Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Romance Book Review: Beachwalk Press' Psychic Seductions

Psychic Seductions
Digital ISBN: 9781940744841
Genre(s): Paranormal Romance / Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Beachwalk Press, Inc.
Purchase Link: Beachwalk Press

Beachwalk Press has put together a series of short stories all themed around psychic powers. Add that to the great line up of well known writers and you get a fun series of stories.

Notable stories include Ella Jade's Always You, featuring what may turn out to be a new series. The short story features a family with shocking special powers. In Always You, oldest brother Caleb has the sees premonitions, but doesn't get the chance to foresee his parent's death. He has spent years beating himself up, until he re-meets a childhood friend of his younger sister and soon he is able to see past the cloud of sadness.

In Cupid and Cupcakes by Jacquie Underdown introduces Penny who's great tasting cupcakes aren't the only thing drawing people to flock into her bakery. While she's been able to find love for hundreds of people, she still hasn't found the one for herself. That is until one day her old neimisis steps back into her life.

In Indigo Stars, Stephanie Beck tells the story of two gifted people who have the power to help each other with each other's illnesses. We'd all love to find a miracle doctor who can zap cancer out of us, but everything comes with a price and soon the doctor needs help himself, that only his last patient can help him with. 

Description:
When it comes to love, sex, and seduction, these psychics break all the rules. Seven sexy stories and seven gifts of insight that will make you a believer.

Always You by Ella Jade
Aurora Mills has moved back to her hometown after a messy divorce which has left her penniless. Her friend Clara offers her a job at their family's pub, and within days Aurora runs into Clara's older brother Caleb. Aurora has always been attracted to him—there's something about him that just draws her in.

Caleb Larson has spent the past few years coming to terms with the tragic deaths of his parents and struggling with the guilt of not being able to prevent it. His gift of premonitions should have allowed him to see their future. After Aurora returns to town, whenever he's in her presence, he can sense that they have a deep connection of some type. Then he has a powerful vision from the past, and he knows there's even more to his feelings than he thought. Can these two lost souls find peace in each other's arms?

A Hint of Heaven by Nola Cross
Firefighter Jake Manley is a no-nonsense kind of guy. So when his little sister goes to see pet psychic Carrie Westfield, he lets the beautiful medium know he's got a watchful eye on her. But somehow she does seem to know more than she should, including painful secrets from his past. When the helpful spirit of his boyhood dog shows up, things get even stranger, making him question everything he thought was true. Can Jake accept that life doesn't end with death and let go of the guilt he's carried all these years? More importantly, can he let Carrie Westfield into his heart?

Cupid and Cupcakes by Jacquie Underdown
In a snowy, sleepy town is a quaint cupcake shop. People travel from miles away to visit this sugar-scented store because they think it's magical. They're not entirely wrong. But it isn't the shop, or the cupcakes it sells, that's magical…it's the owner.

Penny loves her little store, but people don't visit Cupid and Cupcakes solely for her cakes. They have an ulterior motive—they're seeking love. Penny is a matchmaker, a modern-day cupid, and she's great at it. Never wrong. Unfortunately, Penny's gift doesn't work where her own love life is concerned. That is until Jonathon reappears in her life. He's her best friend's brother, utterly wrong for her, and completely off-limits. Or is he?

Psychic Set-Up by Lacey Wolfe
During a drunken night of self-wallowing over his failed love life, Parker Evans wanders into Psychic Set-Up to see what a matchmaking psychic can do for him. But once he meets the luscious psychic he's not interested in anyone else.

Willow Webb is an aura reader who plays matchmaker for a living. While she has tremendous success matching up others, her own love life is nonexistent. Men aren't able to handle being involved with a woman who can read their every emotion. But she finds herself drawn to her handsome new client. When it comes time to match him up, will she do her job or keep him for herself?

Something in the Water by Lisa Knight
Kindergarten teacher Jill O'Halloran does her best to disregard the visions she sees in pools of still water, having learned from a young age that it wasn't something that happened to normal people. But when images of Darcy Albright in the throes of passion keep appearing, they prove too difficult to ignore. Jill can't understand why she's so drawn to Darcy. Sure he's gorgeous, but she doesn't do relationships.

