Men of Calder County: Boxed set of 13 Untamed, unleashed, unforgettable tales of love

Men of Calder County: Boxed set of 13 Untamed, unleashed, unforgettable tales of love by Regina Carlysle, Ciana Stone, Samanatha Cayto, Ann Jacobs, Lacey Thorn, Heather Long , Lynn LaFleur , Kristin Daniels  , Tilly Greene , Ruth D. Kerce , Fran Lee , Gayle Donnelly, Robyn Mackenzie

Blurb:

Men of Calder County

Untamed. Unleashed. Unforgettable. 

13 titillating tales of love as hot as a Texas summer. Novellas about love and lust, loss and discovery with adventure, action, danger and heart-touching romance that are unforgettable. 

Mac by Regina Carlysle. When tragedy strikes Callie's small family, Mac Bonner proves that heroes can be found in a girl's own backyard. 

Rand by Ann Jacobs. The fire of some love can't be extinguished. The only thing that can stand against it are dangers from the past with the power to take everything - even your life. 

Brody by Samantha Cayto. She wanted to make a fresh start, not a new man. The life stepped in and offered more than she ever dreamed. 

Zeb by Ciana Stone. There was nothing in Calder County for him. Or so he thought. Until she kissed him. Now if he can keep them both alive there just might be something worth staying for. 

David by Lynn LaFleur. David and Kris begin to fall in love while filming their movie. But a killer lurks in the background who is determined to destroy their happiness. 

Wade by Kristin Daniels. Save the girl, make her yours and nail the bad guys? Hell yes. Corral your wayward libido while doing that? Uh, Wade’s working on that one. He might’ve let Cassidy go once, but not this time. He’s a cowboy on a mission, ready take down anyone who gets in his way. 

Rayne by Lacey Thorn. Rayne breeds horses on the Texas horse ranch he calls home. Darcy prefers to travel and explore the exotic as far from Texas as she can go. 
When these two opposites collide, will they discover some common ground or will their differences drive them apart? 

Valentine by Heather Long. He hates Sage Creek, its gossipy old ladies, tired old ranchers, and men who were supposed to be his friends. What he doesn't hate is the girl whose heart he broke.Problem is whether he'll be able to win her again. 

Falcon by Ruth D. Kerce. Sheriff Falcon Savage returns to Calder County to find trouble stalking a woman he loved and left behind. Except his love for her never really died and ultimately it saves them both. 

Jack by Tilly Greene 
Jack Murphy knows he’d made a mistake years ago when he pushed aside the cute brunette, now he wants a second chance. 

Flint by Fran Lee...Flint is as hard as his namesake, until one tiny spitfire with a black eye worms her way under that shell... 

Mason by Gayle Donnelly. Local cop, Mason, has big trouble. Not only must he solve a case of vandalism, but he needs to convince his meddling mom that he doesn't need to be married off. But when an old love comes back to town, he might have to re-think that. 

Chase by Robyn Mackenzie. Chase Collier's greatest fantasy from the past has finally returned after ten long years and this time, he has no intention of letting her slip away. But is their incendiary connection enough to finally lay to rest past hurts in order for them to follow their hearts?

My review:

I love box sets.  They are an inexpensive way to get to know new “to me” authors.  Men of Calder County is a set of 13 stories un-connected except they all take place in Calder County, Texas.  Mason is mentioned in Chase but other than that there is really no interaction between tales. 

Calder County knows how to breed em.  Hot, honorable and downright sexy alpha men who know how to get what they want.  Because of the length of these stories there are a lot of second chance romance and instant chemistry stories.  I think my favorite had to be Valentine by Heather Long.  You have to love a story dedicated “For every woman who’s waited for her guy to stop being a bonehead.” Falcon is a “white knight” in a Stetson. David is a cowboy movie star who is out to get his leading lady.  Jack may be the hottest guy in Texas but payback can be bliss.  Just ask Falcon about Dizzy Izzy.  There isn’t a bad story in the bunch. 

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review

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Festive in Death (In Death #39) by J.D. Robb

Blurb:

Eve Dallas deals with a homicide—and the holiday season—in the latest from the #1 New York Times bestselling author.

