Romance Book Review: With Abandon

Author: JL Lanley
Series Connection: With or Without
ISBN: 9781609282653
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ M-M/ Erotic Romance/ Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Samhain Publishing

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I'm a little behind the ball on this one. I waited so long for another of JL Langley's With or Without series that I completely missed when With Abandon came out in March.

When we first meet Aubrey and Matt in Without Reservation, (Chay and Keaton's) Aubrey is basically the bad guy turned hero and Matt is a kid working for Jake and Rhy. Aubrey has a lot of secrets and a plan for his life. His parents need him to get married and have some children, his pack needs him to be a strong leader and his co-works need him not to be gay.

Everything comes to a head when Matt comes to Georgia to attend college. Although the two have never met in person, Aubrey invites Matt to stay with him while he attends school. Once the two meet the fireworks start. Aubrey can't believe that he has a male mate. He's hidden his sexuality for so long and for good reason, and now this. He knows he has to let Matt go, but can he do it before Matt gets hurt.

Matt needed to go away to college and get away from the responsibility of taking care of his eight younger brothers. Going to school in Georgia is going to be a great new experience. He can't believe when he gets off the plane that the first person he meets seems to be his mate and its a girl? Even worse she's engaged to the man who he's befriended and is giving his a place to stay.

Matt has known he was gay and hoped for a male mate. When he finds out his mistake and meets his true mate that isn't much better, since his mate isn't gay. Or so he thinks. And then there's the little problem that someone wants to hurt him.

This won't be my favorite book in the With or Without series. The leads are polar opposites and separately were great characters, just something seemed to be missing. I expected there to be more comic moments about Matt's sense of style like in the previous stories with him. I liked meeting more of Matt's family and hope to see a story for Logan in the future and maybe more insight about Matt's dad and his best friend Bambi.

Description:
Love was never part of his plan…until it pounced.

As heir to an old and proud heritage, Aubrey Reynolds works and lives for his family, his employees and his pack. Agreeing to watch after a visiting werewolf is no big deal—until he discovers the newcomer is his mate. His very male mate…which is a very big deal, indeed. Revealing his sexuality was never part of Aubrey’s well-ordered life plan.

Much as he loved caring for his eight younger brothers, Matt Mahihkan knows it’s time to grab the opportunity to attend college in Atlanta. Realizing Aubrey is his mate should have been a delightful experience…except Aubrey treats him more like a dirty little secret than a lover. Yet Matt is a patient man. Aubrey can’t stay in the closet forever. Can he?

In time, they settle into a comfortable, if complicated, routine. Until a rogue werewolf with an axe to grind forces Aubrey to add to the wedge of secrets driving him and Matt apart, leaving Matt exposed to danger…and Aubrey forced to choose between love and duty.

Product Warnings
Contains color abuse with a really bad sense of fashion, a southern accent from hell, sex on antique furniture, a pouncing playful werewolf, obnoxious siblings, liberal use of a color identifier and impatient sex. No lightning bugs were harmed in the making of this book.

Romance Book Review: Delaney's Sunrise

Author: Rhonda Lee Carver
Digital ISBN: 9781616502836
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Suspense
Publisher: Lyrical Press

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Five years ago Dee let her dead finance's brother, Abe, chase her away from Delaney Farm. Deciding it is time to move on with her life, Dee goes back to the Farm where she feels at home. The only problem is that no one is welcoming her home. Abe is more than less than welcoming. The new housekeeper didn't like her on site and the next door neighbor wants her to leave because she wants Abe all for herself. Soon the threats are rolling in and Dee doesn't know what the think.

Abe's emotions are all over the place when it comes to Dee. His brother left fifty percent of the farm to a woman he was engaged to for just two months before he died. Then there's the guilt he feels because his feelings for Dee aren't all that brotherly.

Can the couple find a way to learn to trust their feelings and escape the guilt before the threats to Dee turn deadly?

Well written contemporary romance, featuring a strong hero and a heroine who can handle everything he dishes out. Story line emphasises romance between the hero and the heroine more than the suspense factor leading up to the big scene final.

Description:
Five years ago, Dee Crawford's engagement to Jacob Delaney ended in death. Jacob's secrets followed him to his grave--and chased Dee from Delaney's Farm, and from his brother Abe's forbidden embrace. Yet when her own secrets send her back to Ohio and right into Abe Delaney's arms, old guilt comes to light, old passions reignite, and Jacob's secrets return to haunt them with more than just his memory. Someone in town wants Dee gone, and will do anything to stop her from uncovering the truth about her fiance's death. If Dee is to survive, she must expose Jacob's long-buried secrets...and expose her heart to Abe. Only by admitting their love can they ease the guilt that has plagued them for years. But will love be enough to save Dee when the next death on Delaney's Farm may be her own?

