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Welcome Guest Author Juliet Chastain Today/Contest

2012-01-29T02:30:00.000-08:00

CONTEST: Juliet is giving away a copy of her latest book, The Captain and The Courtesan to one lucky Commenter. Please leave a comment with your email address and you will be entered to win this wonderful book. Contest closes Feb. 1st and winner to be announced on this post.

To get us started can you tell us alittle about what you are working on or have coming out?

The Captain and theCourtesan was just released. It's a short Regency period romance abouta woman who has become penniless and will have to work as a courtesan and areally nice (and handsome and sexy) sea captain who falls madly in love withher.

Coming up in mid-February is Cry of The Wolf. In this short story, a hunk of a man who is also a wolf, keeps hispassionate love a secret, certain that the woman he adores could never love aman who was also a wolf.

If someone hasn't read any ofyour work, what book would you recommend that they start with and why?

The Captain and theCourtesan. It's the only book Ihave out so far. If you prefer paranormal to Regency, then Cry of the wolfwould suit you better.

If you could entertain a characterfrom a book, who would it be and what would the evening be like?

I'd like to talk toCharlotte Lucas (from Pride and Prejudice) I have an unwholesome desire to hearwhat sex is like with a really unappealing and boring man like Mr.Collins, (butdon't want to find out by personal experience.)

What was one of the most surprisingthings you learned in creating your books?

I was--and am--amazed athow kind and encouraging my editor at Breathless Press is. I had a newspapercolumn at one time, and once the piece was handed in I rarely got feedback fromthe busy editors. Certainly no one at the paper had time to say anythingencouraging.

If you had a reporterfollow you around for the day, what would the readers get to see in your dailyschedule? I get up early andgo for a short walk on the beach and a swim in the ocean if it's warm enough(hey--someone has to do it.) Then I do some yoga. After that I'm in a greatmood and take my breakfast and get into bed with my laptop and write. Sooner orlater I have to attend to other stuff--errands,revisions, queries, whatever.Sometimes in the early evening a friend collects me and we go to the beachagain and then come back and work out. Or I get together with my sweetheart.Sometimes I work on revisions after dinner, and probably get in a bit ofreading. Of course some days things fall apart and it doesn't happen this wayat all (and that ususally makes me cranky)..

What does yourworkstation look like? My laptopsits on my lap wherever I might be. A My favorite place to work is propped upin bed

Are you the type ofindividual who gets weepy at the end of a good movie, or a sad movie, or do youjust stay neutral through it all? Yeah, I'm a weeper.

What are you working on now?

I'm working on a series ofshort sexy Gypsy tales. The first will be released by Breathless Press in April

Where can readers find you on the web?

julietchastain.com

For fun:

What is your favorite pizza?

One with a lot of stuff onit--different kinds of cheeses, green peppers, onions, mushrooms and whateverthe person--or people I'm sharing it with might want

Are you a morning person or a nightperson?

Morning.

When you looked in the mirror thismorning, what was the first thing you thought?

Mmmm--not as bad as Iexpected.

Anything else you would like to add?

Great questions

The Captain & The Courtesan by JuneChaplin

Releasing:January 13^th, 2012

Romance,historical regency, Juliet Chastain, romance, erotic romance, captain,courtesan, brothel, regency, historical

HeatRating: 2

Buyat: http://www.breathlesspress.com/captain-and-courtesan

Against his conscience, Captain EdwardHowland buys a night with the enchanting and mysterious masked courtesan, LadyAmelia Kentley, and their evening together becomes far more than eitherexpected.

As her first night as a courtesanapproaches, the mysterious masked noblewoman is the talk of London. Impoverished Lady Amelia Kentley, wearinga mask to hide her identity, is resigned to her fate, working in a brothel tosupport her child and herself. When she meets the kindly and passionate seaCaptain Edward Howland, she is shocked at the powerful attraction she feels forhim. She hopes that he will be her first paying lover. Dare she dream of more,of running away from her degrading situation with him?

Edward disdains paid-for sex, but he is soenchanted with the masked Lady Amelia that he cannot resist the chance to claima night's pleasure with her before he sets sail in the morning. They sharehours of overwhelming passion, and a deep affection develops between them. Bydaybreak, Edward is determined to find a way to rescue her from her fate as acourtesan, but can he do so without besmirching his honor?

Welcome Raven McAllen today/Contest

2012-01-28T01:00:00.000-08:00

CONTESTPRIZE:.Raven is giving away one E-copy of To Please A Lady to one lucky reader. Please leave a comment with your email address inside it to be entered to win this wonderful book. Winner will be announced int he comments section of this post on February 1st.

To get us started can you tell us a little aboutwhat you are working on or have coming out? I'm working on a short paranormal at the moment. a new thing for me.So far my paranormals have been YA. the next book I have due out is acontemporary cougar romance, The Price to Pay, Feb. 24th breathless press

If someone hasn't read any of yourwork, what book would you recommend that they start with and why? Argh.thatis so difficult to chose. If you like regency and menage try To Please A lady.It's got a strong plot (i think) a feisty heroine and two to die for heroes. Ifyou like the idea of a cougar romance, The Price To Pay.

If you could entertain a character from a book, whowould it be and what would the evening be like? Ivo From Wallflowers don't Wilt. A quirky eveningof fine wine, good food (no corsets thankfully, he wouldn't appreciate them)and i'd ask him about his travels and the things he bought home with him. Ifyou read the book you'll know what sort of things he has VERY interesting. OrPeter Wohl from W EB Griffin Badge Of Honor series about Philadelphia cops. We'd go for a ride in his jag (wash yourmouths out) and eat in a good italian restaurant and drink red wine! I couldask him all those questions no one ever answers. Like what is Taylor ham and scrapple. and what's a condo!

What would you say is your interesting writingquirk? Chocolate. And wine atnight. And as it's so cold I often type in gloves. Not really interesting,sorry. I'd love to say I have to listen to Elgar or only wear silk next to myskin… but … sadly…

What was one of the most surprising thingsyou learned in creating your books? I can write! And There is no point inplotting in detail, my characters won't stick to it!

If you had a reporter follow youaround for the day, what would the readers get to see in your daily schedule? They'd probably fall asleep, bored. Get up (classyPjs and depending on time of year fleecy socks. Bearing in mind this could beanything from 3am onwards. Checkemails and twitter and write. Hear alarm if I'm already up, or be woken up ifnot and then do the above! Load dishwasher, make coffee, and write. Make coffeego for a walk in the forest with a friend and her six whippets. Talk plotseven though we know I won't stick to them. Get home eat, coffee, procrastinate(sorry exchange plot lines and ask for advice on Skype from my fellow critgroup members) realize I need to edit MOAN, have more coffee and scour thehouse for chocolate, realizing it has all gone. Start to edit/write. Realize Ineed to iron. Moan and iron. Write. Get stuck in to writing. Realize I need tomake dinner. Make it drink wine write sleep. (Wake up at 3am with a good plot, dress, gets up and write. forgetto go back to bed.) Hear DH alarm. Make coffee…..

What does your workstation look like? It's my lap. I write on a mac book air. However thesettee and coffee table are a mess. Notebooks tissues chocolate wrappers,coffee cups and two cats. But I know where to find my notes, coffee, cats, anddefinitely chocolate.

Are you the type of individual whogets weepy at the end of a good movie, or a sad movie, or do you just stayneutral through it all? I don'tlike the movies, sorry. It's too loud and I hate watching films in the dark. Iget a headache. I also get bored. However on the few occasions I do watchanything that makes me cry, I'm warned about it before hand given a box oftissues and told to cry quietly. I'm the same with a good book. I can finish itwith the typeprint blurry and the page soggy!

What are you working on now? Two adult M/s—my paranormal and a mystery. And Ihave a regency erotica, 3 M/M (2 of them in an antho) and also a very hot shortin an altho all before June.

As well as The Price toPay. And I'm half way through writing a YA shifter series under a differentname (naturally) First one due out in June.

Where can readers find you on the web? www.ravenmcallan.com and my blog is www.ravenmcallan.blogspot.comTwitter and Facebook Raven McAllan

For fun:

What is your favorite pizza? I hate cheese! I'm sick if I eat it. And I can'teat wheat anymore. So now home made no cheese chicken sweetcorn

What is one thing scientists should invent? A way of looking into a room before you go in, soif you don't like the company you can turn around. When I was at school theidea we all liked most was an eye on the end of your finger. (not to see upyour nose) to do the room looking for you!

Are you a morning person or a night person? Morning definitely, I write better, and get moredone when I wake up early.

When you looked in the mirror this morning, what wasthe first thing you thought? Help Ilook more like my mum each day, and darn my hair needs trimming

Anything else you would like to add?

Thanks for letting merun loose here. That's brave of you. I can waffle for Britain.

To Please a Lady by Raven McAllen

Released:January 6^th, 2012

Romance,erotica, historical regency, raven mcallan, ménage a more, regency romance,regency, ménage m/m/f

HeatRating: 3

Buyat: http://www.breathlesspress.com/please-lady

When your lovers are loversthemselves, and want you to help them make the perfect triangle, what do yousay? Persuade me of course!

Unconventional, and happy, Hermione is in theenviable position of having not one, but two lovers to attend to her everyneed. That her lovers are lovers themselves, only adds to the equation. Berry and Ran feel it’s time to make all their varioustwosomes, into one splendid threesome. Now all they have to do is persuadeHermione!

Being men, they are tooimpatient to wait for her answer. Being a woman, she isn’t going to be pushed,shoved or coerced into saying anything until she is good and ready.Patience is a virtue, and one her men needed to get.

FINAL CUT MIAMI: VOODOO YOU LOVE? by Belinda McBride

2012-01-27T00:00:00.001-08:00

Publisher: Changeling Press LLC
Date published: July 2011
ISBN: 978-1-59596-662-1
Paranormal
E-book
Reviewed by Gabrielle
Obtained via publisher

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE!Working for Jedidiah is not always a walk in the park and this time is one of those. Jedidiah has given Antonio the task of finding a missing lawyer who seems to have disappeared on purpose. While Antonio searches for the missing lawyer he comes across an alluring woman named Coco. He cannot seem to get his mind off of her and when he finds out Coco has lost her inner animal he is determined to help her get it back but can they figure the puzzle out before time runs out on them and all is lost?

I really enjoyed this quick read. The author has once again brought the magical world of the shifters to life. The characters are so full of emotions and depth. Antonio may seem like a mean and intimidating man but we see the heart that he keeps hidden. He will do anything for Coco and fights for her the best that he can. Coco endeared herself to me right from the start. She is an adorable woman, smart and funny and more than willing to stand by her man. I loved their relationship. Not only is it a hot one but it is also full of playfulness and love. There were so many lines in this book that had me laughing out loud but I have to say that when Coco found out that Antonio was a tiger and she called him Tony it was hysterical. As the two begin to find out what has happened to Coco they also find themselves getting closer to each other. The bond of love and trust that the two start to build was a great read. I loved watching as the two find love. Not only did I love meeting Antonio and Coco but I also enjoyed revisiting with Jedidiah again. He is a great character and I loved his interaction with the couple. He proves that he is more than what many think that he is and everyone finds out that their past does not always stay in the past.

With some twists and turns that I did not expect this book was a great read that grabbed my attention right from the start and kept me glued to my seat turning the pages until the very end.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

DEMONIC by Sheri Whitefeather

2012-01-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

Publisher: Berkley Heat
Date published: August 2011
ISBN: 978-0-425-24141-7
Trade Paperback
Contemporary Erotica
Reviewed by Tammy
Obtained via publisher

Sheri Whitefeather’s DEMONIC is an erotic tale of three friends’ walk on the wild side.

Jane Brooks has been hired to write an article about an exclusive sex club where the clientele dresses up as supernatural beings and their groupies. As Jane isn’t comfortable with her hands on research, she asks two of her girlfriends to accompany her. Immediately upon entering the club, the ladies meet up with three hot men dressed as demons. The girls find that they enjoy the club and their men even more, but rumor has it that one of the men is a real demon and that could be a bit of a problem.

Sheri Whitefeather’s DEMONIC is three erotic tales in one. Jane immediately falls for Marcus and his BDSM leanings. Suzanne and Jake experiment with sex in public. Emily and Damien have a slightly more normal relationship. So you can almost guess which man turns out to be the demon. Not that it really matters all that much to the storyline. The story about just how a demon ends up best buddies with two mortal men was in itself an interesting little story. But a strong storyline is not the emphasis of this book, sex in all its interesting forms is. At the end, does Jane even write her article? Does it matter?

DEMONIC is erotica ladies. If you enjoy short erotic tales tied together by an unusual demon, you are probably going to be pleased with DEMONIC. For those fans of stronger storylines and depth in their erotic musings, this book is not for you.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

Welcome Guest Author DC Juris today/Contest

2012-01-26T09:15:00.000-08:00

CONTEST INFORMATION: DC Juris is giving away to one commenter a PDF copy of Betrayed, his newest release. Please leave a comment with your email address to be entered. Contest closes Saturday Jan. 28th. Winner to be announced on this post.

To get us started can you tell us alittle about what you are working on or have coming out? My latest release is a fantasy m/m book called"Betrayed." It's actually a rewrite of the first story I everseriously wrote.    If someone hasn't read anyof your work, what book would you recommend that they start with and why? Inever know how to answer that question. It all depends on what they like. Ifthey like light, fun stories, then "Sundae Surprise" is good. If theylike twincest, there's The Sky People Trilogy. If they want angst riddenemotional stuff, then there's "Betrayed."

If you could entertain a character from a book, who would itbe and what would the evening be like? I'd love tovisit the island in "The Island of Doctor Moreau" by HG Wells. Notsuch much entertain any of the characters - I just think it'd be fascinating tosee the island.

What would you say is your interestingwriting quirk? Hmm…sadly I don't think I have anywriting quirks. I tend to only write with one specific pen - from Chemung CanalTrust Company. They give them away for free, but if I see one out somewhere -like if a waitress leaves it - I'll nab it. I love those pens.

What was one of the most surprisingthings you learned in creating your books? Thatpeople want to read them. LOL

If you had a reporter follow you aroundfor the day, what would the readers get to see in your daily schedule? Well, I do have an Evil Day Job - I work for aveterinarian. But it's anything but boring. My day is usually filled withangst, sarcasm, camaraderie, and fuzzy animals.

What does your workstation look like? I have my own little office in my house. It's got a4-drawer filing cabinet full of all my writing stuff, then I have a little deskwhere my computer sits - I have a Mac Mini with a dual monitor set up, andbeside my desk is another desk - custom made by my Hubby - on top of which is abookshelf holding all my referencebooks. My desk is full of interesting little things - a tiny cloisonne elephantfrom my sister, a Dory Fish from "Finding Nemo", some wine bottlestoppers from the 2011 Glitz and Glamour drag show, a snow globe with"fuck you" inside it - all kids of stuff that I find interesting andfun to look at. I have a shelf behind me full of stuff toys and knickknacks.And of course there are hot nekkid mens on my walls.

Are you the type of individual who getsweepy at the end of a good movie, or a sad movie, or do you just stay neutralthrough it all? Pfft. No. I can count on one handthe number of movies I've cried at - "Sommersby" - at the end, whenthey show the graveyard - just because his death was so bittersweet - bothmeaning full and meaningless. And "The Green Mile" - at the end whenall the officers are crying. Otherwise, there's been one tv show that made mecry - when "Deadliest Catch" aired the tribute to Captain Phil Harris- OMFG. I bawled like a baby. Captain Phil had a lot of things in common withmy husband. Plus, Hubby really liked him.

What are you working on now? I have 24 WIPS going on right now.

Where can readers find you on the web? My website is www.dcjuris.com, my blog ishttp://dcjuris.blogspot.com, and I'm always on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/dcjuris

For fun:

What is your favorite pizza? Sadly, I can't eat anything but Gluten Free pizza anymore,and it isn't really all that good. However, before that, my favorite was fromFox's Pizza out in Erin, NY. It was topped with diced tomatoes, diced green peppers, bacon,ham, pepperoni, pineapple, and extra cheese.

What is one thing scientists shouldinvent? Better gluten free bread. Does that countas science? I'm probably supposed to say something like, cleaner energy, orsomething meaningful, but right now all I really want is better gluten freebread. It's all your fault - asking me about pizza! ::mumbles::

Are you a morning person or a nightperson? Night, definitely.

When you looked in the mirror thismorning, what was the first thing you thought? "Hey,I think there's cupcakes left!"

Anything else you would like to add? Just thanks for having me today, and thanks to all myreaders - I truly do appreciate the support!!!

Betrayed by DC Juris

Breathless Press

Fantasy Erotic Romance Gay (M/M)

Blurb:

Two years after he lost his soul mate to the war, Faldorstill pines for Meldrick. His world is turned upside down when Meldrick appearson his doorstep late one night, seemingly back from the dead. Finally escapedfrom a prison camp, Meldrick protects a dark secret—one that could rip theirrekindled love apart if Faldor ever learned the truth. But the longer they'retogether, the more questions come up. What really happened two years ago? Howdid Meldrick escape the prison camp after so long? Is Meldrick still the manFaldor fell in love with? Can Meldrick reconcile who he is with who he was andmove beyond his treachery, or will betrayal win?

Buy Link: http://www.breathlesspress.com/betrayed

A BIT OF ROUGH by Laura Baumbach

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

Book 1 in the Rough Series
Publisher: MLR Press
Date published: April 2007
ISBN: 978-0-9793110-7 (ebook)
ASIN: B00104KJVK
Contemporary M/M
E-book
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher

James Justin decides to do something different and goes to a biker bar where he finds himself drawn to big and rough Bram Lord. One night of lust turns into something more for them both. Bram gives something to James that James has been longing for. But James is afraid he can’t be enough for forceful Bram. Can James let go of his insecurities to enjoy falling in love with the one man destined to be his?

I have got to admit, I have a very big love for big, alpha men who turn to marshmallows with their significant other. A BIT OF ROUGH delivers such a character that had me melting in a puddle the minute Bram stepped onto the pages. Ms. Baumbach delivers a sexy tale of two people trying to make a relationship work amid insecurities, misunderstandings and hot passion. With each page I was drawn more into Bram and James’s world, learning about these two magical characters and rooting for them to get their happily ever after.

The writing was tight, storyline moved quickly and the characters were very well written. With each page we see a little more of these characters hearts and this author doesn’t stint on showing their warts either. Bram has that “Take charge/protective of those he loves” or in James’s words, “Caveman” personality that just made me want to cuddle up next to this big, strong man and purr. James is a bit more complex. He has issues that date back to his childhood and I felt for him. I longed to give him a hug and say it’s going to be ok. There were some wonderful secondary characters that had me giggling at times and the passion between Bram and James was so hot, I was afraid the computer would explode at times.

With each page of A BIT OF ROUGH, I was drawn into Bram and James’s story and didn’t want to leave. Ms. Baumbach delivers a wonderful tale of two people trying to figure out how to make a relationship work. If you love strong alpha heroes who can turn you into a puddle of goo then grab A BIT OF ROUGH. Settle in and enjoy Bram and James’s story. I can’t wait to see more of these two wonderful characters in the future.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

PRIMAL LAW by J.D. Tyler

2012-01-25T00:00:00.001-08:00

An Alpha Pack Novel
Publisher: NAL/Signet Eclipse Books
Date published: August 2011
ISBN: 9780451234346
Paranormal Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Tammy
www.amazon.com/Primal-Law-Alpha-Pack-Novel/dp/0451234340
Obtained via: publisher

J.D. Tyler (aka Jo Davis) has dipped her toes into paranormal romance with the first of her Alpha Pack novels, PRIMAL LAW, a story of supernatural abilities, primal instincts and danger.

Alpha Pack, a top secret black ops team consisting of former Navy SEALS with psychic abilities, is tasked with eliminating dangerous supernatural predators. After a battle leaves Jaxon Law badly injured and half his team dead, Jaxon must learn to live with the guilt and the anger of betrayal by someone he trusted.

Kira Locke has stumbled on evidence that humans with psychic abilities are being hunted and is being chased by her employer when Jaxon hears her cries and comes to her rescue. Maybe shifting into his wolf form right in front of her wasn’t the best of ideas.

