Saturday, April 30, 2011

Romance Book Review: Her Wolf

Author: Rebecca Royce
Series Connection: Westervelt Wolves
ISBN 978-1-59578-568-8
Genre: Paranormal/ Shifter/ Werewolf
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

Purchase Her Wolf here through: Amazon

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

The Liquid Silver hit paranormal romance series, Westervelt Wolves, came to paperback earlier this year. I happened to find a used copy at a local bookstore and was excited because I had read and reviewed several of the others in the series as ebooks. The series features a pack of wolves that lived for centuries in quiet on an island outside of Maine. Some thirty years ago the pack leader offered his pack for experiments to a mad scientist. In an effort to convince his pack to cooperate, the alpha, has a witch put a spell on all of the mated wolf males to kill their female mates.

After the remaining members of his pack rebel, the alpha flees. Now thirty years later the war between the former alpha and the pack continues. In book one aside from learning the surrounding story and meeting the players, the author also introduces Tristan. Tristan is one of the Royal 6, the third son of the alpha that betrayed his pack. We meet Tristan while he is locked up in wolf form and meets in mate, Ashlee,  in a zoo of all places. Tristan must convince his mate, who doesn't know anything about werewolves, to break him out of his cell and get him back to the Island and his pack.

This is just the beginning of the story. The story continues as the pair are forced to fight for their lives and save the rest of their pack from the spell that nearly destroyed them thirty years ago.

While the first book answers a lot of questions for the first time readers of the series, I didn't learn anything new since I had read the subsequent books to the series, but it was nice to finally get to read the story that started the series. Very well written as a first series. It gives a good view of where the series is going, but also goes into detail about the hero and heroine and how they made it to where they were in the rest of the series.

Currently Her Wolf and Summer's Wolf (second in the series) are the only two available in paperback. The others in the series are available in ebook on Kindle and Liquid Silver Publishing. 

Description:
Ashlee Morrison has a secret obsession—with a dark and mysterious male. The only problem is that he’s a wolf and she’s becoming convinced that she’s insane. But Ashlee’s wolf is no ordinary canine; he is Tristan Kane, third son in the royal family of the Westervelt Wolf pack.

Trapped in his wolf form by his evil father’s men, Tristan has desperately sought a way out of predicament and is shocked to find that the sad but beautiful redhead who has come to the wolf cage can not only hear him, but awakens in him the knowledge that she is his mate, the other half of his soul.

Ashlee, unaware that she is half wolf-shifter, agrees to accompany Tristan back to his pack in Maine to seek answers to her past and understand her future. But as Tristan and Ashlee grow closer, familial betrayals will threaten to destroy the fragile love they have started to build.

With the odds stacked against them, Ashlee and Tristan will either embrace their love to save the Westervelt Wolves or be lost forever to despair.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Romance Book Review: Courting Disaster

Author: Carol Stephenson
Series Connection: Legal Weapons, Courting Danger
ISBN: 978-14268-9137-3
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Carina Press

Purchase this book here through: Amazon

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Carol Stephenson continues on a theme she started in 2005 with the Bombshell line from Silhouette with Courting Danger. In her new book, Courting Disaster, the author brings back the heroine Kate from Courting Danger. Kate's partner Carling is the heroine in Courting Disaster. Carol Stephenson also plans to have a new book out next month called Courting Death.

In Courting Disaster Carling is a defense attorney who works hard for her clients, even if sometimes she doesn't like them very much. She's not having a really great day when we first meet her. She has a killer of a headache and on her way home from work she gets into a car accident.

After spending a couple of days in the hospital she heads home and starts having flash backs from an event that happened a year ago. A year ago, Carling's life was very different. While in conference with a client, Carling and the man are shot. Her client is killed, leaving Carling with a head injury and no memory of what happened the day of the event.

Now a year later things start coming back to her, only there are some people who would rather she didn't remember. In to help save the day is Carling's former boyfriend and state attorney Jared. Jared still loves Carling and only stopped seeing her because she changed after the shooting. Now she's trying to pull he pieces together before she runs out of time.

Fast paced romantic suspense featuring a strong heroine remaking herself after a tragedy in her life. Lots of actions, fast paced hot love scenes, strong hero and a sneak peek at the characters for the next book in the series.

Descriptions:
She’s Gone Too Far…

A year ago, criminal defense attorney Carling Dent woke up in a conference room with a bullet wound, a murdered client and no memory of what happened. Since then, she’s grown reckless. She’s gained a reputation for representing defendants no one else will, and her own partners are beginning to question her conduct.

Then a car accident triggers flashbacks, and Carling is driven by the need to find out what really happened that day. Her investigation begins to uncover a twisted web of secrets someone doesn’t want exposed. The threats against Carling escalate, and she turns to the one person she wants to trust—her former lover, prosecutor Jared Manning. The passion between them is as hot as ever, but when more memories start trickling back, Carling starts to wonder just whose side the man she loves is on…

Romance Byte: Chasing Fire

Author: Nora Roberts
ISBN: 978-0399157448
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Putnam Adult

Purchase this book here through: Amazon

Description:
The number-one New York Times-bestselling author delves into the world of elite firefighters who thrive on danger and adrenaline-men and women who wouldn't know how to live life if it wasn't on the edge.