Romance Book Review: Lush

Author: Jenika Snow
Series Connection: Luecross Wolf Series: Book 4
ISBN: 978-0-85715-488-0
Genre: Paranormal/ Shifters/ Werewolves/ Erotic Romance/ M-F-M
Publisher: Total-E-Bound

Purchase this book here through Amazon

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Looking for something so hot it might be hotter than the summer temps, then check out Jenika Snow's recent release from the Luecross Wolf series. A friend turned me on to this book stating that this author is one of the best erotic romance writers she's read in a while. 

I have to say I wasn't disappointed in this short story.

In Lush, Jenika Snow tells the story of Ophelia, a young Luecross Wolf who has come into her first heat. Ophelia knows that sex without having something invested into a relationship will only leave her heart broken in the end.

She can't control herself though when the two Luecross Wolves she has been most attracted to tell her they will help ease her pain through the heat. The problem is what happens when the heat is over and they leave her?

Description:
What is Ophelia to do when she comes into her mating heat and is irresistible to every male in her pack?

Ophelia realises she has just come into her mating heat and that she will not be able to resist the arousal that it causes. Being irresistible to every male in her tribe would be any girls dream come true, but when the two men she lusts after the most don't show an interest, Ophelia must decide if she can let her inhibitions go with the other males.

When Chase and Xavier offer to ease Ophelia's fierce arousal, she knows that although she may not be their mate, she can't pass up their offer. She spends a pleasure filled night with the men she has always dreamed about, but when Chase and Xavier announce they have found their mate, Ophelia knows she shouldn't have let her fantasy of being with them cloud reality.

Ophelia must now decide if she can finally let Chase and Xavier go and start her life with another male, or if the temptation to be with them again is too much to resist.

Romance Book Review: Midsummer Night's Steve

Author: Sandra Sookoo
Digital ISBN: 9781616502782
Genre: Romance/ Paranormal/ Tooth Fairy
Publisher: Lyrical Press

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Quirky story line about a woman who always dreamed of having some kind of magic when she moves to a small town that is know for its magic and she is given the task of being the tooth fairy. This is the answer to all of her dreams, until she meets a man who she thinks she could fall in love with. The only problem is he's set out to unveil the magic of the town to the world.

Steve has come back to town to expose the secret that ruined his career months before. He will do anything to save his career, even expose the woman he's attracted to.

Description:
Three months have passed since Steve Compton's last visit to Crystal  Falls. Now he's back, but far from pleased about it. Convinced there  is more in the air than clean living, he's a journalist on the hunt  for a story that'll launch his career into the stratosphere.

Zoe Nickles loves the small-town atmosphere, the people, and most  especially the great hiding places in Crystal Falls. She's heard  rumors about the magical aura in the tiny town, and when her powers  come to fruition one June night, she knows the whispers are true. She's the Tooth Fairy--with a sexy new look!

But there's a problem: a nosy reporter is on Zoe's trail, with just enough street smarts and cynicism to thwart her ability to practice  her newfound skills. Can she convince him Cristal Falls is harmless  before he tells the world about the town's"unique" quality, or will  Steve blab the news, putting Zoe and all the paranormal residents at risk?

My Email Has Been HACKED!!

A couple of days ago I noticed quite a few messages on my email account stating that message I was sending was being sent back to me because of spam.

At first I didn't really realize what was going on. It didn't take long before I found that my email server cut off my account.

Apparently someone had hacked into my email, using my password, sending out some message to a pretty long list of email addresses that didn't accept the mails because it was recognized as spam.

I know this happens all the time, but this is the first time it happened to me. Of course, as soon as I realized what was going on I changed my password. I hope that that will be the end of the problem. Some places on the web recommend that I change my email address, but I really hope that I can avoid that.

I can't even contemplate how much work it would be to make sure my address is changed on all the sites I subscribe to-- like the various author blogs and newsletters. I know some people would feel violated and I might get there, but right now I'm just really pissed.


I'm not sure if the person who hacked my account sent mail to any of those attached to my account, but if so I apologize for any inconvenience. 

I realize this is all part of our like in the Internet age. Having just my email hacked isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things really, considering it could have been a bank account or charging on a credit card. Just as fast as technicians come up with ways to keep hackers out, hackers find a way in.

I could rant for hours, but it won't change anything. For now my email address will stay the same, but please keep watching this blog. If I change my email I will try my best to let everyone know, but I'm afraid some will slip through the tracks and I hate to lose track with all those I've met and kept up with through my adventures in the romance novel industry.

Romance Book Scene: Lawman

Author: Regina Carlysle
Series Connection: High Plains Shifters series
ISBN: 9781419934056
Genre: Paranormal/ Shifter/ Erotic
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Publishing

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In her fifth installment to the High Plain Shifters series Regina Carlysle tells the story of Katalin, sister to Sara. Katalin has special abilities but she doesn't know how to control them. When she becomes angry at her father threatening her sister, she reveals a power to him that she believes causes the death of her mother and gets her and her sister in the hands of those who want to kidnap her.

