Romance Book Review: Life, Suddenly

Author: Sandra Sookoo
Digital ISBN: 9781616502997
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

Publisher: Lyrical Press

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On the day of her failed wedding day Tala meets up with the man she left behind in high school. Listening to her family she left Craig when they were 18 years old because he wasn't part of her Native American Culture. Now Tala has a chance to spend some time with Craig after all these years.

When Craig finds out that Tala is getting married, he decides to try one last time to get the love of his life. When he finds out Tala's wedding is off he takes the chance to see if there is a future together.

Sandra Sookoo mixes a little lesson in Native American mythology and story telling with her latest short novel. Well written erotic quick read.

Description:
Sometimes lift takes a sharp left turn when you're expecting a right

Tala Henderson's Native American roots play an important part in her life. When her family pressures her to give up the one man she could love, the pain she feels makes her realise she can no longer afford to let anything, even her culture, determine her destiny.

Craig Wordell's world comes crashing down when Tala breaks off their relationship. A small town boy who makes it, he never forgets, or forgives, the one who got away. He wants one more chance, and tracks her down on the day of her sham wedding.

Fifteen years of passion cannot be denied but when a simple misunderstanding threatens their tentative trust, it will take acceptance and love from both before they come to terms with the fact that life can take some surprising turns. 

Romance Book Review: Sea's Sorceress

Author: Brynna Curry
Series: Elemental Magic
Digital ISBN: 9781616502607
Genre: Romance/ Paranormal/ Witches

Publisher: Lyrical Press

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This is a good but complicated series that needs to be read in order.


Pub owner, Rhia has been in love with her best friend Skye for years, but has never let him see her feelings for him. Under the stress of her father's illness and soon death, Rhia can't keep her emotions kept to herself and accidentally lets Skye see how she feels.

Skye is an empath that can't believe he never realized how his best friend Rhia felt about him. He loves her and knows that he wants to spend his life with her, but needs to convince her that she needs him.


In the secondary story, if Skye and Rhia can find their love it will release Daemon and his love Brea from their magical prison.


While some may find the Elemental Magic series a little hard to follow as the author slips from the present to the past, Sea's Sorceress is well written and an interesting short storyline.
 
Description:
Love can come along at the most inconvenient times...

Skye Corrigan treasures family above all else. Standing by his best friend Rhia while she suffers the heartache of losing her father to cancer has strengthened their childhood bond. Lately Rhia affects him in ways she never has before.

Rhiannon O'Malley shares Skye's past and hopes for a future with him, but love must come with a willing heart. Her father's terminal illness has left her in charge of the family pub. Skye has always been there for her, but when their relationship changes, will she find the courage to claim the future? Or will a thousand-year-old curse keep its grip on two hostage hearts?

Steamy love scenes, adult language.

Romance Book Review: Incoming Freshman

Author: Carol Lynne
ISBN eBook: 978-0-85715-615-0
Series Connection: Campus Cravings
Genre: Gay MM/ Contemporary
Publisher: Total-E-Bound

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Bobby Ray has tried to get over his love for his recruiting coach, Chet, but after three years and numerous men he can't seem to. Making a big decision before his senior year, he decides to switch to where Chet is now head coach of the football team. He knows he has to convince Chet to take a chance on him and see him as the man he's become.

Chet knew that he was going to have to leave his job before Bobby Ray made his way to college. He had no businesses falling for a freshman. So taking on a new job he hopes to get over the young man. When he hears that Bobby Ray is coming play at his college, he can't believe it. He knows he still loves the football player. Now he has a decision to make. Can he not only be Bobby Ray's coach, but also his boyfriend?

Carol Lynne brings back her Campus Cravings series with book number 13. There is a new coach and some new team players to spice up the old successful series. This book is very much like the old series, featuring friendships and gay romance around the college football team. It isn't necessary to read the others to get into this book for those who want to start on number 13. Good story line and plot, as well as, good development and introduction to characters.

Description:
Three years ago, Chet Sloan left a promising job as Offensive Line Coach at the University of Arizona in an effort to put distance between himself and an Incoming Freshman. Bobby Ray Sikes first came to Chet’s attention as a high school sophomore when he took his small Arkansas town’s football team to a state championship. For two years Chet watched Bobby Ray Sikes play, knowing the boy was meant for greatness. When he recognized his feelings had grown from adoration to something more, Chet ran. In an effort to save his career and Bobby Ray Sikes’s chance to one day go professional, Chet took a job at North Central Idaho University.