There's little as thrilling as firefighting-at least to Rowan Tripp. The Missoula smoke jumpers are in Rowan's blood: her father is a legend. She's been fighting fires since her eighteenth birthday. At this point, returning to the wilds of Montana for the season feels like coming home-even with reminders of the partner she lost last season still lingering.

Fortunately, this year's rookie crop is one of the strongest ever-and Gulliver Curry's one of the best. He's also a walking contradiction, a hotshot firefighter with a big vocabulary and a winter job at a kids' arcade.

Everything is thrown off balance when a dark presence lashes out against Rowan, looking to blame someone for last year's tragedy. Rowan knows she can't complicate things with Gull-any distractions in the air or on the ground could mean the end-but if she doesn't find someone she can lean on, she may not make it through the summer. . . .

Romance Byte: RITA Nominee—A Highlander's Homecoming

Author: Melissa Mayhue
Series Connection: Daughters of the Glen
ISBN-13: 978-1-4391-4425-1 
Genre: Paranormal/ Fantasy/ Historical/ Contemporary/ Faerie
Publisher: Pocket

Purchase this book here through: Amazon

Description:
SCOTLAND, PRESENT DAY.
When Faerie Magic swept ROBERT MACQUARRIE forward in time, modern medicine saved him from a fatal wound. But he also left behind an unfulfilled vow—to protect his friend’s young daughter, Isabella. Haunted by guilt for over a decade, he leaps at the chance to go back and keep that vow. The magic of the Fae works in its own mysterious ways, however.

SCOTLAND, 1292.
ISABELLA MACGAHAN has reluctantly chosen a lonely existence, scorned for her Faerie blood and uncontrollable power. When she’s caught in a conflict between clans, a pawn in the struggle for power and land, her only option is to trust a handsome stranger. One who swears he was charged with her safety a full twenty years before... although the deluded man seems little older than she is.
No one is safe when Mortal schemes and Faerie magic push Robbie and Isabella to confront their worst fears. Will the magic demand the ultimateprice from them both—or will they find their true homecoming in each other’s arms?

Romance Bite: RITA Nominee—Enemy Within

Author: Marcella Burnard 
ISBN: 978-0425236857
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance
Publisher: Berkley Trade


Purchase this book here through: Amazon

Description:
After a stint in an alien prison torpedoes her military career, Captain Ari Idylle has to wonder why she even bothered to survive. Stripped of her command and banished to her father's scientific expedition to finish a PhD she doesn't want, Ari never planned to languish quietly behind a desk. But when pirates commandeer her father's ship, Ari once again becomes a prisoner.

Pirate leader Cullin Seaghdh may not be who he pretends to be but as far as Cullin is concerned, the same goes for Ari. Her past imprisonment puts her dead center in Cullin's sights and if she hasn't been brainwashed and returned as a spy, then he's convinced she must be part of a traitorous alliance endangering billions of lives. Cullin can't afford the desire she fires within him and he'll stop at nothing, including destroying her, to uncover the truth.

Romance Byte: Dangerous Diamonds

Author: Madeline Hunter
Series Connection: The Rarest Blooms #4
ISBN-10: 0515149349
ISBN-13: 978-0515149340

Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Jove Books

Purchase this book here through: Amazon

Description:
The Duke of Castleford has been so bad for so long that scandal can’t be bothered to rise up around him anymore. To alleviate the boredom of his privileged life, he occupies himself with drinking and whoring, not to mention the occasional duel. When something piques his interest, however, he has been known to emerge from his ennui and employ his considerable mental faculties to finding answers to the questions that fascinate him.

When Daphne Joyes rejects this notorious hedonist’s seduction, she assumes that he will forget about her and continue on his path to hell. Instead her beauty, grace and formidable composure captivate him, and she becomes one of those fascinations to him. That he intends to have her, and soon, is actually the least of the dangers that his pursuit of her presents. More troublesome is his interest in her past and her history, and the way he keeps poking his nose into the secrets behind the distant relative’s bequest that gave him ownership of the property where she lives.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Romance News and Notes: Contest Alert

Sylvia Day's Renegade Angels Contest

To celebrate her upcoming launch of the Renegade Angels trilogy, Sylvia Day is hosting a special contest. The prize is a 16 x12 print of the cover of A Touch of Crimson, signed by the artist Tony Mauro. A Touch of Crimson is the first book in the trilogy. Contest is good through June 30, 2011.



Look here for details.

Description of the first book Due out Oct. 4, 2011:
Can a love that transcends death survive a war between angels, vampires, and lycans?

Adrian Mitchell is an angel of immense power and insatiable desire. Leading an elite Special Ops unit of the Seraphim, his task is to punish the Fallen—angels who have become vampires—and command a restless pack of indentured lycans.

But Adrian has suffered his own punishment for becoming involved with mortals—losing the woman he loves again and again. Now, after nearly two hundred years, he has found her—Shadoe, her soul once more inhabiting a new body with no memory of him. Only this time he won’t let her go.

