Sandy M’s review of Pride and Pleasure by Sylvia Day
Historical Romance published by Brava 25 Jan 11

I’m the typical reader when I have a book I want to devour in hand – it doesn’t take long to get it read, and then I’m disappointed because it’s over and now I have to wait for the author’s next book. So this time with a Sylvia Day book, I made myself slow down. Savor. Anticipate. Hunger. Need.

It’s not easy putting a great book down, but it’s definitely worth it to make it last longer when reading someone like Sylvia Day.

Eliza is a vintage Day character. Intelligent, independent, self-sufficient, strong, in control of her life, answering to no one. Thus, she immediately takes recently received threats quite seriously and seeks out a thief-taker to get to the bottom of the danger now on her doorstep. She refuses to give in to whatever the culprit hopes to gain from raining unexpected accidents on her. Upon meeting the recommended and mysterious Jasper Bond, Eliza knows with a glance he won’t do. He’s too handsome, too well turned out for anyone to believe he’d be interested in the staid Eliza Martin. She tries to tell the man he’s not what she had in mind but runs up against a brick wall like she’s never hit before.

Jasper Bond is a self-made man, turning a horrible beginning in life onto a path of destiny of his own choosing. He is also living for revenge, and he’s closer to his goal than ever before. When he meets Eliza Martin, he’s quite taken with her, much to his surprise. She doesn’t fawn or pretend as other women of society do, she says what she means and means what she says. He’s a tad perturbed when she dismisses him without so much as an interview for the job she needs done. Knowing he wants to be near this woman and wanting to find out why, he finagles his way into her life, determined to discover who it is behind the mystery of who would want to harm her, why such is the case, and then take care of the bastard himself.

When Jasper and Eliza are together, it’s pure pleasure to be part of their interactions. They’re honest with each other from the start, lust after each other with every look, and they work together very well, Eliza trusting in Jasper when the need arises and Jasper listening to Eliza when she has information to offer. It’s just one of those slowly blossoming relationships that is so satisfying to read. Their pride and pleasure go hand in hand with who they are, both before and after each other, and you feel that with every word they utter, every caress they give, every look they share. They make love with unparalleled passion. Something I wish more heroes and heroines would do. But, really, no one does it better than Sylvia Day.

Grade: A+

Summary:

Wealth has its dangers…

There are disadvantages to being an heiress, as Eliza Martin knows well. Fortune hunters flock to her, acquaintances lie and pander, and lately, someone is engineering “accidents” to propel her to the altar. But Eliza will not be bullied, and she will get to the bottom of this plot. All she needs is a man to infiltrate her assemblage of suitors and find the culprit. Someone not easily noticed; a proficient dancer, quiet, and even-tempered.

…so do certain men

Thief-taker Jasper Bond is entirely too large, too handsome, and too dangerous. Who would believe that an intellectual like Eliza would be seduced by a man of action? But the combination of her stubbornness and the mystery makes the case one Jasper can’t resist. Client satisfaction is a point of pride and it’s his pleasure to prove he’s just the man she needs after all…

Read an excerpt.

LauraJ’s review of The Bite Before Christmas by Heidi Betts
Paranormal Romance published by Brava 28 Sep 10

She’s written historical westerns, funny and sexy knitting stories, and has several Desire books to her name (and another one coming out soon. YAY!) and now she’s entering into the paranormal world with vampires. And not just any kind of vampires, she’s giving us funny, sexy, “sparkle” free vampires (another YAY!).

The first of the three stories features Conner Drake who just wants to have a normal, traditional Christmas, complete with all the decorations. Unfortunately, his two younger siblings can’t seem to get into the spirit of the holidays and seem to stop at nothing to ruin his mood.

Thanks to good friend and matchmaker, Angelina Ricci’s recommendation to hire event coordinator, Jillian Parker to spruce up Drake Manor for the holidays, Conner hopes to bring his brother and sister around so that can finally enjoy a traditional Christmas, something they haven’t done in a long time. Jillian is a bit nervous around vampires, but quickly becomes someone the Drake family needs to bring them back together.

I really enjoyed this story (my second favorite of the three). Ms. Betts not only delivers a funny and sexy story but also tackles (slightly) the idea of prejudices and also family dysfunction. Jillian has never spent time around vampires and is a little uneasy about working so closely with one, but from the story you get that Jillian, while knowing that she could really bring in some much needed income, she is also someone who wants to learn first hand if the prejudices are warranted.

Conner is a traditionalist when it comes to family and holidays, but his two younger siblings want no part of any of that. They rebel at every opportunity and flaunt they vampire status every where. It provides some moments of very funny battle of wits (if you are a parent of teenagers, you will be able to relate).

The second story (and my favorite) is about Vivian Harrison who is madly in love with her boss Sean Spice. When she learns some devastating news about Sean, things go from great working relationship to really great (as in HOT, HOT, HOT) but very inappropriate boss/employee relationship. Afterwards, Vivian spills her guts to Angelina who takes it upon herself to make all of Vivian’s dreams come true. Unfortunately for Sean, it’s going to take a lot of convincing by Vivian (who is not at all happy with Angelina’s meddling ways) that life is the best gift of all.

I LOVED this story and it’s my favorite of the three. This is the one that had me really laughing out loud in several places. Sean’s reaction to his “change” is absolutely hilarious. Vivian is put in a very tight spot with having to break the news to Sean and convincing him this really isn’t such a bad thing given the alternative. She goes through a whole range of emotions while dealing with Sean and with Angelina’s meddling, but she never comes across as anything but likable.

The third story features Angelina and her very hunky vampire, cop boyfriend of many, many years. Every year Angelina has hoped and wished for Ian Hart to come around and finally ask her to marry him. She knows that are meant to be together for eternity but thinks that Ian is just happy with the status quo. Another holiday season and no question popping, Angelina begins to wonder if things would be different if they weren’t vampires with an eternity to spend together. She falls asleep and when she wakes up things just don’t seem the same. For one, they aren’t vampires anymore.

Since I’m not a huge fan of suspense (and there is a little in this story), this was my least favorite of the three, but I still really enjoyed Angelina and Ian’s story. It still has several very funny parts, especially when Angelina realizes something weird is going on. Ian is definitely the strong, silent, sexy type. **grin** Through most of the story he comes across as the strong, silent type. Without giving anything away (at least I hope) I couldn’t help but love his soft, tender and romantic side.

We get to know Angelina throughout the book and other stories as a great friend who cares deeply about others finding happiness, especially her closest friends (Conner and Vivianne). She appears to be a very strong person in the first two stories so it was nice to see her more vulnerable.

The only thing I can say negative about this book/stories is they weren’t long enough (luckily we will be getting another vampire book from her next year!!)! I really, really loved it and if you have read other books by Ms. Betts and enjoyed her writing and characters, you will love this one too. If you have never picked up a book by her, then I highly recommend you try this one and then go back and pick up her other books as well. You won’t be disappointed.

Grade: A

Summary:

“All I Vant For Christmas”

Millionaire vampire Connor Drake loves trimming the tree, baking gingerbread cookies, and hanging the mistletoe for Christmas, but his Goth and gloomy vampire siblings won’t have anything to do with it. Enter Angelina, who sends party planner Jillian Parker to the rescue. But when Jillian—who’s mortal–discovers that she’s decking the halls for a family of vampires, will she run…or will Connor have a beautiful woman to share the holidays with?

“A Vampire in Her Stocking”

When Vivian learns that her secret crush, Nick, is terminally ill, she is heartbroken. Confiding in Angelina, Vivian refuses to turn Nick into a vampire. Deciding to play Santa, Angelina changes Nick and leaves him wrapped in a red bow on Vivian’s doorstep…

“It’s A Wonderful Bite”

Although Angelina is happy with her longtime lover, Ian, she’s ready for a commitment. After drinking eggnog and watching It’s a Wonderful Life on Christmas Eve for the (literally) four millionth time, Angelina falls into a dream where she is mortal, and Ian is involved with someone else. Talk about the nightmare before Christmas! But Santa must have checked his list twice, because this Christmas Angelina’s wishes are about to come true…

Read an excerpt.

This just in…

I’m very excited because one of my favorite authors has a new book coming out in just a few days!

The Bite Before Christmas will be released by Kensington Brava on September 28th. This is Ms. Betts first venture into the paranormal world of vampires and her first release with Brava. All three stories take place around the Christmas holiday and I’m sure will not only be sexy, but will be the light hearted humor that Ms. Betts known for.

You can check out a couple of excerpts here and here.

Vampires and Christmas? Who knew!

In Heidi Betts-s collection of holiday novellas, vampires turn to Angelina Bertolli-vampire matchmaker extraordinaire-to help them find that special someone to curl up with under the mistletoe

--All I Vant For Christmas-

Connor loves trimming the Christmas tree, baking gingerbread cookies, and hanging the mistletoe. But his vampire siblings won-t help. His friend Angelina sends party planner Jillian to the rescue. But when Jillian, who-s mortal, discovers she-s decking the halls for a family of vampires, will she run-or will Connor have a beautiful woman to share the holidays with?

-A Vampire in Her Stocking-

When Vivian learns that her secret crush Nick is terminally ill, she-s heartbroken. Confiding in Angelina, Vivian refuses to turn Nick into a vampire. Deciding to play Santa, Angelina changes Nick and leaves him wrapped in a red bow on Vivian-s doorstep-

-It-s A Wonderful Bite-

Although Angelina is happy with her boyfriend Sergio, she-s ready for a commitment. After drinking eggnog and watching It-s a Wonderful Life on Christmas Eve, Angelina falls into a dream where she is mortal and Sergio isn-t interested in her. Talk about the nightmare before Christmas! But Santa must have checked his list twice because this Christmas Angelina-s wishes are coming true-

LauraJ’s review of Some Like it Scot byDonna Kauffman
Contemporary Romance published by Brava 1 Jun 10

I’m not one for surprises. I like to know what is going to happen (books/movies/Christmas) and really if someone spoils something for me, I don’t care (I won’t however, spoil ending for others). I read the end of books first (not this one, though. E-readers make it a bit harder). So it caught me totally off guard when I found out that Ms. Kauffman had released a book with a Scottish Hero, in a kilt no less. I LOVED her earlier books Bad Boys in Kilts and The Great Scot. The books were fun, sexy and set in a location that I really, really want to visit someday. So after finding out that this book was coming out (only days before its release), I pre-ordered for my Nook and downloaded right before going on vacation. Once I started reading I found I couldn’t wait to get out of the Disney parks and back to our resort so I could sit on our balcony and read.

This is the first of what looks like three books in a new series by Ms. Kauffman (maybe, hopefully more?). Three boyhood friends live on a small island off the mainland of Scotland. Their local economy depends on flax and the custom made baskets woven from the flax thread produced there. It is a community of tradition and one tradition that has Graham MacLeod scrambling to either convince the people of Kinloch to end, marry a girl from the other predominant family, the MacAuley or give up his clan leadership to the next in line from the other family, Iain MacAuley, a man who has not ever set foot on Kinloch with motives that are unclear as to why he would want to be laird of this island.

Graham’s two best friends, Roan and Shay, seem very eager to help him get him married off. They know the marriage pact made between to the two families 400 years old may be old fashioned and antiquated but, why fix what’s broken. Roan has located the perfect woman for Graham in Annapolis, Maryland. Roan informs him that he needs to leave now since his time is limited in meeting Katie MacAuley and convincing her to marry him within 40 days. Problem is Roan neglects to tell him how limited.

Katie has been under the thumb of her family and her father’s business partners families since before she was born. She is considered more an asset to the business than a loved member of the family. She has never stood up to her overbearing, business minded family until Graham presents himself, complete in full Scottish regalia, and an opportunity to escape from under the control of her family.

Graham and Katie are both in similar situations. He’s being forced into a marriage he doesn’t feel is necessary nor will help the clans he is inherited to oversee. Katie is forced into a “business arrangement” that is for appearances only. Both are willing to go along with these plans, but reluctantly and hoping that others will see that it’s wrong. When Graham offers Katie an offer of marriage with a way out to help him she agrees seeing it as a way out and a way to take control of her own life. Soon, though, Graham realizes that he is doing the same thing to Katie that her parents have done to her and tells Katie that she can stay on at Kinloch for time to think and if she no longer wants to go on with the marriage arrangement she is free leave. But for some reason, neither of them can stay away from each other. When they try to withdrawal from each other’s lives there is an emptiness and a sense that it’s very wrong. Both have visions of them together, dreams that are the same and also very intense.

Graham and Katie are wonderful, strong characters. Despite the situation that both are faced with both individually and together they only want the best for each other. Graham is willing to give up his “title” so that Katie is not put in another situation where she feels like she’s just a business asset, while Katie understands Graham’s position he’s forced into by tradition. I love the respect that they have for each other. Either one could have pushed each other in one direction or the other but they didn’t.

The secondary characters are wonderful adding to the story only a little but also setting the stories up for the future books.

Since one of the very first books I read by Ms. Kauffman was her books set in Scotland it was so good to see her write more. I’m really looking forward to Roan and Shay’s stories. So I guess some surprises aren’t so bad after all.

Grade: A

Summary:

THERE GOES THE BRIDE…

She’s cautious, careful—and about to lose control of her future to a marriage of inconvenience. So, what can reluctant bride Katie McAuley do? Easy—let a modern-day Prince Charming spirit her away for a month to his Scottish castle. There she can take refuge from her overbearing family and finally figure out what she really wants. But the more Katie sees of Graham MacLeod, the harder it’s getting to keep their arrangement strictly business…

As MacLeod clan leader, Graham had always placed duty to his heritage and people before everything else. Now with Katie as his “betrothed,” he’s finally satisfied a ridiculously outdated Marriage Pact to wed a McAuley descendant, letting him focus on more pressing matters, like preventing a ruthless relative’s takeover of his home island. If he could just keep Katie’s courage and honesty at arm’s length, not to mention their all-too-sizzling attraction…

**The next book in the series is Off Kilter and due to be released January 2011 and will feature Graham’s best friend Roan. I can’t wait!!*

Read an excerpt.

Limecello’s review of Mistress by Mistake by Maggie Robinson
Historical romance released by Brava 1 May 10

Mistress by Mistake is Maggie Robinson’s debut book, and I think she’s off to a good start. I read and heard absolutely raving reviews for this book, so I knew I wanted to read it. I enjoyed the book, but there were some basic points the plot rested upon that I couldn’t entirely get over. The fact that I was generally able to compartmentalize it, however, is an indication of Ms. Robinson’s quality of writing.

I want to say wonderful things about Charlotte Fallon, but I just can’t bring myself to make that blanket statement. I did quite like her, and pretty much everything about her, except for how Charlotte felt about, or reacted to Bay. To be quite honest, it made my head a little “splodey.” Let me explain. Charlotte rushes to London to see her sister. Basically for no reason, and ends up involved with Michael. (Her sister was supposed to be his mistress. But her sister runs off. No, we’re not at the illogical part yet.) What got me was that Charlotts didn’t like Michael. In fact she tries to escape a few times, stealing paintings, attempts braining him, etc. Yet she’s more than happy to have sex with him (a lot), and stay on, and cares for and about him. Stockholm syndrome doesn’t even fit here. Anyway, the basic development of the romance or relationship was rather nonexistent for me. Later, I could believe Charlotte stayed and had affection for Bay. It’s just – what initially made her stay/fall for him? (His minor threat wasn’t enough for me.) That’s what kept nagging me throughout the book.

That being said, Sir Michael Bayard is an interesting hero. He’s rather a mix of things, and nothing about him particularly stands out. Not that he isn’t a good guy and a worthy hero of a romance novel. Bay is somewhat selfish at turns, but is entertained by Charlotte, or Charlie, and does his best to get to her. I liked that he was smart and generally rational, yet at times stupid. Bay is incredibly persuasive, and generally gets his way with Charlotte throughout the book. His servants adore him, and he gets himself into a few scrapes, trying to get what he wants, but helps others along the way. In short, he’s an English gentleman who is willing to lend a hand to someone who needs it. His letters are also very sweet, and it’s charming how he thinks Charlie knows how he feels about her, when he hasn’t said a thing. (Bay is also your typical idiot male who can’t admit to himself he’s in love.)

The secondary characters were interesting. The servants were more likable than Charlotte’s sister… and the plot definitely had a lot more than I had expected. There was a time or two when the story lagged a bit for me, but then an unexpected twist or turn would occur. There’s a crazy woman from Michael’s past (there’s always a crazy ex lover, right?) who simply cannot leave Bay and Charlie alone. For all that the story line was new, I felt the “villain’s” character was a bit flat.

As a total aside, I didn’t think much of the title as/for a romance – rather par for the course, right? However, I ran a search on the title to get the information on this review, and found some “real life” mistress by mistake stuff… so that was quite interesting.

But, back to the story. I loved the description of Charlie’s home, and then her encounter with her neighbors while acting as Bay’s mistress. The secondary romances were also cute, very short, and definitely didn’t distract from Bay and Charlie’s story, which I appreciated. I’ll definitely be looking for more of Ms. Robinson’s books. I enjoyed her writing and voice, and can’t wait to get my hands on Mistress by Midnight – the premise of that story!!! In conclusion, I recommend those of you who enjoy historical romances and are looking for something new give this book a try.

Grade: C

Passion is all they have in common …

Scandal is only the beginning…

Charlotte Fallon let her guarded virtue fall once—and she’s paid dearly for it ever since. She swore she’d never succumb to men’s desires again. But even a village spinster’s life miles from temptation can’t save her from a sister with no shame whatsoever. Or a heart that longs for more, whatever the cost…

Sir Michael Bayard found more than he expected in his bed when he finally joined his new mistress. He’d fantasized about her dewy skin and luscious curves, assured her understanding that what passed between them was mere dalliance. But he didn’t expect the innocence and heat of her response in his arms. Nor her surprisingly sharp tongue once she was out of them…

A few days of abandon cannot undo the hard-learned lessons of a lifetime. Nor can an honest passion burn away the restraints of society’s judgments. Unless, of course, one believes in nonsense like true love…

Read an excerpt here.

Limecello’s review of Instant Temptation by Jill Shalvis
Contemporary romance released by Brava 30 Mar 10

Jill Shalvis is now one of the authors whose new releases I keep an eye out for. I’m quite curious as to her next books. (Hopefully I’ll love them as much as I liked the Wilder brother’s books.) Instant Temptation is T.J.’s book, and I’d been waiting for it since the first book, Instant Attraction. This book has so many things I like about it. The story is based on a friends to lovers issue – a girl who is trying to move on with her life, a guy who is essentially running away from his… it’s good stuff.

Harley is not quite the heroine I was expecting. First of all, she’s a mechanic. In the previous books, she’s generally wearing dirty coveralls. Harley is also a student, but we’ve mostly met her in work mode, not science mode, and, well, this is stereotyping, I suppose, but with a name like Harley… she’s not entirely a tom boy, but doesn’t shy away from girly girl stuff either. (I distinctly remember nail polish, and girly magazines.)

I like that Harley is trying to do something with her life, and that she feels responsible for her family, but while it’s stressful for her, she doesn’t resent them. It shows great emotional depth and that she’s a very generous and loving person – and that she and her family are close. (Her family also doesn’t wish to be a burden, which helps.) Harley is a strong and likable character, and I’m glad that things end up nicely for her.

T.J. seems to be the most elusive, least friendly Wilder brother. Of course he’s also hot, and a really good guy – just not that approachable. He and Harley have always had chemistry or a spark, but they’ve always been dating other people. In fact, at the beginning of the book, Harley has a boyfriend. (Admittedly, I love that – it adds so many complex dynamics to a developing relationship, and really forces the hero to be introspective, and proactive.) I like that T.J. cares so much for Harley, and it’s entertaining how entirely blindsided he is by his emotions and what he now wants.

Friends to lovers stories are some of my favorite romance novel premises- and Harley and T.J. actually have a past as well. I really like how Ms. Shalvis deals with it – both when revealing what had happened – and why Harley is so curt with T.J., and how he reacts. Of course the chemistry is incredible between T.J. and Harley, and yet it’s a lot of fun too. This is a humorous, sexy, well written story. (I hate spoilers so I’m purposefully vague.)

I also enjoyed the cameo appearances by the other characters from the previous books – and feel that the series ended nicely. I like all three books in this trilogy, but I will say that Instant Gratification is my favorite – in fact it is one of my favorite books of 2009. Instant Temptation and Instant Attraction are close seconds. I’m sad to see it end, and I know I’ll be re-reading all of these books. I definitely recommend you read the Instant trilogy – and especially Stone’s book (Instant Gratification). I also know I’ll be reading Ms. Shalvis’s future books- and likely catching up on her back list when I get a moment.
Grade: A–

T.J. Wilder is the perfect package of breathtaking adventure and raw sex appeal. Even better, he’s about to reconnect with the one woman he’s never been able to forget…

Get Your Pulse Racing

To Harley, the landscape around Wishful, California, is exhilarating, untamed, and more than a little dangerous. The same could be said for T.J. Wilder, who’s invited himself along on her trek to study a rare coyote. Harley’s career is riding on this trip, and she doesn’t need a stubborn, incredibly sexy distraction. But T.J. is a professional guide who knows when to stay back and when to provide invaluable expertise–just like he’s done since they were in high school. And Harley, as usual, is torn between throttling him and giving in to the raw attraction that’s been smoldering all these years.

T.J. knows how proud and capable Harley is, but he’s damned sure not letting her put herself at risk when there are illegal hunters in the area. She needs him, with the same soul-stirring urgency that he’s always craved her. And here, in this beautiful place days from civilization, he’ll finally have a chance to prove it–over and over again. . .

Read an excerpt here.

Sandy M’s review of The Stranger I Married by Sylvia Day
Historical Romance published by Brava 4 Aug 09 (re-issue)

This book isn’t one I was to review. I picked it up just to take a peek. Just a little peek. But, heavens, it’s Sylvia Day. Who can take just a peek? Not me. Before I knew it, I was halfway through it, then it was finished. All in nothing flat. Ms. Day is just so danged good, if I’d been able to get my hands on another book of hers from the TBR pile, I would have cracked it open too. You can’t read just one.

And how good she is, Gerard, the hero of this book, in the beginning is not a man I would like very much in the hands of a lesser author. Of course, he’s very young at the start of the story, so he loves the ladies and is as wild as can be. All of that changes very quickly and the man shoots straight into your heart when he runs the gamut of emotion he, and you, never thought he’d see.

To keep his decadent and pleasurable way of life on track, Gerard approaches the mistress of his best friend and proposes they are perfect for each other and should marry, each going their own way after vows are said, not to be bothered . Isabel at first refuses the idea, but Gerard is very persuasive that they both would benefit from such an arrangement and she finally agrees to become his wife in name only.

Emotion hits both a high and a low for Gerard when, first, the love of his life is married. And pregnant by Gerard. He’s ecstatic to be a father, even though he won’t be able to neither acknowledge nor raise his child. Then tragedy strikes and both mother and child are lost in childbirth and Gerard is grief stricken. That scene is just heart wrenching, seeing this carefree character break down. The next thing Isabel knows, he’s gone from her life without a word, so she carries on just as they had agreed and awaits word from her broken, absent husband.

It’s four years later when Gerard returns, and he’s not the man Isabel married. He’s much more serious, harder, and intense than the Gerard she knew before. And he wants a real marriage, something Isabel resists. Her life has gone on just as she likes, she has a current lover who knows the score and she’s happy with that. But Gerard bombards her at every turn with his new self and she’s confused by and in a constant state of arousal with this stranger.

There are stumbling blocks for them from every corner, and though at first Isabel thinks to use one to get out of an impossible situation, she hangs in there to learn about the new man Gerard has become. The scenes showing how he has changed are very telling and you end up loving that man more than ever. Their attraction slowly grows into a wonderful, mature love, despite those problems thrown their way. I also enjoyed the side story of Isabel’s brother, Rhys, and Abby.

There’s not one thing about this book I didn’t like. I doubt Ms. Day will ever write a book I will dislike. She just doesn’t have it in her, as far as I’m concerned.

Grade: A+

Summary:

They are London’s most scandalous couple. Isabel, Lady Pelham, and Gerard Faulkner, Marquess of Grayson, are well matched in all things–their lusty appetites, constant paramours, wicked wits, provocative reputations, and their absolute refusal ever to ruin their marriage of convenience by falling in love with one another. Isabel knows such a charming rake will never appeal to her guarded heart, nor will she sway his philandering one. It is a most agreeable sham…until a shocking turn of events sends Gerard from her side.

Now, four years later, Gerard has come home to Isabel. But the carefree, boyish rogue who left has been replaced by a brooding, powerful, irresistible man who is determined to seduce his way into her affections. Gone is the devil-may-care companion who shared her friendship and nothing more, and in his place is temptation itself…a husband who desires Isabel body and soul and who will stop at nothing to win her love. No, this is not at all the man she had married. But he is the man who might finally steal her heart…

Read an excerpt.