Now safe, with her sister happily mated, Katalin can only wait until it is her turn with her mate, Gabe.

Gabe is the local sheriff. He knows he's Katalin's mate and he has been paitently waiting for her to control her powers and become his mate, but he realizes that he can help her.

This is truly a story written about the old west in modern day. The style of writing sometimes leaves the reader wondering what time they are living in. Very erotic love scenes between the hero and heroine. The story can be read independently but keeps up with a connecting series and story line.

Description:
In the deep of night she longs for him. Mate, lycan, lover. Her lawman. As Katalin Petrova struggles to control her wild and untamed “gift”, she yearns for the only man who can make her whole. His every touch burns, searing her with unimaginable pleasure. Only her strong, protective lover can tame the wild yearnings of her body and help her claim the power of her ancestors.

While Gabriel Dunham, lycan lieutenant of the Wolf Creek Pack, watches over his intended mate, his patience to claim her nears an end as savage need burns his body. Consumed by unbridled lust, he claims her, takes her, hoping it will be enough to protect Katalin from unseen forces determined to rip her from his arms.

Romance Book Review: Holland Brothers' Series

Determined Mate
Author: Toni Griffin
Series Connection: Holland Brothers
ISBN: 978-1-920484-11-8
Genre: LGBT/ M-M/ Werewolf/ Shifter/ Paranormal
Publisher: Silver Publishing

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The second book in the Holland Brothers' shifter series tells the story of Alpha and oldest brother Alex and his mate Jason.

Jason alone and broken runs to his best friend, Brian (from book 1 in the series) needed a place to land after everything in his life seems to be going wrong. When he gets to Brian's new home he finds his mate there, but Jason isn't so sure this is the right time in his life, especially when that mate is very large Alex.

Alex can't knows he has to be patient and wait for his mate to come to him. He knows that Jason has been hurt and wants to make sure Jason feels safe for him.

Description:
Jason Matthews had been through hell. After being drugged and attacked, being disowned by his parents was just the icing on the cake. All Jason wanted, was to see his best friend again and a place where he could heal. What he didn't expect to find was a tall, tattooed, muscle bound god who claimed to be his mate.

Alex Holland, Alpha of the Leyburn shifter pack, couldn't believe his luck. The sexy little sprite standing at his door is his mate. It soon becomes apparent though that not everything is as it should be.

Alex must learn to curve his Alpha instincts to immediately claim the man as his own. Alex must take things slowly or risk losing his mate forever.

Can Jason learn to trust and love his mate or will the past catch up with them and ruin any chance they have at a future together?

Unexpected Mate 
Author: Toni Griffin
Series Connection: Holland Brothers
ISBN: 978-1-920468-82-8
Genre: LGBT/ M-M/ Werewolf/ Shifter
Publisher: Silver Publishing

Purchase this book here through Amazon

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Marcus has always been the straight son in his family, so he is taken by surprise when he finds his mate is another man. So surprised that he doesn't handle the first meeting all too well.

Brian has been kicked out of his pack and abandoned by his family because of his sexual preference. The last thing he needs is to find a mate that doesn't want him either.


Description:
After being rejected by his parents and kicked out of his pack for being gay, Brian gets in his truck and drives. Breaking down outside small town, Leyburn, Brian never thought he'd meet his mate, let alone have his mate reject him as well because he's straight.

Marcus is shocked by the unexpected appearance of a cute man claiming to be his mate. Marcus can't be gay. He's the sheriff of a small town, and those two things don't go well together. Let alone the fact that all his brothers are gay. Someone needs to get married, settle down and have a family to continue the Holland name.

Can Marcus come to terms with the fact his mate is a man or will he risk loosing Brian forever. However, not everyone in the pack is entirely happy with this mating.

Available in Print:
With this series still going strong Silver Publishing is now offering both of these editions in print.

Romance Book Review: The Not So Secret Baby

Author: Amarinda Jones
ISBN: 978-1-926950-48-8
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Evernight Publishing

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Looking for a hot, hot, hot romance to make you sizzle, here's one to try out. In Amarinda Jones' new The Not So Secret Baby, Izzy finds out she pregnant after a one, or maybe five, night stand with a man who claims to be a prince. She's satisfied with the fact that it was just a one off, but she feels obligated to let the man know he's going to be a father.

When Sinyn finds out he's going to be a father and that Izzy is the mother he's ecstatic. Inviting her to come to his island home to discuss matters is the easy part, convincing Izzy that they should make a go of their relationship is going to take a little more finesse. Can Sinyn convince Izzy to stay with him, especially when not everyone is as happy about their little news as he is?

Very quick perfect for those who like a lot of spice and erotic scenes.