With no memory of her past as Shadoe, Lindsay Gibson only knows she can’t help being fiercely attracted to the smoldering, seductive male who crosses her path. Swept into a dangerous world of tumultuous passion and preternatural conflict, Lindsay is soon caught in the middle between her angel lover, her vampire father, and a full-blown lycan revolt. There’s more at stake than her love and her life—this time she could lose her very soul…

Monday, April 25, 2011

Romance Book Review: How to Date a Werewolf

Author: Rose Pressey
Series Connection: Rylie Cruz Series
ISBN: No # available
Genre: Paranormal/ Werewolf/ Shifter/ Contemporary Romance

Purchase this book here through: Amazon

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Rylie is having a real bad day when she meets her new neighbor sexy, handsome psychiatrist, Jack. Being a werewolf is already strange, but things get really strange when one of her clients gets a little upset after a failed romance and begins picketing outside Rylie's office. Then there are the nasty little presents and letters she receives. Two smelly werewolves that try to kidnap her and the goon that crashes down her door.

All she wants is to spend a little time with the cute neighbor before the family curse takes over and she loses her chance with Jack for good.

The is a fun spirited story. Rylie's character is strong, fun and amazing soft hearted, even when she thinks she's been stalked by her client. Readers will get a chuckle out of the antics, while seeing another side of New Orleans that dwell on the streets of the French Quarter.

Description:
Romance can be a hairy business-especially when you’re a werewolf.

As the owner of Got a Mate Dating Service, Rylie is more than happy to step in and lend a hand to lonely lycanthropic hearts all over town. No matter how hopeless Rylie might be in finding her own soul mate, she has a knack for helping others find theirs.

Convinced that she is stuck with a family curse, Rylie is positive she will never find her true love. But when drool-worthy Jack Chandler shows up at her door, Rylie wonders if maybe the curse is finally broken.

But Rylie’s life is about to become complicated courtesy of the after-dark crowd. When she begins receiving strange notes and harassment from a jilted client, events careen out of control.

Jack knows she’s more hassle than he can handle. What he doesn’t know is whether she’s seriously in trouble . . . or simply delusional.

More coming soon in the Rylie Cruz Series:
How to Date a Vampire (Rylie  Cruz Series, Book 2)
How to Date a Demon (Rylie Cruz Series, Book 3)

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Romance Book Review: Trading Up

Author: Brindle Chase
ISBN: 978-1-926930-26-8
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Breathless Press

Purchase this book here through: Amazon

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

The storyline of this book seemed to have disaster written all over it in the beginning. Heather's sister is ready to let the perfect man go, but Heather can't understand why she would want to. Everything about Mark seemed like Mr. Right. Mr. Right for Heather is not necessarily Mr. Right for her sister. So sis devises a plan. If the plan works, Heather could have the man of her dreams, or she could lose Mr. Right forever.

This is a quick hot and steamy read with some really great sexy scenes. Definitely a read if you like erotic romance.

Description:
Heather adores her flighty sister's boyfriend, Mark. He's Mr. Right, and her sister is about to let him go. He's a catch, and Heather's only chance is to play out her sister's insane and wicked plan to switch in the dark. If she fails, she'll lose him to the throng of girls waiting in the wings. It's a winner takes all arena and seduction is the game.

Warning: Erotic content. Explicit M/F sexual depictions, including oral sex.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Romance Book Review: Agonizing Love:The Golden Era of Romance Comics

Author: Michael Barson
ISBN: 978-0061807343
Genre: Golden age romance comics
Publisher: Harper Design
Release Date: May 10, 2011

Purchase this book here through: Amazon

This book was passed on to me a little early from publication. Not my standard romance, but once I started reading it was hard to put down. The commentary was interesting and amusing. The comics from the past were fun to read.

I swear that some of those comics were written to brain wash women into believing that after marriage they should want to stay home, and cook and sew for their man. It was such a sign of the times.

For those who like love stories, this is a great cocktail table book with full original comics from the golden age and covers of the brand names of those times.

Description:
Return to the tear-stained, melodramatic heyday of romance comics in this fantastic anthology of the genre's best stories, covers, advice columns, and more! In a valentine to a bygone era, perfect for fans of modern love stories, Archie comics, and series like Strangers in Paradise, pop-culture expert Michael Barson celebrates the stories that captivated the American imagination during the 1950s and 1960s. Readers of books like From Girls to Grrrlz: A History of Female Comics From Teens to Zines will be captivated by this one-of-a-kind look at four-color female portrayals, while collectors of the history of Golden Age comics will be entranced by crucial stories from Fawcett, Marvel, DC, and many more comics publishing giants. Above all, however, the indelible pathos at the heart of every Agonizing Love story makes Barson’s collection more than a pop-culture artifact; it’s also an unforgettable look into the heart of true romance.

Agonizing Love is a rich anthology of those legendary romance comic books that once filled newsstands to overflowing during their heyday in the 1940s and '50s. "I Craved His Kisses," "With Hate in My Heart," "Kisses Came Second," "Flame of Jealousy," "Was I a Wicked Wife?": these stories are just a taste of the absolutely riveting dramas that play out in the sob-racked pages of this evocative collection. Agonizing Love—is there any other kind?—runs the narrative gamut from honeymoon to heartbreak, first love to total loss, marital bliss to marriage hell, and all the stops in between. Throughout these colorful pages you will find a diverse selection of cover art and stories enhanced by a plethora of engaging quizzes ("Are You Ready for Marriage?"), confessional letters from readers, informative articles, tips on choosing the right man (or getting rid of the wrong one!), and oh, so much more!

