Saturday, June 30, 2012

Romance Book Review: Juliet Cardin's Step in Time

Author: Juliet Cardin
ISBN: Not Assigned
Genre: Time Travel/ Romance
Publisher: Whispers Publishing

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A dream since childhood Starr had wanted to dance at Stonehedge. When she became old enough she traveled and made her way to the monument when everyone had gone. When she dance she was in a world all her own.

When she stopped she was no long surrounded by the stones, but in the same place in another time. Coming upon a war in progress the appearance of Starr stops everything cold.

Now Starr must figure out if she can ever get home, or if she even wants to.

Description:
The passage of time stands still for Starr when she dances. When she lifts her hands and her head tilts back, eyes closed, she knows nothing else but the rhythm of her movement. It has long been Starr’s fantasy to dance at Stonehenge. She waits for night to fall, and alone she dances, making her dream a reality. But her dream becomes a nightmare when her intricate dance turns back the hands of time. When Starr’s eyes open, instead of tranquil hills and gentle winds, she finds herself in a primeval world that knows only warfare and desperation.

Two men, champions sent forth by their people, are there to settle a long dispute over territorial rights in a deadly final dance of their own. They lay down their weapons when Starr suddenly appears, taking her presence as a sign from the gods for peace. Starr longs to ease the tension between the tribes she comes to know so well. The clan’s champions’, Jekop, a muscular warrior, and Slane, as fair as Jekop is dark, both vie for her hand. Starr is torn between her desire to return home, and her desire to join with both men in the most primitive dance of all. Her masterful steps become one of seduction, and survival, knowing that to have peace will mean her complete surrender to both men.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Romance Book Review: Lacey Wolfe's Accidental Love



Author: Lacey Wolfe
Series Connection: Hot Bods
ISBN: 9781937325299
Genre: Erotic Romance/ Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Beachwalk Press

Purchase this book here

This is the third book in the Hot Bods Series. Jane, Skylar's roommate from the first book Fool Me Once, has just been dumped by her boss. As one of the gym members suggests that Jane should get even and even helps her find the man who would be perfect for the job, but things don't go exactly as planned.

Ben was happy to help out his friend, especially after he gets a lot at Jane. She's everything he's been looking for and while he knows he's there to help her get even with Jane's boss and ex-lover, he wouldn't mind getting a little closer to Jane.

The novella is a great installment in the Hot Bods series. While this older man, younger woman story line is right up there in the sweet romance department there is nothing tame about the love scenes which are just plan hot and sizzle off the page.

I'm hoping that the next book in the series is Francessca's story. She's been a secondary character in all three stories. It will be interesting who the author thinks is her perfect match.

Description:
The third installment in my Hot Bods series has released! This one is about an older man and younger woman.  Be sure to check it out.

Has Jane accidentally fallen for the decoy?

Sometimes there is only one thing to do when you get dumped—make the ex jealous with someone new. Which is exactly what Jane plans to do with Ben, an older, handsome man who has agreed to act as her new love interest.

When Ben meets Toby, Jane's unruly dog, he offers to help her train him. But as Ben helps Jane gain control of her dog, he realizes he's lost control of his feelings, and he's beginning to fall for the much younger woman.

Suddenly, Jane can't seem to remember what she ever saw in her ex. All she can focus on is the way Ben makes her feel each time he kisses her. But now the ex has decided he wants her back, and he's willing to play dirty to make it happen.

Content Warning: Explicit sex

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Romance Book Review: Brynna Curry's Fire's Ice

Author: Brynna Curry
Series Connection: Elemental Magic
ISBN: 9781616503956
Genre: Romance/ Paranormal/ Magic


Publisher: Lyrical Press

Purchase this book here

In the final Elemental Magic book the story finally tells of the connection between Devin and Arianna, the witch that is locked in the circle.  In order to be free from the circle the curse tells her that love will set her free. Neither Arianna or Devin will accept anything less.

Both Arianna and Devin are stubborn and for the last thousand years have been walking in circles around each other.

The story brings readers several years later from the last when Devin has finally finished building his castle in Scotland, he goes back to find that his cousin's daughter is hight with fever and he can't help her, but he knows who can.

