Romance Book Review: Happily Even After

Author: Lena Matthews
ISBN: 978-1-60737-815-0
Genre: Multicultural/ Interracial/ Contemporary Romance/ Erotic Romance
Publisher: Loose-id

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Creigh and Dean have been divorced for a year, but neither is happy about it. After finding her husband moving on with his life with another woman, Creigh makes the big mistake by having sex and getting pregnant. Now she has to tell her two children and her ex-husband.

Dean isn't happy at all that Creigh is pregnant with another man's baby. It was her idea for the divorce and he's had to live with it and even though there have been other women in his life, he hadn't let himself think about other men in hers.

Deciding that their separation has gone on long enough Dean decides that it doesn't matter that she's pregnant with another man's child, he wants her and his family back. But can the too find what they once had, especially when there is one very big secret between them.

Well written contemporary romance featuring wonderfully developed characters right down to the children who are wrestling with real life issues. This book just goes to show that erotic romance doesn't have to be all about sex but can bring together a host of other emotions and offer a good drama in the process.

Description:
Two kids and a divorce later, Creigh De Luca figures she’s pretty much done with diapers and late night feedings. That is until a little blue stripe turns her world upside down. Never in a billion years would Creigh have thought she’d become pregnant from a one-night stand, nor could she have ever guessed the unforeseen pregnancy would warrant unexpected help…from her ex-husband, Dean.

Divorce papers haven’t changed a thing for Dean. He’s still as in love with his ex-wife as he’d always been. Despite the fact he’s not the father of her unborn child, Dean is determined to help Creigh during her pregnancy—whether she wants him to or not.

Creigh has never stopped loving Dean, but she’s not going to let him back in to her life just because she’s expecting a child, especially since she is determined to keep the father’s identity from Dean. But Dean refuses to be dismissed so easily. He knows that with a little patience, forgiveness, and love they can still live happily even after.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse.

Romance Byte: Chains of Fire

Author: Christina Dodd
Series Connection: The Chosen Ones - Book #4
ISBN: 978-0451412928
Genre: Paranormal
Publisher: Signet Select
Release Date: September 7, 2010

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[Excerpt]

Description:
Samuel Faa, the adopted son of servants, is a gypsy lawyer with the power to control minds. Isabelle Mason of the Boston Masons is wealthy, privileged, refined, and has the gift for healing. Two of the Chosen Ones, they hide a past filled with love and betrayal, and a future denied by fate--until the day they’re trapped underground. No way out. No way to deny the passion that still burns beneath the surface. And when danger threatens, Isabelle has only one choice: to place her trust in the power of the one man she could never forgive, or forget…

Romance Book Review: Arctic Shift

Author: Lissa Matthews
Series Connection: Denali Heat
ISBN: 978-1-60928-159-5
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing Ltd.

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♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥


Since shifter books are becoming the norm lately it is always interesting what authors will do to take this paranormal genre to the next level. One of the things I like so much about Lissa Matthews' Arctic Shift is her take on the shifter realm. She doesn't try to describe shifters as always being around except no one has noticed. She offers a the idea that this one family was an experiment from generations back. Again not a new idea, but one that just works for this particular series.

As usual, Matthews offers a well written plot with interesting, but not perfect characters. Ruby is a not the skinny sister, but Carson still finds her attractive. Just because this is a romance doesn't mean all the characters have to be perfectly shaped.

In Arctic Shift, Ruby goes to Alaska to find her sister who has been out of contact for a while. What she doesn't realize is that she is expected and once to meets Carson, naked in her bed, she moves into a completely different reality. Being a fantasy expert it doesn't come as much of a shock as it should that  Carson is a shifter, but still the idea of the two of them as mates is a little unbelieveable.

It is up to Carson to convince Ruby that they should spend the rest of their life together.

Description:
She believes in myths…can she believe in destiny?

Denali Heat, Book 1

Unlike her adventurous sister, Ruby is perfectly content to let her mind be the wanderlust while her body stays safely in Chicago. Melanie wouldn’t be out of touch this long without a damned good reason, though. Which means it’s time for a giant step outside her comfort zone.

While Denali National Park is like another planet, the myths and legends that saturate this wild land are right up her alley. The wilderness guide waiting for her—naked in her bed—looks about as safe as a polar bear.

Carson’s people are kin to the great beast, right down to the white hair. Before Ruby ever set foot in Alaska, his inner bear knew that Melanie’s little sister was his mate. He’s doing his level best not to let his primal needs scare her, but everything about her sends his urge to possess her into overdrive.

To his surprise, revealing he’s a shifter only stimulates her innate curiosity. Warming her with the perfect fire of their lovemaking, easy. Convincing her that real love isn’t a myth—and making her want to stay in his home, his bed, his heart—now, that’s a problem…

Warning: cozy flannel PJs, a naked shifter, incredible food and some fireside sex hot enough to melt the polar ice caps…

Romance Byte: Midnight Crystal

Author: Jayne Castle (aka: Jayne Ann Krentz)
Series Connection: Harmony/ Dreamlight Series/ An Arcane Society Novel #9
ISBN: 9780515148367
Genre: Paranormal/ Psychic
Publisher: Jove
Available: Aug. 31, 2010 

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Description:
For many earthly centuries, a legendary curse has plagued the Winters family, stemming from the tumultuous founding of the Arcane Society. But now, on the futuristic world of Harmony, the curse’s final mystery will be unraveled...
Adam Winters has enough responsibility as the new head of the local Ghost Hunter Guild without being saddled with the family curse. He’s convinced his recent nightmares and hallucinations will lead to him becoming a psychic rogue—unless he can find a stolen relic and a woman who can read dreamlight.

Marlowe Jones rides into his life on a motorcycle and with a dust bunny at her side. Though a descendant of the rival Arcane family, she’s just what Adam needs: a psychic private investigator and dreamlight reader extraordinaire.

Together, amid the glowing catacombs and steamy underground jungles of Harmony, Adam and Marlowe must break the curse, save the entire underworld—and fight a passion that could destroy them both...

Romance Book Review: Scarred

Author: Carol Lynne
Series Connection: Cattle Valley
ISBN : 978-0-85715-251-0
Genre: Contemporary/ Gay MM
Publisher: Total-E-Bound

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

One of the main reasons why I keep up with Carol Lynne's LBGT Cattle Valley series is that the author has gone out of her way to center on hard hitting issues of the day. Each of the characters in her books become more real to the reader as they deal with current issues that the readers themselves maybe dealing.

In Scarred, Zac is a paramedic who has never been particularly happy with his life. He's in a relationship with a man who puts him down, which only adds to his problems.

When he meets one of his new co-workers he seems to fall in love for the first time, but he can't count on the fact that it is real. As the story goes on Carol Lynne delves into the issues and concerns of Bipolar Syndrome and depression and learning how to deal with it from the perspective of the person who has it and those that love him.

Jakob is a caring and loving partner and is immensely patient with Zac. This short book is well written and tells a wonderful story of love, courage and deep feeling.


Description:
Zac Alben loved his life in Cattle Valley until he made the ultimate mistake and introduced his partner in life, Terry, to his on-the-job partner, Jakob. He hoped the two men would hit it off, but he had no idea the meeting would forever change his life.

Scarred and broken, Zac shows the facade of a man on the mend. He returns to work, joins the community in celebrating Cattle Valley Days and wakes nightly in a cold sweat.

Pushed away at every turn, Jakob Cox still doesn’t know what happened the night Zac nearly lost his life. Despite Zac’s cold shoulder, Jakob takes it upon himself to drag the man he loves back into the land of the living.

Reader Advisory: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series.

Romance Byte: Demon from the Dark

Author: Kresley Cole
Series Connection: Immortals After Dark Series, Book 8
ISBN-13: 978-1439123126
Genre: Paranormal
Publisher: Pocket 

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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole comes this scorching tale of a demon outcast poisoned with vampire blood and the vulnerable young witch he vows to protect—even from himself.

Description:
A dangerous demon she can't resist...

Malkom Slaine: tormented by his sordid past and racked by vampiric hungers, he's pushed to the brink by the green-eyed beauty under his guard.

A maddening witch he aches to claim...

Carrow Graie: hiding her own sorrows, she lives only for the next party or prank. Until she meets a tortured warrior worth saving.

Trapped together in a savage prison...

For them to survive, Malkom must unleash both the demon and vampire inside him. When he becomes the nightmare his own people feared, will he lose the woman he craves body and soul?

Just because it fell off the bookshelf: The Family Way

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
ISBN: 978-1551665559
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Mira

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I'm a big fan of Jayne Ann Krentz, not only of the work she has been doing recently with the Arcane Series connection between all her genres, but all her earlier work, as well. I own almost everyone of her books. Actually I own every one except for the first book she ever published, which I could only find for several hundred dollars.

So when my new kitten was playing around the bookshelf my Jayne Ann Krentz's collection, plus a few other author collections, and The Family Way fell off the shelf I re-read the book just for fun. And it was fun.

The Family Way is part of the earlier Jayne Ann Krentz work published first in 1987 and then re-released with a new cover again in 1999.

I love her female characters in general. They are always straight forward, in your face types who aren't afraid to tell you have they feel. The men are always strong and handsome, but definitely not the pretty boy type. Many times they have a little trouble communicating with women because it takes just the right one to understand their eccentric personalities.

In The Family Way the characters are no different than in the other books she's written. Pru is an outspoken woman who was born and raised in Spot, Texas by a no nonsense aunt who tried to drum wisdom into Pru and his sister with quirky sayings full of Texas sass.

Pru has found herself, "in the family way" and she has finally realized that the man she loves, McCord, is really serious about the fact that he doesn't want to get married.

Like her Aunt Wilhelmina would say: "Give a man free whiskey and he'll get used to the notion of not having to pay for it. It's tough to collect after he's drunk his fill."

Deciding to cut her loses Pru leaves McCord without telling him she's pregnant. She has no hope that McCord will chase after her.

McCord has dealt with women who try to manipulate him before. He is mistaken to think that Pru isn't serious about leaving, which totally enrages him. When he receives a bill from a local clinic for a pregnancy test he finally understands what sent Pru packing . When he discovers Pru is pregnant he rushes after her to propose marriage.

My favorite part of the book is Pru's complete trust in McCord, even when those who are suppose to know him best, declare him the bad guy. Pru stands up for McCord's character. She knows the man she loves, believes in him, and isn't afraid to show it.

Although the story line seems a bit outdated, the book is timeless. Even today, where it seems everyone is trying to live together first, the idea that once there is a baby involved marriage is the solution.

While her vintage writing styles is vastly different from the her current work, whether she's writing under Krentz, Jayne Castle or Amanda Quick, this is still a fun read. Those who are a fan of her work and haven't read any of her earlier work might want to read some for the fun of it. She has always been entertaining and is one author who has continue to keep up with the times and continues to intrigue her readers.

Description:
Unwilling to force her live-in love Case McCord into a proposal of marriage, a pregnant Pru Kenyon decides to walk away from the man she loves. She doesn't tell him that she is expecting his baby, but she never bargained on how much Case is willing to do for love.

