Finn’s review of The Kiss by Sophia Nash
Historical romance released by Avon 26 Feb 08

I love a story about people that were childhood friends that got separated and then find each other again years later. The struggle they go through to get to know each other again and the path they take to each other’s hearts is inspiring.

Quinn and Georgiana were childhood friends who got separated because of a horrible childhood accident. Quinn comes home to Penrose, his family’s estate in Cornwall, to find Georgiana, his cousin’s widow, working her fingers to the bone to run Penrose. Although Georgiana is now the lady of the manor she is also the steward’s daughter and is being treated horribly by Anthony’s mother who does not think Georgiana was good enough for her darling boy.

Well Quinn starts making changes to remedy Georgiana’s status at Penrose while he fights his growing attraction to her. Georgiana does the same. She loves Quinn and always has since they were children but she thinks he doesn’t like her because of her disfigurement.

I really like this story. It shows how much we all just want to be loved for ourselves.

Grade: A

He had once been her cherished childhood companion, and then the man she lusted for in secret, but Georgiana Wilde hasn’t seen recently widowed Quinn Fortesque since the day he married another woman and shattered her heart. Then fate intervenes and brings the man she dreams about each night back to her . . . .

Returning to the estate on family business, Quinn would like nothing more than to turn the land over to Georgiana and leave the memories of his former life behind. But then the brooding marquis finds himself under the spell of the beauty he once left behind. With her barely concealed passions, Georgiana melts his coolly guarded heart. Suddenly his well-ordered world is in danger of crashing down. And it all began with just one kiss . . . .

Finn’s review of Knave’s Honor (King John, Book 3) by Margaret Moore
Historical Romance released by HQN 1 Jan 08

Well just the fact that one of the main character’s names is Finn made me curious about this book. Lady Elizabeth d’Averette likes adventure and she meets it in human form when she encounters the outlaw Finn on the road home. Those who know Lizette know she has more courage than sense. Which attracts Finn like a fly to honey!

Lizette was on her way home from the exciting world of the royal court when she and her entourage were accosted on the road by a man trying to kidnap her and bring her to evil Lord Wimarc. Finn is an outlaw who is desperate to get into Lord Wimarc’s castle to release his brother from the dungeon. Lizette comes up with a plan to pose as a couple going to visit Wimarc to get them in. Once they’re in they have to pose as a married couple, well as you can imagine it gets pretty interesting. Lizette and Finn must find Ryder and escape from Castle de Werre all the while making sure that Wimarc doesn’t discover who they really are.

This is a great love story with just enough suspense to keep you turning the pages.

Grade: B+

His arrow strikes true…

bringing Lady Elizabeth d’Averette face-to-face with the decidedly intriguing Finn—an outlaw with more honor than most knights. When he saves her from unspeakable violence, she agrees to reward his valorous actions. But would sharing his bed—however chastely— prove too high a price to pay?

Finn values courage, a quality Lizette displays in abundance. She joins him in a dangerous subterfuge to rescue his brother and expose the long-held secrets of the royal court, her adventurous spirit seeming to be a true match to his own. But could a noble beauty really care for a common son of the hills of Eire?

Finn’s review of How to Propose to a Prince (Royle Sisters Trilogy, Book 3) by Kathryn Caskie
Historical romance released by Avon 26 Feb 08

How to Propose to a Prince, I think that is advice every gal needs! I was interested to learn how a woman goes about proposing to a man, much less a prince. Well if we are to believe Elizabeth Royle you just don’t take “No” for an answer.

This is the third book in the Royle sisters trilogy by Kathryn Caskie. Elizabeth’s sisters have married a duke and an earl but she is determined to marry a prince. Why, you might ask? Well because it is rumored that the Royle sisters are indeed the illegitimate offspring of none other than George IV!

Elizabeth has a chance encounter with Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfield and knows she has met her prince. What she doesn’t know is that the man she met is really Sumner Lansdowne, Marquess of Whitevale who is the cousin of the prince and is impersonating Leopold because of an assassination attempt. What follows is a hilarious tale of clandestine meetings between Leopold and Princess Charlotte and Elizabeth and Sumner. Of course Leopold, Charlotte and Sumner are in on the ruse but not poor Elizabeth. So while all this is going on the Royle sisters are still trying to figure out the clues left to them by their physician “father” as to the real origins of their birth. Which luckily you find out at the end of the book! (I can’t stand a mystery not being solved.)

Grade: B+

If the tiara fits, wear it! And that is exactly what Elizabeth Royle intends to do. After all, if you can’t be acknowledged as the daughter of a prince, the least you can do is marry one.

