Friday, September 30, 2016

Romance Book Review: Gen Gericault's Polar Night

Polar Night 
Series Connection: Polar Point
Author: Gen Gericault
Genre: Paranormal Shapeshifter Romance

Purchase Link: Amazon

After being held captive by a sadistic bear shift on an island in Alaska, Tamsin escapes from his hold and is able to secure a ride off the island. Unfortunately she fall asleep on the plan and is drop off far in the north part of Alaska just at the darkest days of the year. 

Tamsin can't believe her luck up until three months ago she had no idea shifters or anything existed and out in the middle of nowhere, Tamsin is found by a witch and a small group of shifters and given shelter. Scared to death she has no escape. 

Polar bear shifter, Fisher, has come to north Polar Point for refuge. He is an alpha shifter in a small band of shifters that need him to lead, but he with his tragic past he doesn't have it in himself to help. That is until he finds a frightened Tamsin in his small community. 

Fisher knows that Tamsin is special, but if she's frightened of him, he knows it is best to offer his protection and stay as far away as possible. Unfortunately, while the group thinks they are protected, there is another group that is ready to descend on them to take Tamsin back. 

Polar Point has the makings of a good series. Taking place in Northern Alaska where secret shifter rule the wilds, the scenery is as much a part of the story as the characters. Author Gen Gericault does a wonderful job at world building throughout the story. Her characters all take on a life of their own and I will enjoy the chance to continue on in the series and to see more about them. 

There is still a lot of mystery and suspense going on in this series, so while this book has a HEA, there a still a lot of questions to be answered in future editions of the series. 

Description:
The Heart Points North

Tamsin Norwood just wanted to study the eagles on Kodiak. Now, her life depends on her getting far, far away from the island and the madman who took her captive. Fate conspires, leading her to a magically concealed safe haven in Arctic Alaska.

The denizens of Polar Point are as complicated as they are fierce. From the wise old witch to the playful wolf and the snarky tiger, the secret community both baffles and intrigues Tamsin. But one resident in particular makes her question her very human instincts. 

Polar bear shifter Fisher Frost never wanted another sleuth. Not after the tragedy that befell his family. Wild polar bears have it right: it's better to hunt alone. Alone means safe. Alone means steady. Alone means never losing another piece of himself. Fisher's resolve wavers when the dawn of polar night brings his true mate.


During the longest, coldest Alaskan nights, Fisher and Tamsin warm to one another. But can she melt this frozen bear? Will they survive the twists and turns fate has prepared for them?

Monday, September 26, 2016

Romance Book Review: Celia Kyle's Sunday Bear-becue

Sunday Bear-becue
Series Connection: Grayslake, More than Mated
Author: Celia Kyle
Genre: Paranormal Shapeshifter Romance


Purchase Link: Amazon

❤ ❤ ❤ 

In Sunday Bear-becue, Celia Kyle jump ahead several years since last visiting the Grayslake bears. Mia and Ty are raising their young, Parker and Sophia, but while they have tried, they have yet to have any other children. 

Come spend the afternoon with Mia and family and friends for a Sunday barbecue and catch up with Grayslake.

A really quick read to keep you updated on the Grayslake bears. I wish the story was longer, I do wanted more. Also, keep in mind that Celia Kyle has a network of authors who are contributing stories to the "More than Mated" series and writing stories about other shifters that live in the Grayslake and the surrounding areas mentioned in Celia Kyle's "Grayslake" series. 

Description:
Mia’s looking forward to a lazy Sunday afternoon with friends, family, furballs, and veggie dogs. (For her daughter Sophia, don’t ask.) But what begins with laughs soon ends with tears… of grief? Or joy? 

This short story is set in the GRAYSLAKE: MORE THAN MATED world and does not stand alone. It should be read after HOWL MY NAME and is a little bit of family life for those who fell in love with the Grayslake gang and aren’t ready to let them go. 

~

If you enjoy the Grayslake series, make sure you check out the Grayslake: More Than Mated Kindle World. Your favorite paranormal romance authors writing about Grayslake, Georgia.

