A Vampire's Claim (Vampire Queen #3) by Joey W. Hill

Blurb:

The daughter of two vampires, Lady Daniela is considered aristocracy in the vampire world. Still, she has to fight for what she wants-especially since what she wants is to depose a brutal territory overlord. For that she'll need the help of Devlin, a handsome, brave human who inflames her desire far more than any man or beast.

Even though she could easily lay her claim and take Dev on as a fully marked servant, she resists the urge-especially since Dev is still tormented by something in his past. But when her enemy makes an unexpected appearance, Dev surprises them both by yielding completely to his feelings for Danny and showing her the devotion of a true servant-until she decides to take his freedom without asking...

My review:

Re-read.

Though this is the third in the series it can be read stand-alone.  We met Lady Daniela and Dev in The Mark of the Vampire Queen (Vampire Queen #2).  This book goes into the past and tells how they met and how the irascible Dev came to be a vampire’s servant.  As a born vampire Danny has automatic status but she is still a woman surrounded by male vampires who think she is lees because she is a woman.  They are none to fond of those who take a human male as their servant.  Danny just wants to take back the Station she inherited from and live life as quietly away from vampire politics as possible.  From the start this is wishful thinking.  With help from Dev and Lady Lyssa she comes into her own to be the confident vampire we met. 

Kiss The Night Goodbye (Nikki & Michael #4) by Keri Arthur

Blurb:

Sometimes the past not only haunts, but destroys... One hundred years ago, Michael Kelly hunted down and killed the sorcerer responsible for murdering his lover. Now the brother of that man is out for revenge, and he intends to destroy all that Michael holds dear in the process. Nikki James wants nothing more than to pass the Circle's strict entry exams so she can get on with the business of planning her wedding to Michael. But when one of the testers attempts to kill her, she realises buying a wedding dress is the least of her worries. Especially when Michael is shot and kidnapped. The trail leads her to the ghost town where Michael had once killed a madman. She's not surprised to discover that Weylin Dunleavy, the brother of that long ago murderer, has set in place events that will mirror the past in order to raise his brother's spirit from hell. Nor is she truly surprised to discover that a barrier of magic surrounds the old town, leaving her to battle Weylin with only her wits, strength and the one psychic gift she cannot fully control. The one thing that does surprise, the one thing she cannot accept, is the fact that Michael no longer remembers who she is...

Review:

Nikki is taking the test to join the Damask Circle so she can marry Michael when something from his past comes back to haunt and hunt them.  Nikki and Michael must work together as a team to defeat another crazy old enemy but when they take his memories can their love overcome all?  This is sadly the last in this series and we sadly say goodbye.  I've enjoyed their adventures and this one though bittersweet is just as exciting as the rest have been. 

I received a copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review but truth be told I will probably buy a copy anyway.

Wild Child by Molly O'Keefe

Mayor Jackson Davies knows about responsibilities.  He left law school and his girlfriend to move back to Bishop, Arkansas to raise his much younger sister when their parents were killed in a car wreck.  He was elected mayor to a town on the edge of bankruptcy.  He has a chance to bring some much needed industry to Bishop in the form of a cookie factory.  The problem is there are other towns in the running for the same factory.  Having former “Wild Child” Monica Appleby return to Bishop to write about Bishop’s only murder, when her mother shot and killed her father is not the image Jackson wants to present.  He can’t help it if he finds himself attracted to her.  Which will win duty or love?

This book is a little darker than other books I've read by Ms. O'Keefe but it is still one heck of a good read.  This book had me at times laughing out loud and at one point I had to put the book down because I couldn't read through my tears.  Like real life this book is filled with ups and downs and I highly recommend it.

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review.  

A Candle for a Marine (Always a Marine #18) by Heather Long

Blurb:

Tormented by the question of 'what if...'

Home for Hanukkah, Sergeant Isaac Janko has never forgotten the baby his girlfriend gave up for adoption years ago. But he didn’t realize how angry he still was....

More than time separates them....

A chance meeting at Temple brings Zehava Elbaz face-to-face with the first and only man she's ever loved. She sees a deep and hidden pain in him, one she blames herself for...

An invitation to Hanukkah brings them together....

The two must confront their pain and loss. They have only eight days to face their past, and win each other's trust, but it is a time for healing, reconciliation and miracles….

Review:

There aren't many Hanukkah romances out there. I can think of maybe one (Light Me Up by Rebecca Royce) I am sure there are others but they are few and far between so I was thrilled when I found out that Heather Long was going to give it a try.  This, like so many of her Marine stories, will run you through a gamut of emotions.  This is a second chance love story that is enhanced by the season.  It is obvious that the author has done her research and has given the characters and the holiday her respect.  You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy this story but it doesn't hurt either.

