Sunday, April 22, 2012

Author: Christine Warren
ISBN-13: 978-0312357214
Genre: Paranormal Suspense, Romance, Shifters
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release Date: April 24, 2012








It has been a while since I stayed up half the night because I couldn't put a book down, but yesterday when I picked up Christine Warren's new book On The Prowl I just kept reading until the end just waiting to see who the real attacker was.

Nic and Saskia are following the traditions of their people, the Tiguri weretigers, with an arranged mating. The two met once when they were much younger, but otherwise have not spent anytime together.

Nic seems to think that Saskia is the perfect poised quiet mate who will blindly be led in their relationship where he wants to go. No emotions accept a respect for one another. Saskia on the other hand believes that there should be a partnership between mates and will do what she needs to, to prove her point.

Meanwhile, someone is attacking the head of the "Others" council and since the Tiguri have never really gotten along with the council there are some who believe that Nic is involved. Saskia isn't about to let her new mate be set up to be blamed. No matter what her mate says she will be a part of finding answers.

Description: 
Most girls would throw a fit if their parents tried to set up an arranged marriage for them. It's so outrageously old-fashioned—even for a Tiguri family, members of a fierce race of shapeshifting weretigers. But Saskia isn't getting her claws out just yet. She'll go through with this marriage to help unite two powerful families—and because her husband-to-be Nicolas Preda is the sexiest, hunkiest, and only man she's ever wanted…

Of course, marrying an alpha male like Nic comes with its share of danger. As leader of his Streak and head of a global corporation, Nic and his new fiancĂ©e must take their places in the jungles of Manhattan—and the local Others seem to have a strict “no pets” policy. In fact, the Council seems to think the Tiguri are at the root of all their problems, including an attempt on the life of its leader. If Nic hopes to protect his name and his mate, it's hunt or be hunted—and he can't do it alone. But if anyone can bring out the beast in him, it's the sexy, savage tigress he's sworn to love…

Friday, April 20, 2012

Romance Book Review: Cynthia Eden's Bound In Sin

Author: Cynthia Eden
Series: Bound
Genre: Paranormal Romance


Publisher: Amazon Digital Services

Purchase this book here

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
 
Paige has been away from Drake for more than 10 years. She knew the minute she was turned to a vampire that Drake, as a werewolf, would never accept her again. When the threat that the vampire made has made threats Paige knows that she can't run from Drake any longer. Can the two defeat the vampire who has been after her for years? Or will her going to Drake be the end of him and his pack?

Well written novella. It is the third in the Bound series and offers a quick look at the author and her paranormal series.

Description:
What’s the price of sin?

Human Paige Sloan once loved werewolf Drake Wyler more than life, but then that life was taken away from her. Attacked by vampires, Paige was bitten, and, on a cold, dark night, the life she’d known ended. She was reborn as a vampire–a werewolf’s deadliest enemy.

Paige ran from the vampires who attacked her, and she ran away from her lover. She didn’t want Drake to know what she’d become, and she didn’t want to face the fury of his pack. But a girl can only run for so long until the past catches up with her.

Some sins mark your soul.

When Paige learns that Drake is being targeted for death, she knows that she can’t hide in the shadows any longer. She has to return to him, and she will do anything–anything–in order to make sure that he keeps living. The vampires might have destroyed her chance to live and love Drake, but they won’t take him. Not over her undead body. She’ll slay them all…and maybe, just maybe…she’ll even have the chance to sin–one more time–with the werewolf who’d marked her as his mate.

Some sins are worth dying for…

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Romance Book Review: Sara Humphreys' Untouched

Author: Sara Humphreys
Series Connection: Amoveo Legacy
ISBN: 978-1402258466
Genre: Paranormal romance/ Shifter
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

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All her life Kerry has felt nothing but pain any time some on touched her. All except her best friend Samantha. Now worried for her safety her friends decide she needs a bodyguard. Now she has found a second person that she can touch without being hurt. As a matter of fact not only does it not hurt, but his touch is seductive and filled with possibility. 


Dante has known that he had finally found his mate the first time he saw Kerry. A fox shifter as part of the Amoveo, Dante was pleased when he learned he had finally met his match. Unfortunately she doesn't know anything his people or that she is also part Amoveo herself. Now as the danger heats up will the two come together to with their friends to save the day.

