Romance Book Review: Last Dragon Standing

Author: G.A. Aiken
Series Connection: Dragon Kin
ISBN-13: 978-1420108880
Genre: Paranormal/ Shapeshifter/ Fantasy
Publisher: Kensington Zebra

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The story of the Dragon Kin continues with the Keita the youngest daughter of the Queen and Ragnar the Northerland warrior. Two years ago Ragnar rescued Keita from his father, but she doesn't quite see it that way when Ragnar tries to barter Keita's freedom with the Queen.

Now Ragnar is saying the Princess again and once again the Princess fails to appreciate his help.

The Queen enlists both Keita and Ragnar's help which runs along in conjunction with a whole series of events in hopes to stop an upcoming war.

This book isn't quite as humorous as most of the author's previous books, but aside from being a little slow in the beginning this book is extremely well written and filled with some great action scenes. The story brings back all the old familiar characters including Annwyl the Bloody, human queen, Fearghus the first son of the Dragon Queen and even Gwenvael the Handsome.

Description:
I know what they see when they look at me. The charming, soft-spoken dragoness bred from the most powerful of royal bloodlines. A disguise stronger than any battle shield that allows me to keep all suitors at tail's length. A technique that's worked until him. Until Ragnar the Cunning, handsome barbarian warlord and warrior mage from the desolate Northlands. Unlike those who've come before him, he does not simply submit to my astounding charm and devastating smile. Instead, he dismisses me as vapid, useless and, to my great annoyance, rather stupid!

Yet I'll allow no male to dismiss me. Soon he'll learn my worth, my many skills, and the strength of my will. For this one challenges me enough to make me want to ruthlessly taunt him, tease him and, finally, when the trap is set, bring him to his knees.

Romance Byte: In Too Deep

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Series
Connection: Book One of the Looking Glass Trilogy/ An Arcane Society Novel - Book #10

ISBN-10: 0399157026
ISBN-13: 978-0399157028
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Paranormal

Publisher: Putnam

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Description:
Jayne Ann Krentz follows up her highly successful Dreamlight Trilogy — written in collaboration with her two alter egos, Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle — with a brand-new story arc that begins in a secluded coastal town in northern California.

Scargill Cove is the perfect place for Fallon Jones, confirmed recluse and investigator of the paranormal. It’s a hot spot, a convergence point for unusually strong currents of energy, which might explain why the town attracts misfits and drifters like moths to a flame. Now someone else has been drawn to the Cove — Isabella Valdez, on the run from some very dangerous men.

When she starts working as Fallon’s assistant, Isabella impresses him by organizing his pathologically chaotic office — and doesn’t bat an eye at the psychic element of his job. She’s a kindred spirit, a sanctuary from a world that considers his talents a form of madness. But after a routine case unearths an antique clock infused with dark energy, Fallon and Isabella are dragged into the secret history of Scargill Cove and forced to fight for their lives, as they unravel a cutthroat conspiracy with roots in the Jones family business...and Isabella’s family tree.

Romance Byte: Last Dragon Standing

Author: G. A. Aiken
ISBN-13: 978-1420108880
Genre: Paranormal
Publisher: Kensington Zebra

Click here to purchase
Kindle Version
 
Description:
I know what they see when they look at me. The charming, soft-spoken dragoness bred from the most powerful of royal bloodlines. A disguise stronger than any battle shield that allows me to keep all suitors at tail's length. A technique that's worked until him. Until Ragnar the Cunning, handsome barbarian warlord and warrior mage from the desolate Northlands. Unlike those who've come before him, he does not simply submit to my astounding charm and devastating smile. Instead, he dismisses me as vapid, useless and, to my great annoyance, rather stupid!

Yet I'll allow no male to dismiss me. Soon he'll learn my worth, my many skills, and the strength of my will. For this one challenges me enough to make me want to ruthlessly taunt him, tease him and, finally, when the trap is set, bring him to his knees.

Romance Book Review: A Winter Tale: With Marshmallows

Author: Stephanie Beck
Digital ISBN: 978-1-61650-245-4
Genre: Holiday Romance/ Contemporary/ Paranormal
Publisher: Lyrical Press

Click here to purchase this title through Amazon

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Mona is on the run from her father. When she was young he chose a life for her that Mona didn't want to be any part of anymore. As the alpha of her pack, it was hard to say no to her father. When she found a mate and started a family, her father intended her for to right back to being an assassin once the children were born. When she didn't want that life anymore her father had her mate killed.

Seeking sanctuary with another pack was a big move for Mona, but she couldn't continue on her own and keep her pups safe. When she meets alpha, Chris, she knows he is strong enough to protect her.

