THE DOMS OF DARK HAVEN by Sierra Cartwright, Belinda McBride and Cherise Sinclair

Publisher: Loose Id
Date published: May 2010
ISBN: 978-1-60737-593-7
BDSM/Contemporary/Paranormal/Anthology
E-book
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher


CLICK TO PURCHASE!Three stories set in the world of BDSM and a special club called Dark Haven. Come meet the three Doms that participate here and in the process find love in the unlikeliest of women.

The first story to kick this anthology off is called Met Her Match by Sierra Cartwright, a Hawkeye story. Mira Araceli is a highly trained Hawkeye agent. For years she has lusted after her instructor, Torin Carter. He has always seen her as a recruit, a student, anything but a woman. When she is partnered with Torin, the heat flares between them and when Mira delivers a challenge to him, will Torin see her not just as a fellow agent but a woman who will claim his heart?

Met Her Match is an interesting kick off story about two people who work together and find they have many interests in common, namely BDSM and the club Dark Haven. When Mira forces Torin to see her not just as a colleague but as a submissive woman, all his Dom instincts roar to life. Taking the challenge, he takes what Mira offers and finds something much more-love. What I found intriguing was the dynamics between these two characters. Mira is a strong, independent woman, able to handle any situation. Torin is an ‘as tough as nails’ agent who doesn’t want any partners, especially one as lush as Mira. These two fit so well together that it kept me intrigued to see how the story would end. The only drawback I saw was that I never read this author’s Hawkeye stories before so I felt a little lost when some of the characters from the series popped in. Otherwise the story flowed smoothly, writing was tight and it seamlessly blended into the next story with no hiccups.

Next was Educating Evangeline by Belinda McBride. A story about a lone wolf on the run from mysterious hunters and a werewolf Dom who finds the one woman meant to be his. Evangeline Jones is trying to lose her pursuers when she stumbles into Dark Haven. Instead of the dance club she assumes the place to be, she finds a decadent world that will challenge everything she believes in. Harte Sommers is charmed by the beauty that ran into him and finds that the mate he yearns for is Eva, a wild wolf who stirs his passions to a fever pitch. I loved this story. Full of passion, adventure and mystery, Ms. McBride delivers a story that will knock your socks off. The characters were interesting, the sex was smoking hot and the mystery of who wanted Eva was consuming me while reading this. I am hoping Ms. McBride delves back into her world she created here in the future. I would love to see some of the secondary characters again.

Finally, the one story I have been waiting for, Simon Says: Mine by Cherise Sinclair. If you have read MASTER OF THE MOUNTAIN, you have met Master Simon. I have waited for his story since then and Ms. Sinclair does not disappoint. Simon Says: Mine is one hot, erotic story full of emotion and sinfully hot sex. Rona just got through a divorce and an empty nest and decides to make a list of all her fantasies to explore. Up on the list, touring the famed BDSM club Dark Haven, where she meets Master Simon, a man who stirs her senses and introduces her to a world of sensual delights in one passion filled night. Determined to not be in a relationship, Rona takes off after that night, vowing to never feel Master Simon’s loving caresses again. Master Simon has had it with the eager, shallow submissives he trains and uses at Dark Haven. One of the popular Masters there, he never expects to be drawn to Rona, a woman that stirs something much deeper inside him. Rona might not be his first sub he takes on this journey of exploration but he thinks she might be his last. Simon Says: Mine is the perfect ending to the Dark Haven anthology. Full of intriguing characters you can’t help but fall in love with, hot sensual sex amid the BDSM world and the reader is drawn into not just a BDSM story but an emotional one as well. Simon and Rona work well together and I was rooting for them to fall for one another from the beginning, when the sparks flew between them. Ms. Sinclair is a wonderful writer that will surely captivate you even as she teases your senses with her latest BDSM story.

