TIGER EYE by Marjorie M. Liu

Dirk & Steele, Book 1
Publisher: Lovespell Books
Date Published: December 2010
ISBN: 0-505-52626-3
Paranormal Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Tammy
Obtained via publisher


The first book in Marjorie M. Liu’s Dirk & Steele series, TIGER EYE, takes readers on a journey to a fantastical world where magical warriors, evil mages, curses and love eternal springs to life.

Like Aladdin and his magic lamp, Dela Reese has a puzzle box that when opened unleashes a magical warrior that is forced by a curse, to do the owner of the box’s bidding. Dela wants nothing to do with forcing anyone to do anything, and tells the surprised warrior just that. Hari has been enslaved by the box for millennia and has a hard time, believing Dela simply wants to set him free. While Dela and Hari search for a way to break the curse, someone is trying to kill Dela to get to the box and Hari.

Marjorie Liu’s TIGER EYE takes readers on a fantastical journey where ancient warriors appear out of nowhere prepared to do as asked, where good really does win over evil and the impossible becomes possible. Hari has been tortured and abused for what seems like forever, when he suddenly finds his new mistress simply wants to set him free. Trust is very difficult for Hari, but Dela proves herself worthy of his trust and she opens Hari’s heart to the possibility of love and a future outside the box. Hari is a complex character both deeply tortured yet every bit the honorable warrior willing, to do whatever it takes to keep his mistress safe. Dela is a strong, modern woman willing to accept the unbelievable in order to have her happily ever after.

This storyline is fast paced and stretches the imagination. The characters are vibrant and bigger than life. Fans of fantasy and happily ever after endings are sure to enjoy TIGER EYE, Marjorie Liu’s first book in her Dirk & Steele series.

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

SHUT UP AND KISS ME by Christie Craig

Publisher: Lovespell/Dorchester Publishing
Date published. May 2010
ISBN: 978-0-505-52799-8
Contemporary Mystery Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher


Welcome to Precious, Texas where things can get quite lively when you least expect it. Photojournalist Shala Winters is trying to get the tourists to come to Precious, though it is one tough sell in her opinion. When one of her photographs leads to murder, Shala has to rely on the one man who can drive her nuts with just a glance, Lawman Sky Gomez. Sky Gomez isn’t about to let anyone come after Shala if he can help it. She is sexy as hell even if she can drive him nuts. There is one thing both don’t foresee in that love will knock you on your butt faster than you can blink. Can Sky keep Shala safe even as they fall for one another?

I have to admit, this was a fun and wild story to read. The writing is tight, a fast paced storyline keeps the reader intrigued with all the twists and turns and the characters definitely give the story some memorable moments. Mystery, comedy and romance all wrapped with a bow in SHUT UP AND KISS ME makes this one story you don’t want to end.

Meet Shala Winters, a photojournalist who is tasked to bringing tourism to Precious, Texas and man, it’s a hard job to do. Trying to sell this quirky little town is hard work but Shala is determined even if she thinks it is a futile thing. When one of her photos is part of a murder, Shala has to trust the one man who can get under her skin even as he makes her melt with a touch, lawman Sky Gomez. Sky Gomez is sexy, irritating and so macho, it is all Shala can do to either smack him silly or give him a kiss. The one thing she won’t do is give him her heart…but will that be taken from her when fate decides he is the perfect match for Shala? I love these two together. Shala is an independent woman and determined she doesn’t need anyone, including Sky but when murder happens, Shala has to rely on the one man who may be her perfect match in all ways. Sky is one alpha male but dang if he didn’t light up the pages with Shala as they sparred and the underlying simmering sexual tension just added to the tension throughout the book. Add in some really intriguing characters to keep the story flowing smoothly and you got a roller coaster of a ride from start to finish.

SHUT UP AND KISS ME is a wonderful mix of romance and mystery for a reader to enjoy. I am looking forward to more books on Precious, Texas and can’t wait to see who will get hit next with the love bug. If you enjoy a fun, light read then SHUT UP AND KISS ME is definitely one you should check out.

