Love Inspired of the Month.

A Cowboy's Heart
Author: Brenda Minton
Series Connection: His Little Cowgirl
ISBN: 9780373875177

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Description:
Willow Michaels is through letting other people run her life. She's ready to stand on her own. Be independent. Run a business. Raise bucking bulls! And no matter what former rodeo star Clint Cameron thinks, Willow knows she's up for the job.

Clint is used to taking care of everyone. His family, friends and especially his twin four-year-old nephews depend on him. Yet his stubborn, beautiful neighbor keeps pushing him away. Willow's scared to trust another man, but now that Clint has given her his heart, he's not about to let her walk away.

My View:
This is a nice feel good story about an independent hearing impaired woman who has to come to terms with the fact that her hearing is becoming worse and she might just have to accept the help of a man who has a habit of taking over in an effort to help. The couple each have to learn to step back and let give in a little so that they can both get what they each need. One of the best scenes in the book is when the author describes Clint's experience on the back of a bull. There is a lot of depth of character in this book, giving the reader a good insight into both the hero and the heroine of the story.

Fortunes of Texas Return to Red Rock Series

Valentine's Fortune
Author: Allison Leigh
Series: Fortunes of Texas Return to Red Rock
ISBN: 978-0-373-65433-8
Genre: Romance (Silhouette)

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Description:
"You're safe now."

His voice was a seductive whisper as he pulled her from the blazing restaurant. But on the run and pregnant, Bethany Burdett knew she had to forget the brave firefighter who'd risked his life to save hers. Until Darr Fortune tracked her down…

Ever since he spirited the unconscious stranger to safety, the youngest Fortune brother was haunted by a powerful desire to see her again. And when a blizzard stranded them together, Darr knew he'd risk it all again for the enigmatic mother-to-be who aroused much more than his protective instincts….

My View:
This is the second book in the new Fortunes of Texas series. The first book Plain Jane and the Playboy by Marie Ferrarella was released last month. A few years back I started reading the Fortunes of Texas series and was hooked. The books are individual stories, but are linked together by a mystery. The clues to the mystery are revealed in each book until the series ends. I'm currently working on putting together a list of my favorite series and cataloging all the books from each series. Series like the Fortunes make it hard because they are written by different authors and there are several different series within the series, but it is one I've been working hard to put together.

When I first got hooked on the Fortune series I had purchased the books used at the local library. Of course, the whole series wasn't available, so I had to search for the outdated books to find out what was happening in the mystery. It was a challenge at the time, but eventually I was able to find all the books online. I really enjoyed reading all of them. Keep checking my website at www.romancebookscene.com for updates the series pages.

The new Fortunes series follows the same theme of having individual stories and a continuing mystery. Red Rock, the Texas town where the Fortunes of Texas started, is where it's all happening again in this series. Darr Fortune, of the California Fortunes, came to Red Rock three years ago. (If you didn't know they are from all over the world.) Darr is a local fireman, who just can't help himself when he sees a damsel in distress. When he meets Bethany it's no different. He knows she's got problems and he just wants to help. We also get to meet his oh so sexy brother, commitment weary Nick, who's worried that his little brother is making the same mistakes in his life that Darr has made before. Nick's story comes next month.

Bethany is looking to stay lost, but she could really use someone to lean on. Someone with shoulders as broad as Darr's could just be that man. Valentine's Fortune is a fun book that doesn't get too sappy about the holiday, but brings true romance to life. The author does a nice job making the characters real and the reader will enjoy getting the chance to meet up with some of the older series members again. Ahhh! There's just nothing like a big strong fireman. And from Texas no less.

Sizzling through the pages

Loving Lies
Author: Lora Leigh
Series: Men of Summer
ISBN: 1-59998-056-8
Genre: Erotic Romance

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Description:
Love will find a way…

Slade was Jessie’s life, the first love that filled her heart and soul and bound her woman’s spirit. Years of waiting culminating in an incredible weekend of sexual abandon—teaching her everything she needed to know to be his woman and branded her as Slade’s woman for life. Jessie was certain Slade had to love her.

Until he whispered the lie, the ultimate betrayal, and walked away only to wed another woman.

Now five years later Slade returns, his soul has withered without Jessie’s presence, and now he’ll have her, one way or the other. The love for her, the fierce overriding hunger and need consumes his heart and binds his soul. No matter the obstacles, Slade will get her back.

Whatever it takes.

Whatever he has to do.

My View:
Just two words: "Sex Fest". This book was is one of Lora's older novels, written in 2006. I happened to see a print version on B&N's shelf and decided to give it a try. Honestly, I love Lora Leigh. Even some of her really way out there titles like the August Men series. This book wasn't bad, but not one of Lora's best. She had a good story line going, but I really would have liked to have read more of the other side of the couples life than just their sex life. The characters needed to be expanded on a bit more. I kept asking myself, if Slade owned part of a construction company what was he doing working for Homeland Security. A little more development into Jessie's character would have made it so that she didn't seem like such a twit for waiting around for someone she had no idea she would ever see again. I thought the rest of the scenes in the book were well written and worth reading. Just dont go into reading the book thinking the style will be up to Lora current books. She's definitely improving with age.

Triple the love

Be With Me
Author: Maya Banks
eISBN: 978-1-440-60213-9

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Description:
Three men. One woman.

Hutch Bishop, Cam Douglas, and Sawyer Pritchard were juvenile delinquents with a reckless and wildly sexy side. But they had more in common than that. They had Regina Fallon, a wealthy but lonely girl from the right side of the tracks who formed an unusual friendship with the boys. She felt protected. She felt needed. She felt loved… for the first time in her life. By all three.

So much closer than just friends.

