Not Just Make Believe by Sandra Sookoo

Blurb:

Andrea Peterchef is the reluctant new nanny to troublemaking nine-year-old Piper, and even though her first day ends with tomato-soup puke, her outlook improves over a sexy conversation with Piper’s guardian, Max. His voice evokes an image of her perfect man, but he’s a workaholic. Andrea can see Piper craves the love and stability of a family, and she’s determined to do what it takes to make that happen.

Maxwell Gildenthall is a stockbroker haunted by the 9/11 deaths of his girlfriend and his cousin-- Piper’s dad. Deadlines and data define his life -- not baby dolls and Disney videos. When his plus-sized au pair badgers him into spending more time with Piper, he realizes he’s been neglecting the child, and the chance to be near his pretty nanny is a bonus. Away from emotion-numbing work, he’s racked by guilt and pain, which threatens the fragile relationship he has with Andrea. It will take more than a spoonful of sugar to make these problems go down smoothly.

Review:

I never know what I’m going to get with Sandra Sookoo.  She writes in just about every genre and makes up a few as she goes along.  This book came out in 2009 but I just got my grubby paws on it.  This is a sweet, sassy and fun story that has a few aww worthy moments in it.  I shows a little age but is definitely worth the read.

Taming the Alpha (Crescent Moon #1), Claiming His Mate (Crescent Moon #2), Tempting His Mate (Crescent Moon #3) by Savannah Stuart

I read these three sexy shifter novellas one right after the other.  Although characters carry over they can each be read stand-alone with no major loss of storyline.

Taming the Alpha (Crescent Moon #1)

Blurb:

After a year of lusting after his sexy employee, werewolf pack-leader Grant broke his no-involvement-with-humans rule and made a move on Talia. A month later the sex is still red hot and everything between them is perfect. Or so he thought. Until the night he shows up at her place expecting their usual ritual of mind-blowing sex and finds out she has other plans. And they don’t include him.

When Talia announces she’s tired of being his last priority, Grant realizes he might lose the only woman he’s ever cared about. He has to do something fast to fix their relationship, but she’s completely unaware that he’s not human. He’s not above using sex to bind her to him, but when she wants more than that he has a risky decision to make. If he admits the truth he risks not only his heart, but the safety of his pack and the existence of all supernatural beings as well.

Review:

Grant is Alpha.  All Alpha.  He is the Alpha of his pack a job that keeps him hopping as well as his regular job so he really doesn’t have a lot of time to devote to a relationship.  Talia thinks Grant is hot and sex with him is off the charts but she wants more (GO TALIA) and tells him so. When Grant is flabbergasted that this little human is telling him off (one of my favorite scenes btw) she shuts him down.  It is fun watching the almighty Alpha have to work to get the “little human” to take him as mate.

Claiming His Mate (Crescent Moon #2)

Blurb:

She thought the house was empty when she broke in…

When jaguar shifter Lauren Hayes breaks into an alpha’s home to steal back what rightfully belongs to her pride, she doesn’t expect to be tackled by Max McCray, second-in-command of the Kincaid wolf pack. As punishment for her crime the sexy wolf shifter demands that she stay with him for one week. Knowing she’ll start a war between her pride and his pack if she doesn’t, she has no other choice but to agree, even if the thought of being near him 24/7 makes her scared that she won’t be able to hide her growing attraction to him.

Now he has a week to make her his…

Max has waited months to make a move on the sexy jaguar shifter and now that she’s broken shifter rules, he’s not letting her go. He doesn’t care that he’s a wolf and she’s a jaguar, claiming her forever is the only thing that matters. Unfortunately, not everyone likes the idea of him being with a feline shifter. Max is forced to choose sides between Lauren and members of the pack he’s sworn allegiance to in order to protect the woman he knows is his destined mate.

Review:

Cats and Dogs, Jaguars and Wolves same thing right?  We met Max in Taming the Alpha (Crescent Moon #1) as Grants second.  Max is an okay guy but has been having a hard time finding the time to find his mate (a jaguar of all things)  First he had admit to himself that she was indeed the on for him and then his mother was killed and he has to go after the vampires that killed her and then he had to recover from that.  Then Grant and Talia get married and go on honeymoon so he is in charge so he can’t go after his little cat so imagine his surprise when he catches her breaking into Grants house to steal something.  This is a sexy fun cats and dogs read. 

Tempting His Mate (Crescent Moon #3) (ARC provided by publisher through NetGalley for a fair and honest review. )

Blurb:

She ran from him once…

Wild one night stands are not Ella Hayes’s style, but with her confidence at rock bottom after a devastating betrayal and her painful departure from her jaguar pride, who could blame her for falling into bed with a sexy wolf? She never thought she’d see him again. And never in her craziest dreams did she expect to come face-to-face with him on her first day with the Kincaid wolf pack. Sleeping with Asher had been one of the most intense experiences of her life—but now she wonders if they could have more.

He’s not letting her go again…

Tired of life as a lone wolf, shifter Asher has joined his cousin’s pack. The last person he expected to see was the sexy woman who ran out on him in the middle of the most incredible night of his life. The Ella he meets now is nothing like the wild, sensual woman he let his guard down with, but he likes both sides of the complicated female. But now somebody—or something—sinister is targeting Ella, and Asher moves quickly to get her under his roof and under his protection. Keeping the sexy female safe and proving they belong together are two missions he doesn’t plan to fail. Because this time, he’s playing for keeps.

Review:

This was the best of the three novellas in this series yet.  I love Asher.  He is frickin’ hot.  Asher has finally come home after wandering as a lone wolf.  He doesn’t expect to meet the hot little jaguar that ran out on him working for his pack as an accountant.  Ella needs a new start so when her friend Lauren (from Claiming His Mate (Crescent Moon #2) ) tells her about a job with the Kincaid pack she jumps at the chance.  She doesn’t expect to run into Asher, ever.  She doesn’t do one night stands and getting together with him was an anomaly except now she wants to turn that one night stand into a lifetime.  Smoking hot sweet and fun quick read.

