Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Romance Book Review: Callie Croix's Let Me In

Author: Callie Croix
eISBN: 9781426893773
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Erotic Romance/ Romance
Publisher: Carina Press

       
Purchase this book here

Talia is home on leave from overseas for the holidays, but unlike all the other soliders who get off the plane with her Talia doesn't expect anyone to pick her up. The only family she has left, her mother, and she haven't had the best relationship over the years.

Talia is excited and completely surprised to find her friend Angie and Angie's brother Liam waiting at the airport. What she isn't surprised to find when she gets home is her mother's life in a mess.

Liam has waited a long time for Talia and now that she is home he is determined to spend time with her and let her know exactly how he feels about her. Talia is attracted to Liam, but Liam isn't for her. She loves his family too much to get into a relationship that would end when Liam finds out how messed up her mother really is.

Description:
On leave for Thanksgiving, the last thing marine lieutenant Talia Barnett expects to find is Liam Brodie waiting for her at the airport. He's had a starring role in her fantasies for the past two years, and although she'd love to make them a reality, she has a dark secret that prevents her from taking things further.

A former marine, Liam's specialty is planning tactical operations, and that's just what he plans to do to win Talia. The woman has kept him at arm's length for too long, and this time he's finally going to claim her--body and heart.

What begins as comfort quickly turns hot. When Liam shows Talia a hint of the dominant nature inside him, the submissive part of her flares to life. Though she desires him, she's going back on deployment and doesn't want to dump all her drama on him. Will he find a way to break through the protective walls around her heart and convince her they have a future that goes far beyond the bedroom?

Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove book series becomes a television series

INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED, AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS, ANDIE MACDOWELL, SET TO STAR IN HALLMARK CHANNEL’S FIRST-EVER PRIMETIME SERIES,

‘CEDAR COVE’


Two-Hour Pilot Goes Into Production in June for Premiere Late 2012;
One-Hour Drama Series to Premiere in Early 2013;
Based on the Book Series Cedar Cove by #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, Debbie Macomber


Hallmark Channel announces that internationally renowned actress Andie MacDowell is set to star in the two-hour pilot, “Cedar Cove,” which commences production in mid-June.  “Cedar Cove,” the movie, is the basis for the network’s first-ever primetime series.  The movie pilot will premiere in late 2012, with the new one-hour drama series expected to premiere shortly after in early 2013.  “Cedar Cove,” is based on the bestselling book series by renowned author Debbie Macomber.  The past partnership between Hallmark Channel and Debbie Macomber has resulted in the network having three of the top rated Original Movies on all of ad-supported cable TV three years in a row.  “Debbie Macomber’s Mrs. Miracle,” “Debbie Macomber’s Call Me Mrs. Miracle,” and “Debbie Macomber’s Trading Christmas” all premiered as #1 for both the day and the week each premiered, 2009-2011, respectively.

In making the announcement, Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming, Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel said, “We are beyond thrilled to have a star of the magnitude of Andie MacDowell to star in ‘Cedar Cove,’ the movie that is the basis for Hallmark Channel’s first-ever primetime series.  Andie is widely recognized around the world as a gifted actor and a top box-office draw and there is genuine, mutual excitement today between the network and our star about the future of the new series,” Ms. Vicary concluded.

In “Cedar Cove,” MacDowell will star as Judge Olivia Lockhart whose Cedar Cove Municipal Court is the professional milieu and social microcosm of issues the judge will face in her own day-to-day life with family and friends.

MacDowell first received critical acclaim as the repressed young wife in Steven Soderbergh’s “sex, lies and videotape,” which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes, and also earned Ms. MacDowell the Independent Spirit Award and the Los Angeles Film Critics Award for Best Actress.  MacDowell also received her first Golden Globe nomination from that film, as well as, multiple honors from film societies around the globe.

MacDowell went on to earn the worldwide title of #1 Female Box-Office Draw with her performance in the smash hit comedy, “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” earning her a second Golden Globe nomination.  She also starred in the perennial holiday classic, “Groundhog Day” with Bill Murray, “Green Card” with Gerard Depardieu, “Multiplicity” with Michael Keaton, and “Michael” with John Travolta.

MacDowell’s dramatic work includes the Wim Wenders directed film, “The End of Violence,” Robert Altman’s “The Player” and “Short Cuts,” the Diane Keaton directed “Unstrung Heroes” (for which the cast won a Golden Globe), and the evergreen hit, “St. Elmo’s Fire.”  She was recently seen on the big screen in “Footloose,” “The Fifth Quarter” and “Monte Carlo.”

On television, MacDowell also earned praise for the HBO Emmy-nominated film, “Dinner with Friends” and the beloved Hallmark Hall of Fame telefilm, “Riding the Bus with My Sister,” starring opposite Rosie O’Donnell.  MacDowell currently stars in the ABC Family series, “Jane By Design” and is celebrating 25 years of partnership with L’Oreal Paris as an international spokesperson for the brand.

