Romance Book Review: Bliss

Author: Madison Scott
Series Connection: Malone Brothers
ISBN 978-1-59578-636-4
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Publisher: Liquid Silver

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Lindy Bliss may have the name of a stripper, but she didn't think herself anything like one. All her life she was a tomboy. Now she worked in the man's world on construction, which meant she had to work hard and prove herself everyday. Having an attraction to her boss wasn't going to make her life any easier.

Ethan Malone couldn't keep his mind on his work. He wanted Lindy Bliss so bad he would accept just one weekend with her to work her out of his system so that he could get his mind back on the job. The only problem is one weekend isn't enough and he had no idea if he could convince Lindy to make it something more.

The best part of the novel is Lindy Bliss' character. She's fiesty and sassy and holds her own well enough through the whole story. She's the perfect match for Ethan. I would have loved the characters to be explored a whole lot more than they were. As it was the book pretty much was just a whole lot of great sex scenes and not much more.

Description:
Ethan Malone has had his fair share of women. Life is short and he damn sure plans to enjoy it. When Lindy Bliss starts work at Malone Constructions, he never expected to want her. She’s nothing like the women he usually brings to his bed. Immediately he’s drawn by her quality work on the job, and her sharp, sarcastic tongue. Of course, the way his name hugs Lindy’s breasts in her work shirt has a whole hell of a lot to do with it too. He needs to get the tomboy, with the stripper name out of her faded jeans and tool belt, so he can play with the feminine curves beneath.

Before he loses a finger or two because he’s distracted by his perpetual hard on, Ethan propositions Lindy for a no-holds-barred weekend of sexual pleasure. Once he has her under his roof and in his bed, he isn’t sure he wants to let her out again. Having Lindy beneath him is exactly what he thought it would be…pure Bliss.

Romance Book Review: Prisoner of the Heart

Author: Anny Cook
Series Connection: A Carnal Reunions tale
ISBN: 978-1-60735-087-3
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Publisher: Resplendence Publishing

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Becky goes back to her college town to attend her 10 year reunion only to find the boy next door all grown up and looking for love.

Joe Harris was just 16 years old when the college girls lived in the Old Victorian across the street. He had a crush on Becky and knew he wanted her to be his, but she was in love with Tom and ended up marrying him. That didn't turn out to well for Becky. Now she's divorced and back for her 10 year reunion and there is nothing that will keep Joe from finally getting to make his move on her.

Anny Cook's Prisoner of the Heart is just one in a series of seven stories, by different authors, that are centered around the college reunion. This novella tells the story of only one of the girls that lived in the old Victorian house. It can be read on it's own or as part of the series. Prisoner of the Heart is a delightful short story that shows that anyone can have a second chance. See more reviews on books by Anny Cook and Romance Book Scene's interview with the author at www.romancebookscene.com under author's Anny Cook.

Description:
When Rebecca Iversen graduated from college, she headed home with nothing on her mind but wedding plans. Less than a month later her plans were in ruins when she discovered she was pregnant the same week her fiance was arrested for selling drugs. Anxious to provide legitimacy for her child, she married Tom while he was still in jail. Years later, Becky finally divorced him, resolved to make a peaceful life for her children and herself.

When the reunion invitation from Karen arrived in her e-mail, her Aunt Mary urged her to take the time to enjoy a little adult time at the reunion.

Young Joe Harris lived across the street from the old Victorian where Becky lived during college. He spent those years secretly yearning for the “older woman”. Now that Becky is back and single, Joe plans to do everything in his power to convince her that he’s exactly the man she needs.

Romance Byte: Amazing Gracie

Author: Sherryl Woods
ISBN: 978-0-7783-2753-0
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Mira; Reissue edition

Description:
Three of Gracie MacDougal’s last four boyfriends proposed marriage—to other women. But through all her heartbreaks, she has excelled at one thing—her job as a luxury hotel executive. Until she loses that, too. Now, one man stands between her and the old Victorian house she wants to transform into a bed and breakfast. And they’re both about to discover that business is a lot more fun when it’s mixed with the pleasure of love.

Romance Book Review: Cattle Valley: Vol 7

Author: Carol Lynne
Series Connection: Cattle Valley
2 books in 1: Bent— Not Broken and Arm Candy
ISBN: 978-1-907280-75-7
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ M-M / M-M-F/ Erotic Romance
Publisher: Total-E-Bound

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This is the continuation to the Cattle Valley series. Bent—Not Broken features the mayor's secretary Carol and the fire chief George.

After the tragedy that stuck Cattle Valley during Rodeo Days, Carol is injured and George can no longer keep his feelings for her at bay. He loves her, but he has spent the past 19 years in a secret relationship with musician Trick. Wanting more in this life than just a relationship on the sly, George breaks off his romance with Trick and pursues Carol.

Carol is in love with George, but she is one of the few people who knows about his relationship with Trick. She's already been in a relationship with two men and come out the loser, she doesn't want that to happen again. Should she take a chance that George means it when he says his relationship with Trick is over or should she just take a chance and maybe hope that his relationship with Trick continues and she'd be invited to become a part of it?

To be honest this wasn't one of my favorites in the series. I liked Carol's brazen personality in the other books and I missed it in this version. Plus I found myself rooting for George not getting back with Trick. It didn't seem like Trick treated George very well in their 19 year relationship. I think George gave Trick enough of his time. But...it was Carol Lynne and I just loved all her books. She's entitled to have one or two I disagree with.

In Arm Candy the story feature Mario and Asa. I really liked this series. The story line surrounding the two men worked out well. I liked the fact that there wasn't much derision between the two, even after the initial disagreement.

Mario works at The Gym with Rio and Nate. He has been in love with Asa, the town's billionaire, since he first met the man, but Asa hasn't seemed to want their relationship to go in a romantic direction--at least that is what Mario thinks.

