Lynne Connolly‘s review of The Greek Tycoon’s Disobedient Bride by Lynne Graham
Contemporary romance released by Harlequin Presents 1 Dec 08

The title is even worse than usual, because of the adjective. It put up my hackles from the start, but then, the stupid HMB titles usually do.

Lynne Graham is very hit or miss for me. She deals in very young and feisty heroines, and dark, impossibly gorgeous heroes. It can squick or it can work very well, or it can exasperate. This one exasperated.

It started with a legal impossibility. Two, actually. The first being that a will can specify that two people must get married in order to inherit. To each other. A will can specify that a person will inherit once they are married, but it can’t say who they must marry. That’s an infringement of civil liberties and wouldn’t last five minutes in a British court of law (in case you readers of historical romances are reading this – it’s always been that way).

Second, that a legal will registered with a solicitor can remain unknown to any of the parties mentioned in the will. Doesn’t happen these days. One of my uncles died seemingly intestate, but it took, oh, a week before the will showed up because of the legal networks. It isn’t completely impossible, but the way it was depicted in the story was. I usually put the book down at this point, because the plot falls apart, but I wanted to see what Graham was up to, so I read on. I could read it as a complete fairy story, although I do prefer well-researched reality if the book is set in a realistic setting.

Her heroine, Ophelia, was exasperating, vacillating between the innocent and the knowing, never really settling in a satisfactory manner and the romance was one of those “I hate you – until there’s a bed in the room” ones that leave me irritated and wondering why they bothered. The magic vayjayjay kept Lysander, the hero, going. And the poor dear girl didn’t seem to be very bright or even intuitive, only seeing what was happening when it was shoved right under her nose.

I couldn’t see much connection between the hero and heroine. Lysander was wealthy, a tycoon, busy most of the time, and bored with his sophisticated girlfriends, of which there were many. He was a male slut, and then he expected her fidelity, in fact, he didn’t want her showing her body off to the public between shoulders and knees. It was meant to display his newfound possessiveness, but it made him a hypocrite. And just once, I want the sophisticated girlfriend to win. They’re not disposable sluts, as are depicted in these stories, they are women making their own way in the world. And if I read about Lysander’s “metallic” eyes once, I read it a hundred times. Yes, I get it, you’re comparing him to gold. But I got the first time. And the second. And the third…

Anyway, Graham does write a good sex scene and her sexual tension is pretty much spot on. When she gets it right, it’s fantastic, as she did a few years back with the book about the clumsy but endearing woman and the French aristocrat (I’m not even going to pretend to remember the title – they’re so similar I’m bound to get it wrong).

This one is a D for me, but I’ll carry on reading her books for the gems that pop up from time to time. She’s a great writer, but this book showed laziness and slapdash writing, with it’s repetitive prose and thrown-together characters. It would be lovely if she could afford to take her time over writing something but I know how HMB works, and she needs to keep her rate of writing going if she’s going to earn a good amount.

Interesting that when I looked up the blurb on the Internet, the blurb for a completely different book kept showing up. A Rom Sus which, when I looked it up turned out to be “Goodbye She Lied” by Russ Hall. It’s on Amazon, and a few other places. Different publisher, different book, different genre. Wtf?

Grade: D

Summary:

It amazed Ophelia that Lysander Metaxis- a Greek billionaire notorious for his harem of adoring women -wanted to marry her, a humble gardener with a grumbling old manor house and debts up to her ears.

But soon she realized Lysander didn’t want her- he wanted her property and her body. But marry him she would, because she had no choice if she wanted to keep what she cherished most. And disobedient she would be, because her new husband had no intention of loving her…

Read an excerpt here.

Sarah’s review of His Woman by Diana Cosby
Historical Romance published by Zebra 1 Dec 08

Through the wonderful world of Facebook, I learned of Ms. Cosby’s MacGruder Brothers series. Her website boasts ‘Romance Edged With Danger’ and I must say, like her daring Highlanders, Ms. Cosby delivers full force.

His Woman is the second book in the MacGruder Brothers series. Ms. Cosby weaves captivating Scottish history and an alluring epic romance story into a powerful, page-turning masterpiece.

Duncan MacGruder is a man tormented when he agrees to a dying friend’s request. Bound by honor, Duncan is loath to face the fiery Isabel Adair, a woman he hasn’t seen since she broke their betrothal and his heart to warm the bed of his enemy, the Earl of Frayser.

Despite her betrayals, Duncan is pulled to Isabel like the tide to the shore.

Embroiled in an intricate web of deceit and high-intensity danger, Duncan and Isabel’s passions are rekindled amidst the backdrop of a turbulent medieval Scotland. The lovers join forces in a race against time to save Isabel’s father from Longshanks’ gallows.

But is their love strong enough to withstand the haunting secrets of the past and an enemy bent on revenge?

With Duncan MacGruder, Ms. Cosby has captured the epitome of the Highlander warrior female readers long for. Rugged, handsome, and a lethal combination of sensuality and brawn, Duncan is a man to lust over. With her winsome looks and empowering strength, Isabel Adair is the perfect match for such a gallant warrior. The combination of two such intriguing characters equates for a gripping story full of thrilling twists and turns and most importantly a passion to envy.

Ms. Cosby’s remarkable gift of vivid imagery, appealing characters, and spellbinding suspense makes His Woman a must-read book.

Grade: A+

Summary:

TRUSTING HER WAS UNTHINKABLE

Lady Isabel Adair is the last woman Sir Duncan MacGruder wants to see again, much less be obliged to save. Three years ago, Isabel broke their engagement to become the Earl of Frasyer’s mistress, shattering Duncan’s heart and hopes in one painful blow. But Duncan’s promise to Isabel’s dying brother compels him to rescue her from those determined to bring down Scottish rebel Sir William Wallace.

RESISTING HER WAS IMPOSSIBLE

Betraying the man she loved was the only way for Isabel to save her father, but every moment she spends with Duncan reminds her just how much she sacrificed. No one could blame him for despising her, yet Duncan’s misgivings cannot withstand a desire that has grown wilder with time. Now, on a perilous journey through Scotland, two wary lovers must confront both the enemies who will stop at nothing to hunt them down, and the secret legacy that threatens their passion and their lives…

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in this series:

Limecello’s Duckies Do Series reviews of the Holidays Abroad Series by Merline Lovelace
Contemporary romances released by Harlequin Nov 2008 – Jan 2009

I quite fancy the idea of Christmas in summer (especially during a sweltering heat wave), so when I read the Duke’s New Year’s Resolution, I realized I was in the middle of a series, and read the other books in the trilogy – The CEO’s Christmas Proposition (Book 1) and The Executive’s Valentine Seduction (Book 3). This is a really cute trilogy that follows a natural progression, and takes place realistically chronologically. I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for Ms. Lovelace’s books in the future. [And yes, I realize for some places at least, summer has disappeared and we're facing bitter cold. So... this is good to prepare for the upcoming holiday season!]

The CEO’s Christmas Proposition (Book 1)
Released by Silhouette Desire 11 Nov 08

While I didn’t find the premise of this story very believable, I nevertheless liked it. The whole winter wonderland aspect really appealed to me, and I also appreciate the “we’re stranded together so our relationship will develop much more quickly” trope. I think that Devon and Cal were characterized nicely, and that each stayed true to him and herself.

Although generally I’m not a fan of this, I really liked how Sabrina and Caroline had parts in this book. Normally I’d say the focus should have been on Devon and Cal, and that Sabrina and Caroline had their own books to be released soon enough. However, Ms. Lovelace writes the characters in so that they fit naturally, and really bolster the story. After all, the entire premise of this series is that Devon, Sabrina, and Caro are abroad because they’ve just started a new business. And they’ve started a new business because they’re best friends, all looking for something different.

I also enjoyed the fact that Ms. Lovelace incorporated the holiday into her story, and the way Cal and Devon treated Christmas really showed a lot about their personalities as well. And yes, led to their relationship as well.

Grade: B-

Summary:
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A case of mistaken identity landed Devon McShay on the receiving end of a mind-blowing kiss—from her new client! CEO Cal Logan was an undeniably handsome man, and despite their business relationship, Devon couldn’t help thinking about kissing him again.
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When a crippling ice storm traps them in Salzburg for Christmas, sharing a room is their only option. And sharing a bed becomes their pleasure. Could this passionate encounter evolve into anything more than a holiday affair?

Read an excerpt here.

The Duke’s New Year’s Resolution (Book 2)
Released by Silhouette Desire 9 Dec 08

I think this is my favorite story of the bunch. First of all, I’m a sucker for a sexy Italian hero. And he’s a surgeon. And he’s a duke. Be still my beating heart.

However, I also like The Duke’s New Year’s Resolution so much, because I liked it — even though the premise of the book has so many things I don’t like. (That makes sense, right?) First, the heroine is/was a heiress, and I cannot stand the “poor little rich girl” character. However, Sabrina isn’t like that. She knows she was wild and bratty when she was younger, and that rebelling openly and publicly in the tabloids against her father probably wasn’t the best thing to do. She also doesn’t particularly feel sorry for herself, but it’s clear her emotional relationship with her father was lacking. That will elicit my sympathy. And it did.

Then there’s the creepy factor wherein Sabrina supposedly looks just like Marco’s deceased wife. (I don’t think this was entirely necessary, but it definitely adds a lot of drama.) It does force the characters, and especially Marco to profess the depth and sincerity of his feelings for Sabrina, which is always nice.  I really like how Sabrina’s past comes to haunt her – I felt that Ms. Lovelace tied all aspects of the story together nicely, and made it believable. It wasn’t all cotton candy and fluff, and the characters had to take responsibility for their actions and pasts.

And you know, the romance and heat and super hot Italian duke/surgeon.

Grade: B

Summary:

The setting was picture-postcard perfect; the hero, bonafide royalty. Sabrina’s worst fear was that she would wake up and discover it was all a dream. Duke—and doctor—Marco Calvetti had almost run her off the road. Now Sabrina was playing houseguest in his Amalfi-coast villa. Marco’s romantic words and skilled hands gave new meaning to the term “bedside manner,” but his brooding eyes hid secret wounds…or was it a secret agenda? Either way, the duke promised her a New Year’s she would never forget.…

Read an excerpt here.

The Executive’s Valentine Seduction (Book 3)
Released by Silhouette Desire 13 Jan 09

I enjoyed this book because the hero grovels. I have this slightly sadistic streak, which makes me revel in the heroes’ suffering. (I think it was because I read too many old school romances starting out, so I always felt that the heroine gave more than the hero.) In The Executive’s Valentine Seduction, Rory has to work for it. But with good reason. I really like who Caro is as a person, although she is off balance for much of the story.

I also love the trope of friends to lovers – and the story here is a loose interpretation of it. Anyway, Caro and Rory definitely have history, and a lot to work through, but it gives them a foundation, and makes the fact that their “forever and totally in love” relationship is established in the course of a few days believable.

Another thing I really appreciated is that Ms. Lovelace featured Rory. We get to see him in action, and it really brings everything together – what Rory does, who he is, the entire purpose of the conference, which is why Rory and Caro meet again. (With some orchestrations on Rory’s part.)

Lastly, I thought there was a sense of finality to this book, and the series, as Ms. Lovelace had Cal and Devon, as well as Sabrina and Marco all go to Rory and Caro in Spain. It was nice the three women get together, and all have their happy ending.

Grade: B

Summary:

Amor was on the menu…

And Rory Burke was intent on having Caroline Walters as the main course.

This meeting he’d arranged in beautiful Tossa de Mar was no mere business transaction. Having learned the truth about his long-ago lover, Rory had gone to great lengths to orchestrate this Valentine reunion in sunny Spain. His plan? To lure Caro back into his bed—as his bride. With his powers of persuasion, the high-powered executive was certain he would get his way—until the power of pasión turned the tables on him….

Read an excerpt here.

I felt that the relationships Ms. Lovelace wrote were incredibly believable, and I liked the focus she had on it. I don’t think I’ve read anything by Merline Lovelace before now, but I know I’m definitely going to look for her new books, as well as her back list. All three couples work individually, and together, and I think it was a very well written series. I like that Ms. Lovelace had such well developed heroines, and that they were satisfyingly showcased. Each story played to the heroine’s strengths, which made for a great romance.

I definitely recommend this if you like reading from the Silhouette Desire line, or if you’d like to try the line out.

Overall Grade: B

Sandy M’s review of Between the Devil and Desire (Scoundrels of St. James, Book 2) by Lorraine Heath
Historical Romance published by Avon 30 Dec 08

These scoundrels of St. James are so far leaving me emotionally exhausted after reading their stories. This second book in the series features Jack Dodger, a nimble-fingered facsimile of the Artful Dodger, thus the name he chose after being sold by his mother. What happened in those ensuing years, of course, shaped him into the man he is today, but he’s also a man who still remembers and relives those horrible times while doing the best he can to help youngsters who remind him of himself years ago. Ms. Heath uses Jack to pull your heart strings until you think they’re going to break.

Jack is summoned to the reading of the will of a man he barely knew. What his bequest is totally surprises him, but because there is money involved, Jack doesn’t hesitate. He’s to be the guardian of the man’s son, the next Duke of Lovingdon, and, if he does this, he will have the nobleman’s house and all unentailed items in it. A deal as far as Jack is concerned. He grew up on the streets under the teachings of Feagan, a man who took in aimless children and taught them to steal to survive. Money is life to Jack, and the more he has, the better off life will be. So no way in hell he’s going to turn down this out-of-the-blue offer, even though he doesn’t know a thing about children.

Stunned at the news that her husband has given guardianship of her son to a man known in her circles as the devil — the paltry amount he left her doesn’t matter a bit — Olivia, the Duchess of Lovingdon, does her best to get rid of Jack or even to rid herself of his company, but he won’t allow her and her son even a trip to the country. What starts out as a battle of wills ends up being an enlightening experience for Olivia the more she gets to know Jack. After a bit he doesn’t seem to be all that devilish — well, except when he’s trying to seduce her. He’s a man with honor, even though polite society wouldn’t understand his particular brand of honor.

For both of them it becomes a struggle to keep away from the pleasure that can be had in each other’s arms, and that doesn’t last long at all, as Olivia succumbs and ends up in Jack’s bed. Jack begins to learn to love again. Olivia learns Jack is the kind of man she does want raising her son and the kind of man she needs and wants in her life. There’s still the mystery of why the late duke chose Jack to watch over his son, and I have to admit that I didn’t see the curveball Ms. Heath throws out at us when it finally came.

My favorite scenes are those with Jack and Henry, Olivia’s son. The boy is always afraid, stutters, and Jack teaches him confidence and patience, giving him the knowledge that those who love him will always stand by his side. The scenes where we find out what happened to Jack as a child are also quite emotional and Ms. Heath does a terrific job of allowing Jack to grieve for that lost little boy but still maintain his dignity and honor as the man he’s become. I like the inclusion of Jack’s friends from his street days. We get to see how far they’ve come and what they’ve made of themselves and how they’re always there for one another.

This is a great addition to the trilogy and I’m looking forward to Surrender to the Devil, which I have in my hot little hands right now!

Grade: A

Summary:

Once a pickpocket and thief, Jack Dodger is now the wealthy owner of one of London’s most exclusive gentlemen’s clubs.

But after one of his patrons bequeaths him his London residence, Jack finds himself dealing with the man’s lovely widow.

When Olivia, Duchess of Lovingdon, is forced to share her beloved home with the notorious–and deliciously wicked–Jack Dodger, she quickly discovers that between the devil and desire, the only choice is surrender.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Stolen Fury (Stolen Series, Book 1) by Elisabeth Naughton
Romantic Suspense published by Love Spell 30 Dec 08

I don’t read a huge amount of romantic suspense. Not that I don’t like it, I just have loads of historicals and paranormals to get through in the TBR mountain. But thanks to Dorchester Publishing, I’m reading more suspense lately. Christie Craig and Stephanie Rowe are the two I first discovered in their Love Spell line. Now I’ve added Elisabeth Naughton to that list. 

This first book in her debut series includes it all from heart-pounding action, an intriguing mystery with a murder or two to make things interesting, an independent, take-no-prisoners heroine, a Latino hero to die for, and some hot love scenes between them that scorch the pages. Whatever Dorchester is doing, they’d better keep it up, because authors like these will keep pulling the readers in.

Rafe Sullivan is as slick as they come. He rescues Dr. Lisa Maxwell, archeologist extraordinaire, from an unwelcome fan after her lecture by pretending to be her late date, giving her a kiss that sparks her system, and continues to sweep her off her feet with his accent and charming ways. So much so, in fact, it’s Lisa who continues the seduction in her hotel room later. But things don’t go as far as either of them like. Slick slips her a Mickey and she’s out for the count before either get satisfaction. Rafe finishes his business of relieving Lisa of the second of three mythical Furies she just discovered in Jamaica and, to his regret, leaves her to sleep his handiwork off.

After all she’s gone through to get her hands on the Furies, Lisa is not about to let Slick get away with ripping her off. She has her own sources and quickly finds Rafe at home in Florida, confronts him about his scam and her Fury. What she gets instead is an I-know-shouldn’t-do-this-but-I-have-no-choice invitation to join him in the hunt for the other two Furies, proceeds to be equally split. Her anger with and attraction for the infuriating man will be her undoing, but she sets off on a mysterious and adventurous excursion with a man she never thought she’d be ready for. And getting to know Slick better along the way can’t be good for her.

Finding he needs Dr. Maxwell in more than one way doesn’t sit well with Rafe at first, but she has the knowledge and the information to find the Fury that will finally set him up for life and she has the body that he’d love to get his hands on again. Soon. But when danger begins to follow them on their journey, his need to protect her and keep her safe nearly overrides his hunger for that better life. Together they unravel the puzzle of the Furies as well as the puzzle of who is after both them and their Furies. Finally getting Lisa in his bed is just the icing on the cake.

I really enjoyed these two characters. They’re both independent and stubborn, but as they progressively learn about the other, they put their doubts aside and let their feelings grow, all in the midst of people gunning for them to steal what Rafe and Lisa need for their own personal reasons. It’s really Lisa who has the most enlightenment as we go along in the story. Finding out Rafe is an honest thief,  it’s not quite what she imagines and it makes no difference anyway when they make love. They get so lost in each other in those scenes. The secondary characters are well done, especially Lisa’s family. But others, such as Rafe’s ex-wife, are thrown into the mix and lots of fun ensues.

The storyline itself is intriguing and the action only slows down for both you and Rafe and Lisa to catch your breath. Then your heart is tripping and pounding once again as new information is found and they’re on their way to the next clue needed to find the last Fury. Ms. Naughton does a terrific job with this book, it’s a great start to the series. She’s now on my romantic suspense list, and I know I have a lot of good reading ahead of me.

Grade: A

Summary:
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To unearth a centuries-old secret, an archaeologist must team up with the rakish thief who’s stolen both an ancient relic and her heart…
.
Oh, is he handsome. And charming. And sexy as all get out. Dr. Lisa Maxwell isn’t the type to go home with a guy she barely knows. But, hey, this is Italy and the red-blooded Rafe Sullivan seems much more enticing than cataloging a bunch of dusty artifacts.
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After being fully seduced, Lisa wakes to an empty bed and, worse yet, an empty safe. She’s staked her career as an archaeologist on collecting the three Furies, a priceless set of ancient Greek reliefs. Now the one she had is gone. But Lisa won’t just get mad. She’ll get even.
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She tracks Rafe to Florida, and finds the sparks between them blaze hotter than the Miami sun. He may still have her relic, but he’ll never find all three without her. And they’re not the only ones on the hunt. To beat the other treasure seekers, they’ll have to partner up—because suddenly Lisa and Rafe are in a race just to stay alive.
.
Read an excerpt here.

Other books in this series:

Lawson’s review of A Bride for His Convenience by Edith Layton
Historical romance released by Avon 25 Nov 08

Having a marriage of convenience story is a tried and true plot device and one I’ve seen plenty of. I tend to enjoy them, as they can give some unexpected results from time to time. There’s always something to be found in those stories, especially if it adds in the idea of getting over a lost love (that of course wasn’t the right person in the first place). This book has those things and and perhaps a few surprises along the way.

Ian Sutcome is looking for a bride with money so that he can save his estates and settle his father’s debts. He feels like he is a stud on the market, though goes through with it so that he can have his home and attempt to have some semblance of order. After a few horrifying meetings, Ian is drawn to Hannah Leeds, who does agree to marry him, though he doubts her reasons, but sees his fatted calf and runs with it.

Hannah feels she’s not worthy of love after she’d been abandoned by a boy in her neighborhood who paid her some attention, but couldn’t go through with marrying her in the end. She’s resigned to her marriage to Ian, and does try to make the best of it, but can’t get past the one betrayal in her past.

As Hannah comes to care for Ian, Ian doesn’t want to risk his heart and does what he can to keep his distance, but still use the money Hannah brought to the marriage to make things right with his finances. The course of love never did run smooth, and there are obstacles in the way before Ian and Hannah can make things truly work out for them.

The whole story is told with a detachment that could be planned, but it ends up never making the characters worth really rooting for. Hannah just floats through her life, when she’s left by her young beau she just lets things happen to her. When Ian comes along she goes with it because it’s just there for her to do. She doesn’t seem to know herself well enough, much less Ian, to let herself try to make lemons into lemonade.

This could be a good story, but I’ve seen it done so much better, and with much better emotional draw that the detachment and near apathy in the parts of this one make it rather unmemorable. I will say too that I read this book quite a few months ago and don’t remember much more of the details, besides a rather nasty and petty scene from a ball that could have taken out of life due to the spite that’s capable in human nature.

It was just an average read that didn’t have many memorable features and not enough emotional pull even try.

Grade: C-

Summary:
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A bride to save his name . . .
.
Unless he finds a wealthy wife—and soon—Lord Ian Sutcombe will lose everything. Left deeply in debt by his foolish father and greedy stepmother, his only hope is to marry for money.
.
Stung by a suitor’s cruel betrayal, Hannah Leeds, daughter of a prosperous merchant, wasn’t sure she’d ever love again. So when her father arranges her betrothal to the handsome lord, she agrees.
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It was no more than a marriage of convenience. They would honor and obey, but never love . . . until a simmering passion exploded into a sizzling affair. Now, with Hannah socializing with members of the ton and another man out to win her heart, Ian will do everything in his power to show Hannah she is his ecstasy, his desire fulfilled . . . and oh so much more than a bride for his convenience.
.
Read an excerpt.

Limecello’s review of Yule be Mine by Jennifer LaBrecque
Contemporary romance released by Harlequin Blaze on 1 Dec 08

Who doesn’t love a little Christmas in April? It was snowing in all three states I was the last week of March, so I found it was fitting. I like reading everything in a book, so when I started with Ms. LaBrecque’s “Dear Reader” letter I knew I was in for a treat. In the letter, Ms. LaBrecque admits she likes thinking of the worst person the heroine can fall in love with, then proceeds to write him as the hero. Terrific, brilliant, twisted, and entertaining.

Giselle Randolph is a smart, caring, driven woman, who has decided to take her love life into her own hands. Not only is she completing an assignment for work (she writes for a magazine), but she’s going to find a man to purge the obsession with the one she can’t have – her former brother-in-law. I like how Giselle can take everything in stride, yet is also able to hold her ground when necessary. She seems to be the backbone of her family, but doesn’t let that burden, or dictate her life.

I really liked Sam McKendrick. He’s a great guy, yes, but perfect hero material. Why? Because he knows he has feelings for the heroine – even love – and he goes after her. He’s like some rare, obscure breed of some animal. A caring, emotionally attuned man. Of course, he has his clueless moments and bumbling, but Sam is also determined. And sexy. I liked that he knows Giselle so well, and that he was really trying to establish a relationship with Giselle. Of course it didn’t hurt that he’s a talented photographer, and really manly.

The story for Yule Be Mine is incredibly cute, and I really enjoyed reading it. The situation Ms. LaBrecque sets up seems impossible, yet all the parts work, and come together. I liked not only that she wrote a happy ending, but there was also personal growth on the part of the secondary characters as well. Not even the “evil sister” was static, which I found very impressive. I liked that there was real conflict, and the characters worked through it, giving such problems the attention they deserve.

The emotions were real and believable. In fact, the slightly mystic/paranormal elements didn’t even really register on my radar or bother me in this contemporary romance. The chemistry between the characters was sizzling, and I really like how believable and reasonable Ms. LaBrecque managed to make the situation. The opening grabs your attention, but also allows the reader to believe the hero and heroine have a chance, even when the circumstances make it seem impossible.

I think it helped that the “mystic” element in Yule Be Mine is what prompted a lot of the sexy scenes that occur throughout the book. Sam is given an amulet which allows him to “see” Giselle’s desires. Not her thoughts, which would have been too intrusive, but it was fun to see how Giselle and Sam got into each other’s heads.  I also liked that the amulet mattered later and was brought in a the end, which was a nice tie in.

One thing I didn’t like, however, was that Giselle got a little spastic at times. (And her name. It just didn’t really seem to fit, or be something her parents would have named her.) That, and how Giselle got into her own head too much. Her own insecurities and stubbornness were at times unnecessary and created conflict that ultimately didn’t contribute significantly to the story. However, those were relatively minor details.

I don’t think I’ve read many of Ms. LaBrecque’s books, but that’s something I plan on changing. I really enjoyed Yule Be Mine and am looking forward to reading her back list, as well as her new releases. In fact, Hot-Wired will be released in May, but it is available now from eHarlequin. Yule Be Mine has a great story, a lot of emotion, and the perfect amount of heat.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read, and especially those who like a little Christmas spirit year round.

Grade: A-

Summary:
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He’s one big no-no. But all she wants to do is scream, “Yes, yes, yes!”
.
This is going to be a Christmas to remember for journalist Giselle Randolph! Especially when she meets her new photographer. Because she’ll be working—in very close quarters—with the man she’s lusted after for years.
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Sexy Sam McKendrick…her former brother-in-law!
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Sam’s been in love with Giselle from the first moment he met her. Too bad he was married to her sister at the time. But he’s not married now…and he’s going to make sure Giselle knows how he feels. With a little help from a native shaman, he tunes in to her fantasies…and makes it a point to fulfill every one!
.
But perfectly taboo sex always has a price. And fantasies can take a guy only so far….
.
Read an excerpt here.

Liviania’s review of Undying (Clare Point, Book 2) by V.K. Forrest (No author website found)
Paranormal romance released by Kensington 1 Dec 08

I didn’t even read the blurb before starting Undying.  All I knew was that there were vampires.  (This confused me as the first chapter seemed to be through the point-of-view of a werewolf.  Turns out the hero can shapeshift into any animal.)  This novel is the sequel to Eternal, whose heroine is a main character in Undying, but it still stands on its own. 

Arlan, the hero, belongs to a clan of vampires.  They’re trying to redeem themselves, so they pay attention to human crime and take the worst offenders out.  Arlan is a handyman by day, enforcer by night.  Generally he’s a nice guy with a rough job and completely in love with Fia (the previous heroine), who doesn’t love him back.  But one one-night stand is about to become more.

Maggie/Macy is an informant to FBI agent/vampire Fia.  She’s been in contact with the Buried Alive Killer since he killed her family, and she’s finally had enough.  While she wants to give information to Fia to help her catch the criminal, Macy doesn’t want to reveal her own past and often lies about what she knows.  She finds herself growing closer to Arlan even though she usually pushes people away to protect them from the killer.

What follows is the standard hunting the killer down plot.  The fact that most of the characters are vampires allows the plot to work, but doesn’t add much to the story.  It doesn’t help that most of the side plots – Fia’s brother being missing, the dissolution of her relationship – only tangentially relate to the main plot.  It’s all a little lackluster.  In addition, the resolution of the romance isn’t entirely satisfying.  It feels true to the characters but a certain aspect of it could be expanded.

Undying wasn’t badly written and I never felt the urge to put it down.  On the other hand, once I finished all I felt was “blah.”  It wasn’t bad but it still managed to feel like a waste of time, both because I’ve read similar a thousand times before and because of the ending.  Also, I’m not the least bit curious about what happens before or after.  If I were bored I might pick up the next one, but I doubt I’ll ever read Eternal.  The relationship doesn’t even make it through the second book, so why spend an entire novel reading about how they got together?  I did like Fia and Arlan but their spark was overwhelmed by the blah.

Grade: C-

Summary
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The Kahill vampire clan has lived among humans for hundreds of years in Delaware’s peaceful village of Clare Point. In Undying, V.K. Forrest introduces readers to Arlan, a fierce member of the clan who must fight his desire for a love most forbidden…
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As part of the Kahill clan’s special operations “kill team,” Arlan is devoted to ridding the world of its most depraved human members. He’s been asked by fellow clan member and FBI Agent Fia Kahill to assist in one of her investigations: the notorious Buried Alive Killer case. Arlan agrees to meet with one of Fia’s key informants, Macy Smith, but he’s completely unprepared for his response to the young woman. Blond, petite, and achingly beautiful, Macy is everything Arlan could want in a woman—and it’s clear the attraction is mutual. Although Arlan once vowed he would never again let himself fall in love with a human being, he surrenders to his overpowering desire for Macy…
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Soon, Arlan and Macy keep mysteriously crossing one another’s paths, even in Clare Point. In Macy, Arlan can sense a loneliness that reminds him of his own and a vulnerability that tugs at his soul. But Macy is a drifter with a past far darker than even Arlan can imagine. And when the Buried Alive Killer strikes again, he learns that Macy has a deep connection to the case—one that will put her in the crosshairs of the killer if Arlan can’t find a way to protect her…
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V.K. Forrest lives with her family in Seaford, Delaware. Undying is the second book in her Clare Point series.
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Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series [Gwen Ed.: very pretty covers]:

Sandy M’s review of Love Without Blood by Raz Steel
Paranormal Romance published by Love Spell 30 Dec 08

I was browsing my local Target and, of course, couldn’t stay away from the book aisle. I picked this book up, thought the blurb sounded good, so decided to try it. One of those impulse buys when you’re not expecting to really buy anything at all. When I started reading, the first chapter started out grabbing at me right away, held on tight and didn’t loosen its grasp one little bit.  Until I got to the second chapter, that is.

The only reason I hesitated when I started the second chapter is that it totally broke the heart-pounding, the anticipation, the grip of the first chapter. Dead stop. All of that did pick up again with the third chapter, but the fourth chapter brought me to a dead stop again. I was a tad irritated by this time. But I have to admit that when all of these different chapters finally came to together and it was clear where the author was leading me, I forgave him for jerking me around those first however many chapters.

I really can’t go into a lot of what happens in this book because everything is so closely related by name, by character, by events, etc., that it would give too much away. I can say that I did like the characters in this book. Lara West is a surgeon and is ready to step into the top dog position of her ER. She’s a very strong lady, is even able to block most of the mind control that goes on in this book.

Bobby is a vampire who makes a good life for himself working at hospitals where it’s easier for his kind to feed. He’s one of those good vamps who doesn’t kill humans when feeding.  He has a little humanity left in him, no matter what the government team who searches for and destroys vampires says. A favorite character is Phillipe, a gay nurse who befriends both Lara and Bobby.

There’s so much that goes on in this book, it’s nearly difficult to even tell much of what happens. Lara is carted off by that government team to help them out. Bobby is just trying to keep his current life on stable ground. Both of them get caught up in something ground breaking, but that nearly does them both in and only sheer grit and determination keep them alive. The only thing I didn’t like about these two is the author keeps them apart for the longest time.  It’s great scenes when they finally do come together, but I would have liked to have had more. Not sure if that’s even feasible, but I still would have liked it.

All in all, this is quite an interesting read, even given my apprehension in the beginning. The addition of Phillipe’s parents at the end, I’m not sure if that was needed, especially with no explanation as to their belief in vampires. The villain is one evil bastard and he has a heyday reigning havoc in the last quarter of the book.

Take a chance.  I think you might be surprised.

Grade: B

Summary:
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“I CAN’T STOP THE BLEEDING,” said her nighttime caller.
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The intruder then compelled Dr. Lara West to remove the bullet from his shoulder. She treated his wound, but that quelled neither his desire for the sweet life pulsing through the flesh of her thigh, nor the rampant animal lust that defines his existence.
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The darkness has just begun. Dr. West’s identity, what she wants—all stands in danger of being devoured. Nothing is ever the same for those inducted into the sinister world of vampires, be they newly turned monsters or the government agents sworn to destroy them. Lara West has tasted both power and passion, and a price must be paid. Yet she’s glimpsed salvation in the night. Hope still remains for…
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Read an excerpt.

Limecello’s review of Restless (Indecent Proposals Miniseries, Book 3) by Tori Carrington
Contemporary romance published by Harlequin Blaze on 1 Dec 08

This is the third and final book to Tori Carrington’s Indecent Proposals series, and it’s my favorite of the bunch. The first two are Shameless and Reckless. The books can be read alone, but I recommend reading all three because it adds that much more to each subsequent story.Lizzie Gilbred is a lawyer who hasn’t won in life by playing by the rules. After an emotional upheaval where her boyfriend breaks up with her via text message, Lizzie decides she’s entitled to some indulgence. Lizzie has been interested in her tenant, Patrick Gauge – musician and drifter- and decides he’s the perfect candidate for her first ever one night stand. Of course the best laid plans and all, and as usual, nothing is as it seems. Lizzie quickly finds herself with more than she bargained for. I really liked Lizzie’s character. She’s fun, entertaining, smart, and real. She’s honest with herself, and about her emotions. I really wish more romance heroines were like Lizzie, at least in her personality.

Patrick Gauge is a terrific hero/anti-hero. He’s pretty much the villain in the first book, Shameless, but grows a lot as a person from that time. I like that Gauge has his own story, and issues to work through aside from figuring out his relationship with Lizzie. It was nice that he suddenly realized the impact and depth of the mistakes he’s made in life. It was also nice that Gauge takes responsibility for his actions, rather than blaming them entirely on his upbringing.

I really liked that Gauge made mistakes, and even amidst his newer missteps, his underlying reason for being in Michigan is that he wants to make things right with his old friends (the hero and heroine of Shameless). Gauge grows a lot as a person, and realizes he loves Lizzie, but his story has more. What made that even better is that the other story lines in no way detracted from the romance, or stole the attention from that focus.

I found Restless to be an incredibly real story. It’s something I could see happening to someone I know, even, yet it was very entertaining and enjoyable. While I will say there wasn’t too much plot, as in action, that was fine. I prefer romances that focus on the characters, their person, emotions, and what they’re going through. I’m sure having less to distract the reader makes it that much more difficult for the author to write as well, so kudos to Tori Carrington.

That’s not to say that nothing happens. There are a number of secondary story lines, and cameo appearances. I enjoyed each and every one, and felt that they helped move the story along. It was also nice to see how and where all the other characters were.  In a way, it was necessary, to provide closure for all the characters as well.

I know I’m not saying much, but I just really think you should read this book – and the previous two, if you’re at all interested. I know Shameless was marketed as being ground breaking for the Blaze line. (Something about the heroine’s actions or promiscuity? I really don’t remember and likely got that wrong.) Still, this book really cinched it, and I’m glad the series ended on such a wonderful note. I recommend this book to all of Tori Carrington’s fans, as well as those who like Blaze books, and even those of you who are considering categories. They’re not evil, I promise. Try one. This one.

Grade: A-

Summary:

Being nice is overrated!

Straitlaced lawyer Lizzie Gilbred has had it with being a good girl. This Christmas, she’s going to be naughty—very, very naughty. And lucky for her, she knows just the guy to help her….

Patrick Gauge, a footloose musician with a body to die for, is exactly the type of man Lizzie’s got on her holiday wish list. What better way to take the plunge into the official world of “bad girl-dom” than jumping right into his bed! Gauge makes her body sing…and it’s a wickedly seductive tune.

Lizzie can’t believe what a wildcat she becomes in his arms. But it’s clearly just a physical thing between her and the restless guitarist….

That is, unless she can find a new song for them to play—one with more permanent lyrics!

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in the series:

LauraJ’s review of Unraveled by Jaci Burton
Contemporary Romance eBook Novella released by Samhain 23 Dec 08

I will admit, while I have heard of Jaci Burton and have heard good things, I have never read one of her stories. I like novellas for the reason I can check-out the author’s writing without investing a lot of time. So when this one became available I thought it would be a good chance to try another new-to-me author.

Mitch Magruder is the type of guy who is used to getting what he wants without much effort and he wants to open a beach front resort in the town where he grew up. His company and investors have found just the spot but the owner refuses to sell. Mitch goes “home” to meet directly with the owner Greta Mason. He has known her for more than 20 years, the sister of one of his good friends. But when he arrives at her hotel, she’s not the same girl he knew back then, she has grown into a gorgeous woman and he’s finding he is very attracted to this grown up version.

Greta is happy to see her brother’s friend at first until she finds out that he is there to try and buy her hotel. The hotel was left to her by her father and she does not want to sell it even if it is draining not only her pocketbook but also her life. She has two children but taking care of the hotel takes up so much of her time she has little time left to spend doing the fun things she likes. Mitch is providing a distraction she doesn’t want, but she figures why not take advantage of the fun he’s offering.

While Mitch comes to Greta’s hotel to convince her to sell it he quickly finds a once vibrant woman, basically lacking a life. I liked how he put his plans on hold to show her that there was more to life and that it is important for her to take time for herself.

Greta is definitely a woman in need of some fun. I kind of expected her to be whiney and that type of heroine annoys me to no end, but she wasn’t. She’s a tough woman working hard to not only make ends meet but keep hold of something that is very sentimental to her. Mitch comes along at the right time to show her there is more to her life and that she can love again. Her loves scenes with Mitch are very steamy.

While not a huge fan of kids in romance books, Greta’s kids are actually critical to this story line and Ms. Burton has done a nice job of making the kids part of the story rather than just a couple of secondary characters thrown in. They provide a lot of insight to not only Mitch, but to the reader about Greta’s life and why she she‘s trying so hard make her hotel work.

Overall, I found this to be a quick and enjoyable read about letting go of the past, and learning to live and love again. I’m looking forward to reading more from Ms. Burton.

Grade: B

Summary:
The greatest gift is getting what you never thought you wanted.

Mitch Magruder, rich, successful, wildly popular surfer and entrepreneur, is always on the lookout for the next big wave or the next great deal. So when he’s home for the holidays, he jumps at the chance to build one of his famous hotels right on the white, sandy, Florida beach where he grew up. The only thing standing in his way is Greta Mason.

Divorced with two children, Greta welcomes the struggle to make ends meet at the ramshackle beachfront motel her father left her. The motel means everything to her, and no amount of money—or hot nights of persuasion—offered by gorgeous, sexy Mitch is going to change her mind. No matter how much his touch unravels her defenses.

For once, Mitch finds he’s the one doing the chasing, and Greta’s doing more than throwing a monkey wrench into his perfectly orchestrated world. She’s making him think about things he’s never considered before, things other than the pursuit of money. Things like settling down with the right woman.

Now if only he can convince her he wants more than hot sex, moonlit nights, and her hotel…

Warning: This book contains sun, sand, surf, bikinis, hot men in board shorts, talk of Christmas shopping (ack!) foreplay, midplay, afterplay, and all that deliciously naughty explicit sex (up against the wall, in a limo and…*gasp*…even in a bed!).

Read an excerpt here.

Limecello’s review of Glitter Baby by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Fiction re-released by Avon on 30 Dec 08

Susan Elizabeth Phillips is one of my favorite authors. Favorite. Glitter Baby is one of the few novels that Ms. Phillips wrote that I hadn’t yet read due to availability, so I’m so glad this one was reprinted. Glitter Baby was first published in 1987 [Ed.: Check out the totally tubular shoulder-pad action on the original cover by mousing over this one], and this re-print has some revisions. I haven’t read a novel by Ms. Phillips in a while, so it was nice to come back to a novel that had the tone and style of her earlier works. I really enjoyed Glitter Baby – the characters are likable and well written, and the Hollywood aspect is a great tie to her new release What I Did For Love. (Which I need to get my hands on!)

“The Glitter Baby” is the persona created for the public facet of Fleur Savagar’s life. She is also the first character we meet in the novel, and the opening is quite effective. I really liked the introduction, but immediately after the story moved to tell of Fleur’s mother — Belinda Britton. I really didn’t like Belinda, and for more than the obvious reasons. She’s a horrible person, a parasite, and quite likely a sociopath. At least, that’s what I thought of Belinda. But perhaps being a sociopath would make it better, because Belinda was so one dimensional. Perhaps I don’t sympathize with her enough, but I never felt that Belinda truly loved Fleur. She only “loved” her daughter because Fleur was a tie to Errol Flynn — Fleur’s father.

This is getting confusing. I felt that the reader is actually given much more of Belinda’s history than Fleur’s in comparison. (In a way I felt that Fleur was slightly short changed.) Belinda is obsessed with Hollywood. She wants to be a star, but while beautiful, has no personality. Belinda also views actors as being superhuman. They can do what they want, and are better and more important than “regular people.” It’s almost creepy the way Belinda is willing to be degraded to cater to the whims of “Hollywood royalty.” Belinda is living with Errol Flynn, but ends up marrying Alexi Savagar when Belinda discovers she is pregnant after Flynn drops her.  I got the impression that Alexi loved Belinda, at first, but that Alexi is a psychopath. I had hoped he would be more emotive, but alas, no. Fleur grows up away from home, because while Flynn and Savagar were friends, they were also rivals, and Alexi isn’t willing to raise someone else’s bastard.

The reader truly meets Fleur when she is sixteen, and Fleur is quite the sympathetic character. She’s desperate for love and acceptance, and has been manipulated by everyone who should have her best interest at heart. In a way, I was much more interested with Fleur’s past than with her as a person at that point. Fleur comes into herself throughout the novel, and experiences tragedy and growth in some of the most emotionally damaging ways. While Fleur’s character tugs on your heart strings, I admit that at times I got fed up. Aside from getting herself into some predictable situations, Fleur often was too naive — she needed a reality check.

Jake Koranda is a terrific hero, and in my opinion possibly one of the most approachable ones Ms. Phillips has written. He’s flawed, but in a good way. Although an award winning author and A-list author, Jake seems the most “normal.” I also liked that he never went out of his way to hurt Fleur -and he knew he wanted to pursue her early on. Jake is complex. He’s temperamental, bitter, and has a major chip on his shoulder. Yet he’s a good guy – and really cares for people. He’s smart, and had a difficult life. Jake is scarred by his childhood, his experience with marriage, and his stint in Vietnam. He’s lived a lifetime before he even hit 30. Jake is also gruff, abrupt, and sometimes a jerk. In short, he’s human. But one of the better guys.

The people and personalities truly are what make the book – the secondary stories and characters are a joy to read. Fleur’s half-brother Michel, and Fleur’s roommate/friend Kissy Sue Christie are unique in the best way possible. It has been a long time since I enjoyed a “supporting cast” as much. I also have to say – at the time where Fleur takes her life back into her hands, she becomes a great heroine. It’s really sweet how she’s her own woman, but still that shy awkward girl with Jake. And I love how he insists on intruding in her life and being there for her.

The resolution — as in what brought Fleur and Jake together — was terrific, and I’d love read or see a cameo appearance by any of these characters. I recommend this book to anyone who loves Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ writing (and who doesn’t?) as well as readers of contemporary romance, or simply anyone looking for a great new read.

Grade: A-

Summary:

Welcome to the world of the Glitter Baby

Fleur Savagar is the most beautiful woman in the world . . . to everyone but herself. With her oversized hands and paddle-boat feet, her streaky blond hair and funny green eyes, she lives a life filled with secrets that began before she was born. That was when her bewitching mother left home to find James Dean and met Errol Flynn instead. Now Fleur has to grow up quickly, and life won’t make that easy.

Jake Koranda is both New York’s most brilliant playwright and Hollywood’s hottest actor. Difficult, talented, and tormented, he has no patience for international glamour girls, not even ones with beautiful bodies and smart-aleck mouths. But there’s more to the Glitter Baby than shine, and Fleur’s tougher than Jake expects. Even with the odds stacked against her, she’s fiercely determined to discover the woman she’s destined to be.

An ugly duckling who can’t believe she’s turned into a swan . . . A tough-guy movie star with a haunted past . . . In a land of broken dreams, can two unlikely lovers trust their hearts?

Read an excerpt here.

LauraD’s review of Whisper No Lies (Black Ops, Book 3) by Cindy Gerard
Contemporary romantic suspense released by Pocket 30 Dec 08

There is a lot to be said for pure escapism in literature, and for me a good contemporary romance/suspense is just about the best kind of candy. Cindy Gerard is currently writing some fun and juicy stuff.

Whisper No Lies is book 3 in the Black Ops, Inc. series, but since I hadn’t read the first two I was pleased to find that it succeeds quite well as a standalone. The operators of Black Ops, Inc. , also known as the BOIs, are a group of soldiers-for-hire who are (of course) like a close knit family. On the other hand, Crystal Debrowski is pretty much on her own.

Crystal is the head of gaming for a Vegas casino, and she and Johnny Duane Reed already have a history. They’ve known each other for awhile in the FWB kind of way, and both find the other more attractive than they want to admit, even to themselves. Their casual relationship is drastically changed when Crystal is kidnapped by a ruthless crime boss who wants to add her to his personal harem. She’s not the only woman Yao Long has abducted and taken to Indonesia, and soon both Crystal and the BOIs are trying to rescue a young girl and get safely home.

Crystal rocks. She is described early on as “sex on a stick”, but she’s also an intelligent and self sufficient woman with an expert set of self-defense skills and very smart mouth. She knows Johnny Duane is bad news for her heart, and does her best to cut ties with him before the action starts. Yeah, like that’s gonna happen! Once they are in Jakarta she does her own share of rescuing herself, and proves to be a good teammate to the ultra alpha males that comprise Black Ops. And please, Crystal Debrowski? What a great name for a romance heroine!

Johnny Duane is an interesting character, an inveterate and unrepentant lover of women and good times. He’s great with kids, and loyal to his friends. Apparently he was just waiting for the right woman, because once he learns Crystal has been kidnapped he becomes utterly focused on her. Of course he pulls a boneheaded move towards the end of the book, but he’s a very sexy hero and a very easy to like guy.

The suspense plot is tight, and the action sequences are well written and make sense. Be advised, Yao Long is a villain from the very eeeeeevil school, and like most of Gerard’s bad guys he is over the top. I was actually a bit discomfited by the author’s decision to make Long’s crew stereotypical of a bad movie — if they are Asian, they are bad guys, whether they are Chinese, Japanese, or Indonesian.

All in all, I really enjoyed Whisper No Lies. Crystal is the best character Cindy Gerard has written, and I wish more contemporary suspense heroines were as self assured and kick ass as she is. Johnny Duane proved a perfect foil; a tasty alpha male who is comfortable with a capable woman. This was pretty much a cover to cover read for me, and I look forward to seeing which of the BOIs will find his HEA next.

Grade: B+

Read more about this series by following its tag.

Summary:

In New York Times bestselling author Cindy Gerard’s fiery new romantic suspense series, when danger threatens, the seductive heroes of Black Ops, Inc. turn up the heat.

AN INDECENT PROPOSAL… When a high roller at the Vegas casino where Crystal Debrowski manages security makes a scandalous proposition, she flat-out refuses, especially given rumors of his shady overseas connections. But then counterfeit bills mysteriously flood the gaming tables, and her reputation — and her life — are on the line.

REVEALS A SIMMERING DESIRE… Despite his big, flirty grin, Texas heartbreaker Johnny Duane Reed can’t get sassy Crystal off his mind. When she is abducted by an international crime lord with a threatening obsession, Reed enlists his Black Ops, Inc. team to pursue a dangerous mission to rescue her.

…WITH DEADLY CONSEQUENCES. Between Crystal and Johnny burns a scorching flame, but as they battle her relentless abductor, they uncover a malicious arms trafficking and white slavery ring. Together, they must destroy the tyrant’s wicked enterprises or face his reign of terror themselves….

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

Shannon C.’s review of The Flame (Sons of Destiny, Book 7) by Jean Johnson
Fantasy romance released by Berkley Trade/Sensation 2 Dec 08

As I’ve said in my last few reviews of the books in this series, I’ve been a slavish follower of Ms. Johnson ever since I discovered her books. They have a combination of fantasy and romance that’s maybe a bit lighter on the romance than some romance readers prefer, but which is interesting to me nonetheless. This seventh book is no exception, as it brings the seventh of the Nightfall brothers his destined mate and moves the plots begun earlier in the series toward their conclusion in the eighth and final book.

Koranen, the seventh of the brothers stranded on the island of Nightfall, is that rarest of all creatures, the virgin hero. His affinity with fire has a tendency to flair up out of control and he’s left a few burns on tender female flesh to prove it. So he’s got a huge case of sexual frustration going for him. But he’ll finally get a chance to exercise some of that frustration after an agreement brokered by his brother Morganen sends several Aquamancers to Nightfall. Now Kor has to figure out which of them he can touch without burning.

Danau, one of the chosen Aquamancers, is the kind of heroine I love to distraction when she’s written well, which, like all of Johnson’s heroines, she is. Her problem is pretty much the opposite of Kor’s, in that when her passions run high, she gets cold. Let’s just say, her last lover had frostbite in an unpleasant place. Oops. Danau’s culture views this as a failing on her part as a woman, and so she’s determined to figure out the secrets of Nightfall’s famed desalinator, which processes salt water and makes it fresh. She’ll let her fellow Aquamancers play courting games with Kor, because obviously he wouldn’t want someone like her. Sure, she’s attracted to him, but all she can have are frustrating nightly dreams. That combination of prickly exterior concealing a woman who really just needs a hug–or a lot more, come to that–is something I find irresistible. I find that quality in Eve Dallas, and I find it in Danau, and I want more heroines like them.

Unlike Gwen, I really liked the romance. It did take a while, but I thought the reasons were good ones. I mean, Danau is obsessed with her work, and doesn’t send off friendly vibes, while her fellow Aquamancers are all over Kor like white on rice. It’s no wonder he doesn’t see the very, very obvious until he gets smacked upside the head with it. I think that’s a fairly realistic reaction, and provided a conflict that didn’t feel forced or artificial. I also loved that Danau and Kor have to figure out the whole sex thing. It never feels awkward or uncomfortable to me as a reader, but it did feel very true to the characters.

I can’t speak more about the fantasy plot without going into spoilers, but I expect great things from the next book in the series where that plot is concerned. It was also nice to see all the secondary characters, and I devoured this book quickly. It’s not a good book to start if you haven’t been reading the series, but if you’re following it, you definitely want to read it.

Grade: B+

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

Summary:
Seventh in the hot series from the national bestselling author that Jayne Anne Krentz hails as “fabulously fresh.” Eight brothers, born in four sets of twins, two years apart to the day–they fulfill the Curse of Eight Prophecy. Though no longer trapped in exile, their growing family faces new problems. Now that it’s his turn to look for a bride, Koranen, the seventh-born brother, cursed with a flame that courses beneath his flesh, must find a woman able to endure the literal heat of his passion. Then Danau the Aquamancer arrives, and as everyone knows, fire and water create steam.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

LauraD’s review of At Grave’s End (Night Huntress, Book 3) by Jeaniene Frost
Urban fantasy released by Avon 30 Dec 08

Cat’s back! Jeaniene Frost’s killer vampire huntress Cat Crawfield and her sexy bloodsucker of a boyfriend, Bones, have returned for a third book, and oh my is it fun!

Actually it’s more of a paranormal adventure, as Cat and Bones have already established a solid love affair (a vampire marriage) and no threat to their love for one another is presented. But romance lovers should have no fear, as the couple is plenty sexy and the storyline engaging. If you are new to the series, you won’t have any problems keeping up — but be warned you will be seeking out the first two books.

Cat is a vampire hunter, and although she is good at disguising herself it’s getting harder and harder not to be recognized as the infamous “Red Reaper”. Her team are finding themselves in closer scrapes than they ever have before, and one of them has a very inconvenient lust-on for Cat. Into the middle of that tension comes Bones’ sire, Mencheres, to officially recognize Bones as his heir.

And that’s all before the bomb explodes. (And notice, I’m not even mentioning Cat’s very difficult mother…)

Soon Cat and company find themselves in the middle of a vampire war, and boy do the vamps fight dirty. At Grave’s End has several well-written battle scenes; a touch gory without being too graphic. Frost’s trademark humor is also intact, Cat and snark are well acquainted. A new character is introduced that some readers may find a bit cheesy, but I loved the opportunities for humor he provided.

I found this to be a fast-paced read, even with the inclusion of back story necessary for new readers. To my dismay, the previously steamy love scenes between Cat and Bones were missing — Ms. Frost wrote some damn good ones in the first two books. They are still new enough as a couple to be knocking boots on a regular basis, darn it! The dialogue between the two is fun and realistic, as is the relationship of a couple who know they belong together but are still working out some issues.

The secondary characters are well written, and the villain is plenty bad without being over the top eeeevil.

Vampire fans should consider Jeaniene Frost another author to add to the “does it well” list, and At Grave’s End is another fun chapter in the Night Huntress world. When I finish a book already looking forward to the author’s next one, I am a happy reader. This reader is looking forward to the next adventure featuring Cat and Bones.

Grade: B+

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

Summary:

Some things won’t stay buried . . . at grave’s end

It should be the best time of half-vampire Cat Crawfield’s life. With her undead lover Bones at her side, she’s successfully protected mortals from the rogue undead. But though Cat’s worn disguise after disguise to keep her true identity a secret from the brazen bloodsuckers, her cover’s finally been blown, placing her in terrible danger.

As if that wasn’t enough, a woman from Bones’s past is determined to bury him once and for all. Caught in the crosshairs of a vengeful vamp, yet determined to help Bones stop a lethal magic from being unleashed, Cat’s about to learn the true meaning of bad blood. And the tricks she’s learned as a special agent won’t help her. She will need to fully embrace her vampire instincts in order to save herself-and Bones-from a fate worse than the grave.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

Sandy M’s review of Mayhem In High Heels (High Heels Mysteries, Book 5) by Gemma Halliday
Chick Lit published by Making It 30 Dec 08

What a difference a year makes.  I read and reviewed the fourth book in this series, Alibi in High Heels, in February 2008.  I gave that book a B grade and said Maddie, the heroine, was a breath of fresh air.  A year later Maddie irritated me more than anything else in reading this current book.

Maybe it’s the storyline that’s the difference.  In reading my past review, things about that book came back to me.  Maddie was the suspect in the crime read about, so she couldn’t rely on the French police to clear her, she had to do that herself.  So she was pretty motivated not to give in and kept digging to find the real culprit.  After she’s cleared of any wrongdoing, her boyfriend, Jack Ramirez, proposes and that’s where Mayhem picks up, Maddie getting ready for their wedding in just a few days’ time.

But that Maddie is now letting people walk all over her, deciding for her everything about her wedding.  It’s her wedding planner who ends up being the victim this time around so that Maddie can then investigate her last murder mystery instead of planning her wedding. When she does have those rare moments of actually doing something for the big day, like tasting the wedding cake, and her fiance doesn’t show much interest, she suddenly begins to have doubts about spending the rest of her life with him. I’d say a good portion of grooms to be show very little interest in planning their wedding, so buck up, Maddie.  You should be showing Jack why he should stick around for you.  Instead, she just heads back into her investigating with her friends, even when Jack asks her stay out of it.

And in her investigation we once again have Felix, aka Tabloid Boy, on the scene.  As far as I’m concerned, Maddie doesn’t deserve Jack for the way she’s always questioning her feelings for Felix.  In the previous book when Ramirez flew all the way to France because Maddie was in trouble, he walked in on those two in a liplock.  He obviously forgave her.  But you’d think she’d stay away from Felix now that she’s home and engaged.

I think it’s just me and Chick Lit.  We don’t get along all that well.  I want more of a hero involved in my story, and when he’s a great, stand-up guy like Ramirez, I want them treated accordingly.   I do, though, like Ms. Halliday’s writing and her humor.  I did laugh out loud a couple of times, though other times I felt she did a number of things a certain way just for the laughs.  Other than that, I just felt let down by this story.

The end of this book didn’t quite work for me either.  It’s the last one in the series, or so the back cover of this ARC I have tells me, and I expected something with a bit more closure.  Granted, Maddie finally gets her wedding her way, so maybe her readers should have gotten to go along on the honeymoon to enjoy the love Maddie finally decides she wants more than adventure.

Grade: C-

Read reviews of this and other books in the series by following its tag.

Summary:

Maddie Springer is finally walking down the aisle with the man of her dreams. And she’s got the perfect wedding planner to pull it all off in style. Well, perfect, that is, until the woman winds up dead—murdered in buttercream icing. Suddenly Maddie’s hope of a dream wedding melts faster than an ice sculpture at an outdoor buffet. And when her groom-to-be is assigned the detective in charge of the case, there goes any chance of a honeymoon. Unless, of course, Maddie can find the murderer before her big day. With the help of her fellow fashionista friends, Maddie vows to unveil the cold-blooded killer. Is it the powerful ex-husband, the hot young boy toy, a secret lover from the past, or a billionaire bridezilla on the warpath? As the wedding day grows closer, tempers flare, old flames return, and Maddie’s race to the altar turns into a race against time.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Limecello’s review of Pregnancy Proposal (Saxon Brides, Book 3) by Tessa Radley
Contemporary romance published by Silhouette Desire on 9 Dec 08

This is the third and final installment to Tessa Radley’s trilogy The Saxon Brides. I enjoyed all three books very much, and am sad to see it end. Pregnancy Proposal has a few plot twists one wouldn’t expect at the beginning, but fortunately don’t distract from the developing relationship of the hero, Heath, and heroine, Amy.

Pregnancy Proposal is a very cute story that has a great focus on the romance between Amy and Heath.

The heroine Amy Wright appeared in both Mistaken Mistress and Spaniard’s Seduction, but I didn’t have a feel for her personality until this one. She was affianced to Roland Saxon, the oldest Saxon brother who passed away at the beginning of Mistaken Mistress. In a way, I wasn’t sure if I’d like Amy because Roland wasn’t much of a winner, and someone who stayed with a man who constantly cheated on her and was rather smarmy doesn’t inspire confidence in the reader. Amy had a lot of issues to deal with – she convinced herself she had to be prim and proper, but Amy’s starched personality didn’t do a lot for me. I also wasn’t sold on her reasons for being such. Still, she’s friendly and likable – and provided depth to the story. It’s also nice that she begins to discover herself and emerges from her shell, making her a lot more personable and fun.

Heath Saxon is what made the book. I love the misunderstood hero – as long as he doesn’t become maudlin or mopey, which Heath didn’t. Heath also suffered from what seemed to be unrequited love, which also wins him sympathy points, and my affection. I love the heroes that suffer nobly. (Although Heath was by no means a saint, considering the plot.) Heath is a well developed character with a lot of emotional depth – he’s sweet, in that he tries so hard, but is in a difficult position. I like that he was a strong character, without being overbearing. He’s masculine, without any of the ridiculous or annoying posturing.

I’m not sure if it was meant to be more of a secret, but I felt like the book danced around a very obvious point. Maybe people who don’t read the back cover or book blurb may have been more surprised, but it was a bit frustrating to have to read through a lot of speculation and unnecessary drama before the issue was revealed. I know there had to be conflict, but the amount of time Amy spent being uncertain about Heath’s affections were grating. Some of what she thought or believed also was groundless and not entirely believable. She had cast Heath as a villain in her head – but there was no reason for her to do that.

Still, that’s only what bothered me. I really loved the cameo appearances by all the other characters from the previous novels. However, it was nice in that they only helped move things along, rather than distracted from the plot. I also like Megan Saxon, and I hope that she’ll get her own story as well. Another positive about Pregnancy Proposal are the sweet scenes between Amy and Heath. At times they’re so close but some minor detail will tip the balance and make them take a step back. All the little flashbacks were also nice – and helped fill in some holes from the previous two books.

The chemistry between Heath and Amy was unmistakable. I loved reading their relationship throughout the book, watching them become more familiar and safe with one another. The personality and humor that developed was quite enjoyable. All in all I liked this book and found it a nice way to wrap up the Saxon Brides trilogy. I recommend this book to anyone who likes Ms. Radley’s writing, as well as those who enjoy books from the Silhouette Desire Line.

Grade: B-

Read more reviews of all the books in this series by following its tag.

Summary:

Secret Pregnancy

His late brother’s fiancee was pregnant with a Saxon heir. Yet Amy Wright thought she could just leave town? Not even the black sheep of the mighty Saxons would allow that. So Heath Saxon propositioned Amy: avoid illegitimacy for her baby by marrying him. Convincing her wasn’t easy. Until he showed her what a night as his wife would be like.

But Amy has a very big secret about the Saxon baby. About just who the father really is…

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in the series:

Lynne Connolly‘s review of Murder Game (GhostWalkers, Book 7) by Christine Feehan
Contemporary paranormal romantic suspense released by Jove 30 Dec 08

Feehan’s latest entry in the GhostWalker series features the remaining single member of the original team, Kadan, and Tansy, a woman with the ability to “read” people if she touches something they have touched.

Kadan seeks out Tansy where she is photographing a mountain lion for a magazine. Kadan is the first person she can touch without gloves on because he’s an ‘anchor’ to her abilities and can shield her. He’s seeking a serial killer, the mastermind behind a team that has killed on both coasts of the US, and because they are all enhanced like him, he needs Tansy’s help tracking them down.  The story takes the reader on a roller-coaster ride of danger and hot sex.

Feehan is an instinctive writer, and so there are some loose ends that bothered me a little. The mountain lion start fizzled into nothing, and I wondered where the authorities were in this story. While I know that the GhostWalker teams work for a mysterious “General” and have clearance, I’m not sure that meant they could travel over the US, killing people without another agency getting involved. Some of their targets were serial killers, and so surely there must have been some official investigation? However, you don’t stop to think until the story is over.

It’s a breakneck chase, during the course of which Kadan and Tansy stop for quite a few torrid love scenes. Feehan does use purple prose on occasion, but her sex scenes are beautiful, and transmit sizzling hot sex and deep emotion. Kadan falls for Tansy on sight, but it takes Tansy a while to come around. I found Kadan sexy and interesting, with a depth of character that Tansy sometimes lacked, but she was filled-in enough to make the reader care for her. There is one part of the story where I wanted to slap her—she put the whole team in danger, but on the whole, she managed to be brave without being stupid, and I’m really grateful for that.

One character didn’t get the retribution I think he deserved and the ending was a bit rushed, but I can say I enjoyed the book thoroughly, and if you go along for the great ride Feehan takes you on, you’ll probably enjoy it too.

A solid B+ for me.

Grade: B+

Read reviews of other books in the series by following the GhostWalker series tag.

Summary:

Return to the world of the GhostWalkers with “the queen of paranormal romance” (USA Today) as she raises the stakes in the ultimate game of love and death…

Games should be fun, but for two expert teams across the country, they’re murder – because the winning team is the one that gets the most kills. The participants in this violent challenge rumored to be GhostWalkers. And Kadan Montague isn’t happy about it.

Kadan is a GhostWalker and he’s determined to clear the GhostWalker name of the rumors. To do it, he’s going to need the help of psychic Tansy Meadows. But as soon as he sees her, he knows his mission will be more complicated than he imagined – and the “murder game” may not be at all what it seems.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series (in reading order):

Devon’s review of Come Toy With Me by Cara Summers
Contemporary Romance released by Harlequin Blaze 1 Dec 08

Hey, wasn’t Christmas, like, a month ago? Yeah, but I’m still catching up with stuff. Like reviewing Christmas themed romances. I don’t think readers will find the Christmas in NYC backdrop to be too intrusive. No one dresses up like Santa, and there are no nods to A Christmas Carol or It’s a Wonderful Life. I think fans of the fast moving, sexy Blaze line will enjoy this one well after the holidays.

Dino Angelis is the sort of hero romance fans will adore. A tall, dark and sexy Greek-American, he is tough, strong and competent after a long career in the navy. Dino is also highly in touch with his emotional side, having inherited a strong sense of intuition from his psychic mother. What’s not to love? Dino is strong armed by his superior into one of those “only in a romance” scenarios: posing as the fiancé of a shop owner while investigating a possible drug smuggling plot operating out of her toy shop. Raise your hand if you’ve ever had a pretend fiancé!

Dino knows from the start that this operation will be somehow significant. This feeling is compounded once he meets his fake fiancée, Cat McGuire. Cat is not as well developed or interesting as Dino, but she’s pretty and nice and has a neat job. I’d love to own a cool toy shop in the city. Their romance felt a bit rushed and out of the blue, which is usually how I feel about romances based on lust. But enough chemistry was generated for me to buy into it.

Cara Summers creates a fully realized world. There are a good number of characters, and they all play a role in the story. I liked the urban setting and holiday atmosphere. The drug smuggling subplot kept my interest until the out-of-left field denouement. That had me giggling a bit.

Ah well, the Blaze line is not meant to be romantic suspense. They are meant to be fast, fun reads, with plenty of romance and sex, and Come Toy With Me definitely fits that bill.

Grade: B-

The Summary:
What a night before Christmas…

Rugged Dino Angelis, navy captain and special ops agent, has the family Sight. But even that couldn’t have prepared him for his hungry reaction to Cat McGuire—toy-store owner, smuggling ring suspect…and his new charge.

Only, Dino can’t believe the sexy woman under his protection is a crook. Not when she can plant a kiss hot enough to melt all his good intentions…

For Cat, Christmas is always a hectic season. But this year she’s agreed to a fake engagement, too, just to keep the family peace. It wouldn’t be so bad, if only Cat could keep her hands off her new fiancé. After all, he’s strong, he’s sexy…he’s the perfect boy toy. Or he is—until Cat discovers she’s just another one of his assignments…

Read an excerpt.

Gwen’s review of Primal Needs (Primes, Book 7) by Susan Sizemore
Contemporary paranormal romance released by Pocket Star 30 Dec 08

I’ve read several of the Primes books – not all, but several.  I’m always entertained by them.  The characters are interesting, and the world they inhabit is unique.  Not too many vampire novels are based on a matriarchal society.  Plus we have werewolves, and vampire hunters, and the whole thing is often deliciously sexy and brutal by turns.  That isn’t to say all of these books are perfect, however… 

Here’s what I wrote after I read this book: “ARGH!  Here i was enjoying a good book, when it fell apart in the last couple of chapters.”

Did you ever cut into a golf ball when you were a kid?  If you cut into the ball far enough, they used to have miles and miles of rubber bands inside that would unravel like ramen noodles meeting hot water  – they don’t make ‘em like that any more.   Sadly, that’s what it felt like this book did at the end.  It’s like it imploded or something.

It starts with really good characters.  The hero and heroine know each other and are in love with each other.  The story unfolds and is a great yarn with several separate storylines coming together – Joe and Sidonie, Sidonie and her son, Tony and Rose, and all the Clan/Family/Tribe machinations.  I’m reading along, enjoying myself, loving the romance.  Then.  Blam!  It just didn’t work toward the end.  The author made it sound like the badguys wanted it to evolve the way it did, but I just didn’t buy it.  It was all way too easy and convenient and a lot was just plain confusing.

Sadly, there are several other, better Primes novels.  I can’t recommend this one unless you’re a real fan and have to positively read everything in a series.

Grade: D+

Summary:

In New York Times bestselling author Susan Sizemore’s sizzling new novel, a warrior werewolf and a beautiful vampire discover a passion that breaks every rule….

Sidonie Wolf never wanted the traditional life of a female vampire — with her favors fought over by powerful Prime males — but she must accept her duty to her kind, even if she’s already given her heart to a werewolf she can never have. Erasing Joe Bleythin’s memories of their blistering affair was necessary to keep him safe, but he sees her betrayal as unforgivable. So Sid’s new assignment to work with Joe to track down supernatural terrorists is sheer torture…a shockingly delicious torture.

Joe can’t believe his new role with an elite military team known as the Dark Angels has drawn him into an uneasy alliance with the woman who deceived him. Ignoring Sid, even hating her, should be easy. Instead, he wants her more fiercely than ever. Now, partnered with Sid on a dangerous mission, he’ll discover just how deep desire can be — and just how far he’ll go to keep her….

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

Devon’s review of Zen and the Art of Vampires (Dark Ones, Book 6) by Katie MacAlister
Contemporary paranormal Romance released by Signet 2 Dec 08

Katie MacAlister’s Dark Ones series started out as quite enjoyable, but soon began to lose steam. I took a pass on the last couple of books, but when this one arrived it suited the mood I was in perfectly. Like MacAlister’s other paranormal series, this book does not have a self contained happy ending. I assume it’ll take one more book to get there. Read on to see whether or not I’ll be sticking around for the next one.

While on a Singles tour around Iceland, a chance encounter thrusts Pia Thomason into a wild world of ghosts, vampires (or Dark Ones) and cultists. This is where MacAlister is at her best, IMO, with the whole “Stranger in a Strange Land” thing. I always find myself chuckling at the heroine’s observations and reactions. It’s always, well this is bizarre, but let’s go with it. They are neither super freaked out nor secret badasses, just trying to get their bearings and take it in stride.

Unfortunately, the humor sometimes gets a little too over the top after awhile, as does the heroine. Pia narrates the story, and like other MacAlister heroines she has a tendency to be a bit too sassy and too mouthy, especially when she encounters the two Dark Ones, Kristoff and Alec. Slow your roll Pia, these folks are armed, dangerous and they don’t like you (they think she’s part of an anti-Dark One cult). All the mouthing off only served to make her seem like a jackass.

A triangle of sorts develops, though I think it’s pretty clear who Pia is destined to be with. The love/hate chemistry she develops with the more dour Dark One, Kristoff, is crackling and far more interesting. Kristoff veers a bit too far into hate territory, though. I almost wanted Pia to walk away after awhile. Kristoff is one angry, suspicious fella. Alec, on the other hand, seems so ardent, that I became suspicious that he was hiding something. We’ll have to wait and see how it plays out.

Despite my issues with the three leads, and the over the top turns the story took, I was definitely entertained. I read pretty rapidly without losing interest. I’m curious to see what’s next for Pia in May’s Crouching Vampire, Hidden Fang. [What’s with these titles anyway? Too cutesy and nothing to do with the story.] I hope it doesn’t get too dragged out. I don’t know how much angry Kristoff, shady Alec and blundering Pia I can take. Another book’s worth is all right with me, though.

Grade: B-

The Summary:
White picket fences can be dangerous to vampires.
Sometimes a woman’s gotta choose…

Pia Thomason doesn’t have a typical life, but she wants one. The husband, the kids, the house in the suburbs…With her fortieth birthday looming, she decides to do something drastic, and takes off on a singles’ tour through romantic Europe. But the few guys on the trip leave much to be desired – unlike the two men Pia sees in a small Icelandic town. Handsome, mysterious, and very dangerous…Just the sight of them puts her in a dither. When their paths cross again, Pia knows one thing for certain: Where vampires are concerned, love isn’t the only thing at stake.

Read an excerpt

Other books in the series:

Gwen’s review of Veil of Midnight (The Midnight Breed, Book 5) by Lara Adrian (warning! site has music)
Contemporary paranormal action romance released by Dell 30 Dec 08

This series consistently surprises me – in a good way.  Just when i think it’s going to go down a predictable path, it veers just a bit to the left or right.  Something I find to be very cool in what can be a very formulaic genre.  That’s not to say I didn’t have a bone or two to pick with the book – au contraire. I did. But I did like reading it… mostly.

This book had a very interesting heroine and an excellently distracting hero.  They both added a lot to the story and the suspense plot.  I loved how they met. I was glad to see that the heroine was more consistent in this entry than they have been in the previous books.

What I wasn’t happy about was the premature confessions of lurve.  The one thing I like about Adrian’s Midnight Breeds books is that the relationships have always seemed to grow organically – with very little help from pheromones or soulmating crapola, or the like.  I liked that sometimes they don’t like each other for large portions of the book and have to work thru issues.  That fell apart a bit in this book – both the hero and heroine did have to develop the feelings, but before you knew it, they were telling each other they loved each other and that just didn’t ring true to me.

Nevertheless, this was a cracking good story.  The action was top notch – as always – and the sensuality was burning up the pages.  There was a lot of whipsawing emotion all the way with several of the secondary characters as well.  Really sets the scene and helps to flesh out the story.

The pacing and multi-layered story arcs are all excellent. There’s a twist with one of the bad guys that I did NOT expect.  And another twist for a future hero (Andreas Reichen) that just breaks your heart.  I can’t wait to see where some of these twists are going to lead.

You’ll enjoy reading this if for no other reason than it’s a good vampire action romance.  With the exception of an ending that could have ruined the book for me – but didn’t -  I can recommend this book to anyone following the series. If you haven’t read any of the previous Midnight Breeds novels, I wouldn’t start here, but you should only have to read the first one to get into the swing.

Grade: B-

Read reviews of books in this series by following its tag.

Summary:

BOUND BY BLOOD, ADDICTED TO DANGER, THEY’LL ENTER THE DARKEST–AND MOST EROTIC–PLACE OF ALL . . .

A warrior trained in bullets and blades, Renata cannot be bested by any man–vampire or mortal. But her most powerful weapon is her extraordinary psychic ability–a gift both rare and deadly. Now a stranger threatens her hard-won independence, a golden-haired vampire who lures her into a realm of darkness . . . and pleasure beyond imagining.

A combat-loving adrenaline junkie, Nikolai dispenses his own justice to enemies of the Breed–and his latest quarry is a ruthless assassin. One woman stands in his way: the seductive, cool-as-ice bodyguard, Renata. But Renata’s powers are put to the test when a loved one, a child, is threatened and she’s forced to turn to Niko for help. As the two join forces, as desire fans the flames of a deeper hunger, Renata’s life is under siege by a man who offers the exquisite pleasure of a blood bond–and a passion that could save or doom them both forever. . . .

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Ashes of Midnight, coming May 2009 – Andreas Reichen’s story! cool…

Gwen’s review of Murder Game (GhostWalkers, Book 7) by Christine Feehan
Contemporary paranormal romantic suspense released by Jove 30 Dec 08

You know how sometimes you’ll read something by a long-time favorite author and you’re not expecting much because, well, frankly, some of the recent work has been, how shall I say it, stale?  But then the author just floors you with a particularly good book?  Well, this is the particularly good one from Feehan.  I haven’t been impressed with her latest few Carpathian novels.  These “Game” books haven’t been bad lately, but this one is just downright terrific. 

The “Game” or GhostWalker novels are all set in present day and are based on a group of men and women who are genetically manipulated by a sociopathic doctor in an effort to create and then propagate super soldiers.  He has manipulated these people behind the scenes to the point that they meet each other and then the genetic pheromonal changes take over and they’re mated.

This may seem like a complex world due to all the “science stuff” but it really isn’t.  I believe a person could pick up any of the “Game” books and be at ease with the plot.  Feehan doesn’t do tons of info-dumping, but instead weaves the data in when and as the reader needs it.  No glossary in sight.  It can’t hurt to go to the author’s site and get some familiarity with the world, but I think perhaps it’s not a requirement to enjoy the books.

The heroes in all of the GhostWalker books are beyond alpha – if there were a Greek character before alpha, I’d pick it to describe them.  Because of the chemical and pheromonal manipulation, they form an almost immediate and overwhelming attachment to these women.  Because of the same manipulation, some of the women are so damaged they can’t cope and this creates quite a bit of tension at the beginning of the books.  It’s always a little different, though.  While these books all follow a similar path, there are very real differences in how the characters handle the action and suspense devices in the plot.  It’s a lot of fun to read how they get into and out of these situations.

And the sensuality. Oh my goodness.  I actually had to glance at the cover a couple of times to make sure I wasn’t reading a Lora Leigh Breeds novel.  Feehan has written some of the hottest scenes I’ve seen from her in many books.

The bad guys are suitably evil and are suitably dealt with.  I still want them to find Dr. Whitney and string him up by his testicles, though.  Sadly, that’s not to happen in this book.  However, we get a few more clues pointing at the fact that there may be a third party at work trying to off the whole GhostWalkers cadre.  Very tantalizing tidbits, too…

I don’t think this entry was as emotionally satisfying as her last Game novel, Predatory Game (reviewed here), but it’s pretty durn close. The pacing and plot organization in this book was better, I think, than Predatory - the action was just non-stop and followed a very logical progression.  Something I’m finding must be difficult for authors to do (I imagine a lot gets whacked during the editing process).

If you’re a fan of Feehan’s writing or just a darn good paranormal suspense romance, this is definitely the book for you.

Grade: A

Read reviews of other books in the series by following the GhostWalker series tag.

Summary:

Return to the world of the GhostWalkers with “the queen of paranormal romance” (USA Today) as she raises the stakes in the ultimate game of love and death…

Games should be fun, but for two expert teams across the country, they’re murder – because the winning team is the one that gets the most kills. The participants in this violent challenge rumored to be GhostWalkers. And Kadan Montague isn’t happy about it.

Kadan is a GhostWalker and he’s determined to clear the GhostWalker name of the rumors. To do it, he’s going to need the help of psychic Tansy Meadows. But as soon as he sees her, he knows his mission will be more complicated than he imagined – and the “murder game” may not be at all what it seems.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series (in reading order):

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Layover by Megan Hart
Contemporary erotic romance eBook short story released by Harlequin Spice Briefs 1 Dec 08

Someone over at Harlequin was having an inspired moment when the decision was made to release Megan Hart’s latest Spice Briefs short story in December. Just in time for the holiday travel season, a short story about a canceled flight, unexpected layover, and the sexy shenanigans that can ensue. Seriously, we should all be so lucky.

Julia is trying to get home to the east coast, but bad weather has her stuck in Texas. Her fellow travelers are more than a little ornery, desperate to get home to their families for Christmas. Julia is rolling with it though. All she has back at home is an empty apartment and some pet fish. So when the airline offers her a hotel room she takes it. And when Graham finds out that she’s stuck in his hometown overnight, he practically runs out the door to take her out to dinner.

Julia and Graham met at a work conference several months back when they were paired in a trust exercise. Sparks flew between them, but not wanting to mix business and pleasure, plus being a little scared, Julia walked away and Graham, like an idiot, let her. Since then they’ve kept up a “relationship” online. Hanging on a social networking site, exchanging funny e-mails, but nothing hot and heavy. Well now that Julia is in town, and has agreed to see him, Graham is determined to give her all the pleasure she can handle.

This is a quick steamy read, and even with the short word count, the author does a good job filling in the back story. These very brief flashbacks also help in filling in more character development without inundating the reader. The sex scenes are hot and very spicy, and I especially appreciated that Julia was allowed to be “in charge” of the encounters without falling head long into vinyl-wearing, whip-wielding, dominatrix territory (not that there is anything wrong with that). She tells Graham how to please her, and Graham is more than willing to cater to her desires.

The ending is what will most likely be a stumbling block for some readers. It’s happy, but it’s most definitely a “happily ever after for now” type of scenario. Very believable, in my opinion, given the word count of these Spice Briefs stories, and considering that prior to this smoking hot encounter, Graham and Julia had really been tap dancing around each other. However readers who want a diamond ring and the heroine pregnant with triplets at the end of the story will very likely be disappointed.

I would strongly recommend this gem of a story to Megan Hart’s growing number of fans. It’s also an ideal read for when you’re stuck at an airport, like I was. The only disappointment was that I didn’t have my very own Graham to call. Some girls have all the luck.

Grade: B+

Read Limecello’s review here.

Summary:

The first time she’d met him, he’d been blindfolded and at her mercy. Partnered in a trust exercise, Graham had been enticed by the allure of Julia’s voice, and eagerly followed her direction to navigate a maze. But as a warm friendship developed between them, their mutual attraction remained unacknowledged. And in the long-distance e-mail relationship that followed, their reticence persisted. Until the day a cancelled flight stranded Julia in Graham’s home town.

Both tried to play it cool, though each had approached their dinner date with intense anticipation. But the minute they stepped into Julia’s hotel room, the flood gates opened and their unfettered passion exploded. What really excited Julia, though, was that as in the trust exercise, Graham was great at taking direction. Because what really excited Graham was pleasuring Julia as no one else ever had.

Read an excerpt.

Shannon C.’s review of Retreat From Love (Brothers in Arms, Book 5) by Samantha Kane
Historical erotic romance eBook released by Ellora’s Cave 17 Dec 08

When I read that Samantha Kane was coming out with a new release in December, I literally “squeed!”. Normally, I like to think I’m far too dignified for squeeing, but that is pretty much what I did. And when I found out that the book featured Freddy and Brett, the playful and seemingly carefree Duke of Ashland and his constant companion, respectively, I was even more delighted to see what she’d do. And while Retreat from Love isn’t my favorite in the series, I still strongly recommend it.

As I mentioned in the above paragraph, Freddy is the Duke of Ashland. He was sort of thrust into the role when his two older brothers died. He is relatively young for a hero, and a lot of the growing up he’s had to do to get him to the point where we meet him has happened offscreen. His friend Brett Haversham has provided a steadying influence on him. Trouble is, Freddy is in love with Brett, but Brett feels that doing anything with Freddy would be a betrayal of Freddy’s older brother, whom Brett served with in the war that is a backdrop to all these stories. Complicating all of this, Brett is also in love with Anne Goode, Freddy’s brother’s former fiancee. And, of course, when Freddy meets Anne, he falls in love with her, too. But can they get past Brett’s feelings of betrayal and Anne’s stubborn pride to have a happily ever after?

I really liked Anne, who I think may be my favorite heroine Ms. Kane has written to date. She’s spunky, she knows her own mind, and she’s not about to take crap from anybody. Her reputation is already tarnished beyond repair, so she’s just going to enjoy her life. She’s decided that she wants both Brett and Freddy, and she goes for them. I really liked that about her, and I thought her refusal to marry Freddy and become the duchess was based on some legitimate fears and wasn’t just an excuse to draw out the conflict.

Brett was, quite honestly, the harder for me to like of the two heroes. While I could understand and sympathize with his feelings that he should stay away from Anne and Freddy because of Freddy’s brother, Bertie, his fits of emo got a little old. He was as much a martyr as those heroines in more traditional historicals that I hate. That being said, when he realized that he had been being kind of a shit to Freddy in some ways, I was cheering for him, because it can’t have been so easy to come to that decision.

Freddy totally made this book for me, which is maybe one of the reasons I’m so hard on Brett. I liked that he was significantly younger than both Anne and Brett, because that’s not something I see a lot of in my romances, where it seems that men are rakes until they’re at least 35. I loved that, though Freddy had been rather spoiled and cossetted as a child, he turned into such a loving, generous man. He really wants to do what’s right by the two most important people in his world, and I felt that he really needed Brett and Anne’s love in ways that the other two didn’t, because they loved him for who he was, and not his title.

The chemistry between the three is definitely high, and the sex scenes are scorching. What’s more, and as is usual for Ms. Kane I totally felt that none of the trio would be complete without the other two.

This would be an excellent book for anyone who has ever wondered about this series to start out reading. There are allusions to previous characters, but there are no reunions with past happy couples, which is OK with me. Ms. Kane obviously has a lot of other things up her sleeve with this series, and I continue to live in hope that one day Stephen Matthews, the vicar, will get his own story. We also got introduced to Gideon North, and, oh,but I love me some Beauty and the Beast stories, so I really hope she writes his book soon as well.

Oh, and one last thing that I loved. Each chapter of the book opens with a letter, usually written to Anne, but not always, from the people fighting in the war. I absolutely adored this particular touch, because the letters were so full of poignancy and helped to illustrate the characters and make them come alive more for me.

The only reason this book doesn’t quite hit A status for me is that I felt that the middle dragged on a bit. Brett and Anne were busy martyring themselves, and I just wanted them to get over themselves and make Freddy happy. That being said, I can’t complain too much, because Ms. Kane’s longer works are by far her best works, and this was definitely long enough to sink into.

Despite a bit of dragginess toward the middle, this book is definitely a great addition to the Brothers in Arms series. If you like your regencies hot, and you like your menage stories M/M/F, this is definitely worth the cash.

Grade: B+

Read other reviews of books in this series by clicking on the Brothers In Arms series tag.

Summary:
A man with everything except his heart’s desire.
Frederick Thorne, Duke of Ashland, has been in love with Brett Haversham for years. If the only way to have him is to give him what he wants Freddy will share him, in bed and out, with the woman Brett loves. The woman who was Freddy’s first love.

A man sacrificing everything for the past.
Brett Haversham is in love with two people he’s sworn never to touch. But his desires prove to be stronger than his resolve when they both set out to seduce him — together. The incredible sex they share overwhelms him.

A woman with nothing left to lose.
Anne Goode lost her fiancé Bertie in the war. Now his younger brother Freddy is back, all grown up into the handsome and powerful duke. And he’s brought Bertie’s best friend Brett with him. Lonely and already ruined, Anne can’t resist taking both of them as her lovers. Is the uncontrollable desire between the three enough to heal the wounds of the past and overcome the problems of the present? They must accept love rather than retreat from it.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

I’ve been covered over with large quantities of visiting extended family, baking, cleaning, cooking (can you say Christmas Tamales?  I knew you could), and general holiday madness – not to mention trying to find time to meet Sybil to shift some books from her car to my car.  As a result I haven’t had time to write full blown reviews of a few books.  So here’s a quick run down of what I’ve been reading.  I promise I’ll try to get to full reviews of all three books shortly… 

Highland Sinner by Hannah Howell
Historical paranormal romantic suspense released by Zebra 1 Dec 08

Another of those “reformed rake” stories that I love so well.  Also a good murder mystery.  An historical with more paranormal elements than usually present in her books.  Good Hannah Howell, even with all the “dinnae” and “och” to wade thru.  Nice romance and a very excellent heroine.

Grade: B+

The Flame (The Sons of Destiny, Book 7) by Jean Johnson
Fantasy romance released by Berkley Trade/Sensation 2 Dec 08

Good story but so-so romance.  It took too long to start the actual relationship.  This was much more a “fantasy” than a “romance”.  Here’s hoping the 8th and final book in the series, The Mage, gives us more meat on the romantic bones.

Grade: C+

Murder Game (GhostWalkers, Book 7) by Christine Feehan
Contemporary paranormal romantic suspense released by Jove 30 Dec 08

Oh my goodness.  Terrific Ghostwalker novel.  Really hot romance, good heroine, hot alpha hero, hot sensuality (had to look at the cover to make sure I wasn’t reading Lora Leigh), excellent romantic suspense elements, excellent action.  All around good book.  I don’t think you’d even have to read the previous GW books to like it; it stands well on its own. Pacing was excellent and never a dull moment.  Loved it.

Grade: A

For those of you following along at home, we’ve been serving up excerpts all week from the Unlaced anthology by Jaci Burton, Jasmine Haynes, Joey W. Hill, and Denise Rossetti .  You still have time to win a copy.  Simply leave a comment on one of the excerpt posts and you’ll be entered to win.

Excerpt One: The Ties that Bind by Jaci BurtonExcerpt Two: Undone by Jasmine Haynes

Excerpt Three: Controlled Response by Joey W. Hill

Excerpt Four: Rubies and Black Velvet by Denise Rossetti

If you haven’t already, be sure to swing over to Book Binge and check out the guest post the authors did.

 The Good and Bad About Writing for an Anthology

One lucky winner will be chosen from the comments of that post to win a signed copy of Unlaced.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Notorious Lord, Compromised Miss by Annie Burrows
Historical romance eBook short story released by Harlequin Historical Undone 01 December 2008

I know many readers who are not fans of short stories. There isn’t enough meat on the bone and they fail to satisfy their hunger for in depth character development, plot and romance. I’m the exact opposite. I love them because they’re bite-size morsels, quick reads, and a cost effective way to discover new authors. So it’s no wonder, given my already slavish devotion to Harlequin Historicals, that I’ve quickly become hooked on the new electronic-only Harlequin Historical Undone line.

Viscount Maldon finds himself in a dire situation thanks to his father and older brother. Because of their gambling, the family estate is near bankruptcy, and Maldon has younger sisters who need dowries. On the advice of his financial man, he finds himself at Almack’s with a list of eligible debutantes with family fortunes. Maldon has to show the ton (and his creditors!) that he’s serious about rescuing the family finances. The problem is Maldon has no desire to marry, and the idea of being a fortune hunter holds zero appeal. This is why Miss Katherine Malahithe literally runs into him in an alcove, hiding behind a potted palm.

Katherine is an heiress with no desire to marry. In an attempt to thwart her matchmaking aunts, she’s taken to appearing as unattractive as humanly possible and it has worked in scaring off several would-be suitors. She was looking for her own hiding place at Almack’s when she runs into Maldon, and these two immediately engage in a war of wits. Maldon is intrigued, has no idea Katherine is an heiress, and despite herself, Katherine cannot stop thinking of him. Can the friendship that blooms between them, grow into something more?

This was a quick read featuring some lively banter between the two leads. Especially charming is how Maldon explains away their lurking behind a potted palm together when one of Katherine’s aunties discovers them. Both of them find the situations they’re in less than enjoyable, and the friendship that springs up between them feels natural and is quite charming.

The writing here is a little abrupt, and I found some of the transitions a little uneven. Writing short stories is a challenging task, and given the nature in this story, Burrows hops around in time on more than one occasion. It’s still an enjoyable read, but not always a smooth one.

That said, I found Notorious Lord, Uncompromising Miss an entertaining way to pass my lunch break. Burrows is primarily known as a UK, Mills & Boon writer, and this nice little short story is a good way for American readers to get to know her without investing a lot of time and money.

Grade: C+

Summary:

Debutante Katherine Malahithe has come to London determined to resist the fortune hunters only interested in her money. Her efforts to appear unattractive successfully ward off most suitors—except for Viscount Maldon, a man who wants to avoid marriage as much as Katherine. The handsome, provoking Viscount becomes an unlikely ally, but can either of them escape the altar when friendship turns to passion…and scandal?

No excerpt found.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Her Montana Man by Cheryl St.John
Historical western released by Harlequin Historical 1 Dec 08

Every reader has what I call a “comfort author.” Those authors who write books that are the equivalent of “comfort food.” The macaroni and cheese writers, if you will . For me, it’s Cheryl St.John. I’ve loved some of her books more than others, but she has yet to outright disappoint me. I also tend to tear through her books at a fast clip, which I really appreciated with Her Montana Man, since I’ve been trying to ward off the beginnings of an epic reading slump.

Jonas Black has a powerful crush on Eliza Jane Sutherland. Jonas owns the local hotel and saloon in Silver Bend, Montana, and while he’s a respectable business man, Eliza Jane is practically local royalty. Her family owns the local brick yard and literally built the town. No, she’s way out of his league. Still, he can’t resist watching her every afternoon when she heads to the local tea shop for some refreshment.

Eliza gets one hour a day to herself, only because her younger sister, Jenny Lee, insists on it. Eliza takes care of Jenny Lee, whose weakened heart has finally confined her to what will soon be her death bed. She also takes care of Jenny’s young son, Tyler, and does her best to hide her distaste for her odious brother-in-law, Royce. Royce swooped in on Jenny Lee with his slick ways and smarmy charms only to get his hands on their father’s business. However, Eliza will do anything to protect Jenny and Tyler, which includes not speaking ill of Royce. All bets are off though once Jenny Lee succumbs and Royce turns his oily designs on Eliza Jane. She needs help, and for that she turns to the most decent man in town….Jonas Black. A man her brother-in-law would sooner gut than say a kind word about.

St.John has a knack for writing about nice people with a host of baggage, but she’s really outdone herself this time around with Jonas. This guy is just about the most perfect hero ever to grace the pages of a romance novel. He’s a tough guy with a marshmallow interior. He stands up for people who cannot defend themselves, like when an abusive ex shows up at the hotel demanding to drag one of the maids out by her hair. He’s charming, he’s sweet, and he’s hopelessly infatuated with our heroine, which just endears him all the more.

Eliza is a heroine in need of rescuing, but I appreciated the fact that she fought back in her own small way. She has her name, and is well respected in town, but she’s still a woman and at the mercy of men’s whims. Royce thinks he has her securely under his thumb, but that doesn’t stop her from plotting, scheming and fighting back. There’s a particularly fantastic moment during her sister’s wake that had me standing up and cheering for her.

My only quibble is that towards the end Eliza acts a little dense. She knows what Royce is capable of, yet she acts surprised when she learns to what lengths he’s gone to gain the power and control he craves. She’s smarter than this, and she should have figured it out. I also felt she held out on telling Jonas the whole truth for a little too long, especially after he had more than proved himself hero-worthy. But the girl certainly has trust issues when it comes to men, so it was hard to hold that against her.

Her Montana Man is another enjoyable read from an author who has proven to deliver consistently readable and heart-warming stories. A sure bet for her many devoted fans, and a good introduction for those of you haven’t yet boarded the “comfort food” train.

Grade: B

Summary:

Protecting people runs through Jonas Black’s blood, and Eliza Jane Sutherland is one woman who needs his strong arms around her.

A rugged Montana man, Jonas will guard Eliza from her vile brother-in-law as fiercely as he guards his own heart. But though he can fight her enemies, he can’t fight the attraction between them.

Soon Jonas is sure they have a future together—only Eliza hides secrets that could change everything….

Read an excerpt.

Last, but not least, the final excerpt from Unlaced, an anthology by Jaci Burton, Jasmine Haynes, Joey W. Hill, and Denise Rossetti, Rubies and Black Velvet. Don’t forget to comment after you read, because I’m giving away a copy of the book!

Excerpt One: The Ties that Bind by Jaci Burton

Excerpt Two: Undone by Jasmine Haynes

Excerpt Three: Controlled Response by Joey W. Hill
Excerpt from Rubies and Black Velvet by Denise Rossetti

Holdercroft on the Cressy Plains, Palimpsest

When the thunder came again and again, rolling around the tall heads of the mountains, the good folk of Holdercroft village shuddered. “They’m at it again,” they said, shaking their heads. But the tavern on the plain was warm and snug, the doors and windows shuttered against the fierce driving rain.

“‘Tis the dragon djinn,” grunted old Griddle, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

“And the sorceress,” whispered his wife. She made the two-handed sign of the Sibling Moons. “Brother and Sister preserve us.”

“Seen `er once.” Griddle held out his tankard for a refill. “Ridin’ a storm cloud, the night the big tree came down, ye remember?”

“Ye were drunk,” scoffed his wife.

“Naked as a bebbe she were. All pale and long.” Griddle’s rheumy eyes took on a faraway look. “Hair down to `er waist, flyin’ like whips o’ black silk. And when she looked at me, `twas like starin’ hell in the eye. So dark, so deep…” He buried his long nose in his ale.

“Ye stupid old sot.” Griddle’s wife poked his shoulder with a bony finger. “Why would a sorceress look at ye?”

Griddle subsided, grumbling into his ale. “She did,” he muttered, almost too low to hear. “Like she wanted to chew me up and spit me out. Like she hated me for livin’.” Abruptly, he banged his empty jug down on the bar. “Gimme another!”

At evening’s end, his wife had to call for the blacksmith’s boys to carry him home through the rain on a plank.

*****

Out in the barn behind the Mackie place, John knelt at Meg’s feet, grumbling as she toweled his hair. “Give over, Meggie. You’re not my bloody mother.”

But Meg only laughed, that deep delicious chuckle that never failed to make something inside him flutter. She pulled his head down between her generous breasts and rubbed harder. Giving up, John pushed his nose deep into the warm, fragrant depths of her cleavage and inhaled with tremendous satisfaction.

Meg. His Steady Meggie.

Even at nineteen, he had no doubts. The gods had made Margaret May Mackie just for him. His center, his refuge, when the emotional tempests at home got too much. They wore a man down, his family. Between Ma and Da and his ten brawling siblings, there were times John couldn’t think straight unless he held Meggie’s hand in his.

He stroked a broad, callused palm over the luscious curve of her rump. The only girl in the Cressy Plains who could match him. Five foot eleven inches in her sturdy bare feet, Meg’s cushiony body fitted perfectly against his huge frame, her long legs and smoothly muscled thighs a comfortable cradle for his eager weight.

John fumbled a hand down to rearrange his aching cock. He wasn’t embarrassed. With Meg, everything was natural, easy. She knew him, better than he did himself, he thought sometimes. He hadn’t got inside her yet, though it was all he’d been able to think about through the long, golden summer, the pink musky flesh between her pale thighs. They’d done just about everything else though. Grinning, he traced the crescent of freckles on the inner curve of one breast with his tongue. Then he blew on the damp, creamy flesh.

Meg yelped and tweaked his ear.

One day… He leaned forward to rub his cheek against the softness of her belly through the fabric of her sensible nightgown. One day, Steady Meggie would swell with his child. They’d make their own family, one without fists and fury and slamming doors. And if they were fortunate, her frail widowed father would live to see his grandchildren, the farm in good hands, before he passed to the gods.

And John would be hers too. For the rest of their lives.

It gave him such pleasure to think of it. His life in her steady, capable hands.

*****

“What do you think they’re doing down there?” The sorceress stared broodingly across the gulf of night-dark space at the tiny twinkling lights far below. Her dwelling was older than time, built into the shoulder of the peak, carved of living stone. The chilly wind lifted the tendrils of black hair that brushed her snow white hips, but even naked as she was, she didn’t feel the cold.

Huge ebony arms snaked around her waist from behind, the hint of scales under the skin abrading her flesh. “Insects,” rumbled the dragon djinn. “Who cares?”

The sorceress smiled without humor, the merest curve of thin red lips. She pressed back against her dragon lover, enjoying the monstrous size of him, towering over her by more than a foot. His massive pointed phallus burned so hot against her cool buttocks, the sensation was just this side of pain. She didn’t need to turn to know his reptilian eyes would be flaming with passion, ruby-red.

But in the end, she did turn, because she couldn’t help herself. By Shaitan, she hated this strange compulsion, her inability to be done with him, to discard him as she’d done with centuries of lovers. Fifty seasons they’d played together and fifty times she’d tried to extricate herself and failed.

In their hellish dance of lust and blood and pain, she could never be sure who’d triumph in the struggle for dominance. She knew only that she was addicted to the savage beauty of the djinn’s body, swaying under the lash, fascinated by his stubborn draconic endurance. Sometimes he was so fierce, she feared for her very life, and her slow ancient blood would run hot and heavy. Then it would be her turn to plead for mercy, cracked and broken and exalted. The razor’s edge of peril intoxicated her.

And oh, she loved his magnificent body in either form, man or dragon, black as midnight in the pits of hell. But in general, she preferred something in between, as he was now. The best of both worlds.

Stepping back, the sorceress wrapped long slim fingers around his jutting phallus, though she had no hope of closing her fist. The dragon djinn rumbled his pleasure, his forked tongue flickering over a brutal mouth. His organ writhed in her palm, undulating like a cat, the slitted tip curling back to dab a wet kiss on the back of her hand. A mortal would discover his bodily fluids burned like acid, the sorceress felt only a tingle pleasantly reminiscent of pain.