A Santini Christmas by Melissa Schroeder

Blurb:
Join the Santinis as they gather together not for the joy of the season, but in crisis. One major event throws everything they hold dear into jeopardy, causing Joey to travel back to the memories of when she and Papa first fell in love. Joey Antonio doesn’t have time for men. Her focus is on saving money for art school. She definitely doesn’t need some jarhead Romeo bothering her. True, every time they run into each other she finds herself more attracted to him—not to mention the kisses he steals are becoming addictive. Still, no matter how sexy the Marine is, she isn’t a woman who is willing to risk her heart. Stewart Santini, known to everyone as Papa, is convinced Joey is the woman for him. Sexy, smart and tough—exactly how he likes his women. He finds himself falling even before he knows what hit him…but there is one problem: Joey is willing to share her bed, but not her life. Papa knows Joey is surprised when he agrees to a casual affair, but he has other plans to set him motion. This is one Marine who will battle to win the most precious thing in the world to him: Joey Antonio’s heart.

Buy Link: Amazon

Click here to read an excerpt 

About the Author: From an early age, Melissa loved to read. First, it was the books her mother read to her including her two favorites, Winnie the Pooh and the Beatrix Potter books. She cut her preteen teeth on Trixie Belden and read and reviewed To Kill a Mockingbird in middle school. It wasn’t until she was in college that she tried to write her first stories, which were full of angst and pain, and really not that fun to read or write. After trying several different genres, she found romance in a Linda Howard book. Since the publication of her first book in 2004, Melissa has had close to fifty romances published. She writes in genres from historical suspense to modern day erotic romance to futuristics and paranormals. Included in those releases is the bestselling Harmless series. In 2011, Melissa branched out into self-publishing with A Little Harmless Submission and the popular military spinoff, Infatuation: A Little Harmless Military Romance. Along the way she has garnered an epic nomination, a multitude of reviewer’s recommended reads, over five Capa nods from TRS, three nominations for AAD Bookies and regularly tops the best seller lists on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Since she spent her childhood as a military brat, Melissa swore never to marry military. But, as we all know, Fate has her way with mortals. She is married to an AF major and is raising her own brats, both human and canine. She spends her days giving in to her addiction to Twitter, counting down the days until her hubby retires, and cursing the military for always sticking them in a location that is filled with bugs big enough to eat her children. Visit Melissa’s website at http://melissaschroeder.net

My review:
We met Joey Santini as the mother of the Santini boys in each of their stories. We knew she was an exceptional woman, strong with a heart of gold.  In A Santini Christmas we learn how she and Papa met and more about how she came to be the woman who could raise Leo, Marco, Gianni and Vincente.  Laugh, cry and sigh as Papa fights for his life and the woman he loves.

Fried Pickles and the Fuzz by Calico Daniels

Blurb:

Big Creek might be a stereotypical small town but even they have drama.

Heather loves her little café, and her best customer is the county Sheriff. She’s been waiting months for him to ask her out…maybe she won’t have to wait much longer.

Bronson feels at home in Big Creek even though he hasn’t been the Sheriff for long. Small towns have their perks and a pretty café owner who cooks like an angel certainly doesn’t hurt. Now, if he could only get over his nerves and drum up the gumption to ask her out.

Throw in a gossip mill, a redneck festival and an ill timed attempt to help and you end up with some laughs, some ruffled feathers and a town that is…. Redneck Fabulous.

Review:

I admit it though I’d never heard of this author I saw the title and couldn’t resist.  This is a quick sweet and funny read that will leave you smiling and feeling good about the world.

Chain of Illusions (Bringer and the Bane #3) by Boone Brux

Blurb:

Rell has lived in the Shadow World for thirteen years as a Demon Bane, the formerly vivacious young woman now the demonic enemy of the immortal Bringers. But when she is given the chance to become human again—and a full-powered Bringer—Rell isn’t sure if it’s better to be a demon in the Shadow World or to risk her life for her humanity.

For two years Siban had been tortured in the Bane prison, only to fall in love with the beautiful demon who helped him escape. Tormented by the thought of never seeing her again, he maintains a life of solitude. So, when Rell’s human body is rescued from the Shadow World, he will do anything to be with her—even if it means challenging death to become a Bringer too.

But once their Bringer transformations and training are completed, Siban and Rell must join a mission to go deep in the Shadow World to rescue others trapped by the Demon Bane King. And what they discover destroys everything they knew about the Demon Bane. The lovers must learn to trust themselves, each other, and their new powers if they’re going to make it out alive.

Review:

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

This is the third in a strong romantic fantasy series.  This is Esmeralda "Rell" and Siban's story.  Like the books before there is a ton of action and adventure but we also get a boatload of surprises in this book.  We find out more about the past and are given clues as to the future.  If you are looking for a well-rounded, well written tale with heroes, magic and monsters this is for you.

Oh! Hoaley Night! (Hoale Construction Mysteries, #4) by Declan Sands

Blurb:

Sometimes going home is clarifying. Sometimes it's just plain deadly!

Adam travels to Candlelight, Indiana to visit his parents for Christmas. When he arrives he discovers somebody has killed a man and dumped him in the manger of the living crèche at the local church. Unfortunately, all signs lead back to Adam’s father as the murderer. A sheriff with a grudge and a small town more interested in gossip than reality, convince Adam that it will be up to him and the gang to clear his father’s name.

Review:

m/m

I love this series!  This book was incredibly sweet sexy and fun.  There are some laugh out loud moments as well as some sigh and swoon.  Adam and his dad have had their issues mostly regarding Adam’s sexuality and normal father son stuff so going to his parents for Christmas is not his idea of a great tie.  When his dad is accused of murder it is up to Adam and his friends to find out who the real killer is.  