Description:
After a passionate one night stand in her hometown of Cairns, Izzy Mack discovers she’s pregnant. The father? Well, he’s a prince of a small country off the coast of Ireland called Inis Daire. Izzy decides to do the right thing and tell him.

Sinyn Donnelly, the prince of Inis Daire, is thrilled and insists Izzy come to visit. He remembers the Australian woman very well. As for the baby? It was predicted by the local seer that his future bride would come from across the sea and would be carrying his child.

But not everyone is happy. Sinyn’s cousin is next in line to inherit Inis Daire. The only way they can take over the island is if Izzy doesn’t have the baby.

Romance Book Review: Soap Dreams

Author: Stephanie Haefner
Digital ISBN: 9781616502812
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Lyrical Press


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When Robyn spies her ex-boyfriend on the television on a daytime soap opera, she can't help remember her life with him even though he had broken her heart. Now the town wants to host a party for the new rising star and Derek is coming back to town.

Derek knows he made the mistake of his life when he broke Robyn's heart and he desparately wants to make it up to her, but she's happy with her life as a wife and mother, even if all isn't what it should be.

This quick read is a refreshing short story featuring a woman who realizes her life isn't all she thought it would turn into and finds her chance to shine.

Description:
It's never too late to start over.

Robyn Miller is perfectly happy in her immaculate home, playing stay-at-home mom and devoted wife. That is, until she's channel surfing one day and sees her high school sweetheart Derek, acting in a lead role in her favorite old soap. Watching Derek's show becomes her secret pleasure...and brings back memories best forgotten. When Derek's mother throws him a big celebration in town, Robyn tries to avoid seeing him, but ends up in his arms for a dance.

Derek has finally hit the big-time, but he hasn't found happiness. He regrets losing Robyn, and his show's ratings are falling. He longs to get her back in his life--both personally, and as a writer on the show. Those love scenes she used to dream up were Emmy material. Knowing her marriage is a sham, can he convince her to follow her dreams and give the show--and him--a shot?

Nora Roberts' Carnal Innocence runs on Lifetime

Tonight Nora Roberts' Carnal Innocence aired on Lifetime. If you missed it you can see it again on this Sunday when Lifetime does a marathon of all the Nora movies run on Lifetime over the past couple of years.

Now that I've watched several of these Lifetime productions of Nora's movie I know what to expect. There just isn't enough time in two hours to do one of Nora's books justice.

These movies are definitely made for those who read Nora's books. Otherwise, viewers only get to see quick snippets of action scenes and really miss what's happening.

While Nora's Carnal Innocence centered on the romance between Tucker Longstreet and Caroline Waverly, the movie spent more time about the mystery and still so it didn't really do a good job in explaining the reason for the murders, or at least not like Nora did in the movie.

The general idea of the movie is women are dying in Innocence, Mississippi. The one thing they have in common is that they were old girlfriends of Tucker Longstreet, the riches man in town. Tucker becomes interested in Caroline Waverly, a new woman in town who is staying at her grandparent's former home.

Caroline is a concert violinist who came to her grandparent's home town after missing her grandmother's funeral, to rest after a bad relationship.

The women who are killed are found on Caroline's property. Now Caroline might be in danger, Tucker wants to protect her.

A lot of the plot is followed through the movie. The acting is actually not so bad. Tucker's character is played by Colin Egglesfield, from Melrose Place, and although he fits the profile, I was expecting someone a little older looking.

Caroline is played by Gabrielle Anwar, from Burn Notice. I liked her in the role of Caroline, but in the book Caroline, or otherwise known as Caro, was someone who was working on becoming stronger. Someone who was working on standing up to her mother and ex-boyfriend. Caroline in the movie is a lot like her character on Burn Notice. I like the actress in the movie. She was a very natural actress and probably the best actor in the movie.

Della is played by Shirley Jones and I have to say this is not the mother you remember from the Partridge Family. I think they should have colored her hair red like in the book.

Fans of Nora Roberts will definitely want to watch the movie and if you've missed any of the others check out the marathon.

Years ago CBS made a movie from one of Nora's books called Sanctuary. I've been looking around for it but can't seem to find a copy of the DVD. I actually really like the way this book was made into a movie. It would be nice if Lifetime could find that movie and re-release it on their network someday.

Romance Book Review: Her Montana Man

Author: Laurie Paige
Series Connection: Montana Mavericks
ISBN: 9780373310654 (#43)
Category: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Harlequin

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Part of the original Montana Maverick's series featuring the Mayor of Rumor Montana, Pierce Dalton, and his old flame Chelsea Kearns. Pierce calls calls Chelsea to Rumor to help with a murder investigation. As a doctor of forensic medicine, Chelsea helps to find the killer of the town librarian. In the meantime having Chelsea in town helps Pierce to find a way to get back the woman who got away.