THE DOMS OF DARK HAVEN is truly not for the faint of heart. It has bondage, BDSM scenes & other aspects that may not appeal to everyone. If you enjoy a wonderful BDSM story then grab this anthology. It has everything you need to enjoy in a story-captivating characters, smoldering passion and romance all wrapped up with a bow or in this case a rope or chains. If you enjoy these three authors past books, then grab this latest installment that will leave you panting for more. THE DOMS OF DARK HAVEN is truly an anthology that will get your motor running in more ways than one. I am hoping to see if there will be anymore Dark Haven stories in the future.

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

MAD AT THE MOON A Holiday Howlz Story by Belinda McBride

Publisher: Changeling Press
Publishing date: December 2009
ISBN: 978-1-60521-345-3
Paranormal/Holiday/Shifters/Multi-author series
E-book
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher



CLICK TO PURCHASE! Merry Miller works as a letter carrier for the post office and in the holiday madness; all she wants to do is sleep the holidays away. What she gets instead is a week long singing fest by her new neighbor, Noel Harris. Noel Harris is Merry’s new neighbor and since moving to Arcada, he is a bit lonely. He wants to get to know Merry better so on Christmas Eve, he invites her to dinner. What these two get in the process is full moon surprises.

I have to say author Belinda McBride pulls the reader in her latest story, MAD AT THE MOON. I loved the characters, the sexual tension and everything about Arcada. Ms. McBride deftly weaves a spell around you as you giggle and hum along with the song selections sprinkled throughout MAD AT THE MOON. The characters come to life as you flip the pages and though this is a quick read, the simmering passion and the guessing the reader does to find out what, exactly, are Merry and Noel will keep you guessing. I think you will be pleasantly surprised in the end with the revealing of their true selves.

MAD AT THE MOON introduces the reader to the town of Arcada and to mail carrier, Merry Miller. She works straight up to Christmas Eve and in the holiday madness, all she wants to do is sleep thru the holiday. What she gets instead is her new neighbor singing, off-key no less, in the yard next to her house and even though she wants to tell him to knock it off, she can not help noticing that he is one hot guy. Noel is just a little bit lonely since moving to Arcada. He wants to get to know his new neighbor better and what better way then inviting her to dinner. What happens next is something you can only read about in MAD AT THE MOON. Both characters are exciting and a delight to read. With some intriguing scenes as well as simmering sexual tension, this author captivates you even as you are wondering what the mystery is between them. I love Merry and Noel together and they keep the tension simmering until it explodes between them. Some wonderful secondary characters keep the reader highly entertained and I was lost until the last page was read as I giggled over some wonderful scenes.
MAD AT THE MOON is a wonderful fun book that will keep you highly entertained, while reaching for your significant other to help ease the tension Noel and Merry create. Ms. McBride keeps you captivated as these two wonderful characters find their own love amid a Christmas Full Moon. I hope Ms. McBride returns to the town of Arcada and gives us some more wonderful fun filled stories there. An enjoyable treat on a cold winter’s night is MAD AT THE MOON and I highly recommend this Holiday Howlz treat.

THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW

UNICORN VALLEY COLLECTION Books 1-4 are included in this collection by Lena Austin

Publisher: Changeling Press
ISBN 978-1-59596-897-5
Urban Fantasy/ménage/Shapeshifters/Vampires/Collections
Tradepaperback
Reviewed by Dawn





Welcome back to Unicorn Valley where in the four stories in this collection will have you enthralled from start to finish as the residents of Unicorn Valley find themselves falling in love.

To kick off this collection, the reader is introduced to Lionel, the last Unicorn Valley gryphon in GRYPHON’S HEART. He needs to find his mate and soon because he is the last of his line. Forced to choose among the other shifters, he finds himself falling for werebitch, Teema, who has loved him forever. What Teema wants is for Lionel to love her in every way but misunderstandings occur and as Teema and Lionel find out, the path to love is never so smooth.

I love Ms. Austin’s writing and if you haven’t read a Unicorn Valley story then you have to grab the whole collection. Here you meet Lionel and Teema plus a host of other secondary characters that keep the story flowing. I love how Lionel can’t understand why Teema won’t be excited with his declarations of being his mate. What a clueless man but add in some teachings from Werewolf Brolly (Lionel’s brother) and some teachings from Teema herself, Lionel finds a way to show her what she means to him. Ms. Austin definitely delivers some exquisite characters to enjoy plus some steamy scenes have the reader squirming in their seats. This is definitely a great kick-off to the UNICORN VALLEY COLLECTION.

