WITCHFUL THINKING by H.P. Mallory

Jolie Wilkins, #3
Publisher: Random House
Date published: February 2012
ISBN: 9780345531452
Paranormal Romance
Paperback
Obtained by publisher
Reviewed by T.Barringer


In the third book in H.P. Mallory’s Jolie Wilkins series, WITCHFUL THINKING, Jolie, to her surprise, has been crowned queen of the underworld. Though she has a rare gift for reanimating the dead, she is completely lost when it comes to governing. And though she takes her new job seriously, she is also struggling with her love life. The warlock Rand is the love of her life, but she is keeping secrets from him. Her sworn protector, the vampire Sinjin, is also showing a carnal interest in Tori, but she is pretty sure he has ulterior motives in pursuing her. Now, if she could just make up her mind about what to do with the underworld and her love life and just stick to it.

WITCHFUL THINKING is the first of H.P. Mallory’s Jolie Wilkins stories this reader has picked up, so it is possible that the enjoyment factor was reduced simply because of lack of back story. However, the similarities between Jolie and MaryJanice Davidson’s Betsy Taylor, Vampire Queen, from her Undead series, were simply too strong to get past. Jolie, like Betsy, is a modern, slightly ditzy young woman who finds herself queen of the undead with no idea how to rule. Unfortunately, Jolie’s antics throughout the story aren’t quite as humorous as Betsy’s. Rand, Jolie’s vampire honey is also quite similar in character to Betsy’s vampire king Sinclair. They are both the straight guy to Jolie/Betsy’s ditz and the real power behind the thrones. Perhaps if Ms. Davidson hadn’t already penned almost a dozen well publicized and strong selling Betsy books, the incredible similarities would not have been quite so glaring. But she has and they are.

On the other hand, the story moves along at a fairly clip pace, the secondary characters show promise and the surprise ending is one readers will never see coming.

WITCHFUL THINKING was entertaining and a quick read. The lack of original characters and humor, however, did dampen the enjoyment for this reader. However, if somehow you had missed reading MaryJanice Davidson’s Undead books, this WITCHFUL THINKING could be an enjoyable read for a day at the beach.


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

WHERE NERVES END by L. A. Witt

Tucker Springs Series, Book 1
Publisher: Amber Allure
Date published: June 3rd, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-61124-288-1
Contemporary M/M
E-book
Obtained by publisher
Reviewed by Dawn


Jason Davis dealt with his latest break up. He dealt with the mortgage and the struggling business. Plus he has dealt with the shoulder injury that has him on his knees in pain most nights but hey, he is handling that just fine, thank-you-very-much. What he can’t handle is when it hits him all at once and now Jason has to figure out how to pay the bills, keep his struggling club open and find a way to deal with the chronic pain that won’t have him popping pills constantly. So taking a friend’s advice to try acupuncture, he relents and meets Michael Whitman.

A single dad, Michael is trying to make ends meet and still do what he loves which is helping people deal with their conditions and Jason Davis is a man who desperately needs his help. When Jason asks Michael to be his roommate so they both can save some money, Michael jumps at the chance and both find out that in close proximity, sparks fly, desires flare and for Jason, wanting Michael is driving him insane with need. Because Michael is straight….right?

Author L.A. Witt introduces readers to the town of Tucker Springs, Colorado. It has wonderful mountain views, great universities and a high living cost. We meet Jason who is dealing with a down economy, a mortgage on a house he thought he was sharing with his partner, who up and left him & with a crippling shoulder injury that leaves him some nights withering in pain. The characters are the star attractions in this series and I was thrilled to be introduced to the town by this author. With her trademark writing style, Ms. Witt delivers a story of two people who are perfect for one another yet find obstacles in their way. The writing is tight, story moves at a nice even pace & the characters shine brightly amid the pages.

Meet Jason Davis. A man with a business he is determined to keep going, a mortgage he thought he would be able to afford when he was with his lover but hey, life tosses lemons some days and in this case, hit Jason squarely in the jaw several times. Now, at the end of his breaking point, he tries acupuncture for his shoulder and meets a man who stirs his senses, revs his libido and makes him want to do dirty things to. Michael Whitman is trying to make ends meet, especially since he helps raise his son half the time with his ex., jumping at the chance to roommate with Michael, both find themselves drawn to one another. But Michael is straight…right? I love these two characters together. Michael is laid back, knows the advantages of alternative medicine and knows he can help Jason. Jason is tense and in pain. The author does a great job in letting the readers see into his pain and how much it costs him every time it flares up. I love how these two are together. They are the perfect pair and each one gives the other something as well. This isn’t just will they or won’t they kind of story. It’s about two people trying to do the right thing for themselves as well as their lives. What will make them truly happy? It’s a journey both characters go in WHERE NERVES END and the reader finds out just what these two will do to get what they both desire even as they try to make sure they give what they can to their priorities.

L. A. Witt delivers a story that is wonderful with moments of humor, love and sheer joy at times. She delivers a story that isn’t just about two people falling in love, it’s about two people trying to do the right thing to the people they care about while staying true to themselves. It can be a rough road to travel at times but this is an author who knows how to weave a story skillfully and I can honestly say, I would read this one all over again. I can’t wait to see what else is up in Tucker Springs and see where this series goes. If you enjoy complex characters, humor with a bit of romance then you will enjoy WHERE NERVES END.


