Romance Book Review: Sarah Storme's Starks' Reality

Author: Sarah Storme
ISBN: N/A

ASIN: B00IGW34D4

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense, Erotic Romance

Publisher: Amazon Digital Service

Purchase Link: Amazon

Heather Cooper is taking time off of school to take care of her father and get his business back on track, when she meets the new police chief Jake Starks. She isn't looking for anything remotely like a romance, but she can't help but notice just have gorgeous the new police chief is. 

Jake Starks is looking for a break from the high pressure of being a police officer in Dallas. He decides to take a job at a small town police force where his former partner lives. 

In his first day on the job he quickly realizes that this job may not be the peaceful little town he envisioned. Immediately the Chief is investigating a murder and taking care of Heather and her father. Before long Jake can't get enough of Heather and although he tried to fight a relationship between the two of them he is quickly becoming addicted. 

The emotion and real-life issues of this story make it a definite five heart book, but while I like a good erotic romance, this book had a few too many sex scenes and not enough suspense for the secondary part of the story. I would have liked to know a little more about those involved in the background crime that Jake was investigating. It would have made a good book into a great book. 

Description:

Heather Cooper should be completing her engineering degree. Instead, she's working to straighten out her father's business. Port Boyer’s new police chief may be attractive, but she certainly has no time for another man in her life. 

Jake Starks accepted the job as Chief of Police in the quiet coastal town so he'd have time to come to grips with his past. Within a week, however, he’s in the middle of a murder investigation, and trying to protect the woman of his dreams and her father from a killer. 

Romance Book Review: Becca Jameson's Tarnished and Dominated

Title: Tarnished

Author: Becca Jameson

Series Connection: Wolf Gatherings

ISBN: 978-1-962916-001-6

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Wolf Shifter, Erotic Romance

Publisher: Taliesin Publishing

Purchase Link: Amazon

Every two years wolf shifters from around the country meet at the Wolf Gathering to find their perfect mates. Kenzie has decided not to go this year. Why should she, she has a perfectly good human boyfriend, friends and a good job. Well at least she thinks that is enough, however her mother has other plans and she is forced to attend. Kenzie's last two times at the Gather hadn't gone well and she sincerely hopes she doesn't meet her wolf mate at this event. 

Drake isn't all that interested in attending the Gathering either. Two years ago he attended the gathering and saw his intended mate leave with another wolf before he even got a chance to meet her. He expects she's happily mated by now and doesn't relish the idea of running into her. But he's promised he would attend and keep an eye on his youngest brother. 

Not even at the event for five minutes, Drake spots Kenzie, the girl he saw two years before and convinced she is his mate. When he realizes she isn't mated he doesn't waste any time and moves to follow her before she gets away. Unfortunately, Kenzie whether or not Kenzie has a mate is the least of his problems, after he finds out how much against being mated to a wolf Kenzie really is.

I found Drake's character completely delightful and refreshing. So many times in cases when the heroine is timid and worried about becoming involved in a relationship, alpha males seem to steamroll right over the women and leaves the story feeling uneven. As for Kenzie, I have to take off a point or two about her reasons for not getting involved with wolf. The author should have explained her reasoning a little differently. I can understand Kenzie's reasoning, but I had to infer the reason, while some might not draw the connection. 

Otherwise this is a good start to a series, with a well-written story and a general good premise. 

Description:

Wolf shifter Mackenzie Davis has no interest in mating with another wolf. Plenty of experiences in her past have hardened her to this resolve. She is loving life with the perfect job, the perfect friends, and the perfect boyfriend—a human one. Nevertheless, her mom implores her to attend this year’s Wolf Gathering. Reluctantly dragging her feet, she agrees to one day only.

Drake Spencer has come to the gathering from Texas with his family. He’s twenty-eight and believes his chances of finding a mate are slim to none, especially since he saw the woman he felt connected to leave with another man at the last gathering. But what if the woman who has consumed his dreams for the last few years is not actually mated?

When Mackenzie and Drake meet, sparks fly. Kenzie still hopes to deny the claim on her. But can she? The call of mates is stronger than she expected. What will happen to her sense of self if she follows this man to Texas? Not to mention Drake. Can he live with the mental scars of her past?