Good series featuring well formed characters. I liked Kerry in her role as a large size model and I'm always a sucker for a big red head who turns into a red fox. 


Description:
She should be seen, but never touched... Kerry Smithson’s modeling career ensures that she will be admired from afar, which is essential since mere human touch sparks blinding pain and terrifying visions. 

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Romance Book Review: Delilah Devlin's Begging For It

Author: Delilah Devlin
Series Connection: 1-800-DOM-help 
Genre: Erotic Romance/ BDSM

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Purchase this book here

Powerful story behind this BDSM theme featuring a female soldier who comes home from Iraq battered, beaten and guilt ridden. TJ doesn't really know what she wants. Then she meets Cross and he set out to help heal her the best way he knows how.

Cross remembers TJ from Iraq. He wants to help make her whole again, but if she remembers who he is will she accept him or turn him away?

I'm not generally into BDSM theme stories, but this one was recommended and turned out to be pretty well done.

Description:
She needs punishment…before she deserves pleasure.

Tragedy scarred TJ Lipton. Now the only way she can find pleasure is when it’s delivered with a heavy-handed dose of S&M. But finding a lover who can give her what she needs proves an elusive quest—until she finds the sex club Unfettered and a Dom named Cross McNally.

Cross understands all too well what drives TJ. He takes command of her body to give her everything she needs—restraint, the stinging kiss of a flogger, the thrill of a three-way—a sexual adventure that pulls her beyond her painful past and has her begging for more of his tender brand of domination.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Romance Book Review: Rue Allyn's Off Limits

Author: Rue Allyn
ISBN: 9781603107891
Genre: Erotic Romance/ Contemporary
Publisher: Red Sage

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As an enlisted man Hank knows that he really shouldn't act on his attraction to officer Bethany, but how can he help himself. Bethany is beautiful and the woman he wants.

Bethany has come from a long military family and she knows the rules, as an officer in the Navy she shouldn't be spending any time with the very sexy Senior Chief. Can the two keep their secret before someone finds out they're breaking the rules and ruin both their careers.

Well written with very sexy and imaginative love scenes. I really loved the Senior Chief, who is written as the strong romantic type.

Description:
For Senior Chief Hank O’Mara no woman compares with the sea until he meets Lieutenant Bethany Morton. Only the sea can draw two such opposite and passionate people together. Only US Navy regulations keep them apart. Fraternization between Officer and enlisted is forbidden. Beth and Hank do their utmost to resist their mutual attraction. Can love prove stronger than either the sea or the USN? To find out, Hank will sacrifice his career, and Beth will risk her professional dreams.

Reader Alert!
The attraction between a hunky Senior Chief and a smoking hot Lieutenant breaks all the rules—his, hers and the US Navy’s. Unable to resist, the couple yields to desire’s command.  Both expect their incendiary passion to burn out long before it can endanger their careers.  Neither expected the insatiable sex they share to become an enduring love.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Romance Book Review: Toni Kelly's Irish Dreams

Author: Toni Kelly
Series Connection: Irish Stories
ISBN: 9781616503581
Genre: Romance/ Contemporary


Publisher: Lyrical Press

Purchase this book here

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Maggie meets Irishman Ethan while visiting Ireland for her best friend's wedding. She doesn't want to be attracted to Ethan because she has decided after her fiance cheated on her she was giving up on men.

Ethan will soon be a free man as he divorce is almost final. He isn't expecting to meet someone so soon, but the minute he lays eyes on Maggie he can't keep his mind off her. He knows, as Maggie does that it is just too soon for either of them to think about getting involved again, especially when neither can seem to get rid of their exes.

Sweet sexy love story featuring a goregous man with an Irish accent. I liked the descriptive location scenes in this novella.

Description:
It’s one thing to resist an Irish dream, quite another to resist a dreamy Irishman.

After being traded for another woman by her fiance, Maggie decides she’s had it with men. Good thing she's far away from him, in Ireland fulfilling her best friend's request to be maid-of-honor. Wicklow and the Emerald Isle are more than she expects-—green, lush, and exactly what she needs. What she doesn't need is rescuing by some emerald-eyed charmer.

Newly divorced, Ethan Moore is ready to enjoy bachelorhood. Only one problem—-the fiery-haired Maggie Christy. Unlike any woman he’s ever met, Maggie draws him close and turns him inside out. The attraction is unexpected and inconvenient, but nobody ever said true love was easy.

