Romance Book Review: Tamaria Soana's Obsession

Author: Tamaria Soana
Digital ISBN: 9781937325213
Genre: Romantic Suspense/ Contemporary
Publisher: Beachwalk Press

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Alex's life seems completely blessed. She has a wonderful husband, a great career as a romance author and great friends. But there is something she doesn't know. Someone is obsessed with her life and wants what Alex has. This person feels that Alex doesn't deserve anything she has.

When Alex decides to start a Twitter account she doesn't realize she is opening herself to the one person she would never want in her life. As time goes by Alex's life becomes even better. Already a best selling author, now she is working on a movie deal for one of her books. She's also made a new friend, one she's met on Twitter and one she doesn't realize doesn't want to be a friend at all.

Interesting story idea, nicely written love scenes are featured in this novella. Although the a little speed up happens in the story line and would have been interesting to see the scene between Alex's husband and her stalker played out, I like this book.

Description:
Is there anywhere safe when you're the object of someone's obsession?

Alexandria Stevens is a New York Times best-selling romance novelist. After she makes a guest appearance on a popular TV talk show, she creates a Twitter account. Within a few short weeks she meets a fan, and they become fast friends…or that's what Alex thinks. When Alex finds herself being stalked, the person she least suspects is her new friend Jillian. What she doesn't know is that Jillian has been obsessed with her for years. She wants everything Alex has, even her husband.

Content Warning: sexual situations, adult language, violence,

Romance Book Review: Shelly Laurenston's Bear Meets Girl

Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series Connection: Pride Series
ISBN: 978-0758265203
Genre: Paranormal/ Shifter/ Action Romance
Publisher: Brava

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Readers finally have a chance to get to know Marcella "Bare Knuckles" Malone in Shelly Laurenston's new Pride Series book Bear Meets Girl. First of all I love the title of the book. Mostly because in no way would I have ever thought of Cella Malone as just a girl. In all the books before this one that we have seen the character she's always fighting with Dee Ann Smith. The silent wolf shifter from the Smith's Southern clan.

Cella was always just considered the thorn in Dee Ann's side. Now we see she has a lot more substance. She's not only a member of an elite group of cats assassins, she also a mother and comes from a large family that takes care of their own. Cella is also a member of the shifter hockey team and very good friends with several characters from earlier books.

The male lead in this story is Detective Lou "Crush" Crushek. Crush is an honest, undercover cop who usually works with the full humans in the department, until he is transferred to the all shifter group. His new partner is none other than Detective Dez MacDermot, from the first book of the pride series, the only full human who works in the shifter department.

Crush is an all out hockey fan, even though he isn't so good at the sport. He meets another former character from the books, Blayne and is introduced to his hockey hero Bo Novikov. His world is just in for a number of changes as he meets, the shifter he wakes up nude with a few nights before and finds out not only is she going to be working with him, but she's also on the hockey time.

Look at all the action that's gone on in this story already and the readers haven't even had a chance to see the couple get together and the background story where humans are kidnapping shifters and hunting them.

Throughout the story there is a lot of wisecracking going on, outright laughable moments and a lot of what readers have become to expect from Shelly Laurenston's books. There of course is a lot of punches thrown and general violence. Shelly Laurenston's definitely has a following of readers who enjoy her style of writing. I'll admit I'm one of them.

I will say I was a little disappointed that we didn't get to see a little more romance in this story. I know that generally these style of characters don't go in for a lot of hearts and roses and I haven't come to expect that in this authors books, but with the title and the idea that Cella is just a little more girly, than say Dee Ann or Dez, I'd hoped for a little more. Otherwise, great action throughout the whole book. It opens the door for future storylines from the back story and I really enjoyed having some of the old characters in this story.

Description:
Lou Crushek is a reasonable, mellow, easygoing kind of guy—especially for a shapeshifting bear. But once someone starts killing the scumbags he works so hard to bust, that really gets under his fur. Especially when that someone is a curvy she -- tiger who's bringing his passion out of hibernation...

Marcella Malone is a member of an elite feline protection unit, and Crush is proving one major pain in her gorgeous tail. The only reason she's joined forces with him is to track down the wealthy human who's got her entire species in his ruthless sights. But there's no denying that beneath that big, burly exterior is a man who knows how to rub her in all the right ways...

Romance Book Review: Kelly Gendron's The Forbidden Claim

Author: Kelly Gendron
ISBN: 9781603107815
Genre: Erotic Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Red Sage

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Many erotic romances are just hot, but this book sizzles. Jinx is on a mission to find a woman from her past. She'll use every means possible, even if she has to kidnap a mass murderer. As an adopted child of free spirited step-parents, Jinx has always wanted to know where she came from. Coming across a picture of a girl she remembers from her childhood, Jinx set out to find her and get the answers she needs.

Her search leads her to a run in with sexy Jed. Jed has his own mission and that is save as many children as possible from human trafficing. He can't believe that Jinx would do something so crazy as to try to kidnap the man he's been trying to get for so long. He has to find out exactly what Jinx is up to, but he can't deny the instant attraction he feels for her.