When Darcy's ex-wife drops a bombshell, Jill discovers that he's all too familiar with futuristic visions. But is the prospect of learning more about the gift she's denied for so long worth the risk of falling for him?

Indigo Stars by Stephanie Beck
Indigo's ability to create light with her mind was always a fun parlor trick, but since her cancer diagnosis, the parlor has closed for business. On the brink of major health failure, she can't help but wonder when her good luck ran out.

Dr. Lee Russell believes in healing by any means necessary. He uses his psychic powers in special cases when modern medicine just can't help. Indigo's case is special. She's like him, yet she wastes her gift creating stars. He heals her, but doesn't expect much, not until he gets sick himself and only Indy's touch can ease his pain. He's never seen himself as anything more than a healer, but to save his own life, Lee will have to mentor Indigo to reach beyond the stars and use her gift in ways she never imagined.

Taming Fury by Ellen Cummins
Holly is a mind-moving Fury who electrifies all human flesh she touches. Even her own family has sent her packing. She moves things with her mind, manipulating fire with the flick of her finger, but she burns for the one thing that has never been an option for her—love.

When she catches sight of the handsome man helping her new neighbor move in she longs to take a chance and introduce herself…to pretend to be normal just once. It could easily end in disaster, but surprisingly, when she shakes his hand, no mind-blowing electrocution follows, and she begins to hope. But it turns out that her touch has affected Jacob in a way she never imagined, and it will change his life forever.

Content Warning: these stories contain sensual sex scenes

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Romance Book Review: Shelly Laurenston's The Unleashing

Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series connection: Call of the Crow
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Romance
Publisher: Kensington

Purchase Link: Amazon

Shelly Laurenston starts a new series with The Unleashing. The series is set in modern day Los Angeles where clans of warriors that work for the Nordic Gods live among the rest of the humans.

In this first book Kera Watson, former Marine, is killed a back alley behind the coffee shop she work at. Vig Rundstrom, a warrior for God Odin, has spent months working up the nerve to ask Kera out on a date. When Kera is stabbed and killed Vig gets there just a minute too late and while she takes her last breath, Vig calls on the God Skuld to save her life.

When Kera wakes up to her new life, she finds out that she's now works as a warriors for Skuld. As a former Marine, Kera isn't sure she can handle what is expected of her.

Now that Kera is so close, Vig has a chance to be with her like he has always wanted to be, but first he has to help get her used to her new life.

The Unleashing is very much like most series firsts. Several characters are introduced and the background story is explained. I generally find myself laughing out loud constantly when I read one of Shelly Laurentson's books, but I didn't get that with this book. I like the characters but there was too much information for the back story that I felts the hero and heroine where underdeveloped and didn't get a chance to shine. I didn't really get a chance to see why they would make a good couple together. I did love Kera's dog and the fact that all the "Crows" loved her too.

I'm hoping that future installments of the series will wow me like so many other of her books have.

Description:
WINGING IT
Kera Watson never expected to face death behind a Los Angeles coffee shop. Not after surviving two tours lugging an M16 around the Middle East. If it wasn’t for her hot Viking customer showing up too late to help, nobody would even see her die.

In uncountable years of service to the Allfather Odin, Ludvig “Vig” Rundstrom has never seen anyone kick ass with quite as much style as Kera. He knows one way to save her life—but she might not like it. Signing up with the Crows will get Kera a new set of battle buddies: cackling, gossiping, squabbling, party-hearty women. With wings. So not the Marines.

But Vig can’t give up on someone as special as Kera. With a storm of oh-crap magic speeding straight for L.A., survival will depend on combining their strengths: Kera’s discipline, Vig’s loyalty… and the Crows’ sheer love of battle. Boy, are they in trouble.

