Sandy M’s review of Five Ways ‘Til Sunday (Delta Heat, Book 1) by Delilah Devlin
Contemporary Erotic Romance short story ebook published by Samhain 22 Nov 11

I haven’t had such a dilemma like this with a book in quite a while. I like the characters. I like the story. Then I didn’t care for the story. Then I’d like it again, but I’d hit another snag several pages later. Mostly, I just don’t see this hero allowing such things to happen, even if his BFFs are involved.

Jackson and Marti have a very active sex life – adventurous, sexy, and fun. In fact, the opening scene is quite fun, role playing behind Marti’s locked office door. I enjoyed that a lot. Jackson is one of those men who can win a woman over every which way, so when Marti keeps rejecting his love for her and his proposals of marriage, he tells her he’ll do anything to make her feel comfortable saying yes.

For Marti, it’s more that she’s not up to his standards – no education, tattoos, blue-streaked hair, piercings, and she manages a bar for heaven’s sake. Officer Jackson Teague deserves more than that. Of course, as far as he’s concerned, it’s all in her mind. He loves all of things about her. But when Marti fudges and tells him she has a bucket list of things to try before she marries, Jackson calls her bluff and demands to see her list.

At first he’s a little taken aback at what he reads, but with the help of his five best friends on the force with him, Jackson is determined to show Marti she has no reason to fear commitment from either one of them. So they set up the situations she wants to experience – a hooker working a street corner, making love in a cop car, and other such scenarios, each a tad more erotic than the last. And while these scenes are very erotic, ménages five ways and then some to help Marti give Jackson the answer he wants, this is where my problem with all of it comes about.

These buddies may be Jackson’s best friends, two of them since high school, but a man who loves a woman as much as Jackson loves Marti (and as much as she loves him but just won’t admit it yet), I just can’t see him letting any man put his hands and mouth on her and his cock inside her. Jackson even at one point says no penetration, but the next thing you know, all kinds of penetration are going on. And when Marti discovers Jackson sees beyond her reason for concocting the list in the first place, all of the shenanigans should have ended, but it’s Jackson himself who insists they’re nowhere near done with her yearnings. Yes, in the end Marti wakes up after her fantasies are realized; the men are still best friends despite their wild and wicked weekend, so all’s well that ends well. The journey getting there just doesn’t work for me as well as it does for them. I do love the depiction of Jackson on this cover, though. Whew-boy, just like he’s described in the book.

Despite all of this, however, I like these characters, including Jackson’s buds. They’re fun and likeable, and since this is the first book in the Delta Heat series, we’re going to see more of them in the future. It will be interesting to see what Ms. Devlin does with them all.

Grade: C

Summary:

Sometimes a man’s just gotta call for backup…

Marti Kowalski is all wrong for Officer Jackson Teague—he just won’t listen to reason. She didn’t finish high school, runs a bar. Has a tattoo and a blue streak in her hair. Yet he still wants to marry her? She can’t say she’s not tempted, but she’s got a bucket list to complete before she ties the knot.

Not just any bucket—more like a fifty-five-gallon drum of sexual wishes so explicit, there’s no way one man, even Jackson, can fulfill them all.

When Marti turns him down again, Jackson doesn’t give up, he insists on knowing why. That’s when she shows him her list. He takes it, thinks about it—and calls on the only men he can trust: four buddies from his academy graduating class.

Between the five of them, he’s sure they can come up with a plan to check off every item on her list in one wild, wicked weekend. That is, if she has the nerve to follow through—and if he can bear to share her.

Read an excerpt.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Craving the Highlander’s Touch by Michelle Willingham
Historical romance short story ebook published by Harlequin Historical Undone 01 Sep 11

As the Undone line has evolved, many authors have chosen to utilize the shorter format as a “teaser” for their full-length Harlequin Historical books.  Like all things concerning series books, it all boils down to how much series-itis creeps in, and whether or not as the reader I feel like I’m being manipulated.  Yes, I’m talking execution.  Michelle Willingham is one who loves to use the Undone line to flesh out secondary characters from her connected novels, and she’s also one that generally makes it work for me.  This short story tied to her MacKinloch Clan books is no exception.

Alys Fitzroy, Lady of Harkirk, has endured a marriage to a brutish English husband.  Besides terrorizing her, he’s made many enemies among the local Scots – who he has a habit of imprisoning and torturing.  Although English herself, this treatment of the locals sickens Alys, especially when it involves children.  So she does what she can, freeing as many of them as she can – helping them to run away.

Finian MacLachor is his clan’s chief, and his failed uprising against Alys’ dear husband has not gone well.  He’s a man who has lost everything – his wife, his daughter, and his very soul.  Beaten, bloody, and sitting in the dungeons waiting to be made an example of, he’s resigned himself to die, because he thinks he has no right to live.  Then Alys shows up with the keys.

Willingham tends to put a lot of story in her Undones, but this one might take first prize.  This really could have been a full-length novel.  Between the various character baggage, the battle scene, the love scenes, and the final chapter?  There’s a lot going on here.  While the author does have to take a few “happens off page” short cuts to keep things moving along, this is a story I could really sink my teeth into.  It is also especially lovely to read love scenes that are an intricate part of the romance and character development.  They aren’t here just for filler – they need to be in this story.

I do think reading the two full-length novels will allow readers to get a bit more out of this story.  However, that being said, I still have both novels languishing in my TBR and I rather liked this short tale.  If anything, it succeeded in me kicking my own behind for letting those novels sit unread for these last several months.  So in the end?  The author’s ploy worked.  Teasing me with the short makes me want to run out and read the full-length stories.  Which makes me part of the problem, but given how much I enjoyed this story?  I don’t rightly care.

Grade: B

Summary:

Scotland, 1306

For Alys Fitzroy, Lady of Harkirk, her brutish husband is more of an enemy than the wild Scots she is supposed to hate. Her heart longs to help her husband’s prisoners—especially Finian MacLachor, the intense Highland chief who bears the scars of his own failed uprising, both inside and out. With her help, he has a second chance to make things right for his clan—and and to show Alys the nights of unbelievable pleasure she’s been missing.…

No Excerpt Found.

Other books in this series:

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of The Queen’s Consort by Leia Rice
Erotica short story ebook published by Spice Briefs 01 Jul 11

Pour a glass of wine into me and I’ll wax poetic about how erotica isn’t “just about sex.”  That in “good erotica,” written predominantly for a female readership, the sex is a catalyst for the heroine’s journey.  Yeah, I know – blah, blah, blah.  Listen, not all erotica is created equal.  Pour a second glass of wine into me and I’ll admit that some erotica?  Yeah, is all about the sex.  But you know what?  That’s not always a bad thing.  If nothing else, it adds a whole other definition to the expression “reading for pleasure.”

Arabelle is a royal maid for Marie Antoinette and has been getting her kicks of late watching the queen be pleasured by her consort.  During one such spying adventure she makes a little too much noise, and while navigating the secret passageways in the palace, the consort catches up to her.  It doesn’t exactly take a rocket scientist to know what happens next.

If you’re looking for serious naughty times in your erotica, you don’t get much naughtier than Louis XVI royal court prior to the French Revolution.  There’s oodles of palace intrigue and more hanger-ons than at a hip-hop awards show.  However, this is a short story, and an erotic one at that – so the author really glosses over the horrors of the Revolution.  Admittedly, I wasn’t terribly wild about this treatment, but crimes against humanity is definitely not the tone the author was shooting for.

Now, that being said, if you just want sexy times and don’t necessarily care (or want) some deep, angsty treatment of the time period?  By all means, this short story might be for you.  You’ve got a hero who can probably set a world’s record for stamina and horny-ness.  You’ve got a heroine who is so lusty that she lets a total stranger deflower her, and then after she’s done?  She goes back to her quarters to have encounters with other maids!  Chinese New Year doesn’t have this many fireworks.

It all boils down to what the reader wants.  If you want a hot short story with wall-to-wall, (I’ll just say it) skanky shenanigans?  Oh man, drop everything and download this right now.  But if you’re looking for a more highfalutin’ form of erotica that you can shove in the faces of all those naysayers out there?  Probably not this short story.  However, that doesn’t make this a “bad” story and it doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the heck out of reading it.

Yeah, I just said that – and I totally own it.

Grade: B-

Summary:

Royal maid Arabelle fantasizes about taking the queen’s place, but not for power or riches. She wants to be pleasured by the queen’s secret consort. Watching them together arouses cravings that her trysts with other men and her sensual encounters with her fellow maids cannot satisfy. She longs to be given licentious commands from the mysterious man, and to give orders in return.

Then, in the secret halls of Versailles, Arabelle’s fantasy comes true—with even more wicked pleasures than she imagined….

No excerpt available.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of One Night as a Courtesan by Ann Lethbridge
Historical Romance short story ebook published by Harlequin Historical Undone 01 Oct 10

I read a full-length “Regency” historical romance recently that had absolutely no sense of place.  It could have easily taken place on a Texas cattle ranch in 1968 as Regency London.  I immediately thought back to my reading of that particular book while zipping through this short story by Ann Lethbridge.  Why?  Because this short story had more Regency flavor 100 times over than that full-length novel.

Julia Partridge is a widow who has fallen on hard times.  Such hard times that she gets caught stealing.  Coming to her “rescue” is a madam at a local brothel.  Julia is to get auctioned off for one night, with one man – and in exchange she’ll get a pile of money.  With no other options, and desperate for those promised funds, Julia agrees.  Of course, she had no idea that the man who “won” her in the auction would turn out to be Alistair Crawford, Duke of Dunstan, a man so notorious for his reputation that his nickname is “the Dissolute Duke!”

Kudos to the author for actually giving readers a real rake.  This is a guy who has privileged ennui stamped all over him.  It’s practically oozing out of his pores.  So yeah, it’s not like you fall in love with him as a hero the moment he steps on the page.  I like that Julia faces issues that are very believable for the time period.  A widow, with no family to rely on, and no nest egg stashed away for her by her dead husband.  Not a lot of options.

As lovely as the sense of place was, and as much as I appreciated the author’s characterizations, there were moments in the romance that did give me pause.  The author excels at the love scenes, evoking them in a slow, sensual manner.  However, I couldn’t help feeling that a big reason Alistair falls for Julia is because she’s not your “typical” brothel girl.  It’s okay for him to fall in love with her because she’s smart, well-spoken, and obviously “quality.”  Meaning if she was working class and poor, there’s no way in heck he’d give her a second look.  So yeah, he’s a snob.  To be fair, he’s a bloody duke!  Of course he’s going to be a snob!  I also feel the ending is a bit much, given the short time frame of the story, but it is a historical so “let’s date for a while” isn’t really an option and, honestly, “be my mistress” doesn’t exactly scream romance.

That being said, this is a nice, sensual read, and good example of what I want from the Undone line.  It is short, it has a nice sense of place, and the love scenes are steamy.  If you want a little steam with a Regency era that isn’t wallpaper and you’re open to short stories?  Look no further.

Grade: B-

Summary:

Widow Julia Partridge is desperate. To repay a debt, she’s forced to sell herself in an auction at the most exclusive bawdy house in London. Julia only has to get through one night with one man—though she never imagined that man would be Alistair Crawford, the dissolute Duke of Dunstan! Alistair has the face of a fallen angel…and a reputation for vice to match. Yet when he turns his attentions to Julia, he unexpectedly arouses more passion in a few moments than she’d felt in her entire marriage….

No Excerpt Found.

Other books in this series:

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of One Wicked Christmas by Amanda McCabe
Historical Romance short story ebook published by Harlequin Historical Undone 01 Nov 11

I always pick up books by Amanda McCabe because she never gives readers the same thing twice.  She’s done everything from the 15th century to the 1920s.  Any author who delivers that kind of variety gets my attention.  I wish I could say I loved this latest, a Christmas short story set in Regency England, but, alas, it didn’t really work for me.

Lady Cassandra Osborne is a young widow who loved her kind, gentle husband.  They led a quiet life and made lovely companions.  Since his death she’s locked herself away, and her best friend is urging her that it’s time to take a lover.  The problem is that the only man who interests her is her husband’s roguish BFF, Sir Ian Chandler.  Ian came around a lot after her husband died and looked after her.  But after they shared a smoldering kiss?  Yeah, Ian has been out-of-sight, although not for one moment out-of-mind.  When it turns out that Cassandra and Ian are invited to the same Christmas house party?  Yeah, we all know where this is going.

I actually tend to like plots of this nature, but in a short story format it’s really problematic.  When strung out over a full-length novel, the author has time to explore the internal angst of the characters and slowly unfold the developing romance.  In a short story?  It comes off as distasteful.  I honestly find myself feeling sorry for the dead husband when it’s revealed that Ian, his best friend!, has had the hots for Cassandra since the wedding day!  Then there is the manner in which Cassandra and Ian fall into bed together.  She sneaks into his room expecting a romp with another man.  Eww.

That being said, McCabe’s writing style continues to really work for me, and I zipped through this short story in quicker manner than is my usual custom.  While it doesn’t work for me, it certainly hasn’t put me off from this author’s work, and who knows?  Maybe it will work better for you.

Grade: D+

Summary:

London, 1806

Lady Cassandra Osborne is ready to take a new lover to her bed—and knows exactly the man she wants: Sir Ian Chandler, her late husband’s rakish best friend. The single kiss they’d shared had made her feel alive again, awakening dark needs she didn’t even know she had…though Ian had quickly pulled away. Cassie is sure he doesn’t want her, until their reunion at a Christmas house party tempts them to succumb to the desire that has haunted them both….

No Excerpt Found.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Another Chance by Portia Da Costa
Erotic Romance short story ebook published by Spice Briefs 01 Sep 11

There is a definite skill in writing short, and some authors just seem to be born with it.  Portia Da Costa is one of these writers.  Yes, I’m reading a short story, and no, that is never the same thing as a full-length novel, but I still feel like I’m getting a full story.  Do I want more?  Sure.  But that doesn’t mean the story is “lacking” because of its brevity.

It’s been a while since Maud Piper has had a lover, which probably explains why happening upon her employers, the Marquis and Marchioness of Blaystock Manor, having a little spankin’ fun in their kitchen has gotten her all worked up.  She’s enjoying the show, out of sight, or so she thinks.  William Graves, the groundskeeper at the estate, catches her in the act of spying, and doing other things (wink, wink, nudge, nudge).  Being a gentleman, he helps her out – which gets Maud thinking, maybe William is the man who can fulfill her needs.

This story is textbook Da Costa and has all the trademarks I’ve come to love about her work.  There’s a lovely playfulness to the characters and love scenes.  The story is told from Maud’s point-of-view and she’s just the sort of heroine you’d love to be best friends with.  As an added bonus?  She’s 45 (happy day!) and an archivist (darn close to librarian!).

Behind the playful love scenes, and the mild kink of the spanking storyline, there’s a depth here that is also refreshing.  Maud hasn’t had a partner who has met her needs since a former finance.  What happened to that relationship and what she shares in common with William make for a nice touching moment in the final moments of the story.

Things end on an upbeat note.  This is a short story, so wedding bells would be forcing the issue, but this tale ends in such a way that a full-fledged romance isn’t hard to imagine.  Since Da Costa likes to resurrect past couples and slyly insert them into new stories (see: the Marquis and Marchioness), hopefully we’ll run into Maud and William again down the road.

Grade: B+

Summary:

The Chance of a Lifetime…Again.

It’s been a long time since Maud Piper has had a lover, particularly one who can give her what she really wants: the masterful hand of a strong, powerful man. The sting of pain that turns into pleasure.

Only Maud’s late fiancé had been able to satisfy her. Not even watching her employers at Blaystock Manor, the Marquis and Marchioness, in their own rough love play brings her the release she longs for—until she is caught in the act by William Graves, the estate’s ruggedly handsome steward. Can he give Maud another chance to experience the pleasure she craves?

The highly anticipated sequel to Portia Da Costa’s Chance of a Lifetime.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

C2’s review of Winning the Wallflower (Fairy Tales Series, Book 2.5) by Eloisa James
Historical Romance published by Avon 6 Dec 11

What happens when a recently-engaged (to a gentlemen in trade) wallflower suddenly inherits a fortune? Suddenly her parents have much higher expectations for her marriage possibilities. But what about her current fiance? In Eloisa James new novella, we find out.

Mister Cyrus Ravensthorpe grew up under a cloud of scandal, but he has A Plan to restore his family to their rightful place in society. His plan is proceeding nicely – one important step has just been taken…finding an acceptable bride. Mister Ravensthorpe has recently become engaged to Lady Lucy Towerton.

Lady Lucy considered herself a wallflower. Taller than most of the gentlemen of the ton, she always felt awkward and uncomfortable. Imagine her surprise when the very handsome and wealthy Mister Ravensthorpe asked her father for her hand in marriage! Still, as they spent some time getting acquainted, Lucy realized they never really connected. No real conversation – he didn’t even ask to use her given name – they mostly spent their very proper visits playing Backgammon.

Suddenly Lucy’s life is sent spinning. She finds out she has inherited her great aunt’s fortune. Her parents are very excited because they think Lucy’s chances of finding a noble husband have now increased exponentially. All she has to do is break her engagement to Mister Ravensthorpe. Lucy is reluctant – she has a bit of a crush on Cyrus – and plans with her best friend, Olivia, to be found in a compromising position with her betrothed. No chance of breaking the engagement then!

But you know the old saying about the best laid plans, don’t you, faithful reader? Cyrus arrives at the ball Lucy is attending and hears of her recent good fortune and sees his plan hit a stumbling block. Meanwhile, Lucy’s plan to be caught with her betrothed also doesn’t go as she thinks it will.

Lucy realizes she deserves someone actually interested in her and not someone who sees her as a convenient Available Perfect Noble Lady. Cyrus realizes he might have chosen Lucy for reasons other than the fact she fit into his Plan. But can he convince Lucy?

I really enjoyed this novella. It’s a quick, fun read and doesn’t feel at all rushed or compressed. The story is in no way shorted and it does not feel like a setup for Ms. James’ next full-length book. Cyrus and Lucy are a fun couple and their interactions are lively and sweet. Does it stand alone? Absolutely. Is it worth your $0.99 investment? Most definitely. At this busy time of year, you might not have the available time to invest in a full length book, but this one is just right. Treat yourself!

Grade: A+

Summary:

It Could Only Happen in a Fairytale…

Lady Lucy Towerton
Plain and tall. (According to the lady herself.)
Titled, and irreproachably proper. (According to her fiancé.)

Until, overnight, she becomes

Lady Lucy Towerton
Heiress. (Thanks to an aged aunt’s bequest.)
Belle of the Ball. (So say the fortune hunters of the ton.)

In charge of her own destiny (finally!), Lucy breaks her engagement and makes up her mind to never be proper again…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

Sandy M’s review of Shooting Stars by Bella Andre
Time Travel Romance erotic short story ebook published by Bella Andre 15 Oct 10

I’m a huge time travel fan, so I was a pleasantly surprised when I started reading this short story and found time traveling is the main star. Among the shooting starts needed to help our heroines out anyway. I’m glad Bella Andre decided to breathe new life into her older books. I’ve had fun with the two I’ve read so far.

Now, you have to keep in mind Shooting Stars is a short story. It suffers the same fate as pretty much every other short story out there – not enough time for the characters to delve into each other but in bed. Christina and Christiania know what they want, what they need in their lives to be happy. So when they see it, experience it, they know it’s right. Therefore, take this book for what it is and go with the flow. Especially the hot, hot sex!

Christina has picked up another man at another bar. For sex. Same old, same old for her lately. So much so she begins daydreaming this time around instead of enjoying Jake’s ministrations. Suddenly she’s thrown into the past, trading places with the girl who is marrying an alpha-to-the-core Scottish laird, Marcus. He wants a biddable wife to give him sons, and that’s what he’s getting in Christiania. The next thing he knows, however, his wife has become too independent and cusses up a storm.

Christiania is too shy, too timid for the likes of Marcus. She needs gentle wooing and loving. Finding herself thrust into the life and bed of Jake, the one who doesn’t do it for Christina, is just what Christiania needs. Jake is a man who gives more than he takes, seeing to Christiania’s wants before his own. They’re perfect for each other.

Of course, all doesn’t go well for long. After getting exactly what they want, each woman is tossed back into her own time to the man neither wants to be with. Trying to figure out a way to travel back to where they belong isn’t as easy as it was the first time around. Why doesn’t a shooting star work for them a second time?

Don’t look for depth of character or intense plot. Don’t look for believability or reality. Take the steaminess and the twist of fate as it’s meant – a good, fun read in 50 pages. ‘Nuff said.

Grade: B-

Summary:

San Francisco, present: Christina wishes the men she took to bed could be more like the warriors of the past: strong, sexy and just a little bit scary.

Scotland, 1320: Convent-raised Christiania prays for a gentle man to save her from marriage to a warrior. A shooting star and a fervent wish for their heart’s desire are all it takes for both women’s dreams and wildest sexual desires to come true.

No excerpt available.

This just in…

eBook readers are in for a very special treat from Berkely/NAL…especially if you love Nora Roberts and their out-of-print Signet Regency line.

~ In January 2012, Penguin Group (USA)’s Berkley/NAL division will launch InterMix, a new e-initial eBook imprint.

~ InterMix will introduce original works from new authors as well as publish favorite titles from beloved authors such as Nora Roberts that are available as eBooks for the first time.  InterMix will be focused on eBooks, though some titles might also eventually be published as physical books.

~ With the January 2012 launch, eleven classic books from Nora Roberts titles that have never before been available as eBooks will be released, including such popular series as Cordina’s Royal Family and The Donovan Legacy and several novels featuring fan favorites the O’Hurleys.  Additional Nora Roberts eBooks will be published throughout 2012, with the second group including seven of Roberts’s beloved novels about the MacGregor family available in April.

~ The eBooks published by InterMix will encompass a wide range of genres, including women’s fiction, romance, mystery and thriller, and science fiction/fantasy.  Every InterMix title, whether brand new or previously available in print, will receive fresh cover art, newly designed interiors, and creative marketing, publicity, and advertising campaigns.

~ In February, InterMix will revive the renowned Signet Regency line with the release of six popular romance titles that have never before been published as eBooks. Three additional Regency-set romances will be released each following month throughout 2012.  And later in the year, InterMix will bring back four novels in the classic Guinevere Jones series from bestselling writer Jayne Ann Krentz, writing as Jayne Castle, that have long been out of print and have never been available as eBooks.

~ InterMix titles will be available wherever eBooks are sold, in a variety of formats compatible with all major eReaders.

Consider yourself flashed.

Sandy M’s review of Ecstasy by Bella Andre
Contemporary Romance erotic short story ebook published by Bella Andre 1 Aug 11

When I read the first few paragraphs of this book, I kept thinking, “Shades of Romancing the Stone” – that first adventure scene where you end up being relieved it’s not really the movie but an excerpt from Joan Wilder’s manuscript. So when reading Charlie Gibson’s erotic story at the beginning of this book, I held my breath, waiting to find out what Bella Andre intended to do. Boy, was I ever surprised!

I’m happy to say Ms. Andre gives readers a fun story with equally fun characters. That isn’t to say there aren’t a couple of issues, but for the most part I enjoyed getting to know Charlie and Candace through their relationship with each other and through their writing.

Deciding to make a change in her writing, Candy wants to write erotic romance novels. She’s finding that a little difficult in more ways than one. The writing group she joins is disgusted with her porn, and her dates only want to get into her pants when they find out what she does for a living. Attending an erotic romance conference changes her life all the way around. All she had to do is bowl over and fall on top of Charlie Gibson, successful erotic writer.

Charlie has suffered pretty much the same fate: when women find out he writes sexy and sensual books, they simply walk out on him, thinking he’s perverted and the scum of the earth. He’d give anything to find that one woman who wouldn’t look at him in such a light. When he’s bowled over by Candace, his destiny is about to change. Agreeing to mentor her during the conference, Charlie comes up with a lesson plan that will teach her all she needs to know to get her words on paper for publication. He’s taken by surprise when Candace takes those lessons a step further.

Lesson by lesson they become lovers, each falling for the other but afraid to say anything due to the circumstances of their attraction. Both vow to tell the other how they feel after the mentoring is over. In the meantime, Candace’s writing has taken on a whole new light, and she even enters her story in a contest just to see how it goes over with the judges. Yes, she wins the contest, but will she lose Charlie when he finds out what she’s really done?

While I definitely enjoy Charlie and Candace as they get to know one another in every carnal way possible, I also want to know more about them personally. They never really talk to each other to learn those little things lovers find out. I think that’s mostly due to this being a short story, but even a short scene or two would make me happy. And I’m a tad irritated with Candace not thinking about Charlie in terms of the erotic contest she enters. I mean, he is an erotic writer, after all. That she doesn’t put two and two together just doesn’t sit right.

But, all in all, Ecstasy is an entertaining romp that will keep you turning the pages to see what these two are up to next.

Grade:B-

Summary:

Candace, a newcomer to writing erotica, is thrilled when Charlie, a veteran of the industry, agrees to be her mentor.  But neither of them ever expected that Charlie’s lessons on new positions, using toys, varying locations and role playing would spiral from verbal instruction into hot, hands on education.  Unfortunately, Candace’s deception about the new erotic romance she’s writing–where Charlie plays the starring role–is about to threaten their one chance at true love.

No excerpt available.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of The Earl Takes a Lover by Georgia E. Jones
Historical erotica digital short story published by Spice Briefs 01 Jul 11

I’m a sucker for historicals with an erotic edge, so whenever I see one pop up in the Spice Briefs line, I always take a closer look.  Georgia E. Jones is a writer I’ve never read before, and the back cover blurb sounded enticing, so I gave it a whirl.  I wish I could say I fell madly in love – but sadly, not so much.

Penelope Montague makes her way in the world as a companion for an elderly lady.  Educated in a convent, what nobody is aware of is that young Penelope is the daughter of a prostitute and, for the first few years of her life, was raised in a brothel!  Not only that, she’s the author of the scandalous A Woman’s Handbook, which has ladies in a swoon and gentlemen in a lather.

It’s in her duties as a companion that she meets the new Earl of Thanet, Robin Sackville Tufton.  Robin is a rake of the first order, but now that he has inherited the title he finds himself thwarting off various matchmaking mamas.  When he spies Penelope, he knows that he must have her.  But what will happen when he discovers one taste is not enough?  As an Earl, Penelope is so far beneath him she might as well be hanging out with The Mole People.  And sure as shootin’, she ain’t content to be no man’s mistress.

While the sexy times were certainly sizzling, everything else about this story didn’t work for me.  While born to a prostitute and raised in a brothel, Penelope is still, conveniently, a virgin. Frankly, this smacked of the author wanting to have her cake and eat it too.  Especially since Penelope apparently “knows” enough about Sexy Times to write a book, but not enough so that Robin can still “educate” her.  Bah humbug.  We’re also to believe that when the patrons of said brothel begin to take notice of young Penelope, the madam ships her off to convent school.  OK, I’m calling shenanigans on this one.  What self-respecting madam in early 19th century London is going to ship off a potential money-making bonanza?  No hooker has a heart of gold that pure, let alone a madam who is, (hello?!) essentially, a pimp.  Don’t they kick you out of the Big Pimpin’ Union for that sort of thing?

Even if you’re willing to roll with Penelope’s background, there’s the small matter of the ending.  Um, there isn’t one.  This story just stops.  The resolution to the conflict?  Yeah, there isn’t any.  It just….stops.  This might not be totally disconcerting in a straight-up erotic story, but I viewed more than one romance road sign over the course of my reading.  So to have things just….stop?  With no real resolution?  Frustrating doesn’t even begin to cover it.  Bah humbug indeed.

Grade: D

Summary:

London, 1801

No one could have guessed that virginal companion Penelope Montague is the author of the scandalous manual A Woman’s Handbook. Society believes she was educated in a convent, unaware she spent the first half of her life raised by the ladies of the famous Black Swan brothel.

Only rake Robin Sackville Tufton, Earl of Thanet, sees the sensual woman behind Pen’s proper exterior. From the moment he sees her, he wants her more than anything else. But Pen isn’t fit to be an earl’s wife, nor can he simply take her—despite her passionate response to his touch. Can Robin and Penelope rein in their desire…or will they find a way to indulge it?

No excerpt found.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s Quick Quack Reviews of Two Harlequin Historical Undones by Amanda McCabe
Historical romance digital short stories released by Harlequin Historical Undone Apr – Aug 2011

In what has become a familiar song and dance around The Pond, Wendy has once again been hording short stories on her e-reader.  Oh, who am I kidding – I never really stopped.  So in a bid to clean out some of the back-log, I thought I’d bundle up two reviews in one for Amanda McCabe’s most recent work for Harlequin Historical Undone.  McCabe is an author who has generally worked for me in the shorter format in the past, so I settled in with high hopes for some solid reads.  One worked pretty well, while the other?  Not so much.

Unlacing The Lady In Waiting
August 2011

16th century Scotland is all about making favorable alliances, which explains how Lady Helen Frasier has found herself betrothed to James McKerrigan.  This an arrangement she is unhappy with, given that all she has heard her entire life is how vile, evil, and barbaric every McKerrigan is.  But what’s a girl to do?  Defy her father?  Yeah, not an option.  So instead she takes off for some solitude to collect her thoughts, where she runs into the most dashing man.  Gee, guess who our mystery man is?  Yeah.  Anywho, everything seems to be going along swimmingly, until word gets to Daddy that Helen has been chosen to be a lady in waiting for Mary, Queen of Scots.  The engagement is, naturally, broken – so when Helen returns to Scotland years later?  Good ol’ James is there to meet her and claim his bride.

This is one of those stories where I knew where it was going before it got there.  There’s nothing inherently wrong with this, and I’m still capable of enjoying themes, tropes, and various plot bits I’ve read numerous times before.  The problem here is that we have a massive case of Insta-Lurve.  Some stolen kisses and heavy petting with James (prior to knowing he’s James, of course) is enough for Helen to fall madly in love with him.  And James with her.  Sorry, not buying.  It takes more than that for me to believe these two are in love and pining for each other while they are apart.

Grade: C

Summary:

Scotland, 1561

Lady Helen Frasier thought Highlanders were barbaric—until she shared an intimate encounter with her betrothed, James McKerrigan. Though their families were enemies, the Highland lord roused a surprising passion in Helen. Then she was chosen to become a lady in waiting to the queen, and their engagement was broken.

Now, Helen has returned to Scotland and her jilted lover, who has vowed to take revenge and claim his promised bride….

No Excerpt Found

Girl in the Beaded Mask
April 2011

Lady Louise “Lulu” Hatton has escaped from her first season in London to return to the country.  She suffered through dreadfully dull debutante balls and shared more than one sub-par stolen kiss with would-be suitors.  The only man she has ever wanted is her brother’s best friend, David Carlisle.  However, when David returned from World War I, he came home a changed man.  Wounded, scarred, and haunted by the death of Lulu’s brother.  When an invitation shows up for a local house party where David will be in attendance?  Lulu defies her parents, dresses for the masquerade, and sets out to get her man.

This is a pretty solid story with a wonderful 1920s back-drop.  Most of my issues stem from this tale not being long enough.  Given the constraints of the Undone line, David’s PTSD is glossed over considerably, and while I could buy these two being in love?  There’s hardly any mention of her parents, and no mention whatsoever of the fall-out of David deflowering Lulu.  I mean, by all accounts her parents “like” David – but would they consider him a suitable match for their daughter?  That’s another kettle of fish.

Grade: B-

Summary:

England, 1922

David Carlisle believes no woman would want to marry the broken and isolated man who has returned from the trenches of France. Especially vivacious Lady Louise Hatton, better known as Lulu—the one woman who makes his heart begin to thaw with her bright smile.

What David doesn’t realize is that Lulu has been fantasizing about him her whole life. And at a scandalous masked ball, she’s determined to show David just how badly she wants him….

No Excerpt Found

One of the reasons I tend to glom on to Amanda McCabe’s work is that she’s not afraid to tinker around with different settings and time periods.  Just looking at her short story work for Undone, she has refused to be pigeon-holed into writing one “type” of story.  Which these two particular examples illustrate quite beautifully, even if one story worked better for me than the other.

Sandy M’s review of Fatal Consequences (Fatal Series, Book 3) by Marie Force
Romantic Suspense ebook published by Carina Press 18 Jul 11

With just one book, Everyone Loves a Hero, Marie Force has become a favorite of mine.  I have other books of hers in the TBR mountain just because I like the title or the back cover blurb. So it’s always an extra thrill when the story inside matches what you’ve built up in your mind from those extraneous descriptions, and Ms. Force does that in spades. And she surprises me too. This book, the first of her Fatal Series I’ve read, has surprised me. Now, I know you’ll say, “Well, Sandy, you should have known from the title that this book isn’t full of fluff and fun.”  Yeah, I get that, but I still expected a tad bit of that. But what I actually got is so much more.

The first thing I really like about this story is that our hero and heroine are already together. I believe that happened in the previous book (I’ll have to read that book to satisfy my curiosity. ) when Nick lost two close friends to murder, one of whom was a U.S. Senator and Nick has filled that interim spot and is now campaigning on his own. Sam is a lieutenant with the D.C. police, good at her job, and she solved the case involving Nick’s friends. There’s where I think the relationship began. And what a terrific relationship it is. Sam is still gun shy after surviving her abusive and murderous ex-husband, but she’s doing her best not to keep things from Nick. He’s an honest and straightforward kind of man and needs the same from her, no matter what. He can’t fight what he doesn’t know about. None of that do-what-you-think-is-best-without-telling-anyone garbage that leads to crazy misunderstandings in this book, and I love it. Work together and fight the conflict together. Makes me so very happy as a reader. Of course, because they’re lovers early on, we also enjoy a lot more of bedroom fun, including heart-to-hearts.

From what I gather, it’s not unusual in Sam’s work life for a case to be dropped in her lap at a moment’s notice, and this time it’s at her father’s wedding. And this one is a doozy. At least it is once the team begins investigating. An employee of a cleaning service that takes care of senate offices is killed, and the Senator who finds her is a friend of Nick’s, so he calls Sam to try to keep this tragedy away from the media. That’s only the first warning bell that goes off for Sam. Come to find out the lady and the senator are more than passing friendly. The investigation leads them to another employee who has suffered the same fate, and suddenly this case takes on much larger proportions than Sam and her team could ever imagine.

What cements that is when Sam receives a threat telling her to back off, but she’s a stubborn cuss. No way in hell will she do that. Then one of her team is attacked, beaten and raped, left alive only to deliver a message to Sam. And those scenes are written to perfection, from Sam’s reaction to the threat to her empathy toward her friend and colleague to that woman’s range of emotions, as well as that of her boyfriend. Sam is now more determined to find out who’s behind this well-kept secret that’s been hidden for years by the good old boy network of government officials. You don’t threaten Sam and get away with it.

Through all of this Nick does his best to stand by Sam. When she decides to share what’s going on with him, that is. What he wants more than anything – even being a senator – is to make her his wife, and he finally gets the agreement he wants from her, so he doesn’t hesitate. A date is set and all arrangements are now in the works. This is where that little bit of fluff comes in for this book, and this couple is fun when life isn’t throwing curves at them, all of which is needed amid all the heavy evil going on around these characters. But they deal with it all beautifully, even when houses are torched and ex-husbands get released on a technicality.

I also like the side stories we get in this book. Tommy is faced with news out of left field, but he’s thrilled and appalled at the same time once the situation is finally clear cut. He takes action, though it may cost him his relationship with Christina. Freddie is having the time of his life with Elin, but his mother and Sam caution him right and left about the woman. I’m a little confused as to why he took a vow of celibacy at a young age and has just now discovered sex. Another reason to get to the previous books ASAP! Curiosity has to be satisfied. Though he’s loving the sex, Freddie wants more, but is that what Elin wants too? And we also learn about Sam’s father and his retirement from the department, something Sam is still working on to solve to this day. But we’re just as happy as Sam to see him happy again.

Characters who draw you into their lives on the first page, a storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat, turning page after page and throws you a twist you never see coming but also warms your heart and then beats it out of your chest in those extra special moments, and just plain old great writing are all hallmarks of a Marie Force book. What are you waiting for? Pick one up today, especially this one and its predecessors. A great read is waiting just for you.

Grade: A+

Summary:

The murder of two members of the Capitol Cleaning Service might’ve been just another homicide investigation—that is If one of them hadn’t been romantically involved with a married senator from Arizona. Lt. Sam Holland and her team are plunged into another complex case that at first seems open and shut. But as Sam tugs on the threads of the investigation she uncovers a deep, dark Washington secret that threatens the careers of some of the government’s highest-ranking officials. Racing to catch a killer before he can strike again, Sam and her fiancé, U.S. Senator Nick Cappuano, attempt to plan a wedding while her colleague Detective Tommy “Gonzo” Gonzales faces life-changing news.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Trouble in Paradise by Jennifer Greene
Contemporary Romance ebook published by Carina Press 13 Dec 10

This is my second book by Jennifer Greene in the last couple of months, and I’ve been pretty pleasantly surprised at the heartwarming stories I’ve read from her. Neither the hero nor the heroine are looking for love and marriage, but when fate puts temptation and their dreams in front of them, despite eventual doubts and vulnerabilities, their lives drastically change, but is it for the better?

Susan owns her own bookstore, one of her dreams come to life, and doesn’t have time to try to find Mr. Right. But a friend keeps after Susan to go a blind date with the woman’s brother. She just knows they’ll get along great. After putting it off as long as possible, Susan finally agrees. And the night doesn’t start out with a bang, but it just might end with one.

Griff is divorced and has three kids, all of whom live with his ex-wife. He’s not looking to get married again, once was definitely enough. He loves his kids beyond measure and will do anything to make them happy. Running late the night of his blind date – his son’s game went much longer than anticipated – is not the way to make a good impression, especially when he finds a tipsy and pissed-off date still waiting for him.

Taken by the beautiful bookseller while she’s swept off her feet by the charming, older man, Griff and Susan end up married in just three months. Their honeymoon is fixing up their new home together and entertaining the kids one at a time, all in a effort to ease everyone into a new family situation. But everything is cut short when Griff’s oldest son comes up missing and his ex-wife shirks responsibility. A court order puts all three children in Griff’s and Susan’s home in no time flat, and things don’t go as Susan thought they would.

The youngest, Tiger, wants a hamster. Barbara, the only girl, is surly and tests Susan at every turn. The oldest, Tom, at least talks to her when he’s home. But out-of-control parties, extra housework, cleaning animal cages and so many other unexpected things begin to take their toll on her. I can see where Susan is coming from, but my sympathy only went so far. She let those kids run roughshod over her without putting her foot down, not wanting Griff to know she’s having problems with the children. So it doesn’t surprise me things begin to unravel. Things get even worse for Susan when she discovers she’s pregnant; the normal emotions running high for a woman not sure of her man and her life.

I do like Griff a lot. He has a hot switch and when it’s flicked, everyone knows he means business. There’s a time or two Susan misinterprets his anger, and he handles it with her with the gentleness and kindness she’s come to know from him. The kids are the usual confused children of divorce. Tiger is the cutest thing, and Barbara keeps her loyalty to her mother close to the vest, though I don’t think the woman deserves it. Tom is at that point where he’s not quite a man but he’s no longer a boy and he’s learning things his way. Susan loves them all just because they’re Griff’s and Griff knows that.

All in all, a nice, solid family story with love and real-life issues. Ms. Greene has a knack for writing these types of stories just right.

Grade: B

Summary:

From blind date...
He’s divorced, eleven years older and the father of three. Not exactly every girl’s Ideal Man.
But as soon as reserved bookstore owner Susan meets charismatic Griff Anderson, she’s
smitten—and just three passion-filled months later, she’s his wife.

To instant family…
Their idyllic honeymoon spent restoring a majestic Victorian is cut short when the newlyweds
happily—but unexpectedly—find themselves with full custody of his children. Now, instead of
enjoying passionate nights and lazy mornings-after with Griff, Susan finds herself thrust into
the role of Mom to Tom, Barbara and Tiger. And quarrelling with her husband over how to
handle the drama that comes with a house full of tweens and teens.

When pet problems, party crashers and pregnancy scares threaten their happiness, Susan
can’t help but wonder what Griff really wanted: a wife, or a mother for his children?

Read an excerpt.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Taking Her Boss (Glory Tales #1) by Alegra Verde
Contemporary erotica digital short story published by Spice Briefs 01 Apr 11

When someone asks me why I read erotica, my flippant answer is “because like it.”  All the reasons why I like it cannot truly be condensed down in a two-second sound bite, but one aspect of it?  I get off (hardy har har) on erotic stories that challenge.  Not just my own personal notions of what is sexy or “erotic,” but even those notions that are held by “polite society” – for lack of a better description.  In other words, no, it’s not all about the sex.  The sex in “good” erotica serves as a catalyst for some larger issue.

Glory James likes her job as personal assistant to ad executive Bruce Davies.  Although apparently not enough to keep from boinking a client in her office.  When Bruce catches them in the act, Glory expects to get, if not fired, reprimanded.  So imagine her surprise when Bruce confesses an attraction to her and drops the bombshell that he likes to be given orders in the bedroom.  Whatever shall they do now?

I’ll be honest and disclose that I picked up this story because I enjoy reading about dominant heroines.  I wasn’t really looking for earth-shattering depth here, just something different from the prevailing hero = Dom, heroine = submissive that seems to dominant (ha!) the genre.  The reader does have to get past the set-up of the story, but what follows is some very intriguing fallout.

Glory proceeds to enter into a relationship with Bruce, but it’s not without consequences.  Bruce seems to be able to go about his business at the office, flip the switch, and pretend nothing is going on outside.  Glory?  Yeah, not so much.

This is a dicey story, and one that I have a hard time recommending out-right to all readers of erotica.  At one point during their play-time, Glory calls Bruce a nasty slur that will very likely offend some readers.  Also, later in the story, when Glory finds herself distancing herself from the situation, Bruce comes off kind of stalker-ish.  All of this leads to a slightly uncomfortable ending, where things are still very much up in the air.  Which hopefully means more Glory Tales to follow.  Because even as uncomfortable as this story made me at times?  Yeah, I don’t want to be done yet.  This probably says nothing good about me, but you know what?  I don’t rightly care.

Grade: B-

Summary:

When Glory James’s boss catches her having sex with a client at the office, she expects to get reprimanded, not Bruce Davies’s revelation that he wants her, too.Even more shocking is his confession that he likes to be told what to do in bed—and that Glory is aroused by the idea…

No excerpt found.

LynneC’s review of Meddling with a Millionaire by Cat Schield
Contemporary Romance Ebook published by Harlequin Desire 1 Jun 11

I love discovering new authors to follow and enjoy, so Schield’s debut book with Harlequin Desire is a perfect candidate. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work out too well and I don’t think I’ll be hunting down her future releases. But a heroine who is bemoaning the fact that she’s down to her last $100,000 doesn’t really get much sympathy from me.

I really don’t like doing these reviews, especially with new authors, but this book is so clunky, with such dislikeable characters, that I had to force myself to read to the end. I did it because I wanted to give Schield a fair shake—perhaps the book would improve in the second half. Sadly, it doesn’t.

Emma has already slept with Nathan once when they meet at a New Year’s party at her father’s house—they’d done it against the door of his apartment a while back—but now Nathan is pursuing her with a different purpose. If he marries her, he gets the deal with her father that he’s after. The first scene is Emma trying to get away from Nathan at the party, and failing. I’m not sure why Emma is running. Because it makes a good scene, I suspect.

Emma is a poor little rich girl. Her father cut off her access to the Trust because she’s spending too much on clothes and shoes. Instead, he gives her $100,000 to survive on for a year. And we’re supposed to feel sorry for her, or smile at her predicament? Sorry, no. Emma is also supposed to be a talented jewelry designer. She promises to pay her father back the $30,000 she’s already spent, and then he won’t insist on her marriage to Nathan. This makes no sense at all. And we never get the feel for Emma as a designer. We’re just told that she is.

At one point, she is in her workshop rooting through a box of sapphires, looking for a stone for her latest creation. I winced. Once a stone is cut and polished, it’s not kept with others. That’s only for the rough designs. Cut and polished precious stones are kept in padded cases, separately, to avoid scratches and the sharp edges of the cut being rubbed off. It’s details like that that stops this story gaining any feel for the real. Vague descriptions, together with the odd product placement (honestly, it feels like that) stop the background from becoming real. At one point, she empties her wardrobe, thinking she should sell the clothes. Okay, since they’re designer, but stuffing them into garbage bags isn’t doing them any favors, and hoping to get more than thrift shop prices is a bit daft. Since this is one of Emma’s consistent habits, i.e. doing dumb stuff, it could have been endearing. But it turns out annoying. She shouldn’t be allowed out alone, and she keeps insisting that she’s competent and bright. No on both counts.

Product placement? At one point Nathan is concerned and worried. He drives his car, a BMW, out in pursuit. But the text describes the car, specifically a BMW 650i coupe. Are we expected to believe that Nathan is thinking of the model of his car in this situation? Or is this an unintentional slip into omniscient POV? Either way, it jars, and makes me laugh. Maybe Nathan’s a snob and the model of his car means more to him than Emma’s predicament. I wouldn’t be surprised.

Now we come to Nathan. A more selfish, egotistical, wrong-headed person it would be more difficult to meet, and he doesn’t reform until far too late into the story, and then for the wrong reasons. We’re expected to believe that he’s a successful, hard-headed businessman. One who doesn’t seem to have heard of a company portfolio or spreading the risk or even risk assessment strategy. He is opposed to his brothers’ safer strategy of buying into a different firm, and he wants the deal with Emma’s father. It’s basically a plot device, as it turns out, giving him an alternative. And when he changes his mind, he does it for family reasons, not business ones. Way to run a business, gambling with the futures of employees. I guess the brothers are sequel-bait, but they’re very loosely drawn, so I’m not really pulled to read their stories. Nathan wants what Nathan wants. He insists on it.

There are lots of clumsy backstory drops. They are sprinkled through the text, but, particularly at the beginning, the story comes to a screeching halt for yet another paragraph of what Emma feels and what she’s done in the past. The reason she’s determined on love in marriage is explained with the usual clichéd backstory, and disappointingly, so is Nathan’s excuse for not looking for love in marriage—it destroyed his mother, so therefore, everyone who falls in love is deluded and he doesn’t want any of it. Say what? Would you work for a man who makes such crashing generalizations?

There is a consistent error, too. The author uses “that’s” and “it’s” when she really should have put “that was” and “it was.” Consistency of tense is quite important, and every time it’s used wrongly, it jarred.

There are some odd metaphors that don’t make sense. For example, at the start of Chapter Two, “where a jackhammer had started drilling into her brain.” Jackhammers drill? A little more attention, replacing “drill” with a more appropriate word would have worked better. And there are more of these that make a reader stop and do a mental double take before reading on.

The lack of “showing” in favor of “telling” too – telling us Emma is a great designer without describing her designs, for instance, doesn’t lead to extra closeness with her. I could understand if she is really a talented designer and just needs a break, but the story isn’t told like that.

Oh, yes, and an old Harlequin trope shows its head again. Emma and Nathan are about to get down and dirty, when…when…the doorbell rings. I have so not missed that one. And, to make matters worse, it’s Emma’s BFF, and after Nathan leaves, she talks everything over with her. Sigh. The BFF discussion is so 1990s, and so obviously a way for Emma to explain her feelings without going into more introspection.

One thing that actually moves irritation up to anger is the lack of contraception/protection. Unless it’s so brief I missed it, there are no descriptions of condoms, neither character mentions any worries about babies or disease (which is another Stupid Emma moment) or mentions that their religion forbids it.

I am so sorry, but this book just didn’t work for me on any level. I can’t give it an F, because it is at least coherent, and to give an F for a debut novel smacks of unnecessary cruelty. But I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t give it a D. So D it is, and I’m so sorry. All I can say is try it, you might like it a lot more than I do. At least there aren’t any secret babies.

Grade: D

Summary:

Sydney Chase may have sworn off relationships—but she still has needs. So she heads to the Panther’s Lair in search of sex: no strings, no emotions. The club owner, dark, mysterious Raimond Decoudreau, is exactly what she’s looking for—his French accent alone makes her hot. Fortunately, his mouth has other sinful talents, as well…

After just one night with Sydney, Raimond knows she’s his. And when the time is right, when she loves him in return, he’ll reveal his deepest secret. For now, he’ll enjoy pleasuring her in the most intimate of ways.

But when Sydney’s life is threatened, Raimond’s instincts take control, and she gets a glimpse at the beast within…

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of Finding Forgiveness (Poconos Pack, Book 1) by Dana Marie Bell
Paranormal Romance ebook published by Samhain 5 Jul 11

I’ve read a few of Dana Marie Bell’s shifter books, as well as her Gray Court series, and I’ve enjoyed them all so far. Therefore, I was looking forward to this shifter book. Unfortunately, a lot of elements in this book just don’t work for me, especially because the one reason I read shifter books – the shifting itself – is nearly nonexistent.

On top of that, while m/m stories are not my favorite reads, I’m always open to trying whatever an author is offering in the genre, with the hopes I can perhaps find a gem among all the other offerings out there. There are very few authors, to me, who can do same sex stories well, so any time I can add a new name to my short list, I’m happy to give them a chance. Though Ms. Bell has the sex element of this genre down pat, what’s missing is the romance and the love, which I don’t feel all that often between these characters.

I do like the packs that Ms. Bell has created in her series. She utilizes all pack positions other than Alpha, and I feel that adds a lot to understanding pack dynamics. So I’m a little confused as to why Ben, the Marshall of the pack – the one who feels any and all pain of the pack and its members – does no investigation, asks no questions, just assumes his mate  – his mate! – is an alcoholic because of the fuzziness, the dizziness, the headaches Dave frequently experiences. His excuse is his father was an alcoholic and he just can’t go through living that kind of life again. Okay, I can understand that, but I sure don’t get why he’d turn his back on his mate with no word whatsoever, no chance of explanation. Doesn’t compute.

Dave is the Beta of the pack, second only to the Alpha, so he’s got huge responsibility. He suffers from migraines, the type that makes him ill at times. I know Ms. Bell wanted to showcase the hazards and damage of migraines, and, for the most part, she does do a good job. I have a good friend who suffers from them – not as badly as Dave but close – and I do sympathize with the man. Closing himself in a dark room with cold compresses and praying for the oblivion of sleep is exactly what friend has to do to combat her pain. This part of the book is done very well.

Ben and Dave have known each other and known they’re mates for years, since they were teenagers. It’s Ben who avoids and stays away from Dave because of his erroneous assumptions, but Dave is mystified as to why because Ben refuses to talk to him about his feelings. Dave’s wolf is also suffering without his mate, thus a huge trigger for the migraines he suffers from to go along with the stressors of his position. Dave’s latest bout is quite severe, which finally sheds light on Ben’s attitude and reasons for his avoidance. Hurt that his mate would do such a thing, Dave decides to go on his long-awaited vacation to Walt Disney World. While there he’ll also look for another mate, because it’s Gay Pride Week and he should have a sea to choose from.

Okay, where to start now. I feel Dave should have sat down with Ben once he learns of Ben’s error. He’s doing the same thing to Ben by not talking to the man that Ben has done to him for years. No lesson learned there, especially, as I’ve said, when it’s his mate. Ben does try to make up for the hurt he’s caused, leaving little love tidbits in his wolf form for his mate. But Dave doesn’t get this, prefers it if Ben would do the same only in human form. Well, that’s sucky. The man is trying and all he gets is criticism and no acknowledgment. And this little bit of Ben running around in his wolf form is the only shifting in the entire book. That’s why I read this type  of books. I want the shifting as much as possible.

Next, I don’t feel Ms. Bell has stayed true to Dave’s character. He may be a gay character but he’s also a shifter, a wolf, the Beta of his pack. When at WDW there’s moments when he acts like a girl. Not a child, which is what I’d expect of any adult who’s never been to the Magic Kingdom (hell, I’m that way myself when I go to Disneyland!), but much too girlie, and I just can’t take my heroes being any sort of feminine. Throwing a sheet over his head when in bed and bantering with Ben, just like a woman would do, no. Just flat-out no.

Also, there’s really not any romance between Dave and Ben once they reconcile. It’s fine to have them still acts like guys, boys will be boys type of thing, but when it comes to the bedroom and all that goes with it, love and tenderness and caresses and all that, it’s just not there. Love is love, and I expect the same romance I get in any H/h romance in all other romance genres. These two are supposed to be in love, together forever, but I never feel that. And Ben doesn’t grovel nearly enough for his years-old treatment of Dave. And what little groveling there is, it’s not loving enough for the forgiveness that is needed.

So I am a bit disappointed in this book. I like it a little better than Ash, though. I’m giving a couple of points for the realism of the migraine issue and the consistency of the pack dynamics and the secondary pack characters. If those had been missing, I don’t want to think about what my grade would have been then.

Grade: C-

Read Ash’s review here.

Summary:

To forgive is divine…if he can pin his lover down long enough to beg for it.

Ben Malone’s role as Marshall attunes him to every nuance of the pack’s wellbeing—which means he’s forced to feel every one of his mate’s hangovers. It’s the one reason Ben will never claim Dave Maldonado. Being alone is better than being with someone who lives in a bottle.

Dave was destined to be a pack Alpha until his first migraine hit at age fifteen, the day he caught his future mate holding hands with another boy. In the nine agonizing years since, he’s contented himself as Beta, but never learned to live with the pain and confusion of Ben’s rejection.

Dave’s worst attack yet sends him to the hospital—and brings them both face to face with the misunderstanding that’s kept them apart all these years. It’s too late, though. Dave is headed for Gay Pride Week at Disney World with one goal in mind. Forget Ben Malone.

Ben’s got a problem with that. Only one man is destined to hold his David. And he’ll give anything, even his last shred of pride, to win forgiveness—and the right to finally claim his mate.

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of Chasin’ Eight (Rough Riders, Book 11) by Lorelei James
Contemporary Western Romance erotic ebook published by Samhain 28 Jun 11

Dammit! I went and did it again! I read this latest addition to Lorelei James’ Rough Riders series too fast. Way, way too fast. I wanted to make it last, but since it hasn’t happened so far, I have a feeling it will never happen whenever I read about those McKay boys.

I always mention the emotion that Ms. James writes in her books, it’s what draws me back each time to read her next, along with her charming and intriguing characters. Well, and the lovin’ too. While I’ve chuckled here and there over the time of reading this series, I don’t recall laughing out loud like I do with Chase and Ava. I thoroughly enjoyed this couple, from the moment they meet through their getting to know one another and then working through the changes they need to go through to come out on the other side of the new life they find for themselves, whole and intact.

Both Chase and Ava are going through their own scandals in their very different worlds. Chase is a bull rider. He’s been on the circuit for years and has gotten a tad complacent, he’s falling in the standings, not performing his best, and now has been suspended from his rodeo association after pissing off a main and very generous sponsor. Swearing off women, which has gotten him into more than enough trouble lately, and determined to get back to basics to figure out why his riding is off, Chase heads home, staying in his cousin Kane’s trailer, not wanting the rest of the family to know what he’s up to just yet.

Ava is an actress from Los Angeles and has had moderate success. Enough that she’s plenty recognizable by the masses. She’s been blindsided by the latest paparazzi report her boyfriend is gay, his picture with his new boyfriend plastered all over news rags throughout the country. She needs to get away from the City of Angels to regroup and figure out what she really wants to do now. So she contacts her friend Ginger, who recently married Kane McKay. And guess where she’ll be staying while visiting the newlyweds? I love that scene when Chase and Ava first meet in the McKay secret love nest.

Chase has been driving for hours, so he’s exhausted when he finally makes it to Kane’s. He’s so wiped out, all he does is wash the travel grime from his face and then he heads to bed. But sleep eludes him as he suddenly comes into contact with a soft and moving someone, who also reacts by jumping out of the bed quicker than lightning. Ava strikes a martial arts pose and threatens her intruder, and with the ensuing dialogue, which is hilarious, the fun with these two begins.

I especially love the truth or lie scenes. OMG, I laughed till I cried. And then I kept laughing. And while the later Twinkie scene is sexy as all get-out, I had a huge, huge grin on my face the entire time. I’m getting ahead of myself here, but this couple is just plain old fun and good times. And you ain’t read anything till you come to the mechanical bull. Oh. My. Heavens. Whew! Now let’s get back on track…

After they work their living arrangements out, Ava agrees to tag along with Chase when he starts his riding “lessons” with Cash Big Crow and Chase’s cousin Colby and then accompanies Chase for his objective of getting on as many bulls as possible from rodeo to rodeo until he finds out his fate concerning his current predicament. Ava begins to videotape Chase’s rides and before too long, his problem is pinpointed and their rodeo adventure begins. This journey throws a few eye-openers out to both Chase and Ava concerning their future and each other.

Doing her best to convince Chase to break his vow of no women for a month, Ava flirts and cajoles, all to no avail. After a few hot kisses Chase always backs off, leaving them both frustrated. Until Ava goes too far one night, bringing in another man to make Chase jealous. Our cowboy may be a mite sensitive when it comes to his non-McKay height of five-seven, but never piss him off. And he does get pissed off, just as Ava wants, and she finally gets more than she could ever imagine. And then some. Chase takes his brother’s advice about loving a woman, and if you think this cowboy was sexy before, he’s off the charts now.

Chase is like all those McKay men when makin’ love. Intense, playful, demanding, slow, fast and furious, and now generous. He thought he’s always been generous in bed, but Ava makes all the difference in the world. And once they get a true taste of one another, there’s no stopping them. They burn up the sheets any and every chance they get, which is a lot, I’m happy to tell you.

Of course, this journey can’t be all hearts and flowers and gettin’ nekkid. Tragedy strikes and Chase takes a blow that he more than likely would have sloughed off before, let alone allow it to affect him as it does now. It changes him, just as most of this introspective trek has changed him and how he looks at his life in and out of the rodeo. Ava also has her share of introspection and realizations as to how she’s lived and interacted with others, mostly because of the new project she’s working on through her photography and videography of their trip. Even as they come out on the other side of such tragic events, there’s more seeming betrayal close at hand, and our fun-loving couple end up on the skids with their hearts broken.

What I love about Chase and Ava is their lightheartedness, their banter and laughter as they get to know each other. Even then they talk to one another. They don’t let things fester and infect the relationship. This continues once they become intimate and even on through their sadness and later their anger. It goes without saying, of course, that the sex scenes are smokin’ hot and will leave you hot and bothered, due to the fact those scenes are vintage Lorelei James. No one does it better. ‘Cept maybe a McKay.

And Chapter 29! Oh my gosh, Chapter 29. Out-of-the-blue twist that had me gasping out loud. I cannot wait to see what happens next!

I have no idea how many more books are going to be in this series. I’m hoping a few more at least. I’ll never tire of these McKay boys.

Grade: A

Summary:

She wants it. He’s got it. And the chase is on.

Bull rider Chase McKay has finally landed in a pile too big to charm his way out of. Caught with his pants down, he finds himself bucked right off the PBR tour until he can get his act together.

Hollywood actress Ava Cooper became the tabloids’ favorite target when her longtime boyfriend was outed as gay. She needs a place to lay low and a chance to prove to herself that she can satisfy a red-blooded man between the sheets. The sexy, rugged cowboy she finds holed up in her Wyoming hideaway seems like the answer to her every fantasy.

But Chase has sworn off women. Forever. Or at least a month. Whichever comes first.

When they take to the road to get Chase more hands-on bull riding experience, they have every intention of keeping their hands off each other. But the two headstrong stars quickly end up riding a hot and heady rodeo circuit all their own—until the press gets wind of their affair. When the dust clears and the lights of the paparazzi fade, are they ready to give up chasing the dream for a chance of finding forever?

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Her Fantasy by Saskia Walker
Erotic romance short story ebook published by Spice Briefs 01 Mar 11

It takes a special skill for an author to deliver a satisfying read in the length of a short story.  Not only does Saskia Walker have a healthy backlist, she’s written an impressive amount of shorter works.  So when I opened up Her Fantasy, I knew I was in the hands of a pro.  Yes, the gift box was small – but think of it as a jewelry box.

Anya Reid split from her boyfriend when she realizes that not only has the sizzle gone out of the relationship, but that she is finding herself tempted by other men.  Well, one man in particular – Warren McClure.  Never one to cheat, she takes this attraction to mean that something is definitely wrong in Denmark.  She figures even if Warren doesn’t think of her “that way,” it’s still a sign, so she’s content to be single.  But when Warren asks her out on a date?  Yeah, she doesn’t say no.  In fact, even before he broaches the subject of sexual fantasies over dinner, they’re already setting off enough sparks to power all of London.

Warren has had a crush on Anya since he first laid eyes on her at the office.  But she was involved with someone else, and Warren does not go poaching on another man’s territory.  So he’s played around, never satisfied because those women aren’t Anya, and bided his time.  Now his time is here, and he’s not about to blow it.  And if that means making Anya’s sexual fantasies come true?  So be it.

What I enjoyed about this short story is that there is an actual flesh and blood story.  It’s not just a bunch of sex scenes strung together.  I really feel like Walker shows me a world, a slice of a developing relationship, and I honestly find myself charmed by the romance.  I like Anya and Warren.  In fact, in between the hot sex and the eventual ménage a trios episode, there’s a lovely sweetness here.  I also like that after the ménage it’s not just “Oh, well, that was fun.” These two actually ::gasp:: talk about it and where their relationship is heading.

Yes, it’s a short story.  No, it’s not a full-length novel.  Yes, it’s an office romance, so readers need to get past the Danger, Danger Sexual Harassment Lawsuit warning bells.  But it’s still damn good.  In fact, it’s one of the finer Spice Briefs stories I’ve had the pleasure to read.  More, please.

Grade: B+

Summary:

“Which sexual fantasy is your ultimate turn-on?”

How is Anya Reid supposed to control her lust for her sexy coworker Warren McClure when he asks questions like that on their very first date? She has wanted Warren and to be more adventurous in bed for a long time, but she never expected him to be so direct…or to correctly guess that a menage is her secret desire.

Soon Warren isn’t just talking about Anya’s fantasies — he’s making them come true. But does he want a true relationship, or is he only interested in their erotic games?

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of Three to Tango Anthology by Lauren Dane, Emma Holly, Megan Hart, Bethany Kane
Erotic Romance anthology published by Berkley 3 May 11

I was eager to read this anthology written by four of today’s most talented erotica authors. I’ve read all but Emma Holly, so I knew there’s some darned great reading to be had. I wasn’t too far off in my prediction. All the novellas featured here pretty good, and, as goes with reading anthologies, I like a couple better than others. But if you’re looking for some sizzling erotic stories, this one will satisfy any and all needs.

Flipping for Chelsea by Emma Holly

This is my first ever read of Emma Holly. I’m happy I do like this short read, because sometimes if you don’t care much for an author’s novella, it’s hard to pick up one of their full-length novels later on.

We first meet Chelsea, Luca, and Liam in 1997 when they’re young and have their futures ahead of them. Chelsea is heading off to college and she wants one last night with her two best friends. She’s always had a crush on Liam from a really early age and that’s grown into a love that is heartfelt, but it also that causes problems within the trio when they finally come together for their good-bye, even after one hot night.

Then we jump ahead to 2011 when Chelsea returns home, hoping things can somehow be better between them all. But Shay is the one who felt he was intruding on the love Liam and Chel shared, so he too has been gone, working all these years in Boston. It’s Liam and Chelsea who bridge the chasm that’s built up from years of silence and lone suffering.

When Luca makes a surprise visit, Liam has decisions to make if he wants to share in the love of these friends he’s missed for so long. This is a nice friends-to-lovers story with the extra fun of a threesome. The sex, of course, is as hot as can be. I like the characters well enough, but I feel they need a little more depth. Otherwise, a good first story for me from Emma Holly.

Grade: B

Summary:

Shay and Liam shared an unforgettable night with their lifelong friend, Chelsea, awakening a rush of forbidden feelings—feelings they have to reckon with when the three reunite, and the unrequited lust between them is too much to bear.

No excerpt available.

Dirty/Bad/Wrong by Lauren Dane

I’ve only read Lauren Dane’s Cascadia Wolves series so far, though I probably have every darned book on her backlist around here somewhere. You know, so many books too little time. I like this novella, but I have to say that I prefer her humor and her shifters. But that’s just me.

Ava is back in Petal to wrap up her mother’s life and home. With both parents now gone, she can hopefully truly forget the horrible childhood she’d suffered, all with the help of Angelo and Luca, her best friends. She’s turned into a confident, independent woman after years in L.A., so these few days in Petal should be a breeze. But she doesn’t count on the feelings that flood through her seeing the family who loved her more than her own.

And, of course, there’s Angelo and Luca and they’re happy to see Ava, want her to stay with them longer than she’s planned. They want the chance to convince her to stay with them permanently, to show her how good it can be for the three of them. And it definitely is good between them. They sizzle right off the page with a touch or a kiss, so you can imagine what happens with all that sex goin’ on.

Another friends-to-lovers read. I like the characters, and there’s more depth in this story with the telling of Ava’s growing up years, all she went through and how she’s changed. However, I do want a little more, considering this is Lauren Dane. But it does satisfy in all the right places.

Grade: B-

Summary:

Though Ava left her hard-knock Georgia childhood behind, she never forgot Luca and Angelo. Together they were best friends with a bond that could never be broken. But when she returns, the three must decide whether to face the fires that burn between them, or forgo their desires forever.

Read an excerpt.

Just One Night by Megan Hart

Up to this point, Just One Night is my favorite of the anthology. It’s one of those make-your-dream-come-true stories, all at the behest of a man who thinks he’s doing his girlfriend a favor. Jerk gets his, though.

Kerry is attending her high school reunion with one mission in mind – spending one night with her old crush, Brian. She has the “permission” of her boyfriend, Jeremy, because he wants her happy and he knows this will make her happy. So meeting up with and loving Brian for the night is a dream come true, one she’ll remember forever.

Brian has hopes to see Kerry at the reunion, but he never thinks things could go as far as they do. And he wants more from Kerry than just one night, so he finally calls her. Again, Jeremy has no problem with Kerry meeting up with Brian. In fact, he encourages it. If he knows about it, it’s not a lie, it’s not cheating. Okay, bud, whatever you say. One thing leads to another, Brian learns about Jeremy, but he still can’t resist Kerry. But after meeting Jeremy, Brian has to walk away from the love of his life.

I’m so happy that Kerry finally wakes up to the kind of love Jeremy says he has for her. Great scene. I really like Kerry and Brian, and, well, you can already figure out how I feel about Jeremy. I’m also glad to find another Megan Hart story I like. I’ve been a tad disappointed in the last couple I’ve read, especially after enjoying my first by her, Tempted, so much. This is a very good read.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Fun-loving couple Kerry and Jeremy find themselves in a triangle of trouble when Kerry’s old crush, Brian, returns for a school reunion, and Jeremy gives her his enthusiastic approval to seduce him. But while Jeremy has no trouble sharing Kerry, Brian isn’t sure he can handle what’s coming.

Read an excerpt.

On the Job by Bethany Kane

Of the four stories, this is my favorite. I’ve not read Bethany Kane per se before, but I have read her other alias, Beth Kery. So I guess you can say I’m not surprised I enjoyed this novella. We’re given more of a story that works the erotica into it instead of the other way around.

Walker Gray is retired from the Secret Service and is back in Lake Tahoe to establish his own business, but in the meantime he’s helping a friend with protection and security. The man’s fiance has been the target of an assassination attempt, so they need to find out what the hell is going on. The kink in the plan is the fiance is Madeline, the same Madeline whom Walker loved and left years before.

And Madeline is not happy he’s back. She tries to punish him in various ways, but right off the bat she learns such trying things won’t work with Walker. The first scene in which Walker is pushed too far at Maddie’s misplaced teasing is perfect. Walker doesn’t put up with much and he makes sure Maddie knows that. The dinner table scene is also one I love. All sizzling and steamy. You end up as hot and bothered as Madeline.

I like the twist that comes about at the end. All must face consequences, some good and some bad. It’s Walker who makes the story for me. He’s totally alpha. I kept thinking what a hot and sexy Highlander he would make. Yeah, it’s the historical reader who loves the Scottish in me. He’s perfect for such a role and perfect just as he is. I’m smitten.

A very, very satisfying read.

Grade: A-

Summary:

Years ago, Walker walked out on Madeline when she needed him most. Now, the ex-Secret Service agent is back—hired to protect Madeline by her billionaire boss, Tony. Madeline is determined to make him pay for denying her desires—and she’s not above bringing Tony in to sweeten the deal.

Read an excerpt.

When I read erotic books, I like a story to go along with all the sexual goings-on, which is what the Kane delivered. The other three stories deal only with what’s between the characters in terms of what happened with them in the past and then how they get reacquainted for the future, no other storyline to keep things more interesting.

All in all, this is a nice collection, and even if you haven’t read one or more of these authors, I think you’ll still have a sexy, smokin’ time with the characters they’ve created.

Overall Grade: B+

Sandy M’s review of Undeniably Yours (Kowalski Family, Book 2) by Shannon Stacey
Contemporary Romance ebook published by Carina Press 1 Nov 10

I had such a good time with this book. This is the type of story I read romance for – the perfect man who comes along when you least expect it. Kevin is a dream. From a large family, he’s respectful of women, loves his parents, jokes and fights with his brothers but goes to them when help is needed, takes care of his nieces and nephews, and best of all he doesn’t blow a gasket when faced with those words every single man on the planet  never wants to hear: “I’m pregnant.” He’s surprised, yes, but he knows there’s more to be had in this new life bearing down on him. He’s ready to grab hold, if only Beth felt the same way.

Beth is in Kevin’s bar the first time he lays eyes on her, and he’s instantly attracted. He intervenes when the jerk with her tries some funny stuff, and Beth is not happy about that. It’s her boss and she knows how to handle him. Now she’s without a job, so it’s going to be picking up whatever work she can for a while.

That’s where they meet again. Beth is the bartender at Kevin’s brother’s wedding, and though they have another rocky start, they end up spending the night together. But even after a scorching night, Beth misinterprets something a sleep-talking Kevin mumbles, and she’s out the door and out of his life for good this time.

Until she’s faced with a huge oh-no. One night is all it takes, and now Beth has to decide if she’s going to tell Kevin he’s going to be a daddy. Though she has issues with her family – which is the cause of her wanderlust and never staying in one place for any length of time – she’s been raised right and makes the journey back to Kevin’s bar to put the facts out there. And she’s in for a surprise.

Kevin has been giving starting a family a few more thoughts than usual lately, so when Beth walks back into his life with her news, he’s ready to go full-bore ahead, marriage, setting up house, being parents together. It’s Beth who drags her feet. She wants to remain friends while raising their child. Beth is hugely independent and finds it difficult to take a helping hand, which Kevin learns as he patiently waits for her to make decisions about their “relationship.” I don’t think there’s ever been a more patient man than Kevin Kowalski. But that’s what makes him so appealing. He lets Beth go at her own pace, but he sneaks in some logic so she won’t feel beholden to him; i.e., taking the room across the hall from him above his bar and other things he feels she needs to make things easier for her during her pregnancy.

The only thing that eventually got to me is the length of time Beth keeps pushing Kevin away. She has her excuses – he’s a ladies’ man, they don’t know each other that well, she’s not made to be  part of a traditional family, and other crazy ideas. They’re crazy because Kevin goes way beyond the call to assure her this is what he wants, he loves her, he wants a family with her, but she’s just too stubborn. Which is fine, I just feel it goes on too long. So long that Kevin begins to give in, thinking he should look elsewhere and stop banging his head against the wall. It’s not long after this that Beth does change her mind, but I got a little irritated with her. She needs to do that much, much sooner.

The Kowalski family is huge, flawed, and boisterous and I love them. Beth is scared of them because they tend to take over and help without asking, her biggest phobia. But I enjoyed the hell out of them. This is the first time I’ve read Shannon Stacey, but it won’t be the last. I’m searching now for Exclusively Yours, the first book about this family, and then I’ll be looking for a lot of her backlist, which has a lot of possibilities.

I’m your newest fan, Ms. Stacey!

Grade: B

Summary:

One-night stand + two percent condom failure rate = happily ever after?

Bar owner Kevin Kowalski is used to women throwing their phone numbers at him, but lately he’s more interested in finding a woman to settle down with. A woman like Beth Hansen. If only their first meeting hadn’t gone so badly…

Beth’s tending bar at a wedding when she comes face to face with a tuxedo-clad man she never thought she’d see again. She tries to keep her distance from Kevin but, by last call, she can’t say no to his too-blue eyes or the invitation back to his room. Then she slips out before breakfast without leaving a note and, despite their precautions, pregnant.

Kevin quickly warms to the idea of being a dad and to seeing where things go with Beth. After all, he’s not the player she thinks he is. But she’s not ready for a relationship and, given his reputation, it’s going to take a lot to convince her to go on a second date with the father of her child…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Dinca’s review of Breaking Brent (Kiel Brothers, Book 2) by Niki Green
Contemporary Western Romance published by Samhain 30 Nov 10

I didn’t get much sleep until I finished this book. It held my interest to the very last page.  Niki Green has me hooked and I will be looking for Book 1 of this series. I am enjoying the little town of Millbrook, Texas and their hot cowboys. You won’t find any shy bones under their skin.

Peyton and her two best friends always hung out together when she was 18. Her first kiss came from Carter and her virginity was lost to Brent, along with her heart. So when Brent broke her heart, Carter slammed into Brent and they came to blows, not only with each other but to their friendship as well.  Peyton was totally heart broken when Brent called it quits after three long years of loving him.  Cater stepped in to relieve the pain and became engaged to Peyton. He was a rodeo rider and away a lot of the time. Okay, most of the time. But at least Peyton had a ring on her finger and the town gossips no longer had a field day with her fragile emotions.

This is the second book in this series. I have not read the first, but I will now go hunt it down because this one is so good. It picks up where the first one left off. It is easy to derive that Brent broke off his relationship with Peyton after watching his brother have his heart ripped to shreds by his lady love. Brent decides he doesn’t ever want to have that happen to him, so he takes control by doing the breaking up first, before it can happen to him. He doesn’t realize that watching his love walk into his best friend’s arms could have the same effect. He now has his heart ripped out and has lost the most important thing in his life, as well as his best friend.

Peyton and Brent have avoided each other for four long years. With Peyton running the only watering hole in town, she has to run into him at some point. Knowing she usually doesn’t work on Friday nights, Bent thought it safe to attend his brother’s bachelor party. Seeing Peyton and being so close to her is Brent’s undoing.  He can’t keep his mind off her, and at his brother’s wedding he stops trying to and backs up his decision with his body.

Peyton and Cater quit pretending months before that they would ever tie the knot. She just hasn’t found a way to break it to her family with the whole town starting the “Bless your heart” syndrome all over again. She hates being the center of gossip.  But when she finds herself in Brent’s arms again, she knows she has to find a way. But does Brent just want her because she’s off limits? Does he only want what he can’t have? If that’s the only way she can have a taste of Brent again, maybe she should take her time about telling him she’s not engaged to Cater.

Well, that is all the juicy tidbits you are getting from me. As far as I am concerned, this is a must read. But start at the beginning if you can. I am hunting down Book 1 for my next read.  Thank you, Niki Green, for a good time in Millbrook, Texas. I am looking forward to my next visit. I now have to go play catch-up with Chase’s story so I can get to Jason’s. Jason’s already tickling my fancy.

Grade: A

Summary:

When the going gets tough, the tough get busy. Real busy.

In Millbrook, Texas, there are cowboys. Then there are the Kiels, every girl’s idea of perfection in tight-fittin’ jeans. Peyton James is no different. Only she doesn’t want to admit it—because three years ago Brent Kiel ripped out her heart and handed it back in teeny little pieces.

In a twist of fate Peyton wound up engaged to Brent’s best friend. The engagement might be off now, but no one needs to know, right? It keeps the questions at bay…and the temptation called Brent Kiel out of reach. Until the night he shows up at her family’s bar.

The only reason Brent agrees to meet his brothers at Big Jack’s is that Peyton never darkens the door on a Friday night. Except tonight. Seeing her is a painful reminder of his mistake and what it cost him—and that no other woman’s lips or body will ever satisfy him like hers.

Nothing—not the past, not her legendary temper, not even the rock on her finger—will keep this cowboy from getting what he wants…

Warning: Seduction served by a brooding and standoffish cowboy who wants nothing more than his ladylove’s heart and soul—her body is just icing on the cake. Hot cowboy sex in a bar, in a barn, in a bed…just about anywhere.

Other books in this series:

Dinca’s review of  The Real Deal (Kiel Brothers, Book 1) by Niki Green
Contemporary Western Romance ebook published by Samhain 5 May 09

In this short story you will find a lot of sex. The characters are either thinking about sex, having sex, or wanting to have sex. Although sex is great, I was looking for a little more story line.

As a belated present to his brother, Nick Kiel borrowed his older brother’s ID and took his younger brother to ‘The Garden Club’, a strip joint two hours away from home. They receive the surprise of their life when one of the strippers turns out to be none other than their older brother’s long lost-love, Willa Tate. They promise Willa they will keep it a secret if she will let them know she’s all right from time to time.

When Willa up and left, Chase could not get her out of his mind or his heart. He still longs for her every day and night. When he borrows his brother’s truck, he finds not only a brochure for The Garden Club with a picture of Willa in the lineup, but a call from her to Kick’s phone laying on the seat.

Willa gets the next shock of her life when Chase waits for her in her dressing room. After the brief encounter Chase kidnapps her and takes her back to the ranch. Has sex and lived happily ever after.

Needless to say this is a short story. Quick and to the point or to sex, as the case may be. If that is what you are looking for, go for it. I’m disappointed after reading Book 2 of the Kiel brothers. There’s little information on why Willa left, and, other than great sex, why Chase would want her back. Book 2 has more information on Chase and Willa than their own story. This could have spun out into a really good tale. I learned nothing about their personalities.  If I had not read Book 2 first, I would not have known how good a tale Niki Green can spin. This is not one of her best offers, but I still look forward to Book 3 of the Kiel Brothers.

Grade: C

Summary:

He held the reins to her heart once—and this time he won’t let go.

A Wild Ride story.

Willa Tate left Millbrook, Texas, years ago—along with her future, her fiancé and her heart. Now, as one of the headlining acts at a hot burlesque club, she looks into the crowd, sees a familiar face staring up at her—and her past comes crashing back.

Chase Kiel has some hard questions for the former love of his life. He spent forever looking for her, and now he wants answers—even if he has to throw her over his shoulder and drag her back to Millbrook to get them.

He’d find it a hell of a lot easier if the chemistry weren’t still there. If they didn’t still fit together like keg of dynamite and fuse. If he didn’t want not only his answers…but her heart.

Chase is still certain he and Willa belong together—and convincing Willa of it will be his pleasure.

Warning: This title contains explicit, powder-keg-hot sex, language that ain’t fit for your mama’s ears, and a hot cowboy with a Texas-sized heart.

No excerpt available.

Other books in this series:

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Taming Her Gypsy Lover by Christine Merrill
Historical romance ebook short story published by Harlequin Historical Undone 01 May 10

I adore the Harlequin Historical Undone line, but I have this annoying habit of hording the short stories on my Sony Reader.  Which would be the half-ass excuse I have for just now reading this prequel to the multi-author Harlequin Historical Silk & Scandal series almost one year after it’s release date.  Well, better late than never I suppose!

When Emma Hammond’s husband dies she’s relegated to the status of poor relation in her uncle’s household.  Dear Uncle has plans to wash his hands of her by foisting her off into an arranged marriage with one of his “yes men.”  Emma doesn’t see a way out until a darkly handsome Gypsy comes calling.

Chal Pannell arrives on the scene to claim a young gypsy boy that Emma’s cousin-in-law took from his tribe.  However the boy is no longer there, and instead Chal finds Emma – a woman he is immediately drawn to.  For her part, Emma sees her way out.  She’ll provide Chal with information to help him locate the boy – and in return, he takes her with him.

As a prequel to the Silk & Scandal series this story works quite well.  It lays the groundwork, gives readers a glimpse into the “scandal,” and sets the fallout in motion.  As a stand-alone short story it has some problems.  The time table for the romance is very short (as in, a couple of days), and while the Georgian era is drawn well, I had some nagging issues.  Namely, I have a hard time picturing Chal debauching Emma in the gardens while she’s wearing Georgian clothing.  Also, while the author does sell it fairly well, it’s still a bit problematic to think of an English lady taking to the Gypsy lifestyle so effortlessly.  But the story is interesting, Chal is tall, dark and handsome, and there are plenty of sexy-times to be had.

All in all, not a terrible way to spend some pre-bedtime reading.  It certainly did the job of peaking my interest in the Silk & Scandal series, of which I have several in my TBR.

Grade: C

Summary:

Widow Emma Hammond had reluctantly accepted her place as a poor relation to be given away in an arranged marriage. She didn’t think she could escape her fate—until she meets gypsy Chal Pannell. Even though he vows revenge against her family for taking a gypsy boy from his tribe, he awakens Emma’s passionate fantasies…and a risqué tryst in the woods proves he desires her just as strongly! When the boy goes missing, Emma and the wild stranger set off to recover him as unlikely allies—and uninhibited lovers….

No Excerpt Found.

Other books in this series:

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of To Court, Capture and Conquer by Amanda McCabe
Historical Romance ebook short story published by Harlequin Historical Undone 01 Nov 10

I am in awe of Amanda McCabe.  Besides the fact that she’s one of the hardest working writers in romance (she’s also Laurell McKee!), she’s always willing to explore a variety of settings.  To Court, Capture and Conquer is the latest of her work set in the criminally under-utilized Elizabethan time period – and there’s plenty to enjoy here packed in a small word count.

A favorite at court, Lord Edward Hartley has been carefully plotting his revenge against the odious Sir Thomas Sheldon.  Edward has settled on the idea of kidnapping Sheldon’s virginal young bride-to-be — just long enough to cast the girl’s reputation in doubt.  Edward strikes back at Sheldon, and, in return, the poor innocent escapes the clutches of a man who has already buried two wives.  Naturally the plan goes awry (doesn’t it always?) and Edward discovers he’s kidnapped the girl’s chaperone, Lady Elizabeth Gilbert, by mistake!  Whatever shall they do? ::wink, wink, nudge, nudge::

I read a lot of these Undones, and McCabe always manages to deliver so much story in such a short word count.  This story feels fully fleshed out, with well-developed characters, and an extremely interesting setting.  It also delivers on the sexy sizzle that this line is built around.

That all being said, the declarations of love do come off a bit abrupt (although it helps that the couple knows each other from court), and there are some unanswered questions.  Namely, the fall-out regarding the young, virginal would-be bride, and the villain still needs to be dealt with.  However, the curtain falls nicely on the romance, and the author leaves the door open to return to this world (and her villain) with a future release.  All in all, good show!

Grade: B

Summary:

London, 1589

Lord Edward Hartley plans to get revenge against Sir Thomas Sheldon, the man who destroyed his brother, by stealing Sheldon’s intended bride. Standing in his way is Lady Elizabeth Gilbert, the girl’s chaperone and a reputed paragon of virtue.

Yet Edward cannot help but notice the sensual longing in her eyes. He is sure that her cool exterior conceals a passion waiting to be set free. And when Edward kidnaps Elizabeth by mistake, neither can resist unleashing their desire….

No Excerpt Found.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Pleasured By The Viking by Michelle Willingham
Historical Romance short story ebook published by Harlequin Historical Undone 01 Aug 10

Michelle Willingham’s medievals tend to really work for me.  The fact that this short story features a secondary character from last year’s Surrender to an Irish Warrior, a book that landed on my personal Best Of 2010 reading list?  Yeah, I was expecting good things.  Unfortunately, while competently written, there’s fall-out from the happy-ever-after that didn’t work for me at all.

Auder Ó Reilly has agreed to marry a Norman baron in the hopes of protecting her mother and securing peace for her struggling clan.  Besides it being no love match (she’s never met the man!) Auder is concerned she will displease her husband when it comes to martial relations.  She dispensed of her virginity ages ago, it naturally wasn’t very good, so she thinks she’s “bad” at s-e-x.  She confides this bit of news to Viking warrior and friend, Gunnar Dalrata.  Gunnar makes her various girly bits tingle, but he’s currently pitching woo with a widow.  Little does she know that Gunnar is finding himself increasingly distracted by her presence as well!

The basic idea behind this story worked pretty well for me, but it’s the inclusion of the widow that Gunnar is currently spending time with that throws a wrench in the entire romance for me.  Gunnar comes off as a guy juggling two women, which isn’t exactly an endearing quality in a “hero.” Then there is the fact that in order for our couple to be together, someone has to be thrown under the bus – and guess who that is?  Yeah, the widow.

For her part, the author doesn’t fall into the all-too-common (and annoying) trap of making the “other woman” eviiiiiil.  Also, there’s a wonderful sense of place and time period here.  The widow’s outcome feels authentic, and the author does spin it in a way to suggest that the widow isn’t really getting that screwed over…but it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth.  It also leaves me not feeling very “happy” for our romantic couple.

Grade: D

Summary:

Ireland, 1181

To secure peace for her clan and protection for her mother, chieftain’s daughter Auder Ó Reilly agrees to marry a powerful Norman baron. Though she desperately hopes the alliance will work, Auder worries she won’t be able to please her husband in the marriage bed—a fear she admits to her friend, handsome Viking Gunnar Dalrata. Auder has no difficulty imagining sensual delights with Gunnar, but she doesn’t believe he would ever think of her that way. Until the night of Bealtaine, when Gunnar whisks Auder away to introduce her to the true pleasure of making love….

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of The Perfect Concubine by Michelle Styles
Historical Romance short story ebook published by Harlequin Historical Undone 01 Feb 11

Of late, my quality of reading material has been more than a little lacking.  One lackluster story after another is leaving me twitching for something entertaining, and non-frustrating, to read.  Bless Michelle Styles’ heart – turns out she has the solution.  All I needed to do is travel back in time to ancient Rome!

Valeria is a desperate woman.  Her family has fallen on hard times, and now there is word that her missing brother might be alive and well, living in North Africa.  She’s determined to find him, but it means finding a man crazy enough to set sail when the weather is all wrong for such a venture.  When every other option dissolves, she’s left with Piso the Greek, the one man brave (and crazy) enough to say yes.  The fly in the ointment?  Piso and Valeria share a past, one rife with pain, heartache, and betrayal.

Piso, once a common sailor, is now a very wealthy man.  However, he’s still bitter over what he construes as Valeria’s betrayal.  So it’s partly for that reason, along with the fact that he’s never gotten over her, that he agrees to help her – on one condition.  She becomes his concubine.

Now, admittedly, this sounds a tad unsavory.  And it would have been had it not been for the heartbreaking back-story.  It’s easy to understand why Piso is so angry.  It’s easy to understand the choices Valeria felt she had to make.  The conflict stems from Piso not knowing exactly what poor Valeria has had to endure.

I suspect some readers will find this short story a bit rushed, and certainly it could have been longer given the emotional angst the characters have had to endure.  However, it also probably could have gotten a bit tiresome as a longer read, given Piso’s animosity and that the reason for it is because of a lack of communication.  As is, I think it’s just about right.  Now to hunt up the connected book, Sold & Seduced, to add to the ol’ TBR.

Grade: B

Summary:

Rome, 68 B.C.

Valeria’s life is in the hands of Piso the Greek—the very man who had risen from a common sailor to wealthy ship owner following their doomed romance. He is the only man brave enough to sail the dangerous seas to Alexandria to reunite Valeria with her missing brother and restore her family’s fortune. But Piso demands a high price for his help: Valeria must become his concubine and share his bed once more….

No Excerpt Found.

Other books in this series:

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Her Midnight Cowboy by Lauri Robinson
Historical Western Romance short story ebook published by Harlequin Historical Undone 01 Nov 10

My recent reading has been a bit on the lackluster side, and they all happened to be contemporaries.  So I figured, why not read something historical and short?  Oooooh, and a western!  Surely that will kick-start my flagging mojo!  Yeah, not so much.  Bugger.

Angel Clayton is a pampered Daddy’s princess that knows what she wants – and what she wants is none other than Rowdy McGuire.  The problem is, that no matter what she tries – Rowdy just won’t catch a clue.

Oh, Rowdy has gotten the message.  Loud and clear.  However, he’s staying as far away as he can because Angel is The Boss’s Daughter.  Rowdy is a drifter and ranch hand, which means no matter how you crunch the numbers, it all adds up to Angel being way out of his league.

Part of the problem with this story is largely my fault.  Generally speaking, I am not a fan of Heroine In Pursuit themes, because the heroine tends to come off as needy and desperate.  Add to the mix that Angel is a Virginal Heroine In Pursuit, and, well, it’s really not my scene.

However, just because something isn’t “my thing,” doesn’t mean it won’t be some other reader’s “thing.”  Ultimately though, this is a hard story for me to recommend because of the historical feel, or lack thereof.  The problem comes in the form of Angel’s Daddy and stepmother.  Self-indulgent parents are a dime a dozen in the genre, but these two take the cake!  Yes, the West was different – but not that different.  Especially when you factor in that Daddy owns a successful ranch and Angel doesn’t want for anything.  Society rules and social mores should have definitely been at play here – and they’re just flat-out ignored.  Dude, I can bend for the sake of fiction, but not that much.

I love the Undone line, but I’m still waiting for a western short that really cooks for me.  I was hoping this would be the one, but alas the answer is still no.

Grade: D

Summary:

Eastern Wyoming, 1884

In Angel Clayton’s opinion, men don’t get any finer than hired hand Rowdy McGuire. The very thought of him makes her ache with need—and the sight of his golden, glistening skin only makes it worse. She knows he feels their bodies’ magical, intense pull towards one another, even if the honorable cowboy refuses to admit that a drifter and a ranch owner’s daughter could ever be together.

But Angel is determined to get what she wants—and she wants Rowdy!

No Excerpt Found.

C2’s review of Storming the Castle (Fairy Tales Series, Book 1.5) by Eloisa James
Historical Romance published by Harper Collins 1 December 10

In Eloisa James’ A Kiss at Midnight we were introduced to Jonas Berwick, aka Wick, Prince Gabriel’s born-on-the-wrong-side-of-the-blanket brother. Readers were intrigued by Wick – his dry sense of humor, his unflappable demeanor – and requested his story be written. In Storming the Castle, Ms. James’ answers the request.

Our hero, Wick, has chosen to become his exiled princely brother’s majordomo, even knowing that such a choice, along with his illegitimacy, will keep him from ever marrying. He was raised and educated alongside his brother but cannot move in the same circles due to the circumstances of his birth. Since he’s entered “service,” he can only expect to find someone else in service – but it is unlikely that he would find a match there because, again, of the circumstances of his birth. Wick has accepted his lot in life until his brother marries and he sees the difference love can make. Still, he probably would have made peace with his situation. Then he met…

Our heroine, Miss Phillipa Damson, after one disastrous encounter with her betrothed in the estate’s barn, decides the only thing to do is run away from her impending marriage. When she hears there’s a sickly baby at the local castle, she knows just where to hide. Phillipa feels sure she could be of assistance since she has accompanied her uncle (a doctor) on his rounds whenever she visits him.

Upon arrival at the castle, Phillipa finds herself swept up amid a sea of panicking adults who are worried for the new little prince. He can’t eat, he can’t sleep, he cries and cries and cries…so no one else eats or sleeps and some cry at bit, as well. Phillipa immediately takes charge and convinces the household she knows just what will help the baby. The people at the castle are so at wits’ end, they listen. And soon enough the new princeling is doing slightly better.

While Phillipa is helping the baby get over his colicky tummy, she and Wick spend a great deal of time together. Even though upon her arrival she told him that her family’s circumstances had greatly gone down, no one really believed her – not the Prince, not the Princess and not Wick. So, even though there is a great deal of interest on both sides, Wick does not pursue a relationship with her because he knows she could do better than him.

Both Phillipa and Wick have to deal with the realities of their lives and decide how much they would let society dictate their happiness. And both learn a lot about what is most important to them.

Storming the Castle is a sweet, quick read. If you read A Kiss at Midnight and were intrigued by Wick or if you enjoy a spunky heroine, give Storming the Castle a try.

Grade: B-

Summary:

Not every fairy tale begins with a prince or a princess…

When Miss Philippa Damson runs away from home to Pomeroy Castle, 
she is far from a princess…she’s an extraordinary beauty with ordinary dreams — to live a quiet life as a nursemaid. 
 
Jonas Berwick, rakish son of a grand duke, has vowed never to wed.  
He offers Philippa everything—but his hand in marriage.
 
Philippa has stormed the castle, but now she faces an impossible Challenge: To win the love of a prince, she may have to risk everything that makes her a lady.

Will the sacrifice of her honor be too high a price to pay?

Read an  excerpt.

Other books in the series:

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s Quick Quack Reviews of Three Spice Briefs by Eden Bradley, Riki Kaye and Ruthie Michaels
Erotic romance and erotica ebook short stories released by Spice Briefs Feb – May 2010

There’s nothing like reading “short” for deluding myself into thinking that I’m actually making progress on my Harlequin e-book backlog.  Also, I figure since Harlequin keeps publishing the naughty Spice Briefs line, that I cannot possibly be the only one who has a minor addiction to buying them.  Oh, and reading them.  I might be willing to concede that I have a problem, but how can reading these tasty morsels be anything other than right?

Night Moves by Eden Bradley
Erotic romance ebook short story released 1 May 10

Kate’s got a thing for trains.  I mean, our girl really has a thing for riding (tee hee) the rails.  She tends to travel at night, waits for everyone to get tucked in, and then she scurries off to a private place to uh…take matters in her own hands.  Although this time around she finds her erotic moment of self-love interrupted by sexy surfer dude, Ian.  Oh my.  Whatever shall they do?

What we have here is the ol’ Hot Sex With A Hot Stranger trope.  The author makes it sizzle, incorporating two characters who are intelligent, willing to make small talk, and succumb to the spontaneity of the moment.  The resolution to this story felt a bit rushed to me, but the author ends this tale on an upbeat note.  I was left wanting more, which in the case of an erotic short story, is not necessarily a bad thing.

Grade: B-

Summary:

Something about trains had always brought out Kate’s wild side. So far it had been her own dirty little secret—until a sexy stranger catches her sneaking into his compartment looking to indulge her fantasy. But instead of throwing her out, Ian is turned on…and he’s ready to give Kate the ride of her life!

No Excerpt Found

Special Delivery by Riki Kaye
Erotic romance ebook short story released 1 Apr 10

Michael has been pulling long hours at the office, and when he gets home in the evenings he has no energy left for his wife.  Megan is starting to find this pattern of behavior annoying, and eventually decides it’s time to take matters into her own hands.  So she dons a skimpy outfit, grabs a pizza, and heads to hubby’s office for a lunch time quickie.

While Spice Briefs aren’t necessarily known for being “sweet” – this story kinda is.  Michael has been Megan’s one and only lover, and while she adores sex, she’s never been much of an instigator.  Her showing up at the office is definitely something new, and Michael?  Well, Mikey likes it.  A lot.  A quick sizzling read about a happily married couple who have hit a bump in the bedroom road.

Grade: B

Summary:

With her husband’s busy work schedule, Megan barely got a chance to have dinner with her husband, let alone make love. After three long weeks with no sex, she’s had enough. It’s time to take matters into her own hands…by visiting his office dressed as a sexy delivery girl and giving him a lunch break he’ll never forget…

No Excerpt Found

Tuscan Freedom by Ruthie Michaels
Erotica ebook short story released 1 Feb 10

Lily is in a rut, so when her college BFF, Gianna, asks her to come visit her in Italy, she’s all for it.  When she gets to Gianna’s villa who should she discover but two very sexy, and eager young men.  And wow – Gianna sure looks happy.  Wonder what that’s all about?  Ha!

Of my recent Spice Briefs reads, this one was definitely the naughtiest.  Lily has herself a grand ol’ time thanks to Gianna’s “hospitality” and the author pretty much explores all the options that two guys and two girls could possibly partake in.  However, this is very much a fantasy-laden read.  Readers looking for examination into multiple partner relationships, or those who need those safe sex moments in their erotic stories, are probably not going to be all that fulfilled here.  But it firmly fit my “erotica as fantasy” requirements, and Michaels certainly delivers with the sizzle.

Grade: B

Summary:

Lily’s normal life was dull and unchallenging—and seriously lacking in exciting sex! But when she goes on vacation in Italy, Lily finally feels free to explore a whole new side of herself…with the help of her hostess, Gianna. Before her trip is over, Lily will experience things she never imagined—such as a scandalous tryst with a stranger, a night of pleasure with her fellow houseguests, and so much more….

No Excerpt Found