For three years, Bobby Ray Sikes played for a team he hated. Not only was he expected to act like the rest of the guys on the team, but the one man he’d agreed to play for had left him high and dry. After reading an article on BK House, a privately funded all-gay dormitory, in OUT magazine, he decides to do the unthinkable and transfer colleges his senior year.

Most coaches would be thrilled to learn a two time All American was transferring in to play ball for their team, but Chet’s feelings for Bobby Ray Sikes haven’t changed. Will he be forced to run again or can he coach the man he loves?

Romance Byte: Long Road Home

Author: Maya Banks
ISBN 1609283023 
ISBN13: 9781609283025
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Samhain Publishing

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Description:
No matter how far and how fast you run, the truth is never far behind.

CIA counter-terrorism expert Manual Ramirez has spent the last three years looking for the woman he loves, who disappeared without a trace while on a post-graduate trip to France.

Then, as suddenly as she disappeared, Jules Trehan turns up in a small-town Colorado hospital bed, injured in an explosion that killed her parents. Manny is shocked by the change in the woman he once knew. Kidnapped by a shadowy organization, Jules has been forced to become the very thing he’s pledged his life to defeat—a terrorist assassin.

Knowing her testimony will finally bring down the organization, Manny races to get her to Washington, D.C. in one piece. Just when there’s a glimmer of hope of overcoming her past, Jules must pull off one last job or Manny’s life will be forfeit. It’s a mission she must complete…even if it means betraying the only man she has ever loved.

Warning, this title contains the following: Explicit sex, adult language, violence.

Romance Byte: In Bed with a Highlander

Author: Maya Banks
Series Connection: Highlander
ISBN: 0345519477 
ISBN13: 9780345519474
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Release Date: August 30th 2011

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Description:
Bestselling author Maya Banks’s beguiling new trilogy features three unforgettable brothers risking everything to save their clan and their legacy—and to surrender their hearts to love.

Ewan McCabe, the eldest, is a warrior determined to vanquish his enemy. Now, with the time ripe for battle, his men are ready and Ewan is poised to take back what is his—until a blue-eyed, raven-haired temptress is thrust upon him. Mairin may be the salvation of Ewan’s clan, but for a man who dreams only of revenge, matters of the heart are strange territory to conquer.

The illegitimate daughter of the king, Mairin possesses prized property that has made her a pawn—and wary of love. Her worst fears are realized when she is rescued from peril only to be forced into marriage by her charismatic and commanding savior, Ewan McCabe. But her attraction to her ruggedly powerful new husband makes her crave his surprisingly tender touch; her body comes alive under his sensual mastery. And as war draws near, Mairin’s strength, spirit, and passion challenge Ewan to conquer his demons—and embrace a love that means more than revenge and land.

Romance Book Review: Angel's Wolf

Author: Rebecca Royce
Series Connection: The Westervelt Wolves
ISBN: 978-1-59578-848-1
Genre: Paranormal/ Werewolf/ Magic

Publisher: Liquid Silver

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In the sixth installment of the Westervelt Wolves, the sister of the royal Kane family is found. Angel is running from the horrid members of the New Orleans' pack when she stops at a bus stop and runs straight into her mate.

Parker has lived and worked at this truck stop for twenty years. He doesn't speak and choses to stay away from people. When another werewolf comes into the diner, Parker immediately realizes it is his mate. Parker wants nothing to do with Angel. He remembers from his childhood that male weres kill their mates and already he knows he never wants to hurt Angel no matter if he has mated with her or not.

Destiny wants the two together and when a spell nearly takes Angel's life, Parker has no choice but to take her back to the Island of their birth and get Angel the help she needs.

If you haven't read any of this series before start from the beginning. Although the author gives enough clues that you can enjoy each love story, you won't want to miss this series from the beginning.

Description:
Angel Kane has always known who her family was and why she was hidden away from them in New Orleans. Now on the run, the last thing she wants is anything that could potentially get in the way of the plan she’s made for herself. That is, until she walks into a truck stop in New Jersey and encounters Parker Liberty—the wolf fate has picked out to be her perfect mate.

Parker Liberty hasn’t uttered a word in almost forty years. Not since the horrible day he watched his father murder his mother on the island of Westervelt. He ignores his inner wolf and contents himself with expressing his inner emotions through his tattoos. But when a pair of witches almost kill Angel, he will return to Westervelt to save her.

Westervelt is under constant attack by Kendrick. It is questionable whether the Westervelt pack can even survive the week. Angel and Parker’s arrival will either turn the tide of the war or end them forever.