With more than 150 million copies of her books in print worldwide, Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of romance and women’s fiction.  Four Macomber novels have become made-for-TV movies, including the three #1-rated Hallmark Channel Original Films (“Debbie Macomber’s Mrs. Miracle,” “Debbie Macomber’s Call Me Mrs. Miracle,” and “Debbie Macomber’s Trading Christmas”).  Macomber was the inaugural winner of the fan-voted Quill Award for romance in 2005.  She has been awarded a RITA®, romance publishing’s “Oscar,” and the 2010 Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award by the Romance Writers of America.  Ms. Macomber makes her home in Port Orchard, WA, with her husband Wayne, children and grandchildren.  Port Orchard is the inspiration for the town, Cedar Cove, and the fictional location of Hallmark Channel’s new series.

“Cedar Cove” is an Orchard Road Productions Ltd. Film.  The movie pilot is written by Bruce Graham (“Debbie Macomber’s Trading Christmas”).  Mr. Graham adapted the material from Debbie Macomber’s series of books, Cedar Cove.  Executive Producers are Debbie Macomber, Dan Wigutow, Caroline Moore, Harvey Kahn, Michael Scott and Allen Lewis.  Michael Scott will direct “Cedar Cove,” the movie.

Hallmark Channel, owned and operated by Crown Media Holdings, Inc., is a 24-hour basic cable network that provides a diverse slate of high-quality entertainment programming available in high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) to a national audience of nearly 88 million subscribers. The top-tier program service is distributed through approximately 5,500 cable systems and communities as well as direct-to-home satellite services across the country. Hallmark Channel is the nation’s leading destination for quality family programming with an ambitious slate of original TV movies and specials, as well as some of television’s most beloved sitcoms and series, including The Golden Girls, Frasier, Little House on the Prairie, and The Waltons. The channel is also home to Marie!, Home & Family and other lifestyle content. Hallmark Channel's sibling network is Hallmark Movie Channel, also available in HD and SD, which focuses on family-friendly movies with a mix of classic theatrical films, presentations from the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame library, original Hallmark Channel movies and special events.

For more information, please visit www.HallmarkChannelPress.com

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Romance Book Review: Lori Crawford's Thwarting Cupid

Author: Lori Crawford
ISBN: 9781616503727
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Paranormal/ Multicultural

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Purchase this book here

Cute contemporary romance with a little erotic fantasy, featuring a cupid smitten with one of his charges. No one can be good enough for his Carissa, so Quincy sends away every suitor she meets until his back is turned and Hutch comes back into her life.

For one minute a few years ago Carissa and Hutch started to have something meaningful, but Quincy stepped in and sent his arrow for Hutch to another woman. Now Carissa and Hutch meet again and with a little help from "Miss C", Quincy's boss, the two learn the meaning of what their life can be together.

Still even under orders Quincy isn't about to make it easy on the couple. Even with throwing in a couple of cute hijinks and some fun at poor Hutch's expense, can this cupid really keep true soul mates apart?

Description:
When good cupids go bad...

Carissa Langston is a perfectly lovely woman, so she can't figure out why she's always been single. The higher ups at Cupid Headquarters are wondering the same thing.

What none of them knows is that Quincy, her assigned cupid, fancies himself in love with her. He doesn't think anyone will ever be good enough for her--especially not that James "Hutch" Hutchington person. Who cares if the man is really Carissa's soul mate?

When Carissa and Hutch run into one another after years apart, sparks fly. Quincy does some fancy cupiding to keep them apart--no matter the cost. Can Carissa and Hutch thwart cupid and reach their happily ever after?

WARNING: Cupid hijinks, sexy chemistry between soul mates, and adult content.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Romance Book Review: Bella Andre's I Only Have Eyes For You

Author: Bella Andre

Series Connection: The Sullivans
ISBN: 9781938127175
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Erotic Romance
Publisher: Oak Press, LLC


Purchase this book here

In the forth book in the Sullivans, Sullivan sister Sophie has been in love with family friend Jake since she was five years old, but Jake is someone of a ladies man and would never look twice at librarian Sophie.

At her brother's wedding Sophie decides to make a chance that will get her noticed by Jake, but although it does the job and she get her chance for a night with Jake and something completely life changing extra, Sophie is determined to see it all through.

Jake has been in love with Sophie forever, but he knows he isn't good enough for the beautiful woman. When she seduces him, he can help but take her up on her proposal, but afterward he realizes what a mistake it would be to let Sophie know how much he loves her.

Although this is a pretty worn out subject matter in romance, I love Bella Andre's voice throughout her stories. There is just enough of the other characters in the series to let know you how the relationship with the rest of the Sullivans has shaped the two main characters in this story. The bedroom scenes are erotic, but not over the top. Very well done.  

Description:
Get ready for another Sullivan to fall in love in Bella Andre's bestselling contemporary romance series!