The author has stated that portion of the proceeds for the following books will be donated to Toys For Tots:

A Marine of Plenty (Always a Marine #17)

Purchase Now:
All Romance eBooks
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Bookstrand
Decadent Publishing

A Candle for a Marine (Always a Marine #18)

Purchase Now:
All Romance eBooks
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Bookstrand
Decadent Publishing

And the as yet to be released:

Marine Under the Mistletoe

Have Yourself a Marine Christmas

Lest Old Marines Be Forgot

Kiss the Enemy (Slye Temp Book #4) by Dianna Love

Blurb:

Her only hope is in the hands of her enemy.

Slye Temp operative Margaux Duke is chasing an international terrorist who murdered the last of her family. But her plans go up in smoke when her agency is in the crosshairs of the dangerous killer, forcing her to turn rogue to protect the only family she has left - her team. This is no time to get involved, especially with an enemy who steps between her and the terrorist she has to stop.

Logan Baklanov has been known by many names in the underbelly of international terrorism and will do whatever it takes to shield those he loves from the treacherous world he lives in. When his brother's life is in jeopardy, Logan takes on a role that places him at the top of the most-wanted lists of government security agencies in every country. He accepts the no-win situation, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice until a long legged beauty draws the attention of his deadly target and screws Logan's carefully planned mission.

Margaux and Logan must join forces in a dangerous game to save a major city from a powerful psychopath, but their ruse escalates out of control when the heat smoldering between them threatens to explode.

Review:

Romantic suspense at its very best.  Action, adventure, romance, the tension is off the charts.  Margaux is a smart, tough, classy operator who is trying to do the right thing.  Logan is the man who broke her heart six years ago and now they have to save each other.  Can they overcome the past to have a future?

Honeymoon To Die For (Slye Temp #3) by Dianna Love

Blurb:

She’s convinced he’s guilty. He knows he’s not. Can they survive long enough to prove who’s right?

Former Slye Temp agent Ryder Van Dyke is stuck in an Atlanta penitentiary facing the death penalty after being framed for murder. When his last hope for freedom disintegrates, Ryder is offered a commuted sentence – if he helps the FBI nail a deadly criminal ... his father. But Ryder has his own plan to use this opportunity to prove his innocence, or tap his Special Forces skills to disappear because he is not going back in that cage. FBI analyst Bianca Brady spent two long years substantiating that the head of Van Dyke Enterprises is guilty of funneling weapons to terrorists. Now all she needs is the proof. When her research leads to a potential murder conviction for Ryder Van Dyke, Bianca sees a clear path to take down Ryder’s father and to gain justice for her best friend who died at the hands of a terrorist..

Bianca’s the last person Ryder will trust after she led the charge to put him in prison, but when Ryder accepts the FBI offer there’s only one way to get an agent inside his father’s high-security family compound – as Ryder’s legal wife. The unlikely pair must navigate a minefield of deadly secrets, threats to national security, and a killer with a vendetta, to stay alive until they uncover the truth. But when Bianca becomes the killer’s next target, Ryder is forced to make a choice - give up his freedom or risk the life of the woman who’s stolen his heart

Review:

This series just keeps getting better and better.  This is a terrific romantic suspense story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.  I couldn't put it down I just had to know who done it and why.  If you are looking for action, adventure, mystery and romance this book has it all.

Four Weddings and a Werewolf (Seattle Wolf Pack #2) by Kristin Miller

Although this is the second in the series it can easily be read stand-alone.  It takes place in the same world as the first book but the characters from that book only make a short appearance at the end.

Wedding planner Veronica Vale found out the hard way that werewolves exist when one bit and turned her sister.  Now her sister is a werewolf and blissfully in love and Veronica is planning her wedding.  Veronica is glad her sister has found some happiness but isn't thrilled with the idea of entertaining werewolves.  She is afraid of them and thinks they are unstable.  

Logan is a werewolf and former marine buddy of the groom.  He has been asked to act as bodyguard to Veronica because unbeknownst to her, her “secret admirer” is a werewolf and has escalated into stalker leaving her creepy gifts that have been intercepted before they got to her.  The attraction he feels for her is instantaneous and unlike anything he has felt before.  Figures fate would hook him up with a werewolf hating human. 

Can Logan save Veronica from her stalker?  Can Veronica overcome her prejudice long enough to realize that not every were is a bad were and maybe the best thing that has ever happened to her.

This story proves that even werewolves can have Mommy issues and hatred hurts the hater the most.  This is a sweet, funny and often deep story draped in the chaos of getting ready for a wedding.  I look forward to the next adventure with the Seattle Wolf Pack.