Jinx knows its something more. The two have a connection and no matter how hard Jed tries to fight it, she's not letting it go.

Well written, great dialog and sex scenes. These two characters jump right off the page. I like an erotic romance that tells a story and the bedroom scenes become part of the story and not the plot.

Description:
US Marshall Jinx Collins is an outspoken, free-spirited, and fearless woman. It’s that same fearlessness, however, that tends to get her into trouble. Jinx questions her life prior to being adopted. When those questions lead her to a murderer who’s about to be transported into the witness protection program, Jinx decides to kidnap him to see if she can uncover the truth.
   
Jed Kane has worked undercover in the human trafficking ring for years. When Jed accepts a job to disguise himself as one of his worst enemies and to take a ride from the correctional facility to a secured location, he certainly had not planned on being abducted by Jinx Collins. Jed’s uncertain as to how he feels about her touchy-feely hands and loose lips-unsure if they irritate him or if they are awakening his badly behaving desires. Jed knows he must first find out what the fanatical little lady wants with a murderer before he can act on whatever he’s feeling.
    
Straight away Jinx is attracted to the resilient and enticing Jed Kane-the only man who hasn’t backed down from her candor. While Jinx discovers that the questionable criminal may be able to assist her in finding out the truth about her past, Jed vows to save Jinx from her daring self. Once Jinx starts to understand what Jed feels for her-he wants to own her-she demands that he succumb to the raging frenzy. Jed allows himself to seduce her body, submitting himself to that dominant need. But haunted by a world of unlawful ownership, Jed forbids his cold heart to stake its dangerous claim on Jinx Collins.
    
Locked away in a dark basement, a little boy is waiting to be rescued-and Jinx’s past holds the key to his prison. If Jinx can finally find the truth which holds her fears, and if Jed can forgive himself for his past, then not only might they be able to save the boy, but they might also discover that their carnal desires really derive from their own prison… an inescapable prison of love.

Romance Book Review: Annie Nicholas' Omegas In Love

Author: Annie Nicholas
Series: The Vanguards Book 4
ISBN: 9781616503604
Genre: Erotic Romance/ Paranormal/ Shifter
Publisher: Lyrical Press

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Looking to celebrate with his mate and ask her to marry him, Tyler takes Katrina to Chinatown for lunch only to have his proposal interrupted by Katrina's past catching up with her. As a young shifter, Katrina's parents sold her to Chen, a Chinese shifter looking for a pure-breed shifter to breed with. Held prisoner Katrina finally escapes and makes a new life in Chicago where she meets Tyler. Now Chen wants her back and attacks her new pack to achieve his goal.

Tyler has never been the warrior type, but he will do anything to get Katrina back in his arms.

This novella packs in a lot of punch and adds to the continuation of the series. The books should be read with the rest of the series to keep up with the numerous characters.

Description:

Some things are best to forget. But what if the past won't be forgotten?

Born in China of a pure shifter bloodline, Katrina was raised with only one purpose--to breed. Abused by her alpha, she runs away to America as soon as she can. With a new pack and her true mate, she thinks the nightmare is behind her, but when she is abducted on the streets of Chinatown, Katrina must face her past and fight for her freedom.

It took Tyler a year to earn Katrina's love, another to build her confidence and pride, and only a moment to lose her. Broken-hearted, Tyler won't give up his search for Katrina.

But he never trained as a warrior like the other shifters. What chance does a real estate agent have in the fight for his mate?

WARNING: Explicit shifter sex, heartbroken torment, and an unstoppable shifter in love.

Romance Book Review: Nora Robert's Happy Ever After

Author: Nora Roberts
Series Connection: Bride Quartet

ISBN: 978-0-425-23675-8
Publisher: Berkley

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In the forth book of the Bride Quartet series, Nora Roberts tells the story of Wedding Planner and organizer of Vows, Parker, and mechanic Malcolm. Malcolm isn't Parker's normal date and she isn't really sure she wants to get involved with him, but famous last words and all.

Malcolm is completely taken with Parker right from the beginning. He wants her really bad and he isn't shy about pursuing her her. Even though he pursues her and finally gets Parker, he still is a little relationship shy and not sure he's relationship material.

As time goes by and weddings are planned, including one of their own, Parker and Malcolm must deal with the past and see if there is anything to build on in the future.

While this series was filled with the predictable, the romance factor was pretty good. I liked the descriptive passages of each of the individual jobs there heroines held--photographer, florist, cake decorator and planner. The detail in each gives people a real look at each profession.

Description:
Dreams are realized in the eagerly-awaited fourth novel in Nora Roberts's Bride Quartet.

As the public face of Vows wedding planning company, Parker Brown has an uncanny knack for fulfilling every bride's vision. She just can't see where her own life is headed. Mechanic Malcolm Kavanaugh loves figuring out how things work, and Parker is no exception. Both know that moving from minor flirtation to major hook-up is a serious step. Parker's business risks have always paid off, but now she'll have to take the chance of a lifetime with her heart...