When Elizabeth Royle, youngest of the notorious Royle sisters, comes face-to-face with her future husband, a man she’s seen only in her dreams, she nearly swoons–especially when she discovers he is a prince. But her ecstasy is short-lived as she quickly learns that the man she longs for is soon to be betrothed to someone else–a princess no less. A lesser woman would give up, but Elizabeth is a Royle, after all.

Refusing to surrender her dreams of a royal wedding, Elizabeth takes the position of lady-in-waiting to the princess, determined to get close to her perfect match. But the lover she desires is not who he seems…and only once she discovers the true man behind the crown will she find the perfect love she’s been longing for all her life.

Finn’s review of Rites of Spring (Break) by Diana Peterfreund
Contemporary Fiction released by Delta 24 Jun 08

Secret societies on college campus’s have always fascinated me. So when I picked up Rites of Spring (Break) I couldn’t wait for all the secrets it would reveal about those ultra exclusive clubs. I was mildly disappointed.

Rites of Spring (Break) is the third of The Ivy League Novels by Peterfreund. Unfortunately I did not get to read the first two and I was a little lost throughout the story. I am one of those people that like to read books in order. Besides being a little lost it was an intriguing story.

Amy “Bugaboo” Haskel is having a bad winter at Eli University. A rival secret society has launched a personal attack on her, not the whole of the Rose and Grave society but just her. She has had drinks spilled on her, crickets but in her couch, a virus set to her computer, all sorts of pesky things. Come to find out it’s all because her ex-boyfriend’s new girl (a member of the rival society) is pissed off because he can’t seem to stop thinking about Amy. Talk about using all weapons at your disposal to attack some one that annoys you!

Well Amy gets away during Spring Break to Cavador Key, the private island of the Rose and Grave society. Unfortunately the harassment doesn’t stop when she and her friends reach the island. What follows is a growing love between her and another society member, which the society, tongue in cheek, calls incest and random attacks on D177 (this years ruling body of Rose and Grave).

Grade: B

From “witty and endearing” to “impossible to put down,” the critics have given elite marks to Diana Peterfreund’s Secret Society Girl and Under the Rose. Now, in a wildly captivating new novel, Amy “Bugaboo” Haskel and her fellow Rose & Grave knights are trading cold, gray, hyperintellectual New Haven for an annual rite of spring (well, early March) in Florida.

For Amy, a week of R&R on her secret society’s private island should be all fun in the sun—and an escape from an on-campus feud with a rival society that’s turned disturbingly personal. But along with her SPF 30 and a bikini, Amy is bringing a suitcase full of issues to remote Cavador Key. Graduation from Eli University looms, not to mention buckets of unfinished business with a former flame and—most pressing of all—the sudden, startling transformation of a mysterious Rose & Grave patriarch from sheerly evil to utterly…appealing?

Just when Amy thinks Spring Break can’t get any less relaxing, a wacky “accident” puts everyone on edge. And that’s only the beginning, as Amy starts to suspect that someone has infiltrated the island. With some major Rose & Grave secrets to be exposed, and the potential fallout enough to take down one of America’s most loathsome figureheads, what she can’t know is that the party crasher is deadly serious about making sure “Bugaboo” doesn’t get back to Eli alive….

Finn’s review of Ghost Moon (The Moon Series, Book 7) by Rebecca York
Paranormal romantic suspense Berkley Sensation 6 May 08

Seduced by a ghost. What? That’s what I first thought when I read the back cover of Ghost Moon.

So Quinn is a freed slave from a parallel universe who is on a mission when she is stopped by the ghost of Caleb Marshall a werewolf that was accidentally killed by one of Quinn’s dearest friend’s ancestor. Quinn is going back and forth between her world, Sun Acres, and our world to get her pregnant friend away from warring city-state leaders. Well Caleb discovers how to take over a human body and really give Quinn the attention she seeks.

I felt that this book was reaching. The story seemed forced. The whole parallel universe thing just didn’t flow with the story. It made it seem choppy and ad-libbed. Don’t read it unless you like more sci-fi than love story.

Grade: D

     Blurb: 

     On a vital mission from a parallel universe, Quinn meets werewolf Caleb Marshall, who was killed 75 years ago by his cousin and has stayed on earth to avenge his death. Everything changes when Caleb acquires the body of a murder victim. But can he and his cousins work together to foil a diabolical plot aimed at the heart of the U.S. government? Can his love for Quinn survive the terrible irony that fate had dealt him?

     Read an excerpt.