Sophie Sullivan, a librarian in San Francisco, was five years old when she fell head over heels in love with Jake McCann. Twenty years later, she's convinced the notorious bad boy still sees her as the "nice" Sullivan twin. That is, when he bothers to look at her at all. But when they both get caught up in the magic of the first Sullivan wedding, she knows it's long past time to do whatever it takes to make him see her for who she truly is...the woman who will love him forever.

Jake has always been a magnet for women, especially since his Irish pubs made him extremely wealthy. But the only woman he really wants is the one he can never have. Not only is Sophie his best friend's off-limits younger sister...he can't risk letting her get close enough to discover his deeply hidden secret.

Only, when Sophie appears on his doorstep as Jake's every fantasy come to life-smart, beautiful, and shockingly sexy-he doesn't have a prayer of taking his eyes, or his hands, off her. And he can't stop craving more of her sweet smiles and sinful kisses. Because even though Jake knows loving Sophie isn't the right thing to do...how can he possibly resist?

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Romance Book Review: DC Petterson's A Melancholy Humour

Author: DC Petterson
ISBN: 9781616503536

Genre: Urban Fantasy/ Suspense/ Crime Drama/ Romance
Publisher: Lyrical Press

Purchase this book here

This would probably be considered more of a paranormal crime drama than a romance, but still fits for a review.

For the past year psychologist Vince has been getting on with his wife after his wife's death. He and his son have moved back to Chicago to live with his mother. While back in NY he worked on some profiling cases for the police and got burnt out. The last thing he wants to do now is get back into doing the same thing in Chicago after a call from an old friend puts him in the middle of a gory serial murder case.

While trying to come up with an answer for the case, too many similarities to a young woman he meets starts connecting together. Are werewolves really killing the people of Chicago? The thought is preposterous. Every minute Vince knows he wants no part of this case and every minute he gets deeper and deeper involved.

The story itself is written well. Vince is an unlikely hero, as a man who is still recovering from his own tragedy and isn't quite ready to deal with everyone else's problems. The Chicago and Italian slang get a little annoying at times, but well written environmentally and adding a little gruesome twist is always fun.

Description:
Monsters walk the streets of Chicago. So do werewolves.

The Beast Killer terrorizes Chicago’s near north side, and Vincent, a retired police profiler, must untangle the mysteries of the Church, the F.B.I., medieval folklore and his own internal beasts.

Can a vulnerable street waif unlock the mysteries of sorcery and madness? Behind the facade of an old Italian neighborhood, do werewolves really prowl? As Vincent struggles to separate reality from nightmare, ancient truths from modern deception, he must protect his family and solve the mystery of the young woman—and keep himself from falling desperately in love.

WARNING: Strong language, violence and gore, sexual situations, references to childhood abuse, religious themes


Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Romance Book Review: Sydney Landon's Not Planning on You

Author: Sydney Landon
Series Connection: Danver's 
ISBN: not assigned
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Purchase this book here

As far as Suzy is concerned Gray is nothing but a stuffed shirt. Suzy is a free spirit. She can't see herself with him, and for a year has tried to ignore the her growing attraction to him. Now he's moved to her town and he's determined to have her. She's not really fighting as much as she should.

Gray has waited so long to have Suzy he's determined do whatever he has to make her his. The only problem is that long year while they were at an impasse, Gray did something he now regrets and because of that it could jepordize his relationship with Suzy for ever.

Like the first in the Danver's series, Weekends Required, this book offers wonderful heart felt characters. The story may be familiar, but the writing is so completely well done with a witty heroine and a sensitive hero. Very sweet and sexy love story. 

Description:
Suzy Denton seems to have it all together. She loves her job as an event's planner for Danvers International, and she loves her high school sweetheart and fiance Jeff. Fast forward a month and it's all gone to hell in a hand-basket. She finds out Jeff's dentist has been doing more than drilling his teeth, and Danvers is in the process of merging with Mericom creating the largest communications company in the US and also bringing Gray Merimon, the CEO of Mericom into her life.

Gray pursues her from almost their first meeting. Even though he looks like sex on a stick, Suzy is afraid of being hurt again, and she thinks Gray is just another stuffed shirt looking for a relationship. When he calls her bluff, Suzy agrees to one night of sex, hoping that he will be terrible in bed and she can finally get him out of her system.

When circumstances throw them together for more than one night, can Gray convince Suzy that two complete opposites can be a perfect fit?

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Romance Book Review: Donna Alward's The Last Real Cowboy

Author: Donna Alward
Series Connection: Cadence Creek Cowboys

ISBN: 9780373178070 (#4311)
Category: Classic Romance/ Category Romance

Publisher: Harlequin

Purchase this book here


Harlequin markets this book as one novel with a bonus story, but actually it appears to be to short stories as they are both roughly the same size novellas.

In The Last Real Cowboy Angela is a former social worker opening a halfway house for abused women. Her goal is to help women start a new life. The home and property has been donated by the Diamond Family. Along the way she has been happy to work with Molly Diamond, but family circumstances makes it so that Molly's son Sam has to set in and help her with committee obligations. Angela has already met Sam and found him lacking.