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

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE by Andrew Grey

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE by Andrew Grey
A Seven Days Story, book 2
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Date published: July 15th, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-61372-544-3
Contemporary M/M
E-Book
Obtained by publisher
Reviewed by Dawn


Seven days….a person’s life can change in a blink of an eye so why not in seven? For Donald ‘Donny’ Pottier and Jason ‘Jay’ Greene, finding one another when they were just kids and a love for crabbing leads them to a friendship that spanned years and a love that renewed itself each summer when Jason came back to Chincoteague Island, Virginia, for the summer. But when that love is torn from them both, each will find the strength to go on even as their blossoming love holds patiently in their hearts for the right time to come out again. Pain, loss, sickness and more define these two in the eleven years where they miraculously find one another but by next daylight; it’s lost as fate leads them on a journey that takes them from boys to men, learning as they grow up, go to college and find out what life has in store for them.

Andrew Grey is a marvelous storyteller, who delivers something more with each new book he churns out. As a fan since the very first book I picked up of his, I have marveled at how this author delves into each story, letting his characters shine-warts and all, to letting the story steal a reader away so much so that they blink when they turn that last page and find it’s the wee hours of the morning. This is an author who knows how to tell a story that his fans clamor for more with each release. His stories are character driven and for me, it’s a perfect blend of storytelling and a cast of wonderful characters that leaves me breathless. In his follow up to Seven Days, we meet two people who become friends then something more but as we all know life can take turns we least expect and as we read Jason and Donny’s story, the reader is taken on the journey with them, fighting back tears, enjoying the smiles and reveling in the love that has begun between them. The story is more than two people falling in love, it’s about finding the strength to go on, even when you feel like the world just won’t give you a break, when life hands you a detour you sure in hell were not expecting and though you grumble and complain, you go on this path to find that you are stronger than you think, that yes, you can do this. Andrew Grey delivers a strong story that is emotional at times so much so I almost tossed my e-reader across the room as I growled, laughed, smiled and rooted for these two wonderful characters to finally-FINALLY-get their happily ever after.

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE is a story that will take you on a journey as you read Jason and Donny’s story and find yourself rooting for these two, as they found life isn’t always smooth sailing and blue skies, that yes there are dips and turns you never anticipate or even want to experience but in the end, it makes you stronger, makes you appreciate what you have in life even as you want to rail at the injustice of it all. The way Jason touches and influences Donny’s life even when they are separated by years & distances left me breathless. You could see how powerful this was as well as emotional. Here was a young man who was determined to show Donny that the world is his to take. With each page, the reader is drawn into the story, weeping one minute as life throws a curveball you don’t see coming to the sheer joy of when these two find one another again. Andrew Grey pulls no punches in this story of a love so complex yet so simple-it brings you to your knees many times over. I ran the gauntlet of emotions with this one-laughing, crying, cheering, sobbing-so much so I went through two Kleenex boxes in one sitting while I read this one and as I turned that last page, I felt simple joy as these two wonderful characters found that though life can beat you down and take you down paths you may never want to wish upon your worst enemy, you will find the strength to live it and move on because love in all its many faceted forms, is the purest emotion a person can experience. From lost love to rekindled love, to learning to let go of the hurt and disillusion and letting your heart heal after losing the one good thing in your life. To letting love go so it can come back to you-stronger, deeper and worth more than the biggest diamond in the world. This is what UNCONDITIONAL LOVE is when two hearts are finally together, after all the detours, the heartbreaks and the tears, so that you both can smile at one another, take each other’s hand and let yourself just be still, safe in the arms of that love. Andrew Grey delivers that and more in his latest Seven Days story and I highly recommend that you have Kleenex on hand because you will need it while you read this one.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading this or the first book, Seven Days, then please run-don’t walk-to grab it and then settle in for an adventure of a lifetime. Because when you open an Andrew Grey book, you find yourself on a journey that will take you places and will steal your heart.


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

THE LOVE GYPSY by Mariah Lynne

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Date published: 7-25-2012
ISBN: 978-1-61217-345-0
1950’s, time travel
E-book
Obtained via publisher
Reviewed by Helen


Brianna Breeze is a Florida Homicide Detective more interested in her job than relationships. So her best friend drags her along to see the Love Gypsy, a woman with a remarkable record for finding clients their perfect match. Contrary Brianna becomes fascinated by a man who interrupts her interview, instead of following through the correct steps to find her Mr. Right.
Dom is so different Brianna wants to find out more about him, but between her job and all that’s happening around him, this isn’t going to be easy. And that’s without the whole time travel thing.

For such a short book, there’s a lot packed into this little story. There’s all Brianna’s work situations, the people at the restaurant, the Love Gypsy herself and what’s going on at her house, as well as Dom’s life. Apart from a bit of tension and some kisses all the sex is completely offstage, which gives the author more words to work with, but she still does a great job of squeezing heaps of action into a small word count.
A couple of times Dom uses words I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t know, and there’s the occasional dangling modifier, but there’s plenty of good stuff as well. Both main characters are well rounded and intriguing people, and a couple of things I thought were going to be clichés actually worked really well and became nifty plot points.


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

THE SAINT WHO STOLE MY HEART by Stefanie Sloane

Publisher: Ballantine
Date published: April 24, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-345-53114-8
Historical Romance
Paperback
Obtained by publisher
Reviewed by Lynne


Dashiell Matthews, Viscount Carrington, is a clandestine spy for the Young Corinthians organization. A tragic murder destroyed his happy childhood, so he has spent much of his life seeking the one responsible, a dangerous man called Bishop.