Originally published in 2002, Her Montana Man is feeling the stress of time. Some of Pierce's actions, while seemingly a little out dated even for 2002, was really behind the times for today. Otherwise the story line was good. The romance between the couple was strong and the mystery interesting and ongoing.

Description:
A mysterious death had brought Dr. Chelsea Kearns back to Rumor, Montana, an assignment the forensics expert hadn't been savoring. She would have to face Pierce Dalton. Successful businessman. Town mayor. Brother to her best friend. Former lover…

Unable to resist, Chelsea found herself back in Pierce's passionate embrace, picking up where they left off years ago. To boot, she was now pregnant!

Chelsea's life was about to get much more complicated. She tried to keep her news secret. But once the good mayor discovered the truth, he wasn't about to let his happily-ever-after get away from him—again—without a fight!

Romance Byte: Heart of the Highland Wolf

Author: Terry Spear
Series Connection: Werewolf Series Book 7
ISBN-10: 1402245521
ISBN-13: 978-1402245527
Genre: Paranormal/ Fantasy/ Werewolf
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Purchase this book here through Amazon

Description:
Ian McNeill, laird of Argent Castle finds his capital squandered through unwise investments and the wolf clan's home that has been theirs for centuries is in danger of being forfeit for nonpayment of taxes.

When a movie producer contacts him with the notion of using his castle to produce a movie, Ian abhores the idea, but it's his only salvation. Even worse, his people become extras in this epic Highland movie.

But when one American werewolf romance author, Julia Wildthorn, slips into the castle under the guise of being with the movie company, except she is trying to jumpstart her muse with writing a book set in old-world Scotland--specifically about his castle and his people as the characters in her newest book venture--she and Ian tangle.

About the Author from her Website:
Award-winning author of urban fantasy and medieval historical romantic suspense, Heart of the Wolf named in Publishers Weekly's BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR, NOR Reader Choice for BEST PARANORMAL ROMANCE.
 Terry Spear also writes true stories for adult and young adult audiences. She’s a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves and has an MBA from Monmouth University and a Bachelors in Business and Distinguished Military Graduate of West Texas A & M. She also creates award-winning teddy bears, Wilde & Woolly Bears, to include personalized bears designed to commemorate authors’ books. When she’s not writing or making bears, she’s teaching online writing courses.

Romance Book Review: The Quiet Gentleman

Author: Georgette Heyer
ISBN-10: 1402238835
ISBN-13: 978-1402238833
Genre: Regency
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

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This popular Regency Romance was first written in 1951. The author, Georgette Heyer, was considered the first author to set off the craze of historical romance as a genre with Regency as a sub-genre.

The Quiet Gentleman is described in Wikipedia as a "Regency novel set in the spring of 1816, after the Battle of Waterloo, it is the story of the return home of the Seventh Earl of St Erth, who is returning home from his service in the British army to claim his inheritance.

This is an unusual Heyer novel in that the main character is a hero rather than a heroine. It is also one of the Regency novels which incorporates elements of the mystery story as well as the classic romance."

The Quiet Gentleman was re-released on June 1 and is already number 6 on the Amazon best sellers Regency list.

Amazon write that Georgette Heyer wrote over fifty novels, including Regency romances, mysteries, and historical fiction. She was known as the Queen of Regency romance, and was legendary for her research, historical accuracy, and her extraordinary plots and characterizations.

Description:
Less than a hero's welcome...

Returning to his family seat from Waterloo, Gervase Frant, seventh Earl of St Erth, could have expected more enthusiasm for his homecoming. His quiet cousin, stepmother, and young half-brother seem openly disappointed that he survived the wars. And when he begins to fall for his half-brother's sweetheart, his chilly reception goes from unfriendly to positively murderous.

One of Heyer's most suspenseful Regency romances, The Quiet Gentleman combines an ingenious mystery plot with her signature witty style and effervescently engaging characters.

Romance Byte: Wet Heat

Author: Jan Springer
Series Connection: Vampira, Book Three
ISBN: 9781419933516
Genre: Paranormal/ Vampire/ Erotic
Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Description:
Tormented and abused.

As a Blood Slave, Mati Smith craved freedom. After escaping her owners and near death, she was nursed back to health by two sexy Italian male vamps. Realizing she’d fallen in love with them and put their lives in peril, she disappeared into the human world, creating the powerful coven Vampira, where females on the run seek sanctuary and sex with males is forbidden.

Dangerous cravings.

When Mati’s two lovers reconnect their mind link, she craves physical sex like never before. She seeks relief at Vamp’s Bordella, where, under the seductive hands of two pleasure males, she defies Vampira and finds searing satisfaction.

Mind seduction.

Giovanni and Paolo have lured Mati to the bordella in order to claim her. Will she disappear again when she realizes she’s been tricked? Or will she finally submit to the scorching desires the three share? If Gio and Paolo get their way, their long-lost love will be theirs forever.

