Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Romance Book Review: Secret Desires

Author: Stormy Glenn
Series Connection: Tri-Omega Mates 1
ISBN: 1-60601-287-8
Genres: Erotic Paranormal Romance, Gay Menage a Trois M/M/M, Werewolves

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Jake and Lucas have been lovers for nearly 10 years when suddenly Alpha Jake finds his true mate. There is no other choice then to let Lucas go and mate with Leyland. Or is there?

Leyland heads out to a photo shot only to find his two mates. Being a rare Tri-Omega Leyland has special needs that only Jake and Lucas can give him.

Description:
Everyone has secret desires, especially werewolf, Leyland Summers. He dreams of two sexy mates to bring all of his fantasies to life. When he encounters a sexy cowboy who wants to take him for a wild ride, what does he say? Hell yes!

Coming to ranch country for a picture shoot, Leyland was shocked to find not one, but two mates. Being a tri-omega, he had always known that he would have two mates. He just never expected to find them in the same place. Or to find out that they had been lovers for years.

Having two mates is no big deal for Leyland. He grew up with two fathers. But having two mates that were already in love is something all together different. How is he supposed to share Lucas with Jake...or Jake with Lucas? And where does that leave him?

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Romance Book Review: Checkmate

Author: Annmarie McKenna
Series Connection: Seeing Eye Mate
ISBN: 1-59998-326-5
Genre: Paranormal Romantic Suspence/ Red Hots!

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Eli Graham has been gone on a job for eight long months. Now that he's home he has decided it is time to claim his mate. The only problem is when he gets home he finds that Nikki has been having some serious problems that no one has told him about and now she has a killer after here. Eli will need all his shape-shifter abilities in order to keep his mate alive.

Nikki left the mall one dark afternoon and is attacked by three men. Barely escaping with her life, Nikki gets away only to be run off the road by her attackers. If that isn't bad enough, eight months later she plans an evening with friends, only to find when she gets there that her three friends have been brutally murdered and the killer is still in the house.

Nikki has loved Eli since high school and he's finally noticing her as a woman, will Nikki be able to put her trust into the only man she's ever loved?

Checkmate is a wonderful suspense novel that will keep readers on their toes trying to figure out exactly who the killer is. Nikki and Eli are great together. I would have liked to see a little more of Eli's wolf, but otherwise it was a well thought out suspense.

Description:
What’s an alpha shape-shifting wolf to do when the woman pre-destined to be his mate no longer trusts men?

After returning home from an eight-month security job, Eli Graham is ready to claim his best friend’s little sister as his mate. He’d put it off for years, thinking he was doing the right thing by waiting. Instead of the stubborn, independent, carefree girl he left behind, Eli finds a shell of the woman he once knew.

Having lived through a near fatal attack, Nikki Taylor has hidden herself away from the world. Now the time has come to face head-on the one man who could devastate her completely, Eli Graham. She’s loved him forever, craves him, body, heart and soul, but he’s never treated her as anything but a little sister.

When Nikki witnesses a murder, she has no choice but to rely on Eli’s expertise. While guarding her from the man bent on wiping out a witness, Eli shows Nikki that he’ll not only protect her body, but he’ll show her just what it means to be a wolf’s mate.

Warning, this title contains the following: hot, explicit sex, graphic violence and language, and is not for the faint of heart!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Romance Book Review: In Plain Sight

Author: Marie Harte
Series Connection: Cougar Falls
ISBN: 978-1-60504-579-5
Genre: Paranormal/ Shifter

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Cougar Falls is a special place where shifters can live undetected by the humans. Sarah Duncan is a golden eagle shifter. For years she has been harassed by fellow clans members because of a former relationship with another member of the clan. She is tired of being the brunt of her fellow clan members abuse and one day strikes out against them. Feeling she has had enough of Cougar Falls, Sarah decides to leave the only home she's ever known.

On her way out of town she is ambushed and nearly killed until the one golden eagle shifter she never thought would help steps in. Cullen Whitefeather isn't the easiest man to get along with. He would rather be a loner than part of the clan, but that isn't the way of his people. One day he steps into a local diner and see Sarah, his mate. Over time he tries to speak with her, but he can't get two sentences out. When he witnesses a confrontation between Sarah and his fellow clan members, Cullen steps in and takes care of her the only way he knows how.