I was lucky to have received an advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This book goes on sale October 28^th.

The Mark of the Vampire Queen (Vampire Queen #2) by Joey W. Hill

Re-read

Blurb:

Full servant. With his new title, Jacob must attend to Lady Lyssa's every need, venturing into a world of passion darker than he's ever known. As a vampire hunter he wasn't prepared to embrace a world where humans are sexual commodities, but he has adapted. Now he finds the integrity of his soul challenged as he serves his Mistress's needs as fully as he services her desires.

He loves her, though other servants warn against giving her his soul. Everyone knows that Vampires have no regard for humans, so why would a Vampiress bother treating a mere sex toy with respect? But Jacob knows a human servant is far more than that. His Mistress needs a warrior, a friend and a lover. A man who will serve her in all ways, even if he has to betray the priceless treasure of her love.

Review:

SEX. And more sex.  At the end of The Vampire Queen’s Servant Lady Lyssa had given Jacob the third mark knowing that she was dying and that it would mean his death too.  With mortality staring her in the face Lady Lyssa is feeling things she has never felt before.  She has to attend the council meeting in hopes that she can shore up her legacy and she needs Jacob more than ever in her heart and in her bed. This book is important to the series as you meet several of the vampires featured in future books and events that take place in this book are referred to in future books.  

The Vampire Queen's Servant (Vampire Queen #1) by Joey W. Hill

As anyone who has read this blog knows I am a huge Joey W. Hill fan.  And though I’ve got a stack of books on my TBR shelf I should get to I felt the need to re-read The Vampire Queen's Servant and was once again stunned at how incredible this series is.

Blurb:

Lady Elyssa Yamato Amaterasu Wentworth is a centuries-old vampire who's been given a new servant-Jacob, a total alpha male unaccustomed to submitting to any woman's wishes. What really binds Jacob to her are not her sensual midnight hungers, but something far more provocative. It stirs her blood, renews her life, and awakens her soul like only true love can. The passion between Elyssa and Jacob yields something else unexpected-a shared history that reaches back through the centuries and is fated to challenge their destiny like nothing ever will again.

Review:

This is a darkly sensual and intensely erotic introduction to the world of Joey W. Hill’s Vampire Queen series now numbering 9.  It starts off with an introduction to the last remaining Vampire Queen Lady Elyssa Yamato Amaterasu Wentworth and her new servant former vampire hunter Jacob Green.  This is an incredible world with sex, politics, Vampires and Fae.  Nobody can get you into the mindset of her characters quite like Joey W. Hill.  And because I’ve read this one I now have to go re-read the next installment The Mark of the Vampire Queen

Malicious Mischief (A Rylie Keyes Mystery #1) by Marianne Harden

Blurb:

Is it strange to have the unemployment office on speed dial? Not for twenty-four-year-old college dropout Rylie Keyes. Her current job at a small retirement home is worlds more important than all her past gigs, though: if she loses this one, she won’t be able to stop the forced sale of her and her grandfather’s home, a house that has been in the family for ages. But keeping her job means figuring out the truth about a senior citizen who was found murdered while in her care. Explain that one, Miss Keyes.

The late Otto Weiner was thought to be a penniless Nazi concentration camp survivor with a silly grudge against Rylie. However, Otto was not a liked man by any means, and his enemies will stop at nothing to keep their part in his murder secret.

Forced to dust off the PI training she has to keep hidden from her ex-detective grandfather, Rylie must align with a circus-bike-wheeling Samoan while juggling the attention of two very hot cops who each get her all hot and bothered for very different reasons. And as she trudges through this new realm of perseverance, she has no idea that along the way she just might win, or lose, a little piece of her heart.

Review:

This is laugh out loud funny.  In this new series we meet Rylie Keyes who has yet to find herself.  She has always wanted to be a P.I. but has been discouraged from chasing that dream by the one person she loves most, her ex-police detective grandfather.  So she has tried and failed at a lot of other things.  But when a dead man is found in the van she was driving she needs to find out who did it and clear her name.  Fans of Stephanie Plum will get a kick out of this book I know I did.  I look forward to future adventures with Rylie.

I’d like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for giving me an eARC in return for a fair and honest review. 

Heating Up the Holidays 3-Story Bundle (Play with Me, Snowfall, and After Midnight) by Lisa Renee Jones, Serena Bell, & Mary Ann Rivers

Blurb:

PLAY WITH ME by Lisa Renee Jones (Thanksgiving)

Kali Miller has spent three years reporting fluff stories, waiting for the article that will launch her career to new heights. When she suddenly finds herself forced to take a job as an executive secretary at a Vegas casino, Kali meets the subject of what will surely be a shocking exposé: her boss, Damion Ward, the arrogant and undeniably sexy CEO. But after Damion invites her to help him plan a Thanksgiving charity event, Kali begins to see another side of the man. And when she surrenders to the exhilarating tension simmering between them, Kali hopes her story will have a happy ending.