WARNING: Exceedingly charming Irishmen and sexually explicit scenes.

Romance Book Review: Joseph Mazzenga's Gillian’s Angel

Author: Joseph Mazzenga
ISBN: Not Assigned
Genre: Contemporary/ Fantasy/ Ghost Story


Publisher: A Whispers Publishing Publication

Purchase this book here

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

This is a very short sweet and sad love story about a woman and her lover coming to terms with their life. If I had a complaint I would say it was much too short and wish to see where the story either was before and where it is going. Otherwise this author show he's got a great style and a good tone. I'd be happy to read more of his work.

Description:
When Gillian rolls over on her pillow, the green eyes and warm body of Sandis always greet her. Active, young, and funny, Sandis is her perfect match. In his arms, Gillian has found her true love.
But something is missing. Trouble arises when Gillian finds she can’t have Sandis all of the time. Can Gillian accept the fact that her lover has a double life? The answer is out of this world.

Romance Book Review: Carol Lynne's Shadow Soldier

Author: Carol Lynne
Series Connection: Cattle Valley
ISBN:  978-0-85715-900-7
Genre: Contemporary Gay Romance
Publisher: Total-e-bound

Purchase this book here

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Aaron has been through hell and back. He comes to Cattle Valley, a town that is friendly to gay men, to start his life over again. He hopes that with the help of the people around his he can get over his nightmares and move on from his time as a medic in the army. When he meets Deacon he learns to feel again.

Deacon's life has been full of secrets and pain. His move to Cattle Valley and opening of his wood working shop is the future he wants. When his friend Luke asks him to try to help Aaron with his nightmares, Deacon is all too happy to help the younger man where he can.

As the two men get to know each other they begin to form a bond and hopefully a future together.

This is book number 26 in Carol Lynne's Cattle Valley series. The featured story two wounded characters that work to build a strong relationship, while they both work to get over their past.

Description:
Deacon McConnell spends his days as a woodcarver and his nights as head of one of the most secretive government agencies in the United States. When he meets a man troubled by his time spent in the Middle East, Deacon feels drawn to the pain in the handsome man’s eyes. He makes the decision to help Aaron Ellis any way he can.

Dishonourably discharged from the Army, it takes everything Aaron has to get out of bed each morning. He’s become used to faking his way through life, putting on a happy face when the situation calls for it is a lot easier than dealing with his buried memories.

The day Aaron wanders into Deacon’s store for the first time, the last thing he expects is an immediate connection with the shop owner. For the first time since leaving the service, Aaron begins to believe there may be light at the end of the dark tunnel. The nights he spends in Deacon’s arms slowly begin to drive the shadows from his heart.

After years spent serving his country, Deacon yearns for a normal life. The move to Cattle Valley is the first step, opening up to Aaron the second. When duty calls Deacon out of town, he begins to wonder how much more he’ll be forced to give up for his country.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Romance Book Review: Carol Lynne's Lessons Learned

Author: Carol Lynne
Series Connection: Campus Cravings
ISBN: 978-0-85715-841-3
Genre: Contemporary Gay Romance
Publisher: Total-e-bound

Purchase this book here

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Dane has loved his professor, Magnus, from a-far for years. When he is given a chance to fulfill a grant the professor is trying to get, he hopes that his own dreams can come true at the same time. Unfortunately, learning about Magnus' sexual desires could put a damper fulfilling Dane's own dreams of a future together between the two men.

Magnus has been attracted to Dane for a long time but he has two rules he doesn't get involved involved with students and he doesn't give let emotions get involved in his relationships. He decided a long time ago there was no such thing as the love that is found in Hollywood.

Dane has three weeks alone with Magnus to show him there is such a thing, but does Dane want to take the chance with his own heart.

This is the second in Campus Cravings series she Carol Lynne brought the book line back. Or number 14 in the whole series.

The book steps back away from the campus and follows the two main characters to a small island in Louisianna. The couple solve a mystery a long the way. A little different from the past books in the series, but keeps up with the serial characters, just not as much in previous books.

Description:
Book fourteen in the Campus Cravings Series

Graduate student, Dane Jefferson, believes the sun rises with Magnus Sofokleous. He would do anything for the chance to get closer to the sexy professor. Unfortunately, Magnus is so busy researching the past, he doesn’t take the time to live in the present.

