Werewolves Be Damned (Magic & Mayhem #1) by Stacey Kennedy

Werewolves Be Damned I love this title. Stacy Kennedy is a multifaceted author who never fails to delight. She hasn't failed this time either. 

In this paranormal universe Earth and the Otherworld coexist and Supernatural Guardians protect humans from bad supernaturals and clean up any messes they leave behind. We meet our very special heroine part witch, part guardian Nexi Jones as her adoptive parents are killed by werewolves. This is when she finds out that her heritage is not what she was lead to believe. She has mad skills but needs to be trained. Enter sexy Guardian Elite Kyden who volunteers to train Nexis Guardian side so she can avenge he adoptive parents. He has moves any action hero would sell their first born for and Nexi is not unaffected. But there is someone stirring up the rogue wolves and they want Nexi bad. Can Nexi stay alive long enough to get her revenge and explore her feelings toward Kyden?

This is a fast paced, sexy action-adventure. I have high hopes for the future of this series.

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

Seducing Charlotte by Diana Quincy

“Would you fight for love, Charlotte? No matter what the cost?”  Her chest felt painfully hollow. “I don’t know.” But of course she already had. Just not in the way he meant.  “Don’t you?” His face lowered to the side of her bare neck.  The warmth of his lips, the roughness of the skin on his cheek, slid across her sensitive skin. He inhaled, as if savoring her essence. “I would, you know. I would not just fight. I would claw and scrape for it. I would, apparently, suffer untold humiliation for it. For you.”

That scene just floored me.  Seducing Charlotte is a historical romance with a bluestocking leading lady and a titled leading man.  Set among a fascinating backdrop this is one of the best historical romances I've read in a long time.  I shall be looking for more from this author.  

I'd like to thank Entangled Publishing for giving me a copy to read and review.  It has been my pleasure.

The Seduction Hypothesis (The Science of Temptation #2) by Delphine Dryden

In The Seduction Hypothesis Lindsey and Ben are headed to BeastCon with their friends and it is a bit awkward as they are no longer a couple.  Lindsey still lusts after Ben but if he wants her back he is going to have to work for it.  He wants her but before he can figure out how to get her back he has to figure out why they broke up in the first place.  With the help of some old friends (Cami & Ivan from The Theory of Attraction) and new, some role playing, and some honest communication Ben gets Lindsey to give him a chance at the convention but is this a hook up or a new beginning?

Nobody writes Geek Love like Delphine Dryden.  A little kink, some romance and a whole lot of geeky goodness I loved this book!  This story is funny, quirky, sexy and an outright blast.

This book goes on sale May 6th

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

Leonardo (The Santinis #1) by Melissa Schroeder

Leo Santini is an Army medic newly assigned to teach in San Antonio.  While visiting a friend in the base hospital he meets physical therapist Maryanne Johnson.  He is captivated from the first time he meets her.  She is a tough as nails military brat with a heart of gold.  She has been burned by military guys before will Leo break her heart too? 

When Leo finds himself in love with Maryanne he will do anything it takes to make her fall in love with him.  Even if it means he has to listen to his mother.

This is the first of the Santini brothers series by Melissa Schroeder.  Each brother is in the military but a different branch.  Leo is in the Army.  I must admit being partial to the Navy but that’s okay because Marco is coming out next.  You can’t miss with a Melissa Schroeder military man.  

Embracing the Lemonade Life by Sandra Sookoo

Contemporary romance.  Clara is a cancer survivor.  Her experience with the disease has forced her to take a look at life and decide how she wants to live it.  She is intimately aware that life can be short.  Her philosophy is “When life gives you lemons, use them for lemonade or let them sour your life.”  She doesn't want to live a sour life and makes some damn fine lemonade.  She has moved to the small town of Bridgewater, Indiana where she’s opened up the Cute as a Button B & B.

When Jake returns to Bridgewater, the town he left skid marks leaving, for his friend’s wedding he puts the wedding party up at the Cute as a Button B & B.  He can’t figure out whether Clara is cute or crazy but he wants to get to know her better.  He is amazed by her attitude and yearns to understand it.  But can they have a future?  He lives in the big city and her illness is a factor to be considered.

Sandra Sookoo writes so many genres I never really know what I’m getting when I pick up one of her books other than a great story.  This could have been really sappy and or saccharine but it was neither.   Both characters seemed very real to me.  I laughed, I cried, and I sighed.  What a wonderful story.

The Mystery Woman (Ladies of Lantern Street #2) by Amanda Quick

Another historical mystery/romance with a bit of a paranormal bent by Jayne Anne Krentz’s alter ego Amanda Quick .

The Ladies of Lantern Street are private investigators with a little extra.  They each have a paranormal talent.  Beatrice Lockwood came to work for the Ladies after her previous employer was murdered and now his murderer is looking for her.   Joshua North doesn't believe in the paranormal but has the reputation of being able to find anyone.  He has found Beatrice and now so has the man who killed her former employer.  Joshua needs to keep Beatrice safe but can he keep his heart safe too?

I love these stories.  The mix of mystery, romance and humor are a fantastic way to while away a rainy afternoon.  Literary escapism at its best.

Not Without Risk by Sarah Grimm

Paige Conroy receives a call from her past and discovers an old friend dead.  Enter homicide cop Justin Harrison just now back on the job after being shot.  There is an instant mind blowing connection between the two but he doesn't do love and she doesn't do cops after losing her cop fiancé on the job three years earlier.  Problem is she now has a stalker and it is up to Justin to keep her alive.  Can he keep her and his heart safe?

I really got a kick out of this.  The characters were real and the interaction between Justin and Paige was intense. If you want a quick romantic suspense read I recommend Not Without Risk.

Cowboy Up by Melissa Schroeder

LOVE the new cover.  This is a short smoking hot tale about starting over.  This is a friends reunited into lovers type of tale that is always fun to read.  These characters have a history and chemistry just won't let them stay angry at each other.  Not as kinky as Melissa Schroeder's ALH series but a sexy fun read just the same.

Short Rides (Rough Riders #14.5) by Lorelei James

Lorelei James is one of my auto-buy authors.  If you want smoking hot cowboys she is a must read.  Short Rides is an anthology for fans of her Rough Riders series.  I guess you could read it stand alone but you will get more out of it if you are familiar with the series.

King of Hearts (previously published in the Guns and Roses anthology) - Cam has to deal with the results of a case of PTSD gone horribly wrong and worries that he could go the same route.

Rough Road - Chassie, Trevor and Edgard Glanzer live an alternative lifestyle and now their kids have to deal with small town small minded people.

All Knocked Up -- Keely and Jack Donohue are having a baby.  How are they going to fare in the McKay baby race?

When you have become intimately acquainted with the many McKays and Wests it is nice to be able check in with them from time to time.

Ten Reasons to Stay by Sabrina Jeffries

Ten Reasons to Stay was previously published in the anthology The School for Heiresses.

Eliza Crenshawe has run away from her uncle/guardian who plans to marry her off against her will.  She runs to Chaunceston Hall to “borrow” a horse so that she might return to her school and her friends.  Unfortunately Eliza runs into Colin Hunt, the new Earl of Montieth and lord of  Chaunceston Hall.  He is less than thrilled to discover that the horse thief is a young woman.  He is even less thrilled when she refuses to tell him who she is or why she is trying to “borrow” a horse. 

Although the story is fairly predictable it was also a lot of fun.  Ms. Jeffries infuses her characters with a sense of fun and sensuality that every read is a delight.

Ebook supplied from NetGalley for an honest review

This title goes on sale May 6th

The ups and downs of self-publishing.

I am a big fan of self-publishing.  It means that I can get some of my new favorite authors back list at a decent price.  There is however a down side.  First there is a lot of dreck out there and you have to wade through it.  Even if you find something by an author you are familiar with there is no guarantee of quality.  Those of you who follow my blog know I am a huge fan of Melissa Schroeder.  Ms. Schroeder recently re-released her story The Sweet Shoppe: Cowboy Up.  It has a new flaming hot cover by Brandy Varner Walker that is total eye candy.  The story itself is short but has all the steamy sex you've come to expect from Ms. Schroeder.  What I had issue with was the poor formatting.  It was really distracting while trying to read.  And it isn't just Ms. Schroeder’s work.  I find it more often than not in self pubbed work.  I have no idea what programs these authors are using but I do hope that the formatting bugs are worked out soon.  In the mean time I’ll just grin and bear it.