Asa was hurt in the Cattle Valley Rodeo disaster and came to realize what he always knew--all of his friends only want him when he is throwing his money around. Now that he is hurt no one is around. He calls to Mario for help, but Mario is upset at him because he pushed him away when he tried to see him at the hospital. When he finally gets through to the other man they learn they had a misunderstanding the two men get to know each other better, while Mario helps Asa recovery from his injuries.

While we get a chance to visit with the friends at Cattle Valley over the holidays we can to learn a little more about Erico, the restaurant owner, and Jay, Cattle Valley's new comer.

Description:
Bent— Not Broken
After the tragedy at Cattle Valley Days, Carol McGowan woke in the hospital to find George Manning hovering over her. George confessed he’d fallen in love with her, but Carol is skeptical. She knows George is bi-sexual and has been in an ongoing secret affair for years. She’s been down that road before and ended up on the wrong side of lonely. Carol learned from her previous relationship and isn’t in any hurry to jump back into another ménage.

George Manning has spent the last nineteen years hiding his love for his closeted friend and country music legend, Trick Allen. After almost losing Carol, George decides to grab hold of the love in front of him, instead of the dream he’s always chased.

Trick Allen spent years building his career. With the reputation of being a typical love ’em and leave ’em superstar, Trick hid his love for George from the rest of the world. When presented with the choice of losing George forever, or stepping out of the glittered closet he’d become accustomed to, he is faced with the ultimate decision. Is a real life worth risking his career?

Three people, with very strong personalities, try to blend love and home amidst a national outcry of vehemence.

Arm Candy
Asa Montgomery is a hard man to figure out. He's got millions of dollars in the bank, a host of men vying for his bed and he's still miserable.

When a tragedy leaves him broken and battered, Asa quickly finds out who his real friends are. Left alone with only his household staff to nurse him back to health, Asa realises he wants more than just a pretty man to adorn his bedroom.

Mario Benta was fooled by a rich man in the past. They may say you're the only one for them, but what they really mean is, you're the only one until something younger and sexier comes along.

Despite Mario's growing attraction to Asa, he'll be damned if he'll allow himself to be another man's arm candy.

When Asa sets out to change Mario's mind, he'll discover it takes more than money to gain the heart of the ex-Army Ranger. (By the way I think this is wrong. I though Mario went into the Marines not the army--but maybe I missed something.)

Love Inspired for January: Her Forever Cowboy

Author: Debra Clopton
Series Connection: Mule Hollow/ Men of Mule Hollow
ISBN: 9780373875733
Genre: Inspirational/ Contemporary Romance/ Western
Publisher: Steeple Hill

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I've found a new back series that I'll be looking to get my hands on. I did read one of this series in the past and thought it was okay, but giving a chance with a second book I've decided to check out the others. Men of Mule Hollow is a new extended series from Debra Clopton that continues from her previous books the Mule Hollow series. Several of her former characters are written within the pages of Her Forever Cowboy. As I haven't read the previous books, I can say that it isn't necessary to enjoy this book if you haven't read the others. That said, after reading this book I'll be checking out Amazon to see if I can find the previous books.

Her Forever Cowboy tells the story of Cole Turner. Running from his past, Cole spends his days away from Mule Hollow helping victims of hurricanes rebuild their homes. He sees this as his gift to help other people get their dreams back after tragedy has struck them. When his eldest brother calls him home he is almost run down by Mule Hollow's newest resident.

Susan is up late three nights in a row after tending to the local ranches cattle needs. The veterinarian has worked very had to get where she is today and she isn't about to let some roaming cowboy tell her what to do. Susan is looking for a man who wants to settle down and help her raise a family and support her way of life. Too bad the only one she is interested in is Cole, because Cole can't wait to finish up his responsibilities and head back on the road where he can be safe from his own misery.

This is a nicely written series that gives an inspirational message without getting too preachy. The hero and the heroine are both interesting and real. The supporting cast is interesting and amusing and seem to have interesting stories of their own to tell. Most are already in previous books by the author. Her Forever Cowboy is the first in the Men of Mule Hollow series.

Description:
Mule Hollow, Texas, is chock-full of handsome cowboys ready to say "I do." So veterinarian Susan Worth moves in, dreaming of meeting Mr. Right. He's most certainly not the gorgeous rescue worker blazing through town on a motorcycle. Cole Turner is a sixth-generation Mule Hollow rancher, but he's all about roaming Texas to save everyone but himself. The hurt hidden deep inside his heart keeps him from settling down. But Susan is determined—and knows just how—to make him her forever cowboy.

Romance Book Review: Hotter Than Hell

Author: L. Shannon
Series Connection: Hellish Love Stories
ISBN 978-1-59578-631-9
Genre: Paranormal/ Demon
Publisher: Liquid Silver

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Cute, funny novella about a Librarian for Demon, Arizona who believes that a town called Demon should have a host of paranormal demon type book available in the library so she attends an occult convention to see what she can find. While there she falls through a hole that lands her in "Hell" where she meets one of the sons of the devil.

Fun fast read to warm you on a cold winter night.

Description:
As the Librarian for a small sleepy town of Demon, Arizona, Lani Monroe has a certain sedate image to maintain. But her calm life takes a hot turn when she falls through a portal to Hell and lands in the lap of the oh-so-sexy Prince of Pestilence. Meryk has no idea how the human ended up in his arms or why she seems to think she’s asleep, but he’s more than willing to prove he can be the demon of her dreams.

Romance Book Review: Prey for the Wolf

Author: Kari Thomas
ISBN: 978-1-926704-95-1
Genre: Paranormal/ Werewolf/ Sensual Romance
Publisher: Eternal Press

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Caught between a group of dangerous hunters and a pack of dangerous werewolves, Bethany is trying to do the best she can to get her brother out of a bad situation alive. The hunters have told her that they will kill her brother unless the cooperates with them and set brother against brother. There idea is for her to seduce one brother while she agrees to marry the second. It all seemed like a plan until she met Pack Alpha Kane. Kane turns out to be everything she wants in a man, but once he finds out what she's been doing, she could be in just as much danger from dying by his hand as dying by the hunters.