Romance Byte: Burning Up

Authors: Angela Knight, Nalini Singh, Virginia Kantra and Meljean Brook
Anthology
ISBN: 978-0425235959
Genre: Paranormal
Publisher: Berkley

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Description:
Bring these four authors together and it's sure to ignite a spark...

Angela Knight
Blood and Roses pairs a vampire warrior and his seductive captor in a battle against demonic predators.

Nalini Singh 

Whisper of Sin returns to the world of her Psy-Changeling series as a woman in lethal danger finds an unlikely protector-and lover. Whisper of Sin features Ria, who, as Lucas’s executive assistant, has appeared in a number of previous books in the series including Slave to Sensation and Mine to Possess. This novella is set back in time, and tells the story of how Ria met her changeling mate, Emmett, and became part of DarkRiver. It also shows us another glimpse of DarkRiver’s past.

Virginia Kantra
Shifting Sea continues the haunting tales of the Children of the Sea in her story of a wounded soldier rescued by an enigmatic young woman.

Meljean Brook
Here There Be Monsters launches a bold new steampunk series as a desperate woman strikes a provocative — and terrifying — bargain to gain overseas passage.

Romance Book Review: Hunting Season

Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series Connection: The Gathering
ISBN: 978-1605047881
Genre: Paranormal
Publisher: Samhain Publishing

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♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

While not as funny as some of her other books Hunting Season is a good start to a new series featuring winged warriors working for the gods.

Neecy died when she was a teenager and is brought back to life by a goddess who offers her a second chance at life. Now years later, she is the second in command of the Jersey Crows. Someone is out to get rid of all the Crows and it is up to Neecy and her crew to find them before all of them are dead.

Yager is the leader of the New York/New Jersey Ravens. His group of warriors is similar to the Crows, except the Ravens aren't brought back to life. They come from a long line of chosen warriors to serve their god.

Yager wants Neecy, but Neecy isn't interested in getting involved with the sexy Raven. She has enough on her plate to add a relationship to the mix, but Yager is persistant and he isn't taking no for an answer.

Shelly Laurenston isn't only known for her funny stories, but she also writes a good action story. Hunting Season is filled with lots of action, smart talking females, hunky men and very sexy bedroom (and kitchen) scenes.

Description:
Neecy Lawrence, winged warrior for a Viking Goddess, doesn't know what to do with a nice guy. Most days she's barely polite, much less nice. But Raven leader and loyal Odin warrior, Will Yager, isn't just nice. He's gorgeous, hot, and determined to have Neecy in his bed and his life until Ragnarok comes.

It's just too bad Neecy is the most difficult woman Yager has ever known. Second in command to The Crows, a violent band of rowdy warrior women, Neecy's only concerns are keeping her "girls" safe and making up for a past she can't outrun. As far as she's concerned, Yager is nothing but a distraction she can't afford to deal with.

But Yager wants Neecy. In fact, he's wanted her for a long time. Not just for a night, but forever. And like any self-respecting Viking, Yager will risk everything to get the one woman who makes his warrior life more than worth it.

Romance Byte: Summer Brides

Authors: Susan Wiggs, Sherryl Woods, Susan Mallery
Anthology
ISBN: 9780778328438
Genre: Contemporary romance
Publisher: Mira

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Description: 
Three happily-ever-afters from three of your favorite authors

The Borrowed Bride by Susan Wiggs
During her own bridal shower, Isabel Wharton is whisked away by past love Dan Black Horse to his retreat in the Cascade range. But returning to her Native roots, and Dan's loving arms, is harder than she ever imagined.

A Bridge to Dreams by Sherryl Woods
With her vacation plans foiled, Karyn Chambers realizes that her long-awaited escape must give way to staying at home in San Francisco. Little does she know her Prince Charming is right in her own backyard.

Sister of the Bride by Susan Mallery
When Katie McCormick finds out that her sister is marrying her ex, she finally agrees to a setup for the big day. To her surprise, Jackson is a catch. But when wedding catastrophe ensues, will their sparks fizzle or ignite into flames?

Romance Byte: She's Gone Country

Author: Jane Porter
ISBN: 978-0446509411
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: 5 Spot
Release Date: Aug. 23, 2010

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Description:
Shey Darcy, a 39-year-old former top model for Vogue and Sports Illustrated led a charmed life in New York City with a handsome photographer husband until the day he announced he'd fallen in love with someone else. Left to pick up the pieces of her once happy world, Shey decides to move back home to Texas with her three teenage sons. Life on the family ranch, however, brings with it a whole new host of dramas starting with differences of opinion with her staunch Southern Baptist mother, her rugged but overprotective brothers, and daily battles with her three sons who are also struggling to find themselves. Add to the mix Shey's ex-crush, Dane Kelly, a national bullriding champ and she's got her hands full. It doesn't take long before Shey realizes that in order to reinvent herself, she must let go of an uncertain future and a broken past, to find happiness—and maybe love—in the present.

Jane Porter Contest in conjunction with Women's World Magazine:

Experience your inner country girl and enter to win a cowgirl adventure for two at Rancho Cortez in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.

Enter your name, email address, and phone number below and you could be on your way to a 3 day, 2 night country experience that includes all meals, trail-rides, hiking, swimming, evening star-gazing and massages. We'll even throw in $500 for travel expenses.

A true, once-in-a-lifetime getaway for any cowgirls at heart.

Contest ends at 11:59 pm, ET, 10/1/10.

See details here.

