Kissin' Tell (Rough Riders #13) by Lorelei James

I’ve read and enjoyed this series and will go back and re-read it again and again.  Ms. James does great cowboy kink.  Kissin’ Tell is Tell McKays’ story.  Georgia Hotchkiss was the cheerleader that Tell lusted after in high school.  Now she is back in town just in time for the 10 year reunion.  Her ex will be there with the woman he cheated on her with.  She asks all grown up cowboy hottie Tell to be her escort so she won’t have to attend alone.  Tell agrees with stipulations.  He wants to date her (with benefits) for the two weeks before the reunion so he can get the chance to know her like he wanted to in high school.  Unlike the opposites attract storylines of most of the other books in this series this is a case of two souls very much alike.  They both have lived through the loss of a brother to death, parents to divorce, and have self-esteem issues out the wazzoo.  Tell is at times seriously sweet, often funny, and sexy as all get out.  If you like smokin’ hot  cowboy romance you can’t go wrong with this series or this book.

Kiss the Dead (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #21) by Laurell K. Hamilton

In this book Anita has her “hungers” mostly under control.  She is much more comfortable in her skin and it shows.  This book has more police problems than vampire or shifter politics which makes it a good book for me.  Yes there is still sex but it isn’t the story.   Sorry no Edward or Olaf. 

Someone is out to emancipate vampires from their masters.  They figure that the European council is in shambles why should Jean Claude and Anita set up an American council.  But as we learned in The Harlequin masterless vampires are trouble and when they run afoul of the law Anita and the RPIT guys are called in.

I liked the story and like the fact that Anita is mostly happy.  I had problems with paragraphs totally repeating themselves.   The writing was not up to Ms. Hamiltons previous high standards.  

Vacation with a Vampire by Michele Hauf , Kendra Leigh Castle , Lisa Childs

Even vampires need a vacation every now and then don’t they?  This book has three tales of vampires getting away from the everyday (or is that every night) routine.

Stay by Michele Hauf  - Italian vampire Lucian Bellisario is now a Parisian.  He lives and works in Paris.  Magen Sloan is an American author on a working vacation.  They meet and bond in Lucians’ antique shop.  Ah Paris by night. 

Vivi and the Vampire by Kendra Leigh Castle – This was my favorite of the three stories.  Justin, hunky vampire and King of Terra Noctem, hasn’t had a vacation in like ever and hasn’t had a date in a couple of centuries.  His sister badgers him into taking a short vacation at of all things a beach resort.  Vampire hunter Vivi is on vacation too.  They meet when she is fighting off the advances of two rather insistent vampires.  Can opposites attract?

Island Vacation by Lisa Childs – Piper Reynolds is in hiding.  She isn’t sure from what.  Her only clues are in her nightmares which feature a lot of blood.  Roarke Monterusso holds Piper responsible for his cousins final death.  When he finds her he lures her to his island with a free vacation.  Will he kill her or keep her?  This story was too short to do it full justice. 

Three stories that prove that no matter how long you live all work and no play makes you dull.

*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

At Last (Lucky Harbor #5) by Jill Shalvis comes out today

At Last (Lucky Harbor #5) by Jill Shalvis comes out today

The 2^nd of the Chocoholics of Lucky Harbor is the story of “tough girl” Amy and Ranger “hot buns” Matt.  I love this series and this book was as enjoyable as the rest if a little darker.  Amy, waitress at the Eat Me Diner, is following a journey of discovery her grandmother made years before.  The trek takes her into the mountains surrounding Lucky Harbor and into Ranger Matt’s territory.  Matt has been drawn to Amy from the first day he met her.  Amy is convinced she doesn’t know how to love and Matt is convinced that he sucks at it.  Lucky Harbor’s magic is in its community and the brownies aren’t bad either.

Ms. Shalvis has another winner in At Last.  I really enjoy my visits to Lucky Harbor and I've had a sneak peek at the next installment Forever And A Day and you are just going to eat it up.