Next up is STALLION’S HEART as Herd Stallion Shadow finds himself enamored with Elf Historian, who is determined to not fall in love with Shadow. Can Shadow get this feisty Elf to admit her feelings before it is too late for them?

I loved Shadow and the fact he has his own story had me all excited. Shadow is a future Herd Stallion, one that is very reluctant to be in charge yet knows his destiny very well. He is sexy, alpha and very determined to find a way that no bloodshed is made in the leadership of Unicorn Valley. Ms. Austin delivers an engaging hero that tugs at the heart and a feisty Elf who makes Shadow fall in love even though he has enemies who wants to keep the “purity” of races. Highly enjoyable and it blends seamlessly into the next story.

Next up is Brolly’s story in HEALER”S HEART. You met Brolly in the first story and here he finds himself being forced to either lead the Werewolf pack and give up the life he has made for himself or find a long-lost relative to take over. Add in a gender shifting immortal that falls for Brolly and some exquisite sex scenes that keep the heart racing.

Ms. Austin delivers a story that had me laughing one minute and the next sighing as these two found a love so powerful it will change their lives. I really liked how Brolly was torn in trying to do the right thing while longing for his lover made me shiver in anticipation. Very enjoyable and Ms. Austin delivers a story worthy of reading again.

Finally, we get to meet in full Moontyger, who finds herself torn between two lovers as they go on a quest to find a long-lost shifter to help the Enchanted Forest. Add in humans, gender shifting and other good stuff, MOONTYGER’S QUEST is full of surprises to keep you on your toes.

The final story is about Moontyger and her quest to find the Krinn relatives from long ago. She gets help from dragon Li Chin and Unicorn Mercenary Jamir as they go along the human’s Silk Road and end up finding out more than they ever bargained for. I loved the dynamics of Moontyger, Li Chin and Jamir as they try to maneuver themselves along side the humans and find out things they never expected to find out about each other. A great way to end a collection and I was disappointed to see it end.

UNICORN VALLEY COLLECTION definitely delivers countless hours of fun, excitement that seamlessly blends into the other as you read these four stories. If you enjoy vampires, shifters, unicorns and more, then meet the residents of UNICORN VALLEY. There is something for everyone here and you won’t leave disappointed. I hope Ms. Austin delves into Unicorn Valley again in the future as some of the secondary characters were delightful and enjoyable.

THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW

DANGEROUS TIES by Jodi Lynn Copeland, Devyn Quinn, Anya Howard

Publisher: Kensington
Date published: April 2009
ISBN: 978-0758228741
Erotic Romance Anthology
Trade Paperback
Reviewed by Danny

Reviewed by Danny



Personal Possesion by Devyn Quinn

Mortally wounded in a shootout over drug money Nikki finds herself in hell, where she is greeted by a naked man when she awakens. Jackson Sullivan plans to test her limits to determine how she will spend eternity. What will the future will hold for her?

Ms. Quinn really knows how to set the pages afire. Personal Possesion is such a hot story with a very dominant hero and an equally strong as well as wicked heroine. They are perfect match for each other. A scorching start for this anthology!

Captive Heat by Jodi Lynn Copeland

Leia finds herself bound in the hands of an unknown captor, after she set the house of her abusive ex-husband, Kane, on fire and lost consciousness. Sebastian is neither dead nor alive, but he desires Leia and what he desires he gets.

Ms. Copeland is well known for her great contemporary stories, but her paranormal story really rocks. This reviewer hopes that Captive Heart will not be her last paranormal.

Liason by Anya Howard

Marcel would to everything in his power to keep Carina out of the reach of the evil vampires, who terrorize the small European village.

Liason was this reviewer’s first story by Ms. Howard and she made her really curious about her other works.


DANGEROUS TIES is an anthology that takes it readers on a trip to the wicked and kinky side of life and the afterlife. A must read for all fans of extremely hot and wicked stories, with a kinky touch.