Romance Byte: Reluctant Vampire

Author: Lynsay Sands
Series Connection: An Argeneau Novel
ISBN: 9780061894596
ISBN10: 0061894591
Genre: Vampire/ Romance
Publisher: Imprint: Avon

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Description:
Readers can’t get enough of Lynsay Sands’ delightfully devilish novels featuring the Argeneau vampire family, and with The Reluctant Vampire, Sands soars to new heights on silken bat wings. The story of a sexy Rogue Hunter forced to babysit a new immortal with a handsome, brooding, millennia-old vampire still devastated over the loss of a lover, The Reluctant Vampire offers heart, humor, and sizzling sensuality in equal measure—hallmarks of the incomparable Lynsay’s bestselling paranormal fiction.

Has this immortal finally met her match?

Rogue hunter Drina Argenis (from the Spanish side of the Argeneau family) has been many things in her years as an immortal, but bodyguard/babysitter to a teenage vampire is something new. There's an incentive, however: the other vampsitter, Harper Stoyan, may be Drina's life mate.

Trouble is, having just lost a life mate, Harper is resigned to being alone. He's completely unprepared when sexy and unpredictable Drina bursts into his life to reignite his passions. Can Drina, with a little matchmaking help from their teen charge, tempt this reluctant vampire to take a chance?

Or will a dangerous, unseen renegade kill Drina and Harper's one chance at happiness?

Romance Byte: You Belong to Me

Author: Karen Rose
ISBN-10: 0451233573
ISBN-13: 978-0451233578
Genre: Romantic Suspense/ Thriller
Publisher: Signet

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Now in Paperback


Description:
Years ago, a young girl was beaten and raped while onlookers did nothing. Now those witnesses are becoming victims themselves…

Baltimore city Homicide Detective JD Fitzpatrick has seen a lot of horrific violence, both as a cop and during his deployment in Afghanistan, but nothing like the trail of tortured bodies that are turning up throughout the city. He’s up against a brutal killer with a very personal vendetta. And now JD is beginning to suspect that his medical examiner may be shielding some crucial evidence linked to the case.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Lucy Trask is intrigued by JD’s compassion, but she isn’t about to mix work with pleasure. Not while there’s a ruthless killer on the loose. And definitely not while she’s keeping a dark secret that could connect her to these vicious killings—and put her next on the killer’s hit list…

Romance Byte: The Soldier

Author: Grace Burrowes
ISBN-10: 140224567X
ISBN-13: 978-1402245671
Genre: Regency/ Historical
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

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Description:
Be among the first to discover rising star Grace Burrowes, whose searing debut, The Heir, captured awards, rave reviews, and a crusade of fans who can't stop talking about it.

Even in the quiet countryside he can find no peace...

His idyllic estate is falling down from neglect and nightmares of war give him no rest. Then Devlin St. Just meets his new neighbor...

Until his beautiful neighbor ignites his imagination...

With her confident manner hiding a devastating secret, his lovely neighbor commands all of his attention, and protecting Emmaline becomes Deviln's most urgent mission.

Romance Book Review: Love Inspired of the Month: The Cowboy's Homecoming

Author: Brenda Minton
ISBN: 9780373876761
Category: Inspirational Romance/ Love Inspired
Publisher: Steeple Hill

Purchase this book here through Amazon

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Beth is finally learning that she isn't the weak woman her ex-husband turned her into. She's returned to her home town to heal. Part of that healing is dealing with her past and taking the step to control her life.

When Beth here's that her childhood friend Jeremy plans to tear down the church her mother loved before her death, Beth decides to has to take a stand and stop Jeremy from tearing down the community loved church and also help him in the long run.

Jeremy came back to town for just one reason, revenge. He can't wait for the chance to tear down the church the he felt let him down. The one thing he didn't count on was the little spitfire his old friend turns into when she hears what his plans on.

Very nicely written story about two wounded people who are working their way away from the past and into the future. It is also the story of a community coming together to help when tragedy strikes. The good will of this community can teach us all about remembering to give, not only when tragedy strikes, but everyday.

Description:
Former bad boy turned cowboy Jeremy Hightree is back in town. And he wants to bulldoze an old broken-down church. Problem is, his old love Beth Bradshaw won't let him. She's got strong memories of that church—and of him—and won't let him destroy it. Then a storm sweeps through town, and Back Street Church is the perfect shelter for townspeople who've lost their homes. As Jeremy and Beth work together to rebuild their community, he realizes that God has led him back home for a reason. And that this cowboy's homecoming just might become permanent….