J.D. Tyler’s PRIMAL LAW is about a new breed of soldier, the supernatural soldier. This elite group of Navy Seals was already aided by having psychic abilities, but with the addition of being able to shift to wolves at will, they are now super soldiers like no other. Jaxon is alpha to the extreme, goal oriented and determined. He is the perfect hero, even if he does have relationship issues. He fights his attraction to Kira at every step. Kira, on the other hand, was a bit strange. She seems to have stumbled upon information that she shouldn’t have had and without any plan of action, steals the information and runs, with company security close on her heels. She quickly accepts that Jaxon can change form into a wolf and now that she knows his secret, she is oddly accepting that her life as it was is over and she is now going to have to find a way of fitting in with his team. Good thing Kira has a bit of psychic ability of her own, even if she isn’t aware of it. As the team moves closer to figuring out who is behind the information Kira has found, Jaxon’s animal side, which has decided that Kira is his mate, physically needs to mate with her or the results could be disastrous. So she accepts this as well.

This series reminds this reader quite a bit of Lora Leigh’s Breed series, except Leigh’s Breed series doesn’t include other paranormals and this one does. It is also quite frankly better written. However, even though the storyline is a bit weak, the romance between Kira and Jaxon burns the pages even if it seems a bit forced. And if the book isn’t as strong as this reader would have liked, it was entertaining and there are plenty of characters to feature in future books. And the first book in a new series often has some wrinkles in need of ironing out.

If you enjoy paranormal military romance, you will probably want to take a look at J.D. Tyler’s PRIMAL LAW. Sexy military men fighting the good fight are always worth reading about. This reader is willing to bet that this series improves with future stories.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

LEON by SJD Peterson

2012-01-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Date publisher: December 1st, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-61372-293-0
BDSM/Kink, M/M, Holidays
E-Book
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE! Jase McCoy hates the holidays. Growing up poor, he never experienced the magic that Christmas is…until Leon drops into his life and Jase finds himself on the receiving end of what makes this time of year so magical.

Author SJD Peterson writes a hot, sexy tale that I can attest you will need a cold shower afterwards just to cool down. The characters of Jase and Leon are well written and I have got to admit, I fell for Leon immediately. Who doesn’t love a naughty man to show you what the holidays are all about-ribbons, eggnog and all? I love this author’s writing style and the story moved quickly at a nice even pace.

Jase hates the holidays with a passion. Growing up, he never had the bright eyed wonder, the lights or the tree to celebrate with. He doesn’t have one good thing to say about the holidays until he meets Leon. Is he a dream? Real? If it is a dream, Jase doesn’t want to wake up from it. These two characters are pure sex on legs. Leon is sexy, naughty and does some things to Jase that has me looking at Icicles and Candy Canes differently nowadays. This is an author who pushes the boundaries to create such amazing stories-it was hard to put this one down-even to take that quick dash outside to cool off.

LEON is sure to fire you up and I am warning you, you will need a bucket of ice, your significant other or the toys to cool down. Ms. Peterson delivers a wonderful naughty holiday tale to celebrate the holidays with. I am really hoping Leon pops up again in the future. I would love to see if he gets naughty with Jase again. I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for her readers in the future.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

Welcome Author Lee Brazil Today/Contest

2012-01-24T07:07:00.000-08:00

Contest Information: Lee is giving away to one lucky person one of the following: Reader's choice of: The Librarian, LovingJacob, or Word Play in ebook format only. Leave a comment with your email address (this is in case you win we have a way to contact you) today. Winner will be announced on this post Thursday Jan. 26th.

To get us startedcan you tell us a little about what you are working on or have coming out?

Right now, I'mworking on the fifth book in the Truth or Dare series, it's about Arden's brother, Bastian and her secretary,Rick. The fourth book in the series is the story of the fourth Blake brother,Dan Blake. It's called Taking the Dare and it will be released on February 3^rdfrom Breathless Press.

If someone hasn't read any of your work,what book would you recommend that they start with and why?

I'd recommendstarting with Keeping House. I think it strikes the right notes, humor,romance, and fantasy. It is lighthearted, easy reading to while away an hour orso.

Ifyou could entertain a character from a book, who would it be and what would theevening be like?

Hmmm...I'd invite Athos, of Dumas's The Three Musketeers, for anight of wine, stargazing and conversation. I always felt his was the most interestingcharacter of the four, you know?

What would you say is yourinteresting writing quirk?

I'm addicted toellipses. I put them in everywhere andhave to edit them out before I send my manuscripts on to my editor.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Ummm...whileresearching for Giving Up, book three of the Truth or Dare series, I learnedthat some people name their toys. I didn't believe it at first, so I confirmedit with some friends in the Story Orgy, and they said it is indeed true.

Ifyou had a reporter follow you around for the day, what would the readers get tosee in your daily schedule?

Huh. Average day:

I get up at five, make and drink coffee, watch the sun come up,write, Facebook. Do household stuff, read, bake, and write some more. I playwith my cat and my dog, walk in the woods or in the spring and summer, garden.Most nights, I'm in bed by ten.

Whatdoes your workstation look like?

It's in my kitchen, because I bake when the characters aredisobedient. The ingredients pretty much always do what I say, the charactersnot so much. I have a desk with a printer and a desktop computer because I donot like lap tops. There's a shelf of reference books. It's all pretty neat,I’m kind of OCD about my desk space.

Areyou the type of individual who gets weepy at the end of a good movie, or a sadmovie, or do you just stay neutral through it all?

Ummm... I don't cry at movies. Possibly because I don't actuallywatch very many that are tear worthy. Welike action/adventure and comedy flicks.

What are you working on now?

Right now, I'mwriting a new contemporary romance, the 5^th book in my Truth or Dareseries. It's an m/m romance about Arden's brother and her secretary.

Where can readers find you onthe web?

I'm around these placesusually-

StoryOrgy FB page - http://www.facebook.com/SOGroup

Truth or Dare FBpage http://www.facebook.com/pages/Truth-or-Dare/262636600433556

Lee on FB http://www.facebook.com/lee.brazil

Lee on Twitter @leebrazil

Lee Blog http://leebrazilauthor.blogspot.com/

For fun:

What is your favorite pizza?

I like a thickdoughy crust, light sauce, good cheese, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives,onions, and Roma tomatoes.

What is one thing scientistsshould invent?

A coffee machinethat teleports coffee into your hand wherever you are. What? I’m serious.

Are you a morning person or anight person?

I am mostdefinitely a morning person. I find that the sunrise inspires me. It purifiesmy thoughts and grounds me in the here and now. No point worrying aboutyesterday, it's gone, no point worrying about tomorrow, it's not here. What youhave is a day before that is full of potential, full of possibility. Make of itwhat you will.

When you looked in the mirrorthis morning, what was the first thing you thought?

Whoa...I stillhaven't gotten up the guts to look in the mirror yet this morning.

Anything else you would liketo add?

Thank you for having me onthe blog today! I appreciate the opportunity.

The Librarian

Blurb

Valentine Michaels has just taken a vow of celibacy. AdrianGrey intends to take full advantage of that vow to re-create his relationshipwith Val.

Val is at a crossroads in his life. A college dropout, he'sgone as far as he can in his career as a cosmetologist, owning his own stylesalon. He no longer finds satisfaction in it, though he's put years intoproving to his bigoted parents that a college degree and the veneer ofstraightness aren't the only roads to success. They'd turned their backs on him,and he proved he didn't need them to make it.

His love life is no better than his working life. Hisrelationships always start with a bang and fizzle into boredom, or worse,anger.

Adrian has his own agenda forhelping Val: he's been in love with Val since they were freshmen. Theintervening years of listening to Val's gossip about his lovers andrelationships have taught Adrian just what it was he did wrong all those yearsago, and he thinks this time around he now knows exactly how to get—and keep—hisman.

Buy Links:

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thelibrarian-668522-144.html

http://www.amazon.com/The-Librarian-ebook/dp/B006UMM4C4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325951766&sr=8-1

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WOLF AT THE Door by Mary Janice Davidson

2012-01-24T00:00:00.001-08:00

Publisher: Penguin
Date published: October 2011
ISBN: 978-0425243114
Paranormal
Trade Paperback
Reviewed by Gabrielle
Obtained via publisher

This book begins with Michael Wyndham sending his cousin Rachel to check on Vampire queen Betsy. While Rachel is none to happy about relocating she is willing to do it for her cousin. Once she is there she meets Edward and the sparks fly from their very first meeting. The only problem is that Edward lives with a vampire slayer and when he sees Rachel at Betsy’s mansion he is more than angry. If that isn’t enough add in the fact that someone is out to cause problems between the vampires and the wolves by committing murders. Somehow they must all work together and figure things out before it is too late.

I enjoyed this book. Once again this author does a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life. Rachel is a great character; she is a strong and feisty woman who can hold her own. Edward must learn to deal with things in his own way and finds love in the process. I loved watching the relationship bloom between the two and seeing Rachel’s reaction at the end of the book shows just how much she cares for Edward. The two must not only try and figure out their feelings for each other but Rachel must find out who is behind the murders. Just like all the other books by this author every character has a part to play, nobody is left out. As we watch Rachel and Edward we also get to visit with old friends like Betsy and the gang. I was a little surprised to see Marc as a zombie but was glad he still was his old self.

This book is full of the humor that we have come to expect in this series. I found myself laughing out loud at times and enjoying much of the banter between everyone in this story. I am enjoying the Wyndham wolves just as much as Betsy and her gang and cannot wait for the next book to come out.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

JAQ’S HARP by Ella Drake

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

Publisher: Carina Press
Date published: February 21st, 2011
ISBN: 9781426891236
ASIN: B004K1F7V2
Science Fiction/Futuristic Romance
E-Book
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained ARC by Publisher via Netgalley

Jaq Robinson is a kick ass agent for the Mother organization, bringing down bad guys one at a time. This time she is working outside the company as she takes on the biggest villain she has faced-The Giant Corp, the company she blames for her sister’s devastating illness. To get a cure, Jaq will need to break into Giant Corp and steal it. Too bad she will come face to face with the one man who broke her heart years before…the one man who still can make her knees weak, Harper English. Harper is determined to get Jaq to forgive him and give their relationship a second chance but first they have to escape Giant Corp with the cure and not get caught in the process.

I really wanted to enjoy JAQ’S HARP by Ella Drake. The writing was good, the story was different and the chemistry between Jaq & Harper was explosive. Ella Drake does a wonderful job in world building and the reader gets a sense of a bio-engineered world that gives a new meaning to world gone mad. If you take ‘Jack & the Beanstalk’ fairy tale and give it a futuristic background, it gives it a whole new twist. The only thing I had an issue with was it was a bit short to really get into the character’s head. I felt it would have done a bit better if the book was longer and we got to see more layers with the characters themselves. Jaq and Harp, at times, made some really interesting choices that I felt didn’t fit right with the story though it ended up working out just fine. The author did a good job in giving this fairy tale a new twist and one that I found enjoyable.

This is a short story so I don’t want to go too much in detail if you haven’t read it yet. Ella Drake delivers a solid story that will keep you entertained on a cold winter’s night. The story was packed with conflict and angst that had me wondering if Jaq & Harp were ever going to get their own happily ever after. Ella Drake delivers a solid introduction in her version of the children’s fairy tale and I am hoping she comes back for more. I only wish the characters were fleshed out better and were more multi-dimensional but they worked in this short novella. If you are looking for a quick read, then grab JAQ’S HARP and settle in for some reading pleasure.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

FALLEN by Megan Slayer

2012-01-23T00:00:00.001-08:00

Publisher: Changeling
Date published: 13 January 2012
ISBN: 978-1-60521-759-8
Genre: Erotic Romance, Paranormal
Format: E-book
Reviewed by Helen
Obtained via publisher

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE! Livia is an angel who was thrown out of heaven a long time ago (she’s 2300 years old) for falling in love with a human. That human turned out to want immortality, not Livia, but nonetheless she’s here on Earth to stay as her punishment.

A handsome man in her college class throws a costume party and Livia attends. While there, he speaks to her and her wings reappear. Everyone assumes they’re part of her costume but it’s quite disconcerting for Livia.
Ty has been lusting after Livia and is thrilled she’s come to his party. Despite his ex-girlfriend wanting him to be with her, and another man pursuing Livia, Ty manages to talk her into his bedroom.

Apart from the fact that he’s very good looking, I don’t understand what the heroine sees in the hero. They have sex fully dressed against a door. She is still wearing her panties. The book doesn’t even mention him pushing them to the side, but we have to assume that happens because she rolls a condom down him and he enters her. Very soon after that, she sucks him, (one assumes she took the condom off first but we aren’t told that) and in seconds he comes all over her chest. He’s 26, she’s 2300 so I cannot see why she would be interested in him, no matter how pretty he is to look at. I don’t feel any chemistry between them at all and, it’s not even particularly good sex for her.

I suppose it might be because they have some of the same mannerisms, they both bite the inside of their cheeks when nervous, but it isn’t explained as a plot point in any way.

However, we’re told they love each other and desperately want to be together.
The issues between them are dealt with neatly, with one plot twist I particularly enjoyed.

A fast, easy read, but a little unfulfilling. The hero seemed a bit immature to me, especially when paired with a heroine who’d lived so long and experienced so much.
Don’t be misled by the “Dark Desires” and BDSM labels. The BDSM is one very mild scene, not anything like a lifestyle, and with nothing to shock anyone.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

HAPPINESS FOR BEGINNERS by Zahra Owens

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Date Published: December 1st, 2011
ISBN 978-1-61372-296-1
ASIN: B006I10L3Q
Contemporary M/M, Holiday
E-Book
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher

Ever since Jesse has worked with Kaye on a TV show, he has harbored a crush on the sexy actor. Jesse left Hollywood behind when he saw that loving Kaye was not enough. He needed Kaye to love him in return. Now ten years later, Kaye turns up on his doorstep and it will take a Christmas miracle to get Jesse and Kaye what they desire the most-each other.

This hot, sweet holiday story will surely get you in the mood for the holidays. Zahra Owens tells a story of a man who finds the one person he wants with every fiber of his being, on his doorstep ten years after he last saw him. It will take lots of heart to heart truths for him to let Kaye back into his life. But Kaye has a few tricks up his sleeve and he is determined to show Jesse that he is the man for him-finally.

HAPPINESS FOR BEGINNERS is a well written tale that will leave you breathless till the very end. It’s a short novella so I don’t want to go into too many details, in case you haven’t read it yet. The author does a great job in creating a set of characters that are very life like and believable. I could empathize with Jesse as he tried to shield his heart from being broken yet again and for Kaye, who was as confused as ever, yet knew he needed Jesse in his life.

This is an author who knows how to let the characters shine and the reader gets a sense of who they are, warts and all. The connection between Jesse and Kaye is electric, sweet and sexy at the same time. You could see the sparks fly between them even as you rooted for these two to get their own Christmas miracle.

I can’t wait to explore more of this author’s work. If you are looking for a sweet yet hot tale to spice up your holidays, then grab HAPPINESS FOR BEGINNERS and settle in for a few hours of reading pleasure. I look forward to seeing what else this author can conjure up in the future.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

TIDES OF LOVE by Tracy Sumner

2012-01-20T00:00:00.001-08:00

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Date published: November, 2011
ASIN: B0066B1XTY
Ebook
Historical romance
Reviewed by Gina
Obtained by Author

Marielle Claire Beaumont, Elle, loved Noah Garrett before she could even put a name to the feeling he evoked in her. Younger than he and his brothers, always underfoot, as a child Noah proclaimed her a nuisance yet he rescued her at every turn. He was always there for the little girl whose mother died too young. But one day her curiosity leads to consequences the likes of which she could have never anticipated. Always curious, always looking for new adventures, new things to learn, Elle begins to read the Garrett brothers’ mother’s journal. The pages reveal a secret not even the brothers knew of yet is devastating enough to send Noah packing.

Years later, now a well-known marine biologist, Noah is enticed back to Pilot Isle and the family he has avoided. Unsure of his reception it is just his luck that the first person he runs into is Elle. Now grown he clings to his childhood memories of her but cannot completely set them aside from the woman she has become. He find himself drawn to her bit by bit but when Elle leaves Pilot Isle, he realizes just how much she means to him. Heart in hand he scrambles to find her before it is too late.

TIDES OF LOVE by Tracy Sumner is different from almost every other historical romance I’ve read both in terms of period and subject matter. Except for minor bits of research I haven’t read much of the late 1800s, especially 1898 nor of what I find to be very interesting issues of the time. Like many women I take our educational options for granted. Ms. Sumner delves into the arduous path women had to take at the turn of the 20th century to obtain an education—not only from frowning family but from the schools themselves. I smiled to myself when one of the issues of whether or not the curriculum needed to be changed to accommodate the women in a university program. That would so not happen today, at least in the United States. How sad to think of so many bright and intelligent women being denied an education simply because they were women. Ms. Sumner weaves those difficulties into the story in a well told manner, entertaining while educating.

Noah’s profession as a marine biologist was also an interesting difference in this story. TIDES OF LOVE is a heavily character driven re-write of Ms. Sumner’s 2000 version of the same title. Updated, re-edited it’s a lovely story to read in its new incarnation.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

THE VANGUARD’S GIFT by Eon de Beaumont

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Date published: December 1st, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-61372-305-0
Fantasy/Paranormal M/M, Holiday, Novella
E-book
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE! Crispus Birchmount doesn’t care for the human world, with its mockery of elven ancestry around the holiday season. He has guarded the door that is between his home world of Ashdale and the human world for many years. Now tasked to finding and protecting a human male, Crispus finds that Michael LeVandre is more than what he seems to be. Danger looms though as Crispus will have to keep his wits about him as he finds himself using the vanguard’s gift to save not just himself but Michael and both worlds as well.

I have never read Eon de Beaumont’s books before but if THE VANGUARD’S GIFT is a hint of what his books are like, then I am sold as a new reader fan. The story was fun, sexy and mysterious all at the same time. The characters were enjoyable and I loved this author’s writing style. The writing was tight, the story moved at a nice, even pace and the sparks that fly between Crispus and Michael were smoldering. Mr. de Beaumont delivers a story that will have you laughing on minute (go dwarf go!) and another gripping the edge of your seat as the action heats up with the bad guys. The characters were multi-dimensional and I fell in love with Crispus and Michael immediately. I can’t help it I have a thing for elves.

I have to stress though this is a short story, it packs lots of drama, laughter and passion within its pages. This is an author I can’t wait to explore more of in the future. THE VANGUARD’S GIFT is a fun, action filled story that will leave you breathless till the very end. Eon de Beaumont is a talented storyteller who knows how to lure his readers in and then snap them up with a flick of a pen stroke. I am really hoping we get to see Crispus and Michael in a longer story in the future. THE VANGUARD’S GIFT is a gift of a story that will charm any reader who enjoys elves, surly dwarves and magic among the holidays.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this review.

CAT PLAYING CUPID by Shirley Rousseau Murphy

2012-01-18T00:00:00.001-08:00

Publisher: Avon
Date published: December 29, 2009
ISBN: 978-0061123986
Cozy Mystery
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Gina
Obtained Via publisher

Joe Grey’s human housemate, Clyde, has finally tied the knot with Ryan Flannery. Joe couldn’t be more pleased with Clyde’s choice. After all, Ryan figured out Joe, as well as his lady Dulcie and their friend Kit’s secret all by herself. And she’s signed on to keep their secret. As Ryan and Clyde embark on their honeymoon, the talkative felines stumble on a body buried on the old Pamillion estate. Since the Molena Point Police chief, Max, has been giving the cats long hard looks as needed pieces of crimes are committed, they need to come up with a way to lead the police to a body they’ve discovered hidden on the grounds. Before they can figure out how to do just that a cold case suddenly warms up with what everyone thought was a jilted bride returning to Molena Point. Not that Lindsey Wolf was treated poorly when her fiancé disappeared. It’s just that she’s back in town asking about a body found in a remote hiking area of Oregon. Adding to the mix are the missing bride groom’s former business partner and Lindsey’s sister, Ryder. The cats are left wondering if the body at the Pamillion estate has any connection to the body in Oregon and if the two bodies have any connection to Lindsey’s missing groom. With Joe Grey on the case the answers will quickly unfold.

In this, the 14th book of Shirley Rousseau Murphy’s Joe Grey Mystery series Joe is at the top of his game. Did I mention Joe is a cat? A talking cat. And he’s not the only one. Beside Joe, his lady Dulcie and their friend Kit also speak and I just love the cats. Each is unique and has his or her own voice. Ms. Murphy certainly captures a cat’s behaviors and quirks and brings them to life in the pages of her books.