Author Kari Thomas writes an appealing story that is sure to interest the werewolf paranormal fans. The story line is interesting and the characters are interesting and well written. It would be interesting to see if she decided to add this as an upcoming series.

Description:
A highly sensual love story of passion, danger and primal rules.

Bethany Garrett's brother is kidnapped by a group known as The Hunters who make it their life mission to track down and kill shapeshifters. The Hunters offer Bethany a deal for her brother's life: Infiltrate the most dangerous group of wolf shifters known and help destroy them. She's not prepared for the instant attraction she feels for the alpha of the pack, Kane Steele. Now, not only is her life in danger but also her heart and soul. Because once Kane finds out the truth of why she's there, she doesn't stand a chance of living very long. And Kane has her sited as his prey now. Bethany knows the time for turning back was lost the minute she and Kane met. And she's about to find out what it means when a wolf shifter tells her she's his, no matter what happens in the following days of peril...

Romance Book Review: Bad Angels: Burn

Author: Belinda McBride
Series Connection: Bad Angels
ISBN: 978-1-60521-259-3
Genre: Dark Fantasy/ Ménage/ Bisexual and More

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Continuing where Bad Angels: Fallen left off, Rex and Rion have settled in a small town where they can lead a more normal life. Everything is going smooth until Rex is in a car accident, then attacked and left for dead.

Sensing he is in trouble, the succubus that has always visited Rex while he sleeps come to aid and finds a way to contact Rion to come and help Rex.

When Rion brings Rex to a nearby reservation health clinic for help they meet Noemi. Both Rex and Rion are instantly attracted to Noemi. She is also attracted to both of them and agrees to help get Rex back to the nearest portal where he can be healed by his own kind.

This dark fantasy will keep readers intrigued right to the end, and unfortunately the end keeps going until the next in the series set to be released in 2010. All three of the main characters are compelling in there own right with much more of a story to tell then the author has given them in this short novella.

Description:
Following an auto accident, Rex Clark lays near death in the rocky wilderness of the Trinity Alps. Just when it appears that things can't get worse, she shows up. Anahita... the succubus. She's been his frequent companion, and the bane of his lover Rion's existence, for well over a century. But it seems that this time she's come to help.
From the frozen villages of the Inuit to the cities of America, Dr. Noemi Gastineau has seen it all. When a fallen angel shows up at the reservation clinic with an injured Sidhe, Noemi takes everything in stride. Yet within hours, she's swept into an enchanted world she never imagined existed. So why are the men so temptingly familiar? And why is she suddenly so afraid?

A fallen angel, a Sidhe, a human and a succubus. Never mind the demons, these four are about to catch fire! The question is... who will survive the burn?

New book "Bad Angels: Heaven" will be out in March of 2010.

Romance Book Review: Bribes, Blackmail and Bondage

Author: Lynne Logan
ISBN: 9781603103428
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Capture and Bondage
Publisher: Red Sage Publishing, Inc.

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As his attorney, Amanda knows she shouldn't be attracted to Drake, but she just can't help it. When he touches her she can't help but respond. At least she stopped before it went too far. Unfortunately there was a witness and now Amanda is forced to go along with the deputy's plan or lose her job.

For a short story this title packs a lot in a little space. It was well written and interesting. It would be interesting to see where the story takes them if there were a little more space.

Description:
Attorney Amanda Oliver’s job is to prove Drake Andrew innocent of murder, not to secretly lust after him during their consultations. But he is young and hard and taut, and she can't remember a time when she reacted to a man like this. Not just a man. A client.

In a moment of helpless surrender to their forbidden passion, she jeopardizes both his freedom and her career. For there is no privacy in prison, and the deputy posted at the door witnessed their entire brazen encounter through a small window.

With proof of their jailhouse tryst, the deputy thrusts them both into a game of sexual blackmail. He threatens to expose Drake and Amanda unless they participate in his sex games. Amanda is determined to thwart her blackmailer, until she’s swept into a maelstrom of dark and heady desire with two men who feed her most erotic fantasies…

Romance Book Review: Deliciously Wicked

Author: Jenika Snow
Series Connection: Dimi of the Seven Moons
ISBN: 1-60601-565-6
Genre: Erotic Romance/ Sci-fi
Published By: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc.

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Hearing a strange noise in their backyard, roommates Mena and Kitty go out to investigate only to find something that looks like it should be in a sci-fi movie. Stepping through a portal they come across an alternate dimension to earth where there is a silent forest and the sand is blue.

While there they meet a tribe of people who live in a cave. They are warned not to leave the cave at night because there are dangerous creatures that live in the forest.

Mena finds that living in this new world is exactly what she needs. She falls for the tribes king Demariak. Kitty doesn't like where they are and longs for home. Can Kitty convince Mena to go back home with her before it is too late?

Deliciously Wicked offered some hot bedroom scenes and an even better action scene as the roommates race against being eaten by an ugly beast. Sci-fi erotic romance fans will like the alternate universe scenes. My one complaint would be the misplaced illusion to the orgy scene in the beginning of their stay in the new world.

Description:
When Mena is transported into a strange world, she comes face-to-face with a towering seven foot tall man named Demariak. She can't help the desire that just one look from him sparks in her. When Mena is literally swept off her feet by Demariak and brought back to his home, she experiences pleasures she had only thought about in her most erotic fantasies.

Demariak is the leader of the ZorZack tribe, respected and feared by all who meet him. When he meets the beautiful Mena, he can't stop the possessiveness that consumes him. When Mena is thrust into danger and her life hangs by a thread, Demariak will do everything in his power to protect what he has already claimed as his own.

Romance Book Review: Outlaw Lovers Dossier

Author: Jan Springer
Series Connection: Naughty Nooners/ Outlaw Lovers
ISBN: 9990100000260
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing

This is a free book from Ellora's outlining Jan Springer's Outlaw Brothers series. There are lists of all the books, information on the lead characters and story lines and an interview with the author. Interesting way to get the information out on the original series.

