Dinca’s review of The Substitute Bride by Janet Dean
Love Imspired Historical published by Harleqin 9 February 2010

This is one of the best mail-order bride stories I have read. I find the plot innovative with lots of twist and turns. Ted and Elizabeth each have a secret they don’t want to share.

Elizabeth Manning is on the run, she has promised her little brother she’d come back for him when she finds a job and a place for them to call home. Waking up at the depot where she spends the night, she spies a young woman crying. Finding she’s a frightened mail-order bride, switching
places with her is an answer to Elizabeth’s prayers.  Anything is better than being payment for a gambling debt!

Becoming the mail order bride gets her a train ticket to New Harmony, Iowa. Now if she can only go through with the marrying part of the deal. Discovering her husband has a farm is promising – possible home for her little brother. At least the decision for marrying is hers and hers alone.

Ted Logan is a widower with two children. He is determined to make the farming way of life work. This is his second chance in life and he will do whatever it takes to keep his family together on the farm. With vulture in-laws breathing down his neck threatening to take his children, he decides to order a bride through the mail.

Not exactly getting what he thought he ordered, Ted comes to an uneasy agreement with Elizabeth, and visit the preacher before heading out to the ranch. They learn a lot about sharing and forgiveness and heartache while falling in love.

I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to anyone who wants a sweet love-inspired tale with a happily-ever-after ending. It is well written and a very pleasing read. Janet Dean has created another wonderful tale.

Grade: A

Summary:

Fleeing an arranged marriage, debutante Elizabeth Manning exchanges places with a mail-order bride bound for New Harmony, Iowa. Life on the frontier can’t be worse than forced wedlock to pay her father’s gambling debts. But Ted Logan’s rustic lifestyle and rambunctious children prove to be more of a challenge than Elizabeth expects. She doesn’t know how to be a mother or a wife. She doesn’t even know how to tell Ted the truth about her past–especially as her feelings for him grow. Little does she know, Ted’s hiding secrets of his own, and when their pasts collide, there’s more than one heart at stake.

Read an excerpt.

Dinca’s review of Diablo (The Texans Series, Book 1) by Georgina Gentry
Historical Western Romance  published by Zebra 1 Feb 10

To read or not to read… that is the question. Here I find an above average hero and a wimpy heroine  with a disgusting villain and a whole ranch of spineless followers.

Diablo aka “He Not Worthy of a Name” was a Santee Sioux slave after his father was hanged. His mother was a white woman raped during an Indian raid. The young boy who had been disfigured, spent a tortured deprived life until Trace Durango found him starving and he and his wife took him in and nursed him back to health. They also schooled him and taught him to use a gun.

After a time he left the Durango Ranch and turned into Diablo the feared gunfighter. On the pretense of returning to Wyoming 15 years later as a hired gun for the range war, he sets his long-awaited revenge in motion.

Sunny is an obedient, beautiful daughter without a thought in her head that is not put there by someone else. I have a hard time with heroines like this. She has turned 18 and her father wants to send her back east to school? I found this a little late and unlikely. It is also unlikely to live near someone all your life and not know he has a volatile temper. Sunny did finally grow into a woman with a mind of her own, but it’s a long time in coming.  When she is held captive and having no clue where she is, she manages to escape, and after she gets back she manages to make a pharmacy run when Diablo gets hurts. Hello, the men hunting her get hurt trying to navigate the trail and she gets away and returns? I find this lame.

I also find the story long and drawn out with a lot of dry spells. The antagonist/villain, Hurd Kruger, is so obnoxious I would have done him in before the next chapter. As the story goes on, I find so much that needs to be said could have been left out. I started to put the book down at that point. I must say, I got a lot done on my “to do” list because of that, including my tax prep. That in itself does not say a lot for the book. Ah, back to Hurd the villain. Throughout the story everyone commented on his dying his mustache and hair. No one mentioned his gray should have been showing during his crazy loco obsession with getting Sunny back. Another character is Swen, Sunny’s father. No wonder she is a spineless shadow with her wimpy father as an example to follow.

At the end of the book is a list of references and notes about the Wyoming Ranch Association and the Sioux Indian rebellion. I wish these facts are embellished within the story. I’m not sure I’ll be reading anything else in the series after this.

Grade: C

Summary: Diablo
They call him “Devil,” and with good reason. The half-breed Santee Sioux bears the twisted scars that made him the fastest, deadliest gunfighter in Texas. Diablo will never forget the kind cattleman who once took him in, but it is his torturer who haunts his every thought. And when some powerful Wyoming ranchers come looking to hire ruthless men for a wicked job, Diablo seizes the opportunity to settle a score…

Her name is Sunny, and she more than lives up to it. She’s a dazzling ray of light—and the bride-to-be of Hurd Kruger, the man who scarred Diablo. What better way to destroy Kruger than to capture, dishonor, and dump his greatest prize? It’s a perfect plan, except for the one thing Diablo never counted on…the only thing that could turn him away from the dark side, the angel who could save his bedeviled soul…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Gwen’s review of Black Magic Sanction (Rachel Morgan and The Hollows, Book 8 ) by Kim Harrison
Urban fantasy hardcover released by Eos 23 Feb 10, mass market paperback release 28 Dec 10

The Hollows series is a guilty pleasure for me.  Rachel Morgan’s life is such a hot mess, it never fails to make me feel better about mine. Plus, it’s entertaining as hell to read about Rachel pissing everyone off and still managing to make them like her. 

In this entry, Rachel is fighting the war for her life on so many fronts it’s a little difficult to keep track of all the players.  The coven is trying to kill her for what she knows. Trent Kalamack is trying to kill her for what she’s done to him. Her almost boyfriend Pierce appears to not be on her side. And Al, the demon, is just having fun with Rachel by threatening her and all the people she loves, while at the same time, teaching her about demon magic.  It’s a trip reading about Rachel’s world and wondering how embattled one witch can be and still survive.

This entry in the Rachel Morgan world is a very entertaining one. In earlier novels, the story would drag  at times – like when Rachel would have the never ending navel lint inspection regarding her relationship with Ivy (I always say “Get over it already!” – nobody listened). We’re carried along as Rachel is gutted emotionally by her own paranormal community and then finds out they weren’t really serious about it after all.

If you’re a fan of this series, I highly recommend reading this book.  It sets up some fun action in the next entry and is really very entertaining.  If you haven’t read the previous books, you may not want to start with this one – the story is pretty involved and understanding Rachel is not a simple thing.

But for you fans out there? Read it.  The mass market paperback of this hardcover is releasing in a few days.

Grade: A

Read other information on this series by following its tag here.

Summary:

In New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison’s most complex and nuanced adventure yet, bounty hunter and witch Rachel Morgan fights a deadly battle—mind, body, and soul

Rachel Morgan has fought and hunted vampires, werewolves, banshees, demons, and other supernatural dangers as both witch and bounty hunter—and lived to tell the tale. But she’s never faced off against her own kind . . . until now.

Denounced and shunned for dealing with demons and black magic, her best hope is life imprisonment—at worst, a forced lobotomy and genetic slavery. Only her enemies are strong enough to help her win her freedom, but trust comes hard when it hinges on the unscrupulous tycoon Trent Kalamack, the demon Algaliarept, and an ex-boyfriend turned thief.

It takes a witch to catch a witch, but survival bears a heavy price.

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in the series, in reading order (all links for mass market paperback where available):

Gwen’s review of Blood Magic (World of the Lupi, Book 6) by Eileen Wilks
Urban fantasy released by Berkley 2 Feb 10

This series just keeps getting better and better.  Wilks’s storytelling is also getting better, and it started out excellent.

This entry in the series has us back with Rule and Lily – and boy am I happy about that.  I love those two characters.  The plot is classic urban fantasy and is told with excellent tension and just the right touch of sex and drama.

It’s not that I’ve disliked the separate storylines with the other characters.  Those are fun to read and have served to keep the world fresh.  But Rule and Lily are just so bloody appealing.  I’d love to know these people, have them over for dinner, and just get to know them.  They’re that cool and approachable.

In this entry into the world of the Lupi, Rule and Lily are confronted with an enemy that looks like anything BUT an enemy.  Wolf senses can’t even detect him/her.  This creates some very tense moments while they try to figure out how to find the enemy and then how to get rid of them.

Add to this even more complications from both families surrounding their upcoming wedding.  The whole thing is just chock full of potential problems and misunderstandings.  All the while, Rule and Lily have to work on keeping from taking it out on each other.

I highly recommend this for anyone following the series. If you’re new to the series, this may not be the best book to start with. If you love urban fantasy and romance, you definitely want to read this series.  Wilks’s writing is taut, entertaining, and interesting enough to please even the most demanding reader.

Grade: A

Read more about this series by following its tag here.

Summary:

As they plan their wedding, Lily Yu and Rule Turner, a prince of the lupi, are facing a great deal of tension from both their families. Not everyone can accept their mixed marriage: she’s Chinese; he’s a werewolf. Even Lily’s grandmother is acting strangely distant, though Lily and Rule are about to discover that her behavior has nothing to do with their upcoming nuptials.

A powerful, undying nemesis has come to San Diego to exact vengeance on Lily’s family – and turn the city into a feeding ground. It’s up to Lily and Rule to stop her, in spite of ancient treaties and an inheritance passed down through the blood. Otherwise San Diego could go up in flames, and they won’t live to make it to the altar…

Read an excerpt here.

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

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s Duckies Do Series review of The Accidental Series by Michelle Willingham
Historical romances released by Harlequin Historical Feb – Mar 2010

I’ve spent all of 2010 being perpetually behind in my reading.  It’s gotten to the point where I literally have whole series waiting for me to read.  Depressing, to be sure, but the upshot is that I can do one of these cool Duckies Do Series posts!  I hope to do at least one more of these in the near future (When? Uh, go back to top and reread first sentence of this paragraph again), but for now let’s start with the series I’ve been neglecting the longest – Michelle Willingham’s first foray outside of the medieval time period.

The Accidental Countess
1 Feb 10

Stephen Chesterfield, the Earl of Whitmore, wakes up in his bed at his country estate to discover an angry knife wound on his chest, a mysterious tattoo on the back of his neck, and Miss Emily Barrow nursing him back to health.  They were childhood playmates, and sweethearts, until his father put a stop to it and her family fell into scandal.  Stephen remembers a great many things, just not the last several months of his life.  Which means he has no memory of who tried to kill him and no memory at all of marrying Emily.