FLAMES OF GOLD by Leanne Borroughs, Amy Blizzard, Patty Howell, Judith Leigh, Amber Dawn Bell

Publisher Highland Press Publishing
Date published October 2008
ISBN 978-0981855059
Romance Anthology
Trade Paperback
Reviewed by Valerie



A New Tradition by Leanne Burroughs

Abigail Sommers is helping out a friend by waiting tables. It’s hard work and she has to disguise herself as a boy because in this day and age, it is unheard of for young ladies to actually work. Times are changing and the voices of women’s liberation are getting louder and louder. Morgan Leighton watches Abigail and is not taken in by her disguise. He would like to know the lady better and hear why she works. The opportunity soon arises and they find they have to learn to compromise their ideas and views of life in order to smooth the path to a happy ending.

This is a delightful story that I really enjoyed. Leanne Burroughs takes her readers back in time to the original woman’s liberation movement and the way different people thought of these ‘new’ ideas. It’s all very well to follow an ideal, but one must be sure to not lose one’s own ideals and opinions and to be open-minded. I loved these two characters. Abigail is a spunky blue-stocking character and Morgan is a handsome man who falls completely in love with her. I enjoyed the way Ms Burroughs tackled this theme this is an all round, warm-hearted story that is sure to keep your winter nights cozy.

The Snowflake Ball by Amy Blizzard

Dr. Chloe Miller doesn’t enjoy Christmas very much. Especially in the ER where carolers are throwing up and people are coming in with minor injuries. Then she meets Woody, a fire fighter who cut his hand in the kitchen. Now, Woody is full of Christmas cheer and he wants Chloe to feel the same. The plot thickens when Chloe is roped into playing Ms. Santa for the children’s ward and needs a Mr. Santa, and Woody agrees to help out if she will come with him to the Snowflake Ball. Chloe soon learns that Christmas is indeed merry and miracles can happen.

This is a story that will send shivers down your spine as emotions run high. It almost brought me to tears a few times and certainly made me feel all cozy and warm. Amy Blizzard knows how to capture her readers and provide an entertaining story that is infused with humor, wonderful characters and heart-warming moments. Chloe is not quite a grinch, but because of a traumatic experience in her life, Christmas just doesn’t hold its appeal anymore. Woody is wonderful! I’d love a man like him for Christmas! Another wonderful story in this, so far, great anthology.


Entertaining Angels by Patty Howell

Gwen gets a surprise when Branson shows up to take her home instead of her expected boyfriend. There are more surprises in store when she finds out that Branson is her boyfriend’s brother, he’s an FBI agent and her boyfriend has gone into a witness protection program never to be seen again. Well, she wasn’t in love with the guy, but Branson sure makes her heart go pitty pat. Then a stray child shows up in the equation and it’s going to take a lot of love, prayer and God’s guidance to help Nicky.

Now this story had me reaching for the tissues. It is captivating with a large dose of faith in God, heart-warming and very emotional. I was drawn in with the characters and the plot. I loved the fact that the heroine had a strong faith in God and that the hero and little Nicky were able to sample some of God’s miracles. Patty Howell is an author I would definitely like to read again and this story is just perfect for this anthology which is so far very good.

Chance For A Merry Christmas by Judith Leigh

Sue Johnson is visiting Mistletoe and is very surprised by the friendly people and the freezing temps. But when she meets Chance, her blood heats up quite dramatically. Chance is on leave from Iraq with an injured shoulder and survivor’s guilt. He’s falling for Sue and she loves him too, but will she agree to be his wife before he has to report back for duty?

Another heart-warming story from a talented author. Judith Leigh knows how to write a heart-felt story with characters that come alive. These are characters that you can relate to, who find a way into your heart and who you can root for. I really enjoyed this story very much and hope to read more from this author. Another perfect story to keep those winter nights warm and cozy.

A Christmas Flame by Amber Dawn Bell

Angel McKenzie has lived with guilt for the past three years. She feels she is to blame for the death of her husband and child. Jacob Campbell has lived with guilt for the past three years. He feels he is to blame for the death of Angel’s family. When these two meet, there is a lot of guilt to clear away before the path of true love can be cleared. With God’s help and the realization that life goes on, these two special people will find their own special Christmas.