When Devin goes to Arianna for help she can't refuse, not just because she will be freed from the circle but for so much more.

This was a nice ending to the series. The love story is solid and the final crisis is actually one of the most interesting in the series. While this series has come to a close the author keeps the door open for more to come with the children of those featured in the Elemental Magic series.

Description:
Ultimate power, or endless love?

Born the son of a Scottish laird a thousand years ago, but now trapped by his cousin's spell, Devin McLoch has seen countless battles and death. The erstwhile thief has turned away from darker pursuits to lead a life of peace, protecting those he loves and considers part of his clan. However, there is one woman he can never forget, who must be given a chance to change, to accept her heart and his.

Arianne Farrell is just as dangerous and intoxicating as her power. Imprisoned in an ancient stone dance more than a thousand years ago, her only chance at freedom from the spell is through love--a love she denied. When Devin asks for her aid to save another from imminent death, she realizes there is more at stake than just her freedom or her heart.

WARNING: Two stubborn sexy wizards using magic with no bounds, scorching love scenes, and happy ever after. Ever play with fire? 

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Romance Book Byte: Mariah Stewart's Home for the Summer

Author: Mariah Stewart
Series Connection: The Chesapeake Diaries
ISBN: 978-0345531223
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Ballantine Books

Purchase this book here

Description:
Some of Lucy Sinclair’s best days were those spent growing up in small town St. Dennis—working at the family inn and enjoying summers filled with swimming, sailing, tennis, and the company of Clay Madison, her best friend. But Lucy’s darkest day, the one that shattered her innocence with violence and fear, also happened in St. Dennis. And the town she once loved became the place she gladly left behind—along with the terrible secret she’s kept for twenty years.

While Lucy headed off for college and a career, Clay remained—more than satisfied with the life St. Dennis had to offer. But now, even after inheriting his family’s thriving farm and starting up an organic brewery, he can’t help feeling that something’s missing. And when Lucy comes back to town to plan a celebrity wedding at the Sinclair family inn, she and Clay reconnect, and find themselves reevaluating their long-sleeping friendship that could blossom into something deeper. Like a bookend to those distant childhood days, this summer will be Lucy’s chance to finally confront her hidden pain, make peace with the past, and plan her own whole new future.

Romance Book Byte: Cecilia Grant's A Gentleman Undone

Author: Cecilia Grant
Series Connection: A Gentleman Undone
ISBN: 978-0553593846

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bantam

Purchase this book here

Description:
A seductive beauty turns the tables on a gentleman gaming for the guiltiest of pleasures in this rich and sensual Regency romance from beloved newcomer Cecilia Grant.

Lydia Slaughter understands the games men play—both in and out of the bedroom. Not afraid to bend the rules to suit her needs, she fleeces Will Blackshear outright. The Waterloo hero had his own daring agenda for the gaming tables of London's gentlemen's clubs. But now he antes up for a wager of wits and desire with Lydia, the streetwise temptress who keeps him at arm's length.

A kept woman in desperate straits, Lydia has a sharp mind with a head for numbers. She gambles on the sly, hoping to win enough to claim her independence. An alliance with Will at the tables may be a winning proposition for them both. But the arrangement involves dicey odds with rising stakes, sweetened with unspoken promise of fleshly delights. And any sleight of hand could find their hearts betting on something neither can afford to risk: love.

Romance Book Byte: Jeaniene Frost's Once Burned

Author: Jeaniene Frost
Series Connection: Once Burned Night Prince
ISBN: 978-0061783203
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Avon

Purchase this book here

Description:
She’s a mortal with dark powers…
After a tragic accident scarred  her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a  person’s darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of  solitude…until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out  with a telepathic distress call to the world’s most infamous vampire…
He’s the Prince of Night…
Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest  vampire legend of all—but whatever you do, don’t call him Dracula. Vlad’s ability to control fire makes him one of the most  feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against  him – a beautiful mortal with powers to  match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them,  threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop  an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames.

ONCE BURNED is the start of a new series set in the Night Huntress universe featuring Vlad as the hero and a new character named Leila as the heroine. As of now, two books are contracted for this series, with the possibility for more in the future.

