Immortal Desires by Laura Eno

Hello Indulgites, just finished up a fabulous week at the beach and now I am trying to get back into the swing of things. We had beautiful weather and a good time was had by all. The end of the summer is coming up fast and the kids will soon be returning to school and I have been trying to get them back into the going to be at a decent hour routine which has made for some grumpiness in the Berger household. They will thank me in two weeks when they aren't dragging through the last half of the school day but for now I am just "Unreasonable Mom".

Lots of exciting things happening here on the blog. Our TWO YEAR anniversary is coming up which is so hard to believe...it just boggles the mind. To celebrate we are hosting a blog hop(with PRIZES) so be sure to sign up to be a part of it, the information and link were posted here yesterday so just keep scrolling after you read this.

A few months ago I read a book from a new to me author for the TRR site and I wanted to post that review here as well because the book freakin' ROCKED! So check it out!

Immortal Desires by Laura Eno
After being dumped at the altar, Deanna Cameron seeks a fresh start in life. She gets more than she bargained for after accepting a new job, when an Immortal Guardian sends her five hundred years into the past. She can't return home and a magnificent highland warrior accuses her of being a spy.
Ian Mackay knows the beautiful woman that appears in his castle must be a spy. After all, she's a Cameron, a clan he despises. The powerful magic surrounding her obstructs his Druid senses, plus he finds he can't stay away from the temptress. But loving Deanna could come with a price too high to pay. Will she be the downfall of his clan—or its salvation?



Move over, Diana Gabaldon and Karen Marie Moning, and make room for Laura Eno! What a fantastic start to what I hope is a long running series. IMMORTAL DESIRES is one of those books that I just couldn't put down, and as soon as I was finished, I wanted more.

While this book was very much a romance, it had so many more elements that made it a great read: mystery, intrigue, feisty heroines and hot highlanders. From the strong characters to the engaging story line, this was a great read.

When Deanna is left at that altar, she needs something to snap her back into life. What better way to start over than a dream job that sounds too good to be true? So she makes the leap and starts over at Light Street Corporation, a new job and new state to live in and the chance to start over. What Deanna doesn't know is, her new boss, Robert Thornton, is actually an immortal being, a guardian to the Well of Souls and that she is one of the lost souls.

As part of her new job, Deanna is sent to Scotland, where she's to inspect a castle that has been turned into a hotel. When she sees a picture on the wall of the last laird of the castle, she feels an immediate connection and wonders if he could be the apparition that she has been dreaming about for the last month. While wondering around the cemetery, Deanna finds a brooch that transports her back in time to 1505, where not only does her dream apparition come to life, he thinks she is a spy.

Ian is an immortal druid working at Light Street Corporation that knows as soon as he sees Deanna that she is his long lost soul mate. The only problem is they were supposed to meet while he was mortal and that was 500 years ago. When Ian begs his boss not to "recycle" Deanna but send her back in time to when he was living, he sets of a series of events that no one knows the ramifications.

This story is told from a multi-dimensional point of view, jumping times and locations, which you would think would be confusing but was not. I felt it added more depth to the story line and was handled very nicely. I was never confused about what century I was in or where I was. This also had the added bonus of reliving the memories with Ian currently while they are unfolding in the past. It was a very unique way of seeing the story play out.

While the "bad" guys aren't fully developed in this first story, you get just enough to make you question who is in the right, or are both the Aeneas and the Conri just being used as pawns in a game the Gods are playing? There are definite times when I questioned who exactly was in the right.

IMMORTAL DESIRES is very well written and Ms. Eno's world building and character development are strong. Her narrative brings the surroundings to life, be it the Colorado mountains or the Scottish highlands. You can't help but fall in love with this book and especially with Deanna and Ian. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of historicals, time travel and the fight for true love.

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.

This review was originally posted at The Romance Reviews.
http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=5726

Rescue Me: A Full Series Review

When I first read new-to-me author, Kallypso Masters, I was skeptical of this newcomer to the BDSM genre. After all, there are so many authors trying to pull these stories off and failing miserably so I began reading because I agreed to review it. It took just a few pages before I was so glad I'd given it a chance. Kally is now an author I follow. And if there's a part of you who likes this genre, then I would bet on you following her as well. 


Now, let me tell you about the whole series...

BOOK ONE
Masters at Arms begins the journey of three men whom this series will revolve around. Each amazing in their own right - honorable, strong, brave – that readers will fall easily for them. Their paths cross in one of the most terrifying and darkest places in their lives with writing so vivid, readers feel present in the story. As the men come to terms with the aftermath, they form a friendship that will get them through anything. Their stories are beautiful and amazing. But know that this book is just the beginning, the back-story, so do not be disappointed that there is no HEA. Just be ready to grab the next book and read all night!

The men - or shall we call them “the masters” - provides brief looks into the men’s pasts. First we’re introduced to Adam Montague, a Marine who just buried his wife. Alone in a bus station, he rescues a young runaway who turns around and saves him right back. Next we meet Damian Orlando, a bus boy who is just trying to get by after serving two years in juvie for defending his little sister. Though he keeps a low profile normally, he finds himself rescuing a woman being abused. It costs him his job so he turns to the military to rescue himself. Then we meet Marc D’Alesso who recently lost his brother to the war. He returned home to help rescue the family business but after nearly two years, he can’t do it anymore. He wants more from his life so after a regrettable night with an ex, he enlists in the Navy as a medic. 

Setting the stage for all that will happen in this series, this book is descriptive with compelling stories about courageous characters. Bouncing between tears and laughter, I was immersed in their lives, their grief, and their struggles. But I was left just wanting more.

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

IMPORTANT: If you haven’t yet read Masters at Arms, you must read it first. This is book 2 in the series and cannot be read before book 1 where readers first meet each Dom before reading their individual stories.

BOOK TWO

I absolutely l-o-v-e Nobody's Angel. Ms. Masters shows such complete understanding and respect for the bdsm community. In fact, the storyline runs along the lines of trust which is so heavily factored into bdsm relationships. With a powerful message and a story focused on healing, Nobody’s Angel is an amazing read, both emotional and sensual, definitely one of my favorites.

Nobody’s Angel focuses on Marc & Angelina.  Marc rescues Angelina from an abusive Dom at the club that he co-owns with his two friends, Adam & Damian. He assumes he’ll never see her again until a chance encounter changes that. She doesn’t recognize him but he knows exactly who she is. And now his protector instinct has kicked in when he learns her ex is still bothering her.

Angelina is the traditional girl-next-door type with the over protective brothers and large Italian family. She seeks out men that are perfect in the eyes of her family though they are "boring" and "safe". Hesitant to listen to her own instincts after the mistake with her ex, she doesn’t go after men that could truly satisfy her. Then her attraction to Marc takes her on a journey of discovery into the bdsm community when Marc offers to show her bdsm isn’t about pain but a power exchange with mutual trust. Since Angel has sworn off bdsm, it’s up to Marc to teach her just how satisfying it can be with the right Dom. 

And Marc is the right Dom. Before his time in the Army, Marc essentially lived with the cloud of his brother’s death hanging over him. He lived his life for his family without considering his own needs until he enlisted in the Army. It was then that he discovered his worth as a man. Now a civilian working search and rescue in the mountains, he’s found the perfect balance. Though he’s a rich Italian alpha male, Marc is amazingly down-to-earth – a truly likable character. He embraces Angelina while still trying to hold her at arm’s length.

When Marc's partner Luke confides he believes Angelina is the angel his deceased wife promised to send, Marc is convinced she’s meant for Luke instead. With his memories of allowing a woman to put distance between he and his brother, Marc refuses to do that again. He believes Luke can provide Angelina with love and stability while he can satisfy only her submissive needs. I know, here’s where I thought we might see a ménage – nope – it’s a one-on-one love story. And it takes Angelina and his friends to help him realize that he must commit emotionally to find his happiness.

Their connection came over just a few days but the revelations they both went through made the evolution of their relationship honest and realistic. Nobody’s Angel is both highly emotional and incredibly sensual. I have not been so taken by Doms in a romance book since Cherise Sinclair who I declare the Master of BDSM romance books. Book well written, Ms. Masters, bravo!

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries


BOOK THREE

At the center of Nobody’s Hero, the third book in Kallypso Master’s Rescue Me series, is the very simple truth of two damaged souls healing one another. In the end, this is absolutely beautiful even if the journey was a frustrating one. The book will make you shiver, cry, and squirm.

The focus returns to Adam – the first Marine we met in the series – as his relationship develops with Karla who is twenty-five years his junior.  In denial over his feelings for her and still viewing her as the sixteen year old he’d met nine years earlier in the first book, he’s completely disgusted with himself for being attracted to her now.  Compound that with the skeletons in his closet and Adam can’t get away from her fast enough.

Quite poetically, retired Master Sergeant Adam Montague has been through four war zones and lives as a Dom with his own club but its sweet Karla who takes him to his knees when she declares war on his heart. Karla’s strength was fabulous – the author creates easy-to-like characters – as she serves as his caretaker in the beginning of Nobody’s Hero.  In so m any ways, Karla is the true hero in this book. She’s so in love with Adam – has been for so many years – that she is willing to sacrifice her independence to give him what he needs.

In an attempt to push Karla away, Adam suggests they enter a 24/7 M/s agreement even though this isn’t his kink. He knew this wasn’t for her either and he hoped it would push them apart. He was so tormented by his attraction to this woman who he couldn’t help but see as the child he’d once rescued. And he saw himself as undeserving of love – incapable of it even – that this honorable man used this wall to keep her from getting too close. But it was Adam who actually “safe worded” out of the agreement (though without explanation) leaving Karla hurt and insecure enough to return home.

Though this couple could help each other through their separate tribulations and clearly have so much love for each other, Adam's skeletons - and the insecurities that came with them - got in the way over and over and over. So much is shown into Adam’s past with unpredictable secondary characters having great impact on the outcome. When finally Adam decides to lay his skeletons to rest, it was incredibly moving. Such a unique twisting of storylines keeps readers flipping pages faster and faster until the satisfying conclusion.

Kallypso Masters’ true skill lies in creating characters that become like family to readers – so realistic with human vulnerabilities, emotional baggage, scars and an immense capacity for love. 

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries, please, sir.

All of these reviews were originally posted at The Romance Reviews.You can see all of my TRR reviews by clicking this button.

We made it over the final #HumpDay of 2011!

Congrats and felicitations to all for enduring another year of highs and lows (isn't that the definition of life?). For all who are ready for 2011 to end - you're almost there....big breath in and relax! For all those who are ending on a high note - good for you! Hope you enjoy this mini-break during your day, take time to reflect on the things you will and won't miss about this year. I, for one, am not a big resolution maker at the New Year - it's kind of unrealistic for me and invariably I end up disappointing myself. Instead I make vows and use them like mantras - I will be positive (even when I want to smack the crap out of people), I will not be afraid of change (and some big ones are coming), I will read to my heart's content and not feel guilty! That last one is a solid done deal! To celebrate my vows, I share with you some delish eye candy - last taste of the year. Mmmmmm, quite spectacular!

Oh and Happy New Year to you all!!!!

Paty Jager, Bridled Heart, Wild Rose Press, January 2011

Paty Jager takes on the hefty task of telling the tale of a broken ER nurse and the bareback rider who heals her heart. BRIDLED HEART sings to the romantic soul like a country ballad: a little sad, a little hopeful and always, always about love.

Gina Montgomery's abusive past haunts her, forcing her to close off from personal relationships of any kind. Working as a traveler nurse, Gina spends little time in any one place and her passions lie in her piano music and her dream to build a camp for abused children. Holt Reynolds fights his own demons, beleaguered by guilt over his sister's suicide. When not competing in rodeos, Holt pours his emotions into his art and it is his soulful renderings that capture the eye of the introverted fundraiser volunteer. Her music reminds him of his sister's. Together they have a chance to heal one another's personal pain if they can only make that leap of faith.

This romance manages to be both sweet and sexy but not in an obvious way. Holt's courtship of the wary Gina speaks of his genuine affection for her. What starts as fascination and infatuation grows into heated romance. Like the gentle breaking of a skittish mare, Holt manages to convince Gina his intentions are honest and true and watching the pair fall in love is quite touching. The growth and development of the secondary characters adds to the storyline as much as the small mystery of who is stalking Gina and why.

A highly enjoyable read, BRIDLED HEART takes the reader on a true journey through the healing process of victims of abuse. With a clever storyline, solid characters and well-written dialogue, Paty Jager's love story will leave the reader sighing and wishing for more.


I give this sweet send off a tasty four chocolate dipped strawberries with a glass of champagne to toast the New Year - welcome 2012! Get reading.....

This review was originially written for The Romance Reviews

Sparkle and Purr

Sparkle and Purr, Stormy Glenn, Siren Publishing
The gathering is called. The spell is cast. There is no escaping the Midnight Matings.
Elder Davan Solaris has secrets, the most important being the love he still harbors for Manuel Tejarda, the man he bonded with four years ago at the last Great Gathering. Some days, thoughts of Manuel are the only thing that keeps him going. Other days, the anguish of being abandoned brings him to his knees. Manuel will always hold his heart. When Manuel appears at this year's Great Gathering, Davan panics. He's given up too much to let Manuel rip his heart apart again. Besides, he has an even bigger secret to hide, and this one he needs to hide from Manuel.
Manuel knows Davan betrayed him. He has the proof. But he can't help but seek Davan out when he attends the gathering. A cloud of rage fills him when he discovers the plans of the elder council and he takes that anger out on Davan, claiming the man as his mate. When his mind clears, Manuel's only thought is to guard his heart from the one man that has the power to destroy it, even if that means not having Davan as his mate. Destroying the forces bent on keeping them apart might be easier than giving Davan up, especially when Manuel discovers the secrets Davan has been keeping from him.

YES! It finally happened. Someone took down an Elder. They got a taste of their own medicine, and it was sweet. SPARKLE AND PURR is the 10th in the Midnight Mating series and I think this is my favorite of the series…..so far. Not only do we find out more of the backstory as to why the Elders made the decision to force matings, but now we know it was not a unanimous vote.

Elder Davan Solaris thought he had everything; he was in love and couldn't be happier, until Manuel Tejarda left him with no explanation. Devastated and needing something to focus on to work through the loss, Davan throws himself into being elected the youngest Elder on the council. Now four years later, Davan didn't realize how hard seeing the man that he mated and left him would be until they came face to face.

Manuel has never forgiven Davan for betraying him. He is a proud jaguar shifter and no one is going to make a fool of him, especially some fae whore. He has the proof and he is going to confront Davan at the Gathering. When he learns what the Elders have done, he claims Davan in a fit of rage. Now he has to deal with the fallout and do what he should have done 4 years ago….talk to Davan.

But even if Davan and Manuel can find a way past the hurt and betrayal, there are still people that do not want them to be together.

This story is heart wrenching and an emotional rollercoaster. I felt myself wanting to shake Manuel and tell him to grow up. The hurt and lies that tear these two people apart could have been avoided if Manuel had just talked to Davan.

Davan is one of those strong-when-they-have-to-be characters that you can't help but root for. The outside manipulation and the heartbreak that it creates felt so real. I love when an author can make me care about their characters that much. You can relate to the hurt that both characters felt with their versions of what happened.

This is one of those stories that will make you believe in second chances and the power of true love. This is a great addition to the series and for me the most developed of the storylines. It also makes you think that maybe there is something more going on with Elder Burke, because he seems to be in the middle of a LOT of the pairings.

I give Sparkle and Purr 5 chocolate dipped strawberries!!

This review was originally posted ar The Romance Reviews:
http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=3726

Air Demon

The warrior demons from Jinnistan are back in this second installment of the Elemental Demon series. This book picks up right where book one ended, but we are dealing with a different elemental and to say that he has some very interesting talents would be an understatement!

Storym is excited to have found his mate. The only problem is Nick is from the surface world, so that makes him human, which in Storym's mind means he is fragile. So to keep Nick safe, Storym is not going to claim his Demonas Amate. What he didn't expect was for Nick to return to the surface world because he felt rejected by Storym.

After spending one amazing night in Storym's bed, Nick is sure the warrior will claim him, and when he awakes to find himself alone and later learns that Storym asked to be sent away on assignment, he is crushed. Deciding to return to the surface and his life as a cop is the only choice he feels he has left.

What neither man realizes is that the shayatin know that Nick is one of the "chosen" and it doesn't matter where he is, his life is in danger. When Storym returns because he can't stand to be away from Nick he may just be too late to save the man that was destined to be his.

I am really enjoying this word that Ms. Glenn has created. Seems to me that demons are the new vampire, thankfully these demons don't sparkle. What they do is kick some bad guy ass along with having some creatively hot sex with their mates. Who knew having control of the wind could be so erotic? And while they are badass demon warriors they still make some very stupid human mistakes. There were several times in the beginning of the book that I just wanted to shake Storym and then I was mad at Nick for giving up so soon. LOL I guess that's one way to know that a book has drawn you into the story line because you are yelling at the characters like they are real.

We get a glimpse of who the other two Demonas Amates are and I have to say that I am sure those tales are going to be very interesting and I know some warriors who are going to have their hands full.

This review originally posted at The Romance Reviews:
http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=3580

Indulgent Desires

Lorcan’s Desire by SJD Peterson is not your typical romance story – it’s not even your typical m/m romance story – in fact, there were moments when I wondered if it even was a romance story. This is not to say I disliked the book though it did strike me as sad. It reminded me that life doesn't always give us what we want but we deal with it anyway and move on. I’m just not sure I want to be reminded of this fact when I read romance.

This highly emotional book opens with Lorcan walking down a stretch of open country road, who despite the support of his family wants to strike out on his own. Readers are drawn to him at once as he is presented as a truly sympathetic character. He’s twenty-one and looking for an adventure. Yet when he gets it, he doesn’t seem to really want it. He finds himself at the Whispering Pines Ranch, desperate for work and lucky enough to be taken in by Quinn, the ranch’s gorgeous owner who awakens a side of Lorcan he wasn’t aware of.

From the moment Quinn lays eyes on Lorcan, he knows he needs to know him more and immediately takes him on as a ranch hand. Quinn is in the midst of dealing with a homophobic neighbor out to destroy his ranch. He is angry and stressed about the troubles at his ranch but aside from these obvious traits, his character is not as well developed as Lorcan and I found myself not liking him. This is especially true when their relationship begins to develop but Quinn wants to keep it a secret because he’s afraid of coming out to the people in his small town and losing his ranch.

Though Lorcan cares for Quinn and Quinn cares for Lorcan, there is another vying for Lorcan’s attention. So when Lorcan stands up for himself and refuses to have the type of hushed relationship Quinn seeks, Lorcan finds solace with Jess. The story is solid and straightforward with enough description to keep a reader interested. The plot got a bit twisted up with inner dialogue that became redundant and frankly frustrating. I get that this was meant to convey the character’s turmoil but at some point given that each has feelings for the other, something should’ve progressed. Their indecision held the story down so when Jess came along, I was grateful for the change. Jess, another ranch hand, is all too happy to stand on the barn roof and shout of his affection for Lorcan. He’s a refreshingly happy character and offers Lorcan the acceptance he so much desires.

The sexual frustration in this book is high, the emotional level is high, but it lacks the chemistry characters falling in love typically embody. The sex scenes are hot, but it’s the attraction – the draw - between the characters that’s missing. And while I feel it a little more with Quinn and Lorcan, it’s weak. The balance between sexual chemistry and frustration was simply off-balance. And the relationships between Lorcan and Quinn and Lorcan and Jess are so very different that I felt confused though I enjoyed the tension Jess brought forth because he caused movement in the plot. But I still felt an allegiance to the initial relationship between Lorcan and Quinn.

The non-ending ending is extremely dissatisfying and the book very depressing. It depicts what happens when one cannot follow their heart as a result of society’s prejudice. Was it a happy ending? I still don’t know. But I do know that I’ll be reading the next book in this series to find out what’s in store for Lorcan next. Despite all my complaints, I still found myself caring about Lorcan. And though its sure to be another emotional journey, I must know if he finds his true happiness after all.

RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

This review of LORCAN'S DESIRE by SJD Peterson  is also posted at:

http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=2602

Fire Demon

FIRE DEMON is the first in the Elemental Demons series by Stormy Glenn and it is a fascinating, intriguing world that she has created. What do you get when you cross a cop from the surface world and a fire warrior from below the surface? A scorching hot tale that will have you wishing for more.

Tehmper has come to the surface hunting rogue demons shayatin, and when he comes across Gabe, a human cop who has just captured one, he knows he has found a worthy Demonas Amate…his mate. Tehmper knows he cannot take his mate to his home below the surface, without permission from the Amir, so he marks Gabe with a bite to the neck but doesn't complete the claiming.

All Gabe remembers is being on a stake out and chasing the perp down an alley, and when he wakes up, he finds a bite mark on his neck and he keeps having the most erotic dreams of his life. When Tehmper comes back to claim him, he's not sure what to believe but he knows he can't deny the chemistry he feels for the stranger. When he finally agrees to go with Tehmper he finds himself in more trouble than if he had just stayed home.

As with most first books of series, especially ones set in an alternate world there is a lot of world building and background information. This doesn't bother me because I like to know the rules. I liked that Gabe's character stayed true to himself. Even though he was in a strange place, he didn't back down when he saw something wasn't right. He wasn't afraid to try and help people even though he was in trouble himself. Tehmper's complete devotion to Gabe was easier to believe than Gabe's acceptance of everything that happened. Gabe seemed to accept this alternate universe a little too easily.

The villain was one of those completely amoral people that you love to hate. I liked this new world and the characters that were introduced and can't wait to see what Ms. Glenn has planned next.

This review originally posted at The Romance Reviews:
http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=3579

The Bodyguards' Princess

Not a single thing ordinary about this story, it is a refreshing change from the norm. The Bodyguards’ Princess is suspenseful and sexy with terrorists and some light BDSM – an erotic ménage to leave the reader fanning themselves on one page while trying to figure out the mystery on the next.

Right off, the book begins with the realistic issue of Lalita Chetana, the Goth daughter of a UN Diplomat, surviving an attempted kidnapping by a terrorist group. Readers are thrown into her world as she struggles during her difficult recovery. She is depicted as strong but not perfect – the kind of heroine most readers love.

Still fearing for her, Lalita’s father hires two bodyguards, ex-Marines and friends Asher and Kent. While they do as much as possible to keep her safe, the terrorists are still using her without anyone’s knowledge by hypnotizing her into stealing UN secrets. When she’s framed and wanted by the government, Lalita goes into hiding with Asher and Kent who continue to guard her while using their old contacts to uncover the reason for the threats on her life.

The romance part of the story gets more intense when the men discover that the terrorists have placed a hypnotic trigger causing her to become aroused to the point of pain anytime she hears the word “bitch”. In such close proximity, neither man is able to hide their desire for her. And once her trigger is hit and it’s up to them to relieve her sexual needs, nothing between the three of them will be the same again. Adding to the realism in this book is the jealousy that plays out between the men which also plays into any woman’s fantasy of being fought over by two hot men.

Two sexy heroes, a suspenseful adventure and one fiery heroine… what’s not to like about this book? It's absolutely a five chocolate-dipped strawberry review.

This review of THE BODYGUARDS' PRINCESS by Ann Mayburn  is also posted at: 
http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=3457

Humpday Hello!

With a pretty heinous migraine - I have to beg off on anything wacky for this week. I will, however, allow you to indulge in some books and eye candy! (Sometimes a girl needs an Angel on her side....) Enjoy!








Strings Attached, Anne Holly, Wild Horse Press, May 2011



Who knew the wilds of the Canadian North would be such a romantic setting? Anne Holly apparently! Bringing a quirky love story to life in her latest novel, Anne Holly's STRINGS ATTACHED will capture readers' "hopeful" romantic soul.

Josie Sergeant defines independent woman. Having taken over the family sheep ranch, she not only survives but thrives in the wilderness. Kept company by her dog and cat seems to suffice until she examines her life a little too closely after receiving a call from her brother, Richard, with news of his engagement to his girlfriend, Julie Sabich. And as distressed as she is about her brother's upcoming Christmas wedding, her reservations don't even touch those espoused by Julie's brother. Their initial meeting in Winnipeg goes badly, despite their instant attraction to one another, but Josie adores her brother and agrees to "entertain" the surly Theo at her ranch while the lovebirds plan their nuptials.

STRINGS ATTACHED snags the readers' attention from the start. Well written with beautifully descriptive scenes and witty dialogue, Ms. Holly spins a tale of hope, redemption and love. While the plot was relatively simple in nature, the characters themselves were strong and relatable. Occasionally, point of view shifts distracted from the story line but overall the story moved quickly and was very enjoyable. Ms Holly's skillful unveiling of the deeper emotional motivations of her main characters had this reader in tears - the good kind that promises hope and happy endings.

A classic contemporary romance, STRINGS ATTACHED delivers a solid story. Josie and Theo's romance is well worth the read. This reader highly recommends this slightly sappy, but nevertheless sweet story of two souls who fall in love despite their best efforts not to. Theirs is the kind of romance that makes you want to know what happens after "The End"!

This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews

Seducing Steve

I've seen a bunch of these geek next door type books and was skeptical of yet another following the same theme but Maggie Well's Seducing Steve is a laugh-out-loud read with realistic dialogue and incredibly sensual scenes between two friends-turned-lovers. The story flow is a bit stop and go but the character’s chemistry and wit win out in the end.

Erotic romance novelist Sara Wright seeks the very passion she writes about for herself after leaving a marriage that proved to be more fizzle than sizzle. Her best friend and muse, Steve Larson, is not our typical romance hero. He’s described as a redheaded computer nerd with a slow, southern drawl though he does seem to have a steady stream of one-nighters. The two characters are good friends – have been since he bumped into her at a local coffee shop years earlier – turned lovers.

When Sara confesses that she’s attracted to him, Steve recognizes his chance to finally take their relationship to the next level. He has been in love with Sara since their first meeting but the timing has never been right. Now she’s come to him asking for his help with research for her latest book. Though he’s willing to take what he can get, he’s truly hoping for the whole package. The question is whether or not she feels the same way because although they have good sex, neither is willing to put a label on their new relationship.

Since my husband abhors the idea of reading romance, my favorite part – and the reason for some quite humorous scenes – is that Steve buys some of Sara’s books to do a little research of his own. He’s surprised at how hot her books are and uses them for a little bedroom creativity of his own. He’s determined to win her over by making her fantasies come true. But it’s when his own personality shines through that he wins this reader over.

I love these two characters and enjoyed seeing them make sense of their new relationship while trying to maintain their established friendship. The easy dialogue clearly exhibits their comfort and ease with one another; but the transition from friends to lovers isn’t oversimplified and has some bumps along the way that add more interest to this love story. This story has engaging characters, an interesting plot and fun dialogue. It is a good read.

RATING: 4 Yummy Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.

My review of SEDUCING STEVE by Maggie Wells  is also posted at: 
http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=2731

I've Got Blood Fever

Thanks to Jenn (no really, I mean it this time!), I was turned on to this series by an author I've read before and liked. But this series is different and I was not so sure but... I loved it. And you will too if you like paranormal romance and urban fantasy.

Blood Fever, the second book in Sara Brooke’s Rebirth series, continues with more twists in a wildly magical world. Just like the first book, it is sure to capture readers’ attention. Immediately jumping into the adventure, the story goes full throttle from page one - readers will not be able to put it down. Focusing on Evande, a female vampire who walked out on her lover, Quinn, years ago but now turns up needing his help, this book includes mystery, fantasy, and romance.

The story is told from the heroine Evande’s perspective. Evande once ran from her lover, Quinn, believing that he expected more from her than she was willing to give and fearing the intensity of her feelings for him. Quinn wanted Evande to be true to her vampire nature by drinking human blood to sustain her life or allow him to convert her to a human but Evande refused. An independent woman, Evande would not be swayed and instead, true to her propensity to run, she left Quinn.

Quinn, as an exiled fae king, lives as a human though he is all-powerful and would’ve done anything for Evande. Now he gets his chance when Evande finds herself in trouble with no one to turn to but Quinn. Having broken the laws of the vampire Elders and re-birthed a vampire, she’s on the run for her life and she and Logan, her newborn vampire, head for Quinn’s ranch. In the midst of her trouble, Evande now also needs to deal with the reasons she left Quinn in the first place. Seeing Quinn again reminds her that she has never really gotten over him and now she’s beginning to have feelings for Logan as well.

The three main characters are well-developed. While I struggled with liking Evande, I thought both Quinn and Logan were great. Both had redeeming qualities and I fluctuated in my opinion of which one was best for Evande. Though I loved-loved-loved that both men had the same goal of keeping Evande safe and neither man was willing to give her up. Through description and realistic dialogue, their love was reflected in their actions as their chemistry burst from the pages. The sexually charged moments with Logan and the emotionally packed moments with Quinn raised the sexual tension to a breaking point while all three were at the ranch.

Blood Fever is another good book in the series. Readers run along with Evande on her action-filled adventure that leads to an unexpected ending. Fans of paranormal romance and urban fantasy will enjoy this book but... read the first book in the series first to get a background.

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.

My review of BLOOD FEVER by Sara Brookes is also posted at: 

http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=331

Humpday howl for Mac's Mate

Well, we did it! Made it to Philly and back - alive and well....although it was touch and go through torrential rains on I95....take my advice, heed it well - if you are on the interstate and you cannot immediately see the gas station - skip that exit and try another one. We went on a wild goose chase in gale rains looking for a bloody gas station and managed to find flooding the likes of which I have only seen on the Weather Channel....scary!!!!!! Thanks to my trusty co-pilot and a box of cupcakes, we survived. And the booty we brought back - enough books to keep you dear readers entertained and intrigued for months!

Seeing as how we left things right before the full moon and since my hospital is still feeling the full moon effects (dont laugh, just ask any nurse about THE FULL MOON), I thought I'd give you a little wolfy treat to go with this delish eye candy this week!!!!

Mac's Mate, Kitty DuCane, LooseID, April 2011

Kitty DuCane knows erotica and she loves her shifters! She is one of those writers who fancies herself a true "storyteller" and it shows. Her sexy stories play out with humor and mystery and the result is pure magic!

MAC'S MATE is Ms. DuCane's third in her DEA werewolf series. DEA SAC Mac McNamara's latest mission crash lands with his helicopter in his prime suspect's front yard. Working off a tip that a large drug shipment was arriving from Mexico to the Texas ranch of Callie Johnson, Mac and his crew thought their task was cut and dried. Nothing seems to come easy for this team and it all gets more complicated when Mac realizes the curvy but crippled ranch owner is his mate.

Callie Johnson is a survivor – of an abusive marriage, of the harassment of land developers and she doesn't plan to be intimidated by an Alpha team landing on her front lawn. Skittish and wary of men, it takes a lot of convincing on Mac's part to lure this sexy siren in bed. Once there, his promise of erotic delights proves to be no sham. Of course, she still has her secrets and Mac needs to figure them out in time. When Callie disappears, his faith in his mate will either make him or break him.

With entertaining characters and a well-written story line, MAC'S MATE proves to be a quick and easy read. This particular story can be read as a stand alone and still be enjoyable. This reader looks forward to more of Ms DuCane's feisty females and the alpha force werewolves who claim them!

I give this howling good story a tasty four chocolate dipped strawberries and some frisky kitchen business! Enjoy!

This review was previously written for The Romance Reviews.

Heading To The HOT ZONE... AAD, Here We Come!

We're on our way to Authors After Dark 2011 in Philadelphia, PA so no time to do another review... busy, busy, busy with packing, costuming and shopping. So here is one of my TRR reviews to share for the road. See you on the other side!


HOT ZONE by Betty Womack 

Hot Zone got off to a slow start but hit its stride as the storyline centered on the two interesting main characters. Jessica Fontana is a Seattle-based Special Ops agent, engaged to a man she is beginning to see isn’t a fit for her. Then she meets Jake Claypool, Texas Special Ops agent, when she goes on an assignment. Once married to a society girl when he was younger, now his life is all about his job with the FBI. Though seemingly in two different places, they find a connection and the sexual tension makes for an interesting story.

When they are sent as partners on a dangerous mission to Nicaragua, Jessica and Clay have to have each other’s backs, something they are trained to do. Though the book started off slow, it is the action in the jungle that makes for a spine-tingling adventure. Jake and Jessica, in the field, seemed invincible - even hurt, and badly outnumbered, they had skill. The jungle fight scenes are vividly described and intense.

But it’s when they find themselves falling in love that really scares them. And it keeps the romance reader flipping pages to find out whether these two heroes are brave enough for another chance at love. The characters were well-drawn and a good combination, had great humor and fun exchanges, steamy sexual friction and strength to match no others.

4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries... this book will appeal to any fan of romantic suspense.

This review was originally done for The Romance Reviews and is also posted at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=2850

Deadly Captive

It’s hard to say "I really liked it" when the book so disturbed me on a variety of levels. But the fact that it got to me means it was so well written. Bianca Sommerland's Deadly Captive is a dynamic book but be warned that it is dark. The subject matter is as dark as a book in the romance genre can be. There's BDSM, torture, forced sex, and of course, some blood. If these are triggers for you, then don’t read the book.

That being said, Deadly Captive is deep, dark, and well-written. Bianca Sommerland scorches readers with a story of two people held in captivity, tortured and abused, but desperate to hold on to one another as anchors. Both main characters are convincing as they fight to survive the brutality of their vampire captors. It is amazing that the reader can find the evidence of their love despite the circumstances of their captivity.

The reader first meets Lydia, the heroine, as she awakes bound in the midst of a performance that will determine whether she remains alive. So long as she entertains her vampire captors, they care for her health and safety and spare their lives. For the first two thirds of the book, the reader gets a garish picture of their captivity, so honest and realistic. Faced with forced submission, beatings and unbearable living conditions, Lydia greatest pain is that she has no memories of her life before imprisonment. As she discovers more about her captors, she leans on her cellmate, Joe, for support. Joe understands that the crowd must be entertained and he does so without apology in order to save their lives. Joe is Lydia’s only comfort as the vampires torture her. He convinces her to survive long enough to break free and seek revenge. So riveting, readers nearly feel their desire to sustain one another triumph.

When they escape, the story takes this abrupt turn into more of an action and suspense story. The transition is awkward and the story reads choppy. The relationship between the characters – the way they relate to one another – becomes so different that it was in discord with the first part of the book. Their interactions suddenly seem awkward and some scenes did nothing more than confuse me. I felt disconnected as Lydia and Joe, who is an entirely different person than we thought, interact with the outside world. Suddenly I was lacking the ability to understand what was compelling the characters and that disconnect left me yearning to know more; completely opposite of the first part of the book when I had a deep knowledge of what motivated them.

Despite the awkward transitioning, this book is exceptional - truly worthy of our 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry rating. Deadly Captive is a dark but well-written story. Readers willing to endure a darkly fantastical paranormal world filled with violence, dubious sexual consent, and bondage elements; this is a book you will never forget.

This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews and is also posted at:
http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=2397

Heart of Stone

Like a cliché, Angela Claire's Heart of Stone reminded me of an old country song about a misguided cowboy sworn off love. But much to Claire’s credit, it was well written and an enjoyable quick read. The story is a timeless one and while Heart of Stone is set in the late 1800s, it could just as well been this century. Which I wish it was because like my followers know, I don't like historical romance. So it takes a lot to capture me in the genre.

Jake Stone moved to Colorado from Boston to have his own ranch. He’s a hard-working, hard-loving kind of man who finds himself at a loss and endears himself to the reader fairly quickly. Soon after moving out west, he’s widowed with a small baby to take care of. With no family in the west, he asks his aunt to come help. But instead of making the trip herself, she sends Melinda O'Chauncey who is more temptation than nanny. Jake immediately wants to send her home since he has no intention of marrying again and can’t eradicate the feelings of lust. Back in this time, that leaves him no option but to keep his hands off of Melinda.

As Jake and Melinda begin to adjust to life together – Jake working the ranch, Melinda caring for his child - life isn’t as simple as settling in. Catching glimpses of Melinda continues to tempt Jake, softening his resolve to stay away. And then Jake’s neighbor, who would do anything to possess Jake’s fortune, threatens their safety. But the very thing that threatens to pull them apart just may be what pushes them together.

Heart of Stone is a nice historical western romance. A handsome hero, the beautiful heroine, the evil villain combine with the difficulty of ranch life in a unique enough plot for a story that holds reader’s attention. The interactions between Jake and Melinda are real, charming and humorous which allows readers to connect with the characters. With a fairly even flow, minus a few scenes that had abrupt and awkward endings, the story rolls along until the very end.

RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.


A version of this review was originally posted at The Romance Reviews:
http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=2575

Finding Sanctuary

Winter and His Twins is the second book in Cooper McKenzie's Welcome to Sanctuary series. I am fond of the theme of finding a place to live where everyone is accepted which continues on again in this book. After reading the first book, I thought the series had the chance to go somewhere. But it just didn't for me.

The premise is simple enough: just like his sister before him, Winter meets his Irish Wolfhound mates. Like most shifters, they mate for life but the difference here is that they mate in triads and the reader gets two sexy heroes. Though Winter’s mates are identical twins, they each have unique personalities which adds interest to the story but too little character development left much to question. A bit flat, readers will be hanging on to know more about the characters.

The mates meet when brothers Garrett and Hawk come to Winter’s rescue after he’s beaten up by an ex-boyfriend. Immediately the sexual attraction is jumping off the pages and Winter doesn’t blink twice when he learns of their heritage. Both men are loving and caring with Winter (even the sex scenes are quite romantic for a shifter erotica), who also happens to be their favorite gay erotic romance author, but readers are never given more than the fated mates rationale which leaves the love story hollow.

The story is fluid and quick-paced but it just didn’t feel real with an awkward relationship and a disappointing climax. A whole lot more character development would have made for a better story. But overall, readers will still like what they know about the characters.

RATING: 3 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries


This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews and is also posted at: http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=2722.

Wilde Nights

This is the fourth in the Brothers of Wilde Nevada series by Chloe Lang. I've anxiously awaited each new addition and was a little disappointed in this book. I found this book to be more artificial than the others. The flow of the book seemed off and this may be caused by the strands of the story beginning to shift together. But I’ve developed a relationship with the Jessie and her men so I’m willing to keep reading along.


In Wilde Nights, Jessie spends time with Denver, the more intense brother, who takes it upon himself to teach her about the BDSM world on the premise of preparing her for Austin, their eldest brother who lives the BDSM lifestyle 24/7, since the brothers hope to share her in marriage. In previous books, Denver has held himself back from Jessie although he has participated in the ménages with her and his brothers. It was nice to see Denver’s personality come through as the author does create unique personalities, and therefore unique relationships between Jessie and each man.


As Denver introduces her to the lifestyle, she connects with him on a different level from the other brothers. I had a difficult time shifting into the BDSM-style sex which also seemed awkward and unnatural, as if it wasn’t natural for the characters themselves. It doesn’t take Jessie long to begin calling him “Sir” and Denver is taken by her courage and control. Falling deeper and deeper for her, he’s past all his limits, and still she wants more which tells him she just may be the right woman for Austin. So perhaps the BDSM scenes will seem more natural in the future book with Austin.


The author introduces other secondary characters who play important roles in developing the main characters. Mrs. Wilde, the brothers' mom, takes an active role as Jessie's mentor, helping her see just how her relationship with the Wilde brothers is possible. Then with a visit from her father, Jessie makes some discoveries about her family that change the way she sees herself and allows her to open up to the possibility the brothers are proposing. The strands of the story are finally coming together but the flow is still abrupt and I suspect only the final book will give us the answers we are waiting for.

NOTE! This is one of Siren's newest serialized imprint series. This is Book 4 of 6 in the The Brothers of Wilde, Nevada collection and is not stand alone. Each book is a continuation of the previous book and must be read in the numbered order. Each book may end on a cliffhanger but usually with a happy-for-now for the heroine and one or more men. The final book contains a happily forever after for the heroine and all her men.


This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews and is also posted at:
http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=2894

Humpday hello! Take Me HOME!

Greetings and salutations my summer friends. I readily admit, I am too beat by the heat to come up with much more that a simple hi. I will however, never forego our all time favorite treat...eye candy. Say it with me...yummmmm.

This week brings another new to me author - thanks to the divine Ms. T, Tyra that is, and her love for all things male....male/male that is! Before you shake your heads and say, nope, so not me - pause! Just one moment - and think of things that make your heart go boom, boom, boom....(no Katy Perry jokes coming from me). Romance - check, heartbreak - check, action and drama - check. So, check it out!

Home, William Neale, MLR Press, 2010

William Neale writes comfort food for the romantic soul. This super promising new author takes classic ingredients: characters that struggle against their feelings, complicated outside forces, that ever burning desire to find a meaningful relationship and cooks up one heck of a love story! Like the old adage, "The longest way round is the shortest way home", Mr Neale's debut novel, HOME, depicts the rocky road to romance between two life-long frenemies.

Lucas's father has recently passed. Rogan shows up at the funeral to pay his respects and to finally apologize for his past behaviors. Lucas hears him out and initially struggles to find his tale credible but actions speak louder than words. Lucas and Rogan's off the charts sexual chemistry sizzles on the page. Watching their relationship grow despite their many individual obstacles—work, family, and a very unplanned public outing—serve to build a love story so emotional, so universally relatable. The sacrifices they are willing to make for one another will move the reader to tears.

Neale has a true gift. In HOME, he creates strong and relatable characters and allows a complex story to unfold without forcing it. Empathizing with these men who have one rotten thing after another happen to them, all while trying to navigate the course of what the readers know to be a true romance, makes the story captivating. Far from formulaic, this well written love story provides the reader with action, suspense, sexual heat and more than a large slice of reality. Well worth the read, HOME hits the mark and puts this author on the Auto-Buy list for this reviewer!

I give HOME Five Chocolate Dipped Strawberries....tastes like Home to me!

This review was previous written for The Romance Reviews.

In Control

Have you ever read a book that you know is good but you just don't connect with? That is what Control was for me. I'll read other books by Charlotte Stein because she has a depth in her writing that draws me. But these characters, and their story, were a turn-off for me.

Control is the name of the game with Madison and her men. This story is multi-dimensional, hitting on the emotional levels of sex by creating a depth to her characters. Her illustrative writing sets a mood for a sensuous read so that the reader feels involved in each sexy encounter on Madison’s way to discovery.

When Madison Morris decides to hire an assistant for her erotic bookstore, she meets two completely different but equally appealing men. Andy is aggressive where Gabriel is uptight. Andy is presumptuous where Gabriel is repressed. And while she can hire only one – that would be Gabriel – she certainly can entertain both. The story of their developing relationship is complex, to say the least. Madison finds herself in a ménage where one man causes her to grasp control while the other man makes her lose it.

Control is in the erotica genre so it’s no surprise that it contains lots of crazy hot sex (jumping right in on the first chapter) and includes elements of dominance and submissive. Madison explores her sexuality as she plays with her men, never sure who is leading and who's following, and seems to thrive on creating a game of it all. But the story is deeper than most erotica provides readers as the author takes it a step further by giving the reader insight into the psychological aspects of sex.

While I acknowledge that the book is well-written, it lacked the romance that warms me. I didn’t particularly like any of the three main characters and couldn’t find any way to connect with them. But despite my feelings about the book, I believe readers who enjoy erotica but are seeking a deeper meaning in their story will enjoy it.

RATING: 3 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

This review was originally posted at The Romance Reviews: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=2985.

Welcome To Sanctuary

Spring Comes to Sanctuary is the first book in Cooper McKenzie's Welcome to Sanctuary series. It's a short read with an intriguing premise which had potential but just didn’t quite deliver. All the possible drama that could’ve ratcheted up the story was missed – Spring’s injury and being lost in the woods, her overprotective parents, and her stalker were never explored enough, fleshed out enough to become real.

When the heroine, Spring, goes backpacking alone for her 30^th birthday, she ends up in trouble by her third day into the journey. She’s nearly ready to give up and head home where she’s safe when a pair of Irish Wolfhounds come walking out of the woods. When they turn into gorgeous twin human males, she is amazed. Then she is excited when they claim her as their mate. There is no shock factor, no drama in their “mating” and while this makes for a lovely romance, it doesn’t make for a very interesting read. Her reaction just seems way to simple and accepting of something so unbelievable.

The author fails to fully develop the three main characters, leaving readers with limited knowledge about Spring and even less about the twins, Adam and Brock. The three characters were obviously meant to be mates but readers know this simply because we are told. The author indicates Spring was feeling a pull towards the men, and the same of the men towards Spring, but the emotion is just absent. Snippets of emotion and connection form as the story progresses but never enough to convince me of any real feelings. This lack of connection combined with poorly developed characters equaled a disappointing read for me.

The author missed her chance to hook readers into a potentially good series by not incorporating more details about the secondary characters who will serve as main characters later in the series. Spring and her four siblings are named after each season - an odd name choice that is a bit elementary school though I suspect the author might’ve been shooting for whimsy and had any information been supplied, readers may have understood this quirkiness. So while her siblings are briefly described, they are otherwise absent, taking away the opportunity to hook readers into the series, enticing us to read more about the characters whom we’ve already developed feelings for. I just don’t think I care enough about them to keep reading the series.

Bummers... I can only honestly give this book 2 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.

This review was originally posted at The Romance Reviews: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=2839