Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Romance Book Review: Faeries Gone Wild

Author: MaryJanice Davidson, Lois Greiman, Michelle Hauf, Leandra Logan
Anthology
ISBN: 978-0312945688 / 0-312-94568-X
Genre: Paranomal/Faeries

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Not my cup of tea, but I can see how these stories can have an appeal to chick-lit/paranormal fans. These are very tame books really, all featuring the fae in one form or another. The exception was Leandra Logan's "A Little Bit Faery".

In A Little Bit Faery half-human/half-fae, Tia, is a having a little bit of trouble in fitting in with the fae population and is having a hard time finding a man. To the fae she smells a little too much like her human half and all the fae guys run away from her. After she gets kicked out of her hightop living space, she decides to find her human father and find out more about her other half. Now Tia has a change luck and even attracts a sexy firefighter. This story is cute and even a little funny at times.

Description:
MARYJANICE DAVIDSON “Tall, Dark and Not So Faery”
Scarlett is not your typical pint-sized faery. At six feet, four inches tall, she’s an unlikely candidate for a match made in heaven. But when she ventures to Cannon Falls, Minnesota, on royal orders to survey its extraordinary residents, she stumbles upon the one man who just may measure up to size…

LOIS GREIMAN “Pixie Lust”
William Timber is a cutthroat developer who refuses to let a few trees come between him and his next million. But when Avalina—a sparkling faery charged to protect all things green—comes to town, William is forced to choose between life as he knows it and the unknown reaches of his heart.

MICHELE HAUF “Dust Me, Baby, One More Time”
A librarian by day and a tooth faery by night, Sidney has absolutely no time to find Mr. Right. Until she flies smack dab into sexy, sun-bronzed Dart Sand, a man who makes her wings a-flutter…and whose allure could get her banished from the Mortal Realm.v

LEANDRA LOGAN “A Little Bit Faery”
Tia is mystified when she strikes out on the Luna faery singles scene, in spite of her hourglass curves and vivacious charm. Then she takes off for Manhattan and lands on the doorstep of a steamy firefighter who sets her soul on fire—and shares a strong connection to her secret past.

Romance Byte: Edge of Dawn

Author: Patti O'Shea
ISBN: 0765361698
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: Today

Check out my Facebook "Friend" Patti O'Shea's new book!

Description:
Glass artist Shona Blackwood has lost her ability to create, but instead of panic, all she feels is apathy. Her detachment is shaken when she narrowly avoids being mugged, thanks to a timely rescue by a man who makes all her senses come roaring to life.

Logan Andrews is a magical troubleshooter assigned to protect Shona from an unseen enemy. Shona is unaware that magic actually exists and Logan is under orders not to tell her, but it isn't long before he finds his loyalty torn between his people and the passionate woman he is guarding.

He thought this would be a straightforward job, but Logan quickly realizes that in an edgy contest between magic and passion, love is destined to win.

About the author from her Website:
Nationally bestselling author Patti O'Shea has won eleven awards for her writing and been nominated for many more. Her books have appeared on the Barnes & Noble, Waldenbooks, and Borders bestseller lists and have earned starred reviews in prestigious publications such as Booklist.

At various points in her life, Patti O'Shea wanted to be a doctor, a pilot, an archeologist, an astronomer, a figure skater, a ballerina, an oceanographer, a marine biologist, and a photographer before she discovered writing at the age of fourteen. That's when she knew what she really wanted to be when she grew up.

By the time she entered the University of Minnesota, she realized she'd need a practical career. She chose the School of Journalism and took classes in nearly every discipline the college offered. After graduating with a degree in Advertising Copywriting (and far more credits than she needed), she promptly went to work for Northwest Airlines—in accounting. Since then she's moved throughout the company, working in departments like Technical Records, Tech Publications, and is currently in 757 Engineering.

Born with a need to see everything, Patti has traveled to far off and exotic places like Papua New Guinea, Fanning Island, and the Yukon Territory in Canada. Along the way, she's had the opportunity to experience a lot of cool things. In Alaska, she saw a humpback whale breach near the catamaran on which she sailed; she's visited a salt mine in Austria and traveled to a lower level by sliding down a wooden rail; and she's seen a shark fin break the water in Australia right next to the small boat she was on. She's visited just about every one of King Ludwig's castles in Germany; watched the cliff divers of Acapulco; and was nearly mugged in a parking lot in Los Angeles.

With her wanderlust sated, Patti finally decided to get serious about writing. She quickly discovered that her travel and her eclectic education were all training to become an author. It's helped her to know a little bit about a lot of things since she's had characters that have been computer geeks, army officers, private investigators, demons, thieves, and other assorted careers. She's even managed to incorporate pieces of some of the places she's visited into her stories.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Romance Book Review: The Gee Spot

Author: Mia Varrano
ISBN: 978-1-60310-330-5
Genre: Erotic Romance

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When Hayley and AJ were in high school, she was the rich prom queen and he was the geeky nerd that she didn't give the time of day. In fact, years later when she meets him at a charity ball she doesn't even know who he is beside the billionaire playboy that all the women are drooling after.

AJ remembers Hayley though. Not only was she the object of his teenage desires, but her father owned the company where his father got fired before he died. AJ thinks now is the time to make Hayley pay for her father's sins so he embarrasses her at a charity auction. She lets it go not really understanding what his problem was. But when AJ learns her little secret he decides he isn't done with his revenge and he keeps after her to make his revenge complete. But what happens when he realizes Hayley isn't exactly who he thought she was?

The Gee Spot wasn't what I had expected. As a matter of fact, at a point in the story I was really feeling very sad in Hayley's defense and was about ready to give up on AJ having any redeeming character at all. In the end though, I give the author some points for having a well written and interesting story. Mia has a great way with words and can really write some nice and steamy sex scenes.