Sam is under a lot of pressure and he really doesn't have time for this committee or working with the cold Angela Beck. The only problem is that he has promised his mother and he knows what Angela is doing is for a good cause.

When Angela tries to get more help than Sam is willing to give fireworks start, but Sam does warm to Angela's cause. Now the two need to work out whether two dedicated individuals can come together in a relationship.


In the second book, The Rancher's Runaway Princess, Lucy is on a mission to prove that she is a good horsewoman. Her mother has recently passed away and she learns her father is a King for the first time. Her father prides himself on his stables and sends Lucy on a mission to Canada to check into some horses. The owner of the property, Brody Hamilton, isn't as welcoming as she'd like at first, but Lucy holds her own with the attractive rancher.

Brody doesn't trust easily and he isn't about to trust this little slip of a woman so fast. He could be a little nicer, but just can't help himself. He knows though that getting the King's business is the answer to his business's future.


Both stories are okay, but not really page turners. Those who like horses will be more interested in the second story as the author goes in a quite a bit of detail. I would have liked to have seen the first story, The Last Real Cowboy, be drawn out more. The two characters are fine separately, but need a little more work to make them into a future couple. Same goes for the second story. Both would make fine full novels with a little more relationship work between the main characters. 

Description:
From the moment he turned up late to her charity's meeting, placating everyone with a tip of his Stetson and a lazy smile, Angela Beck knew that Sam Diamond was going to be Trouble with a capital T.

Angela is the prickliest woman Sam's ever met—let alone had to work with! He'd love to still her sharp tongue with a kiss, but first he has to get close enough to awaken the complex woman beneath the deliberately cool exterior. And that's something only a real cowboy can do.…


Sunday, May 20, 2012

Romance Book Review: Ashlyn Kane and Morgan James' Hair of the Dog

Author: Ashlyn Kane and Morgan James
ISBN: 9781613723470

Genre: Paranormal/ MM/ Gay Romance/ Werewolf/ Shifter

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
 

Purchase the book here

Ezra has just buried his father and is walking home when he is attacked. He has no recollection of what happened to him. All he knows is that he made it home and when he wakes up he is covered in blood. To make matters worse a knock on the door brings in Callum, a man in a business suit who tells him he is now a Lycan and he must come with him because his life as Ezra knows it is now changed forever.

What follows is Ezra's adjustment of his new world. He's now thrust into a world he has never heard of and completely drawn to his new alpha. When ever the man talks to him he sends off waves of desire in Ezra. The big problem is that Callum is dead set on protecting the new member of his pack and that means no sex with Ezra until he has had his first shift to a wolf.

Who has time anyway. Callum is trying to figure out a mystery. Suddenly werewolves are attacking humans and acting very strangely. As a scientist and a member of the Lycan community, Callum feels it is his duty to figure out what is going on before a member of his own pack becomes infected with whatever is happening to the other wolves.

Then there is Ezra. Callum needs to protect him at all cost. It is just in his nature to do so.

The Hair of the Dog holds a decent story. The characters are lively and likeable. The story does run slow at times. I was looking for a bit more action throughout the story, but when it finally does come it is well played. I do so appreciate a LGBT romance where the characters don't spend all their time having sex and there is actually a strong plot going on through the book.

Description:
Can Ezra survive being changed into a werewolf or will darker forces prevail? Hair of the Dog by Ashlyn Kane & Morgan James, available from Dreamspinner Press.
It’s nine o’clock the morning after his father’s funeral, and Ezra Jones already knows it’s going to be a bad day. He wakes up hungover, sore, and covered in blood. Then it gets worse: the handsome and compelling Callum Dawson shows up on his doorstep claiming Ezra’s been turned into a werewolf. Ezra wants to be skeptical, but the evidence is hard to ignore.

Ezra doesn’t have a lot of time to get used to the rules Alpha Callum imposes—or the way his body responds to Callum’s dominance—as he’s busily working for the CDC to help uncover the origins of a lycan epidemic. When the sexual tension finally breaks, Ezra barely has time to enjoy it, because a new danger threatens. Someone wants Ezra for their own unscrupulous purposes and will do anything to get him.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Romance Book Review: Tina Leonard's A Callahan Wedding

Author: Tina Leonard
Series Connection: Callahan Cowboys
ISBN: 9780373754052
Genre: Sweet Romance/ Heart & Home
Publisher: Harlequin/ American Romance


Purchase this book here

Normally I like Tina Leonard's series books, but this one left me slightly disappointed and I can't really pinpoint what it was about it that bothered me. Possibly that the idea was pretty much the same as most.

After leaving town because of a misunderstanding the oldest of the Callahan brothers, Jonas, comes home just in time to see his brother Sam remarried to his wife. When Jonas sees his long lost love he is surprised to find out the baby she was pregnant with was his.