One week before winter break, Magnus gratefully accepts a grant to further his research at Barrett House, a small plantation in Louisiana. With extenuating circumstances surrounding the grant, Magnus is forced to ask his assistant, Dane, to accompany him. Although Dane is qualified, the attraction Magnus feels for the younger man makes him uncomfortable.

Away from the rigors of academia, Magnus lets down his guard and quickly becomes sexually involved with Dane. In the past, Magnus used domination to protect himself against the weakness of love. When Dane doesn’t accept the Dominate/submissive relationship Magnus has used as a shield for years, he is forced to decide which is more important, the lifestyle or the man in his arms.

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

Friday, April 6, 2012

Romance Book Review: Nacomy Blue's Neil’s Fire

Author: Nacomy Blue
ISBN: 9781603107778
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Erotic Romance
Publisher: Red Sage

Purchase this book here

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

After coming home to her home island after leaving heartbroken four years ago, Safire finds she moves into the same apartment building as her ex-boyfriend. The same ex-boyfriend that cheated on her and broke her heart.

Neil can't believe that Safire is finally there in front of him. He made the biggest mistake in his life when he cheated on her four years ago and now he will try anything he can think of to get her back.

When a hurricane sets in, will Neil get the second chance he wants.

Sexy romance featuring a couple finding a way back to each other.

Description:
Under the St. Lucian sun, Fate throws Safire Robins and Neil Ryan back together after a painful breakup four years before. Moving into her new apartment, Safire is shocked to find out that Neil is her downstairs neighbor and is determined to ignore his presence despite the attraction that still stirs her heart and her pants. Neil, seeing the chance to win back the love of the woman his heart refuses to forget, is determined to snatch up the opportunity. As a terrible hurricane threatens the beautiful island the one-time lovers let passion reign with a force to rival that of the tropical storm. But as the storm clears and they both come to terms with the past, will their blooming relationship survive? Or crumble under the weight of past transgressions?

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Romance Book Review: Ella Jade's Crossfire of Love

Author: Ella Jade
Digital ISBN: 9781937325206
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Beachwalk Pres
s

Purchase this book here

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Gabriella has loved Lorenzo since she was a young girl, but she never wanted to have him be forced into marrying her to save her father. Now she has to figure out how to make the best of a bad situation.

Lorenzo was more than happy to make the scarafice and marry Gabriella. He has been attracted to her for many years. Now he has to convince her Gabriella that they can have a good life together.

When the two get closer and begin to fall in love, Gabriella will have to make adjustments to get along with her new life.

Sweet love story, with hot love scenes. Strong female lead offers a good match for the male lead. Well written with good story line. 

Description:
Can an arranged marriage lead to love?

Recent college graduate Gabriella has finally married the man of her dreams, the older, charismatic attorney Lorenzo Martinez. She's had a crush on him for as long as she can remember and always imagined they'd one day find their happily ever after. Unfortunately, they enter into a union arranged by their fathers.

Lorenzo is charming, protective, and loyal to his crime lord father Carlo. When Carlo asks Lorenzo to marry Gabriella he jumps at the opportunity. He's been drawn to her for many years and knows by marrying her he's helping to protect her father.

Gabby is resentful and won't be Lorenzo's charity case. But sparks fly and the couple soon gives into their desire, realizing they were meant to be together.

What happens when Carlo's enemies threaten their future? Will someone get caught in the crossfire?

Content Warning: graphic sex, some violence

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Romance Writers of America's 2012 RITA and Golden Heart Finalists Announced

2012 RITA Finalists
 2012 RITA Finalists for Best First Book
Beautiful Disaster by Laura Spinella (Berkley Publishing Group; Leis Pederson, editor)
The Darling Strumpet by Gillian Bagwell (Berkley Publishing Group; Kate Seaver, editor)
The Devil in Disguise by Stefanie Sloane (Ballantine Bantam Dell; Junessa Viloria, editor)
First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones (St. Martin's Press; Jennifer Enderlin, editor)
Hourglass by Myra McEntire (Egmont USA; Regina Griffin, editor)
How to Marry a Duke by Vicky Dreilling (Grand Central Publishing Forever; Michele Bidelspach, editor)
I'm Not Her by Janet Gurtler (Sourcebooks Fire; Leah Hultenschmidt, editor)
Warped by Maurissa Guibord (Delacorte Press; Michelle Poploff, editor)