CAT PLAYING CUPID was a little off for me compared to the other books. It seemed like Ms. Murphy started the story, decided on a different approach, but didn’t take out her original beginning which left the story disjointed. There were other parts of the story that back tracked but it wasn’t clear that it was the same scene from a different person’s perspective. It left me wondering if I’d read it, lost my place and read it again rather than the different characters were relating their stories. The other issue that comes up for me is one I’ve seen in any number of fiction writers—911 calls are routed to the local PSAP (public safety answering point), they don’t go to the area code the phone is from. It’s like the Hollywoodism of having to wait 48 hours to file a missing person’s report. It becomes a piece of disinformation that the reading public will buy into.

That said, I’m hoping to see more of Sage and Willow in future books. I enjoy the journey of the entire feral band but those two, along with Joe, Dulcie and Kit have just won my heart. Fortunately for readers, in creating this special breed of cats Ms. Murphy has given them long lives with which to entertain their readers.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

FIRST CHRISTMAS by Diana DiRicci

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Publisher: Purple Sword Publications
Date published: November 17th,2010
ISBN: 978-1-936-165-64-3
ASIN: B004CYESOE
Contemporary Paranormal M/M
E-book
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Author

When Lyndon, a cougar shifter, finds a hurt wolf near his cabin, he thinks nothing of bringing it back to his cabin to nurse back to health. But Lyndon doesn’t expect the wolf to turn into a beautiful man, one with deep hurts whenever he looks at Lyndon. But Lyndon is patient and kind and soon Jason begins to trust this gentle giant, showing him how healing love can be. Can these two find a way to make their Christmas love last longer than the snow on the ground?

Diana DiRicci pens a tale that will leave you hankering for more. The writing was descriptive, the story flowed nicely and the magic of Christmas comes through as this author tells a tale of a wounded wolf shifter who finds peace and the strength to love again with a cougar shifter. The background was stunning; you could feel the snow on your face as did Jason when he got enough courage to leave the confines of the cabin. The way this author captured the soul deep wounds of Jason will leave tears in your eyes. Jason is a character that had me wanting to cuddle him close, murmuring it’s going to be ok. It is a delight to see the spitfire he is when he banishes the ghosts of his past and lets Lyndon show him how healing love can be.

The characters Lyndon and Jason are well written andcapture your heart and leave you with a smile in the end. Ms. DiRicci knows when to let her characters shine and in FIRST CHRISTMAS, we see how patience, love and Christmas miracles play a part in healing a young man’s heart and soul. Lyndon and Jason are very relatable, even if you are not a shifter, and I found them to be quite charming. Lyndon is a gentle giant of a cougar shifter who knows how to show patience, understanding and love towards Jason, a wounded wolf shifter-both in heart, body and mind. The connection these two forge is strong and very heartening. You could see how Jason opens up, blooms and learns to trust himself and Lyndon while being snowed in together. That alone had me sighing in pleasure and then the sparks that fly between the two once Jason feels comfortable with his rescuer was hot and sweet at the same time. It fit the story perfectly.

FIRST CHRISTMAS is one special holiday story that I hope Ms. DiRicci comes back to in the future. I would love to know more on these characters and their life together. Celebrate the season with FIRST CHRISTMAS and settle in for a few hours of reading pleasure.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

HUNTING KAT by PJ Schnyder

2012-01-17T00:00:00.001-08:00

Publisher: Carina Press
Date publisher: July 2011
ISBN 978-1-4268-9184-7
ASIN B005078OME
Paranormal SciFi Romance
Paperback/ebook
Reviewed by Tammy
Obtained via Publisher

PJ Schnyder’s paranormal scifi romance, HUNTING KAT, may just be the best short story of 2011.

Kat Darah has been tortured and mutated and she has survived. Now a mercenary, Kat is just another biped on the edge of the solar system. Lt. Christopher Rygard is nearing the end of his military tour after a recent mission left a bad taste in his mouth and isn’t sure he wants to re-up for another tour. When Kat and Rygard meet one night in a bar, they have no idea of the excitement ahead of them. When they are attacked by aliens on a bloodhunt for Rygard, Kat is forced to reveal her predator form to save them. Now she finds herself on a rescue mission that touches on a past she is just now starting to move past.

It is so very rarely that an author can convey all that is needed for a really entertaining and engrossing story in less than one hundred pages. PJ Schnyder, author for Carina Press, is that rare blend of storyteller and writer that pulls readers into her stories and forms an emotional bond between her readers and her characters. That she can do this in a short story, as she does so very well with HUNTING KAT, is something to be applauded.

PJ Schnyder’s HUNTING KAT is a fast paced and engrossing romantic scifi short that leaves readers with just one word on their minds, WOW! The characters are rich and multifaceted. The action has readers hanging on every word and the ending is both surprising and perfect.

PJ Schnyder may just have written the best romantic scifi short of 2011 with her HUNTING KAT. This reader cannot be alone in hoping Kat and Rygard have many adventures yet to be written. Don’t miss out on this exceptional story. It is more than worth the money spent.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

THE VAMPIRE GRINCH by Lacey-Anne Frye

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Date published. December 1st, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-61372-286-2
ASIN: B006I19C6S
Paranormal, Vampires, M/M, Holiday
E-book
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher

Gavin loves Christmas and all that it entails but when finding out that his boyfriend, Malcolm, could care less about the holiday, Gavin is crushed. Hurt and angry, they spend Christmas Eve apart, both thinking they are right. But Malcolm comes to find out that Christmas is more than presents and carols, it’s about being with the one you love. Can these two find a Christmas miracle that will bring them back together again?

A VAMPIRE GRINCH is a short, sweet and at times, sexy holiday story of two men who find the true meaning of Christmas. Ms. Frye does a really great job in creating characters that had me enthralled till the very end. I do want to mention this is a short novella so I am not going to get too much into detail just in case you haven’t read it yet. The author takes the story ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ and gives it a twist (vampires) with a fresh new take on it. I absolutely loved it. It was fun, sweet, sexy and relatable. Who hasn’t been with someone who mutters ‘Bah Humbug’ around the holiday season? Ms. Frye makes the characters, Gavin and Malcolm, stand out and very enjoyable. I really felt the infectious joy Gavin had in the beginning as he decorated the house he shares with Malcolm. What made me laugh was the fact vampires get PMS and I had to chuckle over that line a few times. The author creates a wonderful stirring story full of captivating characters, tight writing and a fast paced storyline. The sex is sweet and sexy at the same time and doesn’t overshadow the story at all. In fact, it enhanced the connection these two people have together.

A VAMPIRE GRINCH is sure to become a classic to read around the holidays. I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for her readers and look forward to pursuing her backlist of titles for some gems of a story to enjoy. If you enjoy moody, broody vampires with heart of gold and a man who tries to show his lover what the holiday means to him, then pick up A VAMPIRE GRINCH and be prepared to laugh, sigh and smile throughout the story. Lacey-Anne Frye has a new reader fan and I can’t wait for more from this author.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

CEMETERY GIRL By David Bell

2012-01-16T00:00:00.001-08:00

Publisher: New American Library, a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
Date published: October 4, 2011
ISBN 978-0-451-23467-4
Suspense
Paperback
Reviewed by Lynne
Obtained via publisher.

Tom Stuart and his wife, Abby, seem to have it all. A nice house, a great marriage, successful careers, and a beautiful twelve-year-old daughter, Caitlin. But their world crumbles when Caitlin suddenly disappears one day without a trace.

The pressure of not knowing what has happened to their only child inevitably forces the Stuarts’ marriage apart. Abby involves herself at church and moves out of the family home, leaving Tom alone to combat his private demons. Abby believes her husband needs counseling in order to deal with everything they are going through, but he refuses, preferring to do things his way.

Abby is soon persuaded by her pastor to put Caitlin to rest once and for all, so Abby does just that, holding a funeral service. But Tom refuses to believe Caitlin is dead and is adamant about remaining at their home, never giving up hope of his daughter’s return. He eventually turns to others who try and help him deal with the situation and who present clues that may help unlock the mysteries surrounding Caitlin’s disappearance.

When Caitlin suddenly reappears four years later, she is unusually calm and unwilling to discuss her abduction. The guilt Tom feels at the loss of his child, over things he thought he could have done differently to prevent her abduction, draws him deeper into a downward, psychological spiral. There are so many questions he needs answered, but his beloved child refuses to set him at peace.

When Tom slowly begins to uncover the truth about Caitlin, he soon learns that nothing can prepare him for the shocking discoveries heading his way.

CEMETERY GIRL by David Bell is one incredible read. I absolutely loved it. It is a real page turner that I found difficult to put down and so well written it gives me goosebumps. It is a unique psychological thriller that keeps the reader spellbound from start to finish.

This book is told from the father’s perspective and is intriguing as Tom Stuart tries to deal with his daughter’s disappearance the best way he knows how. Distraught, Tom goes through various stages of psychological breakdown as he ponders what he could have done differently to prevent her from being taken.

Although I knew Abby was suffering over her daughter’s abduction, I found myself always siding with Tom. Abby appeared to be secretly involved with Pastor Paul who was always with her, influencing her decisions and persuading her to do things she may not have done otherwise. She is a negative influence on Tom, who always remains hopeful that Caitlin will one day return home to them. Abby never seems to support her husband, preferring instead to listen to what Pastor Paul is always whispering in her ear. I didn’t care for her much or the insipid pastor and was glad that Tom and Abby were eventually going to get divorced.

Mr. Bell does an exceptional job in sharing how Caitlin slowly changes over the time it takes to finally open up to her father about certain aspects of her kidnapping. But right up until the end, I was always trying to figure out the psychological aspect of the brainwashing she had obviously endured because of her kidnapper. That a teenager could be so enamored of a man older than her father was an interesting aspect of CEMETERY GIRL.

The characterizations in this story were well thought out. Each was unique in his or her own way, and I found myself liking some and disliking others, as I am sure the reader is meant to do. I love this aspect of CEMETERY GIRL. I often found myself feeling frustrated or aggravated, even angry, over things Tom was going through or had to deal with. It seems everyone is more against him because of what he believes than against Abby, who I came to dislike a great deal.

The dialogue in CEMETERY GIRL is very believable. Mr. Bell has a definite knack for this. And the twists and turns of the dark plot in this story kept me anxious to see what would happen next. I don’t think I have read a book quite this fast in a long while, it was that good. Also, the pacing was perfect, enough to always keep me on the edge of my seat as I eagerly awaited the thrilling conclusion of CEMETERY GIRL.

If you are anxious to read an exceptional, well-written thriller, then CEMETERY GIRL is a must-read for anyone interested. It will quickly suck you in and keep a strangle-hold on you until the very end. David Bell is a wonderful author who should move to the rank of ultimate master very quickly. I truly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to more from Mr. Bell in future. He is definitely one to watch.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

THE NERD AND THE MARINE by D. R. Grady

2012-01-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

Book 1 in The Morrison Family Series
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Date published: October 2011
ASIN: B005LVODP6
Contemporary Romance
E-Book
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Author

When Lainy Morrison is asked to take in a soldier’s dog while he is on a deployment, little does she know that it is the beginning of a friendship that will change her life. Captain Mitch Monahan is devastated to give up his dog but finds that an angel has helped him out while overseas. Though he only knows Lainy through emails, pictures and DVDs, Mitch finds himself fascinated with the woman caring for his beloved pet and slowly finding himself falling for the spunky woman as well. But what happens when Mitch returns and both have to face the reality of their friendship turning to love. Can love remain even as old fears try to tear these two apart?

I was enchanted the minute I opened THE NERD AND THE MARINE. The story hits you in the heart from the first page. D. R. Grady pens a tale of a friendship that turns to love-an ocean apart. I loved the way this author incorporated the emails between Lainy and Mitch into the story and I felt it enhanced it instead of taking it over completely. The characters are so wonderfully well written and life-like, I felt like I was one of the family. This is an author who knows how to make her characters shine in a story. I really enjoyed the antics of Lainy’s huge family. I mean eight hundred relatives of some kind??!!! Boggles the mind at times as the author sets up the story but it played nicely with the author giving page time to a specific core bunch so the story wasn’t inundated by Morrison family members.

D. R. Grady really delivers a heartfelt story that made me cry in the beginning then laugh as the story progressed with the way the characters reacted to the world around them. Lainy is a woman who thinks relationships are just not for her. Brainy and a self-professed ‘Nerd’, she thinks someone like Mitch would never be interested in her. Until she finds herself looking forward to his emails, getting to know him and letting her guard down to see the man he is. Mitch is just as nervous and unsure of himself in relationships as Lainy but corresponding with Lainy makes his day brighter an ocean away. Mitch and Lainy are absolutely perfect for one another. The author does a great job in keeping the characters real, with vulnerabilities and fears that a reader can relate to. The secondary characters are just as well written and I am eager to see who comes next under cupid’s arrow. The star of the story was Bentley, Mitch’s dog who had me laughing at his antics in the story.

THE NERD AND THE MARINE is a sweet and well written romance that will steal your heart from the first page. D. R. Grady does an amazing job in creating a story that will touch you on all levels. I look forward to seeing where this author goes in the future. If you are looking for a sweet and romantic story of friendship, love and root beer loving dogs, then grab THE NERD AND THE MARINE and settle in for an evening of reading entertainment.

This is an objective review and not and endorsement of this book.

Reader Survey From Avon Books

2012-01-13T21:36:00.000-08:00

Avon Books, would like to get to know their readers better

They have created a quick, 10-minute survey asking readers their reading habits—how they find and buy their books, how they engage with authors, publishers, and other readers online, what they like about romance novels specifically, etc.

Please click the link below and share your thoughts.

https://www.facebook.com/avonromance?sk=app_127709503932081

ACQUAINTED WITH THE NIGHT by Piper Maitland

2012-01-12T00:00:00.001-08:00

Publisher: Berkley
Date published: November 29, 2011
ISBN: 9780425243633
Contemporary, Paranormal
Paperback
Reviewed by Gina
Obtained Via Publisher

After the death of her parents, Caroline Clifford went to live with her Uncle Nigel. Her legacy is an icon picturing a goddess and an egg, a puzzle she has not yet been able to explain or understand. Coddled and protected from the world Caroline, or Caro as those closest to her call her, pursued an academic and quiet life until one day she changed direction and became a tour guide. Leading tourists wasn’t quite as simple as it should have been with Caro losing a few along the way. But it’s what she wants in her life right then so she does her best.

That is, until, she receives word her beloved Uncle Nigel has died. Not just died, but been murdered. Before she can take in the circumstances of his death she meets Jude. Immediately attracted to him a little voice tells her he appeared just too conveniently and is just too much what she wants and needs in her life. When Jude tells her of his own attempted murder, followed by the death of her flatmate, Caro’s world crumbles even further. But more awaits her. Jude opens her eyes not just to immortals in the world but the fact that there are vampires and they live side by side with humans. More than that, they are looking for a book, the Historia Immortalis, they believe Caro has in her possession. But Caro has so much more.

Suddenly she finds herself on the run with Jude, searching for the answers of not only why her uncle was murdered. She also seeks to find the answers buried in her icon. At every turn a vampire stalks her and Jude, peeling away everything she has ever believed. From London to Bulgaria to Egypt she and Jude manage to stay a step ahead, yet at each turn they are caught up in a web of intrigue and betrayal.

Debut author Piper Maitland’s ACQUAINTED WITH THE NIGHT posits an interesting theory on immortality and vampires. The non-paranormal scenes, i.e., those without the vampires, are believable and realistic. While I never really connected with Caro as a character she was interesting to read. I didn’t really get much of a feel for Jude either. Something was missing and after a few days thinking about how to express it all I can say is there is something undeveloped about them and their relationship. In the short time Nigel is featured, in the references to him, he seems a more complete character. Jude and Caro express a passionate interest in each other but I never felt the emotions that would go with a great love. There is a reason for their attraction, beyond those of a couple, but if you aren’t reading carefully it seems like the author included a sex scene because she felt she needed one. Read on, however, because there is a reason for the suddenly intense sexual interest.

The vampires came across to me as more cartoonish or caricatures than actual beings. Their behavior was continually over the top and under-developed. They aren’t the heroes of the piece so there’s no reason to like or relate to them, but on the whole they were boorish.

Ms. Maitland touches on one theory of vampires and immortal life and that certainly got my attention! That theory was unique to me and I can see where the tagline about the power to shake Christianity comes from. Sadly she backed off from it; however I couldn’t tell if it was because she treaded into an area she was suddenly uncomfortable with or is waiting to delve more deeply into it in book 2.

Segments of the book came across as unfinished, but this was a final book and not an ARC so it should not have been so choppy. ACQUAINTED WITH THE NIGHT is book one of what I’ve seen called her Night Series, but I have found no information on whether in fact a book 2 exists. The ending of book 1 does lead one to believe another story follows. I will read it if for no other reason than to see where the story goes and how the author’s style changes over time.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

DEEP DISCLOSURE by Dee Davis

2012-01-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

A-Tac #4
Publisher: Forever/Grand Central Publishing,
Date published: August 2011
ISBN 9780446582926
Romantic Suspense
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Tammy
Obtained via publisher

Dee Davis’ fourth book in her A-Tac series, DEEP DISCLOSURE, is an explosive mix of romance and mystery that exceeds expectations.

Alexis Markham is the sole survivor of a bombing that has left her an orphan and on the run for over a decade, hiding from men who will go to any length to obtain a formula for a biochemical weapon her father had worked on before he was murdered, along with the rest of Alexis’ family, to keep the formula secret. Now circumstances have brought her to the attention of A-Tac, a group of deep cover government operatives who are sent to investigate Alexis in connection to a recent bombing. But when Alexis finds out the man who has been sent to protect her is part of a group she has spent her life hiding from, will their budding romance be cut short before it ever gets the chance to bloom?

Dee Davis once again gives her fans another pulse pounding, action packed romance filled with mystery and secrets galore in her fourth A-Tac book, DEEP DISCLOSURE. This book positively leaps from the pages. The scenes are vividly described and the suspense just keeps coming.

The main characters, Alexis and Tucker, are easy to empathize with. Alexis is a loner, afraid to trust and always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Tucker is a solid action hero. He is emotionally damaged and wary, but obviously one of the good guys. It was very easy to want these two characters to find happiness together. While Tucker could easily have played the role of bodyguard and savior throughout the book, Alexis’ trust issues continued to keep him on his toes. She simply isn’t and never will be the type of woman to sit back and rely on anyone to keep her safe. Some of the situations they found themselves in had this reader rolling with laughter. But their possible romance is not the meat of the story, it is the many twists and turns and surprise reveals in the storyline that really sell this book.

If you enjoy a little romance mixed in with your suspense and a story with tons of action, Dee Davis’ DEEP DISCLOSURE will exceed all expectations.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

BAREBACK by Chris Owens

2012-01-11T00:00:00.001-08:00

Publisher: Torquere Press
August 2003
ISBN 0-9748202-6-1
ASIN: B004IPQBTM
Contemporary M/M, Cowboys
E-book
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher

Jake Taggart thought his life was going well. He had a job he loved as ranch foreman, got sober and felt like he overcame his past to get where he was today. Until Tornado knocked him for a loop. Dark-eyed, sexy as sin and just as strong a personality as Jake he drove him completely nuts as well. But it will take a late spring rainstorm to bring their feelings out in the open and from then on, hold on tight. These two cowboys will either hold onto one another as they weather good times and the bad, or it will all fall away like melting snow in the springtime. Jake and Tornado will find that loving someone means letting yourself trust in them and yourself, or all will be lost. The question is, can two wills with strong personalities find a way to compromise before their relationship is gone for good?

BAREBACK is an intense, emotional story. From the moment the first page is read, you are sucked into Jake and Tor’s story and you won’t want to put it down. Chris Owens is a talented storyteller who gives the reader real characters to fall for and real issues all couples go through at one time or another in their lives. Its gut wrenching, you cry, you laugh and you mourn, but above all, you believe that these two people belong to one another. I’ve got to warn you, the first half of this story is Jake and Tornado falling for one another, so there is a lot of lusty sex action going on, but this author does a great job showing all the emotions-angry sex, make up sex, falling in love sex-in detail that works so well in this story. It’s told so eloquently that I loved how these two figured out they were in love. The sex itself enhanced the story, not take away from it.