Romance Byte: Ascension

Author: Lauren Dane
ISBN: 9781419964237
Genre: Paranormal/ Werewolf
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Publishing Date: In print Aug. 22, 2011

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I originally read this book in ebook a few years back. It is part of a series, but I'm not sure they are going to publish all the series in print. Definitely a book to read for werewolf and paranormal lovers.

Description:
Kari's simple life is tossed upside down. She's hospitalized after a dog attacks her, her doctor kidnaps her, and now a totally crazy man is telling her that not only is he a werewolf but so is she. And not just any werewolf but the queen!

She soon finds out Andreas is telling the truth. Being a werewolf isn't so bad when your husband stands well over six feet, is hotter than a movie star and richer than one too. It doesn't hurt that he adores and spoils her, and the wicked-hot sex is icing on the cake. What girl doesn't like cake?

But someone in the Cherchez Pack keeps trying to kill her. Kari is happy belonging to a big family for the first time in her life and she's not going to let one wolf with an axe to grind ruin that. Andreas, Kari and the wolves in the Inner Circle unite to end the threat and find the killer. It's kill or be killed and Kari intends to do the killing.

Romance Book Review: Cherry Pie

Author: Samantha Kane

ISBN:  978-1-60737-995-9
Genre: Male/Male/ LGBT/ Gay/ Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Loose-id

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Going home to Mercury, North Carolina to find himself again, Conner revisits his childhood home. Since his mother's death the home has been sold, but Conner needs to go inside to check it out.

The home's new owner and John, a gay man who moved from California to North Carolina, with his own troubles.

As Conner and John rebuild the house together their attraction grows, but are either of them ready for the next step?

“If Heaven” by Gretchen Peters (sung by Andy Griggs)
If heaven was a pie it would be cherry
So cool and sweet and heavy on the tongue.
And just one bite would satisfy your hunger
And there’d always be enough for everyone.

For those who enjoy male/male romance, Samantha Kane's "Cherry Pie" features a well rounded story of two men coming together at a time in their life when they are looking for a change and hope. Nicely written piece.

Description:
John Ford packed up his life a year ago and moved from LA to small Mercury, North Carolina after the death of his long-term partner. He’s been living in a kind of suspended animation, fixing up the old house he bought there, reclusive and alone. Until the day Connor Meecham appears.

Conn Meecham has returned home, only to find it isn’t his anymore. Someone else owns his mother’s house now. But Conn needs that house to find the man he left behind more than eight years ago--before the drugs, before prison, before his life derailed. Lonely, desperate, lost, Conn finds in John a kindred soul.

Mercury is a dying town. But John sets out to change that when he learns what it means to Conn. Through home improvements, sex, old friends, sex, misunderstandings, sex, and homemade cherry pie, John and Conn may finally discover that where they are now can be heaven on earth if they want it to be.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: male/male sexual practices.

Romance Book Review: Slave to His Desires

Author: Ashlynn Monroe
Digital ISBN: 9781937325008
Genre: Erotic Romance/ Science Fiction Romance
Publisher: Beachwalk Press

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Madison can't believe it when she is kidnapped by aliens and taken to a slave auction. When she is purchased by a man as a sex slave she couldn't be more horrified.

Realizing that the handsome man meant her no harm and falling in love was never in her wildest dreams as she as is poked and prodded during the auction process.

Very short sci-fi book good for those who enjoy reading about new worlds and exploring new frontiers.

Description:
Is it possible for a woman who is kidnapped and sold into slavery to find love with the man who purchases her?

As Madison Edwards is walking home one night, she finds herself face-to-face with strange creatures—aliens. They kidnap her and sell her into slavery. Out of place and alone, she struggles to understand the alien world where she’s being held captive. Her feelings about her new master are conflicted, and she’s torn between wanting to go home and wanting to fulfill all his desires.

Spontaneous and out-of-character, Jul purchases a rare human female at the market. Her people are known to have mystical sexual powers. He believes the tales are only myth until he has Madison in his home, and she soon consumes his life. She’s valuable, magical, and he fears he can’t protect her. His friends complicate the situation when they become involved, but they also offer him hope.

When everyone on the planet desires what you value most, it takes more than love to protect her.

Content Warning: light bondage, f/f kissing, graphic m/f sex

Romance Book Review: The Shadow Wolf

Author: Bonnie Vanak
Series Connection: Draicon
ISBN: 9780373618675
Category: Paranormal Romance/ Werewolf/ Magic
Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne
Publication Date: Aug. 23, 2011 

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On the run with her two young cousins, Shadow/Wolf Megan is doing everything she can to get her cousins to their father in New Orleans. That is until she runs into the most feared of the Draicon enforcers, Gabriel.