Description:
Dossier is a scorching peek into a future world where most of the female population has been killed by the X-virus. Where women struggle with searing sexual arousal, submissiveness or naughty fantasies as well as coping with the Claiming Law, where females have no rights and are sexually claimable by groups of men.

Immerse yourself in exclusive intimate interviews with four of the sexy Outlaw brothers. Learn about the women they crave, about their books, an informative glossary, a succulent chocolate cake recipe and much more in this handbook on the popular series.

Romance Book Review: My Christmas Wish

Author: Ember Case
ISBN: 978-1-60504-839-0
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing

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Quick read short story about a singer who comes back to New Orleans to try to get her ex-lover out of her system so that she can move forward in her life. Duncan broke Tara's heart five years earlier when he sent her on her way telling her there was no future for them. Now she's a big star, but still can't get him out of her heart.

For Duncan, he knew that he hurt Tara when he kicked her to the curb, but he wants another chance. Can he hope that his Christmas wish will come true and get the woman he's dreamed about back in his life?

Sweet erotic love story. Nice read for the Christmas holiday or any time.

Description:
Putting the past to rest has never been this much fun.

Tara Walsh has come a long way from paying her dues in a smoky New Orleans club. Her albums sell millions, her tours sell out and she has a hit DVD. Her name is known around the world. Now she’s back home for a holiday charity concert—and to say a proper goodbye to the past. A past named Duncan Rousse.

Five years ago, Duncan pushed Tara away for one reason: to force her to reach for the stars. She deserves the life she’s earned, even though it left him with a broken heart that’s never healed. Having her back in his arms only makes the pain worse, yet the last thing he can do is beg her to stay.

One wild, passion-filled night in the sexy Cajun’s bed has Tara’s body singing with pleasure. But can they both get what they want this Christmas?

About the Author from the back of her book:
Ember Case was born in Louisville, Kentucky, the second of five children. Life in a large family taught her that everyone is the hero in their own life story.

After attending college in the Deep South and working in the IT department at a Fortune-500 corporation, she traded in her business suits and heels for jeans and bare feet. Today, in addition to her writing career, Ember is a graphic artist lucky enough to work from home, and has been a small-business owner for over 15 years. She has spent most of her life in the South, from Kentucky to Alabama, and now lives with her husband and their two children near the sandy beaches in Florida.

Romance Byte: Strawberry Wine

Author: E. Jamie
ISBN: N/A
Genre: Erotic Romance/Suspense
Publisher: Sugar and Spice

[READ EXCERPT]

Description:
Laura and Caleb were teenage sweethearts. Then Laura disappeared, leaving nothing behind but a simple note.

Now she’s back, a street smart cop on the trail of an underground child sex slave operation right in the heart of New York City and she’s been sent to Caleb’s division to help bring down one of the most reprehensible men in the country. When the old lovers are partnered up, can they put their old hurts aside to do their jobs and save the children?

Romance Book Review: Blood Bought

Author: Brynn Paulin
Series Connection: Cruentus Dragons Series
ISBN: 978-1-60735-096-5
Genre: Paranormal/ Shapeshifters/ Dragons
Publisher: Resplendence Publishing, LLC

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Book 2 in the Cruentus Dragons series featuring Jonah, Janos' wingscion. Jonah has been searching for his mate for six months. He must find her or go mad with the agony of not having his mate.

Athena isn't exactly sure what's going on, but she doesn't want to be caught to find out what is happening. Her first meeting with Jonah wasn't good. She is sure that he hates her, despite the fact that he says she's his mate. Rather than be stuck to him for eternity, she runs, but now it might be safer with him.

Jonah's enemies are after her and besides that, his brand of lovemaking is exactly what she's looking for, but can she make the ultimate commitment?

This book is filled with erotic love scenes, which wouldn't be bad if there was room for a little more action than the kind between the sheets. I'd have like to see the secondary story explored more. Maybe if the author has other books planned there will be room for more of a developmental story between the dragons and their enemies.

Description:
For months, Jonah Genjhury has hunted Athena. Waiting. Planning. Dreaming. Finally, he finds his prickly runaway mate and he knows it’s time to claim her for the Cruentus clan—and himself. Athena, however, isn’t easy to convince. She fights a union with everything in her. Now he must convince his angry mate she’s his while an age-old battle with the Dragon enemies rages around them.

Athena Xanthopoulos isn’t having any of this “Dragon” business. They’re myths, and she certainly isn’t the mate of one of those flying, scaly, blood-sucking creatures. Okay, so he’s not scaly most of the time and he’s super hot, but that doesn’t mean she wants to spend eternity with him. Trouble is…she can’t stop wanting him.

Romance Book Review: Home for the Holiday

Author: Wendy Stone
ISBN: 978-1-60659-505-3
Genre: Contemporary Holiday Romance
Publisher: PhazeBooks

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Kenna and Nicky have been best friends for a long time and both are interested in making the relationship into something more, but neither know how to go about making the change.

When Kenna's mother convinces her to come home for Christmas, Kenna knows she is going to have to face her sister and her cheating ex. Kenna's sister Bekka stopped Bekka's wedding to Steven several month earlier to tell Kenna she was pregnant with Steven's baby.

Heartbroken Kenna moves back to the city and with Nicky's help gets over the betrayal, but can she really face them. Coming up with an idea, Kenna asks Nicky to pose as her boyfriend and convince her family that she is okay and moving on with her life. Taking full advantage of the situation, Nicky show Kenna that he wants more than just friendship.

Told in the first person, this story has all the same out cliches that many romance's offer, but I like the writing style that Wendy Stone uses for this story. While it take place on the Christmas holiday there is still time to enjoy this story.

Description:
Kenna McEwen is sent into a panic when her mother calls to invite her home for the holidays. This past year hadn't been very good to her and the idea of meeting up with her sister, pregnant by the man that Kenna had planned to marry, makes her anxious.