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Romance Book Review: Sassie Lewis' A Diamond in the Dark

Author: Sassie Lewis
ISBN: 9781940744834
Genre: Contemporary Romance. Erotic Romance
Publisher: Beachwalk Press

Purchase Link: Beachwalk

For years Tia has been in love with her adoptive uncle Ax, but he hasn't even noticed she's turned into a woman. At 21 she's ready to seduce the man and get his attention, so when the two spend a weekend out of town, sharing a hotel room, Tia takes her chance.

Ax can't think of himself as anything but a dirty old man because he's in love with the 21 year-old his brother adopted and he helped to raise. He just can't resist the beautiful woman Tia has turned into. The only problem the two need to face is what will the rest of their family think when they find out.


This is a well-written and an oh-so-steamy read! For those who like erotic romance with a storyline that continues outside of the bedroom, this story will satisfy your need for both a true romance and lots of erotic scenes. 

Description:
An untouched beauty, an irresistible cowboy, and forbidden desires. Sinning never tasted so sweet. 

How do you get a Texas cowboy to notice you? Tia's been asking herself that question for years. She's only ever wanted one man to notice her. The problem is the stubborn, ruggedly handsome guy that she's obsessed with has always seen himself as her uncle. 

What happens when the girl you helped raise becomes a young woman you can't resist? In Axton's case, you take a road trip to escape temptation. But when his brother dumps the delectable, curvy Tia in Axton's hotel room, suddenly the reasons for fighting temptation seem insignificant against the burning need coursing through them both. 

Can the heat of their passion ignite a love worth fighting for, or will one accident end it all? 


Content Warning: This book contains one hot as hell cowboy and a curvy college student with great taste in men. Some outdoor, indoor, and public loving. These scenes are sure to leave your panties wet and your heart pumping.

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Romance Book Review: Celia Kyle and Mina Carter's Wanting a Mate

Authors: Celia Kyle and Mina Carter
Series Connection: Quick and Furry
ISBN: 9781680399806
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Erotic Romance, Werecouger Romance, BBW Romance

Purchase Link: Amazon 

Chloe is ready to settle down with a good man, but she isn't having any luck. She tries the Internet dating sites with no such luck. After returning home late from another loser date she comes home to find her mother at her apartment to find out that her mother has set her up on yet another dating site, but this time it is for shifter dating service. Secretly Chloe has always had a thing for werecats and can't wait to check out the meet and greet event.

First impressions aren't going to well, until she runs into Holt and then things start to heat up.

Holt can't believe his brother set him up for a shifter dating service to find his mate. It isn't that Holt doesn't want a mate, but he isn't the easiest person to get a long with and he's worried that his mate would run for the hills the minute he meets her. Deciding to give it a try Holt goes to the meet and greet and gets a look at Chloe.

Short, quick read and funny describes this story. As the series says this is a Quick and Furry ready, so don't expect anything really long in this story. While it is a fast read you get a chance to learn enough about both characters to enjoy the story. A fan of both authors, I can see a lot of Mina Carter's influence in this story.

Description:
Sometimes a gal’s gotta admit defeat and decide how many cats she’s gonna have when she’s old and crazy…

Chloe Hall has tried every dating website out there and continues to connect with duds. Then her mother signs her up for a new dating—mating—service. Human or shifter, everyone is welcome as long as they’re looking for love and not their next bang. Chloe doesn’t care if her mate roars and sheds or howls and smells like wet dog. He’ll be hers. It’s not until she meets Holt—a massive, muscular, totally gorgeous werecougar—that she realizes she really will become a cat lady, and he absolutely drives her crazy.

Werecougar Holt Moore’s animal is restless and craves things that scare the shit outta him: a mate, cubs, and a white picket fence. It doesn’t seem to remember that cougars are solitary animals in the wild, which also applies to his human half. His cat is too dominant to tolerate other shifters and when he’s on two legs, he towers over every human he meets. He’s big and mean and that’s how he likes it. 
Then he meets Chloe—curvy, luscious, human Chloe—and realizes he needs to add “possessive” and “biggest asshole on the planet” to his list of traits. Well, not all relationships are smooth sailing.

