needed help since she was going at a turtle pace, but she was trying to find her bearings. When she gets defensive he puts her over his shoulder and takes her to his car to arrest her when she refuses to comply. Lincoln’s sister works at the police force with him and she even knows a trumped up charge when she sees one. She is sure that her brother’s raging testosterone and hormones that are getting the better of him.
Simone cannot believe that Lincoln pulled a caveman stunt on her. When she goes to have some cherry pie and ice cream and he follows over to the restaurant, all she can be is fascinated in being with him. He soon discovers she is a romance writer, thanks to his sister and when they are accidentally locked in a cell together, it will take more than a fire hose to quench their heat for the other.
WOW this story is one remarkable read! Bare Feet and Cherry Pie is a story that spins with exhilaration and ambience with the characters. Cissy Hassell ignites chemistry around two credible characters that is an extraordinary read!
Story Nine: Tutti-Frutti Blues by Kemberlee Shortland
Carmel, California when eating ice cream one must not be standing on the sidewalk – (of course thanks to Mr. Clint Eastwood, it was repealed when he was mayor)
The moment that Dr. Maisie Daniels alarm clock failed her, the whole day was filled with nothing but a series of comedic blunders. No sooner than she gets to the park to enjoy a moment she discovers she has pink bunny slippers on her feet. What else could possibly go wrong for her this morning?
Sergeant Jake Hennessey spotted the woman running through the park in the slippers muttering to herself and wondered if she was all there or perhaps a bit touched like the other crazy’s in the town. When he saw the women detour and head into the good doctors office, he knew she had to be crazy and on the way to visit the therapist. It was just a simple misunderstanding. But with no keys to get into her office Maisie suddenly has the urge for ice cream. Realizing she has no purse with her, she discovers money in her pocket. After leaving the ice cream parlor, Jake turns the corner and surprises her causing her to loose her ice cream on the pavement. He offers to buy her another but she declines only to accept his offer for dinner. She only hopes the night will be much better.
Tutti-Frutti is a special love story filled with romance between two people that is so unique in its own way. A little ice cream with no spoons could turn out delightfully wicked with that one special person. Ms. Shortland crafts an adorable little romance! It had a certain flare to it with the slippers and such a zany day, quite uplifting!
Story 10: Sadie, The Shady Angel by Diane Davis White
In Idaho, it is illegal to give your sweetheart a box of chocolates weighing in less than fifty pounds.
Shady Angel is determined to find her a good Angel man. But she must think of her assignment instead of having her mind elsewhere. With her righteous mentor angel, Pricilla, the two embark on a matchmaking adventure to bring spinster, Sarah Tuttle and widower Reed Carter together. Pricilla has to continue telling Shady to watch her language. If Shady doesn’t change her attitude she may never get her wings. It is time to think of helping someone and instead of only helping herself.
Sarah and her cat, Sugar would like to have a man around the house but how will they ever find a man like Reed Carter if Sadie doesn’t clean up her act and heed to the assignment? His four-year-old son has no mother since she went to heaven. I loved the part where her thoughts mingled that if she were a candle she would be a puddle after looking at Reed. And when Reed comes with fifty pounds of chocolate for his date, it has to be weighed by the police officer. The boy wants a mommy and he is happy with Sarah.
Sadie, The Shady Angel is a most amusing read. Ms. White paints a lovely scene with the angels arriving to bring two people together that needed not to be alone. The dialogue between Pricilla and Sadie was quite charming and brought some laughter into the story. This indeed was a splendid read!
Story 11: A Lover’s Serenade –Almost by Rekha Ambardar
Kalamazoo, Michigan - It’s against the law to serenade your girlfriend.