Romance Book Review: Holiday Howlz: Suspicious Surprises

Author: Camille Anthony
Series Connection: Holiday Howlz
ISBN: 978-1-60521-366-8
Genre: Paranormal/ Action/Adventure/ Christmas/ Seasonal Themes

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Not feeling well Carly has no hope that she might be pregnant, but when she visits the doctor she has a surprise waiting for her. If that wasn't enough of a surprise her ex-boyfriend comes looking to seek her out, which doesn't make her current love happy.

Cute Prairie Dawg short story from the Holiday Howlz series.

Description:
There's a suspicious man in town, asking questions no one wants to answer.

Puppy suspects Carly is keeping something from him. When she's not avoiding him, she's busy emptying the contents of her stomach. She can't be pregnant, so her symptoms have Quentin fearing for her health.

Carly's sure she has a touch of flu, but to appease her lover, she takes time off from planning the Library's First Annual Christmas Eve party to see the doctor. Shocked at his diagnosis, she stumbles away, only to come face-to-face with her ex-boyfriend, suspiciously here in Barkus to surprise her. Suddenly, she's keeping more than one secret from Quentin.

Only trust born of true love will guide these two lovers through this Christmas minefield of suspicious surprises.

Romance Book Review: Sex Holiday

Author: Natalie Acres
Series Connection: Cowboy Sex 4
ISBN: 1-60601-704-7
Genre: Erotic Romance/ Menage a Trois/Quatre/ Western/ Cowboys
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc.

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Patience has decided to take get away from it all over the holidays, including the idea of getting involved with men. "Vacationing" in Myrtle Beach she can't help but become interested in two gorgeous cowboys.

The McKay Brothers have a plan and that plan includes Patience.

This is the standard far of girl meets two brother and the three decide to become lovers. The backdrop of Christmas adds a nice touch.

Description:
Patience is running. She’s running from her past, running from her future and running circles around the here and now. Patience needs a replacement for lost love, but she’s not in the mood to shop for more heartache and troubles. With a gentle push from her best friends, she heads south to spend some time in the sand and meets up with two handsome cowboys.

From the moment first introductions are made, Patience knows there’s something special about the McCoy brothers. Soon, she realizes why she’s been running. She was headed in the right direction all along.

Romance Book Review: Holiday Howlz: Dawg-Napped!

Author: Anne Kane
Series Connection: Holiday Howlz
ISBN: 978-1-60521-349-1
Genre: Paranormal/ Shapeshifters/ Christmas/ Seasonal Themes
Publisher: Changeling Press

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Funny North Pole themed holiday story featuring Santa's Reindeer, Comet, and elf, Bruce. Feeling the Bruce needs a mate, Comet takes his opportunity to help him out when Prairie Dawg shifter Cyndi takes a liking to Bruce's motorcycle.

Little does Cyndi know that said motorcycle is really Comet in disguise and now she is on her way to the North Pole.

This is a cute short story that is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

Description:
When one of Santa's elves stops at the Prairie Dawg Saloon on his vintage motorcycle, Cyndi can't resist taking a closer look at the classic bike. Then Bruce comes back outside unexpectedly and Cyndi panics, shifting to hide in one of the saddlebags. She doesn't realize the bike is a matchmaking reindeer in disguise. Comet knows all about the sexy little critters of Dawg Town, and he's decided the cute little prairie dawg is just what Bruce needs to cuddle up with him in his North Pole cottage.

Romance Book Review: Holiday Howlz: Werewolf Woes

Author: Dawn Montgomery
Series Connection: Holiday Howlz
ISBN: 978-1-60521-349-1
Genre: Shape Shifter/ Holiday Theme/ Werewolf/ Erotic Romance
Publisher: Changeling Press

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The Holiday Howlz collection is a series of short stories filled with holiday spirit and erotic romance. In Werewolf Woes there isn't much holiday action going on. Lily has waited five long years for Dakota to come and claim her and there is no way that she, or her wolf, is going to let him off easy.

Dakota was ready to do anything he had to to get Lily back even if it meant participating in the hunt to catch her. He won't let anyone stand in the way of getting his mate...not even Lily.

This story is much too short for anything but erotic love scenes, but the author does a great job in letting the readers know enough about the characters to get to like them and route for theme to get together.

Description:
Dakota Raynes has come home for one reason and one reason only... to lay claim on the woman meant to be his mate. Six years away has given him time to get the beast under control so he could be the man he thinks she needs. Now if she'd just stop being so damn stubborn!
Lily Deacon has had it with alpha men and their need to push her around. So Dakota thinks he can just waltz right in and take up where he left off? Oh, she'll let him play all right, but only by her rules. His little Lily is all grown up, and she has a few tricks of her own.

When these two wolves collide, the county will feel the clash all the way to their boots.

Romance Book Review: Ribbons Not Included

Author: Demi Alex
Series Connection: A Red Garters, Snow and Mistletoe tale...
ISBN: 978-1-60735-068-2
Genre: Erotic Holiday Romance
Publisher: Resplendence Publishing, LLC

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Written in the first person, Ribbons Not Included is a highly erotic romance about a couple trying to conceive, but not wanting to lose the spark in their love life.

Kat is maybe a little obsessed with having a baby and it is leaving Christian feeling like just a stud horse. Now it is up to Kat to make their sex life interesting so they don't lose the love they share.

Generally not a fan of first person writing, I was really impressed with the author's style. It really took several pages before I realized it was a first person narrative, even though several times in those pages she used the word "I". That to me is the mark of a good first person story. For those looking for something to keep them warm on the cold winter nights, this is certainly the story for you. The sexy is steamy hot and not only happening in the bedroom.

Description:
Just when I thought I had it all together, just when I thought my life was perfect, Christian comes out and accuses me of only wanting him as a stud horse!

Not true. I love him. I do.

It's Christmas, and I'm searching for the perfect present to convince him that he's my number one priority. I'm trying everything to spice up our love life-from sexy lingerie, to new positions, to different locations. But then he pushes me too far. I'm not sure I can do it.

