Night Work by Laurie R. King

Title: Night Work
Author: Laurie R. King
Series: Kate Martinelli, #4
Genre: Queer mystery
Pages: 386
Copyright Date: 2000
Cover: Somewhat abstract. A pair of handcuffs on a green background, the author's name raised in black.
Epigraph: "The kingdom of Kali is within us deep, The built-in destroyer, the savage goddess Wakes in the dark and takes away our sleep. She moves through the blood to poison gentleness."
Best part: I loved the plot. It had both humor and darkness in it.
Worst part: Kate's partner Al didn't have as much personality in this book, I felt.
Grade: B
Recommended for: Fans of the series. It would give away a lot about previous books if you read this one out of order.
Related Reads: A Grave Talent, first in the series. The Bee-Keeper's Apprentice, first in King's popular Holmes pastiche series. Waking the Moon by Elizabeth Hand.

The Ladies of Perpetual Disgruntlement have San Francisco in an uproar. These feminist vigilantes are taking steps to expose, publicly humiliate, and punish those who have escaped prosecution for their crimes against women. Eyebrows are raised, but the police are having a hard time getting motivated. But then the bodies start turning up. Have the Ladies gone too far, or is there a more dangerous predator on the loose? And who are the Ladies anyway?

This is an amazing mystery with a lot of dimensions to it. Highly recommended.

Julie and Romeo by Jeanne Ray

Title: Julie and Romeo
Author: Jeanne Ray
Series: Julie and Romeo #1
Genre: Romantic literature, pastiche
Pages: 241
Copyright Date: 2003
Cover: The storefront of a flower shop with "Julie and Romeo" in gold letters. Gorgeous cover, actually.
First line: "The first time I heard the name Cacciamani I was five years old."
Best part: Laugh-out-loud-on-the-bus funny.
Worst part: The characters are pretty harsh to each other in places.
Imagined Theme Song: Jesse McCartney, Beautiful Soul.
Grade: B+
Recommended for: supercheesegirl, and anyone who likes flowers, retellings, or love.
Related Reads: My Husband's Sweethearts, The Godmother by Elizabeth Scarborough.

The Rosemans and the Cacciamanis have an intense family feud. They own rival flower shops in the town of Somerville, MA. Thirty years ago, the families forcibly separated two teenage members who claimed to be in love. But now, Julie Roseman and Romeo Cacciamani have been brought together by a seminar for struggling small business owners. Can the aging divorcee and widower resist the attraction between them? Why do these families hate each other so much anyway?

This book will make you laugh and tug at your heartstrings too. Love, and family, both make us do the wacky. This would be a great summer read for the plane or beach.