Romance Book Review: Becca Jameson's Kara's Wolves

Author: Becca Jameson

Series Connection: Wolf Masters

ISBN: 9781595788894

Genre: Paranormal/ Shapeshifter/ Werewolves/ Menage/ Suspense

Publisher: Liquid Silver

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Justin and Trevor have been friends forever, sharing a special bond that few have. Over the years they have shared quite a few women, but they never thought they would get to share their mate. As wolf shifters it is rare for two wolves to have the same mate, so they are pleasantly surprised when Kara turns out to be the one for them. 

Kara is a human about to graduate from college. She knows nothing about shifters, but she does know two handsome men when she sees them. Her friends betting her ask Justin to dance at a bar one night, will change her life forever. 

Everything couldn't go better, there's just one problem...someone else wants Kara for his own and her new mates dead.

Strong female lead, with two sexy alpha males create sizzling love scenes only add to the suspense to the first book in the Wolf Masters' series.

Description: 

Kara Shepherd is about to compete in her last gymnastics meet and graduate from college. A week before graduation, her roommates drag her out to a country bar to live a little before entering the real world. She has no idea the course her future is on is about to take a sharp turn.

Justin Masters and his lifelong friend, Trevor Shields, share everything from their home to their women. At twenty-eight years old, neither has met their mate, nor are they in a hurry to find a woman who will end their long-standing arrangement with each other. Their dairy farm, a few miles outside of town, allows them the luxury of shifting to their wolf form any time they want in relative seclusion.

Justin’s world tips when Kara walks into the bar on a random Friday night. Immediately recognizing her scent as that of his mate, he is drawn to her by forces beyond his control. Nervous about sharing the news with Trevor, Justin is relieved to realize Kara is also his best friend’s mate. Now all they have to do is convince Kara she belongs in a permanent ménage and track down a stalker who seems hellbent on taking Kara for himself

Romance Book Review: Judy Marriott's Paranormal Sightings: Troodos Mountains, Cyprus

Author: Judy Marriott

Series Connection: Centre for World Wide Paranormal Sightings

ISBN: Not assigned

Genre: Paranormal/ Romantic Suspense/ Mystery Suspense

Publisher: Whisper's Publishing

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Adonis Christou goes to his family's homeland when he hears that there has been strange deaths around the Greek island. As a member of the Centre for World Wide Paranormal Sightings organization he is asked to investigate the deaths. When he gets to the island he immediately knows that the victims are killed by werewolves. While investigating the case he meets the last victim's daughter, Lois Petrou who is ready fro revenge.

This is a very short novella that fits well with Centre for World Wide Paranormal Sightings series. 

Description:

Lois Petrou wants revenge when she discovers her father mauled to death in the Cypriot Troodos mountains. The official verdict is that the Park Ranger was attacked by the animal that he was attempting to release from a large, solid silver, animal trap. Two days later she is interviewed by Inspector Adonis Christou, an American of Cypriot descent, whose brief is to investigate the increase of deaths on the island. Although there is an immediate sexual attraction between them, both have dark secrets: they both know they can never be together.

Romance Book Review: Debbie Macomber's Family Affair

Author: Debbie Macomber
ISBN: 978-0061997136
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Avon Imprint/ Originally Harper-Monogram

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Family Affair dates back to 1994 release that was part of an anthology called "Purrfect Love".

Lacey moved to San Francisco a year ago after her husband left her for another woman. Since she's moved to San Francisco she has done her best to stay away from men. She isn't interested in being hurt again. Her neighbor Jack is interested in getting to know Lacey and has been trying since she first moved in.

Lacey has done her best to be polite, but stay away from Jack. Jack seems to have woman problems of his own, if all the yelling with his girlfriend through the neighboring wall is anything to go by. In the meantime, Lacey's cat is in heat and it just so happens that she meets up with Jack's cat at the wrong time. This puts Lacey exactly where Jack wants her.

Although this book is almost 20 years old the subject matter isn't dated or trite. The story is exactly what you would expect of Debbie Macomber's earlier day stories with a sweet, soft romance.

Description:

Rediscover the joy of #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber's delightful tale of unexpected love, second chances, and a cat named Dog.