Romance Byte: Just Like Heaven

Author: Julia Quinn
Series Connection: The Smythe-Smiths
ISBN: 006149190X
ISBN-13: 978-0061491900
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Avon Books

Purchase this book here through Amazon
Watch the Book Trailer

Description:
HONORIA SMYTHE-SMITH IS:
A) a really bad violinist
B) still miffed at being nicknamed "Bug" as a child
C) NOT in love with her older brother's best friend
D) All of the above

MARCUS HOLROYD IS:
A) the Earl of Chatteris
B) regrettably prone to sprained ankles
C) NOT in love with his best friend's younger sister
D) All of the above

TOGETHER THEY:
A) eat quite a bit of chocolate cake
B) survive a deadly fever AND world's worst musical performance
C) fall quite desperately in love.

It's Julia Quinn at her best, so you KNOW the answer is...

D) All of the above


Just Like Heaven is the first book in The Smythe-Smith Quartet.

The Smythe-Smiths have been featured in many of Julia Quinn's books.

Minx
Romancing Mr. Bridgerton
His Kiss
What Happens in London
The Viscount Who Loved Me
An Offer from a Gentleman
36 Valentines (a novella in The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown)

Nora Roberts' classic is a lifetime movie June 13

One of my favorite books by Nora Roberts is finally being turned into a movie. Carnal Innocence will air on Lifetime June 13. The movie will star Gabrielle Anwar (of Cable network USAs Burn Notice) and Colin Egglesfield (currently starring in Something Borrowed in theaters) airs on Lifetime on will air at 8 p.m. 

Carnal Innocence is one of Nora's older books. "A visit to steamy Innocence, Mississippi should be a perfect setting for a summer night," Roberts said in a recent post.

On the same date Lifetime will air eight other Nora Roberts movies along with the Carnal Innocence.

Tribute -- noon
Blue Smoke - 2 pm
Northern Lights -- 4 pm
Carolina Moon -- 6 pm

Then on Sunday, 6/19
Midnight Bayou -- 11 am
Angels Fall -- 1 pm
High Noon -- 3 pm
Montana Sky -- 5 pm
Carnal Innocence -- 7 pm

The book description:
A classical violinist takes a break from her grueling career to return to her family home in the deep South. She runs headlong into charming Tucker Longstreet and a town that doesn’t quite live up to its name.

See the Lifetime website for more information on the movie and cast.  Check out Nora Roberts website for movie news and pictures.

Romance Book Review: Past Destinies

Author: Constance Ruth Clark
Digital ISBN: 9781616502706
Genre: Historical/ Time Travel
Publisher: Lyrical Press

Purchase this book here

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Doug isn't happy with his current life. He wants to find the right woman, get married and have a few children. He lives in the present.

Elizabeth hasn't yet met her soul mate, but she still has hope of meeting him someday, especially after speaking to a gypsy woman who tells her that she will meet him soon. She lives in the past.

It isn't really likely that they will ever meet, except with maybe the help of a old gypsy woman.

I so enjoyed Past Destinies. Right from the beginning I was hooked, but perhaps that was because the author included Hades and Persphone in the prologue. I've been thinking of writing the two into a story for sometime. The story leaves itself open for other unrelated stories to come. I was impressed with Constance Ruth Clark writing style and her imagination. As far as I can see from her website/blog, this is her first book and a nice intro into her writing career.

Description:
One spurned lover, one pissed off horse, and one goddess bent on happy endings.

Elizabeth isn’t interested in anything male unless it's her stallion, Black.  Unfortunately men don’t feel the same about her and she has so much unwanted male attention she disguises herself as one in order to escape it. But one man sees right through her disguise and surprises her with a toe-curling kiss to prove it. Surely he is just like all the others……isn’t he?

Doug isn’t sure why he woke up in 1868, but one thing he can’t deny is the attraction he feels for the spirited blonde he rescued. Until he knows for sure if he’ll return to the future one thing is certain – he needs to keep her out of his thoughts ….. and his bed.

Contents warning; Sappy Sweet Happy Ending.

Romance Byte and Interview: Sherryl Woods—Beach Lane

Author: Sherryl Woods
Series Connection: Chesapeake Shores #7
ISBN 978-0-7783-2989-3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Mira

Purchase this book here through: Amazon

Description:

New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods returns to Chesapeake Shores with a heartfelt story about the healing power of love.

In the close-knit community of Chesapeake Shores, Maryland, Susie O’Brien and Mack Franklin’s “not dating” claim befuddles everyone, especially since the two spend every spare minute together. Susie’s thrilled when their friendship finally heats up. Then, just when happily-ever-after seems within reach, Mack loses the job he loves and Susie faces a devastating diagnosis.

But O’Briens always unite in a crisis. Even her cousin Jess, Susie’s rival for most of their lives, becomes her staunchest supporter—especially when Mack’s former lover comes to town. The stakes are higher than ever before, but Susie’s definitely up to the challenge...as long as Mack’s right there by her side.

Interview with Author Sherryl Woods (Interview from September 2011)

Current Releases:
A Chesapeake Shores Christmas
Honeysuckle Summer
Sweet Tea At Sunrise
Home in Carolina

Author Website: http://www.sherrylwoods.com/

RBS—Tell us a little about yourself.
        