Friday, September 16, 2016

Romance Book Review: Kathy Lyons' The Bear Who Loved Me

The Bear Who Loved Me 
Series Connection: Grizzlies Gone Wild
Author: Kathy Lyons
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Shifter Romance, Erotic Romance

Purchase Link: Amazon

❤ ❤ ❤ 

Baker Becca has had a lot of knocks in her life. Her parents and sister are all gone, leaving Becca to take care of her teenage nephew, but Becca is handling it all. That is until Bear shifter Carl comes into her life and turns it all upside down. 

When Becca's nephew turns up missing Carl is there to help her find him, but he has a secret that is way to out of this world for human Becca to understand. And when it seems that Becca's nephew's disappearance is much more complicated then they first thought, Becca is going to have to put her trust in Carl.

As alpha of the local bear clan it is up to Carl to keep watch of all the shifters around him, he's known for a while now that both he and his bear want Becca, but because she's human and doesn't know about shifters, he's stayed away. Now that he's spending so much more time with Becca the attraction is that much stronger. 

Carl and Becca as a couple are a good match. He's the strong alpha bear and while not a bear, Becca is the perfect momma bear. She is sweet and kind, while he is protective. Becca is exactly what Carl was looking for in a woman and more. 

While the storyline is very similar to others, I liked that the author took time to more of a back story of the clan, as well as continues to build the suspense while the bears search for the missing teen. 

This is the first book in a three part series and a good story to learn to learn about all the characters involved. 

Description:
WHEN AN ALPHA MEETS HIS MATCH . . .

Between singlehandedly running her bakery and raising her teenaged nephew, Becca Weitz thought she had a decent grip on "normal." Then her nephew vanishes, and life as she's known it changes forever. Local legends are true: bear shifters exist . . . and her nephew is part of their clan. As is Carl Carman, the sexy, larger-than-life man who has sworn to find her nephew-and the other young shifters who've gone missing.

As the leader of his clan, Carl is surrounded by enemies. He's learned the hard way that keeping a firm leash on his inner beast is key to survival, though his feelings for Becca test his legendary control. Then danger stalks too close, and Carl realizes he must unleash the raging, primal force within to protect everything he holds dear. But can Becca trust his grizzly side with her life-and her heart?

***

The Grizzlies Gone Wild Series

Book 1: The Bear Who Loved Me
Book 2: License to Shift
Book 3: For the Bear's Eyes Only

Monday, September 12, 2016

Romance Book Review: Lacey Wolfe's Steal Me, Cowboy

Steal Me, Cowboy
Series Connection: Carver Ranch
Author: Lacey Wolfe
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance

Purchase Link: Amazon

❤ ❤ ❤ 

The youngest and the only sister in the Carver family, Melissa isn't ready to settle down anytime soon. Finishing up her last year in college, all she can think about is moving off the ranch and getting out from under her parents' roof. She certainly doesn't want anything to do with the new cowboy on the ranch. Cowboys and ranches is not in her future. 

After years on the rodeo circuit, Troy is heading home to go to veterinarian school. He starts a job helping out his old friends, the Carvers, but he never expected to fall for Melissa. 

Neither Mel nor Troy are ready for a relationship but can they resist each other once they spend some time together?

Ending the Carver series with Melissa's story, Lacey Wolfe offers good characters with a good continuing back story. Steal Me, Cowboy can be read by itself, but to get to know all the brothers and their new wives you'll want to read the three books before this one. 

Both of the main characters are likable, even if we don't get a chance to see the couple really get to know each other throughout the story. A lot of time is spent on should we, or shouldn't we and misunderstandings. Erotic fans will certainly love the hot and sizzling love scenes. 

Description:
Sometimes love happens when you least expect it.

Melissa Carver is the youngest sibling of the Carver clan, and she isn't ready to settle down anytime soon. With everyone busy with life, her dad decides to hire someone to help at the ranch. The moment Melissa lays eyes on Troy she's a goner. But that doesn't mean she's going to just give into love. Especially with a man who isn't at all her type.