Personal trainer Trey Ziegler was in peak physical condition. If you didn’t count the kitchen knife in his well-toned chest.

Lieutenant Eve Dallas soon discovers a lineup of women who’d been loved and left by the narcissistic gym rat. While Dallas sorts through the list of Ziegler’s enemies, she’s also dealing with her Christmas shopping list—plus the guest list for her and her billionaire husband’s upcoming holiday bash.

Feeling less than festive, Dallas tries to put aside her distaste for the victim and solve the mystery of his death. There are just a few investigating days left before Christmas, and as New Year’s 2061 approaches, this homicide cop is resolved to stop a cold-blooded killer.

My review:

I LOVE this series.  It never gets old.  Eve may be worried that love has mellowed her but the holidays are guaranteed to bring out the cynic that we know and love.  I love that Eve and Roarke are still slap silly in love with each other even as the real world intrudes on their bliss.  Eve and the gang deal with the murder of a disgusting human being and still they fight for him with all the energy and commitment they would give any of their cases. Another case that will keep you guessing and turning page after page.

Shifting Shadows: Stories from the World of Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs

Blurb:

Mercy Thompson’s world just got a whole lot bigger…

A collection of all-new and previously published short stories featuring Mercy Thompson, “one of the best heroines in the urban fantasy genre today” (Fiction Vixen Book Reviews), and the characters she calls friends…

Includes the new stories…
“Silver”
“Roses in Winter”
“Redemption”
“Hollow”

…and reader favorites
“Fairy Gifts”
“Gray”
“Alpha and Omega”
“Seeing Eye”
“The Star of David”
“In Red, with Pearls”

My review:

This one is for the fans.  If you aren’t familiar with Mercy Thompson go right to your favorite book outlet and purchase Moon Called (Mercy Thompson, #1).  I absolutely adore Mercy and the characters from her world.   Shifting Shadows contains several stories that have been out before printed in various anthologies and four new stories.  I always appreciate the opportunity to have all the shorts in one place.  And hanging out with Mercy and the folks from her world is always a good read.

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Dark Skye (Immortals After Dark #14) by Kresley Cole

Blurb:

In this highly anticipated fifteenth novel in the Immortals After Darkseries, #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole spins a sultry tale of a mighty warrior scarred inside and out and the beguiling sorceress with the power to heal him—or vanquish him forever.

ETERNAL OBSESSION

As a boy, Thronos, prince of Skye Hall, loved Lanthe, a mischievous Sorceri girl who made him question everything about his Vrekener clan. But when the two got caught in the middle of their families’ war, tragedy struck, leaving Thronos and Lanthe bitter enemies. Though centuries have passed, nothing can cool his seething need for the beautiful enchantress who scarred his body—and left an even deeper impression on his soul.

ENDLESS YEARNING

Lanthe, a once-formidable sorceress struggling to reclaim her gifts, searches for love and acceptance with all the wrong immortal suitors. But she’s never forgotten Thronos, the magnificent silver-eyed boy who protected her until she was ripped from the shelter of his arms. One harrowing night changed everything between them. Now he’s a notorious warlord with a blood vendetta against Lanthe, hunting her relentlessly.

CAN THE HEAT OF DESIRE BURN BRIGHTER THAN VENGEANCE?

With their families locked in conflict and battles raging all around them, will Thronos and Lanthe succumb to the brutal chaos that threatens everything they cherish? Or will the fragile bond they formed so long ago spark a passion strong enough to withstand even the darkest doubts?

My review:

Well worth the wait.  You would think that after 14 or 15 novels in a series it might get old but I am here to tell you that this series just keeps getting better and better.

This is a love conquers all story.  Thronos recognizes Lanthe as his mate when they are both children.  Even though their families are each on opposite sides of a war they become secret best friends until the fateful day when his parents kill hers and her sister kills his father.  Feeling betrayed Lanthe uses her sorcery to cause grievous lifelong harm to Thanos.  He has been searching for her ever since.  He isn’t sure if it is for vengeance or to claim her.

Lanthe has been on the run for 500 years but it appears her time has run out when she escapes one prison only to be capture by the boy now full grown who broke her heart.  They are forced to run and fight together.  Can they get past their differences to survive?  Can time heal a broken heart?