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

A TALE OF TWO DEMON SLAYERS by Angie Fox

Book 3 in the Demon Slayers series
Publisher: Love Spell
Date published: January 2010
ISBN: 978-0505528278
Urban fantasy romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Valerie
Obtained by publisher


Before she learned she was a slayer, Lizzie was a pre-school teacher. Now, she has to deal with imps, demons and other bad guys who show up. Her boyfriend, Dimitri, a handsome, hunky griffin has invited her to his home in Greece to meet his family. What should be a time of rest and relaxation, not to mention, getting to know her drool-worthy boyfriend better, turns out to be madness and mayhem. Someone has made an evil version of Lizzie and she is out to kill her and her loved ones. But Lizzie has some aces up her sleeve, including her talking Jack Russell terrier, a gang of biker witches and a necromancer. Lizzie has to meet and fight her evil twin. Who will be the best demon slayer?

Unfortunately, this is the first book I read in this series, but it in no way spoiled the enjoyment. I will have to run and get the first two books as soon as possible. Now, where do I start? This was a funny, fantastic read and I was not happy when it was finished, I wanted more! I loved the characters. Lizzie is just coming into her own here and getting a handle on her powers. She is also getting into Dimitri and oh la la! Whatta hunk! I loved the biker witches, they are hilarious and I love Pirate, her Jack Russell. This story is full of comedy, some sensual romance and a lot of quirky action. This story will snare you and hold you captive until its last page. I really didn’t want to put it down, but I had to read it in two sittings. With a lot of smart dialogue, fast-paced action and a heroine and hero you can root for, this is a book you just have to read.

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

BREATH OF FIRE by Tammy Kane

Book 1 in series
Publisher: Lovespell
Date published: June 2009
ISBN: 978-0-505-52816-2
Fantasy Romance
Mass market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained via Publisher


Karl is on his way to his final journey where he stumbles across a village about to give a virgin sacrifice to a dragon. Scoffing at the superstitious villagers, he volunteers to be the sacrifice in order to show them there is no dragon. To his eyes, there is a dragon and just when he thinks his life is gone, a beautiful dragon slayer saves him. Now Karl, though trained as a warrior as a Mattaen Initiate, finds he is to be the prize for Elera has demanded that be her price for saving him from the dragon. With one shattering kiss, Karl finds himself drawn to the one woman who will shatter his defenses and have him make a choice between the brotherhood that was his home and the woman who stole his heart.

BREATH OF FIRE is one wonderful book from start to finish. I couldn’t put this one down at all and stayed up in the wee hours of the morning just to see what would happen next to Karl and Elera. It was a nice blend of romance, mythical creatures (namely dragons), ethics and politics. The author has the right amount of balance between all her elements and throws in a few surprises as well to keep you intrigued. I loved the way Karl and Elera were strong characters and fairly stepped off the pages of BREATH OF FIRE. With some wonderful secondary characters to keep the story flowing, simmering sexual tension and mysteries to explore, Ms. Kane delivers a story that will keep you intrigued long after the last page is read.

Meet Karl, a Mattaen Initiate, who is on his last journey when he stumbles across a village about to sacrifice a virgin girl to a dragon. Scoffing that there is such a thing, he volunteers to be the sacrifice instead and finds himself face to face with the great beast to his dismay. When a beautiful dragon slayer saves him and slays the dragon, she demands Karl as her payment for this deed. What comes next is will shatter Karl’s defenses and steal his heart as he is drawn into a world of politics, ethical dilemmas and romance. Elera is a dragon slayer and she wants Karl for her payment in killing the dragon. I love these two characters together. Both are strong, independent and man, do the sparks fly between them. Ms. Kane creates vivid characters that keep the reader intrigued and a world where dragons roam. This author gives a fresh take on dragons and delivers her version wrapped up in a bow to the delight of this reviewer.