Romance Byte: Juliet

Author: Anne Fortier
ISBN: 9780345516107
Genre: Historical
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Publication date: Aug. 24, 2010

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Description:
Juliet, an ambitious, utterly engaging historical novel on the scale of The Thirteenth Tale and The Birth of Venus, follows a young woman who discovers that her family’s origins reach all the way back to literature’s greatest star-crossed lovers.

When Julie Jacobs inherits a key to a safety-deposit box in Siena, Italy, she is told it will lead her to an old family treasure. Soon she is launched on a winding and perilous journey into the history of her ancestor Giulietta, whose legendary love for a young man named Romeo rocked the foundations of medieval Siena. As Julie crosses paths with the descendants of the families involved in Shakespeare’s unforgettable blood feud, she begins to realize that the notorious curse—“A plague on both your houses!”—is still at work, and that she is the next target. It seems that the only one who can save Julie from her fate is Romeo—but where is he?

About the author from her publisher:
Anne Fortier grew up in Denmark and emigrated to the United States in 2002 to work in film. She co-produced the Emmy-winning documentary Fire and Ice: The Winter War of Finland and Russia and holds a Ph.D. in the History of Ideas from Aarhus University in Denmark. The story of Juliet was inspired by Anne Fortier's mother, who always considered Verona her true home ... until she discovered Siena.

Romance Byte: Kiss of the Rose

Author: Kate Pearce
Series Connection: The Tudor Vampire Chronicles(Author)
IBSN: 978-0451230942
Genre: Vampire
Publisher: Signet

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Description:
The Kiss of the Rose is death to kin
And three will stand alone.
The bonds of blood will reunite
And enemies become one.

The Legend of the Tudor Vampire Rose
People still argue today over whether the blood-red bloom known as the Tudor Vampire Rose is the result of Vampire or Druidic magic.

Arch enemies for centuries, Druids and Vampires have fought since the first vampires were created. Druid lore says this occurred when rogue Druids drank blood sacrifices meant for their gods. The result of these first Vampires’ power-hungry sacrilege…

Continue reading by downloading: The Legend of the Tudor Vampire Rose available at the authors website at: http://www.katepearce.com/wp-content/uploads/KPlegendforKOTR.pdf

Author Sandra Brown will be featured on a new series this fall called Hardcover Mysteries

Romantic suspense author Sandra Brown will be featured on a new television show this fall called "Hardcover Mysteries". The show is from Investigation Discovery.

The show will feature best-selling authors sharing thrilling true crime stories. Also included in the lineup will be New York Times Best-selling Authors David Baldacci, Harlan Coben, Linda Fairstein, Sara Paretsky, Kathy Reichs, Lisa Scottoline and Joseph Wambaugh.

"I knew of an intriguing case that occurred in 1993 in Tyler, Texas," Sandra Brown said in a recent blog post. "The production crew has been busily filming interviews with people who were involved, and, trust me, they’re compelling."

Sandra Brown will also have a segment feature in the show.

"Penny Sadler did my hair and makeup," she reported. "When I was camera ready Dave Cargill, the producer, took over. (He’s a Scot. Combine his brogue with my drawl, and our conversations are hysterical!) For the next 8 hours, it was lights, camera, action…all that neat stuff."

The date doesn't appear to be set yet, but Sandra Brown's features will be one of the first aired.

About Sandra Brown:
After nearly 30 years as an author, Sandra Brown has penned 58 New York Times bestsellers, including "Smash Cut," "Smoke Screen," "Play Dirty," "Ricochet," "Chill Factor," "White Hot," "Hello, Darkness," "The Crush," "Envy," "The Switch," "The Alibi," "Unspeakable," and "Fat Tuesday," all of which have reached the number one to five spot on the New York Times' list.

About Investigation Discovery:
Investigation Discovery, is one of America's leading investigation network television stations. The station is considered the source for fact-based investigative content about "culture, history and the human condition".

They providing quality investigative programming focused on fascinating stories of human nature from the past to the present.  For more information, please visit investigationdiscovery.com.

Sandra Brown Photo by Andrew Eccles

Romance Byte: The Darkest Lie

Author: Gena Showalter
Series Connection: Lords of the Underworld
ISBN: 978-0373774616
Genre: Paranormal/ Demons
Publisher: HQN Books


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Description:
In this riveting new installment of New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter’s Lords of the Underworld series, Gideon, keeper of the Demon of Lies, fights to uncover the truth….

Forced to his knees in agony whenever he speaks the truth, Gideon can recognize any lie—until he captures Scarlet, a demon-possessed immortal who claims to be his long-lost wife.  He doesn’t remember the beautiful female, much less wedding — or bedding — her.  But he wants to . . . almost as much as he wants her.

But Scarlet is keeper of Nightmares, too dangerous to roam free, and a future with her means risking everything.  Especially as Gideon’s enemies draw closer . . . and the truth threatens to destroy all he’s come to love . . .    

Romance Byte: Wicked Intentions

Author: Elizabeth Hoyt 
Series Connection: Maiden Lane
ISBN-13: 978-0446558945
Genre: Historical
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

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Description:
A MAN CONTROLLED BY HIS DESIRES
Infamous for his wild, sensual needs, Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire, is searching for a savage killer in St. Giles, London's most notorious slum. Widowed Temperance Dews knows the area like the back of her hand—she cares for its children at the foundling home her family established. Now that home is at risk…

A WOMAN HAUNTED BY HER PAST

Caire makes a simple offer—in return for Temperance's help navigating the perilous alleys of St. Giles, he will introduce her to high society so that she can find a benefactor for the home. But Temperance may not be the innocent she seems, and what begins as a cold bargain soon falls prey to a passion neither can control—and may well destroy them both.