Finn’s review of To Catch a Cheat by Kelley St. John
Contemporary romance released by Forever 1 Nov 07

Marissa Kincaid is a serial cheater dater. She only seems to date men who cheat. She and her friends decide to start a database of cheaters to warn other women of the horrible men who have broken their hearts.

Marissa decides to start with the first boy that cheated on her Trenton Jackson, he dumped her the night of the Sadie Hawkins dance and went to the movies with another girl. Trenton Jackson finds out and sees a way to get some great free publicity for his site DieHardAtlanta.com.

So Trenton starts a site called TheGirlLies.com and puts Marissa on it. Well a popular radio show gets a hold of it and invites the dueling duo to the studio to give an on-air interview. That’s when the sparks really start to fly. Speedy and Coleman move the two into an apartment for a week to see if they are still enemies at the end. If they are then Marissa and Trenton get a 7 figure add campaign for their sites.

I loved this story! It doesn’t hurt that Marissa’s friend Amy is a retired sex toy designer (which makes me want to read her story). It adds a lot of hilarity to this little tale. I love Petie the salt-n-pepper schnauzer, probably because I have two myself. They tend to carry non-appropriate things around in their mouths at the most inopportune moments! Great story, great love scenes, and a recipe to boot!

Grade: A

     Summary:

     Marissa Kincaid has a gift for dating the terminally unfaithful. After she finds her latest boyfriend lip-locked to another man, she decides to strike back by creating TheGuyCheats.com, a virtual Wanted poster for serial cheaters. Soon Marissa is spending almost all her time getting even—instead of getting a guy.

     Enter Trenton Jackson, Marissa’s first crush from way back. Now Atlanta’s golden boy publisher, Trent is falling for the feisty siren Marissa has become and he’s determined to prove that he knows how to be true. But with Marissa afraid to ever trust a man again, Trent will have to do a lot of teasing, squeezing, and pleasing… before he can kiss away her fears and open her heart to love.

     Read an

Finn’s review of Highland Rogue by Tess Mallory
Time Travel romance released by Berkley Sensation 6 May 08

Highland Rogue is about Maggie Graham and how she put her life aside to raise her twin sisters. She has dreamed of meeting a guy like Rob Roy MacGregor, Scottish rogue and outlaw, and becoming an archeologist. Maggie’s sisters and best friend buy her a ticket to Scotland so she can full fill her dream, and maybe meet the man of her dreams. So off she goes to Scotland to work on this “tourist” dig.  She is making the best out of it when she falls in the cairn and makes a discovery. Maggie discovers a triskele, or tri-spiral, that would put her on the map as a renowned archeologist, if the leader of the dig didn’t take all the glory.

One night Maggie can’t sleep so she slips back into the cairn and starts walking the design of the triskele all the while saying the words of an ancient message also found in the cairn. Maggie goes back in time to 1711 and meets Quinn MacIntyre. The man of her dreams and a piper too. He and his cousin are actually highway robbers who play the bagpipes once they have left their victims. What follows is a grand adventure of trying to rescue Quinn’s cousin from the evil duke.

The story was good. Mallory writes her characters well. Maggie has to come to grips with being in 18th century Scotland and help infiltrate the duke’s household. Her desire to get home is evident but so is her growing love of Quinn. Quinn has to realize that Maggie is from another time and will be going home after they rescue his cousin, but he loves her.

You get to have some good laughs with this time-travel novel and read a great love story.

Grade: B+

     Summary:

     On her dream vacation in the Scottish Highlands, aspiring archaeologist Maggie Graham discovers a tri-spiral carving in the floor of an ancient cairn, and unwittingly sets its dormant magic in motion. Sent tumbling back in time 300 years, Maggie uncovers the most amazing find of all—a Scottish hero straight out of her wildest fantasies. There are just two tiny problems with this grand adventure: She’s trapped in 18th-century Scotland, and the man she’s fallen for is an outlaw, a thief, and a daring Highland Rogue.

     Read an excerpt (super short and you have to scroll down to get to it).

Finn’s review of Explosive by Charlotte Mede
Historical Romance released from Brava 1 Jan 08

Explosive was not very explosive. This is a story of the history of nitroglycerin/dynamite and Beethoven’s music. Gray Dalton works for the government and Devon Caravelle is the alleged mistress of a French aristocrat. These two must work together to unlock the code buried in Beethoven’s “Eroica”.

Devon plans to take Gray hostage but the tables turn when Gray is the one in charge. The two must work together to discover the recipe for dynamite all the while trying to keep it out of the hands of the deadly Frenchman.