SNOWFALL by Mary Ann Rivers (Christmas)

Jenny Wright can’t get enough of her erotic conversations with someone she knows only as “C.” Flirting online helps Jenny temporarily escape confronting the changes to her life as she slowly loses her vision. Jenny’s occupational therapist, Evan Carlisle-Ford, is helping her prepare for the challenges ahead, but the forthright, trustworthy man can no longer ignore his growing attraction to his fiercely intelligent client. Now Jenny must choose between the safe, anonymous “C”—or the flesh-and-blood Evan, whose heated kisses can melt snow faster than it can fall.

AFTER MIDNIGHT by Serena Bell (New Year)

The clock is ticking down to midnight on New Year’s Eve, and all Nora Hart and Miles Shephard can think about is kissing each other—even though they met just minutes before. Then, as fast as Miles enters Nora’s life, he’s gone . . . and she never even gets the name of the man she thinks might just be “the one.” One year later, Nora and Miles are reunited. The chemistry between them is just as strong as they remember. But Miles broke her heart once before—and this time around, Nora’s not sure whether she can give love a second chance.

Review:

I was expecting your regular holiday anthology where folks find love and the spirit of giving or the like.  Not so much in this. 

In PLAY WITH ME by Lisa Renee Jones the only thing holiday related is the time of year this story takes place.  If you like Lisa Renee Jones you will enjoy this first person story of a young woman trying to make it on her own.  She doesn’t always make the best decisions but that doesn’t keep her billionaire boss from falling for her.

SNOWFALL by Mary Ann Rivers was a total surprise to me.  I’ve not read anything by Ms. Rivers but can guarantee that I shall be on the lookout for her work from now on.  This story about ripped my heart out.  This smart, self-aware young woman having to come to grips with a life altering disease with poise and humor just tore me up.  This was the best story in the anthology for me.

AFTER MIDNIGHT by Serena Bell is a love story about two individuals with major trust issues and the way that they each deal with those issues and whether or not they can meet in the middle.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

This book goes on sale on October 28^th.

A Marine of Plenty (Always a Marine #17) by Heather Long

Blurb:

Serving overseas is a lonely duty…

Captain Charlie Sparks faces an impossible task—assigned to a security detail for the sister of a fallen Marine. The last thing Charlie wants is this beautiful woman in the middle of a base in Afghanistan no matter what holiday she plans to help them celebrate. But no one asked for his opinion, and worse, she’s everything he adores in a woman and more…

Mourning what might have been is a terrible burden…

Jana Grimaldi had a plan—a plan to help her brother when he came home, but his death in Afghanistan left a hole in her heart and a desperate desire to do something. With the help of Congressman Sparks, she heads to Afghanistan to bring Thanksgiving to the men and women who served with her brother. Nervous and uneasy, she finds an unexpected—and familiar ally in Captain Sparks…

Not all wounds heal…

Charlie was one of the first people to reach out to Jana, communicating via email when her brother died—but coming face to face in the lonely desolation of the holiday connects these two wounded souls…

Can Charlie and Jana find hope amidst the heartbreak this Thanksgiving?

Review:

Oh my.  Heather Long has done it again.  Though this isn’t a very long story it will have your emotions pinging the entire gamut from laughter to tears and everything in between.  You definitely feel Ms. Long’s love for her subject.  This book, this series, is pro service member without the preaching you get in some other books.  Politics aside, every American owes their freedom to the men & women of our armed forces.  Heather Long gets that.  In this book we get a quick peek at life in a war zone over Thanksgiving and in doing so it reminds us all what we have to be thankful for.

I was lucky enough to receive an arc from the author in return for a fair and honest review.

Cursed (Fallen Siren #1) by S.J. Harper

Blurb:

Meet FBI Agents Emma Monroe and Zack Armstrong.
She's cursed. He's damned. Together, they make one hell of a team.

Emma Monroe is a Siren, cursed by the gods and bound to earth to atone for an ancient failure. She’s had many names and many lives, but only one mission: redemption. Now that she works missing persons cases for the FBI, it could be just a rescue away. Unless her new partner leads her astray.

Special Agent Zack Armstrong just transferred into the San Diego Field Office. He’s a werewolf, doing his best to beat back the demons from his dark and dangerous past. As a former Black Ops sniper, he’s taken enough lives. Now he’s doing penance by saving them. 