Sarah doesn't know what else to do but leave Cougar Falls. Can Cullen convince her otherwise before he loses his mate for good?

This is a well written novella with strong characters and a good story. Cullen's character is played consistent to the end. He is blunt and at time insensitive, but he really is trying to make an effort with Sarah. Sarah is a strong woman who is just trying to make her way in the world. The two together work well as a couple. Cullen's family as a supporting cast is an added bonus and would make interesting future stories.

Description:
In a choice between fight or flight, love makes the final decision.

A Cougar Falls story.

Cullen Whitefeather is Ac-taw –a fierce golden eagle shapeshifter. The ultimate predator, he doesn’t shy away from confrontation…unless it involves one tempting, smart-mouthed woman. The woman destined to be his mate. The woman who doesn’t even know he’s alive.

Sarah Duncan made one mistake years ago and hasn’t stopped paying for it since. Tired of the town’s treatment, she finally tells the truth about what really happened and pays a hard price. Her clan wants to silence her. Permanently.

Rescue comes from a completely unexpected source—Cullen, a man who can barely seem to string two sentences together. Yet his fierce protectiveness, compassion, and bewitching touch are worth more than a thousand words.

With Sarah so close, Cullen is losing his mind—and his heart. She says she wants to leave, and the raptors want her gone. But if there’s one thing Cullen’s good at, it’s a fight. And he’s not letting her go without one.

Warning: this book contains explicit sex, a woman done wrong, birds of prey, sexy men who can’t talk to women, and red hot lovin’ that’ll make you wish you could fly.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Romance Byte: Animal Instict

Author: Paige Tyler
Series Connection: Men of Alaska
EBook formats ISBN: 978-1-60313-616-7
Trade paperback ISBN: 978-1-60313-617-4
Genre: Torrid Romance Contemporary/ Paranormal/ Erotic Romance

Description:
Artist Heidi Gibson is spending the summer up in Anchorage doing some painting when she gets attacked by a crazed wolf. She is rescued by golden-eyed wildlife biologist Luke McCall, who calmly informs she has been bitten by a werewolf and will turn into one during the next full moon. Thinking he’s obviously out of his mind, she can’t get away from him fast enough.

When strange things start happening to her, however, she begins to think the ruggedly handsome biologist could be right. Not knowing what else to do, she goes to Luke and is stunned to discover that he knows so much about werewolves because he’s one himself.

As Luke teaches her what she needs to know about being a werewolf, Heidi finds herself falling hard for the Alaskan hunk. But while they’re intent on each other, the werewolf that attacked her comes back into the picture, and he’s not exactly happy that another of his kind is trying to take the woman he believes is his rightful mate.

Can Luke and Heidi's attraction overpower the jealousy of the rogue werewolf?

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Romance Book Review: The Mercenary

Author: Katherine Garbera
Series Connection: The Savage Seven
ISBN: 978-0758232106
Genre: Romantic Suspense

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Fast paced action suspense about a woman, Olivia Pountuf, who sees her finance kill a man. She turns to her friend Anna, who is a private investigator for help. Anna send members of the Savage Seven mercenary team to help protect her friend Olivia. Included in the team is second in command Kirk Mann.

Kirk is a trained snipper. His life is his job. When he meets Olivia his realizes for the first time in a while that he might want to be someone different. While Kirk and the team try to protect Olivia from the man who wants to kill her, Olivia and Kirk fall in love. Can Kirk save Olivia and become the man she needs him to be?

I liked the general theme to this book. It was a well thought out suspense drama, but I had a hard time with the Olivia's character. I just wasn't sure if she lived up the to character she was suppose to be. While many romance novels make the characters overcome adversity, I think it is important to show that they might have a little in common other than sexual attraction and the heat of the moment to make a good couple. I can't see these two together after the situation is resolved.

Description:
Once upon a time, Kirk Mann led a normal life. Now, as second-in-command at Savage Seven, he takes on assignments no one else would dare to handle. Like protecting Olivia Pountuf, a sexy, pampered socialite who was engaged to the manager of a diamond mine - until she discovered her fiance's murderous business tactics. Kirk arrives in Johannesburg too late to stop Olivia being kidnapped, but rescuing her stirs up a firestorm of longing as hot as it is dangerous. And that's just the kind he likes...Olivia grew up believing that money would protect her. But the man she was to marry wants her dead, and the one person who makes her feel safe is a rough-around-the-edges ex-Marine who couldn't care less about wealth or privilege. Now, the only way to survive is to uncover an illicit scheme that others will kill again and again to protect, and trust in a desire that's veering straight out of control...