Chis isn't about to accept just anyone as his mate. When Mona first comes into his diner, he knows the strong wolf is the one for him. He knows she has a lot on her mind at the moment and he doesn't want to rush her, but if he is going to have her as his mate he has to act fast.

Quick read that takes place around the holidays but doesn't hold a lot of holiday cheer. Could even be a good read for the rest of the winter. Great to sit down with, with a cup of hot cocoa and marshmallows.


Description:
No winter night is complete without marshmallows.

Pregnant and on the run, Mona Renalds is a werewolf with trouble nipping at her heals. She wants a new life for herself and the twins she’s carrying. Embracing the future can’t happen until she finds an alpha male strong enough to take on her former pack leader.

Chris Meyters is alpha of Haven Pack. Mild mannered and progressive, he tries to reverse the archaic methods of his pack’s previous leaders. When Mona comes into his diner requesting sanctuary, his primitive instinct to claim her nearly consumes him, but he fights himself to give her the choices she was denied in her former pack.

Surrounded by the Pennsylvania winter of snow, sledding parties and creamy cups of hot chocolate, Chris and Mona are prepared to do whatever it takes in order to maintain the domestic bliss they’ve found with each other.

Romance Book Review: Reindeer Games

Author: Jet Mykles
ISBN: 978-1-60737-901-0
Genre: Holiday/ LGBT/ Shape-shifter/ Paranormal
Publisher: Loose-id

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Reindeer Games offers a quick enjoyable holiday read for those who enjoy gay paranormal.

Lon is an elf in a North Pole you don't remember from your childhood days. Jet Mykles takes a modern spin on the North Pole activities including a politically correct view on sexuality.

Lon thinks he's in love with reindeer shifter "Dasher". In his human form he's Rom. The leader of Santa's sleigh reindeer. Lon doesn't think that Rom has even noticed him and after a couple of embarrassing episodes his chances aren't looking any better.

Reindeer shifter "Dancer" has his eye on Lon. When in his human form he's Wod and Wod knows he wants Lon, but also comes to realize that Lon is in love with Rom. What's a reindeer to do but help Lon get the shifter of his dreams. But is that what Lon really wants after he gets to know Wod?

Description:
A "Not Quite Christmas" Story

Rom is Dasher, the leader of Santa’s shape-shifting team of reindeer. He is the quintessential elf -- smart, handsome, charming -- and everyone in Santa’s Village wants him. Lon is no exception. He’s hopelessly in love with Rom, but how can he hope to get Rom’s attention? Even if he is now one of the reindeer handlers, he’s still just a plain, ordinary elf, and painfully shy to boot.

Then there’s Wod. As Dancer, he’s both Rom’s second in command and Rom’s best friend. He, too, is devilishly handsome but in a darker and -- truth be told -- slightly frightening way. At least, he makes Lon’s heart race and his tongue tie in knots.

When Wod unexpectedly offers to help Lon gain Rom’s attention, Lon is completely confused. To make matters worse, Wod is clear that he’d love to play with Lon himself.

Lon is used to the sexual freedom in Santa’s Village but he craves something more meaningful. He wants a real relationship. So what does he do? Keep pining for Rom or play Wod's special brand of reindeer games?

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

Romance Byte: Carol's Mate

Author: Zena Wynn
Series Connection: True Mates
ISBN: 978-1-60737-906-5
Genre: Shape-shifter/ Paranormal/ African American
Publisher: Loose-id

Description:
Life happens when you least expect it...

Carol Scott has everything planned. She'll finish her studies, do her internship, and return to Refuge to help run the medical center being built by her pack, The Ravens. When the time is right, she'll choose a male of her pack to mate with, push out a few pups, and life will continue--nice, neat, and orderly, just the way she likes it.

Then she meets Mark Johnson--sexy, handsome...human. Forbidden. A man who won't take no for an answer. He stirs her senses and even has her wolf sitting up and paying attention. What's a girl to do? Obey the rules or follow her heart and damn the consequences?

Then the choice is taken out of her hands.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content and graphic language.

Romance Book Review: Secret Cravings

Author: Kris Cook
Series Connection: Texas Wolf Pack
E-book ISBN: 1-61034-082-5
Genre: Holiday/ Erotic Romance/ Paranormal/ Cowboy/ Ménage a Trois Romance/ M/F/M/ shape-shifter
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand

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First installment to the Texas Wolf Pack series introduces twin shifters Rance and Troy. Tribal rules say that the twins can't tell their human mate, Kate, about their shifting abilities. After an accident when they were teenagers, the three friends relationship changes and Kate leaves for college.