Kresley Cole never fails to enthrall us and bring us fully into the fantasy world of her Immortals After Dark.

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Dare to Submit (Dare to Love #4) by Carly Phillips

Blurb:

Decklan Dare knows about the unexpected loss of loved ones and for this reason, he values control in all areas of his life. Amanda Collins enjoys the freedom she finds in casual encounters without the emotional connection a relationship brings. They meet and their physical attraction is mutual but both experience feelings that could run deeper – if they drop their guard and let each other in. Decklan is first to trust, but when he discovers the secret Amanda’s been hiding, will he forgive? Or will he rebuild every wall before she has a chance to explain?

My review:

Dare to Submit is a sizzling hot contemporary erotic romance by Carly Phillips.  Though it is part of a series of loosely connected books it can be read stand alone. 

Decklan Dare is an alpha cop but not über alpha.  He has abandonment issues that he deals with by being in control whenever and wherever he can that is until Amanda Collins gets under his guard. Amada has issues too and has managed to keep her heart fairly safe until she meets Decklan.  Can they take a chance and let the other in?  While they are figuring it out they can and do enjoy each other in the bedroom. 

This is a super quick read.  I read it in one sitting and stopped only to turn on the fan. 

e-copy provided by Netgalley and the author/publisher in exchange for a honest review.

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Taking Control (Kerr Chronicles #2) by Jen Frederick Review & Giveaway

Blurb:

I thought I needed only one thing in my life--the money and power to crush one man. But the moment I laid eyes on Victoria Corielli, my thirst for revenge was replaced by my craving for her.

No rule would keep me away; no obstacle too large to overcome. Not her will, not our differing social positions, not my infamous past. When she lost everything, I helped her pick up the pieces. When she trusted me with everything, she sealed her fate.

I've convinced Victoria she can put her heart in my hands. Now I have to protect it--from her shady stepfather and my business rivals, from enemies known and hidden. I'll do anything to keep her. And I might have to prove it, because now Victoria''s risking more than her heart to be with me; she's risking her life.

My review:

Read the first book Losing Control (Kerr Chronicles #1) before you read this. 

Taking Control takes up where Losing Control left off.  Former bike messenger Victoria Corielli aka Tiny has moved in with billionaire businessman Ian Kerr.  They are desperately in love and lust.  They can hardly keep their hands of each other leading to a whole lot of sex throughout the book.  Tiny still has self-esteem issues caused by her dyslexia and Ian’s wealth.  But Ian is for the most part patient and proves to her in every way he can that he loves her.  The specter of their pasts keeps them from the bliss they deserve but you can’t keep a strong billionaire down what money can’t fix love can.

Taking Control is an erotic romance that will have you laughing, crying and rooting for the home team.  The author makes sure that you want to see these two succeed. 

Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

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Rock Addiction (Rock Kiss #1) by Nalini Singh

Blurb:

A bad boy wrapped in a sexy, muscled, grown-up package might be worth a little risk… 

Molly Webster has always followed the rules. After an ugly scandal tore apart her childhood and made her the focus of the media’s harsh spotlight, she vowed to live an ordinary life. No fame. No impropriety. No pain. Then she meets Zachary Fox, a tattooed bad boy rocker with a voice like whiskey and sin, and a touch that could become an addiction. 

A one-night stand with the hottest rock star on the planet, that’s all it was meant to be… 

Fox promises scorching heat and dangerous pleasure, coaxing Molly to extend their one-night stand into a one-month fling. After that, he’ll be gone forever, his life never again intersecting with her own. Sex and sin and sensual indulgence, all with an expiration date. No ties, no regrets. Too late, Molly realizes it isn’t only her body that’s become addicted to Fox, but her heart…

My review:

Nalini Singh is one of my auto-buy authors.  I’ve never read anything of hers that wasn’t well crafted.  Rock Addiction is very different than Ms. Singh’s paranormal works.  This is a hard rocking, hard sexing, rock and roll contemporary romance.  Bad boy rocker Zachary Fox is just as alpha in his own way as any of the other heroes Ms. Singh has written and librarian Molly Webster is smart, sassy, and stronger than she knows.  When these two come together magic happens.  Put aside your expectations and enjoy the ride. 

Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

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