Chris Owens is a new author I found recently and I wonder how I could have missed him. His stories are rich with characters that resonate with the reader, full of emotions and passion that makes you want to grab your significant other into the bedroom. We watch as two people try to figure out their place in the world as they deal with living together, finding their place as a ‘Couple’ and learning how to be part of relationship. Yes, there is heartbreak, I won’t lie but believe me the last sixty-pages will make it worth all the tears and screaming “WHAT??!!” at the computer screen.

Jake and Tor are two of the strongest characters I have read about. They literally made this story their own and ran with it. This is an author who knows how to let his characters shine all on their own and isn’t afraid to give them real issues to deal with. I can say there are some nail biting moments that had me wondering if this author was going to give Jake and Tor a happily ever after they deserve. BAREBACK is a romance in all its glory with all the messiness a relationship can have. This one is definitely going on my keeper shelf and I can’t wait to read it again…when I have more Kleenex and ice on hand. In the meantime, I am pursuing his back list to see if there are any more books I need to read by Chris Owens.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

THE MANY SINS OF LORD CAMERON by Jennifer Ashley

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

Highland Pleasures Book 3
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Publication Date: August 2011
ISBN 9780425240496
Historical Regency Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Penny
Obtained via Publisher

Ainsley Douglas is a respectable but poor widow in the employ of the queen. And the queen has sent her on an important mission. To retrieve potential damaging letters that are now in residence of one Lord Cameron Mackenzie, a man who Ainsley has had embarrassing encounters with in the past.

Cam cannot believe his eyes! That Douglas woman has once again broken into his bedchamber. He does not care why she is there all he knows is that for the last six years he has not been able to forget the woman who turned down his advances, claiming she wanted to stay true to her much older husband. Now that husband has passed leaving Ainsley available. Will he be able to convince her to become his latest paramour?

Although this is the third book in the Highland Pleasures series, it is the first book that I picked up not knowing. I actually had no idea that this is one of a four book series until I picked up the first book, THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE and came across some familiar characters. THE MANY SINS OF LORD CAMERON is a stand-alone book, and WOW! Does it stand tall! I thoroughly adored this book.

Those Mackenzie brothers are breathtaking leading men. Cameron has no desire to become seriously involved with a woman and is a scandalous womanizer. Yet women are more than willing to toss themselves into his embrace. That is why he just can’t understand why Ainsley is holding back, drat the woman. Is this a unique storyline? Not in the slightest. But what makes this book exciting is that Ainsley is not like most heroines. How many highborn ladies can pick a lock and sneak into a man’s bedroom not once but twice? You just gotta love this woman!

I applaud Ms. Ashley and her offering THE MANY SINS OF LORD CAMERON and cannot wait to get my hands on the other two books in the Highland Pleasures series. This is a fast paced page-turner that kept me intrigued and on the edge of my seat. Lovers of Regency Romance will not want to miss out on this one.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

HOLD ME by Betsy Horvath

2012-01-10T00:00:00.001-08:00

Publisher: Carina Press
Date published: September 2011
ISBN: 9781426892189
ASIN: B005GF3420
Romantic Adventure
ebook
Reviewed by Tammy
Obtained via publisher

Betsy Horvath’s debut novel, HOLD ME, is witty, hanky worthy and just plain fun.

Katie McCabe’s family is concerned about her. Her zest for life has been missing for too long. Then along comes FBI agent Luc Vasco. His cover has been blown, he’s injured and his car isn’t going any further when he spots Katie at an intersection and jumps in her car. After a harrowing car chase with mobsters, Luc feels responsible for his reluctant “partner’s” safety when her life is threatened. Now she and Luc are running from a psychotic mobster, ducking bullets and trying to come to terms with their flashpoint attraction.

Kudos to debut novelist Betsy Horvath for her humorous and extremely entertaining romantic adventure, HOLD ME. Reminiscent of Janet Evanovich heroine Stephanie Plum, Betsy Horvath’s Katie McCabe is spunky, gutsy, zany & lucky, very lucky. Luc is a bad boy turned FBI agent trying his hardest to keep Katie safe, often despite of herself. These two characters along with the bumbling mobster chasing them share some of the funniest scenes in the book. Yet it is Katie and Luc’s insecurities and blossoming relationship that endears them to readers. The balance between heart wrenching scenes and zany misadventure scenes keeps the story moving at breakneck speed.

The lesser characters are also wonderfully fleshed out and many are left poised for their own romantic adventures. The arcs with Katie’s parents, Melanie, David and Nemes are all begging to be expanded upon. Perhaps the best part of Betsy Horvath’s HOLD ME is the way the book ends leaving readers both satisfied and hanging at the same time. This reader can’t wait to read what comes next from this talented and fresh new author.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

A PRESENT IN SWADDLING CLOTHES by Andrew Grey

2012-01-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
December 1st, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-61372-283-1
Contemporary M/M, Holiday, Novella
E-book
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher

Josh has been protecting his little sister, Nicky, since they were children. Now Nicky needs Josh the most when his sister ends up suffering a medical issue, and now his newborn niece Vivian, needs a home. Josh would love to take her home with him but his partner, Sammy, isn’t fond of children. Can Vivian work her magic in this holiday season and give them the best present in the world-a forever home for Vivian, with Josh and Sammy?

Andrew Grey always comes up with such beautiful stories that when I saw his latest Christmas short story, I was charmed by the book blurb alone. A PRESENT IN SWADDLING CLOTHES is a sweet, emotional story packed with drama, love and holiday spirit. Mr. Grey delves into a couple who have been together for over fifteen years and set in their relationship. When Josh’s sister has a meltdown and he saves Vivian from death, things change rapidly for Josh and Sammy. I love this author’s writing style and this short story is no exception. You get lots of drama, emotions running wild and underneath it all, you have love-for family and for your partner. The two can tear a couple apart but in this latest holiday offering from Mr. Grey, we see two people who know each other so well and know the art of compromise. They are a strong couple and it comes through within the first few pages of the story. I have to say, despite being a short story Mr. Grey did a masterful job, creating strong characters that are multi-dimensional and relatable. He delivers an emotional story that will leave you smiling in the end and rooting for Josh, Sammy and Vivian to be a family.

If you want a feel good story that will leave you feeling a little lighter this holiday season, then grab a copy and be prepared to fall in love with these two people. I am really hoping the author comes back to Josh and Sammy later on as I would be thrilled to see how they are doing with baby Vivian. Well done, Mr. Grey, in creating a story that is sure to become a timeless classic in years to come to be read during the holiday season.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

ON LAVENDER LANE by Joann Ross

2012-01-09T00:00:00.001-08:00

Publisher: Signet
Date published: January 3, 2012
ISBN 9780451235435
Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Gina
Obtained by Publisher

Ten years ago Maddy Durand’s heart was broken by Lucas Chaffee. Her summer boy swept into her life, gave her her first kiss and then committed the ultimate betrayal. With a broken heart she left for Europe and embarked on the path toward her career as a chef. Along the way she met and married famous chef, Maxime Durand. Despite Maxime telling her he simply did not have the marriage gene she gave her heart—and wallet—to the French chef. When Maddy finds out just how much he lacked the marriage gene, she runs to her childhood home—Shelter Bay. There, safe in her grandmother Sofia’s care Maddy begins to look at her future and does so quite well until her past walks back into her life.

If Maddy thought Lucas Chaffee was hot as a teen, the man he’s become is even hotter. Determined to keep him at a distance she gives him the cold shoulder. Or at least she tries to. Former SEAL Lucas has returned to Shelter Bay with his own hurts. With the recent death of his father he finds himself slightly adrift in the world—but Shelter Bay has always felt like home to him. When Sofia offers him the chance to build her the restaurant of her dreams right there at Lavender Hill Farm, he jumps at the opportunity. At first Maddy cannot believe her grandmother is consorting with the enemy. Slowly but surely, however, Maddy finds herself falling in love with Lucas once again. But will the hurt of that long ago summer continue to stand in the way of her once in a lifetime love?

Joann Ross’s Shelter Bay series is such a good series and the latest instalment, ON LAVENDER LANE is yet another wonderful read. I liked Maddy. I really liked Maddy. Even though I’m not a baker or chef, I connected with her personality. The story grabs you from the very beginning when Maddy lands in Omaha for a cooking demonstration. Ms. Ross totally captures the personalities of the secondary and minor characters while bringing Maddy to life. When Maxime’s betrayal is revealed you know just what it feels like.

Lucas is actually more stable than he appears on the surface. He’s a man on a mission and he’s going to complete that mission come hell or high water. His love of his dog, Scout, makes him such an endearing character. When Scout’s own story is revealed and how Lucas works with Scout to overcome her own PTSD he just won my heart.

There is a side story thread involving one of the other characters, Phoebe and I have to admit disappointment in how it was handled. There is the inkling that she will be having her own story, at least I hope so if for no other reason that I want to know more about Ethan Concannon. There is a wonderful strength to Phoebe that I wanted to see more of. Her portion of the story comes to a sudden conclusion despite how her true strength comes through.

I also felt that there was a bit too much made of the sustainable food theme but I sure wouldn’t mind trying some of the dishes that were cooked and served by the characters, especially the seafood ones.

The new characters that appear in each of the books add depth to the stories and ON LAVENDAR LANE is no different. Each book builds on the one before but are complete stand-alones and do not necessarily have to be read in order. You won’t want to miss any of them—they are just good reading that captures your attention and brings you completely into the story.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

Keeping Taryn’s Cowboys by Tonya Ramagos

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Sunset Cowboys 3
Publisher: Siren Publishing, Inc.
Date published: January 2011
ISBN: 1-61034-039-6
ASIN: B004PYDMBG
Ebook
Contemporary, Ménage a Trois/Quatre, Western/Cowboys
Reviewed by Gabrielle
Obtained via publisher

Royce and Clint Shelton are two cowboys that Taryn is determined to keep. This time she is ready for them. Taryn has grown up in the last eight years and she has never given up on her wish to have these two bad boys to herself. Yet it seems that Taryn may have bitten off more than she can handle with Clint and Royce. Every time she is near the men she loses herself and cannot even complete a coherent thought. Little does she know that her effect on the men is just as strong. Will love finally win? Will Taryn finally get her cowboys?

This is one hot book. It doesn’t even start with sparks; the flames ignite right from the beginning between Taryn and the men. For the past eight years they have been lusting after each other and when they do get together they burn up the pages. I really liked Taryn, she is a strong woman. Not only can she handle herself but she also is not afraid to go after what she wants and what she wants are Clint and Royce. I enjoyed seeing Clint and Royce and their reactions to Taryn. They may be the bad boys of the town but with Taryn we get to see their softer sides. I enjoyed watching their relationship begin to take shape. Taryn knows she wants to keep the men but seeing Clint and Royce figure out that they are feeling more than lust was a nice read.

I would have liked this story to have a little more character development in it. I enjoyed meeting Taryn and her men but didn’t feel as if we connected fully. This seemed to be a short and quick romp in their story. I would love to come back and visit with them again and see what adventures they have.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

THE GODDESS TEST by Aimee Carter

2012-01-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Publisher: Harlequin Teen Books
Date published: April 2011
ISBN: 9780373210268
Young Adult Paranormal Romance
Paperback
Reviewed by Tammy
Obtained via publisher

Aimee Carter’s THE GODDESS TEST is a story of hardship, personal growth and overcoming adversity with Greek Gods and Goddesses embracing Christianity? Really.

Kate is bringing her mom back to her childhood home to die peacefully even though Kate knows no one there and has no other family to help her. Then she meets Henry, and promises to live with him half of each year as his bride in order to save the life of a new friend. After all, she didn’t really believe him when he claimed to be Lord of the Underworld. But when he also promises to keep her mom alive, her choice is made. Now she just has to pass seven tests of the Gods, or die trying.

New author Aimee Carter is a talented writer with an interesting writing style. What she lacks is research. Unfortunately, there is a lot of research that goes into writing a really interesting story. And THE GODDESS TEST really suffers because of this lack of research. This reader realizes that Carter’s target audience is young teens, but young doesn’t equal unknowledgeable. Carter’s complete rewrite of the Greek myths, with Gods and Goddesses undergoing complete personality changes was confusing, slowed the story pace and just wasn’t right. Then these Greek Gods administer a test resembling the Christian concept of the seven deadly sins?

Young adult readers who aren’t put off by some extreme creative licensing will enjoy THE GODDESS TEST because Aimee Carter is a talented writer with an interesting way with words. For this reader, this author will go on my “keep an eye on” list.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

LOVE MEANS…HEALING by Andrew Grey

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Book 6 in Series
Published: Dreamspinner Press
Date published: November 22nd, 2011
ISBN: 9781613722190
ASIN: B006CBFH22
Contemporary M/M Novella
E-book
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher

Len Parker is trying to get on with his life after losing the one man he has loved with his whole heart. He isn’t sure how to deal with his attraction to a new farmhand named Chris and it scares the heck out of him. Will Len be able to let to let go of his grief and see that it’s ok to love again?

Chris is taking time to get acclimated to being a civilian after thirty years in the Marines. Now able to openly show he is gay, he finds himself falling for Len, a man whose heart is broken. Can these two strong men find a way to let the healing balm of love heal the cracks in their hearts as they find the strength to admit their growing feelings?

I have got to admit, whenever I pick up one of Andrew Grey’s books, I always get that feeling of coming home, no matter what. The stories he creates are full of emotion that pull the reader in from the beginning. This is an author who is a masterful storyteller and knows how to draw his readers in from the moment they open one of his books.

In LOVE MEANS…HEALING, we are back at the farm with Geoff, Eli and all the wonderful characters we grew to love after each story in this series. This time, Len Parker finds he is lost and alone after the death of his partner. You will laugh, mourn, sigh and smile as Len finds out that loving someone again is possible, even as you grieve for that special someone too. Mr. Grey does a wonderful job in conveying Len’s emotions as he grieves and slowly begins to heal even as his heart tries to tell him that there is another person out there who needs his love as well. The characters are like old friends to me now and I was thrilled to see them all again. Mr. Grey has a knack in creating memorable characters that steal your heart within a matter of minutes with a wink and a smile. He really knows how to make the characters shine in a story and that is the appeal to me. I love character rich stories that leave me asking, “More, Please”.

LOVE MEANS…HEALING is a fast paced, emotional roller coaster ride that will have you mourning Len’s loss, smiling as he finds his heart healing and hopeful as love finds the way back into his life in the form of Chris. With the right amount of emotion and romance, Andrew Grey delivers a stellar story to warm up your cold winter night and leave a smile on your face in the process. I look forward to the next installment of the ‘Love Means...’ series and cannot wait to see what this author has in store next for his cast of characters there.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

HOMETOWN GIRL by Mariah Stewart

2012-01-05T00:00:00.001-08:00

Publisher: Ballantine
Date published: September 7, 2011
ISBN: 9780345531216
Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Gina
Obtained Via Publisher

As a teenager growing up in St. Dennis Brooke Madison Bowers put the “mean” in mean girl. She was the class bully who managed to get others to do her bidding. Prom Queen, Queen of this and Queen of that there was only one thing Brooke didn’t get and that was Grant Wyler. Along the way she met and married the man of her dreams. Sadly he went to war and did not return, leaving Brooke a widow to raise their son, Logan. When she returned to St. Dennis she dated, a lot, but there was never a second date. Her brother, Clay, couldn’t help but notice this. Not that Clay can talk—he hasn’t exactly found the woman of his dreams. Not yet anyway.

Jesse Enright comes from a long line of attorneys, attorneys who have long practiced in St. Dennis. Hoping to find his place in the family Jesse came to St. Dennis but his welcome was less than warm. His grandfather gave him one year to prove himself and if he didn’t, he was history. When Jesse meets Brooke making his place with his family becomes even more important.

When Clay sees Jesse’s attraction and the chance for Brooke to be happy again, he gives Jesse some friendly advice—don’t take Brooke. Not to give up on her, but be her friend, play hard to get and he might just have a chance. But is that chance enough to heal the hurts that cut both Jesse and Brooke?

HOMETOWN GIRL is the fourth book in Mariah Stewart’s Chesapeake Diaries series. It is a warm, easy read but nothing spectacular. Like the first three books in the series it is a well told story in a town so charming anyone would want to live there. One of the things I’ve enjoyed about the series is how each female lead brings her own brand to the story be it Vanessa’s Bling or Dallas’ movie studio or Steffie’s Scoop. For Brooke it is Cupcake.

This story, however, read more like a formula. I had a hard time differentiating it from the first three books. Brooke returned home with a broken heart, turned to a business to avoid the heartbreak and meets a man who turns her world around. Not that that is all that different from any romance. In this case it was more like a retelling of the first three books.

I did enjoy reading how the Enright siblings beginning with 1997’s DEVLIN’S LIGHT have grown up and have their own families 14 years later. It’s a treat to catch up with well liked characters. And what is going on with Robert Magellan from the Mercy Street series? There are some marvelous hints about changes in his life in HOMETOWN GIRL. As I mentioned in another recent review, I’ve been waiting patiently for another book to come out in that series.

I’m looking forward to what I hope will be Clay and Lucy’s story as well as seeing Delia Enright back in her own book and the Chesapeake series definitely offers those opportunities.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

REDEEMING THE ROGUE by Donna MacMeans

2012-01-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Date published: August 2, 2011
ISBN: 9780425242674
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Lynne
Obtained via publisher.

Lady Arianne Chambers, sister to a duke and known in high-society as Cupid’s Mistress, finds herself reluctantly playing the wife of Michael Rafferty. Rafferty, an agent for the Crown, is also masquerading, as a British diplomat. Intent on traveling to America to flush out the man responsible for several recent murders, Rafferty takes on the responsibility of playing husband to a woman whom he believes she finds beneath her in rank and social capabilities.

Arianne feels it necessary to refine Rafferty’s rougher edges and teach him the finer arts necessary for a true diplomat to fit into the high society circles of Washington, D. C. so their ruse will not be discovered. Rafferty, secretly drawn to Arianne, is willing to go along with whatever she wants him to do to meet with her approval. During their ocean voyage to America, the two soon find themselves inevitably drawn to one another in ways neither want, yet secretly yearn for.

As traps are set and more mysteries are uncovered, once Arianne and Rafferty arrive in America, both discover their growing affections toward one another and the need to remain loyal to each other when truths are uncovered. Once on the trail of the conspirator championing Irish independence through violence and other means, Rafferty’s skills and true character are revealed, changing Arianne’s opinions of him, both as a man...and a future husband.

When dangerous intrigues, plots and secrets are later uncovered, Arianne and Rafferty, soon discover their need to be with each other regardless of their stations in life. And only when Arianne believes Rafferty is lost to her forever, does she finally admit to her true feelings for him.

REDEEMING THE ROGUE by Donna MacMeans is a delightful tale of romance and intrigue. Ms. MacMeans has a talent for words and descriptions and did a wonderful job of researching the history for this story.

REDEEMING THE ROGUE is the first book that I have read by Ms. MacMeans, but her talent for writing is unquestionable. Her characters come to life, and it doesn’t take the reader long to care for Rafferty and Arianne in a way that makes one anxious to see them finally come together.

REDEEMING THE ROGUE was a bit slow-paced for my liking but, once I got more into the story, it picked up steam. I soon found myself unable to put the book down once Arianne and Rafferty made it to America and got caught up in all that was going on. The way Ms. MacMeans skillfully weaves historical fact into REDEEMING THE ROGUE is interesting and enjoyable to read. It makes the reader want to do her own research of the time period, when President Garfield was still in office.

All of the characters in REDEEMING THE ROGUE were well thought out, and I enjoyed meeting each and every one of them. The street urchins Rafferty befriended and trusted for information were a unique addition to this story, I thought. It gave evidence of another side of Rafferty that Arianne needed to see.

There are many heartwarming aspects to REDEEMING THE ROGUE, as our hero and heroine come to know each other. There were also times I empathized with Arianne’s vulnerability and naiveté, as well as Rafferty’s frustrations at not having the one woman he cares for. Yet again, there were times I found myself smiling at something funny in the dialogue between them and other characters in REDEEMING THE ROGUE, or even laughing out loud. Ms. MacMeans is very creative and skilled with her dialogues in this story, and it endeared me to Arianne and Rafferty even more because of it.