Brilliant, wealthy, and incredibly handsome, Dash has a love for puzzles yet chooses to appear stupid in the eyes of society in order to keep his many admirers at bay.

Miss Elena Barnes, the only child of Baron Harcourt, has left her comfort zone as a country bluestocking to go to London to bring home the collection of rare books bequeathed to her family by Dash’s late father, unaware she is about to fall prey to the masterful seduction of the most beautiful, stupidest man she has ever met. Beautiful and extremely intelligent herself, Elena soon finds herself helpless beneath her growing affections toward this addlebrained man.

Later, when she discovers Dash’s deception and secret mission, to bring Bishop to justice, she willingly risks everything, including her heart, to join him.

THE SAINT WHO STOLE MY HEART by Stefanie Sloane is the fourth in the Regency Rogues series. An exceptional writer, Ms. Sloane has weaved a genuinely good story, fraught with plenty of mystery, romance, and spice.

THE SAINT WHO STOLE MY HEART is the first book I have read by Ms. Sloane, yet found it a pleasure to read. The characters are a delight, especially Dashiell, who has to hide his incredible brilliance, even from the one woman he suddenly finds himself interested in.

The minor characters are nicely written and quite likable. Rowena and Mr. Bell bring a lot of support to both the hero and heroine of THE SAINT WHO STOLE MY HEART. Also, it is nice to have such a good distinction between the good guys and the bad guys. Smeade was the perfect nemesis, and the one man the reader will grow to dislike greatly as time goes on.

Sloane’s ability to capture the essence of love is pure and unadulterated. I enjoyed how the Marchioness Mowbray was used to help draw Dash and Elena together and how the Furies, her sisters, were brought in later to add to that.

THE SAINT WHO STOLE MY HEART seems a bit slow in parts, as the mystery of Dash’s mother’s death unravels, but all-in-all there is a good plot, great descriptions, and plenty to keep the reader happily turning pages to see if the villain will get his comeuppance in the end.

Sloane did a good job in showing both the inner and outer beauty of Elena, especially when involving herself with the Halcyon Society. The way she cares for her maid, Rowena, was a nice touch, too.

Sloane’s gift for writing and storytelling is clear in THE SAINT WHO STOLE MY HEART, and I look forward to reading more from this writer, as well as in this series.


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

SHATTERED MAGIC by Rebecca York

Publisher: Carina Press
Date published: 8/20/2012
ISBN: 978-14268-9423-7
Fantasy romance
E-book
Obtained via publisher
Reviewed by Helen


Rowan is engaged to a man only she knows is truly evil. To escape the marriage she flees her village and undertakes a difficult and dangerous journey away from her home and people.

Prince Grantland, heir to the kingdom of Arandal, has also run away from his home to give himself time and space to decide what he wants out of life.

They meet, are highly attracted to each other and face danger together. But both are hiding the secrets of their backgrounds which may shatter any bonds between them.

This is a very old plot line, however the story is set in such a different and enticing world, and with such enchanting and compelling characters, it becomes fresh and engaging. Aspiring authors and published authors wanting to improve their craft would do well to read this book and see how a New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly best-selling and award-winning author makes such a challenge look easy. In fact, a reader may absorb the story without even realizing what Ms. York has done.

Fantasy, magic, dragons, sexual tension and erotic lovemaking, combine with the excellent world building to draw the reader into the web of intrigue. Both Rowan and Grant are wonderful characters, fully developed even in such a short novel. The main characters are alone much of the time, which allows the author to devote all her word count to them and their story, an excellent technique for a shorter book.
There were only a couple of places where I wished for a little more detail, and it wasn’t until I finished the book that I discovered it was actually the second one in a series. I expect had I read the other book first I’d have had no questions at all. I will most definitely be reading the earlier book. I was enchanted by these characters and their world.

A really good book from every angle.


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

TAMING BLAZE Club Esoteria 8 by Cooper McKenzie

Publisher: Siren Publishing
Date published: March 2012
ISBN: 1-61926-485-4
Contemporary erotica BDSM
E-book
Obtained via publisher
Reviewed by Gabrielle


Blaze continues to abuse her body at Club Esoteria until Master Taurus intervenes and gives her an ultimatum; either she give Master Z a night to show her a different way or leave immediately and forever. Blaze has only known pain from all the men in her life and fears giving Master Z even that chance but can she live without the safety of the club? Will Master Z be able to work his magic on Blaze and tame the fire in her instead of putting it out as so many men before him have?

I am a big fan of this series and this book was another great addition to it. This book gives us Blaze and Master Z’s story. The two make a wonderful couple. Master Z is such a kind and wonderful Dom who understands just what Blaze needs. I got lost in their world right from the start. Watching their first scene together at the club sets the whole mood of the book. I loved seeing Blaze finally get what she needs. She is so confused and scared to trust but Master Z continues to break her walls down and show Blaze how much she can trust and rely on him. I loved seeing the sparks between the two turn into so much more as Master Z shows Blaze not only his Dom but also his heart. Watching the love between these two made for a wonderful read. Not only were we treated to one hot story but a beautiful romance as well.


