Storm Front is book one of the Dresden Files by American author, Jim Butcher. High-class escort, Jennifer Stanton and a body-guard, Tommy Tomm are found murdered in a hotel in Chicago. The circumstances suggest sorcery is involved. Wizard and Paranormal Investigator, Harry Dresden soon finds he has a few problems: the head of CPD Special Investigations, Lieutenant Karrin Murphy wants Harry’s help in solving the case; Tomm’s boss, mobster Gentleman Johny Marcone wants Harry to actively not investigate; the White Council, overseeing all things wizardly, seem convinced that Harry is the murderer; Stanton’s boss, vampiress Bianca is angry over an accidental transgression; Susan Rodriguez, reporter for the Chicago Arcane, wants a scoop; oh, and he has another case to solve as well, a missing husband with a recent interest in magic.

This introduction to the Dresden Files sees Harry battling monsters, scorpions, gangsters, a drug dealer and other wizards; on one occasion, he does this naked, with shampoo in his eyes; on another, handcuffed to a semi-conscious Karrin. He makes potions (the love potion ingredients are particularly worth noting!), uses spells, and suffers quite a few injuries before finally getting out of some tricky situations. The advantage of the fantasy genre for an author is that they can make their own rules, so this instalment also serves to establish some ground rules for the world Butcher has created. Harry is an appealing character, as are Susan and Karrin, so readers who enjoy this book will be able to look forward to more of them in what looks to be an addictive series.

A Willing Wife, by American author, Jackie Merritt, is the fourth book in The Fortunes of Texas series. Maggie Perez is happy with her life; divorced from a husband she didn’t love but living in Phoenix with the joy of her life, her little son, Travis. Then she loses her job and has to move back to her parents’ home, on the Fortune Ranch. When widower, Dallas Fortune sees Maggie, he is immediately attracted, and makes it plain to her. But despite her attraction, and the kindness Dallas shows her son, Maggie is determined to reject all advances from this rich rancher used to getting his way: he’s way out of her league, and only after one thing, anyway. A sweet, sexy romance between two feisty characters, this book also continues with the ongoing dramas of the Fortunes: the kidnapped baby, the acrimonious divorce, the mystery baby and the impending marriage. Readers not following the series need only ignore these parts to enjoy a romance with appealing characters and some snappy dialogue. Merritt at her best. 3.5 stars