Romance Book Review: Nora Robert's Bed of Roses

Author: Nora Roberts
Series Connection: Bride Quartet
ISBN: 978-0425230077
Genre: Contemporary series romance
Publisher: Berkley Trade

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Bed of Roses is the second in the Bride Quartet series and if you've been paying attention you might have noticed I've read these books out of order a bit. After finding the book, used on sale, I decided to check Bed of Roses and I'm glad I did.

Of all the series Bed of Roses is the most romantic so far. Emma is a bit of a romantic herself, and although Jack is a bit commitment phobic, he's not to far off from being a bit of a romantic himself.

As one of the Quartet, Emma takes care of the flowers in the wedding business with her best friends. She and Jack have been friends for years. There has been an attraction there, but since his best friend, Del, has basically warned Jack off any of the girls, he's kept away. Once the attraction gets a little much for both Emma and Jack decide to take a chance and start dating. Can the romance driven Emma and the commitment phobic Jack make a life together?

Not really an imaginative theme for this one, but I still like the characters of this series. Each character brings something to the cornerstone of the theme of the series. I like how she shows of a picture of the wedding planning business and describes the various process of putting wedding flowers together and making the perfect match with the bride and her wedding.

Description:
Love blossoms in the second novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling Bride Quartet series. Florist Emma Grant is finding career success with her friends at their Vows wedding planning company, and her love life appears to be thriving. Though men swarm around her, she still hasn’t found Mr. Right. And the last place she’s looking is right under her nose.

But that’s right where Jack Cooke is. He’s so close to the women of Vows that he’s practically family. But the architect has begun to admit to himself that his feelings for Emma have developed into much more than friendship.

Romance Book Review: Lori Wilde's The Cowboy Takes A Bride

Author: Lori Wilde
Series Connection: Jubilee, Texas
ISBN-13: 978-0062047755
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Western
Publisher: Avon
Publication date: March 27, 2012

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When Mariah was a young girl when her father left her and her mother. Now he's died and left Mariah his small ranch just at a time when she's lost her job and is broke. Going to Jubilee, Texas where everyone loved her father and had a much better relationship with him than she ever did, leaves her feeling out of sorts.

Joe is a ex-champion bull rider who's wife died two years ago. Now he's lost his best friend, Mariah's father, leaving his life spiraling.

When the two meet it is instant attraction, but are they both ready to take a chance with each other.

General common theme, but nicely written and easy to ready story.

Description:
Welcome to Jubilee, Texas: where everyone knows everybody’s business—especially if that business is love!

Ex-champion bull rider turned cutting horse cowboy Joe Daniels isn’t quite sure how he ended up sleeping in a horse trough wearing nothing but this Stetson and cowboy boots. But now he’s wide-awake and a citified woman is glaring down at him. His goal? Get rid of her ASAP. The obstacle? Fighting the attraction he feels towards the blond-haired filly with the big, vulnerable eyes.

When out-of-work wedding planning Mariah Callahan learns that her estranged father has left her a rundown ranch in Jubilee, she has no choice but to accept it. Her goal? Redeem her career by planning local weddings. The obstacle? One emotionally wounded, hard-living cowboy who stirs her guilt, her heartstrings, and her long-buried cowgirl roots…

Romance Book Review: Marisa Chenery's Skylar's Devotion

Author: Marisa Chenery
Series Connection: Roxie's Protection
ISBN 978-1-59578-830-6
Genre: Paranormal/ Werewolf/ Erotic Romance
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

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In continuation to the Roxie's Protector's series Marisa Chenery brings readers book 4 and the related series Wulf's Den.

After accidentally finding his mate while stopped at a stoplight in the middle of a busy San Francisco intersection, Skylar has every intention of telling exact what he is and what it would mean to mate with him. As a werewolf of more than 1,000 years old he is one of the foretold one's, Roxie's, protectors and has vowed to protect her at all cost, but more than that anyone who mates with a werewolf is in for a life change. Aside from the whole there aren't suppose to be werewolves in real-life, there is the fact that once connected there is no turning back you are joined with your mate for life...a very long life.

Braelyn is a supermodel for Victoria Secret and on a vacation at home when she meets the very sexy Skylar. Once she finds out that he's a bodyguard of sorts, she wonders if he might not just want to become her new boyfriend, but also if he might be able to help her with a stalker.

I almost completely missed this continuation of the series, which would have been disappointing because I like the general theme and quick reads of both Roxie's Protectors and Wulf's Den. Luckily I happen to notice that the new book in the series, Kye's Heart, came out last week at Liquid Silver Books.

Skylar's Devotion didn't disappoint. This is a series that should really be read from the beginning because each of the books are short and the full story is told the snippets in each book. It won't take readers long to catch up. This book, however, only tells a little bit of the secondary series story and concentrates mostly on Skylar and his new ladylove Braelyn. Enjoy.