Now she's back for the holidays to visit her grandmother, seven years later. Troy can't do anything but fall in love with Kate all over again despite Rance's warnings to stay away from her, but how can he be with her without telling her who he really is?

This looks like it will be a fun series to follow. It doesn't have much holiday in the story, just that it takes place at Christmas time.

Description:
Twins Rance and Troy Keekoti are blindsided when Kate Bullion returns to her Gran’s ranch for the holidays. She’s no longer the girl of their dreams—she’s the woman they want to possess. Will Kate let go of old hurts and choose the love of her two wolf shifters?

Romance Book Review: 'Twas a Dark and Delicious Christmas

Authors: 
Santa's Naughty List by Stacey Espino
My Boys by Amarinda Jones
A Christmas Curse by Ericka Scott
The Little Red Ribbon by A.D. Blackburn
Once Upon a Christmas Spanking by Rachel Clark
Yes Alana, There Is a Santa Claus by Seleste deLaney
Carly's Delights by Lauren Pilla
Kingdom of Sweets by Gigi Brevard
Holly's Clause by Kerri Nelson
Hard for the Holidays by Skylar Sinclair
The Christmas Fae by Emma Shortt
Jack Frost by Misty Burke
A Christmas Wish for Laura by Shannan Albright 
Editor: BL Brown
ISBN: 978-1-926950-05-1
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Evernight Publishing

Purchase this book from Amazon here

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

This book contains 13 erotic holiday themed short stories written by some fun loving authors. The book features a few stand outs with authors like Ericka Scott, Amarinda Jones and Gigi Brevard. Each holiday themed story provides a sneak peak into an erotic holiday adventure.

Scott's A Christmas Curse, features a girl visiting her childhood home during the Christmas season after her mother dies, only to find a handsome man at the apartment with a story of annual suicides in the same apartment.

Brevard's, Kingdom of Sweets provides a Nutcracker story that's a little different from the one that sees each Christmas.

Shortt's The Christmas Fae was a sweet tale of a Christmas Fairy is stuck with the quandary of what to do when the wish is to spend Christmas with her.

There is a something for everyone's erotic Christmas wish in 'Twas a Dark and Delicious Christmas.

Description:
‘Tis Christmas and everyone is stirring…

From the keeper of Santa’s naughty list, delightful little Elves eager to please, and the sensual love of a toy soldier—the holidays are filled with orgasmic cheer. Where wishes come true, Frosty is itching for a melt-down, fairies and angels are randy to grant your every wish, ‘tis the season to be oh, so jolly-filled.

Unwrap your darkest desires…for this is Christmas, and it will never be the same.

Romance Byte: More Holiday Themed Novels

Tangled Tinsel
Author: Vivian Arend
eISBN: 9781426890918
Genre: Holiday/ Paranormal Romance/ Shifters
Publisher: Carina Press
      
Description:
She's the cat's meow, and he's ready to pounce!

Five miles of leather-clad leg is all it takes to lure Kyle Branegan out from his carefully hidden lifestyle as part of the Cougar Corp, a secret branch of the Shifter Enforcer League. He's hoping for a night of fun and frolic, cat-style, no strings attached. With a sultry swing of her hips, Eloise Scott tangles him up in her ball of tricks, and just when he thinks he's about to get lucky, she cuffs him—naked—to her bed.

An undercover cop in the human police force, El's been given a top-secret mission to keep the big cat under her paw until he's needed to testify in court in the New Year. Her decision to take him home for a quiet Christmas in her sleepy hometown turns out to be far more interesting than she expected. Her parents are suddenly rich, her old boyfriend is sniffing around and all six-feet-plus of sexy cougar male is sleeping in her bed.

And that's before they announce their fake engagement...

No Angel
Author: Vivi Andrews
eISBN: 9781426890901
Genre: Angels & Demons/ Holiday/ Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Carina Press

Description

When Sasha's boyfriend, Jay, is sucked through a fiery vortex to Hell, an angel reveals that Sasha's been chosen as the Champion of Virtue in the battle for his immortal soul. As a perennial offender on Santa's naughty list, Sasha can't believe she's anyone's idea of a girl fighting on the side of the angels. But if she doesn't save Jay, he'll be stuck in Hell forever!

Jay—aka Jevroth—isn't surprised to find himself back in Hell. His visa to visit the mortal plane expired three months ago, but to steal more time with Sasha he's been ignoring his mother's demands that he come home to spend time with his new stepfather: Lucifer.

Sasha has until dawn on the twenty-fifth of December to fight the Legions of Hell and rescue Jay, or be trapped there for eternity herself. But now she must decide if the lying son-of-a-demon is even worth saving...