Description:
What happens when a former high school geek crosses paths with the prom queen? Plenty when the geek is now a gorgeous billionaire and the prom queen owns a sex toy company, The Gee Spot. But the prom queen has trouble with her own G spot and the geek exploits her problem—and her—to exact a satisfying revenge...for both of them.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Romance Book Review: Alphas' Mate

Author: Leah Brooke
ISBN: 1-60601-490-0
Genre: Shape-shifter/ Menage

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Lacey doesn't have any idea that her adored godmother has been keeping a big secret from her. Her "Nanny's" four grandsons are werewolves. All her life Nanny had been telling Lacey werewolf stories, Lacey now finds out that they are true. Not only that, but she is the mate for all four of Nanny's grandsons and they want her to move in with them and be a lover to all of them.

On the one hand this is a very well written story. I like the story going on behinds the scenes of the sexual aspect of this book, but I had a little trouble coming to grips with the four alpha weres being the mate to one human woman. I did however, like the way that Lacey takes the news and how she deals with the shapeshifters' personalities. I won't give it away, but this book has a great ending.

For those who like a menage tale this is one that you will really enjoy. Shapeshifter fans will like that angle of this story, as well.

Description:
When Lacey Roberts visits her beloved godmother, the last thing she needs is more complications. She's on the run helping a woman and child disappear. But her godmother's grandsons are definitely complications. All four have decided she's their mate. To top it all off, she discovers that they're werewolves, Alphas' of the pack. And they have no intention of letting her go.

Lars, Damien, Wes and Seth Tougarret are half brothers, Alphas, kept apart as children. Their father's death before they were born divided the pack. Because of their grandmother, they've learned to get along. Barely. Stunned to learn they share a mate, they must form a bond. Especially when they learn someone wants her dead.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Romance Book Review: Real Men Last All Night

Authors: Lora Leigh, Lori Foster, Cheyenne McCray, Heidi Betts
Anthology
ISBN-13: 978-0312387792
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

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Four of today's hottest authors have gotten together to bring one outstanding erotic romance book about sexy men and even sexier love scenes. For those who haven't taken the plunge into erotic romance here is the chance to check out four short stories from some of the genre's hottest stars. All four authors are successful in the genre in their own right. Bringing them together was a publishers brainstorm.

All over the internet last week, fans were chatting up this upcoming release waiting to get their greedy little hands on it. They won't be disappointed when they finally do.

I think all the stories were great, but if I had to pick my favs they would be Lora's Cooper's Fall and Cheyenne's The Edge of Sin.

The sex scenes in Cooper's Fall were more than steamy hot and Cooper fits with Lora's usual strong alpha hero. The story line involved just the right amount of intrigue to make it more than just a sex story.

Cheyenne's The Edge of Sin was one of her best. You can just feel the connection between Zane and Willow. The heroine, Willow's character, was written so beautifully. She jumped off the page and came to life as strong, bold and sassy and is the perfect match to Zane's hard edged handsome alpha character.

The other two stories were written just as well with strong beautiful leading ladies and sexy alpha heros.

Description:
Luring Lucy by Lori Foster
All Lucy was looking for when she went to her vacation home was in innocent fling to quell the yearning she had felt since her husband died four years ago. She never expected her longtime friend Bram to lure her into a love affair so hot.

Cooper’s Fall by Lora Leigh
Former ranger turned bar owner Ethan Cooper never expected to get an eyeful of prim Miss Sarah Fox from his attic window one hot summer afternoon. But now his blood is on fire for the delicious little minx.

The Edge of Sin by Cheyenne McCray
Zane Steele lives a life of extraordinary danger as a government agent and has never let anyone get too close. Then he sees the one woman who changes his life forever.

Wanted: A Real Man by Heidi Betts
Claire left her high school sweetheart Linc, in search of a better life. Ten years later she needs his help as a U.S. Marshal to find her missing daughter…Linc's daughter. Reeling with the knowledge of a daughter he’s never known, Linc sets out to claim what’s his.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Romance Book Review: Feral Heat

Author: Jenna Byrnes and Jude Mason
Series Connection: Book one in the Untamed Hearts Series
ISBN: 978-1-906811-14-3
Genre: Paranormal/Shapeshifter/ M/M/F

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One of the most fascinating aspect of this book is the way the authors relate about their characters shifted forms. They go into grave detail about the shifting process from human to cougar and then back again. They do a nice job at setting the scene of life as both the cougar and the man. The sex scenes are also well thought out and hot.

The story leads the reader on a merry chase to find a stolen amulet before a rogue clan can use it to take over Kai's family of shape-shifters. The novel is completely told from Kai's point of view so there are some questions that I wish at the end could have been answered, but otherwise I think this is a book that paranormal/shape-shifter fans will really enjoy.

Description:
The scent of a female is a powerful thing. Kai, leader of the cougar clan finds that out the hard way, much to his distress. Can he and his life mate, Aric, find the stolen talisman before it's too late?

The female's scent is highly arousing, even to a cougar closely mated to his male partner. But Kai is no ordinary cougar. He's a changeling, sometimes a highly sexed human, and sometimes an even friskier cat. He mounts the seductive Sable, unaware of her mission and exactly what he's preparing to lose.

The talisman amulet has kept the cougar clan at peace for generations. When it's stolen Kai and his mate, the handsome Aric, set out on a journey to recover it. Meeting treachery and deception at every turn, the duo are forced to battle not only for the peace of the cougar clans, but for their very survival, and the life of their newfound love, Sable.

This story has male/male interaction as part of a polyamourous relationship and some BDSM play.

Reader Advisory: This book was previously released at Total-E-Bound by the authors, with one different pen-name

Romance Byte: Twlight's Embrace

Author: Ericka Scott
ISBN: 978-1-60088-436-8
Genre: Paranormal/vampire/ erotic romance

Description:
Maxine Twilight runs the hottest fetish club in the Midwest, a place where the rich and famous come to play with vampires. When her employees begin turning to ash, Maxine calls in a ‘consultant’, slayer Zachary Fox.

Zachary Fox slays rogue vampires not other slayers. But when his dead ex-wife, Tessa, calls in a favor to stop a slayer, he agrees to help. However, he didn’t count on losing his heart to Maxine. So when it appears as if she is the intended target of the next wooden stake, he’s forced to put his life, and love, on the line.