Description:
A famous Victoria's Secret fashion model, Braelyn comes home to visit her parents after being away for a year. On a shopping trip, a man on a motorcycle at the red light snags her attention while she crosses the street. When she draws even with him, he flips open the visor of his helmet, and she instantly forgets what she's doing. A blast from a car horn makes her aware she's standing in the middle of the crosswalk, and she quickly gets moving.

Skylar follows the beautiful blond with his gaze, watching where she goes. Sitting at a red light is not the place he expects to run into his would-be mate, but there she was. Determined not to let her get away, he follows her. He finds it hard enough to deal with her being mortal and not knowing anything about werewolves, but the bigger problem is the stalker who wants to do his famous mate more harm than good.

Romance Book Review: Daisy Banks' Fiona's Wish

Author: Daisy Banks
ISBN: 9781616503567
Genre: Romance/ Paranormal/ Shapeshifter
Publisher: Lyrical Press

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Fiona's assignment of going to a deserted island for four months to do research for her company couldn't have come at a better time now that her ex is married to her friend. Sad but determined to forget about the ex, she sets to work.

Almost immediately she notices something large swimming out in the water just beyond the shore. She hopes it isn't a large mammal or her work is finished on the island.

Hearing the call of his mate, Silkie Ronan travels to the shoreline and sheds his skin to his human form. The woman just beyond the shore's saddness reaches out to him. Ronan only has seven days on the island with Fiona, but he is bound to make the most of that time. Falling in love with her isn't what he thought would happen now he needs to decide to stay on land or head back home to the sea.

Quick read novella featuring an the uncommon shapeshifter from Gallic lore.

Description:
Only the ultimate sacrifice will save her timeless love.

Left shattered by her lover, Fiona Murray believes not one good man lives on this planet. She leaves civilization to work on a lonely isle off Ireland's coast.

When lonely Selkie Ronan hears Fiona's passionate call, he can't help but answer her. She is all he desires, and for her, he will leave all he's ever known--the deep blue sea. But Fate and the sea are fickle mistresses, and want him back. Will he find the strength to surrender all he is to be with Fiona?

And can Fiona, knowing her destiny without him, let him live the life he deserves?

Romance Book Review: Sandra Sookoo's A Wolfish Scandal

Author: Sandra Sookoo
ISBN: 978-1-59578-888-7
Genre: Paranormal/ Werewolf/ Historical/ American Historical
Publisher: Liquid Silver

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Running on a historical Bachelor theme, Sandra Sookoo's latest, A Wolfish Scandal, transports the reader back in American history to the Civil War days of 1863. A day when propriety is important for a young woman and a gentleman would never be along with a woman without a proper chaperon.

Lyndal has just visited her doctor and found that the pains she has been having in her chest will soon end her unfulfilled life. She longs for excitement and adventure before the end of her days. Spying a newspaper advertisement requesting woman to apply to become a gentleman's mate was not something the old Lyndal would do, but the new Lyndal thinks the idea is absolutely scandalous and a must do before her life ends.

Grey is a werewolf who has lived a life of sadness. He doesn't want to go on without experiencing all the happiness he can. He decides to take an ad out in the newspaper requesting that women write to him and that 12 women will be invited to come and have their chance to become his mate and spend some time with him. Once they are there and he has a chance to see what his idea in haste has become will he be able to find the woman he seeks or has this been the final mistake in his life that will cause him to end his existence.

Well written and very interesting take on the bachelor theme. Of course today no one would bat an eye at this sort of thing, millionaires do it on TV all the time, but back then a scandal really would have ensued. I have to say kudos to Sandra Sookoo taking the theme and running in the right direction with it. 

Description:
Lyndal Carson's life is at a premium. Afflicted with a heart ailment wherein she can drop dead at any time, she makes a pact with herself to create one scandal and to really live before she dies. Tired of being a handmaiden to her family, she writes the letter that will change her destiny.

Grey Rutledge, a werewolf who is hounded by a reporter and haunted by memories, endeavors to provide a diversion large enough that the paper will forget its interest. He invites twelve women to his estate on the premise of choosing one of them for his mate. After losing his family, the only thing he wants is heirs and a woman by his side.

As the days go on, both Lyndal and Grey find that elusive piece missing from their lives. When their respective secrets are revealed, they both run the risk of losing everything. Danger catches them unaware during an innocent afternoon but it's what is decided as life hangs in the balance that will change their lives forever.

Romance Book Review: Marina Cross's Jackie's Red Mustang

Author: Marina Cross
ISBN Not Assigned
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Interracial
Publisher: A Whispers Publishing Publication

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Quick paced love story novella featuring Jackie and Stuart, a couple who have been together for two years, but suddenly life is getting in the way and Stuart is feeling that Jackie is slipping away from him. In a desparate action, Stuart tells Jackie they need some time apart.

Wanting to save her love life with Stuart, Jackie agrees to go on a no-holds-bar date with Stuart to revive their love or never see each other again. Can the couple find their way back to each other or is all lost?