Retired bull rider Troy Swanson isn't interested in a relationship. He's just moved back to town, taking a job at Carver Ranch so he can pay the bills while he studies to become a veterinarian. He's got things all planned out until Melissa walks into the barn. He's smitten with her right away, but even if he wanted to pursue her, as his friend's little sister—all grown up little sister—she's off limits.

As hard as they try to deny the attraction, fighting destiny may be an impossible task. However, they're going to give it one hell of a try.


Content Warning: contains adult language and sexual content

Friday, September 9, 2016

Romance Book Review: Ronin Winters' Iron

Iron
Series Connection: Blue Collar Wolves; Mating Season Collection
Author: Ronin Winters 
Genre: Erotic Romance, Paranormal Romance, Werewolf/Shifter Romance
Publisher: Romantic Geek Publishing

Purchase Link: Amazon


❤ ❤ ❤ 

Werewolf Iron knows exactly who his true mate is and has since first grade, but he has decided he's not doing anything about it. He loves her that much. She a doctor, she has a bright shining future ahead of her. Bella doesn't need a blue collar bar owner, she needs so much more. 

Bella has had enough waiting on Iron to make a move. He's either going to mate her tonight or she will move on with her life. She's determined to get her man, but can Iron let everything go and take the woman he loves. 

A little crude in the language department, but good character development for a novella with a large erotic theme. Getting a small taste of some of the other characters in the Blue Collar Wolves series will make you want to read on. 

Description: 
Not many wolves have known their true mate since first grade, let alone spent years fighting every instinct to claim them, but Iron has his reasons. Sexy, sophisticated Doctor Isabella Santiago is not meant for pack life. He’s protecting them both from a life of misery and crushed dreams, the type of life his parents had.

Bella, though, has her own idea about what’s best for her, and she’s done letting her werewolf dictate their relationship. This Mating Season she’s going to test Iron’s control, because while Iron may never break, she’s going to do everything possible to make him bend.

*** This Werewolf Shifter BBW story is complete and total down to the HEA! Enjoy the read!

The mating moon is rising… 

Wherever that silver light touches, lone male werewolves are seized by the urge to find their mates. Join these six packs of growly alpha males (with six-packs!) as they seek out the smart, sassy women who are strong enough to claim them forever. 


The “Mating Season” werewolf shifter novellas are brought to you by six authors following the adventures of six different packs. Each novella is the story of a mated pair (or trio!) with their Happily Ever After. Enjoy the run!

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Romance Book Review: Elle Thorne's Cross

Cross: Shifters Forever Worlds 
Series Connection: Barely After Dark
Author: Elle Thorne
Genre: Paranormal Shifter, Erotic Romance

Purchase Link: Amazon

❤ ❤ ❤ 

Ariadne is on the run from her ex and a devastating betrayal. In danger she goes to her best friend from college who sends her to Mae Forester. Mae knows just who she needs to send Ariadne to and brings her to Cross. 

Cross is part of a special military shifter group, who is taking a break from his normal life. He's on his home turf when Mae brings Ariadne to Cross to protect. The minute Cross meets Ariadne his bear tells him she's his mate. Cross isn't sure he wants a mate, especially one that is human. 

It isn't long before trouble comes Cross and Ariadne's way. Can Cross get Ariadne to safety before its too late. 

This is a pretty short story that would have been interesting if it was a little longer. I enjoy the world Elle Thorne has built around Mae and her "nephews". It would be nice to have a full length novel as part of the series. 

One note, I once took a writing class which referenced naming characters and not making it a name that isn't common enough that the name doesn't just roll off the tongue. I think this is just one of those cases. 

Although Ariadne is a beautiful name, and I appreciate the use of a name from Greek mythology, is it a name that just didn't come easy to read throughout the story. 