Garrod Tyler is a new sales associate in Monterrey, Mexico when he happens to meet a woman that is very fluent in Mexican. Inez can also speak English and intends to show him their fair city. She lost her father and older sister died in a car accident. They begin to spend time together when he meets the full house of relatives and begins to form feelings for her. Of course one day he misses a day with her to go to the bull run and she tells him he could have been hurt. Indeed he almost had been trampled but thanks to a lucky break, he was able to get out in time.
Garrod tells Inez that his other girlfriend broke it off when he didn’t have a job so they didn’t marry. He is about to close on a wholesale shipment deal when he gets a phone call to return to Kalamazoo. He also learns that that Jessica is all excited to see him. When Garrod returns home, Jessica explains that marrying into money isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be, and she soon learned the man she was to marry was a control freak. She would like for Garrod to return to the states with a transfer. Perhaps they can find what they once had and become one again. Garrod must decide what he really wants in life and if Jessica is still in his heart, or Inez.
A Lover’s Serenade – Almost shows how sometimes a person has to reach out for that gusto in life and grab it without looking back. A cunning formation of a story of two characters that are not certain what they wish in life until they are greeted with each other. Rekha Ambardar incorporated two sensitive caring souls that belonged together. This is indeed a wonderful story where the characters really stand out and are very much believable!
Story 12: A Frightful Misconception by Jennifer Ross
Don’t scare anyone to death in Canada, it is against the law.
Mitchell O’Keefe enjoys caring for Mrs. Fairfax and reading to her from the paperback she enjoys, even though it is a romance book. Of course he wouldn’t wish his male friends to know that fact. The one thing that bothers him is the ailing woman keeps hearing noises, but he never hears them. The only thing he feels or hears is the thumping of his heart when he sees Meghan, the home care nurse, and the excitement that sprinkles him all over just by her gaze.
Meghan may be a home care nurse but she can see clear through Mitch. She knows he tries to exhibit a tough guy Clint Eastwood model but inside he is a very caring man. She can tell by the way he cares for Mrs. Fairfax. Mitch is surprised to discover Mrs. Fairfax dead when he enters her room. He never expected it to be so sudden. He soon learns that he is her beneficiary and in time the police arrive arresting him for her murder. When Meghan comes to his rescue, is there more in play than meets the eye or did the ailing woman intend for this happy ending?
A Frightful Misconception is a wonderfully written tale. Ms. Ross detailed a lovely painting as if she had a canvas in front of her with these delightful characters. The story pulls the reader into the scene and allows them to actually feel everything, even when Mrs. Fairfax is found dead in the bed!
Story 13: Getting It In the End by DeborahAnne MacGillivray
In York, England, the law says it is legal to shoot a Scotsman with a bow and arrow, excluding Sundays.
James Douglas Kinloch has taken just about all he can from Catlyn Falconer. This time she has gone too far and the fur is about to fly and he means literally starting with her cat. Catlyn is about to show James that he has messed with her for the very last time. James is a book reviewer and has trashed every one of Catlyn's books. When she bumps into him she thinks he has incredible eyes until she learns his real identity and tells him she has been following his penchant for writing, especially how he enjoys bashing her work. She figured the guy to have a face like a sour lemon and not one sexy, elegant man. Should she kiss him or kick him where it hurts?
James realizes he has not given her work high praise but he must agree the sensual sex scenes sent him reeling for more than a shower or two. After the charming princess accidentally leaves her cat with him, he believes the cat must enjoy his company better. James is really beginning to feel the girl has desires for him since she continues leaving her cat with him by accident but is it enough to bring the two together for life?
Getting It In the End is a tale that is mesmerizing. Ms. MacGillivray pens a lovely story with some light tension that draws the characters together in this outstanding tale that is sweetened with the blending of a cat, a girl and a man in a kilt. Could anything get more exciting? I absolutely loved this engaging tale of the critic and the writer. Simply splendid!
Story 14: Double Dare by Michelle Scaplen
In Delaware it is illegal to get married on a dare.