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

REMEMBER ME by Cheryl Robinson

Publisher: NAL
Date published: August 2nd, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-451-23336-7
Contemporary/Woman’s Fiction
Paperback
Obtained by publisher
Reviewed by Dawn


Twenty years before, Mia and Danielle where best of friends until an indiscretion destroys their friendship in one fell swoop. Now many years later, they both will find their lives are changed as well as a chance to recapture their friendship. But in order to do this, they first must confront their past and search for the truth or else their friendship will be severed beyond repair.

REMEMBER ME is the first book I have read by this author and found it very enjoyable. Two women, former friends, meet up many years later and now in order to have a future they need to confront their past. I loved how this author delivers a story that is a perfect beach read on a sunny day. This author’s writing style flows smoothly and lets the words take flight in the book. I loved that immensely. It was like the author didn’t even try to force something, instead let them come out at their pace. The one thing that I had trouble with was the point of view shifts from time to time between Mia and Danielle. It took some time to get used to it but it worked nicely in the story.

Meet Mia and Danielle. They met and became fast friends at their Catholic all-girls high school. Their friendship endures until one event breaks their bond forever-or so they thought. Now many years later both women will find they need the strength to face the past, let it go and embrace a future while forgiving the ones that caused some of their issues. These two main characters are nicely written and very enjoyable. I liked getting to know them both as kids and as they grew up to be women. The author then stumbles after that a bit and they become almost one dimensional before it is corrected and the characters are back to being well rounded. The secondary characters keep the story moving nicely and I enjoyed their interactions with the main characters as well as the town they now live in.

REMEMBER ME is more about two friends reconnecting but about forgiveness & courage. These two women must find the strength to deal with a lot of issues in order to move forward. The author does a great job in fleshing out the characters and I really enjoyed the many scenes they had together in the story. I have got to admit that this was a perfect lazy Sunday afternoon read that left me satisfied in the end.


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

PREY by Linda Howard

Publisher: Ballantine
Date published: September 2011
ISBN: 978-0345506917
Paranormal Romance
Hardcover
Obtained via publisher
Reviewed by T.Barringer


Have you ever heard the phrase, “Sometimes you get the bear, sometimes the bear gets you?” While reading Linda Howard’s PREY, that phrase kept coming to mind again and again.

Angie Powell has inherited her wilderness guide business from her father who died two years ago. Though Angie is a knowledgeable guide, her business is going down the drain and Angie blames handsome Dare Callahan for it all. Dare is ex-military and his guide business has been booming ever since he opened, drawing business away from Angie. Even his name seems to annoy her. Who names their son Dare anyway? Before throwing in the towel on her business, Angie decides to take one last trip into the wild with a client and his guest who are hunting for bear. But the trip turns deadly when Angie witnesses a murder. Before the killer has Angie in his sights, a killer bear barrels onto the scene and the real hunt begins.

The first thing this reader has to comment on with this book is the book cover. It is a beautiful scene of a scantily clad woman sprawled out on what appears to be a beach. The only thing this cover has in common with the book is the woman. There is no beach in this book. It takes place in the winter, with a woman trying to stay alive while being chased by a killer and an even deadlier bear. Still, it is a nice cover. It just doesn’t have anything at all to do with the book.

Now, moving onto the story itself. Linda Howard’s PREY is a fast paced romantic adventure filled with the beauty of the wilderness. The female lead character, Angie, seemed a bit out of place in this story. Her business is failing and she doesn’t realize the obvious, hunter’s are going to be more comfortable with the ex-military Dare guiding them then they are with a woman, no matter how skilled she may be. The man is just simply going to be stronger and more useful in the wild. Instead of looking for ways to market her business smarter, she decides to take the easy way out and sell. The male lead, Dare, is strong, competent, resilient, easy on the eyes and is interested in Angie to the point of thinking of a way to purchase her business while keeping Angie in her home and employed. He is the perfect hero.

For this reader, the best character in this book, though, was the bear. Ms. Howard even takes a few pages to describe what the bear was thinking throughout this story. You can almost hear the impending doom background music every time the bear shows up. That’s right, “Sometimes you get the bear, sometimes the bear gets you”.

The romance that builds between Angie and Dare develops as Dare attempts to save Angie’s life after she witnesses a murder, a bear attack and injury while fleeing through the wild in the freezing winter. And while the romance was nice, it was the race down the mountain with the killer and the killer bear on their heels that made PREY so much fun to read. It comes as no surprise that the killer is doomed, but the chase is interesting and keeps the story racing to its somewhat obvious conclusion. Still, this reader enjoyed PREY. Linda Howard is just that good a storyteller.

Linda Howard’s PREY is an adrenaline rush of a romantic adventure that will warm even the coldest heart. This may not be the most shocking book ever written, but PREY does entertain and is worth the read.


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

PAGING DOCTOR WOLF by Rebecca Royce

Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Date published: 10 July 2012
ISBN: 978-1-61333-333-4
Paranormal (Werewolf)
E-book
Obtained via publisher
Reviewed by Helen


Dr. Dallas Olson is always calm in a crisis, which is why he’s a trauma surgeon. But when some rogue wolves enter the hospital and attack him he’s almost killed. Just when Madame Eve had found his perfect 1Night Stand, too.

Cara Johnson knows all about wolves, she’s one herself, although her mother was human. When her 1Night Stand with the doctor falls through she’s disappointed, but then she’s sent to rescue Dallas and explain about the attack on him, and bring him home to the pack. Oh, and the full moon is only a week away.

This is a simple and fairly predictable story, that starts with a good dramatic bang (the wolf attack in the hospital) and works up to the 1Night Stand everyone expects. But it also has a lust-to-romance angle and a fulfilling completion as well.