Title: Dominated

Author: Becca Jameson

Series Connection: Wolf Gatherings

ISBN: 978-1-62916-010-8

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Wolf Shifter, Erotic Romance, Dominance and Light Bondage

Publisher: Taliesin Publishing

Purchase Link: Amazon

Kathleen is hoping she is going to meet her wolf mate at the Wolf Gathering where all unmated wolves get a chance to socialize and may find their one and only mate. When she is pulled from the social room and pinned against the wall by the first man, she knows for sure this is not her mate. When he tries to kiss her, she knees him and runs to what she believes is an empty room, only to find another man inside. 

Gabe is attending his first Wolf Gathering in a long time. His parents put on this event every year to help wolf shifters find their fated mate. He doesn't mind attending, but he just needs a few minutes away from everyone when a young girl runs into the room. When he realizes she's his mate he can't believe that fate would let him meet his mate, only for her to be to young for him. 

Kathleen is hurt when she realizes that Gabe is her mate and he essentially pushes her away. Not realizing that he thinks she's a young child, Kathleen leaves heartbroken. When Gabe realizes his mistake he works to apologize, but their story doesn't end there. There are just other personality hurdles the two much face before their perfect mating can give them a chance for a happy ending. 

In this second book of the Wolf Gathering series I like Kathleen's spirit, but I'm not sure I really ever saw her as submissive and that kind of ruined this angle of the book for me. I might have liked this book a little more if the characters had time to develop a little more. 

Description:

Kathleen Davis has never been more confused. While running from one wolf who insists she is his mate, she finds herself face to face with her real mate. Why is he such a jerk then? And why does he treat her like a child? Screw him. If this is what a “real” mate is, she wants no part of him. 

Gabriel Albertson’s family hosts the Wolf Gathering every two years, but he hasn’t been home in ages. Fortifying himself to face the masses of unmated females, he never even makes it out the door before his one and only bounds right into his hiding place. To his disappointment, he realizes she’s more child than woman… 

But, Gabriel is mistaken, and his error insults his gorgeous mate. He must hunt her down, apologize, and convince her he isn’t the ass he first appeared to be. Although he manages to claim her, his dominance frightens Kathleen and sends her fleeing his parents’ home. Can he pull his act together, tail between his legs, and convince her their mating is real and worth the risk to her heart? 

Romance Book Review: Constance Bretes' Delayed Justice

Author: Constance Bretes

Digital ISBN: 9781940744087
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Beachwalk Press

Purchase Link: Beachwalk Press

For five years Sami has lived under the cloud of accusation. She was in the wrong place at the wrong time but the town just can't believe in her innocence. So she hides herself away in a cabin in the mountains, goes out of her way to do her shopping and goes to the post office at midnight to pick up her mail just to avoid the town members. When the man who actually commits the crime is arrested and getting ready to stand trail, the sheriff needs her help to convict him, but the people are still suspicious.

Sheriff Makeeta Robertson needs his ex-lovers, Sami's, help to put away the man who bombed the pharmacy his fiance was in and killed her. At one time he accused Sami of the crime and he knows she is weary of him, but now he can't win his case without her. He also needs Sami's help in forgiving him for ever doubting her innocence in the first place, because now he realizes that she's his soul mate and he needs her personally as well.

The only problem is Sami is finding it hard to forgive him and she has a secret of her own that could tear them apart. Can they find it in themselves to help each other heal. 

Delayed Justice has a great concept and good set of characters, but what it was sorely missing was any background story, description of elements of the story and the characters. It took me a little to get passed the stilted dialog, but as the story progressed it seemed the author became more confident with her storyline and I actually began to get into the story more. 

This book is worth the read for those who like court room drama stories and those interested in cultural references in their romance. 

Description:

Can two former lovers set aside their differences and work together to bring a criminal to justice?

Five years ago, Sami Parker's life was changed forever when she was injured in a bombing incident which left another young woman dead—a woman who happened to be the fiancée of Sheriff Makeeta Robertson, Sami's former lover. Initially, Sami was a suspect in the crime, but the sheriff was forced to release her due to a lack of evidence. The town, convinced that she got away with murder, turned against her.

At last an arrest has been made and the sheriff needs Sami's help to get a conviction, but can she trust him? Although wary and cautious, she wants to see this man brought to justice and wants to clear her own name once and for all. But the awakening feelings she has for Makeeta bring yet another problem. Then there's the secret she's kept for the last five years—one she may not be able to keep any longer, and one that may change the outcome of the trial.

Romance Book Review: Ella Jade's A Love Stolen

Author: Ella Jade

Series Connection: The Steeple Town Series

Digital ISBN: 9781940744100
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Beachwalk Press

Purchase Link: Beachwalk Press

Lila has returned home to bury her father and reconnect with her friends. She left six years ago when the love of her life betrayed her and broke her heart. The last thing she wants to do is see Trevor again, but in a small town it is hard to not run into the Sheriff. 