Although this is the third book in the Chambers trilogy, REDEEMING THE ROGUE stands on its own merit. It is very well written and detailed in ways that lend credence to Ms. MacMeans talent as a writer. I enjoyed it so much that I may go looking for the first two books in this series. As it is, it would be interesting to read more about the character, Phineas, who stole my affections just for being such a great guy and a loyal friend to Rafferty.

Kudos, Ms. MacMeans, for sharing such a wonderful book in REDEEMING THE ROGUE to faithful historical romance fans everywhere. I look forward to reading more from you in future.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE by Jennifer Ashley

2012-01-04T00:00:00.001-08:00

Highland Pleasures Book 1
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Publication Date: August 2011
ISBN 9780425244463
Historical Regency Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewe by Penny
Obtained via publisher

Ian Mackenzie is a madman. Everyone says so. After all, he spent a good deal of his youth in an asylum. But those close to Ian know a deeper side of the man. Maybe even a darker side.

Widow Beth Ackerley owes Lord Ian a debt of gratitude. He saved her from marriage to a man whose perverse pleasures would have certainly made the rest of her life miserable. Only to be seen with the worse of the scandalous Mackenzie brothers makes tongues wag and whisper. Luckily Beth finds she really does not care what others think. She just cannot stay away from THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE.

I read this book after book three in the series. Now I need to grab book two and four when it comes out. These Mackenzie brothers are HOT! Lord Ian is a most unusual leading man for a historical romance. He is rich and handsome, yes. He is also is unique and peculiar, but not in a bad way. I fell for his atypical characteristics as well as sympathized with his tragic past.

This book enthralled me from the first page and kept my attention throughout. I found myself so engrossed. Author Jennifer Ashley even through me a curve when she …well, I don’t want to give the ending away, but let’s just say she blurred the lines between good and evil a wee bit. Kudos to Ms Ashley and her gifted story telling. I am a huge historical romance fan, especially regency romances and this book did not disappoint. It is one of the best that I have read in a long time, along with book three in the series, THE MANY SINS OF LORD CAMERON. Ms Ashley is an author I will definitely read again.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

CAT’S PRIDE by Stormy Glenn

2012-01-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand
Date Published: November 2011
ISBN 1-61926-014X
ASIN: B006OO7OMI
M/M/M Paranormal/Shapeshifter Ménage
E-book
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Self-Purchase

When Stellen wouldn’t claim Benji as his mate, Benji decided to leave before Stellen could hurt him even more. His heart broken, that was three years ago. Nowadays, all Benji can do is try to keep his head down, try not to make waves and find a way to survive quietly. But trouble looms over Benji and a call to Stellen by a local alpha, has Stellen thrilled to finally have found the one person he wanted but thought he couldn’t have. Sending Kade, a rogue lion shifter to investigate the trouble Benji is in has Kade in a rage. Someone is harming Benji and he refuses to let anything happen to the little man. For Kade learns, Benji is his mate and once Stellen gets there, all hell breaks loose. Can Kade, Stellen and Benji find a way to heal the hurts caused years ago and heal the man they both have fallen in love with?

CAT’S PRIDE is another hit for Stormy Glenn. You got lion shifters-sexy, alpha men who make your knees weak with just a glance, sexual tension you can cut with a knife and a broken heart that needs healing among other things. Ms. Glenn delivers a strong story of one man who finds he needs to leave his pride in order to be happy after his mate rejects him. Feeling like no one wants him, Benji is just trying to find a place where he can fit in and live in peace. But trouble follows and soon Benji finds himself facing not just his mate, Stellen, but another man who draws him as well.

Ms. Glenn’s characters fairly leap off the page here and the reader gets to see them warts and all. I absolutely adored the characters here. Ms. Glenn has a way of creating some magical characters that are quite sympathetic to the reader. Benji is a man who feels dejected, rejected and alone. Kade is a lone lion, enforcing the rules for the shifter community and Stellen is an alpha who thinks he knows everything, when in fact he is clueless. I love the dynamics between all three men and the fact that Benji is stronger than he looks, had me cheering for him to finally get the love he so richly deserved. There were several secondary characters that I hope come back with stories of their own in the future.

Stormy Glenn left me with a smile when I finished CAT’S PRIDE. The story was one I truly wanted to see a character get his happily ever after. The writing was tight, storyline flowed smoothly and I recommend you grab a towel because the sexual tension between Kade, Benji and Stellen heats things up to boiling. I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for her readers next.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

ONE PERFECT NIGHT by Rachel Johns

2012-01-03T00:00:00.001-08:00

Publisher: Carina Press
Date published: December 2011
ISBN: 9781426892912
E-book
Reviewed by Angie
Review Copy Provided by Publisher

When the entertainment cancels at a company Christmas party, Peppa Grant knows she cannot disappoint the kids and finds herself dressed as a fairy, singing and dancing. After her act however she knows she must come clean to the CEO of the company and admit, it was her who damaged his car while trying to avoid hitting a cat in the parking lot. CEO Cameron McCormac is not in the slightest phased, knowing his insurance will cover the damage but sees the opportunity to get to know the sexy entertainer and to avoid the matchmaking by his family. When he invites Peppa to repay her debt over his car by being his date to a family Christmas gathering, she sees no other choice. What turns out to be a few hours, turns into a hot night. The incredible one night stand however, stays on both of their minds until one day when Cameron finds out the sexy elf is not truly an entertainer, but is an employee, in his company.

The best description of ONE PERFECT NIGHT falls between, hot, hot hot and truly ONE PERFECT NIGHT. The title does say it all - when one night of passion gets under both the hero and heroines skin, neither can walk away although they each have their reasons for not getting involved. Being her boss, Peppa just knows she cannot get involved, having one failed relationship with a co-worker under her belt is bad enough, but the boss? And then there is Cameron who has night terrors that he thinks, no woman should ever have to deal with… Their pasts come together to create one tangled mess, while they try hard to get away from the attraction, true chemistry is hard to find.

Rachel Johns and Carina Press have truly created an amazing tale, great for a beach read! This is a tale to be savored, yet each page will sizzle keeping you turning them long into the night. This reader was completely caught up with the cast of characters. Cameron and Peppa are amazing, but his family and her ex turn into characters that give the novel a depth that will have readers laughing right along with the plot. Laugh out loud funny is a great description of the scenes in which Peppa finds herself dressed as a fairy creating memories for the children. It is no wonder Cameron can't stay away, who wouldn't love a beautiful, sexy woman in a short skirt, carrying fairy dust?

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

PURPLE PASSION by Sindra van Yssel

2012-01-02T00:00:00.001-08:00

Publisher: Loose Id LLC
Date published: March 2011
ISBN: 9781607379690
ASIN: B0051HERZG
BDSM erotica
Ebook
Reviewed by Gabrielle
Obtained via publisher

Lisa Martinez is trying to be cordial to her ex-husband. When he insists that he has connections that may help Lisa to open a salon herself she agrees to meet him and his friends for lunch. Lisa has never really thought of opening a salon for herself, of course it has been a passing thought but she is more than happy at the job she is at. A mix up at the restaurant has Lisa meeting some very interesting people that change her life. Especially a man named Darren. A Dom known for playing the field but it seems he may have just been waiting for the right sub to come along and Lisa could be that sub.

Darren is a great guy. I loved the way he brings Lisa into the lifestyle and even begins to teach her. He may tell himself he is only there to show her what it means to live the lifestyle but the feelings he has for Lisa are evident right from the start. Watching Lisa and Darren’s relationship blossom was a great read. The attraction between the two is there from the start and turns into something deeper as the story goes on. Lisa and Darren make a cute couple. They are highly attracted to each other not only physically but mentally as well. It is a nice thing to see.

Not only do these two make an impression but some of the secondary characters make one as well. It was nice to meat some of the other characters come to life and see everyone’s interactions. I have to say that I did not care for Adriana and her exploits. I think that the reaction that Lisa had to Adriana’s trick was a little on the tame side and Adriana’s actions at the end were a little too hard for me to accept after all that was said and done. She was not a nice person to begin with so it was hard for me to see her actions as truth.

The author does a great job of bringing these characters and their world to life. I enjoyed this story and hope to see more from this author in the future.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

INDIA BLACK by Carol K. Carr

2012-01-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

A Madam of Espionage Mystery
Publisher: Berkley
Date published: January 4, 2011
ISBN: 9780425238660
Trade Paperback
Mystery
Reviewed by Gina
Obtained by Publisher

India Black is a madam and the owner of a brothel called Lotus House. She runs a fairly tight ship, keeping close track on her supplies and girls. While not with the tippling done by her cook, Mrs. Drinkwater, India does appreciate her loyalty.

French is in the employ of the government, specifically the prime minister. It is duty to protect the position as much as it is keeping England secure. His methods are not always orthodox or perhaps the most ethical but England must come first.

When a member of the War Office, nicknamed Bowser, manages to die while engaged in an evening’s romp with one of India’s ladies, to avoid any scandal, India seeks to get rid of the body. Turning to a street urchin by the name of Vincent she is almost home free when French comes upon India. It appears Bowser was carrying a document that could destroy England. French demands India help him find Bowser’s missing briefcase and the document. When they return to Lotus House not only is the briefcase containing the document gone; missing as well is one of India’s girls. Before long India is summoned before the prime minister and tasked with getting the brief case and its inflammatory document back. The clock is running and the players are deadly and determined.

In the past few years I’ve become a big fan of Victorian mysteries and novels of suspense. I eagerly dug into INDIA BLACK by Carol K. Carr anticipating a fast paced, action packed read. I was disappointed at every turn. Ms. Carr begins with an interesting prologue that warns the reader about what INDIA BLACK the book is and is not. She cautions her readers that if they are looking for sex, they aren’t going to find it in the pages of this book. Then again, is it a warning or a dare to read it? I wondered if it was a challenge to the reader that if he or she didn’t read it all the way through they were somehow lacking—that any problem to be found with the story lay with the reader and not the writer telling a good story.

I’m generally not a fan of first person writing but the Victorian suspenses are generally written with that voice. If it is done well a reader can feel as if he or she is part of the story, solving the crime right there beside the heroine. I had a hard time with the first person point of view in this book. What mostly threw me off were the constant asides, interspersed in the text inside parentheses. In the beginning there were a few but as the story went on there were more and more and each time it pulled me out of the story. It felt as if the author were trying to move to third person point of view but felt she had to stick with first person. The technique did not work for me.

Even if a first person point of view isn’t all that well done, if I like the characters I can enjoy the story. I didn’t care much for India and not because of her profession—she wasn’t a very likeable character. French came across mostly as a cardboard cut out who was there only to give India a foil.

INDIA BLACK has espionage but no mystery and I didn’t find much excitement. Readers who like to see an underdog come out on top will find this book a decent read.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

A GHOST OF A CHANCE AT LOVE by Terry Spear

2011-12-30T00:00:00.001-08:00

Publisher: Vinspire Publishing, LLC
Date published: September 5, 2011
ISBN: 9780983419860
ASIN: B005LHO9U4
Time Travel/Western Romance/Urban Fantasy
E-book
Reviewed by Lynne
Obtained via publisher.

Although Lisa Welsh is eager to put her divorce behind her, she is shocked one day to wake up in a strange man’s bed...in another century no less. What’s worse is when the inhabitants of the 1870s town of Salado, Texas believe her to be someone else, a young woman named Josephine, who bears a striking resemblance to Lisa. Having just arrived from the twenty-first century, Lisa is confused by everything happening around her and is anxious to return home to Sacramento, to her job as a bookkeeper, and to her friends.

Cowboy Jack Stanton had been about to make love to the woman in his bed, only to discover she is not who he believes her to be, in his dreams, his deceased fiancée, Charlotte. Since he never cared much for Josephine Rogers anyway, he isn’t too upset when she flees his bed. Believing the hotel clerk has booked two guests into the same room, number three, he apologizes and departs, much to Lisa’s relief.

As Lisa attempts to make sense of her travel through time and the woman Josephine, she finds her growing attraction to Jack Stanton a bit worrisome. Jack, in turn, aware there is something different about Josephine, who supposedly died prior to Lisa’s arrival in room number three, is intrigued by Lisa and feels protective of her.

As time goes on, mysteries are unravelled, and Lisa and Jack find themselves seeking answers together as they encounter unusual problems and danger in both their worlds. Problems and danger are trying to keep them apart between the centuries, for all time.

A GHOST OF A CHANCE AT LOVE by Terry Spear is an exceptional read. Well-written, with oodles of mystery and suspense, not to mention excitement and adventure, western-style.

I absolutely loved this book. There are so many twists and turns in the plot, it kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. The pacing is excellent and never gets boring. I just couldn’t put this one down. A fan of time travel and historical romance, A GHOST OF A CHANCE AT LOVE is everything one would want in such a story, including the paranormal as well. There are plenty of ghostly happenings in this tale to intrigue one’s senses along the way.

And there are bad guys, too. Lots of bad guys in both centuries, that our hero and heroine, Lisa and Jack, have to contend with. The fact that they tackle them together warms your heart as they grow to care for one another and fight to remain loyal to one another throughout the confusing occurrences in this story.

Ms. Spear does well in her characterizations. It doesn’t take one long to fall in love with Jack and Lisa as they struggle with their feelings for one another, always knowing their relationship may never be possible because of the years between them. It is great fun though as they both jump back and forth between the nineteenth and the twenty-first centuries, encountering problems and mayhem in both time periods that may well keep them apart forever.

If one is seeking some excitement, some romance, and some dastardly deeds and outlaws, A GHOST OF A CHANCE AT LOVE has it all. I can’t say enough good things about this extraordinary story. Ms. Spear writes with pure genius, and has all the magic and romance one would hope for in the old west and in any urban fantasy.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

AGAINST THE STORM by Kat Martin

2011-12-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

Book 4 in the Raines of Wind Canyon/Against Series
Publisher: Mira/Harlequin Publishing
Date Published: 2011
ISBN 9780778312925
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Author’s Publicist

Maggie O’Connell has a problem and she is scared to the bone. Someone is stalking her, sending menacing letters and phone calls. Maggie doesn’t know what to do but she has no idea what will happen. Until she meets Trace Rawlins and finds this cowboy is much more than a pretty face. He is also in the security business and doesn’t take Maggie’s situation as a joke. But Trace is digging deep to figure out who is harassing Maggie and what he finds, may end the fragile relationship that is building between them. Can Maggie let Trace in on the secrets of her past before Trace finds out? Can Trace, who has major trust issues, find a way to keep Maggie safe even as he stumbles head over heels in love with her?

AGAINST THE STORM is Ms. Martin’s fourth book in the series, The Raines of Wind Canyon/Against Series, and is an edge of your seat adventure with some twists that will leave you gasping in shock even as it careens into another twist. This is a masterful author who knows how to tell a story and deliver just enough intrigue, romance and suspense to draw her readers in and leave them aching for more. The characters are intriguing and very well defined. The story is an edge of the seat roller coaster ride from start to finish. You really get a sense of who the characters are and that is the best part of this series. The author lets them shine in the story and the reader sees the person, vulnerabilities and all, within the pages. The story flowed nicely, writing was tight and the passion fairly leapt off the pages whenever Trace and Maggie were on the same page.

Trace is an ex-ranger, alpha male who has a weakness for red heads. Falling for Maggie was a no-no in his book but he couldn’t resist the temptation as he fell under her spell. I loved Trace. He was the sort of hero I fall in love with and I can honestly say, I wouldn’t mind him sweeping me off my feet any day. Maggie has secrets and trouble seems to find her, no matter where she is. Maggie is a woman who I really wanted to slap silly sometimes. She refused to tell Trace her secrets even though they caused her such grief, when Trace found them out-not necessarily by her either. She made me so mad at times but then again, I understood her reasoning as well. She didn’t want to make it seem she was a drama queen or worse, a liar. But that is what Trace saw, especially as he demands honesty in every aspect of his life. Can Trace overcome his trust issues to have Maggie by his side? Can Maggie trust Trace to keep her safe? Ms. Martin delivers that and more with a great sub-plot involving Maggie’s sister that had me hoping they show up in a future book. I would love to see more of Ashley and Jason.

AGAINST THE STORM is a wonderful addition to the Raines of Wind Canyon and Ms. Martin is now on my auto-buy list for this series. I am eager to discover other gems in her back-listed titles and can’t wait to read the next book in this addicting series. If you enjoy a story that will leave you breathless until the very end, then grab AGAINST THE STORM and settle in for one pulse pounding ride.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

DESTINY by Carly Phillips

2011-12-29T00:00:00.001-08:00

Publisher: Berkley
Date published: January 2012
ISBN: 9780425245743
Mass Market Paperback
Contemporary
Reviewed by Angie
Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Carly Phillips once again takes readers back to Serendipity, New York in the second novel in her latest series. The small town holds this readers heart hostage and as usual Ms. Phillips did not fail to deliver a great tale and leave me waiting impatiently for the third novel, KARMA, which will be released in May 2012.

As we return to the quaint little town of Serendipity, Nash the second Barron brother lets his tale come off the pages as he finds himself falling in love with the one woman who is off limits. As Nash mends his relationship with his brother Ethan (SERENDIPITY, Book 1) he finds himself drawn towards his new found sister Tess's guardian and half sister. They are not related by blood, yet the new family ties he is trying to build with Tess are holding him back from letting his heart get involved. Tess is still fragile, working her way from juvenile delinquent to teenager with a future and he does not want to jeopardize her mental well being in any way.

Nash has a unique story to tell, and Ms. Phillips has done a beautiful job of bringing him to life. She gives you insight into his mind, and the minds of those who loves and wants to protect. When he learns of long ago lies, he is wrenched to learn his entire world was not what he believed it to be - and has to come to terms with the past, in order to create a future for himself, his brothers and the woman he has come to realize he cannot live without.

This is a great beach read! Coming out in the winter makes it the perfect book to take on vacation - and to savor each word. A tale with a happily ever after ending that is designed to leave you wanting more… and more…

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

DRIFTWOOD COTTAGE by Sherryl Woods

2011-12-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

A Chesapeake Shores Novel, Book 6
Publisher: Mira
Date Published: March 28th, 2011
ISBN 9780778329473
Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher via Netgalley

Heather Donovan thought her life in Chesapeake Shores would be better. Her son Mick would be able to interact with his father’s lively family, the O’Brien’s and Heather would finally be able to be the woman she is meant to be…even if it means alienating the one man who holds her heart-Connor O’Brien.

Connor O’Brien thought he had the perfect life with Heather and his son until she left him. Now Connor has to figure out what went wrong and try to find a way to convince Heather that they are meant to be together. Can Connor and the O’Brien family find a way to show Heather that the dreams she had with Connor are the future she needs?

DRIFTWOOD COTTAGE takes the reader back to Chesapeake Shores and the wonderful O’Brien’s Family. This time we find the final O’Brien sibling, Connor, facing that his convictions on marriage and his stubbornness are chasing the only woman he loves away. Can this stubborn man find a way to heal the breach that is between him and Heather? I love this series by Sherryl Woods. There is a deep family connection that the reader is drawn into whenever you pick up on of this author’s books. The writing is tight, the characters are intriguing and life like and the story flows nicely. What I enjoy the most is the relationships between the O’Brien family and the residents of Chesapeake Shores. The dynamics of this family leaves me in stitches, smiles and at times, some tears as well. The love they have for one another comes across the pages and steals into the readers hearts.

Meet Connor O’Brien, a successful divorce lawyer who is on the fast track for making partner when his love, Heather, walks away from the life they built together along with his son. Now Connor has to deal with his complicated feelings over marriage, commitment and find a way to show Heather he is the man she needs. I loved Connor when I first saw him in the first few books and was thrilled to see his story finally told, especially after some revelations in the book A ChESAPEAKE SHORES CHRISTMAS. Ms. Woods has a knack for creating characters that have depth and hidden vulnerabilities that are slowly revealed. Add in some wonderful secondary characters that keep the reader glued to the pages and you get an intriguing story that calls to you.

DRIFTWOOD COTTAGE is a tale of second chances, love and forgiveness between two people who find that the odds of a together they imagined is right in front of them if they trust what their hearts are saying and grab it. Ms. Woods is one of my favorite authors and delivers another winner in DRIFTWOOD COTTAGE. Run-don’t walk-to grab this wonderful addition to the Chesapeake Shores series. It is wonderfully addictive; I read this series cover to cover twice in one month.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of the book.