Emma and Zack’s very first case draws them deep into the realm of the paranormal, and forces them to use their own supernatural abilities. But that leaves each of them vulnerable, and there are lines partners should not cross. As secrets are revealed and more women go missing, one thing becomes clear: as they race to save the victims, Emma and Zack risk losing themselves.

Review:

I've been a fan of Jeanne C. Stein (1/2 of S.J. Harper) Anna Strong series so when I heard about this I had to check it out.  I am glad I did as this looks like it is going to be another terrific series.  I've not read anything by Samantha Sommersby but now I feel like I need to.  This is a fantastic world filled with magic and supernatural beings.  Emma and Zack are trying to make the world a better place and that alone is reason to root them on.  I can’t help but anticipate the next installment.

Gone with the Wolf (Seattle Wolf Pack #1) by Kristin Miller

Emelia is a scrappy pull herself up by the bootstraps kind of gal but she is in a bind.  She has put her heart soul and everything she owns into her bar which Drake Wilder says his company now owns.  She has to see him to make him understand.  What he understands is that she is the only woman he will ever need but now he needs to make her see that despite their business disagreements and the small fact that he is a werewolf.   

This is a fun read.  I really liked Emelia and the fact that she doesn’t just roll-over no matter how hot or rich Drake is.

Her Accidental Boyfriend (Secret Wishes #2) by Robin Bielman

Blurb:

Kagan Owens has a secret. One she thought she’d escaped by leaving New York, but when her past follows her to her temporary new life, Kagan lets a teeny lie slip. And now the town’s biggest playboy and flirt, Shane Sullivan, has become her pretend boyfriend—just until she’s ready to return to NYC. But the handsome, fun-loving Shane makes it tough to determine where their friendly agreement begins and ends…

Shane has no intention of settling down—in fact, his job depends on it, and nothing’s more important than his work. Still, he can’t help but agree to Kagan’s scheme, if only to find out more about the mysterious beauty. But when every touch from her sets his heart and body on fire, he realizes playing an accidental boyfriend may be more than he bargained for—and more than he can give.

My Review:

This is a feel good friends to lovers story.  It is about two people overcoming their pasts to forge a future together.  This type of story can get angsty real quick and the author deftly avoided it making it that much more enjoyable.  I was not aware when I picked it up that this was the second in a series.  It can be read stand-alone.  I plan to pick up the first book Kissing the Maid of Honor (Secret Wishes #1) as soon as I can.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.  

About the author: Robin Bielman lives in Southern California with her high school sweetheart husband, two sons, and crazy-cute mini Labradoodle, Harry (named after Harry Dresden from Jim Butcher's Dresden Files books). When not attached to her laptop, she can almost always be found with her nose in a book. She also likes to run, hike, and dip her toes in the ocean. Filled with wanderlust, she longs to visit many different places and fulfill her curiosity. She wouldn’t mind indulging her sweet tooth in every location either. She’s a lover of Post-it notes, cable television shows and café mochas. Writing is a dream come true, and she still pinches herself to be sure it’s real. Her other novels include Kissing the Maid of Honor, Worth the Risk, Risky Surrender and Yours At Midnight. She loves to connect with readers. Learn more and sign up for her newsletter on her website at http://robinbielman.com. She can also be found online here: Facebook: http://facebook.com/RobinBielmanWriter Twitter: http://twitter.com/RobinBielman Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/robinbielman Find Robin’s latest release, Her Accidental Boyfriend, online at: Amazon | B&N | Goodreads Giveaway Info: In Her Accidental Boyfriend Kagan designs jewelry similar to this beautiful pink pearl double wrap bracelet that is up for grabs. a Rafflecopter giveaway

First Bite (Dark Wolf #1) by Dani Harper

Blurb:

Geneva “Neva” Ross doesn't want to die. But now that she’s been turned into a werewolf against her will, she’ll do anything to protect her family and friends…even if that means taking her own life.

After witnessing Neva’s leap from a high ledge, Travis Williamson—a Changeling with a dark past—uses his powers to save her life. He feels a connection to the strong-willed woman whose eyes flash that familiar Changeling green. While Neva is hospitalized, Travis risks everything to kidnap her, knowing the approaching full moon will put everyone in jeopardy.

Bickering constantly to hide their growing attraction, Travis and Neva run from the authorities…and from Neva’s sinister sire, Meredith de la Ronde. Meredith delights in creating new shape-shifters and compelling them to do her dark bidding; now Neva must join Meredith’s murderous wolf pack…or die.

Intensely suspenseful with deliciously sexy twists, this paranormal romance—the first in (the title of series)—intertwines sensual passion with an epic, thrilling battle between good and evil.

Review:

This is an exciting new series.  I really didn't know what to expect from this new werewolf/wolf shifter book but what I got was a wonderfully rich world filled with magic and an epic battle of good and evil with a little romance mixed in for good measure.  This feels like it has great possibilities and I look forward to the adventure.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review. 

Expected publication: October 15th 2013 

Thomas's Choice (Scanguards Vampires #8) by Tina Folsom

m/m

Blurb:

Scanguards vampire and master of mind control Thomas has mentored newbie vampire Eddie for over a year-and been in love with him for just as long. But he believes that his love will never be reciprocated.

While patrolling San Francisco for evil vampires, Eddie kisses Thomas as a diversionary tactic and is shaken to the core by his reaction. He's terrified of his sexual attraction to his mentor and afraid that moving forward and giving into his desires will destroy the relationship they have.

When hurt and disappointment about Eddie's inability to commit leads Thomas onto a dark path that spells destruction for all those he loves, only Eddie can pull him back from the brink of eternal darkness. But does Eddie have the courage to face his true feelings in time to save the man who's meant for him?

Review:

Thomas has long been my favorite west coast Scanguard.  But as he was gay I figured he would never find his HEA.  I was wrong and for that I thank Tina Folsom.  Not only did she give Thomas his well deserved happiness she did it in Scanguard style (meaning she had to torture him some before he got his prince).  I felt so bad for the hell these guys went through that I was almost shocked by the time they finally got together.  

Friends Without Benefits: An Unrequited Romance (Knitting in the City #2) by Penny Reid

Blurb:

Friends Without Benefits can be read as a standalone, is a full length 120k word novel, and is book#2 in the Knitting in the City Series. 

There are three things you need to know about Elizabeth Finney: 1) She suffers from severe sarcastic syndrome, especially when she's unnerved, 2) No one unnerves her like Nico Manganiello, and 3) She knows how to knit. 

Elizabeth Finney is almost always right about everything: the musical merits of boy bands are undervalued by society, “benefits” with human Ken dolls are better without friendship, and the sun has set on her once-in-a-lifetime chance for true love. But when Elizabeth’s plans for benefits without friendship are disarmed by the irritatingly charismatic and chauvinistic Nico Manganiello- her former nemesis- she finds herself struggling to maintain the electric fence around her heart while avoiding electrocution or, worse, falling in love.

Review:

This Amazon freebie was even better than the first book in the series.  This is a terrific second chance romance.  With a smart sassy doctor who doesn’t always know best and a sweet, funny Italian talk show host who didn’t always know how to get his point across.

Neanderthal Seeks Human: A Smart Romance (Knitting in the City #1) by Penny Reid

Blurb:

There are three things you need to know about Janie Morris: 1) She is incapable of engaging in a conversation without volunteering TMTI (Too Much Trivial Information), especially when she is unnerved, 2) No one unnerves her more than Quinn Sullivan, and 3) She doesn't know how to knit.

After losing her boyfriend, apartment, and job in the same day, Janie Morris can't help wondering what new torment fate has in store. To her utter mortification, Quinn Sullivan- aka Sir McHotpants- witnesses it all then keeps turning up like a pair of shoes you lust after but can't afford. The last thing she expects is for Quinn- the focus of her slightly, albeit harmless, stalkerish tendencies- to make her an offer she can't refuse.

Review:

I bought this because the 2nd book in the series, Friends Without Benefits, was free on Amazon and because I loved the title.  This is a quirky romance from the start.  Janie Morris struck me as almost autistic.  Not that that is a bad thing.  (an aside here – my grandson is autistic and this book gave me hope that he may one day find someone who “gets” him).  Janie is beautiful, brilliant and socially inept.  She has a close circle of friends aka the Knitting Club who understand her and help her navigate through emotional issues.  Despite her brilliance she can be oblivious to the obvious a fact that Quinn uses to his advantage.  There were times I didn't like Quinn very much but he has his own issues and if nothing else he seems to “get” Janie and loves in spite or maybe because of those quirks.  Now off to read Friends Without Benefits.

 This is a full-length, 110k word novel and is the first book in the Knitting in the City series.

Demon Hunting in a Dive Bar (Demon Hunting #3) by Lexi George

Blurb:

Rebekah “Beck” Damian runs a demonoid bar where everyone’s welcome—even a reformed flesheater who’s strictly vegetarian, a musical ghost who’s looking for a piano bar, and a feline harbinger of doom named Wampus Kitty who’s scaring the customers. So when a big strapping demon-hunter walks into the bar, Beck knows it’s not the end of the world. She’ll treat him like any other customer.

If only she could. Conall Dalvahni is the toughest, meanest, sexiest demon-hunter Beck’s ever seen—and she’s finding it hard to hide her attraction. As far as Conall’s concerned, the feeling is mutual. But how can he trust a beautiful half-demon babe like Beck—when her demonic friends have the perfect weapon to destroy every hunter on earth?