Covet's November releases and contests

Covets have all the sexiness, emotion, and happily ever after that readers have come to expect and love from Entangled. They are firmly grounded in the contemporary world, but each novel brings in supernatural twists, breaking the contemporary and paranormal rules, alike. To find out more about their titles, chat with authors, participate in special events, and to find out what books you’ll be coveting next, visit the Entangled website, follow them on Twitter, LIKE their Facebook page, and join the Book Club.


Today I'm happy to be featuring Covet's November releases which is very exciting because in celebration of these three great new books, they are on sale for just $0.99 for the first week of release only. So they are perfect to download and read over the long holiday weekend between all the hussle and bussle for a nice little break.

Also, make sure to hop on twitter tonight, 11/25 at 8PM to join in the #CovetBash. The authors of these fabulous books will be joining in the fun, and there will be lot's of chances to win prizes, including a grand prize giveaway of Covet's entire backlist to one lucky winner! Details here.

Parts & Wreck by Mark Henry

Wade Crowson, a brutish and brooding playboy and veteran vivisectionist for the Parts Department, runs into more than he bargained for in new partner, Lucid Montgomery, a quirky beauty with a bizarre secret and a string of psychiatric diagnoses she tries hard to keep hidden. Loving Luce will stamp a demonic target on her back and thrust Wade into a frenzied whirlwind of hilarious misunderstandings and, quite possibly, a stripping gig for emptynesters. Can they withstand the savagery of an exorcism (with or without the split pea soup) and come out alive and …in love?

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Goodreads

Operation Saving Daniel by Nina Croft

At eighteen, Melissa seduced her best friend Julia's brother only to run away shortly after. While Daniel was her fairytale prince, Lissa didn’t believe in happy ever afters.

Ten years and a near death experience later, Lissa is ready for a husband and family. But a cry for help from Julia puts that dream on hold. Daniel is acting weird and he’s about to marry his long term girlfriend—AKA The Evil One. Someone needs to save him.

Daniel has never stopped loving Lissa. Ten years ago when he gave her a little freedom, he always intended that one day they would be together. Right up until the moment he was bitten by a werewolf. Now, Daniel has to hide what he is. He won’t risk anyone else, especially the woman he loves.

But Lissa is back. Their attraction is stronger than ever and Lissa is nothing if not tenacious.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Goodreads

The Awakening: Britton by Abby Niles
The Awakening #3

"I would lick that man up one side and down the other."

Half-shifter and lead SPAC agent, Val Calhoun, has listened to women gush over the Don Juan of the precinct for the last four years. Yeah, Detective Britton Townsend is hot and has stunning blue eyes, but that foul mouth he saves only for her? What a waste of good looks. And no way does Val want that mouth anywhere near hers.

When the shifter community is threatened, Val is assigned to the case…and fails. So the High Council turns to the rogue shifter they'd sentenced to twenty years as a human--that same obnoxiously sexy Detective Townsend. And sends the two arch-enemies deep into the North Carolina Mountains-—together, and alone.

Being stuck in a tiny honeymoon cabin with Miss Castration and only one bed is definitely not Britton's idea of a good time. But the High Council doesn’t take no for an answer. After his shifter abilities are restored, Brit is once again susceptible to the dreaded, irreversible bonding instinct, the Drall. Thankfully, all he’s ever felt for Val is intense loathing, no reason to worry. Right? All he has to do is solve this case pronto, and he can go back to his footloose Casanova ways. That is, if they don’t kill each other first. Or worse...fall in love.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Goodreads

Missed the first book in the Awakening series? While these books stand alone, it can be fun to go back and see how the other couple got together. And in celebration of book #3's release, book one, The Awakening: Aidan is on sale for just $0.99 as well, so grab it while you can!

The Awakening: Aidan by Abby Niles
The Awakening #1

Is the gift of eternal love a blessing or a curse? After years of counseling grieving shifters, psychiatrist and half-shifter, Dr. Jaylin Avgar has become jaded on shifter mating. She wants to marry a human and forget about the love for eternity crap. Then she meets Aidan O’Connell, an infuriatingly laid back shifter who represents everything she doesn’t want. Yet, the more he pursues her, the more she craves a future with him. Only one thing stands in her way: death. Can she overcome her fear of losing Aidan to the one guarantee in life? Millionaire consultant, Aidan O’Connell knows he’ll one day meet a woman who’ll awaken an unrelenting mating instinct. Unfortunately, that woman is Jaylin, who has no qualms about telling him that he and his so-called eternity can shove it. When she pushes him away, he takes a drastic step so she can no longer escape. The close proximity throws the instinct into overdrive. Can he control the need engrained in him until he’s certain she will reciprocate the bond, or will a moment of weakness doom him to hell on earth?

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Goodreads

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Best of Three (Counting on Love #3) by Erin Nicholas

Blurb:

Sometimes it takes a couple of tries before you get love right.

Counting on Love, Book 3

Emma Dixon is known for getting in over her head—and having a great time doing it. She’s aware her shenanigans rub Nate Sullivan the wrong way, but getting a rise out of the cocky surgeon is one of her favorite pastimes. Truth be told, exasperated looks aren’t the only things she wants from the guy.

Nate has no intention of taking another trip down the falling-in-love road. Women are carefully compartmentalized—to his bedroom. Women who don’t mind his take-charge tendencies. Women very different from sassy, sexy, independent Emma.

But his usual strategy of arguing with Emma to keep from kissing her goes out the window when his son falls in love with her friend’s daughter. Emma sees a normal teenage romance. Nate sees his plans for the boy’s future ruined.

As Nate tries to derail the relationship, Emma runs interference, putting herself directly in the path of the chemistry that grows stronger every time they butt heads. And that could very well lead to the best surprise of all.

Product Warnings
Contains a guy who knows exactly who he is and what he wants and a girl who’s going to change his mind about, well, everything. Plus inappropriate use of chocolate cake (of course, that depends on your definition of inappropriate).

Review:

I so looked forward to this book.  Emma and Nate were both so different but also so alike.  On the surface they are total opposites but underneath they are more alike than not.  I can so relate to that as that is the way my DH and I are.  Nate needed to loosen up and Emma needed to slow down and they meet in the middle.  This is a fun, sexy read and a great addition to the Counting on Love series.  This can be read stand-alone but I bet you will want to read the others.