Wow, this one grabbed me and squeezed me so tight! I had a lump in my throat the whole time while reading this wonderful story. Amber Dawn Bell knows how to masterfully pour on the emotions and pull at your heart until tears of joy fall. Her characters are multi-dimensional and the plot reads well. This is a great story to end this anthology with and I know that fans of sweeter romance, with characters who have faith in God will really enjoy this anthology. Just right to remember that miracles of love abound.

NO LAW AGAINST LOVE 2 by Zoe Archer, Amber Dawn Bell, Gerri Bowen, Candace Gold, Patty Howell, Kimberly Ivey, and Lee Roland

Publisher: Highland Press
Date issued: July 2008
ISBN: 978-0981855004
Romance Anthology
Trade Paperback
Reviewed by Valerie



I’m sure you’ve heard about some of those silly laws, right? Well, this anthology shows us that sometimes those silly laws can bring just the right people together.

Buon Anno - Zoe Archer – In California you need to be careful how you clean your car. At least this is what Marcus finds out after he catches Bianca writing on his car with her lipstick. All a big misunderstanding, but, well the road to true love can be dodgy at best.

This is a cute, sensual story that I really enjoyed. This author certainly knows how to capture her readers and give them an entertaining tale with two well written characters. This is an author I want to read again.

Purrfect Companion - Amber Dawn Bell – We are now in England, 1715 and Angelique has been arrested because her cat Lancelot has had intimate relations with a royal cat. The King decides to put her under the guard of Damien. But she may be in even more danger.

Oh, this was a very exciting story. Amber Dawn Bell gives her readers a heroine who can talk to animals and has preternatural powers and Damien is a yummy, scrummy vampire. This is a dark story, sensual and seductive and I liked this one the best.

Ice Capade - Candace Gold – In Wyoming it is unlawful to have sex in a walk-in freezer as Jake and MaryAnn find out while hiding from some unsavoury characters and needing to get warm.

This is a heart warming story about two very ordinary people. Candace Gold writes a great story that certainly warmed my heart and gives her readers hope for the most desperate case.

Street Manners - Patty Howell – Lisa didn’t know it was against the law to ride her bike in skimpy clothes until she is pulled over by a cop one day. But the cop has an ulterior motive.

I liked this story. It was cute, sassy and funny. Patty Howell gives her readers great characters and a great story too. I’m sure you will enjoy this one.

That’s A Croc - Kimberly Ivey – Eden’s got a shop to clean up, a sheriff hitting on her and a hunk of a contractor who has come to give her an estimate on the damage. Then, the stupid sheriff arrests her for putting crocodiles in her bath.

This was a great story which I really enjoyed. I loved the characters. Loved the interaction, wanted to hit the sheriff over the head and fell in love with the hero. Kimberly Ivey has written a well-rounded story that you’ll love.

Something Wild - Gerri Bowen – All males over the age of fourteen must practice the longbow under the tutelage of the local clergy. But the law is being enforced to force Madeline to marry. Then a man from her past shows up.

This is a sensual story set in historical England. I loved Madeline, woman who tries to hide her wildness under a demure and gentle facade. The hero is just that, her hero to save the day.

The Lawyer and the Amazon - Lee Roland – Tucker meets the woman of his dreams handcuffed in a police station. She’s caused harm to a fountain, and that’s just against the law.

Another great story in this stunning anthology. Lee Roland is a talented story teller who entertains her readers with great characters and a good plot.

I can highly recommend this anthology. Each story is a gem and each author has certainly given their readers value for money.

HOT NIGHTS, DARK DESIRES by Sydney Croft, Eden Bradley and Stephanie Tyler

Publisher Bantam
Date published May 2008
ISBN 978-0553385175
Erotic Romance
Trade Paperback
Reviewed by Danny




The Art of Desire by Eden Bradley

Tattoos were always something that fascinated Sophie, but she was worried to give in to her obsession till she meets Tristan. He is everything that she dreamt of and than some more.