About the Author from her Website:
Ericka Scott is a multi-published best-selling author of seductive suspense. She's written stories for as long as she can remember and reads anything under the sun (including the back of cereal boxes in a pinch). She got hooked on romantic suspense in her college days when reading anything but a textbook was a guilty pleasure. Now, when she’s not chauffeuring children around, wishing she had a maid, or lurking at the library, she’s spinning her own web of fantasy and penning tales of seduction and suspense. She currently lives in Southern California with her husband and three children.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Romance Book Review: Magnolia

Author: Anny Cook
Series Connection: Flowers of Camelot
ISBN: 9781419918612
Genre: Menage a trois or More / Fantasy / Christmas

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In continuation of the Flowers of Camelot series young prince bond mates Undain and Dennac finally find the one woman for them. Dennac rescues Magnolia just as she is about to die in a shipwreck. Little does he know that she is already to be mated with an evil prince. Once the princes find out they only decided to speed their wedding date up.

Magnolia doesn't know what to think when she wakes to find two men who say that she is to be their wife. Certainly they are a much better choice to the evil prince that her father has chosen for her. What will happen though if the evil one won't let her go?

The Flowers of Camelot series is a lot of fun to read. The best part is the quirky characters and the references to the characters of the original tale of Camelot fairy tale. The sex scenes that Anny writes are hot, hot, hot so remember to keep a fan handy.

Description:
This is the fourth of the Flowers of Camelot series, but may be read as a standalone story.

The Yule season has come to Castle Came-a-lot. With the annual influx of family, Prince Undain, the last unmarried son of King Arthur, decides to retreat to the tower he shares with his partner, Prince Dennac.

It is there that Dennac brings Magnolia, the woman he rescues from a shipwreck. Fleeing from a dangerous arranged marriage, she quickly accepts the offer of marriage from Undain and Dennac.

Almost immediately, their honeymonth takes an unexpected turn. With the loss of her virginity, Magnolia sprouts wings, leading them to the inescapable conclusion that she is half-faery. And once faeries sprout their wings, they require frequent hot sex. Dennac and Undain eagerly meet Magnolia's new demands even as they deal with the Yule celebrations and threats from the evil Prince Rugat.

Romance Book Review: Glutton For Pleasure

Author: Alisha Rai
ISBN: 978-1-60504-470-5
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ ménage a trois

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Devi harbors a crush for a regular customer in her family's restaurant where she is the chef. She hasn't really met him, but she loves to watch him when he comes in on his regular night.

Jace is finally ready to settle down and he has found the perfect woman to spend the rest of his life with. The only problem is that he and his brother always share women and he likes it that way. When he see Devi he knows that she is the woman for he and his brother Marcus. Now he just has to convince both Devi and Marcus that the relationship he craves can work.

Alisha Rai's Glutton for Pleasure is a well written novel which offers an inside look at the variety problems that those who decide to get involved into a ménage romance might encounter. I especially appreciate the fact that members of Devi's family aren't exactly completely keen with the situation, because that offers a real life element into the story. The author is a crafty writer and offers well plotted love scenes and a true essence that it is plausible that these three people can have a future together.

Description:
They’re craving something sweet. She likes it spicy.

Devi Malik knows how to heat things up. She does it every night as head chef in her family’s Indian restaurant. Her love life, though, is stuck in the subzero freezer. Now, with a chance to fulfill a secret fantasy with her long-time crush and his brother, it’s time to put her desire on the front two burners.

For Marcus Callahan, a love-’em-and-leave-’em attitude isn’t only a necessary evil of their kink. It’s a protective device. Lately, though, his brother Jace has been making noises about craving something more.

Jace’s dissatisfaction with their lifestyle grows with every glimpse of sweet little Devi. Yet Marcus is too haunted by the pain of their shared past to give love a chance.

Despite their reputation for vanishing with the dawn, they discover one night with Devi isn’t nearly enough. And Devi finds herself falling in love with two very different men.

It’ll take more than explosive sex to light up the shadows surrounding the Callahan brothers’ secrets. But Devi’s never been afraid of the dark…

Product Warnings:
This title contains two sizzling men for the price of one, ménage a trois, oral sex, anal sex, fun toys, great food, and creative uses for syrup and dressing rooms.

About the Author from the back of her book:
Alisha Rai has been enthralled with romance novels since she smuggled her first tattered Harlequin home from the library at the age of thirteen. A mild-mannered florist by day, she pens sexy, emotional contemporaries and paranormals by night.
After a lifetime spent bouncing around the States, she is content to call sunny South Florida home for now. When she’s not reading or working, Alisha loves to hang out with her close-knit family. She happily lives in a chaotic house filled with clutter, laughter, good food, boisterous kids and very loud relatives.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Romance Book Review: Desire Untamed

Author: Pamela Palmer
Series Connection:
Book 1 in the Feral Warriors series
ISBN: 978-0061667510
Genre: Paranormal
Release Date: June 30, 2009

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I happened to get a review copy of this book months ago and wound up reading it really early. I just loved it. All the characters were strong, but hero and heroine are a perfect match. The hero is definitely a strong, sexy, alpha male type. Lyon will stop at nothing to save his group of shape-shifter warriors. He needs Kara's help in saving not only his kind, but all of humanity, as well. Kara is raised as a human. It is only when she meets Lyon that she finds out that there were a few things her mother forgot to tell her.

Quickly she is thrust into a world nothing like the small town she is from. This world has demons, mages and men who turn into different types of animals. It might be just a nightmare, but it is all two real.

The story line is filled with suspense and action. The plot complicated with a lot of sub characters, but easy to grasp. Pamela Palmers imagination really runs wild in this series and that is all the better for the readers. I re-read the story a second time last night to familiarize myself with it again and wasn't disappointed by it in the least.