Today, she’s a police officer, dedicated to her badge, and wary of reuniting her relationship with the hot trio after one night of passion left her confused—and stunned—by what they wanted from her. But when a mysterious attempt is made on her life, Hutch, Cam, and Sawyer jump in to protect her again. Now, Regina and her three lovers are forming an all-new bond. It’s more exciting, more intense, and—as a killer looms in the shadows—more dangerous than ever before.

My View:
I've read many of Maya Banks books and I have to say she is one of the stars of erotic romance. For me there are thee kinds of erotic novels. The one that dives into sex in the first few pages and leaves your pulse racing throughout the book, the book that just throws in sex for the sake of sex and the novel that tells a story and include scenes of erotic romance throughout a story.

In this sensual suspense, Maya takes a little time out for the reader to get to know the characters. It would be easy to throw these four individuals into a room and say go ahead and get to the sex part. Let's face it what woman wouldn't fantasize about having three sexy, strong men devote their lives, love and sex life to you, but when it comes down to it in real life these things just don't happen. It takes some time for Reggie to come to grips with it. Maya does a great job in playing out those scenes. At times Reggie seems a bit to stubborn, but really how many women would be so easy to accept this situations and the changes it would bring to her life.

As far as the suspense part of the story. There I was a little disappointed. I liked the story line, but thought the cops were a bit on the hick side. I mean come on, most readers would have figured out the end of the book in the first two chapters and yet the cops didn't even ask the proper questions. With working so hard to establish the characters in the story, it would have been in line to at least make the cops have some depth in the story, as well.

Love at first sight

Anyone But You
Author: Amarinda Jones
Series connection: Penned Again
ISBN: 9-781-4199-1711-0

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Description:
Verity Kane is a calm, efficient worker. Normally nothing upsets her. However, in the last six months her patience has been tried dealing with her charming playboy boss, Mercardo Gentry. When she walks in on him having sex with a woman on his desk, she has had enough. It's about time Mercardo learned a lesson and she's the woman to teach him.

Mercardo fell in love with Verity six months ago. He would like nothing more than to get to know her but the lady is most definitely not interested. Can he really be blamed for reading her private diary when he comes across it by accident? And when he sees that her most intimate fantasies revolve around him, Mercardo decides to seduce Verity with her own thoughts.

Verity is amazed and aroused that the playboy understands her needs so well. But falling in love with a playboy is not something she counted on. Leaving her job is easy. Forgetting Mercardo is impossible.

My View:
Anyone But You is a sensual book that offers a strong heroine and a hero with potential, but I was a little put off by some parts of the book. Generally the premise for the story is pretty standard. Personal assistant falls for boss who is the playboy type. It just so happens that said boss is in love with personal assistant. One of my favorite parts of the story is in the beginning when Verity walks into Mercardo's office, again, to find him having sex with yet another woman. She walks out of the office saying "Grow up Mercardo." I wanted to say that to the man several times during the book. His character does get better toward the end, but I was so disturbed with his behavior in the beginning it was hard to get past that part. I did love Verity though. She is no wallflower and although a bit undecided at times, a strong take no prisoners woman any man would love.

One other note: This book should come with a warning because it deals with two rape scenes. (Not between the hero and the heroine) For those who don't like violence in their love stories, this novel may not be for you.

No need for brawn when you have a computer wiz

Winning Molly
Author: Bobbie Russell
ISBN: 978-1-906811-55-6

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Description:
A one night stand with a beautiful, mysterious stranger should have been enough, but soon Win's involved in a race against the clock to prevent a murder.

Her bike was parked in the sand by his beach house, but when Win Coulter catches up with Molly at the water's edge and accuses her of trespassing, she wants much more from him than the right to walk on the beach.

Win, a gentle computer wizard, is happy to comply with her request for hot wild sex, but he quickly becomes both lover and protector when Molly and her father are threatened.

My View:
This sexy novel is a perfect book if you want to cozy up with something warm during the cold winter nights. Winning Molly is a great romance featuring a computer geek turned hero and a young woman in need of just the right guy. I loved the theme. This story just goes to show that you don't always need brawn to get the job done. The entire story is done from the hero's point of view, which adds to the sexy fun.

For those who like cover art, this e-book has a romantic photographic cover. Googling the book I happen to find a fellow Deviant Art member, Lyn Taylor, who is the cover artist. Want to check out her site go to http://sunstone72.deviantart.com/gallery/. Check out our website at www.romancebookscene.com for our Hottest Covers feature.

Get ready for a meltdown

Men To Die For
Anthology
Hidden Enemies by Ravyn Wilde
Meltdown by Denise A. Agnew
Make That Man Mine by Shelley Munro

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Hidden Enemies
A head injury has changed Jenna's once loving husband into a brutal monster. After a year of abuse, Jenna divorces him. Rick is enraged and swears to kill her. Even the police recommend she disappear for a while. Problem is…she doesn't know how.

Then she meets Cole. Among his many…attributes, Cole has published a book, Hidden Enemies. In it, Jenna learns everything she needs to know about hiding. After two nights of passion, Jenna takes one of Cole's books and disappears. But disappearing from Cole…or the lust he stirs in her…proves impossible.

Meltdown
Where there's smoke, there's fire.

Evan Murdoch's firefighting career is on the line, his confidence shattered by a tragic accident that claimed the life of his girlfriend. Neighbor Lillian O'Hara understands disaster all too well and refuses to jump into any fire.

But the passionate heat that unexpectedly flares between them forces them to confront the issues holding them back from what they most want.

When a quake traps them in a basement, the threat of a collapsing building will force them to decide if their red-hot attraction and their lives are worth the ultimate risk.

