Tangled Hearts (Highland Hearts #2) by Heather McCollum

Blurb:

The Tudors take on The Pirates of the Caribbean in this 16th century romantic adventure!

Pandora Wyatt is the most complicated woman alive. Raised by a pirate captain, Dory risks exposure of her magic to free the only father she’s ever known from the Tower of London. But when she’s tied to a smoldering witch’s pyre, her powers aren’t enough to save her.

Ewan Brody is on a mission to deliver a traitor’s corpse to King Henry VIII when he rescues a beautiful spitfire from a horrific fate. Saving the lass’s life leads him on an adventure he never intended. Thrust together in the roles of husband and wife, they dodge royal intrigue, dark twists, and secrets as they attempt to find the true traitor at the Tudor court.

Magic and adventure spark, igniting a fire between Ewan and Dory, consuming them and tangling their hearts together forever. But to reach forever, they first need to survive the day.

My review:

Though this is the second in the series it can be read stand-alone.  This story has everything.  Hot Scots, pirates (both good and bad), magic, action, adventure and love.  What is not to like?  You don’t have to be a fan of historical romance to get a kick out of this book but fans of the genre will enjoy it too.  This is an all around fun read. 

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

Amazon: 

B&N: 

Breaking the Ice (Ariel Estates, #3) by Jessica Lee

m/m shifter

Blurb:

Being the last male standing isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. Mikah Malloy is living proof. His mother and father were both killed during their individual attempts to assassinate the pride leader of Ariel Estates, Silas Murdoch. Now after the dust has settled on his bloodstained family’s name, Mikah must face life alone among his fellow lion shifters. But Silas and his mate, Theo, have decided a vacation in Alaska is just what the doctor ordered to help Mikah come to terms with his grief and his plans for the future. The only snag with their plan is trouble always has a way of finding Mikah, no matter where he runs.

Gideon Haven, eldest son of the Haven pack's alpha, would give his soul for a way off the ice. But when a hunter is out to eradicate his pack one by one, skinning them alive for their wolf pelts, Gideon can’t just walk away.

The predators have now become the prey, but they're determined to hunt down the poacher out to slaughter Theo and Gideon's pack. As for Mikah, he’s more than ready for the job. Putting one's life on the line isn’t a hardship when you don’t care whether you live or die. Even though the heat between Gideon and Mikah becomes nearly impossible to resist, Mikah is determined the tenacious wolf isn’t about to get close enough to break the ice around his heart.

My review:

Though this is the third in the series it can be read stand-alone although you will have a better understanding of Mikah’s headspace if you read In the Pride's Best Interest (Ariel Estates, #2). 

Mikah is having a rough time dealing with the events of the past couple of years. His father’s attempt at killing the Pride leader and then his mothers attempts at revenge plus dealing with the fact that he feels his homosexuality is a betrayal of his love for them.  They would have never approved.  This installment deals with Mikah getting his head together and falling for the wold shifter Gideon.  And then there is the trauma of poachers killing shifters and the very real threat that it is someone in the pack tipping them off.  This is a smart, sexy, paranormal romance.

Circle of Fire (Damask Circle #1) by Keri Arthur

Blurb:

Sixteen teenagers taken from their homes. Eleven bodies recovered, each completely drained of blood. Some believe vampires are responsible, but Jon Barnett knows it's something far worse. To stop the killers in Taurin Bay, he becomes enmeshed in a web of black magic and realizes he needs help. But fate gives him only one choice in the form of recluse Madeline Smith.

Madeline Smith has retreated to an isolated farmhouse, afraid of the psychic abilities she can't control-abilities that have killed. But when "ghost" Jon Barnett brings a warning of danger and her nephew disappears, Maddie has to leave her haven. She also has to learn to control the abilities she fears and place her trust in Jon Barnett, a man who is neither human nor ghost.

But as the search for the teenagers becomes a race against time, and the noose of sorcery threatens to kill Maddie and Jon, the greatest danger to them both could be the feelings they have for each other-feelings that they refuse to acknowledge.

My review:

Fans of Keri Arthur’s Nikki & Michael series will love this tale from the Damask Circle.  But don’t worry if you haven’t read the Nikki & Michael series (and you really should) this will stand on its own.  Shapeshifter Jon Barnett is a troubleshooter for the Damask Circle.  Basically he is a cop that goes after paranormal bad guys.  Because of the nature of his job he can’t afford to get to close to anybody lest they be used against him.  Maddie needs Jon to help find her nephew she has gifts of her own.  Together they fight the bad guys and their feelings for each other.  I get such a kick out of the world and characters created by Ms. Arthur.  This is an exciting paranormal romance that will have you staying up late to finish.

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

Blessed (The Chosen) by Ann Mayburn

Blurb:

Eliana Shay is an ordinary college girl with an extraordinary birthright. When handsome professor, Aiden Klemenson, sees her, he singles her out as a potential Chosen of the benevolent gods of Creation. He tries to convince Eliana that she is born to do the work of the gods—something unique and powerful. But Eliana’s past doesn’t allow her to have the trust she needs—in Aiden’s gods and the man himself.
Aiden must employ all of his considerable charm to break through her defenses, while trying to keep their relationship strictly platonic. A difficult task when the lush and curvy Eliana’s obvious desire and seductive aura shreds his self-control. Despite his best efforts, desire burns between them with an enchantment all its own.
The gods of Destruction will stop at nothing to keep Eliana from becoming a powerful force against evil. Cunning and deceitful, they send demons and magical serial killers to exterminate her before she can become a Creation god's Chosen hand on earth. In order to survive, Eliana will have to learn to have faith in her own strength and the warrior who stole her heart.