Romance Book Byte: Shayla Black's Mine To Hold

Author: Shayla Black
Series Connection: Wicked Lovers
ISBN-13: 978-0425245514
Genre: Erotic Romance

Publisher: Berkley HEAT
Purchase this book here

Description:
A friend’s duty.

Tyler Murphy was an LAPD detective, single and happy—until a near-fatal tragedy crippled his friend, fellow detective Eric Catalano. While he supported Eric, he also became a shoulder for Eric’s wife, Delaney, to lean on. But with one naughty suggestion from Eric, a drunken night with Delaney spilled into erotic abandon. Before it was over Tyler saw his best friend’s wife as a woman and yearned for more. When Eric struggled to deal with the aftermath, Delaney begged Tyler to leave. Crushed, he fled to Louisiana, hoping to escape his longing for the one woman he could never have again…and unaware of what he’d left behind.

A lover’s desire.

After two years of living with regret, Tyler finds Delaney on his doorstep, her husband having abandoned her long ago. She’s protecting a shocking secret and desperately needs refuge from a killer determined to see her dead. As they fight to stay alive and catch the stalker, they struggle to resolve the guilt of their past pleasures. But they can’t deny that what was once a spark is now a flame burning out of control. To possess Delaney—body and soul—Tyler must heal her pain and thwart the evil that’s a mere breath behind her…

Monday, June 25, 2012

Romance Book Review: Nacomy Blue's Kiale Dream

Author: Nacomy Blue
Series Connection: Kiale Sons
ISBN: 9781603108218
Genre: Paranormal/ Fantasy/ Vampire/ Sci-Fi/ Erotic Romance
Publisher: Red Sage

Purchase this book here

If you have a thirst for vampire stories, this one might just fit the bill for you. In her new series, Kaile Sons, Nacomy Blue tells the story of a three aliens brothers brought to this planet after a god's family feud destroyed their own planet. The three have lived on earth for 1,200 years, but when they first came they didn't know that they would need human blood to survive.

In Kaile Dream the planet of which the three comes from is introduced as well as how they were created. These three brothers are demi-gods, born to the god of their planet and a servant. They have magical powers, as well as wings on their backs, so they can fly.

The oldest brother, Ralden is the subject of the first book. He has known and been mentally in contact with his mate for a long time. He has wanted the two of them to get together for a long time, but his mate, Zoey, has held back. When Zoey comes in contact with danger, Raldon saves her and finally Zoey realizes life is too short not to take chances.

Zoey has had a life full of pain. She's convinced that there is no such thing as love. People come into her life and they alway leave and that is what she's afraid will happen with Ralden. It will take a lot to convince Zoey that she is his everything and he won't become tired of her, but can he do it before it is too late?

Interesting world filled with a lot of back story and movement between two worlds. Through out the story readers will find out about the Kaile's abilities and begin to understand the complexity of all the creatures that live on earth in this world. The writing is sharp. I love Zoey's witt.

Description:
The galactic paradise of Maion is destroyed when vengeful goddess, Feily goes on a killing rampage of all of Kiale descent. On the verge of extinction, an unexpected savior gives the last three Kiale a fighting chance by sending them to alien planet, Earth.

1200 years later, eldest of the trio, Ralden Kiale finds his soul mate in dream walker, Zoey McKenna. Self-professed geek, Zoey has been shunned by family and friends with no understanding of her gift and believes without a doubt that love is no more than an illusion. With the looks of an angel and the appetite of a vampire, Ralden aims to shatter the stubborn wall surrounding this fierce heroine’s heart.

When Zoey’s life is threatened, will she finally throw caution to the wind and let this out of this world hero sweep her off her feet? Will she finally find her fairy tale ending?

Reader Alert! Zoey’s cold bed is lit with flames when an out of this world hero comes straight out of her dreams. Warning! A cold shower maybe be needed after this read!

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Romance Book Review: Carol Lynne's Alone in a Crowd

Author: Carol Lynne
Series Connection: Cattle Valley
ISBN eBook: 978-1-78184-029-0
Genre: Gay MM/ Contemporary
Publisher: Total-E-Bound

Purchase this book here

In the 27th installment in the Cattle Valley series, readers get the chance to delve into Ryan Blackfeather's background. Ryan is one of the first characters in the Cattle Valley series. He is the partner of Rio and Nate.

Ryan receives a phone call that his mother has died and he needs to clean out her home so that the landlord can lease her space. Ryan hasn't had anything to do with his parents since he was 17 years old and doesn't want to have anything to do with them now. However, he goes by himself to Oklahoma without telling his partners that his mother has died.

When he comes home he finally tells Rio and Nate his background and it isn't a pretty one, but to deal with his future he must deal with his past.

In other stories going on in Cattle Valley, Smokey decides to come home. He needs to make amends with Ezra and Wyn and hopes that he can also get grocer Elliot to pay some attention to him and make amends for not treating him well either before he left town.

There is a lot going on in this novella. Almost too much, but it continues the story, meeting and getting to know past characters better for future stories.

Description:

For years, Ryan Blackfeather prided himself on maintaining his composure no matter the situation. He has built a life around his desire to be needed, to feel important to those around him. His job as sheriff and the love of his partners, Nate and Rio, not only fulfil him they give him purpose. So why when he receives a phone call with tragic news does their love and support not comfort him?

The more Rio and Nate pressured him to talk about his sudden surly mood, the more Ryan began to resent them. The answer came at the height of a heated argument, it was time to return to the place and the people who first made him feel like he had nothing to offer. Only then would he figure out why he’d spent a lifetime searching for the acceptance of those around him.

Insisting he tackle his past on his own terms, Ryan returns to Oklahoma to face the demon, the one man in the world he could never please.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Romance Book Review: Grayson Reyes-Cole's The Empire

Author: Grayson Reyes-Cole
Series Connection: The Lover's Opalus
Digital ISBN: 9781616503833
Genre: Romance/ Fantasy/ Dark Romance
Publisher: Lyrical Press



Purchase this book here

There have been times when since I started this blog several years ago that I just couldn't come up with what I want to say about a book right away. I just have no idea how to rate it.

On the one hand. Wow! This author has done a fairly good job on creating her characters. I love the heroine, Raeche. Here is this incredibly unhappy woman, who has grown her entire life knowing that she must be the empress to this world. She has done her duty, even if she is not happy about it. She is fearful of the emperor because he isn't the same race as she is. She's small, while his race is big. She has a terrible first sex experience and it didn't get better the second time.

Some of the story gets sticky for me after that and I find it out of character for her to seek another man when she hasn't been able to understand her own husband. Too much time seems to go by.

Just when you want to feel sorry for the hero of the story the Emperor Lanus remember things aren't always so cut and dry.

This is the first book to the series, so I'm reserving my thoughts and "hearts" until I read the second. Yes, I do think this series is worth another look. Those who like dark fantasy will probably like this book, so give it a try. Just because I'm not sure doesn't mean you won't like it.

Description:
When is an Empire not an Empire? When it rules the West, the North, and the East, but the Death White Border to the South must never be breached...

The Empress, all darkness and allure, has betrayed the Emperor. Now Raeche doesn't know what the cruel and calculating warrior will do when the baby growing in her belly is born and Lanus will know it is not his. Only... when her child is born, blonde and green-eyed with milky skin, the girl is the very image of the Emperor.

Raeche is shocked... and intrigued. The game is afoot. Deception becomes unique seduction as the keys to the true Empire are unlocked in this first book of the series.


Romance Book Review: Shawn Dalton-Smith's Life After

Author: Shawn Dalton-Smith
ISBN: 9781603108225
Genre: Fantasy/ Contemporary Romance/ Paranormal Romance/ Supernatural Ghosts
Publisher: eRedSage.com

Purchase this book here

In Shawn Dalton-Smith's Life After offers a different take on the world of ghost.

At a time when everything is going her way Kalyste is killed. When she wakes up some time later she finds herself in a beautiful room and a comfortable bed, only to find that she has died. Now she has to come to terms with not only that she's dead and lost everything, but who is responsible for her death. If she can't she might turn rogue and have to live with the consequences.

Jude is the reason why Kalyste is dead. To pay for his sins he has been tasked with counseling Kalyste and helping her deal with her future. He never expected to fall in love along the way and somehow he needs to tell her the role he played in the end of her life.