Description:
Kara MacAllister’s quiet small-town life is transformed forever the night a powerful stranger rips her from her home, claiming she is the chosen one – the key to his survival. Spiriting her away into the rain-soaked night, Lyon reveals a truth Kara can barely credit. She’s immortal, and the only one who can save his race. And deep within her, he arouses a fierce, primal hunger beyond anything she’s ever imagined. But only when their lives are threatened by an ancient evil will Kara and Lyon realize they have found a love they would risk their immortal souls to claim...and a powerful desire that could never, ever be tamed.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Romance Book Review: Her Boyfriend's Boyfriend

Author: Cheryl Dragon
ISBN: 978-1-59632-935-5
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ M/M/F / Ménage/ Gay

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Complicated ménage romance about a bi-sexual CEO who decides that it is important for his business to have a relationship with a woman for public sake. The only problem is when Neil starts dating Cassie he finds that he misses his former boyfriend, Lou.

Neil introduces Cassie to Lou, but doesn't let her know of his former relationship with Lou. Cassie and Lou begin to become close friends. She knows that Lou is gay, but has no idea that Neil and Lou have feelings for each other. When she asks Lou for some advise about what to do to make Neil enjoy their sex life some more, Neil walks in on them and everything starts to get really interesting.

Her Boyfriend's Boyfriend tells a good story of a complicated relationship. As the three adjust to each other there are a lot of feelings being passed around. The story line moves from one sex scene to the other all hotter than the next. This book definitely hits the scorching scales in that department.

Description:
Cassie has found the man of her dreams, he's rich and smart and hotter than hell! But their sex life is off and he's not talking. She is determined to get to the bottom of it no matter what it takes.


Neil used to have a boyfriend, Lou, and the two men shared women but never found one they wanted to keep. He never stopped loving and needing Lou and without that man in bed with him and Cassie, Neil will never have all that he needs. He tried to go straight for Cassie and his career but the truth can't be denied.

Neither can the chemistry between Cassie and Lou. She's never had two men before. A ménage life, it's a delicate balance but it's the only way to satisfy everyone's intense needs. Cassie demands no more secrets and she wants to explore everything the man have shared and more together...even if it might dredge up issues like where they met these women and who Lou has been screwing since the breakup. With three people in bed, things can get tangled but there's always someone to turn to.

About the author from the back of her book:
A lover of unusual things, Cheryl Dragon enjoys writing unique stories with sinfully hot erotic romance. Never at a loss for ideas, there are plenty of contemporary and paranormal stories waiting to be written. Her two favorite settings are Las Vegas and New Orleans...where anything can happen!

Cheryl lives in the Chicagoland area with her deaf albino cat. By day she analyzes numbers as an Assistant Controller for a division of a large international conglomerate, which leaves the creative juices free for her erotic romance novels.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Romance Book Review: Dark and Deadly

Author: Jeanne Adams
ISBN: 978-1420104301
Genre: Romantic Suspense

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Dark and Deadly is a non-stopped action packed book that starts with Torie Hagan being left at the alter five years before. Ever since than Torie has been having some strange problems. All of the men she dates have been having bad things happen to them. The problems seems to be escalating until one day someone throws a pipe bomb into her house. Then her ex-fiance is found murdered and now Torie is a prime suspect. If that isn't bad enough, she's being shot at, cars are exploding and people are getting hurt. Through it all the last person she ever wanted to see again steps back into her life.

Paul Jameson has known Torie since college. He was her ex-finance's best friend and he was very against Torie marrying his friend. Now he's here to help and Torie needs all the help she can get. What would happen though if the killer finds out he's helping her, Paul could be his next victim.

This is the first book I've read from this author and I was pretty impressed. The book is a classic suspense with lots of twists and turns so it keeps the readers guessing on who the killer is and exactly why he has targeted Torie. The romantic scenes are pretty much in the sensual category which I appreciated because the story was much more wrapped around the mystery rather than the sex scenes. I really liked the heroine, Torie, and her friend Pam. Both Torie and Paul work well as a couple in the story, leaving the readers to wonder why it took eleven years for them to get together.

Description:
Cursed. Bad things happen to men who get close to Victoria Hagan. Now one of them has paid the ultimate price. Her ex-fiance, Todd, has been found murdered in the very church where he left her at the altar - and Torie is the prime suspect. Her only hope is the last person she wants to see...Ever since he advised his best friend not to marry her and the bride-to-be walked in on the conversation, Paul Jameson has stayed far away from Torie - and resisted their dangerously hot mutual attraction. Still, Paul promised Todd he would take care of Torie. She certainly needs him now...almost as much as he wants her. And that's exactly what a killer is counting on...

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Romance Book Review: If He's Wicked

Author: Hannah Howell
ISBN: 978-1420104608
Genre: Historical/Suspense/Paranormal

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If He's Wicked is set in 1785 England where seer, Chloe Wherlocke, foresees her sister's death after she gives birth to her dead child. She also sees others who conspire to use the dead child as part of a plan to destroy and kill a young Earl, by switching her sister's dead child with his live one. Chloe keeps the Earl's baby until she knows he is safe. The story then jumps to three years later when she finally meets the Earl and saves his life as she did his son's.

There are a lot of characters to get used to in this story, but the plot keeps readers interested as Chloe and the Earl, Julian, work to stop the plans of his evil wife and her lover. First though Chloe has to get Julian back to the man he once was before his wife turned on him and he in turn turned to woman and drink. The two are a great couple and as the suspense builds their love affair takes shape.

This novel is well worth the read mostly because of the heroine, Chloe. She holds the appeal of an sweet innocent girl, who is smart and keeps her head in times of crisis. Those who like historical romances that use language of the time will like this book.

Description:
She saves his life. . .

For Chloe Wherlocke, it all begins with a vision - a glimpse into the future that foretells a terrible plot against Lord Julian Kenwood and his newborn son. Chloe's psychic gift allows her to save the child from certain death, but the earl remains in grave peril. . .

But when he steals her heart. . .

Julian Kenwood knows someone is trying to kill him and he suspects his scheming wife and her lover are behind the plot. But Julian is shocked when Chloe, a captivating, dark-haired stranger, warns him that sinister forces are indeed at hand - and exposes a devastating secret that changes his life forever...Will she resist - or surrender? As Chloe reveals her plan to save Julian, neither can deny the attraction that grows each moment they're together. Chloe knows the highborn earl could never love her as she loves him. But when danger strikes closer than ever, Chloe must risk everything - or lose Julian forever. . .