Giving it all I have, I shiver with the thrill of being exposed. Really exposed. What if someone sees me naked at the very moment I can only see shooting stars? Will they think I'm a total slut? Or will they get turned on and join in?

My mind says no, but my body can't refuse.

Romance Byte: Sweet Inspiration

Author: Penny Watson
ISBN: N/A
Genre: Romance/Sensual
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Recommended by a Friend as being a great holiday book.

Description:
What if the legend of Santa Claus is in fact, true? What if Santa has five big strapping sons who help him run his empire? Five single, sexy sons looking for romance...
Nicholas Klaus is a master pastry chef, a strict disciplinarian, and the eldest son of the legendary Santa Claus. One look at cafe owner Lucy Brewster sends him into an unexpected tailspin of lusty desires. When Lucy is injured, Nicholas makes a decision that catapults their lives into turmoil...

Lucy Brewster, the free-spirited proprietor of Sweet Inspiration, has a flair for concocting sugary confections but no time for adventure. She gets more than she bargained for when she awakens in the North Pole...rambunctious elves, a fitness-obsessed Santa, and the man of her dreams. Does she have what it takes to become the next Mrs. Klaus?

Romance Book Review: The Elves and I

Author: Catrina Calloway
Series Connection: A Red Garters, Snow and Mistletoe tale...
ISBN: 978-1-60735-063-7
Genre: Erotic Holiday Romance/ Ménage/Multiple Partners
Publisher: Resplendence Publishing, LLC

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This is certainly not the North Pole fairy tale you heard when you were a kid. This story comes complete with a naughty girl given a chance to become good, three elves looking for a mate and a very frisky Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Marni is sent to Christmas Town as part of her punishment when she is arrested for speeding. She can't quite believe it is happening, but when she goes for a ride with flying reindeer and meets elves with pointy ears she knows something isn't quite right.

Then there are the three sexy regular human sized elves she meets. Before she knows it, the woman with the cold heart is turning warm and she is starting to see the good in life, but can it last past Christmas.

The idea behind the story isn't too bad, but I was waiting for some really funny parts and they just didn't come. I would say it is a cute, sexy and very erotic story.

Description:
Marni Sands is spoiled, pampered and has never done a day's work in her life. Arrested for speeding through a small town traffic circle, Marni's defiant attitude makes the judge think long and hard about her punishment. He assigns her 'community service' in Christmas Town, where she's to (horror of all horrors!) work with the elves that live there and help them create toys for some very needy children.

Meet Kip, Noel, and Eldan, the three hot, hunky elves assigned to keep Marni in line. She needs a firm hand - on a very luscious part of her beautiful anatomy. It is hard to discipline such a gorgeous human, particularly when she divulges a painful secret - the mystery that has kept her miserable for most of her life.

If tough-love won't work, the elves have only one solution: to turn Marni into a caring elf, capable of holiday cheer, they must make love to her as often as possible. Only then will they be able to convince her that good can triumph over evil, and love really does conquer all.

Romance Book Review: All I want For Christmas is You

Author: Brenna Lyons
ISBN: 978-1-60737-463-3
Genre: Erotic Contemporary
Length: Novella
Publisher: Loose-id

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For two years Robin has been mourning her fiancé. They had made many plans for the future and she is finding it hard to let them go. One of those plans was to start a family right away. Now that he is gone, Robin wants to have a part of him with her for the future. The only way to accomplish that is to ask his brother David a big favor.

David is shocked to say the least when Robin asks his help in conceiving a child, but even more shocked that he doesn't want to say no. David has wanted Robin since before his brother died and now is his chance to have her. All he has to do is convince her to let go of the past and move into the future with him.

This book is loaded with bedroom scenes and not much all. It would have been nice to learn a little more about the two main characters outside of the bedroom. Otherwise the story was fairly wasn't bad. The bedroom scenes were hot and fun.

Description:
Two years after Robin’s fiancé dies in a car crash, she has sorted her priorities and decided to follow through with one of their plans. A baby. Of course, it would be best if that baby shared some of Zach’s genes.

Enter David, Zach’s older brother. He’s her best friend, her confidant, the one person who won’t dismiss her plans as insane…she hopes. And maybe sex with him will get David out of her fantasies, fantasies where he takes Zach’s place.

Or maybe they won’t. If Robin hadn’t been Zach’s when David met her, he would have stopped at nothing to make her his own. If she doesn’t hate him for giving her what she’s asking for, they might both get the Christmas gift they want most.

Romance Book Review: Ice Cream on the Side

Author: Wren Boudreau
ISBN: 978-1-60737-484-8
Genre: Suspense/ Erotic Contemporary Romance/M-M
Publisher: Loose-id

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First person story about an architect living in a small town whose former lovers suddenly start turning up dead. Dylan normally lives a quiet life working at his architect firm in a growing tourist town. He has finally met a new love that he thinks he wants to spend more time than just a quickie with, but suddenly strange things are happening all around him. His ex decides he wants to get back together, the body of one of his old lovers is found and someone may want his new love dead.

Great story line and mystery as readers try to determine who is after Dylan and whether they want to see him dead or theirs. Overall the story was done well, but the first person dialog didn't seem to work for me in this case.

Description:
Dylan Forest is really pretty happy. He's a successful architect, lives in a great little town, and has good friends. More than ten years ago, Dylan’s first boyfriend betrayed him. Since then he’s learned to appreciate men briefly and intensely, with no lingering complications. But Dylan finds himself wanting something more with Michael Gilmore, the new art teacher in town.

Michael moved to Raven Pass to get away after a bad break-up. He just wants to teach and he's got an exhibit of his own work coming up. He doesn't expect to find himself attracted to anyone just yet. He has to give up his fear so he can explore a possible relationship with Dylan.

The guys manage to get past their insecurities and into bed, where they find out just how compatible they are. Before their romance gains momentum; however, life gets complicated. An old dead body and a new murder are both connected to Dylan’s love life, and if the guys can't stop it Michael will be next.