BREATH OF FIRE is a wonderful new take on dragons and the world they inhabit. With some amazing characters, tight writing, simmering tension-sexual, politics, etc- to keep the reader flipping the pages, Ms. Kane delivers a story that will leave you sighing one minute and the next gasping in disbelief with her twists and turns amid the pages of BREATH OF FIRE. I am highly looking forward to the next book in the series and hope I don’t have long to wait for it. If you enjoy a new take on fantasy romance and filled with dragons, then grab BREATH OF FIRE. You won’t be disappointed. I just recommend you make sure nothing is burning before starting this as you will be sucked into the story from the first page. I highly recommend BREATH OF FIRE for those who enjoy a new take on dragons.

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

THE DANGEROUS BOOK FOR DEMON SLAYERS Book 2 in series by Angie Fox

Publisher: Lovespell
Date published: May 2009
ISBN 978-0-505-52770-7
Urban Fantasy
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn




Poor Lizzie Brown…she thought turning thirty would be a fun time for her since she didn’t go out much. Well her life was a bed of roses until her Harley riding grandma, opened her eyes to a world she never really thought existed and powers she was given and never knew about. Now she is in Vegas, going after some soul sucking succubus who has her hooks in her fairy godfather and on a permit no less for Demon Slaying. No one gave her a handbook and now more than ever, she has to rely not just on herself but her grandma and her fellow witches, her hunky boyfriend Dimitri, and some new allies. Because if Lizzie fails to stop this first huge fight, all hell will break loose.

This is the second book in Lizzie’s adventures as she struggles to accept, that she is the demon slayer and that her normal, boring life is so over with! I love the way Ms. Fox creatively captures her characters, be it a grumpy fairy or older ladies riding Harleys and doing magic. Full of humor, tension and many twists, THE DANGEROUS BOOK FOR DEMON SLAYERS definitely delivers you on a wild ride.

Here is Lizzie’s next adventure. All the characters are back from the first book, The Accidental Demon Slayer, and a few new ones as well. Ms. Fox delivers just enough plot details to keep the reader engrossed without overwhelming them. The tension between Dimitri and Lizzie as she struggles to figure everything out and control it all, had me rooting they could work things out. Romance, humor and kick butt action had me eagerly turning the page to see what happens next. I loved the way the secondary characters kept the story going, while Lizzie took down a demon or two. Between giggling and rooting for Lizzie to get her rewards and save the day, Ms. Fox delivers a story with so many twists that the ending was an “OH MY GOD!!” moment. I thoroughly enjoyed THE DANGEROUS BOOK FOR DEMON SLAYERS and am anxiously awaiting Lizzie’s next adventure. Run to grab this fun book and don’t forget to grab the first one as well, as that introduces all the main characters. Ms. Fox is definitely on my auto read list now…is she on yours?

STOLEN FURY by Elisabeth Naughton

Publisher: Love Spell
Date published: December 2008
ISBN 978-0505527936
Romantic suspense
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Valerie


Dr. Lisa Maxwell has been obsessed, since the death of her lover fifteen years before, to find the bas-reliefs of the three Greek Furies, Alecto, Megaera and Tisiphone. She is understandably, very upset with a gorgeous man who meets her, wines and dines her, almost seduces her and steals Alecto after she worked hard to find it. With the help of her twin brother, who also happens to be a detective, she tracks down the thief. Rafe is in Key West and has an idea where to find Megaera. Unfortunately, they have to join forces in order to find the other two furies. Now a race against time begins. There are others who are after the artifacts, others who would kill. Lisa and Rafe begin an adventure which not only includes a dangerous enemy, but which will also include their hearts.

This is Elisabeth Naughton’s debut novel and is to be a trilogy. That news has made me very happy indeed as I highly enjoyed this story. This talented author has written a clever plot that is breathtakingly adventurous and highly sensuous. The passion that sizzles between Rafe and Lisa fairly gets your pulse pounding and the blood racing through your veins. The characters are very well written and will immediately find a place in the reader’s heart. Secondary characters give the story depth and life. This is a story you won’t want to put down and it deserves to be read in one sitting. I guarantee you will enjoy this story if you enjoy an exciting, sizzling romance with a very good plot. I am one reader who is waiting for the next book to come out, which I hope will be soon. And I am sure that I am not the only one!

COUNTDOWN by Michelle Maddox

Publisher: Love Spell
Published Date: July 2008
ISBN: 9780505527554
Futuristic Action Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Lil



Readers who have been looking for something decidedly different will undoubtedly want to explore the Shomi line. COUNTDOWN has been my introductory read to Dorchestor’s recent venture.

Set in a future where the world population is much reduced and poverty is prevalent, those who can, leave for the new colony. It is a paradise known as “Offworld.”

Kira Jordan has been on her own and doing what she needed in order to survive since she was fifteen years old, after her family was senselessly slain. Fast forward seven years and she is now a petty thief; one with some psi ability.

She wakes to a nightmare of being incarcerated with a convicted rapist and serial killer. Even worse, she and this man, Rogan Ellis are going to have to trust each other and work together in a twisted version of a technologically advanced reality game show. Success in each and every level within each respective time limit will mean attaining the commonly held dream. Failure will mean disqualification, a euphemism in this game for “Death.”

The story had me in its grip from the first page. If you love an action packed read that veers into the unexpected, this is a great find. One will notice the similarity to the movie The Running Man from years past. All the same, the sensation of familiarity gives way to an adrenaline rush as we follow the hero and heroine as they make their way through the different levels of the game.

Neither main character is traditional hero or heroine material. Both have made decisions that were less than admirable in their past. But the author is able to give a good pace and some believability to their progression from battling for their lives to battling for the greater good and for each other.

The story had areas that were less satisfying. There are some coincidences which seem mildly outrageous and therefore jostles us out of the tale. Likewise, the finale was drawn out and after all of the thrills of their competing and outsmarting of the villains, the end when it came felt anti-climactic.

One thing is for certain, Michelle Maddox can certainly deliver an entertaining and exciting story. If COUNTDOWN is any indication of the author’s talent, this reader will be all eyes for her next book. And when a date is set she will cheerfully be crossing off the days.

DOUBLE ENCHANTMENT: RELICS OF MERLIN by Kathryn Kennedy

Publisher Love Spell
Date published September 2008
ISBN 978-0505527639
Paranormal Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Gina




Foregoing yet again one of society’s entertainments, Lady Jasmina weaves a simple spell to create a double of herself. She’s done it many times before, usually when on a similar mission as the one she’s about to begin. You see, her mother has a habit of “borrowing” other people’s jewellery. Not that she borrows it with their knowledge. In fact, most of us would consider it stealing. Be that as it may, on this one particular evening something with her spell goes not quite right due to the addition of one of Merlin’s Relics. Magical in nature, the relics are perhaps the only things truly feared by Prince Albert and his entourage—they are the very things that can bring the kingdom crashing down around their ears. While Jasmina goes off on her latest errand to return an object to its rightful owner, her double takes off on her own adventure.

As with virtually all shapeshifters, Sir Sterling Thorn is scorned by the rest of society. Despite how magnificent he is in his wereform, that of a splendid black stallion, Sterling is all but ignored. When he meets Jaz, however, nothing can keep him from his goal of bedding and wedding the beauty. Not even the fact that she is an illusion created by magic. Despite his attachment to Jaz, who disappears from him hours after he has wed her, his first concern is to find his missing sister, Angel. While his smarmy brother Cecil insists Angel has run off with an unsavoury sort, Sterling refuses to believe she would have done such a thing. When Sterling sights the woman he believes to be his wife in the Prince’s Hall, he finds himself quickly put down by the real woman. On the other hand, despite her best intentions, Jasmina cannot help but feel attracted to the potently attractive were-stallion. Together they must work to find the missing relic, Angel and Jasmina’s wayward double.

Kathryn Kennedy creates an amazing world that lives beyond the veil of our own. It is a world inhabited by charming, sexy and devious magical beings not all that different from ourselves. Her imagination is a gift and a sensual banquet for her readers. I’m not a huge fan of shapeshifters or fantasy, but I would read anything of Ms. Kennedy’s in a heartbeat, she tells that good of a story. The world she creates in her Relics of Merlin series is one I wish truly existed and I could live there.

There are a few threads that I wondered about and felt somewhat unsatisfied when they did not play out. There seemed to be a bit made of Jasmina agreeing not to marry, but nothing was said as to why or how she felt when the promise was broken. Nor does her father remind her of her promise when she embarks on the path to marital bliss. The gnomes, Nuisance and Trouble were an intricate part of the story, but they annoyed me. More than entertain, they distracted me from the story. Every time they popped up they pulled me out of the story, making me want to skim until their scenes were over. If they were meant to annoy the reader as much as Jasmina, they achieved their goal for this reviewer.

I fell in love with Sir Artemis. The were-lion was totally hot, even hotter than Sterling and he sizzled off the pages! Sterling was, in some ways, that girlhood attraction to horses as powerfully beautiful animals carried into adulthood. His innate sexuality is felt from the moment readers meet him and carries through to the very end.

I can’t wait to see where Ms. Kennedy takes us with the next relic. I for one cannot wait to find my way back into the mystical streets of her Victorian world.

THE ACCIDENTAL DEMON SLAYER by Angie Fox

Publisher /Lovespell
Date published August 2008
ISBN 9780505527691
Paranormal Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Susan



Lizzie Brown’s life is turned upside-down when she finds out the truth about herself. She is a demon-slayer, a job that runs in her family. Pretty soon, her life is in danger as she finds lots of people want her dead but she finds a protector in Dimitri Kallinikos. Dimitri is a griffin who can change his shape. He has his own reason for pursuing a relationship with Lizzie. What is a girl to do but try to ride this rollercoaster called her life?

Lizzie is a fabulous character. She is very memorable and so very normal. We totally understand and feel for her as she has to adjust to her new life. Lizzie is the main focus of the story and everyone else supports her. Dimitri who is a hunky griffin makes Lizzie focus on the woman within. Her grandmother and the witches who will make you laugh. Pirate is her dog who suddenly can talk and who maintains a soft spot in Lizzie’s heart. This cast of supporting characters enriches this story. The characters play off each other in a positive way and I loved how they interact. The author has done a great job in character development and we get to know them well.

THE ACCIDENTAL DEMON SLAYER is Angie Fox’s first book. It is a fabulous start for her. The story is fun, fast-paced and filled with lots action. It is a non-stop ride as we follow Lizzie on her journey. She imparts her reactions and thoughts to what is happening to her. It works because it is her story to tell. It will be hard to put this down once you begin reading as you will want to find out what happens and I am hoping there will be a sequel as the ending provided that option.

Immortals: The Redeeming -Book 5 of series by Jennifer Ashley

Publisher Love Spell
Date published 8/26/2008
ISBN 978-0-505-52745-5
Paranormal Romance/Series
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn



Tain is one of the youngest and most tortured of the Immortals. Kidnapped and imprisoned with a sadistic demon, he finds himself free of the pain he has endured for many centuries to a world greatly changed. Scars deep inside have him shunning his brothers to a degree until he finds himself drawn to a half demon/half human woman who calls to all that was once lost within. A violent backlash has happened after the war between vampires and demons a year ago and demon women are missing. Tain asks Samantha for help and as these two race against the clock to stop an ancient evil hell bent on conquering the world, both find a love that will either deliver the greatest of ecstasy or destroy them both.

Jennifer Ashley has done it again with her next chapter in the Immortals Series. THE REDEEMING is a story of Tain, an immortal warrior who was kidnapped by a vengeful demon and then tortured for over seven hundred centuries. Pain lies deep in his soul and psyche yet one woman calls to him like no other. After being rescued by his brothers, their wives and Samantha, the woman who fills something inside him that is lost, Tain tries to get reacquainted with a world that differs greatly from his memories. Strong yet vulnerable, Tain is a character that had this reviewer dropping her jaw and rooting for him to find the love he craved yet shunned at the same time. He has been forefront in all the past Immortal books and it was a delight to read how he found himself again though greatly changed. He is drawn to Samantha yet doesn’t believe the idea that he could ever love a woman, especially a half-demon one at that. She is a cop who finds that she never stopped loving him, even with all his problems. This character is kind yet tough, gentle yet kick ass; Samantha delivers a much needed kick in Tain’s ass when he keeps pushing her away yet is drawn to her with a desire that is scorching hot. Ms. Ashley delivers two of the most multidimensional characters to date in the series and she definitely keeps the sexual tension running on high!

THE REDEEMING is the 5th book in the series and though you can read it stand alone, I recommend that you read the others in the series first to understand what Tain went through as well as who the other characters that are mentioned throughout the book are. If you enjoy a gripping story with captivating characters, some of the hottest sex scenes this reader ever read and a series that will keep you guessing, then grab the IMMORTALS: THE REDEEMING. This reader is definitely eager for the next installment of the Immortals saga and to find out what is next for t hem all. Run quick to grab this entire series so far and get ready for a day full of fun, magic and mysteries as the IMMORTALS deliver their brand of judgment on a world full of beings you only read about.

THE REDEEMING: Immortals, Book 5 by Jennifer Ashley

Publisher Love Spell
Date published August 2008
ISBN 978-0-505-52745-5
Paranormal Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn






All the creatures that go bump in the night are walking with humans and living among us. Constant power struggles are the norm as one race tries to be dominating over the other and one thing keeps them in check: The Immortal Warriors!

Tain is one of the youngest and most tortured of the Immortals. Kidnapped and imprisoned with a sadistic demon, he finds himself free of the pain he has endured for many centuries to a world greatly changed. Scars deep inside have him shunning his brothers to a degree until he finds himself drawn to a half demon/half human woman who calls to all that was once lost within. A violent backlash has happened after the war between vampires and demons a year ago and demon women are missing. Tain asks Samantha for help and as these two races against the clock to stop an ancient evil hell bent on conquering the world, both find a love that will either deliver the greatest of ecstasy or destroy them both.

Jennifer Ashley has done it again with her next chapter in the IMMORTALS series. THE REDEEMING is a story of Tain, an immortal warrior who was kidnapped by a vengeful demon and then tortured for over seven hundred centuries. Pain lies deep in his soul and psyche yet one woman calls to him like no other. After being rescued by his brothers, their wives and Samantha, the woman who fills something inside him that is lost, Tain tries to get reacquainted with a world greatly different from his memories. Strong yet vulnerable, Tain is a character that had this reviewer dropping her jaw and rooting for him to find the love he craved yet shunned at the same time. He has been forefront in all the past Immortal books and it was a delight to read how he found himself again though greatly changed. He is drawn to Samantha yet shuns the idea that he could ever love a woman, even a half-demon one at that. She is a cop who finds her finding that since his rescue, that she never stopped loving him, even with all his problems. This character is kind yet tough, gentle yet kick ass; Samantha delivers a much needed kick in Tain’s ass when he keeps pushing her away yet is drawn to her with a desire that is scorching hot. Ms. Ashley delivers two of the most multidimensional characters to date in the series and she definitely keeps the sexual tension running on high!

THE REDEEMING is the 5th book in the series and though you can read it stand alone, I recommend that you read the others in the series first to understand what Tain went through as well as who the other characters that are mentioned throughout the book are. If you enjoy a gripping story with captivating characters, some of the hottest sex scenes this reader ever read and a series that will keep you guessing, then grab the IMMORTALS: THE REDEEMING. This reader is definitely eager for the next installment of the Immortals saga and to find out what is next for t hem all. Run quick to grab this entire series so far and get ready for a day full of fun, magic and mysteries as the IMMORTALS deliver their brand of judgment on a world full of beings you only read about.