Limecello’s review of Leave Me Breathless by HelenKay Dimon
Contemporary romance released by Brava 23 Feb 10

If this continues, HelenKay Dimon is going to become one of my favorite authors. Her writing seems to get better and better. It doesn’t hurt that I really enjoyed the story line, and setting. I knew I wanted to read this book because for a number of reasons. First, it’s a Brava book that Ms. Dimon wrote. Second, it’s set in DC. <3 Next, the hero is a judge. The heroine is a former FBI agent. The list goes on…

Callie is a heroine who has decided to speak her mind – and not in the TSTL way where she has no reason to do so, and no way to back up her words. Callie is the real deal, and I love that she gives Ben, the hero, a lot of crap. Not that she’s a bitch or a jerk, but she doesn’t let him get away with stuff. Callie is smart and capable, and I think of her as being rather scrappy. In a good way. She’s not privileged or entitled, but she also doesn’t have an inferiority complex. Nor is she arrogant. She’s simply practical, and is willing to see things as they are, and admit that she can’t control everything. She’s pretty reasonable, considering the circumstances. Callie is an adult, and knows she doesn’t always make the best decision, but is willing to take responsibility for it. I really enjoyed reading her story.

Bennet Walker is a great hero. He’s dense yet lovable. Callie constantly calls him a jackass, and often it’s well deserved, but he’s so earnest and caring and charming that you love him anyway. In fact, it’s almost part of his charm. Everyone loves him, but Ben doesn’t really let it get to his head. He’s a very macho alpha male, but once talked down, is willing to see reason. Both he and Callie are adults and act like it. It was so refreshing. Ben is very stubborn, set in his ways, and determined to save the world. He’s also emotionally stupid, and has no idea how much his past has affected him.

Ben and Callie are both characters with a lot of depth. Callie is very self actualized, and I liked that she addresses her emotions and talks out her feelings with Ben. I also loved his epiphany, and conversations with his brother, Mark. Then there’s another character, Emma, who is also a judge. Ben and Callie are a pair, and Mark and Emma the other. All fantastic romances, that are messy, complicated, involving, and tragic. But it all works out.

There’s a full supporting cast of characters, but they’re rather peripheral. I felt that Ms. Dimon got the characters spot on. For all that I love DC, I know it’s not perfect, and I think she did a great job of building the atmosphere of a courtroom realistically, but without getting bogged down in the details. Everything is lightened with the great banter between Ben and Callie. The gossip mill is well integrated into the plot, and I liked the continuing questions of who the villain was in the reader’s minds. There was a nice variety, and found the characters extremely realistic.

I feel the need to be critical, so I will say I don’t like the cover. It’s fine, other than that… thing on the cover model’s face. Like… a bad porn stache or something. Otherwise, it’s all good. Also, the plot wasn’t entirely as full as it could have been, but that doesn’t bother me as much because my focus on reading these books is the romance. With Leave Me Breathless there’s not only a fantastic main story, but a terrific secondary romance as well. One that doesn’t distract from the main couple, but is complete, and in fact bolsters the primary romance. Incredible. Unheard of. It’s what a secondary romance is supposed to be!

I will say that… I could have hoped for a little more from the ending. Nevertheless, Ms. Dimon has the characters promise each other “forever,” so that was sufficient. I hate the “well we’ll stick around and see how it goes… for now…” but that’s not what happened here. It seems a bit casual and open ended, but as I said, the thing that saved it is their use of forever. I definitely wouldn’t mind revisiting any of the main characters in another romance. At the same time, I love that this book was a single title. Regardless of what is up next, I can’t wait to read more of Ms. Dimon’s books!

Grade: A-

Summary:

PERMISSION TO APPROACH

According to Judge Bennett Walker, trying to kill him is a dumb idea. They might make him wear a big black nightgown to work, but it covers a lot of muscles, and he’s definitely packing beneath it. He’s also an ex-prosecutor and an ex-GI Joe. So when his brother brings in Callie Robbins to protect him, Ben has a few issues. First, he doesn’t need a bodyguard. Second, she’s a 130-pound girl—more smoking hot than smoking gun. And third, what if his body wants her guarding the night shift?

Callie has no problem brushing aside Ben’s disbelief. She left the FBI to escape the boys’ club, but she can be deeper undercover and twice as lethal as any beefy John Doe. As for whether someone’s after Bennett or not, the death threats and car bombs look pretty convincing to Callie. Of course, she might get distracted, sitting inches from the sexiest judge in DC for ten hours a day. Keeping him safe is no picnic. Keeping it professional—that might be impossible.

Read an excerpt here.

Limecello’s review of Holding Out For A Hero by HelenKay Dimon
Contemporary romance released by Brava 1 Oct 09

I really enjoyed this book. I admit, I was apprehensive about reading it because I knew it was the “sequel” to HelenKay Dimon’s Your Mouth Drives Me Crazy. And that book… I did not like. Though I generally do enjoy Ms. Dimon’s stories. While the characters in Your Mouth also show up in Holding Out – this was a good thing. I felt that Holding Out for a Hero was realistic, nicely paced, well written, and I couldn’t stop reading it. I stayed in my car reading so I wouldn’t have to interact with people and could finish more chapters. I laughed out loud at parts, I squee-d, and was left wanting more at the end.

Deana Armstrong is a very interesting character. I liked her, which in a way surprised me, because I have to say I’m rather predisposed to disliking her “type” of character. She’s basically an heiress, who thinks that her money, position, social status, what have you, can and should get her what she wants. In effect, she doesn’t mind throwing her money around to make sure an outcome is as she likes.

A major factor that allowed me to like her, however, is that Deana changes throughout the book, and realizes some things about herself. It might also help that she didn’t want to be the same as other “rich people.” (Or didn’t think she was.) That, and what she was trying to achieve was altruistic, and important, albeit misguided. That, and she’s a likable person – just hard to get to know, and easily misjudged. Add to the fact that she’s basically been paying penance for a decade makes it easier to forgive her less attractive qualities.

Josh Windsor is a fantastic hero. He’s… well, obviously the title says he’s a hero. (If I think about it, it does get annoying, but all the references to a “hero” throughout the book work.) Josh definitely has a savior complex, and a huge chip on his shoulder. At the beginning of the book he’s pretty burnt out, and a jerk. In a way his surly attitude makes his and Deana’s relationship more believable and natural. Josh is one of the good guys, although extremely misguided at times. He’s not some paragon of virtue, but is someone you can depend on, and trust to do the right thing. I also liked that he was willing to disagree with Deana, argue, tell her when she was basically being a brat, and also able to admit his own faults. And I have to admit, a frustrated Josh is pretty entertaining, and he gets fed up with Deana a lot.

I hate spoilers, so I’m going to try to be descriptive, without giving away important factors. Bear with me.

I loved that this book was realistic. Generally I demand… well, pretty much fluff and rainbows in my books. I mean, that’s why I read romances. (Granted that rarely happens, and I accept that.) The subject matter and overall focus of Holding Out for a Hero is rather dark. And I kept wondering if there might be some twist, or easy escape for Ms. Dimon to end up with the candy coated ending. For once, I’m glad that didn’t happen. It would have taken away something from the book – and in a way cheapened Deana and Josh’s relationship.

Also important, is the fact that the overall tone was relatively light, and easy. Ms. Dimon’s writing -and the plot- flow naturally. While the subject matter is heavy and Ms. Dimon addresses it with the requisite gravity, I never felt bogged down, depressed, or that it was too much. I think the cameo appearances by the secondary characters helped, as did the developing relationship between Josh and Deana. (Oh and let me be clear – for some reason I really didn’t like Annie in her own book, but quite liked her here.) Everything seems to happen rather quickly, although it is believable. I’m not sure at what point Deana and Josh’s relationship goes from mutual distaste and dislike to something physical, and then love – but I know in the end I knew Josh and Deana would work.

In a way, I’m surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. First, considering how much I disliked Your Mouth Drives Me Crazy, I was worried about Holding Out for a Hero. Then there’s the fact that I really don’t like rich entitled heroines. (Or heroes – that’s why I love their suffering and grovelling so much.) Plus the fact that Deana and Josh do not like each other at all, in the beginning, and have a pretty rough history. Josh actually arrested Deana’s nephew a two years before the book begins, and she tried to ruin him.

It boggles the mind, and generally I’d say “yeah right – this story would never work.” But Ms. Dimon skillfully crafts and weaves together all the facts so it is all laid out perfectly. Deana obviously failed in her attempt to ruin Josh, and in a way, that helped lay the foundation for her feelings about him. She tried as hard as she could, but couldn’t get any dirt on Josh. Proof he’s a good guy. And then, the fact that Deana already came after him with all her resources allows Josh to work through some of his money issues and past.

Yes, both Deana and Josh have rather traumatic pasts. This is another pet peeve of mine – but while they skate the edge of “could happen” (Josh’s especially) – they aren’t that improbable. Deana’s especially – kids make a lot of stupid mistakes. Add in the fact that both their experiences give depth to their characters, and have shaped them into the people they are today… along with the fact that both their pasts are something that builds the relationship and are integral to the story… I bought it.

Basically, my biggest complaint would be that the book ended. No, really. For some reason I expected more. An epilogue, a “two months” or “one year” later… I actually stared at the last page and thought “What?!?! No!!” I wanted more. Yes, there is closure… but I wasn’t ready to leave Josh and Deana yet.

I hope Derek gets his own book and that Josh, Deana, Kane and Annie all have cameo appearances. (I’m debating about Eric- I’m pretty much a canon girl, so I’d like for him to pine after Deana forever, but I guess that’s not fair.)

I recommend this book to anyone who likes contemporary romance, Ms. Dimon’s writing, or anyone who plain enjoys a good book.

Grade: A-

Summary:

TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT…

Deana Armstrong needs a hero—not for herself, but for the nephew all her money and time can’t seem to get out of jail. Unfortunately, the best hero in all the Hawaiian Islands is set on turning in his badge and getting his excellent butt into another line of work. If that wasn’t enough, Josh Windsor also has a big-time grudge against Deana herself. But if there’s anything being rich, smart, and stubborn has taught Deana, it’s never to settle for second best…

Josh has had it with saving people. He’s had it with getting hauled into court. And boy, has he ever had it with Deana. Or well, he hasn’t had it. Yet. But the more she pops up sounding infuriating and looking good enough to eat, the more her hot bod and her cold case wriggle into his mind. And there’s only so much even a hero can resist…

Read an excerpt here.

Gwen’s review of Holding Out For A Hero by HelenKay Dimon
Contemporary romance released by Brava 29 Sep 09

Hero is set in the world of Dimon’s loosely related books set in Kauai.  You don’t need to read the others to enjoy each book, but they’re so much fun that there’s no reason not to read them all.  Hero is no exception – it’s a fun, hot romance with a good story, first-rate dialogue,  and great characters.

We meet Josh and Deanna on what is definitely NOT their best day.  Josh has just “quit” the DEA in a bit of a huff and Deanna is on her last hope for finding someone to help her find evidence her nephew is innocent of a horrendous crime. They have a previous acquaintance with each other that was not, shall we say, positive.  Suffice to say they can’t stand each other.  Naturally they’ll fall in love!

Dimon is a real pro with snappy dialogue.  Her books are always full of it and most of the story is told through what the characters say.  Hero is one of her best for quick-witted come backs.  The hero and heroine in this book are smart people trying to make it through tough times.  Naturally they resist each other as much as they can, but can’t resist the animal attraction.  Their dialogue is smart, sometimes snide, but always fun.

The heroine, Deanna, is desperate to find someone who can help her vindicate her nephew.  She’s lost a lot of people she loves in her life and she doesn’t want him to be yet another.  Because of her experience with him, Deanna believes the hero, Josh, is the man to help her.

Josh wants nothing to do with the glacial Deanna of the upper-crust Hawaii society.  He sees her as a privileged, protected princess who has never had to deal with life’s consequences.

In some ways, as Deanna comes to discover, Josh is right.  Watching these two people overcome their individual prejudices and preconceptions is the most interesting part of this book.  Watching Josh uncover detail after detail about the nephew’s crime is also interesting and adds a very real bit of drama to what is already an interesting story.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a read full of snappy dialogue and a believable romance.  If you’re a fan of Dimon’s Hawaii books, you need to read this one.

Grade: B

Summary:

TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT…

Deana Armstrong needs a hero—not for herself, but for the nephew all her money and time can’t seem to get out of jail. Unfortunately, the best hero in all the Hawaiian Islands is set on turning in his badge and getting his excellent butt into another line of work. If that wasn’t enough, Josh Windsor also has a big-time grudge against Deana herself. But if there’s anything being rich, smart, and stubborn has taught Deana, it’s never to settle for second best…

Josh has had it with saving people. He’s had it with getting hauled into court. And boy, has he ever had it with Deana. Or well, he hasn’t had it. Yet. But the more she pops up sounding infuriating and looking good enough to eat, the more her hot bod and her cold case wriggle into his mind. And there’s only so much even a hero can resist…

Read an excerpt here (scroll down).

Limecello’s review of Tasting Fear by Shannon McKenna
Romantic suspense published by Brava on 1 Aug 2009

Shannon McKenna is one of my favorite authors. So much in fact, that I read her books despite the fact that I generally try to avoid Romantic Suspense. I have all of Shannon McKenna’s back list. Some, duplicates even. She may be the only author I can say that for. It is thus, regretfully, that I say that I found Tasting Fear to be… well… average. As Sybil likes to say, [C] is good at the pond! But fair or not, as Ms. McKenna is one of my favorite authors, I don’t expect “good.” I expect excellent. Consequently, I have to say I’m glad I got this book from the library. Will I eventually buy it? Likely – after all, I hate having incomplete “collections.” But since I’ve already read it, I won’t mind waiting for this to come out as a mass market paperback.

Outside the Limit

Nancy D’Onofrio has a cute story. I get that she’s the oldest, and her personality really is the stereotypical “oldest sibling” – very responsible, staid, proper, and… well burdened. This seems to be a common trend in Ms. McKenna’s stories. I felt that Nancy’s story was a bit short changed, because much of the plot was laid out in her novella. Then again, it didn’t matter too much because Nancy was a rather static character. Unfortunately, Liam was as well.

Liam Knightly is…a character I had a hard time labeling. He’s a carpenter, but apparently comfortable engaging with assailants in the middle of the night. The background given that his step dad taught him some self defense and that he’s done additional training seemed almost insufficient for what he was dealing with. Of course the big bad hero has to win the day – but I didn’t find it that believable. Or memorable. I liked the story, but I didn’t think about it much after reading it.

Liam is, however, very sweet. I liked that he tried to get Nancy to chill out, and to think of herself before others (something she had to do). He is very caring, and the two of them work… they just didn’t wow me.

Grade: C-

Ask for More

I liked Nell’s story most- I felt the most drawn to it, and the characters. Nell D’Onofrio is interesting. She’s almost two different people, really. Nell is a waitress, and … a graduate student, trying to get her PhD. I think I liked this story the most because I liked Nell in spite of herself. She’s so uncertain and well, she’s focusing on poetry. So not my thing. I shouldn’t really have found her character relatable, but I did. It also helps that I really liked Duncan Burke. That, and Nell has confidence in her work, and asserts herself and says what she wants – or deserves – in a relationship, or at least inter personal relations.

Duncan Burke, the hero is ex military, a businessman extraordinaire, and a conundrum. He’s emotionally stunted. There’s something about the way Ms. McKenna writes her heroes, that I generally find very appealing. I find myself willing to forgive any number of sins, because… well he’s trying so hard. Much like a puppy, but a large breed, with very sharp teeth. One that wants to play with you, but may accidentally rip your arm to shreds. There’s a scene where Duncan follows Nell around Manhattan. Really, he’s stalking her – which would be extremely creepy, other than he’s doing it to make sure she’s safe. That, and he wanted to apologize for being a jerk, but freaks out and doesn’t approach her once he sees she’s crying. (And then he conveniently prevents her from being kidnapped by being around.) Maybe its twisted, but I enjoyed Duncan following Nell- and why he ended up doing it.

I love that Duncan was so capable, and willing to own who he is. Duncan throws his money around to protect Nell and her sisters, and he doesn’t do it to be show off, its simply his personality. Also, it showed his determination because his goal is keeping Nell safe and happy, and money will achieve that goal. I think it really helped that Nell and Duncan had a relationship before their story begins. Or, at least had known each other, albeit minimally. I felt that what they did and how they interacted with their siblings, and other characters helped develop their personalities. I found Nell and Duncan the most memorable, and likable. The secondary characters here and their reactions helped build the story as well.

I think I also like that Nell and Duncan split up for a period- and Nell is basically able to hold her own. She and Duncan work because they want to.

Grade: C+

Ready or Not

Vivi D’Onofrio’s character is interesting. She’s an artist that hasn’t been living up to her full potential due to some events in her past. Maybe it’s just that I’m over the tragic abused heroine, or the way in which Vivi dealt with it. She just seemed so needy and abrasive. There are a lot of exclamation points when she speaks, and it seemed that she went out of her way to project an image, and then was annoyed when people bought into it.

Jack Kendrick is a jerk. There really is no other term that fits him, and I never thought he entirely redeemed himself. (At least the other heroes grovelled nicely or did some other act.) Yes, Jack steps in and saves the day, but he’s pretty cruel to Vivi, and is possibly the most emotionally damaged character. I think Jack’s back story and history is the most interesting. It’s very telling, and could have been the basis of a novel in and of itself. Nevertheless it doesn’t excuse the way he judges Vivi, and comes to the wrong conclusion. I really like that Jack was so into flowers. Conveniently his expertise helps solve the final mystery. (It seemed a little pat, although Ms. McKenna does give him the foundation for his love of plants.)

I felt that Vivi and Jack’s interaction, at least sexually seemed forced. They seemed to connect on a purely physical level, if that – and only on a physical level. I know they end up together, but I suppose I never exactly saw the why of it.

Grade: C-

In the end, this book was something like a shadow of Ms. McKenna’s other books. Good, but there wasn’t a major draw. The freak you out, and rip your heart out factor wasn’t there. Of course there’s the generally strong and capable heroine who just has this one situation she needs help with, and the convenient appearance of the uber hero. He’s rather inept emotionally, extremely attractive and fit, very sexual, very attracted to the heroine, doesn’t believe in love, and can take down three attackers with a handicap. The villain in the book wasn’t that believable, and seemed… a bit too extreme. He’s too one dimensional and insane and gross. There wasn’t much plot, and I felt like a lot of the book was just waiting for the end to come. For some authors, they just don’t write novellas as well as novels. Personally I don’t think that’s the case with Ms. McKenna, because some of her novellas are my favorite romances ever. These three, however, won’t make that list. Sad.

I believe Ms. McKenna’s next book will be Kevin McCloud’s. Dare I say I hope that will be the last of the series? (And I’d like to note here that I love this series.) I have to say I’m a little apprehensive. Kevin’s book could be one of the best… or a flop. I’ve of course got my fingers crossed for the former. If you’re into Romantic Suspense, I’d say give this book a read. (Or Erotic Romance as well.) However, if you’re looking to read Ms. McKenna’s books – I’d recommend starting with a different story.

Grade: C-

BLOOD WILL TELL

Nancy . . . Nell . . . Vivi . . . Three sisters who know there is no force on earth greater than love . . . unless it is the desire for vengeance. When their adored foster mother is murdered, the D’Onofrio women come together to hunt for her murderer—and track down a family legacy gone missing; rare, priceless art from the Renaissance, a treasure worth killing for. The law can only do so much and the three sisters are on their own—until three mysterious men get involved . . .

Startled to find a brawny stranger at her mother’s house, Nancy is even more surprised at the heat of passion that flares between them. Liam is intense and instantly protective. But is it wise to trust him with every secret? Her sister Nell has turned to Duncan, her new boss, for help. He’s an expert on the dark underworld of cyberspace, where other clues may lurk. And Duncan is so sexy its scary. All Nell ahs to do is say the hardest word of all: yes. But what about the youngest of the D’Onofrios, the wild and wilful Vivi? She’s on the verge of falling in love with Jack, who’s all about fierce vigilance . . .

The sisters embrace the ultimate in passion as danger stalks them all. Unknown and unseen, the killer is very, very near . . .

We’re so glad you could make it back to Duck Chat! Welcome!

Today we’re talking to Cynthia Eden about her demons and a whole lot more!

Cynthia has a terrific backlist of books, but it’s her Midnight series that has been garnering a lot of attention by readers lately, and she’s going to talk about those books, Hotter After Midnight, Midnight Sins, and Midnight’s Master, today. Her demons are sexy and you can’t resist them once you start reading. Her other paranormal books, Immortal Danger and Eternal Hunter, are also fan favorites, along with the many anthologies that feature Cynthia’s novellas.

Cynthia is married and she and her husband have one son. A few fun facts: she’s a Gemini, loves chocolate, Romancing the Stone, Law & Order, and wanted to be just like Lois Lane when she wrote for the campus newspaper while attending University of South Alabama. That’s just the beginning of getting to know Cynthia today. Be sure to leave a meaningful comment or question because three lucky winners will receive a copy of Cynthia’s newest anthology, Belong to the Night, that also features Shelly Laurenston and Sherrill Quinn and which won’t hit the shelves until next month! Now let’s chat!

DUCK CHAT: Cynthia, let’s don’t waste time and talk about your newest release, Midnight’s Master, and the Midnight trilogy. First tell us how the idea of the trilogy came about and a little about it in general, then we’ll get to the individual books.

CYNTHIA EDEN: LOL, okay, I can do that. But first…thanks for interviewing me!

Now, for the trilogy, well, I actually didn’t mean to write a trilogy. I wrote Hotter After Midnight (the first book) as a stand-alone. I thought perhaps I could make that book into a series, with the two main characters appearing in follow-up books. But, then the book sold to Kensington Brava and I received a 3 book contract. Brava likes to see different lead characters in their stories so I decided, hey, let’s just make a trilogy!

DC: If you could retire any question and never, ever have it asked again, what would it be? Feel free to answer it.

CE: Where do story ideas come from? Story ideas come from anyplace and everyplace—just about anything can inspire me, so every time I answer this question, I feel like I say something different.

DC: I’ve heard writers often say their stories take them in surprising directions, or dialogue flows from some unknown place. Is it the same with you? Do your characters surprise you sometimes?

CE: Yes, my characters do surprise me—sometimes they go to places that are much darker than I expect.

DC: The first book, Hotter After Midnight, is definitely a hot read. Would you tell our readers about Colin and Emily, please?

CE: Glad you thought it was hot! Thanks! And I’d be happy to tell readers about Colin and Emily. Emily Drake is my monster doctor—she’s a psychologist who primarily treats paranormal patients. Colin Gyth is a detective with the Atlanta PD, and he’s also a wolf shifter. When a paranormal starts killing, Colin works the case, and Emily is pulled in as a profiler—she’s the only one who can profile a paranormal killer.

A quick note…This book is being re-released in mass market form this December.

DC: Do you ever argue with your characters while you’re writing? Who usually wins?

CE: We argue and I win! I’m the one who can tap that delete key, so I hold all the power. BWHAHA!

DC: What is sure to distract you from sitting down and working/writing?

CE: The Internet. I like to check Facebook and Twitter far too much.

DC: Todd and Cara are featured in Midnight Sins, which is another sizzling story in this trilogy. Can you tell us how their story came about and how it finally evolved?

Todd was Colin’s partner in Hotter After Midnight, and he was the man “in the dark” (so to speak). He didn’t know about the paranormal world, and I kept wondering what would happen if he did suddenly see the supernatural beings all around him. So, I decided to jerk his blinders off and give him one powerful paranormal heroine—Cara, the sexy succubus.

DC: What has been your favorite book cover from all of your releases and why?

CE: I really liked Immortal Danger. I’d been wanting to write a dragon shifter story for years, and this book finally gave me the chance to make my dragon real (well, not *real* but you know what I mean!).

DC: How about your least favorite? Why?

CE: I don’t think that I have a least favorite. Sure, some books are easier to write than others, but in the end, I’ve loved them all.

DC: Midnight’s Master just released in June, and it’s about Niol and Holly. I have to admit this surprised me, I thought it would be Captain McNeal and Dr. Smith, whose relationship we’ve followed in the first two books. Any reason they didn’t get their own book?

CE: That’s a good question! From the very first moment that Hotter After Midnight released, I had fans writing to me and asking if Niol would get a book. Now, honestly, I was a bit surprised. I’d *intended* for Niol to be the villain, but I changed my mind as the story developed. So, I sure didn’t think folks would want to read about him. But, they did. I kept getting emails asking for his story. Of all my characters, he’s the one that readers seemed to respond to the most. And that meant…yep, Niol got the third story.

I like to think of my McNeal and Smith’s relationship as the link that holds the books together. Their relationship develops over the course of the books—they bind the stories and the characters.

DC: Please give us the lowdown on Midnight’s Master.

CE: Be happy to! Midnight’s Master is the story of my all-powerful (and slightly evil) demon Niol. He meets his match in a human reporter. If you read Midnight Sins, then you already know the identity of this reporter. In Midnight’s Master, the paranormal beings have become the prey, and Niol must stop the human killer who has them all in his sights.

Excerpt from Midnight’s Master:

Chapter One

Having a breakdown in the middle of a live broadcast was really not a very good thing for a reporter’s career.

Holly Storm’s fingers tightened their already white-knuckled grip around the microphone. Her breath came too hard and way too fast as she fought to hold on to her control.