Well written imaginative story line, except for some predictable parts. I can see this world the author has created turning into an interesting series.


Description:
Kalyste Spradlin had it all. By the time she was thirty, her women’s magazine was about to go international. She had money, beauty, youth, happiness, and about to marry the man of her dreams. Until the night before her wedding, she was killed by a drunk driver, her best friend Chantal. When she wakes up in Haven, and told she has to embrace her new life after death, she is hell-bent on revenge.

Jude has been a counselor in Haven for the past thirty-two years when he gets his first tough assignment. A woman who had everything to live for and wants revenge. Jude must help her embrace her new life in Haven. If she doesn’t, and decides to seek revenge on the woman who killed her, he will be duty bound to hunt her down once she re-enters the human realm, and kill her. Jude never expected to fall in love with Kalyste, but it will all come crashing down on him. The woman who killed her is his daughter, Chantal.

Reader Alert!  What Kalyste didn't learn in life, is taught to her after death. Jude is a man who knows how to make love to a woman from the top her head to the tips of her toes. Literally!

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Romance Book Review: Lucy Felthouse's Off The Shelf

Author: Lucy Felthouse
ISBN: 9781908917317
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Xcite Books Ltd

Purchase this book here

A travel reporter, Annalise doesn't have a lot of time for a relationship. On one trip however she meets two men that interest her.

In her new book Lucy Felthouse explores have timing is everything as Annalise tries to decide if she wants to take a chance on a man she only had the chance to meet on her way to catching a plane out of town. Hot steamy love scenes, alone and with a partner. Fun quick read.

Two covers available for this book.

Description:
At 35, travel writer Annalise is fed up with insensitive comments about being left “on the shelf”. It’s not as if she doesn’t want a man, but her busy career doesn’t leave her much time for relationships. Sexy liaisons with passing acquaintances give Annalise physical satisfaction but she needs more than that. She wants a man who will satisfy her mind as well as her body. But where will she find someone like that?

It seems Annalise may be in luck when a new member of staff starts working in the bookshop at the airport she regularly travels through. Damien appears to tick all the boxes – he’s gorgeous, funny and intelligent, and he shares Annalise’s love of books and travel.

The trouble is, Damien’s shy and Annalise is terrified of rejection. Can they overcome their fears and admit their feelings, or are they doomed to remain on the shelf?

Monday, June 18, 2012

Romance Book Review: Marisa Chenery's Dirk's Love

Author: Marisa Chenery
Series Connection: Roxie's Protectors
ISBN:  978-1-59578-916-7
Genre: Werewolf/ Paranormal Romance/ Erotic Romance
Publisher:  Liquid Silver Books

Purchase this book here

Ooops! I can't believe I almost missed it. I was searching through the blogs today and read that Marisa Chenery's new Roxie's Protectors will be out next month, but then noticed that I'd completely missed Dirk's story.

Dirk had also seemed like the sensitive nerd of the bunch, always upstairs in Roxie's computer room with Roxie playing with some computer program or another. Now we get to finally see what Dirk has been working on.

With all of his Brother-In-Arms mated, Dirk is missing finding his mate like his long-time friends. He's come up with an idea. He's created a dating website for werewolves to find their mates. Little does he know that he's been chatting with his own mate over the phone for the past couple of weeks, but on their first meeting he can't miss the fact that Ryann is all his.

Now he has to figure out how to broach the subject of just what he is to her. Not to mention that she comes with a little baggage herself.

This series is a quick read and should be read in order, starting with the first series Wulf's Den. They are nicely written shorts making up one whole story.

Description:
Dirk has worked tirelessly to create an online dating service to help male werewolves find their mortal mates. Having hired a mortal female to assist him, when he meets her face-to-face for the very first time, Dirk is smitten with her beauty and finds himself breathless as he realizes the very thing he’s spent a lifetime looking for—his mate—is finally within his reach. Her proximity alone sets his mating urge off in an instant.

Ryann, completely absorbed with raising her precious son for the last two years, has been without a man in her life for far too long. But when she sees Dirk in person for the very first time and he reawakens the sexual cravings of her neglected body, Ryann hungers not only for his touch but also yearns for the day her new boss will think of her as more than just his employee. She doesn’t have long to wait because it turns out Dirk has been searching for her his whole life.