Sherryl— I'm a former journalist who spent a very long time covering the television industry for various newspapers. I split my time between Florida and Virginia, always by the water. . .the Atlantic Ocean is visible from my balcony in Florida and the Potomac River is across the street from my front porch in Virginia. . .and the view's almost exactly the same as it was when I spent my summers in the same house as a kid.
·      
RBS—How old were you when you first decided to sit down and write your first book?
     
Sherryl— Old!! Writing was never in my plans. I loved my job as a journalist. . .until the day I didn't and decided to try some other things. I'd always been a voracious reader, the romance market was taking off and, voila, I jumped in. I'm still astonished that this is what I do, even after over a hundred books.

RBS—What was your first novel ever published, be it e-book or print?
         
Sherryl— My first published novel was Restoring Love, written under my pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. It was released in 1982 from Dell Candlelight Ecstasy. It was actually the second novel I'd written. The first one I wrote, Sand Castles, was published under my Alexandra Kirk pseudonym just a couple of months later in 1982 by Bantam's Circle of Love.           

RBS—It can be difficult to get a book published. Who or what was the greatest encouragement you had during the non-published times?
      
Sherryl— I was extremely fortunate. Both my first and second books were bought and published very soon after I wrote them at a time when the romance genre was really taking off. I had no agent and there was no real networking. Later, when my editor at Dell left and Bantam changed its publishing strategy, I found my fabulous agent, Denise Marcil, who's been a rock through all of the publishing ups and downs. I've worked with her for over 25 years. I think she's believed in me for a lot longer than I believed in myself.

RBS—What is your favorite genre to write? Why?

Sherryl— I love writing romance and women's fiction, because not only am I a firm believer in happily-ever-after, but I like writing stories that are relevant to women's lives. I like showing women that no matter what obstacles they might face, they can survive.

RBS—Tell us about your current release?

Sherryl— My current trilogy of books is a  continuation of the Sweet Magnolias series which focuses on the deep and lasting friendship shared by a group of women in the fictional town of Serenity, SC. In Home in Carolina (April), Sweet Tea at Sunrise (May), and Honeysuckle Summer (June), a younger generation of these friends deal with three tough issues -- betrayal, emotional abuse and physical abuse to reclaim the life and love the deserve.

RBS—Who or what were your influences when you begin to write your newest release?

Sherryl— Home in Carolina was influenced by reader demand for a story for Ty Townsend and Annie Sullivan, who were only teens and best friends in A Slice of Heaven. Readers wanted their story, but I kept saying they were too young. Now they've not only lived a bit, but in Ty's case, perhaps, he's lived a little too much! He's come home with a toddler son, proof of his betrayal of Annie. It's a story of reconciliation and forgiveness.

RBS—What is a typical writing day look like for you?

Sherryl— I'm usually on the computer by 7 or 8 a.m. and write until I finish my page quota for the day. My minimum is ten pages, but the deeper I get into the story, that can come closer to fifteen pages. I'm usually finished by lunchtime. I spend the afternoon answering fan mail, reading proofs and dealing with any PR commitments.

RBS—Do you have a favorite hero from one of your books? What is it about him that makes him stand out?
     
Sherryl— I really don't. In every book I want the hero to be like a real man, flaws and all. I like to see him grow over the course of the book and, of course, to treat the heroine in unexpected ways that demonstrate just how deeply he loves her, even if he hasn't admitted the truth to her . . . or himself.

RBS—Do you have a favorite heroine from one of your books? What is it about her that makes her stand out?
     
Sherryl—Again, I really don't. I like women who are stronger than they realize they are,
who can face adversity and not only survive, but triumph. Often they have a lot of doubts about themselves, but thanks to a hero and their own journey of self-discovery, they finally realize just what they're really capable of accomplishing.

RBS—Who is your favorite author? Did they give you any kind of inspiration in your own writing?
       
Sherryl—There are so many wonderful authors I love and I'm always looking for new ones who write the kind of books I love to read. . .and to write. I love the characters in Carla Neggers' suspense novels, the depth of Susan Wiggs' stories, Robyn Carr's Virgin River series for its sense of community, Maeve Binchy's Irish setting, as well as a southern writer who's new to me -- Patti Callahan Henry.

My other passion is mystery and I have a long list of mystery writers who keep me entertained, including the recently discovered Louise Penny, whose Canada-based series I just devoured. Great characters in those, which is my number one criteria for any good book.

RBS—What's coming up on your book schedule in the next year?
           
Sherryl— The remainer of 2010 and early 2011 are jam-packed for me. I'll be continuing my Chesapeake Shores series with A Chesapeake Shores Christmas, in stores at the end of September. Also this fall there will be reissues of all four of my Rose Cottage Sisters books in two volumes. And in spring 2011, there will be three more Chesapeake Shores
books in April, May and June.