Lacey Lancaster has always longed to be a wife and mother. However, after a painful divorce, she decides it's time to lay low for a while in her charming San Francisco apartment with her beautiful Abyssinian cat, Cleo.

Everything would be wonderful, except for her utterly impossible neighbor Jack Walker. When he's not arguing day and night with his girlfriend, begging her to move in with him, he's chasing down his cat named Dog, who seems determined to get Cleo to succumb to his feline advances. 

Then Lacey discovers the awful truth-Cleo is in the family way and Dog's to blame. She's furious that neither Jack nor his amorous animal seem too upset about the situation.

But Lacey learns that things are not quite as they seem. Jack's "girlfriend" is really his sister-and his intentions toward Lacey are very honorable. And though she's not quite sure about Dog, Lacey begins to discover the tender joy of falling in love all over again.

Check out author Susan Mallery's website and enter a contest

Enter Here.

Romance Byte: Jill Shalvis' Rescue My Heart

Author: Jill Shalvis

Series Connection: Animal Magnetism

ISBN: 978-0425255810

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Berkley Mass Market

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Description:

In the Animal Magnetism, Book Three, Adam’s story, Rescue My Heart...

After a tragic stint in the National Guards, Adam Connelly returns to Idaho and to Belle Haven, the animal shelter he owns with his brothers. All Adam wants is to be alone. Then he opens the door to the past—the woman whose heart he once broke. Still gorgeous, still tough-as-nails, but this time, unusually vulnerable.

Holly learned the hard way to never depend on a man for anything. Now, of all men, it’s the last one she wants to see, and the only one she needs. Her father has gone missing in the Bitterroot Mountains and she could use someone with tracking skills to help find him.

For Holly and Adam, each with their ghosts, a trek this desperate, this unpredictable, and this intimate, will have its share of risks—including opening their hearts one more time.

Romance Book Review: Jayne Castle's The Lost Night

Five Heart Review

Author: Jayne Castle

Series Connection: A Rainshadow Novel

ISBN: 978-0515152845

Genre: Sci-Fi/ Romance

Publisher: Jove

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In her first of the Rainshadow Novel series, Jayne Castle brings her audience back to Harmony and continues her story after Canyons of Night. Changes in weather patterns to the island brings Harry Sebastian, a Foundation security expert and member of the family that owns the Preserve, to investigate. 

There are some strange happenings on the Rainshadow and one of the top suspects on the list is Rachel, a woman was lost in the Preserve for a night and then found her way out all on her own. Not many people would not get lost inside the Preserve much less find their way out without help. However Rachel can't remember anything that happened during her night in the Preserve. 

Rachel knows she's a suspect in the happenings on the island as far as Harry is concerned, but she can't help her attraction to Harry. She understands the importance of what's happening on Rainshadow but she can't think of anyone on the island that would be part of problems. Now she has to try to remember that lost night, work to stay alive when someone out there might be trying to kill her and Harry, as well as work to find out what is going on in the island. 

The Lost Night opens a series that investigates what is causing the problems on the island and the search of the three mysterious crystals that were brought from earth when the settlers came to Harmony. 

I love Jayne Castles world building skills. There is just enough of earth to make Harmony recognizable, but enough different to make it seem new age or a future earth.

Description:

Even the mysterious world of Harmony has people who don’t quite fit in. They’re drawn to places like Rainshadow Island, a beautiful sanctuary where anyone can feel safe—and where secrets are closely guarded... 

Schooled in an exotic form of martial arts, and with the ability to detect the auras of dangerous psychic criminals, Rachel Bonner and her dust bunny companion have found peace and quiet on Rainshadow Island, operating a bookstore and café.

But her tranquil new life is thrown into chaos when Harry Sebastian, the descendant of a notorious pirate, arrives to investigate strange developments in the privately owned woods known as the Preserve.