ALMOST HOME by Mariah Stewart

2011-12-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Publisher: Ballantine
Date published: March 2011
ISBN: 9780345520371
Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Gina
Obtained Via Publisher

Her entire life Steffie Wyler has wanted and believed she would do three things: make ice cream, marry the coolest guy and live happily ever after. She’s got one of them – she makes ice cream and not just ice cream but the best ever ice cream and has a fabulous shop called One Scoop or Two in picturesque St. Dennis. There’s been one and only one man for her—the one that always seems to get away—Wade MacGregor. Over the years he has filtered in and out of her life and when they connect at Beck and Mia’s wedding, she believes this could be it. That is until Wade leaves her in the parking lot and takes off without out a word to his home in Texas.

Betrayal and heartbreak haunt Wade as he makes his way back to St. Dennis, the only place he truly felt loved and at home. With his sister Dallas returning to the family home and finding love with Steffie’s brother, Grant, Wade finds some of the security he needs for his son, Austin. The thing is, no one knows he has a son let alone that he was married. When Steffie learns more about Wade’s life in Texas she runs to her best friend, Vanessa.

Vanessa has begun to clear out the attic of the grand old house that is now her home and finally come across some of the journals left by Alice Ridgeway that St. Dennis chronicler Miss Grace has been asking for. Those journals contain a little more than a woman’s deepest thoughts—according to Miss Grace there are spells in the books and Vanessa casts one to help out her friend. But with Wade preparing to move miles away to Connecticut it doesn’t look like Steffie will ever have the love of her life.

Mariah Stewart’s ALMOST HOME is book 3 of her Chesapeake Diaries and I have to say the best one so far. I love this series and this book is so much more than just a great read. In some ways ALMOST HOME is a symbolic joining of Ms. Stewart’s past, present and future books. One of my favorite previous series were her Enright family stories. I wanted that series to go on and spend more time getting to know the characters. In ALMOST HOME readers have a chance to become reacquainted with some of the characters from her MOONDANCE, WONDERFUL YOU and DEVLIN’S LIGHT. I had to smile when one of my favorite character’s Delia Enright came up in this story.

The present brings readers up to date with Beck, Mia, Grady, Vanessa and other wonderful characters from St. Dennis.

And another of her series I enjoyed and have been waiting patiently for to come out is Ms. Stewart’s Mercy Street series. I’m not sure if another book is in the works but the mention of Trula from that series gives us a glimpse into a future Chesapeake Diaries story.

The weaving of the past, present and future characters is told so well you are left wanting more. This is one of those books that despite having the happy ending I so enjoy, I still wanted more. The characters, the town, the situations are tangible and real. This is one series you don’t want to miss.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

DEATH IN A DIFFICULT POSITION by Diana Killian

2011-12-27T00:00:00.001-08:00

Publisher: Berkley
Date published: September 2011
ISBN: 9780425243817
Mass Market Paperback
Mystery
Reviewed by Angie
Review Copy Provided by Publisher

A.J. Alexander inherited her yoga studio, Sacred Balance from her aunt and is determined to be a successful business owner. So when a new preacher, the Reverend David Goode comes to town preaching fire and brimstone and telling his flock that yoga is a horrible sin, she finds herself on the defensive side of things. Other yoga professionals in the area feel the same and decide to band together to stop the man from filling innocent minds with lies. As she and her ex-partner at the studio band together to save their lively hood, Rev. Good however finds himself murdered - using a pen from the studio of Lily, the ex manager at Sacred Ground.

When Lily is arrested for the murder, A.J. is shocked, and against her better judgement agrees to look into who would want Lily framed for murder. Lily may not be her best friend, but she just cannot believe she could commit such a crime, even in a moment of passion. As A.J. and her mother, the famous crime detective on a television series, begin to unravel the life of the reverend, they find out just how much of his past has been hidden, and never revealed, but yet cannot imagine who would want him dead, until…

DEATH IN A DIFFICULT POSITION was a great beach read! While light hearted and fun, it had just enough twists, turns and murderous thoughts to leave this reader laughing and cringing at the same time. A perfect cozy mystery! Diana Kilian is an author to be watched, she took a villain, turned him into a harmless background character that until the very last second is not suspected by the other characters or the reader. This feat alone makes for a wonderful story teller and novel. Suspense is a great driving motivation, and not knowing who is out to kill makes the characters even more likable - or dislikable as the case may be. She has taken a character pool of very different people and turned them into friends who just come alive and make the reader want to know more, even after the villain has been caught.

The characters are lively, generous and filled with enough drama to come alive from the pages. I will be watching and hoping for more novels surrounding A.J. and her plights as a yoga studio owner, and her friends who want to jump from the pages and tell their very own stories. I can only hope that Ms. Killian brings Lily's love life to fulfillment in a future novel, knowing she is in love, is not quite enough for this lover of romance - besides, what will happen with her mother? Only a great story ends with as many questions as answers, and this novel did just the trick…

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

LEGAL BEAGLE by Cynthia Sax

2011-12-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

A Protect & Serve Story
Publisher: Changeling Press
Date published: September 2nd, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-60521-641-6
Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
E-book
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE!Officer Wright is one bad ass man. A genetically enhanced human, he takes out the bad guys every day, loving every minute of it. When his partner takes a week off to bond with his girlfriend, Officer Wright finds himself on guard duty for a sexy judge. Judge Sadie makes this officer of the law want to break every law in the land just to get under her robes. But with danger looming over Sadie’s judgment on a case, Officer Wright will find that his judge is more than a woman but a tough beagle shifter bent on delivering justice.

I love author Cynthia Sax’s stories. They are always hot & sexy with characters that come alive within the pages. I was thrilled to see Officer Wright have his own story in LEGAL BEAGLE. I got to admit, there is something about sexy alpha male heroes that make my knees weak and Wright is no exception. The story is short-about 38 pages-so I don’t want to give away too much of the plot line just in case you haven’t picked this one up yet. The writing is tight, action non-stop and man those sizzling sex scenes left me squirming in my seat. This is an author who knows how to have fun with her characters and gives them the chance to shine. LEGAL BEAGLE is an adorable story that will surely have you eager for more after the last page is read.

Officer Wright is one tough officer of the law and he meets his match in Judge Sadie. She is a beagle shifter and though she longs to play like her shifter form, she enjoys meting out justice as a human. These two are perfect for one another. Both side with justice yet they love to push the envelope in their relationship so to speak. You felt the sparks fly the minute these two come across the pages together and I was tickled to see Wright take charge of Sadie in a heartbeat. One of my favorite characters-Officer Drake- pops in as well which had me swooning.

LEGAL BEAGLE is a fun, sexy story that will heat up your afternoon in a New York minute. The author delivers such exciting characters that I am eager to see what else she comes up with next in the Protect & Serve world. If you enjoy a paranormal multi-author series filled with vampires, shifters and other creatures of the night that is so hot, the screen smokes the minute you open the e-book, then grab a Protect & Serve story and make sure you have a bucket of ice nearby to cool you down afterwards. I highly recommend LEGAL BEAGLE if you enjoy sexy shifters, alpha male hero who makes your knees weak and a heroine who knows how to make this big, strong man a puddle of goo.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

COMING HOME by Mariah Stewart

2011-12-26T00:00:00.001-08:00

Publisher: Ballantine
Date published: 2010
ISBN: 9780345520333
Romantic Suspense
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Gina
Obtained Via Publisher

Overcoming a past she was more than happy to leave behind, Vanessa Keaton has built a new life for herself in coastal St. Dennis. With the help of her half-brother, Beck, and his father, Hal, she feels safe, secure and successful for the first time in her life. Her shop, Bling, is doing just fabulous and she’s got some terrific friends. She couldn’t ask for anything more—not even a man. Ness has sworn off them so there’s no need to find herself one, right?

On the heels of his wife’s death by his brother’s hands, Grady Shields has also made a new life for himself. Despite his sister, Mia’s, belief that he’s a beaten down loner in the wilds of Montana, he’s actually carved out a life he likes. But he’s willing to come off his mountain for his sister and her wedding to Beck.

When Grady arrives in St. Dennis, Vanessa is prepared to help her brother and his bride. She even agrees to find things for Grady to do. What neither expects is the attraction they feel for each other from the very start. Before they can act on their attraction a piece of Vanessa’s past shows up on her doorstep, literally – and deadly so.

Mariah Stewart’s COMING HOME, book 1 of her Chesapeake Diaries, is a wonderful joining of the feel good stories she told early in her career and her outstanding FBI series. One of my favorite aspects of her stories is the meals. She brings back my personal memories of the great seafood I had growing up on the east coast. There is nothing like east coast crabs.

Her heroines are strong, but sensitive. They are the kind of women you want to have as friends. Her heroes are hot, but nice guys who would do anything for you if you are family or close to family. Her heroes aren’t super heroes but regular guys you’d meet in your own life that deal with every day circumstances you can relate to. There is action, romance, and a great story. I enjoyed Miss Grace’s diary input and the hints of something else beneath the surface. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Stewart does with those little hints.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

THE BRIDE WORE SCARLET by Liz Carlyle

2011-12-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

Publisher: Avon Books
Date published: July 26, 2011
ISBN: 9780061965760
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Lynne
Obtained via publisher.

Anaïs de Rohan has a gift fitting of a member of the secret Brotherhood, the Fraternitas Aureae Crucis (FAC). However, as a woman in a man’s world, she is quickly rejected by the men of the St. James Society, despite having trained in accordance with the traditions of the FAC for ten years.

In an attempt to get her point across, to convince the Society that she is well worthy of becoming a member of the FAC, she daringly joins with Lord Geoffrey Bessett, one of the Society’s most ruthless and enigmatic leaders, who convinces her to join him on a trip to Brussels, posing as his young bride. Together, Anaïs and Lord Bessett travel to Belgium on a dangerous mission, intent on saving a young girl, one of their own, who has a frightening gift.

Befriending the girl’s mother, Charlotte, proves a feat in itself, as Anaïs uses all of her skills to gain her trust, in order to locate Giselle, her daughter. Despite the danger surrounding them, Anaïs and Lord Bessett are soon able to plan the rescue of the two frightened females, knowing their window to do so is quickly closing. Giselle’s powerful guardian, Lezennes, has his own agenda for his wards and never lets them out of his site, which makes it even more difficult for Anaïs and Geoff to carry through with their rescue plans.

Meanwhile, as Anaïs and Lord Bessett bide their time, they soon share an intimacy neither one wants. As they find themselves unable to resist one another, they also realize the need to protect one another as they move forward with their plans to save Giselle from Lezennes’ evil clutches. As they join forces with other loyalists to the FAC, they soon give in to their conflicting feelings for one another, although Anaïs knows their relationship can never be, once their mission is completed.

THE BRIDE WORE SCARLET by Liz Carlyle is an extremely well-written book, full of skillful characterizations and creative plotting. It is the first book I have read by this author and, although Ms. Carlyle is indeed a gifted writer, I had difficulty at the beginning of this book. There were so many characters involved, I suffered a bit of confusion as I tried to keep them all straight.

The pacing was slow throughout most of THE BRIDE WORE SCARLET, so I had to force myself to continue plowing through the story in order to finish it. However, once I made some headway, the pieces started falling into place as the story picked up some steam. Added suspense came midway through when plans were finally set in motion to rescue Giselle, the gifted child that Anaïs and Geoff were intent on saving. It is then I started getting more riveted to my seat and turned the pages more quickly to see what would happen next.

I enjoyed the characters, Anaïs and Geoff. Anaïs is a strong female heroine, and I enjoyed the many fencing scenes, especially at the end. Ms. Carlyle’s knowledge in that department is well-written and realistic. Geoff is a gorgeous hunk of nobility that any woman might swoon over. I especially loved the physical description Ms. Carlyle gave of him, especially of his incredible blue eyes and bronze hair. And I liked the fact that Geoff was a true gentleman in all circumstances.

Lizennes is an acceptable, truly dislikeable bad guy. I like that about him.

Ms. Carlyle tied up the ends quite well in THE BRIDE WORE SCARLET, but it seems as if there is an overboard of description and detail sometimes. It is a well-written story, but I found myself getting a bit bored by the end of the story. I think I would have liked to have seen a bit more excitement along the way. I did, however, enjoy Lord Bessett’s ruse while drawing buildings in the park, when he and Anaïs were intent upon fooling Lezennes as to their true natures. A nice touch of humor.

As a fan of historical romance, I did enjoy THE BRIDE WORE SCARLET. It is full of interesting historical information and tidbits of the paranormal, if that is what one enjoys. There are lots of detail, plenty of sensual delights, and some exciting moments toward the end when Anaïs shows herself in true form. If you are a true, die-hard fan of historical romantic fiction, then THE BRIDE WORE SCARLET is a pleasant way to while away the hours.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

THE WILD ROAD by Marjorie M. Liu

2011-12-23T00:00:00.002-08:00

A Dirk & Steele Novel
Publisher: Avon Books
Date published: June 28th, 2011
ISBN: 9780062020185
Paranormal Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher

When people look at Lannes Hannelore, all they see is very handsome man. But Lannes hides a deep pain as he considers his beauty a prison, one that he doesn’t ever think he will escape from. Lannes hides a secret of who he is and knows no one will ever love the person he is if this secret comes out. Until in walks a young woman with no memory of who she is or why she is covered in blood. She will draw Lannes into a mystery that will have him confronting his hidden fears and question everything he believes to be true. What Lannes discovers will either deliver the love he longs for or the destruction of not only him but also the mysterious beauty who calls to not just his heart but his soul as well.

Marjorie M. Liu is a phenomenal storyteller. With the right amount of angst, captivating characters and a storyline that sucks you in, each of her books delivers the reader a wild roller coaster of a ride that you do not want to get off.

THE WILD ROAD is a dark, deeply delicious story that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end. The writing is tight, the story flows swiftly with a few twists that leave you gasping in shock and a romance that defies the ages. I loved how Ms. Liu gives us two main characters that are flawed, neither looking nor even thinking they deserve love and finding it just about blows their minds. Two damaged souls and a love that will be their salvation or their destruction. I think that sums it up perfectly after reading THE WILD ROAD. With the right balance between angst and mystery, the story gathers steam by chapter two and you are drawn into a world where gargoyles, vampires and more reside. I absolutely enjoyed the entire Dirk & Steele series and this was a perfect story to read during Halloween or even anytime for that matter. There is something for everyone in THE WILD ROAD-mystery, romance, paranormal aspects and it is all wrapped up with a bow by this talented author.

Meet Lannes Hannelore, a man who’s so handsome he feels it’s a curse and a prison. He meets the mysterious Lethe, a woman covered in blood and no memory of who she is or why she is running. These two are strong on their own but together are formidable. Lannes tries to help Lethe unlock her memory and in the process finds a strong woman who calls to his soul. Two different people, trust and love build between them as they race against the clock in trying to unlock her memories and in the process find a love worth fighting for. These two characters work so well together and mesh beautifully. I loved how trust and friendship started their relationship. It made it much more relatable, in my opinion. The secondary characters were just as delightful and some familiar faces from past Dirk and Steele stories showed up which had me smiling.

THE WILD ROAD is a perfect story if you like a romance with a hint of suspense, captivating multi-dimensional characters, and a love not to be denied. I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store in the Dirk & Steele series. I can’t get enough of them and hope I won’t have to wait for my next installment.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

THE COMFORTS OF HOME by Jodi Thomas

2011-12-23T00:00:00.001-08:00

Publisher: Berkley
Date published: November 2011
ISBN: 9780425244487
Mass Market Paperback
Contemporary
Reviewed by Angie
Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Tyler Wright, the local funeral director in Harmony, Texas has led a life of loneliness, he is surrounded by the town who love him, yet the one woman he truly loves is just out of his grasp. Ronelle Logan is a young woman afraid of social interaction, her mother has her brainwashed into believing she is not worthy, and she has no idea who she really wants to become in life. Regean Truman showed up in Harmony, Texas when she was sixteen to become adopted by a man who calls himself her uncle. He has done right by her, but as he grows old, she finds herself lost knowing she is losing him and her best friend, a rodeo man who has lost his own dreams. Denver, who loves a woman who hides her heart after her first husband broke it, and more. These are just a few of the characters that make life in Harmony, never a dull moment.

Harmony, Texas on the outside seems like a small town filled with people who are just going on with their lives, living the day to day and waiting for happiness. Yet Jodi Thomas brings life to the town and tells the story of just a few residents and how life brings them together and shows them how to live again. This lovable cast of characters will tug at readers hearts. While each has a completely unique tale, each only wants to be loved for who they truly are. Tyler has been in love with Kate for years, yet she never lets anyone into her heart - the special forces agent, hides behind her career and never lets herself get too close, yet when faced with losing Tyler, she comes to realize she wants more, and comes home - to Harmony. Ronelle finds a crippled man on her route as a mail carrier who shows her that he can see past her self defenses and that she is a young woman, not her mother's toy to force to work, come home and be alone her entire life. As Ronelle comes out of her shell and discovers she is alive, the changes make for a story well worth telling. When Reagan brings her friend Noah, home after he is injured in a bull riding contest, she find the boy who saved her at sixteen, needs only to be loved to save himself.

The cast of characters in THE COMFORTS OF HOME are unique, broad and multi-dimensional. Each has a story to tell and Ms. Thomas is a story teller who can weave her tales in and out of each other without breaking pace, or confusing the reader. Each chapter glimpses into the lives of one set of characters, yet they come together beautifully to tell about a town, that while fictional could be any small Texas town. The stories begin as haunting tales of lives needing direction and come together in a way that left this reader smiling and heartbroken for the time lost. My favorite character came in a secondary later in the story, Autumn Smith shows up living in her car, just looking for a place to hide. Only in a small town could she find a place to work, live and hide - and friends who would take a bullet to make sure she stays safe from her ex, who wants her dead, or back in his life. She tugged at my heart and made me root for her to find love and peace in the small town that saved her life.

Beyond the cast of characters this novel has scenery that brings the small town into focus with clarity that fills readers with joy. While written with a slower flow, it is a book to be devoured. Each chapter draws the reader further and further into the lives in Harmony and makes it harder and harder to pull away. This is a story that should never end, but go and on and life moves on. I would love to learn more about Autumn, Ronelle and even Uncle Jeremiah as each make their way through life. Both Autumn and Ronelle have stories that are told, yet are left hanging as single woman in a book filled with romance, hopefully in the next story in the Harmony Novels, they come to life and find true love.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

DARK PREDATOR by Christine Feehan

2011-12-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

Publisher: Berkley Publishing
Date published: September 2011
ISBN: 9780425241974
Hardcover
Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by Tammy
Obtained via Publisher

Christine Feehan’s latest Carpathian novel, DARK PREDATOR, is the long awaited story of Zacarias, the eldest of the five South American De La Cruz brothers. For centuries, Zacarias has hunted vampires, protecting his brothers and all the Carpathian people with only the slim hope of finding his life mate and having his feelings and humanity returned to him. Now that his brothers are mated and happy, Zacarias can take the darkness no more and returns to his family ranch in Peru to end his existence. But then Marguerita finds him and drags him out of the sun. Could his life mate have been living on his ranch and he not know it?

Having read several poor reviews and quite frankly starting to tire of this series, this reader has to admit that my expectations for this book weren’t very good going in. What a pleasant surprise to find that the book centering around one of the most feral and farthest gone Carpathians, has turned out to be one of most heartwarming and interesting stories in the series.

Zacarias is a hardened warrior who has fulfilled his duty to his family. He is all hard edges and determination with a strong sense of honor. Marguerita is unable to speak after narrowly escaping a vampire attack that almost destroyed her throat, yet she seems the perfect match for her Carpathian mate. Although Zacarias has an unusual interest in Marguerita, he initially thinks her a mage out to ensnare him. His confusion really adds some entertaining moments to the story as they struggle with accepting their life mate bond. Unlike so many of the Carpathian novels, the bond this time allows them some time to come to grips with their mating before all the sex scenes start coming.

The only really disappointing thing about DARK PREDATOR is that while in prior books we saw the deep caring the De La Cruz brothers have for each other, in this book we aren’t even treated with Zacarias’ brothers finding out he is mated.