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Romance Book Review: The Redemption of Micah

Author: Beth Williamson
Series Connection: The Education of Madeline
ISBN 978-0-7582-3471-1
Genre: Western Romance/Historical/Suspense

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This is twice now I've been pleasantly surprised when reading one of Beth Williamson's books. Not because of Beth, but because I generally haven't been able to get into historical western romance. The Redemption of Micah has been another exception though to that rule though.

In the The Education of Madeline readers met Micah and Eppie. Micah came down from the mountain in which he had lived as a hermit to help his friend Madeline protect her home, herself and the man Madeline loved. Eppie is Madeline's best friend. For months Micah and Eppie have secretly been meeting each other in the dark. Micah wants to marry Eppie but she refuses him and the two have a big fight. When he comes to help his friend Madeline, Eppie and Micah reunite. Everything comes crashing down on them, however, when Eppie steps in front of Micah when they are being attacked.

Not realizing that she is pregnant when she goes into a coma, Eppie is surprised three years later when she wakes to find herself a mother of a young girl. Even more of a surprise is finding out that she has completely lost her memory. As she and her family get to know each other again, they don't realize that their is an unknown force who will do anything to split up their family. Eppie and Micah need to work together to save themselves and their little daughter.

Good story line and great lead and supporting characters make this book a definite worthwhile read for those who enjoy romance, battered heros and even a little western history.

Description:
Plum Creek, Colorado 1875

ONCE UPON A TIME, THEY LOVED EACH OTHER

Nothing about the room that Eppie awakens in feels like home—not the furnishings, the ill-fitting clothes, or the Colorado sunlight streaming in through the windows. And certainly not the stranger with long dark hair and silver eyes who claims to have been waiting for her for three long years.

Micah Spalding has spent each day hoping that Eppie would open her eyes and return to him. Yet the Eppie he loved was spirited and outspoken—utterly different to this reserved, aloof woman. Since her injury, Eppie has no memory of Micah or their daughter, or of a passion that was powerful enough to defy every convention. And though his scent and touch trigger something deep within her, Eppie can’t bring herself to believe in him.

Once, when war between his countrymen had almost broken him, Eppie brought Micah back to life. Now he must find a way to reach through the distance between them and remind her of everything they once shared, and prove that he has belief enough for both of them…

Romance Byte: Summer of Two Wishes




Author: Julia London
ISBN:978-1-4165-4708-2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: August 18, 2009

[Excerpt]

Description:
Whose wife was she?

Macy Lockhart's life shattered in a moment with the news that her husband, Finn--serving in the military overseas--has been killed in the line of duty. Their ardent and devoted marriage is over, leaving Macy alone and directionless. But while she tries to sustain herself with memories of Finn, the quiet, strong man who made her and their small Texas ranch the center of his life, it is wealthy Wyatt Clark who slowly brings joy back into her life. Her love for Wyatt may be less romantic than the breathless passion she'd once shared with Finn, but she vows to cherish him, and their marriage is happy and solid as a rock. Until the day that Finn, miraculously spared from death, returns home to claim his bride...

How can a woman choose between the two men she loves? And how will she make the right choice--for herself and everyone involved?

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Romance Book Review: Tasting Fear

Author: Shannon McKenna
ISBN-13: 978-0758228635
Genre: Romantic Suspense

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Tasting Fear follows the story of three woman adopted by a woman who holds many secrets. Nancy, Nell and Vivi have their own stories in the three book anthology. One of the things I like about Shannon McKenna stories is that her characters are real. They all have their issues and dramas usually making for lively stories, great romance and suspense.

That said I still found some real issues with these stories. The suspense and mystery part of the book work to connect the three stories. Also as always the author didn't skimp on some really hot sex scenes. I liked the story line between Nell and Duncan (Ask For More) the best. Duncan was not your normal alpha hero. I liked the way his character moved from a nerdy computer, businessman type to alpha commando. He was a lot of fun to read and watch as he fell in love with Nell. I also liked Nell. She had a messed up childhood and issues with her mother, but she still was willing to give love a try.

The other two sisters and their stories just didn't really work for me. In real lives the other two couples would never stay together for more than a minute. It was a little disappointing the way they quickly solved their differences at the end of each story instead of finding an answer earlier on to make it more believable.

Description:
Blood will tell...
Nancy, Nell, Vivi...Three sisters who know there is no force on earth greater than love...unless it is the desire for vengeance. When their adored foster mother is murdered, the D'Onofrio women come together to hunt for her murderer - and track down a family legacy gone missing: rare, priceless art from the Renaissance, a treasure worth killing for. The law can only do so much and the three sisters are on their own - until three mysterious men get involved...Startled to find a brawny stranger at her mother's house, Nancy is even more surprised at the heat of passion that flares between them. Liam is intense and instantly protective. But is it wise to trust him with every secret? Her sister Nell has turned to Duncan, her new boss, for help. He's an expert on the dark underworld of cyberspace, where other clues may lurk. And Duncan is so sexy it's scary. All Nell has to do is say the hardest word of all: yes. But what about the youngest of the D'Onofrios, the wild and willful Vivi? She's on the verge of falling in love with Jack, who's all about fierce vigilance...

The sisters embrace the ultimate in passion as danger stalks them all. Unknown and unseen, the killer is very, very near...

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Featured Author Ericka Scott

This week's Romance Book Scene
Featured Author is
Beckon the Dark

author
Ericka Scott



Beckon the Dark
Author: Ericka Scott
ISBN: 978-1-60088-406-1

Description:
Ten years ago, two paranormal investigators pitted their skills against an ancient curse at the Hopes Peak Lighthouse…and lost. Together again, they are determined to stop the hauntings before anyone else dies. A surprise visit from their old professor sets in motion the age-old lover’s triangle that has taken so many lives in the past.

For Kya and Ben, falling in love wasn’t on the agenda. Unable to determine if their feelings are real or an illusion is not nearly as frightening as the knowledge that their emotions might not end the curse but could fulfill it.

Romance Book Review: Within Striking Distance

Author: Ingrid Weaver
Series Connection: NASCAR/Hidden Legacies
ISBN-13: 978-0373185269
Genre: Contemporary Romance

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As the saga of what happen to the Dean and Patsy Grosso's infant daughter from 30 years ago continues as private investigator Jake McMaster continues his search. Several women have claimed to be the missing Grosso and it is up to Jake to figure out the mystery. When he is approached by Becky Peters Jake first thinks she is just another of the long list before her, but things aren't adding up.

Becky knows that she is adopted, but her parents didn't give her much information on her birth. Too many secrets lead her on her own investigation. When she sees some similarities between herself and the Grosso family she turns to Jake for help. As clues begin to match up Jake and Becky find themselves in danger as someone tries to cover up who Becky really is.

The best part of this story is the mystery of who Becky's birth parents are. I like Jake and Becky's characters and can see them becoming friends, but am not sure they have enough chemistry as a couple. Maybe if their relationship side had been a little more developed they would have worked. That doesn't mean this isn't a good read. The story itself doesn't go as much into NASCAR as some of the others and could easily take place in any other venue. The mystery side of the story is great and left me guessing until the end.

Description:
Ever since she learned she was adopted, Becky Peters has dreamed of finding her birth parents. When a prominent NASCAR family reveals their daughter was kidnapped at birth, Becky dares to hope…to believe. Could she be "the lost Grosso"?
Private Investigator Jake McMaster knows he's in trouble the moment Becky walks into his office. With Becky stirring a lot more than his protective instincts, Jake's determined to keep his professional distance…until she becomes the target of someone just as determined to keep certain secrets buried. With Becky's life on the line, it's up to Jake to keep her safe and give her what she's been searching for—a family and a place to belong. And a love that's within striking distance.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Love Inspired of the Month: The Hero Next Door

Author: Irene Hannon
Series Connect: Lighthouse Lane
ISBN: 978-0-373-87541-2
Genre: Love Inspired Romance

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Heather Anderson believes that the women in her family are cursed when it comes to love, so when the newest resident of Lighthouse Lane steps into her Tea Room she decides no matter how handsome J.C. might be it is best for her to stay away. After all no matter how good a man he is his stay in Nantucket is only temporary and she isn't ready to to get burned again.

Justin Clay came to Nantucket to get his life back in order after an undercover assignment goes bad. When he meets his new next door neighbor he knows that he should stay far away. His life is complicated enough at the moment, but after getting to know Heather, he can't seem to stay away.

The Hero Next Door is a well written inspirational story instilling the importance to forgiveness and caring. There are several references to bible verses that deal with the subject. The couple, J.C. and Heather have a lot of appeal as both struggle with being attracted to each other, but don't want to be hurt more than they already have been. J.C. is a caring, soft spoken hero who has a lot to offer.

Description:
When two fellow officers die in a sting operation set up by undercover cop Justin Clay, he heads to Nantucket Island on a leave of absence, figuring that working there as a beat cop during the summer tourist season will give him a chance to decompress and regroup. But he hadn’t counted on falling for Heather Anderson, owner of The Devon Rose tearoom. That’s a complication he doesn’t need…or want. Nor is Heather interested in the town’s newest cop. After experiencing the destructive effects of infidelity on families and relationships, she’s written off romance. But when her well-ordered world is turned upside down by family complications and J.C. steps in to help, she begins to believe he’s a man of integrity, honor and principle—and to wonder if he might be the exception to her rule…and a man worth loving.

Friday, August 7, 2009

New Harlequin Romance Blog Site on eharlequin.com


Harlequin Romance has started a new blog from their Romance series. Contributing authors to the blog will be Claire Baxter, Margaret Way, Donna Alward, Nicola Marsh, Myrna Mackenzie, Barbara Wallace, Cara Colter, Michelle Douglas, Susan Meier, Liz Fielding, Shirley Jump, Rebecca Winters, Melissa McClone, Fiona Harper, Claire Baxter, Melissa James, Lucy Gordon, Jackie Braun, Barbara Hannay, Barbara McMahon, Nikki Logan.

First up—one of my favorite authors Liz Fielding with "A Writer's Life". Check out the site here: Harlequin Romance Blog

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Romance Book Review: Seducing the Moon

Author: Sherrill Quinn
Series Connection: Daring the Moon
ISBN-13: 978-0758231895
Genre: Paranormal/Werewolf/Suspense


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As far as Pelicia Cobb is concerned the ends don't justify the means. She has no intention of forgiving Declan O'Connell for using her to get to her grandfather two years ago. She had thought Declan loved her, but in the end she had lost her job, her friends and the life she loved.

Now two years later Declan is back trying to ask her forgiveness and although time has changed nothing and she still loves him, she can't trust him.

Declan will do anything to get back in Pel's good graces. He stayed away as long as he could hoping time would help and she would forgive, but now he can not wait any longer. Someone is taking shots at Pel and he doesn't know if it something because of him and the fact that four months ago he was in a battle that changed him completely, or if it is someone who wants to get even with Pel's grandfather.

In the end it doesn't matter, because he will do everything in his power to save the woman he loves and keep her safe, even if it means continuing to deceive her.

Seducing the Moon offered a good story line and characters. Declan was strong and stubborn, just as any good Irishman should be. The fact that he continued to mislead Pel even after he knew she would be upset, kind of threw me off. He was falling into the exact same trap he had two years earlier and didn't seem to learn his lesson.

Pel on the other hand was a little annoying at times. She didn't seem to take any notice that someone was shooting at her and she might have needed to have a little care until she found out for sure what was going on. Trotting off to London as if everything was okay was a little off the mark for someone whose life was being threatened, even if she did think that person shooting at them wasn't after her.

Other than that I thought the story line was fast paced and interesting. There were some mysteries in the story that sent readers in various directions until the end trying to pick out who the shooter was. I'd be interested to hear more about Sully and where he is going to go from here.

Description:

Declan O'Connell has a history with Pelicia Cobb, but not the kind that's going to help him win her back. It was bad enough that he broke her heart as a gruff ex-commando. Now he's got another side to his personality, a furry, fierce side that goes a little wild under the light of the moon...

Pel wants nothing more than the chance to clean up the mess Declan made of her life - without his interference. But with a sniper taking shots at her on her doorstep, there's no one better to protect her than Declan. And it's hard to ignore all of his deliciousness, especially the way her body responds to his undeniable magnetism. There's no question the rugged Irishman brings out the animal instinct in her - an instinct that propels her toward him, even when she knows she should run away...