Description:
Jackie Chase likes her ordered, well managed life. She’s got everything a woman could want and works hard to keep it that way. However, her desire for control is driving her lover away from her. Stuart Marshall loves Jackie’s quest for excellence in everything she does. Even so, the Las Vegas city planner has begun to feel like he’s on the outside of her life looking in.
After a painful time apart, Stuart reaches out to Jackie requesting she meet with him leading Jackie into a night of speed charged, once in a lifetime encounters, which will change the dimensions of her relationship with Stuart forever.
During a night of high speed passion, Stuart pushes Jackie to the boundaries of desire in a quest to keep the love he can’t live.

Romance Book Review: Lani Rhea AND JP Archer's Under Bound Contract

Author: Lani Rhea and JP Archer
Series Connection: The Arc Hotel
ISBN: 9781615088089
Genre: Erotic Romance/ Light Bondage
Publisher: Sizzler Editions

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Camri Burns works in the competitive field of real estate where it is a dog-eat-dog world. A year ago she found herself attracted and falling in love with sexy coworker Jackson Pratt, only to have him betray her in the end. For the past year she has kept her distance.

Jackson has a proposition for Camri, she knows better than to trust the man who betrayed her once, but she can't seem to stop herself when he pushes a dare and a good commission in front of her.

Jackson knows he made a big mistake last year with Camri and now he is out to make it right. All he needs to do is to get her to work with him. But it is all just a game with Jackson or can Camri finally trust him?

This book starts off slow and a few fool me once moves, however it picks up towards the middle. The authors pull together some highly erotic sex scenes and pulls together a fairly decent story at the end.

Description:

A competition spirals into a tantalizing game of bondage and seduction… Camri Burns, an ambitious real-estate agent, blindsides the rival she's secretly desired for a long time. When she's offered an all-expenses-paid trip, opportunity opens the playing field. As the biggest earner with the most notches on his bedpost, too-sexy Jackson Pratt is determined the redheaded beauty won't prevail. When the two-some enter into a partnership, they must distract each other in order to win. After Jackson took credit on a past partnership, Camri isn't letting him off the hook. In order to ultimately succeed, they'll need to follow the rules of Under Bonded Contract. Soon she is tied in his presence. Is it love, or simply a game of sex?

Romance Book Review: Bethany Michaels' Hart & Soul

Author: Bethany Michaels
ISBN: not assigned
Genre: Romance/ Ghosts/ Paranormal
Publisher: A Whispers Publishing Publication

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Ghost Whisper type story featuring a Jordan, a woman who goes helps remove unwanted ghosts from people's homes. One late night Jordan encounters a type of ghost she has never seen before. "Tom" can't remember dying or even what his name is. Instead of cold, "Tom" is warm and insight passion on his touch.

In a rush to help "Tom" to find his way home of out of the house he's haunting, Jordan has to find out who is. She can't help but fall in love with "Tom", but she knows that he has to cross-over, or wherever it is they go.

Very quick read with a sweet sexy love story.

Description:
Terminal loner Jordan Hart sees dead people…and helps them cross to the other side. But when she meets hunky spirit Tom and takes him home with her, Jordan begins to think she’s finally met a man worth keeping. Too bad he’s already dead.Jordan has never had a lover like Tom, but knowing their steamy nights can’t last forever, Jordan tires to help Tom discover his true identity so he can cross over. Letting the one soul who truly understands her will be the hardest decision of her life and she can’t help but wonder if true love can overcome even death.

Romance Book Review: a.c. Mason's His Immortal Soul

Author: a.c. Mason
Series Connection: Irish Stories
ISBN: 9781616503574
Genre: Romance/ Paranormal/ Multicultural/ Vampire

Publisher: Lyrical Press

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Dark tale about Kieran, a man who spent his life to become a priest only to be turned into a vampire before he says his final vows. One day Kieran encounters Sephora, a beautiful college student that he can keep his mind off of. On the last night before he takes his vows, Kieran rescues Sephora from a would-be rapist.

Sephora is a woman in pain. She's come to Ireland from America to get away from the pain of a betrayal and attack. It doesn't take Kieran's vampire powers to know Sephora is hurting. Through those powers though he sees the pain Sephora has lived with.

Two people in pain, can they save each other before it is too late?

Dark and highly erotic story.

Description:
Can she save his immortal soul... and help him find heaven on earth?

Touching Sephora may cost Kieran his soul… Kieran has always been a good Catholic, even studying for the priesthood. But there are complications. A few weeks before his ordination into the priesthood, he was made a vampire. And then there's Sephora, the beautiful, independent American student who draws him to her. His "blackbird", she seems to hold all the secrets to life and happiness, like the mythological creature of the ancient Celts. Despite his best  intentions and though he knows he can only hurt her, her hold on him increases by the minute.

Although Ireland promised Sephora an escape from the horrors of a brutal attack she suffered two years previously, she has discovered that the true scars lie within. But being with Kieran melts away the pain and his touch provides her the refuge to reclaim her body.