Romance Book Review: Nora Roberts' The Last Boyfriend

Author: Nora Roberts
Series Connection Inn at BoonsBoro Trilogy
ISBN: 978-0425246030

Genre: Contemporary Series Romance
Publisher: Berkley Trade

Purchase this book here

Very much on the predictable side, Nora Roberts new Inn at BoonsBoro book features Montgomery brother Owen and Pizzeria owner Avery. Owen and Avery have been friends forever. Avery had a crush on Owen when she was five and considered him her first boyfriend and if she plays her cards right he might just be his last.

Meanwhile the ghost at the Inn is making herself known and she's set Owen on a task to find her long lost love "Billy". Trying to figure out who that could be is going to be a real challenge since it appears that "Lizzy" the ghost died during the Civil War.

While I love Nora Roberts this book was a little disappointing as I guessed where it was going pretty much throughout the whole book. That said, it was actually a pretty good story and a good lead into the final book in the series, which hopefully will prove to be interesting as the ghost story unravels and readers see the love story of Ryder and Hope unfold. That book is due out in November.

Description:
Owen is the organizer of the Montgomery clan, running the family's construction business with an iron fist - and an even less flexible spreadsheet. And though his brothers bust on his compulsive list-making, the Inn BoonsBoro is about to open right on schedule. The only thing Owen didn't plan for was Avery McTavish...

Avery's popular pizza place is right across the street from the inn, giving her a first-hand look at its amazing renovation - and a newfound appreciation for Owen. Since he was her first boyfriend when they were kids, Owen has never been far from Avery's thoughts. But the attraction she's feeling for him now is far from innocent. As Avery and Owen cautiously take their relationship to another level, the opening of the inn gives the whole town of Boonsboro a reason to celebrate. But Owen's hard work has only begun. Getting Avery to let down her guard is going to take longer than he expected - and so will getting her to realize that her first boyfriend is going to be her last...

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Romance Book Review: Lynn Lorenz's McCallan's Heart

Author: Lynn Lorenz
Series Connection: The McCallan's Legacy
ISBN 978-1-59578-951-8

Genre: Paranormal/ Werewolf/ Contemporary Romance/ Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Liquid Silver

Purchase this book here

Russ is a werewolf without a pack searching for some way to get his life back after his pack and mate are killed by hunters. While out riding his motorcycle he decides to stop and shift to his wolf and run free for a while.

That is where he runs right into his new mate, Tori.

Tori knows all about werewolves and she wants nothing to do with them. She has had about all she can take of them with her two brothers. The only problem is there is something about Russ she just can't seem to live without. Not to mention he saves her life when she stumbles onto the scene where a serial killing is burying his latest victim.

Now Russ and Tori are on a run to save their lives before the killer finds them.

I took the time to search out McCallan's Blood, the first book in the series that I read a while back. I thought that book was just okay. Nothing really stood out in the story. This one I liked better. Most action leaving the woods to get away from the bad guy and definitely a lot sexier. One doesn't have to read both in the series to enjoy this book, but it does add foundation to the series. 

Description:
Tori McCallan has left home and the life she knew with her mom and brothers. Life at home was fine, if you liked being bossed around by a couple of arrogant werewolves who always reminded you that you weren’t one. Tori didn’t.

Russ Magnus is a rogue wolf, on the run, and without a pack. A danger to other werewolves. He’s lost everything—his home, his pack, and his mate.

When Tori stumbles into trouble in the woods where Russ is running, they both are dragged into the sights of a serial killer. With nowhere to run, but back to the home Tori left, will she bring not only a rogue wolf to her family’s door, but also a killer?

McCallan's Blood—Book 1

Author:Lynn Lorenz
Series Connection: The McCallan's Legacy
ISBN 978-1-59578-619-7

Genre: Paranormal/ Werewolf/ Contemporary Romance/ Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Liquid Silver

Purchase this book here

Description: 
The McCallans of central Louisiana are rich and powerful. They’re also werewolves.