Ms. Bradley is well know for her sometimes very unusual romances and THE ART OF DESIRE is no exception. Tristan is a mixture of bad boy and tortured hero who has to deal with his past before he can find a happy end with Sophie.

Shadow Play by Sydney Croft

Brenna St. James was a supermodel till a ghost attached himself to her. Desperate to free herself from him, she contacts Hex, a well-known ghost photographer to help her. Will he be able to help her?

SHADOW PLAY is a fascinating paranormal romance. Brenna and Hex couldn’t be more different not only from their characters but also from their lifestyles, which makes the story so interesting.

This story is connected to Ms. Croft’s great ACRO series, but it can be absolutely read as a stand-alone. Although I have to warn you that her stories are addictive and you will definitely want to check out her other books.

Night Vision by Stephanie Tyler

Suddenly Catie is the owner of her late uncle’s ramshackle bar and she wants nothing to do with it. So she hires someone to make the bar profitable again and Bat Kelly is just the right person for the job. What she doesn’t count on was the feelings that he stirs in her.

Ms. Tyler delivers a hot and very sensual, as well as steamy story with NIGHT VISION. Her hero is hotter than hell and Catie is just the perfect heroine for him, it’s like two halves become one.

Three terrific authors in a fantastic anthology, that is every penny worth that it costs. Each of the three stories areabsolutely outstanding and a real pleasure to read. This book is a keeper for sure.

THE PURRFECT MAN: Pink Petal Books Presents-Shifters Anthology by Mary Winter

Publisher Pink Petal Books
Date published October 2008
ISBN 978-0-9820050-5-7
Paranormal/Shifter
E-book
Reviewed by Dawn


CLICK TO PURCHASE!
Dante is a man cursed to be a cat for nine lives and he is on his very last life. If he can’t find the one woman to love only him, then he is gone forever, never to return. Althea is allergic to cats and frankly doesn’t want to open her heart to another animal again. Can Dante get Althea to fall in love with his cat form to break the spell?

THE PURRFECT MAN is a sweet, sexy tale of a man cursed to be a cat until he is able to have a woman love him and break the spell binding him to that form. With humorous characters, and “melt your panties” sex, Ms. Winter delivers a charming tale that will have you rooting for Dante to open Althea’s heart once more, even if she sneezes every time he comes around and questions every aspect of that opening.

THE PURRFECT MAN introduces you to Dante, a charming man who was cursed over a hundred years ago to wear the form of a cat for nine lives until the one woman can break the spell by loving him. Sexy and sinful, this reviewer was a little choked up by how patient and loving Dante was towards Althea even after she sneezed and wheezed around him. Althea loves animals but sneezing each time she got near one has her wondering if she is certifiably nuts to take to the tomcat who leaves her flowers and slips past her defenses. THE PURRFECT MAN is a fast paced story that leaves you breathless, as Ms. Winter delivers two characters that will choke you up and in turn make you laugh as well.

If you enjoy a story that will get you laughing and at times, sighing with passion, then grab THE PURRFECT MAN and get ready to search for your own. Ms. Winter has done it again with captivating characters and a story that will leave you breathless.

UNWRAP ME by Susan Lyons, Melissa Randall, Melissa MacNeal

Publisher Kensington
Date published October 2008
ISBN 978-0758228536
Genre Contemporary Romance Anthology
Trade Paperback
Reviewed by Danny




Naughty Noelle by Melissa MacNeal

Being nice is so boring, that’s why Noelle decides to try out the naughty side of life. There is no better partner in crime than the much younger but so attractive Andy.

Naughty Noelle is a nice story, where the sparks between Noelle and Andy are flying from the moment they first met.

Unwrap me by Susan Lyons

Jude really hates Christmas till she meets Nicholas, who absolutely loves it. Can you imagine what she will do when she gets a very special Secret Santa gift?

Ms. Lyons’ story is my personal favourite story in this anthology. This story really turns up the heat and you just love it. It makes you want to get your own Secret Santa, so you will know what you will add to your wish list this year.