Compiled and with witty, informative commentary by pop-culture expert Michael Barson, Agonizing Love is an irresistible treasure trove sure to please comic-book lovers, soap-opera fans, and die-hard romantics who could use a good slap in the face. This is a heartfelt, often tear-drenched valentine to a long lost—but never to be forgotten—era.About the Author:
Michael Barson is the author of more than a dozen books that celebrate popular culture. His work has appeared in the pages of Entertainment Weekly, Premiere, American Film, and AMC magazine, among other publications. His books and postcard anthologies include Lost, Lonely & Vicious, Born to Be Bad, Teenage Confidential, True West, and Red Scared! He lives in suburban New Jersey with his wife of twenty-six years who hasn't stopped weeping since tying the knot. They have three boys, none of whom has a clue about love or romance—yet.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Romance Book Review: The Chase

Author: Erin McCarthy
Series Connection: Fast Track
ISBN: 978-0425240144
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Berkley

Purchase this book here through: Amazon

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

As usual with a series it is always good to read all of the before books so you have an idea who the players are and how they fit in with the story. There is also usually some underlining plot that moves from book to book and to keep up with that readers want to keep the books in order to understand what is going on. That being said, there are times when an author has been kind enough to give the readers enough to jump right in as if this was the first book and catch on quickly. This book does that.

The Chase tells the story of Kendall and Evan. Once upon a time Kendall and Evan were an item, but because of a rather stupid misunderstanding the two broke up. Kendall was young and her feelings were easily hurt at the time. Jump ahead 10 years. Kendall is older, wiser and an up and coming female race care driver. Evan is a race car driver too, but he's not doing so well these days.

The conflict between the two is quickly resolved and then all that seems left is the steamy, hot, hot, hot, did I say hot...sex. The book seems to go a little overboard in the sex department, but Erin McCarthy does such a good job there no one should really complain that much.

The part that seemed to go a little weird was a little twist at the end that I wasn't too happy with. I won't say what it is, as not to spoil the book, but it really isn't all that necessary to the storyline.

Of course for me what makes this book is it revolves around the race track. I'm always a sucker for a sexy race care driver. Somehow I kept picturing Evan as Tom Cruise, go figure.

Description:
Kendall Holbrook is determined to make it to the top, even with the challenge of being a woman on the male-dominated racing circuit. She doesn’t have time for romance- especially not with racing rival Evan Monroe, the man who nearly crushed her dreams years ago. Forced into meeting up with him, Kendall is experiencing all those old feelings again- and she can’t deny that they still have more than enough chemistry to set fire to the track.

After getting dropped by his biggest sponsor, Evan is watching his racing season go up in flames. Now, the only replacement available is completely humiliating: a co-sponsorship for his-and-her deodorant with Kendall Holbrook- the girl who once broke his heart. Acting like Kendall doesn’t still get him all hot and bothered is bad enough, but the biggest challenge awaits him on the track- where Evan has to decide if a second chance at love is more important than making it to the finish line…

Romance Byte: Taken By the Prince

Author: Christina Dodd
ISBN: 978-0451413048
Genre: Historical
Publisher: Signet Select 


Purchase this book here through: Amazon

Description:
Lovely Victoria Cardiff is very prim, very strict, very sure that England is the only civilized place in the world.

She’s about to find out she’s right.

Only Victoria knows the truth about dashing, dissolute, dangerous Saber Lawrence—that he is a renegade prince plotting to seize control of his country. To ensure her silence, Saber kidnaps Victoria and carries her away to his castle deep in the woods. There they hide the truth about their past: a glittering ball, angry words, a passionate kiss. He vows to vanquish her reserve … but soon finds an English governess is not so easily seduced …

Between persuasion and passion, they realize that only together can they defeat the enemies determined to destroy them. But will Saber discover too late that a woman’s heart is a treasure more priceless than any kingdom?

Friday, April 15, 2011

Romance Book Review: The O'Brien Way

Author: Carol Lynne
Series Connection: Cattle Valley Series
ISBN eBook: 978-0-85715-371-5
Genre: Contemporary/ Gay MM
Publisher: Total-E-Bound



Purchase this book here through: Amazon

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

I realized after searching around I missed the publishers website I missed on the Cattle Valley series, so I picked it up and read through it last night. In many of the previous books there has been mention of Taco Tuesday at O'Brien's Pub. In The O'Brien Way, Carol Lynn explores the story of Sean O'Brien and his past, as well as his future with one of his waiters Moby.

Sean moved to Cattle Valley from Boston to open his own part of the family business. After one failed relationship in Cattle Valley behind him, Sean is a little worried about getting involved with sexy Moby, but can't resist the one time male stripper. Sean's had a tough life without a lot of love and affection from his family. Having his mother, die giving birth to him, leaves him never celebrating his birthday or Christmas.

Moby Haines wants to change that, coming from a family with a father who seemed to hate him, Moby knows a little about what Sean is experiencing. Moby has come back to the Cattle Valley area to take care of his mother after his father dies. He and his mother, Virginia are finally getting a chance to be themselves together and wants Sean to be a part of their lives. But can Sean give up the rules he grew up with and take a chance on a real relationship with Moby and join small family?

Nicely written story about two men learning about relationships and love for the first time in their lives.