Midnight Alias (Killer Instincts #2) by Elle Kennedy

A DEA agent has gone missing and Jim Morgans mercenary group has been hired to find him.  Ladies man Luke needs to get close to Olivia Taylor aka Livie Lovelace a stripper at the Diamond Mine the last place the DEA agent was seen.  The problem is the mobster that runs the joint has claimed Olivia as his and he doesn't share.  Getting close to her will be tough but Luke is up for the job.  What he doesn't expect is what he finds himself feeling for her when he does.  She is not what he expected.  Now all he has to do is find the DEA agent and get Olivia away from the mobster and convince her that he is the guy for her.  He might have more luck knife fighting with Abby.

The second in the Killer Instincts romantic suspense series is as good if not better than the first.  The men are hot and heroic.  The women are smart and sassy.  What more do you need?  Fans of Lori Fosters Edge of Honor series will enjoy this.

I look forward to Trevor & Isabel’s story out in August.

Midnight Rescue (Killer Instincts #1) by Elle Kennedy

She is mad bad and dangerous.  Abby Sinclair is on a mission.  She was sent to take out a Columbian bad guy but when she finds out he has several little girls he plans to sell she goes off mission to rescue them.  She is aided by a mercenary group where she meets Kane.  He is rough, tough and takes no guff.  She is not used to working or playing with others.  Kane has met his match in Abby and if they live through this he may even get to prove it to her.

This a fast paced adventure.  If you like Lori Foster or Julie Ann Walker I think you’ll get a kick out of this.

Lone Wolf (Shifters Unbound #4.6) by Jennifer Ashley

Blurb:

Ellison's story

Ellison Rowe, a Lupine Shifter, makes it his goal to protect Maria, once held captive by ferals, from male Shifters looking for mates. He likes Maria's resilience and fire, but she's been broken, and Ellison wants more than anything to heal her. When a new danger threatens Shiftertown's cubs, Maria partners with Ellison to stop a cold-blooded criminal.

My take:

Ellison is a wolf shifter with a heart and a smile as big as Texas.  He has been a secondary character in several of the Austin Shiftertown stories and I've been enchanted with him and his big heart and sense of humor in each instance.  I was thrilled that Ms. Ashley  found a mate worthy of him.  Can’t wait for Tigers story.

Midnight Secrets by Ella Grace

Savannah and her sisters grew up in the big house on the hill with their grandfather after her parents supposed murder/suicide while Zach was the bad boy son of the town tramp.  Despite all that he was her hero, her first crush, her first love, first kiss, first sexual experience and first heartbreak.  Now it is 10 years later and she has come back to town to clear out the big house after her grandfather’s death.  Zach has come home too but he is now the town sheriff.  They are bound to run into each other especially now that there are questions being raised about her parents deaths.  Can they get past their past and perhaps have a future?

This book is the first of a new series surrounding the sisters.  This book has it all murder, mayhem, and romance.  It also has small town gossip and backstabbing, hunky men and steamy southern nights.  I enjoyed my visit to Midnight, Alabama and look forward to visiting again.

I won an ARC of this book from Night Owl Reviews.  This book goes on sale April 30th 2013

Headed for Trouble (Troubleshooters) by Suzanne Brockmann

I love Suzanne Brockmann’s Troubleshooters.  And although I’d read most of the shorts in this anthology it is nice to have them all in one place.  There is also a time line to help place when and where the stories take place.  Ms. Brockmann has included an all new story A Seal and Three Babies" featuring Sam, Jules, Robin and their families.   This is probably not a stand-alone book but rather a gift for those of us who love and can’t get enough of the Troubleshooters.  As a fan all I can say is thanks.  And now all I want to do is go re-read the whole series.

ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review

This book goes on sale April 30, 2013

Dancing with the Devil (Nikki & Michael #1) by Keri Arthur

Nikki James is a Private Investigator with a little something extra.  She has psychic gifts that help her do her job.  But when she comes up against an evil that has been killing girls in her town she needs help.  Michael is a vampire and a vampire hunter who has been sent to protect Nikki and when he finds out that the evil she is fighting is a vampire he has sworn to destroy it puts Nikki in even more danger.  Not to mention the danger to her heart.

Keri Arthur does great PNR and vampires and this is no exception.  Nikki is a strong woman who is afraid to love and Michael has a serious case of vampire angst but you have to figure they get over it somewhere in the next three books.  I look forward to seeing it happen.

This title will be re-released on July 30, 2013.

Real Men Don't Quit by Coleen Kwan

Real Men Don't Quit is loosely connected to Real Men Don't Break Hearts but can be read stand alone. 

Famous author Luke Maguire moves next door to single mother Tyler Jones.  He is a gypsy type keeping his possessions few and never staying anywhere very long.  He has Daddy issues as in his didn’t stick around.  When he looks in the mirror he sees his father and vows never to do to any woman what his dad did to his mom.  Tyler has Mommy issues.  Her mother dropped her off at a foster home and never looked back.  Tyler was in the system for a couple years until her aunt found her and took her under her wing.  Tyler is determined to be the best mother she can be to her daughter and not depend on anyone else.  When Luke and Tyler meet the chemistry is volcanic.  Can these two independent souls find happiness with each other or will they let the past prevent them from having a future?

I was afraid that this was going to be one cliché after another and admittedly there were some rather done scenes but over all I really enjoyed this story.  Luke was real and Tyler was charismatic.  Tyler is the girl I want to be friends with.  Luke wasn't perfect but that’s what made this story fun to read.  For those who enjoy contemporary romance this is a fun read.

ARC provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review

A Vampire's Salvation (Beyond Human Novellas #1) by Virna DePaul

A short sexy tale of vampire love.  Jake Rios is a vampire who works security for the Governor.  Frankie Stewart is the governor’s “go-green” political consultant and Jake’s “one true mate”.  He just has to let her know that and that isn't going to be easy.  Frankie doesn't date.  She was burned by her first love and doesn't trust easily.  After six months of mutual attraction Jake finally makes his move and things get hot quickly.

I really liked Jake & Frankie.  The chemistry between the two is off the charts.  I wish it would have ended differently but know that it was a teaser for the next book.  If you like your PNR spicy this quick read is for you.

I received this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book goes on sale April 22^nd

Wrecked by Shiloh Walker

Sweet, sexy, friends to lovers contemporary romance.

Child stars Zach Barnes & Abigale Applegate have left the Hollywood life behind but not each other.  Zach has been Abby’s best friend for 20 years so when she gets dumped two months before her wedding she calls Zach.  The problem is that Zach has no problem with the impending marriage falling through because he has loved Abby his whole life.  Everybody sees it but her.  So when Abby wants to celebrate her new found freedom with a torrid affair Zach sees a way to make her see him.  He figures if he can get her into bed maybe she will let him into her heart as well. 

Check your brain at the door and enjoy the ride.  This was a fun read.  I loved that this time it was the guy holding the torch for the girl and the girl being totally oblivious.  

A Woman Entangled by Cecilia Grant

Blurb:

Kate Westbrook has dreams far bigger than romance. Love won’t get her into London’s most consequential parties, nor prevent her sisters from being snubbed and looked down upon—all because their besotted father unadvisedly married an actress. But a noble husband for Kate would deliver a future most suited to the granddaughter of an earl. Armed with ingenuity, breathtaking beauty, and the help of an idle aunt with connections, Kate is poised to make her dreams come true. Unfortunately, a familiar face—albeit a maddeningly handsome one—appears bent on upsetting her scheme.

Implored by Kate’s worried father to fend off the rogues eager to exploit his daughter’s charms, Nick Blackshear has set aside the torch he’s carried for Kate in order to do right by his friend. Anyway, she made quite clear that his feelings were not returned—though policing her won’t abate Nick’s desire. Reckless passion leads to love’s awakening, but time is running out. Kate must see for herself that the charms of high society are nothing compared to the infinite sweet pleasures demanded by the heart.

My Thoughts:

Oh how I wanted to hate Kate.  She has the eye of every man yet refuses to allow them to pay suit as she has her grand plans to repair the family name by marrying a respected member of the Ton.  But every time I was ready to go aha! she would do something incredible sweet.  This is a wonderful tale dealing with the class systems and those of family as well.  Cecilia Grant is a new to me author but I will be checking out her backlist and will look for her future titles as well.  This was a well written story and I am thrilled to have been offered the opportunity by Bantam via NetGalley to read and review in exchange for my honest opinion.  If you enjoy historical romance read this book you won’t be disappointed.

This book goes on sale June 25th 2013 

Night Demon by Lisa Kessler

An interesting take on vampires and the Mayan Apocalypse. 

Gretchen is an archaeologist working in the Yucatan with brilliant and eccentric Lukas Smith.  They've discovered glyphs that tell the tales of the night walkers.  Something Lukas is familiar with as he is one.  The altar they've found was used for a sacrifice to banish a demon.  And now someone has freed the demon and Gretchen & Lukas need to find a way to stop the Night Deon before she destroys life on earth as we know it.