Now he has some explaining to do himself. Thinking he needed a cover plan he brought a fiance home with him. Now he wants his old love back and it will take everything he has to convince her that she should marry him.

In the meantime the brothers are trying to deal with mercenary who is still looking for their parents.

Description:
"Holy Smokes. I'm A Father."

Sabrina McKinley broke Jonas's heart when she left him for another man. Then the eldest Callahan brother gets the surprise of his life when he sees her again…holding his son. Even at six months, his bouncing baby boy was wearing the legendary Callahan smile!

Which means Sabrina has got to marry him, even if Jonas has to drag her to the altar.

Sabrina's been head over heels for the hunky cowboy doctor since the day she first came to Rancho Diablo; it's always been Jonas keeping her at arm's length. She won't settle for anything less than the real deal—the love and happiness that Jonas's five brothers have found.

But when a revelation about a family secret comes out, Sabrina can see Jonas is ready to look toward the future. He won't be the last bachelor on the ranch. After all, he's a Callahan!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Romance Book Review: Sondrae Bennett's Worth Fighting For

Author: Sondrae Bennett
Series Connection: Alpine Woods Shifters Book Four
ISBN: 9781616503734

Genre: Romance/ Paranormal/ Shifter
Publisher: Lyrical Press

Purchase this book here


In the continuation of the Alpine Woods Shifters, Sondrae Bennett tells the story of the fox premiere, Cody. Readers of the series will remember Cody from the first book in the series, Arctic Winds when Arctic fox Samantha becomes lost and wonders into Cody's territory. In Worth Fighting For, Cody still has feelings for Samantha but she is firmly in the wolf Alpha, Jason's, arms.

Cody's best friend Misty has always been there for him. She loves him and wishes they would be more than friends. That is something Cody hadn't really thought about until recently. When Misty makes a pass at Cody after a night of a little too much tequila he forgets the whole encounter.

Now Misty needs to decide if she wants to give up on Cody all together or continue on her quest, but after she becomes hurt and the two are thrust together, that decision might be taken away from her.

I've liked this series all along, but I think this is one of the best of the bunch. Good story line with a line of conflict and a good romance story. 

Description:
Alpine Woods Shifters Book Four

All’s fair in love and war.

As leader of a fox skulk, Cody is used to feeling protective. But when his best friend, Misty, gets attacked, his panic has nothing to do with duty. Suddenly, he’s noticing Misty as a woman instead of the girl he grew up with. But pursuing those feelings would risk their friendship, something he's unwilling to do.

Misty's tried everything, without success, to convince Cody she's not "one of the guys". Yet now that he's looking at her like she always dreamed, he pulls away every time she gets close.

Danger lurks in the background, waiting to pounce. Someone plots against the foxes, leaving them all in jeopardy…especially Misty. Will Cody overcome his fears in time to save the woman he loves?

Monday, May 14, 2012

Romance Book Review: Anthology: Something Wicked This Way Comes, Volume 2

Authors: Aubrey Ross, Diana Hunter, Jaid Black, Katalina Leon, Laurann Dohner, Regina Carlysle
ISBN: 9781419937002
Anthology

Genre: Erotic Romance, Paranormal, Vampire, Shifter, BDSM, and more
Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Anthology featuring various erotic romance short stories. Different genres are featured throughout the book with the underlying them being erotic romance.

My favorite in the series is Jaid Black's Fatman and Robyn which features an Italian girl living in Little Italy, New York where she is accepted for herself even if she is a few pounds over the average and a wonderful hero who is dealing with his supposed unnatural attraction to "fat" girls.

As much as the story is so stereotypical version of New York Italian it was a heartwarming story that shined above the rest.


Description:
Fatman & Robyn
Author: Jaid Black

Jake Chamberlin, star quarterback of the New York Bloods, has a not-so-little secret—he’s into chubby chicks. He does all he can to resist temptation, but when Jake bumps into the gorgeous Robyn DiMarco at a bistro in Little Italy, all bets are off.

Scarred and Kilt
Author: Laurann Dohner


Matty has a new neighbor, and she strongly suspects the kilt-wearing hottie is a vampire—he only goes out at night, has weird visitors and the blood bank is making regular deliveries. But he doesn’t seem to hurt anyone, so “live and let live” is Matty’s motto. Until she sees a guy armed with crosses and wooden stakes breaking into the neighbor’s house. Matty charges to the rescue—and ends up in Mr. Hottie’s bed…and on his desk…and…

Tinderbox
Author: Regina Carlysle


Set in the same world as Jaguar Hunger.

Private investigators Nate and Daniel don’t expect to find their mate while working a case. But they recognize Olivia as theirs the second they catch the missing woman’s scent—the scent of a female jaguar shifter in heat. Nate and Daniel’s task? Find then claim Livvy in every raw, animalistic way possible…and release her inner beast.

Asterion
Author: Katalina Leon


Betrayed by her village chief, Larisa is brought to a mysterious island and left bound in a subterranean labyrinth, where drops of her blood summon the mythical Minotaur. She expects the man-beast to take her life…but it’s her body that’s sacrificed. Darron, a shapeshifting being, ravishes Larisa, and she gives herself freely to the pleasure—a decision that will change both their worlds forever.

Decadent Dance
Author: Aubrey Ross


Surely the dress Zoe purchased did not transport her to an alien ship, right? No. Hallucinations. Must be. Though…the gorgeous alien who greets her seems real enough. And the sex? Out of this world.

Vaden has waited years for his Decadent Dancer, and though Zoe swears she didn’t know what the dress could do, Vaden has been lonely too long to be easily thwarted. He’ll use every sensual trick he knows to convince Zoe she’s right where she belongs.
 
Sahara Heat
Author: Diana Hunter


As a favor to a friend, author Carla Braun agrees to meet with archaeologist Josef Anderson to discuss his recent desert find. To her dismay, the man’s infuriating…as well as tall, blond, gorgeous—and into BDSM. If she can look beyond Dr. Anderson’s cool exterior, Carla just might discover some scorching Sahara Heat…

A Romantica® erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Friday, May 11, 2012

Romance Book Review: M. A. Stacie's A Path of Petals

Author: M. A. Stacie
Digital ISBN: 9781937325237

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Beachwalk Press


Purchase this book here

Spitfire Rain Teslar could not be further from Griffin's type. With her tattoos, lip ring and flighty attitude how can he possible be interested in her. But attracted he is and soon he can't look away from this woman.

Griffin has come to England from America to settle his father's estate. The stress of coming to finish the details of man who he can't even remember is enough without adding his strange new neighbor to the mix.

Rain knows exactly who Griffin is when she finds him lost on the side of the road. She sees he's lost in more ways then one and can't stop herself from trying to help him. No matter how grouchy he is there is something about the stuffy man and she wants to see him smile more and be able to get to know his father even though his father is gone.

At first it was a little hard to get into this book, starting off a bit slow, but as the pages progressed I was taken by the relationship forming between the two lead characters. So utterly different there shouldn't be any romance happening between them, but yet it just seems to work. Not to mention the steamy and romantic love scenes that can take your breath away, this is definitely one to read. While the publishers don't label this for book for its explicit love scenes, there are few too many to make it just a sweet romance and quickly falls into the erotic romance category.

Description:
Following the path of petals could lead to the path of your future.

Griffin Holt arrives in England intent on selling his deceased father's house and returning to America as soon as possible. Griffin is a workaholic, annoyed at this forced change of routine. When he gets lost and can't find the guest house he should be staying in his frustration multiplies. He follows a constant line of blossom trees, hoping to find at least one signpost. Instead, he encounters an odd, bohemian woman twirling in the road and showing no signs of moving.

Rain Teslar knows who the man in the car is, the whole town does and they've been waiting for years for him to return. He just doesn't realize it.

Rain instantly strikes up a friendship with him, though it isn't reciprocated at first. Each day her carefree nature annoys him a little bit less, and her help with unraveling the secrets of his past has him seeking her comfort. However, if Griffin's new life is to be a fresh start, changes have to be made—changes neither of them are willing to make.

Content Warning: Contains moments of cuteness that will make you swoon, along with sexy interludes that will increase your temperature. Also uses random, amusing British slang.


Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Romance Book Review: Cherie Nicholls' Leashed By A Wolf

Author: Cherie Nicholls
Series Connection: The Shifters of Hillside
ISBN 978-1-59578-897-9

Genre: Paranormal Romance/ Shifter/ Werewolf
Publisher: Lyrical Press

Purchase this book here

The first in this new series, Cherie Nicholls, offers a new werewolf series featuring a strong heroine, Laney, who has been attracted to hero, werewolf, Heath for years. She's finally decided it is time to show Heath what she is made of.

Dressing up one evening she sets out to seduce him and succeeds pretty well, but Heath is worried. He needs a female who can be an alpha to his pack and as a human Laney just doesn't have that ability. To top it off she has a family that is over protective of her.

Whatn he doesn't realize and what everyone tries to tell him is Laney is a lot stronger than she looks.

This looks like a promising series although the first book was somewhat predictable. It will be interesting to see where she goes with the characters of the Hillside pack.

Description:
Mechanic Laney St. Clair doesn’t want much in life. All she wants is to run her father’s garage as she sees fit, her brothers to stop treating her like she is still their baby sister, and for Heath Marsterson to realise that under all the grease and overalls she is a grown woman, ready, willing, and able to show him just how talented her hands can be.