One interesting tidbit. There are two different covers going around for this book. If you check out the Cattle Valley (fictional) website there is a page with pictures of all the residents. One of the covers has a picture with Sean O'Brien and Moby Haines (or at least a model who is not listed on the site.) The other book cover has a picture of Sean O'Brien and a man with glasses who is the character photo of Ryan Bronwyn who was the first man Sean had a relationship with in Cattle Valley. Couldn't find anything written about how this came about, but I'm sure there is an interesting story behind it.

Description:
As one of the premier dancers in the hottest all male strip show in Vegas, William “Moby” Haines had it all, men, money and freedom. When he was called home to Sheridan, Wyoming to care for his ailing mother, Moby’s life drastically changed. Gone were the nights of screaming fans and eager to please one night stands. His life became a series of low-paying jobs and escalating medical bills.

Moby’s luck turned the day he read an ad in the morning paper for a waiter and barback at O’Brien’s Pub. Although a forty-five minute commute to Cattle Valley would mean spending less time with his mother, Moby decided it was his one and only shot at a tolerable life in Wyoming.

Burned once by the love bug, Sean O’Brien had no interest in traveling down that road anytime soon. Although the customers seemed to love his newest hire, Sean was quickly on the verge of firing the sexy stud. The way Moby allowed customers to treat him was disrespectful. If his newest hire wouldn’t do anything about it Sean would, even if that meant claiming Moby for himself.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Romance Book Review: Navarro's Promise

Author: Lora Leigh
ISBN: 9780425239780
Genre: Paranormal
Publisher: Berkeley

Purchase this book here through: Amazon

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

In Navarro's Promise, readers get to hear the continued plot from the last several book. Technically Navarro is a wolf shifter, but the majority of the book takes place in Sanctuary rather than the Wolf stronghold as in previous Wolf books from the Breed series. It allowed the author to bring the evil scientist, Brandenmore, into the story line.

Navarro has been mentioned in previous books. For years the wolf breed has worked to keep away from Mica, Cassie's best friend. Navarro has never thought he would be able to take a mate because of the type of breed her was. He was trained to be a deceiver, a betrayer.

Brandenmore and his friends are after Mica. They know if they kidnap her, they will be able to get the breeds to do whatever they want. Navarro isn't about to let that happen. He protects her with everything he is, but can he protect her from himself when he takes her for his mate, when he may really not be able to mate at all.

There are some sections in this book that it just leaves me in tears for what Mica has to go through. She is a fabulous, strong heroine character. Perfect for a breed mate. Even Navarro isn't so bad. He paints the picture for the perfect alpha male, even though you want to knock him in the head sometimes.

More of my problem was the scenes with Brandenmore. I can't really go into it without giving away important parts of the story line, but I wish there were times she explained the scenes around the evil scientist more. Those scenes leave the plot with something to be desired.

Mistakes happen. Whether it be by publishers or authors, sometimes they are frustrating and sometimes they go unnoticed. In Lora Leigh's new book Navarro's Promise there a whole scene went missing. It seems it was just an error and although it was obvious that something is missing, it isn't such a big deal.


From Lora Leigh's Blog
Navarro's Promise Error
There appears to be pages/paragraphs missing after page 299 or 300. Lora is aware of the problem and is working on fixing it with the publishers. She’s terribly sorry that this happened. Lora’s readers are very important to her and she’s sick that you’ve been so disappointed.
Thank you.
Helen


While this is unfortunate it doesn't really change my mind about the book. I like the breed series and hopefully some of the answers will be given in the next book.

Description:
In the wolf breed novel, NAVARRO’S PROMISE, Mica Toler’s best friend is the wolf/coyote hybrid breed, Cassie Sinclair. And now Mica is being drawn into her world in ways she had prayed she never would be when the charming wolf breed Navarro makes good on the promise he made her on a dark, explosive night.

The Breeds guaranteed that no harm would come to Micah Toler but they never allowed for her sensual fascination with Navarro Blaine. Aloof, cool, and mysterious, he draws her in as no man ever has. But Micah never wanted this. She had her own dreams, her own desires, and being stalked and seduced by a wolf breed wasn’t part of that plan.

Now she knows her life is in danger. What Navarro knows is that she’s his mate and that the breeding and training that created him is being peeled away in his desperation to claim a woman that refuses to be claimed.

He has her body. She craves his touch. And as the breeds converge the past will rise up to haunt Navarro in ways he never expected.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Romance Book Review: Memories of You

Author: Bobbie Cole
ISBN: 9781426891342

Genre: Romantic Suspense/ Romantic Mystery/ Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Carina Press


Purchase this book here through: Amazon

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ½

When Houston Detective Charlie Vargas gets a phone call that sounds exactly like a man she once dated who disappeared over a year ago, she doesn't know what to believe. Especially when that man tells her he's been in an accident and doesn't remember anything but her phone number. As the two work together to dig up clues about the man Charlie thinks this stranger is, she worries he might not be the man she thought he was at all.

Mason is living a life that just doesn't seem right to him. A year ago he was in an accident, but he can't remember who he is. When he looks in the mirror he sees a man he doesn't recognize and it goes far beyond the fact that he can't remember. After the accident his face had to have reconstructive surgery, so he has no idea what he even looked like before.

The only thing he does know is a phone number from his past. He calls the number and when he hears the woman who the number belongs to is a cop, he hopes she can help him fill in the blanks.