A fascinating tale.  It took me a bit to get into it as the author bounced around  some but as the story unfolded it was well worth it.   

The Truth About Numbnuts and Chubbs by Cat Kelly

Okay so I bought this because the title intrigued me.  This is a funny, sexy contemporary romance.  Ben & Bryony met sixteen years ago at their cousins wedding.  He was a groomsman and she was in the bridal party thus forcing them together.  He was a scrappy 17 year old and she was a chubby 13.  Now he is a wildly successful business man and she is starting over as an accountant at a new to her firm.  When they meet again they are drawn together despite their differences.  Can the man who has sworn never to marry get together with the woman who has sworn never to settle?

Funny, sexy, sweet all the things a good romance should have.  I got a kick out of these two strong characters.  

Blood Trade (Jane Yellowrock #6) by Faith Hunter

Once again Faith Hunter brings us another fantastic adventure in the life of Jane Yellowrock, shape shifter and vampire hunter.

Jane is offered a job in Natchez, Mississippi and though her adventures in that city to date have been harrowing she will do just about anything to get out of NOLA and away from the MOC Leo Pellissier for a while.  This trip is no less dangerous maybe even more so.  There is a new breed of vamp out there and they are much harder to kill.  She has help in the form of the Younger brothers and eventually PsyLED in the form of Rick LeFleur and company and of course Bruiser shows up to protect his and Leo’s interests.  When it seems that there are witches involved Jane calls in Big Evan and despite their personal problems Evan agrees to help.  Nothing keeps this big cat down for long.

Rip roaring fast paced rollercoaster adventure from start to finish.  

Touch & Geaux (Cut & Run #7) by Abigail Roux

This series has always been an emotional roller coaster but this book tops them all.

Ty’s Sidewinder friends con Ty & Zane into going to New Orleans, a city that holds secrets from both of their pasts and forces them into the light.  There is danger both physical and emotional.  Will this be the end of our boys?

I can’t begin to say how much I love this series.  I will re-read these books over and over again.

Project: Runaway Heiress by Heidi Betts

Lily has created something to be proud of. She has started her own fashion house in New York. With her sisters doing the accessories and shoes they are a creating something special. When her designs start showing up in LA at a competitors house she is determined to find out who is stealing her designs. To that end she takes a job as personal assistant position with Nigel Statham, CEO of Ashdown Abbey the company at which her designs are appearing. She doesn't expect to be so darn attracted to him. All she can hope is that he isn't involved with the theft.
Nigel Statham is trying to bring Britain’s Ashdown Abbey fashions to America. He works hard and is having trouble finding a PA he can keep. In LA everyone is an actress or a wanna be designer. He needs a PA so when Lily shows up and is competent he is conflicted. He is thrilled to have an efficient PA but his attraction to her is darned inconvenient. Will the attraction last when he finds out she is not who she appears to be?

This is a sweet contemporary romance. I really liked Nigel and Lily and wanted to see them succeed but they had a lot of obstacles in the way. Heidi Betts handled it realistically and well.

On a side note: I've followed Ms. Betts bloghttp://heidibetts.com/wipsandchains/ for a year or so now and have enjoyed her humor and watching the book writing process from afar. She had a couple of days where this book tried her patience. All I can say is that from my perspective it was well worth the angst because the final product was so well done.

Tempting Cameron (Lone Pine Lake Book #2) by Karen Erickson

This book takes place in the same world as Jane’s Gift but can be read stand-alone.

Cameron McKenzie is back in town for Jane’s wedding.  He left town when he was 18 and hasn't looked back. He is a gifted photographer who has traveled the world.  Chloe is his little sister Jane’s friend a good girl schoolteacher who has always had a crush on Cam.  Chloe is all grown up and Cam has noticed even though he doesn't feel like he should.  He is a good time guy and she is a forever kind of girl.  When Chloe asks Cam for a chance to walk on the wild side he knows he shouldn't take her up on it but he can’t seem to say no to the good girl all grown up.

This is a sweet romance with an emotionally scarred guy and a woman who will give all for love without being a total pushover.  A fine line but Ms. Erickson walks it well.  Every time I wanted to kick Cam’s butt Chloe brought something out in him that made me want to go cuddle him.  Well played.

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

This book will be released on April 8^th.