All She Craves For Christmas by Melissa Randall

In the past she was Dylan’s babysitter, but when Anita meets him now, her feelings for him are completely different. The sweet boy became a charming man who is to die for, but can she overcome her worries about the age difference?

This was my first story by Ms. Randall, but definitely not the last. She has a wonderful storytelling voice, that draws the readers into the story and absolutely captivates and their interest.

Three wonderful stories by three terrific authors in a book that will turn up the heat on a cold winter evening. It’s the perfect book to snuggle up on the couch with a hot chocolate to enjoy the book.

SHIFTER by Angela Knight, Lora Leigh, Alyssa Day, Virginia Kantra

Publisher Berkley Sensation
Date published March 2008
ISBN 978-0-425-22035-1
Erotic paranormal romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Valerie






Mad Dog Love by Angela Knight – Rance Conlan has been captured and harnessed by slave traders. They control him, he cannot escape. That is, he cannot escape until a woman buys him and his services. Now he has the chance, but does he want to?

A wonderful story, full of adventure, love and lust. Angela Knight writes a gritty, hard story and doesn’t fail to leave out pure emotions and a sensual, sizzling romance. This was my first story by this talented writer and I am already collecting her backlist!

A Jaguar’s Kiss by Lora Leigh – Saban Broussard of the Breed has come to pick up Natalie Ricci and bring her to to teach Breed children. But when they meet, Saban knows he is lost and when he kisses her, they are both lost as the mating heat threatens to consume them.

This is a hot, sizzling, scorching story full of passion and love. These characters are bigger than life but believable and endearing. The warring emotions that Natalie has to cope with are almost her undoing. This is definitely an author you will want more of!

Shifter’s Lady by Alyssa Day – Someone is killing panthers. When Marie leaves Atlantis to visit Prince Conlan on the land, she meets the alpha of the panther pack, Ethan. Ethan has problems with someone who wants him gone, she helps him and soon doesn’t really want to go back.

This anthology has the cream de la creme when it comes to shifter authors. This is another exciting, hot story that I really enjoyed. I love the Atlantis theme and have already picked up some of Alyssa Day’s stories. After reading this one, I am looking forward to them.

Sea Crossing by Virginia Kantra – Emma March is on a ship bound for the New World. After being deceived by the director of the school where she taught, she just wants a new start in her life. After a shipwreck and being saved by a seal, she awakes to a life that is so new, she can hardly believe it.

This is a haunting story that I enjoyed very much. Emma and Griffith start their relationship on shaky ground as he cannot tell her too much at first. Their romance though is not shaky at all, but very sizzling and hot! This is an anthology that will stay on my shelf and I will certainly be reading it again.

MISSPELLED by Julie E. Czerneda, Editor

Publisher DAW
Date published April 2008
ISBN 978-0-7564-0475-8
Fantasy anthology
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Valerie






Julie E. Czerneda is the editor of this wonderful anthology of entertaining stories about spells that go awry. Like any good cooking recipe, if you don’t get all the ingredients just right, you may end up with a disaster that will spoil your dinner party. Every good magician knows that you have to follow a magical recipe just as faithfully or you may end up with more than you expected. In this anthology, we meet many such magicians, from all walks of life who, because of a simple little mistake, their spells go awry. Not everyone gets it right the first time and at least once there will be a goof. Some cause almost irreparable damage, some turn out to be for the best in the end. In any case, this anthology will take the reader into worlds and situations that will thrill and excite.

I really enjoyed this anthology firstly, because it’s my favorite genre, and secondly because each story is a real gem. These talented authors give their readers some wonderfully, entertaining stories that are funny and interesting. The characters seem leap off the pages and the reader will marvel at how these authors are able to provide a full, rounded story in such a short space. I am hard pressed to tell you which story I enjoyed the most. Each one was a great read. From the magician who works her magic within the World Wide Web to the girl who just wants her boyfriend to become more devoted to her. For lovers of fantasy who also like a bit of fun in their stories and some interesting twists and turns, I would highly recommend this anthology and it should be picked up right away!

DEAD OF NIGHT by J.D. Robb, Mary Blayney, Ruth Ryan Langan, Mary Kay McComas

Publisher Berkley Jove
Date published November 2007
ISBN 978-0-515-14367-6
Paranormal / Futuristic romance anthology
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Valerie




Eternity In Death by J.D.Robb – Eve Dallas is confronted with a crime most strange. The victim has been drained of blood through two holes in the neck. Is a real live vampire on the lose? With her co-workers bringing along the crosses and garlic, Eve and Roarke hunt down the night-walker.

It’s so good to read an Eve Dallas story again. It’s like meeting up with old friends again. This reviewer enjoyed this one and couldn’t stop until it was finished. It’s dark and gritty and full of action. Quite a change to see how Eve deals with a creature of the night.

Amy and the Earls Amazing Adventure by Mary Blayney – Amy Stevens is given a coin from a mysterious man. Later, she meets Simon West who thinks she has stolen it. The mystery deepens when they are both thrown back into the past and into each other’s arms.

This reviewer enjoyed this one. A good time travel, a great adventure and multi-dimensional characters. Lovers of time travel will like this story. Mary Blayney writes a great captivating story and characters who have obstacles to overcome.

Timeless by Ruth Ryan Langan – Laurel Douglas is in Scotland alone after her friend couldn’t make the trip with her. She’s touring an old castle, when suddenly she is pulled into the past by a handsome, Scottish warrior. This Highland Laird believes she is his lost wife and Laurel comes to believe in a timeless love.

This story is highly romantic, sensuous and sizzling. It’s got everything going for it. Great characters, a captivating plot, action and loads of sexual tension. This reviewer really liked this one. This reviewer has enjoyed many of Ms. Langan’s books and she also proves that she can handle the short story very well.

On the Fringe by Mary Kay McComas – Bonnie is a woman with a job, a teenager, a husband. The job is demanding, the teenager is rebellious and the husband wants to move out and ‘take a break.’ Bonnie then gets a magic carpet ride where she goes to an alternate reality and learns that the grass really isn’t greener on the other side.

This story is a great ending to this marvelous anthology. Mary Kay McComas gives her readers a story that is humorous, adventurous and a little sad. This author gives her readers a message wrapped up in wonderful characters, lots of excitement, a few tears and some laughs. This reviewer loved it!

This anthology needs to be on the keeper’s shelf!

EROS ISLAND by Devyn Quinn, Dawn Thompson and Lucinda Betts

Publisher Kensington Aphrodisia
Date published February 2008
ISBN 978-0-7582-2214-5
Paranormal Erotic Romance Anthology
Trade Paperback
Reviewed by Danny






Centaur Heart by Lucinda Betts

Princess Akantha chooses Lycurgus, the Lapith King as her champion in the Mother Rite. Everything would be perfect if there wasn’t the Centaur King, Chiron who insists that she is making a mistake. Suddenly she doesn’t know who to trust as she is attracted to Chiron.

Ms. Betts delivered with CENTAUR HEART a great story that leaves the reader guessing how the unlikely couple will find their way to each other. At the beginning Akantha hates all Centaurs, but especially Chiron and Chiron is too much of an Alpha male to be a meek Princess consort. So a war of wills is guaranteed and the fun begins.

Dream Well by Dawn Thompson

The knight Gar Trivelyan finds himself suddenly in the Celtic Otherworld, he has no idea how he got there or how to get out. But he has more intriguing things on his mind, because the Goddess of the Well offered him a night of passion.

DREAM WELL is an intriguing story full of love, hate, passion and trickery. The story is very suspenseful and the characters range from absolutely pure hearted to impersonated evil. DREAM WELL is like no other story that I have ever read and Ms. Thompson drew me into the story.

Thunderstruck by Devyn Quinn

Danicia’s life wasn’t the best, but everything changes when her latest art work of the mythological Herakles came to life. Danicia thinks she’s finally lost her mind.

Ms. Quinn writes like no one else. Her writing captivates her readers and sucks them into her stories. It’s always a pleasure to read one of her books.

EROS ISLAND is a very sexy and enchanting collection of paranormal/mythological stories. Definitely not a book you want to miss!