Romance Byte: A Kiss at Midnight

Author: Eloisa James
ISBN-13: 978-0061626845
Genre: Historical
Publisher: Avon

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Description:
Miss Kate Daltry doesn't believe in fairy tales... or happily ever after.

Forced by her stepmother to attend a ball, Kate meets a prince... and decides he's anything but charming. A clash of wits and wills ensues, but they both know their irresistible attraction will lead nowhere. For Gabriel is promised to another woman—a princess whose hand in marriage will fulfill his ruthless ambitions.

Gabriel likes his fiancé, which is a welcome turn of events, but he doesn't love her. Obviously, he should be wooing his bride-to-be, not the witty, impoverished beauty who refuses to fawn over him.

Godmothers and glass slippers notwithstanding, this is one fairy tale in which destiny conspires to destroy any chance that Kate and Gabriel might have a happily ever after.

Unless a prince throws away everything that makes him noble...

Unless a dowry of an unruly heart trumps a fortune...

Unless one kiss at the stroke of midnight changes everything

Romance Book Review: Secrets of the Lotus

Author: Michelle Flye
Digital ISBN: 978-1-61650-169-3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Lyrical Press


♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Sweet love story featuring a playboy billionaire who falls in love with a reporter.

Dan Mason isn't quite sure exactly what reporter Josie Stewart hears when she slips into his office during his birthday party, but he knows that she's beautiful and it would be no hardship to use her as a distraction until he can find out what she does and doesn't know.

That sounds like a good excuse, but Dan isn't too eager to stop seeing the pretty reporter just yet.

Josie is worried that Dan has some ulterior motive in seeing her, but she has one of her own, so it is hard for her to complain. Dan is just the man she needs to help her with a special project. Spending time with the handsome billionaire won't be hard as long as they keep everything stickly platonic.

Very nicely written contemporary romance. This is the first book I've read from this author and I'll definitely be checking out some of her future titles.

Description:
What would you trade for the story of a lifetime -- a lifetime of love?

Society reporter Josie Stewart is all too familiar with billionaire Dan Mason, who recently took over the reins of his ailing father's business. He has no intention of allowing anything, even his own conscience, to get in his way.

When Josie accidentally uncovers one of the family secrets, she glimpses a side of Dan that most people never get to see. Drawn to him, she puts her own career and reputation in jeopardy to keep his secrets. But some of those secrets are darker than she knew. Neither Dan nor Josie expects the danger lurking in their future -- or the passion.

Author Lorie O'Clare offers free reads

Seven great stories to choose from:

The Billionaire: Monica’s Story

The Closet: Erin’s Story

The Cop: Jaynie’s Story

The Marine: CJ’s Story

A Trip To The Store: Lorrilynne’s story

The Motel Room: Renee’s Story

The Toy Store: Debra’s story

Click here for some short reads by Lorie O'Clare

And don't forget to check our Lorie's latest book when it comes out Aug. 18

Black Passion
Series Connection: Black Jag, Book Two
ISBN: 9781419929434
Genre: Paranormal
Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Jaguars are hunters, through and through. That lifestyle will be protected at all costs in the Costa Rican rain forest village of Guarida where Ran VicMoran and his littermates have settled. Ran will hunt and kill as necessary to protect their peaceful way of life, he’ll also use his computer to keep tabs on the outside world. Times are changing though, and danger comes on two feet.

      Olivia Sancerre has endured her overbearing mother all her life. She won’t be the same manipulative woman her mother is. However, each time Olivia runs into Ran, her calm, quiet nature dissolves and she can’t seem to stop sparring with him. The more they banter, the hotter she is for the incredibly sexy, commanding jaguar.

       As danger smells stronger, enemies are right under their noses and life as they know it is about to change, Ran and Olivia begin a torrential love affair. Soon they are not only fighting to remain together for life, they are also struggling with a new way of life they never saw coming.

Freebie Friday: Check out free books on author blogs

Following along with the Freebie Friday theme, there are many authors who post chapters of their books in blog formats through their websites.

A good example of that is author Liz Felding. On her website you can find three complete books for free. These stories are three books from the The Beaumont Brides series. The series features Wild Justice, Wild Lady and Wild Fire. The online series is from out an of print series from 1996 and 1997.

The first story Wild Justice features Fizz. Betrayed by a lover, her career in ruins, Fizz Beaumont devotes all her energy to restoring Broomhill Bay pier, using the old theatre as the home for the radio station that is her life.

The arrival of tycoon Luke Devlin, who has taken over her major sponsor, threatens not just her radio station but -- as he offers her a lesson in passion which promises to set the skies ablaze -- everything she holds dear.

For more information of the books and to start reading click here.

Freebie Friday—Better Late Than Never

Who says Friday the 13th has to be all bad. Check out this "Freebie" from Ellora's Cave.

Better Late Than Never    
Author: Savannah Stuart
ISBN: 9990100000700
Format: ebook
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Ellora's Cave

(Read Excerpt) 


Description:
Randall thinks Lindsay Taylor is sexy as hell, but she stays clear because he’s the boss’ son. When Lindsay is in a car accident, Randy throws all his rules out the window to be at her side. They share a heated kiss, but for the weeks she’s on temporary leave Lindsay ignores his calls. Now that it’s her first day back at work, he plans to convince her they’re meant to be together. When he finally gets her alone, he shows her all the physical pleasures she’s been missing out on, heating up the bedroom to scorching levels.

Remember today is Freebie Friday--Spanish Magnate, Red-Hot Revenge

FREEBIE Fridays. We guarantee something FREE every Friday. It could be FREE Shipping, a FREE print book or a coupon for a free eBook!

Spanish Magnate, Red-Hot Revenge

by Lynn Raye Harris
Harlequin Presents
August 2009
Category: Classic Romance
Paperback
ISBN: 9780373128488 (#2848)

Description:
Nobody messes with Alejandro de Ramirez. He doesn't suffer fools, and certainly has no time for manipulative wantons. Rebecca Layton was both. Five years later, Alejandro's life is still in turmoil—and he's more merciless than ever. The Spanish magnate wants retribution….

Unusually, and frustratingly for Alejandro, his plan doesn't go smoothly. Surely Rebecca wasn't this alluring before. And did his body always respond in this way—with such passionate fury? This is no longer just revenge…this is red-hot and dangerous!

Romance Book Review: Moving Target

Author: Rosalie Stanton
ISBN: 978-1-61650-181-5
Genre: Contemporary Erotica Romance
Publisher: Lyrical Press 

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Rosalie Stanton's first release through Lyrical Press, Moving Target, relates the appealing story about a hit man who isn't sure his target is exactly who those who hired him made her out to be.

"Wolf" has been watching Anna for two weeks and during that time he hasn't been able to assimilate the cold hearted woman with the bright, shy woman he's been following. In a quick minute of discovery he needs to decide whether to trust his gut or take care of the business he's been hired to do.

Sometimes you read a novella and just want to see more in the relationship forming between the two characters. Moving Target was just that kind of case. It has a lot of potential to be a complete novel. As it was it was a fast read with interesting characters and a few hot love scene. Still good enough for a 5-Heart review.

Description:
An innocent woman. An assassin with a conscience. A deadly attraction.

Although Anna Winter doesn’t fit the profile, Nathanial ‘Wolf' Thornton can’t be sure she isn’t the woman he’s supposed to assassinate without getting a closer look.

Once he discovers his cover’s been blown, his options are limited: walk away or watch an innocent woman suffer the consequences.

A slave to his conscience, Wolf decides to take Anna along for the ride of her life…all the while battling his desire for her.

Content warning, explicit sex, language, exhibitionism.

From the back of her book: 
I’m pretty new to the publishing world, though I think I was born with a pen in my hand. I’m most familiar with writing stories with a paranormal edge, but I’ve recently found myself drifting toward contemporary romances or romantic suspenses.

My mother would say I have a massive bad boy complex, and I suppose, in literature, that is very true. Most of my favorite male characters are the definition of the sort of man you shouldn’t bring home to dinner. While I have written and very much enjoyed the “nice guy who finishes last” story, I find myself drawn to rough, slightly damaged alphas and the strong, intelligent women who drive them nutty.

I like quick banter and usually write scenes around dialogue, though I’m trying to branch out and challenge myself. I also love pushing myself toward projects that seem, at first glance, too large to conquer. Thus far, I’ve mainly published novellas, and while I like the novella format, I’m typically more attracted to large, involved plots.

Thank you for reading! There’s a lot more to come!

Rosalie’s Website:
http://rosalie-stanton.com

Romance Byte: How to Beguile a Beauty

Author:  Kasey Michaels
Series Connection: The Daughtry Family
ISBN: 9780373774333
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: HQN

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Description:
When her beloved dies in battle, Lady Lydia Daughtry assumes she'll never love again. Until a deliciously handsome duke awakens a part of her she never knew existed. But how can she have such feelings for Tanner Blake, who is a constant reminder of all she has lost?

Tanner Blake, duke of Malvern, promised his dying friend he'd take care of his "dearest Lyddie." So how dare he covet the lush, lovely young woman for himself—especially since he is all but betrothed to another? His solution: find Lydia a suitable husband immediately. But when both their lives become fraught with mystery and danger, Tanner's vow becomes intensely personal…renewing his desire to keep Lydia by his side forever.

Deadline quickly approaching fro Linda Lael Miller 2010 Scholarships for Women

New York Times Bestselling Novelist Helps Women Create a New Story for their Lives

Spokane, WA – As the New York Times bestselling author of more than 80 novels, Linda Lael Miller knows about crafting an amazing story. She also knows about rewriting her personal life story. Once upon a time, Miller struggled as a young, single mother with limited financial resources.

With perseverance and the support of family, Miller edited her life story to become one of dreams fulfilled. Ten years ago, Miller decided to offer other women the opportunity to write their own new story and has offered the scholarship program each year.

“I feel so privileged to be able to do something to help women meet their educational and life goals,” said Miller, who funds the scholarship program from her speaking engagements and book-related income.

This year, the Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women will award $15,000, an increase from $10,000 awarded last year, in scholarships to women 25 years or older who have a difficult time finding scholarships for which they qualify. As in previous years, the funds may be used not only for tuition and books, but also for child care, transportation and other expenses not covered by traditional scholarships. Miller’s intention for the scholarship program is to help women leap the barriers keeping them from building a better life for themselves and their families.

“My philosophy is, ‘Educate a women, impact endless generations,’” said Miller from her home in Spokane, WA, where she writes. “Each scholarship will have a long-lasting impact on the recipients’ families by demonstrating to their children and their children’s children that a woman can overcome adversity and succeed through education.”

To apply, an applicant submits an application and writes an essay about her educational and career goals and the difficulties she has encountered achieving them. Last year, more than 1,700 women applied, sharing their stories, hopes and dreams. Applicants have from May 25, 2010, through 5 p.m. CST Sept. 1, 2010, to turn in applications and essays.

“There are so many women out there who just need a little boost to set them on the way to a better life for themselves and their children,” said Miller. “I know I can’t help them all, but I can help some. I can show them that someone cares.”

Find the 2010 Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women application form and rules at www.LindaLaelMiller.com. Or to request information, write to 2010 Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women, Nancy Berland Public Relations, 2816 N.W. 57th St., Suite 101, Oklahoma City, OK 73112.

Romance Byte: Black Friday

Author: Alex Kava
Series Connection: A Maggie O'Dell Novel
ISBN: 9780778328001
Genre: Romantic Thriller
Publisher: MIRA

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Description:
On the busiest shopping day of the year, a group of idealistic college students believe they're about to carry out an elaborate media stunt at the largest mall in America. They think the equipment in their backpacks will disrupt stores' computer systems, causing delays and chaos, disrupting capitalism, if only for a moment.

What they don't realize is that instead of jamming devices, their backpacks contain explosives. And they're about to become unwitting suicide bombers.

FBI profiler Maggie O'Dell must put her own political troubles aside to work with Nick Morrelli and figure out who's behind this terrorist plot—a massacre that's all the more frightening when a tip reveals that Maggie's brother is one of the doomed protestors.

Love Inspired of the Month: Treasure Creek Dad

Author: Terri Reed
Series Connection: Alaskan Bride Rush
ISBN: 9780373876143
Genre: Inspirational Romance
Publisher: Steeple Hill Love Inspired
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When an article come out in a women's magazine and tells the world the men are looking for brides in Treasure Creek it may send women from all over rush to the small town to check out the available men, but it also leaves the lone Treasure Creek tour guide Casey Donner feeling low. Casey is described as no competition to the other women who want to try their hand at the men of Treasure Creek because they think of her as one of the boys.

Jake Rogers is looking for a why to show his 12 year old daughter that moving from the big city to Treasure Creek isn't the worst thing in the world. Jake grew up in Treasure Creek. When his ex-wife dies and leaves him custody of their daughter it is up to Jake to figure out how to raise her. A friend encourages Jake to take his daughter on a hike in Alaska's wilderness to let her get a feel of what Alaska is all about. With the best tour guide in town being Casey, Jake goes in search of the woman he barely remembers, but instantly is attracted to.


This is an well used concept with a fun Love Inspired twist. All of the handsome men in the magazine article are described as church going men. The faith angle is played up well. Each of the books are written by different authors and Terri Reed's story fit well with the others in the series. I liked Casey with her insecurities and all. She's a tomboy at heart and even the idea of wearing a dress scares her.

Good story to read if you are looking for a pick-me up.

Description:
Single father Jake Rodgers's daughter isn't happy about moving to tiny Treasure Creek, Alaska. So the former big-city businessman trades his suits for hiking boots and he books a father-daughter wilderness tour to acclimate her. But Veronica isn't buying it. Perhaps guide Casey Donner is just the person to help the girl appreciate the Klondike state's natural beauty. But could tomboy Casey, in her ponytail and cargo pants, also be what this city boy needs for a lifetime of love?

Romance Book Review: Nauti and Wild

Author: Lora Leigh and Jaci Burton
Series Connection: Nauti Boys (Leigh)/ Wild Riders (Burton)
Anthology
ISBN-13: 978-0425234426
ISBN: 0425234428
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Publisher: Berkley

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In a special final installment to the Nauti Boys series, Nauti Kisses, Lora Leigh brings back John Walker, Jr., Rouge's brother. John is looking for something in his life and it isn't the woman he is currently engaged to. After he finds out in a very public scene, with the help of his friend Sierra, that his fiancee is having an affair with his best friend, John decides it is time to go in search of his roots and leaves for Kentucky.

The last place Sierra wants to run is to the man she loves most in the world. After she is attacked, her Godfather, John's father, sends her to John to keep safe while he works to find out who attacked her. Sierra knows that being alone with John and pretending she doesn't love him passionately is going to be impossible. She'll just have to stay away from his bed, but John has other plans and there is no way she is going to convince him that they shouldn't be together.

In Riding the Edge, Jaci Burton brings back the Wild Riders with Rick Benetti story. Rick is sent to go undercover to investigate the old motorcycle gang he used to run with, now run by his cousin. His job is two fold. One: to see how involved the gang is in selling drugs. Two: to make sure that a certain senator's daughter isn't actively involved in whatever illegal activity is going on in the gang.

Rick meets the senator's daughter, Ava, right away. Ava is visiting her friend Lacey in the gang. It turns out that Lacey is the girlfriend of the leader of the group. It is easy for Rick to get close to Ava and no hardship to be with the beautiful woman. Now the hard part is to find out what she does and doesn't know and keep her away from any activity that might be embarrassing to the senator.

Both Nauti Kisses and Riding the Edge are highly charged and highly erotic novellas. They will take your breath away with steamy sex scene, hot men and interesting story lines. I'm was sorry to hear that this will be the last installment to the Nauti Boy series. The books in the series are all hot and I love the play on words in the title.

Both books are independent titles and it isn't necessary to read the previous books to enjoy these two stories. Of course once you meet these two hot men, you'll be interested in checking into the other stories related to both series.

Description:
You’ve seen them. Looking for trouble, and looking irresistible, riding into town, straddling 73 cubic inches of throbbing horsepower.

Boys so bad it takes a special kind of woman to satisfy them.

But some women are made for high speed handling…

Lora Leigh, the New York Times bestselling author of Nauti Intentions and Nauti Dreams revisits that sultry and “sinfully good”.  Southern landscape with a story of a good girl gone bad--and doing it for all the hottest reasons. But she’s not the only one going down that road…

Jaci Burton, the national bestselling author of Riding Wild and Riding Temptation, lets loose in a story of a hot biker hired to keep an eye on the reckless daughter of a Nevada senator. She’s hooked up with a rival biker gang--a dangerous move that makes the wild beauty more vulnerable than she imagined…

Romance Byte: Cast In Chaos

Author: Michelle Sagara
Series Connection: The Chronicles of Elantra
eISBN: 9781426864148
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: LUNA/ HQN

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Description:
Kaylin Neya is a Hawk, part of the elite force tasked with keeping the City of Elantra safe. Her past is dark, her magic uncontrolled and her allies unpredictable. And nothing has prepared her for what is coming, when the charlatans on Elani Street suddenly grow powerful, the Oracles are thrown into an uproar and the skies rain blood....

The powerful of Elantra believe that the mysterious markings on Kaylin's skin hold the answer, and they are not averse to using her—how ever they have to—in order to discover what it is.

Something is coming, breaking through the barriers between the worlds. But is it a threat that Kaylin needs to defend her city against—or has she been chosen for another reason entirely?

Romance Book Review: Summer of the Cougar

Author: Nicole Austin
Series Connection: Cougar Challenge
ISBN: 9781419929090
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Publisher: Ellora's Cave


[Read Excerpt]

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Rissa has been a widow for many years. Both of her children are now away at school. She's sold the house and moved into a condo. Now it is time for her to finally do something in her life that is just for her. She has always loved younger men and this elementary school teacher is going to take a chance and find a young stud or two to have fun with over the summer.

Who would have thought that the first time out she would meet J.D. and he would turn out to me just the right young stud for her?

J.D. is looking for something more than just a summer fling. He's looking for the right woman and Rissa is exactly what he has in mind. The only problem is he has to convince her that he's the right man to settle down with and not just one in a line of younger men for her cougar challenge.


Not one of my favorite of the Cougar Challenge series, but a good quick read. Fun for those who wish they could take the challenge and find a nice young man.



Description:
A standalone title in the Cougar Challenge series.

With the big four-oh looming, Larissa Cross is more than ready to shed the roles that have defined her and make drastic changes. Gone are the widowed Army wife, soccer mom and empty nester. She’s even setting aside the schoolteacher until fall.

A naughty challenge issued by fellow erotic romance booklovers on their blog, Tempt the Cougar, has come at the perfect time and ignited Rissa’s competitive drive. It’s going to be a glorious summer full of hot younger man lovin’ for a new cougar on the prowl. Rawr!

Tattooed and pierced fireman JD Harmon is tempting prey but there’s much more to the hunk than his bad boy good looks. A one-night stand isn’t in his plans, and sex—no matter how mind-blowing—won’t distract him from his goals. JD intends to tame the wicked cougar and stake a claim on her heart.

Romance Byte: Hunting Season

Author: Shelly Laurenston

Series Connection: Gathering
ISBN-13: 9781605047881
ISBN: 1605047880
Genre:  Shifter/ Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Limited

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If you're looking for something fun and witty and gusty woman and hunky tough men pick up a Shelly Laurenston book.

Description:
Stubborn, lethal, and from Jersey…what more could a Viking warrior want from his woman?

Neecy Lawrence, winged warrior for a Viking goddess and second-in-command of the fierce Crows, doesn’t know what to do with a nice guy. As it is, making up for a past she’d sooner forget leaves her barely polite most days. But Raven leader and loyal Odin warrior, Will Yager, isn’t just nice. He’s gorgeous, hot, and a distraction she simply can’t afford.

Yager has wanted Neecy in his life—and in his bed—for a long time. Not just for a night, but forever. And, like any self-respecting Viking, he’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants. So what if she’s the most difficult, complex, never-gives-him-a-break woman he’s ever known? She’s more than worth the effort. In fact, she’s worth everything.

And if it turns out that twenty-four hours of non-stop, any-way-she-wants-it sex doesn’t work with Neecy? Then it looks like he’ll just have to get a little more creative…

About the author:
Originally from Long Island, New York, Shelly Laurenston has resigned herself to West Coast living which involves healthy food, mostly sunny days, and lots of guys not wearing shirts when they really should be. Shelly Laurenston is also The New York Times Bestselling author G.A. Aiken, creator of the Dragon Kin series. Hunting Season is Shelly's 13th title.

Subtle, demure, delicate Shelly Laurenston is a 2005 EPPIE Award Winner and 2004 CAPA Winner. A misplaced New Yorker trapped in Los Angeles, Shelly is constantly plotting and scheming her way back to civilization-think "Escape From New York." When she isn't playing video games, polishing her brass knuckles, or writing, she's trying to keep her dog, Maximus Psychotixus, from turning the local cat population into Happy Meals.

Shelly is also the author of the award-winning To Challenge a Dragon as well as Pack Challenge, Go Fetch, Here Kitty, Kitty! and A Pride Christmas in Brooklyn. She also has her first print book out now, Magnus Heat.

Romance Byte: Eternal Kiss of Darkness

Author: Jeaniene Frost
Series Connection: Night of the Huntress
ISBN-13: 9780061783166
ISBN: 0061783161
Genre: Paranormal
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

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Description:
An immortal war has been brewing in the darkness . . .
And now one woman has stumbled into the shadows.
Chicago private investigator Kira Graceling should have just kept on walking. But her sense of duty refused to let her ignore the moans of pain coming from inside a warehouse just before dawn. Suddenly she finds herself in a world she's only imagined in her worst nightmares.
At the center is Mencheres, a breathtaking Master vampire who thought he'd seen it all. Then Kira appears—this fearless, beautiful . . . human who braved death to rescue him. Though he burns for her, keeping Kira in his world means risking her life. Yet sending her away is unthinkable.
But with danger closing in, Mencheres must choose either the woman he craves, or embracing the darkest magic to defeat an enemy bent on his eternal destruction.