The story moves to slowly, but the way Mede writes a sex scene is really good. I like the way she describes the interaction and how the characters can’t seem to get enough of each other. The banter between the two is funny and entertaining. But, unfortunately it doesn’t help the story along.

Grade: C

     Summary:

     London, 1818. A beautiful, brilliant woman and a cynical, aristocratic spy are forced into a desperate mission to decipher a secret code that could change the face of Europe forever…

     Explosive

     Gray Dalton, the Marquess of Blackburn, wakes in a dark London cell staring down a gun barrel. Devon Caravelle, alleged mistress of a deadly French aristocrat, has been sent to ensure Blackburn’s cooperation in a secret plot to unlock the mysteries buried within Beethoven’s Third Symphony, the Eroica. It’s terribly convenient and just as Blackburn planned. And taking the lady hostage is–if not terribly gentlemanly–not very difficult. Resisting her dangerous allure, on the other hand, is. Suddenly, the man famed for his cold-blooded control, wants a woman fiercely, wildly, forever…

     Devon Caravelle has loved two things in her life: music and her father. She would do anything to discover his murderer and clear his name, even if it means forcing the contemptuous, debauched Marquess to her aid. But when he turns the tables and takes her prisoner, she is not prepared for his skillful seduction or her white-hot response…

     It was supposed to be a seduction each side intended to win easily. Instead, the first spark unleashes an untamed passion in a game where all rules are forfeit and every move brings them closer to an unspeakable danger…

     Read an excerpt.

Finn’s review of Exotica by Eden Bradley
Contemporary erotic romance 26 Dec 07 Delta

Exotica is a sexual fantasy resort in California where you can choose your fantasy. This single-author book contains two stories: “Seven Days of Kama Sutra” and “Nine Days of Arabian Nights.”  

In “Seven Days” Caroline is trying to gain some confidence back after a horrible marriage. In steps, Rajan, her Kama Sutra companion/lover/trainer and talk about some training. Yum! In “Nine Days,” Lilli, the manager of Exotica is trying to get past a tragedy that has left her ‘The Ice Queen.”  What perfect timing to enjoy a fantasy of her own with the opening of a new venue and a new companion, Kian.

Okay, if you decide to read this book, don’t read it looking for a lot of story. The story is there in both fantasy escapes, but the SEX and FANTASY is what really makes this book very satisfying. The love story between Rajan and Caroline is very sweet. Caroline has to get over her insecurity and Rajan has to get over his pride. Lilli and Kian have a whole set of secrets, on both sides, that they have to work out before they can love one another.

I don’t want to go into to much detail because these are short stories and I think it would give away too much. But if you like fantasies, then this book is a must.

Grade: B

Summary:

     Welcome to Exotica…  a lush, sensual retreat where women can experience their most taboo fantasies.  Step inside—and leave your inhibitions at the door…

     When her old friend Caroline invites her to Exotica for a week of pampering and pleasure, Lilli DeForrest has no idea what to expect. But when Rajan steps into her suite, the attraction is intense, immediate, overwhelming. He is her ideal lover—by turns tender, commanding, erotic. But, as Lilli is about to discover, Rajan’s masterful touch is just the beginning…

     As manager of the luxurious retreat, Caroline Winter creates thrilling escapist fantasies for other women. Now she’s about to live out a fantasy of her own: dark, exotic Kian will challenge her to accept the exquisite pleasures he offers. But what Caroline doesn’t expect is the power of Kian’s sensuality…surrendering to him means abandoning herself completely—and giving up all control.

     For Lilli, it’s the chance to test the limits of her sexuality. For Caroline, it’s trusting Kian with her most hidden desires even as she’s uncovering his own guarded secret. And for both women, it’s a journey into the hidden depths of fantasy—as they discover just how far they’ll go in search of seduction, surrender, and pleasure beyond imagining…

     Read an excerpt.

Finn’s review of Lord of the Night (Night Slayer, Book 4) by Robin T. Popp
Paranormal romance released by Grand Central Publishing 1 Dec 07

This Night Slayer book is about Kacie and Erik, a vampire slayer and the vampire who trained her. Kacie did not know that Erik was a vampire while he was training her and she has come to resent him. Kacie’s parents were killed by vampires and Erik vowed to her dying father that he would protect her.

Well Kacie comes back to town after a 3 year absence and gets blamed for killing Sedrick, Erik’s friend and Michael’s brother. Michael has vowed to kill Sedrick’s killer and now Erik must protect Kacie from his friend for over 400 years. Problem is that Kacie slowly loses her resentment of Erik and they fall in love.