Trevor has never stopped loving Lila and now that he is divorced he can see no better future for him then getting Lila back in his life, but he knows that is going to take a lot of work. Can 

Can Trevor convince Lila that they can have a shot at the love that was stolen from them so many years ago, or will he have to watch her leave his life once again. 

This is the first book in the Steeple Town series, which was previous published by the author. This book is an fairly good start for this series with good story premise, a worthy hero and heroine who are just human enough to both many mistakes that caused the rift in their earlier relationship. I would give it high scores for writing and love scenes, but I wish that Trevor had to work a little harder to get Lila back and that there was a current conflict that would have push their relationship a little more. 

Description:

Can time forgive the mistakes of the past?

After a six year absence, Lila Crofton has returned to her hometown of Steeple to bury her father. Hopefully she can avoid Trevor Matheson, her ex-boyfriend, long enough to take care of her business and get back to the city. With everything she's dealing with the last thing she needs is to run into the man who betrayed her and broke her heart.

Recently divorced Sheriff Trevor Matheson is picking up the pieces of his life. When his high school sweetheart, Lila, returns to Steeple, Trevor sees it as a sign. He's getting over a failed marriage and she's grieving the loss of her dad. They need one another. The timing couldn't be more perfect. But can they move past the events that tore them apart six years ago?

Is there a second chance in their future, or is their stolen love gone forever?

Content Warning: contains graphic sex and strong language

Note: This book has been previously published.

Romance Book Review: Brynna Curry's Claiming Ana

Author: Brynna Curry

Series Connection: Triple Star Ranch

ISBN: 9781616502874

Genre: Romance, Erotic, Paranormal, Shifter

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Purchase Link: Lyrical Press | Brynna Curry

The first book in a new series, adds mystery and paranormal. The Triple Star Ranch owner has been killed and since one of his sons is the local police chief, they sons have been ordered to keep their nose out of the investigation. The investigation is moving too slow, so the brothers higher their own Private Investigator, Howl Raven. 

Giving his report at the local diner, Howl meets Dr. Anastasia Brannon and realizes right away that the veterinarian is his mate. The wolf that lives inside him is just as attracted to the young doctor as he human half is. 

Howl is a cursed werewolf and always makes it to his basement where he chains himself to make sure that he doesn't hurt anyone, that is until this one night when the change comes before the full moon. When the wolf escapes the basement he is shot by the hunter that has been after him. Now all he can think of is to get to Ana before the silver kills him.

Ana is just as attracted to Howl as he is to her. She has just as many secrets of her own. Can Ana's gypsy magic help Howl deal with his curse. 

Interesting intro to the series. So far there doesn't appear to be any other paranormals we've been introduced to so far. I'd be interested in reading further to see how the stories move on, although this book didn't jump out and grab me.

Description: 

The child of a gypsy and fey, small-town veterinarian Dr. Anastasia Brannon has always hidden her magic for fear of ridicule. A red-hot encounter with the new PI in town makes their attraction impossible to deny. Throwing caution to the wind, she indulges her desires but keeps her secrets close.

A man with a shady past and secrets of his own, Howl Raven uses his feral talents and tracking skills to make a living, doing his best to lay low and hide the curse that haunts him every month. So far, so good…until an uncontrollable shift outside the full moon leaves him the victim of a werewolf hunter.

When she finds the enigmatic investigator wounded in the woods near her cabin during a storm, Ana provides medical care on instinct. She may be the only one who can banish the wolf from Howl’s blood, but at what cost?

CONTENT WARNING: Contains a brief, mostly off-page, violent scene which may disturb some readers. Violence, strong language and graphic love scenes.

Romance Book Review: Lora Leigh's Rule Breaker

Author: Lora Leigh

Series Connection: Breeds

ISBN: 0425265455

Genre: Paranormal, Futuristic, Erotic Romance

Publisher: Berkley

Purchase Link: Amazon

The 29th installment in the Breeds series, Rule Breaker tells the story of lion-warrior Rule Breaker. Rule is the twin of Lawe Justice and friend and second to Jonas. Rule has said many times throughout the series if he ever found his mate he would run away, very fast. Often the comment is made jokingly as one breed or another meets his match and Rule wants no part of the hassle, however his reasons are much more personal and not funny at all. 

