Roslyn Hardy Holcomb

I'm not much of a romance novel reader but I liked this one. It's a great beach read--sexy, action packed, and fast-paced. It's a total tough-girl warrior princess fantasy updated to reflect current events, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I got into it. There's the added bonus of having characters that are relatable for those of us who are tired of Mid-Western Americans being the default in the romance genre.The protagonists of this book are Ethiopian and Arab and Muslim! It's like romance for the rest of us!

I didn't give it 5 stars because it feels quite short--I wanted MORE! Also, this is apparently the most recent in a series and it does feel like you're coming in the middle of a story somewhere. Still, I'll definitely check out a few more of this authors' works.… (mer)

Lelia Assad heads an elite team of all females called the Amazonian Guard who protect the leader of their East African country Laritrea. They are referred to “in Western circles as the Pussycat Death Squad.” When the squad’s expertise is called into question by an American journalist, their leader accepts the challenge to have a portion of the squad travel to America to train alongside Marines. The goal is to prove that the Amazonian Guard is just as well or equally skilled in defense as any Marine. Before traveling to the States, Lelia warns her ladies to stay away from the Americans and not to fraternize beyond a professional level. Imagine her surprise when she finds herself irresistibly attracted to the Marine team leader, Sergeant Patrick McBride. Defying continental, color, and military conduct barriers they embark on an affair that is beautiful yet dangerous. Lelia decides to resign her post and be with Patrick until she uncovers a sinister plot which results in her being thrown in jail.

Patrick must rescue Lelia with the help of good friends because despite all the sacrifices they are willing to make to be together, Lelia’s death is one challenge that will separate them forever.

The Pussycat Death Squad is a memorable story with a great plot and very interesting twists. It keeps the reader guessing at times, adding to the interest of the story. There is a main plot and several subplots that make for a well-rounded story. It is an interesting look into love and service to one’s county. I found it rather ironic that Lelia cautioned her squad against falling for an American soldier but she is the first one to do so, proving that love doesn’t follow any rules. Despite her African descent, her Muslim faith and distain for Americans, Lelia falls for an Anglo-Saxon, Christian and American Marine. Patrick McBride is a great character as well and I enjoyed his cut and dried attitude. Despite all their differences Lelia and Patrick have one thing in common; a fiery chemistry. Roslyn Hardy Holcomb has penned a novel that certainly got my attention and will have me combing for more of her work.

~ Susan for ARe Cafe… (mer)

Pussycat Death Squad: The Lion in Russia by Roslyn Hardy Holcomb is an action-packed, interracial romance that is short, sweet and full of grit. The female lead character Vries St. John is a cross between a “Charlie’s Angel,” and a “Bond girl”. She is the epitome of beauty and brains with the ability to literally stop a man’s heart with just one touch. I loved the role reversal in that the big, hulking man is being protected by this waiflike supermodel agent. With all the action comes some comical scenes and one in particular when Vries and Leo are attacked while in the limo and Vries pulls Leo to the limo floor and uses her body to shield him from a barrage of bullets aimed for him. It reads as very comical but Leo was far from amused to say the least. It is at that point that Vries’ cover is blown and Leo blows his top. This is also an enjoyable read because while Vries and Leo are mature lovers, they exhibit an intensity and passion that is ageless.

Pussycat Death Squad: The Lion in Russia has an intricate but easy to follow plot. Vries St. John is a high fashion model, government operative and assassin. Her cases are usually straightforward; take out the bad guy. Her most current assignment is difference though because this time she has to protect someone. She is assigned to protect Russian magnate Leo Azhikelyamov, a man she has feelings for. Her mission is particularly sensitive because she has to protect him without his knowing. Leo successfully built an empire from questionable deals with the Russian Government and now wants to give back to the economy that made him wealthy. However, those in power don’t share his vision and instead have marked Leo for death. Vries knows this mission would be unique because she never guarded someone she cared about. Their long held feelings run unchecked as they spend time together and Vries soon succumbs to her feelings for Leo. When Vries is seriously hurt while guarding him, Leo takes on the role of protector. His integrity is important but not as important as the woman who has come to mean so much to him. He is willing to sacrifice his wealth but he won’t lose Vries now that she’s become the most important person in his life.

~ Susan for ARe Cafe… (mer)

An interracial romance between a woman who owns a bookstore and a man who’s a rock musician. While I found the writing occasionally clunky or charcters being way too psychologically aware to be believable, overall it was a fun story; the characters were interesting, and the author doesn’t gloss over the real problems the couple faces. (Plus, when Callie says to Bryan that the Alabama-Auburn game is practically a religious holiday and that everyone in the state basically sides with one or the other, Holcomb revealed her high Alabama Cred. It didn’t surprise me afterwards to read the bio and find that she herself is from Alabama.)… (mer)