Friday, June 19, 2009

Romance Book Review: Uneasy Alliance

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Harlequin; ISBN: 10: 0373200056
ISBN-13: 978-0373200054
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reissue: Originally published in Harlequin Temptation #11 in 1984.

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Not one of my favorite Jayne Ann Krentz novels, Uneasy Alliance is just not written as well as her other earlier novels. Many people don't like reissues from so long ago because the genre has changed considerably over the last couple of decades. Back when this book was first written having an alpha male who was possessive and a little bit of a chauvinist wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Today some readers look at the characters in this book and say..."Ew. That guy is just plan terrible."

I, however, have always been a constant fan of Jayne Ann Krentz's and have collected all of her books, even the earlier days of her work. I absolutely love her male alpha characters, who back then were all very much a like. This story, however, was just not one of her best. The hero in the story, which is much like her other male chauvinist characters, is just not as well developed as the others. The female character is just not a well written either. She is just too wisy-washy. The "go away" and then "stay" is just over the top in this book. You just want to shake her and say, "make up your mind already. You know what kind of guy he is, take him or leave him."

That being said, if you like Jayne, you probably want to check this book out. If you are like me, you probably will tolerate the story line just to say you have read every one of Jayne's books.

Description:
After ending a relationship gone terribly and unexpectedly wrong, Abby Lyndon is left wary and determined to control her own life. Two years later, she meets a man who doesn't frighten her. When a nightmare from her past resurfaces, Abby has little choice to accept Torr Latimer's help, but his determination to protect her may be a little too close for comfort.

Romance Book Review: Very Much Alive

Author: Dana Marie Bell
Series Connection: True Destiny, Book 1
ISBN: 978-1-60504-392-0
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal/Menage/M/M

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I am always the first person to say give a book a chance, so when in the first chapter of this book had a man turning into a black Corvette, I rolled my eyes and kept on reading and I'm glad I did. After that point I just couldn't stop. This page turner has an interesting plot and fantastic characters.

The two main heros in the story, Logan and Kir, have the whole Demon and Archangel thing going. Logan, a God who's main purpose had always been mischief, finds that he is being used by another God, to kill Kir, the God of Spring. Kir is next in line to rule all of the Gods. His father, Odin (Grimm), wants him out of the way so he can take on the position. To do that he must frame someone to take the blame. Through complicated means and several different Gods, everyone believes that Grimm has succeeded and Kir is dead. Instead Logan takes Kir's place.

Centuries have passed now and the story takes up in the modern world, where the Gods live unknown to the humans around them. Logan and Kir have been running for their lives one step ahead from Grimm, but time is about to catch up with them all. Can Logan and Kir, with the help of a smart and sexy half God, turned PI, Jordan, outsmart the evil Grimm and be rid of him for once and for all?

The writing style is Dana Marie Bell will keep romance readers entertained even if fantasy stories aren't their cup of tea. Give this book a chance, you won't be sorry. I already can't wait for the next installment of the True Destiny series.

Description:
Her destiny rests in their hands…

Kiran Tate and Logan Saeter have been on the run from Oliver Grimm for so long they’ve forgotten what it’s like to be free. Ending Grimm’s power games won’t be easy, but this time they have an ace in the hole. PI Jordan Grey, Guardian Investigation’s resident hot shot—and Grimm’s step-granddaughter.

Jordan Grey has her doubts when Logan and Kir show up in her office with a tall tale of how her step-grandfather has framed them for murder. And to top it all off, they’re claiming that they’re really the ancient Norse gods Loki and Baldur, and that Grimm is Odin!

When the two lovers see the sexy detective for the first time, stopping Grimm suddenly takes a back seat to seducing her into their arms. But Grimm never rests, and when his anger spills over onto Jordan, it sets them all on a collision course with a destiny that will rock their world…

Product Warnings:
This book contains explicit sex, graphic language, some violence, and hot male/male/female action. In fact, it could be considered a religious experience.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Feature Author: Amarinda Jones


Check out this week's Featured Author, Amarinda Jones author of Prince Vampire at www.romancebookscene.com.

About Prince Vampire:
After reading about a sexy vampire prince and his search for his true love, Aureliann O'Neal is on fire with need. The sexual tension on the pages matches her own deep desires. She wants to be skin to skin with the vampire prince. In her lust-filled need for him, Aureliann calls out to the dark hero.

Prince Valdemar has been waiting for his true love to summon him. Only she can feed his many hungers. When he answers Aureliann's call, his cock is on red alert. She is the one. Valdemar knows every luscious inch of her belongs to him—and he will stake his claim.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Romance Book Review: Davin's Quest

Author: Bianca D'Arc
Series Connection: Resonance Mates
ISBN: 1-60504-011-8
Genre: Sci-Fi

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Bianca D'Arc continues with her Resonance Mates series bringing the readers forward 16 years. The O'Hara's daughter, Callie, is now full grown and she meets one of the Alvian aliens, Davin. Davin isn't like the other aliens who have taken over the planet Earth. He feels emotions that the other aliens do not and because of his differences he lives his life in danger from his own kind. Although he is basically an outcast, he is in a very high ranking position. Leaving his work base he travels to where the few humans still live in hopes of finding his true mate or risk going mad.

When he finds Callie, his Resonance Mate, she is too young for him, but just being able to communicate with her until she gets older is all he needs to keep his mind sane. Years go by and finally he has his chance to be with the mate he has fallen in love with.

In the mean time, human, Rick St. John, has been hiding out in the mountains with his father until the aliens come and hold him captive. He is sent to be experimented on with the rest of the humans that are captured. While being held in the underground prisons, he becomes a leader working for better treatment for the humans being held by the aliens.

When Rick meets Callie and Davin, Davin realizes that Rick is also Callie's Resonance mate. Can the three of them come to terms with what this means and at the same time stay one step ahead of the enemies who want to kill Davin?