Jake McCallan is the owner of McCallan Lumber and the alpha male of their small pack. His sister Tori has left to find her own life away from weres and his younger brother Trey is nothing but trouble. When Trey shows up and tells Jake about fathering a child during a one night stand, Jake throws Trey out of the pack. Then Jake tries to make it right with the mother.

Rebecca Miller has no intention of letting any McCallan run her life or her son’s, but when she meets Jake, he stirs something deep inside her, something she doesn’t want to acknowledge.

But Jake knows the truth the first time he meets the beautiful single mom.

Rebecca is his lifemate, the one woman meant for him, and she’s as drawn to him as he is to her.

And she’s had his brother’s baby.

If that’s not bad enough, while drunk, Trey’s hired a stranger to kill Rebecca and the child.

When several attempts to kill Rebecca fail, it’s up to Jake to protect his mate, even if he has to kill his brother to do it.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Romance Book Review: Laura Sheehan"s Dancing With Danger

Author: Laura Sheehan
ISBN: 9781603108058
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Red Sage Publishing

Purchase this book here

Officer Marc Sloane is attracted to young innocent Lily Brookstone the minute he meets her by mistake one late night in a case of mistaken identity. When he next meets her at a small coffee shop he gets to ask her for a date. Little does he know the next time he meets her, she'll be giving a private dance to her in a strip club.

Lily can't believe that the man who she is looking to start a relationship with is next customer in her secret night job. As a dancer who is in need of extra cash she needs to take on any job she can get. Dancing at the club doesn't seem so bad until she realizes Marc has caught on to her secret.

Marc is amazingly understanding and soon the two are getting on better than ever, until a stalker comes after Lily and then Marc goes to into protective mode hoping against hope that he can keep Lily safe before the stalker gets a hold of her.

Dancing with Danger offers a sweet love story, with some incredible love scene, and two strong hero and heroine characters. I like the suspenseful story line. The whole story line takes place incredibly fast which I usually find a turnoff, but worked out okay in this case. Definitely a good read.

Description:
Lily Brookstone, the daughter of a workaholic United States Senator, defies her father's wishes by moving to Los Angeles in pursuit of a dancing career.  But the tough town hasn't been easy on her, and after two years she finds herself disowned by her father, dropped by her agent, and recovering from a dance injury. Determined to live her life independently without relying on others, Lily refuses to give up her dream of making it as a dancer and instead works herself ragged at three different jobs to make ends meet.  Serving coffee and teaching dance classes to pre-schoolers are ordinary enough day jobs, but Lily dons a disguise when she works the late shift as an exotic dancer at a topless strip club.

Raised to be fiercely independent and hesitant to trust, at first she keeps her "night job" a secret from her new beau, Marc Sloane, a tough L.A.P.D. Officer with an uncanny knack for reading people.  But her cover is blown when Marc attends a bachelor party at Lily's strip club and recognizes her. 

Realizing that she has a chance at true love and knowing that her life is in danger from the threat of her stalker, Lily must not only trust Marc to keep her exotic dancing job a secret, but she must also trust him to protect both her life and her heart. 

Reader Alert! 
Lily can bring an audience to its knees when she dances on stage, but until she meets Marc she has no idea she can be equally as passionate off stage.  When a dangerous stalker forces her to place her trust into Marc’s capable hands, he will show her that not only can he protect her body, but he can protect her heart… and keep both satisfied.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Romance Book Review: Ciara Lake's Curse of a Dragon's Claim

Author: Ciara Lake
Series Connection: The Forsaken
ISBN: 9781937325268
Genre: Paranormal/ Fantasy/ Dragon Romance/ Immortal Romance
Publisher: Beachwalk Press

Purchase this book here

In the first book of the Forsaken series, Forsaken Heart, readers are introduced to the world of immortals where the vampires and dragon once the best of friends are still bitter over years of war against each other. The worst offender of the war, Saltar, has been locked away.

Years later, the prison holding Saltar away is weakening and threats of Saltar's return to reek havoc are once again amidst. The vampires are working for their goddess to bring a human girl, one of the Forsaken, back into the immortal world.

In Curse of a Dragon's Claim, the series takes a move to the dragon world and one dragon, Clayne, has also be tasked with the duty by his goddess to bring a human girl, a forsaken, back to the immortal world. Cayne has hated vampires since his twin sister was killed. Now his is asked to bring back a vampire-dragon maiden. He is also told that this woman will be his mate.