Holiday Sparks
Author: Shannon Stacey

eISBN: 9781426890857
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Holiday
Publisher: Carina Press
       
Description:
House-sitting for her parents seemed like a good idea, until the microwave blew up and the lights went out.

Now Chloe Burke thinks upgrading the electrical system of her childhood home while they are away would make the perfect Christmas gift. Fortunately, there's an electrician in town who can get the job done by the holidays.

Scott Quinn has wanted to get his hands on the Burkes' wiring for almost as long as he's wanted to get his hands on their daughter. Chloe didn't notice Scott back in high school, but she's noticing him now, and soon they're indulging in a little festive fun: no strings, no expectations. After all, Chloe plans to get out of this goldfish bowl of a town and back to her real life in Boston by New Year's.

But Chloe and Scott discover they enjoy each other's company just as much out of bed. Could their holiday fling turn out to be the real thing?

Romance Byte: Tinseltown

Author: Stephanie Taylor
Digital ISBN: 99781616502522
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Holiday
Publisher: Lyrical Press

Description:
Lights, Camera…Sparks!
A-list actress Deb Atkins hasn’t allowed her glamorous lifestyle to go to her head.  She owes this to her wonderful family, who keeps her grounded. So, for Deb, not just any man will do, especially if he’s part of the Hollywood elite. Most actors have one thing on their mind, and happily ever after isn’t it.

Until she meets Zach Sparks, her new co-star.

Zach Sparks is famous not just for his acting skills, but his quick wit and good looks. One glance at Deb, and he's smitten. After a drunken night at a Vegas premiere after-party, one thing leads to another. The result: marriage.

Deb is appalled by her actions. So much so, she and Zach can't get along on the set. Their director demands they spend Christmas holidays together to work out their differences or they're both fired. Driven by selfish motivations, they don't expect to fall in love over Christmas or for their marriage to turn into a real one.  But can their tenuous relationship withstand a bigger test than either of them ever imagined?

Romance Byte: What She Craves

Author: Anne Rainey
Series Connection: Cape May
ISBN: 978-1-60928-267-7
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Purchase this book here

Description:
Unwrapping these gifts could get a girl in a world of trouble.

Cape May, Book 2

Tory Jeffries likes things simple. A modest home, a web design business, easygoing men. Except there’s never one around when she needs one—and she needs a date for the event of the year, her friend Con Walker’s annual Christmas party. Not that she couldn’t go alone, but spending the evening as a third wheel doesn’t appeal.

When her old friend Devon Mason turns up dateless as well, she anticipates a fun evening with her flirty, bad-boy buddy. Then Devon and Con offer her a Christmas treat that her inner slut begs her not to refuse. A night with both delicious, muscular men. In Con’s bed. Naked.

After growing up together with an up-close-and-personal view of life’s ugly side, it doesn’t surprise Devon and Con that they’ve fallen for the same woman. They’ve watched her date men who aren’t nearly good enough for her, and now it’s time to show the fiery blonde just how perfectly she fits in their sinful fantasy sandwich. When they take their first long, slow taste, something extraordinary happens. They fall in love.

Now all they have to do is convince their suddenly skittish princess that fairy tales can come true…

Warning: This book contains one sassy heroine getting two tasty alpha heroes for Christmas. Expect some crazy hot m/f/m sex and a Christmas Eve party that’ll blow your stockings clean off.

Romance Byte: Holiday Themed Romance Novels

My Immortal

Author: L. Shannon
ISBN: 978-1-60088-200-5
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Cobblestone Press


Description: 
With the devil on his heels, all Logan wants for Christmas is a moment of peace found in the bottom of a whiskey glass, but Sherry, the woman serving in this run down tavern, offers more than drinks.

What begins as night of shared loneliness is twisted by déjà vu and unexpected memories of forgotten past lives. But as the pieces come together, all that’s certain is the gift of love neither is willing to give up. But will their new love be enough when the devil catches them and the truth is revealed?



Fairies & Wishes 

Author: Karen Erickson
ISBN: 978-1-60088-081-0
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Cobblestone Press


Description: 
Lily is a holiday fairy, but this Christmas season she’s given a new assignment – teach a lonely doctor how to love again.

Tim finds the holidays depressing and always throws himself into his work to forget the pain. One night he runs into a beautiful redhead and knocks her to the ground. His new patient is a little odd, but totally sexy.

He starts a relationship with the mysterious Lily but things don’t add up. Is she what she seems? Does he want to fall in love with a woman he knows nothing about? Oh, yes he does…

It Happened One Christmas Eve 

Author: Jodici Belle
ISBN: 978-1-60088-077-3
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Cobblestone Press

Description:
Life just couldn’t get worse for Audrey. Her boyfriend left her, she lost her promotion to some idiot and now she was being mugged. It seemed nothing would go her way, until a man saves her. A guy that looked as though he stepped straight out of Lord of the Rings.