This title is previously published and has been extensively revised and lengthened in content

My review:

This book takes place in the same world as Cursed.  Where Cursed was a Cinderella type story this is more of a coming of age story.  Eliana is a strong young woman whose choices are going to determine her future.  The prophets say that if she chooses well she will be a force to reckon with.  The minions of the gods of Destruction want to keep that from happening.  Fortunately Eliana has friends that will help her stay alive long enough to make her decisions.  This is a fun sexy romp with a terrific cast of secondary characters.  This book will make you laugh and sigh and think. 

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.  I honestly loved this book.


Amazon
Barnes & Noble

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.

Also, make sure to hop on over the Entangled in Romance blog to join in the fun as Covet challenges readers to share their worst date stories. The worse, the better, hold no punches!

Today I'm happy to be featuring Covet's January releases:

Love at Stake by Victoria Davies

Abbey is the lone human working for Fated Match, a company that pairs members of the supernatural community with their eternal mates.

To snag a young vampire socialite as their next client, Abbey journeys to the home of Lucian Redgrave, the oldest vampire on the East Coast. But he's not willing to allow his vampire daughter to use the agency... unless Abbey can first find his perfect match in a month.

As Abbey coaches Lucian through his dates, she can’t deny the chemistry between them. But humans are toys for vampires, and risking her heart isn't a part of the plan.

AmazonAmazon * Barnes & Noble * Goodreads

Haunt Me by Heather Long

Recently divorced author MacKenzie Dillon has lost her writing mojo. When she inherits her great aunt’s haunted house in Virginia, she is determined to make a new start. The creepy old house provides inspiration but at what cost?

Successful architect and paranormal skeptic Justin Kent returns to Penny Hollow to fulfill his father’s dying wish of revitalizing their small town. To do that, he needs the allegedly haunted estate at Summerfield. Mac, the new owner, may be gorgeous and spunky, but she refuses to sell.

These two have a dangerous history that spans the ages, but will they discover the truth in time to save their lives?

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway

Love at Stake by Victoria Davies

Blurb:

Abbey is the lone human working for Fated Match, a company that pairs members of the supernatural community with their eternal mates.

To snag a young vampire socialite as their next client, Abbey journeys to the home of Lucian Redgrave, the oldest vampire on the East Coast. But he's not willing to allow his vampire daughter to use the agency... unless Abbey can first find his perfect match in a month.

As Abbey coaches Lucian through his dates, she can’t deny the chemistry between them. But humans are toys for vampires, and risking her heart isn't a part of the plan.

My review:

This is a cute, fast paced, sweet and sexy shifter romance. As a big fan of shifter romance I loved it.  Fans of the Midnight Liaisons series by Jessica Sims should get a kick out of this.  I will admit I had problems with the relationship between Abbey and her boss.  If Abbey was strong enough to resist a vampires charms than she should have been strong enough to tell her boss to shove it.   

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

Haunt Me by Heather Long

Blurb:

Recently divorced author MacKenzie Dillon has lost her writing mojo. When she inherits her great aunt’s haunted house in Virginia, she is determined to make a new start. The creepy old house provides inspiration but at what cost?

Successful architect and paranormal skeptic Justin Kent returns to Penny Hollow to fulfill his father’s dying wish of revitalizing their small town. To do that, he needs the allegedly haunted estate at Summerfield. Mac, the new owner, may be gorgeous and spunky, but she refuses to sell.

These two have a dangerous history that spans the ages, but will they discover the truth in time to save their lives?

My review:

A love that lingers through time.  Trying time and again to get it right.  This is a tale that will bring out the romantic in even the most stone hearted.  This book is a well written page-turner from first to last.

ARC provided by Covet Entangled Publishing for a fair and honest review 

This book releases January 27th

Amazon
Barnes & Noble

She's All Tied Up (Club 3 #2) by Cathryn Cade

Blurb:

"His control sets her free...and her trust throws him for a loop. "

"Club 3, Book 2"

Carlie Milton is finally out from under her judgmental mother's thumb. She has a great job, great friends, a loving father and brother... but her love life is a series of disasters.

When she's rescued from her latest dating debacle by bodybuilder Jake Stone, she can't resist his invitation to his BDSM club. The results are orgasmic, and Carlie comes back for more...until the night she goes all in. And Jake's reaction, driven by a ghost from his past, drives her back into her shell.

An ex-Marine, Jake believes self-discipline and control are the only things holding his life together. Until Carlie. Her lush body, tender vulnerability and unquestioning trust shake him to the core, jarring loose the tight lid he keeps on his demons-at the worst possible time.

Now, to help her find the courage to try again, he's going to have to do something he's never done before. Make peace with his past...and convince himself that leading with his heart doesn't have to end in pain.

Warning: Contains a hard-nosed ex-Marine with a soft heart and a way with knots, and a plucky heroine who isn't afraid to let him learn to navigate her curves.

My review:

This is the second in a loosely connected trilogy.  In this installment sweet, shy, Carlie, a smart sexy woman with body issues finally makes a play for big bad Jake.  When her friend Daisy finds love and happiness with her Dom in She's All In (Club 3 #1) Carlie thinks maybe that is what she has been missing.  She has been lusting after Jake at the gym and knows he is a Dom at Club 3.  After yet another disastrous vanilla date she takes the plunge and joins Club 3.  Jake has lusted after Calie as well but he doesn’t do vanilla so when she shows up at the club he takes his shot.  The problem is Carlie is looking for love and Jake doesn’t believe.  With trust being so necessary in a D/s relationship can these two find common ground or will Carlie be forced to look elsewhere for love?  Yet another sizzling hot installment in the Club 3 series. There is so much going on in the background of this book you will have to read it more than once to get it all.  I was thrilled to see a Dom portrayed as something less than perfect.  They can and do make mistakes too.  But oh the fun in watching them fix it.  

Magic Possessed (The Hidden #2) by Jaime Rush

Blurb:

They are the Hidden.
Not quite human. Far from normal.
And never, ever safe…

Too Hot To Handle

Her brother was mysteriously murdered with no witnesses, clues—or motives. Yet Violet Castanega knows he won't be the last to die unless she seeks help. But the Hidden's law enforcement won't come to the aid of her rowdy dragon clan, and the only person who will listen to her is one tough cop. Violet has tangled with him before, and it got rough. This time, it's getting hot…

Too Close For Comfort

Powerful Guard member Kade Kavanaugh has been ordered to take out Violet Castanega. While assassination orders don't come with explanations, his instincts scream that killing the feisty beauty is wrong. Now Kade must put his career, not to mention his life, on the line to save her. But as the passion—and the danger—heat up between Kade and Violet, can they survive the darkest magick of all?

My review:

Second books are always a guessing game will it be better or worse.  Can the author bring the excitement of the first book into the second?  In this instance the answer is heck yeah!  This is the second in a very loosely connected series (you don’t have to have read the first to get the second but you are going to want to read the first, Dragon Awakened, at some point because it is so good) and it is as good as the first if not better.  Fast paced, sexy, and super fun.  I couldn’t put it down I just had to see what was going to happen next.  If you are a fan of paranormal romance you are going to want to check this wonderful series out. 

This book is supposed to go on sale on January 28th but I was able to get an early copy.

 Goodreads is having a giveaway

Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Runaway Groom (Watkins Pond #1) by Virginia Nelson

Blurb:

Watkin’s Pond, Book 1

The groom is back in town.

Abigail lost her best friend years ago when he ditched her at the altar like a loaf of stale bread. Now he’s back and determined to do whatever he has to—even lie, apparently—to get under her skin. Although he makes her hormones rev to life in a way that no one has since he left, she is equally determined not to fall for his boy-next-door charm.

His bride-to-be is somewhat reluctant.

Braxton Dean was too young and stupid to know better when he walked away. Years of trying to fill the Abby-shaped hole in his heart have left him empty, and now he’s going to win back his girl—or get over her. But first he needs answers. Particularly why she never responded to any of his letters.

It might take a whole town to make this wedding happen.

With the help of their friends, the two battle it out. The army? An entire town of busybodies. The prize? Happily ever after.

Warning: Contains indignant old ladies, steamy sex (but not with indignant old ladies), seduction cake, and condom bouquets. Yes, we went there.

My review:

Every once in a while you read a book that just makes you go aww.  This is one of those books.  You fall in love with the characters and want to see them succeed.  How can you not forgive and love a guy who writes love letters over a 10 year span even though he receives no response.  I melted into a big puddle of goo.  Can’t wait to see what happens next at Watkin’s Pond.

Amazon
Barnes & Noble

The Professional: Part 3 (The Game Maker #1.3) by Kresley Cole

Blurb:

Are you ready to play?
Yet all is not as it seems. To remove Natalie from an enemy's reach, Sevastyan spirits her into hiding. From an opulent palace in Russia to the decadent playgrounds of the mega-wealthy in Paris, the two lovers will discover that even their darkest - and most forbidden - fantasies can come true…

My review:

This third and final installment starts with the hottest scene yet.  Sevastyan is torn between scaring Natalie away and wrapping her up in cotton to keep her safe from everyone including him.  Natalie is growing up and exploring her sexuality.  Sevastyan has issues and an independent girl from America isn’t going to let him keep her out for long.  If he can’t get over them he may be getting over her.  This is NOT Immortals After Dark. This is an intense, well written erotic story that I shall revisit again.

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Dom of the Dead (1NightStand #172) by Virginia Nelson

Blurb:

She couldn’t imagine living without him.

When Carson Black’s longtime crush and best friend dies in a bike accident, she openly weeps at his funeral. Never expressing her feelings for him, she thinks she might be going mad from grief when his voice, his scent, his desires…seem to fill her apartment.

He was afraid to demand what he needed.

Randall Stokes loves Carson but didn’t express it while he was alive. A dominant, he didn’t dare dream that the sweet girl next door would do the things that he needed to find satisfaction. When tragedy strikes, he not only has nothing to lose but a suddenly clear view into what she needs, wants, desires. Is it too late to take what they’ve both longed for?

A ghost of a chance…

Love lingers, though his body is gone. Can Carson and Randall find love in the Dom of the Dead?

My review:

Okay, I bought it for the fun title. Sex with a ghost?  Didn’t think it possible and still have a happy ending.  But Madame Eve has pulled off stranger things in the past than just helping these two friends become lovers.  This is a quick, hot, fun read.  

Full Throttle (Fast Track #7) by Erin McCarthy

Blurb:

Easing into the turns…

As one of only two girls on the tween racing circuit, Shawn Hamby has always run with a fast crowd. But now at thirty-two, she doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. And she definitely doesn’t need a man bossing her around off of the track…

Putting the pedal to the metal…

But after a silly girls’ night at a fetish club, Shawn can’t get Rhett Ford out of her mind. He’s younger than her, and he’s her best friend’s brother-in-law, which should be red flags. Rhett is looking for someone to lead in bed, but he can’t imagine that Shawn would ever submit to him. Boldly surrendering is more her style. And with Rhett behind the wheel, it’s going to be one wild ride…

My review:

I thought All Jacked Up (Fast Track #6) was the end of this fun (loosely connected) series so I was tickled pink when this book came out.  I was even more thrilled when I finished reading it at 3:30 in the morning.  Once I picked it up I couldn’t put it down.  I fell in love with Rhett Ford.  He is strong, confident and alpha without being an ass.  He isn’t perfect but he is perfect for Shawn.  He doesn’t let the age difference or her fears keep them from falling in love.  I can’t stop thinking about this book which means I will be living with these characters for a while.  I do hope this means that there is more in this series to come.

Born in Blood (The Sentinels #1) by Alexandra Ivy

Blurb:

Sergeant Duncan O’Conner has seen it all before. A beautiful erotic dancer is found murdered in her home—no suspect, no motive. But there’s one clue: she’s missing her heart. It’s enough to make the hard-bitten Kansas City cop enlist the help of a necro—one of the dead-channeling freaks who live in the domed city of nearby Valhalla. It’s a long shot, but desperate crimes call for desperate measures.

Unlike the other “high-bloods” in Valhalla, Callie Brown considers her abilities a gift, not a curse. But when she reads the dancer’s final thoughts, she senses a powerful presence blocking her vision. This is no ordinary homicide. This is the work of a legendary necromancer who controls souls. A ravenous force that will put Callie’s skills to the test, O’Conner’s career at risk, and both their hearts on the line…literally.

My review:

I am shamefaced to admit that other than an occasional short in an anthology I’ve not read any of Alexandra Ivy’s work.  I must now go catch up. 

In this first book of a new series we are in a world split by High Bloods (aka Freaks) and Norms.  The High Bloods are people with gifts, witches, psychics, seers, diviners, hunters, sentinels and the like.  They’ve been herded into reservations to keep them separate from the norms until of course their gifts come in handy.  When Kansas City cop Duncan O’Conner comes across a dead body that hasn’t a mark on it but the heart is gone he suspects foul play by magic.  He calls for the cute little Diviner to come and see if she can read what happened in the victim’s last moments.  What she finds surprises and frightens them both. 

This is a fast paced well written romantic suspense story with paranormal elements.  The byplay between the characters was real, the romance was sweet and steamy and the secondary characters were a blast.  Already I am looking forward to the next installment.

Adrenaline Rush (The Capes #2) by Rebecca Royce

Blurb:

Ace Hudson has worked for his brother, Draco, at Powers, Inc. since it opened. Spending his days trying to balance his job with taking care of his teenage brother, Lael, he uses his nights to overcome the overabundance of adrenaline in his body that makes him lose control. He also happens to have a secret crush on a celebrity chef who makes home-cooked meals look sexier than they have a right to be.

Alice Styles runs an empire based on her ability to make people want to eat what she cooks. When she’s nearly killed on live television in a situation straight out of one of her childhood nightmares, she reluctantly asks Ace Hudson to help keep her safe.

Starting out with instant dislike and finding their way to mutual pleasure, Ace and Alice do not have an easy path to love. But their egos and personal barriers are nothing compared to the looming threat just waiting for a moment to possess Alice.

My review:

I loved this story!  While not as goofy or silly as the first book Seductive Powers, this book was just as much fun.  We met Ace in the first book and knew that he and Dracos were very different it stands to reason their stories would be as well.  I find it funny that Dracos is the serious brother and had the silly book and Ace the silly brother gets the serious book but it works.  I do hope Rebecca Royce does more with this series. 

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

Coming January 21^st

The Cursed Clan: Callum (part deux) by Melissa Schroeder

I originally read and posted this in February 2012.  Since it has been so long between this and Angus (finally coming out in April) I decided to re-read and repost my review as Melissa Schroeder is re-releasing The Cursed Clan: Callum in preparation.

Callum Lennon is a cranky, reclusive, wealthy Scot with a problem.  He and his cousins were cursed in the 1700’s.  They have recently come into possession of a diary that may contain the way to break the curse.  The problem is it is written in several languages and in code.  Enter Phoebe Chilton.  Phoebe is the daughter of famous archeologists, went to college at thirteen and is now a widow from a horrible marriage.  She does however possess the skills to decode the diary.  Sparks both good and bad fly between Phoebe and Callum from almost the instant they meet.

I’ve read and enjoyed several of Ms. Schroeder’s erotic romances.  This is not an erotic romance despite some very toasty scenes.  I’d call it romantic suspense with a paranormal feature (the curse).  That being said, I LOVED this story.  Hot Scots, action, adventure, and mystery what’s not to love?  Bring on Angus.

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

All Romance

Seductive Powers (The Capes #1) by Rebecca Royce

Blurb:

Wendy Warner is a bit of an oddball. Raised in an orphanage, she’s found solace and friendship by watching the television show, Space Adventures, and participating in its fan clubs. Twice a month, Wendy comes to work dressed in a costume from the show that she wears to charity events. She’s been able to ignore the looks of distain from many of her coworkers, but when the president of the company gazes at her with something more, she knows she’s in deep.

Draco Powers rather likes the way the uniform hugs all her curves in the just the right places. He’s also a real-life Guardian who told the world that, yes, some people had superhuman abilities, but, no, they wouldn’t work for free or without health insurance. Some people refer to him with derision as the “Capitalist Guardian.” While Draco doesn’t care what he’s called, he’s also being hunted by a group called the Organization, whose motives are unclear and yet still cause death and destruction wherever they go.

The Organization has decided that Draco’s biggest weakness is the way he cares about his employees and has chosen Wendy as their next target. To save her, Draco will have to come to terms with his real feelings and the reason he’s long resisted complicated relationships…but he’s running out of time.
Draco Powers is a real life Superhero who told the world that, yes, Superheroes do exist, but, no, we won’t work for free or without health insurance. Some people refer to him with derision as the ‘Capitalist Superman.’ Draco is being hunted by an organization called the Organization, whose motives are unclear and yet still cause death and destruction wherever they go.

The Organization has decided that Draco’s biggest weakness is the way he cares about his employees and has picked Wendy out as their next target. To save her, Draco will have to come to terms with his real feelings for Wendy and why it is that he has so long resisted complicated relationships. That is, if he can get there in time…

My Review:

Oh what fun!  This was a wonderful geeky romp that I just can’t get enough of.  The characters made me want to hug them.  I can’t say enough how much I got a kick out of this story.  Super heroes and geek girls and unbeatable combination.  For an escape that will tickle your brain check out this book.


Amazon
Barnes & Noble
All Romance

No Ifs, Ands, or Bears About It (Grayslake #1) by Celia Kyle

Paranormal Shapeshifter BBW Romance

Blurb:

The first day of Mia’s new life in Grayslake, Georgia is not going as planned. The house her grandfather left her looks ready to crumble, boxes cover every inch of the floor and—oh—there’s a bear cub in her pantry. It gets worse when the cub’s uncle comes by and busts out his fur and claws while on her front porch. Then it gets loads better because suddenly there’s a hot hunk of badge-wearing werebear on her lawn ready to rescue her. Yum. Of course, he has to ruin things by trying to take the cub out of her hands. Ha! The cub is hers… No ifs, ands, or bears about it.

Werebear Ty can’t seem to get the curvaceous, delectable Mia to understand that, even if she is one-quarter werebear, she isn’t keeping the cub. Ty is the Grayslake Itan, the clan’s leader, and the little werebear is going home with him… Unless it isn’t. It’s her smile. If she’d stop smiling and being gorgeous, his inner-bear would support him and Ty would get his way. But the beast wants to make their woman happy, so it’s perfectly content to let her do as she pleases. Then things change. Threats arise, danger comes close, and Ty demands she return to his den. No ifs, ands, or mates about that. 

My review:

Okay so I liked the title, am a fan of bear shifters and wanted something fun to read.  This fit the bill beautifully.

This is one of those “fated mate” stories but before you groan and give up I have to say that the author did a great job with not letting it take over her characters and she certainly didn’t take the easy way out.  The thing about bears is they are BIG.  They don’t want some skinny little thing they would be afraid to touch.  They want a woman they can hold without fear they will crush her.  Mia is a big girl and perfect for Ty.  But he is not in the market.  He has too much going on what with being Itan, sheriff and big brother.  His bear however wants Mia bad.  This is a really fun shifter romance.

Some Like it Royal by Heather Long

Going Royal

Some Like it Royal

by HEATHER LONG

It's the role of a lifetime…

Living out of a car and waiting tables to make ends meet is hardly the stuff of fairy tales. So when a gorgeous man approaches Alyx Dagmar with a wild story about her royal lineage and an even wilder proposition, the aspiring actress is sure he's got the wrong woman.

Self-made billionaire Daniel Voldakov needs connections before he can expand his software business into Europe. A blue-blooded fiancée would open all the right doors—and Daniel's certain he can tempt the pretty but penniless Princess Alyxandretta to accept the part she was born to play.

Alyx can't resist Daniel's offer, and throws herself into the role. But as the paparazzi fall in love with their "storybook romance," Alyx finds herself drawn to Daniel in ways she'd never imagined. Are his returned affections true, or all just part of the plan? He'll do anything it takes to prove his love, and to make her see that the only happily ever after he wants is with her…the real her.

Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pmyoeQQ4uU&feature=youtu.be

Quick Facts:

Some Like it Royal

Going Royal

Release Date: January 13, 2014

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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

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

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

Going Royal Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/GoingRoyal

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18490213-some-like-it-royal

My review:

As a big fan of Heather Long I was thrilled to be given an ARC by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review and was not disappointed.  This is a full length contemporary fairy tale.  In this modern day Cinderella the prince is a self-made man software billionaire who has lifted himself up and out of the trailer park and onto the international corporate stage.  Our Cinderella is an orphaned actress who is living in her car to save up enough to go to an immersion acting class.  Our hero finds her and convinces her to help him break into the European market using her royal heritage.  She finally agrees but doesn’t count on falling for him.  I love that she isn’t easy and doesn’t jump on the billionaire band wagon.  I thoroughly enjoyed this tale.  Sometimes sweet, at times painfully sad but always with a sense of humor this take on an old trope is well worth the read.  It doesn’t seem to matter what genre Heather long writes, it comes down to the fact that she tells a darn good story and I look forward to more in this series and from this author.

Enjoy the following excerpt for Some Like It Royal:

Three days later, he leaned back in the auditorium of the theater he’d rented for the day. His secretary’d placed an advertisement in all the papers for a casting call. They’d listed very specific qualities and appearance. He’d gone through every resume and photograph that arrived until he found Alyx Dagmar’s.

She was the only one he wanted, and she was the only one who made the cut.

He wrote the script himself. It was a bastardized version of My Fair Lady, but he didn’t care. The names and the places were all that mattered—well, and the princess in question.

The theater crew admitted her, gave her access to a dressing room and the pages she would cold read for the part. Right on schedule she walked out on the stage. He knew she couldn’t see him in the darkened theater.