The story is filled with a lot of fleeing from vampires bent on revenge and chupacabras. Yep, even chupacabras (and here I thought they were part of Hispanic lore not English)?!

I read romance novels for the story and for the sex. When a book doesn’t have a sex scene until page 226 out of 309 it doesn’t rate very well with me, and when it only has 1, well I tend to not look for that author again.

Lord of the Night was an action-adventure book, but Popp needs to add a little more spice.

Grade: C+

From the back cover:

     After vampires killed her parents, Kacie Renault devoted herself to becoming a vampire slayer.But now, desperate to begin a new life, Kacie decides to trade in her sword for a spreadsheet…only to be accused of murdering a powerful member of the undead.Suddenly this fierce woman is being hunted by a merciless clan–and one ruthless, seductive adversary she can’t resist.Erik Winslow is shocked to discover the slayer he trained has murdered his best friend.Now he must decide if he will avenge the death or stand against his fellow vampires to save a woman who defies–and captivates–him at every turn.But when she falls victim to a force more formidable than his own, Erik will taste a desire he can’t resist…and a hunger neither he nor Kacie can control.

     Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

Finn’s review of Double Fantasy by Cheryl Holt
Historical romance released by St. Martin’s 4 Mar 08

This is a book about a man who gets what he wants, no matter what.

Jamieson Merrick is man who was tossed away as a child and forced to grow up with his twin brother as a privateer. It is later that Jamieson discovers he is the rightful heir to Gladstone and he means to take back what is his.

There is a pair of orphaned young women living at Gladstone Manner and the king has charged Jamieson to marry the oldest, Anne. Determined to keep his inheritance, Jamieson forces Anne to marry him. The Merrick twins have a half-brother and sister, also twins, Ophelia and Percy. They are determined to get rid of Jamie at any cost.

This book really plays with your emotions. Fear: will the Carstairs sisters be forced out of Gladstone? Anger: at times you really just want to strangle Percy and Ophelia. Disgust: Percy and Ophelia are involved in incest that drives their mother mad. Determination: you want Jamie and his brother to succeed. Happiness: that Anne and Jamie come to love each other. Frustration: when Jamie won’t get it through his thick head that he really does love Anne and needs to settle down with her.

Overall a great read!

Grade:  B

From the back cover:

     HE IS HER NEW MASTER…

     Orphaned as a young girl, Anne Carstairs was taken in by her cruel, malicious relatives. She’s lived a lonely life at their Gladstone estate, but with a new earl coming, everything is changing. Anne has heard many rumors about him, but she is completely unprepared for him to be the most deeply seductive man she’s ever encountered. No sooner do they meet than he brushes her lips with a delicious kiss that leaves her wanting so much more…

     IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE…

     As a boy, Jamieson Merrick was denied his inheritance and forced to work as a privateer on the high seas. Until years later, when Jamie discovers that he is the rightful heir to Gladstone. Now, as the new earl, he’s determined to claim what is his… including Anne Carstairs. Once he lays eyes on the petite beauty, he vows to take her to his bed and make her his own. She’s a pawn in his plan for revenge. But he never dreamed that revenge could be so sweet…

     Read an excerpt.

Finn’s review of Everything Forbidden by Jess Michaels
Historical erotic romance released by Avon Red 30 Oct 07

Talk about HOT! I really enjoyed this book. Naughty little Miranda Albright has watched her neighbor, Ethan Earl of Rothschild, as he fornicated with his summer lover for years. Well now her family is in dire straights and in need of assistance. Miranda does the sacrificial lamb thing and tells him she will be his summer lover in exchange for coming-out Seasons for her sisters. Yeah, what a hardship! (Giggle)

You just want to hit Miranda’s mother in this book. She has not come to grips with the fact that her family is running out of funds fast. She wants to spend way outside their means and Miranda has to try to rope her in.

I love Miranda’s idea; she takes matters into her own hands and finds a way to help her family. She already has decided not to wed, and she has been watching Ethan for 3 years!

Ethan is very willing to collect the payment for his financial support of the Albright sisters from Miranda. Ethan even has a chamber in his home for just such occasions; I came to refer to it in my head as the Fantasy Room. Of course, like any romance novel, the hero and heroine try to keep from loving each other but end up confused and struggling with their feelings.

I love that the book starts out with a love scene. Heck, that’s the main reason I read these romance novels! The author’s description is FABULOUS! The pictures that are painted with words are very arousing. I like that Michaels makes Ethan a man who uses all of his sense when it comes to sex. Ultimately, is that what we all want, a man that is creative and in tune with us.  Right?