Jake always considered Janie is very best friend. But when one tempting kiss on the dance floor left him in a daze he begins to wonder differently. After his business partner Rick, prompted him on a dare to marry Janie, he soon discovers that she is best of everything. He didn’t care about any silly law changing his feelings.
Janie thought of only one thing after hearing the Toby Keith song and that was expressing to Jake how she really felt toward him. She didn’t expect the frozen expression on his face afterwards. Nor did she expect a marriage with him right afterwards. She wasn’t a knockout but she was still pretty and she loved Jake. When it nears their six-month wedding anniversary and she hears Jake discussing the bet he and Rick made over her and their marriage, she decides to call it quits. How could she have been so blinded by love? Of course she failed to stay around to ask Jake about his real part in the marriage.
Double Dare is a story about two characters that more or less know what they want in life but need a little shove to get there. Ms. Scaplen assembles a lovely romance between two characters that melts the heart and puts a smile on the face. This was a worth read!
Story 15: Faerie Good Advice by Jacquie Rogers
In Auburn, Washington – Men who deflower virgins, regardless of age or marital status, may face up to five years in jail.
Tyler Grant and Keely Smith get mixed up in a conversation over the phone about making plans for a honeymoon trip, and she acts almost like a third ear. She is in charge of a specialty travel agency that transports new brides out of the Virgin Protection Zone. After a number of phone calls about an off again on again honeymoon trip, it is soon called off. But she wonders how she will ever break the news to the groom without him going ballistic over the phone.
When Tyler Grant is finally able to make acquaintance with the lovely Keely, he is smitten with her charm. She is so apologetic about his bride-to-be but he goes on to tell her it was an arranged marriage for him since his family was in the lumber mill they wanted to keep the business in tack by choosing whom he should marry. He is more than happy to be out of that affair. He confesses to Keely that he loves her sharp wit. But Keely is determined to marry a faery so she can have happiness for a millennium and not just seventy or eighty years. Soon she will be returning to her world where the faeries are and he is eager to join her to visit her parents.
Faerie Good Advice is a touch of magic at its finest. Jacquie Rogers pens a skillful story, with wonderful dialogue that keeps the story moving especially with the antics of the phone calls. The ending is a fantasy come true and made the story a worth read! I loved the part about the Hershey bar on the dashboard!
Story 16: The Trouble with French Kisses by Kristi Ahlers
In France it is illegal to kiss on railways – who knew?
It is hard to believe in a wonderful city of lights and romance that Hannah Walsh could not kiss her boyfriend, Damien Jacques on the railway without being cited, yet that was what had transpired. She was a good girl with no record of any kind and now she was going to have a blemish because of one kiss.
Damien doesn’t care about any citation for a kiss. He will not allow her to go back to the States without him. She was beautiful and that one kiss was electrifying. If they had not collided in the store he would never met such a wonderful girl, but it was an instant attraction.
Hannah took the job in France with her cousin and said goodbye to her snake in the grass, ex-boyfriend. The chemistry she and Damien and the chemistry shared had been smoldering. They grew close and when they were apart she felt empty. Now while sitting inside a police station she wondered where it all would land her, here with him forever or back home in the States. After paying the fine then heading back to her place, they both are soon to find out just where their lives are really destined to land.
The Trouble with French Kisses is a sprinkling of love, romance, and bright lights all in a spectacular setting. Ms. Ahlers blends a grandeur love that is bright and meaningful when the real thing comes along and snaps at the heart. The way she composes the story the reader almost gets lost in a picturesque canvas of beauty through Hannah’s eyes. A lovely read!
Story 17: No Laughing Matter by Patty Howell
Don’t be tickling women in Virginia
Cole Harris stood before the court with his seventh time of assaulting his wife according to Virginia law. It was just another legal battle with the system because his wife’s sister was so jealous she tried everything to disrupt their happy marriage. But he isn’t abusing his lovely wife Kathryn. Even Kathryn attests to the truth.