WARNING: A gorgeous Irish hero and gutsy heroine. Biblical and religious themes that might offend.

Romance Book Review: Nora Roberts' Savor the Moment

Author: Nora Roberts
Series Connection: Bride Quartet 
ISBN: 978-0-425-23368-9
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Berkley Trade Paperback

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This is my second review on the Nora Roberts Bride Quartet series and probably the last one I will read for a while. I picked the two with the most interesting topics to myself--photography and this one desserts. Who wouldn't like desserts?

Many people who I spoke with who read this series told me there was quite a bit of descriptive passages on the subject. And there is certainly a lot in these books as Laural McBane makes her way through each wedding by using her gift to create the perfect cake for the bride and the groom.

Her own love life isn't so perfect though. For as far back as she can remember Laurel has had a thing her her good friend lawyer, and brother of her partner Parker, Delaney. Del gets a wide awakening to her feelings one day when a fit of anger causes Laurel to lose control and plant a sexy kiss to his lips.

To Del's surprise he can't get that kiss off his mind and he proposes a deal with Laurel. One month of dating with no sex and see where their relationship can lead.

There is nothing special about these story lines, but generally the soap opera of the Bridal Quartet's business can be amusing at times. Generally this is a fun series to read if you're looking for a light romance read featuring friends and a series.

Description:
New Love takes the cake in the third novel in Nora Roberts's new Bride Quartet-in a stunning French flap edition

Wedding baker Laurel McBane is surrounded by romance working at Vows wedding planning company with her best friends Parker, Emma, and Mac. But she's too low-key to appreciate all the luxuries that their clients seem to long for. What she does appreciate is a strong, intelligent man, a man just like Parker's older brother Delaney, on whom she's had a mega-crush since childhood.

But some infatuations last longer than others, and Laurel is convinced that the Ivy League lawyer is still out of her reach. Plus, Del is too protective of Laurel to ever cross the line with her-or so she thinks. When Laurel's quicksilver moods get the better of her-leading to an angry, hot, all-together mind-blowing kiss with Del-she'll have to quiet the doubts in her mind to turn a moment of passion into forever...

Romance Byte: Susan Donovan's I Want Candy

Author: Susan Donovan
Series Connection: Cheri On Top
ISBN: 978-0312536220
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks

Currently I'm reading I Want Candy, by Susan Donovan. I picked Susan's Cheri On Top as one of my favorite books of 2011. So far I Want Candy isn't disappointing. Check out the below video from the original group The Strangeloves who recorded the song in 1965.

Description:
Candace Carmichael was just getting used to the lavish life when everything went sour. Now the down-on-her-luck real estate agent is back in Bigler, North Carolina, jobless and illegally rooming with her her mother in a swank retirement community. All this makes her wonder why she ever considered her BFF Cheri’s invitation to move back home. Life in this small mountain town may not be as glamorous as the one she had in Tampa, but she knows a girl can’t be too choosy in this market. Besides, everyone’s happy to welcome Candy back—especially one handsome widower named Turner…

Turner has grown up to be one fine-looking piece of man candy—and looks even tastier in his sheriff’s uniform. Maybe that’s why she couldn’t resist kissing him when he pulled her over for a traffic violation. Even if a relationship was part of Candy’s business plan,  Turner would be off limits—he still wears his wedding ring, four years after his wife died. If falling in love too fast is a crime, Candy is soon guilty as charged and ready to be fingerprinted. But is she ready to lock away her dreams and hand Turner the keys to her heart?

Romance Book Review: Nora Roberts' Vision in White

Author: Nora Roberts
Series Connection: Bride Quartet
ISBN: 978-0-425-22751-0
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Berkley Trade Paperback

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Finally getting around to reading the Bride Quartet series by Nora Roberts. The series pretty much ran through 2009-2010 featuring the lives of four lifelong friends who wind up going into business together. As children the girls played wedding games each having their own calling to the business.

For Mackensie (Mac) Elliot it was to be a wedding photographer. She spends her days making sure that every wedding picture she takes offers an important memory to the wedding couple.

One look at the cute Dr. Carter Maquire, professor of high school English, and Mac is totally smitten. The only problem is she isn't sure she really wants to be involved with a man like Carter, who just isn't quite her type.

For Carter, he can't help but fall in love with Mac, his high school crush. He knows he'll have to be patient if he is going to get the girl in this reluctant relationship style story.

While this story is a pretty standard girl meets boy, girl likes boy but doesn't want to get involved because she isn't quite sure how relationships can possibly last considering her own family history, I have to give Nora Roberts credit in a few areas. First off the dialog is fairly cute with some of the best scenes revolving around the hero. Carter's character makes this whole book. Rarely do you see the quite professor and former nerd as a hero. Carter's friend Bob is also a great addition to story. And my personal favorite part of the book are the descriptive scenes during Mac's photo shoots.