Because it’s short, there’s not enough room for many characters, but Dallas and Cara are well drawn and the reader is engaged with them, and the sex is hot and enjoyable. His confusion, yet acceptance with what has happened to him, is well drawn by Ms. Royce.

There are several annoying little typos and grammatical errors the proofreader ought to have caught, but the story is still worth reading. A nice, hot, short read. I’ve been enjoying the 1Night Stand series. They’re very quick, easy fast-paced reads, but all very different which makes them fun.


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

ON BECOMING HIS by Cassandre Dayne

Publisher: Amazon
Date published: May 12th, 2012
ASIN: B00830WDC2
Contemporary D/s
E-book
Obtained by author
Reviewed by Dawn


Jezebel Waters or Jessie to her friends has a wonderful life, great career, wonderful friends but she doesn’t have a man in her life. She knew she craved something different…something that her whole being needed, wanted. She needs a dominant man, one who will command her in every way. Resigned to never finding that man, she fails miserably in several relationships and vows to be alone forever. That is until Luke Malone walks into her life and opens her eyes. Luke has that quiet commanding demeanor, one that hooked Jessie immediately. After one meeting, Jessie wanted more. Now the time is near-can Jessie let go of her fears and become the woman she is destined to be, with Luke?

Cassandre Dayne delivers a powerful, eloquent story of a woman who finally finds what she has longed for and it is one story that isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a heartfelt story and it’s tender. It’s sexy. It’s also a journey for two people that the reader just cannot help but fall in love with. This isn’t your typical D/s story at all. When you first meet Jessie and Luke, you can see the powerful attraction between them. It literally had me wondering if my e-reader was going to blow up from all the sparks between them. Cassandre Dayne delivers a powerful story, one that will leave the reader breathless. The writing is tight, story flows at a nice pace and the characters are very well written.

Cassandre Dayne delves into the world of BDSM and explicitly a D/s relationship. She eloquently tells the story of one woman’s journey into being true to herself and finding out if she can enter into the D/s lifestyle Luke was offering her. Luke was a good man, a commanding man and one who held me hostage whenever he came onto the pages. His quiet commanding presence, his insistence that Jessie look inside herself before she commits to their relationship and understand her longing before she commits it to Luke one hundred percent. What got to me was how haunting some parts were, with Jessie reflecting on the whys and hows of this change, why she craves it and the love she has for Luke in her heart. The poetry that is included is a perfect complement to Jessie’s story.

ON BECOMING HIS is a thought provoking, highly emotional story that will leave the reader breathless. With each page, I was drawn into Jessie’s journey and found myself enthralled with her and Luke’s relationship. Kudos to Cassandre Dayne for creating a beautiful moving story that conveys the meaning of a D/s relationship-Love, commitment, passion, understanding, obedience and belonging. It is beautifully written and one I highly recommend if you enjoy BDSM stories, specifically the D/s lifestyle. I look forward to seeing more of Jessie and Luke in the future.


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

MINE TO KEEP by Jannine Corti-Petska

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Date published: 8-15-2012
ISBN: 978-1-61217-301-6
Historical Romance
E-book
Obtained by publisher
Reviewed by Helen


Lady Elizabella Godwin (not Aldrich as the promo from the publisher states) receives a letter telling her she’s inherited a castle in Padua, Italy. It’s the year 1405 and she and three servants travel there immediately. But upon arrival she discovers a man has received the same letter as her. Then it’s revealed they will only inherit if they marry and remain wed for a year and a day.

Leonardo Da Mitri is not a noble and has lived a very different life from Eliza. Sparks fly immediately.

This book wrong-footed me right from the start. 1405 is the year Venice conquered Padua and I was expecting the story to involve this history in some way. In fact, the book could be set almost anywhere with warm weather and smallish castles.

Secondly, I’d read glowing reports of Ms. Corti-Petska’s ability to paint word pictures and create memorable characters. She’s written several other stories set in this era and I was anticipating a treat. Unfortunately, in my opinion, and you may disagree, this book is not one of her best. Elizabella is an interesting character, but a bit silly and childish. Despite having never been kissed – even though she’s engaged - and going to extreme lengths to protect her purity at first, she then is happy to be alone with Leonardo. He is supposed to be an engaging rogue, but it doesn’t always quite work.

I was left with many questions, such as why her brother didn’t come with her, or send more servants to protect her, or why her fiancé didn’t travel with her. I was also annoyed by some head-banging POV changes inside scenes, back and forth, especially in a crucial scene late in the book. There were also far too many misused words, some weird, others laughable. “Expanse of her expression”, “neatly quaffed hair”, “She postured her entire body superciliously”.

However there were some nice ripostes, the ending was good, and I really liked the servant Leticia.


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

THE GIRL I USED TO KNOW by Marla Majewski

Publisher: Macam
Date published: August 19, 2011
ISBN: B005ISPVDU
Genre: Non-fiction, self-help
Ebook
Obtained via: Publisher/Netgalley
Reviewed by Gina


Do you feel stuck in life? Do you feel like you aren’t quite living the life you planned? Where did you make that wrong turn? What got you stuck in place? Would you like to recapture that enthusiasm and get back on track?

It’s not too late.