Have Yourself a Marine Christmas (Always a Marine #20) by Heather Long

Blurb:

Rebel with a holiday…

Ryan Edward Brun—Rebel to his friends—has always loved Christmas. Whether raising money for Toys for Tots, delivering presents dressed up like Santa Claus or driving his platoon crazy with Christmas ‘surprises.’ He never lacked for Christmas spirit—until he lost his legs to an IED.

Operation Good Cheer…

Noël Torres has watched over Rebel for months, holding his hand when he wanted to give up, and bullying him when he got lazy. But with Christmas right around the corner and decorations filling every room in their wing of Mike’s Place, the barren oasis Rebel surrounds himself in breaks her heart. He won’t call his family, he’s not sending out cards, he won’t pull any pranks—she decides to get this Marine back into the holiday action.

An elf on a mission…

With the help of some kids, a few good Marines, and Santa Claus and Noël is determined to give Rebel a very Marine Christmas…

Review:

This is a holiday story with spirit.  Losing his legs to an IED couldn’t keep Rebel down but associated memories have played havoc with his love for the holiday.  Can Noël help him find his way back or will it take a little Chrissy Carol?  Like all of Heather Long’s Always A Marine stories this one will make you feel and think and laugh and sigh.  Take a stubborn Marine and an even more stubborn nurse add in some chemistry and some seasonal spirit and you have Have Yourself a Marine Christmas.  If this book doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit, check your pulse.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Toys For Tots.  I was lucky enough to have received an advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.  I will donate a toy to make up for that.  

This book goes on sale November 24th.  

Abiding Ink (Inked in the Steel City, #4) by Ranae Rose

Blurb:

Tyler DeHaven may look like a bad boy, but there’s got to be more to the tattoo artist who volunteers at the hospital during the holiday season. Inviting him to a work Christmas party seems innocent enough … at first. Problem is, he’s just as irresistible as he looks and falling fast is more than Mallory bargained for. After all, she’s reminded every day what a gamble love can be, and there’s no question that with him, the stakes are high.

It may be cold outside but Mallory Stephens is the hottest nurse Tyler has ever laid eyes on. To top it off, she also likes ink and wants him to be her holiday party date. He’s not going to say no, and when things get rocky, he’s not going to let their passion frost over, either.

Can a brand-new romance survive the chill as snow falls in the Steel City?

Review:

Tyler has ink. Lots of ink. So people assume he is a “bad boy” but looks can be deceiving.  Tyler has a heart of gold.  He is volunteering at the hospital so his little sister has a ride there when she goes to volunteer for class credit.  He meets Mallory there as she is a nurse.  You often read or watch a movie where the characters “just know” from the moment they meet.  I don’t know if Tyler and Mallory felt it but I did. <G>  Although this is the fourth in the Inked in the Steel City series it can be read stand-alone.  I adored these two characters.  Tyler and Mallory sizzle on the page.  Though this story takes place over Christmas and New Years I can guarantee you won’t feel the cold.

I received an e-arc from the author for a fair and honest review

Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Matzoh and Mistletoe by Jodie Griffin

Blurb:

Every December twenty-fifth, Rebeccah Rickman volunteers through her synagogue so that others can celebrate Christmas. Her usual mitzvah, or good deed, is assisting police officer Jeremy Kohler. But this year is different: this year, Becca is free to act on the attraction that has long simmered between her and the sexy cop.

Jeremy couldn’t have asked for a better gift than discovering the woman he’s fantasized about for five long years is single. But when he learns about the violence that broke up Becca’s marriage, he’s hesitant to pursue her. He fears his desires will scare her away—but can’t deny his own need for control in the bedroom. Or his longing to instruct her in the fine art of submission…

Becca is shocked to learn that Jeremy is a sexual dominant. And despite her past, she’s also aroused. But before she can explore what that means, she’s going to have to put her trust in Jeremy—and her own fledgling desires.

Review:

If you like your holiday stories with a little kink this will be right up your alley.  Because Becca and Jeremy have known each other for five years but done nothing about their attraction to one another because Becca was married their relationship doesn't feel as rushed as it might have in a book this short otherwise.  I really like that Jeremy was sensitive to Becca’s fears and I loved that Becca had a problem with the word submission if not the act.  I think it made it very real for me.  So if you want a spicy holiday read this one will warm you up quick.

I was given an advanced copy of this from NetGalley for a fair and honest review.

Her Sexiest Mistake by Jill Shalvis

Blurb:

Trusting the heart is the most sensual risk of all

With a fab career, a salary that keeps her in her favorite designers, and her own condo, Mia Appleby has everything she dreamed of as a poor little girl gazing out the window of her mom's trailer. Her old life is completely gone. That is until she has a one-night stand with her handsome new neighbor, Kevin McNight. She ends it before she totally falls for him. But Kevin isn't like other men and won't let Mia off that easy. And neither will her runaway Goth niece, Hope, who inconveniently shows up at her doorstep with hopes for a new life. Now, Mia must keep her new fan club at a safe distance-before they burst her fairytale façade.

Review:

I have yet to read anything by Jill Shalvis that I didn't absolutely adore.  This story takes shares the tale of self-made woman Mia Appleby.  Mia has earned her way out of a Tennessee trailer park and into a corner office in an ad agency in Los Angeles.  But to do it she has focused on the work and men were just for stress relief.  Until she meets the hot science teacher down the block.  The chemistry is off the charts.  But when he wants more can she let go and live or will she end up alone after all.  This is an incredibly sweet, sexy and funny all the things Jill Shalvis does best.  This book also makes you think and may just break your heart.

Raising Kane (Fevered Hearts #5) by Heather Long

I was delighted to be wrong when I discovered that I had missed the latest installment of the Fevered Hearts series by Heather Long. I am so enjoying this series.  It is truly delightful and unlike most everything out there.  You aren't going to put a label on these books besides terrific.