Kudos to the author. This book is filled with suspense and mystery that keeps the readers wondering what is truly going on. There is just the right amount of betrayal and secrecy to keep reader guessing. Charlie is a wonderful heroine filled with spirit and the wounded Mason/Seth is willing to ask for help, even though he would rather be the one protecting Charlie.

Description:
Cold case detective Charlie Vargas is searching for a killer-but what she really needs to know is what happened to her lover, who vanished several months ago. When the phone rings and she hears Seth's voice, she's skeptical. He tells her his name is Mason Alridge, and the only thing he remembers after his accident is the number he called...hers.

Mason looks nothing like her former lover, but there's something about his mannerisms, if not his face, that draws Charlie in. As they begin to piece together what few clues and skimpy details they have, Charlie and the man she believes is Seth slowly discover a mutual passion. With the Feds following at a distance and someone trying to kill them, will they live long enough to find out his true identity?

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Romance Book Review: Hunting Human

Author: Amanda E. Alvarez
ISBN: 9781426891434
Genre: Paranormal/ Werewolf/ Suspense/ Shifter
Publisher: Carina

Purchase the book here through: Amazon

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Backpacking through Europe with her best friend, Beth never thought she would run into her worst nightmare. Two years later she is finally ready to settle down. She meets a handsome man, Braden, and hopes that she can find a way toward a semi-normal life.

All that changes when her nightmare tracks her down and not only does the past collide with the future, but it brings back all the horrors she once lived with.

Now she is once again fearing for her life and the ones she cares most about.

There is so much more to Braden then Beth knows and when she finds out that he's part of the same nightmare she lived with two years back, she has no idea who to trust. She has no choice but to tell him and his family the truth of her past and hope they can help her when her past catches up with her.

I'm always excited to see new story with the werewolf theme. Now that the shifter genre has been popular for a while, authors are getting more imaginative. In Amanda E. Alvarez, world Beth is just learning that as with human, there are good and evil. While learning to live with her own consequences of her first meeting with werewolves, she also must face the most evil werewolf there is. The whole book shows the good and evil theme, with two conflicting families and their differences.

While the story finishes up the story between Braden and Beth at the end it does provide an opening for other books for a series. The supporting characters, including other members of the Edwards' family would make great sequel characters and I'm looking forward to meeting them.

Well written with a good plot this is definitely one to put on your reading list if you like paranormal and romantic suspense books.

Description:
For two years, Beth Williams has run from the past-and the beast that dwells inside her. She is haunted by memories of being kidnapped and the savage attack that killed her best friend. Now Beth finally thinks she's ready to move on...with Braden Edwards, a charming, irresistibly sexy man who tempts Beth to embrace the present.

But the past lurks closer than Beth realizes. Markko Bolvek, one of the werewolves who kidnapped her, has tracked her to Portland, Oregon, his pursuit fueled by a hunger for vengeance. Only Braden, a werewolf himself, senses the danger shadowing her steps. The Edwards and Bolveks have been enemies for centuries-and despite the instant connection he feels with Beth, Braden isn't sure which side of the war she's on.

With suspicion at odds with their attraction, Beth and Braden must learn to trust one another to stop Markko for good. Can Beth accept the wolf within-and love a man who embodies everything she fears?

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Romance Book Review: Las Vegas

Author: Demi Alex
ISBN: 978-1-60735-248-8
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance/ Ménage

Publisher: Resplendence Publishing

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Angel finds herself in Las Vegas with no money after a failed attempt to fulfill her grandmother's dying wish. She heads into a pub where she meets three men with an interesting proposition for her. All she has to do is dance for them for an evening and they will help her get to France with her grandmother's ashes. Seems simple enough except after meeting these three handsome men, Angel knows that she wants to do more than just a platonic dance.

This first person account of a fun filled couple of days in Vegas, is a quick read and while maybe not for everyone, as it has a three men and one woman theme, the writing is excellent. The sex scenes are more than steamy and while probably not a smart move on Angel's part a girl can dream that three rich, charming men with a Irish brogue would find her irresistible and live happily ever after, can't she?

Description:
Determined to spread her grandmother’s ashes from the top of the Eiffel Tower, Angel embarks on a cross-country trip to Las Vegas. It’s not France, but it’s all her budget will allow. Too bad the screened observation deck hinders her plans, and when she attempts to slip her hands past the wire, the local authorities cuff her wrists.

With the last of her money used to pay fines and court fees, a complimentary food voucher leads her to a casino pub for a bite to eat. There, a late night proposition arises. Baring her breasts for a bit of cash seems simple enough, but three intriguing strangers change the odds and raise the stakes.

Angel discovers she doesn’t need Lady Luck when she’s got the Luck of the Irish. Laying all her cards on the table, she bets on a passionate night with Liam, Brody and Ryan. But come morning, the guys up the ante. The jackpot is tempting, but staying with the three men is the greatest gamble of her life and requires that she go all in.

Will Angel fold and leave Las Vegas as she arrived? Or will she add her heart to the pot and meet their ante?