In her book THE GIRL I USED TO KNOW Marla Majewski asks some tough questions, but does it in a positive way that makes you want to sit down and give some thought to just where you’d like to go from here. The chapters are well written with solid information that, while pretty much focused on women with children in their 30’s, are relevant to not only women but a cross section of age groups. At the end of each chapter are a series of exercises.

THE GIRL I USED TO KNOW is the kind of book that you read through and then go back and work through the exercises. The chapters do not have to be read in order. Rather you can pick and choose the issues or exercises that you need most at a given time. Ms. Majewski tackles some areas we don’t often like to go into such as people who have become a drain on our lives. When you’ve moved on to something new and they cling to how it used to be, they can bring you down or hold you back. She gives the reader permission to move on from that relationship if it isn’t work. Likewise she also has some solid suggestions for decluttering our lives.

This isn’t a book that you read once and move on. Rather it is a great tool for checking in periodically to see where you are at and what you may want to change or recapture in your life. Personally if I had a daughter (or son) about to graduate I’d include it as part of their gift. The feelings and ambitions we feel at 17 or 18 get lost in the shuffle of everyday life. While they may not read or use this book now, pointing out a few of those exercises might help them to stay on track as the years march on.


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

LYON’S BRIDE: THE CHATTAN CURSE by Cathy Maxwell

Publisher: Avon Books
Date published: April 24, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-06-207022-7
Historical Romance
Paperback
Obtained via publisher
Reviewed by Lynne


Lady Thea Martin, the disinherited sister of the duke of Duruset, is struggling to raise her two young boys and give them the life they deserve. Her reputation as a brilliant matchmaker has reached various levels of society, and soon she is invited to help find the perfect match for a former childhood friend, Neal Chattan, Lord Lyon, who disappeared without a word to her years before but is now asking for something almost impossible to find. A bride he cannot love.

Lord Lyon is proud, determined...and cursed. Because of this, it is necessary to find a bride he cannot fall in love with, or else he will die. He is hoping to break the curse that has plagued his family for generations.

Thea, in a valiant effort to help him, soon finds herself caught up in her feelings for the man...and he for her. But both know they cannot give into their affection for one another. Still, as time goes on, they begin to wonder if there is hope, knowing their love is worth saving. And Lyon, despite the possibly unfortunate consequences, soon realizes that he shares a love with Thea that is well worth dying for.

LYON’S BRIDE: THE CHATTAN CURSE by Cathy Maxwell is a delightful read. Fast-paced, it kept me turning pages, although I have never read any of the other books in this series. I greatly enjoyed this story. It is well-written, heartwarming, and very entertaining.

The two young boys in LYON’S BRIDE: THE CHATTAN CURSE added great appeal to this wonderful romance between Lyon and Thea. The fact that Lyon desires the boys for his own, as well as the beautiful Thea whom he had grown close to in their younger years, adds some spice to this story.

Maxwell has a great knack for writing, pacing, and plotting. This story is creative, and I much enjoyed it as it quickly took hold of me and pulled me in, pleasantly drawing me along with each page. I easily grew to like the main characters, Lyon and Thea, as well as Christopher and Jonathan. The affection between the characters was extremely heartwarming.

The minor characters were believable and likeable as well. I especially liked reading about Lyon’s brother and sister, Harry and Margaret. Also plagued by the curse, Maxwell did a splendid job of sharing how much it brought suffering to their lives as well.

My favorite part is when Thea invited all of Lyon’s hopefuls to a gathering at a friend’s home. Mirabel, Lady Palmer, is a light-hearted, great addition to the characters. And I loved the interaction of all the hopeful brides, as they schemed and planned ways to win Lord Lyon for themselves. Maxwell did this in ways that held my interest. The many conflicts prevalent in LYON’S BRIDE: THE CHATTAN CURSE are a lot of fun to read about.

LYON’S BRIDE: THE CHATTAN CURSE by Cathy Maxwell is a pleasant read, fast-paced, and exciting in many ways. If one wants to kick back for an afternoon and just lose oneself for a few hours, I believe LYON’S BRIDE: THE CHATTAN CURSE will satisfy immensely.


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

MIDNIGHT PROMISES by Sherryl Woods

A Sweet Magnolia Novel, Book 8
Published: Mira Books
Date published: June 26th, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-7783-1348-9
Contemporary Romance
Paperback
Obtained via Publisher/Netgalley
Reviewed by Dawn


When Elliott Cruz married Karen Ames, he thought their life would be perfect. In love, determined to make this marriage work, both didn’t anticipate two careers, crazy work hours, two kids, meddling families and past emotional baggage that can tear a couple apart. Now these two have to figure out how to compromise as one’s dream becomes another’s nightmare. Can Karen and Elliott find a way to make it past all the bumps in their relationship before it implodes?

I absolutely adore the Sweet Magnolias series by author Sherryl Woods. She has a great way of showing the reader the inside of relationship-warts and all and MIDNIGHT PROMISES is no exception. I couldn’t put this one down. I think I read it in three hours-it was that engrossing. The past cast of characters come back, as Elliott and Karen try to figure out their different dreams, as well as try to keep their marriage alive. What happens after you say ‘I do’ is when the real work begins as these two find out the hard way. I love the dynamics between Elliott and Karen as a couple as well as the dynamics they have with their families and friends. The writing is tight, storyline moves at a nice even pace plus the characters are very well written. I know when I open a Sherryl Woods story I am coming home to see old friends and meet some new ones as well.