Kid Kane was in sad shape at the end of A Fistful of Dreams (Fevered Hearts #4) and honestly I wasn't sure if he could be redeemed.  But through hard work and with help from Quanto & Wyatt Morning Star the Kid may just make it.  Along the way we meet Evelyn Lang also one of the Fevered who has fought her war to the Morning Stars to ask for their aid in training her gifts.  It may be that the best thing for her is the Kid and vice versa.  I am normally not one for books that skip locations and scenes but they are necessary and for the most part transition smoothly.   This is not a stand-alone book.  You really need to have read the others in the series to understand everything Kid has gone through.  I am looking forward to Jason & Wyatts stories.

Fevered Hearts (1-4) by Heather Long

The Fevered Hearts series by Heather Long is wonderfully different.  Sort of a mash-up of PNR and cowboy romance this series drags you in and keeps you wanting more.  I had intended just to read and review the first, Marshal of Hel Dorado, and then each successive one as I could fit them in.  That didn't happen.  After reading the first I couldn't wait to see what happened next so I picked up the second, then the third and fourth books and read them straight through.  This series is addicting and I now have to wait until the next book comes out. 

Marshal of Hel Dorado (Fevered Hearts #1) – Sam Kane is the Marshal who catches the fiery red head Scarlett Morning Star robbing the bank red handed.  To keep her from being lynched by the townsfolk he takes her to his family’s ranch where he discovers that her temper isn't the only thing that heats up.  I loved watching Scarlett grow and fell for the Kane and Morning Star brothers.

Brave Are the Lonely (Fevered Hearts #2) – Cody’s wolf was not happy when Scarlett chose Sam so he takes off with Kid after the wedding.  Along the way they run into a Traveler Caravan under Indian attack and help them fight the attackers off.  You would think Mariska, the headmans daughter, would have been a little more grateful than poisoning their food with a sleeping potion but her actions led to the wolf of her dreams. 

Micah & Mrs. Miller (Fevered Hearts #3) – Micah Kane has a lot to do and picking up the new school teacher is not high on the list of things he wants to do.  But when he meets her his heart knows her for his own.  Unfortunately trouble followed Mrs. Miller and it could destroy all Micah loves and holds dear.  I absolutely adore Micah.  I was thrilled that Jo wasn't another spoiled princess and was able to show a different side of strength.

 Fistful of Dreams (Fevered Hearts #4) – We met Delilah when Kid rescued her from a whorehouse in Fort Courage in Brave Are the Lonely (Fevered Hearts #2).  She has been staying on the Flying K helping where she can and never saying a thing.  Buck is attracted to her and wants to get to know her better so he visits her in her dreams.  What he doesn't know is that Delilah is also one of the Fevered and can entrance with her voice.  Trouble has come to Dorado and the Flying K and everyone is trying to rebuild.  Can Buck help Delilah control her gift and build a dream they can share?

 

These books each feature one couple but they build on the previous one.  You could probably read them stand alone but you’ll get so much more out of them if you read them in order.  I am more than ready for the next one.

Vampire Instinct (Vampire Queen #7) by Joey W. Hill

Blurb:
As servant to vampire mistress Lady Daniela, Elisa is unwaveringly devoted-but she recoils at one shocking request: destroy the untamed, undead children entrusted to her care. There is one desperate option: Malachi, a Native American vampire who is a legend for his work with rehabilitating feline predators. And as Malachi struggles to control the young ones' impulses, he opens himself up to those of Elisa-and the passion they share for the night could seal their fates forever.

Review:
Can be read stand alone
In A Vampire's Claim (Vampire Queen #3) we met Elisa as a second marked servant to Lady Danny.  She had met and was at the beginning of a relationship with a worker named Willis.  They had been assigned to take care of the children turned to vampire hounds by Ruskin.   In Vampire Instinct we find out that one of the vampire fledglings got loose and raped and hurt Elisa in front of Willis’ dying body.  In an effort to decide what can be done for the vampire fledglings and Elisa Lady Danny sends them to a Florida island where the Native American Vampire Malachi rehabs big cats.
There is also a brief mention of Derek Stormwind who is an important character in Something About Witches (Arcane Series #1).
This installment of the Vampire Queen series dwells less on the psychology of sex then on a romance between two hurting souls.  And again I really enjoyed.

Shock & Awe (Sidewinder #1) by Abigail Roux

Blurb:

After barely surviving a shootout in New Orleans, Sidewinder medic Kelly Abbott has to suffer through a month of recovery before he can return home to Colorado. He’s not surprised when fellow Sidewinder Nick O’Flaherty stays with him in New Orleans. Nor is he surprised when Nick travels home with him to help him get back on his feet—after all, years on the same Marine Force Recon team bonded the men in ways that only bleeding for a brother can. He’s very surprised, though, when Nick humors his moment of curiosity and kisses him.

Nick knows all of Kelly’s quirks and caprices, so the kiss was a low-risk move on his part . . . or so he thought. But what should’ve been a simple moment unleashes a flood of confusing emotions and urges that neither man is prepared to address.

Now, Kelly and Nick must figure out what they mean to each other—friends and brothers in arms, or something even deeper?—before the past can come back to ruin their tenuous future.

Review:

m/m spin-off of the Cut & Run series which I am mad for.  When Nick kissed Ty I really didn’t like him but now that he has moved on he isn’t so bad but I really get a kick out of Kelly.  It is fun to see the passion and strength that these guys approach this new relationship.  Something that has mellowed a bit with Ty and Zane (not complaining).  Shock & Awe is two short stories that hopefully will lead into some much longer tales of fun and frolic with Nick and Kelly.

Marine Under the Mistletoe (Always a Marine #19) by Heather Long

Blurb:

He used to believe in magic…

Kaiden Nelson looked like every other Marine, only most of his guys didn’t grow up in a family of nudists, celebrating the wheel of the year and the lunar cycles. His buddies wouldn’t name him a witch, either. But after more than a decade at war, Kaiden isn’t sure he can—or even wants to lay claim to that calling anymore. He’s got too much blood on his hands and he’s tired…tired of war, tired of fighting. Some days…he’s tired of living. When he’s sent on leave for the holidays, he’s unsure if he can ever really go home again.

She’s a candle in the night…

Rowan Harper lives in two worlds, the mundane where she handles tech issues for a major corporation and the pagan where she celebrates the sabbats and esbats with her coven. Like so many in the region, she keeps her beliefs private. It makes life more bearable from others who would judge, and she likes nothing better than the great sabbat retreats the coven takes to the sprawling Lake House. It’s a time where she sheds the shackles of everyday life and embraces the divine.

The wheel turns…

When Kaiden turns up at the coven Yule, his Circle of family and friends are eager to welcome him. He feels unworthy of the open warmth and shies away to the darkness, but Rowan refuses to leave him in the shadows. Can the inexorable pull of one woman help him face down his demons as they hold vigil against the longest night of the year?

Review:

An incredibly touching tale of a Marine reconciling what hes had to do in as part of his job with the tenets he was raised to believe.  He has been a Marine for 10 years and has put in his time in the sandbox.  You can't do that and not come out unchanged.  His friends and family don't judge him as harshly as he judges himself. There comes a light in his darkness in the person of shy computer tech Rowan.  She refuses to let him sit alone in the dark and the love in her heart may bring him into the light once more.  I don't know much about Wicca but the peace of the season comes through loud and clear.  It is apparent to me that the author really cared for the characters of this story and so I did too.  A must read for the holiday season no matter what religion you are.

Note:  The author states that a portion of the proceeds from this book will be donated to Toys For Tots.

Marine Under the Mistletoe

Always a Marine

Release Date: November 10, 2013

All Romance eBooks | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookstrand | Decadent Publishing

About the Author:

National bestselling author, Heather Long, likes long walks in the park, science fiction, superheroes, Marines, and men who aren’t douche bags. Her books are filled with heroes and heroines tangled in romance as hot as Texas summertime. From paranormal historical westerns to contemporary military romance, Heather might switch genres, but one thing is true in all of her stories—her characters drive the books. When she’s not wrangling her menagerie of animals, she devotes her time to family and friends she considers family. She believes if you like your heroes so real you could lick the grit off their chest, and your heroines so likable, you’re sure you’ve been friends with women just like them, you’ll enjoy her worlds as much as she does.

Contact Details:

Website: http://www.heatherlong.net

Email: heather@heatherlong.net

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HeatherLongAuthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/HVLong

UNIFORM Desires (Make Mine Military) by Melissa Schroeder, Delilah Devlin, Sharon Hamilton, Cat Johnson, Elle James, J M Madden

Six Military Romances 

Infatuation by USA Today bestselling author Melissa Schroeder
To prove her love and save her man, she has to go above and beyond the call of duty
SEAL's Honor by award-winning author Elle James
Two Navy SEALs jeopardize their lives and hearts in a battle-torn land when they vie for the love of one sexy Night Stalker helicopter pilot
SEAL the Deal by national bestselling author Sharon Hamilton
A SEAL's nightmare of a promise given at his sister's deathbed gives him the woman of his dreams
Dangerous Liaison by national bestselling author Delilah Devlin
A pampered travel agent escapes through the jungle with an undercover DEA agent when a drug lord mistakes her for a rival's daughter
Her Forever Hero by bestselling author JM Madden
When the boss's pregnant, unwed daughter needs rescuing, disabled Marine Grafton Parks proves he's still a hero
Cinderella Liberty by NY Times & USA Today bestselling author Cat Johnson
A weekend liberty leads to unexpected passion between a Marine and his best friend's sister, but he must survive seven months in Afghanistan to get back to her.

My review:

Best .99 book deal you can get.  Spend this Veteran’s day with some of the sexiest active and former military men and women you have ever had the pleasure of meeting.

Infatuation by USA Today bestselling author Melissa Schroeder.  I’d read this before and enjoyed re-reading it.  Navy Seal Francis McKade has loved his best friends sister for a long time and she may be the only one who can bring him out of the funk he is in from a mission gone south.  Things get steamy in New Orleans.

SEAL's Honor by award-winning author Elle James – Action packed story that has a marine reassessing his views on love and what is important in life.

 SEAL the Deal by national bestselling author Sharon Hamilton – When Navy Seal Nick Dunn heads home it is to find his only living relative, his sister, on her deathbed.  She needs his help in setting her affairs in order and if she can help him get his in order along the way so much the better.  Watch out this one is a real heart breaker.

Dangerous Liaison by national bestselling author Delilah Devlin – Angel has struggled to find his way after his stint in the military but is now working undercover for the DEA.  When he comes across travel agent Maya he knows it is the wrong place and the wrong time for the sparks to fly but oh my; is it hot in here?

Her Forever Hero by bestselling author JM Madden - Grafton Parks lost his arm in service to his country but it hasn’t stopped him from being a protector.  A one night stand with the woman he was supposed to be guarding has ended with her pregnant and him considering a future he had never allowed himself to dream of. 

Cinderella Liberty by NY Times & USA Today bestselling author Cat Johnson – What is the rule about your best friends sister?  Crash knows it but just can’t seem to care when he meets Trish his best bud Zippy’s sister.

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/18Coe4d

Creed of Pleasure: the Space Miner's Concubine (LodeStar, #2) by Cathryn Cade

Blurb:

Her mother's people are renowned for their sensuality, but can her human side go along when she must seduce a man to survive?

Orphaned in New Seattle, Earth II, with only his older brothers between him and the human and alien predators prowling the rough docks, Creed Stark grew into a man with one burning desire—never to cede control of his body or emotions to any living being. Joining a sect of fighting monks, he lived a life of physical control and chastity, until the wild planet of Frontiera called to him to come and mine her treasures.

Now he’s a wealthy man, but still trapped in the solitary life of a frontier miner. That is, until his eldest brother, space magnate Logan Stark sends him a living gift. She’s a concubine, skilled in the art of seduction and giving a man pleasure beyond his wildest dreams ... or is she?

Half-Serpentian or not, in the crime-ridden streets of New Seattle, Earth II, Taara Ravel can’t defend her quirky cousin and herself against an enemy they can’t even see. Then Stark agrees to whisk them away to safety on the new planet of Frontiera—but only for a high price. One the lovely blonde will have to pay with her body.

Review:

This book could probably be read stand-alone but you will get so much more out of it if you read Stark Pleasure; the Space Magnate's Mistress (LodeStar, #1) first.

We met Taara and her cousin Daanel in Stark Pleasure; the Space Magnate's Mistress (LodeStar, #1). When things get too dangerous for them to stay in business on Earth II Taara asks Logan Starke for help.  Logan being the manipulative SOB that got him into trouble in Stark Pleasure agrees to help for a price.  He wants Taara to seduce his brother.  He wants to bring Creed out of his self-imposed isolation and thinks Taara may be able to get through to him.  He doesn’t stop to consider their feelings on the matter.  Nor does he take into consideration that Creed’s mine is under attack from pirates and he may be sending Taara into a dangerous situation not only to her person but to her heart.  I was taken in from page one and really had a hard time putting it down when life interrupted.  I liked Taara and Daanel in the first book and was glad to get to know them better in this one.  I fell for Creed right along with Taara and was pleased that Daanel didn’t let Taara get away with her responsibility for her part in the events that took place.  This book is filled with action, adventure, mystery and a whole lot of steamy loving.  I am really looking forward to the next installment.

Amazon
B&N

Hidden Passions (Hidden #7) by Emma Holly

Blurb:
Sexy fireman Chris Savoy has been closeted all his life. He’s a weretiger in Resurrection, and no shifters are more macho than that city’s. Due to a terrible tragedy in his past, Chris resigned himself to hiding what he is—a resolve that’s threatened the night he lays eyes on cute gay werecop Tony Lupone. 

Tony might be a wolf, but he wakes longings Chris finds difficult to deny. When a threat to the city throws these heroes together, not giving in seems impossible. Following their hearts, however, means risking everything . . . 

Review:
This story runs concurrently with the events that take place in Hidden Dragons (Hidden #5) and is best if you read Hidden Dragons first.
Tony is at a good place in his life. He may be the least dominant male wolf in the Resurrection Police Department but he is a good cop and he has friends and family who have supported his decision to come out as gay. When he meets sexy weretiger fireman Chris Savoy he is smitten. The problem is Chris is tightly in the closet and surrounded by homophobes. Chris is torn between his feelings for Tony and the job that has given him a reason to live. When they are together the chemistry is smoking hot. Tony wasn't the only one who was hurt by Chris’s indecision. I so wanted to smack him upside his sexy furry head.This is a m/m romance with Ms. Holly’s trademark scorching sex scenes so if that isn't your thing you might want to skip this book but if it is you aren't going to find much better than this.

Vampire Mistress (Vampire Queen #5) by Joey W. Hill

Blurb:

Joey W. Hill returns to the dark and seductive landscape of her Vampire Queen novels as a desperate woman named Anwyn finds herself trapped between the desires of two men, each with his own mission of the night: vampire hunter Gideon Green and vampire Daegan Rei. But when Anwyn is attacked by a rogue bloodsucker, Gideon and Daegan must become allies in order to save the woman they both love.

Review:

Re-read:

This and the book that follows may be my very favorite Joey W. Hill books.  This story will tear you up and put you back together again.  Vampire hunter Gideon Green (Jacob’s big brother) has issues.  The girl he loved was killed by a vampire which started him on his current path.  Now his brother is a vampire (The Mark of the Vampire Queen (Vampire Queen #2)) and he is getting tired.  He is looking for release, redemption, or maybe a moments peace when he stumbles upon the BDSM Club Atlantis run by Mistress Anwyn.  When Anwyn is attacked and turned by enemies of Anwyn’s vampire lover Daegan Rei, Gideon and Daegan put aside their differences to care for her.  This is a dark often heart wrenching erotic feast. 

Waiting in the Wings (Soulgirls #3) by Heather Long

Blurb:

"What a prince wants...he takes. "

"Soulgirls, Book 3"

Who can blame Richard for his half-century-long bad mood? For fifty years he's been waiting for his bride to get over the spat that sent her storming away from the safety of his territory. For fifty years, he's missed everything about her-even her whimsical challenges to his authority.

It's time for her to come home, but when he gets a lead on her whereabouts, he's stunned. She's dancing in a glitzy, gaudy Las Vegas show. And her memory of him has been wiped clean.

Kiki finally has the opportunity to headline at the Arcana Royale, but she's not sure she's happy about it. Especially when a dark, handsome stranger arouses forbidden passions from deep inside the fog of her lost past.

Richard has been granted only three days in hostile territory to free his Kiki from the curse binding her mind.

Only one problem. When Kiki remembers Richard, she may not forgive him, but if she never remembers, she'll never be free.

Warning: Contains an arrogant-as-hell vampire prince who will stop at nothing to get the girl he loves, an unpredictable showgirl who loves to party, and scorching sex that drives them both wild.

Review:

The third book in Heather Long’s incredible world of the Arcana Royale.  This time we get to find out why Kiki is there and we learn a little more about the mysterious called The Overseers.  Kiki can afford to be a free spirit as she has no memory of her past but when the vampire prince of New York pays a call she is drawn to him on a level she cannot resist.  I love this series as it is not your everyday PNR.  I recommend that you read the first two in the series as they set up the world and characters you’ll meet in this book.  

Available  Amazon US &  barnes and noble

The Perfect Match (Blue Heron #2) by Kristan Higgins

This is the second in the Blue Heron series but can be read stand-alone.  I came late to Ms. Higgins and have been devouring everything of hers I can find.  She just keeps getting better and better.  She writes sweet romance with some steamy fade to black love scenes.  But she tells a great story and I adore her characters.

Blurb:

What if the perfect match is a perfect surprise? Honor Holland has just been unceremoniously rejected by her lifelong crush. And now—a mere three weeks later—Mr. Perfect is engaged to her best friend. But resilient, reliable Honor is going to pick herself up, dust herself off and get back out there or she would if dating in Manningsport, New York, population 715, wasn't easier said than done.

Charming, handsome British professor Tom Barlow just wants to do right by his unofficial stepson, Charlie, but his visa is about to expire. Now Tom must either get a green card or leave the States—and leave Charlie behind.

In a moment of impulsiveness, Honor agrees to help Tom with a marriage of convenience—and make her ex jealous in the process. But juggling a fiancé, hiding out from her former best friend and managing her job at the family vineyard isn't easy. And as sparks start to fly between Honor and Tom, they might discover that their pretend relationship is far too perfect to be anything but true love.

Review:

I loved seeing under Honor’s perfect façade.  She was so strong and perfect in The Best Man (Blue Heron #1) but you just knew there was something going on that was going to make her crack.  I LOVE Tom flaws and all.  It is so nice to see a positive male role model.  This book left me with a smile on my face and a glow in my heart.

A reminder that a portion of first week sales of THE PERFECT MATCH goes to Fisher House Foundation, which provides a home away from home for military families when a loved one is in the hospital. http://tinyurl.com/ThePerfectMatch-Amazon

Rumor Has It (Animal Magnetism #4) by Jill Shalvis

Blurb:

He’ll help unleash the new woman in her…

Special Ops soldier Griffin Reid doesn’t exactly have happy memories of growing up in Sunshine, Idaho. He’s only come back to recover from a war injury, and while he refuses to admit he’s in a weakened state, he finds comfort in the last person he’d expect.

Kate Evans teaches fourth grade science in Sunshine, the place she’s always called home. Dreaming of graduate school and a happily-ever-after, she’s desperate to break out of the monotony of Sunshine. Luckily, a certain sexy man has just come back into her life.

To Griffin, Kate as always been his little sister’s friend, but now he’s finding her to be so much more. As both attempt to forge their paths, they must decide if their passionate connection can turn into something lasting…

Review:

I was lucky enough to win an Advanced Readers Copy of this delightful book.  Jill Shalvis never fails to charm.  This book is a roller coaster ride of emotional ups and downs.  It is filled with sweet and downright hilarious moments of joy.  I just can’t get enough.  I’ve waited for Kate and Griffin’s story and it was well worth the wait.  Warning this is one book you'll need to make time for because you won't want to put it down.

This book goes on sale November 5^th.

Beloved Vampire (Vampire Queen #4) by Joey W. Hill

Re-read

Blurb:

Escaping the depraved servitude of a vampire master she killed, Jessica has found her way, with three nomadic guides, to the sun-baked desolation of the Sahara-only to slowly perish. Then she hears the tale of Farida, an enigmatic beauty lost as well to the Sahara three centuries ago, whose ancient desire for the legendary vampire Lord Mason is stirring the same desires in Jessica. But the more Jessica's fatal curiosity reveals of Farida, the closer she gets to Lord Mason's irresistible and forbidden secret.

My review:

This book can be read stand-alone.  We met Mason briefly in The Mark of the Vampire Queen (Vampire Queen, #2) this story happens some months after that.  Jessica was forced into becoming a vampire servant and endured the horrid depravity at the hands of her master.  She would escape into her imagination through the stories of Farida and her lover.  She survives her masters death at her hands and escapes into the Saharan Desert looking for Farida’s tomb.  She goes there to die but is instead saved by Lord Mason Farida’s lover and an ancient vampire.  They both have issues but could ultimately end up saving each other.  This is another darkly sensual tale in the Vampire Queen series.  

Archangel's Legion (Guild Hunter #6) by Nalini Singh

Blurb:

Angels are falling from the sky in New York, struck down by a vicious, unknown force.

Vampires are dying impossibly of disease.

Guild hunter Elena Deveraux and the Archangel Raphael must discover the source of the wave of death before it engulfs their city and their people, leaving New York a ruin and Raphael’s Tower under siege by enemy archangels.

Yet even as they fight desperately to save the city, an even darker force is stirring, its chill eyes trained on New York…and on Raphael. Rivers of crimson and nightmares given flesh, the world will never again be the same…

Review:

The BITCH is back.  Nasty things are happening in NY and most of it can be laid at the wicked witch of death – Lijuan’s feet.  She back, she is pissed and she means to take out Raphael.  If that wasn’t enough it appears it is the time of the Cascade when the angels get powers and world changing events occur.  Elena and Raphael will face all kinds of challenges and get help in a surprising form.  The war has just begun.  Action, adventure and love.  All the things Nalini Singh does best.

Vampire Games (Files of the Otherworlder Enforcement Agency #4) by Tiffany Allee

I received copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.  When I requested this book I was unaware that it was part of a series.  It can be read stand-alone. 

Blurb:

She’s seen the past…

OWEA Agent Beatrice Davis is haunted by the death visions that help her solve crimes. When Detective Claude Desmairis, her vampire ex-lover, asks for her assistance on a case, she’d rather help him than take the mandated leave to stave off her burn-out.

The truth won’t stay buried…

Pressed to solve a series of crimes before the perpetrator blows the vampire world apart, Claude turns to a woman he thought he’d been able to leave behind. But he was wrong, and his feelings for her will only bring trouble in an investigation this dangerous.

As their passions reignite, they see a possible future together. Until her visions show her the face of the murderer—a man Claude can never betray.

My review:

Vampire Claude shows up at Beatrice’s door to ask for help.  He needs her gift to help solve his case.  They have a past and it keeps getting in the way.  They need to resolve their issues in order to solve the case.  Loved the mystery aspect.  Maybe if I had read earlier installments in this series I would have liked the characters more.  The story stands on its own the love affair not as well but overall I enjoyed this book.