Feehan’s DARK PREDATOR is fast paced, full of complex characters and the scenes with the vampires were interesting and moved along the overall storyline of saving the Carpathian people from near extinction nicely. Though this reader wasn’t expecting to really enjoy this book very much, DARK PREDATOR has shown why Ms. Feehan remains at the top of the best seller lists. This is an author that obviously listens to reader feedback and incorporates it into her writing without losing her vision for her stories. Fans wondering if they should spend their book dollars elsewhere, think again. DARK PREDATOR is well worth the money.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

HOME AGAIN by Mariah Stewart

2011-12-21T00:00:00.001-08:00

Publisher: Ballantine
Date published: July 2010
ISBN: 9780345520357
Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Gina
Obtained Via Publisher

Dallas MacGregor never doubted her path she’d chosen for her life. From childhood she knew she wanted not only to be an actress, but the best of them. Giving up dates in high school she kept to her path and before long became one of Hollywood’s top stars. She married what she thought was well and together they had a son, Cody. But all in Hollywood wasn’t golden. In a marriage based on lies and turned head the final straw was not only a lewd and lascivious sex tape made by her husband—it was that it was done in her own home. Needing to protect her son from snide and cold hearted comments from his purposed friends she takes him to the only home she truly loved, her Aunt Berry’s in St. Dennis.

On the heels of his own divorce veterinarian Grant Wyler has recently returned to St. Dennis. With a growing practice and a shelter to run he still has time for his sister, Steffie as well as the townies of St. Dennis. Still, there is a hole in his life—the girl who got away. Well, not that she got away, but she moved to Hollywood and became a famous actress. At the end of every summer she returned to her other life. But she always returned, if only for the summer. When Dallas returns to St. Dennis Grant wants nothing more than to see if the magic is still there between them. But, like with summers of their childhood, Dallas plans to leave come September.

I love Mariah Stewart’s Chesapeake Diaries series starting with COMING HOME and now HOME AGAIN. St. Dennis is the kind of town you want to live in and raise your families. It is filled with quaint shops with enticing names and inhabited by people you’d like to know as your own friends. Dallas’ dilemma is realistic and heart wrenching in how she protects her son.

Berry is a hoot with her own cadre of friends. Mariah Stewart’s secondary characters are as memorable as her heroes and heroines. I enjoy how she weaves in threads from earlier books into each new one, leaving me eager for the next to catch up with well liked characters.

That said, I did feel that brining in the FBI to look for a missing child was a bit gratuitous. There didn’t seem to be the need for the dramatics behind it. But the story moves on from there with hints of more fabulous stories to come. This is one series I hope continues on and on.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of the book.

HIS DARKEST EMBRACE by Juliana Stone

2011-12-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

Sequel to His Darkest Hunger
Publisher: Avon Books
Date published: October 26th, 2010
ISBN: 9780061808807
Paranormal Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher

Jagger is a hunter, one who has no regard for the humans that share the world he lives in. A dark soul, he finds himself entrenched in a mission with the beautiful Skye Knightly, one that will have them both on the path to save the world…if Jagger can find the strength to believe in the lightness that is Skye. Each is the other’s sole hope for survival yet darkness surrounds them, forcing Jagger and Skye to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to have the life they yearn for.

I absolutely adored HIS DARKEST HUNGER, the first book in the new paranormal series by Juliana Stone. It had mystery, a new take on shifters and the writing was spectacular. It had everything I loved in a paranormal story yet this second book, HIS DARKEST EMBRACE, just didn’t match it. Granted the writing was still good, it was the storyline and the characters that I felt needed a bit more work.

The story picks up a few months after HIS DARKEST HUNGER and the reader is in the jungle…a lot. It felt like all Jagger did was whine, pout or run around the jungle feeling sorry for himself. Not what I want in a hero. Granted the author tried to make him lovable to me but I felt, in my opinion, that she just didn’t quite make the mark with him. Skye was independent, feisty but the pairing between her and Jagger felt forced and not as believable as I wanted. The chemistry between these two characters just wasn’t there and I felt let down. There was so much potential with Jagger and Skye but it wasn’t built upon. The storyline had holes, some “Huh?” moments that had me scratching my head and wondering what happened to Ms. Stone. Did Martians replace her? The storyline itself was a sad disappointment as well. The ending alone had me going “WHAT??” and not in a good way either. It was just one of those stories that you either liked or not. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t find myself enjoying it as much as I hoped.

HIS DARKEST EMBRACE was a story I really, really wanted to like but alas, it just didn’t connect with me on any level. I loved the first book and am hoping this author gets back on track for the next book. If you like a story like this, then you may enjoy HIS DARKEST EMBRACE.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

VANISH by Sophie Jordan

2011-12-20T00:00:00.001-08:00

A Firelight Novel #2
Publisher: Harper
Date published. September 2011
ISBN: 9780061935107
Young Adult/Fantasy
Hardcover
Reviewed by Tammy
Obtained via: publisher

The second Firelight novel from Sophie Jordan, VANISH, is teenage angst, drama and extreme emotions at its best.

Jacinda is a fire-breather, descended from a long line of Draki. In order to save the life of the boy she loves, Jacinda revealed her Draki nature and manifested in front of a family of hunters. Now she has fled back to the safety of her pride and must face the consequences of her actions, knowing she will most likely never see Will again. Back home now, Jacinda finds the pride dynamic has changed with her sister’s surprising revelation. Jacinda and her mother are greeted with hostility and shunned by even their closest friends. Thankfully, the pride’s heir apparent, Cassian, is still in her corner, intent to win her heart and after a while, it appears that he just might. While Jacinda knows she needs to move on from Will, she still clings to the hope that one day they will be reunited. When the opportunity arises, the big question is will she choose love over her pride?

VANISH picks up where FIRELIGHT left off. Having read VANISH first, this reviewer can assure readers that though this is part two of this series, VANISH does manage to stand alone just fine. Although she breathes fire and sprouts wings, Jacinda is still a fairly normal, if melodramatic and angst-filled teenager. Luckily, author Sophie Jordan is a master at penning these strong emotions and balancing them with interesting action scenes and moments of personal development.

VANISH is well written, a constantly changing emotional roller coaster, with a good deal of action and angst. The Draki culture is well thought out and original. The set up of the love triangle is building nicely as Jacinda begins to mature in spite of the extremely selfish and headstrong decisions Jacinda continues to make. But isn’t this exactly what makes young adult fantasy so intriguing? While teens will see a lot of themselves in Jacinda, Jordan’s more mature audience will recall exactly how difficult those teen years seemed at the time and empathize with Jacinda.

This reader enjoyed VANISH so much that I went out and picked up a copy of the first book in the series, FIRELIGHT. Just so you know, this book too did not disappoint. Like FIRELIGHT, VANISH ends by setting up the next book in the series. This reader sincerely hopes that the wait between books is short. If you enjoy young adult fantasy, VANISH (and FIRELIGHT) by Sophie Jordan are not to be missed.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

AT THE END OF THE ROAD by Grant Jenkins

2011-12-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

Publisher: Berkley Crime
Date published: November 2011
ISBN: 9780425243343
Trade Paperback
Contemporary
Reviewed by Angie
Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Kyle Edwards is a typical ten year old boy. He has no fear of the unknown, just of what he has been taught. He knows not to talk to strangers, about local legendary tales and what he has heard on television, yet riding his bike down the middle of the road holds no fear - until one day…

Kyle spends most of his days playing with his little sister, trying to track and spy on his older brothers and riding his bike through the only world she knows. One day in 1976 everything turns upside down beginning with a woman in a blue car nearly running him down on his bike, and flipping her car over in the process. He knows she is hurt, yet he runs knowing the accident is his fault. He will forever remember his part in the changes of the lives of those around him.

AT THE END OF THE ROAD is a horrific tale told by way of memories. The haunting story is filled with bad times, images and memories that no ten year old should ever need learn about. Although it is a page turner, it left this reader horrified that someone's mind could even create the scenarios involved, there is definitely no happily ever after in this novel.

As a reader I felt very "outside" the story, I could not stop reading yet none of the characters pulled at me, made me WANT the best case scenario - the villain from the beginning felt very obvious, and I never wanted him to be just a cripple with a bad vibe. The little boy tugged at my heart, yet he never came off the pages and felt real, just as though he and his little sister were characters in a sad, scary story to be told around the campfire to scare others.

My biggest issue with this story was that I felt pulled in and out of scenes, I did not feel as though they were happening in any sort of order, yet as though from chapter to chapter we back tracked, jumped around and just landed wherever the author choose us to be. The story felt like it was taking place over months and even years, yet the entire tale seems to have happened in just a few weeks. For example, the car accident opened the entire novel, yet about a third of the way through the novel the "woman" comes back into the tale as though it was just days later. Then it back tracks to say she has been locked in the villains attic for weeks, without food and water whilst he is in the hospital. This left me confused and wanting more. Each chapter is well written, they just feel as though they are out of order, and need more continuation.

All in all a book worth reading, just not something this reader would choose again.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

VISCOUNT BRECKENRIDGE TO THE RESCUE by Stephanie Laurens

2011-12-19T00:00:00.001-08:00

Cynster Sisters Trilogy, Book 1
Publisher: Avon Books
Date published: August 30th, 2011
ISBN: 9780062068606
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher

Heather Cynster is about to do the impossible-step out of her safe world and try her hand in wrangling her very own hero; One that will sweep her off her feet and steal her heart. What she gets instead is riled by the handsome yet aggravating Viscount Breckenridge and kidnapped. Not the way she wanted to start her hunt for her perfect man. With danger looming, Heather will have to put aside her feelings for Viscount Breckenridge and let herself see the man below the façade.

I loved the early Cynster books and was thrilled to see Ms. Laurens getting back to the family of rakes and feisty women who kept them in line. Picking this latest Cynster novel up, I really wanted to enjoy it. Really, I did. But man, it was at times, quite predictable that I wondered if the author had a chart where she just put in names, like mad libs. The writing is good, the storyline is at times a bit predictable and the main characters are intriguing but I had one pet peeve throughout the entire book. Reading “blah, blah But they are a Cynster.” Or some such variation over and over made me want to finally yell “ENOUGH ALREADY”. That got old really quick and had me gnashing my teeth each time it was mentioned…which was a lot.

The mysterious Laird was so intriguing that I really wanted to know more about him and why he hated the Cynster Sisters. The first part of the book was good but by mid-way, I wanted to toss the book down and pray that it would end. The main characters are so stubborn; I had a hard time enjoying them without wanting to smack some sense into both of them. Heather and Beckenridge drove me to put the book down countless times with a mutter of me killing them. I felt the author could have fleshed out the characters a bit more, give Heather some more depth instead of being the woman who wants to be saved…a lot...by a hero. What kills a story for me are characters that rely on others to do the work by rescuing them, saying the “I Love You” first to whatever else you can think of. When a story like that happens to me, I find myself putting the book down more times than I count and reading other books. Ms. Laurens is a phenomenal writer but one that I felt just went through the ropes in VISCOUNT BRECKENRIDGE TO THE RESCUE.

Will I read the next book? Maybe, but I will get it from the library and not waste my money on it. I am really hoping the author gets back to complex characters, fast moving yet well written storylines with plot twists that leave you breathless and a romance that will have you flipping the pages to see what happens next for the characters. If you enjoy an insipid heroine, a cocky hero and a predictable plot, then you might enjoy VISCOUNT BRECKENRIDGE TO THE RESCUE.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

CRY MERCY by Mariah Stewart

2011-12-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

Publisher: Ballantine
Date published: April 28, 2009
ISBN 9780345506139
Romantic Suspense
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Gina
Obtained by Publisher

On the heels of solving the dual homicide of two teens and locating their missing friends, Mallory Russo is called upon to head up Robert Magellan’s Mercy Street Foundation. Still searching for his missing wife and child, Robert is determined to help others find their absent loved ones and the Foundation has been formed to do just that. Mallory is tasked with hiring the investigators to look into, and hopefully find, how these individuals disappeared. Within minutes of Robert’s television interview and launch of the website the applications begin to flood in both for investigative positions and families of missing loved ones.

In California Emme Caldwell sat glued to the television, listening to Robert’s plan and then quickly completed the application. When two men arrive in front of her home she doesn’t wait for a response from Mercy Street but quickly packs for herself and her daughter, Chloe and heads east vowing Robert has to hire her. He simply has to hire her. Despite misgivings, Mallory hires her on a probationary basis—Emme needs to solve their first case—a teenager named Belinda Hudson who has been missing five months.

Emme begins her search for Belinda with the missing teen’s uncle, Nick Perone. Nick is everything Emme has ever hoped for in a man but she’s not ready to give up her secrets, secrets about her and Chloe because if she does, her daughter’s life may be in jeopardy. As Emme and Nick dig into Belinda’s disappearance they become involved in the world of donor siblings and their search for the birth families. But not all their families want to be found.

Over the past few years Mariah Stewart has treated me to some pretty spectacular reads. Page turners that deal with everyday people in not so everyday situations. I knew when I read MERCY STREET she was on to something brilliant and that is borne out in CRY MERCY. CRY MERCY has to be one of Ms. Stewart’s best if not the best book she has ever written.

The storyline unfolds as a steady-paced page turner. Not too fast, never slow and chock full of turns and curves that keep you guessing. She has chosen a fascinating foundation for CRY MERCY with the subject of sperm babies and what happens to them as they approach adulthood. Ms. Stewart has a firm grip on how teens can and will react to certain situations—their reliance on friends, protection of family and their own private moments. What a great basis for a story! Add to that Ms. Stewart’s unique twists and I was torn between wanting to get to the final solution and at the same time didn’t want the story to end.

Nick was a bit tough to warm up to but once I saw the man he was I fell a bit in love with him myself. Emme is smart and a strong sense of purpose. She’s a very matter of fact character who despite doing the wrong thing, does it for the right reason.

I adored Chloe, which is rare for me. Normally I’m not fond of precocious children because they are over done. Chloe was perfect. Smart, sensitive and there was no obvious attempt to make her look cute. She was, in fact, one of the best parts of the story.

CRY MERCY has something for everyone—from teens to mature adults, men and women and in some ways moves across genres because of the contemporary setting, a super mystery, exciting suspense and a solid love story.

CRY MERCY is a stand-alone book, but I strongly suggest first reading MERCY STREET not because it introduces the main characters but it’s just plain ole a good story. CRY MERCY is even better.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

LORCAN’S DESIRE by SJD Peterson

2011-12-16T00:00:00.001-08:00

A Whispering Pines Ranch Novel, Book 1
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Date published: May 2011
ISBN: 978-1-61581-888-4
ASIN: B0053GKSE4
Contemporary, Western/Cowboy, Gay (M/M)
E-Book
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher

Lorcan James is searching for something and after walking for miles, hungry, desperate for a job, he stumbles upon Whispering Pines Ranch. Once there, he finds the person he is meant be.

Quinn Taylor is battling grief, frustration and trying to hang onto his ranch by the skin of his teeth. Seeing Lorcan, Quinn finds himself longing for the young man with a passion that scares the pants off of him. Soon these two find a passion that is razor hot but Lorcan longs to be more than a secret to Quinn. Can Quinn give Lorcan the one thing he needs more than anything in this world: a love that is shouted to the world?

LORCAN’S DESIRE is a story that you will either love or hate. It has angst, twists and conflict within its pages. Plus it’s an emotional story that will leave you on the edge of your seat, clutching the box of tissues as tears fall even as you laugh a little. This author delivers a powerful story that will leave you reeling. One minute you are smiling at Lorcan’s joy of a first love then the next pain rips through you as the reality of the world comes between these two strong men. You definitely run the gauntlet of your emotions with this story.
This is an author who knows her characters inside and out. Ms. Peterson knows how to deliver a story that will have you gasping in disbelief in the end. I am not going to spoil it for you if you haven’t read it yet but I have to admit even I didn’t see the ending coming. It totally had me in tears, even as I flipped the pages to see what would happen next for Lorcan and Quinn.

Lorcan James is searching for adventure and walks half way across the country to find it. Desperation drives him to Whispering Pines Ranch in search of a job, a bed and some food-not necessarily in that order either. Meeting the big, strong owner, Quinn Taylor, was an eye opener. Soon the passion that blazes through them consumes them but only in the dark of night and behind closed doors. Soon Lorcan chafes at being the “Secret” Quinn hides in public. Can Lorcan get Quinn to admit his feelings to the world for him or will Quinn lose the one man he loves from fear? These characters are absolutely beautiful. Captivating, multi-dimensional and relatable, this author lets them shine in LORCAN’S DESIRE and they steal the show. I fell in love with the entire cast of characters and when I read the last page, I felt like I was missing my best friend.

When I picked up Lorcan's Desire, I never anticipated how it would affect me. This story is one I can't even chalk up into a semblance of a review for at least fifteen minutes after turning that last page. The sheer emotional journey you take while reading this is daunting. You laugh, cry, smile and cry some more. This author delivers a story that will leave you feeling as if you lived through the entire thing yourself instead of Lorcan and Quinn. LORCAN’S DESIRE is a perfect jewel of a story and one I plan to get in print soon just to read it over again. The writing was tight, storyline fast paced and the sex scenes enhanced the story instead of taking over.

I highly recommend LORCAN’S DESIRE is you are looking for angst filled, conflict driven story to enjoy. I highly recommend a box of tissues to keep nearby. You will need it. I can’t wait to see what this author has in store next in this series.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this story.

ALWAYS THE VAMPIRE by Nancy Haddock

2011-12-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

Publisher: Berkley Publishing
Date published: May 2011
ISBN: 9780425240885
Trade Paperback
Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by Tammy
Obtained via: publisher

Nancy Haddock’s third book starring Cesca Merinelli, a reluctant 200-something year old vampire, ALWAYS THE VAMPIRE, is lackluster and fails to hold reader interest.

Cesca’s best friend is getting married and she is busy with maid of honor duties. Meanwhile, a mysterious plague affecting the local vampires has shown up on her door when both her sweety, Deke and her oldest friend, Triton show symptoms. Now Cesca is determined to find the evil that created this plague, find a cure, heal her friends and protect the wedding party all in time for her friend’s wedding to go off without a hitch.

Nancy Haddock’s ALWAYS THE VAMPIRE was lackluster from beginning to end. Cesca seems more of a witch than a vampire. She never actually bites anyone and isn’t the least bit evil. She doesn’t even like the idea of drinking blood, preferring hers bottled and flavored to mask the taste. Most of the lesser characters also fail to inspire. Her ex-beau and childhood friend Triton could have been interesting, but mostly he and his new love interest were there to beef up the sagging storyline. The only real character of interest is Deke, her hot and sexy boyfriend. Then only because readers expect something more to happen with him when he appears to show symptoms of sickness. It doesn’t.

The plotline shows interest, but fails to produce. A mysterious plague is killing vampires, but it seems to be slow to develop (in her friends at any rate) and never really shows any sense of urgency to find a cure. The side-plot of the impending wedding and all Cesca’s maid of honor duties could have added some much needed humor to the story, but never really did, leaving that part of the story as background static that could have just as easily been written out. The story pace does pick up as the showdown approaches, but even that is not enough keep readers attention from waning.

Perhaps this reader is missing something by not reading Ms. Haddock’s first two books, but ALWAYS THE VAMPIRE, for this reader at least, failed to engross, entice and engage in any real meaningful way. There are so many really entertaining vampire series out there that this book just simply does not seem to warrant the higher $15.00 asking price. Sorry Ms. Haddock, this reader had really hoped for more.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

FORGOTTEN by Mariah Stewart

2011-12-15T00:00:00.001-08:00

Publisher: Ballantine
Date published: 2008
ISBN 9780345506115
Romantic Suspense
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Gina
Obtained by Publisher

Sent home for an assignment in the FBI’s counter terrorism unit Portia Cahill is less than thrilled to be back stateside. While she acknowledges she blew her cover herself, she would rather be anywhere than where she is. Grudgingly she takes on an assignment from her boss, John Mancini, the case that almost cost him his sanity. Years before Sheldon Woods kidnapped, raped and murdered a series of young boys. Instead of the death penalty, in exchange for the locations of the boys’ graves, Sheldon got life. Now, a mother whose son was never found is dying and she has asked John to go to Sheldon one more time and find her son. John knows that Sheldon would only play with him once again so he sends Portia.