2012 RITA Finalists for Contemporary Series Romance
A Bravo Homecoming by Christine Rimmer (Harlequin Special Edition; Gail Chasan, editor)
Donovan's Child by Christine Rimmer (Harlequin Special Edition; Gail Chasan, editor)
Doukakis's Apprentice by Sarah Morgan (Harlequin Presents; Lucy Gilmour, editor)
How a Cowboy Stole Her Heart by Donna Alward (Harlequin Romance; Sally Williamson, editor)
I'll Catch You by Farrah Rochon (Harlequin Kimani Romance; Glenda Howard, editor)
A Mother's Homecoming by Tanya Michaels (Harlequin American Romance; Kathleen Scheibling, editor)
Rancher's Twins: Mom Needed by Barbara Hannay (Harlequin Romance; Meg Lewis, editor)
The Texan's Bride by Linda Warren (Harlequin Superromance; Kathleen Scheibling, editor)

2012 RITA Finalists for Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure
Cooper Vengeance by Paula Graves (Harlequin Intrigue; Allison Lyons, editor)
The Doctor’s Deadly Affair by Stephanie Doyle (Harlequin Romantic Suspense; Wanda Ottewell, editor)
The Man from Gossamer Ridge by Paula Graves (Harlequin Intrigue; Allison Lyons, editor)
Nothing But the Truth by Kara Lennox (Harlequin Superromance; Johanna Raisanen, editor)
Soldier's Last Stand by Cindy Dees (Harlequin Romantic Suspense; Patience Bloom, editor)
Stranded with Her Ex by Jill Sorenson (Harlequin Romantic Suspense; Stacy Boyd, editor)
Taken to the Edge by Kara Lennox (Harlequin Superromance; Johanna Raisanen, editor)

2012 RITA Finalists for Contemporary Single Title Romance
At Hidden Falls by Barbara Freethy (Pocket Books; Micki Nuding, editor)
Black Ties and Lullabies by Jane Graves (Grand Central Publishing Forever; Michele Bidelspach, editor)
Boomerang Bride by Fiona Lowe (Carina Press; Charlotte Herscher, editor)
Heartstrings and Diamond Rings by Jane Graves (Grand Central Publishing Forever; Michele Bidelspach, editor)
Silver Sparks by Starr Ambrose (Pocket Books; Abby Zidle, editor)
Slow Dancing on Price's Pier by Lisa Dale (Berkley Publishing Group; Cindy Hwang, editor)
Summer at Seaside Cove by Jacquie D’Alessandro (Berkley Publishing Group; Cindy Hwang, editor)
The Welcome Home Garden Club by Lori Wilde (Avon Books; Lucia Macro, editor)

2012 RITA Finalists for Historical Romance
Always a Temptress by Eileen Dreyer (Grand Central Publishing Forever; Amy Pierpont, editor)
The Black Hawk by Joanna Bourne (Berkley Publishing Group; Wendy McCurdy, editor)
The Danger of Desire by Elizabeth Essex (Kensington Brava; Megan Records, editor)
Heartbreak Creek by Kaki Warner (Berkley Publishing Group Sensation; Wendy McCurdy, editor)
The Many Sins of Lord Cameron by Jennifer Ashley (Berkley Publishing Group Sensation; Kate Seaver, editor)
Scandalous Desires by Elizabeth Hoyt (Grand Central Publishing; Amy Pierpont, editor)
Silk Is for Seduction by Loretta Chase (Avon Books; May Chen, editor)
Unveiled by Courtney Milan (HQN Books; Margo Lipschultz, editor)

2012 RITA Finalists for Inspirational Romance
The Christmas Child by Linda Goodnight (Harlequin Love Inspired; Allison Lyons, editor)
Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon (Revell; Jennifer Leep, editor)
Katie's Way by Marta Perry (Berkley Publishing Group; Ellen Edwards, editor)
The Ladies' Room by Carolyn Brown (Avalon Books; Lia Brown, editor)
Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist (Bethany House Publishers; David Long and Julie Klassen, editors)
The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena Miller (Revell; Vicki Crumpton, editor)
My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren (Tyndale House Publishers; Karen Watson, editor)
Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones (Thomas Nelson; Natalie Hanemann and Jamie Chavez, editors)
To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer (Bethany House Publishers; Karen Schurrer, editor)