Ka’ael longed to explore the Earth plane where there was no magic. His chance came when he landed a much-coveted position in Santa’s factory. But when his contract is over, Ka’ael escapes to America to find a woman who stirs his heart.



A Taste of Christmas 

Author: Jennifer McKenzie
ISBN: 978-1-60088-082-7
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Cobblestone Press

Description: 
The holidays are difficult when you have a crazy family.  Tabitha Durst would agree with that sentiment whole-heartedly.  What do you do when a gorgeous guy witnesses just how crazy they are?

Tabitha Durst and Jim Stoddard meet over an expensive bottle of wine.  She needs it and he gets it.  When she tells him she needs that bottle desperately, he thinks she's out of her mind.  It isn't until he realizes they need the same exclusive wine for the same people that he sees for himself that she isn't crazy.  Her family is.  Can he overcome her reluctance to get close to anyone and give her the best Christmas she's ever had?

Romance Byte: Get into the Holiday Spirit with Romance Books

Noelle's Gift

Author: Shannon Emmel
Series: Merry Kinkmas
ISBN: 978141993092
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Ellora's Cave


Description:
Months of therapy go out the window for Noelle when Brad moves back to town. Her super-hot ex has tongues wagging and temperatures rising when he makes his first appearance at the company Christmas party. Everyone is curious about Brad and the rumors surrounding his arrival.

Noelle has all the answers, but can’t say a word without risking exposure of their past and her own dirty little secret to friends and coworkers who have no idea what really makes her tick—a fetish for fur…lots of fur.

All He Wants

Author: Emily Ryan-Davis
Series: Merry Kinkmas
ISBN: 9781419931611
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing
Description:
A story in the Merry Kinkmas series.

Marine Captain Keith Moss is home for the holidays and all he wants for Christmas is his best friend’s sister, Telly Johnson…and her belly. Her pregnancy is his new obsession.

When he discovers Telly’s body is easier to coerce than her heart, Keith finds himself facing the hardest mission of his life—convincing her to say yes.

Because, despite his enjoyment of her hormonally boosted sex drive, Keith needs more than a casual lover. He’s ready for a future and a family, and both involve claiming Telly—and the baby—as his own.



Stocking Full of Coal

Author: Amanda Feral
Series: Merry Kinkmas
ISBN: 9781419931758
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing

Description:
Justine Crenshaw is accident-prone. On purpose. It’s the bruises…she can’t live without them, without the pleasure and pain that closely bind her sexuality to her secret obsession. She chooses men who accept her fetish, who seek it out for their own dark designs, even if they don’t understand it. She accepts that. Justine doesn’t need them for anything but a little bruise pressure during down-and-dirty sex.

Then she meets Nathan, and her heart starts demanding more than her compulsions provide. She can’t hide her body from him forever, can’t keep him in the dark, literally. But no “normal” guy could possibly understand her multi-colored kink…could he? It might be time for Justine to shine a light on her fetish and find out.

Romance Book Review: Not That Kind of Girl

Author: Susan Donovan
Series Connection: San Francisco Dog Walking Series
ISBN: 978-0312366063
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks

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The final book in the San Francisco Dog Walking series, tells the story of Roxie Bloom. Roxie has been vexed by men all her life. The last one was the final straw. After breaking off her relationship with him she starts a website called www.i-vomit-on-men.com.

The website is a huge success and really doesn't paint the former boyfriend in a good light. He's so mad that one night he goes to Roxie's house and breaks down her door to get to her. This causes Roxie's dog to attack the bad man. The ex-boyfriend presses charges and the dog will be put to sleep unless Roxie can show the dog isn't bad.

For a year Roxie has been staying away from "Dog Whisperer" Eli Gallagher. Now she has no choice but to call Eli for help to save her dog, but in doing so will she lose her self. Roxie doesn't think she can take another disappointing man, but to help her dog she will do just about anything.

This is the first book I've read by Susan Donovan, but I liked the concept and the other "friends" in the book. This book is easy to read apart from the others in the series and still keep the up with the storyline. After reading, however, I will take a look at the two previous novels.

While Roxie is a tough cookie I liked her spirit and Eli, while in the beginning I wasn't sure I liked him, at the end turned into a good character.

