Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Romance Book Review: Ashley Ladd's The Perfect Gift

Author: Ashley Ladd
ISBN #978-1-906328-64-1
Genre: Erotic Romance/ M-F-M Romance/ Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Total-E-Publishing


After finding some naughty magazines under her boyfriend's bed, Bianca is surprised to find, instead of pictures of naked women, she finds pictures of naked men. Now what is she going to do. She had once thought she had the perfect relationship with Ty, but maybe it isn't as perfect as she thought. 

Earlier she thought her biggest problem was finding the perfect Christmas gift for her boyfriend, now what? Maybe she has a good idea that could either break-up her relationship or make it better?

Interesting take on a man exploring his sexuality and the woman who loves him. I liked Bianca and her solution to a complex problem. 

Description:
Bianca's on the search to find the perfect gift for her boyfriend Ty this Christmas. But then she discovers a hidden stash of gay male porn under his side of the bed. Stunned, and scared, she needs to find out if Ty's more interested in men than in her. 

She arranges an illicit night for Ty with her handsome gay co-worker Brendan. 

To her astonishment and delight, the night turns into a ménage-à-trois, and all three lovers end up benefiting from this special gift.

Romance Book Review: Brooke Leah's Dakota Ranch Crude


Author: Leah Brooke
Series Connection: Dakota Heat Anthology
ISBN: 978-1606015254
Genre: Contemporary/ Erotic Romance
Publisher: Siren Publishing, Inc.


This is an old book on my book list, however it can still be purchased as an anthology with Her Dakota Men from Amazon called Dakota Heat Volume 1.

In Dakota Ranch Crude, Sam is always helping her brother get out of trouble but he has finally found trouble that she might not be able to get out of by herself and maybe she doesn't want to. This time the trouble has landed her right smack in the middle of brothers Shayne and Jackson. Jackson is a sweet talking romeo who all the girls in town are after, but once he sets eyes on Sam he knows that she is the perfect woman for he and his rough brother Shayne to share. Shayne falls completely for Sam, but he's worried that he can't be the man she wants. He's nothing like his good looking brother. With the brothers' help Sam gets her brother out of trouble and she just might find the men she's always dreamed of for herself. 

Definitely this is a book to check out if you like erotic romance. All the characters are likable and real. At six foot eight, Shayne has a lot of insecurities about being with a woman and not hurting her and Sam and his brother Jackson give him the helping hand he needs.

In Her Dakota Men, Stacy Daniels left the ranch she loved 15 years ago. Not being able to cope with her abusive father, she'd stayed away as much as possible. Infrequent visits to the ranch to visit those she loved caused her heartache, but she couldn't stay away. Wolfe, Travis and Cash Dakota, the foreman's three sons, lived and worked on the ranch and she'd loved them forever. Realizing the futility of loving all three, she carefully kept her love for them hidden as guilt consumed her. She wanted more than anything to stay on the ranch she loves so much with the only real family she's ever known. But if she gives in, loving all three of them the way she does, she'll ruin everything. Not wanting to cause anyone pain, she has no choice but to flee. Wolfe, Travis and Cash Dakota have other plans for her and won't let her go. They've waited for years to be Her Dakota Men.

Dakota Ranch Crude Description:
When Samantha Cross goes to her brother's employers to ask for help, she had no idea that it would change her life forever. To repay their debt, they both have to live and work at the Dakota Ranch for one year. Samantha has no option but to accept.

Her brother's employers, Shayne and Jackson Montgomery, are not what she expected. Jackson, the younger brother is too handsome and charming to resist, especially when he sets his sights on her. He wants her to share her life with not only him, but his older brother, Shayne.

She realizes that the only way is to show Shayne he's not the crude animal he's become convinced he is.

Shayne is hard headed and won't believe it, convinced that he would only hurt her. Can Samantha convince this tender giant that he and his brother are perfect for her?

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Romance Book Review: Mina Carter's Running From the Pack


Author: Mina Carter
ISBN: 978-1-936950-67-6
Genre: Paranormal/ Erotic Romance
Publisher: Summerhouse Publishing


Penny is on the run from her pack alpha who wants her to be his mate. She is not at all interested in being his mate or part of his pack. She runs to a small town that she wishes she could settle down in. She thinks she's okay until Cade Steele comes to town. Cade is a lone wolf who was sent away from the pack a long time ago, but he always had a thing for Penny. When he hears that her old alpha has found her, he goes to warn her right when she's just about to go into heat. 