“Holly …” The reed-thin voice of her producer.

Shit. Her career was about to hit the toilet. She dragged her gaze away from the body-away from the body that she knew didn’t belong to a human-and glanced back toward the round lens of the camera. “Uh … I’m … H-Holly Storm, reporting to you live from the scene of-” A freaking slaughter. “A brutal … murder.” Yeah, brutal was a good word choice considering the way the poor guy had been sliced to ribbons.

Get a grip, girl. She couldn’t afford a meltdown right now.

After a hard swallow, she finally managed to suck in a full breath. Holly cleared her throat, then spoke in that calm, cool voice she’d perfected back in her college communication classes so long ago. “Police aren’t talking …” At least not to her. But then, the two detectives on the scene-Colin Gyth and Todd Brooks-weren’t exactly on her “friends” list. “But this reporter can’t help but wonder just what sort of monster is looseon our Atlanta streets.” There was a growl to her right. Her gaze darted over, just for a moment, and she met the bright stare of Detective Gyth.

Screw him. Her chin lifted. “Reporting live from a downtown scene of death, this is Holly Storm, signing off.”

The camera lens watched her for a silent moment. Then …

“Christ, Holly, you think that was a little dramatic?” Ben Blake muttered, lowering the camera from his shoulder. His Braves hat, the one the guy always wore, rain or shine, night or day, rested high on his head. A line of stubble lined his jaw.

“Dramatic’s good,” she told him, aware that while her voice was cool, her heart thundered hard enough to shake her chest. “Drama gets folks to forget about their crappy days and pay attention to the news.”

“Are you okay?” The quieter, and no longer panicked, voice of her producer asked. “Not everyone is cut out for these kinds of stories.”

Her shoulders, already straight, stiffened even more. No way was she about to be yanked off this story. Her last encounter with the Other-the supernaturals who walked the streets acting like humans and hiding behind magic-had left her with singed hair, a body full of bruises, and the acid of fear on her tongue.

But she wasn’t the running-and-hiding type. Okay, fact one: Monsters existed. Fact two: Those monsters scared the hell out of her. Fact three: If she wanted to work in this town, and she did, then Holly was gonna have to learn how to live with the darker beings that stalked the streets.

“I’m fine, Mac.” McArthur Phillips was a news veteran. Once an anchor for News Flash Five, the sixty-three-year-old had turned his attention to bossing folks around in his producer gig. Not that Mac looked sixty-three. The guy worked out four times a week to keep his body in top “anchor” form and his black hair was only now starting to gray.

From what Holly could tell, Mac was one of those guys who generally spoke softly, but could rip the flesh off anyone who got in his way with just a few careful words. Probably a leftover trait from his army days. She knew the guy had served back in Vietnam. She’d heard more than a few of his stories before.

“Don’t lie to me.” Still soft, but with a hard rasp beneath the words. “You looked pale as death for a minute there. A reporter fainting on camera-”

“Would be a major ratings score,” Ben cut in, tugging his hat down a bit as a smile curved his thin lips.

Holly glared at him. “Right, because I want to be known as the Fainting Flash Five girl.” Asshole. She liked Ben, really did, but sometimes he could piss her off.

Holly’s nose wrinkled. Oh, dammit, she could smell the blood.

“Well, if you’re not goin’ to faint, then get your ass over to those cops and find out just what the hell is goin’ on,” Mac growled.

Her back teeth locked. The cops had already said there would be no interviews. At least, no “official” ones. A girl had to try. Holly shoved her microphone toward Ben. “Be back in ten.” And hopefully, she’d be back with a story.

Holly turned on her heel. Zeroed her sights on the detectives. They were talking to a uniformed cop. Faces intent. She slipped under the yellow police tape, then crept toward them, hoping to overhear-

“Ms. Storm, just what the hell do you think you’re doin’?” Colin Gyth demanded, blue eyes glittering down at her. His arms were crossed over his rather impressively muscled chest. “This is a crime scene.” He grabbed her arm and hauled her back toward the tape, ignoring her outraged yelp. “If we wanted reporters screwing up the evidence, there wouldn’t be a damn barrier set up.”

A flimsy barrier. He pushed her under the tape, shook his head, and frowned down at her. “Hell, woman, didn’t you learn your lesson the last time?”

Learn her lesson? What was she, a two-year-old? “What I learned,” she pitched her voice low, knowing others couldn’t overhear this, “is that this town has a lot of deadly secrets.” She pointed toward the body. “Looks like you’ve got someone hunting demons.”

His eyes widened. “What?”

Uh, oh. The detective hadn’t known-

He was under the tape and beside her in less than two seconds. For a big guy, he could sure move fast. “What did you just say?”

Holly licked her lips. The detective was intimidating as hell with those dark features and the glinting edge of teeth that looked a bit too sharp and-

“She said the victim wasn’t human.” The cold, slightly mocking voice had every nerve in Holly’s body tensing. No, shit, not-

She and Colin turned together and met the coal-black stare of Niol Lapen. It was just after dusk, and the dark shadows gathered around him, wrapping over the tall, muscled length of his body.

He strolled toward them, power evident in his every rippling move. His face, a face that Holly figured most women would find attractive-not her, of course, but most women-showed no hint of emotion. But then, she’d rarely known Niol to bother much with emotions.

Midnight-black hair swept back from his high forehead. The guy really had perfect features, aesthetically speaking anyway. High cheeks, square jaw, long, straight nose, and lips that were-

Not for me. Holly jerked her gaze back up to his black eyes and away from the lips that she was not the least bit interested in. She needed to focus on his eyes-because it was the eyes that told the true nature of the man. Or, in Niol’s case, the true nature of the demon.

Because Niol Lapen was a demon. Probably the strongest and most dangerous demon she’d ever met, and she wasn’t going to forget that fact.

Or the fact that she was pretty sure he’d killed a man the last time they’d met.

His gaze swept past her. Holly followed his stare and saw that the body had been covered with a sheet. About time.

“How did you get here so fast, Ms. Storm?” Niol’s voice, harder now, dark and demanding.

Her eyebrows shot up. Just what was the demon implying? “I was covering a story two blocks over. I followed the sirens.” Okay, probably not her classiest moment, but she’d landed an exclusive.

And stumbled onto a scene that would give her nightmares for a week.

Not now. She couldn’t let this get personal now.

But dammit, why him? He’d been a good guy, harmless. He hadn’t deserved terror and death in a dirty alley, behind a strip club for God’s sake.

“Fuck that.” Colin stepped toward Niol. “You knew the victim?”

“Um.” Neither agreement not denial.

Colin’s hands clenched. “Don’t play with me, Niol. If you’d seen the way the poor bastard was slashed-”

“I did.”

Colin stiffened. “You didn’t-”

Niol laughed, a rough, dry sound, and his gaze returned to Holly. “I didn’t kill him. One of her kind did.” What? Her kind? What was he-

“Come with me. Now.” Colin pointed at her. “And as for you, Ms. Storm, stay away from my crime scene.”

Niol’s gaze raked over her, for just the briefest moment, darting from her head to her strappy black shoes, and Holly shivered. Dangerous.

But, dammit, sexy.

Focus. “You can’t just shut out the press, you know, detective. The public has a right to know-”

Niol shook his head. “Still playing that song, Holly?” Holly, not Ms. Storm any longer. And his voice was different too. Husky. Rough. The voice a man would use in bed. Goose bumps rose on her uncovered arms.

“I don’t know-”

“You knew he was a demon.” His lips twisted and those soulless black eyes bored into her. “He was one of your sources, wasn’t he?”

No way was she going to answer that question, even if the dark demon before her was right. Carl Bronx had been one of her sources. She’d talked with him more than a dozen times. He’d been young, a little over twenty-one, with a ready smile and a dimple in his chin.

No. She would not think about him. Thinking about him and realizing that sweet Carl was the guy who’d gotten sliced to bits, well, that had almost caused her on-camera breakdown.

Niol stepped toward her and brushed the back of his hand over her chilled arm. “You’re not as hard as you pretend to be,” he whispered. “Pity.” His breath stirred the hair near her cheek.

Holly blinked back the tears that stupidly filled her eyes because even though the sheet was over him, in her mind, she could still see Carl’s bloody body.

Niol shook his head. “You’re out of your league. Go home, Holly. Back to your safe world.” He stepped back. “Leave the demons and the death to me.”

The guy couldn’t have given her a more clear dismissal.

Holly watched Niol turn and stride with Colin toward a patrol car.

Oh, yeah, that had been a rather nice “Fuck off.”

Unfortunately for the demon, she wasn’t the fucking-off type.

“Didn’t get the story, huh?” Ben asked, coming to stand at her side.

Holly didn’t take her gaze off the strong lines of Niol’s body. He leaned against the blue-and-white patrol car, his arms loose at his sides. “Not yet.”

“The cops will release a statement later, no big deal-”

“It is.” Carl had been important. One of the good guys-uh, demons. He hadn’t deserved an ending like this. Hell, no one deserved a death like this.

Carl had trusted her with his secrets.

She wasn’t going to slink away from his case. Sure, she knew the routine-don’t let the stories get personal. Every reporter’s mantra.

But it was too late. This kill, it was personal.

She wasn’t about to back off.

Niol and Colin were talking, lips moving fast, but the words were far too soft for her to hear. After a moment, Niol inclined his head and marched away from the detective. Colin looked furious, his face tight and his body stiff.

Holly knew she wasn’t going to be getting any help from the cop.

Niol headed toward the waiting shadows.

But the demon …

He was a whole other story.

Her breath hitched as a spike of excitement had her blood heating.

“Holly …” Ben’s voice was high-pitched-a sure sign the man was getting worried. “What are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking I’m getting this story.” She tossed him a hard smile, one that she knew showed a lot of teeth. “One way or another.” Even if she had to walk into the devil’s den.

Actually, that idea didn’t sound bad at all.

Time to go into the darkness and see what secrets she could find.

After all, she was a reporter-a reporter who always got her story.

The pretty redhead walked into his hell as if she owned the place.

Chin up, slim shoulders back, one hand cocked on her hip. Oh, yeah, serious attitude.

But, as he watched her, Niol Lapen couldn’t help but wonder … when he got closer to the lady, would he see fear lurking in her too-green eyes?

Because he knew that she’d been afraid of him before. The last time she’d crossed the threshold into the bar that some thought of as Paradise and others knew as hell, there had been fear in Holly Storm’s gaze.

Not that she’d let the fear stop her.

And he’d always rather enjoyed fear in his prey.

Niol had decided months ago that the reporter would make wonderful prey.

He propped his elbows on the bar and kept his gaze on the woman who was slowly strolling across Paradise Found. She’d changed her clothes. The dressy top and the dark pants were gone. Now she wore a short dress, black, one that emphasized the pale silk of her skin, one that flashed the tempting swell of her perfect breasts and kissed the tops of her thighs.

Um. He’d like to do that. Like to kiss and lick those long legs. He could all too easily imagine the feel of that smooth skin against his lips and tongue.

His eyes narrowed. The lady knew how to dress. A point in her favor.

She also knew how to find trouble. Another point for Holly.

“Hell.” The disgust came from the bartender behind him. It was the kind of disgust Niol normally felt for reporters, but not for Holly. “What’s she doing here?” Marc demanded.

Niol never took his gaze off Holly. Her right hand clutched a small black bag-bet she’s got some kind of recorder in there-and her high heels clicked across the floor. He could hear every move she made. The bar, his second home, was packed-a good thing. Yet his senses-damn strong senses seeing as how he was a level-ten demon-were wholly focused on her.

If he tried, he bet he’d even be able to smell her. That light, rich scent of lavender from her lotion.

“Want me to kick her ass out, boss?” Marc asked, and the soft clink of a glass sounded.

A smile curved Niol’s lips. “That’s not exactly what I want to happen to the lady’s ass.” No, he had other plans for Holly … and her gorgeous ass.

It had been too long since he’d taken a lover. At least a month. But he’d been dealing with killers and death. A guy could get distracted.

And now there was this other bastard on the streets.

If another demon died …

He lifted his drink. Drained the shot glass in one quick gulp. The hot burn of the liquid slid down his throat. “Don’t worry about the reporter, Marc.” Though he was a pretty recent hire at the bar, Marc still knew the score. He also knew that cops and reporters normally weren’t too welcome in Paradise. “I’ll take care of her.” Very good care of her.

Holly Storm. She was the newest reporter at News Flash Five. Smart. Resourceful. A real looker, too. Plump lips. Small nose. High, glass-sharp cheekbones.

Oh, yeah, the reporter was sexy.

She was also trouble because she knew far, far too much about his private world of demons and darkness.

Most humans didn’t know that the monsters they feared in their dreams-the vampires, werewolves, everything that made the night go bump-were all real. Humans were too worried about their nine-to-five jobs, too busy worrying about getting robbed by the guy in line next to them at the grocery store or getting carjacked at the red light on the wrong side of town. They never stopped and actually looked at the world around them.

Because if the humans would just jerk off their damn blinders, they’d see they had a whole hell of a lot more to fear on this Earth than they imagined, and that some nightmares could be very, very real.

Holly had first lost her blinders months ago. For a time, she’d even planned to air her discovery on her precious news station.

Of course, her plans had changed when he’d brought the fires of hell to her feet. Rather literally.

At that moment, her gaze locked on his. Her eyes widened, just a bit. The taking-my-time walk became faster as she tried to hurry to him and-

And a vampire stepped in her path.

Niol’s fingers drummed on the bar. The undead asshole had just blocked his view. He’d give him five seconds to move, then-

Holly stepped around the vamp, her jaw locked. Her full lips-painted red, Niol’s favorite color-pressed into a line. Ah, so the reporter wasn’t in the mood for-

The vamp touched her. Grabbed her arm. Then jerked her up against his chest.

DC: How do you feel your male or female characters have evolved over your career? Do you think you write them differently now than you did when you started?

CE: Oh, I definitely think I write them differently now! I like to think that I learn more about the craft of writing with every book that I write—so I hope my plotting and my characters improve. I think my characters have more layers now, and an edge of darkness that wasn’t there in the earlier stories.

DC: Is there a genre you haven’t tackled but would like to try?

CE: Once upon a time, I taught history, so I would like to give that area a try. And, conversely…I’d love to do a futuristic story, too.

DC: You have two other paranormals, Immortal Danger and Eternal Hunter, on the shelves. Would you tell our readers a little about those books?

CE: Immortal Danger (April 09) features a very powerful heroine—Maya Black is an ex-cop turned vampire and her motto is, “Once bitten, twice the bitch.” She teams up with a shifter in order to rescue a lost little girl from a band of rogue vamps.

Eternal Hunter will actually release in January (oh, I wish it were on the shelves now!). It will be the first book in my new paranormal bounty hunter series. These bounty hunter stories will be set in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and they’ll feature an assortment of paranormal characters: vampires, demons, shifters, charmers, witches, and a few new additions.

DC: What advice would you give to your younger self?

CE: Write faster! Stop watching so much TV and write more!

DC: If you were a book, what would your blurb be?

CE: LOL, I have no idea! How about: Southern girl invites you to the dark side with sexy stories of vampires and demons.

DC: What would be your “voice’s” tagline?

CE: Sharp, dark, and quick to cut. (Seriously, I don’t know if that’s a good sum-up, but I like the sound of it!)

DC: You also have a number of novellas in anthologies. If one of our readers hasn’t read your books before, which one would you recommend they read to get a good taste of your writing?

CE: I’d recommend In the Dark — my contribution to the Belong the Night anthology. That anthology releases on August 25th. My hero is a vamp, and my heroine is a shifter. My heroine believed the hero was dead, so when she sees him, she’s a little, ah, pissed.

DC: If you had never become an author, what do you think you would be doing right now?

CE: I’d probably still be teaching and fighting to maintain my sanity! Only slightly kidding on that. I’m sure the teachers out there know what I mean.

DC: What’s on the horizon for Cynthia Eden?

CE: Well, my paranormal bounty hunter series launches with Kensington Brava in January, and later in 2010, the first book in my new romantic suspense series will be released by Grand Central Publishing. I’m currently scheduled to release three books in the romantic suspense series, Deadly Fear, Deadly Heat, and Deadly Lies. The Grand Central books don’t feature any paranormal characters—just sadistic serial killers, twisted arsonists, and evil kidnappers. Sometimes you can be human and still be a monster—that’s the idea behind those stories.

Lightning Round:

- dark or milk chocolate? – Milk chocolate

- smooth or chunky peanut butter? – Smooth, please!

- heels or flats? Heels. Sexy!

- coffee or tea? – Tea, but let’s make it super sweet

- summer or winter? – Summer. I live in the South—we don’t really have winter.

- mountains or beach? – Beach! I love burying my feet in the sand.

- mustard or mayonnaise? – Um, neither?

- flowers or candy? – Flowers
- pockets or purse? – Purse—it carries things and it can be a weapon

- Pepsi or Coke? – Coke

- ebook or print? Both

And just because:

1. What is your favorite word? – Awesome. (I share this favorite word with Dean Winchester)

2. What is your least favorite word? – Hick. (Way overused in the south)

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? – The beach turns me on creatively

4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally? – Blaring noise

5. What sound or noise do you love? – Jazz music

6. What sound or noise do you hate? – A car horn

7. What is your favorite curse word? – Damn

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? – I think being a psychologist would be fun

9. What profession would you not like to do? – ER Doctor—no blood, please

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? – “I love your stories.”

Thank you for taking the time to interview me! It was a pleasure!

DC: Thank you, Cynthia! We had a lot of fun with you!

We have another terrific day scheduled here at Duck Chat. Thanks for stopping by!

Your treat for the day is S. J. Day!

Of course, most of you know S.J. as Sylvia Day, but she began her sojourn into urban fantasy under a different name. Her first trilogy, the Marked series, debuted this year. Eve of Darkness, Eve of Destruction, and Eve of Chaos have been a hit with fans.

S.J. has led an interesting life. In her early 20s she joined the U.S. Army Military Intelligence as a Russian Linguist/Interrogator. She has traveled extensively to places such as Japan, Holland, Germany, France, Mexico, Jamaica, and, of course, all over the United States. She is a native Californian and still lives in the state of her birth.

Be sure to leave that meaningful comment or question – S.J. has offered up a copy each of Eve of Darkness and In the Flesh, the first book in the Sapphire series she’s written as Livia Dare. Now let’s chat!

DUCK CHAT: S.J., your first series, Marked, is on the shelves and fans are devouring the books. Would you tell us how the series came about and give us an overview of the series as a whole?

S.J. DAY: I wish I had a fabulous answer for how the series came about, but the truth is the idea popped into my head while I was taking a shower. It was a full scene (the one in the first book where Cain and Abel fight in Evangeline’s living room). No idea where that idea came from, but I loved it.

The series in a nutshell: Formerly agnostic Evangeline Hollis is marked with the Mark of Cain and becomes one of thousands of sinners worldwide who act as bounty hunters for God. She’s mentored by Cain, working for Abel, and desired by both men. The series draws heavily from the Old Testament, but is very much an action-oriented, sexy, contemporary fantasy.

DC: If you could retire any question and never, ever have it asked again, what would it be? Feel free to answer it.

SJD: “Where did you get the idea for this story?” — I can never answer that one. My ideas aren’t sparked by anything in particular. There’s never an event or place that triggers them. They just come to me as they are. That’s why I write in so many different genres.

DC: I’ve heard writers often say their stories take them in surprising directions, or dialogue flows from some unknown place. Is it the same with you? Do your characters surprise you sometimes?

SJD: My characters tell the stories. I just write them down. I consider myself more of a narrator than a creator. I never know what’s going to happen until it happens.

DC: Now let’s talk about the books in the Marked series. Eve of Darkness released in April. Can you tell our readers what to expect in this story?

SJD: The Marked series is based upon the Biblical story of Cain and Abel. In present day, God is still using the mark as a punishment. With it, he drafts sinners into service. A system of “Marks” has been established here on earth, with the seven archangels heading seven “firms” on the seven recognized continents. The heroine, Evangeline Hollis, is drafted into service and placed into mentorship with Cain (who happens to be “the one that got away” from her past). She’s also under the direct control of his brother, Abel, which makes everything in Eve’s life impossibly complicated.

Book #1, Eve of Darkness, starts at the beginning of Eve’s journey and explains the history between her and Cain. This was important to me, even though the tone of Eve’s past life is different from the tone of her new life, because the Marked series is the story of Eve’s transition. It’s a character-arc series.

DC: Do you ever argue with your characters while you’re writing? Who usually wins?

SJD: I always let them have their way. They know their story better than I do.

DC: What is sure to distract you from sitting down and working/writing?

SJD: My kids. For being two little people, they make a lot of great big noise.

DC: Evangeline’s story continues in Eve of Destruction, which hit the shelves June 2. Can you give us a look inside?

SJD: In Book #2, Eve has finally started combat training for her new job as a celestial bounty hunter. Cain and Abel are on assignment, so she’s on her own. When her classmates start getting killed while on field training, Eve knows there’s a demon hidden among them and she has to figure out who it is before they kill again.

Eve isn’t a great Mark. She sucks at most weaponry skills and she’s definitely not fearless. Her greatest asset is her quick thinking and since she knows her limitations, she relies on that more than brawn. That becomes more evident in this book.

DC: Is there a genre you haven’t tackled but would like to try?

SJD: Horror.

DC: What advice would you give to your younger self?

SJD: Spend less time talking and more time listening.

DC: The last book in the series, Eve of Chaos was released on June 30, less than a month after EoD. Did that short time span present any particular problems for you? Would you tell us a little about this book?

SJD: The biggest issue time span-wise was in having the production of the first two books simultaneous to writing the third — edits, copy edits, and galleys x2, plus production of In the Flesh and The Stranger I Married going on at the same time. I’d planned for them to be spaced out over the length of the year, but as bad luck would have it, both Tor and Kensington started the production processes for the books later than I anticipated. Plus, there were two major in-house production errors with the first two Marked books that ate a lot of time on my end to fix. But that’s the breaks and I somehow survived the process, albeit with lots of tears and lots of new gray hairs. (Whoever said being a novelist is glamorous was nuts.)

Despite all the chaos and snafus, I gave everything I had to writing Chaos and I’m really proud of it. More time and less stress wouldn’t have made it better, because I didn’t allow the book to get shortchanged by the rest. The scope of the series expands quite a bit, with the introduction of Satan, Adam, and Eve. Plus some dangling threads from previous books were tied up in Chaos (which ends a three-book story arc and begins another). Eve also starts to settle into her new life and expands her understanding of her relationships with Cain and Abel.

Special treat, excerpt from Eve of Chaos:

Chapter 1

Evangeline Hollis watched with clenched jaw as a kappa demon served yakisoba—Japanese pan-fried noodles—to her mother with a broad smile. Eve guessed that the ratio of mortals to demons at the Orange County Buddhist Church’s annual Obon Festival was about fifty-fifty.

After three months of living with the Mark of Cain and her new “job” as celestial bounty hunter, Eve was resigned to the reality of Infernals mingling undetected among mortals. However, she was still surprised by the number of transplanted Japanese demons who had come out to play at the festival. There seemed to be an inordinate amount of them present.

“You want some?” her mother asked, holding out the plate. Miyoko had lived a mostly quintessential American life in the United States for thirty years. She was a naturalized citizen, a converted Baptist, and her husband, Darrel Hollis, was a good ol’ boy from Alabama. But she appreciated her roots and made an effort to share the Japanese culture with her two daughters.

Eve shook her head. “I want yakidango.”

“Me, too. It’s over there.” Miyoko set off, leading the way.

The festival was contained within the gated parking lot of the temple. To the right was a large gymnasium. To the left, the temple and school complex. The area was small, but still managed to hold a variety of food and game booths. A taiko drum was elevated in a yagura tower overlooking a space that would later showcase Bon Odori dancers. Children competed to win prizes ranging from live goldfish to stuffed animals. Adults hovered over displays of trinkets and homemade desserts.

The Southern California weather was perfect, as usual. A balmy seventy-eight degrees with plenty of sunshine and very few clouds. Adjusting her sunglasses, Eve relished the kiss of the sun on her skin and breathed in the scents of her favorite foods.

Then a foul stench wafted by on the afternoon breeze, assaulting her nose and ruining her rare moment of peace.

The putrid smell of rotting soul; it was unmistakable. It was a cross between decaying flesh and fresh shit, and it amazed Eve that the Unmarked—mortals lacking the Mark of Cain—couldn’t smell it. She turned her head, seeking out the source.

Her searching gaze halted on a lovely Asian woman standing across the aisle from her. A yuki-onna—a Japanese snow demon. Eve noted the Infernal’s white kimono with its delicate sukura embroidery and the detail on her cheekbone that resembled a tribal tattoo. In truth, the design was the demon’s rank and it was invisible to mortals. Like the Mark of Cain on Eve’s arm, it was similar to mortal military insignia. All Infernals had them. The details betrayed both which species of damned being they were and what their rank in Hell’s hierarchy was.

Contrary to what most theologians believed, the Mark of the Beast wasn’t something to be feared as the start of the Apocalypse; it was a caste system that had been in place for centuries.

Eve’s mark began to tingle, then burn. A call to arms.