Rule knows that if the Council ever got a hold of his mate, or any other for that matter, she would be tortured very much like his mother was tortured before she died. So no mate for him as far as he is concerned, however fate has other plans. 

Nine years earlier Rule is part of a rescue mission that saves a 15 years old girl from coyotes who kill her brother in front of her. Over the years he checks in on Gypsy, knowing that he is extremely attracted to her, but since he feels no sign of mating heat he is safe. He knows that someday he will move their attraction to the next step and as far as he's concerned without any of the mating heat he is free to have her as a lover with no problems.

In this case though, he may not feel the heat, but it is no less there and Rule soon realizes that Gypsy is his mate. The only question is can he run like he always thought he was able to do?

In the meantime, Jonas and Rachel fear that the end is near their little girl, Amber, who was injected with a serum that killed Council member Broadmore several novels ago. Amber's condition is worsening and Jonas believes his only hope is a breed named Gideon. He also believes that he can find Gideon if he finds a group called the "Unknown". The same group that helped the two women escape the labs years ago and was found by the breeds in previous novels. 

Jonas has no real proof, but he believes that the girl his team saved nine years before might very well be the contact that they need to find the Unknown, but Gypsy isn't talking. Jonas knows, as usual, the connection between Rule and the girl and sends him to get the information from her. The race to save Amber is still going, but for how long before the little toddler gives up?

There is a lot going on in this book and a lot of characters from past books that run through the pages, which I never mind because they remind us of past stories to keep the visuals together as well as introduce us to future stories to come. It is important to read other books within this series to understand what is happening in this one story.

This book is also highly erotic, so if that isn't your thing, this is not a series for you. Ms. Leigh is known for her erotic tales and she does those scenes especially graphic and very well. I loved the book, with just a couple of issues, but I wouldn't say that it stopped me from giving it a great rating. If I have a complaint with telling Rule's story I would say that I'd hoped he would be a little more on the humorous side. There were times when I was just in tears over Gypsy's past and her feelings that surround her brother's death, I would have enjoyed a balance of the humor Rule has given to other books.

Description:

Lion Breed and enforcer Rule Breaker has just a few rules he doesn’t break. Not for anything. Not for anyone—like never have sex with a woman outside his own breed, especially a human woman. Especially someone too helpless, too fun loving and too full of life to ever be able to protect herself, let alone help him to protect her.

Romance Book Review: Brandy L. Rivers' New Beginnings

Author: Brandy L. Rivers
Series Connection: Others of Edenton
ISBN: 9781301359585
Gene: Paranormal, Shifter Romance, Werewolf, Vampire, Fae
Publisher: Brandy Rivers

Purchase Link: Free on Smashwords

New Beginnings is a prequel to the Others of Edenton series. This first story introduces readers to the characters of Edenton. Slater is the alpha of the local wolf pack. He offers Jess a place to start her life over again after she makes the mistake of getting drunk and sleeping with her current alpha, a worthless leader who won't move into the 21st century where women are concerned.

Slater hasn't be interested in finding a new mate, since his first mate was killed 100 years earlier, but as soon as he hears Jess's voice on the phone he knows there is something different about her. Both try to fight the connection between them, but who could resist. There are other problems going on in the wolf pack in Edenton. Slater's second is worried about his place in the pack and may even think it is time for a new leading wolf.

For a paranormal world, New Beginnings has it all, from shifters, to Fae enforcers, vampires lovers and a few others in one small town. Each plays a role in Slater and Jess's life. Slater is a strong, but compassionate hero and leader. Despite the fact that he's well over 100 years old he isn't living in the dark ages and very progressive. Jess is one tough cookie ready to take down anyone who gets in her way. She isn't taking any gruff from her previous alpha or anyone in her new pack. It should be interesting to read on further in the series.

Description:

Jess knew her life would never move forward if she remained a part of Gregory’s pack. Some Alpha’s just don’t know how to take care of their wolves. She had managed Gregory’s bar for years but she knew he would never sell it to her.

After one giant mistake, he went from bad to worse. As a psychic, she knew it was a downward spiral.

Taking her future in her own hands, she contacts the Alpha in Edenton. He is happy to sell the empty bar no one has the time, nor desire to renovate, much less run.

Their attraction is unexpected and the last thing either want, but they find the only thing they need in each other.

There is just one problem. Slater’s second in command is plotting against him. Liam will use anything to take over as Alpha.

Plenty of werewolves, an old vampire flame, plus a paranoid second, and don’t forget the psychic with a whole lot of attitude.