2012 RITA Finalists for Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
The Dark Enquiry by Deanna Raybourn (Harlequin MIRA; Valerie Gray, editor)
Death Magic by Eileen Wilks (Berkley Publishing Group Sensation; Cindy Hwang, editor)
First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones (St. Martin's Press; Jennifer Enderlin, editor)
Goodnight Tweetheart by Teresa Medeiros (Gallery Books; Lauren McKenna, editor)
How to Bake a Perfect Life by Barbara O'Neal (Ballantine Bantam Dell; Shauna Summers, editor)
The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley (Sourcebooks Landmark; Deb Werksman, editor)
Shadow Walker by Allyson James (Berkley Publishing Group Sensation; Kate Seaver, editor)
Song of the Nile by Stephanie Dray (Berkley Publishing Group; Cindy Hwang, editor)
Spider's Revenge by Jennifer Estep (Pocket Books; Megan McKeever, editor)

2012 RITA Finalists for Paranormal Romance
Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh (Berkley Publishing Group Sensation; Cindy Hwang, editor)
Changeling Moon by Dani Harper (Kensington Brava; Alicia Condon, editor)
Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison (Berkley Publishing Group Sensation; Cindy Hwang, editor)
Envy by J.R. Ward (NAL Signet; Kara Welsh, editor)
Lord of the Abyss by Nalini Singh (Harlequin Nocture; Tara Gavin, editor)
The Lost by Caridad Piñeiro (Grand Central Publishing Forever; Selina McLemore, editor)
Nightfall by Ellen Connor (Berkley Publishing Group Sensation; Cindy Hwang, editor)
The Restorer by Amanda Stevens (Harlequin MIRA; Denise Zaza, editor)

2012 RITA Finalists for Regency Historical Romance
The Devil in Disguise by Stefanie Sloane (Ballantine Bantam Dell; Junessa Viloria, editor)
Heiress in Love by Christina Brooke (St. Martin's Press; Monique Patterson, editor)
How to Marry a Duke by Vicky Dreiling (Grand Central Publishing Forever; Michele Bidelspach, editor)
How to Seduce a Scoundrel by Vicky Dreiling (Grand Central Publishing Forever; Michele Bidelspach, editor)
Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish by Grace Burrowes (Sourcebooks Casablanca; Deb Werksman, editor)
A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare (Avon Books; Tessa Woodward, editor)
To Seduce an Angel by Kate Moore (Berkley Publishing Group Sensation; Wendy McCurdy, editor)
When Beauty Tamed the Beast by Eloisa James (Avon Books; Carrie Feron, editor)

2012 RITA Finalists for Romance Novella
"Angel's Wolf" by Nalini Singh in Angels of Darkness (Berkley Publishing Group Sensation; Cindy Hwang, editor)
"Chaos in Death" by J.D. Robb in The Unquiet (Berkley Publishing Group; Leslie Gelbman, editor)
"Compassion Can't Wait" by Carly Phillips in More Than Words, Vol. 7 (Harlequin Enterprises; Marsha Zinberg, editor)
I Love the Earl by Caroline Linden (Avon Impulse; Lyssa Keusch, editor)
"One Wish: a Christmas Story" by Jodi Thomas in A Texas Christmas (Kensington Zebra; Peter Senftleben, editor)
"Resolution" by Linda Winstead Jones in The Heart of Winter (Harlequin Enterprises; Stacy Boyd, editor)
“The Storm Within” by Trish Morey in A Royal Engagement (Harlequin Presents; Joanne Grant, editor)
"Unforgiven" by Ruth Ryan Langan in The Unquiet (Berkley Publishing Group; Cindy Hwang, editor)