(In Greek mythology means Ariadne is the daughter of Pasiphae and the Cretan king Minos. In Britannica.com says "She fell in love with the Athenian hero Theseus and, with a thread or glittering jewels, helped him escape the Labyrinth after he slew the Minotaur, a beast half bull and half man that Minos kept in the Labyrinth.")

Description:
Cross del Cruz is a former Compliance Enforcer with the Shifter Council. He did his duty. He enforced the Council's will around the country and even out of the country. Stress the word former, because all he wants now is to be left alone. He's been living in his cabin on Bear Canyon Mountain Range, overlooking Bear Canyon Valley and enjoying the solitude of the forest. The quiet. The simplicity. The drama free environment that doesn't involve other shifters. Not even family.  

Except now Mae Forester, who has dubbed him as one of her "nephews" has decided she needs his help. He can't turn Mae down, not when she gave him and his brothers a home during the worst days of their lives.

He didn't expect Ariadne Fueller. Who could ever expect that curvy spitfire. She flipped his world upside down.

Before meeting her, Cross never would have called his existence lonely--until he met her.

If hot sex skeeves you out, you may want to pass on this book.
If freaky, downright dirty sexy talk bothers you, yeah, for sure you gotta pass on this one.

We believe in sex--hot, dirty, delicious sex.

Yup, make it sweaty, too. It's not just sex, it's about the romance.

But good romance has sex, and we keep the doors open! Oh, and the lights on! ;)

Romance Book Review: Elle Thorne's Cross

Cross: Shifters Forever Worlds 
Series Connection: Barely After Dark
Author: Elle Thorne
Genre: Paranormal Shifter, Erotic Romance

Purchase Link: Amazon

❤ ❤ ❤ 

Ariadne is on the run from her ex and a devastating betrayal. In danger she goes to her best friend from college who sends her to Mae Forester. Mae knows just who she needs to send Ariadne to and brings her to Cross. 

Cross is part of a special military shifter group, who is taking a break from his normal life. He's on his home turf when Mae brings Ariadne to Cross to protect. The minute Cross meets Ariadne his bear tells him she's his mate. Cross isn't sure he wants a mate, especially one that is human. 

It isn't long before trouble comes Cross and Ariadne's way. Can Cross get Ariadne to safety before its too late. 

This is a pretty short story that would have been interesting if it was a little longer. I enjoy the world Elle Thorne has built around Mae and her "nephews". It would be nice to have a full length novel as part of the series. 

One note, I once took a writing class which referenced naming characters and not making it a name that isn't common enough that the name doesn't just roll off the tongue. I think this is just one of those cases. 

Although Ariadne is a beautiful name, and I appreciate the use of a name from Greek mythology, is it a name that just didn't come easy to read throughout the story. 

(In Greek mythology means Ariadne is the daughter of Pasiphae and the Cretan king Minos. In Britannica.com says "She fell in love with the Athenian hero Theseus and, with a thread or glittering jewels, helped him escape the Labyrinth after he slew the Minotaur, a beast half bull and half man that Minos kept in the Labyrinth.")

Description:
Cross del Cruz is a former Compliance Enforcer with the Shifter Council. He did his duty. He enforced the Council's will around the country and even out of the country. Stress the word former, because all he wants now is to be left alone. He's been living in his cabin on Bear Canyon Mountain Range, overlooking Bear Canyon Valley and enjoying the solitude of the forest. The quiet. The simplicity. The drama free environment that doesn't involve other shifters. Not even family.  

Except now Mae Forester, who has dubbed him as one of her "nephews" has decided she needs his help. He can't turn Mae down, not when she gave him and his brothers a home during the worst days of their lives.

He didn't expect Ariadne Fueller. Who could ever expect that curvy spitfire. She flipped his world upside down.

Before meeting her, Cross never would have called his existence lonely--until he met her.

If hot sex skeeves you out, you may want to pass on this book.
If freaky, downright dirty sexy talk bothers you, yeah, for sure you gotta pass on this one.

We believe in sex--hot, dirty, delicious sex.

Yup, make it sweaty, too. It's not just sex, it's about the romance.

But good romance has sex, and we keep the doors open! Oh, and the lights on! ;)

Monday, September 5, 2016

Romance Book Review: Kenzie Cox's Cyrus

Cyrus
Series Connection: Black Bear Outlaws Mating Fever
Author: Kenzie Cox
ASIN: B01AVBKPBG
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Shifter Romance, Erotic Romance
Publisher: Bayou Moon Press, LLC

Purchase Link: Amazon

❤ ❤ ❤ 

Wedding Planner Claire has loved her neighbor Cyrus since she was five years old, but it seemed that Cyrus had no interest in her. Now that she's grown and had her run in with bad boy boyfriends, Cyrus is off limits because she won't take a chance on the ultimate bad boy she knows Cyrus to be. 

Cyrus has other plans though. When Claire needs his help he decides this is the chance he's been waiting for with her and he'll do what ever he has to to help the she-bear he loves. 

This is a really short novel and a quick read. It has more erotic then romance, but it is well written and good for a steamy summer evening read. 

Description:
He’s loved her since they were kids…

Cyrus Doucet used to be the bad boy, the one all the girls wanted…all of them except one, the girl next door.

He’s everything she says she doesn’t want…


Claire Erickson’s always been the good girl…until now. She’s in trouble and the only person she can turn to is her outlaw neighbor, Cyrus Doucet.

Saturday, September 3, 2016

Romance Book Review: Aurora Reid's Dragon Star

Dragon Star 
Author: Aurora Reid

Series Connection: A Shifter Football League Novel
ISBN: N/A
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Shifter Romance, Dragon Romance

Purchase Link: Amazon

❤ ❤ ❤ 

Cass was proud of her profession as a sports shifter therapist, but she made a big mistake getting involved with Jae, a dragon shifter that plays professional football. Now he's keeping her prisoner in his home. If she steps out of line, Jae threatens to burn her family alive, and Cass believes that he will do just as he says. 

Taking a chance she escapes from her gilded cage and heads to the practice field where she should be working and mets Nico, the quarterback of the football team.

Nico knows immediately that there is something about Cass that draws her too him, but he also knows that she fears Jae completely. Coming up with a quick plan, Nico comes up with the perfect excuse to get Cass away from Jae. 

Can Cass free herself from Jae, so that Nico and Jae Have their happy ever after?

Good sports themed story with a shifter football theme. On the plus side there is a good amount of suspense going through the story with the rivalry between Jae and Nico each fighting to keep Cass. But there are a few problems in the story that stand out. Nevertheless those who like dragon stories will find this book entertaining. 

Description:
After the fans turn on their star dragon quarterback, Nico’s ready to live his life in isolation. An injury and stagnant healing powers send him in a downward spiral, leaving him determined to count his gold hoard for the rest of his days.

Then Cass, a brilliant shifter therapist, offers to help.

His dragon soars, but she’s claimed by another: Jae, his teammate and one of the only twelve dragons alive. Nico’s ready to fight for Cass. He’s just going to have to get through her training first. It’s going to be tough. As tough as ignoring what his dragon’s telling him—Cass is his fated mate.

She lives her life in a golden cage…

Cass is one of the top doctors when it comes to shifter therapy, but she’s resigned to being a personal assistant for Jae May, a cruel and possessive dragon.

When she finally meets Nico, he’s half naked on a massage table. The elusive quarterback of the LA Outlaws seems to be hitting on her. He’s got lines of fans after every game who want to see his treasure room, and she’s guessing, the dragon in his pants too.

Cass thinks she’s going crazy from being cooped up too long, until he offers her a chance to escape. But Nico’s distrust of others and obsession with gold are getting in the way. So is the other dragon that she’s spurned, who will do anything—or destroy anything—to get her back.

Will their love burn forever?


Find out in Dragon Star, a Shifter Football League Novel filled with fiery passion and action. Jax's Mate is included as a bonus book.