Now? she asked with a mental query, exasperation clear in her dry tone. She was a Mark, one of thousands of “sinners” around the world who’d been drafted into service exterminating demons for God. She was expected to kill at the drop of a hat, but her mother was with her and they were at a house of worship.

Sorry, babe. Reed Abel sounded anything but. You’re in the wrong place at the right time. Her number’s up, and you’re closest.

You’ve been singing that tune all week, she retorted. I’m not buying it anymore.

She’d been vanquishing a demon a day—sometimes two—for the last several days. A girl needed more than just Sundays off when her job was killing demons. Why am I always closest?

Because you’re a disaster magnet?

And you’re a riot.

Reed—aka Abel of biblical fame—was a mal’akh, an angel. He was a handler, a position that meant he was responsible for assigning hunts to a small group of Marks. It was a lot like skip tracing. The seven earthbound archangels acted as bail bondsmen. Reed was a dispatcher. Eve was a bounty hunter. It was a well-oiled system for most Marks, but to say she was a squeaky wheel would be an understatement.

Dinner tonight? he asked.

After that wisecrack, cocky bastard?

I’ll cook.

She followed her mom, keeping an eye on her quarry. If I’m still alive, sure.

In the back of her mind, she heard and felt Alec Cain—Reed’s brother—growl his disapproval. Alec was her mentor. Once known as Cain of Infamy, he was now Cain the Archangel. She and Alec had a history together, starting ten years ago when she’d given him her virginity. Nowadays, his position as archangel had stripped him of the ability to have an emotional attachment to anything other than God, but Alec held on to her anyway.

What means more? he had asked her. When someone wants you because he can’t help it? Because of hormones or some chemical reaction in the brain? Or when he wants you because he chooses to want you? Because he makes the conscious decision to want you?

Eve didn’t know, so she was drifting along with him, trying to figure it out.

She was certifiably insane for stepping in the middle of the oldest case of sibling rivalry in history, especially since the three of them shared a unique bond that allowed a free flow of thought between them. Eve often asked herself why she played with fire. The only answer she came up with was that she just couldn’t help herself.
I’m calling dibs on breakfast tomorrow, Alec insisted gruffly.

One-Eyed Jacks? No one cooked them like Alec. Grilled pieces of bread with a hole in the middle to hold a fried egg. Buttery and crispy, and served with syrup. He also toasted the centers and sprinkled them with cinnamon-sugar to serve on the side. Delicious.

Whatever you want, angel.

It was a given that Reed wouldn’t be around for breakfast, since dating two men at once meant that all three of them were sleeping alone at night.

The yuki-onna excused herself from her handsome companion and moved toward the gymnasium, taking the tiny steps dictated by the tight fit of her kimono and the geta wooden clogs on her feet. Eve was at an advantage with her attire. Her stretchy capris and ribbed cotton tank top didn’t impede her range of movement at all. Her Army-issue “jungle boots” were breathable and functional. She was ready to rock. But that didn’t mean she wanted to.

“I have to wash my hands,” Eve said to her mother, knowing that as a retired registered nurse, Miyoko would appreciate the need for cleanliness.

“I have antibacterial gel in my purse.”

Eve wrinkled her nose. “Yuck. That stuff makes my hands sticky.”

“You’re too fussy. How many dangos you want?”

“Three sticks.” The rice cake dumplings were grilled on wooden skewers and coated with sweet syrup. They were a childhood favorite that Eve enjoyed too rarely, which aggravated her disgruntlement. If the demon ruined her appetite, there would be Hell to pay. Seriously.

Eve handed over a twenty-dollar bill, then set off in pursuit of her prey.

She overtook the demon and entered the gym where picnic tables had been arranged to provide seating for diners. Dozens of festival-goers filled the vast space with echoing revelry—laughing, conversing in both English and Japanese, and eating. Mortals mingled with Infernal beings in blissful ignorance, but Eve noted every one of Hell’s denizens. In return, they knew what she was and they eyed her with wary hatred. The mark on her deltoid betrayed her, as did her scent. As rotten as they stunk to her, she smelled sickly sweet to them. Ridiculous really, since there was no such thing as a sweet Mark. They were all bitter.

Tucking herself against the wall, she watched through the tinted glass doors as the yuki-onna approached. From the forward vantage, Eve could see the demon’s feet hovering just above the ground. Backing up slowly, Eve rounded the corner to stay out of sight. A glass case was mounted to the wall at her shoulder, displaying trophies and a lone katana within its lighted interior.

Eve glanced around quickly, noting the distraction of the rest of the gym’s occupants. With superhuman speed, she pinched off the round metal lock with thumb and forefinger, and withdrew the sheathed blade. She held it tucked between her thigh and the wall, hoping it was more than a decoration. If not, she could always summon the classic flame-covered sword. But she’d rather not. Buildings had a nasty habit of catching fire around her, and she had greater proficiency with the sleeker, moderately curved “samurai sword” than she did with the heavier glaive.

Her prey entered the gym and turned in the opposite direction, heading toward the restrooms just as Eve had guessed she would. Closing the women’s bathroom while food and drink were present in copious quantities was always a bad idea, but Eve didn’t have a choice. Her mother was waiting, and she couldn’t risk losing her target.

Her present dilemma was one of the many reasons why Marks weren’t supposed to have family ties. The sinners who were chosen were usually loners easily transplanted to foreign soil. Relatives were a liability. Eve was the sole exception to the rule. Alec had fought to keep her close to home because he knew how much her parents meant to her. He was also motivated by guilt, since their indiscretion ten years ago was the reason she was marked today.

The wheels of justice didn’t turn any faster in Heaven than they did on Earth.

When the bathroom door swung shut behind the demon, Eve followed. The mark throbbed hot and heavy within the skin covering her deltoid, pumping aggression and fury through her veins. Her muscles thickened and her stride altered. Her body’s reaction was base and animalistic, the surge of bloodlust brutal and addicting. She had come to crave it like a drug. Too much time between kills, and she became short-tempered and twitchy.

Despite the rush, her heartbeat and hands remained steady. Her body was a temple now, and it ran like a machine. As she entered the bathroom, Eve was calm and focused. When had she become so at ease with her murderous secondary life? She would have to ponder that later, when she had some privacy and time to cry.

All of the stall doors were slightly ajar, except for the handicapped one at the far end of the room. The stench of decaying soul permeated the space. Affixed to the wall near the door was a tube that held a collapsible Wet Floor sign. She tugged it free and set it outside in the hallway, then closed the door and turned the lock. It wasn’t quite as useful as an Out of Order cone, but it would have to do.

There was no way to stave off the sudden deluge of memories of another bathroom, one in which she had fought a dragon and paid with her life. She’d been resurrected to kill another day because of a deal Alec had made with someone, somewhere. She didn’t know the details, but she knew the cost had to be steep. If she hadn’t been in love with him already, his willingness to make that kind of sacrifice would have sealed the deal. She wasn’t ready to die just yet, despite demon killing and a crazy love life.

One day she hoped to marry and have children, enjoy a successful career and family vacations. But she would have to shed the mark first—either by manipulating someone in power or by collecting enough indulgences to work off her penance.

Of course, there were loopholes in the indulgence system. She’d killed the teenage son of the Black Diamond Pack Alpha werewolf twice, but had only been given credit for the second kill. Bullshit like that really got under her skin. What was a girl supposed to do when even God didn’t play fair?

A soft whimper arrested Eve midstride. The sound had a high, trembling note that sounded childlike. She rolled her shoulders back and waited. Hunting was less about the pounce than it was about positioning. She stood dead center in the most open space in the room. The exit was at her back. The Infernal had no way out but through her. Damned if she would move just to hurry things up a bit.

The mark continued to flood her with adrenaline and hostility. Her senses honed in on her prey, flooding her mind with information. Her stance widened.

“Come out, come out wherever you are . . .” she crooned.

The lock on the handicapped stall turned. The door pulled inward. A child’s face appeared, wan and tear streaked. A pretty girl of Asian heritage in a light summer dress with a watermelon design around the hem. Maybe six or seven years old. Shaking with fear. A moment later, the lovely visage of the yuki-onna appeared above the girl’s head.

Eve growled. “A hostage was a bad idea.”

When she had kids of her own, she wasn’t letting them out of her sight.

“I will walk out of here with the child,” the Infernal said in her lilting, accented voice. She stepped out of the stall with her hand on the girl’s shoulder. “Then I will release her.”

The child’s teeth began to chatter and her lips took on a blue tinge. Gooseflesh spread from the point where the demon clutched her.

“You’re going to die,” Eve said matter-of-factly. The yuki-onna had been targeted. Marks would hunt her until she was dead.

“So are you,” the demon retorted. “Do you really want to waste your last moments killing me?”

There’s a hostage, she told Reed, ignoring the standard demon intimidation and bargaining tactics. A little girl. I need you to get her out of here.

A warm breeze moved over her skin, tangible proof that her handler was always with her. He was forbidden to assist his charges in their hunts, but clearing mortals out of the way fell under his purview. On your cue, he murmured.

Eve had no idea where in the world he was, but as a mal’akh, he could shift—or teleport—in and out of a location faster than the blink of an eye.

“I was going to take you down fair and square,” she told the demon, holding the sheathed katana aloft. “I should have known you would want to fight dirty.”

“I have no weapon.” A lie. Demons all had certain gifts, like the yuki-onna’s ability to create extreme weather. Marks had only their own wits and strength. They were celestially enhanced physically—able to heal and react quickly—but lacked any supernatural “powers”.

“I’ll give you mine,” Eve offered grimly, “if you let the kid go.” She ripped the katana free of its sheath and hurled the lacquered wood at the demon’s head.

She reached out to Reed. Now!

The demon’s arms rose to ward off the projectile. The child was snatched by Reed before the yuki-onna caught it.

The Infernal’s cry of rage was accompanied by an icy gust that burst through the room like an explosion. Eve was thrust backward into a heated-air hand dryer with enough force to hammer it flush to the wall. She held onto the hilt of the katana by stubbornness alone. Her booted feet dropped to the floor with a dull thud, and she hit the ground running.

Arm raised and blade at the ready, Eve rushed forward with a battle cry that curdled her own blood. The child’s fear lingered in the air, the acrid scent mingling with the stench of decaying Infernal soul. The combination sent her mark into overdrive. She leaped, slashing down on the diagonal, but the demon spun away in a flurry of snow. The temperature dropped drastically. The mirrors fogged around the edges, and her breath puffed visibly in the chilled air.

Eve pursued her, feinting and parrying against the sharp icicles the demon threw at her. They shattered like glass against her flashing katana, sprinkling the tile with slippery shards.

Crunching across the hazardous floor, she advanced with precision. The beautiful kimono fluttered with the Infernal’s retreat, the thick silk shredded by Eve’s calculated attacks. Once the sorriest swordswoman in her class, Eve had practiced exhaustively until she stopped embarrassing herself. She still wasn’t much beyond passably proficient with the weapon, but she no longer felt hopelessly inept.

She began to hum a merry tune.

As she’d hoped, the demon floundered, caught off guard by the implied boredom. The yuki-onna’s next salvo lacked the speed of the previous ones. Eve caught it with her fist, hissing as the ice splintered its way across her palm. Blood flowed, its scent goading the demon into roaring in triumph, a sound audible only to those with enhanced hearing.

Eve lobbed the icicle back, followed immediately with the katana. The Infernal deflected the first projectile with an icy blast, but was left vulnerable to the second. The blade sliced along the demon’s right triceps, drawing blood before impaling the wall behind her. A crimson stain began to spread through the pristine white of the kimono.
“Checkmate,” Eve taunted. “Your blood for mine.”

The Infernal retaliated with an icicle that pierced straight through Eve’s right thigh. She cried out and dropped to one knee. Agonized, she sent up a silent request for a sword. She held her palm open to receive the gift . . .

. . . which didn’t come.

Shock froze Eve. She’d gambled with the loss of the katana and rolled snake eyes. She always feared this day would come. Formerly agnostic, she didn’t show the deference to the Almighty that others did. She wasn’t disrespectful per se, but she might be too forthright in voicing her inability to understand the way God handled things.

She asked again, throwing in a “please” for good measure. The result was the same. Nada. Eve growled, furious that she would be denied the tool required to complete the task she was forced to perform.

The yuki-onna quickly deduced what had failed to happen. She giggled, a lovely melodic sound. “Perhaps he realizes that saving you is hopeless and not worth the effort.”

“Fuck you.”

“It is rare that Sammael sets a bounty so high or allows everyone in Hell a chance to claim it.” The demon grinned. “But then, this is the first time someone has run over one of his pets.”

“What bounty?” Eve hoped she hid the sudden fear she felt. “Is Satan upset that I ran over his dog? That’s hysterical.”

I’m not laughing, Alec snapped.

I know. Eve sighed. My life sucks.

She struggled to her feet, favoring her impaled leg. Reaching down, she yanked the ice dagger free and tossed it aside. Blood spurted from the gaping wound, then gushed. She ignored it for now. She had bigger problems.

“What is funny,” the yuki-onna retorted, “is how you will be ripped apart by everyone in Hell.”

“Everyone, huh?” Eve shrugged. “He’ll have to do better than that, if he hopes to take me out.”

That’s my girl, Alec praised. Never let ‘em see you sweat.

But she heard the unease in his voice. She also felt him poised to leap to her rescue.

I’ve got this, she said, staying him. She wasn’t sure how, but she would figure it out on her own. Damned if some ice bitch in clogs would kick her ass.

“Sammael wants you,” the demon taunted. Her disheveled hair and wide eyes only made her more beautiful. “And I will be rewarded for bringing you in.”

Laughing through her growing panic, Eve made a third request—not quite a prayer—for a sword. Again, she was ignored.

She deflected the demon’s next icicle with her forearm, then darted to the left to catch another. She threw it back. It was knocked off course by a burst of frosty air. All the while, she closed the distance between herself and the wall that held the katana.

“You can take hostages,” Eve taunted, “but you can’t take me.”

Bravado. Sometimes it was all a Mark had.

“I am beginning to think otherwise,” the demon retorted with a malicious gleam in her dark eyes.

Pounding came to the locked door, followed by a string of anxious-sounding Japanese. Not for the first time, Eve wished her mother had taught her the language. All she knew was that someone wanted to come in, and the demon she was fighting was no longer eager to get out. In fact, the yuki-onna seemed energized by the intrusion.
Eve took another step closer. Her boot slipped on an ice shard and she skidded, her balance compromised by her injured leg. She was inspired by the near fall, her mind seizing on a possible means to the end.

Dependant upon God’s willingness to cooperate and give her a damn break, of course.

Kicking hard, she sent up a spray of water and ice. As the yuki-onna retaliated with a rapid volley of icicles, Eve shot forward, using the slush on the tile to drop to the floor in a careening, feet-first slide into home plate.

“I could really use that sword now,” she yelled skyward, as the white tile rushed past her in a blur. “Please!”

Nothing.

Time slowed to a trickle . . .

The demon leaped gracefully and was held aloft by icy air currents. Levitating into a prone position, the Infernal’s facade of beauty fell away, revealing the true evil beneath—eyes of blood red, a gaping maw of blackened teeth, and grayish skin with a network of inky veins that spread into her hairline. With arms splayed wide, spears of ice appeared in her hands like ski poles.

Alec and Reed roared in unison, their shouts reverberating in Eve’s skull with such volume they drowned out everything else. In slow motion, she watched the demon hovering like a ghostly apparition, her white robes in tatters, her hair a sinuously writhing mane. Eve raised her arms to ward off the coming attack, then jerked in surprise as a heavy weight forced her forearm to drop to her chest. . .

. . . weighted by the miraculous appearance of a glaive in her hand.

Her grip tightened on the hilt and her back arched up. Hurling the blade forward like a javelin, she struck the yuki-onna straight in the chest. The glaive pierced deep with a sickening thud.

The demon exploded in a burst of ash.

Eve continued to slide until she slammed into the wall. At impact, the katana dislodged from its mooring, twisting to fall point down toward her head. She jerked to the side, rolling to avoid the blade. It pierced the floor where she’d been an instant before. Behind her, the glaive—no longer embedded in the demon’s body—clattered to the tile.

“Holy shit,” she breathed.

A pair of steel-toed boots appeared next to her head, then a hand extended into her line of sight. Looking up, her gaze met eyes of rich chocolate brown. Once, Alec had looked at her with a heat so scorching it burned her skin. She missed that look. Then again, she got hot enough for the both of them just checking him out.

At a few inches over six feet, Alec was as ripped as one would expect a skilled predator to be. He was God’s most revered and trusted enforcer, and his body reflected that calling. His hair, as always, was slightly overlong, but she would fight off anyone who approached him with shears.

“Could God have waited any longer to bail me out of the mess he put me in?” she groused.

“Did you note the lack of fire?” His voice—dark and slightly raspy—was pure seduction, even when laced with the resonance unique to archangels. It didn’t sound that way when he spoke to her telepathically, which was sadly appropriate. Who he was in reality was far different from who he was in her mind.

She blinked up at him. “You bailed me out? What the hell? Was he just going to let me die? Again?”

“Obviously not, since you’re not dead. It was a lesson in faith.”

“More like a lesson in ‘I am God, see me fuck with you.’”

“Watch it,” he admonished.

Eve accepted his proffered hand. As he pulled her upright, his powerful chest and tautly ridged abdomen flexed noticeably beneath his fitted white T-shirt. She couldn’t help noticing stuff like that, even though she couldn’t touch what she was looking at.

“What is it with demons and bathrooms?” she asked. “Grimshaw started a trend when he sent that dragon to kill me. I swear I’ve vanquished at least half a dozen Infernals in bathrooms since then.”

The dragon had been a courtier in Asmodeus’s court, but he’d killed her for Charles Grimshaw—former Alpha of the Northern California Black Diamond Pack and father of the wolf she’d had to kill twice. Demon retaliation was a bitch.

Alec cursed at the sight of her thigh. Her toes were squishing in the blood soaking her sock and puddling along the sole. She would need a new pair of boots.

He bent to examine her wound more closely. “I would have gotten here sooner, but I had to scare off the crowd of Infernals in the hall first.”

“Crowd?”

“I don’t think the ice bitch was kidding about the bounty.”

“What do you know that I don’t? You wouldn’t believe an Infernal without some sort of proof.”

Alec had assumed control over the day-to-day operation of Gadara Enterprises—the secular front for the North American firm of Marks—since the archangel Raguel had been taken prisoner by Satan a couple of months back. That meant Alec was privy to almost every hellacious and celestial happening that occurred between the top of Alaska to the end of Mexico.

“The number of Infernals in Orange County has tripled in the last two weeks.”

Which was when she’d graduated from training. As she was often reminded, nothing was a coincidence. “No wonder it’s been so busy around here.”

He gave her a resigned look. “It will get busier, if Sammael’s set his sights on you.”

“With a free-for-all bounty open to all classes of demons? Jeez, you’d think I kicked his puppy or something. Oh wait . . . I did.” Eve put weight on her wounded leg and winced at the immediate throb of agony.

Alec tucked his shoulder under her arm to support her. “We need to bandage that leg, smart ass.”

“You like my ass, and not because of its IQ.”

“Love it.” He gave her butt an affectionate squeeze. Alec might be restricted from feeling emotional love for her, but lust wasn’t a problem. “But I love the rest of your hot body, too, and I’d like to keep it in one piece.”

The mark enabled her to heal super fast. In an hour or two, only a pink scar would remain, and by nightfall, the injury would be nothing but a memory. But she could help move things along in the recovery department by closing the hole with some butterfly bandages. She’d have to hurry; her mom was still waiting for her.

I’ll take care of Miyoko, he assured her.

“I’ll take Eve back to her place to change,” a deep voice intruded.

They turned their heads to find Reed by the door. The men’s features were similar enough to betray them as siblings, but they were otherwise polar opposites. Reed favored Armani suits and faultless haircuts. Today he wore black slacks and a lavender dress shirt open at the throat and rolled at the wrists. It was a testament to how completely, robustly male he was that he could look so damn fine in such a soft color.

Alec’s arm at her waist tightened. The two brothers were like oil and kerosene together. Dangerously flammable. They refused to tell her what started their lifelong feud, and they kept the memory so repressed in the darkest corners of their minds that she hadn’t yet been able to find it. Whatever the sore spot was, the murderous rage it incited was easily goaded. They’d been killing each other for years—Cain more so than Abel—but were always resurrected by God to fight some more.

Which was just nasty in her opinion. Why God enabled the two brothers to keep fighting was beyond her comprehension.

“What are we going to do about this mess?” She offered a soothing smile to Alec before stepping away from him. A trail of blood marked her recent kamikaze slide across the floor. The rapidly melting ice was spreading the crimson stain along the grout lines, creating an oddly compelling map.

Stepping into the water, Alec snapped his fingers and the liquid and blood filled the nearest sink, transferred so quickly she hadn’t caught the movement even with her enhanced senses. She would go home with Reed in similar fashion.

Thankfully, Marks had handlers to pick up after them. She was luckier than most in that she had Cain, too, although that created some friction with many of the other Marks who thought she had an advantage. They didn’t take into consideration how many demons wanted to use her to get to the deadliest Mark of them all. She might as well wear a bull’s-eye for cocky and rash Infernals to aim for.

Then again, it looked like Satan had taped the target on for her.

“Come on,” Reed said, extending a hand to her. “Before your mother calls in the cavalry.”

“Forget the cavalry.” Alec winked at Eve. “Miyoko would charge in herself.”

She was halted midlaugh by the stench of a sewer. Looking for the demon whose proximity had to be the cause, she found herself staring into an inexplicably lingering puddle at her feet . . . and familiar eyes of malevolent, crystalline blue. A face in the liquid. She stomped instinctively, destroying the visage of the water demon in an explosion of spraying droplets.

“What the hell?” Reed barked, catching her as her wounded thigh caused her to stumble.

In the literal blink of an eye, Eve found herself in the kitchen of her third-floor condo in Huntington Beach. “Did you see him?” she gasped, leaning heavily into his hard body.

Reed’s arms tightened around her. “Yeah, I saw him.”

He’s gone. Alec’s tone was grim. I’m heading out to hold off your mom, but we need to address this when we’re done here.

The demon was a Nix—a Germanic shape-shifting water spirit. He’d targeted her almost from the moment she had been marked, then made a nuisance of himself until she killed him. Correction: She’d thought she killed him.

She would kill him. This particular Nix had taken the life of her neighbor Mrs. Basso. Sweet, forthright, widowed Mrs. Basso who had been a beloved friend. Eve’s need for vengeance was what motivated her when the damned Infernal bounty hunting got tough. Eve of Chaos

Pulling away from Reed, she limped down the hallway to her master bedroom. The crash of the waves against the shore pulsed in through the living room balcony’s open sliding glass door. In her premarked life, she’d been an interior designer. Her condo had been one of her first projects, and the space remained one of her favorites. Even the mistakes she’d made in the layout were fond ones. She wouldn’t change a thing. She felt safe here, less like a demon killer and more like herself.

Eve absorbed the calm she found in her home with deep, even breaths.

Reed called after her, his tone both seductive and challenging. “Need help getting naked?”

She sighed inwardly. Outside these walls, the worst of Hell’s denizens were converging en masse. She would need to be ready when she ventured out again.

As if her love life wasn’t dangerous enough.

DC: What would be your “voice’s” tagline?

SJD: My voice… I guess I’d have to know what my voice is first. Maybe the TGTBTU readers can help me pinpoint that? For me, I just see the stories in my head like a movie on a theater screen. I just transcribe the events as fast as my fingers can type. It’s organic to me, so I’ve never really labeled any part of it.

DC: If you had never become an author, what do you think you would be doing right now?

SJD: I’d be in school, taking a gazillion classes trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I’ve wanted to be a career writer since I was twelve. I never really gave a lot of attention to doing anything else.

DC: What’s on the horizon for S. J. Day?

SJD: More books. More Eve. Possible non-Eve related stuff.

DC: As most readers know, you also write as Sylvia Day. You have two new releases coming up, a reissue of The Stranger I Married and Pride and Passion. Can you give us just a tiny sneak peek into those books?

SJD: First off, I’m very sorry to say that the release date of Pride and Passion has been postponed. It won’t be releasing this year. That said… it’s a stand-alone, Regency-era story about a reserved heiress who hires a dashing thief-taker. The title succinctly explains both the attraction and the conflict between them. It’s a very emotional story, which took me by surprise. (See? My characters keep me on my toes.)

The Stranger I Married was first released in January 2007 and it’s been my best selling historical title to date. I’m very happy that it’s being reissued in mass market, where it will find a new audience. It’s a stand-alone, Regency-era story about two libertines — Gerard and Isabel — who enter a marriage of convenience as friends. An unexpected tragedy forces Gerard to reevaluate the way he lives his life and he comes to realize that he wants to have a true marriage with Isabel. But Isabel’s first marriage was an unhappy one and she doesn’t want to ruin what she has with Gerard by making it more serious. TSIM is the story of how an estranged husband and wife peel back the various layers of each other’s armor and fall in love with what they find inside.

The mass market reissue also features a bonus epilogue that wasn’t in the trade paperback version. It was written in response to a large volume of reader mail asking to see how Isabel and Gerard were fairing a few years down the road. The epilogue will also be available on my website, for those who already own the trade paperback version.

DC: You sold your first book within a year of writing it. That’s not the norm for most authors. What do you attribute your quick success to?

SJD: Writing a lot and submitting a lot. I knew I wouldn’t sell anything if editors couldn’t see it, so I’d finish a story and send it off. Then finish another story and send that off. Everything I had out on submission sold within the span of a few weeks, but the first sale went to Kate Duffy via Lori Foster’s Brava Novella Contest. I’ll be forever grateful to Lori for her generosity.

DC: Any other news Sylvia has for us?

SJD: I have two more historicals coming from Brava after Pride and Passion.

DC: You also have a book titled In the Flesh under the name of Livia Dare that just came out on June 2. It’s the first book in your Sapphire series. First would you tell us about the series and then give us a look at the book itself?

SJD: In the Flesh was my sophomore book. (Ask For It was my first completed book) It’s a fantasy/futuristic/historical about a prince who falls in love with his enemy’s prized concubine. It’s part Romeo and Juliet, part sheik and desert hostage, part kick-ass heroine and old school romance. I wrote it as a stand-alone novel, but my editor wanted the series to be three books, so it became a trilogy. All three books follow the same couple–Wulfric and Sapphire–as they overcome the many obstacles between them to find their HEA. It’s a very erotic romance.

DC: What else is coming up for Livia Dare?

SJD: Livia will just write the Sapphire series. Once the trilogy is done, she’ll retire. At least that’s the plan for now. I don’t want to carry three pen names indefinitely.

DC: What was behind the decision to write under three separate pseudonyms? Has it been difficult to keep up with different deadlines and release schedules? Or to keep stories straight as you’re writing?

SJD: I took on the S. J. Day name because I didn’t want my existing readers to expect the Marked series to result in a HEA with every book. The name change also helped to ensure that the books would be shelved in the SF/Fantasy section of the bookstore.

The Livia Dare name was created at the insistence of my editor. She didn’t want the Sylvia name on a non-historical, Kensington-published series. Since I didn’t want the S. J. name on a romance (that would just confuse readers and defeat the purpose of the pseudonym), I was left with no choice but to take on a third name.

RE: deadlines and schedules, see above about Chaos. *g*

It hasn’t been difficult keeping them apart, no. Since the characters tell me their stories and their voices are very different, there’s rarely confusion. Occasionally one character will try and tell another character’s story from another book, but I catch on quick.

DC: What has been your favorite book cover from all of your releases and why?

SJD: Pride and Passion. It’s gorgeous and original. It was also created just for me. The models were selected based on my character descriptions. The photographer shot them in a pose very indicative of their dynamic in the book. Then the photo was painted to become the portrait image seen on the final cover. It was then embellished with gold foil (which is unusual for Brava trades). A lot of time and effort went into making that cover an accurate representation of my story (a rarity with covers, let me tell you). It also means a lot to me because of the support it represents from my publisher.

DC: How about your least favorite? Why?

SJD: Bad Boys Ahoy! The cartoon-y cover on a sensual historical was a bad fit. The book missed its target audience completely, because of that cover.

DC: How do you feel your male or female characters have evolved over your career? Do you think you write them differently now than you did when you started?

SJD: My heroines remain the driving force of my books. It started out that way and that continues to this day. I’m more likely to write a tortured heroine than I am a tortured hero. However, my heroes have become more complicated as I’ve grown as a writer, which has made each book take longer to write. But I love it, so I don’t mind.

Lightning Round:

- dark or milk chocolate?    – Dark
- smooth or chunky peanut butter?     – Chunky
- heels or flats?    – Heels (but short ones)
- coffee or tea?     – Coffee. I love, love, love coffee.
- summer or winter?    – Winter
- mountains or beach?     – Mountains
- mustard or mayonnaise?     – Mayonnaise
- flowers or candy?     – Flowers
- pockets or purse?    – Purse
- Pepsi or Coke?    – Coke
- ebook or print?    – Print

And because we still like to see the answers:

1. What is your favorite word?    – Promise.
2. What is your least favorite word?     – No.
3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?    – Intelligence
4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally?     – Narcissism
5. What sound or noise do you love?    – My kids laughing and rain falling
6. What sound or noise do you hate?    – My kids crying
7. What is your favorite curse word?    – Fuck
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?     – No idea. Honestly.
9. What profession would you not like to do?    – Anything you see on DIRTY JOBS.
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?    – “I gave you life and you lived it to the fullest.”

DC: S.J., thank you for all the fun and for being with us today!

LauraJ’s review of How to Seduce a Texan by Karen Kelley
Contemporary Romantic Comedy released by Brava 1 Jun 09

Karen Kelley has done it again. She has once again written a fun, funny and just plain entertaining story, which is exactly what I want and needed. When I read a book I want to be entertained. I want to escape from the reality of my world and laugh, smile and relax. While this story is not as quirky as some of her other books, such as the Planet Nerak series (which I do enjoy) I still found myself laughing at the situations that the hero and heroine got into.

Nikki “the barracuda” Scott is a reporter who always gets her story. Her nickname is “the barracuda” because she always gets her story. Usually she goes after crooked politicians, but this time it’s a fluff piece about a football player who has gone into hiding after a failed engagement. She’s even willing to put up with the very “rugged” conditions she’s been placed in. Everyone is after this story and it could mean big things for her career if she gets it. I loved Nikki’s determination to stick with things even though it seemed she was not the type for it.

Cal is in hiding at his brother’s ranch (and his) in Texas. He’s tired about being hounded by the press over his “engagement” breakup. Although he never really enjoyed living on the ranch he figures staying and helping out his brother for a few weeks will to let the media stuff die down and he can return to the city.

When he answers the phone and finds himself very interested in the woman on the other end he thinks things are looking up on the ranch only to have that excitement fizzle when he learns from his friend that she is a reporter looking to get a story on him. Cal decides if it’s a story that Nikki wants she is going to have to earn it. He puts her through a lot, including staying in a supposedly haunted house that has seen better days. I could have hated Cal for being so mean to Nikki, but he didn’t really make her do anything that would have been anything but typical ranch work. He was hoping to scare her off, but through it all you could see Cal’s appreciation for her determination.

Thanks to Ms. Kelley for once again giving me a fun, funny and sexy story.

Grade: B+

Summary:
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Ghost Of A Chance
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Reporter Nikki “The Barracuda” Scott will sink her teeth into anything. So when her editor sends her to get the lowdown on bad boy football star Cal Braxton, Nikki’s game to rough it on his family ranch. She just isn’t prepared for exactly how rough. Still, the nasty outhouse, noisy animals, and resident ghost won’t put Nikki off…especially once she sets eyes (and hands, and mouth) on her subject. If there’s a juicy story here, Nikki intends to devour it…
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So, the lady thinks she’s gonna get the scoop on him? Cal’s had his fill of scheming females—hell, his conniving ex-fiancee is the very reason he’s hiding out. Then again, if all journalists were as hot as Nikki, he might consider being more open with the press. Too bad she won’t be around for long. If the chores and “rustic” conditions don’t frighten Nikki off, her haunted accommodations surely will. Tough it turns out Nikki doesn’t scare easily. Now Cal’s the one who’s scared—of falling hard…
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Read an excerpt here.

This just in…

Biana D’Arc has just signed a three-book deal with Kensington Brava.

~ The contract will expand her military paranormal romances into a series.

~ The series will begin January 2010 with the release of the novella Simon Says, which will be featured in the Half Past Dead anthology.

~ Three more novels in the same contemporary paranormal world where zombies roam the woods looking for unsuspecting victims will follow, starting in March of 2010 with Once Bitten, Twice Dead.

Consider yourself flashed. 

Sandy M’s review of Midnight Sins (Midnight Trilogy, Book 2) by Cynthia Eden
Contemporary Paranormal Erotic Romance published by Brava 1 Dec 08

I guess being six months behind on reading a series is better than years like most others in my TBR pile. The third book, Midnight’s Master, in this trilogy just released last month, so at least I’m up to date to get started on it now and hopefully not in six months. Honestly, though, I have no idea why I waited so long to read this book. I loved the first book, Hotter After Midnight and even lamented in my review that I had to wait too long for Midnight Sins. But it’s finally read and, just as with Hotter After Midnight, I had a time of it.

I noticed in rereading the previous review that I started out doubting how much I would like the book based on the first few pages. Is it Ms Eden who teases the reader or is it just me? I had the same thing happen this time around too. Maybe it’s me. Demons aren’t my favorite read, so it took a minute or two for the heroine, Cara, to grow on me. But once the sparks started flying between her and the hero, Todd, I became a very happy reader.

Cara is a succubus and she’s decided to give up on sex. Is that even possible? Cara just doesn’t have it in her to be a predator like other succubi; she’s left empty and lonely after a night of carefree sex with whoever. So for her having no sex is better than those feelings. She’s a singer at a local club where a lot Other congregate for their nocturnal activities and she draws enough power from them when she sings, at least enough to get by. Then she’s hauled in to the local PD station, questioned in the death of a man she’d previously had a relationship with. That’s where she meets Todd. A human. And does that human do something to her. Big time.

Thinking he’s found his woman, Todd’s case just became open and shut. Good thing he jumped the gun in thinking Cara could have killed the string of dead men he and his partner have come across recently. She’s definitely his woman, just in a totally different way. Todd is still having a hard time accepting his partner is a shifter and that the world is not as he imagined with such creatures roaming around his city. And now Cara. He knows she’s different, but when she’s in his arms, in his bed, he doesn’t care. He just wants her. Even finding out she’s a demon doesn’t make him flinch. Knowing she’s being set up for the murders he’s investigating makes him all the more determined to find the real culprit. He’ll protect her life with his own.

Once I got to know Cara, I really liked her, especially her vulnerability when it comes to Todd and what she may be able to have with him. They both have secrets, her more so because of what she is, and I enjoyed how those were revealed through the book, interspersed with the investigation elements that were also revealed. And, of course, I loved Todd. He may not be an Other, but the man is alpha and hot to the core, just the way I like them.

As usual, Ms. Eden’s love scenes are smoldering and intense and burn through the pages as you read. The secondary characters, most of which we met in the first book, are all very well written. I also liked the relationship between Captain MacNeil and Dr. Smith, the ME for the department. I was thinking they might be the main characters for the next book, but it’s Niol, a super powerful demon, and Holly, the local news reporter, who get that honor. I hope the captain and the doctor are included in Midnight’s Master so we get a conclusion there too.

I really enjoy Ms. Eden’s writing. She gives us a well-rounded story, a little bit of everything, and you can’t ask for anything more in a book. I have other books of hers in the TBR. I’m going to have to make sure I don’t wait six months to get to them, because I know I’ll be in for some great reads.

Grade: A-

Summary:
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Cara Maloan doesn’t look like a monster. In fact, the gorgeous blond nightclub singer possesses heavenly attributes that make Atlanta detective Todd Brooks sure there’s a higher power somewhere. But a twisted killer is leaving a trail of bodies in seedy hotel rooms across town. The male victims show no wounds–it’s as if the life was simply drained from them. And right now, mysterious Cara is Todd’s only suspect.
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Cara knows it’s foolish to be so drawn to a man who thinks she’s a murderer. She also knows Detective Brooks would find the truth even harder to swallow. Cara is one of the Other, a race of powerful, paranormal creatures who live among humans. Cara’s particular abilities make men putty in her hands–all except this rugged, sexy-as-hell detective. But now someone, or something, has singled Cara out for serious payback…
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As uneasy trust gives way to mind-blowing desire, Cara and Todd will go head-to-head with a killer whose mission is deeply personal, and who’s determined to serve up revenge that’s hotter than hellfire, and just as deadly…
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Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

We’re glad you could make it back to Duck Chat!

Beth Williamson is our guest today. Can you say cowboys? Sexy cowboys? I bet you can!

With more than twenty books on her backlist, Beth has become synonymous with western romance, but did you know she also writes contemporary erotica? A few of those have a western flare, but others like On His Knees and her The Perfect Score series don’t.  But it’s her Mallory family and her Devils on Horseback series that her fans clamor for. And her latest western releases, Hell for Leather, The Education of Madeline, and The Redemption of Micah are also fan favorites.

Beth was born and raised in New York but know lives with her husband and their two sons just outside Raleigh, North Carolina. She will be popping in and out today, so leave a meaningful comment or question for Beth. She’s graciously offered a copy of The Education of Madeline for a giveaway, so you want to make sure you’re in the running! So let’s chat!

DUCK CHAT: Beth, what was it that first drew to you the western genre of writing romance?
BETH WILLIAMSON: Well, I grew up watching Westerns, child of the 70s with the fantastic Clint Eastwood movies that my oldest brother loved to watch. So I did too and I became fascinated with westerns. Then when I started reading romance as a young teenager, I loved the historicals the best. When I found western romances, that was when everything clicked for me. Aha!

DC: If you could retire any question and never, ever have it asked again, what would it be? Feel free to answer it.

BW: Hm, probably, where do you get your ideas from? That’s a common question in most interviews. I never know how to answer it because there is never a single answer. LOL.

DC: Let’s talk about your Malloy family series first. How did this series come about? Has it evolved as you thought it would after completing the first book? Would you give us an overview of the series as a whole?

BW: Ah, the Malloys. My second family. I started writing The Bounty about fourteen years ago and it took me about eight years to get a version written well enough to be published. I didn’t know then I’d be writing seven books in the series, but as soon as I’d written the second, The Prize, I knew then that I needed to write much more. The only Malloy without a full-length book is Ethan, the second oldest.
The series as a whole contains seven books. It begins with the only girl in the family, Nicky, then ends with Nicky’s adopted son, Noah. The books include, in order:

The Bounty
Hero: Tyler Calhoun
Heroine: Nicky Malloy

The Prize
Hero: Jack Malloy
Heroine: Rebecca Connor

The Reward
Hero: Malcolm Ross y Zarza
Heroine: Leigh Wynne

The Treasure
Hero: Raymond Malloy
Heroine: Lillian Wickham

The Gift
Hero: Trevor Malloy
Heroine: Adelaide Burns

The Tribute
Hero: Brett Malloy
Heroine: Alexandra Brighton

The Legacy
Hero: Noah Calhoun
Heroine: Rosalyn Benedict

DC: I’ve heard writers often say their stories take them in surprising directions, or dialogue flows from some unknown place. Is it the same with you? Do your characters surprise you sometimes?

BW: Oh, absolutely true. My imagination seems to be a separate entity from my brain. Scary sounding, isn’t it? LOL. You see, the characters take on a life of their own and will fight me tooth and nail if I try to force them into how I plotted the book. I can tell immediately if I’m doing it wrong because the words simply don’t flow. I will creep along in a scene and that’s when I stop what I’m doing, back up, and turn left to where the characters are waiting for me.

DC: The last book released in the series was The Legacy in April of 2008. Are there any more books planned at this point in time? Do you know how many books will be in the series once it’s complete?

BW: At this point I don’t have any more books planned, but I’ve been asked if Ethan will get his story told, or if I’ll do the second generation Malloy series. Like many of my readers, I love series and I understand not wanting to let go of characters who have become like family to you. I did write a free story at Christmas time for Ethan called The Present. I left it kind of wide open for another book, so perhaps…

DC: Do you ever argue with your characters while you’re writing? Who usually wins?

BW: Haha, who told you? Yes, I do argue with my characters. It’s the pushy ones who think they can boss me around. Unfortunately usually they win because I can’t keep writing unless I give in.

DC: Your Devils on Horseback series is also popular with readers. Can you tell us a little about this series?

BW: Oh, my Devils. It’s a series of five planned books centering around five men, Civil War veterans from Georgia, who struggle to find their place in post-war Texas. Each of them has their own unique emotional or physical (or both) issue to overcome. This series is grittier, bloodier, more violent, and an emotional roller coaster for the reader (and the writer!).

DC: What is sure to distract you from sitting down and working/writing?

BW: My husband. A book or a good movie. I am a movie whore in addition to being a book whore. *sigh* I can’t help it!

DC: So far we’ve seen Nate, Jake, and Zeke. Any more Devils in the future?

BW: Yes, there sure is. I’m in the middle of editing Lee’s story before submitting it to Samhain for publication. Lee’s book has been the most difficult because he’s not only the angriest devil, he also has only one arm. Then the last book will be Gideon’s — he’s the caretaker for the group and, of course, he will be last to receive his happily ever after.

DC: How do you feel your male or female characters have evolved over your career? Do you think you write them differently now than you did when you started?

BW: I don’t know if it’s specific to the characters, but my writing has definitely evolved over the years. I think I’ve honed my writing with each book, and I’ll continue to do so the rest of my life. I think that’s true of any artist in whatever medium they choose to create something in. I have tackled some tough issues in my more recent books, such as being homeless, disabled, or an alcoholic.

DC: Tell our readers about The Perfect Score series, please.

BW: That was simply fun to write.   It’s a three-novella series written for Loose Id — one is an interracial (heroine is white, hero is Japanese), one is a BBW, and the other is an F/F. They were all different, and the interracial was my first, whereas the F/F was by far the most challenging. They are erotic, really hot and still emotional. I think one of my best gifts is the characters and their emotions — just because I write erotica doesn’t mean there’s no romance or emotions.

DC: Is there a genre you haven’t tackled but would like to try?

BW: Yes, I’d love to write a Medieval. Oh, those knights! My second favorite genre is Medievals and the only thing holding me back (aside from time!) is the research involved. I’ve become adept at writing historical westerns and have my resources lined up. Medievals are an entirely different ballgame, but one day, I will write my knight!

DC: Your two latest single titles are The Education of Madeline, which released in March of this year, and The Redemption of Micah, which hit the shelves just a couple of weeks ago. First, are the books related in any way at all? Would you tell us a little about each of them?

BW: Yes, they are related. There are three books in the series and these are the first two. Madeline’s story is a BBW about an intelligent, wealthy woman in 1872 Colorado who has spent her life in a small town, without a man, without love. She hires our hero, Teague, to teach her what it means to be a woman and, in the process, finds herself and her strength. Teague, on the other hand, recovers his soul and loses his heart to Maddie.

Micah’s story picks up where Madeline’s ends — he’s her friend and the lover of her best friend, Eppie, who is left in a coma at the end of Madeline’s story. Micah’s story is three years later when Eppie finally awakens from the coma to discover a sad-eyed man and a three-year-old daughter she doesn’t know. It’s got a ton of emotion, an interracial love between a mulatto and a white southern man, alcoholism, and some hot sex too. This is a highly gut-wrenching novel requiring at least a dozen tissues to get through.

Special treat! Excerpt from The Redemption of Micah:

Eppie had just gotten herself settled in the chair when she heard the crash and the girl screaming. She jumped up with more energy than she thought she had and darted out the door. The sheer size of the house made her eyes goggle and she wondered if he’d been telling more truth than she realized.

She spotted him at the bottom of the steps, the tray of foot scattered around him. The girl sat beside him smacking his cheek.

“Daddy, wake up.”

Eppie made her way down the stairs, clutching the thick mahoghany banister. When she made it to the bottom, the little girl looked up at her with tears in her eyes.

“Daddy sleep?”

“I’m not sure, honey.” Eppie’s fear was that he’d died before she figured out if he was telling the truth, or worse, that he was truthful and didn’t get a chance to tell her everything about herself. She’d be trapped in a house she didn’t know with a child she didn’t know in a town that was as unfamiliar as the people around her.

She knelt down and put her hand on his chest, and felt the steady beat of his heart. A breath of relief whooshed out of her. He must have just knocked himself unconscious when he fell. She didn’t think she knew much about being a doctor, but she did feel for any broken bones and was glad to find none.

“He bumped his head and went to sleep.”

Instead of reassuring the girl, she started screaming and shaking Micah by the shoulders. “No, Daddy, wake up!”

Eppie didn’t know what to do to calm the girl down. Her reaction made no sense.

“He’ll wake up in a minute or two. Why don’t you get a pillow for his head?”

The girl sobbed even louder but she nodded her head and stuck her doll under his neck. The sight made Eppie want to laugh, but she swallowed the chuckle. She started picking up the broken plate and the pieces of biscuits. Without being asked, Miracle helped clean up even as she continued to cry.

Eppie didn’t know if that was common for her, but she knew it was unusual for a girl that age to have such a sense of responsibility. After they’d picked up the mess, Micah still hadn’t roused. Eppie wasn’t really worried, but she was getting concerned.

“Where is the kitchen?”

The girl pointed to room down the hall.

“Can you go get a glass of water for your daddy?”

“Why?” Precocious little thing.

“To help him wake up.”

The child looked at her as if she’d sprouted horns, but went to the kitchen just the same, frowning fiercely and crying all the way. It gave Eppie an opportunity to study Micah up close without feeling self-conscious about it. She could see the resemblance between he and the girl, a glimmer of his cheekbones and chin. The hair, of course, was identical.

He had a terrible scar that ran from his jaw line down his neck. It was deep and made by something sharp. He had a whisper of whiskers on his cheeks, and shadows permanently etched below his eyes. There were very light brown baby hairs around his hairline. Without even thinking about it, she reached out to brush the hair from his forehead.

“Don’t touch.”

Miracle’s stern admonishment made her heart skip a beat. Eppie turned around and managed a small smile.
“I was making sure he was okay.”

The doubtful expression didn’t leave her little face. She thrust the cup of water forward, splashing some on both of them.

“Thank you, Miracle.” Eppie’s stomach was jumping around like crazy, but she put her hand behind his neck and trickled water into his mouth. He swallowed, thankfully, then he sighed, the smell of lemon tickling her nose.

His eyelashes fluttered and her relief knew no bounds when those silver orbs peeped up at her.

“Eppie?”

“You fell down the stairs and knocked yourself silly.” She set the glass down and let his head back down onto the doll.

“I did? Oh damn, the water, I forgot.” His eyes widened. “Is Miracle okay?”

“She’s fine. A little upset.” An understatement, but she didn’t want to scare him.

“I here, Daddy.” She inserted herself between them, the warmth of her little body seeped into Eppie’s. It startled her and she shifted back to escape from the sensation. She definitely wasn’t ready to be physically close to anyone, much less a child calling her “Mama”.

“Thank God.” Micah took Eppie’s hand in his. “You have my gratitude.”

She wanted to snatch her hand away, but at the same time, his dry slender hand felt comfortable in hers. A shiver ran up her spine at the thought.

“It’s not hard to be kind to people in need.” She managed to extract her hand and sat back on the step above him. “Do you think you can get up?”

He frowned and shifted, wincing as he did. “I think so, but it’s going to take me a few minutes. I think I bruised my back.”

Although she didn’t want to touch him, she helped him to his feet. Even if her head and her heart didn’t remember him, it appeared her body did. She wasn’t sure if it was just being close, his scent or something else entirely. Whatever it was, as soon as her arm went around his waist, her body warmed to his and heat flowed between them.

To her astonishment, even her nipples hardened. She hoped to God he didn’t feel those against his side. She’d be absolutely mortified if he did. It was hard enough to forget everybody she knew, but to have no control over her body made it even worse.

“I help.” Miracle jumped around the other side of her father and together they steadied him.

“Where is your room?”

“Upstairs next to Miracle’s. It’s the largest room in the house and Madeline insisted on me taking it.” He smiled sadly. “I think perhaps she thought you and I might use it together.”

Eppie wanted to let him fall on his head for trying to manipulate her. He had to understand she didn’t forget him on purpose. She’d give anything to remember one shred of who she was. If he kept pushing her, eventually she would shut the door on any possibility of a relationship with him. One thing she did know about herself is she didn’t like to be forced into decisions.

She’d been doing a lot of thinking since she’d woken up. There were a lot of decisions to make and she wasn’t done making them. Micah would just have to be patient.

Somehow they made it up the stairs and none of them fell back down. Micah straightened and took hold of the banister and Eppie let him go. Her body yelled at her to grab him again but she listened her head instead and crossed her arms, stepping away.

“Thank you.” He took a shaky breath. “I’ll be okay. I’m going to splash some water on my face.” He laughed. “Although I might have had enough water for the day.”

Eppie couldn’t help the smile that escaped. His charm was a surprise. “I’ll be in, well, in my room I suppose.” She ducked away and escaped before he could call her back.

She leaned against the door and pressed a hand to her chest, trying to will her heart to slow down the blood as it raced through her. Since she didn’t even feel comfortable being in the house with him, it made no sense that she tingled just being next to Micah.

Winded and exhausted from too much so fast, she climbed into bed and pulled up the quilt. Within minutes, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

DC: What advice would you give to your younger self?

BW: Hindsight is 20-20, right? That’s a damn true statement. My advice to my younger self is to not wait until I was 36 years old to get published. LOL. I’ve got author friends who are still teenagers getting published. When I think about how much time I hemmed and hawed about submitting to a publisher. Time wasted!

DC: You’ve also started a new contemporary erotic series, Private Lives. Can you let us know where the idea for the series came from? And then tell us about the first book, On His Knees, which was published in May.

BW: The idea came from being a married, forty-something woman in the prime of my life and still learning who I am and what I like. There is a lot of erotica centered around single women, usually twenty-something, and I wanted to do something different for those of us who live in the real world. And thus, Private Lives was born.

On His Knees is a story about a BBW who is newly divorced and has spent the last year discovering just how strong she is. When her ex-husband literally falls at her feet, she decides to demonstrate for him just who she’s become. Lots of really hot sex, female domination, and, of course, emotions.

DC: If you were a book, what would your blurb be?

BW: I love this question! Hm, let’s see — “Strap yourselves in and hang on because the ride’s gonna be bumpy and a little crazy.”

DC: What would be your “voice’s” tagline?

BW: My voice? Oh that little thing that talks to me all the time. How about: “Secrets, sex and passion all rolled into one.”

DC: The Stranger’s Secrets is a book set for release in January 2010. Is it possible to give us a sneak peek? Please?

BW: Ah, yes, book 3 in my Brava series. The Stranger’s Secrets is Sarah Spalding’s story — sister to Micah. She is my first disabled heroine and walks with a cane. Sarah is also outspoken, intelligent, and stubborn as hell. She embarks on a journey from Virginia to Colorado on a train with a northerner, Whitman Kendrick, who has his own secrets he’s keeping from Sarah. Somewhere along the way they fall in love and come to terms with the secrets between them.

DC: If you had never become an author, what do you think you would be doing right now?

BW: Laundry. Wait, no, that’s what I’m doing right now and I am an author. My day job is as a technical writer, so even if I hadn’t made the plunge to write books, I’d probably still be a tech writer. It does still pay the mortgage.

DC: Who’s your favorite author?

BW: Oh, unfair question! I would say the author I’ve learned the most from is Stephen King. The author who introduced me to the western romance genre is Elizabeth Lowell. I have too many other favorites to pick one!

DC: What’s on the horizon for Beth Williamson?

BW: Beth is going to continue writing for Samhain and love every second of it. Emma Lang will begin publishing for Kensington in April 2010 as Beth’s alternate pen name. Emma will write hot western romances and start things with a bang with a runaway Mormon scientist and the assassin sent to kill her sister in 1872 Utah.

Lightning Round:

- dark or milk chocolate?  – milk
- smooth or chunky peanut butter? – smooth
- heels or flats?   – flats
- coffee or tea?  – coffee
- summer or winter?  – summer
- mountains or beach? – beach
- mustard or mayonnaise?  – mustard
- flowers or candy?  – flowers
- pockets or purse?  – Purse (I am a total purse whore)
- Pepsi or Coke?  – Diet coke!
- ebook or print?  – Either! (I am a total book whore too!)

And because we still like them:

1. What is your favorite word?  – Passion.
2. What is your least favorite word?  – Colonoscopy.
3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?  – Hot, sweet sex full of emotion.
4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally?  – Selfish assholes.
5. What sound or noise do you love?  – The sound of the ocean.
6. What sound or noise do you hate?  – Car alarms.
7. What is your favorite curse word?  – Bullshit.
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?  – I’m living my dream now! But perhaps I’d like to be a millionaire.
9. What profession would you not like to do?  – Crab fisherman in the Bering Sea.
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?  – “Howdy, I’m glad you’re here.”

DC: Beth, thanks so much for chatting with us today!

Limecello’s review of Instant Gratification (Wilder Trilogy, Book 2) by Jill Shalvis
Contemporary romance released by Brava 30 Jun 09

Instant Gratification may very well be my favorite book I’ve read this year. I really enjoy Jill Shalvis’s writing style, and tone. It’s distinct, and comfortable. Instant Gratification is the second in Ms. Shalvis’s trilogy about the Wilder books. I enjoyed Instant Attraction, but loved Instant Gratification. (I cannot wait for Instant Temptation.)

I’ve actually never done this before, but I limited my reading of this book so I would have something to go to the next day. I’ve been suffering from reading ennui, and have had the necessity to sleep at a normal hour. And let me tell you – reading about Stone and Emma’s romance is a terrific way to end your day.

Emma Sinclair is a great heroine. She’s a doctor, one that works in an ER in Manhattan, actually, but she’s gone to take over her estranged father’s practice in Wishful, California. Emma is very smart, but a lot of fun too. I really enjoyed following her along her journey of self discovery. It was nice to see Emma develop emotionally as a person, and as she grew closer to Stone. There were a lot of layers to Emma, and every part fit perfectly, and added just what it was supposed to in this book.

Stone Wilder is my favorite type of hero. He’s strong, capable, generally happy with his lot in life, has good interpersonal relationships, and is in love with the heroine. I have to say, I love it when the hero pursues the heroine, and not vice versa. Stone is smart, but unassuming. His best qualities aren’t ones that are normally listed on paper – not something you’d put on a resume. This makes people discount him, but people that know him well like and respect Stone. He’s an all around good guy, who wants to make life as pleasant and easy as possible for everyone around him. I want one. (A Stone Wilder, that is.)

It took me a bit to come up with a review for this book. Reading it just made me so very happy. Words floated around my head like “Ms. Shalvis is a genius at writing.” Or “Ms. Shalvis is a master at her craft.” And, I think both fit. Instant Gratification made me laugh, want to cry, and most importantly, squee. There are so many cute and sweet moments. Even the setting is perfect. It’s clear that Ms. Shalvis knows the area, and has done her research. I could picture so many of the places in my mind perfectly, yet the descriptions never weighed the story down.

I really liked all the secondary characters and their stories, but it was nice that each and every one worked to build Emma and Stone’s relationship, not distract from it. Emma and Stone are so perfect for each other, and complement each other exactly. There’s a satisfying amount of sweet moments, humor, heat, and conflict. I liked that both Emma and Stone were able to grow and focus on themselves, while developing their romance.

The fact that TJ’s book (Instant Temptation) doesn’t come out until April 2010 makes me want to cry a little bit. I’m wondering why I haven’t read more of Jill Shalvis’s books. I definitely can’t wait for her new ones, and highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great romance. This book made me happy.

Grade: A+

Summary:
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Wishful, California, is 3000 miles from Dr. Emma Sinclair’s last job in a New York City ER. It may as well be another galaxy. Here, running her father’s clinic for a summer, Emma treats bee stings, stomach flu, and the occasional pet cat. Plus, she has to contend with patients like Stone Wilder: gorgeous, laid-back, and irritating beyond belief. The man laughs at her. A lot. And Emma loathes him. All except that tiny part of her that wants to throw him on her examining table and break every doctor-patient rule in the book. When Stones tries to help Emma learn to loosen up a bit, he pictures white-water rafting or scenic mountain hikes. Not a mind-blowing affair that shakes them both to the core. Emma’s sure she has no place in a town like Wishful, but Stone knows different. Emma belongs here – in this town, in his life. It is convincing that this strong-minded, stubborn, sexy woman of that fact will be a challenge no Wilder man could resist.
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Read an excerpt here.

We back with another great Duck Chat!

We’re continuing Harlequin Historical month Terri Brisbin!

Terri and her family live in southern New Jersey, where she weaves her wonderful stories for us.  She also writes for Kensington Brava as well as Harlequin Historicals and has had 18 books published since 1995.

Writing both historical and paranormal, Terri has two series and a trilogy, the MacLeries, the Dumonts, and MacKendimens, and her fans love them all; Possessed by the Highlander, The King’s Mistress, and Once Forbidden are just a few of the titles from these series. The Queen’s Man, The Duchess’s Next Husband, and The Maid of Lorne are her stand-alones. Take time to read any of Terri’s books. They are well worth it.

Terri has graciously donated two sets of her Highland trilogy, A Love Through Time, Once Forbidden, and A Matter of Time for a giveaway, so be sure to leave a meaningful comment to be thrown in the hat for your chance to win! Now let’s chat with Terri!

DUCK CHAT: Wow, Terri, you have a busy schedule for releases this year. Was that the plan or did it just end up happening that way?

TERRI BRISBIN: Well, once I sold to a second publisher and began to organize my contracted books, I scheduled to alternate between Harlequin and Kensington. So, it means two books about every ten months, plus a short story or two thrown in for fun! It’s different for me, and busy, and I’m hoping I still have a brain left when I finish.

DC: If you could retire any question and never, ever have it asked again, what would it be? Feel free to answer it.

TB: The one that asks: “so how long does it take to throw one of these little books together?”

DC: In June A Night for Her Pleasure, a Harlequin Undone! ebook, is hitting the shelves. First let’s talk about the Undone line. These are books which are shorter than the normal category romance. Is that more challenging for an author? Or easier?

TB: HH UNDONES! are actually short stories rather than novels or even novellas, about 60 pages long. They are a challenge and I found them more difficult to write than longer books because an author needs to include great characterization and plot and emotions but in a concise, shorter length.

DC: Now tell us about the hero and heroine, Simon and Elise, in A Night for Her Pleasure, please.

TB: Simon is a nobleman who believes he is a big, hulking man and too rough for the feminine, petite woman to whom he’s been betrothed. Determined to make her happy, Simon seeks the advice of his friends, a trio of bastard sons who were raised with him and who never seem to lack the company or attentions of any number of attractive women. Elise knows that only by making Simon happy and content in their marriage can she secure the future of her family and save them from disgrace and ruin. After discovering the truth about Simon’s true desires, she decides she must be the woman he wants. . . in his bed and in his heart.

The whole story happens over the course of their wedding day as they each try to be the exact spouse the other wants and needs and as they approach their first time in their marriage bed together.

DC: I’ve heard writers often say their stories take them in surprising directions, or dialogue flows from some unknown place. Is it the same with you? Do your characters surprise you sometimes? Do you ever argue with your characters while you’re writing? Who usually wins?

TB: Oh gosh, yes! Most of the time, I can clearly see the beginning and the ending of each of my stories, but the middles are vague and unclear until I write the book and begin to know the characters better. Then as I begin to know and understand the characters and their needs and goals and the conflicts that keep them apart, the story takes off where it will and I just run after it, trying to write it all down!

I do argue with my characters, usually in that moment when they first break from my ‘master plan’ and go off on their own. I have to say that they usually win! LOL!

DC: Then in July is the release of your Harlequin Historical, The Conqueror’s Lady. Your website says this is a Knights of Brittany book. Is this a new series you’re starting? And please tell our readers a little about The Conqueror’s Lady.

TB: Yes, The Conqueror’s Lady is the first in my new trilogy which is introduced by the short story in June – all involving the Knights of Brittany, a group of four men raised together, one noble and three bastards and who seek their fortunes and futures in the service of William the Conqueror. In this first full-length book, Giles is the first to gain lands and titles, and a wife, from his king but finds his betrothed wife marrying someone else when he arrives. Let’s just say he is not happy at all.

Excerpt from The Conqueror’s Lady:

‘Finish the words and you will be a widow before you are a wife,’ Giles Fitzhenry, knighted warrior of William the Conqueror, promised in a harsh whisper.
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The blood from the gash above his eye flowed down his face and dripped on the lady’s shoulder, but still he did not relent in his crushing hold. It would take but a moment’s pressure to crush her throat and he swore to himself and then aloud that he would do it if she spoke the words of the vow. Giles turned to face the now-quieting crowd in the small chapel and revealed the dagger he aimed at her ribs, another assurance that the lady would die if anyone tried to intervene.
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His intended moved with him, gripping his hand as though she could stop him. Lady Fayth of Taerford should have thought about the repercussions of her actions before he arrived. Before his men and hers had been killed in the battle for the keep… and for possession of her. Giles nodded to Roger and his man held his sword to the neck of the lady’s comrade in this crime, waiting for her response.
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‘The keep and lands are mine now, lady, as are you. Your choice of words will simply bring his death more slowly or more swiftly.’ Giles watched as the woman in his arms exchanged glances with the man held a few yards away.
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He felt her body relent before she spoke the words of surrender. Trying with all his determination to ignore the soft, womanly curves beneath his arm, he lessened his grip a tiny bit and lowered the dagger to give her the opportunity to make the choice. ‘Do you take him to husband instead of me?’ he asked aloud.
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‘I do not,’ she whispered hoarsely into the deathly silence that had covered the room.
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With her capitulation, his men surrounded her people and began to force them from the chapel. Without letting go, he nodded at his second-in-command and then at the man who she had chosen as husband. ‘Kill him.’
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The priest protested loudly, but his men ignored the old man and prepared to follow Giles’s orders. It was her quiet voice that stopped him.
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‘My lord,’ she began, trying to face him in spite of his grasp. Her movement simply made his blood drip and smear more over her cloak. It wasn’t until he lessened his grip on her that she could speak louder.
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‘I beg you, my lord. He is not to blame. Truly. Mercy, my lord. Mercy.’ She leaned her head back, offering herself as a sacrifice to his anger.
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He would tell himself later that it was his need to put an end to the bloodshed that made him relent. He would tell himself that he had never planned to kill the man cajoled or ensorcelled by his betrothed into this foolhardy plan to interfere with his rights to her and the land. But Giles only knew that at the moment when his gaze met hers he wanted to grant her whatever she asked of him. He let out his breath and nodded.
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‘Take him and his men to the edge of my lands and release them,’ he said in a loud voice. ‘And if, from this time forward, they step back onto my lands or try to contact my wife, kill them without hesitation.’
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After Roger dragged his prisoner from the chapel, Giles released his hold on her. She gasped for breath as he pushed her to another of his men. There was much to do and he needed her out of his way.
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‘Find a place and secure the lady.’
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Reaching up to touch her throat, she turned as though she would speak, but said nothing. His bloody handprint marred her neck and he knew that the armour gauntlets he wore would leave bruises on her fair skin where he’d held her. Any measure of sympathy he began to feel for her was extinguished when he saw that two of his men lay dead in the back of the chapel.
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Giles met her gaze once more and the hatred burning there in her dark green eyes said more than her words would have or could have. Giles smiled grimly at her, accepting the challenge made silently.
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‘Nothing is to happen to her, except by my word or by my hand,’ he called out.
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Aye, my lord,’ his soldier answered as he dragged Fayth from his presence.
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After surveying the chapel and making certain that his dead and wounded were cared for, Giles strode to the keep to see what his new home looked like.
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She smelled the metallic odour of his blood on her and felt its stickiness on her skin where his gauntleted hand had clutched her. It was as though he had marked his possession of her where all could see it. Fayth’s throat burned and her chest ached from his crushing hold. As his men dragged her across the yard, she saw Edmund and his men being chained together. Pulling against her guard, she managed to come to a stop, but she feared the cost of calling out to Edmund. When their captors finished chaining them, they were hauled across the yard and out of the gate.
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Would she ever see him again? Would her new lord and master keep his word and see them released? Fayth fought back tears at the thought of never seeing her childhood friend alive again. At least she’d been able to save his life, but now that everyone who had protected her was gone, she alone was left to face this invasion.
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The clamouring at her side caught her attention and Fayth looked on in horror as her people, the servants and villeins of the keep, were herded into the yard that usually held their horses. Men, women, children. Sir Giles’s men were systematically going building by building and forcing all of her people out to the yard where they were thrown with the others.
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Did he mean to kill them all? They called out to her, fear in their voices and terror in their gazes. What could she do now for she was a prisoner herself?
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When one of the Norman soldiers tossed the cook’s young daughter to the ground, she could no longer stand by silently. With a strength that surprised her, she pushed off the grasp of her guard and ran to young Ardith, knocking the warrior away from her. Helping the girl to her feet and urging her to run, Fayth turned back just as her guard caught up with her and as Ardith’s attacker regained his feet.
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Cursing in Norman French, words too gruff and too fast for her to comprehend, the man grabbed her by the cloak she wore and pulled her to face him. The anger flared in his eyes at being interrupted in what he must have thought was his due as the conqueror. He raised his fisted hand and swung it at her. She tried to lean away to avoid the blow, but his hold was too strong.
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Pain exploded in her head and then there was nothing but darkness.
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He watched the chaos of the yard from the open window in the chamber he claimed as his own. The large room boasted a hearth built into the wall, a privy closet and this window that overlooked the yard and gate. Below him, most of the people of Taerford Keep were collected in an enclosure with a few stragglers being taken there now. His men controlled the gate and the roads leading to it.
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They’d fought their way from Hastings, along the roads past London and out to the west, into Harold’s country. William urged his haste in following a few who escaped the battlefield and ran to organise resistance to the duke’s lawful control of England. Days became almost a week as they faced battle after battle and finally made their way to his promised fief.
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In spite of sending word ahead of his claim and his approach, the lady and those who conspired with her had nearly completed their hasty marriage when Giles managed to take control of the keep. He smiled grimly.
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Now, it was his.
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The building was not very large, but would suit him. It contained three floors with several private chambers and a separate kitchen building. The keep, kitchen, chapel and several other shops were enclosed by the wall. It was not large, but it pleased him and would offer protection until he could replace the wood with stone as William had ordered.
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Pushing the mail coif off his head, Giles looked for something to staunch the bleeding from his wound and found a small linen kerchief on the bed. Pressing it against the deep gash, he walked back to the window to watch his orders being carried out. Unfortunately, things were not going as he had instructed.
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The newest soldier in his company had some young girl in his grasp, his intent obvious even from this distance. Damn him! Giles had made it clear that such attacks were unacceptable, but Stephen had thrown control away during the battle and now the girl was his next target. Running from the chamber and down the stairs, Giles reached the yard in time to see the lady Fayth intervene.
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Before Giles could shout an order, Stephen reached out and grabbed Fayth, lifting her from her feet. Giles called for him to stop, but the noise in the yard prevented anyone from hearing it. As he took off running towards them Stephen hit Fayth with enough force that the lady fell to the ground unconscious. Without stopping, Giles ploughed into the soldier and took him to the ground. Heedless of those watching, he pummelled him until he himself was pulled away.
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‘Andre!’ he called to a guard. ‘Carry the lady to my chambers. Henri, find her servant or a healer and see to her care. And,’ he added, wiping his mouth of the blood that flowed freely once more, ‘do not leave her side.’ He turned to face Stephen, who still lay on the ground at his feet. ‘Your disobedience and lack of control have ever been your weakness,’ he accused. ‘You have been warned about this and you have not heeded my words.’
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Giles ordered him lifted, stripped to the waist and tied to the fence. The yard was eerily silent now as all watched their new lord discipline one of his own. He would rather not have carried this out now, but a prompt response to disobedience by any of his men was necessary, especially in a time of war. He tugged off the gauntlets and accepted the whip from his second-in-command. Giles did not do this lightly, for he’d felt the lash bite his skin, but he’d learned the hard lesson it taught quickly and had rarely faced discipline again.
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Walking to the fence, he looked at those now held in the enclosure and at his men. ‘For disobedience of my standing orders, the punishment is ten lashes. Call them, Thierry.’
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Giles unwrapped the length of leather and flicked it into the air. The tip cracked loudly and many of those around him flinched….

DC: What is sure to distract you from sitting down and working/writing?

TB: Everything and everyone distracts me! Emails, tv, phone calls, whatever, grabs my attention and keeps me from writing, until the last days of my deadline…and then I simply write in an uncontrolled binge of creating until the book is done and in!

DC: How do you feel your male or female characters have evolved over your career? Do you think you write them differently now than you did when you started?

TB: Hmmmm. I’m not sure if my characters have evolved, but I do think characterization is one of my writing strengths.

DC: You also have a medieval trilogy coming up, the first book due out in November. The trilogy is being published by Kensington. Would you tell us about the first book, A Storm of Passion, and then give us a sneak peek into the next two books?

TB: I am so excited by this new opportunity! I based this new trilogy on an old Scottish folktale about a poor Highland woman who catches a fairy and demands a gift from it for her sons – something that will make them powerful and wealthy. Unable to refuse, the fae does give them a gift – powers to tell the future, read minds and thoughts and heal with a touch, but the fae also curses them. Each time they use their fae gift, their humanity suffers – the seer is going blind, the truthsayer is losing his hearing, and the healer is losing his emotions and becoming an empty shell. And the only thing that can break the curse is the freely given love of an enemy…!

The first book is about Connor, the Seer, whose words have caused the death of a young woman’s entire family, and Moira who is on a quest for vengeance against him. They discover that only together can they find the truth and only with love can they overcome those set against them.

The second and third books will follow the other two brothers on their journeys and search for answers about their gift, the curse that afflicts them and the women who could save their lives and their souls.

Blurb for A Storm of Passion:

In the first of a breathtaking trilogy set against the stark beauty of medieval Scotland, one man discovers a surprising past, a remarkable gift—and a terrible destiny…
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Once, Connor believed that his ability to see the future would grant him everything. Instead, it landed him in a prison of his own making. Summoned by the Lord of the Isles to serve as his counselor, Connor gains wealth and prestige, but with every vision, his own sight dims. Even so, Connor doesn’t grasp the terrible consequences of his gift until he’s wounded by a young woman who blames him for her family’s massacre.
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Moira curses herself for failing to kill the Seer—especially when she learns her punishment is to be given to him as a slave. Far from the proud, arrogant tyrant she imagined, Connor is a tortured man with a dark sensuality that tempts her night after night. But freeing him from a strange power that is spiraling out of control will mean forsaking her vow and risking her heart for the one man she has sworn to destroy…

DC: Is there a genre you haven’t tackled but would like to try?

TB: Well, I’ve played around with a historical fiction series, but don’t know when I’ll have the time to right that!

DC: What advice would you give to your younger self?

TB: Learn how to be effective without procrastinating!

DC: If you had never become an author, what do you think you would be doing right now?

TB: Exactly what I’m doing in my ‘real’ life – I am a dental hygienist and have been for more than 30 years. It’s a wonderful balance for me, the scientific process by day, the creative process by night!

DC: What’s on the horizon for Terri Brisbin?

TB: I’m under contract for five more books and another HH Undone! in the next three years, so I have to do lots and lots of writing! And I’m hoping for a trip to Scotland this fall, for pleasure and research.

Lightning Round:

- dark or milk chocolate?   – Uh-duh – DARK!
- smooth or chunky peanut butter?   – Smooth
- heels or flats?     -  Flats
- coffee or tea?    – Absolutely tea!
- summer or winter?    – Winter
- mountains or beach?   -  Beach
- mustard or mayonnaise?     -  Mustard
- flowers or candy?     -  Candy
- pockets or purse?    – Purse
- Pepsi or Coke?     – Dr Pepper
- ebook or print?    – Definitely print

And just because it’s fun:

1. What is your favorite word?    -  Inappropriate
2. What is your least favorite word?     -  Fine (as in ‘it’s fine’)
3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?    – Passion for something
4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally?    -  Indifference
5. What sound or noise do you love?    – A baby’s laughter
6. What sound or noise do you hate?    – A silent keyboard
7. What is your favorite curse word?     – Sh*t!
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?    – Attorney
9. What profession would you not like to do?     -  Dentist
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?   – “You were right!”

DC: Thanks so much for visiting with us today, Terri!

Sandy M’s review of Don’t Tempt Me by Sylvia Day
Historical Romance published by Brava 1 Apr 08

I have got to pull my Sylvia Day books out of the TBR pile. I’ve read only one other book by this author, but it was a short story.  Nothing wrong with that, I loved it.  But that’s my point.  A book and a half read and I want more, more, more of Ms. Day’s works.  There’s not one thing not to like about this book, which leads me to believe I’ll enjoy her others just as much.

Simon Quinn is tired of the spy game and is ready to retire his work for the crown.  His unscrupulous superior has other ideas, however, and basically blackmails Simon into one last mission.  He doesn’t have much choice when this happens.  He’s not a nobleman, has no property of his own, and when his boss freezes Simon’s account, even money is lost to him.  He’s learned a hard lesson, but the next time he gets the chance, he’s back to Ireland and out of their hands.

His mission becomes quite complicated when he encounters Lynette Baillon, daughter of a vicomte. The problem is he doesn’t know her as Lynette.  The woman whom he thinks it is he disliked at first sight and he can’t figure out why he now burns for her. Meeting Simon has made Lynette feel for the first time in two years, ever since her sister died.  She’s in for a huge surprise the longer she associates with Simon. And it’s that surprise that starts this book moving at the speed of light in a complex mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end.

I enjoyed Simon and Lynette very much. Simon looks at himself as a cad, a rake, a no-gooder because of his profession.  Didn’t matter to me, I loved him as much as Lynette did.  He does his best to stay away from her, to do what’s right for her, so that alone made him a hero in my eyes.  Though Lynette loves her family, is obedient, she knows her own mind and does her own thing, especially when it comes to Simon. The heat just combusts between these two whenever they’re together and their love scenes are simply terrific.  Ms. Day knows how to lay on the sizzle!

We also get two mini romances in this book, Lynette’s mother and her sister both find love.  Not having read any other books by Ms. Day, I don’t know if they’re part of any other stories.  I’m going to be finding out as soon as possible, though.  I’m going to begin scouring that TBR pile tonight!

Grade: A

Read Gwen’s review here and other information by following the book’s tag.

Summary:

WHO IS SHE?

Simon Quinn can have any woman he wants, but he prefers them jaded, worldly, and free of illusions. His life is one of danger and temporary pleasures. An Irish commoner, he has nothing more than his expertise as a lover and mercenary to recommend him and no title, property, or family to redeem him.

Lysette Rousseau is a deadly beauty who can seduce or betray with equal skill. She should be just the sort of woman Simon entertains, but something about her sets him on edge. At times she is a femme fatale he cannot abide, at others she is warm, sweet, and irresistibly alluring. His reactions to both sides of her are equally powerful, but for opposite reasons. It seems almost as if there are two women in one…

TWINS!

…one wounded and exploited, the other innocent but strong. Lynette Rousseau will do anything to reclaim the sister who doesn’t remember her. She will gain the proficiency required to enter the underworld her sibling occupies. But how will she defend herself against the enigmatic, seductive Simon Quinn? A man who can liberate Lysette, but whose insatiable desires may ensnare Lynette forever…

Read an excerpt.

As of right now I don’t have the cover for this but I will updated it when I get it…

Unleashed will release October 2009!

And don’t forget about the contest…

Danny Taggart is the biggest, boldest badass of all the Gemini Men. There’s only one thing a woman can do with a man this hot, hard, and ready for action….

Tall, dark and rippling with muscle, Danny Taggart takes no prisoners. But when his latest case puts him up close and personal with the woman who once left him raw and aching, he’s shell-shocked. Caroline Medford is still hotter than hell. But she’s also got her pretty grip on the truths that have shaped him into the soul-ravaged warrior he is today. Burned once, Danny’s plan is to satisfy his craving for Caroline and walk away. Yet once he has her warm and willing beneath him, he can’t get deep enough—or close enough. Not even when danger threatens to destroy everything he’s ever fought for. Including the only woman he’s ever
loved…

“I’m so sorry.”

Danny was grateful his sunglasses hid his eye roll as he braced himself for another hug. His hand was stiff from endless handshakes, his brain numb from the meaningless condolences.

I’m so sorry. That’s what everyone said. But what were they sorry for? That she was dead? That they’d wasted years searching the globe for her when she was dead and buried practically in their own back yard? That Anne Taggart was in such a state when she disappeared that it was plausible – even probable- to most of the people who knew her that she’d walked out on her family?

Danny was really fucking sick of all these “I’m sorries.”

“At least now you have closure.”

Danny bit back a retort and returned his Aunt Cheryl’s embrace after she uttered the only words more annoying and offensive than “I’m sorry.”

He wasn’t sure what kind of closure he was supposed to appreciate when the discovery of his mother’s body raised about a thousand more questions than it answered, like, starting with how did she end up dead in the first place and who the fuck decided an unmarked grave in a redwood forest was an appropriate resting place?

But he didn’t figure his Aunt Cheryl, who they hadn’t seen in over a decade, was up to discussing any of those hard questions.

Cheryl, his mother’s younger sister by two years, pulled back and clasped his right hand in both of hers. A niggling ache clutched his chest as he took in her carefully styled, chin length hair, its sunny blond color no doubt aided by a hairdresser, her lightly lined skin and watery blue eyes. Cheryl looked a lot like her older sister, and Danny knew this was the closest he’d ever get to seeing his own mother age.

He fought the urge to yank his hand away, slam himself into his jeep and haul ass back to his house so he could run for the hills and get good and gone for a few hours, maybe a few days this time.

He stood firm, returning Cheryl’s affectionate squeeze while he fought the blackness threatening to swallow him whole.

“If you need anything, anything at all, let me know, okay? You have our number right?”

Danny nodded, humoring her, bending his head so she could place one last, teary kiss on his cheek. He had no doubt she was sincere. In this moment, right this second, she meant he could call her for anything if he or his brothers were so inclined. But Aunt Cheryl and her husband lived outside Minneapolis, near her own children. Other than birthday cards and Christmas cards, they hadn’t had any contact once the initial stir caused by Anne’s disappearance died down. He didn’t blame her – she needed to get on with her life half a continent away. Still her offer to “be there” – whatever the fuck that meant, rang just as hollow as the endless “I’m sorries.”

Cheryl was followed by an endless stream of mourners, people he’d never met or barely remembered who’d shown up at Menlo Presbyterian today, supposedly to mourn Anne Taggart.

Or to rubberneck and rehash one of the biggest local scandals of the last decade was more like it.

He shook infinite hands, endured endless maternal pats as he watched Cheryl walk over to his father. The grim knot in Danny’s gut tightened as he watched his father woodenly return her hug. God, he hoped Cheryl didn’t say anything about closure horseshit to Joe. This was the last kind of closure Joe needed. The kind of closure that was going to drive his father into an early grave if they didn’t find something, anything, to point them in the right direction.

But this case was so cold it bordered on permafrost, and the police seemed content to leave it that way. Danny, Derek, and Ethan had been working non stop to find something – anything to go on, retracing her last days, going back through every pocket and purse and leftover scrap of paper she left behind.

And Joe had sat by through all of it, saying little, doing less, as he worked his way through a bottle of Ketel One vodka.

Danny was very afraid Joe was going to lose himself in the bottom of a bottle if they didn’t find something soon.

Finally the last of the mourners trailed out, and Danny made his way over to where his father stood with his brothers, along with Toni and Alyssa. Alyssa was doing her best to take one for the team, posing for the cameras and granting interviews to everyone as she tried to deflect the press’ attention away from the family. Danny uttered a curt no comment as he plowed his way through the throng and went to stand at his father’s side.

Like a bunch of good lemmings, the herd of reporters trailed Alyssa out to the parking lot. She threw them a wave over her shoulder, motioning to Derek that she’d call him. As the crowd moved, Danny could see one last mourner exit the dark interior of the church.

He did a double, then a triple take.

No fucking way.

His breath caught and his nostrils flared as he took her in. He knew the thick black waves spilling to her waist, the mouthwatering curves elegantly draped in black wool. Her dress went from neck to wrist to knee and should have been modest, but only served to highlight the lush swell of her breasts, the deep curve of her waist, the sexy flare of her hips. The heels of her black pumps tap tapped their way down the concrete steps and headed in his direction.

He dragged his gaze up to her face. Her luscious mouth was painted red and set in determined lines. Even though the sun was hidden behind a thick layer of clouds, like him she wore sunglasses, her oversize frames hiding half her face. As though, like him, she didn’t want to chance anyone getting a peek into her soul.

Caroline fucking Palomares.

No, he reminded himself. Caroline fucking Medford.

Raw emotion spun up inside him, threatening to take him down. Lust. Anger. And a bunch of other crap he wouldn’t touch with a ten foot pole.

As she strode toward him, shoulders back, hips swinging like she had every right to be walking back into his life, today of all days, he struggled to put the lid back on the swirl of emotion struggling to break free. He reminded himself savagely of who she was. Caroline Medford.

Wife of James Medford, rich attorney twenty years her senior. The same James Medford who could give her the affluent lifestyle he hadn’t realized she coveted until it was too late.

The same James Medford she may very well have killed to keep herself in fast cars and high fashion.

She was not the seventeen year old who’d promised she’d never leave him when she gave him her virginity. She was not the twenty year old who’d sobbed when he’d announced his plans to join the Special Forces after he graduated from West Point. She wasn’t even the twenty two year old who’d told him to fuck off one final time before walking out on him without another word.

As she drew closer he focused on those differences. She was thinner, for one, he noticed as she got closer. And older, her mouth bracketed by fine lines that came from stress and age. Not to mention the wardrobe. He bet her outfit topped out at over a grand, even more if you counted the purse. A far cry from the wardrobe of a girl from a working class neighborhood who shopped at discount stores and went to private school on scholarship.

She was nothing like the girl he’d known, and he was nothing like the dumb kid who’d entertained romantic illusions like true love and happily ever after.

He took of his glasses, feeling a smile curl his lips for the first time in several days as she stumbled a little.

She was off center. Just the way he liked it. And he was in perfect control. Because Caroline Medford meant nothing to him.

© Jami Alden. All rights reserved

Sybil’s review of Kept (Gemini Men, Book 2) by Jami Alden
Romantic Suspense released by Brava 24 Feb 09

Derek is the serious, straight-laced brother and Ethan’s twin.  He is the rule follower and the one you can count on.  All in all, I didn’t have any expectations of Kept other than I needed to read it to get to Unleashed.  And once I started it, I paused because I can be a very hard sell for the ‘poor little rich girl‘ (Erin McCarthy & Jo Leigh have sold me on the idea in the past) so I ‘kept’ reading.

Gemini is covering security for a high-society charity function and Derek meets Alyssa Miles when he throws her out of the Bancroft’s study. What he doesn’t know is she is a reformed party girl who is trying to make some kind of relationship with her father, Oscar Van Weldt.  Daddy is being kind enough to use her as the face of the Van Weldt Jeweler’s Campaign “Diamonds for All.”  Of course, he expects his bastard daughter to behave well, like a lady and not like a drunk, drugged-out party girl and tabloid queen, but they want to use her fame to sell Diamonds. Nice family, huh?

Derek just thinks she is a spoiled, rich chick he really shouldn’t be taking home to break his almost year-long dry spell with and he doesn’t really believe she is breaking a dry spell of her own (at least not at first). Alyssa loves the idea Derek has no clue who she is and, like Cinderella, she gets the hell out of Dodge before the shine comes off the glass slipper. She figures he will Googles her, believe what he reads and doesn’t even want to be around when he comes across the nekkid pictures on the Internet her sleazy ex-boyfriend put on his FacePlace page.

Before the warm glow warms off and guilt sets in she calls for her pumpkin and asks Derek to drop her off to meet her car. With a kiss they depart and she hopes to God he doesn’t sell the story to the press.  Then Alyssa throws a curve-ball into someone’s plans by deciding to spend the night at her father’s, because Alyssa was supposed to be at breakfast bright and early.  She gets there just in time to hear shots fired and walks in to what looks like the aftermath of a murder-suicide.  And you thought your family didn’t get along…

Older brother Danny is assigning a new case to Derek because he knows he is perfect for the job. He needs someone cool and in control, who won’t be blown away by fame or a pretty face. Derek is the exactly the man to watch over Alyssa Miles.  Harold Van Weldt has hired Gemini to keep an eye on his niece, whom he thinks is one step away from being out of control again.  And is she?  There seems to be an awful lot of drugs, blood, diamonds, and cash going around and who the hell knows what to believe?  Can Derek put his trust in the pretty girl who has already done one stay in rehab and now fears she is being drugged?

As with Caught Jami Alden shines with her characters and this time her romance is amazing, raw, rough and hot in all the right ways.  Derek and Alyssa have a relationship that gets to grow and isn’t overshadowed by the suspense but made stronger for it.  And I love to watch the brothers together. They interact so well, no matter if they are giving each other shit over something or if they need help. Their bond is grand.  The bad guys are a bit over the top as bad guys can be but not enough to take away from the story.

For a novel I started reading more to get to the next book, I now wonder if it will be as good, although it is a second chance story. I do enjoy them, so I still have high hopes for Danny’s story.  Jami Alden really shines in Kept and I can’t wait to see what she Unleashes next.

Grade: A

Read more reviews and other information about this series by following its tag.

Summary:

Ethan and Derek Taggart: they’re the men of Gemini, and when it comes to sheet-scorching undercover work, nobody does it better. The only one they answer to is big brother Danny – that is, until the right women come along to grab the reins and crack the whip as hard as the Taggart men like it…

Security is Derek Taggart’s game, and he plays it straight – no margin for error, no time to fool around…except with one hot little number who changes everything. He takes her home when she needs a ride – one she’ll never forget. The problem is Derek can’t forget her, a total about-face for a guy who keeps his enemies closer than his lovers. Then he finds out the sexy dynamo is Alyssa Miles, notorious party girl and darling of the gossip rags. It’s time to walk away and never look back, which would be a hell of a lot easier if his agency didn’t desperately need the high-profile gig her family’s offering: a minor detail that consists mainly of Derek watching Alyssa 24/7. Keeping an eagle eye on every inch of Alyssa’s nubile body isn’t exactly a hardship – the problem is keeping his hands off and his brain on when things go dangerously wrong…

Read the excerpt.

Other books in the series:

and Book 3: Unleashed by Jami Alden (29 Sep 09)

Kept by Jami Alden (website seriously needs to be updated)

Here is a look at the second Gemini Man, Derek Taggart, who will be hitting the shelves tomorrow in Jami Alden’s newest release KEPT.  She will be here Febuary 24 to chat with us as well as there will be a contest or two.

Enjoy

Ethan and Derek Taggart: they’re the men of Gemini, and when it comes to sheet-scorching undercover work, nobody does it better. The only one they answer to is big brother Danny – that is, until the right women come along to grab the reins and crack the whip as hard as the Taggart men like it…

Security is Derek Taggart’s game, and he plays it straight – no margin for error, no time to fool around…except with one hot little number who changes everything. He takes her home when she needs a ride – one she’ll never forget. The problem is Derek can’t forget her, a total about-face for a guy who keeps his enemies closer than his lovers. Then he finds out the sexy dynamo is Alyssa Miles, notorious party girl and darling of the gossip rags. It’s time to walk away and never look back, which would be a hell of a lot easier if his agency didn’t desperately need the high-profile gig her family’s offering: a minor detail that consists mainly of Derek watching Alyssa 24/7. Keeping an eagle eye on every inch of Alyssa’s nubile body isn’t exactly a hardship – the problem is keeping his hands off and his brain on when things go dangerously wrong…

Derek Taggart. His name suited him. Hard and tough with plenty of sharp edges. He was beautiful in a way that reminded her of the harsh granite faces of the Grand Tetons. Rugged and chiseled, with great eyes, square jaw and cheekbones that stood out beneath his skin.

One look at him and she knew he wasn’t a party guest. She would have noticed him immediately if he’d been in the crowd. His size alone would have drawn her attention. He wasn’t merely tall, he was huge, towering over her, but from what she could tell it was all hard muscle. But it didn’t take a psychic to see he wasn’t part of this crowd, that he was here to work and he took his job very, very seriously.

She watched him, stationed up on the gallery like a sentry guarding a tower. His weight from foot to foot as he surveyed the crowd, looking ready to spring into action at the slightest provocation. The jacket of his suit pulled tight as he folded his massive arms across his chest. His gaze slid back to her, and even from across the room and one story down, she could feel its heat. It unknotted the tension in her neck, slid down her spine, and sent a warm glow shimmering down her thighs.

This time he didn’t break the stare, and it was she who reluctantly turned away. She continued to work the room, shilling for silent auction bids on the small fortune in diamonds that adorned her finger and wrist. Through it all she could feel him looking at her, his gaze like firm, warm fingers tracing over her skin.

Being stared at wasn’t new. She’d lived in a fishbowl her entire life, first thanks to her mother’s then to her own publicity attracting antics. Yes, sometimes it chafed, never more than recently, but Alyssa had grown so used to being looked at, watched, and judged that she was almost immune to it.

“…disgusting. Mindy is sixteen, and because of Alyssa Miles she thinks it’s okay to go around dressed like a whore and sleeping with everyone in sight.”

The snippet of conversation pierced Alyssa’s warm glow. Almost immune.

Alyssa turned and gave the woman a guileless smile as though she hadn’t heard a single barb.

She blocked the woman’s comments out, instead focusing on him. His stare, sliding over her like a hot flame. He wanted her. She could feel it. That, too, was nothing new. Not because she was extraordinarily beautiful. But she knew she had her appeal and had played up her image as a sultry, playful sexpot in the press. Now it was all but guaranteed that men looked at her and thought of only one thing.

But this was different. Derek was different.

He had no idea who she was.

A delicious thrill had shot through her the moment realization had dawned in the study. When he walked into the room, all of her senses had gone on high alert. Not only was he a strange man, he was an attractive strange man. No. Scratch that. A smoking-hot-set-the-skin-of- your-inner-thighs-on-fire man. The last thing she wanted was for him to notice her reaction to his dark, sun streaked hair, chiseled jaw and acres of muscles.

So when he’d tried to hustle her back to the party, she’d done what she always did in those situations. Put on her “don’t you know who you’re dealing with” act and tried to shoo him away like the insignificant insect she pretended to think he was.

But he wasn’t having any of it. He didn’t care who she was. Because he didn’t know who she was.

He hadn’t so much as quivered an eyelash when she told him her name. She couldn’t remember the last time that happened.

Derek, who was already a blatant ten, shot up to fifteen on the hotness scale. When he shook her hand she’d felt scorched all the way down to her red toenails.

And he felt it too. She could see the surge of awareness in his eyes, the blast of desire, quickly shuttered by his dark gaze. But he couldn’t hide it. Not completely.

The thrill shot through her again and it was all she could do to keep still as another socialite held Alyssa’s arm so the woman’s husband could admire the platinum cuff. He wanted her. And not like other men wanted her. He didn’t want the crazy sexy party girl or the notorious heiress.

He didn’t want to fuck her so he could brag to his friends and the media about how he’d nailed Alyssa Miles and it really wasn’t all that great after all.

He didn’t want to fuck her so she could introduce him to a producer, a director, or a record label executive.

Derek Taggart looked at her and saw a gorgeous girl he met at a fancy party and wanted to get with. As simple as that.

Sure, he probably saw her as a rich bitch – her initial response insured that, much to her regret. But she could get past that. Her public persona was another beast entirely. It wasn’t an image she cultivated, but once established she used it to her advantage, and had thought she’d made peace with the fact that it would forever taint every interaction she had with another human being.

But she felt gut-deep thrill from knowing a man like Derek wanted her. Not the image. She couldn’t remember the last time anyone wanted her for herself.

There was nothing to be done about it, though. As the night wore on, Alyssa didn’t have another opportunity to speak to Derek, even though she knew he tracked her every move. She considered sneaking back to the study, just to see if he’d chase her down, but as the silent auction drew to a close she was surrounded by guests who all wanted one last look at Van Weldt Jeweler’s exquisite designs.

“I’m going to walk Mother and Daddy out,” Kimberly leaned down to speak quietly into Alyssa’s ear.

“But they haven’t even done the auction yet,” Alyssa said, frowning. She knew her father would want to stay and find out how much his donated jewels had fetched.

“I know,” Kimberly replied, her voice lowering so no one else could hear. “But I’m afraid Mother is about to lose it.”

Alyssa looked across the ballroom, where Grace clung to Oscar’s arm. As Alyssa watched, Grace weaved, barely noticeable to the untrained eye. Her social smile was gone and her mouth was pursed tight.

“Oh and I reminded Bryan to pick you up in the back by the servant’s entrance so you won’t have to deal with the photographers.”

Alyssa nodded, grateful her sister had remembered. In the past six months, Alyssa had done a complete one eighty with the press. Now, unless she was with her family or doing publicity on behalf of the company, she avoided reporters like the plague.

Which only served to make her a more tempting target. She knew that along with the hired photographer there were dozens of paparazzi outside the Bancrofts’ mansion in Atherton, waiting for a glimpse of Alyssa, hoping she’d do something stupid like slip and fall and lose her top or show her underwear.

Finally the auction was over and most of the guests were milling around the front door, waiting for their cars and limos to arrive.

Alyssa did another scan of the room, tamping down her disappointment when she didn’t see Derek. Stupid. What do you think is going to happen?

She closed her eyes, memorizing his face, taking that memory of desire in his eyes and curling it close.

She retrieved her coat from the coat check and slipped out the back entrance, down the short driveway that led to the street on the side of the house opposite the front door.

And waited. She looked at her watch. It was still early, not even ten. But the crowd at these things always skewed older, and Alyssa figured they all needed to get home and tucked into bed before midnight.

Another ten minutes passed, and Bryan, the driver from the car service still wasn’t there. Annoyed, she flicked open her cell phone and called.

Bryan’s town car had been clipped on the freeway. Another car was en route, but it would be at least a half an hour before it arrived.

Alyssa bit back a curse.

“What’s up with you going where you’re not supposed to?”

The deep gruff voice slid around her, grabbed her and wouldn’t let go. She couldn’t have held back her smile if she wanted to.

His eyes were hidden in shadow, but his mouth curved into a half smile, and a dimple creased the left corner of his mouth. His lips were firm and full and she knew they’d be hot against her skin.

“Do I even want to know why you’re hanging out at the servant’s entrance looking like you’re about to stick your thumb out?”

“I didn’t want to have to deal with the crowd on my way out. And now my driver got into an accident, so it looks like I’m stranded for a while.”

He was silent for several moments, and though his eyes were shadowed she could feel him studying her.

Ask me.

“Can I give you a ride home?” He almost looked shocked that he’d asked.

She didn’t let that stop her. “Sure,” she said without hesitation.

A slight frown creased his forehead, but he gave her a curt nod and left without another word to get his car.

As she waited she shifted on her sky-high heels, restless, alive with anticipation. After so many months on her best behavior, a reckless urge was pulsing through her. Uncontrollable, unstoppable. She needed to forged the consequences and do something outrageous.

But this time it wouldn’t be for attention, publicity, or her father’s censure. This time it would be all for herself. She’d been so good, watching her every move for so long. Surely she deserved a little treat?

A silver Audi rumbled up to the driveway and Alyssa wasted no time sliding into the passenger seat. The leather was cool against her bare thighs, and the interior of the car was full of his cedar and soap scent.

He backed out of the driveway and turned the corner, passing the snarl of limos and guests crowding the circular driveway of the Bancrofts’ estate.

“Where to?”

Nerves warring with desire, Alyssa rummaged in her bag and dug out her lip gloss, slicking on a coat to give herself something to do.

Derek stopped at a stop sign. “Where are we going?”

She swallowed hard, her throat suddenly bone dry. What she was about to do was crazy. Stupid.

Necessary.

“You know, it’s so early,” she said, and turned to face him. She kept her eyes locked with his and placed her hand deliberately on his thigh. “And I’m not quite ready to go home.”

He stared at her hard for what felt like an eternity. His thick, dark brows drew together in a harsh scowl.

Her stomach bottomed out as she realized he was about to turn her down.

“You want to get a drink somewhere?”

The moment of truth. She slid her hand farther up his thigh, delighting in the swells and ripples of rock hard muscle hidden beneath wool gabardine. “I’m not much for crowds. Why don’t you just take me back to your place?”

Sybil’s Review of Caught (Gemini Men, Book 1) by Jami Alden
Romantic Suspense released by Brava 1 Oct 08

I first became interested in this series back when Jami Alden told us about her new Brava trilogy. The excerpt grabbed me. What can I say?  I am a sucker for a smartass heroine. I know, this shocks you.

Toni is a computer geek used to using her keyboard kungfu to get what she needs where as Ethan is more used to using his smile. They are brought together when 17 year old Kara Kramer turns up missing.  As the daughter of one of Gemini’s clients, Ethan is called in to help. Toni shows up with the recent ex Mrs. Karmer (Toni’s PI services helped her become a wealthy ex). Both Toni and Ethan have their own pasts to color their view of Kara’s disappearance, neither really knowing if there is anything more here than a kid looking for attention, trouble or if she has found it. Her parents swear she is a good kid, with good grades and a good web page on FacePlace called V-Club, where she has promised to stay a virgin until marriage. While the dad blames it on the mom for being a drunk and the mom blames dad for being too busy screwing his assistant, Ethan takes charge, or tries too.

What follows is an interesting, fast paced tale with a twist, a ‘ripped from the headlines’ feel to it, and a heavy dose of nothing ever dies on the Internet.  So you know those nekkid pictures?  Yeah, don’t post them or at least make sure she really is over age. I am pretty sure there was something of a plot hole regarding the FacePlace posting but I am not really familiar with Myspace or Facebook so I could be wrong and my kungfu is so not that good. So I just nodded and went with it. Computer geeks of the world might not. The photo stuff is cool though, but again, totally over my head. It did what I like in a good suspense story, which means it kept me turning the pages and made me think.

The characters are grand and might be one of Jami’s strongest points. She does amazing men. Really I would say Ethan, Derek and Danny are all great male characters who get along like brothers and sound like men. When they are together there is a serious lack of hand holding and tea, the language is more than a bit rough and something you might expect from ex-military men. Jami Alden has a great way of giving you their history without a bunch of info dumping or allowing the other brothers to over take the story. You want to know more about them but they don’t steal the show from the romance.

And the romance was good and the h/h are given a nice amount of time together, something that is often lacking in romantic suspence but it is still the weakest part of the a strong story. She had a great set up. A strong female, and a yummy hero who falls hard. It is grand. Downfall is Jami Alden has four days to work with so it is a tough sell and the push/pull does get tedious. The love scenes are smoking and when they are together they click, but it is hard to buy why it is love over lust. In the end though I have to admit I wanted to believe and I’m really happy to have Kept to start next.

On a final note, I was amused because when I closed the book I thought it reminded me of Shannon McKenna’s older books and on the cover of Caught there is a quote from… Shannon McKenna.  Are you paying attention McKenna fangirls?

Grade: B-

Summary:

Got an investigation situation? Call the Gemini Men: Ethan and Derek Taggart. Yeah, they’re twins. Double the trouble and twice as sexy—women can’t get enough of them or their older brother Danny, who keeps ‘em in line when things get wild. The three Taggart men are hot, hard, and ready to take on all comers…

Ex-military. Tall. Chiseled. Intelligent and arrogant. And so hot he’s on fire. That’s Ethan Taggart. Male to the max. Toni Crawford, computer genius turned PI, can’t stop looking at him and Ethan’s returning the favor. Nice and slow. Those piercing blue eyes of his are about to melt her down but…nothing doing. Toni has to stay cool. Focus on the assignment: the teenage daughter of a multimillionaire just vanished in plain sight. Chasing down leads, investigating every freaky angle, pushing past the boundaries of a hellish underworld of sex and drugs, Ethan and Toni are forced to work closely to stalk an unseen enemy with a taste for cruel games. Risking their lives to save the missing girl is only half the battle. Their blazingly sensual attraction grows every second, until there’s no turning back. Their passion is about to explode…and Ethan and Toni soon find that danger breeds the hottest desire of all…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in The Gemini Men trilogy:
, Book 3: Unleashed by Jami Alden (29 Sep 09)

LauraJ’s review of My Favorite Phantom by Karen Kelley
Contemporary paranormal romance released by Brava 1 Jan 09

Karen Kelley has quickly become one of my favorite comedic authors. I know without a doubt that I am going to spend a lot of time laughing and occasionally snorting while reading one of her books. It’s been a couple of books since she has tackled humor with ghosts (Double Dating With the Dead) so I was glad when she penned another ghost story. I was hoping for her to bring back Dixie and Wesley, the ghosts from DDWtD (and I’m still hoping someday she will — hint hint). No Dixie and Wesley in this book, but still a very funny and very entertaining read.

In this newest book, history professor Peyton Cache needs to hire someone to get rid of a ghost that is haunting his house and he needs this done quickly before an important dinner party he is hosting to win a potential grant. He’s up against another professor, a wannabe proper Englishman with a bad fake British accent. He calls Ghost Be Gone the only ghost exterminators in a 500 mile radius.

Kaci Melton arrives at Peyton’s house expecting to find a stodgy old professor and Peyton is anything buy old and stodgy. She doesn’t usually go out to actually rid houses of ghosts, that’s her dad’s job. She runs the back office and invents equipment for her dad, but her dad has gotten in a tight spot with a loan shark named Guido and Kaci is sent by her father to Peyton’s to get rid of the ghost and hide out until her dad is able to payoff Guido. Now as long as she can keep Peyton from finding out that little tidbit and the fact that she is actually afraid of ghosts then everything should be okay.

Almost immediately there is an attraction between Kaci and Peyton and this attraction quickly progresses when after an encounter with Peyton’s ghost Kaci ends up in his bed.

This book took me a little longer to get into (but I really think that was because of my mood), but by the third chapter I was having a hard time putting it down. The last 3 books I have read by Mrs. Kelley have been her alien/Planet Nerak which I loved. They were silly, fun books with outrageous situations. This book also shows off Mrs. Kelley’s gift for humor. She has a way of bring out “zingers” in what would seem like a more serious situation.

Kaci, although afraid of ghosts, knows how important this job is to help her father. She’s very likeable with her quick wit, finds she has a lot more determination and courage than she thought.

Peyton, while not quite the stodgy professor Kaci expects, he’s still seems a little uptight at first. But when Kaci reveals that she is indeed afraid of ghosts, Peyton wants to fire her but Kaci’s determination makes him decide to give her another chance. Peyton has other motives as he finds that he is attracted to her. This man knows how to talk to a woman. The love scenes are very hot thanks to Peyton who is an expert at using words to get Kaci hot and excited.

The secondary characters are Daniel, a co-worker and competing professor for the grant money and Edward the ghost. Daniel will probably remind readers of someone they work with, the one that seems more important and valuable than he really is. Kaci handles him quite nicely. Edward is quite mischievous in his haunting (remember the green ghost at the hotel in “Ghostbusters”?), but didn’t quite grab me as Dixie and Wesley did in DDWtD. I liked their interactions with the main characters and with each other more.

This was a very funny book that will have you laughing out loud in many places and warming up your cold winter nights. I’m not sure when Mrs. Kelley will be coming out with her next new book, but I’ll be waiting for it anxiously.

Grade: B+

Summary:

When professor Peyton Cache bought a big, gloomy, romantic Victorian house, he should have expected a ghost. He certainly got one, the kind that likes to float his undies around and drop slime in the stairwell for fun. But the professor can’t let the rest of the faculty know he’s lost his mind, so he hires a ghost hunter on the down-low. But somehow, when he booked a ghost hunter, he didn’t think that he was getting a live-in leggy blonde with an attitude like a Jersey gangster and a body like a pinup poster…Kaci Melton needs to hide out for a while, and where better to disappear than a haunted house on one of her dad’s ghost-hunting jobs? All she’ll have to do is deal with a crabby old professor for a couple of days and kick out one measly ghost. Two problems: the professor is a tasty young guy with piercing blue eyes, six-pack abs, and a penchant for talking dirty. And the ghost scares the panties off her…actually given the professor, maybe that’s not a problem. But if she can’t tell him the truth – and she can’t – how is she going to get him to keep up all that wonderful sex? Especially when she’s starting to kinda like him…

Read an excerpt here.

Sandy M’s review of Superb and Sexy (Sky High Air, Book 3)  by Jill Shalvis
Contemporary Romance released by Brava 1 Jun 08

What a fun trilogy this turned out to be.  I enjoyed all three books immensely, and I’ve been looking forward to Brody and Maddie’s story after all their bantering and longing for each other throughout the previous two books. Ms. Shalvis did not let me down in this final installment of the series.  It’s light and fun with a hint of darkness, wonderful characters both old and new, an interesting storyline, and a romance worthy of the two main characters.

After six weeks of screw-ups at Sky High Air, Brody West has finally tracked Maddie Stone down to get her to come back to her job and save them all from the madness that’s taken over during her recuperation after being shot on the job, which we read about in the previous book.  He’ll beg if he has to, drag her back if he has to. Whatever it takes.  They need her.  What he doesn’t expect and stops him dead in his tracks is the fear and vulnerability he now sees in his Maddie.  He’s also seeing two of her.  She never mentioned she has a twin sister, and the more closed-mouthed she gets and tries to get rid of him, the higher his bullshit meter rises.

Maddie tries to keep Brody at bay when it comes to the life she never told him about.  She thought she’d left all the fear and manipulation behind, but she got only ten years of freedom before pulled back into that life again.  But she can’t turn her back this time.  Her twin sister is asking for her help to finally leave the tropical island where they grew up and where their uncle used them for his own purposes.  But Brody is having none of her excuses, her tricks to scare him off.  Giving in for now, she’ll find another way later to keep him safe.

Maddie learns, however, there’s more to Brodie than she thought and he sticks to her side, especially after a couple of her failed attempts to send him a wild goose chase to keep him far away from her and her familial danger.  Each of them eventually come the realization that it’s not just lust between them anymore, they’d give their life for the other and that sentiment comes close to happening when it comes to Maddie’s Uncle Rick and his criminal ways.  I loved how each of them looked at their growing albeit unrealized love for each other, Maddie wanting to keep Brody safe by making him stay away and Brodie doing the same by not leaving her alone to her own devices.  And things do go much more smoothly when they finally work together.

I’m sorry to see this series end.  But that just means I’ll be scouring around the house pulling out all of my other Jill Shalvis books.  I’ve become a huge fan of hers and look forward to reading anything by her I can get my hands on.

Grade: A

Read reviews and info about this and other books in this series by following its tag.

Summary:

When you want to fly the best, you fly Sky High Air. And when you want spectacular adventure and scorching seduction, Jill Shalvis’s tantalizing, talented pilots Noah, Shayne, and Brody will get you there-fast, slow, or any way you want it- Buckle Up. It’s Going To Be Quite A Ride. Despite his brooding bad-boy attitude, Brody knows life has treated him pretty well. His luxury charter airline, Sky High, has given him financial security and the means to take to the skies whenever things on the ground get complicated.

And lately, things have become very complicated, thanks to the insanely passionate, or perhaps just insane, kiss he shared with Sky High’s gorgeous, wisecracking concierge, Maddie. He’s tried to keep his distance, but now Maddie desperately needs help, and it’s triggering protective alpha-male urges Brody didn’t even know he had- For months, Maddie hid her crush on sexy, exasperating Brody behind a cool, kick-ass exterior-and then blew that to smithereens by jumping him in the lobby. Y

eah, real smooth. She’s tried to break her ties with Sky High, but Brody won’t let her walk away-especially now that he knows that Maddie and her twin sister Leena are in big-time trouble. To save Leena, Maddie and Brody must pose as husband and wife, and Maddie is amazed that the man she thought was oblivious to her existence knows her very well indeed. But that’s nothing compared to the way she’s about to get to know him-intimately, in depth, and over and over again

Read an excerpt. (scroll down)

Other books in this series:

I liked C2′s idea of a Best of 2008 list.  Then Liv got into the action, so thought I’d give it a try too.  (Of course, mine are the best of the bunch.)  I was never one to keep track of my reads, and 2008 was the first time I’ve done that; therefore, this list, though difficult to choose just a few in the long run, was easy for me since I didn’t have to rely on a twelve-month memory.

So here’s my Best of 2008, in no particular order.

Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas
Contemporary Romance Audiobook released by Brilliance Audio 25 Mar 08

Actually, I drooled over Hardy Cates while listening to him with the audiobook of Blue-Eyed Devil. My first foray (including Sugar Daddy) into Kleypas books and I loved every darned minute of it!

Weddings Can Be Murder by Christie Craig
Contemporary Romance released by Love Spell 27 May 08

I never thought I would fall in love with a hero who’s a sympathy puker.  Don’t wrinkle your nose!  Read the book, it’s hilarious! Christie Craig is making a huge name for herself and her wonderful humor.
Double Enchantment by Kathryne Kennedy
Historical Paranormal Romance released by Love Spell 26 Aug 08

A breath of fresh air with a new take on the English social castes.  Fun, intriguing, and very romantic. And loads of magic along with shapeshifting, both of which give readers a different look at old favorites.

Superb and Sexy by Jill Shalvis
Contemporary Romance released by Brava 1 Jun 08

Really, you can interchange any one of the three Sexy books in here. Just love those Sky High Men! Ms. Shalvis has a way with humor, romance, mystery, and fun.

Killer Charms by Marianne Stillings
Contemporary Romance released by Avon 26 Aug 08

I enjoyed all three books about the Darling family, but it’s the hero of this one that gave it top honors for me in 2008. I’ll definitely be reading more of Ms. Stillings.

King of Sword and Sky (Tairen Soul, Book 3) by C.L. Wilson
Paranormal Fantasy Romance released by Leisure Books 30 Sep 08

With just one more book to go, this series is now my favorite of all time. Ms. Wilson has created a world that is just absolutely fantastic and she’s giving us a love story like no other.

Hostage to Pleasure by Nalini Singh
Release by Berkley 2 Sep 08

I’ve loved every book in this series.  They’re all incredible.  But Dorian has always been my favorite from the very first book and I’d anticipated his story for so long.  Ms. Singh did not disappoint!

Scandalous by Night by Barbara Pierce
Historical Romance released by St. Martin’s Paperbacks 29 Jul 08

Barbara Pierce has become an all-time favorite historical author for me.  This book she gave readers a darker side of her writing and Everod is her best hero yet.

With Every Breath by Lynn Kurland
Time Travel Romance released by Jove 27 May 08

Beautiful writing, sweeping Scottish vistas, love and romance that crosses time boundaries, and characters you’ll love forever. What’s not to love?

The Missing by Shiloh Walker
Contemporary Paranormal Romance released by Berkley Trade 4 Nov 08

As I said in my review of this book, Ms. Walker has outdone herself with this one.  Absolutely mesmerizing.  If you haven’t read it, you should.  You’re missing out, big time.

Honorable mentions:

Ask Adam by Jess Dee
Contemporary Romance released by Samhain 29 Jul 08

Ms. Dee is a first-time author for me and I enjoyed her writing and storytelling immensely.  I have a feeling she’s really going to go places!

The Hot Line by Cathryn Fox
Contemporary Romance released by NAL 4 Mar 08

Another first-time author for me. Had to love the idea of the Hot Line, firefighters just waiting to help a lady out. And those boys know what they’re doing!

Gwen’s review of The Mane Attraction (Pride, Book 3) by Shelly Laurenston
Contemporary paranormal romance released by Brava 28 Oct 08

This was my first full-length novel to read by Laurenston. I thoroughly enjoyed her short story in the anthology When He Was Bad, so I was looking forward to reading Attraction.  I was absotively, posilutely not disappointed.  The Mane Attraction was a blast to read.  Reading it from the perspective of a Southerner born and bred in Texas for many generations, I can say, not so sadly, that I completely identified with it, too. 

Laurenston could have gone the path of least resistance and relied solely on tired stereotypes to populate her shapeshifter world.  That’s not to say there aren’t some predictable elements in Laurenstonland, but there aren’t any tired ones, if that makes any sense.  Laurenston managed to make them fresh and funny, but doesn’t let them “aw shucks” their way out of situations.  The predicaments her characters find themselves in are always very real, and frequently suspenseful and dangerous.  It adds a lot of flavor and tension to the books that is fun to read.

Our heroine, Sissy Mae, is from Tennessee.  She has her feet firmly in NASCAR-lovin’, ‘shine-drinkin’, football-playin’, blue-collar, everybody and their brother named “Something Ray” land.  Even so, she and her large extended family and friends are more than two-dimensional.  They’re fully fleshed, warm blooded (some hot blooded), loving, conniving, and vibrant characters.  To say that Laurenston’s stories are character-driven is to say they’re written on paper.  Just a big ol’ “duh” moment.  So far, I’ve noticed that Laurenston’s books are almost totally character driven and you’re either going to love them or hate them.  There’s no in between.

Our hero, Mitch, is a Philadelphia cop with some interesting family dynamics.  His mom, Roxy, is one of the more fun secondary characters and a force to be reckoned with on her own.  His brother is recently married to one of the Sissy Mae’s best friends and found his HEA in Book 1 of the Pride series.  Mitch is a lion-shifter and is all male lion, using charm and humor to get the women in his life to feed him and coddle him.  And let me tell you, if he were knocking around my house, I’d feed and coddle him myself.  He’s hilariously funny when he’s not being incredibly sexy or amazingly protective.

The dynamic between the heroine and hero, who are best friends when the book starts, is really charming.  What’s nice to see is how Laurenston was able to keep that friendship in tact and healthy even thru the evolution of the H/H relationship to a romantic and sexual one.  That must be the most awkward thing to write – evolving a friendship into something more and yet keeping the friendship healthy.  At least, it’s tough to do that with a relationship in real life, so my assumption is it’s difficult to write it believably well.  And oh my, what SEX these two have – the sensual scenes are just flat-out HAWT.

There are a variety of suspense elements and bad guys in this book: organized crime bosses, hired assassins, pack alphas, local rivalries in car racing and football, family members who hate each other, family members who want more power, power-hungry wannabes, power-hungry evil forces, etc.  You name it, there’s a lot for Sissy Mae and Mitch to overcome for them to be together.  Each of the sub-arcs are well interwoven and interesting on their own.  I didn’t feel like any one element was taken just that bit too far – it all felt correct and well paced.

This was a very entertaining read that felt like it went by in a flash. There’s a lot packed into this book, so be prepared for a brisk, very active read.  I highly recommend The Mane Attraction to any fan of paranormal romance or Laurenston.  It’s a terrific read.

Grade: A

Book summary:

Weddings have the strangest effect on people. How else to explain the fact that Sissy Mae Smith woke up in Mitch Shaw’s bed the morning after her brother Bobby Ray tied the knot? Or that gunmen are trying to kill Mitch, and Sissy Mae now has to escort a bleeding, stubborn, yet still incredibly sexy lion shifter to her Tennessee Pack’s turf to keep him safe? It doesn’t help that Mitch’s appraising gaze makes her feel like the most desirable creature on earth, or that the ultimate stray cat is suddenly acting all kinds of possessive…

Mitch is an undercover cop who’s about to testify against some dangerous ex-associates. Even more worrisome, he’s harboring hot, X-rated fantasies about the fast-talking little canine – and he has to deal with every male in Sissy Mae’s Pack sniffing around her in a way that makes his hackles rise.. Mitch has his pride, and he intends to show Sissy Mae that when a lion sets out to make you his mate, the only thing to do is purr, roll over, and enjoy one hell of a ride…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

And ’cause he’s so purty, here’s this cover in LARGE format!

Limecello’s review of To All A Good Night by Donna Kauffman, Jill Shalvis, and HelenKay Dimon
Contemporary romance anthology published by Brava on 1 Oct 08

I love holiday anthologies. There’s something about them. (I mean, I don’t even like holiday things now – I get upset at seeing Christmas/holiday decorations in stores so early. So that should tell you how much I love Christmas anthologies.) I’m also drawn to the anthologies that Brava publishes. The two go hand in hand for me, and they’re extremely good, more often than not. I also knew I wanted to read this book based on the authors, and I wasn’t disappointed.

Unleashed by Donna Kauffman

Emma Lafferty and Trevor Hamilton are two great characters. Emma’s a lot of fun and it’s nice that she’s a smart heroine, with her head on straight. Trevor is great because he’s a “typical” hero, but not. Incredibly wealthy with a well known name, Trevor has a sense of humor that’s rather self deprecating. Add in some great pets, an adorable bird, mystery, references to college football and classical mythology, and I’m sold. Ms. Kauffman manages to write a very believable and full story in 108 pages, which is very impressive. I loved the interaction between Emma and Trevor, and also the insight into their inner thoughts. The chemistry was great, and Ms. Kauffman’s imagery and attention to detail was also quite enjoyable.

Unfortunately, there were two things that detracted from my reading experience. First, was that you never figure out the point of the book. Trevor is at the mansion for a reason, and when given the opportunity to find all his answers, he passes it up. I could understand that, until you get to the epilogue, which I wish hadn’t been added. It’s a blatent lure to read the next book – in fact, Trevor and Emma don’t even feature in it. They get a bland general paragraph in the three paragraph epilogue. I didn’t appreciate that, but I know it won’t bother many readers.

Grade: B+

Summary:

When Emma Lafferty is hired by a billionaire CEO to watch his pets over the holidays, she expects to enjoy a quiet Christmas in opulent surroundings. What she doesn’t expect is to spend the week trapped in the mansion with the CEO’s sexy great-nephew-and heir-whose motives are as shady as his desire is crystal clear….

Finding Mr. Right by Jill Shalvis

Ms. Shalvis imbued her novella with a lot of humor, and I thought it was great. Maggie Bell is brilliant but clumsy, and a very entertaining character. She gets into a lot of scrapes that border on slap stick, but are never cheesy. Jacob Wahler is the antithesis of Maggie’s dream guy, but he’s had his eye on her, and wins her. I thought the manner in which Maggie and Jacob got together was creative and sexy. Jacob and Maggie are dynamic characters, and it was nice that they had some history, which made their relationship more believable.  The plot was also engaging, with a lot of action and fun gadgets.

There were a few allusions to a love triangle, and I wish Ms. Shalvis had been able to explore that a little more. At the same time, it did seem a bit extraneous, and the explanation for it was a bit off. There was a plot twist that was a bit unexpected and over the top, but it brought things nicely to a close, and everything was incorporated nicely. A great novella.

Grade: A-

Summary:

Brilliant chemist Maggie Bell has a knack for choosing Mr. Wrong, and with yet another lonely Christmas looming, she decides it’s time to alter the equation-and seek out someone who seems totally wrong for her. Enter Jacob Wahler, the rough and rippling contractor who’s about as far from Maggie type as he could get. But suddenly what’s wrong for Maggie seems oh-so-right….

Read an excerpt here.

Can You Hand Me the Tape? by HelenKay Dimon

Ms. Dimon’s novella focuses a lot more on the character’s relationship and emotions, which was refreshing. While the plot may seem slow, the story never lags. Natalie Pritchard is between a rock and a hard place, and I thought it was curious how she had to go to her “enemy.” Spencer Donovan is quite an interesting character – one you’re not sure if you’re supposed to like or not. I felt in a way that he had more depth than Natalie, but that’s because more of his background is revealed. I also liked how Natalie was an “unconventional” character, in that she’s a larger, and a strong woman in a somewhat unusual career as a parole officer.

I thought it was wonderful how Ms. Dimon explored Natalie’s psyche, and had Natalie reveal her thoughts to Spencer, who was incredibly caring and understanding. Also, he was typically male in the way that he didn’t understand why Natalie had those issues. It was nice how the two complimented each other. Spencer and Natalie are a couple that works. They seem all wrong, but put together, you know are perfectly right.

There was also one line that I loved – I don’t normally do this, but here’s a quote:

I should have said fallen. Past tense. I know it’s only been a short time, but I’m about an inch away from being stupid in love with you.

I thought that was incredibly sweet, and the great dialogue in this novella really brings it to life.

Grade: A-

Summary:

Natalie Pritchard is desperate. It’s a week before Christmas and she’s lost the naughty tape she made for her now-ex-boyfriend. She’s so desperate, in fact, that she’ll turn to her nemesis Spencer Donovan for help. The sexy criminal defense attorney would be only too happy to assist-but can Emma afford his price?

Read an excerpt here.

This book has a lot of great writing, and I found the differences between the author’s styles very interesting. Ms. Kauffman, Ms. Shalvis, and Ms. Dimon all brought something different to the table, but all three novellas work well together. Ms. Kauffman’s writing is very personable, with a little something for everyone. Ms. Shalvis’s novella has a lot of humor that will have you laughing as you read. And Ms. Dimon’s writing gets you emotionally, ensuring you’re invested in the characters.

This is an anthology that flows from novella to novella. It was nice to read a few Christmas stories, but they’re perfect for any time of the year. I’m so glad that I read To All A Good Night – I hope that you read it and like it too. I definitely recommend this book to all lovers of anthologies and contemporary romance.

Overall Grade: A-

This Christmas, sugarplums aren’t the only visions that will be dancing in your head. Prepare to have your toes curled by some of the holiday’s hunkiest heroes in this hot, hot, hot collection…

Liviania’s review of Hotter After Midnight (The Others, Book 1) by Cynthia Eden
Contemporary Paranormal romance released by Brava 1 May 08

I do not believe I’ve mentioned this on TGTBTU before, but I do an Internet radio show once a month.  The first time I did the show was a bit of a fiasco at the end, partially due to the presence of two Cynthias.  It ended fairly well because I heard Cynthia Eden read an excerpt from Hotter After Midnight.  I enjoyed the excerpt and jumped at the chance to actually read the novel.  It lived up to my expectations, thankfully. 

Emily Drake suffered in her youth because of her ability to see the Other and hear their thoughts.  Luckily, she received training and now works as the “Monster Doctor” – a psychologist to vampires, charmers, and various beings that go bump in the night.  Unluckily, one of those creatures is killing humans and the police seek Emily’s help.  That’s when she meets Detective Colin Gyth, who is hiding his Other status from his coworkers.

It took me a little while to figure out why Colin was hiding his nature when Emily wasn’t.  I eventually realized that the Other community is not out to the human community.  Emily is only out to the Other community, thus she does not think about hiding her nature when she’s in the presence of a vampire in the beginning of the novel.  (I’m did not figure out how Colin knew her as the Monster Doctor when he seems cut off from any non-humans, but that’s a minor quibble.  I’d have forgotten about it except it’s that statement that led me to the aforementioned confusion.)

Colin is a predatory Shifter, widely regarded as one of the most dangerous types of Other.  Between that and growing up apart from those of his kind, Colin knows almost nothing about the Other community.  Emily helps him learn more about his world more than she helps him solve the case. Of course, the case almost seems incidental in setting up the world and the relationship.  Not that I mind – the case is present when it needs to be and neither character acts needlessly stupid about trying to catch a murderer.

There are also some interesting side characters, particularly the demon Niol.  He’s a bad guy, but protective of his people, and I would absolutely read more about him.  His onscreen appearances were enigmatic without being ridiculously obtuse.  I also liked the poor human pathologist who is confused by the bodies that appear to have been killed by a werewolf.  Oh, and Todd Brooks, the human partner who knows he’s being kept out of the loop.

Eden impressed me with this sexy paranormal romance.  She integrated her world-building well and kept in consistent.  Emily lacks the overwhelming arrogance that’s popular in many paranormal heroines and instead possesses competence.  Colin approached too alpha to me at times, but managed to remain a compelling hero.  I look forward to reading more of Eden’s work, especially Hotter After Midnight’s sequel, Midnight Sins, even if I do have to wait until November 25th.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Emily Drake’s patients tend to be a little unusual. Instead of the typical therapist’s caseload of midlife crises and mother fixations, Emily treats vampires with blood phobias and sex demons looking for meaningful relationships. But her gift for recognizing and healing the Other–those creatures of the night that most humans don’t even know exist–requires a few house rules. First: Never trust a shifter. Especially not one like Detective Colin Gyth, whose gold-flecked eyes and predatory air make Emily realize how much she’s been longing to lose control…

Colin can’t believe the doctor he’s been assigned to work with on the Night Butcher murder investigation is the one person who could expose his true identity as a wolf shifter. Smart, sexy, and stubborn as hell, Emily brings out the alpha male in Colin, unleashing a wild, heady desire that takes them both over the edge.

But in the shadows, the Night Butcher waits…eager to spill Emily’s blood and taste her terror. And he’ll use any means to destroy her, including the one person she has grown to trust…

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in the series: