Vacation!

I'm going on vacation with the DH.  Communication may be spotty I'll check in with what I'm reading and doing as I can. Until then be safe and Read-on.

MacRieve (Immortals After Dark #13) by Kresley Cole

You either love the IAD or you don’t.  I LOVE this series.  Nobody can take a dark and twisted hero and redeem him like Ms. Cole.  Uilleam (Will) MacRieve  is not quite as twisted as Lothair but he takes a close second.  Eternity is too long to suffer the way MacRieve has.  When he survives the torture at the hands of the Order that’s all he did.  He has nothing to live for not even revenge.   He has just about convinced himself to end it all when he finds Chloe, his mate.  But she is human or is she?  When Chloe transitions MacRieve  will have to face his past or lose his future.

Fans of IAD will love this latest installment.  Can’t wait to find out what happens to Will’s twin Munro.

Covering the Spread By Destiny Blaine

Blurb:

He’s playing for his brother’s debt

 Quarterback Lane Levermore is in a hell of a fix. He’s set to play in one of the most important games of his career, and his brother is in too deep with Vegas bookmakers, bookies who are looking at Lane for repayment.

She’s stumbled across questionable pre-game lines

 Feisty sports reporter Donna Belfour has her eye on Lane Levermore. Her instincts are razor sharp, and she knows there’s a world of heat gathering around her favorite quarterback. Determined to call Lane out on his unfavorable intentions, Donna digs up some scandalous information that could ruin careers.

 Winning the game will come at an extraordinary price

 After a frustrating first half, Lane acknowledges a serious problem with one sexy vixen. He hauls Donna off to a nearby vacant office and addresses a few of those more personal concerns. By the start of the third quarter, Lane’s luck has definitely changed. He is confident he will not only cover the game spread, but with any luck, he may just win his woman’s heart.

Review:

I can’t add anything; the blurb pretty much says it all.  This is a short sizzling hot erotic romance.  Grab a glass of something cold and enjoy. 

I'd like to thank the author for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Gamble in Gold: A Flirting to Win Novella by Natalie Anderson

Blurb:

Seven years have passed since shy Lexie Peterson had her heart trampled by her teenage crush. And Luke Marchetti walks into his flat to find Lexie in a negligee, all he can think of is having a little flirt and fling. But Lexie’s determination to keep him at a distance makes him realize she deserves more than he can offer. Is one kiss enough to entice the two to take a gamble on love?

My review:

I love a good second chance story and this quick, sexy-sweet story tells of the beginning of a wonderful chance at love.  This is a story about past hurts and misunderstandings getting in the way of a chance of a future.  I got a kick out of these characters and wouldn’t mind re-visiting them.

I'd like to thank the publisher for allowing me the chance to read and review.

Ride 'em, Konnichiwa Cowboy, Giddy up (Branded #1,2,3) by Tilly Greene

Ride 'em – Sunflower Forever Free ran from the commune where she was born and found her way to Rosa & Jose Martinez’s diner when she was around 15.  They took her in gave her a place to live, work and go to school.  It is now 10 years later and Sunflower is all grown up and knows what she wants.  With the help of Ted & Matt Wilson she goes to the local fetish club where she has until now found release but not love.  There she meets rehabilitated bad boy Courtland Dickerson.  The attraction is instant and scorching. Can the reformed bad boy give the good girl what she needs?

I liked Sunny from the start.  It took me a bit to warm up to Court.  But when they finally get together break out the fans and cold drinks.

Konnichiwa Cowboy - Konnichiwa Cowboy is basically a prequel to Giddy up.  It is a short, smoking hot tale of forbidden love.  Matt Wilson has the hots for Sakura Nakamura but she is the daughter of the man he needs to do business with in Japan.  Sakura lusts after the hot cowboy and finds a way to make it happen. 

Break out the ice cubes this one is short but white hot.

Giddy up - Sakura Nakamura and her friend Molly have come to the Wilsons ranch to help set up the system that will allow them to sell their beef in Japan.  Sakura also wants a repeat of what happened in Japan (in Konnichiwa Cowboy) and if Ted joins in so much the better.  Can Sakura have her cowboys, kinky sex and love?

This may be the best in the series yet.  I look forward to Molly & Jon’s story but whoo doggies this story is jalapeño hot.

This is a Contemporary Western Erotic Romance + bondage, ménage a trois, toys and is Multicultural novella at 34,500 words.