Can Cade save her before she is forced to go and service her old alpha and if he can does he want to make her his own?

For those who like a good werewolf story, here's a quick novella that features a little of everything in a short story package. 

Description:
It's never easy staying ahead of the pack, but for Penny, it might just save her life…

Since ditching her pack after an offer she “couldn't” refuse from her tyrannical pack alpha, Penny’s been on the run. Always on the move, she never stays in one place for long, avoiding other werewolves like the plague. As the full moon approaches, this one brings with it her toughest challenge yet—her heat phase. And so, rather than letting her animal instincts rule, to force her to bed the first man she comes across, Penny hatches a plan that involves a basement and chains, but sadly, the non-kinky kind.

But lone wolf Cade Steele has other ideas. He's watched Penny from afar since she was turned, and now that he's found her, he's determined not to let the little she-wolf face her heat on her own. Cade is wolf enough to match her animal instinct, and alpha enough to claim her. As his mate, her body may become part of his territory, but her heart would be an altogether different matter.

When Penny’s past finally catches up with her, her ex-alpha isn't taking no for an answer this time. The question is, with their lives on the line, can Penny and Cade answer the call of the wild?

Note: This title has been previously released with another publisher under the title Moon Madness.

Romance Book Review: Bronwyn Green's Just Right

Author: Bronwyn Green
Series Connection: A Not Quite Wicked Tale
ISBN: 978-1-60735-106-1
Genre: Erotic Romance/ Shifter
Publisher: Resplendence Publishing, LLC


Not quite sure why they are calling them "A Not Quite Wicked Tale" because so far they are very "wicked" indeed. Just Right features Gwendolyn, and three bear shifters.

Gwen is a biologist interested in studying bears, but her new co-worker is reluctant to help her with her research and insists that it is too dangerous for her. Getting more and more frustrated with the man, she doesn't understand why she is so attracted to him.

Noah has been teaching his cousins all about how to shift into their bear forms. He's been reluctant to act on his attraction to Gwen, who he has nicknamed "Goldilocks", until she accidentally hits his cousin in his bear form with her car during a snow storm. Now that Gwen is in his home and knows his secret there is no need to resist her anymore.

Very short, hot erotic love story that is where a lot happens that Goldilocks wouldn't have dreamed of doing with her three bears. 

Description:
When Department of Natural Resources officer, Gwendolyn Locke, hits a black bear on the way home from work one night, her entire view of reality changes. She discovers that shape-shifters exist, and she’s just become Goldilocks to three gorgeous, very aroused men who also happen to be werebears. Being snowbound has never been so hot.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Romance Book Review: Annmarie McKenna's Two Sighted


Author: Annmarie McKenna
Series Connection: The Strength of Three
ISBN: 1-59998-476-8
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Erotic Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing


For so long Aislinn has been running from her ex. He's caught her before and she's gotten away. For the past six months she's been working for Kyle. Kyle has been attracted to Aislinn from the beginning, but knowing her past, he's kept his distance and waited her out. He's done waiting now. He wants her for himself and nothing is going to stop him. He isn't going to let the ex get in the way, or the fact that Aislinn has a premonition that someone is going to try and murder.

This is one I pulled out of the ebook file in my books file. It was one of the first books I read by Annmarie McKenna. I liked her work so much I went on to purchase more by her. I love the intensity she puts into the characters. Even though Aislinn are strong-willed and stubborn, she knows that Kyle is there to protect her and can accept his help without making her look weak. This book is available through Samhain and the Kindle.

Description:
Even with her shaky past" Aislinn can't help but to secretly want Kyle. When she witnesses his death in a vision" how can she tell him without giving away her secret or her lust?

Aislinn Campbell is a clairvoyant" the latest in a long line of first-born daughters to the previous first-born daughter. All of them have fiery red hair and a second sight. Hiding from her ex in the presence of a sexy ex-military millionaire seems the safest way to start over. Until she "sees" his death.

Kyle Turner III has been keeping a close eye on Aislinn. There's nothing he doesn't know about his personal assistant" including her secret and ugly past. He also wants her in his bed more than his next breath. When he receives an anonymous warning that something might happen at his annual Fourth of July bash" he doesn't take it lightly. He knows exactly who sent the warning and he knows she's being watched by her bastard of an ex.