The M&M Mating Agency – They deal in matings, not chocolate.

Romance Book Review: Katy Regnery's Wild About Westion

Author: Katy Regnery
Series Connection: The English Brothers, Blueberry Lane Series
ISBN: 9780991204571
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Katharine Gilliam Regnery

Purchase Link: Amazon

Weston English wakes up being excited about attending his brother's wedding only the find out that on-again-off-again girlfriend and date for the wedding has decided this is the best day to dump him and go back to her ex-boyfriend. And part of the reason is because she can't trust him because of the way his older brothers have treated her sisters.

Having to go to the wedding stag has left him in a bad mood. That is until her meets a redhead at the bar the changes his persepective on his newly single status.

Molly had planned to attend her new friend Daisy's wedding with her fiance Dusty, but the night before Dusty called and broke off the engagement. Not wanting to let Daisy down she decides to attend the wedding even though it is the last place she wants to be. At the bar she meets Weston and the two spend the wedding getting to know each other and making decisions on life changes with each other's help.

That is until both their ex's change their minds...

Most of this book takes place in one day at Daisy and Fitz's wedding. Through out the event Molly and Weston spend time together while going along with the rest of the reception activities. Emotions are running high for both characters and for the most part this wouldn't be the time for either of them to making life altering decisions, but for Molly and Westion it seems to fit and isn't too unbelievable so I'll give it a pass.

Description:
Wild about Weston is the fifth of six books about the last of the Philadelphia-based, wildly-handsome English brothers who are all on the look-out for love. 

(Wait a second! They're definitely NOT all on the look-out for love anymore. Not if Emily, Daisy, Jess and Val have any say in the matter. Weston's the last single English...oh, yeah. And Kate. Poor Kate...) 

When Weston English's girlfriend breaks up with him to move to Italy on the morning of his brother Fitz's wedding, he fully expects to have a horrible day. What he doesn't anticipate is meeting Molly McKenna at the reception. 

Daisy's friend, Molly, whose fiance dumped her the night before the wedding, decides to throw caution to the wind and eschew her schoolteacher persona for a wild, one-night stand with Weston. 


From the ceremony to the cocktail hour, from dinner to dancing, from toasts to photos, Molly and Weston will discover that they have more in common than they could have guessed, and that some horrible endings lead to the happiest beginnings. 

Friday, July 10, 2015

Romance Book Review: Katy Regnery's Anyone but Alex

Author: Katy Regnery
Series Connection: The English Brothers, The Blueberry Lane Series
ISBN: 9781503353176
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Katharine Gilliam Regnery

Purchase Link: Amazon

Alex English, manwhore, playboy, womanizer, ladies' man, philanderer, tomcat, player, lady-killer--whatever you want to call him he has probably already heard and didn't even pay attention to it. Just lately though Alex isn't sure he likes that people think that about him. His time with his "lady-friends" or current lover, whoever she may be is getting boring. Something is seriously missing. Until one rainy night when he runs into his old friend Jessica Winslow. 

Jessica wasn't one of his "lady-friends" in fact she was just a young girl the last time Alex laid eyes on her, but she always had a place in his heart. Seeing her again makes him realize all the things he's been missing and she wants to be his friend. Not knowing if that is something he can even do...but willing he's willing to try for Jessica. He's up for the challenge, but is Jessica.

Sweet, young Jessica has just come back from England where she moved after her father died years ago. Running into Alex, the boy she always loved and seeing how handsome he has grown as a man is making all her insides turn to jello. She knows she wants Alex as more than a friend, but she has to woo him to her side. 

The big problem is her brothers are dead set against it. They know what type of man Alex has become and they are sure they don't want him anywhere near their little sister. It doesn't matter that they all consider Alex a good friend, he's no good for their little Jessie. That attitude is driving Jessica made, but she'll do whatever she can to get her man.

There's just one more little problem...the old trail of lovers Alex has left behind who can't wait to get him back. 

