An open letter of thanks to those that write

Dear Authors,

I’d like to thank the men and women who put words into stories that take me away.  I’ve been transported to faraway lands, times, and realities.  You've taken time from your lives to help others learn and escape.  You write through personal tragedy, life altering changes, through illness and unemployment and still you produce.  Many of you have day jobs where like most of us the pressures and hats you are asked to wear increase almost daily.  Like the rest of us you have families and obligations yet you find the time to sit down and write.  You look at the paper (or computer screen) and create worlds, lives and realities.  I envy you that skill and dedication.  Through social media, blogs, and authors web pages I’ve learned a little of what it takes to do what you do and I am astounded at the amount of effort that is put into making your words available. Self-publication is a double edged sword.  It has made more books available but the screening process is harder.  Apparently not everybody has access to a good editor.  One of the upsides of self-pubbing is that some of my new favorite authors are putting their backlist out in eBook form.  I just want you to know that there are readers like me out there that appreciate every hour of sleep you give up to give us our bit of mystery, romance, escape or whatever.   Thank you for the hours and hours of enjoyment you bring to my life.  Please keep doing what you do so well and I will keep budgeting for more books.

Sincerely,

Donna Antonio

Last Kiss Goodnight (Otherworld Assassin #1) by Gena Showalter

A spin-off from Ms. Showalters Alien Huntress series. This series has a possibility of surpassing the original.  Like the original there is a lot of action and a romance with arresting characters.

 

In this book Black-ops agent (and alien) Solomon Jonah is caught in an explosion and wakes up in a cage in a bizarre circus where aliens are the animals/freak show.  His caretaker is the owner’s daughter Vika Lukas he knows she is the key to his escape but more importantly he recognizes her as his other half.  Vika has been abused by her father and fears him as he becomes increasingly evil and violent.  She vows never to become like him and even if she can’t free Solo and the others she does what she can to protect them.  She feels the connection between her and the new guy but she has to protect him and her heart.  Solo and Vika are conflicted by their feelings and circumstance.

 

Get ready to RUMBLE!  Solomon is one of the biggest and baddest of Ms. Showalters aliens to date.   Vika is light to his dark, sweetness to his sourpuss, and just as strong in her way.  What they go through is just amazing and appalling and frightening and wonderful.  

Get'n Hammered (BARCs #1) by Casey Holloway

WARNING MILD SPOILERS!

Fun romp with dog shifters.  Thomas Hammer is a dog shifter who is kicked out of his pack and spelled into his dog form for a crime he didn’t commit. He is rescued by Desiree Duvall, a human who just may be his mate.  He has to watch the woman he loves go on about her life treating him like a dog.  Unfortunately for Thomas Getting spelled into his dog form isn’t the end of it as friends and compatriots of the dead man want him to die as well. Hammer battles members of his old pack out for revenge and tries to protect Desiree from harm. He also discovers a secret organization of shifters who protect the outside world from discovering their existence. Hammer breaks the spell, but still has to win the girl and save the day. 

I totally dug the whole dog shifter thing and I like erotica as much as the next girl (maybe more) but we could have lost one or two of the sex scenes from this book that didn't advance the story in any way and it would have been in my humble opinion a much better book.  And why is it that the only human in it acted like a bitch in heat? As it was I am still looking forward to future installments.  

The Marine Cowboy (Always a Marine #7) by Heather Long

What’s hotter than a marine returned home to take up being a cowboy again?  Can’t think of much.

A.J. Turner has left the marines and gone home to Freewill, Wyoming.  All he wants is the quiet of his ranch and to train his horses.  And that’s what he was doing when he was reminded of his promise to his buds to sign up for Madame Eve’s 1Night Stand service.

Sheri moved to Freewill to start over.  She has signed on with Madame Eve to find a man the total opposite of her ex.  A man with honor and courage, a man like A.J. Turner.

When these two get together AJ remembers what he was fighting for and Sheri finds out that not all men are like her ex.  Can they turn their 1Night Stand into a future?

I LOVE this series of short smoking hot stories of men of courage and honor.  Heather Long doesn't disappoint in this installment and I look forward to future stories featuring Ms. Long’s marines.

Rescuing Christmas by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Catherine Mann, Kathie DeNosky

Three sweet Christmas tales loosely connected through a Humane Shelter and the love that rescues can bring to our lives. 

Holiday Haven by Vicki Lewis Thompson – Television cameraman Ben doesn't want the pain losing love can bring so he holds himself apart with only casual hookups.  Shelter director Tansy knows that love sometimes hurts but oh the joy of having had it.  Ben & Tansy meet when she is at the station asking for people to foster shelter animals over the holidays.  Can Tansy and crotchety cat Max show Ben that love is something everyone needs?

Home for Christmas by Catherine Mann – Being a military wife is tough.  With their marriage on the rocks Shelby hopes that when Alex comes home on holiday leave a trip to deliver some shelter dogs to their forever homes will give them time to talk.  Can their marriage be saved?

A Puppy for Will by Kathie DeNosky – Will is divorced and has thrown himself into his work.  When his Grandmother cons him into fostering Harley, a St. Bernard/Bernese Mountain dog puppy (think small pony), over the holidays Will isn't thrilled but then the puppy gives him something to do besides work.  Will’s new neighbor Marcie is determined to have a good Christmas this year.  Can she and Harley help Will realize that there is more to life than work?

I purchased this because I've enjoyed other stories by Vicki Lewis Thompson.  I enjoyed her story but my favorite in this book was Home for Christmas by Catherine Mann.  It may have to do with the fact that I am a former military wife and know just how very hard it is to make a military marriage work.  All three stories are worth the read.  This book also reminded me just how much our three rescue kitties bring to our lives.

Les Miserables - the movie

I spent Christmas day with friends and family like most but what I really wanted to do was go see Les Miserables the movie.  I was indulged and we went.  Hugh Jackman was incredible, Ann Hathaway intense and Eddie Redmayne made me cry as Marius with Empty Chairs and Empty Tables.  A fantastic movie.  The weak link for me was Russell Crowe as I am not a big fan of his.  He surprised me as he didn't suck as bad as I thought he would but I think they could have used one of the actors that have played Javert on Broadway or the East End and it might have been better.  Perhaps they wouldn't have had the big star name but they could sing.  Even so GO SEE THIS MOVIE.  I'll admit I am a fan of musical theater and so would be expected to enjoy it but my husband who would rather have his teeth pulled than go to a musical enjoyed this movie as well.  Must have been all the guns.

Waking Up Married by Mira Lyn Kelly

Light, fun, contemporary romance.  In Vegas for her cousins wedding Megan, who has just recently been dumped by her boyfriend of two years, is telling the other bridesmaids of her plans to have a child via sperm donor.  They are giving her so much grief about it she propositions the cute guy at the next table to get him to help her get away from them.  Twelve hours later she wakes up married to him.  It seems that after they left the bar they talked, had a lot of laughs together, drank a bit and got married.  Megan is thinking lawyer but Conner likes who he met the night before.  Megan is cute, sexy, and smart.  And neither of them believes in love.  He wants to settle down and so he wants the marriage to stick.

This is another check your brain at the door and just enjoy the ride type story.  Fun, predictable, and yet enjoyable read.

His to Command #1: The Chase by Opal Carew

This is the first installment in a serialized novel.  Kate is a modern business woman.  She has a secret.  She has left the man she loved because he was a Dom and she found herself wanting to submit.  It scares her how much so shes run to a different state and started up a new business.  Only now it seems her past is about to catch up to her.

This is a short novelette.  Just a tease or hint of what is to come.  Fans of Opal Carew know it will be hot and steamy.  I can’t wait for the next installment.

Pub Date: Jan 8 2013

My thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the early peek and a chance to review.

Gimme Back My Clothes by Anna Hales Owen

Check your brain at the door, light romance.  Take a bored high society type working as a NY fireman for excitement who is under a death threat because he saw the face of a bank robber when he jumped him thus foiling the robbery.  Send him to hide out in Maine on an island populated by folks who look at life from a different angle.  Add in a smart young lady mayor and let the fun begin.  Jaro is sent incognito to work for the mayor of Dagger Township.  He looks like a dweeb which is a good thing because Mayor Roslyn has a bad record when it comes to men.  Can ladies man Jaro score even looking like a dweeb?  Is Roslyn’s loser streak about to end?  I enjoyed this quick escape.  There were some truly funny scenes.  If you are looking for scorching sex skip this one.

All I Want For Christmas...: Christmas Kisses\Baring It All\A Hot December Night by Lori Wilde, Kathleen O'Reilly, and Candace Havens

All I Want For Christmas...: Christmas Kisses\Baring It All\A Hot December Night by Lori Wilde, Kathleen O'Reilly, and Candace Havens

I bought this because I am a huge Candace Havens fan.  These are 3 loosely connected Miracle on 34^th Street type Christmas love stories.