Make That Man Mine
On her twenty-fifth birthday, Emma Montrose decides it's time to show bad-boy investigator Jack Sullivan she's more than an efficient secretary. She's a woman with needs, and she needs him.

Jack is a taniwha, a shifter, who requires women to satiate the sexual demands of the serpent within. Nothing more. Then work forces the reluctant Jack and ecstatic Emma undercover as a couple. Thrown together, pretence and reality blur, generating hot sex laced with risk...

My View:
This anthology from Ellora’s Cave offers three separate, but completely compelling stories. I picked up this book because one of the authors, Denise Agnew, was recommended by a friend and I decided to give her a try. Now I'm ready to check out more of her stories. In Meltdown, Agnew brings together two great characters who come together at just the right time. Evan is a sexy man dealing with the tragedy of a former relationship and Lil is ready to make some changes in her life. The story is humorous and heartwarming.

The other two authors contributing to this anthology are no slouches themselves. I liked the heros in all the stories, although sometimes I was a little put off by Munro 's Jack Sullivan character. I think the author handled his situation well by turning him into a smelly shapeshifter and offering the sassy heroine the chance to get a few digs in. Make that Man Mine offers some great humor and a different breed of shapeshifter for the reader's delight. Oh, and I did say the sex is hot in all three stories. You might just need a firefighter of your own after you read these stories.

She's mad as hell...He's hot as hell

Hot As Hell
Author: HelenKey Dimon
ISBN: 978-0-7582-2225-1

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Description: She's mad as hell. He's hot as hell. The desert may not be big enough for both of them… Tell me more... Lexy Stuart is nobody's fool...not since she wised up to the fact that her fiancé, Noah Paxton, wasn't just sporting the hardest bod this side of the Ironman competition. No, he was also harboring enough secrets to make a CIA operative blush. Little things he never thought worth mentioning like, oh, a previous marriage. So, Lexy gave back the ring—with extreme prejudice—and made sandy tracks straight to a remote desert spa. Problem is, with a man like Noah, a girl can run, but she can't hide. Nor does she particularly want to... Alexa Annabeth Stuart. The stuffy name couldn't be less suitable for a woman as fiery and free as Noah's Lexy. And Lexy is his—always will be—the tricky part will be getting her to realize it. Of course, Noah's always up for a challenge. Which is a good thing, since between the crazy heat at this god-forsaken “retreat” and the looks Lexy's shooting him (not to mention the shockwaves he's getting from her hot-pink bikini), winning his ex back could be one dangerous mission. But if Noah doesn't survive it, well, he intends to die a very satisfied man...

My View:
For the most part, I liked this book. I could easily fall in love with Noah for the cover picture alone, but more to the point I liked his character and all the complexities that went along with him. I even liked Lexy's brother, Grey. He is someone I'd love to see in an upcoming book. Lexy, however, was a problem for me. Noah and Lexy were together for two years and she agreed to the marriage proposal and then decided she didn't like his secrets. At times during the story I wanted to shake her. The author gave her some great characteristics, and I liked the part about her messy lifestyle and even the history of her parents. The problem was she didn't just come out and tell Noah what her true problem was. The other thing I thought was unbelievable was that she didn't immediately go to her brother when she thought Noah had stolen from the client. It seemed out of character for her. The reason why I gave this book such a high mark was because the book was humorous, I loved the sex scenes, as well as the ending.

Morganna'sSacrifice

Vampyre Falls: Morganna's Sacrifice
Author: Adrianna Dane
Series: Vampyre Falls
ISBN-13: 978-1-60272-197-5

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Description: Morganna’s lover, Keelan Moonhunter, a seductive dark elf, disappeared from their province in the Faerie Realm years ago without a word. She assumed he’d simply grown weary of her and sought his pleasures elsewhere. To help her deal with the heartbreak, Morganna pacted with the goblin alchemist, Syril Grimstarker, for a potion that would mask all the pain—at least for a time. Little did she know, however, exactly what evil secrets Syril held? Until the night, her long-lost lover, Keelan, saves her from the sadistic hands of the vampire Romulus. Now, Keelan’s a vampire with tortured memories and living in a place called Vampyre Falls. He whisks her away to the human world to protect her, and there, she meets the mysterious vampire, Daffyd Angelus, who once saved Keelan’s life. Morganna senses deeper ties between Daffyd and the dark elf she still loved. And Keelan reveals why he disappeared so long ago. The only hope for any future together could hinge on sacrifices Morganna will be asked to make in order to remain in Vampyre Falls. Is her love strong enough to turn her back on everything she has known to stay with the one man she knows is her soul mate? Even if he is a vampire?

My View:
I love books and series that have a website that features all the juicy details. This one is located at http://www.vampyrefalls.com/. To that extent that's probably all I love about this book. It isn't really the fault of the writer, I actually like Adrianna Dane's work, but I'm not much into dark fantasy. I'd have to say for the love story part of this book, only someone who really truly loved another would they be able to accept as much as Morganna accepts from Keelan. What other choice did she have? You, as the reader, have a lot more choice. If you are into BDSM and the dark arts, go ahead and read this book. If, however, you really don't like the violence in your love stories, stay away. This one isn't for you.

Vampires at their best

I Want You To Want Me
Author: Kathy Love
Sequel to: Anyway You Want It
ISBN-13: 978-0-7582-1857-5

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Description: Erika Todd moved to New Orleans because she needed a change - and, well, yes, because that's what her fortuneteller said she would do. Not that she'd admit that to many people. But so many of the psychic's predictions—about her work, even finding that stray black cat—have already come true. Now all the lonely sculptor needs is to meet and fall in love with the prophesied dark-eyed prince.