After the Judge hears Kathryn’s statement she decides the bantering with the lawyers is just a bit too much. She is tired of all the antics and wishes this to stop now. Whoever started that stupid silly law had too much on their hands or didn’t know what happiness really was in their life. With only one thing left to do, the Judge hands down her verdict.
No Laughing Matter is a story that keeps one spellbound. The dialogue is tight and the story fast paced that keeps the reader interested. Ms. Howell delivers a conclusion that has the reader in happy spirits. She certainly knows how to summon a quick read that makes a person content.
Story 18: The Marriage Bargain by Marly Mathews
In England it is said that it is illegal to be in possession of a cow when drunk.
Lord Wyndemere believes he and Lady Victoria are made for each other. Lady Victoria enjoys their evenings of nightly liaisons. Basically it is like a cat and mouse game to see who will be the winner.
Will Lord Wyndemere get to have his lovely Victoria always and forever or just whenever they go on their escapades? Lady Victoria is going to give him a run for his money.
The Marriage Bargain is a tightly written tale, with some heated banter between the characters that ignites to a sizzling scorch during their mission. And being in such close proximity, the flames only strike a higher blaze. Ms. Matthews instills a match surely to be made in heaven in this captivating read.
Story 19: Them's Fightin' Words by Leanne Burroughs
In Georgia it is illegal to swear over the telephone, and mules may not roam around unsupervised.
Jake Major returns home after his brother’s death with the intention of picking things up with the woman he loves. Of course Samantha doesn’t even realize he exits. When her mule continues to get in his way, it only irritates him more. He is determined to put a stop to her antics by having the sheriff arrest her.
Samantha Felicity Major lost her husband, Jethro and is now alone. When his brother comes back and decides to cause trouble she will not tolerate his shenanigans.
Them’s Fightin’ Words has fireworks that remind the reader of the feud with the Hatfields and McCoy’s. The story will have the reader cheering on the antics of Samantha and Jake as they get to the root of their problem and discover a love spinning with romantic notions that will soar to heights in every way. I loved the part about putting up the barbwire everywhere. Ms. Burroughs puts the reader in touch with the action of the story making it fun, believable and a downright amazing read. This story is dynamite and will make the heart melt, and with all the busybodies and meddling folk, it is an extraordinary read.
Story 20: I Swear by Michelle Scaplen
In New Jersey it is illegal to use profanity.
Ethan Winters insist that April retract her statement for the article she just wrote. But the journalist will not do such. Now a bet is on who will be the first to swear while being trapped alone. With cameras in tact and the whole town watching who will succumb first to the wager?
Sparks fly, tension runs high, and the two soon discover there is more going on between them than swear words and an article. Soon the journalist and police offer learn silly laws are just that and nothing more but who is willing to admit the truth first?
I Swear is a fun read. I couldn’t help but burst out laughing when April used some choice words so she and Ethan could finally be together. Ms. Scaplen has composed a delectable story that will make a person laugh out loud. With believable characters and attention grabbing actions, this story certainly held my attention.
Story 21: Something Rotten This Way Comes by Cissy Hassell
In North Carolina if a couple goes to a hotel and signs in as being married, then according to state law they are legally married.
Natalie Case needs help to find her missing friend. She enlists the help of Johnny Rotten to help her do some investigative work. She never anticipated that he would end up getting more in the deal. After he slaps her with a document declaring them married when no ceremony was performed, she is more than a little irritate. Yet the closer they become, the more it is turning him into a blazing inferno, sure to erupt like a volcano any minute.
Johnny discovers that Natalie has heart, which only draws him closer to her. He is a sucker when he sees a woman sporting a sad look. How can an old hard shell give up his single life for marriage? All he has to do is be in the presence of lovely Natalie and his knees turn to jelly.
Something Rotten This Way Comes is absolutely great and the characters are well rounded. Ms. Hassell instills a sweet romance that takes the reader on a ride that will not be forgotten!