Romance Byte: Holiday Bound

Author: Beth Kery
ISBN: 978-1-60504-838-3
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Red Hots!
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

[Excerpt]

Description:
The Oedipal Complex has never been so sexy…

Alex Carradine can’t believe his father wants to come and visit his ski resort. Could it be that after so many stormy years, “slick Mitch” Carradine wants to offer an olive branch? Maybe the old man is mellowing, settling down with the new lover he’s bringing along.

Then Alex realizes the acid truth. This is no warm family visit. His father’s new conquest is none other than the woman of Alex’s sexual fantasies, meant only to dangle tauntingly in front of his face. At least an unexpected blizzard has frozen his father out of the picture entirely.

Angeline Kastakis was looking forward to taking the next step in her relationship with Mitch. Too late, she realizes she’s been led into a familial battle zone. Now it’s Christmas and she’s marooned in a blizzard with an insolent, gorgeous hunk of man whose blazing blue eyes tell her loud and clear he wants her in his bed. Preferably tied to it with a bow.

There’s no escape in sight. But as Alex stirs her secret longing to be mastered by a man, escape is the last thing on her mind…

Warning: This book contains scenes of sensual submission hot enough to make you sweat in a blizzard.

Romance Book Review: Merry Christmas, Paige

Author: Mackenzie McKade
ISBN: 978-1-60504-698-3
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance, Holiday theme
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

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It had been five years since Paige had stepped foot on the island of Kauai and with good reason. Her ex-fiance had broken her heart and left her for another woman. While flying to Fuji Paige's flight is diverted to Kauai. After saving a young boy's life she is asked to help out at the local hospital. Her first patient of the night turns out the be the daughter of her long lost love.

Nathan is just days away from his divorce and anxious to get to Denver so he can beg for the love of his life, Paige, to take him back. He is prepared to do anything he can to convince her to take a chance on him again. It seems like fate when he rushes to the hospital after hearing of his daughter's injury and runs right into Paige. Now he will stop at nothing to convince her that she is right where she needs to be.

Cute story of a love that never faded despite the detour it took. If I had one complaint it would be that there was just a little too much crying going on throughout the book. Other than that, there were several hot love scenes and a sweet ending.

Description:
One fateful detour. A raging storm. She didn’t see this love coming…

Holding a knife against a child’s throat isn’t exactly how Dr. Paige Weston had planned to spend her Christmas holiday. But a jolt from an air pocket and here she is, performing an emergency tracheotomy as her flight to Fiji diverts to Kauai. The one place she swore never to return.

Beside the fact her patient comes first, what’s the chance she’ll run into her ex-fiancé—the man who jilted her when another woman turned up pregnant? Then she realizes the island hospital is woefully understaffed, forcing her to lend a hand. And upping the odds that her heart will hit more turbulence before she makes her escape.

Nathan Cross can’t believe his eyes. The emergency room doctor tending to his daughter’s cut foot is the woman he’s dreamed about every night since he was forced to walk out of her life. He should have been prepared for her indifference, but he’s blindsided by the need to hold her in his arms. Just one more time.

Yet Fate is a trickster, leaving him wondering if he should grasp for a second chance…or take his punishment for one, long-ago choice.

Romance Book Review: Cam's Holiday

Author: Ciana Stone
Series Connection: Book seven of the Cougar Challenge series.
ISBN: 9781419926549
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance/ BDSM
Publisher: Ellora's Cave

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Cougar Challenge is a Ellora's Cave series written by various authors all set around the same them. Older women falling in love with younger men. The story line centers around a Blog set by women who are looking for the men to spend the rest of their life with. The blog provides support and advice to the heroine in each of the corresponding book.

In Cam's Holiday, Cam has decided to date again after divorcing her cheating husband. Deciding to join a health club, she is surprised to see the younger woman her husband left her for coming toward her. Without even thinking she grabs her new personal trainer for a passionate kiss.

Lee, the personal trainer, doesn't mind one bit. There is something about his new client that has him interested. Spending a little time with Cam isn't going to be a hardship at all for the younger man.

Nice story with lots of hot bedroom scenes. Wish there was a little more holiday tone to the book, but otherwise pretty good. Light BDSM/Dom scenes in the story.

Description:
Fantasies about being with a younger man? Before her husband left her for a younger model, they wouldn’t have crossed Cam’s mind, but now she has plenty. After meeting a group of ladies at RomantiCon, Cam and the women form a blog celebrating younger men—Tempt the Cougar. Then they challenge each other to find a younger man to make their fantasies come true. It’s not a husband hunt. It isn’t about love. It’s about a night of hot, steamy sex.

When Lee Holiday enters Cam’s life, he seems like the right man for the job. A personal trainer, he makes it clear he’d love to ring Cam’s bell. And ring it he does. Repeatedly. Cam’s found sexual nirvana. Only Lee’s not going to be happy with a short-term, sex-only relationship. He wants the whole nine yards and is out to prove to Cam that he’s more than just a holiday from her normal life. He’s the man of her dreams.

Romance Book Review: Songbird

Author: Maya Banks
ISBN: 978-1-60504-661-7
Genre: Modern Erotic Romance/ M-F-M
Publisher: Samhain Publishing

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Growing up Emily loved the Donovan brothers. She had hoped they would all want her back, but not seeing anyway for the four of them to be together the two older brothers send her away. When the youngest, Sean, comes to Emily's rescue and takes her away from her abusive father and marries her himself, she is free to pursue her singing career and at least love one of the three brothers. Three years later Sean is killed and Emily falls apart.

Greer and Taggert love Emily too and know they made a big mistake four years ago, but now they have her and they aren't letting her go. Can they convince her that they can have a life together? First they have to protect her from the same evil that killed their brother.

Highly emotional gripping story of a young woman coming to terms with her husband's death and the role she believes she played in his death. Good characterization with believable experiences despite the fact that it is hard to come to terms with a three way relationship existing with a future.

Description:
The voice of an angel, a husband who loved her. She had it all. . . until a tragedy took it away.