Immediately drawn to the amber-eyed woman, Harry must tread carefully. While Rachel’s special talents can help him track down dangerous rogues who have violated the Preserve, they can also sense the heart of darkness within him. But desire can weaken the strongest of defenses—and leave even the strongest man wanting more…

Romance Book Review: Pamela Palmer's Hearts Untamed

Author: Pamela Palmer

Series Connection: Feral Warriors

ISBN: 0061894451

Genre: Parnormal/ Romance

Publisher: Avon

Originally appeared in the print anthology Bitten By Cupid, Heart's Untamed, is a story featuring  two Therians who are not actually Feral Warriors. There are appearances by three of the Feral Warriors in within the context of the story, however they don't play a part of the major characters of the story. The Therians are the original race of the Feral Warriors. At one time all Therians could shift into animal, however now the only Therians that can shift are the Feral Warriors. All Therians are still immortal. This book was written and originally released in 2010 as part of an anthology. Just a few months back, Pamela Palmer re-released the novella as an e-book. For those who are following the series, this story can stand alone, but was written before Jag, Kouger and Hawk had their own novels. I had totally missed this story, even though I am a fan of the Feral Warriors series, so I for one am glad the author decided to release this separately or I would have missed it all together.

Zee has decided to head home after ten year after hearing that the one time friend Julianne has been playing Beethoven. While some may not understand the importance of this Zee knows that it is only when Julianne is the most trouble that she uses her musical talent to play Beethoven. Zee realizes right away how much he hurt Julianne by leaving so abruptly all those years ago and now he is also beginning to realize what he has missed by not returning sooner. 

Julianne is in real trouble and so are her closest friends, although they don't know it. One of the Ilina, a race that was thought to have been eradicated a thousand years ago, is threatening to harm Julianne and her friends if she doesn't find a necklace hidden in their home. Julianne has searched everywhere she can think of and it is not anywhere to be found. 

To make matter worse she has just found out Zee is coming home. She loves Zee with all her heart but he can never know her deepest and darkest secret, because it could mean his life if he ever found out. 

Nicely done intermittent story. This is also a good story to learn about Melisande, the Ilina Julianne is being threatened by. The new Feral Warriors book, A Love Untamed, came out last month and features Melisande and Feral Warrior Foxx.

Description:

Ten years after he spurned Julianne's declaration of love and then vanished, Zee's back—only this time he's the one being rejected. Julianne's in desperate straits, and involving Zee could jeopardize his immortality. But he won't take no for an answer—and Julianne's about to discover that her former love is even wilder than she thought…

Romance Byte: Linda Howard's Shadow Woman

Author: Linda Howard

ISBN: 978-0345506931

Genre: Romantic Suspense/ Mystery

Publisher: Ballantine Books

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I was so excited to see that Linda Howard has a new book out. My list is pretty full right now, but I thought I'd share the info for those who have time to delve into a new romantic suspense.

Description:

Lizette Henry wakes up one morning and makes a terrifying discovery: She doesn’t recognize the face she sees in the mirror. She remembers what she looks like, but her reflection is someone else’s. To add to the shock, two years seem to have disappeared from her life. Someone has gone to great and inexplicable lengths to keep those missing years hidden forever. But the past always finds a way to return.

Strange memories soon begin to surface and, along with them, some unusual skills and talents that Lizette hasn’t a clue about acquiring. Sensing that she’s being monitored, Lizette suddenly knows how to search for bugs in her house and tracking devices in her car. What’s more, she can elude surveillance—like a trained agent.

Enter a mysterious and seductive stranger named Xavier, who claims he wants to help—but who triggers disturbing images of an unspeakable crime of which Lizette may or may not be the perpetrator. With memories returning, she suddenly becomes a target of anonymous assassins. On the run with nowhere to hide, Lizette has no choice but to rely on Xavier, a strong and magnetic man she doesn’t trust, with a powerful attraction she cannot resist. As murky waters become clear, Lizette confronts a conspiracy that is treacherous and far-reaching and a truth that, once revealed, may silence her and Xavier once and for all.

Romance Book Review: Emily Wood's Business and Pleasure

Author: Emily Wood

Series Connection: Rags and Riches

Digital ISBN: 9781937325527
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Erotic Romance

Publisher: Beachwalk Press Inc

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When a customer gives Mia an offer she can't refuse, what else can a pole dancer do than make take a chance. 

Mia has noticed one of the patron at her bar where she dances before. He's very interested in her and she knows it. One evening after work Lawrence propositions her. He will pay her to be his hostess in Italy for two weeks. Feeling that this offer is a lifeline for Mia and her roommate, Mia accepts. 