Note: Ménage Erotic Romance with Strong Sexual Content, Graphic Language, and Explicit Descriptions of Intimacy including Anal Play and Intercourse with Multiple Partners.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Romance Book Review: Gypsy Moon

Author: Dahlia Rose
ISBN: 9781936387281
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Interracial
Published By: OmniLit / All Romance eBooks, LLC

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Nadria's grandmother told her that one day she would meet a man with blue eyes who would love her, even though Nadria no longer believed in love.

She never forgot what her grandmother said, but never met that man either, until one night when she was performing at a dance and the man with the blue eyes found her.

Logan knows that Nadira is a little cynical when it comes to matters of the heart, but he's sure that if he is patient he can get her to fall in love with him and be his one and only.

Nadira has trouble believing in her fast moving relationship with Logan. This quick read was well written without going overboard on Nadira's problems with her past.

Description:
Don’t shy away from love, it will find you anywhere...

Nadira Webb remembers her grandmother’s words when she meets the gaze of a sexy soldier across the ballroom floor. The instant their eyes connect she feels an undeniable, sizzling attraction.

Major Logan Ross sweeps Nadira off her feet and into a whirlwind romance. Every moment together is filled with sensual caresses, every second apart an intense yearning so fierce it leaves both of them breathless.

Will old fears and past memories make Nadira run away, or will she stand her ground and let love run its course?

Romance Series Review: Were Chronicles

Author: Crissy Smith
Books: Pack Alpha, Pack Enforcer, Pack Territory, Pack Rogue
Genre: Werewolf/ Shifter/ Paranormal/ Romance
Publisher: Total-e-bound

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ½

Crissy Smith began her Were-world with her first book, Pack Alpha, in 2009 and has steady kept her theme and story line consistent through four books. Each book is set in a different pack, and new hero and heroine are introduced.

In Pack Alpha readers meet Marissa and Gage. Marissa is a were who can feel her wolf, but for some reason she can't shift. Being kicked out of her former pack because she was different Marissa is forced to live a solitary life without her family or her pack.

Now she is set to attend her sister's mating ceremony in another pack and meets the pack's alpha Gage.

Gage has never been attracted to another female before. Immediately the two become intimate, but Marissa only wants to protect Gage, so she tries to leave. Gage can't let her go.

This is such an emotionally driven book, so have some tissues close by. Pack Alpha sets the scene for the world Crissy Smith has created in the rest of her books. It gives the readers a chance to learn the rules these character's of all the books live by.

Book number 2 tells the story of Pack Enforcer Cain who has loved Emily for a long time. When Emily was 18, she made her feelings clear to Cain, but Cain stopped the two from mating. Ever since then, Cain has kept as far away from Emily as possible.

When a threat to the were's female community brings Emily home from college, she once again lets her feelings known to Cain and Cain can't keeps himself away from Emily. When Cain feels he's been betrayed his behavior makes it clear to his Alpha father that Cain and Emily's attraction is more than just an attraction, but true-mates.

While Cain continues to search for the rogue who is killing the were females, Emily is struggling with the idea of giving up completing her college degree. This book is well written with more of a mystery theme to the story while Cain works to try and figure out who the rogue is.

In Pack Territory, Adam is a new alpha dealing with a lot in his life. His father is depressed and hasn't been able to come to terms with what he perceives as a failure. Adam is busy learning the ropes, when one of his pack members comes to him for help.

Tasha's sister, Crystal, is a non-shifter, like Marissa in book 1. Feeling as she doesn't belong, Crystal runs away to the city. The only thing she can think to do is ask Adam, her alpha, for help. Adam and Tasha go to the city to find Crystal and with help from Cain, is able to save Crystal from the worst.

That's not the end of the story. Thinking that Marissa can help Crystal, Adam takes Tasha and Crystal to talk with Marissa. That just happens to be where Adam's father is staying. While there, Adam explores his new relationship with Tasha, hoping to make her his mate, and also has to deal with his father.

Pack Rogue is the current book in the series, just released last month. This book introduces two new packs to the series as well as opens the door to future books with the knowledge that there are other shifters, as well as vampires and witches in the world Crissy Smith created.

The heroine in this story is Kiley. Before the current alpha, Tyler, took over the pack, Kiley was treated very badly by the pack and has decided she doesn't really want to have anything to do with a pack. While she is considered a rogue because she refused to join the new pack under Tyler, Tyler has still kept an eye on her and even given her odd jobs from time to time.

When Tyler calls her back to pack territory because he has a job for her, Kiley hesitantly goes to see what he wants. The minute she walks in the room she knows that her true mate is one of Tyler's guests.

Austin has come to visit his friend to listen to a pack liaison talk about whether or not the werewolves should come out to the human world. The only problem is someone doesn't want this to happen and is making threats against the packs. While Austin deals with his new mate and her issues against belonging to a pack, he has to make the right decision for his small pack about telling the rest of the world about weres.

The series it self is relatively a quick read. The heroes are dominant alphas and the heroines are more than strong enough to take them and everyone else on if they need to. That is the best part of these books. While the alphas try to make clear that the women should remain submissive to them, the women make it just as clear that that won't be happening.

Description:
Were Chronicles 01 – Pack Alpha
Marissa Boyd finds herself drawn into a world she can never be a part of, complete with an Alpha wolf who takes whatever he wants. And he wants her. Marissa Boyd knows, as a non-shifter, she doesn't belong in Pack territory. She braves a visit to attend her sister's mating ceremony and meets the shifter who will change her entire life and beliefs.