A Linger story.
They called her their Songbird, but she was never theirs. Not in the way she wanted.

The Donovan brothers meant everything to Emily, but rejected by Greer and Taggert, she turned to Sean, the youngest. He married her for love, and she loved him, but she also loved his older brothers.

Her singing launched her to stardom. She had it all. The voice of an angel, a husband who loved her, and the adoration of millions. Until a tragedy took it all away.

Taggert and Greer grieve for their younger brother, but they’re also grieving the loss of Emmy, their songbird. They take her back to Montana, determined to help her heal and show her once and for all they want her. They’re also on a mission to help her find her voice again. Under the protective shield of their love, she begins to blossom… until an old threat resurfaces.

Now the Donovans face a fight for what they once threw away. Only by winning it—and her love—will their songbird fly again.

Warning: Explicit sex, ménage a trois, multiple partners, a committed polyamorous relationship, adult language, and sweet loving.

Romance Book Review: The Christmas Dragon

Author: Viola Grace
ISBN: 978-1-55487-439-2
Genre: Holiday/ Erotic Romance/ Shapeshifter
Publisher: eXtasy Books

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Looking for some fun erotic holiday romance? Viola Grace offers a couple of Christmas classics with her own twists. With Viola's own version of Santa away, Dragon Syrus is forced to make the rounds this year. While practicing for the hard night to come, Syrus misses his mark and falls into the woods near Maggie's mountain cabin.

Is Maggie going crazy as she spends her first Christmas alone since the death of her sister? If she is than why not let it be with a charming dragon who turns into a sexy man?

Sweet erotic romance short story. Wish there was just a little more to it, but it was a fun holiday tale.

Description:
With Sahn-Tah Keelas on his honeymoon, the Christmas Dragon is going to have to deliver all the toys. Too bad he doesn't have the Oldest Elf's stamina, he collapses on Maggie's front lawn and has some severe explaining to do.

Will she believe that the flying lizard means no harm even after he shows her his naked and helpless and hunky human form? Time for strategic application of the Santa hat.

Romance Book Review: The Maverick

Author: Diana Palmer
Series Connection: Long, Tall Texans/ Silhouette Desire® #1982
ISBN-13: 978-0373769827
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Western

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It was really hard for me to come up with a rating for this book because I've seen other reviews and honestly on one hand I agree with those who panned this book, but on closer inspection it actually isn't as bad as reviewers have penned it.

Diana Palmer has made a franchise out of the Long, Tall Texan series. There are over 30 related books to the series that she has written over the course of her career. She has a crossover series of Soldiers of Fortune that are introduced throughout the series as well.

As with most series she has a formula. The series takes place in the fictional town of Jacobsville, Texas. She also has a formula of how each of the characters are presents and voiced. Someone could do a whole thesis on why this series has been a success over the years. Even though the romance market has changed drastically since Palmer started writing in the 1970s, she has stayed true to her theme on this series. In most cases all of the heros are older and the heroines are younger. There is usually the conflict of the age difference or family connections.

She also has a habit of giving out details of professions, history or some hobby that is very old school, but still she has her fans. In the case of The Mavericks all that is true. Palmer continues to build her story in the same light and I will admit there are some things that aren't too original throughout the story.

The worst of which is the whole business about the heroine, Alice, asking early on in her meeting with Harley to marrying her. That, Palmer has done before in another book.

On the other hand, I think she has made changes to the series in this book by starting a murder mystery in the County jurisdiction of Jacobsville and offering a chance to build subsequent books on the plot. For those who complained that this was more Kilraven's book then Harley's seemed to have missed the point that the author was building on a short series within her series.

In the first book of any series the author introduces all the key players, while in the background introduces a hero and heroine of the first story. In this case that would be Harley and Alice. Many times there is no conflict for these characters because there is too much other business going on in the book.

What Palmer did in this book is all chapter and verse to an ongoing mystery series. It is expected that the mystery isn't solved. Only bits of information is placed before the reader so that they will buy the next book, which we hope will be released soon, and then the next. In this case Palmer has three books planned for the "mini-series". The next one will feature Kilraven and then next his stepbrother Jon Blackhawk. (This information was listed in the front of the book in the author's note to the readers.)

All that being said, I think the book deserved high marks because the mystery behind the story was interesting and developing as it should. The place where I was a little disappointed was with Palmer's choice for Harley's heroine. I liked Alice's character as a whole and I think that Palmer made her work well with Harley, but there were several issues of concern. One, of course, being she was too young to have seen as much as they make it seem she has seen in her career. At her age she would barely be able to be out at a crime scene without a supervisor, much less have the experience the author makes her have. Since Harley isn't as old as some of the other Long, Tall Texans, he's probably no more than 30 himself, she couldn't make the female character that much older though.

Also, I agree on the whole business that the investigator in Alice should have realized there was a relationship between Harley in the Senator in some way, especially because they had the same last name, long before she did in the book.

For a long time I was a fan who waited for Harley's story. I was disappointed that Palmer didn't pick one of the local Jacobson girls. She had a good prospect in the Marilee, the girl who was Janie's friend in Lionhearted who tried to take Leo away from Janie. There would have been a great conflict there, but since I don't get to make those decisions we have Alice and Harley.

So in conclusion I would say, read the book if you are a fan of Diana's books and if you like western murder mysteries. It is tame compared to most Silhouette Desire® books and even though it is the start of a murder mystery, very sweet natured. And try not to think so much when reading one of Diana's books. Reading romance is for entertainment, not to be expected to be the same as what you would see in real life.

Description:
Always in the middle of trouble, be it during roundup or at Jacobsville county dances, Harley Fowler emerges unscathed. Until he meets whirlwind, top-notch investigator Alice Jones, who is trying to solve a murder involving the one family Harley doesn't want to talk about—his own. Suddenly he's in the midst of mayhem—and all he can think about is protecting Alice. But the stubborn woman is unappreciative of his efforts. What's a confirmed maverick to do? Is seduction the solution?