Champagne and Chaps (Rough and Ready #4) by Cheyenne McCray

I’d read the earlier books in this series and really just kept reading not because they were anything special but because Cheyenne McCray can’t tell a bad or boring story.  This book however tripped over the line for me.  Cheyenne McCray took a sensitive subject like breast cancer and dealt with it with sensitivity and realism.  I applaud and commend. 

Sabrina Holliday is a breast cancer survivor.  She has had a double mastectomy and apparently the asshole she was seeing couldn’t deal and dumped her.  Sabrina hasn’t had reconstructive surgery yet and is feeling self-conscious.  She is a teacher and is spending summer vacation with a writer friend of hers who encourages her to get out and meet folks.  And she meets a gem in the person of Wyatt Cameron cowboy hunk.  Cameron treats Sabrina as a woman. He doesn’t belittle her fears he has fallen for the woman not her breasts or lack thereof.   This book is full of action, adventure, and love.

The Guy Most Likely To... by Leslie Kelly, Janelle Denison, & Julie Leto

Three authors who write sexy contemporary romance put their heads together and came up with a theme.  What ever happened to that guy from high school… Lets find out at the 10th year reunion in three wonderful stories.

Underneath It All by Leslie Kelly – “Ever wonder what happened to the guy most likely to...Score with the prom queen?"

Lauren and Seth were high school royalty.  Prom King & Queen except Seth never showed up for the prom leaving Lauren alone and humiliated.  His family up and left with no explanations.  He did leave a message with her folks a few months later apologizing but still giving no reason for abandoning her with no word.  He broke her heart.  Now 10 years later he walks into the reunion looking better than ever and Lauren wants nothing to do with him except she does.  When she finally finds out why he left she feels really bad for doubting him.  Can she get past her broken heart to give him another chance?

Can't Get You Out of My Head by Janelle Denison- “Ever wonder what happened to the guy most likely to... Not date a Playboy Bunny?"

Ali was a busty cheerleader.  Will was a geeky nerd.  When Ali needed a tutor Will stepped up and they became friends.  Will even got the courage to ask Ali out on a date.  When Will calls off the date two hours before it was to take place and informs Ali he doesn’t want to see her anymore Ali is confused and a little bit relieved as her “friends” were giving her grief about going out with the geek.  10 years later Will has turned his geekyness into an asset and is the CEO of his own software security company.  He has grown into his body and is looking much, much, hotter than the wimpy nerd he was in high school.  He doesn’t want to revisit the pain that was high school but he does want to reconnect with Ali and explain why he canceled out on her so long ago. Can the geek get the hot chick?

A Moment Like This by Julie Leto - Ever wonder what happened to the guy most likely to... Ride out of town on a Harley?"

Erica was the good girl.  Scott “Rip” Ripley was the bad boy and never the twain shall meet.  Erica is still stung by the fact that when she tried to get Bad Boy Rip to kiss her when he was tutoring her in French he took off for the hills.  Now 10 years later Erica still wants a piece of that bad boy.  Things have changed for Rip.  He is no longer the angry bad boy.  Back in high school he wasn’t worthy of Erica but he has paid his dues and she might just have bitten off more than she was ready for.

Oh goodness who can’t relate to the horrors of high school and the what ifs and whatever happened too questions.  These three stories are short but sweet and fun to read.

*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Once Burned (Night Prince #1) by Jeaniene Frost

Once Burned is a spin-off of Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series.  Like Cat & Bones this series features two very strong individuals.  Vlad (don’t call me Dracula) is a strong and gifted vampire with an affinity for fire.  A human, Leila developed psychic abilities from a freak childhood accident that left her with an unfortunate affinity to electricity to the point where she is unable to touch anyone without shocking them and/or seeing there darkest secrets and possibly their past, present, and or future.  Her only friend is a dwarf vampire named Marty until she is kidnapped by an old enemy of Vlads who wants her to use her gifts to find out where and when he will be.  This book has everything you would expect from Jeaniene Frost; action, adventure and romance.  I look forward to the next installment.