When Clayne meets Arianna he doesn't expect what he finds. The human is beautiful and he finds no problem at all with marrying her and bringing her back to his world. Now both Arianna and Clayne have to work to figure out why the goddess wants her and if the goddess can be trusted.

This is a very pleasant addition to the Forsaken series. As with Forsaken Heart, keep a close eye on details if you plan to continue reading the series. I have a feeling that there will be quite a bit of the information coming together in future books. The series will be continuing in October with Forsaken Paradise by Elise Whyles and book 4 in November with Forsaken Norse Wind by Ciara Lake.

Description:
The flame within a dragon warrior's heart awakens Arianna's passion as she begins a journey in which she will discover she's something more than she ever imagined possible.

The realm of the dragons is a world of magic, danger, and mystery. For centuries they’ve been at war with the vampires, but now the two enemies must work together to save all immortals, and the mortals they co-exist with, from an ancient evil. In order to do so, they need the help of the Forsaken, descendants of immortals who were cast out into the human realm, their memories wiped clean of their true heritage.

Clayne MacDagon is a powerful dragon warrior who is sent on a mission to find one of the Forsaken. Although he’s told that this woman is his fated mate, he can’t believe it could possibly be true. Arianna Mergliano possesses both dragon and vampire blood, and Clayne has an intense hatred for anything even remotely related to vampires, the evil beings who were responsible for his beloved twin’s death.

When Arianna meets Clayne, she’s convinced that the man is insane, or maybe he’s a warlock or even the devil himself, but whichever it is, she wants nothing to do with him.
Clayne knows he can’t fail at his mission. And once he meets Arianna he also knows that what he’s been told is true—she is, ironically, his intended mate.

Convincing her to accept him is only the beginning. He has to protect her from those who might want her dead. Together, they must face the shadows and evil that have long plagued the immortal realms and find a way to survive the coming war.

Content Warning: graphic sex, some violence

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Romance Book Review: Carrie Ann Ryan's Trinity Bound

Author: Carrie Ann Ryan
Series Connection: Redwood Pack

ISBN: 9781623220020
Genre: Paranormal Romance/ Werewolf Shifter Romance/ Suspense/ Horror/ M-F-M/ M-M/ Gay
Publisher: Fated Desires Publishing, LLC

Purchase this book here

Taken from his pack, Reed wakes up to find himself in a dark dungeon beside a mate he has never met before. While there the two are tortured while a sadistic wolf pack tries to find the secret the Reed's earth witch mate Hannah holds.

Before they know it the two are rescued by Reed's second mate, Josh. Josh is a finder usually drawn to find people he has met before, but after hearing of two people missing that he has never met before, he is shocked that he can see exactly where they are.

An ex-SEAL, he goes in to get Reed and Hannah out. While trying to get away from the pack of wolves chasing them, Josh is attacked and soon realizes he will never be the same man he was before. There is a bright side though, the three build an unusual bond, even for werewolves.

A lot of action and suspense run through the pages of Trinity Bound. There is also quite a bit of horror and beatings. I wouldn't say this book is for the faint of heart, but well written with good character development and dialog.

Description:
Hannah Lewis, a rare earth witch, is taken from the only life she’s ever known. Held at her will by a sadistic wolf, she almost gives up hope that she’d ever see her real life again. But as her fellow captive, a werewolf named Reed, tries to calm her fears, she begins to feel a spark of something she never thought she’d feel – love. But is Reed, alone, enough to get her out of this dark basement so she can move on with her life?

Reed Jamenson, the artist of a werewolf Pack of Alpha males, knows instinctually that Hannah is his mate. Thus, despite their imprisonment, he will do all to protect her and then worry about their hearts. But is he strong enough to find a way for both of them to escape? And why does he feel as though something else is missing?

Josh Kolb, an ex-military human, stumbles upon Reed and Hannah and finds he must trust this new world of supernatural beings to survive. But that desire will lead the three to a triangle of attraction that will test the boundaries they all possess and its consequences in defeating the enemy. Can they all trust one another to save themselves and life as they know it? Even at the cost of their own hearts?