2012 RITA Finalists for Romantic Suspense
Hidden Away by Maya Banks (Berkley Publishing Group Sensation; Cindy Hwang, editor)
Hot Zone by Catherine Mann (Sourcebooks Casablanca; Deb Werksman, editor)
Hush by Cherry Adair (Pocket Star; Lauren McKenna, editor)
New York to Dallas by J.D. Robb (Penguin Putnam; Leslie Gelbman, editor)
Secrets of Bella Terra by Christina Dodd (New American Library; Kerry Donovan, editor)
True Colors by Joyce Lamb (Berkley Publishing Group Sensation; Wendy McCurdy, editor)
True Shot by Joyce Lamb (Berkley Publishing Group Sensation; Wendy McCurdy, editor)
Where All the Dead Lie by J.T. Ellison (Harlequin MIRA; Adam Wilson and Miranda Indrigo, editors)

2012 RITA Finalists for Young Adult Romance

Enclave by Ann Aguirre (Macmillan Feiwel & Freinds; Liz Szabla, editor)
Flawless by Lara Chapman (Bloomsbury Publishing; Caroline Abbey, editor)
Hourglass by Myra McEntire (Egmont USA; Regina Griffin, editor)
I'm Not Her by Janet Gurtler (Sourcebooks Fire; Leah Hultenschmidt, editor)
Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep (Kensington Teen; Alicia Condon, editor)
Warped by Maurissa Guibord (Delacorte Press; Michelle Poploff, editor)

2012 Golden Heart Finalists

2012 Golden Heart Finalists for Contemporary Series Romance
“A Perfect Wife” by Caro LaFever
“Bachelor: Baited, Hooked and Bedded” by Lexi Greene
“Cyrano at Your Service” by Tamra Baumann
“The Divorce Deal” by Kat Cantrell
“His Perfect Partner” by Priscilla Kissinger
“Montana Cherries” by Kim Law
“Second-Chance Bride” by Ami Weaver
“Tell Me Something Good” by Jamie Wesley

2012 Golden Heart Finalists for Contemporary Single Title
“All Beautiful Things” by Nicki Salcedo
“Blackjack & Moonlight” by Magdalen Braden
“Cat on a Hot Steel Flight Deck” by Heather Nickodem
“Earning Wings” by Laurie Sanchez
“Meant to Be” by Terri Osburn
“No Peeking” by Talia Quinn Daniels
“Thrown” by Colette Auclair
“You Had Me at Habari” by Maggie McConnell

2012 Golden Heart Finalists for Historical Romance
“The Devil May Care” by Elisa Beatty
“A Duke’s Wicked Kiss” by Kathleen Bittner Roth
“A Hero to Hold” by Sheri Humphreys
“Highland Promise” by Tracy Brogan
“A Knight of Her Own” by Oberon Wonch
“Love in the Music Room” by Moriah Densley
“Notorious” by Alison Atwater (writing as Alison Delaine)
“A Private Affair” by Jennifer McQuiston

2012 Golden Heart Finalists for Inspirational Romance
“Language of Love” by Kristen Ethridge
“Love’s Advocate” by Karen Fleming
“Powerless Consent” by Jan Nash
“Whispers in the Night” by Carol Post

2012 Golden Heart Finalists for Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
“Beulah Land and the Happy Hour Choir” by Sally Kilpatrick
“The Devil She Knows” by Anna Stewart (writing as AJ Stewart)
“Faking It” by Nikki Figueiredo
“The Lazarus Gambit” by Deborah Wright
“Lowcountry Boil” by Susan M. Boyer
“Mere Mortals” by Catherine Rull
“Song without Words” by Lisa Laing
“Taking Wall Street by Disguise” by Terri Bolyard
“A Tangled Season” by Natalie Meg Evans

2012 Golden Heart Finalists for Paranormal Romance
“Bathtub Jinn” by Kay Hudson
“Better Dead” by Pamela Kopfler
“Draxis” by Laurie A. Green
“Figs from Thistles” by A.J. Larrieu
“Flannigan’s Grace” by Marni Donnelly Folsom
“Never Deal with Dragons” by Lorenda Christensen
“Trouble in Mind” by Donna S. Frelick
“Unchained Memory” by Donna S. Frelick

2012 Golden Heart Finalists for Regency Historical Romance
“King of Swords” by Anne Kenny
“The Last Light of Dusk” by Joanne Lockyer
“The Perfect Heiress” by Kimberly Ohara (writing as April Bennet)
“Scandal in Spades” by Wendy LaCapra
“A Whisper to the Wild” by Eileen Emerson