Description:
The first book in the Bride Quartet—following the lives and loves of four friends who run Vows, a wedding-planning company. Wedding photographer Mackensie “Mac” Elliot is most at home behind the camera, but her focus is shattered moments before an important wedding rehearsal when she bumps into the bride-to-be’s brother…an encounter that has them both seeing stars.

A stable, safe English teacher, Carter Maguire is definitely not Mac’s type. But a casual fling might be just what she needs to take her mind off bridezillas. Of course, casual flings can turn into something more when you least expect it. And Mac will have to turn to her three best friends—and business partners—to see her way to her own happy ending.

Romance Book Review: Liia Ann White's Hot Aussie Weekend

Author: Liia Ann White
ISBN: 9781781660553
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: House of Erotica Books

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Sexy romp featuring a couple celebrating their first anniversary in a weekend getaway. This novella is filled with lots of sexy bedroom scenes and filled with romance. 


Description:
Newlyweds Jaycee and Campbell are stressed. Constantly working, trying to set up a secure future for themselves, they rarely spend time alone, enjoying each other’s company.

So, to celebrate their first anniversary, Campbell whisks away his wife on a romantic getaway where he plans to pamper her and lure her into the ultimate relaxed state. But what is his ulterior motive? What secret has he been keeping from his new wife?
Whatever it is, it’s guaranteed to be a weekend full of eroticism, love, romance and some surprises on a Hot Aussie Weekend.

Romance Book Review: Julie Anne Lindsey's Bloom

 Author: Julie Anne Lindsey
Series Connection: Seeds of Love Series in the Honey Creek Books line
Digital ISBN: 9781937389857
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Sweet Romance

Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press

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Moving away from her hometown of Honey Creek was hard for Cynthia, but she really needed to get away. Now after seven years she's back to check in on her grandmother. Not much changes in the sleepy town of Honey Creek. Her old friends are where she left them, but they've moved on with their lives. And grandma has a new next door neighbor, who isn't too impressed with Cynthia.

Being back home sparks a lot of old memories and opens up some new possibilities for Cynthia if she is just brave enough to take the chance.

This is a pleasant sweet romance following the lives of old friends and new. The Honey Creek series is a collaboration between four authors Jennifer Anderson, Maggie Greene, Suzanne Lilly, Julie Anne Lindsey which crosses genre from contemporary romance to YA. The books are all featured with residents, or former residents who return, to Honey Creek, Ohio. Bloom is the first in the series from both genres. New issues are coming soon. See the website at http://www.honeycreekbooks.com/ for more details.

Description:

In a town filled with her past, she never expected to find her future….

Seven years ago Cynthia left Honey Creek with a broken heart. Three years ago Mitchell arrived with one. Now Cynthia’s come home, and these two hardened hearts can’t stop arguing. If they’d only take a break long enough to find some common ground, they might be surprised to find love can grow anywhere.

If they let it, love will find a way to Bloom.

Romance Book Review: W. Lynn Chanatale's Decadent Seconds

Author: W. Lynn Chanatale
ISBN: Not Assigned
Category: Romance

Publisher: Whispering Press

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Decadent Seconds tells the story of Darling and Darryl, two former lovers who have a child together. Darryl never stopped loving Darling and wants nothing more than to get her back and with their son become the family they were meant to be.

Darling still loves Darryl as well, but she needs to have the chance to follow her own dreams and can't just live for Darryl's. Can the two work out their problems before they lose each other?

Well rounded story featuring an nice second chance at love story.

Description:
As a caterer, Darling gets to witness some of life’s happiest moments, but yearns for a marriage proposal of her own. After years of waiting on her beloved to pop the question, she gives up ever having a happy ending of her own and severs the relationship. When she learns she’s pregnant, she has no choice but to face her child’s father on a daily basis as well as the love and attraction she has for him.

Darryl Manning always believed Darling would be his forever. After all he didn’t need a piece of paper to show her how much he loved her, but when she leaves him to pursue her dream of owning a catering company and raising his son, he may have to rethink his views marriage. That is if he wants a second chance at family.

Romance Book Review: Lacey Wolfe's More Than Useful

Author: Lacey Wolfe
Series Connection: Hot Bods Series
Digital ISBN: 9781937325190
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Beachwalk Press

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Readers of the Hot Bod series will remember the heroine, Amy, as Skylar's roommate from the first book in the series, Fool Me Once.


Amy runs a bakery owns her own bakery and for a while now she has been flirting with a customer named Adam. She's ready to take it to the next level and so is Adam.

The only problem is Adam has told Amy that he isn't ready for anything more than just fun. But that's not all Adam is giving out some mixed signals, so now Amy doesn't know what to do.

Fun packed and sexy scene's make up this well written addition to the Hot Bod series. 


Description:
Can she settle for just a little fun?

Every Tuesday and Thursday morning Adam stops by Amy's bakery for one of her delicious muffins…and a little flirting. When he finally asks her out, Amy is thrilled.

Adam informs her from the beginning that he isn't looking for anything serious. Just a little fun. Amy agrees, even though she isn't entirely sure that's what she wants.