Review:

We met Beck and Conall in Demon Hunting in the Deep South (Demon Hunting, #2) and could already tell there would be fireworks between these two if they didn’t kill each other first.  I was a little worried when the book started off with a zombie normally I hates zombies but I kinda ended up liking this one.  Conall is used to being in charge so he needed a strong woman to balance him and the role of steel magnolia had already been taken by Addy’s mom Bitsy. I was pleasantly surprised by Beck she was strong and soft at the same time and I ended up liking her a whole lot.  There were a lot of unanswered questions at the end and I guess we just have to wait to see what Ms. George comes up with next.

Bastion (Valdemar: Collegium Chronicles #5) by Mercedes Lackey

Blurb:
Mags returns to the Collegium, but there are mixed feelings--his included--about him actually remaining there. No one doubts that he is and should be a Herald, but he is afraid that his mere presence is going to incite more danger right in the heart of Valdemar. The heads of the Collegia are afraid that coming back to his known haunt is going to give him less protection than if he went into hiding. Everyone decides that going elsewhere is the solution for now. So since he is going elsewhere--why not return to the place he was found in the first place and look for clues? And those who are closest to him, and might provide secondary targets, are going along. With Herald Jadrek, Herald Kylan (the Weaponsmaster's chosen successor), and his friends Bear, Lena, and Amily, they head for the Bastion, the hidden spot in the hills that had once been the headquarters of a powerful band of raiders that had held him and his parents prisoner. But what they find is not what anyone expected

Review:
Mercedes Lackey is an incredible storyteller but ou need to have read the others in this series to understand what led to the events in this book.  As far as I'm concerned any trip to Valdemar is one I want to be on.  This installment of Mags answers a lot of the questions posed in earlier books with a sense of mystery and fun.

Claiming More (Tiger Nip #2) by Brandy Walker

Blurb:

Sampson Hart has known Mary Jane Poppy for ten years. She’s his sister’s best friend, business partner, and has had a crush on Sam for years. When the mating pull hits him, he’s ready to claim her as his own. Given their history, it should be simple. Right?

MJ has loved Sam since she was fifteen. But being a hybrid, she’s been told all her life she won’t have a mate. When Sam proclaims she belongs to him, she doesn't believe it; the mating pull isn't there, and Sam isn't meant to be hers.

Running back home to escape the love she feels for Sam, MJ agrees to become the companion of a man who lost his mate and has three young children to raise. It is the only way to set Sam free to find the one he is truly meant to be with.

Will Sam be Claiming More or will the one he desires the most find comfort in the arms of another?

Review:

This book made me want to scream!  I was so involved with these characters that at one point I was crying so hard I couldn't read the page.  Other times had me laughing so hard I spit my tea.  And then there were the love scenes that had me turning up the air conditioner.  This second book in the Tiger Nip series was even better than the first and although it can be read stand-alone I recommend reading Craving More (Tiger Nip #1) first as it will help you understand the world and the relationships between the characters better and because it is a great story. 

I received a copy of this book from the author (thanks Brandy) in return for a fair and honest review.  I honestly LOVE this story.  Please keep them coming.

This book comes out on October 8^th.

She's All In (Club 3 #1) by Cathryn Cade

Everybody has scars.  Physical and emotional.  They help shape who we are and who we become.  Daisy has had health issues that have left both Physical and emotional scars and she is healthy enough to know this and to want to overcome them.  She has joined Big Iron Fitness with her friends Carlie and Sara where they meet the 3 hotties that own the gym. Dack, Trace and Jake.  She is immediately drawn to Dack.  But Dack has issues of his own.  He is a Dom at Club 3, also owned by Dack, Trace and Jake, and he is a top em and drop em kinda guy.  He doesn't do vanilla no matter how luscious it looks.  When Daisy overhears girls in the locker room talking about Dacks’ proclivities she is intrigued and asks him out on a date.  When they finally do get together they have to navigate the minefield of scars each has attained.  Can they do it or will they end up with new scars for their collection?

I LOVED THIS BOOK!  I was so moved by these characters that I couldn't put this book down.  This book has some BDSM but nothing too harsh.  It illustrates why communication between partners is so important.  For those who have read Cathryn Cade before this contemporary is a bit softer than her scifi space romances or even her Hawaiian paranormal romantic suspense stories but just as well written. 