Romance Book Review: Lynda Chance's Logan and Lauren

Author: Lynda Chance

Series Connection: Temptation In Texas

ISBN: N/A

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

Publisher: Lynda Chance Books

Purchase Link: Amazon

When Logan comes home from work one day he over hears Lauren on the phone talking to someone about something that makes him worry that they have serious marriage trouble. Logan adores his wife of six years and can't think about losing her, so he sets out to seduce his wife until her can figure out what the problem is. 

This is a very short story that tells a continued story of the couple in Lynda Chance's Pursuit, but can be read alone if you're looking for just a sexy book on a cold winter's night. Beware that there isn't much character development, if you want that read Pursuit first. 

Description:

'Logan and Lauren' has no cliffhangers, but it is SHORT!!! It's the perfect length for a quick read before bedtime or for waiting for a doctor's appointment. 

When Logan Crenshaw comes home from work one day and finds out that his wife is keeping a secret from him, he goes a bit crazy. So he steals her off to the Caribbean where he finally figures out what's been troubling her. But unfortunately, not before he loses his cool and goes completely territorial.

Romance Book Review: E.R. Davis' Lunes and Lords Series

Author: E.R. Davis
Series Connection: Lunes and Lords
ISBN: N/A
Genre: Paranormal, Dragons, Erotic Romance
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Purchase Link: Amazon

NOTE: This is a continual series and must be read together in sequence. The books are sold separately or can be found in a series set.

As a child Cora Phillips heard all the stories about her family history. The women in her family line were all practiced the Lune tradition of being a dragon protector. Her mother, her grandmother, her great grandmother all practiced, but Cora wants no part of it. She has no interest in following in their steed. She has successfully kept away from any witchy deeds, until now.

For the past year, since she was brought back to life after a terrible fire, Cora has been have terrible nightmares about fire and dragons. Taking her sister's advice she decides to meditate on the problem and get in touch with her inner-self. On the first try however she runs into a little mishap. She calls two dragons to her and now she's stuck with them and their dragonlords.

She didn't want one dragon, much less two and is ready to wash her hands of both of them, however forces are against her all the way and she finds that leaving the dragons and the men who keep them isn't as easy as she had hoped it would be.

This was a hard series to rate. As I read the back cover description to the first book I was intrigued. The concept sounded interesting and I liked the ideas of the dragons in modern day. So far so good. I even didn't have a problem with the heroine begin against the idea of having her own dragon. Really the world is different from ancient times and everyone wants to be modern about their choices in life. So no problem there. I even like the idea of trying to figure out which was the good hero or the bad guy. The first book allowed for either way.

I wasn't aware however that the book was a serial and you must read the others to complete the story. When I did, I quickly purchase the three book set (better bargain price on Amazon) and continued to read. I thought it was strange that a year had gone by and there seemed to be some strangeness in the time laps for me, but okay we move on. The story continues and Cora grudgingly continues with the quest not knowing if she wants to continue or wash her hands of everything. A little more character development might go a long way.

So while I had some issues with the Cora, I loved the dragons and the hero of the story. Still an okay read and the price is right as long as you purchase all the books. It would have been better as one complete novel rather than three.

Description:

DRAGON CALL 

Insomnia does things to a girl’s head, drives her to perform acts she would have scoffed at if not for a bad case of desperation. Yoga. Meditation. Getting in touch with her inner Lune via witchy rituals she doesn’t even realize she’s enacting until she’s naked in the dark with an aggressive dragon…or two. 

Cora Phillips has spent her life denying the Lune tradition but with two dragons--and their masters--hounding her with mating claims, her denying days have come to an end. Like it or not, the dragons have come. 

And she doesn’t like it one bit. 

DRAGON DANCE 

A dragon knows how to find his mate no matter how far she runs, and Lune-witch Cora’s dragon knows exactly how to lure her back for another dance with his master. Returning to New York on a mission to save her Dragonkeeper from his own self-destruction, she discovers this waltz is even more complicated than the first. 

When a Lune has three different partners, which one leads? 

DRAGON BOUND 

Wrists bound to a hotel bed. Wrong dragon in her head. Flavor of fire on her tongue. That’s how the end begins. 

Cora can’t run anymore. Not ever again. The mysteries of her life, the heritage she’s denied, the lovers and enemies she’s fled have all caught up to her, ready to eat her from the inside out if she doesn’t embrace her birthright, bind her draconic subjects, and rule like the queen she was born to be.