When Portia arrives at the prison Sheldon tells her he will give her what she wants – for a price. The price includes the appearance of the attorney who cut him the life term deal. Despite her basic feelings about defence attorneys Portia develops a grudging respect for Sheldon’s attorney, James Cannon. That respect slowly but surely turns into an attraction she cannot walk away from anymore than she can the lost boy they find at the site of Sheldon’s crime.

Mariah Stewart’s FORGOTTEN is an interesting mix of psychological thriller, romantic suspense and a contemporary family driven story. Long time readers finally have a glimpse into the man who nearly drove John Mancini over the edge. And readers have gotten to know Miranda Cahill, Portia’s twin over several stories. Sheldon is the stuff of every parent’s nightmare. He is one sick puppy and he knows it and revels in it. There are glimmers of what drives him and at the end I did have a modicum of understanding for him but my disgust at his actions shifted, appropriately to their source. Ms. Stewart doesn’t merely take her readers to the edge with the type of criminal that can only be called an animal. She takes you into his world and what drove him. As James says, death would be too easy for Sheldon.

FORGOTTEN is different from Ms. Stewart’s books on several levels. There are the main threads and then the underlying story behind them. All is not what it seems, not in a mysterious way, but is a more symbolic way as well. The island where Portia and James take their investigation is depicted as a beautiful east coast retreat with only a solitary B&B and a ferry that runs 3 times a day. The setting is idyllic, but someone there has a terrible history. Portia arrived back in the states alone and determined to be alone – an island. But bit by bit she allowed her sister and James into her life; the island is bridged to the mainland by those ferries. Like the answer to the crime she is determined to solve, it lies in plain sight, but you have to travel to get there. Like a daisy wheel when one layer is peeled back, another appears. The reader has the choice of merely reading and enjoying a well told story or delving into the deeper, underlying layers woven by Ms. Stewart.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

BELONG TO ME by Shayla Black

2011-12-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Publisher: Penguin
Date published: October 2011
ISBN: 9780425243152
Erotic romance BDSM
Mass-market paperback
Reviewed by Gabrielle
Obtained via Publisher

Tara Jacobs never thought that taking a field job would bring her face to face with her past but that is just what it does. When she and her fellow agent need extensive training to pass as a Dom and sub she is introduced to Logan Edington. The very man who broke her heart those many years ago in school. Little did she know that he had a reason for his actions but does she want to even hear that reason now? Tara cannot deny the instant attraction that she feels for Logan but can she keep her heart out of their relationship this time? With Logan determined to break down her walls and find her heart again keeping her mind on her mission and her thoughts away from love is going to be hard.

This book is a hot read and has a good storyline. I liked Logan. He is a good Dom and a great man. Logan has many hurts and has never given up his love for Tara. She was and always will be the woman for him. When he finds out that Tara is the agent that needs training he jumps at the chance and continues to fight for that chance. Tara is a sweet woman whose heart has never really healed from the past hurt. She has closed her heart off to everybody including her fiancée. Never showing her true self. The fireworks begin right from the start with these two and only grow into more as the book goes on. I enjoyed watching their relationship build. We get to see the hot attraction between them but also the love that shines through everything that they do.

Not only is there a romance but also a plotline that grabs the readers attention. The two must learn to trust each other as they work on their mission. There are some twists and turns that happened in this story but I am sorry to say that they did not surprise me. I figured out just who was the one they were after right from the start and through out my reading I kept wondering just when the characters themselves would figure it out. I may have figured it out early on but I did enjoy the relationship that rebuilds between Tara and Logan. They truly love each other and it was nice to see that love last. Watching Tara embrace her inner self was a nice read as well. She learns to listen to her body and give it what it wants and needs. Seeing her give in to them with Logan was a great read. She is not afraid to embrace her new wants and needs. Making this a book full of depth and emotions. The author does a good job of mixing the emotions and romance with the excitement of their mission. Although this book may not be a favorite I enjoyed the writers style and will be looking for more from this author in the future.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

WOLFMAN 4: SALVATION by Brannan Black

2011-12-14T00:00:00.001-08:00

Wolfman Series, Book 4
Publisher: Changeling Press
Date published: September 15th, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-60521-667-6
Gay (M/M), Futuristic, Dark Fantasy, Paranormal
E-book
Reviewed by Dawn
Publisher link: http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1662
Obtained by Publisher

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE! Daniel is still dealing with mating with Mace and finding his place in his pack. But danger looms as rabids find a way to hunt, kill and encroach into Mace’s territory. Soon Mace will have to find a way to deal with them but the problems are just starting. Daniel doesn’t do the whole submissive thing that Mace-and wolfmen-demand. Can Daniel find a way to give Mace what he needs to make their mating bond permanent or will Daniel lose the one man he has fallen in love with-forever?

I have got to admit, the Wolfman series is one that will have you laughing hysterically one minute and the next practically panting as lust races through your veins. Brannan Black delivers another high octane ride from start to finish as WOLFMAN 4: SALVATION picks up right after WOLFMAN: JUDGEMENT left off. I have got to admit I was on the edge of my seat right from the beginning to the very end wondering if Mace, Daniel and the pack would survive this next threat. The writing is tight, storyline fast paced and the sparks flying between Mace and Daniel is pure perfection. I have got to admit I have a soft spot for these two characters and can’t resist feeding my habit by reading the first three books over again. I have to stress that you need to read these in order so you can get the full storyline and what happened to the world Brannan Black created for this series.

Meet Daniel. A smart ass genius who is trying to survive in a world gone mad when a virus wiped out billions and the ones left were either turned into wolfmen or left human. Each trying to find their place in this messed up world now. Daniel is a wise ass, sarcastic, loving and one character I would absolutely LOVE to meet in real life. He would be a great friend to have and the love he has for Mace is one that leaves me with tears in my eyes each time I read one of the Wolfman books. Their connection is soul deep not just physical/sex deep. These two are connected in such a way I think I fell for them both the first time they stepped off the pages in WOLFMAN 1: APOCALYPSE. Mace is pure alpha male, determined to make sure his pack-and Daniel-survive the coming storm that swirls around him. The only time he can let his guard down is with Daniel in the privacy of their room. Then you see the tender emotions come out, the need both men have for one another and it quite literally takes your breath away. The characters are well rounded, interesting and definitely capture your imagination-from the main characters to the secondary characters. Plus there were a few new faces in this installment that had me intrigued as well.

WOLFMAN 4: SALVATION is a pure adrenaline rush from start to finish and you will be gasping in shock as twists abound that will leave you reeling. Will Daniel find a way to give Mace what he needs from him? Will the rabids finally overtake Mace and his pack? Those questions and more are answered even as new questions are asked in SALVATION. The question is-are you strong enough to join in Mace’s Pack and see how to survive?

Brannan Black is one talented writer and one I am hoping doesn’t make us wait long for the next installment of Mace and Daniel. I look forward to more adventures with these two wonderful characters and hope you can join me on this wild ride.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

A DEADLY CLICHÈ by Ellery Adams

2011-12-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

A Books By The Bay Mystery
Publisher: Berkley
Date published: March 2011
ISBN: 9780425240236
Mass Market Paperback
Cozy mystery
Reviewed by Valerie
Obtained via Publisher

Olivia Limoges enjoys her life in Oyster Bay, North Carolina. Her restaurant is doing well, and she has some great friends in the form of, the The Bayside Book Writers who meet weekly. One day, as she is walking her poodle along the beach, she finds a dead body buried in the sand. Chief Rawlings, who is also a member of the book writer’s club, is busy with the murder, an impending hurricane and a rush of robberies that have happened of late. The robberies don’t seem too strange as they have been done while the home owners were away, but the robbers have always left something strange behind. Chief Rawlings asks his writer friends to help him to find out what these bizarre items mean and if the murder is in any way connected to the robberies. Olivia is involved in solving the crime, and maybe a relationship with the Chief. Suddenly, the father she thought was lost at sea is maybe alive after all.

Ellery Adams has written a really good story with solid characters and a clever mystery. I could hardly put this one down. I loved the characters and was nicely surprised at the ending. Olivia is a complex character and does many things behind the scenes to help the people of the town. She doesn’t want them to know it was her. Although she has friends, she is still a bit of a loner. She also acts like a spoiled brat at times, but I thought this made her more interesting and I eagerly watched her, growing and changing. I enjoyed the meetings of the book club and listening to their writing. I thought it rather clever of this author to also write the first bits of their books which also reflected on their characters. So, if you like your cozy mystery with a dash of drama, then you will certainly enjoy this one.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of the book.

BELONG TO ME by Marisa de los Santos

2011-12-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

Publisher: Avon
Date: July 2011
ISBN: 9780061983856
Mass Market Paperback
Contemporary
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained by Publisher

Cornelia Brown had no idea how her life would change when she persuaded her husband to the suburbs. She finds herself wondering why she’d done it, after meeting some of her new neighbors.

After a run in with Piper Truitt who is a know all and very judgmental, meeting Lake is refreshing. Nothing is what it seems and Cornelia becomes fond of Lake’s son Dev who is perceptive.

A lot of surprises lurk beneath the surface, including divorce and affairs along with many other problems. As the cast of relations and friends grows, the hidden agendas begin to appear, until like a volcano they rumble and come to the surface.

There are many characters popping in and out, in this tale of what lies beneath the actions of people living in some quiet streets. I found it intriguing but also very puzzling to read. The characters have chapters allotted to them, which of course changes the way the content comes across.

It shows how easy it is to fall from grace, no matter how hard you try to fit in. Dev is a young boy without a father, so he wonders who he is, right through to the end. He’s befriended by Aidan Weeks, a black kid adopted by two white parents, there’s also a friendly girl Clare who seems to have taken a shine to Dev. The boys become mates and clean up the gardens of the richer folk in town.

Ms. Santos has made many subtle points in this book. One a reminder of, no matter where you live, folk have problems.

If you like books that dig deep, you’ll enjoy this book more than I did.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

ACTS OF MERCY by Mariah Stewart

2011-12-12T00:00:00.001-08:00

Publisher: Ballantine
Date published: August 25, 2009
ISBN 9780345506146
Mass Market Paperback
Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by Gina
Obtained by Publisher

With two cases solved successfully, at least in terms of bringing the families closure, Mercy Street Foundation is ready to add more staff and take on another case. When former FBI profiler, Sam Delvecchio, applies, Mallory Russo is ready to jump at the chance to hire him, but senses something under the surface that could be a problem in the future. Just what, she isn’t sure. Coincidentally with giving Sam a trial run, Mercy Street takes on its next case: a family man, committed to providing for his community, was not only killed, but arranged in a truly odd manner. Sam quickly comes to the conclusion that the killer is trying to send a message, a very suspicious message.

Just as he begins his investigation Sam receives a call to back off from FBI Special Agent, Fiona Summers. Apparently the murder in Lincoln is the work of a serial killer. Not one to play well with others, Fiona agrees to work with Sam if for no other reason than her boss, John Mancini, has ordered her to do so. When yet another body turns up Sam begins to see a pattern that at first disconcerts and then horrifies him. The dates and locations of the murders all seem to point to him.

Mariah Stewart’s ACTS OF MERCY, the third of her Mercy Street series is a heart stopping jaw dropper. Just when you think she has hit you with everything she’s got Ms. Stewart turns around and draws you into yet another mind boggling story. While I didn’t find Fiona’s past to be so incredibly difficult, I never walked in her shoes and the way Ms. Stewart writes the female agent’s reactions make it believable.

Sam is the kind of stable, go along, get along guy most of us women should want for our forever after guy. He does the right thing for the right reason – even though it is tearing him apart inside. His family is important to him and even though he walked away from his home town, he never walked away from them. I just plain liked Sam from the first word written about him.

I love the concept of the Mercy Street Foundation and how despite his own grief, Robert Magellan still reaches out to help others who can’t help themselves. I appreciate that he is happy to fund the project and let people do what they do best.

I have to say ACTS OF MERCY gives readers one of the most despicable villains yet. When their identify is revealed it is a jaw dropping moment where you need to go back and read it again just to be sure you read it right. This is not from Ms. Stewart’s writing but rather how cleverly she lays it all out.

ACTS OF MERCY is a stand alone novel but I would suggest reading not only books 1 and 2 but also her entire FBI series for the sheer enjoyment of reading a good series.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

PRIMAL LAW by J. D. Tyler

2011-12-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Date published: August 2, 2011
ISBN: 9780451234346
Paranormal Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Lynne
Obtained via publisher.

The Alpha Pack is a top secret team of wolf shifters with supernatural - psy - powers, founded by a group of former Navy Seals. One member, Jaxon Law, who became a shifter following the betrayal of a woman he trusted, leaves him crippled, half his team decimated, and overwhelmed with anger and guilt over his part in it.

Kira Locke, who is on the run from her former employer at NewLife Technology, has information that might confirm her suspicions that the company may be up to no good. For this, thugs have been sent to stop her from leaking the information. But when Jaxon arrives to rescue her, neither are prepared for the sudden awakening of Jaxon’s primal instincts.

Because Kira has witnessed her rescuer’s shifting ability, Jaxon has no choice but to remove her to the Alpha compound where are housed many other shifters as well as strange beings of supernatural ability, some of which are a threat to the normal human population.

When Kira is made aware of her own psy ability, she more readily fits in with the Pack and uses it to assist some of the strange beings she encounters there. And as her attraction for Jaxon grows into a more intimate relationship, both battle conflicting emotions as they consider what fate has in store for them.

When Kira and Jaxon delay the inevitable, they soon realize how dangerous it is for Jaxon to avoid taking Kira as his own. Once realized, both soon learn they may have to risk everything, even loyalty to the Pack, in order to survive the dangers awaiting them at NewLife.

PRIMAL LAW by J. D. Tyler is an exciting, spicy story that is sure to keep readers riveted to their seats. Full of all aspects of the paranormal, conflict, incredibly hot love scenes, and a bevy of interesting, unusual characters, it is a tale wrought with a great plot and interesting happenings.

The Alpha Pack cannot possibly get any hotter and sexier than what Tyler has given her readers. No lacking in that department, that’s for sure. The fact that Jaxon has a physical disability only adds to this intriguing and suspenseful tale.

The fact that Jaxon is instantly smitten with Kira opens the door for the rest of PRIMAL LAW.

Jaxon is a hunk, whether as a wolf or a human. And Kira is beautiful, sweet, and sexy in her own right. It is fun to follow the two on their journey as both ignore the fact that they are actually meant to be together, as life mates. Intuitively, they both know it, yet both refuse to admit to their true feelings for one another. Although the primal urges are there in full force, the reader must go along for the ride until the inevitable moment arrives, when they finally accept what is meant to be between them.

I really loved the interesting characters in PRIMAL LAW. Especially the beautiful Fae prince, Sariel, and the sorcerer, Kalen, as secondaries. Each added their own unique twist to this book. Ms. Tyler did well in making them unique in their abilities and looks. They stood on their own as interesting characters who could well have a book written about them as individuals. I would enjoy reading about their separate lives were that to happen. And I really loved Chup. Such an adorable little creature.

There is certainly everything in this paranormal to liven things up and draw the readers in. PRIMAL LAW has a bit of everything to satisfy. Wolf shifters, necromancer/sorcerers, fantasy, paranormal romance, time-bending, genetic experiments, government conspiracies, to name a few intriguing aspects for those who enjoy this genre.

PRIMAL LAW is fast-paced and quickly able to sweep the reader off to a world of urban fantasy that is sure to titillate the senses and evoke a fascination of things that only one’s imagination can provide.

Since PRIMAL LAW is the first in the Alpha Pack series, I eagerly await the next since this one is a definite cliff-hanger. I can’t wait to see how Alpha Pack rescues one of their own from the evil clutches of NewLife Technology.

PRIMAL LAW is a great, over-spicy, action-packed, exciting book, so if it’s what you are looking for, this is the one to get hold of. But hang on tight because you’re in for a great ride.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

CHASING THE DREAM by GA Hauser, Sammy Jo Hunt, Patricia Logan, Sue Brown & Lisa Worral

2011-12-08T00:00:00.001-08:00

Publisher: Silver Publishing
Date published: September 17th, 2011
ISBN: 9781920502303
ASIN: B005OSIVW2
Contemporary, Paranormal, Gay (M/M)
E-book
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Author

Five authors bring their distinct writing styles in an anthology that will have you CHASING THE DREAM.

From GA Hauser, the reader is treated to a story about a fireman who dreams of becoming a porn star who meets a pretty boy who makes him hotter than hell and turned on like no tomorrow. But Blaze has secrets that he is keeping from Clyde even as these two give into their lusts in Nasty Boys.

Sue Brown delivers a sensual story of a man who finds he is falling for two men after taking a chance in going into a gay bar. Can he accept that he is loved by two of the hottest men he ever met in Racing Raindrops?

Sammy Jo Hunt tells a story of a young man who finds himself stranded on a dark night and ends up finding more than he ever imagined with a man as mysterious as is handsome. Can Michael believe in the love of this mysterious man or be forced to be alone forever in The Soul Awakening?

Patricia Logan delivers a hot ménage story of two men who find they want to spice up their sex life by bringing in a third. Colt thinks telling Deuce his fantasy of having a threesome will doom their relationship but Deuce surprises Colt by agreeing to one threesome with the object of his lover’s imagination-Slade. Will adding Slade into their sex life destroy their love and relationship or enhance it in Chasing Deuce?

Finally, Lisa Worrall delivers a sweet ghostly story of unfilled love from over hundred and fifty years ago. When Noah Kinkade is commissioned to restore an old mansion to its former glory, he finds something much more inside it’s halls in Dreaming of You.

CHASING THE DREAM is a series of stories that have one thing in common-dreams. They can be dream lovers, dreams of riches, families or other things. These five authors deliver an anthology that left me spellbound till the very end. Each author has wonderful stories that will tease and tantalize you as you eagerly flip the pages for more. The writing is tight, the sex smoking hot and the storylines flow smoothly. I loved each story and fell a little bit in love with all the characters in this book. There was no one or two people that stole my heart. It was equally the entire cast of characters within this anthology that stole their way into my heart. Each story was wonderfully written, kept my attention and left me wondering-will these authors write longer stories featuring these characters? I am hoping they will in the future.

The characters, although in a short story, are well rounded, multi-dimensional and definitely capture your attention just from their sheer magnetism once they get on the pages. I loved how each of the stories couples’ worked through issues quickly though at times I did want to smack some sense in a few of them just for being stubborn hot heads.

CHASING THE DREAM anthology starts strong and continues to stay strong with stories that deliver emotions, sexual tension and a love that is meant to be. I loved each and every story and hope these five authors get together again for another project. I can attest that once you start this anthology, you won’t want to put it down….not even to eat dinner or sleep. I can’t wait to see what else these authors have in store for their readers individually.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

THE WELCOME HOME GARDEN CLUB by Lori Wilde

2011-12-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

A Twilight Texas novel
Publisher: Avon
Date published: March 2011
ISBN: 9780061988431
Mass Market Paperback
Contemporary romance
Reviewed by Valerie
Obtained by publisher

Caitlyn Marsh and Gideon Garza were high-school sweethearts when Gideon left for Iraq. Now Caitlyn raises her small son, takes care of her florist shop, and tries to head off her gardening club members matchmaking endeavors. Caitlyn is newly widowed and believes Gideon is dead, until he shows up one day for his father’s funeral. Now her whole world turns upside down, as her love for Gideon had never faded and Gideon still has feelings for Caitlyn. But Gideon is scarred from the war and now has a huge cattle ranch, inherited from his father who never recognized him in life. To top things off, Caitlyn’s little boy looks just like Gideon. Will these soul mates get over the past and find the love they have always longed for? Or are their problems so deep-rooted they will hinder them coming together and making a family?

This is a story that will reach you on all levels of emotion. Lori Wilde is a master of romance and you will be rooting and tooting for Caitlyn and Gideon throughout. I did find the story a little predictable, but the reading of it was so enjoyable. I liked how Ms. Wilde labeled each chapter with a flower and the meaning of it. This is a story that is so much deeper than just a secret baby, or two high-school sweethearts finally getting together. There are a lot of scars to overcome, a lot of baggage to drop, and you will enjoy how these two work out their problems and overcome the obstacles. As I said before, emotion is high in this story. It certainly gave me the goose-bumps a few times and brought a tear to my eyes. The love scenes are both tender and sensual and this is all in all a great romance. I can highly recommend it.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.