Story 22: In a Pickle in Connecticut by Diane Davis White
In Connecticut for a pickle to truly be a pickle, it must bounce.
When Janis and June Jones, identical twins enter a pickle contest, the mother only hopes it will bring them a husband. After all a mother needs grandchildren. Janis and June think differently.
Attorney Adam Truman is thrilled at the sight of Janis but Rufus Tanner who owns a diary farm wants him to stay clear of Janis at all costs. Peter Parker, another judge with the country club decides he will have a pick of one of the twins too.
With three judges vying for the affection of two beautiful twins who will be chosen as the lucky gal? In a Pickle in Connecticut is a cute romp through the world of pickles and love. All the characters are fascinating and make the story truly zestful down to the non-existent mouse. Ms. White whips up a remarkable tale that puckers. I could practically see Rufus tasting the pickle. A story that will have you thinking of this story every time you bite into a pickle.
Story 23: The Magic of You by Marly Mathews
In Great Britain you may not fish on Sunday for Salmon.
Lady Angela could always see the ghosts whereas her mother only sensed them. Since Lady Angela is a witch, she hails from a long line of the magical family. They possess an enchanted amulet that can lead a true heart to its one true desire. Lady Angela learns that the amulet points to Lord Michael Ogilvie as her destiny. While the amulet may have brought one person bad luck, it could bring her a greater happiness.
Lord Michael Ogilvie would love to spend the rest of his life with Lady Angela, so does her father. Not only would Lord Michael make a suitable husband but also a fine fishing partner. Can Michael finally be with the one woman he has been in love for ten long years?
The Magic of You is a splendid tale of lovable ghosts and a hearts desire. Marly Mathews instills true love down through the ages that creates with magic to make this read most bewitching and irresistible to the last page.
Story 24: Single Women Can't Jump by Jacquie Rogers
In Florida a unmarried woman may not parachute on Sunday or she will be arrested, fined or jailed.
A dare prompted activist Shelley Clark to gather some of her single girl friends to parachute from a plan on a Sunday. She had no idea she wouldn’t make her jump, or did she? Finding herself in the year 3006, Shelly is befriended by Kael, a man who melts her heart but with bounty hunters and sporadic fire at every corner is this for real or did she hit her head on a rock and can’t wake from a terrible dream?
Kael finds Shelley intoxicating. It has been a long time since he has been with a woman. His mother keeps badgering him to find a woman and have grandchildren. Could Shelley be the one woman of his dreams? A dare prompted Shelley but oh the jump had a way of weaving her life into something most unusual.
Single Women Can’t Jump is a great descriptive tale that spins the reader immediately into the story. It is loaded in non-stop action and fast paced thrills that will have you rapidly turning the page. Jacquie Rogers mixes a fascinating story that lends great creativity. Get ready for a joy ride into the future that spins creatively.
Story 25: Double, Double, Toil & Trouble by DeborahAnne MacGillivray
In Scotland, trespassing on someone else’s land is legal.
Castle Dunnascaul belongs to Cian Mackinnon but the fire is about to blaze between him and Gillian Grant. He doesn’t care that his grandfather promised to leave it to Gillian. He wants to turn the five-hundred-and-fifty-year old castle into a hotel. Gillian will stop at nothing to locate the treasure her ancestors said was hidden in the castle.
Cian finds Gillian a sexy beautiful witchy woman that he would like to try to get closer with if she wouldn’t so blasted stubborn. She sure is a pain but no other woman makes him tingle the way Cian does and when she slips on his shirt, it really sends sparks.
Double, Double, Toil & Trouble has incredible chemistry and the banter really keeps this story a page-turner. The other characters in the story were quite colorful and blended in well making it a true delight. The reader could practically feel their heat dwindle through the pages. Ms. MacGillivray brings in the dream sequence, not to mention Basil that this reader couldn’t help but be intrigued by his captivating tale.