She does her best to play it cool, but Adam is sending so many mixed signals he's confusing her, which she finds incredibly frustrating.

Adam is terrified by the feelings he's developing for Amy. It would be so much easier if he just backed away from her. Then there's his sister, who is insisting that Amy is not the right girl for him.

Will Adam be able to figure out what his heart desires before it's too late and he loses his chance at true happiness?

Content Warning: explicit sex

Romance Byte: Kaylie Newell's Falling in Danger

Author: Kaylie Newell

Digital ISBN: 9781937325183
Genre(s): Romantic Suspense/ Contemporary
Publisher: Beachwalk Press

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Description:
A journalist stumbles onto the story of a lifetime. And finds herself falling in danger…

When young, naïve reporter Jessica Brady is kidnapped and held for ransom by the head of an illegal dog fighting organization, undercover police officer Ian Cole realizes he's got his hands full. He's on the verge of busting the ring when he's assigned to babysit her, which isn't an easy feat. She's neurotic, feisty, and also happens to be scared to death of dogs. Now he has to figure out a way to get them both out alive.

Jessica has no idea the thug she's becoming attracted to is actually a cop, but it's clear he's not like the rest of the men in the organization. Particularly Albert Mancini, the disturbed only son of the ring boss, who has an appetite for alcohol and women. Especially Jessica.

When Ian's cover is blown, he's forced to bust the ring early. Weeks later, Jessica can't stop thinking about the experience that has changed her forever. She wonders about the tall, sexy detective who saved her life. And the mobster's prize-winning pit bull, Bruta.

An idea for a story is born. What if these dogs were given a second chance at life?

As Jessica digs deeper into their troubled world, she ends up falling for the police officer who rescued them. And discovers layers of her heart she never knew existed.

But when Albert escapes from jail, her happiness turns to terror. He hasn't forgotten about the detective who put him behind bars. Or the beautiful young woman whose every move has become his obsession.

Content Warning: Contains sensual sex and explicit language

Romance Byte: Cristal Ryder's Being Bound

Author: Cristal Ryder
ISBN: 9781616503529
Genre: Erotica

Publisher: Lyrical Press

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Description: 
Sometimes reality is so much better than fantasy.

A man used to getting what he wants, Tom Rourke doesn’t take being discarded lightly. Smarting from rejection, Rourke decides the complication of women is distracting him from his goal. He refocuses his energy into ownership of the Black Phantom, where he meets Heather Canyon. Drawn into her erotic web, he can’t get her out of his mind. But can he trust her? The only way to know is to experience her first hand.

Dominatrix Heather Canyon is looking for a new beginning, and a safe place where she can let her talents shine. Rourke’s proposition is the perfect opportunity. She must test him to ensure they are the right fit for and challenges him at every turn. She isn’t looking for a partner, but has she found her match with Rourke?

Romance Byte: Kelly Gendron's The Risqué Target

Author: Kelly Gendron
ISBN: 9781603107549
Genre: Contemporary/ Mystery/Detective/ Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Red Sage

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Description:
There’s one name that has Agent Nala Dekker reaching for the gun holstered to her leg—Tantum Maddox, the one name her partner said before he died in her arms. After three years of searching for the faceless Tantum Maddox, his name has finally surfaced. Nala jumps on the first plane to Boston in chase of her long-awaited revenge. But instead of taking Tantum in for his crime or shooting him—in self-defense, of course—Nala nearly ends up in bed with the killer. So, it probably would’ve been a good idea to find out what her Target looked like before she went after him.

Agent Tantum Maddox has completed his assignment in Mexico... and now it’s time for his revenge. When Tantum finds a mysterious woman in his arms, and after he discovers exactly who she is—his Target—he must decide what to do with the gun concealed beneath her dress. Should he use it on her and kill her? Or spare her life and take her captive until he finds the answers he’s been looking for?

Somehow Nala’s innocence comes into question by the dangerously sexy Tantum Maddox and he accuses her of being a cold blooded killer. But why is Nala the one on trial, for Tantum’s the one who killed her partner—isn’t he? In this torrid twist of betrayal and seduction, will Tantum and Nala resist killing each other? Or worse, when the truth unfolds, will love become the only threat to their vindictive hearts?

Romance Byte: All That Glitters

Author: Anna Grace
Digital ISBN: 9781616503512
Genre: Romance/ Contemporary
Publisher: Lyrical Press

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Description:
Beyond the gold and glamour, one man holds her heart…

For years Annie Wilson has been obsessed with the sensational work of her favorite artist, Devlin McAllister. She jumps on the opportunity coordinate the move of his exhibition from Ireland to New York. As she had always dreamed, she begins to fall in love with him. But Devlin's world of champagne and high-class living soon loses its charm.

It's the welcoming, warm side of Dublin she sees on the arm of fun- loving Sean that she's drawn to. As she struggles to maintain the fantasy with Devlin, she realizes all that glitters is not gold.