Clasping his hands together, he sat back and watched as she took her spot. “Whenever you’re ready.” He called quietly, certain it would carry.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.” She lifted her hand as though holding a glass up to make a toast. Dressed in the simple green strapless gown, with her glorious russet hair pinned up, she seemed as glamorous as any model. “It is time for us to remove our masks, to reveal ourselves to each other in the fine tradition of the old-world masquerade. Have you danced with a duke? Did you dine with a princess? Did you discover your true love?”

She flowed three steps toward the lip of the stage, the single spotlight highlighting the magnificent column of her throat. He held his breath. She was better than he imagined. With all the gesture of flourish she mimed the removal of a mask. Her smile lit up her face and he leaned forward.

An air of expectancy hung around her, cloaking her as her smile turned coy, secretive. The notes said she was to react to surprise with a hint of delight. But the riot of emotion she let play over her face captivated him.

With a graceful curtsy, she dipped toward the stage and her gaze roved over the audience. He could almost imagine she hunted for him in the shadows and when she paused to straighten, her chin came up. “Yes,” she said in a clear, true voice. “My name is Princess D’tente.”

It was a stupid name, he grimaced at it, but he’d wanted her to take the message in it.

“And at long last, I am reunited with my family.” She paused again, but this wasn’t in the script. Her smile faltered and fell away.

Her gaze arrowed straight at him, where he sat, arms braced on the back of the seat in front of him.

“You son of a bitch.”

Yep. That definitely wasn’t in the script.

River Road by Jayne Ann Krentz

Blurb:

It’s been thirteen years since Lucy Sheridan was in Summer River. The last time she visited her aunt Sara there, as a teenager, she’d been sent home suddenly after being dragged out of a wild party—by the guy she had a crush on, just to make it more embarrassing. Obviously Mason Fletcher—only a few years older but somehow a lot more of a grown-up—was the overprotective type who thought he had to come to her rescue.

Now, returning after her aunt’s fatal car accident, Lucy is learning there was more to the story than she realized at the time. Mason had saved her from a very nasty crime that night—and soon afterward, Tristan, the cold-blooded rich kid who’d targeted her, disappeared mysteriously, his body never found.

A lot has changed in thirteen years. Lucy now works for a private investigation firm as a forensic genealogist, while Mason has quit the police force to run a successful security firm with his brother—though he still knows his way around a wrench when he fills in at his uncle’s local hardware store. Even Summer River has changed, from a sleepy farm town into a trendy upscale spot in California’s wine country. But Mason is still a protector at heart, a serious (and seriously attractive) man. And when he and Lucy make a shocking discovery inside Sara’s house, and some of Tristan’s old friends start acting suspicious, Mason’s quietly fierce instincts kick into gear. He saved Lucy once, and he’ll save her again. But this time, she insists on playing a role in her own rescue . . .

My Review:

I love JAK.  This contemporary romantic suspense has no paranormal elements and is just as great as the authors other works.  The interplay between the Lucy & Mason is terrific.  Both characters have issues but they each seem to be the cure for the others issues while solving a murder mystery or two. Fans will love it and if you haven't read any of Ms. Krentz's work this would be a great one to start with.

To Catch a Wolf (The Jamesburg Shifters #1) by Lynn Red

Blurb:

Sometimes a wolf's gotta fight and growl and bite. But Erik? He just needs a mate.

Erik Danniken is the alpha of Jamesburg, a small town hidden from the world and full of shifters of all stripes. But underneath it all, he's just a muscled-up, rough-shod bad boy of a werewolf with a tattoo that goes all the way up his chest and sticks out the collar of his shirt. He's down to his last nerve, but he's willing to fight one last time... for the woman he loves.

Sometimes a girl needs romance and wine and sweet kisses. But Izzy? She just needs a job.

Isabel Taylor was more than a little frustrated when she answered a very vague job ad to be the personal assistant of a mayor in a town she didn't know existed. That was two years ago. Curvy, tough and with more than a little bit of a naughty streak, Izzy has long since gotten used to the weirdness of everyday life in Jamesburg... but she's fallen hard for Erik's rough charm.

Erik wants to claim her forever, marking Izzy as his honest-to-goodness mate. Izzy wants him to quit being such a coward and just come out and do it, but will a good old-fashioned small town scandal make them keep their love a secret, and in the process, kill it before it can grow?

Note: The Jamesburg Shifters is a series of standalone books. Each installment has its own hero and heroine, and the stories never cross over. Each novel or novella is a complete story, complete with happy-ever-after ending. Enjoy!

My review:

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

After a year and a half of being the Mayor (and wolf alpha)’s dirty secret Izzy has had about enough.  The purely human PA is in love with the big hairy lug and he says she is his forever mate but they can’t mate because of his position and the prejudice of his fellow shifters.  Will Eric wolf up and do the right thing or will Izzy bail and drive him to suicide like the towns previous Mayor who is now a zombie? 

This is a goofy, silly shifter story with lots of wacky characters for future installments.  It is also chock full of hot sex.  Note: As much as I love shifter stories and I do LOVE shifter stories it did hit one of my hot buttons as I am not a fan of shifted or partially shifted sex with a human.  Just ewww.    

Bring On the Heat by Eden Bradley, Cassandra Carr, Stephanie Julian, Amber Kallyn, Keira Kohl, Adriana Kraft, Emma Lai, Anh Leod, Ann Mayburn, Cari Quinn

Bring On the Heat by Eden Bradley,  Cassandra Carr, Stephanie Julian, Amber Kallyn, Keira Kohl, Adriana Kraft, Emma Lai, Anh Leod, Ann Mayburn, Cari Quinn

Blurb:

A collection of erotic tales from today’s hottest authors, featuring BDSM love stories, ménage romps, and everything in between. No matter what your taste in erotic romance, we’ve got you covered and then some! Warning: These stories may require readers to seek out a cold drink and a hot man.

Breaking Skye by Eden Bradley
BDSM. Submission. Spanking. Skye thought one night with the perfect Dominant might purge these dark desires from her system. But Adam has other ideas…and soon all he can think of is breaking Skye—and keeping her for himself.

Caught by Cassandra Carr
Callie left her Dominant, Jack, three years ago, believing he’d never love her. Yet when their paths cross, she agrees to submit to him and is drawn deep into Jack’s world once more. This time, Jack knows he needs to overcome his fears and claim Callie forever or lose everything.

An Indecent Proposition, Part I & Part II by Stephanie Julian
One woman. Two men. Half a million dollars. One very indecent proposition...

Burned, Dragos Book 1 by Amber Kallyn
When Calla, a dragon shifter, heads to a sleepy mountain town to investigate their arson outbreak, she doesn’t expect to find the dark dragon who killed her mother, or her destined mate. Firefighter Scott O’Neil can’t fight their burning attraction, even after he finds out what she is, and the shocking secret of his own past.

Laundry Day by Keira Kohl
Carmela Keyes runs an apartment complex with fun and sex games. Despite her curious nature she never partakes in the Keyes Manor Saturday night key parties. She’s got her sights set on Declan McLean to join her own private laundry day party. Clothing prohibited.

Cherry Tune-up by Adriana Kraft
Desperate for a crash course in lovemaking, Bobbi Jo Martin seeks out her childhood best friend. A successful contractor with NASCAR dreams, Jack Day has never forgotten her—but how will he protect his heart? In a moment of sheer genius he decides to play the role of master…

Riding Rodeo by Emma Lai
The last person Amanda Goodson expected to walk into her bakery was Sean Cassidy, the bareback bronc rider who rode her hard one night and left without a good-bye the next day. A nasty hang up ended Sean’s career and left him with nothing but time to contemplate his past sins—the most damning one being walking out on Amanda, the one woman he couldn’t forget once outside the bedroom. Searching out Amanda to right the biggest mistake of his life, he finds he has competition. Never one to back down from a challenge, he offers to fulfill her fantasy of riding two cowboys. At the end of the night, will Amanda decide riding Rodeo is worth the risk to her heart?

Clockwork Captive by Anh Leod
Enslaved in a gentlemen’s club by a fiendish clockwork device, Liza knows she has few options...until the night she recognizes Brace. Though he has no idea they share a secret, he must possess her, and replace her scars with sexual healing. Rescuing the captive will make her his forever.

First Kiss by Ann Mayburn
Ryan will never forgot that night in high school when he kissed Emma and lost his heart to her forever. Years later he finds Emma, but now she’s a pro-Domme that refuses to fall in love. Ryan begins a campaign to win her reluctant heart, one night at a time.

Jingle Ball, More the Merrier Book 1 by Cari Quinn
All receptionist Wendy Stanton wants for Christmas is a chance for a relationship with her sexy, dominant boss outside the boardroom. But his secrets—and hot encounters including her other boss—are complications she never expected.

My review:

First I should say I received a copy of this scorchin’ hot collection from one of the authors in return for a fair and honest review.

As with any collection there were some good and not so good stories but the one thing they all had in common was the ability to get your heart rate up.  Who needs cardio? 

My favorites from this collection were in no particular order:

Burned, Dragos Book 1 by Amber Kallyn - (Erotic PNR) must see if this is part of a series and if not why?  I want more!

Laundry Day by Keira Kohl – The things a woman will do to get her man…

First Kiss by Ann Mayburn – Super sweet fem-dom.  I want a Ryan of my own.

The only stories I had problems with were Caught by Cassandra Carr an author whose work I usually enjoy but this one hit a hot button for me.  I am so not into humiliation. And An Indecent Proposition, Part I & Part II by Stephanie Julian was the first two installments from a serial that cut off rather abruptly.  

If you want some red hot reading by some of today’s best erotic authors this is a collection you need to Bring On the Heat.

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Bring-On-Heat-Eden-Bradley-ebook/dp/B00HOHUUF2

BN:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bring-on-the-heat-eden-bradley/1117666999?ean=2940045477475

ARe:  https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-bringontheheat-1388741-166.html

Smashwords:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/383852

KOBO:  http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/books/bring-on-the-heat-1/o_0WWiSaZE6eMiibEwIniQ?MixID=o_0WWiSaZE6eMiibEwIniQ&PageNumber=1

The Professional: Part 2 (The Game Maker #1.2) by Kresley Cole

Blurb:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole comes The Professional—the second scorching installment in her Game Maker series, an erotica collection that has readers asking: How hot is too hot?

He makes the rules...
Mafiya enforcer Aleksandr "The Siberian" Sevastyan’s loyalty to his boss is unwavering, until he meets the boss’s long-lost daughter, a curvy, tantalizing redhead who haunts his mind and heats his blood like no other. Ordered to protect her, Sevastyan will do anything to possess her as well—on his own wicked terms.

Rules are made to be broken...
PhD student Natalie Porter had barely recovered from her first sight of the breathtakingly gorgeous Sevastyan before the professional hit man whisks her away to Russia, thrusting her into a world of extreme wealth and wanton pleasures. With every day she spends under his protection, she falls deeper under his masterful spell.

Are you ready to play?
Yet all is not as it seems. To remove Natalie from an enemy’s reach, Sevastyan spirits her into hiding. From an opulent palace in Russia to the decadent playgrounds of the mega-wealthy in Paris, the two lovers will discover that even their darkest—and most forbidden—fantasies can come true...

My review:

Things are heating up in this second installment of Kresley Cole’s uber hot erotic romantic serial.  When last we left Natalie and Sevastyan they were fighting their attraction tooth and nail. Sevastyan has decided enough is enough and makes plans to make Natalie his and his alone.  But plans made in a war zone often are interrupted.  When Natalie and Sevastyan finally do get together break out the ice cubes cause you are going to need them.  Though short this gives you enough to hold on till the next installment.  

Dragon Awakened (The Hidden #1) by Jaime Rush

Blurb:

They are the Hidden.
Not quite human. Far from normal.
And never, ever safe…

Playing With Fire

Ruby Salazaar wants answers…and revenge. Her uncle has just been murdered before her eyes and the name he utters with his final breath—Cyntag—leads Ruby into a world beyond her wildest imaginings. She soon learns that the dark, sexy Cyntag Valeron knows more about her than she does herself.

Burned By Love

Ruby changed Cyn's life before she even knew who he was. Now she charges into his life, a beautiful woman full of fire and questions. Cyn knew this day would come, yet he couldn't foresee the danger—and desires—Ruby would bring with her. He can teach her how to harness her newly awakened powers. But there is one force neither of them can control…

My Review:

I thought this was a fantastic blend of epic fantasy and paranormal romance.  I LOVED it and can hardly wait for the next installment.  Where to start… Hunky hero? Spunky heroine? Incredible world building? Check. Check. And check.  Plenty of interesting secondary characters to build the next book on? Check. Dragons, Demons, Elementals, Magick users and angels, and more? Yep.  Go forth and read this fantastic first book in a new series.

Project: Runaway Bride by Heidi Betts

Blurb:

Handbag designer Juliet Zaccaro should be walking down the aisle, so why is she running out of the church instead? Because she just found out she's pregnant, and not by her cruel, distant fiancé! Now it's up to private investigator Reid McCormack to bring her home. But once he finds her, he'll make sure she doesn't go back to her fiancé--especially since the baby she's carrying might just be Reid's! Even as Juliet denies their explosive chemistry, can Reid convince her that there's more between them than a baby bump?

My review:

We first met Juliet Zaccaro in Project: Runaway Heiress.  This is important because I don’t think I would have liked her as much in this book if I hadn’t.  I understood her motivations much better for having read the first book.  Juliet appears to be a strong put together woman.  But part of that is trying to be what she thinks everyone else needs her to be.  The delight in this sweet sexy story is watching Juliet figure out what she wanted for herself and find the strength to settle for nothing less. 

Die for Love (The Reborn #4) by Caridad Piñeiro

FBI Special Agent Diana Reyes and ADIC Jesus Hernandez and friends are back in this sexy supernatural romantic suspense novel.  I think this may just be the best one yet as I’ve grown to care for these characters from the books that preceded this one.  Dhamphir Slayer Michaela Ramirez has a mission in life.  Kill the bastard vampire that raped her mother creating her and who then came back and raped and killed her.  She has always been different and alone.  She never counted on having friends or someone she loved.  Jesus Hernandez knows that Michaela is on a mission but can he convince her she doesn’t have to go it alone and that love makes you stronger not weaker.  This book continues The underlying theme of justice v. vengeance, love, duty and honor. 

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

Born to Love (The Reborn #3) by Caridad Piñeiro

This series keeps getting better.  I am sure that the events that put FBI Special Agent David Harris in a wheelchair took place in a book in The Calling series (which I have yet to read).  It didn’t make much difference to this story.  FBI Special Agent Diana Reyes is sent to the park with her best friend FBI Forensic Pathologist Maggie Gonzalez to find out what tore a victim to pieces.  While on scene Maggie is attacked by something big and furry.  ADIC Jesus Hernandez assigns Diana’s former partner FBI Special Agent David Harris to assist in tracking down the perp.  Things get complicated right away because David and Maggie used to live and love together before his accident and he still blames Diana for not telling him the whole truth about what happened.  Despite this they work together to and eventually find that there are lots of things out there that go bump in the night.  This was a terrific PNR.  Sexy, sweet and suspenseful.     

To Love and Serve (The Reborn #2) by Caridad Piñeiro

Somebody is killing off vampires and FBI Special Agent Diana Reyes has intimate knowledge of vampires.  Five years ago, vampire Ryder Latimer stepped into the path of a bullet meant for Diana, at once saving her life and condemning her to death when his blood contaminates her open wounds.  Since then they have fallen in love and his vampire kiss and some experimental blood treatments are all that is keeping her alive.  In this sexy paranormal romantic suspense novel we are treated to a different kind of wacko then the first book in this spin-off series but the underlying theme of justice v. vengeance, love, duty and honor prevail. 

For Love or Vengeance (The Reborn #1) by Caridad Piñeiro

I haven't read The Calling series so I wasn't familiar with the characters or premise of this spin-off series.  I have to say that I enjoyed this book more as I read the books that followed it.  It is in this book that we meet the secondary characters that will take over the series Diana Reyes and Jesus Hernandez.  This book stands alone as we meet Nemesis, Goddess of Vengeance and Justice on earth as FBI Special Agent Helene Alexander.  She and her new partner, SA Miguel Sanchez  have to find and apprehend the serial killer known as "The Butcher". Can a human teach a Goddess that Justice and Vengeance aren't always the same thing and the ends don't always justify the means. I don't know but he can and does teach her a few things about love.  This is a super, sexy paranormal romantic suspense novel.