Story 26: Dude Looks Like A Lady by Kemberlee Shortland
In Carmel, California, a permit is required to wear shoes with heels higher than two inches.
It was only a charity costume contest but Pamela Howard can't believe she has to dress up like a man. Why did she listen to her friend Maisie? But when she meets her partner who is disguised as Queen Marie Antoinette, there is a vague remembrance of a man she knew five years ago.
Hank Delacroix is not happy dressing as Marie Antoinette, but it’s for charity. After he makes acquaintance with his partner, Louis, he is blind struck. The woman reminds him of the one five years ago that left him at the altar. When he discovers it is Pamela, he has to find a way to talk to her and see what happened all those years ago.
Dude Looks Like A Lady is a read where the characters and the settings are all quite believable. The storyline is great making it a fantastic read about romance that last throughout many years. Ms. Shortland has penned a story that touches the heart and leaves a wonderful sigh.
Story 27: A Ray for Mary Jo by Susan Barclay
Arkansas: It’s against the law to kill any living creature.
It has been five years since Mary Jo lost her husband. Now it is time to move on and make a life for her and her son. It is hard living alone and trying to make ends meet, but a widow just can’t stay behind locked doors all her life. When she comes near Ray Laramie she feels something she hasn’t felt in a long time.
Ray Laramie likes Mary Jo but knows she is still at a loss in her grief. He needs to make a connection with her if he wishes to have that life with a wonderful woman. After he orders some dessert and coffee, he finds himself in hot pursuit for the woman that he has fallen in love with. Can they make a connection, or will another woman or the law come between them?
A Ray for Mary Jo was like sweet icing on a cake. In fact I could almost smell all the wonderful cakes baking. This was a most enjoyable read. It gives a widow the feeling that you can one day overcome the feeling of loss and that time can heal all sadness. Who would have thought a praying mantis would bring to souls together? This is a heart-stirring tale that pulls at the heartstrings. Ms. Barclay generates a charming romance that really makes the reader feel exceptionally good all over. A great story to a terrific ending of the book!
Laws, laws, and more laws. Isn’t it funny how some laws get approved and others don’t? It seems that no matter where a person turns or whatever he reads there is always something new breaking that creates some form of havoc. This novel takes a candid look, with wonderful penned stories by authors with impeccable talent, at some of the silly laws in this world that we live. Some not true and some very true, so step into a world of laws with stories that will excite, stimulate, bring happiness and maybe a tear or two and truly inspire and make the day with some incredible gifted authors that know how to weave a good tale.
The assortment of tales in this anthology will have the reader’s mouth agape as they read the silly law then head into a creative story that makes the heart, happy, sad, rolling on the floor laughing or just plan feeling good inside. The settings are all different landing anywhere from Florida, to California, Georgia, France, Great Britain and so on, but the stories are so remarkably written, they will leave a lasting impression. There are even a few touches of magic and Angels that will make you laugh and be touched by love. Some will have you reaching for a bag of chocolates, or a pickle while others for a nearby tissue. So get a cup of tea, or cocoa, ease into a cozy chair and relax as you travel with some talented authors that take you on an excursion that is well worth the trip. Hats off to the exceptional tales in this entertaining No Law Against Love anthology that you will wish to share with others all over!
The publisher of No Law Against Love, Highland Press, has generously donated all the net profits of this wonderful book to Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention through the American Cancer Society to help fight breast cancer. The authors have penned a wide variety of stories that are from their heart and are very good indeed. No Law Against Love truly will make a great gift, and will even be a great addition to the shut-ins, those in hospitals or any place where a good book can be found, as well as libraries. A priceless gift that will continue giving all through time and stories that will enhance and remain treasured in one’s heart. So pick up a copy today, you will not be disappointed! Also See: The Historical Novel Society
Sincerely good reading,
Linda
No Law Against Love Highland Press The Historical Novel Society