Heath’s an alpha shifter who knows he needs a mate to help him rule. A strong woman who can stand with him and up to him when needed, a woman who can help keep his pack safe. What he doesn’t need is a fragile human whose family protects her as if she’s made of spun glass. No matter how persuasive little Laney-girl tries to be or how much he wants her, Heath knows she’ll never be strong enough to handle his true self no matter what she says, moans, screams…

Monday, May 7, 2012

Romance Book Review: Jody E. Lebel's Playing Dead

Author: Jody E. Lebel
ISBN: 978-1-61217-107-4

Genre: Mainstream Romance/ Contemporary/ Romantic Suspense
Published By: The Wild Rose Press


Purchase this book here

When Renee's friend, Liz, receives an email from her long dead fiance, Renee pushes her to call the police. As court reporters both she and Liz know that there are a lot of people out there who would try anything for money.

To help investigate the case is Detective Anthony Graciano. Immediately Renee feels an attraction to the rumpled detective and although the two fight like cats and dogs, soon a romance begins, but can the two get past their difference to be together?

Meanwhile, Liz's case heats up. The emails are getting more desperate. Liz knows they can't be from her dead fiance, but she still can't get over why someone would be do such a thing to her.

Well written sweet romance, offering a little humor, suspense and a bad dressed, but cute hero.

Description:
Court reporter Renee Rose found out the hard way that hooking up with a cop is like a bikini wax--it starts off hot, turns painful, and ends in tears.

But when her best friend receives an e-mail, supposedly from her long-dead fiancé, demanding money, Renee knows they need help. Too bad help comes in the form of Detective Anthony Graciano, an annoying, bossy cop who somehow manages to haul Renee's libido out of dry dock.

Police work is more than a career to Anthony, it's an obsession. He specializes in cases involving female victims, which leaves him no time for anything else. Until he meets Renee, a delicious mystery he yearns to explore.

As danger closes in, Anthony fights to keep Renee safe despite her tendency to plunge headlong into danger--and her doubts about him. Can she learn to trust his love before it's too late?


Sunday, May 6, 2012

Romance Book Review: Trista Ann Michaels' Fast and Furious

Author: Trista Ann Michaels
ISBN 978-1-59578-931-0

Genre: Erotic Romance/ Action/ Suspense
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

Purchase this book here

Allie has a problem that she just doesn't know how to get out of alive. Little does she know that her father has sent three Navy Seals her way to help her out.

When seals, Chase, Logan and Blaine are called into SECNAV's office they have no idea just what they are getting into. Taking a deal to retire for service once they get Allie out of trouble, the three men take off for Florida where Allie owns a automotive shop.

The three men have shared women before, but one look at Allie and the three know that they are in trouble because the last thing they want to do is get caught doing more than just resucing their bosses daughter. Then their is the problem that Allie turns out to be in the worst kind of trouble and undercover cop can be in with no chance to get help. Can the seals save her before the Russian Cartel does?

Talk about hot sex scenes...this book is filled with them as Allie uses her off time to explore every sexual fantasy she's ever had with the three men. In the mean time fast cars and action fill out the rest of the story as the group race against time to get Allie away from the cartel before her cover is blown.

Description:
Allie likes things fast—cars, men, as well as every aspect of her life. She lives for the moment, which is probably how she found herself waist deep in the middle of a Russian drug cartel. As an undercover cop, she thought she had things well in hand. She was wrong.

Three Navy Seals are sent in by Allie’s father, SECNAV, to assess the situation. There’s concern Allie’s in serious danger, and her father wants her out; preferably in one piece. Chase, Logan, and Blaine are all attracted to her, but she will become much more to one of them.

Unfortunately for Allie, witness relocation isn’t an option. The Russians can always find them. For Allie to get out, she’ll have to bring them down.

Multiple partners, anal sex, violence.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Romance Book Review: Elise Whyles' Forsaken Heart

Author: Elise Whyles
Series Connection: The Forsaken Series
Digital ISBN: 9781937325244
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance/ Vampires/ Mythological

Publisher: Beachwalk Press

Purchase this book here

The first in the new Forsaken Series from Beachwalk Press, Forsaken Heart is one of those books you'll want to pay close attention to as there is a lot going on throughout this book.

The series, which will be written by two authors, Elise Whyles and Ciara Lake, features a whole host of paranormals including vampires, Gods, dragons and even a couple of demons.

In this first book, written by Elise Whyles, readers are introduced to the world in ancient times when Rome is at war and the Gods have just come out of favor with humans. Vampires live in their own realm and generally see humans as nothing more than food.

Vampire Gawain, guard to the King of Vampires, is sent to find a young girl and bring her back to the king. When he meets two sisters he is sure at first which is the one the king is looking for, but as his choice becomes clear he decides that he can't leave the sister behind because she is his mate.

Bede has one goal in life and that is to protect her younger sister Una. When the sisters are first sold by their father, and then rescued/kidnapped by a vampire Bede knows she has to do everything in her power to keep Una safe. Unfortunately there is a Goddess who has plans of her own for Bede's sister and another Goddess who has plans for both Gawain and Bede.

Can the two make it to the safety of the vampire world and once there will Bede be any safer in Gawain's world?