Reclusive musician Vittorio Ridgewood has a new neighbor he's been trying to avoid. Sure, she's gorgeous, but she's coming on strong, and the last thing the 200 year-old vampire needs is to get involved with another mortal. Especially since several of his former human paramours have lately been turning up dead. Sensing the relentless beauty needs someone to watch over her, Vittorio agrees to sit for a sculpture, and their attraction to one another quickly ignites. But is passion even this hot worth dying for?

My View: Finally, a vampire book I can sink my teeth in. Usually I have a problem reading vampire books because the blood and gore the authors feel they need to use is too much for a romance, but Kathy Love puts together a story that works for me. Of course, actually Vittorio isn't a conventional vampire, but a Lampir. What makes Vittorio different is that he doesn't suck blood, but energy. No gore there. That leaves the story to entice the reader and Love did a great job at that. The story is a fast paced quick read featuring the interactions between Vittorio and Erika and Vittorio's mother and her Demon lover Maksim. Vittorio is reluctant to get involved with Erika with good reason, I just wished that after they got together that he would explain just a little to Erika so she knew to be a little worried about what was to come. Otherwise, I liked the story. I didn't get to read the first story in this series and am excited to add it to my collection.

You don't need to be big to pack a punch

Bare Witness
Author: Katherine Garbera
Series: Bare
ISBN-13: 978-0-7582-2233-6

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Description:
Petite. Pretty. Potentially deadly. Justine O'Neill may look like the kind of girl who's never carried anything more hardcore than a designer purse, but she's an expert in small arms and street fighting, with a rap sheet to prove it. Now Justine's been assigned to guard Nigel Carter, CEO of Baron Industries—a company with ties to a past she's rather forget. Her mission: accompany Nigel to Peru, where Baron's new plant is proving highly unpopular. Nowhere in the brief was she instructed to react to in-flight turbulence by engaging in a hotter-than-hell kiss with her gorgeous client.

Nigel's hardly a Guns & Ammo kind of guy, but Justine's tough, weapons-ready persona and sultry looks have him aching to get his hands on much more than her. 38. The sexual heat between them is explosive, irresistible, and very, very dangerous. Because now someone has kidnapped Nigel's daughter, and the only way to get her back is to take the flight right to the enemy's door, where any distraction could be fatal, and falling in love is the riskiest pursuit of all...

My View:
Justine is a tough as nails kind of girl until she meets Nigel. On the surface this is your run of the mill romantic suspense. Where tough girl meets tough, but sensitive, guy and somehow by the end of the book, tough girl turns into, well, a girl. In between there is a lot of actions, some gun fighting and of course through everything there is enough time for the hero and heroine to have sex. In this case a lot of sex. I usually hate books where they take a tough girl and try to mold her into something she really doesn't want to be. In this case, however, I did like this book. The author does suspense well and kept the readers attention until the end of the story. And the sex is hot. The only real problem I had was that the author doesn't really tie up all the lose ends and keeps the reading guessing on a couple important subjects. I would have liked more closure. Oh and did I mention the fact that the guy has a really cool British accent. I just love guys with British accents in books.

These guys are hard as nails, until they find true love

Hard As Nails
Author: HelenKay Dimon
ISBN: 0-7582-1583-5

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Description:
What's better than a man who's good with his hands? Try a trio of hard-bodied hunks who'll be happy to flip your house, your heart...and anything else you have in mind... This Old House—Architect Cole Carruthers's mission is simple—visit his company's latest rehab project and cajole the sweet old lady who once owned it into vacating the premises. But the sultry, sledge-hammer-wielding woman he finds is far from old, nor particularly sweet. For reasons she won't reveal, Aubrey Matheson refuses to leave the house she claims is her birthright. As far as Cole's concerned, there's only one thing to do with this squatter: hunker down with her and discover every single one of her sexy secrets...

All About Adam—The last meeting tough-as-nails Becky Carter took with sharp-witted, wicked sexy real estate rehabber Adam Thomas culminated in a scorching-hot game of kiss-and-run. Becky was the one running, and she's regretted it ever since. Now Adam's back to do some actual business...or so he says. If Becky has her way, this weekend of negotiation will speed from boardroom to bedroom—and stay there...

Man at the Door—After finding herself famous for all the wrong reasons, artist Erin McHugh just wants to fix up her house, open her art studio, and settle down out of the spotlight. Then job foreman Ray Hammond walks through her door and Erin recognizes broad-shouldered trouble. Hot, young, and always in the news, Ray is everything Erin wanted to avoid. The challenge is how to resist a guy who can build anything, fix anything—and make Erin feel everything...

My View: Hard as Nails tells the story of three men who work together at T.C. Limited. The stories follow Cole, Adam and Ray during the purchase, sale and remodeling of an old house and the surprises they found there. This is one of those books where you will both laugh and cry, as you make your way through the three stories. Each couple HelenKay creates has great chemistry and blends well together. I especially like Aubrey and her sledgehammer. I also like the way each of the small stories blend together to bring you one full story.

He can run, but he can't hide

Reckless
Author: Maya Banks
Series: Sequel to Brazen
ISBN: 1-60504-034-7

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Description: He can run, but he can't hide. Sheriff J.T. Summers promised to keep an eye on his best friend’s little sister. What could possibly go wrong? A lot. “Little” Nikki Durant isn’t so little anymore. She’s sex on a stick, and she’s pointed right at him. Nikki has always loved J.T., and she’s through waiting for him to come around. The soaring summer temperature is nothing compared to the heat generated when she sets fire to his senses. With a take-no-prisoners attitude, she’s out to get her man. But no matter how many ways she offers it, J.T.’s not buying. What’s it going to take to get him to realize her love for him isn’t a passing fling? Get herself arrested? Hmm…

My View: Maya Banks may not be a household name in the romance book scene, but every women who loves a great story with hot love scenes should give her at least one try. In Reckless Maya hasn't let us down. Our hero, J.T. is out to keep a promise to his best friend bringing us a great forbidden love story. How can anyone resist Nikki though? She's sassy, brazen and not shy about going after what she wants. You couldn't ask for a better combination than this couple.