I wasn't sure I was going to like Alex's story, but I think it is my favorite so far. Remember I'm not really reading these in order and they can even be read solo, still there is something about Alex's character besides his looks that I liked while I read his story. Does he have a chance of succeeding with Jessica for the long term...in romance book land who ever knows. Maybe we 'll run into him again in some of the Blueberry Lane series when Katy Regnery writes about the other families on the block to find out. 

Description:
Anyone but Alex is the third of six books about the Philadelphia-based, wildly-handsome English brothers who are all on the look-out for love. 

(Sort of. Barrett and Fitz are officially off the market, Alex has sampled every piece of available ass from Rittenhouse Square to the Liberty Bell, Stratton can't seem to see what's right in front of him, and don't even get me started on super hottie, Weston...) 

Alex English, the well-known man whore of the country club set, has always preferred to play the field, eschewing a chance with Miss Right for a satisfying quickie with Miss Right-Now. But after seeing his two older brothers take the plunge, something has been aching inside of Alex, and no amount of casual sex seems to fill the void in his heart. 

Jessica Winslow, whose older brothers are best friends with the English brothers, has returned home from a fifteen-year stay in England, only to find herself face-to-face with her childhood crush, Alex English, on her first night home. She's heard all the rumors, but Jessie remembers the older boy who was so kind to her as a child, and can't help reaching out to Alex in friendship. 


Between disapproving brothers, scheming exes, and the biggest business deal of English & Sons' illustrious history, Alex and Jessie's budding romance is going to be put to the test. The question is...will it be strong enough to be their happily-ever-after?

Friday, July 3, 2015

Romance Book Review: Katy Regnery's Kiss Me Kate

Author: Katy Regnery
Series Connection: The English Brothers, The Blueberry Lane Series
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Katharine Gilliam Regnery

Purchase Link: Amazon

I'm reading this series a bit out of order but after reading the first and 5th book I decided that Kate and Etienne's story looked interesting and decided to check it out.

A modern day Romeo and Juliet, at Kate 15 Kate and Etienne fell in love but then were torn apart. They don't see each other for 12 years each blaming the other for what tore them apart. Emotions flare while the couple flash back on what happened back then and try to work together today.

Now both older and lawyers in their separate family companies the two are forced to work together. The both have strong feelings for each other, but the past keeps getting in their way. Can they make their way back before the past drives them apart for ever.

Misunderstandings and old hurt feelings keep pushing these two strong-will characters apart. It was hard to really understand Etenne's personality and I wasn't sure if I really wanted to like him, or was sure that he was right for Kate and her quiet life. 


I'm still making my way through the series, but have enjoyed the books I've read so far.

Description:
Kiss Me Kate is the sixth of six books about the Philadelphia-based, wildly-handsome English brothers (and one lovely cousin!) who are all on the look-out for love. 

Kate English, cousin to the beguiling English Brothers, has relocated to Philadelphia and now works with her cousins at English & Company. The problem with moving to Philly? It was where Kate met her first love, Etienne Rousseau. Since the move, Kate can't seem shake the painful memories of a romance that broke her heart. 

Etienne Rousseau, neighbor and arch-enemy of the English family, is recently single and has every intention of enjoying his newly-minted bachelor-status. That is...until his brother inks a deal with English & Company, forcing Etienne to work with his one-time lover, Kate English. Though he wants to hate the girl who once destroyed his life, he can't deny the fierce attraction or hide the deep tenderness he still feels for Kate. 

With vibrant flashbacks of their passionate, teenage love affair making it impossible to ignore their unresolved history, Kate and Etienne will commit to unraveling the secrets of their heartbreaking past to make way for a breathtaking future.

Romance Book Scene: Katy Regnery's Seduced By Stratton

Author: Katy Regnery
Series Connection: The English Brothers, The Blueberry Lane Series
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Katharine Gilliam Regnery

Purchase Link: Amazon

Stratton English is a little shy and awkward with woman, some might even call him blunt, but when he meets his new neighbor Amy he is taken with her right away and despite his awkward start with her she give him a second chance. The only problem is Amy is taken and if that isn't bad enough with a family enemy for Stratton.