This is a wonderfully originally written science fiction novel. I love Bianca's imagination and where it takes her in this love story. While this book has several well crafted erotic scenes, they're almost seem secondary to the story at large about the new world that is being created in the story. It is a good read with detailed characters and crafty story line.

Description:
Which man will Callie choose, the alien or the warrior? Or can she have both?

For each Alvian, there is one perfect match—a Resonance Mate whose soul blends in perfect harmony. Unlike the rest of his race, Davin has emotions and suffers for it. Without a mate, he is doomed to go mad. Searching for answers and understanding, he seeks out Callie O’Hara, a human woman with strong empathic gifts. Could this fragile human be his Resonance Mate?

Rick St. John is a tough-as-nails survivor of the Alvian occupation of Earth. He doesn’t believe in much, but when he sees Callie for the first time, he starts to believe in love at first sight.

The Governing Council is gunning for Davin, the upstart who dares to defy them. And they’ll kill anyone who gets in their way. Davin and Rick must come to terms with their feelings for Callie in order to keep her safe, while she has to find a way to save them both... with her love.

Romance Byte: Forever Immortal

Author: J.K. Coi
Series Connection: Immortal Series, Book 4
ISBN: 978-1-60202-122-8
Genre: Contemporary Urban Fantasy

Description:
Forever becomes a lot more complicated when you’re immortal...

Eight years ago, science and reason ruled Gideon Bennett’s life. Until the death of an Immortal triggered a physical transformation, forcing him out of the laboratory and into a world of violence for which he was ill prepared. Now a seasoned warrior, he is still haunted by his one massive failure—and the face of the woman he couldn’t save.

Lyssa James wasn’t looking for trouble when she set out to enjoy a night on the town away from her dead-end job and obnoxious ex-boyfriend. Instead she got a first-class ticket to a demon hell dimension where she was trapped for eight long years.

Now she’s finally escaped...only to run into the man who failed her. Neither of them are the same people they were eight years ago, but getting reacquainted is the least of their worries.
One of the nastiest demons from the Abyss is on the loose, and it threatens not only their lives…but the future of humanity.

Warning: This title contains edge-of-your seat action, steamy sex, extreme emotional roller coasters, hot immortal warriors fighting to save humanity, and a woman who walks a thin line between good and evil.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Romance Book Review: The Texas Twins

Author: Tina Leonard
ISBN: 9780373752676
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Western

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The Texas Twins is a little different from past stories by Tina Leonard in that rather than telling the story of the brothers in individual books, she has put together two short stories into one Harlequin--American Romance book. As with most of Tina's books she's back in small town Texas where she has brought together two twin brothers who knew nothing about each other for 32 years. The citizens of No Chance, Texas has decided that it is time to bring Jake's twin, John, home to help the fledging town's rodeo. John has the money to back the town's plan to enhance their local rodeo, but John has no idea that the town really just wants his money and to reunite John with his brother Jake.

Jake is a rodeo bull rider. He has lived his whole life in No Chance and has no idea that he has a twin, but isn't all that excited about the idea when he finds out. Can the two brothers work together even though they aren't quite thrilled about each other?

Of course the book is ripe with love stories for both of the brothers. In John's story he meets and falls in love with Chloe, the town lawyer. Chloe is a little worried about getting involved with an outsider who is bound the leave when he gets tired of small town Texas.

In Jake's story, readers will get to know Erin the town doctor. Both Jake and Erin have been in love with each other forever, but neither wants the other to know. Of course the town busybodies get involved in helping to matchmake the pair.

Both stories are fairly good, but since I'm a great fan of Tina's and have followed her other series, including Cowboys by the Dozen and The Tulips Saloon, I was just mildly disappointed that this book just didn't seem to have the spark she usually has. Still both stories are nicely written and will keep everyone entertained.

Description:

When New York billionaire John Carruth is summoned to No Chance, Texas, to save the local rodeo, he has no idea he is going home. Now the long-lost twin to the town's favorite son is determined to win over the people he left behind—and capture the heart of Chloe Winters, a Texan who has her own ideas of what it means to be part of a small town!


Jake Fitzgerald, champion bull rider, didn't know he had another half. John may be kin, but he's still a stranger in these parts. With his billionaire brother hell-bent on changing Jake's world, Jake knows he has to take a stand. Will he choose family—or will he take a chance on Erin O'Donovan, a woman who has always meant family to him?

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Romance Book Review: Blind Faith

Author: Claire Thompson
ISBN: 9781419914645
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ M/M
Publisher: Ellora's Cave 

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

Click here to purchase through: Amazon 

Click here to purchase other books by Claire Thompson 
Crimson Ties / Continuum of Longing / Odd Man Out

It has been a year since Aidan has seen his former lover, Zane. Zane has come and gone from Aidan's life for years and while it had bothered Aidan, he didn't make an issue of it. Now everything has changed. Aidan is no longer the man that Zane left behind. A terrible car accident has now left Adian blind. Not believing that he can have a relationship with Zane, or any man, he tries to keep Zane at arms length.

Zane doesn't want to hear any of that. Long before he came back home to Aidan, Zane had decided he was tired of his own vagabond lifestyle and decided it was time to settle down with the man he loved. Now he just had to convince Aidan that he was ready to stay for good and that it didn't matter about Aidan's blindness.

This is a nicely written short story with well developed characters and plot. Claire Thompson, who usually writes fabulous BDSM and M/M stories in various genres, has once again presented a well thought out book that deals with some very serious and sensitive issue.

Description:
Blinded in a car accident, Aidan retreats into a world of quiet determination.

Enter Zane Wilde. Refusing to let Aidan withdraw into the darkness, Zane won't take no for an answer. With sexual mastery Zane pulls Aidan into the light of touch and sensation, taking the blinded man to new heights of sensual experience and learning for himself what it is to give over, to surrender in the dark.

But as scorching as their intensity burns, Zane's wild gypsy blood is simmering, his wandering nature coming to the fore. To stay or go, that is the question.

Romance Byte: Knock Out

Author: Catherine Coulter
Series Connection: FBI Series
ISBN: 978-0399155840
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Release Date: July 16, 2009

Description:
FBI agents Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock are back in this electrifying thriller from the #1 New York Times–bestselling author.

Seven-year-old Autumn Backman has a gift: She can communicate telepathically with others. Not everyone, mind you, but with a select few with whom she shares a special kinship. When Autumn and her mother, Joanna, take her father’s ashes to be buried in the family plot in Brickers Bowl, Georgia, the child witnesses a horrifying sight: her grandmother and two uncles, burying a pile of dead bodies in the middle of the night.

They head to Titusville, Virginia, to seek the help of an old family friend, but Autumn senses they need assistance on a grand scale. Using her telepathic powers, Autumn calls a man she’d seen only on television: FBI agent Dillon Savich.

But before Savich and his wife and partner, Agent Lacey Sherlock, can get on the scene, Autumn and Joanna flee, fearing the retribution of her uncle Blessed. A huge manhunt ensues, with Titusville Sheriff Ethan Merriweather racing to reach the girl before Blessed can get his hands on her.

Blessed’s got big things planned for Autumn and her gift, and he’ll stop at nothing to force her into his growing army of exploited children. Savich, Sherlock, and Merriweather face their most elusive foes to keep Autumn out of harm’s way—before it’s too late.

Romance Byte: Eternal Embrace

Author: Ann Lory
Series Connection: Eternal, Book 1
ISBN: 978-1-60202-191-4
Genre: Erotic Romance/Paranormal

Description:
One sip… One taste of eternity…

Dimitri Alexios lives alone in his San Francisco mansion, if one could call seething with hate for his maker living. Until he beholds the mortal woman who appears on his doorstep. Her gentleness brings light to his darkness, and her innocence calls to him. Yet she knows nothing of his world, or the dangerous predator that constantly rages within him.

Museum curator Cassie Stephens, sent to catalog antiques at the Alexios estate, is surprised to discover Dimitri is anything but the old man she expected. He’s handsome and darkly mysterious, not the sort who’s usually attracted to her girl-next-door looks. Yet she’s ensnared by his irresistible charm—which makes it all the more crushing when he suddenly pushes her away.

Dimitri knows he’s doing the right thing, but it’s too late. Cassie’s passion has touched a heart he thought no longer capable of love. Now he must turn his strength to a deadly task: a battle to save the woman he loves from the maker who would love nothing more than to rip her away from him…
Product Warnings

This book contains vampire battles and mindless minions that do their bidding. Snakes, but they’re not on a plane. AND a melt in your mouth, yummy vampire that will bite.

Check out Ann's Blogspot right here on blogger at http://annlory.blogspot.com/

Friday, June 12, 2009

Romance Book Review: Even Demons Get The Blues

Author: Maree Anderson
ISBN: 9781603103145
Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance

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Nicely written paranormal novella about a demon who falls for a human. As a Demon on earth it is Rez's job to send good little girls a stray, but when he meets the female of his dreams he decides to save her rather than see her make her way to hell.

Leisa has spent every Saturday for the past year getting drunk and picking up one loser after another in an effort to forget her past. When her next Saturday night pick-up turns out to be a demon, all Hell breaks loose.

Paranormal books are so fun to read, especially when there are so many imaginative authors like Maree Anderson writing them. This books gives readers a chance to step out of the box and into the world of Demons. Not bad for an afternoon of entertainment.

Description:
Rezon was the Demon King’s lieutenant for four thousand years but even the most badass Demon in Hell gets jaded, so Rez joined the Beguilers. Only trouble is now he’s been beguiled by Leisa, a tormented human woman who’s captured his heart.


When Leisa picks up one loser too many, Rezon’s provoked into whisking her off to his lair to show her what a real man—uh, make that Demon!—can do for her.

Leisa’s been tagged by a Destroyer and her soul is forfeit, so when she inadvertently shatters Rez’s defenses and bonds with him there’ll be Hell to pay.

About the Author from the back of her book:
At the tender age of twelve, Maree Anderson was pinching her mom and dad’s books and reading them at night by the hallway light. It took her a few more years—okay, decades!—to pluck up enough courage to write her own stories but now there’s no stopping her. She lives in Auckland, New Zealand, with her real-life hero who encouraged her to quit work and take up writing full-time—what a man! She’s a mom to two extremely understanding kids who don’t mind getting their own dinner when she can’t tear herself away from her keyboard, and one very portly ocicat keeps her company while she’s writing.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Romance Book Review: Hot For Teacher

Author: Liza James
ISBN: 9781603103220
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

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Wild and very sexy romp about a woman who goes out on her 40th birthday and learns the joys of hot, hot, hot sex with a younger man. When she leaves the next morning she thinks her time with the sexy young stud was only a one night stand. Than as it happens the man she spent her birthday with is the new math teacher at the high school she teaches at.

This is a great little short story for those who like really hot sex scenes in their books. The scenes are well written and the likable characters are surprisingly well developed for such a short story.

Description:
High school teacher Tessa Marshall is at a club with her sister celebrating her 40th birthday when the hunk of her dreams walks through the door. He's tall, dark, and oh-so handsome. He's also ten years her junior, which makes him the perfect candidate for a night of smokin' hot birthday sex. Only it quickly becomes apparent the man is special, which scares the hell out of her since nothing can ever come of it. With regret, she slips from the room while he's sleeping, intending never to see him again.

Scott Chapman is captivated by the beautiful Tessa, and though he swore off relationships several years ago, he finds himself instantly drawn to the blonde stunner. He takes her back to his hotel room for the birthday night of her life, and soon realizes their connection is deeper than he'd imagined. When he wakes up the following morning and discovers her gone, he's disappointed. They both find out, however, that fate has a mind of its own.

Romance Book Review: Tame Horses Wild Hearts

Author: Alison Paige
ISBN: 978-1-60504-534-4
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Red Hots!

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Okay, any novel with a lead paragraph like this, can't be all bad.

"Kate had to admit she felt a twinge of sympathy watching Joseph’s scowling face wince each time his family jewels slammed against the hard Western saddle. The man would be impotent inside a week if he didn’t do something to protect his goodie bag. Damn shame too."

Kate is a feisty character with a big heart. She's been unlucky at love so far, so when she learns she has a stalker she doesn't give it much worry. When Kate first meets Joe, the bodyguard her father insists she have, she feels the instant attraction, but is hard pressed to do anything right away.

The two main characters in this story are just wonderfully written. Each with their own insecurities and hang ups they really are perfect for each other. Some scenes in this book will make you giggle and even outright laugh, other scenes are so hot they will make you melt.

Description:
When love turns to obsession, those with the biggest hearts are the first to die.

Kate Mathers has her very own stalker, though she prefers to call him a secret admirer. Either way it’s a bizarre idea considering she’s never figured out how to keep any man in her life for long. Now one’s obsessed with her? It’s hard to believe—until her estranged father’s birthday gift is to hire her a bodyguard. Now the dangers are all too real. And so is the effect Joe Garity has on her heart.

Joe knows he’s a human wrecking ball when it comes to relationships. The embittered ex-cop tells himself he only took the job guarding Kate because he can’t stand to see the rug rats in her horse camp program in danger. Pretending to be her lover isn’t his idea of a perfect situation, but perfect goes a long way toward describing the chemistry between them. For once in his life, Joe finds he really doesn’t want to screw this one up—personally or professionally.

But if he can’t figure out who’s stalking Kate soon, her next birthday may be her last.

Warning: This title is full of horseplay, and horses AT play, tie-downs and tie-ups and the kind of hot obsessive animal passion some men will kill for.

Romance Book Review: Loving the Right Brother

Author: Marie Ferrarella
Series Connection: The Alaskans and Famous Families
ISBN: 9780373654598
Genre: Contemporary Romance

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For years Brody Hayes has loved Irena Yovich, but she was his brother's girl. When she was eighteen Brody's playboy brother broke Irena's heart and she went off to college without looking back.

When Irene returns to Hades, Alaska after ten years for her ex-boyfriend's funeral, there is her old best friend Brody just like always. Brody is the exact opposite of his brother, Irena's ex. He was always there to tell her secrets and now it is almost like nothing has changed, but it has. Suddenly Irena is having some different feelings for him, but she doesn't think she should act on them because she has no intention of staying Hades. What would it hurt though to get a little closer to him while she was here?

In pure Marie Ferrarella style this is a heart warming novel. As always Marie relates an appealing story which is well plotted with wonderful characters. I especially loved reading the interactions between Irena and her grandfather Yuri.

Description:
Seeing Brody Hayes again was like seeing a ghost. But, Irena Yovich noted with relief, the resemblance he bore to his late playboy brother—Irena's philandering ex-boyfriend—was purely physical. Still, she knew she'd better not get too close. . .



Brody had been secretly in love with Irena for years, and now she was suddenly within his reach. All he had to do was convince her that they were meant to be—that he was the right brother after all. . . .

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Hottest Romance Book Cover Contest!

Attention: Romance Authors and Romance Fans:

Romance Book Scene is looking for the Hottest Summer Book Covers.

RomanceBookScene.com is going to be changing the featured Hottest Book Covers on the home page of their website. We are looking for four (4) of the Hottest Covers available and are asking authors and their fans to send their favorite picks.

Authors don't be shy, you can send your latest covers in, as well.

There are just a few guidelines:
1. All covers must be from romance novels.
2. There are no restrictions on romance genres. (i.e. contemporary, fantasy, paranormal, sci-fi, M/M, etc.)
3. All covers must be recent or upcoming releases. Only released covers from 2009, please.
4. Hottest doesn't mean it has to mean nudest. Although, sexy men of all varieties are welcome. (Even if they do come with bare skin, fangs or a tail.)
5. Please send .jpg of cover, plus the author's name and cover artist's name.
6. Four covers will be chosen for the page, others maybe posted on My Space, Facebook or our review blog.
7. All book covers should be e-mailed no later than June 21, 2009.

Send entries to roni@romancebookscene.com. Please put Book Cover Entries in subject box.

Read the interview and get a chance to Win Carolyn Jewel's new book!


Don't forget to check out this week's Author Spotlight interview with Carolyn Jewel and get a chance to win a copy of her new book. Look for the details at www.romancebookscene.com.

Nice Author Blog Spots



Check out Sylvia Day's Blog. This is a well put together blog that offers news and notes on author Sylvia Day (also known as S.J. Day). http://www.sylviaday.com/blog/ For reviews and upcoming books for Sylvia Day check out www.romancebookscene.com's author lists.

Romance Book Review: Blackpoint Surrendered

Author: A.J. Llewellyn and D.J. Manly
ISBN: 978-1-55487-069-1
Genre: Romance/ Contemporary/ M/M

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Nicely written story about two authors who meet over the Internet. Rose/Thomas started his career as a romance author when readers thought all romance writers were women. So he took a woman's name and became highly successful. Matt was an author in the new age, when it was okay to say he was a man writing romance and to top it off he came out and told everyone he was gay as well.

Though Internet exchanges the two become close friends, but Matt still doesn't know that Rose is actually Thomas. Now it is time to meet and it is anyone's guess how Matt will react.

This is collaboration between two fantastic M/M writers. The story line is strong and with some really funny scenes throughout the drama of dealing with relationships and the realities of being an author in the romance industry.

Description:
Matt and Thomas are living the Hollywood life. For Thomas, it's a fast and frenzied education into the behind-the-scenes machinations of what it's like being an author whose novel is bent, folded and mutilated by the billion-dollar movie industry. When the production company suggests Matt, who is the executive in charge of production, start scouting for locations in Canada, he jumps at the chance since this is Thomas' home country.

Vancouver, the "Canadian Hollywood" however, holds bitter, dark memories for Thomas who finds his very first love, the handsome and talented artist named Daniel is still there and holding more than a candle for him. Daniel's love burns like a raging wildfire. Will Thomas cave into his reawakened feelings, or is his love for Matt enough to overcome the tragedy of his past?