Finding the message in the bottle can lead to true love

Legend Anthology
Featuring: 'A Legend Arises' by Brynn Paulin
'Gaining Hope' by Lacey Thorn '
Moonlit Magic' by Bronwyn Green
'Healing Doctor Ryan' by Carol Lynne
'A Legend Accomplished' by Brynn Paulin
ISBN: #978-1-906590-61-1

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Description:

'A Legend Arises' by Brynn Paulin Legend has it that long, long ago, a great knight fell in love with a fair maiden... Emma knew her entire life that she’d eventually marry the King's knight Ailig and be the lady in his castle, but she fears for her love’s safety while he does his king’s bidding. Though she endeavors to hide her apprehension, Ailig knows of his bride’s anxieties yet duty to king and country compels him. Before answering each call to service, he promises to safely return. But there are some perils that even a knight can't overcome...

'Gaining Hope' by Lacey Thorn Hope has spent the last three years searching for her older sister and now she’s finally found her. And not a moment to soon. Her twenty-first birthday is just a week away and with it her marriage to a man old enough to be her father. She is desperate to escape and when fate presents her with the chance she grabs it. Shawn O’Grady had no idea what fate awaited him. First he’d discovered the bottle with the note and the necklace, followed almost instantly by the blonde beauty with fear in her eyes. She called to everything that was inside him until he was the one with fear. Fear of falling in love, fear of letting go. Fear of gaining hope.

'Moonlit Magic' by Bronwyn Green Brought back to Ireland by her job, American Beckett Matthews is reluctant to return to Ireland where she left the love of her life. Kieran Brennan has waited five years for Beckett to finally return to Ireland. When he found the necklace, he knew it was more than a historical find—it was the key to reclaiming the only woman he ever loved. Under a curse from the Faery King, he couldn't follow her when she'd fled to her home in the States years ago, but now in his arms he'll help her face her fears and return to him.

'Healing Doctor Ryan' by Carol Lynne Surrounded by death on a daily basis oncologist Brannigan Ryan has learned to harden his heart quite effectively. That is until he starts treating Ian Fitzgerald. Ian’s warm smile and determination easily punch holes in Bran’s barriers. Taking a step back to rebuild the walls around his heart, Bran takes off to his weekend beach house. He can't surrender to Ian and he can't ever get involved with a patient. When a treasure and a message in a bottle wash ashore on his beach, he's forced to re-examining his determination and wonder if he can't open himself to love after all.

'A Legend Accomplished' by Brynn Paulin Writer, Emily Harteger has been at loose ends her entire life, never quite fitting in anywhere she’s gone. She finds her place in the past amongst the knights and maidens she creates on paper. When a story idea comes to her in a dream, she’s drawn to the shores of Northern England where vivid pictures fill her head . When she meets Alec Woods, the very embodiment of the man she’s visualized in her dreams. Her visions of the knight and his love grow stronger and she wonders if the attraction she feels for Alec is real or the product of her wishful dreaming. Then she finds a bottle containing a necklace and note identical to one she’s written about in her book... Is this fantasy or something else entirely?

My View: I picked out this book to read because over the past year author Carol Lynn has become one of my favorites. I like her wit and style of writing. She didn't let me down with her inclusion in this book. Over all I liked the concept of the story. All of the stories are connected as each book tells the tale of a couple who has found the bottle, the message and the necklace that the first story tells about. The stories were good, the sex scenes fun and imaginative and kept me entertained. What I liked the most was the variety of stories. Each with their own theme. My biggest complaint with the anthology, however, was the number of type-os in the story. Usually I don't worry about them, but there were quite a few and it became distracting. The story was published out of England, so some words are naturally spelled different. I'm used to those, since I've read quite a few books from over sees. The other type-os were an issue for me though. Also, I can only guess the meaning of the end of the first story. I'll leave it at that so I don't ruin the story for readers.

Will a dark illusion destroy their love?

Dark Illusions
Author: Christy Poff
ISBN: 978-1-59374-954-5

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Description:
Sephora Collins grew up in an old money family but chose to become a fundraiser for charities throughout the United States.

Nigel Shelton led a duplicitous life – both extremely profitable especially when geologists discovered a vein of turquoise running through his property and his neighbors.

One man wants the vein but another wants it more. Can Sephora and Nigel hold onto their new found wealth or will the dark illusions of others destroy them?

My View:
This book was a great action backed thriller. I liked the plot behind the book and the suspense that builds as the bad guys close in on the hero and heroine. My main point of contention with the book is how quickly and how often the couple profess their love for each other. After a while you want to roll your eyes and say, "okay already I get it, already. You're in love". Other than that, the book was great. The sex scenes are hot and the action scenes will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Vampire helps take the bite out of attending a family wedding

Wedding Stud
Author: Eve Vaughn
Series: Naughty Nuptials
ISBN:978-1-4199-1120-0

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Description: Desperate for a date to her cousin's wedding, Penny Marsh resorts to contacting an escort service. Little does she know, Studs for Hire is no ordinary escort service, but a cover for a mate-finding business for lonely immortals.

Nicholas has spent centuries searching for his true mate, and finally finds her in a lovely date for the night. He falls for the shy beauty right away, but how will she react when she learns the truth about Studs for Hire? And that he's a vampire.