Bad Witch Rising (Chance Monroe#3) by Heather Long

Each book in this series just gets better and better.  If you haven’t read the first two books in this series Earth Witches Aren't Easy (Chance Monroe#1) & Plan Witch From Out of Town (Chance Monroe#2) STOP!  You really need to read them not just because they are terrific but because in order to understand what is going on in this book and what motivates each of the characters you have to have taken the journey with them.  This series is listed as urban fantasy but I think it defies labeling.  Chance Monroe is an Earth Witch and a Hedge Wizard who is tied to the land of Northern Virginia.  Chance has seen and been through a lot of terrible things but has been healing both herself and the land she is sworn to protect but trouble has found those she cares for and she is glad to help in any way she can.  Chance has survived many things but can she survive betrayal from those nearest and dearest?  I am enamored with this series.  The characters are engaging and the story is well written and though provoking.  I do hope Ms. Long lets us visit with Chance and company again.

I received a copy from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Honestly I loved this story.

This book goes on sale October 7^th.

Eternal Echoes (Sisters of the Divine, #1) by Stella Price

A unique and fun first book in a new series by “new to me” author Stella Price. The “Old Gods” are back and humans being humans have almost destroyed the planet trying to keep the out. Now they have to deal with the fact that they aren’t the only ones at the top of the food chain. The Old Gods followers come in many forms… Wolf shifters, bird shifters, etc. The Dagonites are humanoid with a few extras. As human Ambassador Teagan Moss finds out when Dagonite sentry Ariston Dago fishes her out of the water after she is thrown from an airship with a bomb strapped to her. This is a fast paced sexy romp that defies categorization. Action, adventure, romance, mystery, humor this book has it all. I cannot wait to see what they come up with next. Thanks Stella Price for giving me an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Keep em coming I LOVED IT. This book goes on sale October 8th.

Rhythm and Bluegrass (Bluegrass #2) by Molly Harper

This second book in the Bluegrass series by Molly Harper can be read as a stand-alone.  This series is a humorous love affair with the bluegrass state.  In this installment Bonnie Turkle, multimedia historian for the Kentucky Commission of Tourism, is dispatched to Mud Creek, a tiny eastern Kentucky town to rescue important artifacts from McBride’s Music Hall.  She runs into trouble almost immediately in the person of Will McBride, Mud Creek’s new Mayor and son of the former owners of the Music Hall.  Bonnie and Will set sparks off of each other from the start but they need to work together to keep both Mud Creek and the Music Hall history alive.

Molly Harper is on my auto-buy list.  She always makes me laugh and this book is no different.  Though not as snarky as the Jane Jameson books the humor in the bluegrass books is no less funny.  Molly Harper has created a cast of quirky characters so real you feel like you know them. 

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.   

This book goes on sale October 7^th.

On Her Own by Dawne Prochilo

After a one night stand Darci finds herself pregnant with Rand’s baby. She has had a crush on him it seems like forever but when he offers marriage she turns him down. She would rather have his love or be alone she doesn't want him to feel obligated. But Rand isn't going away. Can he convince her they are meant to be together or will she be raising their child on her own?
This is a sweet, often predictable, thoroughly enjoyable tale of choices. I got so involved with the characters I was yelling at them to pull their heads out of their butts. A true measure of a good story.
I received a copy of this story from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Now And Always & Faith In You by Charity Pineiro aka Caridad Piñeiro

Now And Always – Connie Gonzalez is small but mighty.  She has just graduated top in her class from the FBI academy and has be rewarded with her choice of assignments to the Miami field office.  She has always been close to her family and this assignment puts her right at home.  Connie is smart, savvy and determined but she isn't super-woman and when she has to have the cast taken off her broken wrist she goes to the doctor her sister works for, Dr. Victor Cienfuegos.  Victor is wealthy sexy and single and immediately taken with the fiery FBI agent. Things get steamy in South Beach surprisingly fast.  This is another well written tale by Caridad Piñeiro.  If you like lusty Latin doctors and sexy special agents then you will enjoy this trip to Florida.

Faith In You – We met Paul Stone when he broke Connie Gonzalez’s wrist in Now And Always.  After a rough beginning Paul and Connie got to be partners and had the start of a friendship.  When she invites him to join her and her family for a traditional and fun-filled Cuban Christmas Eve dinner he is reluctant to attend but when he gets there and is met at the door by the elf that is Connie’s sister Carmen he is very glad he chose to attend.  Paul has no idea how a normal family dynamic works.  He was raised by wealthy parents who had no clue either so he is fascinated by the Gonzalez family and Carmen in particular.  He surprises himself by asking her out and she surprises herself by accepting.  These two have more than the socio-economic and culture differences to overcome to get together but Carmen has faith and now she has to show Paul how to have faith in himself and them.  I will admit this book was harder for me to get through than the first one (which I tore through).  First I wasn't sure Paul had redeemed himself for breaking Connie’s wrist.  Then I just wanted him to get over himself.  But the ending made it all worth while.