2012 Golden Heart Finalists for Romantic Suspense
“Body of Evidence” by Rachel Grant
“Chemical Attraction” by Mary Oldham
“Edge of Deception” by Elizabeth Bemis
“Exposure” by Robena Grant
“In Wolf’s Clothing” by Sally Eggert
“Rescuing Rembrandt” by Jean Willett
“Rogue’s Return” by Sharon Wray
“Spy in the Harem” by Diana Belchase

2012 Golden Heart Finalists for Young Adult Romance
“Angel Academy” by Cecily White
“Canvas Crossers” by Natalie Vawter
“Forget Tomorrow” by Pintip Dunn
“The Matter of Souls” by Stephanie Winkelhake
“Pandora’s Clock” by Natalie Vawter
“The Silent Sister” by Megan Macijauskas (writing as M. Kassel)
“The Suspicions of Cairo Jones” by Mary Danielson
“Wired” by Romily Bernard

Romance Book Review: Amy Lee Burgess' Scratch the Surface

Author: Amy Lee Burgess
Series Connection: The Wolf Within
ISBN: 9781616503499

Genre: Romance/ Paranormal/ Shifter
Publisher: Lyrical Press


Purchase this book here

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

This is the second book in the first series I've read from Amy Lee Burgess and I really must say that she totally impresses me. That really isn't as easy as it might seem to do. If I could give this book and series a better than 5 Hearts than I would. The amount of emotion that this author can put into words is just incredible.

In book 2 of the Wolf Within series, readers meet again Constance "Stanzie" Newcastle and her new bond mate Liam Murphy. "Grandfather" Tobias has confessed to tampering with the breaks on Stanzie's car, causing the accident that killed her former bond mates. The Councilor that Stanzie and Liam advises asks Stanzie to come back to her pack town and speak with Tobias before he is giving his punishment of death for his crimes, but as usual the Councilor has more in mind than just giving Stanzie closure.

Liam isn't too happy when he hears what the Councilor has in mind, because Tobias has alluded to the fact that he did not act alone and that not only Grandfathers and Grandmothers are killing members of various packs.

The visited to the safe house of Stanzie's old pack town is like an emotional roller coaster and still she must try to find out which one of her beloved friends felt that they needed to not only kill Stanzie's bond mates, but also her.

This isn't a series for someone who is looking for a fun loving whimsical romance, but for those who like to did themselves into a good mystery and emotional story this is a series worth reading. 

Description:
Something's rotten in the Riverglow pack.

Still learning more about each other as bond mates and adjusting to their new roles as Advisors to a Councilor, Constance Newcastle and Liam Murphy must deal with the ghosts of their past.

A quiet weekend in Boston is anything but that, when Constance comes face to face with the betrayal of those she considered the closest to her. Everyone has secrets, and wherever Constance goes, she has a knack for uncovering them. The only problem is that some secrets are deadly.

WARNING: Strong language, sexual situations, and a lot of graphic shoe description.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Romance Book Review: Diane Escalera's Still Hot For You

Author: Diane Escalera

ISBN: 9781616503628
Genre: Romance/ Contemporary
Publisher: Lyrical Press


Purchase this book here

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Shay has decided she doesn't want to lose her husband Dylan. After four months of not talking she knows the only way to get through to the stuborn man is to seduce him.

When Dylan gets a text from his wife to come home early, he's worried that this is it. She's finally given up on him and their marriage.

When the seduction begins, Dylan doesn't know what's gotten into his wife, but he isn't about to complain. Can Shay and Dylan find their way back to each other before it is too late?

Still Hot For You is an appropriate title for this sexy short novella. This couple still loves each other and both really want their marriage to work, but after five years are still learning to communicate their feelings.

Description:
Want to get your man talking? Give him booty!

Desperate times call for desperate measures. And Shay LaCosta is pretty desperate. She's wrecked her blissful marriage of five years by demanding she and her husband Dylan have a baby. What the hell was she thinking? She knows she was wrong and she's ready to set things right, if only Dylan will let her. Bet he can't shun her Booty Camp offer: delicious, white-hot sex in exchange for what's going on inside his brain.

Dylan may be macho and stubborn, but he really does miss his wife. A little of Shay's pushing gets him past their estrangement and into her web of seduction. She seems to have an erotic week mapped out to perfection, and who is he to complain? Their marriage is meant to be, so they'll fight with each other, and they'll fight for each other.

WARNING: Racy Language, Hot Sex, Seduction