Easy by Tammara Webber

I’ve been avoiding YA for a while as I’ve been really disappointed with the offerings so I’m not sure how this made it to my TBR list.  Easy is a well written romance for high school and college agers.  It tells the tale of college student Jacqueline.  Jacqueline is a gifted standing bass player who rather than go to a school with a great music program follows her longtime boyfriend to the school of his choice.  Kennedy (the boyfriend) dumps her saying he needs to sow his wild oats.  Losing Kennedy sets Jacqueline back and it takes her two weeks to be able to return to the one class they share.  Her Econ prof sets her up with a tutor who helps Jacqueline realize that she is going to be better than okay.  Meanwhile she is being harassed and almost raped by one of Kennedy’s frat brothers.  She is rescued by Lucas, a cute guy from her econ class.  Between the tutor and Lucas, Jacqueline blossoms.  Good story.  Some schmaltz.  Sexual situations.  

Wicked Business (Lizzy & Diesel #2) by Janet Evanovich

I’ve said it before you either love or hate Janet Evanovich’s stories.  I happen to love them.  Wicked Business is classic Evanovich with its quirky often juvenile humor hot men and situational comedy I found it to be great escape. 

Lizzy & Diesel are back and racing against Wulf and Hatchett to find the Lust stone.  But there is another player looking for it as well.  Glo is still practicing her wizardry.  Hatchett is still a medieval minion and Carl is still a monkey.  Another winner for Evanovich fans. 

The Professor by Cathy Perkins

Great mystery. Reads like an episode of one of my fav tv shows Criminal Minds.

Jacked Up (Fast Track #6) by Erin McCarthy

In this last installment of the Fast Track series Eve Monroe sister to Evan & Elec and their tough as nails PR rep gets her man.  Eve is going on 33 and is one big ball of stress.  Her latest problem is the viral video of Evans jackman Ford Nolan’s ass (sans underwear) hanging out of a split in his firesuit while performing in the pits.  Eve and Ford are opposites.  She is all about doing her job and while he takes his work seriously he knows that life is meant to be enjoyed.  He is intrigued by Eve and wants to show her how to have fun.  Eve is not happy with her life Ford pushes his way into her life and her heart and shows her that there is more to life than being stuck in a job you hate and trying to live up to someone elses ideal of who you should be. 

I really enjoyed this book.  There are some really great laugh out loud moments mixed in with the awww moments.  I will miss the characters from this series but I look forward to new adventures from the mind of Erin McCarthy 

Rock of Ages (the movie)

I went to see the movie Rock of Ages yesterday with another fifty something woman and three thirty something women.  Most enjoyed it but the other fifty something was disappointed.  I think she had it in her head that it was going to be a concert type movie.  It isn’t.  What it is is an homage to the 80’s music scene.  I must admit it was the music that got me into the theater as I am not really a big fan of Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin or Russell Brand.  I was blown away by Cruise as the dissipated Stacee Jaxx. Baldwin and Brand rocked their roles as well.  Diego Boneta is adorable and incredibly talented.  I enjoyed the take offs on 80’s hair, clothes and music videos.  The music mash ups were fun.  Cheese abounds. Check your brain at the door and enjoy. 

Under the Covers by Rita Herron

Sweet contemporary romance.  Everybody’s caretaker, Abigail Jensen is a marriage counselor with a new book out and she has just been informed that her “husband” has left her for a man but it really isn’t an issue because their marriage wasn’t valid because the guy who married them wasn’t licensed to do so.  She has a book tour coming up to promote the book and her sister hires an actor to play the part of her devoted husband.