Lawrence is quite taken with Mia and hopes to get to know her when she's working for him the next two weeks. He doesn't want her to think that sleeping with him is part of the job, but with the attract these two have for each other, he's sure that it won't be long before they hit the sheets. 

Although I really enjoyed this short story it was a little predictable. I knew there would be some secret that would be revealed and so forth and so on. However the writing was well posed and the sexy scenes just sexy enough that it still gets some good points. 

Description:

Can mixing business and pleasure ever result in a happy ending?

When sexy, rich Lawrence Russo asks Mia to come and work for him in Italy for two weeks, she jumps at the chance. After all, it beats pole dancing, and the salary he offers her is practically obscene.

A relationship quickly begins to develop between the two, but Mia can't help but wonder if Lawrence's feelings for her are genuine or if he feels he's just paying for a service.

Even if their relationship is strong enough to survive her insecurities, what will happen when somebody from her past shows up and threatens to reveal her deepest, darkest secret?

Content Warning: explicit sex

Top 10 Print Book Sales of 2012 – Adult Fiction

Nielsen Tops of 2012: Entertainment

Below is a list of the 10 ten in adult fiction. The top four on this list includes E.L. James’ Fifty Shades trilogy, as they say "one of the wildest successes of the year". Other romance genres authors to make it to the list are Sylvia Day and Nora Roberts. 

Adult Fiction books feature many from the romance genre:

1.) Fifty Shades Of Grey (Trade Paperback)

E. L. James

2.) Fifty Shades Darker (Trade Paperback)

E. L. James

3.) Fifty Shades Freed (Trade Paperback)

E. L. James

4.) Fifty Shades Trilogy (Boxed Set)

E. L. James

5.) Gone Girl (Hardcover)

Gillian Flynn

6.) The Casual Vacancy (Hardcover)

J. K. Rowling

7.) Bared To You (Trade Paperback)

Sylvia Day

8.) The Racketeer (Hardcover)

John Grisham

9.) The Lucky One (Mass Market Paperback)

Nicholas Sparks

10.) The Last Boyfriend (Trade Paperback)

Nora Roberts

Source: Nielsen BookScan

Data from January 2, 2012 – December 2, 2012. Nielsen BookScan’s US Consumer Market Panel currently covers approximately 75% of the print book market and continues to grow. BookScan does not track sales from Wal-Mart.

Romance Book Review: Lizzie Lynn Lee's Dragon Hunts

Author: Lizzie Lynn Lee

ISBN: 978-0-85715-919-9

Genre: Erotic Romance/ Shifter Romance/ Dragons

Publisher: Total- E - Bound

Purchase Link

Jessica/Eliza is on the run from her mob boyfriend with her young son. Lucky to find a job as a secretary to a younger man that pays well, she has no idea what he has in mind when he takes her on a business trip.

Declan is ready to settle down when he meets Jessica and hires her as his secretary. He decides that Jessica is the one for him. Taking her away for a week seems like a good idea to get her used to the idea. 

While away Jessica gets a call from her son that her ex has found them, not knowing what else to do so that Declan doesn't get hurt, she takes her son and runs. 

But there are some things she doesn't know about Declan and she isn't going to get too far.

Excellent world building and descriptive pose gets the reader involved in this dragon shifter story. Who wouldn't want a sexy guy like Declan coming to their rescue, even if he does get a little scaly sometimes?

Description:

Hot boss turns into a dragon? Jessica thinks she’s bitten off more than she can chew...

In ancient times, when a dragon needed a mate, he could just swoop down on a village and kidnap a maiden. In modern times, this has proven to be a dilemma. Declan, the eldest of the Cairne brothers, is due to claim a bride. As a Harvard graduate, CEO of a trading company and Versace-clad executive, he can’t just shift to his true form and kidnap a woman to claim her as his. A perfect woman is hard to find, since Declan thinks dating is overrated.

Plump single mother Jessica Knapp is running away from her past. Between struggling to make ends meet and keeping herself and her son under the radar of her deranged mafia ex, dating is the last thing ever to cross her mind. So when her new boss Declan sets his sights on her, Jessie thinks his attention is nothing but flattery.

But Declan is a determined dragon. He swears he will have her even if it means he has to show her his scales, wings, and talons.

The hunt is on...