This book isn't for the faint of heart. There is plenty of gore and blood to go around throughout the page of this story, as there tends to be in many vampire books. The book, however, tells a great story with good descriptive narrative and dialog. Those who like vampire books and looking for a more unique story he's one you might want to sink your teeth into. (okay bad pun.)

Description:
Punished for sins not her own, can a mortal claim her vampire mate?

The world of immortals must unite to save both themselves and the mortals they co-exist with from an ancient evil.

For Bede MacTaggert this means trusting in the warrior sent for her sister—a man of mystery, of power, and one who could easily sweep her into a world she's destined to be part of.

An imperial guard to the king of vampires, Gawain has always tuned out the needs of the flesh. Dedicating himself to the service of the royals, he's lived on the fringes of his people for centuries. Now he's forced from the shadows and into the arms of a woman who will awaken his heart and body to a passion unequaled.

Content Warning: sexy alpha vampire, explicit sex, violence.

Romance Book Review: Rebecca Royce's Darkest Wolf

Author: Rebecca Royce
Series Connection: Westerbelt Wolves
ISBN 978-1-59578-920-4

Genre: Werewolves/ Shifters/ Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

Purchase this book here

Welcome back to Westervelt Island where we find youngest brother Rex on an errand to find a witch the young princes can use to help in the fight against their evil father.

Rex has always felt like a screw up and feels that this is his last chance to convince his Alpha brother that he has the pack's best interest at heart. His mission is to find a witch. By coincidence the first witches that he comes across are the same that meet his sister in the previous book.

Liz is a cursed witch. The witch that has taken over her coven has cursed her with a face that when seen is so ugly that human flinch at the sight. She is also forced to travel with the witch's twin daughters and do their bidding her her mother and the rest of the coven will be killed.

When she meets Rex she doesn't know what to make of him, because werewolves are know to kill witches, but Rex is the only one that sees the real Liz without the curse following her. He tells her that it is because he is her mate and as such will help her break the curse. But can he save her in time before the evil witch kills those she loves?

Nice addition to the Westervelt series. Rex has always been an interesting character in the series. While each of the brothers seem to offer a different personality, Rex has always been a character that stands out. Even from the beginning when he fails to meet his older brother on time, which has Tristan being captured and sent to live in a zoo for years until his mate gets him out.

Description:
Rex Kane has always known he was different than his brothers, down to the fact that when he shifts into his wolf form, his coat is completely black. Always in trouble, he is given one more chance by his brother Tristan, the alpha of the Westervelt pack, to bring back to their island a witch who can stop some of the magical assault that has plagued their war-torn home. Rex knows he has one last chance to set things right. Everything depends on him and he cannot fail.

Elizabeth Willow has been cursed to look so repulsive no human eyes can bear to view her. Raised in a gentle coven of witches, she is ill prepared for the realities of the harsh world she now lives in.

Raised to mistrust wolf-shifters as witch-killers, she cannot seem to help being drawn to Rex. Even if she doesn't believe she is his so-called mate. He can see her as she really is and is the first person to look her in the eyes in years. Although she is not naturally devious, she sees no choice but to use Rex to gain her own freedom and her family’s safety.

Together, Rex and Elizabeth will see just how evil the people around them can be. If they can trust their hearts, perhaps they will survive another night. If not, both of their battles will never be won.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Romance Book Review: Melisse Aires' Refugees On Urloon

4 Heart Review
Author: Melisse Aires
ISBN: 9781616503659

Genre: Romance/ Science Fiction
Publisher: Lyrical Press 

Purchase this book here 

Step into the world of Urloon where the locals live both in and out of the water. When a ship becomes disabled in space the crew must land on Urloon to survive. 

On the ship Svana couldn't even consider having a relationship with the captain. Now that she and Liam are moving on into a new life on Urloon she has had to keep her growing feelings for her former captain to herself.

That is until the night of the special fertility festival, now the possibilities are open because Svana isn't the only one who has kept their feelings to themselves. 

I liked the new world descriptive paragraphs and dialog. The story fills in a lot of detail on the world that might make a good future series.


Description:
Two weary refugees, two moons and a life-changing fertility festival. Watch out for a whole lot of sensuality. Under normal circumstances, Svana, non-military maintenance crew, and Captain Liam Ringel, a highly respected military instructor, would never have crossed paths. A sudden anomaly, however, thrusts them into deep space where they are rescued by the inhabitants of an exotic and isolated waterworld, Urloon.

With no rescue forthcoming, the refugees can choose between adapting to the sea or farming the land. Svana is saddened when her budding friendship with Liam changes due to their different choices. However, when they are invited to an alien fertility festival, the Moonfest, they are given the opportunity to create a memory that will impact and intertwine both their futures.

WARNING: Alien fertility festival, aurora lights, dancing alien beasts, body paints and hot pheromones. M/F Sensual.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Washington Post story about Nora Roberts celebrating her 200th published book.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/nora-robertss-three-decades-of-writing-have-led-to-200-books/2012/04/16/gIQAxjsWMT_story.html