My View: Even though this book was short, I liked the balance between the romance developing between the couple in the story and the amount of sex. I also liked the fact that Penny isn't a stick thin model, but instead just an everyday woman that Nicholas finds attractive and perfect for him. Wedding Stud's has a sweet love story that is sure to make the reader smile in the end.

She's never too old to attract a young stud

Young Stud
Author: Ruth D. Kerce
Series: Oh Yum!
ISBN: #978-1-4199-1539-0

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Description: Forty-two-year-old Kathryn is rebuilding her life after a divorce. Now living in an apartment and working two jobs, she's too busy for anything more than casual dating or friendship.

Thirty-one year old Ryce — a former soldier and now an internet entrepreneur — has other ideas. He's wanted Kate since he first saw her. After knowing her for a year and becoming good friends, he's ready for something more. Much more.

It's time for Ryce to get Kathryn naked and show her just what a young stud can do for her.

My View: Young Stud is a sexy read. There is no better word for the sex scenes in this book other than HOT. As with many of the Ellora's Cave books, the author leaves nothing to the imagination in her love scenes. The characters are engaging. Ryce, love this name, is sexy, commanding and not afraid to go after what he wants. Kate's character reads true to life. The only real problem I found with the book is that it is way to short. I would have liked to see the character's personalities developed a little more. This book is great for people who want a quick read on a night when they want to warm up.

Revenge can be sweet

Tied and True
Author: Marie Harte
ISBN: 978-1-59632-492-3

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Description:
Lindsay Riordan has had it with the rumors and innuendo that dog her professional steps. Being born a blond should not be grounds for the automatic designation "office bimbo." So when she overhears the sexy new office wunderkind spouting untruths about her, she decides on some payback.

Jared Hunter is a man on a mission, but his mission is proving to be a lot harder to complete than he'd expected. He couldn't have anticipated that in the course of finding the truth, he'd wake up to find himself tied naked and spread-eagled on his bed, and that the person behind his restraint is none other than the woman he's been lusting after since he first saw her. A woman who's got vengeance on the brain.

What's a guy to do when he's fit to be tied? And what's a girl to do when a guy turns the tables?

My View:
Wow! Talk about steamy books. This is a great book for anyone who has ever wanted to exact revenge on the opposite sex. Lindsey is a takes the bull by the horns, shall we say, kind of girl. She's tired and she's just not going to take it anymore. Really why should she? Of course Jared is just trying to play the role he's been assigned, but since Lindsey doesn't know that little bit of information, she's doing what she can to set things right. The writing is wonderful, the plot fun and fast paced and I like the characters. Be prepared to get a little hot while your reading it, but for those who like a lot of sex in a story, this one's for you.

Reunions can be wild

Reunion
Author: Kimberly Zant
ISBN: 1-58608-815-7

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Description:
Convinced that the magic of her first love was just too good to be true and determined to exorcise her ghosts from the past, Carrie decides to return home for her fifteenth year class reunion. Things started to go wrong even before she arrived in town. She knew she should've just given up right then, but she was determined to execute the "hit and run" she'd devised. She meant to nail Heath Bardsley at any cost, and then make a clean getaway while he was still wondering what had happened. She shouldn't have been surprised that nothing went quite according to plan….

My View:
This book is told in the first person for some that might be a turn off. It takes a little getting used to, especially if you haven't read a book like that in a while. I liked the idea behind this story, but I had a few problems with the lead character. I get that she's nervous about stepping back into the past, but her goals seem a little selfish to me. I didn't get the idea that Heath had ever really done her wrong, so why set her revenge on him. Other than that, I liked the story and even wound up liking Carrie in the end. The author tells a good story and she makes the reader feel the foreplay and frustration that lead to the big night of hot, steamy SEX.

Using a little magic to lore love

Witch Lore
Author: Alison Paige
ISBN: 978-1-4199-1094-4

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Description:
Isabell Dionysus is a witch and she needs to find a man. Not just any man, but a man attuned to magic, a man who will fulfill the agreement her great-grandmother made with the fairies long ago and save her humanity. But time's running out and the luring spell she cast has brought her a man who's perfect for her in every way but one. He wants nothing to do with magic.

For most of David Pennyfield's life he's managed to deny his gifts until a week ago when his magic sight returned. He's desperate to banish all magic from his life before it drives him crazy like his mother. But when Isabell, The Witch of Seven Isles, tells him sex magic with her is the only way to get what he wants, David isn't sure which he wants more…a magic-free life or Isabell.

My View:
This story goes along with the saying be very careful of what you wish for. The story idea wasn't bad, but somewhere along the way, about the time the fairy's became bigger than three or so inches tall, the book gets a little lost. The story itself seemed a little hard to follow in some places and didn't really do much for me, but those who like magic and witch tales might enjoy the book and even the growing little fairies, as well.

And then there was Matt

Making Chase
Author: Lauren Dane
Series: Chase Brothers
ISBN: 978-1599987590
Publisher: Samhain Publishing

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Description:
Tate Murphy is a girl from the wrong side of the tracks. She grew up a million miles away from the easy life Matt Chase has had. She’s spent her life pulling herself and her siblings up and out of that trailer by the railroad tracks and she hasn’t looked back. Matt Chase is a dream of a guy and she’s certainly not going to turn down a short fling with one of the most handsome men she’s ever seen!

Matt Chase has watched each one of his brothers find love and he knows he’s ready for that too. It’s all a matter of finding the woman who captures his heart. He’s certainly sampled his fair share of them but none has moved him the way Tate Murphy does when he goes to her shop to thank her for some cookies and a thank you note.

But as Matt gets to know Tate and appreciate her strength and unique beauty, he also realizes she’s got some big self esteem issues about her past. To build a future, he’s got to find a way past some big road blocks.

My View:
This is the fourth book in the Chase Brothers' series and I was sorry to see the boys go. This was my favorite book of all. Matt and Tate are a great couple together. Tate is a strong compassionate woman who really needs a knight in shinning armor and that is just the man she brings out in Matt. The love scenes are not only passionate, but real. You can feel everything that Tate is going through and feel for her. If there ever was a hero it was Matt, even if you take away the fact that he's a fireman. This guy shows that he's more than just a pretty face.

Strong older woman finds sexy younger man

Chased
Author: Lauren Dane
Series: Chase Brothers
ISBN: 1-59998-436-9

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Description:
Liv Davis had just about given up on her happily ever after. Burned by love more than once, she’s beginning to think Mr. Right wasn’t in the cards for her.

Marc Chase is a confirmed bachelor and lover of women—lots of them. He’s determined not to fall head over heels the way his brothers have. Until he kisses Olivia Davis and realizes head over heels may not be such a bad thing after all!

Can Liv open her scarred heart for this younger ladies man? She loves Marc more than she can begin to admit but she’s terrified of being rejected again. Marc faces a challenge greater than he’s ever faced before. Making a woman believe he’s more than just a great bedmate—making her believe he’s in it for good.

In the end it will all come down to two days in a hotel and a bet. Can they both win?

My View:
The third book in the Chase Brothers' series and its only getting better. This book is a little different from the previous books to the series as it doesn't have a suspense driven plot. The book deals with the relationship between the two lead characters and the growing feelings between the them. Liv needs a man she can't walk all over and Marc fits the bill to a "T". This is love story you'll enjoy if you like strong vibrant women.

Taking Chase character needs help

Taking Chase
Author: Lauren Dane
Series: Chase Brothers
ISBN: 1-59998-301-X

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Description:
Cassie Gambol is on the run. In what seems like another lifetime, her ex-husband nearly ended her life and effectively ended her successful career as a vascular surgeon. But even though the justice system found him guilty of attempted murder, he fled while awaiting sentencing and Carly Sunderland became Cassie Gambol.

Fleeing Los Angeles, she heads to small and off the map Petal, Georgia to start her life again.

Shane Chase, a man who’s held himself away from commitment since his fiancée dumped him several years before knows the beautiful newcomer is hiding something. He’s wildly attracted to her strength and her underlying vulnerability as well.

But the last thing Cassie wants is another big, overwhelming man who wants to control her life. A battle begins between Shane, who knows what he wants and Cassie, who knows she needs to do everything she can to keep a distance between herself and the very handsome sheriff.

But Cassie’s ex is back and he wants her dead.

My View:
To be perfectly honest I didn't like this book all that well. It wasn't the story itself, but Shane Chase that did me in. Personally I thought that Cassie was too good for him. He wasn't a likable character to me in the first book, and I didn't like him much in the second. That being said, I like series books, so this book was a necessary read to go on with the rest of the books. It wasn't bad in the fact that the secondary characters were all great. I love Shane's mother, with her big hair and all. She makes up for some of the loss with Shane's character.

Who wouldn't want to be chased by Kyle?

Giving Chase
Author: Lauren Dane
Series: Chase Brothers
ISBN: 1-59998-113-0

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Description:
Some small towns grow really good looking men! This is the case with the four Chase brothers. The home grown hotties are on the wishlist of every single woman in town and Maggie Wright is no exception.

Maggie has finally had it with the men she’s been dating but a spilled plate of chili cheese fries drops Shane Chase right into her lap. The sheriff is hot stuff but was burned by a former fiancée and is quite happy to play the field.

After Shane’s skittishness sends him out the door, Maggie realizes that Kyle Chase has had his eye on her from the start. Now that Shane has messed up, Kyle has no intention of letting anything stop him from wooing her right into his bed.

Despite Maggie’s happiness and growing love with Kyle, a dark shadow threatens everything—she’s got a stalker and he’s not happy at all. In the end, Maggie will need her wits, strength and the love of her man to get her out alive.

My View:
This wasn't my favorite Chase Brothers' series book, but Kyle was definely my favorite Chase brother. I think I could fall in love with this guy. Who girl wouldn't? He was sensitive, sweet, in love with Maggie from the start and even stepped aside when he thought his big brother wanted her. When Maggie and Kyle finally do get together the writer is able to build in such deep emotional bonds between the couple that you feel everything as if you were living in the little town of Petal, Georgia along with them.

This story had a great suspenseful plot. Well worth the time to sit down and read it.

Going Nowhere again for the second time even more fun

Howling at the Twight
Author: Brenda Bryce
Series: Going Nowhere
ISBN: 978-1-59632-489-9

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Description:
Chrys came to Nowhere to visit her brother and his family. There are werewolves in Nowhere, and now, through a quirk of fate - and the bloody murder of her brother and most of her family - Chrysanthemum Hollister is one of them. The only family she has left is her orphaned niece. Just when she thought things couldn't get any worse, Chrys and her niece get kidnapped by a werewolf seeking to make her his mate.

When Donovan Vitello, the North American Werewolf Clan's hunter, finds a woman covered in the blood of a killer and in the throes of her first shift into a werewolf, he knows the clock is ticking. He walks into a scene where a werewolf is murdered, and the she-wolf who killed him is unable to handle the changes of the transformation. He is immediately drawn to her. He'll do anything he can to help her survive and make her his genetic mate. His attraction to the beautiful red wolf cannot be denied, but more than that, she may just be the only one who can save his life.

Her orphaned baby niece is not a werewolf, which makes it imperative for Chrys to shift back to human form. No problem, she can do that, right? Wrong. In order to shift, Chrys needs the help of the man who changed her. That man is dead at her own hands. How can Donovan help her?

My View:
I really liked the first book in this series, but this book is really even better than the first. The story is solid. The hero and the heroine are great together and the sexy love scenes are exciting page tuners. Surprisingly for a suspense novel, there is a good amount of humor in the book and a lot of fun to read.

Going Nowhere has never been so thrilling

Howling at the Moon
Author: Brenda Bryce
Series: Going Nowhere
ISBN: 978-1-59632-323-0

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Description:
Lannie Michaels has had enough. She leaves her home in the city for a nice, quiet stint of sculpting in a small town called Nowhere. When her mistrusting almost fiancé catches up with her trying to get her back, so does a killer of unfathomable evil, who wants to keep them apart.

Kyle Sylia is only in town to get his mate back after a catastrophic misunderstanding. He will do anything to make her his permanently. An upcoming showing, a crazed werewolf killer, a skeptical and angry sheriff, a hunter, and hyped up pheromones, are not the way he expected the reunion to progress.

During a showing of her artwork, Lannie discovers something new about herself, and Kyle is to blame. Who knew her boyfriend had kept so many life altering secrets from her? Oh well, the sex is phenomenal, but the tail will take some practice.

Now they just have to clear the area of terror, before Lannie loses her temper and bites someone.
My View:
You just have to love Kyle in this story. He isn't your normal Alpha werewolf. He will do anything to make things right with Lannie and its fun watching him try. The story is filled with mystery is thrills. The sexy romantic scenes are as hot as the hunky werewolves in the story.

The truth can set you free, can't it?

More than a Cowboy
Author: Susan Hornick
ISBN: 978-0-3738-7510-8

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Description:
The identity of her daughter's father is a secret, one that single mother Haley Clayton must keep forever—for a very good reason. But when a tragedy takes the man's life—a tragedy Haley fears was her fault—the truth comes out. And now the man's stepbrother, handsome rancher Jared Sinclair, wants answers. Why has Haley kept the child from his family? What is she hiding? Haley can't tell him—ever. But then Jared insists Haley and young Sarah spend time at the family ranch, where she discovers he's not just a proud cowboy; he's her—and her daughter's—deepest wish.

My View:
Good story for someone who is looking for a read that will inspire them to believe in happy ever afters. I liked the characters, especially Haley and her struggles with her past. I just wish that Haley would just let her secret go a little earlierin the story. It seemed to me she spent too much time kicking herself for something she had no control over. There were times when I just thought she should tell Jared already and get it over with. With his faith and beliefs he would be able to get over it and move on with their lives.

Forgiveness is the most difficult thing to give, but the most cherished thing to receive

Love me, still

Author: Maya Banks

ASIN: B0015Z7VFG

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Book Description:

Beloved mate to two wolves, Heather lived an idyllic life until hunters destroyed the pack's peaceful existence. Believing their mate betrayed them and was responsible for their father's death, Cael and Riyu cut Heather from their lives. But when they realize their terrible mistake, can they ever gain her forgiveness and win back her love?

My View:

This was definitely a tear jerker of a story. The terrible misunderstanding between Heather and her two werewolf mates leaves both parties to sit back and figure out what went wrong. Not a bad story, but all together too short and lacked any of the Maya's usual sensual love scenes. Still its a good read for anyone who likes her stories. 

My most memorable experience from this book, however, has nothing to do with the story itself, but how long it took me to open the ebook. This is the first time I have ever experienced the new Adobe Digital Editions software. The software is just a new way that publishers are trying to keep readers from sharing ebooks with others online. Whenever you see a file that ends with the letters .acsm, you are using a file that needs to be opened in Digital Edition. It offers the reader a chance to simply view the document, but doesn't allow any saving of the book onto your computer.

In essence the file itself is just a sales receipt that you actually purchased the book on line. Then you place drag the file into the Digital Editions software folder, with your Internet on. The file is then read from the company you purchased the book from online library. I'm not sure I like this because it means that I never really own the book the purchased. If the company goes out of business how am I to read the book a second time, if I liked it? It would be interesting to see how this goes in the future. Right now I feel like I'm borrowing the book for a fee. The public library will let me borrow it for free. Where's the benefit for me, besides the one-time read? I don't upload books illegally on the Internet and I am one that would read a book two or three times, even going back a year or two later to enjoy the book again and again. In the current economy the company I purchased the book from could be out of business tomorrow. 

My advise is if you buy a book under this format, don't hold on to it until later. It may be gone.

When evil hunts by moonlight desire can be fatal

Alpha Wolf

Author: Linda O. Johnston

ISBN: 978-0-373-610803-3

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Book Description:

When Dr. Melanie Harding comes to rural Maryland to open a veterinarian clinic, she has no intention of buying into the area's absurd werewolf legends. Until she rescues an ordinary dog shot with a silver bullet, and meets his sexy owner, Major Drew Connell.

A founding member of the Alpha Force on a nearby military base, Drew has developed an elixir that helps werewolves control their shape-shifting abilities. Drew has always tried to keep his distance from the civilian population, but Melanie's sweet and gentle nature soon wears down his defenses. With the attacks on people and animals in the area mounting, can their fiery attraction withstand their toughest challenge?

My View:

Although it took a little getting into this book I liked the general premise because it wasn't the same as many of the other werewolf stories I've read recently. I liked books that delve into what people would really think if all of a sudden werewolves—or any other supernatural for that matter—existed. How would people really act? I just can't stand it when normal people just take it in stride. This book gives, what I believe, is a realistic answer to that question. For that alone I have to say this book is worth reading.

I also like the heroine in the story. Melanie's love of all creatures helps her deal with the fact that the man she's extremely attracted to is a werewolf. She helps to make the story a fun read.