Christmas Kisses by Lori Wilde – Miracles happen when you believe. Grinchy cop Noah Briscoe and defense attorney Alana O’Hara have had one date and parted company. Now they are on opposite sides when Noah has arrested Santa for arson.  Sometimes you have to believe in yourself and each other. Can Alana bring the spirit of Christmas to Noah?

Baring It All by Kathleen O'Reilly – Paramedic Eric and Chloe have a past.  A past she doesn't remember and that may be all for the good.  But out of guilt for that past Eric feels the need to take care of the amnesiac Chloe at least until she remembers who she is married to. 

A Hot December Night by Candace Havens – Assistant Fire Chief Jason Turner is not a big fan of the Christmas season.  It seems his family is plagued by a curse of having terrible things happen at this time of year.  Can the pretty new party planner in town, Kristen Lovejoy, help him break the curse?

I enjoyed these sweet stories.  I have to admit that the second story could have benefited from a longer format.  But if you want a short feel good holiday read you could do worse than All I Want For Christmas...

My Bluegrass Baby by Molly Harper

Sadie Hutchins is up for a promotion at her job for the Kentucky Tourism Commission.  She is at a Derby function when she is informed that there is a new contender for the job.  Hunky Josh Vaughn has great credentials from his job in Atlanta but needs a life change and when he heard about the position from a frat brother he applied.  Sadie’s boss has decreed that Josh and Sadie must come up with competing campaigns by the end of the summer; they will be presented at the fair and the citizens will vote for their favorites.  The winner will get the job.  Josh is citified polish and Sadie is home town comfort.   Will they let their growing attraction for one another get in the way of the competition?

Molly Harper has done it again.  With a quirky cast of characters and some genuinely laugh out loud moments My Bluegrass Baby is a delightful read. 

Earth Witches Aren't Easy (Chance Monroe) by Heather Long

Urban Fantasy.  Chance Monroe is a hedge witch.  Eight years ago Chance was a college who was attacked and left for dead by serial killer Randall Oakes.  She was “the one who lived”.  Then the killer was killed in a plane crash and Chance was able to move on with her life.  Only now he is back from the dead and killing again.  The FBI want her help and to place her in protective custody.  Chance isn't thrilled by either request.  A compromise is made by having “ex-boyfriend” FBI agent Jack Harker stay with and protect her.  Jack and Chance will have to use their own special talents to track down Randall Oakes before he gets Chance.

I was introduced to Heather Long by her Always a Marine series.  Always a Marine is adult and erotic.  The Chance Monroe Adventures are not.  So if you are expecting sexy former Marines you will be disappointed.  But if you are looking for a different UF mystery, Earth Witches Aren't Easy is a fun change of pace.  Told from the first person we get to know what Chance is seeing, feeling and doing.  I sometimes have a problem with this type of storytelling but Ms. Long makes it work.  The story starts with Chance banishing imps and ends with a serial killer. I heartily recommend this and look forward to further adventures with Chance Monroe.

I'd like to thank Heather Long and Author Accomplice for the chance to read and review.

I also had a chance to read Ms. Long's free Christmas story: 

Merry Christmas Marine, Semper Fi, & Good Night (Always a Marine) by Heather Long

A short, sweet holiday story starring the former Marines and their partners at a Christmas party.  They are told the tale of a Marine and his bride after the events of the Pearl Harbor attack.  It reminds us that there are those who won't be home for Christmas.

Battered Not Broken by Ranae Rose

Ally Rivera’s father is in jail.  She works with her mother at a salon as a nail technician and avoids her brother who is number 2 in in a local gang.  She also does amateur female fights every other Saturday.  It is while working out at the local MMA gym she meets hunky Ryan Moore.  The former marine is trying to rebuild his life after being processed out of the Marines after an injury from an IED makes him unfit for duty.  He has come back physically enough to fight competitively but still suffers migraines. Can these two so battered by life be complete together?

I am surprised at how much I enjoyed this story.  I asked to review it because it involved a military man and I do love a military man.  I am not however enamored of MMA.  I just don’t get how people can enjoy beating each other up.  I understand wanting to challenge yourself physically but I just don’t get fighting.  But Ranae Rose makes it work.  The MMA might as well be a metaphor for these characters struggles in life.  The love scenes between these two smolder without being crass or gratuitous.  I was pulling for Ryan and Ally both in the ring and out.

I’d like to thank Ranae Rose for giving me the opportunity to read and review this story.  

And don’t forget one of my favorite authors, Molly Harper, has a new book coming out on December 18th.  Look for My Bluegrass Baby.

Veronica and the Vampire by Linda Thomas-Sundstrom

The other day I attended a Facebook party for a recently released anthology called Strange Spirits by Linda Thomas-Sundstrom, Chris Marie Green, and Nancy Holder.  I am a huge fan of Chris Marie Green so I attended.  I was introduced to “new to me” authors Linda Thomas-Sundstrom and Nancy Holder.  They were giving away copies of Veronica and the Vampire by Linda Thomas-Sundstrom among others but it sounded so cute I had to get it.

This is a quick, cute lunch time read sure to send you back to your desk with a smile on your face and a chuckle in your heart.  This is not rocket science it is pure brain candy.  Absolutely adorable.

Veronica Davis needs a date for her sister’s wedding.  She comes from a judgmental family and dares not show up alone.  A co-worker sends her to an escort service V.A.M.P. Inc. where you pick your date from a row of coffins in the agency's basement.  Who knew they we really vampires.  But heck maybe that’s exactly what you need to get through the wedding from hell.

And don’t forget one of my favorite authors, Molly Harper, has a new book coming out on December 18th.  Look for My Bluegrass Baby.

Last Chance To Run by Dianna Love

Angel Farentino can’t catch a break.  With an alcoholic mother she is framed by her father as a drug mule for which she spends a year in jail.  She thinks she got lucky when she gets hired on at a warehouse until she finds out that the sadistic owner is a bigger creep than her dad.  She is now on the run with proof that her boss is a thief.  She has the gold coins he stole that have his fingerprints all over them.  She stows away on Zane Jacksons plane and the fun begins.  He for some reason gives her the benefit of the doubt and helps her get away from the guys with guns but gets increasingly frustrated with her refusal to tell him what is going on.  As Zane helps Angel the attraction grows between them.  Can he keep her alive long enough to clear her name and see if they have a future together?

This is a wonderful romantic suspense.  I enjoyed it thoroughly.  Fast moving and intense every time you think you know what is going to happen you are in for a surprise.

And don’t forget one of my favorite authors, Molly Harper, has a new book coming out on December 18th.  Look for My Bluegrass Baby.

Protecting His Wolfe by Melissa Keir

Betsie Wolfe is a small town girl who goes to big city where she gets work in a secretarial pool for a trucking company.  She witnesses a crime and meets Detective Jonah Pigg one of the three Pigg brothers.  As they protect her she falls in love with Detective Pigg

Pretty standard fair.  I did expect more word play on the names. 

And don’t forget one of my favorite authors, Molly Harper, has a new book coming out on December 18th.  Look for My Bluegrass Baby.

Gone Country (Rough Riders #14) by Lorelei James

Another series I am crazy about.  This installment is different in a lot of ways.  Gavin is the first born of Vi & Charlie McKay but was given up for adoption and just reconnected with his birth family 2 years ago.  A 40 something divorced businessman with a teenage daughter he is not your typical Rough Rider alpha hero.  Rielle is a self-sufficient single mother who is now an empty nester.  When she sold her B&B to Gavin she stayed on as caretaker while Gavin lived in Arizona.  Even in books past you could tell there was an attraction between the two.  Now Gavin is moving into the former B&B with his daughter Sierra and Rielle isn’t prepared for the change or to deal with the reality of living with a man she is so attracted to.

This book is proof that love and lust don’t stop just because you are a parent.  There are several backstory lines going on that are probably (hopefully) setting up future books.  You can read this stand-alone but with a series this good go back and read them all.  I do often.

And don’t forget one of my favorite authors, Molly Harper, has a new book coming out on December 18th.  Look for My Bluegrass Baby.

New book from Molly Harper

One of my fav authors, Molly Harper, has a new book coming out on December 18th

Book Description (from Amazon)

A brand-new novel in an original eBook series from popular romance author Molly Harper! When Sadie & Josh compete for the same Kentucky Tourism Commission job, sparks fly—turns out Kentucky really is for lovers.Sadie Hutchins loves her job at the Kentucky Tourism Commission. Not only could her co-workers double as the cast of Parks & Recreation, but she loves finding the unusual sites, hidden gems, and just-plain-odd tourist attractions of her home state. She’s a shoo-in for the director’s job when her boss retires at the end of the year…until hotshot Josh Vaughn shows up to challenge her for the position.

Josh is all sophisticated polish while Sadie’s country comfort, and the two have very different ideas of what makes a good campaign. So when their boss pits them against each other in a winner-takes-all contest, they’re both willing to fight dirty if it means getting what they want. But it turns out, what Josh and Sadie want could be each other—and Josh’s kisses are the best Kentucky attraction Sadie’s found yet!

Can't wait.

Semper Fi by Laura Cooper

Lust at first sight.  When her long-time boyfriend Travis calls and drunkenly breaks up with her over the phone Mattie gets pissed and heads to the airport to fly home and get it straightened out.  When her flight is delayed due to weather Mattie is stuck at the airport where she meets hunky Marine Logan.  They are instantly attracted.  And oh boy they click.  But the original problem exists.  Should she fight for Travis of embrace a future with Logan.

Normally I am not all that crazy about lust at first sight type scenarios but Logan and Mattie smoked! I will admit I almost put the book down permanently because of a stupid move by Mattie but grunted through it and was well rewarded.  Well worth the read.  

Silver Bella by Lucy Monroe

Silver Bella is a short holiday read only in that it takes place around the holidays.  Bella is a 26 year old specialty fashion model.  She models sleek sexy fashions for petite women.  Her world is shook when an ex tells the gossip rags that Bella is a frigid ice princess and not the smoldering sex kitten she appears to be on the runway.  The nasty headlines make Bella anxious when she takes the stage at the next show when across the crowed room she makes eye contact with a pair of green eyes.  Those eyes belong to Texas oilman Jake who is at the show with his shy author sister.  The chemistry between them is instant and powerful even to virginal Bella.  Jake feels it too.  He knows he wants more than just a night and goes about proving it to Bella.
I've yet to read anything by Lucy Monroe that I didn't like and Silver Bella is no different.  This is a terrific lunchtime read.

Desperately Seeking Shapeshifter (Midnight Liaisons #2) by Jessica Sims

Although this is book two it can be read as a stand-alone.  This book picks up where Beauty Dates the Beast left off.  Sara is Bathsheba’s sister from Beauty Dates the Beast.  She is a bitten werewolf who is afraid of (with good reason) werewolves.  When the local pack finds out she exists they kidnap a young female werecougar.  Sara comes up with a plan to get the werecougar back.  She’ll trade herself to the pack for the werecougar and then Ramsey a huge werebear will claim her as his mates.  The wolves won’t take him on and Sara and the werecougar will be safe.  Though her plan works the wolves aren’t giving up which means that Sara and Ramsey are going to have to spend a lot of close quality time together.  Can the pretense turn into something real?

I am really getting a kick out of these books.  Jessica Sims keeps you turning the page (although there were times I wanted to throw the book away but that was just because of what was happening in the story.  (I yell at the TV too.)  This story has romance, intrigue and action along with hunky shapeshifters and smart sassy females.  What more could you want?

Heart of Atlantis (Warriors of Poseidon #8) by Alyssa Day

The long awaited finale to the Warriors of Poseidon series and Alaric’s story.  Alaric has spent his whole existence being strong physically, mentally and magically as high priest to Poseidon.  He has also been celibate.  When he met Quinn he knew she was his soul mate but resisted the attraction in favor of duty.  As for Quinn she has issues with her past and her duty as leader of the human resistance standing between her and her attraction to the stoic Alaric.    

I have enjoyed this series full of alpha men, sweet sassy women and all kinds of adventure and magic.  If there were two characters more deserving of love and each other I don’t know who they might be.  Non-stop action. Oh my goodness how the strong melt.  A book I will read and re-read.

My real life is interfering with my fantasy life

My real life is interfering with my fantasy life. I finally got some books I've been wanting to read and I've no time to read them.  Arrrgh!  I have been waiting forever for Alyssa Day's Heart of Atlantis to come out.  It's finally here and between weddings, birthdays, vacations and life I haven't yet had time to sit down and read it.  But know that I will be sitting down with Aleric asap.

Night's Darkest Embrace by Jeaniene Frost

Although this isn't a Cat & Bones story nor one of its spin-offs it is a terrific read.  In a short story Ms. Frost has created a rather complex world where there are mixed bloods or partial demons, purebloods, and fallen angels.  All of these beings can traverse between some realms some more than others.  When partial Mara was 15 she and her cousin Gloria went to Nocturna realm where they were abducted as food for purebloods.  Mara was rescued but Gloria wasn't so lucky and now Mara is determined to hunt down her killer.  She is attracted to Raphael the leader of Nocturna but he is keeping secrets so she doesn't trust him.  Will he help her or hurt her in her hunt?

A short but wild ride.  I’d love to visit this world again sometime when we can spend time there.

Under the Mistletoe (Lucky Harbor #6.5) by Jill Shalvis

This is Mia’s (Tara & Ford’s daughter) story.  Mia is all grown up and living in NY.  She has been seeing Nick for 6 months and is hurt when he refuses to go to Lucky Harbor with her for Sawyer & Chloe’s wedding over Christmas.  Nick follows Mia and finds out that love and family isn’t something to be afraid of and just might be worth fighting for.

This short Christmas tale had me laughing and crying in true Shalvis style.

A Seal at Heart by Anne Elizabeth

Petty Officer John Roaker is a SEAL.  That’s all he is.  So when a mission goes bad, kills his best friend, injures him and his team, and takes his memory.  What is a guy to do?  The regular Navy shrinks aren't helping.  Enter physical therapist and psychoanalyst Laurie Smith.  The fact that she is smart and beautiful may be what gets hi interested but the fact that she gets results is what gets him to stay.  While recovering his old memories John and Laurie are making new ones.  Can Laurie handle loving a SEAL?  Can John handle the truth his memories are telling him about that awful mission?

As former Navy I love a good SEAL story.  This book had a realism about being involved with a sailor. (It isn't easy) I really liked the Laurie character.  Which is why I’m not sure why this book didn't rate higher for me.  Maybe it’s just where my head is at.  I’ll re-read at a later date to reevaluate.

Shadow's Claim (The Dacians: Realm of Blood and Mist #1) by Kresley Cole

Don’t ever try to read on vacation.  I usually rip right through anything by Kresley Cole.  I tried to read this on vacation but people don’t seem to want to let you read when you are supposed to be relaxing.  I don’t get it.  I thought I’d read it on the plane but it turns out reading on a plane makes me ill.  Kinda ruins hot love scenes.  Anyway, I finally got home and was able to finish this amazing start to a new spin-off of Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series.  Characters from IAD make appearances and the Ascension is still on its way but we are dealing with Lothaire’s mothers family.  The royals of Dacia the hidden kingdom.  900 year old assassin Trehan Daciano, known as the Prince of Shadows, finally finds his Bride in young half breed (1/2 Demon ½ Sorceri) Bettina heir to the throne of Abaddon.  Unfortunately to win her he must compete for her hand in a blood-sport tournament—to the death.

This book is standard Kresley Cole amazing action, sizzling sex and lots of humor.  Add this to your list of must reads.

Book signing

I had hoped to have finished Shadow's Claim (The Dacians: Realm of Blood and Mist #1)  by Kresley Cole but got pulled away by a book signing by one of my favorite Urban Fantasy writers Kevin Hearne.  He writes the Iron Druids series and I was fortunate enough to get tickets to meet him and get a signed copy of Trapped ID5.  Mr. Hearne was personable and spent time with each of the attendees.  Through Facebook I found out that another author who I follow, Jami Gray, was also in attendance but I didn't get a chance to meet her. 

Lothaire (Immortals After Dark #12) by Kresley Cole

Just finished re-reading Lothaire (Immortals After Dark #12) by Kresley Cole in preparation for Shadow's Claim (The Dacians: Realm of Blood and Mist #1) the spin off of the IAD series. This is what I had to say the first time I read it:

This is the IAD book we have been waiting for. Lothaire is an evil vampire. A chaotic neutral (in it for himself and evil is easier) we have seen glimpses of him in previous IAD books. So who do you pair up with a guy who has made back-stabbing into an art form? What being does the Lore consider the lowest form of life on earth? Besides nymphs? Right, humans. Kresley Cole gets even with Bad Vamp Lothaire by giving him a human bride. This may be the best IAD yet. Now if we could only get Nix set up.

Still loved it.  Maybe even more this time around.

Bed, Breakfast, and Bondage by Riley Shane

Despite the title what this boils down to is a holiday romance with erotic elements.  Very light bondage.

Devlin left Emerald Valley and Naya to pursue his dream of becoming a famous chef.  Mission accomplished but has it made him happy?  Naya stayed and opened a B&B with her best friend who just happens to be Devlin’s sister in-law.  Devlin offers to help out when Naya is short handed in the kitchen but when things start to heat up Naya wants to protect her heart.  Devlin asks for a chance to see if they can’t work things out.  If, at the end of their time together, Naya still believes they can't make a relationship work, the two of them will part -- for good. It's a bargain Naya can't resist, even though she fears it will end in heartbreak.  Will they get a Hanukkah miracle?

I loved this story.  Very sweet and sensuous.  

Mr. Wham Bam by Alexandra O'Hurley

I won this book by new to me author Alexandra O'Hurley from The Romance Reviews Year End Splash party.  It was a quick enjoyable read and I shall look for more books by Ms. O'Hurley in the future.

Kensington Clarke is focused on her career.  She is tempted by the delicious Jace Briarfield but she isn't ready to be a notch on Mr. Wham, Bam, Thank You, Ma’am’s bedpost.  One night while out on a rare girls night out she finds herself tipsily texting Jace.  She figures he might be just what she needs after all he isn't about to get serious about her and she has an itch that needs scratching.  Jace on the other hand is intrigued by the woman who isn't falling at his feet.  He knows she finds him attractive as he has caught her checking him out but she hasn't responded to his flirting.  Jace has never had to chase a woman before and it is a wake-up call.  Can he turn a one night stand into a relationship with a woman as commitment phobic as he was?

I enjoyed the shoe on the other foot aspect of this story and I love that Kensington was shaped like a real woman.

Notorious Nineteen (Stephanie Plum) by Janet Evanovich

Stephanie Plum is back and just as hilarious as ever.  When I need a real giggle I check in with Stephanie and company.  I've even got my husband hooked on this series, although I have discovered we laugh at different things.  So, something for everyone.

Embezzler Geoffrey Cubbin has skipped and it is up to Stephanie to find him and bring him in.  The question is how did he skip in the first place?  He was in a hospital after having an appendectomy when he suddenly just up and left.  When she isn't looking for Geoffrey Stephanie is carting around a tiki and making extra cash by guarding Ranger?

Again this book had me rolling.  Laugh out loud funny.  I read it in one sitting.

Red Zone (Daniels Brothers #2) by Sherri Hayes

 Romantic suspense.  This the second Daniels Brothers story can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed this one even more than the first. 

Gage Daniels is a professional football player.  He has been getting pictures from a stalker and his boss wants him protected.  Enter FBI Agent Rebecca Carson.  Rebecca is on administrative leave after a case went down badly.  She is going stir crazy so when her former mentor (now in the private sector) offers her a job she jumps at the chance.  Gage is nothing like her preconceived notion and Rebecca is unlike any woman Gage has ever known.  Posing as Gages' girlfriend can be dangerous to both her body and her heart.

This mystery will keep you guessing and the sizzle between Gage and Rebecca will keep you turning pages.  I read this book in one sitting.  I couldn't put it down.  

Holiday interruptions

With family and friends and cooking and cleaning and all that goes with this time of year I've been afraid to read anything new.  I've been re-reading Melissa Schroeder's A Little Harmless series to take me away from the craziness that is the holidays.  Should be back to normal tomorrow.

Behind Closed Doors (Daniels Brothers #1) by Sherri Hayes

Romantic suspense.  Elizabeth Marshall is starting over.  She has left all she knows to begin again in small town Ohio.  She’s rented the second floor apartment in a historic home.  Her upstairs neighbor is contractor Chris Daniels.  He has been burnt by a cheating wife and wants nothing to do with women even if they are as sexy as his new neighbor.  When Elizabeth’s apartment is vandalized and she starts receiving threats the big guy just can’t help himself from taking her under his wing and protecting her.  Can he get past his past and help Elizabeth start over again?

This was a fun mystery and love story although there were times I wanted to slap each of the lead characters and say “get over it already”.

Slow Heat (Pacific Heat #2) by Jill Shalvis

A stalker claims she is carrying Pacific Heat catcher and ladies’ man Wade O'Riley's love child.  She isn't but after the drug scandal (Pacific Heat #1) and rumors of Wades licentious lifestyle the front office wants Wades reputation cleaned up and it’s up to  the team's publicist Samantha McNead to make it happen so she is going to be his “pretend” girlfriend for a month proving to the world that he can have a committed relationship.  The problem is they have a past.  There was a one night stand after an away game and neither have been able to truly get past it.  Can the uptight PR pro tame the laid back ladies’ man?

Another home run for Ms. Shalvis. I was disappointed to find that there are no more books in this series.  I hope that Ms. Shalvis returns to the men of the Pacific Heat someday.

Double Play (Pacific Heat #1) by Jill Shalvis

Since reading Jill Shalvis’s Lucky Harbor series I've been digging up whatever I could find from her backlist and came up with this gem.  I love sports romance stories anyway and this has Ms. Shalvis’s trademark humor and romance all over it.  Another fun read.

Pace Martin, top ranked pitcher for the Pacific Heat baseball team is under a lot of pressure to get this young team into contention for the playoffs.  Management wants good publicity so they grant investigative reporter Holly Hutchins access to the team and players including Pace.  Holly is an expert at digging out secrets.  Everybody has them right?  Holly’s innate honesty and dedication to her job has cost her personally before.  She finds herself crushing on Pace but cannot let that influence her reporting.  Pace’s reluctance to grant her an interview doesn't keep Holly from reporting her findings on his team and his sport.  The attraction between the two is downright combustible.  

Blooming in the Wild (Hawaiian Heroes #3) by Cathryn Cade

Romantic suspense with a paranormal twist.  I truly believe that this may just be the best of this series so far. 

 

Bella Moran recently discovered that she is a member of the Ho’omalu ohana and is discovering she may also have the Ho’omalu connection to the islands.  She is on Hawaii’s Big Island to supervise a photo shoot for her sporting goods company.  The center of the photo shoot is TV adventure show star Joel Girand.  The chemistry between the two is volatile and fun to watch.  They are tried and tested when strange things happen while on location.  Can Bella find strength in her heritage and will Joel finally figure out what it is to love? 

I love the location and mystery of this series and hope that Ms. Cade finds a way to continue it beyond the three girlfriends.  I for one would like to see Frank and or Zane find their others.

Red Hot Holiday by K.A. Mitchell, Leah Braemel, & Anne Calhoun

Three hot holiday stories to get you in the mood.
 
Wish List by K.A. Mitchell (m/m) – Jonah and Evan have been lovers for two years when Jonah finds a ring box in Evan’s desk.  He panics when he thinks Evan wants to marry him.  He loves Evan but he has these fantasies that he wants to try and he is afraid that if he tells Evan he might not want him.  Evan is hiding his own desires.  Can these two lovers find the strength to talk things out and maybe get more than just their Christmas wish?
I Need You for Christmas by Leah Braemel – (m/f) What would you give up for the one you love?  In a modern sexy story reminiscent of The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry we have a Canadian Mountie in love with a sculptor.  Ryan and Megan fell in love only to be forced into a long distance relationship by career and family responsibilities.  What if anything will these lovers give to be together?
Breath on Embers by Annie Calhoun – (m/f & m/f/m) The holidays suck when you've lost a loved one.  In a relationship where Thea started out by using Ronan for sex and to forget the pain of losing her husband Ronan wants more.  He wants Thea in the here and now to see if they can explore what has become more (to him) than just sex.  Can Thea get into the Christmas spirit and live again?

I enjoyed all three stories.  They drove home to me the importance of communication in a relationship. My husband will probably benefit from that.  But aside from that you can feel the love running through all three stories and the sex scenes weren't bad either.  Go get a glass of wine, a warm blanket and curl up in front of the tree and enjoy these three tales of Christmas love.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Carina Press for the opportunity to read this in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Grey Wolves series by Quinn Loftis

Okay, so I devoured Prince of Wolves and so I just had to read the next which led to reading the next and I've now read all the The Grey Wolves series by Quinn Loftis to date.  I love the snark and camaraderie this is a really enjoyable YA fantasy.  Now I have to wait for book six.

Prince of Wolves

Blood Rites

Just One Drop

Out Of The Dark 

Beyond the Veil 

Prince of Wolves (The Grey Wolves #1) by Quinn Loftis

Just when I was going to swear off YA for good I read this totally adorable YA PNR.  Now I need to read the next book. 

Jaque Pierce and her friends are getting ready to enter their senior year in high school when a hottie exchange student moves next door.  The next thing you know Jaque is hearing him talk in her head and she and her friends are learning that there are things that go bump in the night.  

For a Good Time, Call... by Trish Jensen

When Sherry Spencer, advertising whiz, receives a twenty dollar bill in her change with “for a good time, call Kit...” written on it she gives it a call if only to let Kit know that her phone # is out there.  Turns out Kit is Christian “Kit” Fleming, definitely not a her.  He isn't thrilled when he finds out about the bill and demands Sherry tear it up.  But twenty bucks is twenty bucks and she offers to meet and swap it out with him.  When they meet he recognizes the scent of her shampoo and mentions it.  She explains she is trying it out as she has to pitch an ad campaign to the company that makes it. She is less than complimentary when she speaks of the product.  Turns out Kit is the guy she needs to pitch to.

Sherry thinks Kit is a sexy uptight stick in the mud.  Kit thinks Sherry is a perky pain in the butt.  Working together on the ad campaign Kit learns that Sherry knows her stuff and isn't a “yes man” type of gal.  Sherry learns that Kit has his reasons for being a “stick in the mud”.  Can the two meet in the middle and find happiness? 

I adored this story.  Mostly because Sherry is smart, sexy, and comfortable in her own skin.  She knows what she wants and doesn't settle.  Kit isn't as far from redemption as he thinks he is.  This is a wonderfully sweet and funny romance. 

I’d like to thank Bell Bridge Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for a fair and honest review.  

Game Misconduct (The Dartmouth Cobras #1) by Bianca Sommerland

Erotic polyamorous romance with a lot of hunky hockey players this book should have hit all my buttons and it did. 

Oriana has spent her life trying to make Daddy happy.  He hasn’t been the same since her drunken mother wrecked the car killing herself and Oriana’s sainted older brother.  Dad has poured himself into the Dartmouth Cobras hockey team in memory.  He has pretty much sold Oriana to the coach despite the fact she has been in love with Max, one of the players, for years.  When Oriana finds the coach cheating on her and her father says suck it up or I’ll cut you off she says enough.  What starts as a way to blackmail her dad ends up being an ongoing D/s relationship with Max and some of the other Cobras.

The only real problem I had with this book was the authors unfortunate tendency to switch back and forth between the players first and last names and when there are that many guys you can get confused quickly.

Cowboy Sexy by Donna Michaels

Cowboys, Navy SEALs, Marines this book has it all.  Wounded former Navy SEAL Finn has to go into town to pick up his birthday present from his twin Brett, a Marine Captain.  Finn isn't too fond of the Marine Corps.  He feels they took the life of his dad and he got injured bad enough to be kicked out of the Navy rescuing a young hot-shot Marine.  So when the present from his brother turns out to be Marine 1^st Lt. Camilla (Cammie) Walker he is understandably upset.  Cammie was asked by Brett to help on the family’s dude ranch till he returned in three months.  When Finn and Cammie find out that Brett told their mother that Cammie was Finn’s fiancé she is delighted.  Finn and Cammie not so much.  Sparks fly, chemistry ignites and lost souls heal.

Despite its improbable beginning if you check your brain and enjoy the ride this is a really sweet often funny story.  I enjoyed it right up to the open ended end.

Double Time (Sinners on Tour #5) by Olivia Cunning

After waiting a long time for the next Sinners on Tour the publisher released book 5 before books 3 and 4.  I have no idea why.  It was nice to have Jace & Aggie confirmed and a relief to know that there is someone out there for Eric (gives hope to the rest of us) and I look forward to reading their stories. 

Double Time is Trey’s story.  Trey is bi and the only person he has ever loved outside his family is Brian.  Now that Brian is married to Myrna and she is expecting Trey knows it is time to move on.  Trey is hanging out at his brother Dares house when Dares band is interviewing for a new guitarist.  Reagan Elliot is interviewing for the job.  She is a classically trained musician who thinks Brian Sinclair of the Sinners is a guitar god.  She is almost as good as he is and is hired as Exodus End’s new rhythm guitarist.  The chemistry between Reagan and Trey is apparent from the start but she has been burned before.  She used to date her best friend and roomie Ethan before she found him having sex with another guy.  When Trey and Ethan meet there is attraction as well and eventually he can’t deny it.  Will Trey come clean to Reagan about his sexuality? Can she love two men?  Can she deal with them loving each other as well as her? 

Double Time lives up to the heat, humor, and romance of each of the previous Sinners books.  Again, I don’t know why it was released out of order but it doesn't affect the story that much. 

Mr. Real (Code of Shadows #1) by Carolyn Crane

Alix Gordon has recently inherited a former hotel from her great aunt who was by all accounts a witch and a computer guru.  Up to this point Alix hasn't taken life too seriously she leaves that for her sisters, her friend Karen and Hardass Paul (the sexy martial arts instructor who kicked Alix out of class because she refused to be serious).  Now she plans to turn the House into a B&B.  She finds out accidentally that her aunt had created a computer program that combined science and magic.  If you click on a computer image the software would bring it to life.  Alix conjures an expensive necklace, some groovy duds and on one drunken (horny) evening she conjures up Sir Kendall, the sexy TV ad spy who looks exactly like Hardass Paul.  Paul created the role of Sir Kendall from his nightmares to get the role of Sir Kendall to finance his UFL fighting career.  He finds himself drawn to Alix's new home and finds himself face to face with Sir Kendall?  How can this be?  Sparks fly between Alix and Sir Kendall and Alix and Paul.  Each comes with his own set of problems.

This is a fun, quirky, intelligent, a paranormal romance, a spy adventure, a romantic suspense.  MR. REAL is wonderfully different.  It had a Jasper Fforde bookworld feel. There is a lot going on and you never know where the next thrill or chill is coming from.  You have to love Alix and Paul.  The characters grow and evolve and become worthy.

I really enjoyed this and look forward to further adventures in Ms. Crane’s world.

I would like to thank Ms. Crane and NetGalley for the opportunity to read thin in exchange for a fair and honest review.  

Rescue My Heart (Animal Magnetism #3) by Jill Shalvis

Holly and Adam have history.  Bad boy Adam stole her heart and then broke it when he went off to join the military.  Now Adam is back training rescue dogs and recovering from PTSD.  Holly too has come home older and wiser.  When Holly’s dad goes missing she needs help searching for him and Adams the best man for the job.  Working together to find her dad forces them to work together.  Will the enforced togetherness force them to clear the air and old hurts and allow them to move on or will it just tear them up again?

I LOVE this series and Jill Shalvis is on my auto-buy list because of books like this.  How can you not love an alpha male that cuddles puppies?

Secrets, Lies & Lullabies by Heidi Betts

The title says it all.  Jessica Taylor is working as a maid at a high end resort.  Her family’s jewelry business was taken from them in a slick business deal by their partners the Bajoran family.  Alex Bajoran is staying at the resort and sees Jessica.  He doesn’t recognize her but he does recognize the chemistry between them which leads to a one night stand which results in a baby.  Jessica not wanting to tell her family who the father is has the baby on her own.  The baby is now three months old and Jessica is getting desperate so she leaves him on the boardroom table in Alex’s office with a note.  She realizes she can’t go through with it too late and Alex wants answers.  Can Alex and Jessica cut through all the secrets & lies to get to the lullabies?

Another smart, sweet romance from Ms.Betts.   Alex is swoon worthy and just about perfect.  Jessica is someone I’d love as my best friend.  Enjoy the fantasy.

Running in the Dark by Regan Summers

Running in the Dark is follow up to Don't Bite the Messenger and the start of a new series.  I do recommend reading these in order.  Vampire Courier Sydney Kildare is now in Santiago, Chile.  She doesn't know the language, the roads or pretty much anybody other than sexy vampire Malcolm Kelly.  Syd has to start from the bottom at her new job because she can’t call Alaska for references.  They think she is dead and it is better that way.  Malcolm is busy doing for the Master he owes when crap from his past comes to bite them all on the butt.  Syd wants excitement but this may be more than she bargained for.

I love the excitement of a new series learning about new worlds and characters.  Running in the Dark lives up to the promise of Don't Bite the Messenger and I look forward to following Syd and Malcolm through further adventures.

Dark Storm (Dark #23) by Christine Feehan

You either love or hate this series.  I find I am enthralled by most everything this extraordinary author pumps out.  Dark Storm is no different.  It is despite its title not as dark as some of Ms. Feehan's more recent works.

Dax has been hunting Mitro for centuries.  As a hunter it was Dax’s job to kill Mitro the moment he turned.  When Mitro found his lifemate , Arabejila, Dax thought the danger of Mitro turning was mitigated.  But Mitro turned even on Arabejila who then sealed both Mitro and unfortunately Dax into a volcano in the Amazon to keep his violence and evil from the world.  Now these many years later both Mitro and Dax have evolved and Arabejila's seal is weakening unless her descendant Riley Parker can get there in time to restore it.

You know it is a good book if you wish to follow the couple into the next book.  I’d love to know what happens to Dax & Riley.  I hope we get to see more of Jubal & Gary too. 

Jane's Gift by Karen Erickson

Jane and her three young children survive a fire that takes the life of her husband.  Jane is burnt badly and it takes time for her to recover.  Two years later Jane and her children have returned to the small town she grew up in.  With her family close she is starting over. 

Christian Nelson is the new fire captain and local playboy in town.  He meets Jane and her children when she brings them to the station in hopes that it will help them get over their fear of fire.  He is instantly taken with the young widow but he doesn't believe in love and happily ever-afters.

Jane and Christian start dating and the chemistry grows.  Can she get over her fear of losing him to his job and can Christian get over his fear of love and commitment?  Maybe Santa can bring a Christmas miracle.

This was a sweet, sentimental, wonderful holiday story about two scarred people who need to give up fear in order to love.  I truly liked these characters and kept hoping for their HEA.

 I would like to thank Karen Erickson and Entangled Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read this for an honest review.  The pleasure was all mine.

Cowgirl Up! by Carolyn Anderson Jones

This was an Amazon freebie I picked up because I was in the mood for a cowboy quickie.  Turns out this is a sweet romantic suspense story by new author Carolyn Anderson Jones.  I enjoyed everything about this story except the title.  I was expecting something completely different.   Blame it on Lorelei James.  What I did get was an interesting group of characters, a mystery and some sweet romance.  I encourage you to give this a try.  I will be looking for more by this author.

Samantha Kendrick is a large animal vet in a small town in Colorado.  Cheyenne Wells is a horse trainer for the biggest spread in the area.   Sam & Cheyenne have been fussin’ and feudin’ at each other since he pulled her ponytail in the first grade and she punched him back.  Now years later Sam has to help him find out who has been poisoning the horses in his care and try to figure out what to do with the attraction that has grown between them.  After all this time, whoda thunk. 

The Billionaire Bad Boys Club by Emma Holly

 OMG! Nobody does ménage like Emma Holly.  WARNING this book has sizzling hot m/m, m/f/m, m/m/f, and m/f sex and all of it will make you swoon. 

Trey is a brilliant young individual whose father beats him if he even looks like he is thinking about sex.  Being the smart young man he is he sure isn't going to share that he is bi-sexual.  Next door football hero Zane gets beat by his dad for because his mom ran away with the “mattress king” and Zane is there for him to take his frustrations out on.  Zane is also bi-sexual.  Trey and Zane discover each other sexually and help each other get through high school, college, and enter into business together.   Now successful billionaires the only constants in their live have been each other but there is one thing they can't give each other as they aren't female.  Enter Rebecca.  Sexy chef Rebecca has raised her twin brothers from the time they were seven and she a mere sixteen.  Now they are off in college and Rebecca is to start as chef at the BBC’s newest lounge/restaurant.  She has instant chemistry with Trey but he is her boss.  Then she meets Zane and oh boy is there chemistry there too.  But men leave and her job is too important to mess around so she puts him on the back burner too. 

Can the guys convince Rebecca there is more to life than work?  Will she come between Trey and Zane?  *** little spoiler here (yes, hard and often).

If you like a good story and fantastic sex scenes get this book!  

Suddenly Sexy, Sinfully Sexy, & Simply Sexy by Linda Francis Lee

The women of KTEX Julia Boudreaux station owner and her two best friends Kate Bloom, Anchorwoman and Chloe Sinclair, station manager.  El Paso Texas will never be the same.

Suddenly Sexy (Sexy #1) – Kate Bloom has had a crush on Jesse Chapman bad-boy golfer since she was 3.  Now he is back in town and living in her guest cottage.  Jesse has issues and just came back to town to get his golf game straight.  He doesn't need the distraction of sweet Katie Bloom.  But could she be the answer to his issues?

Sinfully Sexy (Sexy #2) – Chloe Sinclair has been told repeatedly that she is lucky to be plain and smart and she believes it to be true but she would love just once to be seen as sexy when she has to attend a benefit dinner in Julia’s stead she gets dressed to the nines and doesn't look or act like herself when she literally runs into a hunky stranger.  Sterling Prescott is everything Chloe despises or is he?

Simply Sexy (Sexy #3) – Can bad-girl Julia Boudreaux turn her life around and start over?  Why oh why is she drawn to those bad boys and how is she to be good when the baddest bad boy of them all Ben Prescott is staying in her guestroom?

Going in I thought this was just going to be a light fluffy romantic escape.  Which isn't a bad thing.  But while these are fun, sexy, romantic reads there is an underlying theme that deals with our self-image and how it is molded by our parents and out past.  This phenomenon is not just restricted to women.  I enjoyed these books. 

Not Just the Greek's Wife by Lucy Monroe

A sweet tale of second chances.  Greek Tycoon Ariston Spiridakou married Chloe 5 years ago in an arranged marriage to provide an heir.  Chloe falls in love with Ariston but comes to realize he doesn’t believe in love.  Through a series of misunderstandings she walks out after 3 years and he still has no heir.  Now its 2 years later and Chloe’s family once again needs Ariston’s help to save the company and Chloe is asked to intercede on their behalf.  Seeing Ariston again is harder and easier than she thought it would be.  Ariston agrees to help on the condition that Chloe fulfill her part of the original deal and provide him with a child.

I really didn’t want to like Ariston.  But as he wins over Chloe so too did he win me over.  

Twelve Kisses Later by Sandra Sookoo

Lucy Duckworth has been co-opted into working the Kissing Booth at the Winter Carnival as her roomie who was scheduled to do it has the flu.  Matthew Kincaid survivor of a bad marriage wants nothing more than to just work his farm.  His brother cons him into going to the kissing booth where he meets Lucy.  Kismet.  She isn’t looking for a man and he sure isn’t looking for a woman but the magic is there.  Matthew Kincaid’s Grandma told him that a guy could find the right girl in 12 kisses.  Maybe Grandma does know best.

This is a really sweet romance.  I’m more familiar with Sandra Sookoo’s spicier works but this was a fun read.  

Going Deep (Mustangs Baseball #2) by Roz Lee

Wonder what happened to Jason, Jeff’s twin brother from Inside Heat (Mustangs Baseball #1)?  This is his story.  After Jeff gets together with Megan and Jason’s girlfriend breaks up with him Jason goes into a slump. He feels as if his life is out of control.  He is in a batting slump and he has no clue as to what to do.  A team mate listens to his tale of woe and takes him to The Dungeon a local BDSM club where Jason finds that there are other “control freaks” out there and he isn’t the “perve” his ex accused him of being or if he was he wasn’t alone.  His buddy introduces him to Carrie.  Keeping Carrie blindfolded and in the dark as to his identity suits Major League catcher Jason just fine while he figures out if being a Dom really is his thing. With the media circling like vultures as he works to get his career back on track, the last thing he needs is a sex scandal if things don’t work out.  But keeping Carrie blindfolded doesn’t mean she is the only one in the dark.  Can Jason get his career back and the girl?

Another terrific, sexy tale from Roz Lee.  I fell a little in love with Jason in Inside Heat and felt sorry for him as Jeff and Morgan moved on with their relationship.  This story could have gone total fluff but didn’t.  I enjoyed the Holder boys stories and hope that maybe we will meet some of the other Mustangs in the future.   

Calling The Shots (Long Shots #4) by Christine d'Abo

Josh is the owner of Mavericks, a sex club where folks can get their kink on safely.  We met him in the three previous Long Shots books and he has ever been a friend to all but you just know there has to be more to him.  This is the book where we find out why this terrific guy isn’t hooked up with anybody.  In Double Shot Josh helps his best friend Paul get together with Sadie, In A Shot In The Dark Mavericks plays host in getting Paige and Carter together and again in getting Jeff and Ian together in Pulled Long.  In Calling The Shots Josh is feeling antsy.  It’s time for a change.  Paul is content with Sadie and running Mavericks isn’t the challenge it used to be so he is thinking of opening a new club elsewhere.  Beth, his assistant manager can take over running Mavericks especially if the hunky new bartender Oliver helps.  Now all he has to do is play cupid once again to get them together.  Beth is recovering from a bad romance and lusts after both her boss and Oliver but a workplace romance got her fired from Long Shots no way is she going to jeopardize this job.  Oliver is getting over a bad marriage and has trust issues.  He is also confused by his growing attraction for both Beth and Josh.  Can these three get over their past issues and find happiness together?

I like pretty much everyone else who has read the Long Shots series looked forward to seeing Josh get his HEA.  I was pleasantly surprised at the twists and turns this book took.  Josh was much deeper than the smiling cupid he appeared to be in the other books.  

Join Authors Against Bullying on October 19th

Although I am not an author I think this is a fabulous idea and I encourage everyone to check it out.  We could all use a little kindness.  Here is the link: http://mandyroth.com/blog/

White Wolf (White Wolf #1) by Jianne Carlo

Sorcha McFadden back in town after her Grandmothers death has been in love with her friend Susie’s older brother Gray since she was 13.  Gray is a member of the White Wolf Clan. They have the power of wolves but no shape shifting.  He also has an affinity for fire and water (which I would have thought were mutually exclusive).  Sorcha had originally left town after her father killed her mother, shot Sorcha and then turned the gun on himself.  Or did he?  Sorcha has no memory of the incident.  But know that she is back some memories are returning.  On top of that Gray’s wolf has recognized Sorcha as its mate and is impatient to claim her.  He has waited a long time to find her.  There is murder and mayhem and a lot of steamy sex. 

This is billed as an interracial romance.  I would call it more Paranormal than interracial.  I enjoyed the story.  It’s been on my TBR shelf for a long time and I was reminded of it when I hit Jianne Carlo’s web site on a blog hop.  I bumped it up and am glad I did.  I will check out the next installment soon.

Bridesmaid Lotto (McMaster the Disaster #1) by Rachel Astor

Light romantic comedy with some truly funny laugh out loud moments.  Check your brain at the door and go with it.  This is a fun escapist read.

A local celebutante decides to hold a lottery for the chance to become one of her bridesmaids.  An added perk is her future brother in-law is none other than hot single actor Jake Hall and he is in the wedding party.  Josie McMaster isn’t interested.  Well okay she would adore meeting Jake but as for being a bridesmaid… so not interested.  Josies mother has other plans and enters her into the drawing and lo and behold Josie is one of the four chosen.  Madness and frivolity ensue.

The Curse (Belador #3) by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Dianna Love

If you want non-stop action, intrigue and hot heroes and heroines this is the series for you.  I am tired for Evalle and company.  Poor buggers don’t get a break.  I recommend you read the first two books before this.  You could jump in but you would miss a lot of the dynamics that it took to get these characters to where they are.  Besides they too are terrific reads.

Evalle has two days to make good on a promise to a Goddess all while still doing her regular Viper job of keeping humanity safe and now it seems as though she is a troll magnet.   Staying alive and fulfilling her obligations is taking every moment of her time.  Evalle is growing, evolving both physically and emotionally. 

I loved this book

On bookstores...

I love my local bookstores and the people that work there.  I do wonder sometimes how they come up with where to put what.

I wanted to re-read the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning (a fantastic series btw) which I had originally purchased in ebook form but I couldn't find it.  I couldn't figure out which online retailer I had purchased it from and with my luck they were probably drm'd for my palm pilot.  I decided to re-purchase the series in paper as I am sure I will read and re-read this series again and again.  There are five books in this series.  I found two in Romance, two in Fiction and one in SF/Fantasy.  How does this happen?  I am currently reading The Curse (Belador #3) by Sherrilyn Kenyon & Dianna Love.  These books are Urban Fantasy but I found them in Romance.  I'm pretty sure that guys would love these books but they aren't even going to give them a try if they are filed under Romance.  Can anyone explain the thinking behind this to me?

Fighting Addiction by B.A. Tortuga

m/m romance.  This is one of the most achingly sweet romances I’ve ever read.  These two guys about broke my heart.  I will read this one again and again.

This story takes place in the homophobic realm of country music.  Markus and Sebastian made wonderful music together until they were discovered in a compromising position that forced them apart or risk their careers.  Markus took to drink and Sebastian lost himself in his work.  Markus has been on the wagon for a couple of years now and Sebastian has become obsessive about pretty much everything.  Markus is surprised when Sebastian calls and wants to do a joint tour but jumps at the chance to reunite with the only man he has ever loved.  Can they fight their addictions and the big business machine to be together again and make beautiful music?

Provoked by Rebecca Zanetti

Opposites attract. Genius Kane Kyars (the smart one) meets his match in Amber Freebird home-schooled owner of a GED.  With Jase still held by the demons Kane is dispatched to go pick up the newly discovered Demon Destroyer Amber.  Amber is untrained and has no idea how to harness her gifts.  Amber and Kane come at life from different angles.  She is a peace loving vegan and he is a lab rat that understands the necessity of war.  But despite all that there is great chemistry between them.  Can they meet in the middle?

This book fulfills the promise of this series.  This is the best in the series by far.  A terrific fast paced story with both pathos and humor.  This series just keeps getting better with each book.

 

Thank you to eKensington and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The pleasure was mine!

Dark Protectors series by Rebecca Zanetti

Dark Protectors series by Rebecca Zanetti 

Fated – There are good Vampires and bad vampires (The Kurjans). The Kurjans have broken a 300 year old treaty to go after Empath Cara and her 5 year old Psychic daughter Janie because Janie is featured in some prophecy.  To prevent the bad guys from getting them Talen kidnaps them and forces Cara to mate and marry him. 

I almost didn’t finish this but pushed through as I figured that there were several books that followed and there wouldn’t be if the whole series sucked right?  Besides first books are all about world building.  I finished the book and found a lot about the world to like.  Will never be a big fan of Talen and Cara though.

Claimed – King of the Vampires and leader of the Realm (a consortium of Vampires, Shifters, and Witches) Dage has dreamed of a woman for 200 years.  Turns out the face in his dreams belongs to Cara’s sister Emma.  Emma is a Psychic and a genetic scientist.  Turns out she is pretty good at hiding from both the bad guys and good guys too.  Until she isn’t.  Then its Dage and his brothers to the rescue. 

This book takes place right after Fated and I like both characters even if Dage tends to be as neaderthalic (Cara’s word) as Talen.

Tempted – This short novella tells of Janie’s bodyguard Max being sent to help Sarah who is an escapee from a mental institution because she claims to have seen vampires kill a woman at the Lab where her half-brother works.  What she saw was a Kurjan. 

I adore Max.  A big bad bodyguard who doesn’t mind playing Go Fish and getting his nails polished by a little girl.  My only complaint is that we don’t get to see much of Sarah in the ensuing books.

Hunted – Vampire Warrior Prince Conn ends up mated to witch Moira after a one night stand.  Moira is young and The Seventh (seventh daughter of a seventh daughter).  She pleads for time to complete her studies.  It is 100 years later and with war on the horizon Conn comes to claim her.

A fun story.  It feels like this series is finally coming into its own. 

Consumed – Katie has loved Jordan Pride since he rescued her when she was 4 years old.  She is all grown up now and has been dealing with the effects of the Kurjan virus that has left her unable to shift by hunting werewolves.  Jordan has known that Katie was his mate since she turned 18 but she has always been to young.  She is now 34 and still a baby to his 300+ and now he has been infected with the virus too.  Chances are good he may turn into a werewolf and he doesn’t want Katie to have to kill him.  Can she save him?

My favorite in this series to date.  I like that Katie is a strong woman who knows what she wants and is willing to fight for it.

Lifestyles of the Rich and Undead by Katie MacAlister, and The Undead In My Bed by Katie MacAlister, Molly Harper, and Jessica Sims

Lifestyles of the Rich and Undead introduces us to Grayson Soucek hero of Shades of Gray Katie MacAlister’s story in The Undead In My Bed.  I am a huge fan of Ms. MacAlister but I have to admit I wasn’t thrilled with Gray and she has done the lusty ghost before.

The Undead In My Bed 

Shades of Gray by Katie MacAlister 

Noelle finally gets  her Dark One. Noelle has been a secondary character in both the Dark Ones and Dragon series.  She was supposed to be Sebastians “Beloved” but that didn’t work out for her.  Now she meets Grayson Soucek and is delighted to have found her Dark One.  Now all she has to do is convince him.  My only problem with this story is that I never figured Noelle as a giggler.  I guess love makes us all slap silly.

Undead Sublet by Molly Harper

A stand-alone tale from Half-Moon Hollow.  Chef Tess Maitland heads to Half-Moon Hollow to rest and relax.  She gets caught up in the middle of her landlords’ messy divorce.  And with help from Jane and friends rises to a new culinary challenge.

Out With a Fang by Jessica Sims

A lonely were-jaguar who was forced to give up the love of her life four years ago because he was human is finally ready to attempt to move on and signs up with an Alliance dating service for the weirdest date of her life.  Jessica Sims is the author of Beauty Dates the Beast and is someone I will be following.

Eyestrain

I guess I've been reading too much in poor light.  Doc says I need to take some time off.  I'll be back in a week.

Death's Rival (Jane Yellowrock #5) by Faith Hunter

I just finished reading Death's Rival and my heart is still pounding.  What an action-packed thrill ride.  This series is always fast paced but this installment bumps it to Vamp speed.  All I can say is this is a MUST read for any Jane Yellowrock fan.

Vampires are getting sick (which should be impossible) and blackmailed into changing their allegiance in return for a cure.  Leo has Jane to look after his interests and it looks like the Master behind the sickness is going to try to use Jane to get to Leo.  Can Jane ferret out the perp and prevent a Vampire war?

Redoubt (Valdemar: Collegium Chronicles #4) by Mercedes Lackey

Mags is back.  Mags has survived the mines, assassination and kidnap attempts and is stronger for it.  He has come a long way from the scrawny miner kid that Companion Dallen found.  Between saving the Kings Own’s daughter Amily, being a kirball hero and his association with Healer Bear and of course working with the Kings Own Nikolas Mags is starting to find his place at the Collegium.  But his past is still a mystery.  Still things are going well for Mags when he is hit over the head and kidnapped.  Head blind and unable to call for help not even Dallen Mags is on his own in a mystery that may finally give some clue as to where he came from and who his parents were.

I LOVE Mercedes Lackey!  She writes a world like no other.  Vivid and real you can’t help but fall in love with her characters.  What I loved most about this book is that while Mags is bemoaning to himself the loss of the things that he feels make him special he is doing extraordinary things to survive.  Another wonderful story from Mercedes Lackey.

Mate Claimed (Shifters Unbound #4) by Jennifer Ashley

Eric Warden leader of the Las Vegas shiftertown has a lot on his plate.  The humans have decided that the lupine shifters from Elko need to move to the Vegas shiftertown and aren’t even giving them enough time to build new houses for them.  The Wolves leader is a bit of a pain in the butt.  Eric’s sister is pregnant with her first cub. Eric is having problems with his collar (the device humans have put on shifters to keep them from fighting) and most of all Eric is having problems with what to do with the half-shifter Ilona who is passing for human but is entering a phase in her life where she will need shifter help with her control or out herself and her human mother for hiding her.  And then there is the fact that Eric wants her for his mate.

There is a lot going on in this book.  The pace is not as smooth as the previous books but I think that is due in part to the set up for future stories.  Still a good read.

Fury's Kiss (Dorina Basarab #3) by Karen Chance

Dorina Basarab (Dory) often takes jobs for the Vampire Senate but this latest job leaves her with a sketchy memory and surprise surprise a lot of bad guys wanting a piece of her.  This is another action packed roller coaster of a tale that will leave you breathless and wanting more, more, more.

Spin offs are frequently not as good as the story they are spun from.  The Midnight’s Daughter series (Dorina Basarab) is as good if not better than the Cassandra Palmer series from which it was spun.  

Mortal Ties (World of the Lupi #9) by Eileen Wilks

I do love this series.  Poor Lily can’t catch a break.  She is living at the Nokolai Clanhome planning her wedding to Rule when one of Cullen’s magical experiments gets stolen.  Is there a traitor in the pack?  Who would've stolen it?  Then there is the fact that Lily’s sister Beth is living in San Francisco and working for and crushing on Robert Friars half-brother who suddenly goes missing. Rule gets some rather disconcerting news from Isen and why is ex-cop Drummond’s ghost still hanging around?

What a romp! Fast paced mystery that keeps you turning pages and staying up late.  Welcome to the world of the Lupi a mix of urban fantasy, mystery thriller, and paranormal romance.  You can’t beat it.

Werewolf in Denver (Wild About You #4) by Vicki Lewis Thompson

The debate is on!  For the Howlers (Honoring Our Werewolf Legacy) Kate Stillman.  The Howlers feel weres should only mate with weres.  For the Woofers (Werewolves Optimizing Our Future) Duncan MacDowell.  The Woofers believe weres should be able to mate with humans.  Both Kate and Duncan are passionate about their platforms and when they meet for debate at the Stillman resort in Denver their passions flair for more than their cause.  Can two weres from opposite ends of the cause meet in the middle for love?

Of course they can. My husband and I have been doing it for 19 years.  I get a kick out of this wonderful series by Vicki Lewis Thompson.  She takes serious situations and turns them into a love story without being heavy on the message which is pretty much “why can’t we all get along”.  This book comes out just in time for Election Day.  I hope folks take the message to heart.  My husband and I have long ago learned to respectfully agree to disagree. And cancel each others vote.  ;-)

Shifting Positions, Shifter's Surrender , What This Wolf Wants , Seduced by a Shifter by Jennifer Dellerman

Woodcliff Colorado has a pack of Wolf Shifters.  Only the males can shift.  There is a small percentage of women human or shifter that have the DNA to carry future shifters.  These four books are about four of the Woodcliff shifters that have found their mates and what they had to do to claim them.There isn’t much new or different about these books but they are a fun, sexy escape.   And if Jennifer Dellerman writes Rome’s story I’ll read that too.

Contract for Marriage by Barbara DeLeo

Ruby Fleming is pregnant.  The baby’s father is dead from a car crash not that he would have been in the picture anyway but just the same.  Now Ruby’s mom has passed away and she has to go home and deal with that and her past in the person of Christo Mantazis.  Christos is the boy she left behind.  Due to parental interference and pride these two have hurt each other  and now they have to work together to resolve her mothers estate.  Can these two headstrong heart hurt lovers get together?

This is a check your brain at the door read.  Nothing you haven’t read before but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun to read again.

I'll Be Your Last by Jane Leopold Quinn

Cop and former Marine Mack grew up on the streets and has never had a relationship longer than the 6 months he has had his rescue dog Kiki.  When Mack spies the new guy on a bust gone bad the chemistry is instant.  Mack doesn’t mess where he works or even in the same town.  But damn new guy Woody Kane is hot.  Woody has had the total opposite upbringing.  He comes from a close knit family who know and support the fact that he is gay.  Woody knows who he is and what he wants.  He recently got out of a relationship because the guy wasn’t out to his family and Woody doesn’t want to be anybody’s dirty little secret.  Can these two very different men build something together or will their differences and issues keep them apart.

This is a well told contemporary mm romance.  I like that the author deals with real life issues such as dealing with a testosterone laden workforce.  

Bird of Paradise by Katie MacAlister

This story first appeared in the Heat Wave anthology which I haven’t read.  Due to the wonderful new world of self-publishing Ms. MacAlister was able to release this story solo.  The very first Katie MacAlister book I ever read was The Corset Diaries.  I laughed till I cried and I still re-read it on occasion.  Bird of Paradise is a lot like The Corset Diaries and I loved it for the same reasons.

Oversized journalist named Hero is headed undercover to an island for a dating game show.  She hopes to get a story and revive her flagging career.  There she meets a man and his unusual cat.  Private investigator Adam is posing as radio sex-therapist Monday Marsh to keep an eye on one of the contestants for her stalker ex.  The chemistry is instantaneous but they will have to overcome Hero’s body issues and Adams job.

There are so many things wrong with this story and yet I still loved it.  Check your brain at the door and enjoy. 

A Fighting Chance by Andi Penn

What would you do to get someone to pay attention to you?  Football player Tazer has it bad for his roomie Owen but the one time he hit on him Owen shot him down.  Now Tazer is starting fights just so he has an excuse to interrupt Owens dates and to get Owen to patch him up.   At least he will have Owens hands on him.  Can he convince Owen to heal him where he needs it most? 

Short and sweet m/m romance.

Nerds Are Freaks Too by Koko Brown

IR friends to lovers.

Leo is a 6 foot plus, genius, Greek god in horn rim glasses.  Lightning struck for him in freshman orientation when he met Roxanne.  They hit it off and become best friends.  Roxanne knows that lovers come and go but best friends are hard to come by so she relegates Leo to that category.  Now ten years later Roxanne is frustrated because her love life is less than fulfilling.  Leo offers to help her out but Roxanne doesn’t want to ruin their friendship.  A  little subterfuge, a little groveling for the subterfuge, and a hea.

A sweet sexy story.  Not too heavy on the kink despite the title.

Rev It Up (Black Knights Inc. #3) by Julie Ann Walker

The Black Knights are a group of extremely talented mostly ex-military special ops working out of a custom motorcycle shop in Chicago doing the mission impossible kind of stuff the government doesn’t want to talk about.

In In Rides Trouble (Black Knights Inc. #2) we learned that Frank “Boss” Knight had a sister Michelle and she has a kid.  In Hell on Wheels (Black Knights Inc. #1) the Black Knights pissed off a mobster and now there is a price on their heads which puts Michelle and her son in the line of fire.

 Jake “the Snake” Sommers worked with Frank in the military and met and fell for Michelle.  But when things go wrong overseas and mess with his head he pushes her away till he can get his head on straight.  Michelle coming from the same dysfunctional background as Frank takes this to be another sign that men are unreliable asshats. 

Jake has returned to make things right with Michelle and walks right into a war-zone.  Michelle wants nothing to do with him and someone is out to get her.  Frank plays enabler by asking Jake to guard Michelle and her son.  Some flames never die.

If it weren’t for miscommunication as a plot device I don’t think there would be half the number of romance novels out there.  It works.  What I like best about this series so far, besides the hunky guys, is Ms. Walkers quirky sense of humor and that the women aren’t shrinking violets. 

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Sourcebooks books for allowing me to read this in exchange for a fair and honest review.