For two long years Stratton waits for Amy to realize the man she is with is just plan bad for her. While he waits no other woman will do for him...until Valeria.

Val's best friend Emily is marrying Stratton's brother Barrett. When Val meets Barrett's brother she falls quickly. They are perfect for each other and Stratton seem to totally agree, until he never refuses her invitation for date and then never calls her again.

Stratton can't believe that he could be attracted to Val when he's so in love with Amy or is he? Through mixed feelings Val and Stratton try to figure out their feelings and what the future might hold.

Stratton is definitely a man who where his heart on his sleeve, but Val is perfect for his personality. I love that she come from a loud Italian family and her personality is so colorful. It is exactly what is needed to match Stratton's serious savior tone. I also liked that their relationship doesn't just happen and Stratton needs to work out his relationship with Amy first. This book gets a 5 Heart rating.

Description:
Seduced by Stratton is the fourth of six books about the Philadelphia-based, wildly-handsome English brothers who are all on the look-out for love. 

(Except for Barrett, Fitz and Alex, because they're taken. And Weston, who is still riding the ugly-love roller coaster with one of the Atwell sisters....) 

Stratton English, the hottest, youngest, most devastatingly handsome CFO in Philadelphia, has a problem: women make him nervous. Really nervous. Catastrophically nervous. Socially awkward to an extreme, he's apt to blurt out the first thing that comes to mind, and it's rarely something a woman wants to hear. Quietly in love with his neighbor, Amy, he has no idea how to make his move, but he is committed to figuring out a way to seduce her. 

Valeria Campanile, who Stratton knows through one of his four brothers, is a PhD candidate who moonlights as a dance instructor on the side. Ironically, even though Val studies Courtship Rituals, she can't seem to find herself courted. Pursued by boys from the "old neighborhood" who promise to overlook the fact that she's so smart, she longs to meet someone who romances her mind as well as her heart. 


When Stratton helps Valeria with a financial problem, she is anxious to return the favor. But will Stratton, who needs Val's expertise to win Amy, find himself seducing Val instead? 

Romance Book Review: Katy Regnery's Breaking Up with Barrett

Author: Katy Regnery
Series Connection: The English Brothers, The Blueberry Lane Series
ISBN: N/A
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Katharine Gilliam Regnery

Purchase Link: Amazon

Emily Edwards was falling in love with Barrett English, but that was never the plan. She was an old family friend, or to be exact the gardener and housekeeper's daughter and Barrett paid her to be his go to dinners with him and pretend they were engaged. Now she knew if she were to keep her heart in tack, Emily needed to break the fake engagement.

When Barrett finds out that Emily wants to break off their arrangement he'll do anything to keep her, because there is more to their being together then a simple employee/employer relationship and he needs time for Emily to understand that.

Shades of the old Sabrina movie in this well written book, even if it was a bit predictable. I am encouraged for the rest of the series. Since the author says that these are stand alone books I've already started reading the others a little out of order. I'll give this story 4 Hearts.

Description:
Breaking Up with Barrett is the first of six books about the Philadelphia-based, wildly-handsome English brothers who are all on the look-out for love. 

(Except Alex. He's a womanizing manwhore. And maybe Stratton, because he's wicked hot, but super awkward around girls.) 

Barrett English, aka "the Shark," is the fair-haired, first-born of the English brothers, and the CEO of the oldest, most prestigious investment banking firm in Philadelphia. He rules the boardroom with an iron fist, refusing to take no for an answer and always getting his way. 

Emily Edwards, a first-year doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania, grew up in the gatehouse on the outskirts of Barrett's childhood estate. The daughter of his family's gardener and housekeeper, she was always looking through the window of privilege, but forced to remember her place at the very periphery of the kingdom. 


When business partners suggest that a fiancee might soften Barrett's image over business dinners, he approaches Emily for the "job" of fiancee. And while love wasn't necessarily on Barrett's radar, he begins to realize that Emily always has been. But will his take-no-prisoners boardroom tactics work on the heart of the woman he loves?