Description:
The trilogy gets wrapped up with the story of professional man-hater Roxie Bloom and the sexy but seemingly aloof dog whisperer she asks to save her rescue mutt. Roxie and Eli Gallagher have been denying their mutual attraction for months, but when Roxie’s dog bites her ex-boyfriend – a powerful criminal defense lawyer bent on destroying her life – she must swallow her pride and ask for Eli’s help. Saving the dog will take patience and determination, but it also will require Roxie and Eli to open their hearts in ways they never thought possible.


She's been wronged in love...

Roxanne Bloom is through with love. Fresh on the heels of a bad break-up, she’s decided to devote all her time to her man-slamming website—and her man-hating dog, Lilith. But this pit-bull-Boxer is so good at unleashing her fury (and her owner’s) that the male victims keep piling up…and now it’s time to get some sensitivity training. Enter Eli Gallagher, one of the best—and hottest—canine experts in town.

Could he be Mr. Right?
The more Eli gets to know Roxie, the more he senses that she’s been hurt by men in the past—just like her dog. With a little gentle prodding, and a whole lot of patience, Eli hopes to gain Roxie’s trust and soothe her broken heart. Eli can see that Roxie’s bark is way worse than her bite. But she’s not putting her guard down just yet—even if she is falling deeply, madly, doggedly in love with him...

Romance Book Review: An Amish Christmas

Author: Patricia Davids

Series Connection: Brides of Amish Country

ISBN: 9780373876372

Genre: Inspirational Romance

Publisher: Steeple Hill

Purchase this book through Amazon

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Amish books are becoming all the rage now and who better to put together a series than Steeple Hill. Steeple Hill is known for its religious inspired series.

Patricia Davids has already contributed three books to the Brides of Amish Country series, including An Amish Christmas. In this book we meet the Imhoff family, a devout Amish family. When Karen Imhoff's mother died four years ago, she take responsibility for her younger siblings and stays with her family long after she should marry. She is a strong woman and even stronger in her conviction of her faith and religion.

When "John Doe" enters her life she knows the Englischer is not for her. Besides the fact he could have a wife and family that misses him back home, he isn't of her faith and more than likely he will move on just as soon as he remembers who he is.

"John Doe" is the name he was given when he woke from a head injury after being robbed and left on the side of the road. He has no idea who he is and can't remember anything, except the face of a woman looking down at him.

When "John" sees Karen in her cousin's Inn he thinks he has found the answer to all his problems, only to find out that she was the one who found him, but has no idea who he is. That leads off just one disappointment after another as he searches for who he really is and where he comes from.

This is a heart warming story of a man who starts off with a blank slate and as he learns about the Amish and their ways he realizes that this small town with the Plain people have lead him to peace and faith and a life he wants to be a part of. This book is nicely written filled with hope and joy just in time for the holiday season.

Description:
When Karen Imhoff finds a beaten man lying unconscious by the road in her Amish community, she doesn't hesitate to help. "John Doe" needs a place to stay while he regains his memory, and she has a room to rent. The handsome Englisher proves invaluable around the family farm, yet his presence wreaks havoc with her emotions. Karen has her younger siblings to care for. She can't fall for an outsider who doesn't know his own identity. But as Christmas draws closer, the simple grace of this life—and this woman—could inspire John to make Karen's dreams come true….

Romance Byte: No Place to Run

Author: Maya Banks
Series Connection: KGI Series, Book 2
ISBN: 978-0425238196
Genre: Romantic Suspence
Publisher: Berkley

Click here to purchase through Amazon

Description:
The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super elite, top secret, family-run business.

Qualifications: High intelligence, rock hard body, military background.

Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the US government can’t…

Sam Kelly was her first love.

The last person Sam Kelly expected to pull wounded from the lake was Sophie Lundgren. Once they shared a brief, intense affair while Sam was undercover and then she vanished. She's spent the last months on the run, knowing that any mistake would cost her life and that of her unborn child—Sam's child. Now she's resurfaced with a warning for Sam: this time, he's the one in danger.

Now he's her last chance.

Sam has too many questions to let her slip away again—like why she disappeared in the first place. This time he vows not to be seduced. But one look in her eyes, and the passion burns again, and Sam knows he’ll do anything to keep her and his child safe. However, Sophie’s dark past is more dangerous than he imagines, and the only way for either to survive it is to outrun it.

Do you have an appetite for suspense—and cookies??

Author Mary Burton shares some of her favorite sweets inspired by her upcoming releases Senseless (February) and Merciless (January).

Both books are set in and around Alexandria, VA, including the city’s famous Old Town section. That is where the name “Old Town Holiday Cookies” cookies comes from.

Mary takes a classic oatmeal cookie recipe and throws in a new twist, corn flakes—which means, for all you cookie fanatics out there, you have the perfect excuse to have cookies for breakfast!