Gage Wolf knows Marissa is hiding a pained past. As Alpha, he must do whatever it takes to protect his pack, and he considers Marissa a part of that group. Making her his is just an added benefit. When Marissa's old lover tries to claim her for his own, Gage knows he will never let her go and sets out to prove that to everyone else. Now he just has to make her understand that she belongs with the pack and to the Pack Alpha.

Were Chronicles 02 – Pack Enforcer

Enforcing his control never felt better.

As Enforcer for his Pack, Cain is used to people listening to him and following his orders without question. The only one to ever challenge him is Emily. Emily is good at pushing his buttons and making him want things he has no business wanting.

Emily has loved Cain all her life, but he denied her years ago. The two are thrown together when Emily returns home because of terrible attacks on Pack females. The sexual tension between the pair is explosive. No one is safe when this alpha male and strong female get together.

Were Chronicles 03 – Pack Territory

Adam White is the new Alpha in his territory but Tasha Johnson may the one in charge. As new Alpha of his territory, Adam White has his hands full. He must make the transition to his new role as smooth as possible, which is easier said than done. His father's mental state is worrisome, a teenage girl has run away, and the woman of his dreams is helping with the search.

Tasha knows the last thing the new Alpha needs is to look for her missing sister. Desperate, she goes to him and asks for his help anyway. As they leave their territory behind and travel to the city, she has more than just her runaway sister on her mind. Adam has taken a hold of her thoughts and fantasies. With so much happening around them, can two fated mates find one another and leave the world behind? If only for a few stolen erotic moments.

Were Chronicles 04 – Pack Rogue

The Rogue meets the Alpha… and their worlds explode.

Rogue Kiley Palmer doesn’t have a pack. Although deep down, she does want to be part of one, she tries to convince herself she doesn’t need pack life. But that all changes when she meets her new mate… an Alpha.

Austin Winters is visiting a friend when he runs into the one person he never thought he would find — his mate. Convincing Kiley she wants him? Not nearly as difficult as getting her to accept her position in his pack...

Friday, April 1, 2011

Romance Byte: Pampering Jessica

Author: Tessie Bradford
ISBN: 978-1-60735-268-6

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Publisher: Resplendence Publishing

Description:     
David has been planning Jessica’s birthday weekend for months. His wife of almost twenty-five years is having issues with turning fifty, and he vows to do everything in his power to remind her how incredible she is and how much he loves her. 

Jessica’s birthday wish is to spend quality alone time with the man of her dreams—her husband. When David presents her with a gold gift bag full of sensual surprises, Jessica is more than eager to enjoy every one of them. What she doesn’t realize is that her husband has much more in store for her special celebration.

About the author from the Resplendence website:
Tessie Bradford lives in Michigan with her husband of twenty two years, two rescued pit bulls, a geriatric cat and a freakishly personality filled Parrot fish named Fred. When her youngest went off to college, she knew that the time was right to pursue her passion for writing with the same fervor that her characters pursue their passion for each other.

E-mail:
www.tessiebradford@yahoo.com

Website:
www.tessiebradford.com

Romance Book Review: Santana's Heat

Author: Kitty DuCane
ISBN: 978-1-60737-974-4
Genre: Werewolf/ Paranormal/ Shifter/ Romantic Suspense/ Erotic Romance/ BDSM
Publisher: Loose-id Publishing

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

When Luc finds a woman in his barn with his prize horse he is not exactly happy about meeting his true-mate at this time in his life. As head of the North American werewolf packs, Luc knows that having a mate now would be a bad idea. Someone is out to kill him and he doesn't think he has any chance of keeping a mate safe, especially a human mate.

Fortunately, Santana is not just any human. Growing up on the streets since she was 10 years old makes Santana strong and cunning. Strong enough to hold her own in a fight, even against Luc. She doesn't fight fair, which has always been to her advantage. She has no idea why someone is out to kill her and she's afraid that if she tells anyone that a wolf-man tried before jumping into the frozen river they would call her insane.

Luc and Santana are attracted to each other from the start and can hardly keep their hands off of each other. The fiery sex scenes are wild and untamed. There are a few BDSM scenes throughout the book, that some people may find objectionable. The suspense and mystery part of the story keep readers guessing until the end. The person who wants the lovers dead and the motive aren't really revealed until the last few pages. I would have like to have seen a few more clues throughout the story, but otherwise it was a good read with good story line.

Description:
Santana Jones barely escaped from the man-turned-wolf that attacked her during a camping trip that she'd won from a local radio station. But the radio station didn't have a contest and she didn't win. Then she meets Luc who thinks he can detain her while he figures out this so called mystery. Because of her past, allowing Luc to control her is out of the question even if he is the sexiest thing she's ever seen and she can barely keep her hands off him.

Luc Delemere, the powerful leader of the North American werewolves, didn't want a mate because her life would constantly be in danger. But when a bedraggled human crawls out of the icy river, and stumbles into his barn, Luc finds it impossible to resist his sensual, but stubborn mate. The claw marks on her body confirm she was attacked by a werewolf, but Luc wants to know who lured her to his land and why.

When Santana receives a note that says Leave or Luc Dies, she betrays Luc to save his life.

Can Luc untangle a web of lies and betrayal to find his mate before the assassin does?