Grade: A

From the back cover:

     Country miss Miranda Albright has secretly watched her wicked neighbor, Ethan Hamon, the Earl of Rothschild, as he ‘entertained’ lovers on the grounds of his country estate for three summers. But after her father dies and the family falls into financial peril, Miranda is driven to strike a bargain with the Earl. He will play financial and social host for a Season for each of her three younger sisters… in exchange for three months of sin with her.

     Miranda has always ached for the passion she’s spied upon, but she knows Ethan is the kind of man who could steal her heart, as well as claim her body. And falling in love with a man who admits she is nothing but a game to him could be the most dangerous and forbidden seduction of all.

     Read an excerpt.

Finn’s review of Hard to Handle (SBC Fighters, Book 3) by Lori Foster
Contemporary romance released by Berkley 5 Feb 08

This was a great story.

It is about Harley, a mixed martial arts fighter, and Stasia a life coach. Harley has twice been up for the ‘big fight’ but something seems to always get in the way. So he’s out in the woods renting a cabin from Stasia, recovering from an injury that made him miss his last title fight. At first he is not interested in her; he just wants to get back in shape so he can win his belt.

The two are thrown together when someone tries to kill Stasia. The more she gets to know Harley the more she knows he needs her skills as a life coach. Harley’s uncle/manager is too interested in controlling Harley’s life and Stasia wants to help. They finally throw all their problems aside and come together.

I am not really into that MMA fighting. I don’t really enjoy men beating each other. Luckily, there is no match until the end of the book and it’s over fast – no blood and guts. Yea!

I really liked the interaction of the characters in this book. This is Foster’s third book about fighters. I just might have to check out the others!

Grade: A

Read Sandy’s review here.

From the back cover:

     After Fate deals Supreme Battle Challenge (SBC) fighter Harley Handleman a sucker punch, his uncle secretly hires a pretty life-coach to get Harley back in the ring of life. Anastasia Kelley has actually known Harley for years, but never as well as she’s going to now. Hot for his fighter’s form, she has trouble keeping it professional, especially since Harley doesn’t know she was hired. And when Anastasia turns the tables on him, it’s as if he’s been hit below the belt. But that’s also where his uncontrollable lust for her burns.

     Read four (count ‘em, 4) excerpts.

Other books in this series:

Finn’s review of Hide and Seek by Alyssa Brooks
Erotic romance released by Berkley Trade on 4 Dec 07

Remember playing hide and seek as a kid?  Well, Maxim Cox and Elisa Cross sure know how to play hide and seek with their feelings.  College lab partners who had crushes on each other, but, guess what, neither of them knew it. Jump several years into the future and Elisa is a porn star?

At least that’s what the tabloids say. Maxim can’t believe it so he goes and looks for Elisa. She is hiding out in a cabin in Aspen, determined to learn to live without a man. What Maxim sees through the window when he arrives gets him hard.

Hide and Seek takes place inside that cabin in Aspen, where Maxim Cox (Elisa says he is named appropriately) and Elisa Cross learn to be honest with one another. There is some romping good sex too!

It is really good to see a man who is considered a playboy squirm. Elisa makes Maxim work for the pleasure she can give him. But in return Maxim makes her beg for more. In the end it’s all about honesty between these two.

Grade: A

From the back cover:

     Another sexy tale from a sultry new voice in erotic romance.

     Confident, freewheeling Maxim Cox has been thinking lately that something’s been missing in his life. Then he sees his old college crush facing scandal in a tabloid and figures it out; it’s Elisa Cross, the one who got away. Now he’ll do anything it takes to have Elisa, in every way. To escape the scandal, Elisa has sworn off men and holed herself up in a cabin miles from anywhere. So when Maxim appears at her door in the middle of a snowstorm, she can’t believe it. She swore she’d never give in to his devilish good looks, but the raging storm and her raging desires make him impossible to refuse. But Elisa’s determined to keep the upper hand-and arranges a game of Hide and Seek. And if Maxim can play by her rules and find her, he can have her-all of her.

     Read an excerpt.

Finn’s review of Evermore (A Novel of the Darkyn) by Lynn Viehl
Paranormal romance released 2 Jan 08 by Signet Eclipse

Evermore is the 5th novel of the Darkyn (Knight Templers who came back from the holy land with a curse, vampirism). This is the story of Jayr and Byrne, seneschal and master. Problem is, they both secretly yearn for each other and refuse to act on those urges. I love Viehl’s Darkyn series and was eagerly anticipating this installment. It did not disappoint.