Old Town Holiday Cookies      

2 sticks of butter
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1-1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1-1/2 cups of All Purpose flour
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
4 cups corn flakes
1 cup chocolate chips
White Chocolate

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Cream softened butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar.  Mix in eggs and vanilla.  In a separate bowl mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.   Slowly blend dry ingredients into the butter/sugar mixture.  Fold in corn flakes and chocolate chips.   Drop rounded tablespoons onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper.   Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

When cooled, drizzle with melted white chocolate.

For more information on Mary Burton check out her website at: http://www.maryburton.com/

Love Inspired of the Month: The Lawman's Christmas Wish

Author: Linda Goodnight
Miniseries: Alaskan Bride Rush
ISBN: 9780373876389
Genre: Inspirational Romance
Publisher: Steeple Hill Love Inspired

 Click here to purchase from Amazon

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

In the final installment to the Alaskan Bride Series Linda Goodnight tells the story of Amy James and Reed Truscott. Amy was the Alaskan tour business owner who original who inadvertently brought all the would be brides to Treasure Creek in the beginning of the series. With the her great grandfather's treasure finally found Amy and her two young children are in danger. Reed is sworn to protect Amy and her sons not only because of he is the Chief of Police, but also because he promised Amy deceased husband.

Amy isn't going to marry for anything but love, but Reed has had so little love in his life he doesn't know if he is capable of loving Amy and her boys. He does know about loyalty though, and he wants to do what is best for the young family.

The is a interesting ending to the Treasure Creek series. Amy's character in this story keeps up with her character from the previous books in the series. She is stubborn, but loving to all her friends and the community.


Description:
Widow Amy James can't get through grocery shopping in Treasure Creek, Alaska, without a marriage proposal. And she's hardly flattered. Most of her "suitors" are after the treasure her great-grandfather had buried on her property. But only one man promised her late husband he'd take care of her and the boys: police chief Reed Truscott. True, Reed is handsome and honest and makes her feel safe. But his honorable marriage proposal is about obligation—not love. Unless he can convince her that his Christmas wish is to join her family forever.

Romance Byte: Santa In Montana

Author: Janet Dailey
Series Connection: Calder
ISBN: 978-1-4201-1474-4
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Zebra

Click here to purchase from Amazon

Description:
“Can Santa bring you a husband?”

Montana winters are harsh, but bad weather won’t get in the way of the Calders’ Christmas reunion. Patriarch Chase Calder is determined to make this holiday the happiest yet—especially for his daughter, Cat. And Chase knows the best gifts aren’t always done up in paper and ribbon…

It’s high time for widowed Cat to have a man in her life again, whether she’ll admit it or not. Chase has been thinking long and hard, and he’s got a plan—one he’s far too wise to reveal to his stubborn little darlin’. And as the magical season begins with a glorious snowfall, the Calders share a host of surprises—including a mystery solved, a special visitor, and the greatest gift of all: love, the forever kind…

Romance Book Byte: Vampires Not Invited

Author: Cheyenne McCray
Series Connection: A Night Tracker Novel

ISBN: 978-0312532680
Genre: Paranormal
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks

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Description:
New York Times bestselling author Cheyenne McCray sets the night on fire in her blazing-hot Night Tracker series—where the fangs come out when the sun goes down...

Vampire attacks are on the rise in the city that never sleeps. So why is half-human, half-Drow private eye Nyx tracking down Sprites? Sure, these "young bloods" are causing mischief all over town—like painting the Statue of Liberty's toenails neon pink. But it's not until Nyx finds herself at the Pit, Manhattan's hottest nightclub for paranorms, that she understands what she's really up against...

Seems Master Vampire Volod has a plan—and the Sprites are in on it. By targeting the weaknesses of every paranorm in the city, from Elves to Shifters to Zombies, Volod and his fang gang aim to rule the night once and for all. Over Nyx's dead body. She loves a good challenge—and she will seduce danger at every turn to throw Volod off course. It's time for Nyx to enter the beating heart of this dark conspiracy...before driving a stake through it.

Next book in the series:

Zombies Sold Separately: A Night Tracker Novel (Book 4) is expected to come out May 24, 2011.

Description:
Nyx hates Zombies. Seriously. Hates. Zombies. Ever since she was a youngling, she's been haunted by them. And even though she's a big girl now—a half-human, half-Drow private eye, to be precise—Nyx bristles at the mere thought of the walking dead.

Meanwhile, the corpses of humans and paranorms alike are turning up all over New York City. Now it's up to Nyx to find out who—or what—is behind this series of horrific attacks. But it's only a matter of time before Nyx is drawn deeper into her darkest fears...and her worst nightmare about meeting a real, flesh-and-blood-hungry, body-snatching Zombie comes blindingly to life. Or death...

Romance Byte: Dirk and Steele new book plus merchandise available

Fans of Marjorie M. Lui and the Dirk and Steele series here's a great holiday present for yourselves. This long sleeve t-shirt is available with a few other items on Marjorie's website. Follow this link for more details.

Also, her new Dirk and Steele novel, In the Dark of Dreams is available for sale.

Here are all the details about the new book.

Title: In the Dark of Dreams
Author: Marjorie M. Lui
Series Connection: Dirk and Steele
ISBN-10: 0062020161
ISBN-13: 978-0062020161
Genre: Paranormal
Publisher: Avon

Click Here to Purchase through Amazon

Description:
She could never forget the boy with the ice blue eyes . . .

She was only twelve when she saw the silver boy on the beach, but Jenny has never stopped dreaming about him. Now she is grown, a marine biologist charting her own course in the family business—a corporation that covertly crosses the boundaries of science into realms of the unknown . . . and the incredible.

And now he has found her again, her boy grown into a man: Perrin, powerful and masculine, and so much more than human, leaving Jenny weak with desire and aching for his touch.

But with their reunion comes danger. For Perrin and Jenny—and all living creatures—their only hope for preventing the unthinkable lies in a mysterious empire far beneath the sea . . . and in the power of their dreams.

Romance Byte: Hungry For Youg

Author: Lynsay Sands
Series Connection: Argeneau Family Tree and Notte Family Tree
ISBN-10: 0061894575
ISBN-13: 978-0-06-189457-2
Genre: Paranormal
Publisher: Avon

Click here to Purchase Through Amazon

Description:
As a chef and restauranteur, Alex Willan had enjoyed so much success she allowed herself to be talked into opening a second restaurant. It’s a decision she’s come to regret. Calamity after calamity have slowed the opening and driven her to the edge of bankruptcy. But things go from bad to worse when a competitor lures away the chef at her original restaurant leaving her torn between the choice to keep the original restaurant running, or getting the second restaurant going. With so much happening, Alex simply doesn’t have time for her sister Sam’s attempts at matchmaking, so when Sam calls with yet another man she “just has to meet” Alex tells her that if the man doesn’t cook, don’t even bother. Imagine her surprise when Sam says he’s a chef from Europe. He appears to be the answer to her prayers.

Cale Argeneau was finding himself somewhat world weary and bored so when his Aunt Marguerite suggested a visit to Canada to spend some time with his cousins, he thought “why not?” What he didn’t realize was that the intrepid Marguerite Argeneau thought she might have a match for him. Once he finds out, he’s less than excited. He’s waited centuries for a life mate and finds it hard to believe this Alex woman his Aunt keeps going on about could be the one. It was the shock of his life when he met Alex and found she was indeed a possible life mate. But that wasn’t nearly as shocking as the realization that the only way he was going to get anywhere near the woman was if he claimed to be a world class chef. Cale couldn’t even boil water, but he was about to take a crash course in cooking. He was also going to have to find out who was behind the calamities that were plaguing this new restaurant endeavor before someone got hurt. He’d do that and more to be near the woman who had reawakened his appetites, because it wasn’t just food he now found himself hungry for, but also Alex herself and the life he could have with her.

Fun stuff from the author's website:
Check out the Family Trees to the two families the book features.
The Argeneau Family Tree
The Notte Family Tree

What my 16 year old son is currently reading

My son is very much into Japanese Manga. I think in it's own way manga has a great deal of romance entangled in the story line. Which is the last thing you want to say to a 16 year-old boy, but it is none-the-less true.  The story lines run very similar to an action romance. Some are funny, but I'm not sure they are suppose to be. That might just be my off the cuff sense of humor.

Romance Byte: Not That Kind of Girl

Author: Susan Donovan
Series Connection: Dog Walker 
ISBN-13: 978-0312366063
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks

Click Herre to Purchase from Amazon

Love the inscription in the front of the book:
"It's a dog-eat-dog world, Woody, and I'm wearing Milk Bone underwear."
Norm from Cheers


Description:
The trilogy gets wrapped up with the story of professional man-hater Roxie Bloom and the sexy but seemingly aloof dog whisperer she asks to save her rescue mutt. Roxie and Eli Gallagher have been denying their mutual attraction for months, but when Roxie’s dog bites her ex-boyfriend – a powerful criminal defense lawyer bent on destroying her life – she must swallow her pride and ask for Eli’s help. Saving the dog will take patience and determination, but it also will require Roxie and Eli to open their hearts in ways they never thought possible.