Ms. Woods shows the realistic side to being married, when you work at your relationship every day, try to fit in scheduled date nights especially if the couple, like Elliott and Karen, are working different schedules and raising kids to boot. Neither partner is perfect as both have emotional baggage that causes them to react not in the way their partner wants them too. I loved how these two tried to see where the other was coming from, to be supportive even as their fears tried to consume them. The strong bond these two had made the story that much stronger, in my opinion.

The secondary plot lines involving the Senior Magnolias brought me to tears-with laughter-at times especially as they deal with aging among other items plus the unraveling of Elliott’s sister’s marriage had me on the edge of my seat. But overall, this is a story of love, friendship, families and friends. If you enjoyed past Sweet Magnolias stories then you will enjoy meeting back up with them in this latest addition to the series. I cannot wait to see what the next book is about.


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

LOVER REBORN by J.R. Ward

Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 10
Publisher: NAL Books
Date published: March 2012
ISBN: 9780451235848
Paranormal Romance
Hardcover
Obtained by publisher
Reviewed by T.Barringer


The latest book in J.R Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series is LOVER REBORN, Tohrment’s story. Having survived the death of his shellan several books ago, Tohr has spent the last few books reeling and his family of brothers is at a loss as to how to help him.

Tohrment has been having dreams of his beloved and their dead child trapped in a netherworld and after consulting their in-house fallen angel, has found he has to set her free or doom her to afterlife in the in-between. While Tohr is attempting to move along with his life, the Blind King’s throne is threatened by a new clan of vampires. And so the drama begins.

J.R Ward is back on her game with her latest Black Dagger Brotherhood book, LOVER REBORN. This reader has to admit to some concern about this book before picking it up. Tohrment and Wellsie were such a romantic and happy couple, that when she died just shy of giving birth, Tohr was beyond grief. He was lost and it was very hard to imagine how Ward was going to find him a second chance at love that was going to be believable and true to the story series. That said, all that worry was for naught. Ward built a solid relationship for Tohr slowly, introducing No’One in a prior book as his adopted son‘s mother-in-law. No’One’s life up to this point was one of despair and torture. She is just now coming to grips with her past and trying to find a place within the life of the daughter she never knew. Her fear of men has kept her an intriguing ghost in the Brotherhood’s home. In LOVER REBORN, we see her begin to trust Tohr as he begins to realize his attraction to her is growing, however mixed his feelings on that subject are.

Of course, as with all the Brotherhood stories, the plotline has several mini-stories going on at the same time, either furthering a prior storyline or setting up one yet to come. Lassiter, the fallen angel, plays a bigger part in this book as he attempts to help Tohr. John and Xhex’ storyline further develops in this book as she begins to bond with her mother and John works through some issues of his own. Quinn and Blay are finally getting close to having their own story. Some of the most poignant moments in this book are scenes with Blay in them. And then there is Layla. She is such a puzzling character; we have run the gamut of emotions with Layla and though she is still very confusing and confused, it sure looks like her and Xcor have some interesting storyline yet to come.

For fans of J.R. Ward, LOVER REBORN has pleasantly surprised those readers who may have been less than happy with a prior book in this series. No one quite does angst ridden vampire heroes the way that Ward is able. If you are wondering if this book is worth your time and money, think no more, it is!


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

LIE TO ME by Tori St. Claire

Black Opals, #2
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Date published: July 2012
ISBN: 978-0-425-25307-6
Romantic Suspense
Paperback
Reviewed by T.Barringer


Tori St. Claire’s second Black Opal romantic suspense, LIE TO ME, is filled with lies, betrayal, secrets, intrigue and heated passion.

CIA elite Black Opal operative Alexei Nikanova was recently part of a team that helped break up a Russian human trafficking ring. As part of the operation, he spent an incredible night with a woman he then kidnapped and sold to a Sheik. He has been unable to get her out of his mind. Now he is tasked with rescuing one of the trafficked women and returning her to her father. Imagine Alexei’s surprise when he discovers the women he is sent to rescue is the same woman he can’t seem to forget. Sasha is reluctant to be rescued, but Alexei has his orders. Somehow among all the lies and deceptions, passion reignites for Sasha and Alexei. While running from others seeking Sasha, Alexei must protect her, not knowing who to trust and who to believe.

Tori St. Claire knows her way around romantic suspense. Of this there is no question. LIE TO ME has all the makings of a great romantic suspense; a tortured alpha hero, a strong but confused heroine in need of saving, heavy action and romance, surprise reveals and a fast paced adventure. The scenes were well developed and easy to picture. The storyline has many surprises and moves at a nice clip. The characters are strong and likable. The romance is hot.

On the down side, the romance sort of comes out of nowhere. For this reader, it was difficult to understand how Alexei could kidnap a woman he found an emotional connection with and hand her over to human slavers even if he was doing it as part of a mission. And having done that, she is glad to see him when he comes to “save” her from the only friend she has ever had?? But this is fiction, and in fiction the absurd often becomes understandable and somehow this romantic pairing does work for this book.

Readers who enjoy excitement, surprise, intrigue, romance and red hot sex scenes are sure to enjoy Tori St. Claire’s LIE TO ME. And that is no exaggeration.


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

A GLIMPSE OF EVIL by Victoria Laurie

Publisher: Penguin
Date published: July, 2010
ISBN: 978-0451230850
Cozy Mystery with Paranormal Overtones
Paperback
Obtained via: Publisher
Reviewed by Gina


Abby Cooper has moved to Austin, Texas to be with longtime boyfriend and FBI agent Dutch Rivers. At first Abby isn’t so sure this is where she wants to be but where ever Dutch is, is where her heart is. Her friend Candice has moved to Austin as well to be with her main squeeze Brice Harrison who happens to be Dutch’s boss. On the heels of winning Brice over to believing in psychics Abby has also accepted a position as a civilian profiler with the FBI. She’s nervous enough as it is, but when Brice asks her to teach the other agents how to use their intuition, she is ready to pack her bags and move back to Royal Oak, Michigan.

When Brice sends Abby and special agent Oscar Rodriquez to check the whereabouts of a car connected to one of the cold cases Abby is working on it seems like a simple, straight-forward job. Go out to the site, look for the car and report back. But when it comes to Abby things always take a kind of left hand turn and this situation is no different. They find the car all right, but they also run into a big bad guy with an equally big gun. When Abby is suspended from her new job she and Candice move on to do what they do best. Will the bad guy get to them before they find him…or her?

I love this series. I’ve followed Abby from the very first book of the series, ABBY COOPER, PSYCHIC EYE. While one might say of course author Victoria Laurie has what and how a psychic does because it comes from personal experience, it isn’t always that easy to tell an interesting story that keeps you waiting, at times, not so patiently for the next book in the series. That’s been my “problem” with Laurie’s Abby Cooper series—I can’t wait to dig into the next book. I pick them up and spend every free minute and often find myself up reading until the early morning hours, until the book is done. Abby has a caustic wit combined with a sensitive compassion. She is a complex character with a full range of emotions that are well played out in Ms. Laurie’s writing.
As to Dutch, what is not to adore? He’s a tough as nails FBI agent, totally on the side of right but when it comes to Abby he will do anything for the woman he loves. What’s more, he can and does cook.

The secondary characters like Brice and Candice are fully developed as well. They aren’t merely vehicles for Abby and Dutch – they have their own stories to tell. Ms. Laurie also captures the emotions of the crime victims and the families left behind with their passing.

Each story is a stand-alone and can be read pretty much in any order, but you don’t want to miss a one.

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

GETTING UNSTUCK by Don Kerson

Publisher: Greenpoint Psychiatric Press
Date published: December 2011
ISBN: 978-0976986720
Non-fiction
Ebook
Obtained via: Publisher/Netgalley
Reviewed by Gina


When we least expect it life can take what seems to be a sudden downturn. We know what we need to do but just can’t get it together to do it. We don’t have the energy, ambition or motivation to get up and get going again. Despite how active our minds might be, our bodies just will not get in gear.

In his book GETTING UNSTUCK, Dr. Don Kerson looks at some of the elements that may be getting in our way. These are often events or conditions that we have no control over without assistance such as attention deficit disorder (ADD), depression and/or trauma. With combinations of medication, therapy and controlled/intentional cognitive changes these roadblocks to completing projects in our lives can be taken down.

GETTING UNSTUCK is an excellent resource and tool for clinicians but it is definitely not a self-help book. While self-identification of some blocks we encounter that get us stuck can be gleaned from the book, having a trained therapist working through the phases with you is decidedly the better way to go. If I didn’t have a background as a therapist I would not have understood some of the materials presented in the book and definitely would not allow a lay person to undertake some of the techniques without assistance.

The author describes how ADD and depression can often go hand in hand and how trauma can cause flare-ups of both. Unworked through trauma from childhood can fester and strike us when we least expect—or need it—as an adult.

What the author does not address is that there does need to be some motivation on the part of the patient or client to begin to work through those issues. My own experience is that a good number of people in that stuck place are content where they are. They see no reason for living their lives and talking about events that happened 10, 20, 30 or more years ago as if they happened yesterday.

I would recommend anyone with a clinical therapy practice to add this book to their library.

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

KARMA by Carly Phillips

Serendipity, #3
Publisher: Berkley
Date published: May 2012
ISBN: 9780425247907
Contemporary Romance
Paperback
Obtained by publisher
Reviewed by T.Barringer


Serendipity, New York is the setting for KARMA, the third book in Carly Phillips’ latest popular series of contemporary romances. Officer Dare Barron has had a crush on Liza McKnight since high school. So why is it that every time she comes in to bail out her loser brother, Dare finds himself openly showing his disgust over Liza enabling his behavior? Probably because Dare and Liza’s brother share a dark secret that neither seems to be able to move past. But when Liza’s brother brings danger to her doorstep, Dare steps up and appoints himself as her protector. It is time for all secrets to come out.

Carly Phillips’ KARMA is part love story, part suspense and a show of just how far some people are willing to go for family.

The three main characters all share a twisted and complicated past. Guilt over the death of a classmate has followed all three and its effects are starting to show on all of them. Liza feels responsible for her brother. Her parents’ continuing to blame Liza for all his shortcomings only makes things more difficult for both of them. Liza’s brother, Brian, is pretty much a waste of skin and pulls her into every bad idea he comes up with. Dare is the ultimate hero. He is strong, loyal, ethical, responsible and all too prepared to play the part of lover and protector.

The storyline is light and entertaining in parts, twisted and dark in others. There is mystery and danger on just about every page. The emotional baggage the characters all carry will pull at readers’ heartstrings. And there is just the right amount of humor to keep things interesting.

Carly Phillips’ KARMA is a fast paced and fun read that contemporary romance fans are sure to enjoy.


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