Elizabeth M. Carola

If you like well-plotted thrillers with some romance and a bit of paranormal, this is the book for you. Mackenzie is an archeologist working on a dig on Amelia Island, off the Florida coast. The original Indian tribe called the island Napoyca, hence the title. Mackenzie is breaking off an unhealthy relationship with her rich psychiatrist, David. She met him after the death of her father and the mysterious disappearance of her brother.
Nico is an FBI Special Agent investigating sex crimes in nearby Jacksonville, taking a long weekend at the beach where he meets Mackenzie. This meeting and subsequent romance provide an explosive intersection between Mackenzie's past and Nico's work. There are a lot of threads that the author deftly weaves together at the end, but I thoroughly enjoyed the ride (okay, mixed metaphors, but you know what I mean).
I loved the extra bits about the history of Amelia Island and some of its ghostly past. They are interspersed throughout the story without being lore drops and integrate quite well into the mystery. The supporting characters are varied and interesting, providing extra color and local flavor. The villains (and there are a few) keep the reader guessing as to motive and what they're going to do next.
All in all, Napoyca Awakened is a very satisfying thriller romance in the style of Nora Roberts or Maya Banks. I heartily recommend this book.… (meer)

Based on historical records, The Oathing Stone is the story of teacher Alexina McDonnell and soldier Duncan McKenzie. They grew up and met in the highlands of Scotland where she is teaching is sister's children and he's returned from fighting overseas. Both have a reason to emigrate to Australia. Lexi wants to find her father and Duncan promised a woman to help her, but neither trusts the other.
The writing is excellent with fascinating details of Scottish customs such as the oathing stone of the title. All the settings, whether the highlands, life on shipboard, or prospecting in the goldfields of Australia, are historically accurate and interesting. Lexi and Duncan are strong protagonists and a great match for the other. The other characters are well-defined, adding to the overall story.
If you like historical fiction with some romance, I think you'll find The Oathing Stone an enthralling read.… (meer)