After he's injured in an accident" Kyle isn't about to leave Aislinn unprotected for a second. He coaxes her into more than just tending to his wounds. Because making Aislinn believe in him and her together far outweighs anything her ex can dish out.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Romance Book Review: Stormy Glenn's Picture Me Perfect


Author: Stormy Glenn
Series Connection: Sammy and Friends
ISBN: 978-1-60592-087-0
Genre: Contemporary/ Male-Male
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing

When Troy Summers meets his partner's brother he knows right away he has met the man for him. When Nicky calls him looking for help he can't turn the man away. Promising to take things slow, Nicky and Troy embark on a their love story in secret while they get to know each other. 

Nicky's brother Jamie worries because trouble seems to follow his brother and it is certainly following Nicky now. Nicky's ex-boyfriend is still looking to hurt Nicky and it is going to take Troy, Jamie and Nicky to get out of this mess.

Good quick first book in a three book series. 

Description:
Troy Summers is a cop. He's recently been partnered with fellow police officer, Jamie Everson, and they get along great. He likes Jamie's brother, Nicky, even more. 

When Nicky gets beaten up by his ex-boyfriend and comes to him for help, Troy can't say no, not when it brings Nicky right into his arms. Even still, Troy wants to take things slow with Nicky. He knows they have a connection but he wants to build a relationship with him, even if it means hiding it from Nicky's brother and the rest of the world. 

But when Troy gets shot during a drug bust, all bets are off. Their secret relationship comes out. It not only lets everyone know that they've been living together, but brings Bruce back into the picture. Jamie and Troy have to work together to save not only Nicky but themselves but can they save Nicky in time or will Troy lose the most intriguing man he's ever met?

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Romance Byte: Grace Burrowes' Lady Louisa's Christmas Knight


Author: Grace Burrowes
ISBN: 978-1402268632
Genre: Regency
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca


Description:
Louisa Windham’s fondest wish is to retire from the marital field so her sisters can find decent matches. When Sir Joseph Carrington steps forward to defend Louisa’s honor, she instead find herself married to a man perceptive enough to discern the poet’s heart she keeps hidden beneath her scholarly reserve. Though they are married, Louisa and Joseph still have to learn to trust their love for each other to defeat those who wish them ill, and to ensure their union results in the happily ever after they both deserve.

Romance Byte: Susan Anderson's On Thin Ice


Author: Susan AndersonISBN: 082176845X
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Zebra


Description:
Sasha Miller thought she'd put the past behind her, but she can't escape the loneliness of her life or the scandal generated by her former skating partner. Then she meets Mick Vinicor. Radiating raw power and magnetism, he isn't shy about letting Sasha know what he wants from her.
She wants to trust Mick in a way she's never trusted a man before. But while she's passionately drawn to him, she can't guess at the high-stakes game he's playing. Because Mick isn't who he seems. And soon Sasha will find herself tied to a string of mysterious deaths-- and about to become the next victim.

Romance Byte: JR Ward's Lover Reborn


Author: J.R. Ward
Series Connection: A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood
ISBN# 0451235843
Genre: Paranormal
Publisher: NAL


Description:
Book Eleven: Tohr's Story

#1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward’s “different, creative, dark, violent, and flat-out amazing”* Black Dagger Brotherhood continues as a vampire warrior crosses the line between life and death…into a world of dark dreams and darker desires.

Ever since the death of his shellan, Tohrment is a heartbroken shadow of the vampire leader he once was. Brought back to the Brotherhood by a self-serving fallen angel, he fights again with ruthless vengeance- and is unprepared for a new tragedy. Seeing his beloved in dreams—trapped in a cold, desolate netherworld—he turns to the angel to save his former mate, only to despair at the path he himself must take to set her free. 

As war with the lessers rages, and a new clan of vampires vies for the Blind King’s throne, Tohr struggles between an unforgettable past, and a future that he doesn’t know he can live with… but can’t seem to turn away from. 

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Romance Book Byte: Suzanne Enoch's Rules to Catch a Devlish Duke


Author: Suzanne Enoch
Series Connection: The Scandalous Brides: Book Three
ISBN: 978-0312534530
Genre: Historical
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks


Description:
SHE BREAKS ALL THE RULES…

Sophia White knows she will never marry into polite society. The illegitimate daughter of a nobleman, she works at the Tantalus Club, a discreet establishment for gentlemen—and her only suitor is a pastor who wants to save her soul. So when Sophia is invited to spend the holidays at the estate of Adam Baswich, the devilishly handsome Duke of Greaves, she is delighted—and determined to enjoy her last nights of freedom before surrendering her hand…

TO CAPTURE A NOBLEMAN’S HEART

Inviting Sophia for Christmas is a daring courtesy on Adam’s part, but he soon finds the pleasure is all his. Sophia is beautiful, courageous, and stubbornly self-sufficient despite her scandalous circumstances—and not at all the kind of woman he could possibly marry. Adam knows he must find a wife by his thirtieth birthday or he will lose his fortune. But can he defy convention—and convince Sophia—to risk it all in the name of true love?

About the author from her website: 
Suzanne was born in Southern California sometime in the latter half of the 20th century. In the way that some people are born knowing they want to be astronauts or cellists, Suzanne always knew she wanted to be a writer. Early dreams of becoming a zoologist and writing true stories about her adventures in Africa were crushed, however, after she viewed a television special about the world’s most poisonous snakes; she did NOT want to write about how she’d been bitten and lost a limb to a cobra. Thankfully at the same time the movie “Star Wars” premiered, and she realized that she could make up adventures and write about them, and not be eaten by deadly predators while doing research.

She dabbled in romantic fantasy writing for a year or two after graduating with a degree in English from the University of California, Irvine, until her affection for traditional Regency romances led her to write one for fun. After several encouraging rejections from publishers, she snared the interest of the world’s best and most patient literary agent, who advised her to revise the manuscript. This ultimately led to the publication of her first book, The Black Duke’s Prize, from Avon Books in the Spring of 1995. A second Regency, Angel’s Devil, followed that Fall.

When Avon folded its traditional Regency line, Suzanne was encouraged to try her hand at historical romance. As she remained keenly interested in England’s Regency period, she decided to attempt another manuscript set in that time. Lady Rogue hit the shelves in March of 1997. She wrote a total of 29 books for Avon, including two anthologies and a five-part contemporary series which received a pair of starred reviews from Publishers Weekly. One of those books, Twice the Temptation, was named one of the five best romances of the year by PW in 2007.

In 2002 her well-known love of all things “Star Wars” led to an invitation to appear on the E! channel in the television special “Star Wars: The Force Is Back”, where she discussed the romance in the movie series and ended up with more air time than George Lucas.

In 2010 Suzanne left Avon Books for St. Martin’s Press, where she continues to pen historical romance novels. Her 31st book, Taming an Impossible Rogue, is set to arrive in March 2012.

Suzanne is known for her humorous characters, sexy bad boys, and whip-sharp, witty dialogue.  She currently resides in Placentia, California with several hundred guppies and various other tropical fish, and handful of very loud, spinach-loving finches. And her collection of action figures and statues from “Star Wars”, “Lord of the Rings”, “X-Men”, and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Everybody needs some inspiration, after all.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Romance Book Review: Maya Banks' Reckless

Author: Maya Banks
Series Connection: Brazen 2
ISBN: 978-1-60504-034-9
Genre: Erotic romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing


Nikki has come home to the small town that once taunted her because of her mother's bad behavior for just one reason...to get her man. Sheriff J.T. Summers is worth it all to Nikki. She tries everything to get his attention, but nothing seems to be working. She'll have to just put out all the stops.

J.T. doesn't know what's gotten into Nikki, he best friend's little sister. When Nikki moved back to their small town, her brother asked J.T. to keep an eye on her and make sure she is well protected. Suddenly Nikki wants more than that from J.T., but he can't give in, can he?

This is one of Maya Banks earlier titles available at Samhain Publishing. Every one who loves a great story with hot love scenes will want to check this one out, if not this one, one of  Maya Banks' new titles.

In Reckless, our hero is a good guy out to keep a promise to his best friend, while bringing us a great forbidden love story. How can anyone resist Nikki? She's sassy, brazen and not shy about going after what she wants. You couldn't ask for a better combination than this couple.


Description:
He can run, but he can’t hide

A Red Hot Summer story and a stand-alone sequel to Brazen.

Sheriff J.T. Summers promised to keep an eye on his best friend’s little sister. What could possibly go wrong? A lot. “Little” Nikki Durant isn’t so little anymore. She’s sex on a stick, and she’s pointed right at him.

Nikki has always loved J.T., and she’s through waiting for him to come around. The soaring summer temperature is nothing compared to the heat generated when she sets fire to his senses. With a take-no-prisoners attitude, she’s out to get her man. But no matter how many ways she offers it, J.T.’s not buying.

What’s it going to take to get him to realize her love for him isn’t a passing fling? Get herself arrested? Hmm…

Product Warnings:
This title contains one very frustrated hunky sheriff, one very determined heroine, sex by the pool, sex in the office, and yes, they do make it to the bed. Eventually.

Romance Book Review: Lauren Dane's Once and Again


Author: Lauren Dane
Series Connection: Petal Georgia/ Chase Brothers
ISBN: 978-1609288228
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing


In her return to Petal Georgia, Lauren Dane takes a deeper look into the Murphy family by bringing back Nathan Murphy from the Chase Brothers series. Nathan is Tate's younger brother and a school teacher in Petal Georgia. Nathan once love is Lily Travis, who just happens to be best friends with his sister Beth. 

When Lily decides to come back to Petal Georgia to take care of her troubled younger brother, she knew she was going to have to deal with Nathan, the man who broke her heart. At one time Nathan just let her go without fixing the problem between then, but he's changed and he isn't going to let her slip through his fingers this time. 

Nathan sets out to seduce Lily back in his life, but Lily has a lot of problems going on in her life right now. Her mother is falling about after her father leaves her mother for a much younger woman. Her brother is out of control and failing out of high school. Lily can't let that happen. To top matters off, she realizes Nathan isn't going to give up on her. Now she has to decide if she can handle everything on her plate.

It was nice to read about what is happening in Petal. The Chase Brothers is one of my favorites in the contemporary market. Shortly after she released this book Lauren Dane released Alone Time as a short novella continuing with the new series. I'm looking forward to the next installment. 

Description:
Seven years ago, Lily Travis was only too glad to see her hometown of Petal, Georgia in her rearview mirror. Thanks to her father running off with a twenty-year-old, though, here she is, trying to pick up the pieces. First order of business: meet with her brother’s teacher in a quest to pull his grades out of a downward spiral.

Nathan Murphy is pretty much resigned to his bachelor status—until he looks up from his desk to see an all-grown-up Lily walking into his classroom. Of all the women who turned out to be totally wrong for him, she’s the only one who felt right. At least until his foolish, immature mistake drove her away.

Lily has to admit that time has been more than kind to gorgeous, sexy Nathan. Except there’s no room on her full plate for another complication. Especially with a man who broke her heart once before.

With a little help from his friends, Nathan has a plan to rekindle the flame. It isn’t long before they’re burning up the sheets. Winning her heart? That’s another matter.

Warning: Hot, sexy high school teacher in denim and boots. Strong-willed females abound. Bad words and naughtiness, too. Come on, you know you want to read it.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Romance Book Review: Shawn Lane's Only For Him


Author: Shawn Lane
ISBN: 978-1-60272-676-5
Genres: Gay/ M-M/ Contemporary
Publisher: Amber Allure


Barnaby has fallen for a man so completely different for himself. To get Nathan to notice him, Barnaby decides to take his older brother's advice and make himself over. Gone are the diamond nose ring and spiking bright blonde hair. The only problem is Nathan like Barnaby just the way he was. Now the problem is can the two settle in a happy relationship or will their differences be too much for them to form a relationship.

Sensitive love story between two completely different men. Sweet love story with just enough erotic romance to keep you reading. And what cuties on the cover.

Description: 
Barnaby Lassiter has had a thing for attorney Nathan Llewellyn since he began working at the law firm of Anderson, Llewellyn, and Stevens as an administrative assistant. Too bad conservative Nathan doesn't seem to know the flamboyant Barnaby is alive.

But a chance to take care of Nathan when he is ill leads to a date, and then so much more. Nathan continues to have doubts. Barnaby is the hottest man he's ever known, but their differences worry him. He's seen too many relationships that didn't make it.

All of Nathan's fears are realized when he witnesses the popular, too-appealing Barnaby in action at a club. When Nathan thinks their differences are too much to overcome after all and breaks off their relationship, Barnaby is left with a broken heart and an uncertain future.

And Nathan's left wondering if he's just made the biggest mistake of his life by letting Barnaby go...