Gabriel has just found his mate, the one he was never looking for, but could finally make him feel something he has never felt in his life--less alone. The only problem is Megan is a Shadow/Wolf and according to her people she and he two young charges are to stay on  prison island. Gabriel really needs Megan to trust him now, for he is not what he seems and someone very evil is following them and wants them dead at any cost.

Very busy paranormal with a lot of action, some great love scenes and a little magic thrown in. This is the first in the series that I've read, but while others in the series are brought into the book, it explains enough of the subplot that it isn't necessary to read the other books first. If you like a lot of action in your paranormal story this one will be a good read for you.

Description:
On the run from authorities, gutsy Megan Moraine knows shadow wolves like herself have no place in this world. But she's still prepared to do anything to protect her young charges. That resolve is tested when the trio is captured by Gabriel Robichaux. Everyone knows that Gabriel is a ruthless bounty hunter, a member of an elite group called the Enforcers. Why then is Megan so attracted to her enemy—a wolf who hunts his own people? A wolf whose languid, sexy drawl makes her dream the impossible?

Bonus story included:
Darkness of the Wolf
Series Connection: Draicon
Author: Barbara Vanak
Originally a Silhouette Nocturne BITE ebook
Genre: Paranormal Romance/ Werewolf

Description:
Imprisoned and tortured by demons, Guy Laurent thought the only way he could escape was through death.  Then he is offered a chance at freedom by recovering a girl with the help of former Draicon Kayla Morris...

Even though Kayla ha been warned that Guy is a dangerous and savage wolf, his scent--and his kiss--makes her wildness surface.  But despite both their inner wolves howling to mate, Kayla must fight their attraction--or risk unleashing the deadly gift she hates...

Romance Book Review: Merciless

Author: Diana Palmer
Series Connection: Long Tall Texans
ISBN-13: 978-0373775798
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: HQN Books


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I know, I know, a four heart review is being generous, but if you could just get past the very strange first couple of chapter, Merciless is actually a decent book. I was happy to see that some of the Diana Palmer of old was trying to come through once you got past the chatter about video games. Really that boat sailed when she started it in Kilraven's book.

Once the meat of the story gets going, including the subplot mystery, it actually comes together well. In the past few stories FBI agent Jon Blackhawk has been mention in various situations. He is Kilraven's brother and apparently the only 30 year old virgin in Texas. Jon is still working the case that involves the death of Kilraven's wife and three-year-old daughter from several years earlier.

He and his secretary, Joceline, and her four year old son are then targeted by this same group. While out speaking with an informant Jon is shot and Joceline runs to his side. Jon's mother, Cammy, has been none too quiet about her feelings about Joceline and the fact that she is an unwed mother. Soon it becomes clear that Joceline and Jon have feelings for each other and that Joceline's insecurity about her financial situation has made her keep some pretty big secrets from Jon.

I would have loved to have seen more romance between Jon and Joceline. That would have been a better element to the beginning of the book. The two actually make a good pair, but we really don't get to see that spark because too much time is wasted throughout the story.

While a lot of people complain that Diana Palmer's books are outdated, in this instance it actally works because of Cammy Blackhawk's background and upbringing. Older folks raised on reservations do have a very high moral compass and would display a dislike toward unwed mothers. I don't think the author explained that angle very well here.

This book may cause some raised eyebrows in the beginning, but please keep going. True Jacobsville, Diana Palmer fans will be happy to see the results.

Description:
Can she convince a man to let down his defenses when he's set on guarding his heart? Tall, dark and eligible?

That's all that matters to the women of Jacobsville when it comes to handsome and aloof FBI agent Jon Blackhawk. But if it were up to him, he would never settle down. Luckily, Jon has the best gatekeeper: his efficient and reliable assistant, Joceline Perry. Without her help, he'd be at the mercy of husband hunters—but the more he comes to rely on her, the more he notices how invaluable she really is…

While Joceline can't deny that her boss is attractive, as a single mother with responsibilities she's determined to be professional. But when Jon is accosted by a criminal seeking revenge, she comes to his aid—fueling the spark that is growing between them. As the attempts on Jon's life increase, Joceline stands by his side. But when the smoke clears, will the man who avoided love realize that all he ever needed was right there all along?

In Memory of L.A. Banks

L.A. Banks passed away today of cancer. 

December 11, 1959 – August 2, 2011