Now Available for pre-order at $0.99 from All Romance - https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-giddyup-1269750-340.html    (on sale September 17)

The Series

Branded is a Contemporary Western Erotic Romance

Book 1 - Ride ‘em [bondage, D/s and ménage]

Book 2 - Konnichiwa Cowboy [D/s and Multicultural]

Book 3 – Giddy Up [ménage a trois, bondage and Multicultural]

Book 4 – Jon Black’s Woman [D/s, bondage and Multicultural] – expected 2014

Out of Control by Desiree Holt

Blurb:

Twenty five years ago Carrie Nolan was the only victim to survive the killing spree of a pedophile. Her life has been frozen in time, and not even a move to a distant city and a name change has healed the wounds that left her emotionally and sexually scarred. Determined finally to reclaim her life, Carrie returns to High Ridge as multi-published crime novelist, Dana Moretti, in hope of asking the questions that would lay her nightmares to rest.

Sheriff Cole Landry, came to High Ridge to escape the horrors of Iraq and Afghanistan, but soon after the sexy author arrives and starts poking her nose into matters best forgotten, his town once again becomes the hunting ground of a ruthless killer. She's sure it's the same man, and he's not all that convinced she's wrong. Keeping Dana safe means keeping her close--very close--under his protection, under him.

Between her sexual need for Cole and the danger lurking behind every stranger's face, her world is spinning out of control

My Review:

Desiree Holt is one of my go to authors for hot romance so when I read this wonderful mystery I was pleasantly surprised.  Yes there are a couple of hot scenes in this book but it really is all about the mystery and growing romance between Cole & Dana.  It just goes to prove that Ms. Holt can write just about anything and make you love it.

Personal Assets (Texas Nights #1) by Kelsey Browning

Warning! Don’t read this until you have time to read it all.  I stayed up late to finish this fun tale of love by “new to me” author Kelsey Browning.  Cameron Wright has come home to open his new business and settle down so when the town “Princess” and good girl wants to use his body for no strings sex he is a little conflicted.  This is a well written witty tale about the nature of love and the modern woman. I am looking forward to Roxanne’s story but really can’t wait for Eden and Beck’s story (it’s always the quite ones).

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.  

Hearts in Darkness (Nikki & Michael #2) by Keri Arthur

The second in this series starts with Nikki realizing she regrets parting with Michael and misses the connection they share.  She is on a case with Jake that ends up connecting with one that Michael too is working on from a different angle.  Nikki and Michael go under cover in Jackson Hole, WY to defeat the vampire who made Michael and another who is using dark magic.  Nikki and Michael may not have to worry about their issues if they can’t win this one.

I am a fan of Keri Arthur and have yet to read anything by her that I didn’t like.  That still holds true.  In this second installment we find out a lot more about Michael and what he does.  Nikki finds her powers growing and doesn’t know if it is from her connection to Michael or not.  I tend to think not and hope we learn more in the next book.  This is paranormal action adventure at its finest. 

I’d like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review.

This title will be re-released in August, 2013

Written in the Stars by Sherill Bodine & Patricia Rosemoor

I am not usually a big fan of books that bounce back and forth through time.  This book did it in a way that was more palatable than most.  This is a story of love across time.  In 1601 Lady Elizabeth York writes her story in a journal that will end up in the hands of present-day marine archeologist Cordelia Ward.  Cordelia reads that Elizabeth has the same birthmark as she does.  In her day it proclaimed her as a woman of magic.  Present day Cordelia has a touch of telekinesis.  Due to the jealousy and power hunger of her betrothed Elizabeth lost her true love but swore they would be together one day.  Is today that day?  Cordelia has choices to make as well could she be the one to end the curse and bring Elizabeth and her true loves souls together again?  Romance with a twist that once I got started I had to finish. 

This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review by Entangled Publishing

Turn and Burn (Blacktop Cowboys #5) by Lorelei James

Blurb:

Tanna Barker is a world champion barrel racer. But her personal life has been less of a success, and she’s feeling adrift. After her mother’s unexpected death, her father has remarried, and sold the Texas ranch she called home. Now a rodeo injury has left the restless spitfire holed up in Muddy Gap, unsure what her next move should be.

Until she meets her match in a wild, wild cowboy

Veterinarian August Fletcher has always put his job first. He’s never found a woman who could handle his on-the-road lifestyle. But when sassy, sexy Tanna blows into town, he finally finds the woman of his fantasies. And there’s something between them, but she claims she’s been burned by love ’em and leave ’em road dogs before. How can Fletch prove that he’s in it for the long haul, and that their sizzling relationship is better than winning any rodeo medal? It’ll take some sweet persuasion to convince Tanna that Muddy Gap is where she belongs.

My Review:

I loved that these characters were older and more secure in what they wanted from life.  The sex as always in a Lorelei James book was smoking off the charts.  I wasn’t thrilled with the term “Sugar Twang” but given their start it could have been worse.  This is the fifth in the series but can be read stand-alone.  I recommend reading the others first so you can understand who the heck these folks are and why they would help Tanna out the way they do.  If you are looking for adult loving cowboy style – you need to read Lorelei James.

A virgin no more

I went to my first readers conference Authors After Dark in Savannah, GA this past week.  I had a fantastic time.  I've been to Dragon*con and to author signings here and there but none had the feel and fun of AAD.  I got to meet some of my favorite authors in the flesh and met many more.  My TBR runneth over.  Each and every person I met be it author, blogger or reader went out of their way to make me feel like they wanted me to be there and was interested in what I had to say.  The panels were fun and informative even those that didn't stay on track.  I haven’t laughed as hard or as often in ages.  I’d like to send out a special thanks to Stella of http://stellaandaudra.com/ and let her know that she puts on a hell of a con and I hope to see y’all there next year in Charleston.  

Unscrupulous (The Manhattanites #2) by Avery Aster

Blurb:

At thirty-three Warner Truman is one of the richest men on the planet, a spa mogul who buys and sells resorts at will. He holds powerful executive’s careers in his well-groomed hands. Nothing is beyond Warner’s reach…until he meets her.

Stunning, tantalizing, and perverse, Taddy Brill captivates Warner’s carnal desire like no woman he’s ever met. A self-made millionaire, Taddy is tougher than steel, more brilliant than diamonds and, at twenty-seven, she’s never depended on a man for anything…until she meets him.

The more Taddy plays with Warner’s affections, driving him to erotic heights, the more she is confronted by a dark past. But before she can love him, Taddy must meet her worst fears head-on or risk losing it all, including herself.

My review:

The second in The Manhattanites series actually takes place before the first book, Undressed.  It is also much better.  This is a terrific story and hot as Hades.  This story focuses on “balls to the wall” Taddy Brill.  Taddy is tough as nails on the outside with a heart of gold on the inside but very few get close enough to see that side of her.  These stories can be read stand-alone but why would you want to miss out.  So grab the e-reader of your choice and an ice cold drink and enjoy.  I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series. 

I received a copy of this story from the Author via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Undressed (The Manhattanites #1) by Avery Aster

Blurb:

Milan's notorious playboy, Prince Tittoni, seems to have everything - Lamborghinis, exotic women, palaces throughout Europe and business success. Ramping up his fabric company to go global with a new apparel brand, he ruthlessly stops supplying fabrics to the American client who inspired the collection. But once they meet, what's he willing to give to get her in his bed? 

My Review:

Hot fashions and even hotter sex.  Alexandra “Lex” Easton has lusted after Prince Massimo Tittoni from afar even going so far as to nickname her vibrator Massi.  Meeting him when they are at odds over a business deal doesn't seem to dull the effect he has on her libido.  Maybe it’s because she hasn't gotten any in a while because she has been building her business, a business that will be destroyed if he stops supplying the fabric she needs for her collection.  For his part the Prince is intrigued by the American.  He finds her beautiful, intelligent, spirited, stubborn and sexy as hell even when she is fighting mad.  These two will spark in a rainstorm but will those sparks ignite into something more?  This is the first I've read by this author.  I enjoyed the story a lot.  The pacing was a little jagged but not bad enough to ruin the read.  I am looking forward to reading Unscrupulous the next book in this series.

The Best Man's Baby (A Red River Book) by Victoria James

Book Blurb:

Florist Claire Holbrook has always played by the rules her entire life, but breaks them to spend one night with sexy lone wolf Jake Manning, a man she's adored since she was a teenager. Six weeks later, things get complicated when she discovers they created a bond that will last a lifetime

Jake has never played by the rules. Getting Minister Holbrook's daughter pregnant wasn't part of any life plan, but he won't run from his responsibilities. He'll step up and be the best man he can, even if he doesn't have a clue where to begin. The more time he spends with Claire, though, the more he wants her, and the harder it is to get close, because that would mean sharing the one thing he hasn't with anyone--the truth and his heart.

Order: http://www.amazon.com/Best-River-Entangled-Indulgence-ebook/dp/B00DXIFORA/ref=pd_sim_kstore_5

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-best-mans-baby-victoria-james/1116058995?ean=9781622661756

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/best-mans-baby-red-river-book/id673820565?mt=11

My Review:

This is the second in a series about three brothers and although it refers to characters and events that take place in the first book, A Risk Worth Taking, this book can be read stand-alone.  This is an incredibly sweet story of two characters that have come to a place in their lives where they have to believe in themselves.  There is humor and some totally heart-wrenching scenes along with romantic lead ins to fade to black sex.  This is a fast paced, can’t put down read.  I look forward to the third installment.

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

Something's Cooking by Meg Lacey

Book Blurb:

SOMETHING’S COOKING,

MEG LACEY 

Something’s cookin in more than the kitchen…

Tess Banyon is a ‘Martha Stewart’ type of homemaker-guru-marketing-entrepreneur-extraordinaire.  Investigative journalist, Josh Farraday’s  is determined to convince the women of America that Tess is too good to be true.

He’s right. 

Tess is a marvelous marketer with tons of ideas, but she can’t really cook and has been known to attach herself to a grapevine wreath with her glue gun.  Now she’s doing her own TV show, and Josh has been assigned to do a behind-the-scenes story.

Their first meeting is a disaster, but Tess’ mom, Clarie, and sister, Marla, decide that tough, uncompromising, sexy Josh is the perfect man for their uptight, workaholic, adorable Tess.  The only problem is convincing both of them.  Tess and Josh are manipulated into spending all of their time together.  That’s when all hell breaks lose.

Although Tess and Josh loathe each other on the surface, underneath, their passion is threatening to bubble over.  

 My Review:

As I was reading this I kept thinking of Kathryn Hepburn & Spencer Tracy.  A strong, beautiful woman with strong ideals but who isn’t perfect and a man who is convinced he is right until he isn’t.  What is not to love about this well written tale about a reporter finding love where he was trying to find a story.

I'd like to thank the publisher for allowing me the chance to read and review.

Direct Buy Links:

http://www.amazon.com/Somethings-Cooking-Entangled-Indulgence-ebook/dp/B00DXJLKB8/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375717755&sr=1-1

Taking the Stage (Soulgirls #2) by Heather Long

Blurb & Excerpt:

SOULGIRLS #2

TAKING THE STAGE

by HEATHER LONG

Roseâtre takes one look at the white tigers that the stage manager has brought in to shake things up at the Midnight Mystery Lounge, and nearly has a heart attack. It doesn’t matter that the beautiful creatures’ handler raises her pulse and makes her want to purr. The tigers are sure to recognize her—and arouse her need for the hunt.

Pride outcast Anthony diNapoli wasn’t expecting to encounter an Amazon princess when he brought his white tigers to the lounge. The lucrative show will go a long way toward securing his future, but not if he gives in to the urge to make her submit to his dominance, and claim her as his mate.

No matter how desperately her body aches for the sun-kissed stranger and his completely lickable abs, Roseâtre is no man’s prize. Yet she finds herself hungering for Anthony to defeat her and take her for his own.

It’s show time in the Arcana Royale’s Midnight Mystery Lounge and all bets are off.

Warning:  Contains sword fights, shackles, sexy showgirls, and a game of dominance between a determined weretiger and an Amazon who refuses to submit. Blades, bliss and battles, oh my!
Taking the Stage
Soulgirls #2Release Date: Aug 13, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-61921-580-1
Samhain Publishing
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Diesel |Kobo | Samhain
About the Author:
A national best selling author, Heather Long lives in Texas with her family and their menagerie of animals. In addition to military romance, Heather writes a wide variety of romance from paranormal historical western romance to contemporary romance and romantic suspense. She loves characters and the stories they have to tell. As a child, Heather skipped picture books and enjoyed the Harlequin romance novels by Penny Jordan and Nora Roberts that her grandmother read to her. Heather believes that laughter is as important to life as breathing and that the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus are very real. In the meanwhile, she is hard at work on her next novel.

Contact Details:

Website: http://www.heatherlong.net
Email: heather@heatherlong.net
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HeatherLongAuthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/HVLong


Enjoy the following excerpt for Taking the Stage:

“Not the toes.” Roseâtre refused to squeal. As lead dancer for the Arcana Royale’s Midnight Mystery Lounge, she would never squeal or scream, but her voice pitched high enough that the syllable at the end of toes cracked.

The great white tiger snuffling her feet through the five-inch strappy black-and-sapphire Louboutins rolled his head away. Instead of obeying, he stroked a whiskered cheek down her bare leg.

“Cut!” Voice booming, the show’s stage manager hustled out from the wings. Heidi was a brisk woman with a quick temper and a stout body, dedicated to creating the best shows. After Pandora’s escape from her contract, she relied on all of her girls to have the same dedication to the performance, Roseâtre more than most.

Pandora. She’d always made the lead look easy. She’d walked out on the stage and owned the audience. Roseâtre believed Pandora could have shared the stage with twelve chimpanzees and it wouldn’t have mattered. Gazes would have been riveted to the tawny nymph.

The white tiger stretched out his neck and yawned, showing off a mouthful of glistening teeth. He flexed his paws, claws scoring the stage. She wasn’t fooled by the sleepy-eyed expression or house-cat similarities. Big cats weren’t pets.

The rest of the dancers relaxed from their poses, some even dropping down to coo and stroke the cats whose arrival had elicited a long round of awws and aren’t they sweets. Roseâtre, however, shifted away from the cat with his tickling whiskers and raspy tongue.

“Rose?” Heidi beckoned, a pen behind one ear and a notebook tucked under her arm. She pursed her lips in a you’re-not-in-trouble-yet moue, but the wrinkles knitting her brow told an entirely different story.

“Yes, ma’am?” Roseâtre didn’t drag her feet. One certainly never dragged Louboutins, but she couldn’t quite resist displaying her mutiny with an uplifted chin and wrinkled nose.
Cats.

Her nose twitched. Her sinuses burned. Her eyes threatened tears. But she maintained her composure.

Damn cats. “Look, I know you’re not thrilled with this idea.” The opening gambit was classic Heidi, softening her up for the too-damn-bad often attached to those statements.

Closeted together at the far end of the stage, Roseâtre was glad to be out of earshot of her shield-sister Cerveau, the other dancers and thankfully, the damn tigers.

The Midnight Mystery Lounge was closed for an entire week so the dancers could learn this new act. She’d woken to the bad news that the diNapoli Tigers—tigers—were joining the show for a three-month trial to drum up business in the magical casino and resort.

“But you’re just going to have to get over it. The apothecary will provide you with a tea for your allergies. We need this show and you’re the headliner. That means you and the tiger will be all over each other on that stage and you’re going to love it.”

And there it was, the verbal slap demanding submission. The command chafed. But a promise was a promise and she was as bound by her oath as her shield-sister Cerveau was by her curse.

“Is there any way we can do this without cats?”

“Not really, no.” The sympathy was real, but from Heidi’s compressed expression, the stage manager was plainly not on Roseâtre’s side. “I’m sorry, Rose. But the diNapoli Tigers were an enormous success in Monaco and Paris. We need them for resurgence of interest or the Overseers may very well break up the show.”

“Really?” Panic drifted under the surface of her skin, sending her heart puttering. The Overseers controlled the Arcana Royale, the sprawling complex where meta-humans of all types were welcome and could be themselves. They controlled the shows, the people and in the case of the dancers, their souls. Breaking up the show meant the dancers with varying leases on their souls could be placed elsewhere at the Overseers’ discretion.

Worse, Roseâtre and Cerveau could be separated. Roseâtre couldn’t allow that to happen. She’d sworn an oath. Pride could be sacrificed. Honor could not.

A shield-borne oath was an oath.

“I’ll try. It’s not just the allergy, though.”

“What is it?”

No simple answer existed. Roseâtre glanced over her shoulder to where the great cats lounged. Some groomed themselves while yet another rolled over on its back, presenting its belly to Peppermint for attention. Of all the dancers, Peppermint was the most gracious, the most loving and the most likely to enjoy gamboling with the tigers on the stage.

“I assure you, nothing is wrong with my cats.” The dark, deep masculine tones teased up her spine. She jerked her attention back to discover a bare-chested, bare-footed blond god had joined them.

Oh my. Who did he kill to get those abs? She snapped her jaw shut with a flicker of irritation, and forced her gaze up from the hard six-pack of clear-cut muscle to roam over the ripped planes of his chest and shoulders.

Dear gods, does it end?
The cool dislike in his blue eyes slapped her back to the present. Everything about the man seemed larger than life, from his thick thighs, easily three times the size of hers, to his wide hands and square, chiseled jaw.

“Roseâtre, Anthony diNapoli.” Heidi’s snapped introduction rebuked her. “Anthony, this is our headliner, Roseâtre.”

Be professional. She extended her hand and kept her gaze focused above his chin. Despite the five additional inches her designer shoes added to her considerable height, topping at around six foot, the man towered over her.

And he inspected her with an air of detached amusement, his gaze clearly dipping below her chin to where her breasts strained against the confinement of the black leotard.

“Your pleasure, I’m sure.” The bastard smiled and ignored her hand.

“Anthony’s cats are in high demand, and he’s graciously consented to this trial contract so we’re going to do the best we can to make the most of this situation.” Heidi turned to Anthony as though unaware of the icy drop in Roseâtre’s regard. “We’ll add extra rehearsal time so Roseâtre and her cat can get used to each other.”

We will? Incredulous, Roseâtre could barely pull her eyes away from Anthony to look at the stage manager. “More rehearsals?” Tired of holding her hand out to the air, she let it drop.

“Absolutely.” Heidi nodded briskly, clapping her hands and striding away to gather the dancers, completely ignoring the cats with the poise of one who was likely more dangerous than the wild animals. “Ladies!”

Cerveau stood next to Kiki, Peppermint and Amber, the question in her expression obvious, but Roseâtre shook her head, waving her off with one short hand gesture. She didn’t need backup.

“So what’s your problem with cats, princess?” The words shivered up her spine. Anthony’s voice prowled behind her, his body heat brushing against her in challenge and invitation.

“Does it matter?”

She didn’t have to play nice. The bastard couldn’t be bothered to shake her hand.

“It might. You’re going to be riding my tiger every night for the next three months.” The words dripped with mockery and some other indefinable emotion.

Roseâtre shifted away, sparing him a dismissive look. She’d practiced the art of cool disdain for years under her mother’s tutelage. He might call her princess in his low, rolling sexy voice as a jest, but it didn’t make it any less true.

“What’s the problem now, princess?”

“You’re getting sarcasm on my shoes.” She lifted one, taking great care to inspect it.

Anthony threw his head back and laughed, a deep belly-trembling shout of amusement.

The noise drew the dancers’ attention like children to free chocolate. Cerveau’s face twisted comically, a mixture of censure and curiosity reddening her cheeks. She wouldn’t approve the tone, but she would appreciate the cause.

“You still haven’t told me why you don’t like my cats.”

“They’re cats.”

Head canted to the right, he studied her. The deep blue of his eyes was enhanced by a circle of darker blue along the iris. His pupils seemed to blink on their own, but that wasn’t possible. Roseâtre forced her gaze back to his dimples, just barely disguised by the thick rush of blond beard coating his cheeks.

“Cats are magnificent, bold and affectionate creatures. They are slow to trust, but have unshakable loyalty.”

“Until you’re dead and then they just eat your corpse.” She shuddered.

He laughed again. “You don’t need your body when you’re dead.”

She was missing everything Heidi was saying to the other dancers. Clearly, the stage manager didn’t care because she wasn’t even looking in Roseâtre’s direction, much less shooting her with her optic laser beams of impatience.

“I’d rather my body was undisturbed, thank you very much. The idea of anything feasting after I’m dead is unappealing.” Not to mention sacrilegious. A warrior’s death should be honored with blades and flame, never teeth.
 Or, the gods forbid, a hairball. Roseâtre grimaced.

“Would you prefer they do it while you’re alive?” The silken whisper brushed against her ear. Tingles raced over her skin from the sweep of his beard on her cheek.

Heart leaping, Roseâtre barely managed to suppress her startled scream and settled for smacking his chest. The hard muscles didn’t even budge as her hand made contact, leaving a vivid, white mark against the golden tan.

“You really need to stop doing that.” Enough is enough. The man might be here at Heidi’s request or the Overseers’, but his job was to deal with the damn cats.

“Stop what?” The mock innocence coating his teasing grin reminded her more of the tiger yawning than it did a conciliatory gesture.

“Invading my bubble.” She rolled her hand in the air between them. “You haven’t been invited into my bubble.”

The coolness in his gaze warmed considerably, his grin widened. He was obviously enjoying the hell out of her irritation.

“How does one get invited into your bubble?” He batted the air in front of her, a downright playful gesture that sank its claws into her belly.

Nope. Not going to be turned on. 

 My review:

Roseatre is taking Pandora’s place center stage as the lead dancer at the Arcana Royale s Midnight Mystery Lounge. Management has brought in a new act and she has to suck it up and deal even if they are cats. Big cats. White tigers to be specific. When tiger shifter Anthony diNapoli brought his cats to the Arcana he didn't expect to find his mate. He didn't expect her to be an Amazon (his people’s mortal enemy). But nothing worth having comes easily and there is nothing easy about Roseatre.

I liked this installment a whole lot more than the first. Probably because all the world building had been done. I think it might also be that I liked Roseatre and Anthony a little better as well. This is a terrific new series in a unique environment. This isn't every other paranormal romance you've read and that alone makes it worth reading add in laugh out loud moments of humor and break out the ice cubes sex scenes and you have a book you can’t put down. 

I’d like to thank the author for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Talking Dirty With the Player (Talking Dirty #2) by Jackie Ashenden

Book Blurb:

Up-and-coming photographer Judith Ashton is pretty sure she has everything in her life under control. That is, until a blast from the past comes back to taunt her, in the shape of Caleb Steele, her older brother's best friend...and the man who broke her heart eight years ago. Their chemistry is combustible, but she's been fooled once by this player, and she's not going there again.

To pro rugby player Caleb, Judith has always been his Kryptonite. But his former playboy lifestyle is the last thing she wants to be involved in. In the midst of her brother's threats to back off, and the deal of his career sending him far away from her, he knows he's playing with fire. And this is one game he's going to lose.

Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Talking-Dirty-With-Player-ebook/dp/B00DXJOD8A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375307996&sr=8-1&keywords=talking+dirty+with+the+player

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/talking-dirty-with-the-player-jackie-ashenden/1116150137?ean=9781622661763

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Talking-Dirty-With-Player-Talking/book-H3Q1IRL7r06E6Zqpb9QgfA/page1.html?s=ZQZ59jcuakeLVpq50xwm_A&r=1

My Review:

Pro rugby player Caleb Steele is attending the wedding of his friend Joseph Ashton and Christie St. John who we met in Talking Dirty with the CEO (Talking Dirty #1) and he has a favor to ask of Joseph’s sister photographer Judith Ashton.  Caleb and Judith have a past.  She has known him all her life it seems.  He was her first love, lover and heartbreak.  Eight years have passed and she should be over it right?  So should he but there is still that spark.  Can they explore it without getting burned?

I love second chance love stories.  It proves that people can change and grow and start anew.  Caleb and Judith have so much history and so much pain between them you start to think they can never get past it.  But I am thrilled they did.  Judith is a strong woman who doesn’t whine about the crap life has handed her and Caleb has used it to push himself to be a better man.  These are people you want to see succeed.

I’d like to thank Indulgence for giving me a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Deceiving the Witch Next Door by Melissa Bourbon Ramirez

Blurb:

Down-on-her-luck witch Storie Bell never thought the biggest threat to her future would be Reid Malone, the very man she’d run from years before. After striking it rich in Texas shale, he’s back in town, and he seems hell-bent on getting in the way of her bookstore’s grand opening.

Reid knows there’s much more to Storie than meets the eye, but right now he has only one mission: to infiltrate her shop so he can snatch the elusive secret ingredient to his father’s million-dollar moonshine recipe. Once he does, he can go back to the city and get out of his small hometown, a place in which he has no future.

But as the days go by, he can’t help falling for Storie in every way…and every encounter brings him closer to finding out what happens when you try to deceive a witch

My review:

I really enjoyed this story by “new to me” author Melissa Bourbon Ramirez.  This reads as though it may be the first in a series.  I hope so.   I liked Storie and would like to learn more about her and her siblings.  It might be fun to see Harper get hooked up too.  If you like sweet PNR with a little mystery you may want to check this out.

I’d like to thank the author and Entangled publishing for the providing me a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Midnight Games (Killer Instincts #3) by Elle Kennedy

We have been watching as Trevor’s interest in Isabel has brought him back to life and Isabel’s interest has brought her back from edge of the abyss that life has led her to. One of Nicole chameleons, Isabel excels at undercover work. She hides behind her various personas and Trevor insists on breaking through to the real Isabel. For a woman who is cool under fire this scares her as nothing else does. Trevor wasn't able to save his fiancé how can he risk his heart once more with a woman who purposely puts herself in harms way?
This is romantic suspense at its best. Action adventure, and romance this series just keeps getting better with each installment. This reads like a modern day episode of Mission Impossible. I can’t wait for the next installment.

Wicked Beat (Sinners on Tour #4) by Olivia Cunning

When The Sinners bus crashed in a snowstorm the sound board operator Dave was seriously hurt.  With the hopes that it would give him more time to heal and save his job his little sister Rebekah offers to do it for him till he can get back on his feet.  When she meets the guys it is obvious she has a crush on Trey which is too bad because Eric the drummer and arranger for The Sinners is smitten from the first time he see her.  Hell even her blue hair matches his.  Trey gets to play match maker for his favorite voyeur.

I love this smoking hot series.  I think I would have enjoyed it more if they had released it in order.  I enjoyed getting to know what made our favorite drummer tick.  He had been an even bigger enigma to me than Jace.  But if it is true that there is someone for everyone then Reb was created just for Eric.  This couple was incredibly fun to read.  

Love and Fire (House of Temptation #1) by Miranda J. Fox

Emma is in need of a self-esteem fix after a disastrous breakup so a friend drags her to a hot disco-swingers club. James Carter is young, hot and insanely successful. When they meet at the club he recognizes she is not their typical clientele and he wants to get to know her better. Emma is tempted but still has issues. Can James break through her fears and convince Emma to spend some time with him?
This is a short novella. I think the author must want to turn it into a serial (not my favorite way to read). I am conflicted about this story. Emma clearly has issues and gets herself into situations that can be easily misread. James isn't used to being turned down and his behavior could be called stalkerish. I think I would have liked this book better if it was longer and some of the issues that still hang had been resolved. I will read the next book if only to see how they resolve said issues after that we will see.

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

Rise of the Gryphon (Belador #4) by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love

Throughout the first three books of this series Alterant Evalle has proven herself time and again to the Beladors, the Tribunal and to Macha.  In this installment Evalle’s honor and loyalties will be stretched to the point she may just break.  While trying to honor her agreement to Macha to get Alterants recognized Evalle is put in a position at odds with the Beladors.  What is a girl to do but keep on keeping on and try to do her best and what is right.

The back cover of this book promised answers and you get some but they only create more questions.  This is what this pair of authors does best.  Action, adventure, mystery, and a touch of romance.  I can’t wait for the next installment.

Knowing the Score (London Legends #1) by Kat Latham

This is a wonderful contemporary romance. Pro rugby player Spencer Bailey meets American AID worker Caitlyn Sweeney when she saves his grandfather who was having a heart attack. He is attracted to her and figures on getting a little off season nookie. Caitlyn can handle all kinds of crisis but isn't so great with the personal stuff. She figures maybe it is time to just let go and Spencer may just be the man for the job. Neither intended to let their hearts get involved but now that they have can they make a go of it?

I wasn't sure about this story at first but got sucked in and then I couldn't put it down. There is some Brit v. Yank slang fun and even though I don’t know anything about rugby I could appreciate the puns. This story has everything to make it a heart-warming sweet and sexy romance that I will read again.

I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Ugly Ducklings Finish First by Stacy Gail

High school athlete Wiley “Coyote” Sharpe needed a little academic assistance and it came in the form of 15 year old advanced student Payton Pruitt. Now it is time for their 10 year reunion and boy has everything changed. Wiley is now a lawyer and Payton comes back to town a doctor and looking fine. Wiley is bowled over and has made it his mission to get Payton to his bed. What he doesn't count on is her getting into his heart as well. Payton came back to town to lay the demons of her high school years (aka hell) to rest. She is flattered by Wiley’s attention but she knows he was a player in high school she has changed has he?
I got a kick out of this story. Besides the whole reunion thing there is a lot of sub stories going on that keep you intrigued and wondering just what is going to happen next. Not your run of the mill high school reunion romance. 

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

This book goes on sale August 5^th

Four m/m romances not to miss.

Love, Delivered by Cassandra Gold 

Short, sweet contemporary m/m romance.  Mark is a sweet shy secretary for a high powered lawyer.  Tim is the hot new delivery guy.  Even though this is a short story things develop over time and you don’t feel as though it is rushed.  Grab a glass of wine, a chocolate cookie and enjoy.

Bloodlines (KinKaid Wolf Pack #1) by Jessica Lee

m/m paranormal romance.  I read this one out of order.  I’d read Make Me (KinKaid Wolf Pack, #2) & Heat Rising (KinKaid Wolf Pack, #3) first so I knew going in how this story ended.  What I didn't know was how they got there and I wasn't really prepared. 

Evin is the alpha’s son and heir and gay.  Dad is in denial and wants to force Evin to mate with a female.  When he refuses he is dis-owned and banished.  Mason is son and heir to a business tycoon and gay.  His dad too is in denial and less than understanding.  When Evin and Mason meet the attraction is combustible.  When an accident forces them both to make choices it is all you can do to hope they make the right ones for the right reasons. 

Male Seeking Male by Kathleen Lee

Short, sweet contemporary m/m romance.  Greg is a bi-sexual who has never had a m/m sexual relationship. When his best friend and roommate puts an ad in the local paper he gets more than he could have hoped for.  Jack is gay and single and lives across the hall.  When he discovers that Greg is looking for someone to introduce him to the pleasures of male loving he offers his services.  As they grow closer they have to decide what they want and from whom. 

I just loved this story!  This is an incredibly sweet tale.  I absolutely adored sexy sweet Jack and could totally believe Greg.  I totally recommend.  

The Trouble With Trouble by Kathleen Lee

Short, contemporary m/m romance.  Gary is a nice guy who just wants to be loved.  He was rejected by his family for being gay and the guys he has gone for in the past weren't in it for the long haul so when Brock comes into his bar Gary just knows he is Trouble.  Brock too knows the pain of being rejected by his parents for being gay but he also knows a good thing when he sees it.  He likes what he has seen of Gary and if he could only get him to trust in them they could be happy together.

Another sweet m/m romance from Kathleen Lee.  This story was almost too short.  I really liked these guys and would've loved the chance to get to know them better.  But what I did get to know I liked.  I usually have a problem with angsty characters it doesn't take much to turn it into whining which I hate but Ms. Lee manages to avoid that pitfall and your heart just about breaks for these guys which only makes it better in the end.

Matchpoint (The Matchmaker #2) by Elise Sax

Gladie the matchmaker is mixed up in murder again.  A trip to the dentist ends up with her gassed to the gills, the dentist faceless and Gladie’s first real client as number one suspect.  Now Gladie not only needs to find her a match she needs to keep her out of jail too.  The men in her life, hunky Holden next door and sexy Sheriff Spencer, don’t agree on much but they agree that Gladie shouldn’t be investigating the dentists murder.  The murderer agrees with them as well and if they don’t find him first Gladie’s matchmaking days may be over.

A funny mystery that will keep you on edge and laughing.  Like Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum Gladie has a wonderful cast of supporting characters including her grandmother, two best friends, and of course the two sexy men in her life.  Like Evanovich the sex scenes are not too detailed and are fairly benign. This series is getting better and better.  I look forward to the future misadventures of Gladie and company. 

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