What we have here is a pretty compelling mystery, and a deft handling of the popular amnesia trope.  What didn’t work quite as well for me was the romance.  Emily has a definite Cinderella quality to her, but after the umpteenth person treated her like crap, I wanted her to man-up and grow a pair already.  In turn, Stephen, in the name of protecting Emily from the bad guys, uses that as an excuse to treat her like crap, thereby giving the people snubbing her ammunition.  Why he thought that would protect her is beyond me.  What?  Bad guys don’t hear society gossip?  In the end it was the mystery of who was trying to kill Stephen, and why, that kept me flipping the pages.  Having read the prequel to this story months before, I had the concept of the the romance.  I just didn’t like it all that much in this full-length treatment.

Grade: C-

Summary:

When Stephen Chesterfield, the Earl of Whitmore, awakes to find a beautiful woman berating him, he knows he is in trouble! He cannot recall the past three months of his life, never mind having a wife! What’s more, someone is trying to silence him before his memory returns….

Emily Chesterfield is trapped in a marriage of convenience with a man who doesn’t remember her. Stephen clearly thinks she is the most unsuitable countess, but she is falling for her enigmatic husband…. Can they find trust and love before it is too late?

Read An Excerpt

The Accidental Princess
1 Mar 10

Lady Hannah Chesterfield’s entire life revolves around her landing a suitable husband, and Lieutenant Michael Thorpe is so far from suitable, he might as well be on another planet.  But they can’t seem to stay away from each other, and when scandal erupts, Hannah finds herself traveling with Michael on a grand adventure.  Could the man who was raised by a fishmonger, and who is a soldier in the British Army, really be a long-lost prince?

The author keeps up the fairytale theme of this series by putting the Cinderella glass slipper on the hero’s foot.  Michael sets out on the trip just wanting answers, but when his life is threatened, his drive for those answers takes on more urgency.  There’s also the small matter of Michael and Hannah being in love with each other – and either way the prince thing turns out, it doesn’t mean a match between them would be celebrated.  As a solider, Michael isn’t “good enough” for Hannah, and as a prince, Hannah isn’t “good enough” for him.  Also, there’s the small matter of Hannah being sick and tired of people controlling everything about her life – right down to what she eats and what she wears.

I liked that Hannah didn’t toss up her skirts the minute she got her head turned by Michael.  She might not want to be controlled by her mother or society (good girls don’t…), but she also doesn’t disregard them outright.  I liked that Michael was smart, brave, and honorable.  Towards the end of the story I did feel these two were basically talking circles around what was really bothering them, and that did get a little tiresome (just come out and tell him/her already!), but the author sews it all up nicely, right down to Lady Hannah finding a voice all her own.

Grade = B

Summary:

Lieutenant Michael Thorpe is a forbidden temptation for Lady Hannah Chesterfield. Etiquette demands Hannah ignore the shivers of desire his wicked gaze provokes, but he’s the only man to recognize her restless spirit, and her unawakened body is clamoring for his touch….

Thrown together by scandal, a defiant Hannah joins Michael on an adventure to uncover the secret of his birth—is this common soldier really a prince? If so, will the ordinary man who has taught Hannah the meaning of pleasure now make her his royal bride?

Read An Excerpt

While I’ve enjoyed many of Willingham’s medieval historicals, and I’d hate to see her abandon that time period altogether, I did enjoy this side trip to the Victorian era.  Taking into account the B- I gave the Harlequin Historical Undone prequel I reviewed earlier this year?  That leaves us with….

Overall Grade: B-

Other titles in series:

LauraJ’s review of Knock Me For A Loop
by Heidi Betts
Contemporary Romance published by St. Martin’s Press
2 Feb 1o

I have a confession to make…I read this book when it first came out. But when I read it, I really just wanted to read it without reading it to critique it. I had been looking forward to Grace and Zack’s story since I first met them in the first book in the series, Tangled Up in Love. I knew then that they were going to be my favorite couple of the three books and now I can say they were. Also by reading it for fun first I had a really good excuse to go back re-read it so I could write up a review. I can still say after the second reading that it is still my favorite of the three.

Here is a little back history in case you haven’t read these books yet. In Tangled, Grace and Zack are engaged and to their friends in love in the most disgustingly way possible (since they love lives are currently not so hot). In Loves Me, Loves Me Knot an “incident” happens and all hell breaks loose ending their fairy tale romance at least until this book.

Zack “Hot Legs” Hoolihan is the star goalie for the Cleveland Rockets hockey team. He had it all until the love of his life, Grace Fisher walked out of his life and won’t listen to him explain what she thinks she saw didn’t actually happen. He’s furious with her for some things that have happened but all he wants is Grace back in his life. Zack is a kid at heart. He’s the “fun one” of the three guy friends (Gage being the dark brooding, serious one and Dylan the more logical, rational one.). He’s serious about 2 things: hockey and Grace.

Grace can be described as a cross between Marilyn Monroe and Martha Stewart. She has her own show that can rival Ms. Stewart’s any day of the week. She was even knitting her own wedding dress. Key word there is “was”. After Zack’s apparent indiscretion that dress and a few other items don’t stand a chance against a very angry Grace who is normally a sweet, mild manner person.

Despite the fact that Grace went off the deep end after the “incident” she still cares deeply for Zack and he would do anything to win her back, if she would just listen. He of course is miserable without her and it affects his game play to the point of serious injury. Wounds need to heal and trust needs to be restored for Grace and Zack to get that happy ever after. Ms. Betts does not rush this couple back to their happy ever after but lets that relationship grow again and this time into something stronger and better. Both Grace and Zack had things that they had to overcome personally before their relationship would work. Despite the heartache with what happened it was good for them.

The other two books could easily be read as stand alone books (although I recommend reading all three and in order) but with this one you at least need to read Loves Me first, Loves Me Knot first. In Loves Me you get the events to the “incident” from Grace’s point of view and in Knock you see what happens from Zack’s angle. Both are very hilarious (especially Zack’s). In fact there are many laugh out loud moments. The previous books’ heroes and heroines make appearances and also their favorite “aunt” Charlotte (She is Jenna from Loves Me real aunt) who is still spinning some “special” yarn to help mend some broken hearts. Knock Me for a Loop is definitely in my top ten favorite books (along with the other two). These books will be forever on my keeper shelf and I will pull them off to read over and over again.

Grade: A+

Summary:

SHE’S CUTTING HIM LOOSE
When it comes to relationships, talk show host Grace Fisher won’t stand for cheating—especially not from her fiancé, star hockey goalie Zack Hoolihan. Her weekly knitting group backs her up when she calls it off, but it doesn’t entirely ease the sting of betrayal. She won’t listen to Zack’s indignant explanations of innocence—she just wants to tie up loose ends and move on. Until he winds up injured, that is, and she finds herself playing nursemaid…

NOW HE’S THROWN FOR A LOOP
Zack doesn’t know how that woman got into his hotel room, but he does know losing Grace has put him so far off his game, he ended up with a busted knee and a broken heart. If things aren’t mended fast, he’ll miss the playoffs, miss his girl, and lose everything. But if Grace is willing to push him into physical therapy, maybe he can pull her back into his arms—before their truce unravels. This time, he’ll do everything it takes to knit their relationship back together…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Birdie’s review of Bound by Temptation by Lavinia Kent
Historical Romance released by Avon Feb 10

Have you ever put down a book, unfinished, but still recommended it to a friend? Or read a new-to-you author, didn’t finish the book, and picked up another by that author? I have done neither of these things but with Bound by Temptation, I probably would.

Clara, the Countess of Westington is trying to change her life. She married for love, she married higher up than her stations, and when her husband died, Clara went a little wild. She’s become famous for her daring ways and her generous charms but Clara has decided that enough is enough. She’s tired of being the “bad girl” and just wants to settle down and live a quiet life. Helping out her motivation is her stepson’s, the Earl of Westington, desire to marry a respectable girl. He’s in love with a local woman who’s father doesn’t really approve of Clara. So Clara has promised to behave herself and save her stepson a lot of heartache.

I’m not usually one for the strong, independent, I-am-a-sexual-goddess heroine but Clara got to me anyway. She was vulnerable when she needed to be, strong when the situation called for it, and smart. A lot of those type of heroines fall into the too stupid to live category but Clara (as far as I read) never did.

Kent’s writing style is sharp. The prose and pacing is very tight and I was never jerked out of the story by an odd turn of phrase or amateurish writing. The plot was interesting and kept me guessing as to what would happen next. So on paper, it sounds like I should love this book, right? Um, wrong.

My problem lies entirely with the hero, one Jonathan Masters. Look, I know we all love a hero who starts out like a jerk but can be reformed by the love of one lovely lady. And I know that sometimes those heroes act like asses right up until the very last minute. I get it. I sometimes like it. But this time? Not so much.

Jonathan Masters is everything that is respectable. He worked hard to pull his family from the depths of scandal and poverty, but along the way he sacrificed one sister to a loveless marriage (to a much older man) and another sister has gone missing because of his demanding, hard ways. When Masters meets Clara (um, he kidnapped her because he thought she stole a watch from him and he wanted to teach her a lesson …that should have been my first clue) I thought things would begin to turn around with him. Especially after he and Clara had a delightful interlude in a secluded part of the country house. But, no, it didn’t. And good gracious is the man a prig! He preaches. He snorts in disgust. He professes to disapprove of Clara yet can’t keep his hands off her. I stopped reading at this point. Page 207. Check it out.

“Any why should his interests be the same as hers?” Clara felt fire rising in her belly.

“Because he is her husband. Man and wife are one person and that person is the husband.” He spoke with all seriousness.

Ok, Birdie is done reading this book. I love historicals just as much as the next reader. And I know that, historically speaking, men did think this way. But it was the middle of the book and he hadn’t softened one bit. I couldn’t read another page of this man’s boring, arrogant drivel.

The thing is, a lot of readers would love this book. A lot of readers soak up the hero who will be changed. This time, I didn’t. I couldn’t stick around to read that moment because I knew it wouldn’t make up for Masters’ insufferableness.

I might read Kent again, and I would recommend this book with a few cautions, but for me this book was a DNF at page 207.

Grade: DNF

Summary:

Clara, the Countess of Westington, is one of the ton’s most scandalous women.

Jonathan Masters has spent his life striving to be one of its most respected members.

Of all the beds in London, she had to wind up tied to his.

Read an excerpt.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Island Fantasy by Kayla Perrin
Contemporary romance released by Kimani Romance 01 Feb 10

Kayla Perrin has dipped her toes in a variety of writing ponds over the years – delivering everything from erotica to suspense.  Island Fantasy, her first straight-up romance novel in a number of years will undoubtedly please her fans.  With the author’s knack for writing steam, and an intriguing premise, I settled in for what I hoped would be a quick, sexy read.  I’m sad to report that it was a bit of a mixed affair.

On the eve of her wedding, literally, Shayna Kenyon spies her husband-to-be, the man who professes his undying love for her, in the arms of another woman.  Needless to say, she’s devastated.  She calls off the wedding, but decides that scraping her honeymoon trip would be a silly thing to do.  And while a romantic, off-the-hook resort in tropical Jamaica has her family worried that she’s spend the entire trip wallowing in grief, Shayna is looking at the trip as a chance to recharge, lick her wounds, and catch up on her reading.  She did not expect, nor did she go looking for, Donovan Deval.

Donovan is in Jamaica to attend a family wedding when he lays eyes on Shayna, and the man gets hooked.  Shayna is sexy as sin, as sweet as an angel, and she’s the first woman he’s found himself intrigued by in the past two years.  His family had been after him to start dating again, and it’s not like he wasn’t ready, he just hadn’t found a woman who really captivated him.

What I really loved about Shayna was that she’s a woman who won’t take any bull.  Where some women might have justified their fiance’s bad behavior as “pre-wedding jitters” – Shayna knows that a man who would be unfaithful on the eve of his wedding is no man at all.  I admired her gumption, her strength, and her sass.

Donovan is an equally appealing character, a genuine Mr. Nice Guy with a smokin’ hot body, killer personality, and a heart of gold.  He’s loved and lost, having put himself on the shelf for two years, not really ready to “get back out there.”  But meeting Shayna changes that for him.  Because while his family thought that he was still grieving, it was more a matter of him not wanting to mess around with women who didn’t ignite that spark of attraction immediately – and Shayna does.

While I admired the heroine for taking her honeymoon trip to Jamaica sans groom, it unfortunately sucks all the conflict out of the story.  The kiss of death in category romance is a book that lags, and this one does.  Badly.  While I appreciated the adult characters, because the internal angst was never painted with a heavy brush, and because there wasn’t really any external conflict to speak of, this book is a slog for the first two-thirds.  However, for readers who stick with it?  You’ll be rewarded.  The final third of the book is where the meat and potatoes are.  After a whirlwind affair in Jamaica, it’s time to go home.  Back to the real world.  That’s when Shayna and Donovan have to come to terms with what they have together.  Can you really fall in love with someone in a week?  Especially where Shayna is concerned!  Was her affair with Donovan nothing more than a rebound?  A way to boost her ego after her fiance’s betrayal?

It’s these tough questions, and how the characters deal with them, during the final chapters that salvage this story for me.  Because while it was pleasant, and I liked these people, the conflict lacked serious juice for the majority of the story.  That said, by the end I was riveted, and Perrin continues to write sizzle like nobody’s business.  It wasn’t great, but it also wasn’t a total wasted experience either.

Grade: C+

Summary:

Shayna Kenyon knows heartbreak. After she catches her fiancé cheating on her the night of their wedding, a reality break in Jamaica is just the pick-me-up this romance author needs. Especially when Shayna arrives at the exclusive resort…and notices the seriously sexy brother checking her out.

In the Caribbean for a wedding, Donovan Deval isn’t thinking about making a love connection. But it’s time to move on with his life—and that means pursuing Shayna, the exotic beauty who’s making his libido leap off the charts! Shayna wants to take it slow, but Donovan’s ready to turn up the heat. As passion ignites, he vows to turn their sizzling island paradise into the real thing.

Read an excerpt.

Di’s review of She’s the One (Tulanes of Tennessee, Book 5) by Kay Stockham
Contemporary Romance published by Harlequin SuperRomance 16 Mar 10

Alexandra Tulane is a successful travel magazine writer and photographer.  A far cry from the typical resorts and spas she reviews, Deadwood Mountain Lodge is in the back country of Alaska with breathtaking scenery. She finds her destination a rustic “man’s” lodge packed with charm, not to mention the charismatic distractions of the owner’s son and his little boy.

Complete with the reluctance of the pilot trying to discourage her from even getting on the plane and with her journalist curiosity always getting the best of her, she continually finds herself on Dylan’s bad side. What parent would not want a professional portrait of their child? With her heart going out to the lost man and his troubled son, Colt, Alexandra starts to question her own desires.

Alexandra sees her job as the means to stay away from a loving family consisting of four brothers who are happily married and she struggles with a mother’s matchmaking whenever she is home, so she plans to stay away for the Thanksgiving holiday, extending her stay in Alaska with the help of Dylan as her tour guide.

Dylan, hiding from his past, is not ready or willing to let his haven be disturbed.  The safety of his traumatized son is his main concern. His father’s recent heart attack is another reason to insure a quiet existence in the wilds of Alaska.

He has no clue just how fast his well being is going to change due to Alex’s undercover assignment.  Dylan thinks Alex has come to the lodge to take photos, having no clue that she is a travel writer for Traveling Single or what her article could do to jeopardize the peace and solitude he has established for himself and his son. With his scarred past and hands warring with the progress his son is making due to the presence of Alexandra, he fears his heart is in an emotional state in jeopardy.

This is a great read with a surprising ending. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot twist Ms. Stockham included that I did not see coming at all. Yes, I know in a romance novel the heroine always gets her man, but I really was impressed with the storyline.

Now I have to read the other adventures of the Tulanes of Tennessee. I am sorry I started with the last of this miniseries, but I am so intrigued I will read the others.

Grade: A

Summary:

Undercover travel writer Alexandra Tulane wonders if maybe she’s in way over her head. A men’s hunting and fishing retreat in the wilds of Alaska? Not exactly her stylish scene. Fortunately, there’s plenty of breathtaking scenery…including good-looking bush pilot Dylan Bower.

Despite the magnetic attraction between them, however, Alexandra is everything Dylan is not–she’s a rover, always looking for the next adventure. For Dylan, the scars of the past run deep. He’s hidden himself and his silent son in an isolated haven for their protection. Yet Alexandra engages both of them and soon they’re under her spell. This–she–feels so good Dylan doesn’t want it to end. So how can he convince her to stay?

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Limecello’s review of First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost
Paranormal romance released by Avon 9 Feb 10

I’ve heard a lot about Jeanine Frost’s books, so when I had the chance to read First Drop of Crimson I couldn’t resist. It didn’t hurt that this book is the start of a series, so I knew I wouldn’t have to go hunting for a back list. I haven’t read anything by Ms. Frost before, but I know this definitely won’t be the last. In fact, much as I hate to admit it (it’s the whole series prejudice I’m cultivating), I’m looking forward to the next book, Eternal Kiss of Darkness. And of course the premise of First Drop of Crimson is essentially a forbidden love, and I can’t resist those stories.

Denise MacGregor is a great heroine because she’s strong and unique, yet she’s someone everyone can relate to. The prologue of the book is somewhat confusing, but at the first chapter it seems like you’re reading a regular contemporary novel – because that’s what Denise has determinedly made her life. Every day. And she’s sticking by that. Nevertheless, Denise is able to cope with the situations that arise, and does more than she needs to in order to ensure the safety of her loved ones. (And not so loved ones.) At some points Denise is almost too good – but that’s who she is, and she wouldn’t be such a fantastic heroine without that.

Spade is a complex hero, who puts a smile on my face. I just really liked him. He seems like a jerk, but it’s because he’s protecting himself. Also, because in the world he lives in, there is no room for anything that can be considered weakness. Not that Spade is cruel – he allows those who challenge him to live (after teaching them a lesson) – when he could easily just cut them up. Literally. There are some scenes that would really gross me out if I allowed myself to think about them. (Let me share. For example fighting while his entrails are spilling out. Mmmm guts on the floor. While you’re alive. Delicious.) Anyway, the concern Spade exhibits about Denise’s humanity is touching.

I have to say, I’m a sucker for a book where the hero falls hard for the heroine first. I found it adorable how into Denise Spade was. And then the assumptions that she’s going to become a vampire. The reaction she has, as well as the disbelief of the secondary characters was entertaining, and charming. Denise has clearly said she wants nothing more to do with anything out of the ordinary. Also, based on the attitude of all the vampires et al she meets, they think humans are substandard. Denise takes this personally, and it’s a point of contention and misunderstanding between her and Spade. (She thinks he wants her to change because she isn’t good enough as a human. He wants her to change because as a mortal she’s way too well… mortal and easily killed. It’s sweet, really, and resolving this issue brings the two of them closer together.)

Ms. Frost stopped just shy of the point of no return a number of times for me throughout this book. Characters acting unusually and the action or reaction just sliding. Nevertheless, it either was a minor point, or something Ms. Frost explained. For example, near the end Denise decides that she’s sick of waiting or allowing those around her to take action, and that she’s going to take matters in her own hands. Generally, this would be a TSTL move – much like the heroine who is an every day person but decides to run into a firefight because she’s going to “take control!” Luckily, this is not the case with Denise. Sure, it’s the unknown and rather foolhardy, but not completely idiotic, and there’s the possibility that everything will turn out right. (As opposed to requiring the reader suspend all belief and just allow that some ridiculous series of events transpired.)

I feel like I might have missed some things by not reading Ms. Frost’s previous series, but at no point did I feel lost, so I’m happy to start here and move forward. This book, and indeed it seems this series can easily stand alone. (That’s for all of you OCD types who must read in order. Pick up this book. You’re safe.)

I have to admit there were some parts of the story that surprised me. At times I thought everything was over (although I knew it wasn’t because there were more pages…) but some new conflict would pop up. I really liked all the secondary characters. Spade has a great set of friends, and it’s nice that Denise is essentially plugged into the same social network on her own. The fact that a number of settings are used also keeps the story fresh. As I stated before, I’m looking forward to the next book. I was definitely intrigued by the Master Vampire Mencheres, and will definitely read his book.

Grade: B-

The night is not safe for mortals. Denise MacGregor knows all too well what lurks in the shadows – her best friend is half-vampire Cat Crawfield – and she has already lost more than the average human could bear. But her family’s dark past is wrapped in secrets and shrouded in darkness – and a demon shapeshifter has marked Denise as prey. Now her survival depends on an immortal who craves a taste of her.

He is Spade, a powerful, mysterious vampire who has walked the earth for centuries and is now duty-bound to protect this endangered, alluring human – even if it means destroying his own kind. Denise may arouse his deepest hungers, but Spade knows he must fight his urge to have her as they face the demon nightmare together…

Because once the first drop of crimson falls, they will both be lost.

Read an excerpt here.

Sandy M’s review of Red Wolf (Wolf Moons, Book 3) by Linda Thomas-Sundstrom
Paranormal Romance published by Silhouette Nocturne 1 Feb 10

When I picked up this book I knew I’d like it. It’s werewolves after all. My favorite paranormal read. What I wasn’t expecting is the different take on wolf mates that Ms. Thomas-Sundstrom uses. Its just enough to make the story unique from other shifter reads.

Tory is after her brother’s killer. She knows there’s a gang of wolves that roam the local park at night, all led by a rogue who is experimenting on humans to create himself an unstoppable army. Tory is from a long line of royalty and she embodies their gifts from ages past. She knows she can bring this evil down. Finding it is the problem.

Chasing a suspect through the park, Adam Scott is on a collision course with his destiny. With his suspect lying dead in the street, it takes only a second for Adam’s life to change when he meets the gaze of a beautiful redhead standing to the side of a crowd of onlookers. Having no idea what’s happened, he continues with his duty, but as each minute goes on, Adam begins to want, to crave something, someone. Someone he has to have now.

Not caring what it will do to his job, Adam searches for the woman from the park, coming to the conclusion she’s the source of his new restlessness. Finding her makes things better for him, and worse.

Surprised to find Adam in the park again, Tory isn’t able to keep her distance from her mate. One look between them and imprinting has connected them for life. Now they both need each other, even though Tory tries to keep herself focused on finding her brother’s murderer.

I really like the imprinting concept in this book. For Adam, it’s an unknown hell as he searches for Tory. Every part of him, his body, his mind, his heart, needs her, and I felt every itch, burn, pain, poke, and prod he went through in the description the author gives of his dilemma. Adam is single minded in his focus to find Tory and then learns she truly is the solution to his needs.

And when these two come together, it’s relief but it’s not. Relief to finally have that need fulfilled, but then a whole new need takes over, and they sizzle with it. You can feel it explode just as they do when they barely make it inside Tory’s front door before the fireworks break loose.

Adam’s partner, Dana Delmonico, is a terrific character, tries to keep Adam in line, though she’s the rookie to his veteran status. I enjoyed their interaction. She’s a tough and smart cookie. They all do find the rogue they’re looking for in the end, and what they find is horrible and incredible. Their lives will never the same.

Grade: B

Summary:

Tory McKidd understands exactly what kind of monster is stalking the moonlit streets. She, too, is a werewolf and is ready to bring the rogue shifter to justice. What she isn’t prepared for is Adam Scott, the sexy detective whose investigation crosses paths with her own–a human who inexplicably stirs her senses.

Adam Scott is searching for a killer, not a lover, but with one look at the flame-haired beauty, he is ensnared. When one steamy night ignites their animal passion, there is no denying their fate. But when werewolf meets human, danger lurks–and the one they hunt may be the one hunting them….

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

LynneC’s review of Pure Princess, Bartered Bride by Caitlin Crews
Contemporary Romance published by Harlequin Presents 1 Feb 10

Sigh. Another stupid title, but this one doesn’t have a hero in it, so is this a new direction? I’m not a fan of the “listing” title, and I don’t think I ever will be. Harlequin, please, I know the authors have no choice in titles, but these are pretty awful. Caitlin Crews is a new writer to Harlequin, and I like to look at the new talent, to see what direction Harlequin is going in.

It’s well known in writer circles that for your first few books with Harlequin at least, the editing is fierce. You’re asked to rewrite, put a character in, take one out and so on until you get the hang of the house style and they’re pleased that they have a reasonably biddable author. After all, Harlequin is selling itself first, the line second and then the author. Very successfully, I might add.

This one does have some interesting new ideas. The heroine is a princess of one of those tiresome tiny European countries that seem no bigger than Rutland. Monte Carlo has a lot to make up for. I don’t usually read the royal stories, because my disbelief is suspended so high that sometimes it falls, and very often the royalty aspect isn’t really a part of the story, just an excuse for lots of paparazzi and fast cars. In this one it matters. Gabrielle has been raised like a princess, to abide by protocol, apart from her parents, used to being in the public eye. Her father does nothing but criticize, and however hard she tries, poor Gabrielle can’t please him. This part was interesting, particularly in the way that part of the story turned out. I can see a hypercritical parent in this situation becoming far too difficult to cope with.

At the beginning, I hated Luc. He wants perfection from his woman, even obedience, and during the wedding, which happens very early on, I want her to tell him to stuff it, and walk away. Preferably with a goth. I’ve always had a soft spot for goths. It took me a while to get over this, but since Crews is a new author, I wanted to give this book a good try.

The beginning is too abrupt, moving from unconnected scene to unconnected scene, and Crews doesn’t make the story flow well until it’s into its later chapters. There are some awkwardnesses, like, “Luc watched Gabrielle closely from across the small table at the famous Ivy restaurant in Beverly Hills…” Rly? He’s been rich and famous all his life and this is the way he thinks internally? I think it would have been better if it read, “Luc watched Gabrielle closely from across the small table at the Ivy restaurant…” He’s there to make a point, to get them seen in public together, so why not a sentence to say he’d picked the most paparazzi-friendly place, or something like that? But it reads like something out of OK magazine and it stopped me for a minute. Ick.

And he’s surprised when he finds out she’s a virgin? She’s given him every single signal in the book, from not knowing how to kiss to running away from him when he gets too hot and heavy. I’m surprised anyone with that lack of perception managed to become a successful squillionaire.

There’s a strong fairy-tale element in this story. I’ve noticed this in a few stories recently, and sometimes it works, sometimes it’s laid on with a trowel. In this one, it’s hinted at, with the princess in the tower theme, and the search for the perfect wife bit.

Bad stuff – all the backstory weight the hero has. His mother and father said they were deeply in love, but had lots of rows. As if a child is brought up without any other examples, and this affects him so much that he chooses not to fall in love. Until he does, of course. I just can’t believe that an intelligent human being would think like this. Linear thought is for trains.

The “bad woman,” one of his previous candidates for marriage who loves goths and a bit of rough. And he went as far as nearly proposing marriage before he found out? Doesn’t say much for his bedroom skills, that yells of “Spank me!”” and “Where do you keep the handcuffs?” went unnoticed. Also, since she professes to love goths, presumably Lady Emma has a tatt or too. No? I do get really tired of the experienced woman being done down in these books and sometimes I think the sophisticated woman is a far better match for the hero than the sweet, virginal heroine. Novelty isn’t everything and I’m afraid in this one, I give them six months, maybe a year.

The contractions are handled awkwardly. There are a lot of “would not”s and the like, that make the reading a little stilted. Even Prince Charles uses contractions these days, almost like a real human being. It isn’t consistent, either, you can get a “had not” or an “it is” in the same sentence as a “don’t.” As one of my editors said to me once, “Choose one and stick with it.” Perhaps a character can speak formally, and the use of contractions signals his or her change into a more relaxed person, or maybe sinking into intimacy, but it seemed almost arbitrary in this book.

On the whole, I think Crews has done a good job with her first Harlequin book. There are some tropes she falls back on, but this is a fresh, new voice that I’ll look out for in the future.

Grade: C+

Summary:

As quiet and dangerous as a jungle cat, achieving the impossible is one of Luc Garnier’s defining characteristics.
Princess Gabrielle is invaluable–a pearl beyond price. Yet Luc has defied the odds, and a contract for marriage is drawn up. This will be a union on paper first, and in the bedroom later….
Except Gabrielle is just the same in private as in public–well-bred, well behaved and a credit to her country. Luc is determined to find the wanton within and leave his pure princess in total disarray!

Read an excerpt.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Wedding Night With The Ranger by Lauri Robinson
Historical western romance short story ebook  released by Harlequin Historical Undone 01 Feb 2010

I’ve been known to whine about the fact that the historical western sub genre is flourishing in the Christian/Inspirational market, while in secular corners it’s still an endangered species.  What was it that struck me most about Lauri Robinson’s short story, the first western to be published by Harlequin Historical Undone?  How “un-inspirational” it was.  I mean, hello?  A man of the cloth is the villain!

Former Texas Ranger, now rancher, Colt Severson, has just gotten himself married to Annalee Sapp, a young lady he’s been half in love with for the past three years.  He never came calling because of the belief that he’s not “good enough” for the likes of her.  Her entire life seems to be wrapped up in helping the local townspeople, along with the pious reverend.  Then, thanks to her scheming Daddy, Colt gets his fondest wish granted.  He and Annalee marry, and wanting to give her some time to adjust to the idea, he heads off to the local saloon for a drink.  He was prepared for her not being all that happy with this turn of events, but he sure as heck didn’t think she’d barge into the saloon brandishing a shotgun!

Annalee has been desperately in love with Colt for the past three years.  However, she is trapped.  Trapped under the thumb of the pious reverend, and trapped in the knowledge that she doesn’t have a chance in Hell of catching the eye of Dodge City’s most eligible bachelor.  Now her Daddy has interfered and Colt is forced to marry her!  Yes, it’s what she’s always wanted, but she is sick with the knowledge that Colt only married her because he “had to.”

What follows is a classic Big Misunderstanding.  Both Annalee and Colt are crazy for each other, but both of them think they forced the other one into marriage.  This part of the conflict is actually wrapped up fairly quickly, and it’s nice that this was a short story, because this aspect isn’t dragged out ad nauseam.

On the other hand, the short story format gives the rest of this tale a half-finished feel.  Annalee’s father actually plays a healthy role in this story – entirely off-page.  We never meet the man!  Then there is the local reverend, who serves as the villain.  He has an obligatory appearance, but he’s all bark, with no bite.  It gives credence to this reader’s theory that this may have started out as a longer novella, and was chopped down to fit the word count of the Undone line.

I was most surprised by the tone of the story, which gives us a reverend villain, and a heroine who is desperate to escape the dull existence of endless charity work.  A heroine who hates charity work!  Granted, this makes her seem a tinch selfish, but dang, it was kind of refreshing to read about a romance heroine who wants her own life, and not be at the constant beck-and-call of others.

This is a quick, decent read, that kept me entertained on my lunch break.  The prose definitely tends to run purple during the love scenes, and while the short format hindered the role of the heroine’s father and villain, there was enough here to keep me turning the pages.  It didn’t light my world on fire, but there was enough memorable here for me to consider reading more Lauri Robinson in the future.

Grade: C+

Summary:

Dodge City, Kansas. 1880.

Texas Ranger-turned-rancher Colt Severson received plenty of advice on how to handle his wife on their wedding night—but not on what to do if she pointed a shotgun at him!

For Annalee Sapp, becoming Colt’s bride was both a nightmare and a dream come true. The handsome rancher was the perfect husband, if only he hadn’t been tricked into marrying her! He’d be stunned to learn of all the scandalous thoughts she had about him….. But once their wedding night arrives, it’s only a matter of time before their passion explodes…and the truth about their impulsive marriage is revealed!

No excerpt found.

Limecello’s review of Veiled Desire by Alisha Rai
Contemporary romance released by Samhain Publishing 2 Feb 10

This is the first book I read by Alisha Rai, but it definitely won’t be the last. Veiled Desire also has so many of my favorite romance themes. The friends to lovers aspect. Then the “forbidden romance” – Leyla is Mason’s best friend’s older sister. I had high expectations going in and Ms. Rai did not disappoint. I can’t wait to read her next book.

Leyla is a special character, in that she seems to be full of subtle contradictions. She’s quite conservative outwardly, but in private (in really private) settings, she’s quite adventurous. I liked that Leyla is so real. She’s a mother figure, and wants to make sure everything is smooth, and resolved, and everyone is happy. Difficult when she’s one of the principle actors in the conflict, as it were, but it’s how her personality is.

I found Mason to be cute and quirky. He’d be a great hero for anyone, but he’s the perfect fit for Leyla, and the fact that he’s best friends with her little brother Sasha makes it priceless. I like that Mason is so determined to pursue Leyla, and that he understands and respects her. Mason is all in from the start, and it’s clear how invested he is in making the romance work, and maintaining all relationships – romantic, and platonic.

I enjoyed Ms. Rai’s sense of humor. It’s a bit wry, and tongue in cheek. The characters can be self deprecating in the best way possible, and they’re just random enough to be refreshing, but not confusing or over the top. It worked for me. Everything is connected, and complete. The characters are realistic, and true to themselves, all changes felt natural, and believable.

The interpersonal relationships are also great – Sasha provides another way to view Leyla, and that givesher a lot of depth. The outraged brother also provides humor, and I love the conversations between Mason and Sasha. The fact that they’re all friends also adds another layer to the story, and more warmth. I’m definitely looking forward to Sasha’s story, which I believe will be out in a few months. If you want to read a fun, sexy contemporary romance, I recommend  Veiled Desire.

Grade: B-

Leyla Karimi can’t keep her eyes off the hunky guy living in the house behind her. How could any woman resist ogling Dr. Mason Barrett, especially when he makes it so easy by parading around in his skin and skivvies?

If it was only their age difference, she would have made a move a long time ago. Except Mason is more than a neighbor. He’s her baby brother’s oldest friend. It’s not like they can have a casual fling and walk away in the morning.

Mason’s been doing a little lusting—okay a lot—for quite some time. When he catches Leyla peeking, it’s a sure sign she could finally be ready to heat up his nights with loving. One taste of her lips, though, and he doesn’t want a “little” of anything. He wants it all.

Unwilling to jeopardize a lifetime of friendship for a one-night stand, Leyla is reluctant to throw caution to the wind. When he’s kissing her senseless, though, it’s hard to remember all the reasons why she should hold back…

Warning: Contains a hot hero who doesn’t mind baring it all in the name of love, a heroine who doesn’t settle for less, a sweet romance, steamy sex in a car and more good lovin’ in bed.

Read an excerpt here.

Limecello’s review of Back in Black by Lori Foster
Contemporary romance released by Berkley 2 Feb 10

This is the last book in Lori Foster’s Supreme Battle Championship (SBC) series, and I have mixed feelings about that. To be honest, I’m glad the series is over. (But I know I feel differently about series than a number of people.) About this book particularly, I liked it more than I thought I might, but not as much as I hoped I would. Ms. Foster used to be one of my favorite romance authors, but at this point, I get her books from the library, not store.

I will say, I was pleased this book was a straight contemporary romance. I tried to read My Man Michael and could not. I have a feeling much of the positive feedback has to do with the fact that this book is “back to business as usual.” As the last book, however, I felt that Ms. Foster had more she wanted, and it felt like there were four main characters, as opposed to a primary and secondary romance. Consequently, it seemed that the characters all got a bit cheated in their romances.

Nevertheless, Gillian Noode is the main female love interest. Gillian is one of Ms. Foster’s better heroines. She’s smart, successful, self confident, and in control of her own life. I liked her personality, and the fact that she’s willing to hold her own in a fight. Of course sexing wins over ethics, but that’s a romance, right? (Okay, so that did bother me, but I know it could have been worse…) I also liked that Gillian was flexible, and understood Drew, and people in general.

Drew Black is a great character when you list his attributes. However, he seemed a bit unrealistic to me. (Somehow, a perfect hero just felt off to me.) He’s not a fighter, but is essentially in charge of the SBC. That’s fine and perfectly reasonable. He holds his own, he’s a genius at business… essentially there’s nothing wrong with him except for his potty mouth [couldn't resist] and bad temper. But oh wait! Somehow those are good too! [So, yes, maybe I found him a bit too shiny.] Drew is a guy any woman would be glad to have, but nothing stood out to me about him. Ultimately, and unfortunately, Drew is forgettable.

The secondary romance really wanted to be a primary romance. It wasn’t, however, and thus felt a bit choppy. There were cameo appearances by characters from the other books. I normally enjoy that, but this time I actually had almost forgotten who most of them were until a good way into the book. Still, it was adorable how Drew was subtly trying to woo and feel out Gillian.

I get the sense or impression that Ms. Foster doesn’t much like females. I’ve never met her, but I’m sure that’s not how she is in person. It’s just the way she writes female characters. They’re generally incredibly naive, and unrealistic, clueless, and helpless. Or, just bat shit crazy. But not in the general sense where we all know someone who is like that – but pretty much a psychopath. I don’t know if it’s possible to be ‘written out’ but seems Ms. Foster is rehashing a lot plot devices.

Nevertheless, aside from those issues, the story was well written. The chemistry between the characters is very real, and enjoyable to read. For the end of a series the story arc felt rather open ended, but the romances were definitely complete. I knew Drew and Gillian were madly in love, and would be together forever.

If you’ve read the previous books in the series, or are a huge fan of Ms. Foster, I do recommend you read this book. I look forward to seeing what Ms. Foster writes next. Hopefully, it’s something new, complete with the great character interaction she creates.

Grade: C

SBC president Drew Black is as controversial as they come. But the hot-headed entrepreneur is a perfect match for his popular sports club venture: uncompromising and extreme. Maybe too extreme. With a reputation for saying what he thinks, Drew’s been causing a lot of friction. That’s why someone’s been called in to clean up his image—before he does any permanent damage.

The lucky lady is Gillian Noode, a PR expert who’s smoothed out the rough edges on many a man. But Drew is rougher than anyone she’s ever met, and he refuses to change for any woman, for any reason. To make matters more complicated, Gillian’s starting to like him raw. Now, opposites aren’t only attracting, they’re igniting. But in the rising heat, which one of them will end up on top?

Read an excerpt here.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Erotique: Jillian (Erotique #2) by Susan Lyons
Erotic romance short story ebook released by Spice Briefs 1 Feb 10

I was pleasantly surprised by the first story in Susan Lyons’ new erotic short story trilogy for Spice Briefs, so I happily settled in to read book two on my lunch break.  While it wasn’t without charm, sadly it didn’t work nearly as well for me.  Mostly because I found myself unwilling to suspend my disbelief in regards to the heroine’s work place relationships.

Jillian just helped land a big account at work, and she’s ready to unwind.  She’s thinking bubble bath, a naughty novel and a glass a wine.  However her boss, Carrie (the heroine from book one Erotique: Carrie) has another suggestion.  She gives Jillian a guest pass to the exclusive private sex club she belongs to.  Since the club caters to all sorts of fantasies, Jillian figures why not?  Little does she know that her boss has also given a guest pass to their sexy colleague Sandro Rodriguez.  Both Jillian and Sandro are very hot for each other, but she’s been putting on the breaks because of a past disastrous relationship with a former colleague.  Nope, our girl has learned her lesson.  No more mixing business with pleasure.  Sigh, but now here she is with hunky Sandro in a sex club.  Whatever shall she do?

When reading erotic stories, I’m usually pretty good at shutting reality out and going with the fantasy.  However, I just couldn’t do it this time.  Carrie is Jillian’s boss, and unlike a lot of boss/employee relationships in Romance Novel Land, these two aren’t best buddies.  It’s strictly a working relationship, and yet Carrie just blithely hands over a guest pass to a sex club?  Hello?!

Then there’s the fact that Jillian is gun-shy about getting naked with Sandro because of a past relationship with a former coworker.  Yeah, her ex?  Spread it around the office that Jillian was a “sex maniac” because she liked to have a lot of sex.  Ohhhhhkay then.  It’s entirely possible that the men I know in real life are a pack of drooling deviants, but this one strained.  And frankly if he was gossiping about her sexual preferences at work, why exactly did she not sue his ass for sexual harassment?

The erotic elements of this story are nice, steamy and vanilla – sure to please readers who don’t want to wade through a river of kink to get their kicks.  I also suspect it will work a lot better for those readers who can more successfully shut out reality than I apparently can.

Grade: C

Summary:

Jillian had been careful not to combine her personal and professional lives…even if that meant turning down a date with her sexy colleague Sandro Rodriguez. Still, she was in the mood for some fun and couldn’t resist a guest-pass to the private sex club Erotique from her boss, Carrie. Jillian hoped to relieve her cravings with a hot guy who understood how to tease and arouse her—but she never expected that man to be Sandro! And he was determined to show her just how fun mixing business with pleasure could be….

No excerpt found.

Other books in this series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grade: A-

Summary:

PERMISSION TO APPROACH

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

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

Read an excerpt here.

Liviania’s review of Pleasure of a Dark Prince (Immortals After Dark, Book 8 ) by Kresley Cole
Paranormal romance released by Pocket 16 Feb 10

Kresley Cole earned her place as one of those authors that I buy immediately.  (Well, that I buy the paperback immediately.)  With Pleasure of a Dark Prince, there were some unforeseen complications (also known as blatant lies on the Barnes & Noble site) that led to me telling far too many people I wanted Pleasure of a Dark Prince before I got my hands on the novel. 

Although I forgot the title the first time, prompting the clerk to ask me for a different title.  I came up with Winter’s Wicked Kiss.  Not an actual Cole title.  Given that the next cover is also black and white, it’s going to be even harder to keep the books apart.

While knowing the titles is a daunting task, the Immortals After Dark series has been fairly welcoming to newcomers.  However, Cole is starting to elaborate on couples first mentioned in earlier books.  First, the novella in Deep Kiss of Winter, “Untouchable,” tells about the last Wroth brother and his heroine, Daniela. Now, Pleasure of a Dark Prince explores Lucia and Garreth’s relationship, which was originally mentioned in A Hunger Like No Other.  (Yes, I did have to look that title up.)  I enjoyed seeing Emma and Lachlain’s relationship from the valkyrie point of view – and that a werewolf agreed Emma’s family had a right to interfere.  However, I wonder how a new reader would feel about that subplot, which moves fairly quickly.

Though the books are becoming less welcoming to new readers, the romance is still enjoyable.  I did have more problems with Garreth and Lucia than some of her other couples. Garreth’s determination is attractive, as is his desire to aid Lucia.  But he ignores her ability to take care of herself too often, and he’s dismissive of what she obviously considers an important vow.  On the other hand, Lucia seemed too reluctant to tell him why the vow is important.  Yes, it was a shameful part of her past and might make Garreth angry, but Garreth would understand her vow more if she at least told him, “If we have sex together I’ll be defenseless.”

That doesn’t mean I didn’t love them together.  It was fun to watch Garreth work his way into Lucia’s heart – and to see them figure out how to get off together without penetration.  Also, the opening scene where she keeps shooting him and he keeps flirting?  It’s awesome in a very strange way.

For fans of Regin or Lothaire, they show up a decent amount in Pleasure of a Dark Prince and it looks like they will be in Demon from the Dark, though neither will be the hero or heroine.  (For a few brief, shining moments I thought the next book would be Regin and Aiden’s.  Alas.)  Overall, this isn’t going to replace my favorites in the series.  But Cole definitely left me wanting more of the Immortals After Dark.

Grade: B-

Read more reviews and information by following this series’ tag here.

Summary:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole enraptures again with this seductive tale of a fierce werewolf prince who will stop at nothing to protect the lovely archer he covets from afar.

A DANGEROUS BEAUTY…

Lucia the Huntress: as mysterious as she is exquisite, she harbors secrets that threaten to destroy her — and those she loves.

AN UNCONTROLLABLE NEED…

Garreth MacRieve, Prince of the Lykae: the brutal Highland warrior who burns to finally claim this maddeningly sensual creature as his own.

THAT LEAD TO A PLEASURE SO WICKED….

From the shadows, Garreth has long watched over Lucia. Now, the only way to keep the proud huntress safe from harm is to convince her to accept him as her guardian. To do this, Garreth will ruthlessly exploit Lucia’s greatest weakness — her wanton desire for him.

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in this series:

Lynne Connolly‘s review of The Italian’s One-Night Love-Child by Cathy Williams
Contemporary romance UK release by Mills & Boon 5 Feb 10

DNF’s are unusual for me. I usually plod on until the bitter end, and frequently the book redeems itself. You see, I have a penchant for heroes and heroines who aren’t perfect, who may cheat and steal, but there are a few things that I really dislike, so this is the story of how a recent Harlequin book became a DNF. Usually, if I give up on a book, I don’t review it, because I figure that what didn’t work for me might work for someone else. I’m not doing it to trash the book and make the author feel bad, I want to warn the reader, and I want to point out what I want to see in a romance. In this case I’m fairly clear that most readers will want the same, but I’d love to hear from anyone who read this and loved it. Did I give up too soon? What can the heroine do to make me like her?

So here’s the book.

Cathy Williams is usually a reliable writer who comes up with the odd gem. She has a nice, light style that works well with the Presents/Modern line. I got about half way through her latest, The Italian’s One Night Love Child.

The heroine is Bethany, and she’s flat-sitting in Rome. A posh flat in the center of Rome, to be exact. She’s trying on the wardrobe belonging to the person she’s sitting for, and she hears a knock at the door. To do her justice, she realises she shouldn’t have been trying the dress on, but when she sees the gorgeous stud who answers it, and tries to hide. But he’s gorgeous and she agrees to go out to dinner with him, without telling him who she is.

Fair enough, because the owner of the flat, or her daughter, I wasn’t sure which, was concealing the fact that she’s in rehab and she doesn’t want people to find out. One night. Cristiano is intrigued and wants to sleep with Bethany, or Amy, as he thinks she is. The scene ends when she confesses to him that she’s a virgin.

The next chapter starts several months later. Wha..? I wasn’t happy. The reader misses their first kiss, when he takes her virginity and the two weeks they had in Barbados. Wait–she went back to his apartment? She made love with him for the first time in her life, and then flew off to Barbados with him? How did she manage that when the name on her ticket wouldn’t have matched the name on her passport?

That’s a whole chunk of story skipped over in a sentence. I felt like I’d missed the actual story. Their falling in love. I didn’t get to ‘see’ a vital part of the process and this is supposed to be a romance? WTF? Listen, a romance is about two people falling in love, the process. I want to experience the first time they touch, the first eye contact, the first kiss, the first lovemaking and the development of the relationship. To skip like that isn’t on.

I read on to see if Ms Williams could redeem herself. Bethany is living in Ireland, at her parents’ place, and she’s pregnant. She’s given up her university course in London and gone home. She had no intention of contacting Cristiano to tell him about it. Moreover, she’d lied to her parents, too, told them that she was engaged and that he was in Africa building schools (or something, she’s not quite clear) for the underprivileged.

That was where I stopped. I didn’t want Cristiano to fall in love with someone who was, let’s face it, a lying cheat. I felt very sorry for him and I really, really wanted him to walk away and find somebody nice who he could trust, but by this stage I knew he was fated to end up with this awful person. Bethany had lied to everyone she claimed that she loved—her parents and the father of her child. Although Cristiano was a wealthy man, she refused to give her child, another person she should love, with the privilege he or she is entitled to. She thought of herself rather than the child. That was where I closed the book because I was pretty sure that they wouldn’t sit down, have a civilised conversation, and then check Bethany into the nearest psychiatric unit where she could recover from her compulsive lying. If they’d taken the baby away from her I wouldn’t have been sorry. So there it ended.

At this stage I would have taken an amnesia plot rather than what she knowingly did, which shows you how desperate I was, because I’m not a fan of the amnesia plot. But at least that would have given Bethany a valid reason for walking away.

This is supposed to be a romance. I want a romance, and I want to read the developments along the way. And the characters I read about should be flawed, but should have some redeeming features.

Grade: DNF

Summary:

Pregnant with De Angelis baby! Seeing Bethany Maguire’s captivating curves in a tantalising silk dress, Cristiano De Angelis indulges in one night of passion with this beauty. A string of society heiresses have graced his bed.. .what difference will one more make? Except virgin Bethany is no socialite. She was just house-sitting a glamorous apartment when she gave in to temptation and tried on one of the owners designer dresses She doesn’t belong in Cristiano’s jet-set life, and when she discovers shes pregnant she flees. But the billionaire wont let her go that easily…

No excerpt found.

Limecello’s review of Laced With Desire by Jaci Burton, Jasmine Haynes, Joey W. Hill, Denise Rossetti
Erotic romance anthology released by Berkley Trade 2 Feb 10

I read Unlaced, which is the book before this one, and enjoyed it. I really liked Laced with Desire as well. Admittedly, I thought some of it was a little weird, but overall I thought it was well written. There’s definitely a lot of variety in it, and seems to be a pretty good representation of all the authors. I liked that for this being an erotic romance anthology, there was a heavy focus on the relationship between the characters, and emotions as well.

No Strings Attached by Jaci Burton

I have to admit, I love the story line Jaci Burton used – the “forbidden woman” as well as friends to lovers. Ella has been widowed for five years, and while she’s done amazingly in business, personally, she’s let her live stagnate. She goes off to Hawaii, and her over protective friend Clay is driven to go and make sure she doesn’t do anything stupid… and finds he’s more than attracted to her

It’s nice that Ella and Clay had a relationship prior to the impetuous trip to Hawaii. Even more, that Clay had been friends with Ella and her deceased husband. The fact that Ms. Burton addressed the complicated relationship, and the anxieties and misgivings Ella might have, really gave this story depth.

It also makes Clay that much more likable. Yes, both character avoid their emotions, and there’s a bit of run around, but for a novella, I thought it was extremely well written.

The story is hot, the characters fit, and nothing too outrageous happens. The characters were also very natural, believable, and developed. I’m very much looking forward to Ms. Burton’s next book – it seems her writing only gets better.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Jaci Burton breaks the rule of mixing business with pleasure when two professional rivals cross paths at a tropical resort. She figures she can handle a fling with no strings attached. He’s out to show her that she figured wrong.

Read an excerpt here.

La Petite Mort by Jasmine Haynes

For those of you who like such stories, the hero and heroine in this novella are slightly older. (In their 40s or more.) Sophia was a model, but has lived the consummate life. She made a mistake while young, and due to the alienation it caused with her father, has been extremely careful since. The fact that she thinks she may be dying makes for a believable catalyst in making changes.

This story features a threesome, but somehow Ms. Haynes makes it seem very personal still, and that it brings Sophia and Ford closer together, rather than adding complications. I don’t know how she does it, but it’s believable.

In a way, the biggest hang up might be the fact that Ford is Sophia’s boss.
There isn’t a lot of substance to this story, as the word/page constraints limit that, but I thought that Ford and Sophia were well developed. I got a sense of who they were, and understood their characters. And the fact that they liked and admired each other before entering a physical relationship – and that it was natural, if not bound to happen.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Jasmine Haynes explores the lust of a former supermodel who needs to finally fulfill a no-holds-barred sexual fantasy. Finding two men to do it with is easy. But are they up to giving her all the pleasure she’s been denied?

Read an excerpt here.

Honor Bound by Joey W. Hill

I have to say… I was not expecting this story. It features and interesting dynamic with a dominant and submissive. It’s a continuation of the Knights of the Boardroom, and admittedly, this novella is why I was so excited for the entire anthology. I’ve only read the previous story, and I think my selective reading left me confused. Nonetheless, there’s a lot of sexy, kinky stuff going on in this story. And, a lot in general, with layers and emotions and characters.

All the males are dominants, the women submissives. (More so in this story, than the others, which is some of the cause for my surprise.)

Additionally, both Dana and Peter are soldiers. I liked that they had that commonality, and that Ms. Hill treated it so realistically. Dana is actually injured, and blinded, and worse. While tragic, I appreciated the fact that the characters are wounded in battle, rather than superhuman and making war seem like a day at the amusement park.
It also leads to a very complex psychological push and pull between Dana and Peter, because there’s the question of their relationship (or lack thereof), and the reasons why they might get back together.

I liked the love at first sight concept, and the fact that even though Peter is the dominant, he writes to Dana for a year, knowing she won’t respond. There’s give and take to the relationship, that had nice balance, and made me believe in a real romantic relationship between the two. It helped me understand more of BDSM, I suppose. It’s definitely not my thing, but I could see how and why it was for Dana, and that also made me like and appreciate Honor Bound.

Grade: B

Summary:

Joey W. Hill reveals the erotic bond between a master and the beautiful submissive who stole his heart. Recapturing their night of unparalleled passion won’t be easy—until a specific piece of lingerie comes into play.

When not called up by the National Guard, Peter Winston is a successful businessman, part of the K&A management team. Like the other four members, he’s also a sexual Dominant, adept at bringing a woman to pleasurable surrender. The night before he heads out on his second Afghanistan tour, he meets Dana, a sexual submissive who gets into his head and heart the way no woman ever has.

But Dana is also an Army sergeant. It will be over a year before they see one another again, and when they do, she’s suffered injuries that took her sight and will to live. With the creative use of a corset and the talents of the other K&A males, Peter sets the stage for another special night for them, knowing that only a submissive’s willingness to trust her Master will bring her back to love and life again.

Read an excerpt here.

Rhio’s Dancer by Denise Rossetti

There was a lot going on in this story, but I found the ending to be really cute. I did feel that I might be missing something by not having read many of Denise Rossetti’s other books. This is a fantasy romance, and a continuation from Ms. Rossetti’s novella in Unlaced, and I liked that a lot. We get a cameo visit from the previous couple, and a happy ending for Rhio and Amae (Dancer).

The setting makes things a bit difficult, and some time needs to be spent describing the world, social structure, and political system, even, but there’s still a nice connection between Rhio and Amae. Yes, sex brings them together, and there’s this whole sub plot to stop the assassination of the queen (like how I just threw that out there? It’s not the main focus of the story anyway…) it all works to bring Rhio and Amae together.

Amae is damaged – she’s been a slave for fifteen years, and for all that Rhio is a hardened captain, he’s a genuinely nice guy. There’s a scene where he’s cuddling with Amae, and she expresses surprise. The juxtaposition of sex and violence and soft tender moments rounds everything out nicely.

Grade: C+

Summary:

Denise Rossetti goes beyond the limits of desire when she pairs a battle-scarred veteran of love and war with a woman who’s just as fearless and twice as dangerous. What happens between them is positively combustible. But what a way to go.

Rhio’s a battle-scarred veteran of both love and war, a soldier right down to his bootstraps. But he’s never met a woman as fierce, as fascinating – as dangerous – as Dancer. And she’s up to her pretty neck in political intrigue. She just might kill him before they’re through, but what a glorious way to go!

Read an excerpt here.

I have to say, each story was distinct, and yet incorporated a corset on some level. It was nice to get the whole “laced with desire” idea into all four in such different ways. Cute, and well done.

Overall Grade: B

Summary:

Rough hands rounding the curves of a soft warm body—caressing, stroking,
edging her toward exquisite pleasure…

Seduction is a cinch in these four all-new sizzling stories from the hot authors of Unlaced…

Lynne Connolly‘s review of The Multi-Millionaire’s Virgin Mistress by Cathy Williams
Contemporary Romance released by Harlequin Presents 9 Feb 10

First the title. The heroine isn’t a virgin at the start of the story, although well before the story has started, she has given him her virginity. And she’s nineteen. In the Prologue, they are both students and he dumps her unceremoniously. Jerk. What a relief that Megan realizes it and gets on with her life. I loved the beginning stunt, when she tries to pop out of a cake on his birthday, because it showed both characters much better than just telling the viewer what they were like. And I felt her humiliation.

It’s in the “Latin Lovers” series which is odd, because the only Latin thing about Alessandro is his name. He had an Italian father, but an English mother and is English born and bred.

The story carries on six years later. Megan is a teacher, working in London, reasonably happy with her life. Alessandro has made all his dosh and lives in a swanky area of London. I do find it hard to believe that Alessandro has done all that in seven years, and I have known some high-flyers in my time. But I let it go because I liked Megan and I wanted her to get her man. However, Alessandro didn’t really have to be quite so fabulously rich, but I guess the line calls for it.

Anyway, they meet again at a school function. Alessandro is engaged to a suitable woman, who happens to be the mother of one of her pupils. Although neither Alessandro nor Megan want it, they feel the urge.

They connect, slowly and naturally, and although Megan knows that Alessandro is a driven, humorless jerk, she still wants him physically.

I really dislike the use of “mistress” in the title because it’s the one thing Megan never is, although Alessandro wants her to be. His plaything, his possession, to spoil and then dump if he wants to. Everything on his terms. But thank the gods of Mills and Boon, Megan has learned better and while she’s willing to have sex with him, she refuses to let that happen, and won’t even leave a toothbrush at his house.

At last, a heroine who seems like she’s living in the modern world, not in the 1950’s, and a heroine with a sense of humor.

I read on because I was enjoying Megan, not because of Alessandro but as the story unfolds, so does he, and we learn his issues and enjoy watching Megan teach him to unwind and relax. I also enjoyed the secondary characters, Megan’s friend Robbie and Alessandro’s fiancée Victoria, who at first appears as buttoned-up as he is, but isn’t set up as the nasty Other Woman. Thank you.

I liked the way the relationship developed and I liked a real woman as heroine, one not stupid enough to let the hero dictate terms to her, one who could at any point walk away. And the last sentence in the book is lovely and shows how far Alessandro has come. An “A” and more, please!

Grade: A

Summary:

His diamond mistress.

As Alessandro Caretti made his ruthless climb to the top, his glamorous new world shut the door on ordinary Megan. Now a multi-millionaire tycoon, Alessandro is back – and he wants the one thing his money can’t buy: Megan.

Still totally out of her depth, Megan will never understand which string of diamonds matches which of the couture outfits Alessandro commands she wear! But for Alessandro Megan’s silk dresses are irrelevant – his only interest is keeping his mistress where she belongs…firmly between his silk sheets!

Read an excerpt.

Limecello’s review of Slow Heat by Jill Shalvis
Contemporary romance released by Berkley 2 Feb 10

Jill Shalvis is an author that is definitely growing on me. I’ve liked her books, generally, but some were still hit or miss for me. Well, her recent ones, have been all hit. I really enjoyed Slow Heat. I powered through at the end, staying up til the wee hours to finish it. Aside from being a terrific romance, this book renewed my affection for baseball. It reminded me that before I loved football (and we all know I love football), I was a baseball girl. America’s game. Slow Heat put a giant smile on my face, and I’m hoping for more.

Sam McNade is a have it together heroine, that you root for all the way. She’s at the top of her field, and she knows it. However, this doesn’t make her arrogant or a bitch. Samantha isn’t a ball buster – she doesn’t need tricks or put downs to be the best. I liked that she had her own insecurities, and troubles. Sam is incredibly capable, but little things still trip her up, and she’s just trying to make her way like the rest of us. Sam would be a great friend – or you know, a great person to be.

Wade O’Riley is such a lovable hero. He seems emotionally unavailable, and in a way, he is – but Wade has a lot more depth than he’s willing to own to. Yes, he keeps himself removed, and it’s frustrating throughout the story… but the little things he does show a softer side. For example, Wade pays off every person in a carnival to not dunk Samantha while she’s sitting in the booth. He cares about her and his family, but isn’t willing to admit it. Wade grows a lot – and has to deal with his past. It’s nice that not everything is easy for him.

I loved that for all Wade seemed to be an immature idiot… he and Sam were adults throughout. Yes, they didn’t act perfectly, but then, who does? Nevertheless both make the best of their respective situations, and step up and take responsibility. Wade was a playboy, and I liked that it came to haunt him a bit. While it was pretty easy to take care of the problem, it did give Sam some pause, and make them both question the relationship. I have to say, I didn’t really go with the premise of “pretend” relationship – to me, it was real from the start.

I’m not for series. I’m totally over series, really… but I’m breaking my own rule, and wanting more of this one. I loved the quotes about baseball Jill found. I’d have read a book of just that. Not that I’d be willing to give up Sam and Wade’s story… but here? I’m asking for Gage’s story. Please let Gage have his own story. If not a series (which I’m totally cool with), let it be a stand alone. A man who can holds his own alongside professional athletes, with extremely interesting parents? He’s gorgeous and scary and would make a perfect hero. Ms. Shalvis – please write Gage his romance. He needs a lady love. I’m open for the position. And if anyone from Berkley reads this (hi!) please buy that story. I needs it!

Anyway, it’s clear that I was attached to the characters in Slow Heat. I “met” Wade and Sam in Double Play, and I knew they’d have a fantastic romance. I was right. All the secondary characters were a lot of fun too. I liked that Double Play and Slow Heat were connected, yet can stand alone. (For all you authors out there – pay attention. This is what books should be like.) I think I also want Gage’s story so much because there were no hints or hooks for a sequel. He just is- a fantastic character- so I’d like to read more about him. And revisiting Pace and Holly and Wade and Sam would just be gravy.

In conclusion, I really liked this book. I know I’ll be re-reading it soon. I love reading a story with a strong, yet normal heroine, and a hot guy who is a better guy than he thinks. I definitely recommend this book.

Grade: A-

After a woman claims she’s pregnant with Wade O’Riley’s love child, Major League Baseball’s most celebrated catcher and ladies’ man is slapped on the
wrist by management and ordered to improve his image. His enforcer is the team’s publicist, the tough and sexy Samantha McNead.

When Wade needs a date for a celebrity wedding, Sam steps up to the plate as his “girlfriend.” But given her secret crush on him and that one awkward
night a year ago in a stuck elevator with too much scotch, the whole thing is an exercise in sexual tension.

Wade is thrilled when the pretense turns into an unexpected night of hot passion. But the next day Sam is back to her cool self. As a catcher, Wade’s
used to giving the signals, not struggling to read them. Now, to win the love of his “pretend” girlfriend, he needs a homerun–even it involves
stealing a few bases…
Read an excerpt here.

Gwen’s review of Flirt (Anita Blake Vampire Hunter, Book 18) by Laurell K. Hamilton
Urban fantasy hardcover released by Berkley 2 Feb 10

Fans of Hamilton’s Anita Blake novels will love this short side entry.  This is a novel-length short story in the very sexy, very violent world of Anita Blake.  If you’re following this series and are getting (have gotten) tired of the crazily complicated storyline, you’ll enjoy this story.  It has almost none of the “bigger” picture and just tells us a good yarn.

The action in Flirt is almost solely centered on Anita’s necromancer ability. There is quite a bit of overlap in the plot to her newly developed shifter abilities.  This adds quite a bit of spice and is not complicated to follow if you just roll with it.  A new character or two is introduced who may become players in a later novel.

I liked Flirt because it had a beginning, middle, and end.  It’s a short novel, or a novel-length short story that deals with loss and love.  There is some redemption in the story, though it’s a darker redemption as is appropriate for the setting.

In Flirt Anita is kidnapped by a grieving spouse and forced to use her necromancer abilities.  This all has Anita in a decided snit and has separated mentally and physically her from her “sweeties”.  However, in true Anita fashion, she gets herself out of her pickle with the help of a lion shifter that Anita has bound to herself.

I love it when Hamilton focuses on a story and the storytelling is excellent in Flirt. I sucked it down in a day.  I highly recommend this book to anyone following the series and to anyone new to it who wants to see if they’d like it.  This entry stands alone well enough and would actually serve to tell a new reader if they like the author or story.

Grade: A

Read more reviews and information on this series here.

Summary:

When Anita Blake meets with prospective client Tony Bennington, who is desperate to have her reanimate his recently deceased wife, she is full of sympathy for his loss. Anita knows something about love, and she knows everything there is to know about loss. But what she also knows, though Tony Bennington seems unwilling to be convinced, is that the thing she can do as a necromancer isn’t the miracle he thinks he needs. The creature that Anita could coerce to step out of the late Mrs. Bennington’s grave would not be the lovely Mrs. Bennington. Not really. And not for long.

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in the series:

Gwen’s review of Archangel’s Kiss (Guild Hunters, Book 2) by Nalini Singh
Paranormal/fantasy romance released by Berkley 2 Feb 10

This is the second book in the Guild Hunters saga and the third story.  (Singh released a standalone novella in the Must Love Hellhounds anthology.) This entry deals with Elena’s new condition, her relationship with the archangel, Raphael, and the politics of his (now her) world.  It’s a ripsnorting story that is passionate and action-packed, and a helluva good tale.

There are spoilers in this review, so if you haven’t read the first book and care about that sort of thing, you don’t want to read further.

If you read the first book, you know that to save Elena’s life Raphael Made her an angel near the end.  In Kiss, Elena begins learning what that means – how to fly, what can still kill her, how to fit into her new society, and what her role is as Raphael’s mate.  This is all pretty fascinating stuff and, like Singh’s Psy-Changeling novels, is an incredibly well thought out world.  You are actually living it with the characters.  Singh is second to none in her complex and believable world building.

Kiss has a very nice pace to it.  You’re never left yawning, wondering when something was going to happen.  We’re given a mystery, some romance and passion, friendships, and loads of very cool action.  We’re carried along the story like a kayaker down a Class 5 rapids.

I just adore Singh’s characters.  Her heroines are terrific – strong, smart, and vulnerable.  I never have an eye-rolling “OMG she’s too stupid to live” moment.   Elena is all woman and all warrior.  She’s still a Guild Hunter at heart and it shows – I love the descriptions of the clothes and weapons she wears in Beijing.

Singh’s heroes are in a class of their own – masculine, alpha, and tender to their loved ones.  they’re always men I sigh over.  In this book, Raphael is enough “other” to be a fascinating character.  I think the first book showcased his personality better than this entry, but we get excellent insight into Elena in Kiss.

The villains in Kiss are suitably villain-like.  There is also some ambiguity in some of the evil.  In Singh’s world, as an angel ages, they develop more powers and the abilities they have become stronger.  Since some of the angel’s are thousands of years old, this leads to interesting ethical questions – how much power is too much, what can be done with power without morality, and how do you control amoral beings so powerful they can destroy whole cities or even planets?  All of this comes up in this book and we’re led to the conclusion that relationships like what is between Elena and Raphael are one of the very few things that can help such powerful beings retain some of their humanity – which is normally a good thing.

If you’re a fan of Singh, or simply of “angel books” you do not want to miss this one.   If you’re not sure about whether you’ll like this series, don’t start with this one.  The first book, Angel’s Blood, will take you by surprise and bring you to love the series as much as I do.  This book just takes the story to the next level.

I can’t wait for the next entry.

Grade: A

Read other reviews and information on this series here.

Summary:

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux wakes from a year-long coma to find herself changed—an angel with wings the colors of midnight and dawn—but her fragile body needs time to heal before she can take flight. Her lover, the stunningly dangerous archangel Raphael, is used to being in control—even when it comes to the woman he considers his own. But Elena has never done well with authority…

They’ve barely begun to understand each other when Raphael receives an invitation to a ball from the archangel Lijuan. To refuse would be a sign of fatal weakness, so Raphael must ready Elena for the flight to Beijing—and to the nightmare that awaits them there. Ancient and without conscience, Lijuan holds a power that lies with the dead. And she has organized the most perfect and most vicious of welcomes for Elena…

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in this series:

Lynne Connolly‘s review of The Greek Tycoon’s Reluctant Bride by Kate Hewitt
Contemporary romance released by Mills & Boon (UK) 1 Jan 08, Harlequin (US) 9 Feb 10

This book should really have been a full-length novel in a more serious line. The hero and heroine both have Issues, and they are nasty ones, ones that would take more than a category-length title to resolve. I think there’s a pacing problem here, too, because after a long set up and middle bit, it was resolved too fast. 

Alethea and the hero, Demos are both Greek. Demos marries Alethea when he thinks she will make no demands on him, believing her to be the party girl she pretends to be.

Both hero and heroine are wealthy, Demos being a self-made man. I liked their internal conflicts, I really did, but it resulted in a book that was decidedly down-key for HMB. Nothing really to cheer them on for or to smile at on the way. It was depression all the way. So I read and read and kept wishing I liked this one more.

There’s a genre in the UK, until recently very popular, known as mis-lit. Nothing cheerful happens until the last page. Usually it is about struggle through adversity. Maybe this would have made a great mis-lit book and I really think that Kate Hewitt should have thought about writing this as a woman’s fiction book. Or maybe she can take the heroine’s dilemma and write a long, exploratory novel about the problem. I would totally read that.

Alethea behaves much as someone with her history would, but because we don’t know her history until later on in the book, she appears petulant and spoiled. Alethea is a cocktease, and she does it to Demos, but he pursues her and proposes because he wants a party girl, someone who will make no demands on him and show his troubled sister that marriage can be fun. However Alethea has real problems, and one of my problems with her character is her father. The man is stupid, blind, and doesn’t see what he shouldn’t, and yet he is presented in a sympathetic manner. He deserves a kick up the butt.

The hero’s problem is clear from the start. He’s a self-made man, looked after his family from when he was a small boy and when his mother remarries, he finds she doesn’t need him anymore. Unlike his sister, who needs him too much. Demos is a tycoon, a billionaire, and his mother lives in a little house with her husband. Strikes me as a tad unlikely, but I could see why he was miffed, because she refuses to take advantage of his money.

It was a great attempt that ultimately failed, partly because the pacing is off, and partly because there is unrelenting unhappiness for most of the book. And at the end I wasn’t convinced that the marriage would last. It ends on a decidedly ambiguous note – they are together and in love, but I didn’t think this one would be a successful marriage. At least they understood each other. As a Harlequin, I have to give this one a C-.

Grade: C-

Blurb:

The Greek tycoon’s marriage demand!  Darkly handsome Demos Atrikes wants a wife to provide heirs to his fortune. No emotions, no complications…
Catching sight of stunning, intriguing Althea Paranoussis, he has to have her. She may be a society party girl, but he believes she’s perfect wife material – and their wedding is arranged.  The chemistry between them is all-consuming. But, once married, Demos discovers the painful truth of Althea’s childhood. She needs more from him than he’d ever planned to give…

Read an excerpt here.

Audrey And The Maverick is Elaine Levine follow up her debut novel Rachel and the Hired Gun.

I enjoyed the first book, which I wasn’t too sure I would because ‘ranch wars’ are often not a good read for me.

But I found this one surprisingly entertaining. I loved the heroine. Rachel is fab and unlike Kristie J, (read her review here) I didn’t have issue with not getting a description of what the hero/heroine looked like. In fact I didn’t notice. You can read an excerpt for Rachel and the Hired Gun here.

Audrey and The Maverick

comes out February 2010

In Elaine Levine’s stunning novel of the American West, a proud rancher and a determined young woman are drawn together in the lawless town of Defiance.

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Virginia financier Julian McCaid has put his troubled past behind him. His plans for the future don’t include Audrey Sheridan, the extraordinary frontier woman he met just once. But it’s because of her that he’s come to the Dakota Territory to investigate problems at his ranch. And it’s all the more surprising when he discovers she isn’t the innocent he believed. Now nothing but her complete surrender will purge her from his soul.

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If it weren’t for the children she cares for in her makeshift orphanage, Audrey would have left Defiance long ago. Now the sheriff is blackmailing her to distract the man who might derail his corrupt schemes—a man who can offer Audrey not just protection, but a passion bold enough to make them claim their place in this harsh and beautiful land…

I can’t find an excerpt. And this is shallow but I ADORE the cover.

Really don’t you agree?

The trilogy ends with Leah and the Avenger

A vigilante hired to clean up the corrupt and rapidly dying town of Defiance, Jace Gage never expected to fall for a violence-hating, violet-eyed tomboy, Leah Morgan.