Reporter Hunter Stone is a divorced dad trying to rebuild his career.  He blames Abby for the beginning of the end of his marriage.  It must be kismet.  If he can get the dirt on Abby he can jump start his career and get even at the same time.  He gets hired to pretend to be Abby’s husband for the book tour. 

Can a relationship built on lies turn to love?   

Bared to You by Sylvia Day

I’ve finished re-reading all the Anita Blake books and am anxiously awaiting my birthday so I can read the latest installment.

Several friends asked me to read Bared to You by Sylvia Day and compare it to 50 Shades of Grey by E.L. James.  I just finished reading Bared to You and I enjoyed it a lot.  It was much better written and well edited.  It bears a superficial resemblance to 50 Shades but I think a lot will depend on the next book.  I like the characters much better in Bared to You than 50 Shades.  Ava may have issues but she is aware of them and doesn’t just roll over for anyone not even Gideon.  I have a bigger problem with Gideon and his stalkerish tendencies.  I am withholding judgment till I know what caused it and whether he can get over it.   Bared to You is erotic and entertaining.  Go forth and read.

The Theory of Attraction - by Delphine Dryden

I loved this story and could relate to it for so many reasons.  Mostly because like the hero of the story, Ivan, is not unlike my husband brilliant but socially inept.  And I like the heroine, Camillia, hung out with the geeks despite not being quite so brilliant.

Camilla lives next door to astrophysicist Ivan.  Recently she has discovered that he is something of a hunk underneath all that OCD and social awkwardness.  They have been friendly since she moved in and she knows his routine down pat (think Sheldon Cooper from Big Bang Theory).  But he knows he is out of his depth when it comes to social conventions and asks Cami to help him prepare for an important fundraiser where he is expected to mingle.  (Think Penny).  Now STOP.  This is where it deviates from any BBT analogy you might have.  Because of her attraction to Ivan Cami has often wondered about Ivan’s sex life.  She has never seen him with a date of either sex.  Ivan is a detail oriented man and at some point he was introduced to BDSM and it appealed to him because there are rules and it requires upfront communication.  After one of their socialization lessons where Cami has been more flirtatious than normal she finds out exactly what being with Ivan entails.  The chemistry is nuclear. 

This story is funny, quirky, sexy and an outright blast.

* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

 Currently re-reading The Harlequin (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #15)

Timeless Bride has a new title - Timeless Desire.

Back in May I reviewed A Timeless Bride by Gwyn Cready.  The title has since changed to Timeless Desire and will be released on July 18^th.

A Timeless Bride by Gwyn Cready

A time-travel romance.  If you combine the best of contemporary and historical romance you get a Gwen Cready book. 

The local Carnegie library is having funding issues (and really who today isn’t).  In an attempt to find something she can sell to help; librarian Panna Kennedy finds a doorway to 1706 on the Scots English border where she gets involved with the handsome Captain Bridgewater. 

If you like dashing men in uniform (even if they are red) and a romp through history with a spunky librarian trying to save the day you will adore this book. 

An aside here: I loved the scene where Panna is trying to explain that sex has changed over the last 300 years.  Well played Capt. Bridgewater.  

Dangerously Close by Dee J. Adams

I’ve re-read books 1-8 of the Anita Blake series and took a break from Anita and her guys to read Dangerously Close by Dee J. Adams.

A little mystery, a little rock and roll and a wonderful romance. 

Rocker Seger Hughes has fallen prey to the rock and roll lifestyle.  When he wakes up after a show in Boise, Idaho with a girl just turned 18 in his bed and the hangover from hell he takes it as a wakeup call to rethink his life.  To that end he cleans up his act for the rest of his tour and arranges to take some time off.  He moves into one of his investment properties in L.A. for some peace, quiet, and introspection.  He didn’t count on neighbor Ashley Bristol.  She is recently blinded and doesn’t recognize him as he is using his given name.  They get to know each other without the barrier of his fame. 