Evermore is set in the Realm, a castle that the Darkyn run as a medieval amusement park. Think of it as stepping back in time to a medieval tournament. Byrne has decided to step down as Suzerain of the Realm and is holding a tournament to find Jayr a new master. Which completely pisses her off. Robin of Locksley and Will Scarlet even make an appearance!

I love Viehl’s characters, they are so juicy! Her stories have great twist and turns that keep you guessing till the end of the story. Viehl makes the exchange of blood between Jayr and Byrne an erotic experience. Michael, the leader of the American Darkyn, and his love Alexandra are there to make sure the right man takes over Byrne’s job. Alexandra makes Jayr realize that she is a woman and she can love Byrne.

Overall a wonderfully erotic love story.

Grade: A

 Blurb:
.
Scottish vampire Byrne wrestles with love for Jayr, his female seneschal (or senior officer in charge of domestic ceremonies) in this fifth book in the Darkyn series. In order to dispel temptation, Byrne, lord of Orlando, decides to hold a tournament to see who will replace him as ruler of his domain. A bevy of ambitious vampires come forward, including, distractingly, a vampiric Robin of Locksley (i.e., Robin Hood). When a stranger appears claiming to be the rival Lord of Nottingham, tempers are set immediately on edge.
.
Things grow even more complicated as Jayr and Byrne’s attraction becomes too great to ignore, and attempts are made on Byrne’s life, perhaps by a lord overeager to take his seat. The plot is full of exciting twists and turns, but the chemistry between Jayr and Byrne is fairly tepid. Knowledge of prior books helps one along, but overall Viehl tells a self-contained, page-turning story of medieval vampires.
.
Read an excerpt.

Finn’s review of Hello, Doggy by Elaine Fox
Contemporary romance released 26 Dec 07 by Avon

Hello, Doggy is a book about an uptight psychologist who isn’t good with people and has a paralyzing fear of dogs.   It’s a nice little love story about people letting down their barriers and learning to listen with their hearts, where love resides, and not with their heads.

Heroine Tory Hoffstra is asked to co-write a book with hero Keenan James about relationships. The problem is she is so pissed that Keenan is not a licensed psychologist and is giving love/relationship advice to women. It doesn’t help that he has a Golden Doodle (golden retriever-poodle mix) named Barbara Streisand!

I liked Keenan’s no nonsense approach to relationships, “If the guy is a dog, dump him!”  But, Tory’s uptightness borders on the downright annoying. There where a few times while reading the book that I just wanted to shake some sense into her or give her a “happy pill”.

There are some great scenes where Tory is buying some new clothes and trying on some make-up that are fun. Fox really knows that some make-up and a new designer outfit really does make a woman have a whole new outlook on life.

Grade: B

Blurb:

     Keenan James has made a career out of teaching women what men really want. He hosts a weekly roundtable, where he offers advice to the love-lorn, and now he’s even been tapped to write a book—though he’s never been able to commit to just one girl. Unfortunately, he’s recently been saddled with his mom’s irrepressible pooch, a golden doodle named Barbra Streisand, and his publisher has saddled him with a co-writer—a shy psychologist named Tory Hoffstra, who’s determined to keep him on a short leash.

     Suspecting that Keenan’s nothing but a hound, Tory joins the round-table under an alias. She’s shocked that he’s more than just a smooth-talking seducer . . . and that he’s even more gorgeous than she had heard. As for Keenan, before long he finds himself warming up to Barbra the dog and feeling the heat with Tory . . . and learning that not even his own advice could have prepared him for finally falling in love.

     Read an excerpt.

Finn’s review of Accidentally Yours by Susan Mallery
Contemporary romance released 1 Jan 08 by HQN

Kerri Sullivan is a single mom who will go to just about any length to get billionaire Nathan King’s financial backing on finding a cure for Gilliar’s Disease, something her son suffers from. Incidentally the same disease that his son died from. Problem is Nathan King has shut himself off emotionally from ever feeling pain or happiness again. In steps Kerri Sullivan, hair-dresser and Super Mom, who is willing to blackmail Nathan to get his $15 million.

Mallery has created a story that truly shows the desperation and heartbreak of a person trying to save the one they love. Kerri has put her entire life into saving her son. In fact, she has made a pack with God of her life for her sons. Accidentally Yours is a great story about allowing yourself to love and finding the power and courage to fight against unbeatable odds.

This story is an emotional roller coaster and I recommend with reservation to anyone who has a loved one that is dying or one that has just passed. It is a work of fiction so miracles do happen in it, and even if we know real life doesn’t allow for a lot of miracles it’s nice to read.

Grade: B+

Blurb:

     WANTED:

          -Single mom seeks billionaire’s pocketbook to fund dying son’s research cure. Will seduce if necessary. Blackmail is not out of the question. Miracles welcome.

          -Cynical billionaire seeks working mom with a heart of gold for PR campaign to improve his standing in the community. Must be willing to attend social events. Anyone looking for love need not apply.

     It seemed like the perfect match… until the unthinkable happened.

     Read an excerpt.

Read Sandy M’s review here.

Finn’s review of Beg Me (Teresa Knight, Book 2) by Lisa Lawrence
Erotica released 29 May 07 by Delta

Beg Me is the second book of the adventures of Teresa Knight, a female private detective with a thing for kink. This book takes you from Bangkok, to New York, to Africa, and back to New York after Teresa is hired by Ah Jo Lee to investigate the murder of his sister, Anna. A sister who was in a BDSM cult in Manhattan that Teresa must infiltrate to find the murderer.

It would take some pretty heavy begging to get me to read this book again. Ugh! The first half of the book book is chaotic. It jumps from location to location, with so many place names and history lessons, it’s confusing.  The actual investigation into Anna’s murder doesn’t start until half way through the book, after I already wanted to stop reading it!

When Teresa final gets into the cult, the story takes off and reads well. The ending wraps everything up nicely – we learn who Anna’s killers are and Teresa stops a mass killing.

Overall, I say don’t bother with this unless you want to read the kink in the second half of the book.

Grade: D

Summary:

     It’s the ultimate erotic experience: a handpicked group where every man’s craving can be satisfied. But for Teresa Knight, it’s also a place where sensual adventures can spiral dangerously out of control. Hired to probe a suspicious death, the part-time investigator enters the sizzling New York fetish scene—a seductive, uncertain world that will test the limits of her own sexuality with every potential lover she meets. For gaining entry into this elite BDSM cult means that Teresa must let down her defenses—in more ways than one.

Her search for answers brings her into contact with an enigmatic businessman who takes her to the brink of her own untapped desires even as he enlists her help in solving a crime that dates back forty years and crosses continents. From exotic Bangkok to gleaming Manhattan, Teresa finds herself locked in a sensual power struggle with a shadowy man who has a deadly agenda. What she uncovers is a shocking conspiracy of murder that will imperil her life while giving a whole new meaning to going all the way.

Read an excerpt.

Finn’s review of High Stakes (Vegas Vampires, Book 1) by Erin McCarthy
Paranormal romance released 1 Aug 06 by Berkley

High Stakes is a bitingly (snort) fun vampire love story. Alexis is a Clark County prosecutor bent on protecting her naïve little sister from casino owner Ethan. Problem is Alexis is intrigued by Ethan, who claims to be a vampire, and not just any vampire but the President of all the registered vampire voters.

This story was very funny and quick-witted. If you are a gal that can turn any phrase into a sexual innuendo then you are going to like Alexis. Strong, independent, and a really smart woman who can kick a guy’s ass with her Korean equivalent of a black belt, Alexis is a no nonsense kind of lady. Ethan is a strong man, but by no means pushy, who is floored when Alexis doesn’t fall at his feet in rapture of his manly physique. He finds ‘sweet and sugary’ boring and goes after feisty Alexis with teeth bared (snort) knowing she’ll spice up his staid vampire years. It’s fun to watch these two spar with each other and fall in love at the same time. Competition is part of their foreplay and makes for some hot love scenes.

McCarthy has also set up an excellent cast of sub-characters. She tantalizes you enough with their stories to keep you anticipating the next installment in her Tales of Vegas Vampires.  Book 4, Sucker Bet, was released this month.

Grade: A

Backcover copy:

He’s a bloodsucking freak of nature. But, unlike other politicians, Ethan Carrick is actually a nice guy. Not to mention a very hot, wealthy, casino-owning vampire. It’s an election year for vampires, which means he’ll first have to escape his opponent’s hit men. Then he’ll have to find a suitable First Lady, preferably here in Vegas.

Brittany Baldizzi fits the bill. She’s smart, pretty- and sweeter than a glass of diabetic O-Negative. But her protective sister Alexis steps in with a message for Ethan: Bite me. It’s then that he realizes it’s the sexy, no-nonsense Alexis who raises his stake. And as much as she denies it, Alexis wouldn’t mind a romp in the coffin with him. But can a mere mortal, even one who risks her life for him, make a centuries-old, womanizing vampire feel something entirely new?

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: