FANGS FOR NOTHING by Erin McCarthy and Kathy Love

Berkley
July 2^nd, 2013
978-0-425-25744-9
Paranormal Romance
Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn (love2read28@gmail.com)
Obtained by Publisher
4 Hearts



Attending their bandmate’s wedding sounded like a fun time but when Johnny Malone and Drake Hanover wake up in a dominatrix’s dungeon, no cell phones or cash and handcuffed to two women, well lets just say things get really dicey, really fast.

Johnny is handcuffed to Lizette, a woman so wound tight it is amazing she hasn’t exploded before now. A paper pusher, all she wants to do is save Johnny from the fate the Vampire Alliance has in store for him but he just won’t cooperate. Then there is Josie, who has saved Drake from a sex swing. She may make some amazing food, but Drake is sure she is the thief and is determined to get away from her. But things go awry and now Johnny, Drake, Josie and Lizette will have to work together to get to the bottom of things before they are found out from the Vampire Alliance.

I got to admit I LOVED this one. This was the first book I read in the Fangs series by these two authors and I have to admit I laughed more than anything. The way these two authors captured the utter zaniness of waking up after a wedding stuck in a dungeon with a woman handcuffed to you…well that is what movies and tv are all about or in this case, what these two authors dream up will leave you gasping as you flip the pages to see what happens next. The story moves quickly, is quite entertaining and left me in stitches at times. The sparks fly between Johnny and Lizette as well as for Drake and Josie. You could feel the simmering sexual tension just sizzle along the pages as it burns your fingertips and leaves you eager to know what happens next. If you are looking for a serious story well, FANGS FOR NOTHING is so not that. It is a light hearted romp with humor, simmering passion and lots of humor to enjoy. This is a book that has you smiling from ear to ear from the moment you open it to the last page you read.

Going to a wedding of a bandmate should have been a simple thing really. Party, watch your friend marry his love and enjoy yourself. It wasn’t wake up in a dungeon, handcuffed and having no memory on how you got there. This was the Worst. Hangover. Ever. Poor Johnny, Drake, Josie and Lizette. These four people find themselves in a pickle when the day after Saxon’s wedding that had Cher Drag Queens, a Dominatrix for a bride and other wild and crazy things happen leave these four scrambling to figure what the heck happened. I loved how these two authors just let themselves go nuts while writing this one. The cast of characters are quite diverse and equally enjoyable if not down right entertaining. They are all well written, completely captivating and I, for one, could not get enough of them all. As this is my first time venturing into the world of the vampire band, The Impalers, I am eager to read more about these wonderful sexy rockers. The characters are well written, intriguing and quite enjoyable. The best part was seeing how sexy Johnny and Drake find the love of their lives when they least expect it. The secondary characters kept the story from slowing down and kept me glued to the pages until the very end.

FANGS FOR NOTHING is more than guy meets girl and fall in love. You get mystery, clues to discover alongside the four main characters and more while you flip the pages, while laughing at all the antics these guys have to deal with, to see what happens next. I am definitely going to check out the first book and I can’t wait to see what else these two talented authors have in store for the vampire rockers. If you enjoy humor, mystery and more with a dash of paranormal in your books, then run-don’t walk-to grab FANGS FOR NOTHING and settle in for one wild fun time.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement.

The Fangover by Erin McCarthy and Kathy Love

Publisher: Penguin Group

Date published: November 2012

ISBN: 978-0-425-25323-6

Paranormal erotica

Print

Reviewed by Gabrielle

Weblink: http://www.us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780425253236,00.html?The_Fangover_Erin_McCarthy

Obtained via publisher

 

                        

 The Impalers; a vampire rock group loses their singer to suicide and decide to send him off in fashion by having an Irish style wake.  Little do they know that the wake will set the chaos into motion. As we all know too much of something can be a bad thing. Now the band has woken up to confusion and must trace it all back to the beginning to find out just what happened to them. As the band mates try to connect the dots about the night before the reader is taken along for the ride. They must figure out just how much fun that they had or just how much trouble they are actually in. One band member may be married another has a burn in the shape of a cross and Stella the bands manager is nowhere to be found.

I enjoyed this fun and sexy read. We get comedy and romance in this book. I loved watching Stella and Wyatt’s relationship take shape.  It was nice to watch Stella let go and no longer be so uptight. Berto and Katie find themselves in a fix as well. Could they be married?  Fangover is a fast paced story with great characters and a twist in the end that I did not see coming. I was pulled into the story right from the start and had fun finding out along with the characters just what really happened the night before. Sometimes you are in the mood for a light hearted read and this book gives you that. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters and the friendship that they all have. No matter what they stick together and are there for one another.

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

 

THE PROMISE OF LOVE by Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy, Sylvia Day, Jamie Denton, Kate Douglas, Kathy Love

Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Date Published: June 2011
ISBN: 978-0-425-24107-3
Trade Paperback
Romance
Reviewed by Angie
Review Copy Provided by Publisher


Six award winning authors bring to the table tales of true love and secrets. They bring the past to light in order to help six people find true love and happiness with the mates they deserve.

Shelter From The Storm by Lori Foster (3.5 Stars)

Sabrina Downey’s mother left when she was four and she was raised by a drug addicted father who sold her out for a drug fix. When during a storm one night her father died of an overdose, a neighbor family took her in and taught her what love should be like. Part of her salvation came in the form of Roy Pilar the son of the parents who gave her a home when she became orphaned. Roy has always loved Sabrina and hopes someday she will realize they can be more than friends.

Sabrina and Roy are both great characters in this short story. Ms. Foster brings them to light with clarity that makes the reader want the best for them both. The short story is filled with emotion and drama that make the reader want more. As the story opens with Sabrina running from her apartment to Roy’s directly across the hall, her terror comes from the pages into readers hearts making them want her to feel safe and secure – forever. Both Sabrina and Roy have rewarding careers taking care of others and are a perfect match together.

Take Me Home by Erin McCarthy (4 Stars)

Sara Parker has screwed up her life and has found herself pregnant and unsure of who the father is after having two one night stands back to back. Having run from her hometown to the East coast to attend nursing school she is now coming home to her best friend Travis to decide what her future holds. Travis has always loved Sara, her coming home to him just makes him realize he is her future and he must lead her into his bed and heart forever.

Sara is a young woman who readers will fall in love with when they realize she needs to find herself and what she was running from when she left home to attend college – to make herself better. Travis is a strong hero with his own home and life – he proves himself to be a great man when he is willing to take on another man’s unborn child to make the woman he loves his forever. The emotions come off the page in this short story and will leave readers wanting more.

Razor’s Edge by Sylvia Day (4 Stars)

Jack Killigrew is a special ops agent who has been in love with his best friend’s wife for some time. His friend Steve once asked him to take care of his wife, if he was ever gone, yet neither expected him to have to take him up on that promise. Steve was killed in a car accident leaving Rachel and their young son Riley alone. Jack has not come “home” in two years since the accident knowing he wants more than Rachel should be willing to give out of their relationship. He has taken care of his friend’s widow and his godson from afar with phone calls, photos, and gifts yet has not come face to face with them once. Coming home for Riley’s birthday party he finds Rachel has grown independent – and is ready for his love.

Jack is a strong man who thinks he knows what is best for himself and the woman he loves. As he gets to know the woman Rachel has grown into, he finds himself more and more drawn to a woman he has loved from afar. When he finds out her in-laws approve of him as a suitable lover, and his godson hopes they get together, he lets down his guard and begins a relationship that is well worth a novella. Both Jack and Rachel deserve a story of their own, I would love to see both of them in a full length tale.

Midnight Rendezvous by Jamie Denton (4.5 Stars)

Burnett Dupree has been playwright whose last play bombed after just one night on Broadway. He has come home to New Orleans sober and ready to write. He finds his muse when he watches his landlady dive into her pool nude night after night after midnight. Maya Pomeroy has spent the last two years hiding in her house after a bad car accident has left her scared for life. She doesn’t feel anyone could love her and yet Burnett seems interested.

This is one of the best novellas in this book in my opinion. The emotional and physical scars by both Burnett and Maya will horrify the reader and yet leave them rooting for happiness for both. They both have rewarding careers that have been put on hold for different reasons, and as they come together realize their careers are changing and their relationship needs are merging. As these two work out their new relationship, they come across the pages in ways that will leave readers wanting more.

Dime Store Cowboy by Kate Douglas (3.5 Stars)

Betsy Mae Twigg has come home again after being physically abused by her husband. When she returns home her brother welcomes her with open arms, but leaves her in charge of their dude ranch for two weeks while he and he wife go off on a much needed vacation. Mark Connor has run west to find himself. A New York Editor he realized he was growing older yet has never found meaning in his life. He knows something is missing and goes off to search for happiness.

Mark is one of my favorite hero’s in this entire book. He comes from a high class and realizes he is living life large. He wants more from life and goes to find out. What he does not expect is Betsy Mae to hold the key to his happiness. When he realizes she thinks he is going back to the city, he bares his soul to her – and finds true love. A man who knows his way around a woman’s body, admits to reading romance novels, yet can do the work of a farm hand – what more could a woman want?

Life in the Past Lane by Kathy Love (4 Stars)

Rocco Vincente is returning to the hometown he never wanted to revisit for a writing assignment he does not want to complete. A famous columnist, his editor thinks it would be good for the single writer to show his past and give himself some depth. When he gets to the bed and breakfast that will be his home for the next two nights he finds a high school friend Franny Arsenault that he had forgotten.

Franny is a great heroine who has never gotten over the bad boy from high school that caught her eye, yet was unattainable. While she is slightly star struck by the hometown hero who made his past as an orphan a stepping stone to success, she remembers the boy he was, and wants to find out if the same qualities are there in the man she hopes he is. When he goes home, she is heartbroken, but his return to her B&B gives both of them hope of a future together.

THE PROMISE OF LOVE was a great summer vacation read. Light hearted and yet emotionally satisfying each of these six stories made me smile and want more. I would have loved a more indepth look into the lives of all of the characters involved. As a reader I am not a fan of novellas, they always leave me wanting more, but this did not disappoint me. Each of these stories would be great fleshed out into a full length book, and I hope at least one of these talented woman take their story and let it grow.

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

THE CHASE by Erin McCarthy

A Fast Track Novel, Book 4
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Date published: April 5th, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-425-24014-4
Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher


Kendall Holbrook is determined to make it in the male dominated NASCAR racing circuit. She is determined to win at any cost. What she doesn’t anticipate is being paired up with her rival, Evan Monroe…the one man who made her question her dreams ten years before. She can’t deny they have chemistry off the track but will happen when Kendall has to choose between her heart and her dreams?

Evan Monroe is at the last leg of his career. If he doesn’t accept this racing sponsor, he can kiss his career goodbye. Being paired with Kendall has him tied up in knots. She is still downright aggravating, irritating and so damn sexy, it makes his head spin. Sparks fly and passion goes into overdrive as Kendall and Evan find out if racing for the finish line is more important than listening to their hearts.

First thing I want to mention is that I LOVED the first three books in this series (FLAT-OUT SEXY, HARD AND FAST & HOT FINISH). They were fun, sexy and quite enjoyable. I was eager to read the fourth book and when I started it, I was totally confused. THE CHASE feels like a totally different book than the first three. The writing was stilted, characters were one-dimensional and there were a few plot twists that had me scratching my head in disbelief. I know this author can do much better and wondered as I struggled to finish this story, where did my favorite author go?

THE CHASE has two former flames racing for the same team and I would have loved to see how this was a conflict for them & what went on behind the scenes. The relationship with former characters in the first books was glossed over and felt like it was story filler. Plus there were so many sex scenes it felt like that was the entire story (sex, fight, make up sex, etc). I know Ms. McCarthy can write wonderful stories and sad to say, THE CHASE isn’t one of them.

If you are looking to see how Evan and Kendall’s story plays out, I would recommend asking for this at your local library instead of buying it. It just isn’t worth the money to shell out at a bookstore. I was disappointed in this latest edition in the NASCAR series but am optimistic this was just a one-time issue for this author. I am hopeful the next story will be much better than this one.

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

FLAT-OUT SEXY by Erin McCarthy

Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Date published: November 2008
ISBN: 978-0-425-22407-6
Contemporary Romance
Trade Paperback
Obtained via: Publisher
Reviewed by Dawn


Tamara Briggs lost her husband to the dangers of race car driving two years before and now she is intrigued by sex on a stick, Elec Monroe. Just a small problem- he is younger than her and he is another race car driver. Can Tamara find a way to let herself risk falling in love again with a man who revs her engines and gives her the passion she craves?

FLAT-OUT SEXY is a charming tale set in the world of race car driving. This author is new to me and frankly, I am not too keen on racing books but FLAT-OUT SEXY surprised me from the get-go. There is humor, passion and reservations. It has multi-dimensional characters that steal a readers’ heart and a fast paced storyline that keeps the reader hooked till the very last page is read. I was surprised at how I couldn’t put down the book and was eager to find out if Tamara would give into Elec’s desires and maybe even trust her heart a little in the process.

Meet Tamara Briggs, a single mother who lost her husband at Talladega Race track. Determined not to get involved with another driver, Tamara is set up on a blind date with rookie Elec Monroe and before she knows it, she is having fun with a man who gets her heart racing with a passing glance and his touch fires her blood. Can Tamara find a way to trust in her heart? Determined to keep things casual between them, Tamara and Elec heat things up in the bedroom and she finds herself falling for him even as she tries to resist. Tamara is a woman that will keep the reader spellbound. She is strong, vulnerable, independent and determined. A woman, reader’s can relate to and root for. I loved the dynamics between Tamra and Elec even as she gives into his seduction. Add in some funny secondary characters and some sizzling sexual tension, Ms. McCarthy delivers a wild ride start to finish.

FLAT-OUT SEXY is one pulse pounding ride that will have you laughing one minute and cheering the next as Tamara finds herself falling for a man even as she tries to keep things casual between them. The heart won’t be denied and the reader is taken on a passionate journey that will leave you highly entertained. I look forward to more in this series and Ms. McCarthy is now on my auto buy list from now on.

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

AN ENCHANTED SEASON by Maggie Shayne, Erin McCarthy, Nalini Singh and Jean Johnson

Publisher Berkley
Date published October 2007
ISBN 978 0425217856
Romance Paranormal
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Pam


Four short stories with a paranormal Christmas theme, which can be read at anytime.

MELTING FROSTY by Maggie Shayne
Matt and Holly had traumatic experiences in their youth during the Christmas holiday season. They both end up having very different outlooks and feelings about the time of year. Holly looks for the joy and love in all things, while Matt expects only emptiness and sorrow. Holly loves and embraces the season, while Matt hates it.

Is this fate or is the universe laughing at them? Matt is scared of feeling, but wonders, can the feelings he has for Holly be real.

Brought together by a series of miracles, stranded together by a snowstorm, this pair will have an everlasting effect on each other. They are both surprised at the way they feel about their time together.

It’s a story that could make people believe in miracles - especially the miracle of love. This reviewer was truly touched by the contrast of Matt's despair and Holly's hope. Both were palpable in their intensity and made for an unforgettable and heart-warming read.

The story starts out a little bit far fetched but turned into an enjoyable Christmas tale of two strangers, who find they more in common than they thought. A well crafted plot considering it was set around the journey of a hat.

CHARLOTTE'S WEB by Erin McCarthy
Charlotte and Will have been best friends for a long time and also secretly in love with each other. Neither seems to know how to change their friendship into a more intimate relationship. As luck would have it Charlotte's sisters, who fancy themselves witches, have some ideas on how to get them together. They both want the friendship, but they both yearn for far more and there seems to be no resolution. It's time for Charlotte and her sisters to tap into the magic of the holiday season and their family's witchy heritage. Charlotte will agree to almost any thing to catch Will's attention in a romantic way.

This is a very enjoyable story with a lovely plot and plenty going on. Charlotte and Will are very likeable and along with some funny moments they generate heat and sexual chemistry. It’s a delightful romance as the friends who have loved each other from afar for too long, finally come together. With barely hidden desire and Charlotte's long-stifled magical abilities, this is a fun tale to read.

BEAT OF TEMPTATION by Nalini Singh
Within the changeling leopard pack they should always feel safe, but another pack has destroyed the feeling. Nate and Tamsyn are changelings, who know that their souls are connected so they’re fated to be mates. Always drawn together but it is years before most shape shifters find their mate, during that time they enjoy independence and sexual freedom with multiple partners. Because of their age difference Nate has put off consummating their relationship, claiming he wants Tammy to see the world before they settle down.

Now she’s nineteen and the packs healer, she feels it is time. But still, Nate is determined to allow her the space and freedom to mature and find herself before he claims her.

Not very seasonal as far as a Christmas story but linked by a tree, as we follow their journey to acceptance. The concept is well written as we feel how the very space and freedom the hero gives his mate tortures them both. This reviewer enjoyed the Psy-Changeling world Ms. Singh has constructed. The premise made it easy to lose ones self in the story and relate to the characters. They were very believable and the emotional journey was very clear and brings their feelings to the readers.

GIFTS OF THE MAGI by Jean Johnson
Rachel and Steve have taken over his family Bed and Breakfast, but when a tornado damages the building their insurance company claims bankruptcy. They are close to losing their home and the business, with no idea how to change things. In the middle of a snow storm three strangers come to stay and things seem to change.

A twist on the three wise men traveling from far away, for this reviewer it wasn’t believable enough. Some of the dialogue was unbelievable and is my least liked in the anthology. The story was very slow at times making it a bit boring and preachy. This story lost its way soon after it began and the ending was hard to take. It never matched up to the other three stories in any way.