I really liked Ashley as she wasn’t poor pitiful me but neither was she a Pollyanna.  It was wonderful watching Mel pull his head out of his ass and who could help but love Roamer the dog.

Only 14 more Anita Blake books to read before my birthday

Taking a day or two...

The new Anita Blake novel by Laurell K. Hamilton comes out today along with several other books on my wish list.  But the difference is that my daughter usually gets me the new Laurell K. book for my birthday coming up the end of this month.  So I got this crazy bug to re-read the entire Anita Blake series to date.

Guilty Pleasures 

The Laughing Corpse 

Circus of the Damned

The Lunatic Cafe

Bloody Bones

The Killing Dance

Burnt Offerings

Blue Moon

Obsidian Butterfly

Narcissus in Chains

Cerulean Sins

Incubus Dreams

Micah

Danse Macabre

The Harlequin

Blood Noir

Skin Trade

Flirt

Bullet

Hit List

Beauty: An Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Out-take 

Kiss the Dead (this is the new one)  

Hidden Crimes (Hidden Series, #3) by Emma Holly

Emma Holly has done it again!  We return to the hunky werewolves of RPD we met in Hidden Talents.  This time playboy Nate Rivera is caught by alpha tiger Evina Mohajit from the RFD in a mystery that is replete with Ms. Holly’s trademark scorching hot sex scenes. 

Nate flirts with the curvy firefighter at the local meat market but she is a cat and cats and dogs don’t mix.  Evina has a skill that Nate needs to find out who killed a child and why.  He conscripts her aid and they find themselves getting pulled deeper into the mystery of who is killing shifter kids and why.  As they do they find that maybe cats and dogs can fall in love.

Shadow Rising (Dark Dynasties #3) by Kendra Leigh Castle

When I offered to read this for review for Netgalley I was unaware that it was the third in the series.  I was at first intimidated by the breakdown of the various bloodlines and their gifts.  But halfway into the second chapter I was hooked.  Ms. Castle tells an intriguing story.  I was fascinated by the world Ms. Castle has created.  I will most definitely be checking out the first two books in this series and looking forward to the next. 

What happens when a sheltered member of the Grigori and a world weary shape-shifting assassin are both trying to find the same guy?  Especially when the Grigori, Ariane, is beautiful, trusting and innocent.  Shadow Damian keeps running into Ariane as he tries to find Sammiel.  He is doing it for money and she is doing it for friendship.  Sammiel is the closest thing Ariane has ever had as a friend until she left her people looking for him.  Eventually Damian and Ariane agree to join forces in the hunt.  But the hunt for Sammiel is just the beginning.  Forces for change are happening and all the bloodlines are going to have to prepare for it.

Wicked Desires (Wicked Affairs, Book One) Eliza Lloyd

Regency England.  Michael Dunnaway 41 and his wife Clarissa 35 have a happy marriage based on love and respect.  Or do they?  Michael sees how men look at his wife still beautiful after giving birth to 3 children.  When he spies Clarissa receiving a kiss he immediately assumes she is being unfaithful and his self-esteem is threatened. He can no longer function with her sexually.  He relieves his sexual tension at the local whorehouse by watching others perform for him while he masturbates.  After a year of no intimacy Clarissa finally confronts Michael who refuses to tell her what is wrong.  Clarissa follows him to the whorehouse and the Madam allows her to see what he has been doing and arranges for Clarissa to perform for Michael.  Funny he has no problem getting it up when he thinks she is a whore.  Inevitably she gets caught.

This was a freebie from Amazon.  I couldn’t get over what an ass Michael was.  He feels guilt but keeps doing it anyway.  Why the hell didn’t he just talk to his wife?  The sex scenes were different and would have been more enjoyable if I could just get past the fact that Michael was such an idiot.  Don’t these people ever talk?  This was a quick read and most of the reviews I’ve read didn’t have the issue with Michael that I did.  Give it a shot you can’t beat the price.