Sandy M’s review of Slow Hands by Leslie Kelly
Contemporary Romance published by Harlequin Blaze 1 Jun 08

This wasn’t slated as a book to review. It came as a freebie on my new ereader, so I was just playing around with the whole thing, started reading this book and had it totally read before I knew it. It’s that much fun.

Madeleine is in a crazy situation again all due to her sister, Tabitha. After bidding huge bucks on the sexy gigolo at an auction that benefits children, the one her sister is sure is the target of their two-timing stepmother, Maddy now has to retreat gracefully while not succumbing to the man’s charms. And that’s becoming quite difficult.

He can’t believe the sum someone’s willing to pay for a baseball game and hot dogs, which is what Jake is offering to the lucky winner of his auction. When he realizes, however, that the woman who made the highest bid is the beautiful goddess he spied while waiting his turn to strut onstage, he’s more than happy to get to know her. Too bad she doesn’t feel the same. But a higher power is at work when a stranger gives him the information he needs to find his mystery lady.

Finally giving in to the man to spend the day with him, Maddy figures that’s the only way to get rid of him. She’s in for a surprise, though, at how easy he is to talk to, to share with, to fall under the influence of his charm and his smile. If only he didn’t take money to be with a woman they might have something she’d like to explore further.

Jake is intent on telling Maddy the truth when she blurts out who she thinks he is and why she bid on him, but he decides to go along with her crazy scheme to see how far she’ll go. But once he knows he’s in love with her, telling all is much harder than he’d expected when there’s a chance she could walk out of his life.

Maddy is afraid of love, actually doesn’t believe in it since no one in her family has every truly found it or benefited from it. Whereas, Jake comes from a family full of love. You know she’s falling hard when she asks Jake to stay for her scheme and you hope she finally gets over his past and sees what’s right in front of her.

These are two terrific characters. They have fun together despite everything. The sex is sizzling and romantic. I enjoyed the way Jake melted Maddy’s ice princess facade little by little. The secondary characters are quite varying, most having an impact on Maddy and her perceptions.

This is my first book by Ms. Kelly and it definitely won’t be my last. I had a lot of fun with her characters and her writing. I look forward to more of this kind of fun in the future.

Grade: B

Summary:

Thanks to a mix-up at a bachelor auction, paramedic Jake Wallace has been mistaken for a high-end male gigolo! He can’t understand why he “sold” for so much, or why a woman like super-rich, super-sexy Madeleine Turner would have to buy a date in the first place. But one thing’s for sure…he wants her. And he’s ready to play any role she wants to keep her in his life long enough to melt the “ice queen’s” cold heart.

Read an excerpt.

Shannon C.’s review of Pleasure Unbound (Demonica, Book 1) by Larissa Ione
Paranormal romance released by Forever 20 June 08

Originally, I had been planning to review the first three novels in the Demonica series as a Duckies do Series post because RL, she keeps me busy. But recent discussions of the books on Twitter, and the fact that Fictionwise recently sold the book for $0.82 made me rethink that decision. If you didn’t take advantage of the offer of this book via Fictionwise, you are missing out on one of the most un-put-downable romances that’s come out recently! 

The Demonica series centers around Underworld General, a hospital run by three sexy demon brothers, Eidolon, Shade and Wraith. When Tayla, a human hunter, is brought to the hospital after sustaining serious injuries, the rest of the staff would rather kill her, because she belongs to the Aegis, a group of trained warriors that regularly kills demons whether they deserve it or not. But Eidolon intervenes and treats Tayla anyway, and the two of them find themselves unable to fight a fierce attraction.

I was actually quite surprised by just how much I loved this book. A number of aspects of the story felt really cheesy. The names come to mind, for one thing. While not as bad as Zsadist or Rhage, I did find Wraith and Shade to be two of the cheesiest names I’ve encountered in romancelandia. I also felt some of the world-building was a bit clunky, with names of creatures dropped in as if for no other apparent reason than that the author wanted to use all the stuff she’d worked out whether it was necessary or not. And then, well, there’s the whole “Either I need to find a mate or I’m going to become a crazy fucking machine!” which, as far as conflicts go, made me snort.

But such is Ms. Ione’s storytelling ability that these things didn’t actually bother me when I was reading the book. Her writing is vivid and detailed, and her characters are extremely well-done. I loved meeting them, and it was incredibly fun watching Eidolon and Tayla fight their attraction.

I also really appreciated that in this world there is good and bad in everyone, from the demons to the Aegis. I could see what drew Tayla about the Aegis, but I could also see why they were feared. I really appreciated the shades of gray, because that’s how life is, and I’ve gotten impatient with light and fluffy paranormals of late.

The action was intense, and the book was hard to put down. I kept fearing for all my favorite secondary characters, certain that Ms. Ione would kill them off, and as I said, I found Tayla and Eidolon’s romance compelling. I tore through this book, and even a few weeks later, scenes stick out in my mind.

I highly recommend this book. If you can put up with a bit of cheesiness, it’s well worth your time.

Grade: B+

Summary:
.
In a place where ecstasy can cost you your life…
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She’s a demon-slayer who hungers for sensual pleasure—but fears it will always be denied her. Until Tayla Mancuso lands in a hospital run by demons in disguise, and the head doctor, Eidolon, makes her body burn with unslakable desire. But to prove her ultimate loyalty to her peers, she must betray the surgeon who saved her life.
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Two lovers will dare to risk all.
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Eidolon cannot resist this fiery, dangerous woman who fills him with both rage and passion. Not only is she his avowed enemy, but she could very well be the hunter who has been preying upon his people. Torn between his need for the truth and his desire to find his perfect mate before a horrific transformation claims him forever, Eidolon will dare the unthinkable—and let Tayla possess him, body and soul…
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Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grade: A

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

Summary:

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

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

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

Read an excerpt. (scroll down)

Other books in this series:

Limecello’s review of Sam’s Creed (Hell’s Eight, Book 2) by Sarah McCarty
Historical erotic romance published by Harlequin Spice on 24 Jun 08

I’ve heard a lot about this series and Sarah McCarty in general, so when I got this book I was happy to move it to the top of my reading list. It wasn’t quite what I expected, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. I can see why so many people love this series and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series (as well as the previous book, Caine’s Reckoning).

The story in Sam’s Creed is interesting, and relatively unique. Nothing earth shattering – yet the book is engaging and moves at a good pace. It doesn’t seem like that much is happening – yet you realize you’ve read nearly 100 pages without quite knowing it. What I’m saying is that the novel is surprising in a good way. And with lots of heat.

Isabelle Montoya is a likable heroine, even though I wanted to smack her at times. She had a few TSTL moments – and this book really goes to show that men go for looks – and admire things other than sense. Isabelle while courageous, wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. She nearly got herself and Sam, the hero, killed a number of times. In fact, Isabelle was nearly killed by Sam a few times, because she got in the way. (Can you tell that annoyed me?) I liked that she knew her own mind – she wanted Sam and she really went after him. Yet even with all that confidence and pragmatism, Isabelle was still soft, and naive about a few things. This mix really develops her character – and I think the reader feels also warmly towards Isabelle because Sam takes to her so quickly.

Texas Ranger Sam “Wildcard” MacGregor has quite the reputation, but is so kind and gentle with Isabelle. He could (and likely should) have abandoned her a number of times, but instead he makes her his cause. It’s cute, how Sam tried to be noble and stay away from Isabelle. A bit of a romance cliche, but adorable how Sam acted all the same. I also really liked Sam’s integrity and his competence. Sam was definitely an alpha hero, but one with a heart and was a gentle giant with women and children. I thought he was a fantastic character, well rounded, with a lot of depth. And resilient. The man was shot and/or knifed no less than three times in the book and still kept going. A veritable machine – and his injuries were such a minor issue it really contributed to the “myth” and intrigue of the Hell’s Eight.

One thing I’d like to say is… I wish a bit more background had been given to the Hell’s Eight. I mean, I understood/got that they’re a group of bad ass good guys that have formidable reputations (that are well deserved). But otherwise – what/who are they?  It was nice “meeting” one of the other members of Hell’s Eight, Tucker, in the novel – as well as some previous events. I wish that the group – the members, its inception, and development had been included at some point in the novel in some form.

I really liked how the story didn’t end at the conclusion of Sam and Isabelle’s [physical] journey. It was nice that Ms. McCarty took the time to solidify and cement Sam and Isabelle’s relationship. Putting the characters in different settings and having them interact with others was very revealing of the characters. I liked all the secondary stories and felt that they definitely worked in conjunction with the plot, and were not a distraction. Another positive was Sam and Isabelle’s interaction. It was quite witty and amusing – and I liked how they sparked off each other.

I recommend this book to people who are fans of Ms. McCarty’s writing, enjoy Western romances, and especially ones that have a good bit of heat in their books.

Grade: B

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

Summary:
Known for making up his own rules of right and wrong. Texas Ranger Sam “Wildcard” MacGregor takes what he wants when he wants it, especially when it comes to women. But seduction is the last thing on his mind the moment he stumbles across an Hispanic beauty racked with grief crouched beside a burned out wagon. And it doesn’t take long before he realizes the woman the townsfolk call “cursed” is hiding secrets too dangerous to face alone.

Isabella may look feminine and unassuming, but she’s hell in a bodice, with gun-slinging skills to match any man’s. But though she knows not to give Sam her heart as readily as she offers him her lush body, Isabella is certain she sees in Sam what he can barely glimpse in himself— a virtuous man dropped deep into a hard country bent on breaking him. A man who, under it all, craves a passionate woman willing to risk everything…

Read an excerpt here or a spicier one here.

Other books in the series:

and Tucker’s Claim (Book 3), comes 1 Jun 09

Sandy M’s review of In Love With the Bronc Rider (The Texas Homecoming, Book 2) by Judy Duarte
Contemporary Romance published by Silhouette Special Edition 1 Jun 08

While this book isn’t a keeper for me, it is one of those tender and sweet stories that Harlequin/Silhouette authors do so well.  Both hero and heroine have issues to overcome before they can enjoy life and each other, and both come to these realizations mostly on their own, with only a little nudge from the other and from introspection after having met one another.

Tori has recently been betrayed both those closest to her, so she’s left town to get away from the hurt and the resulting embarrassment.  She’s taken a job as a housekeeper, but she expands her duties to include helping the recovering cowboy she finds sulking away in a wheelchair.  Her nursing instincts kick in, whether he wants the help or not.  She’s used to surly patients, so there’s no way Matt is going to drive her away with his attitude.

Matt’s life has always been wound up in the rodeo, it’s what he’s always done best.  But the accident that killed his fiance and her son has put an end to his career and his guilt over their deaths is putting an end to his life as he knew it.  When the pesky housekeeper his mother hired turns her sights on him as her pet project, at first he wants nothing to do with her.  He changes his mind, though, when Tori won’t give up and he gets to know her.  He’s determined to find out what her horrible secret is and why she gave up her nursing career.  Something is changing between them and darned if he doesn’t want to pursue that just a little bit more.

I enjoyed these two characters.  They both have a world of hurt to get over, and they end up healing each other while falling in love.  I liked the evolution of Matt’s desire for getting out of his wheelchair.  It was nonexistent when Tori showed up and then gradually he wants more and more to walk again, taking up the challenge Tori tosses at him.  Tori herself eventually opens up to Matt concerning her life, even after he butts in where he doesn’t belong.  But that’s what gets these two people to take a good look at what’s happened to them, how they’ve reacted to it all, and how much they’re willing forgive — themselves and others.  There’s also a nice setup for the next book in the series.

This is one of those books you can curl up with on a rainy day and feel a little sunshine and goodness in the midst of those down and gray feelings on such days.

Grade: B

Summary:

When Tori took a job at the Rocking C ranch, nobody told her an ornery cowboy came with it. As a former nurse, Tori knew she could help Matt Clayton get back on his feet. The only obstacle was the injured bronc rider himself…

An accident may have ended his rodeo career, but Matt wasn’t one to back down from a challenge! Now one bossy redhead was about to meet her match! But Tori was hiding something.

Would Tori’s secret force her to leave Matt and the feelings he was awakening in her? Or could love work its healing magic on them both, making this a homecoming neither would forget?

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Shannon C.’s review of Jewels of the Nile, Vol. II by Samantha Kane, Anna J. Evans, Natasha Moore, Rebecca Airies, Maxie Cooper, and KyAnn Waters
Erotic romance anthology released by Ellora’s Cave 20 Jun 08

I own several of Ellora’s Cave’s multi-author anthologies. I tend to not read many anthologies, because they’re so easy to just put down again. But I did buy this one specifically for the Samantha Kane story, and I was pleased to find that I liked quite a few of the other offerings as well. Read on for my thoughts.

After Dark by KyAnn Waters
Contemporary paranormal

Well, I liked the idea of native American vampires, but Ms. Waters tried to do too much and didn’t succeed. The essential story, that of a woman who meets a vampire at a nightclub and the consequences of her one-night stand with him could have been much more compelling, except Ms. Waters tried to throw in extraneous paranormal world-building. I also felt that the conflict resolution was weak. I wasn’t convinced that heroine Kayla would have been happy being with hero Alandro for eternity, since there were too many other things in her life that she was concerned about leaving behind. This story tried to be a lot of things and never quite succeeded.

Grade: C-

Summary:

Kayla March has never reached orgasm…not even with a vibrator. However, she has the feeling that could all change when she meets Alandro Blackwood at the club After Dark.

Few vampires can breed. Alandro carries the unique recessive gene. His blood match, believed to have been killed by a vampire slayer, has been found. Unless her dormant vampire gene had already been awakened by a breeder, why would she go to After Dark, the feeding grounds? He’d soon find out.

Read an excerpt.

From the Sea by Maxie Cooper
Contemporary Paranormal Romance

Kelly discovers her soulmate, but can she conquer her fear of the sea to be with him?

This was much better. I felt that Kelly’s motivations were well-realized, and Sean was hot. Ms. Cooper managed to convince me of their romance in a relatively short space of time, even if the story did involve fated mates, a plot device I am generally tired of reading. I particularly liked that Ms. Cooper tied up Kelly’s loose ends, leaving her with no excuse not to go be with Sean, something I found lacking in the last offering. This is an author I’m definitely interested in seeing more of.

Grade: B

Summary:

Kelli Rhodes is vacationing at a beachside cottage when a mysterious man emerges from the sea, offering erotic pleasures beyond her wildest fantasies. For the first time in her life, Kelli feels a connection with someone — and his unbelievable story might explain the mystery behind Kelli’s birth.

There’s no denying the sexual chemistry between them. But to claim this man, Kelli must overcome her greatest fear…and take a leap into an even greater unknown.

No excerpt available.

Lady’s Choice by Rebecca Airies
Futuristic Erotic Romance

This one suffered from many of the flaws of the Waters story. Set on a space station that has recently lost power, our heroes and heroine are trapped together until they can be rescued and power restored. The men, who naturally come from the kind of alien culture that encourages two men to share one woman for reasons that are never explained, have a few ideas as to what they can do with their time. But after the rescue, can Kyna, the heroine, accept the love they offer?

Because of the limited word count, I didn’t really understand why the men wanted Kyna as much as they did. They tell her later that they’ve been watching her for a while, but I’m not sure I bought it. I also felt that certain aspects of the world were given much more detail than necessary (we learn an alien term of endearment) while others were pretty much glossed over (The guys have tattoos on their chests, but of what, I have no idea. Also, I really wanted someone to mention how sticky constant sex in the position they were using would be after several days, unless alien sperm is self-cleaning?) The result is a story that is all over the place, and my least favorite in the anthology.

Grade: C-

Summary:
Kyna has fought long and hard to establish herself as a dedicated, capable soldier in the Laurati army. Now she is determined to let nothing about her past tarnish her reputation as she works to advance among the Calazi militia. She’d wanted to impress her commanders, but not like this.

In the midst of a power outage on their base, Finn and Drace make their intentions toward Kyna crystal clear. Kyna is intrigued and aroused but wary of sleeping with a superior, let alone both of them. As the heat between them rises, however, she quickly realizes she needs to make a choice — and not between the two men.

Read an excerpt.

Sunrise by Natasha Moore
Contemporary Romance

Here’s another story I really liked. Caroline has been taking walks alone on the beach and meeting up with Alan for anonymous sex. Alan wants to take things to the next level and have something more permanent and less anonymous, but Caroline is afraid to.

This is such a great slice of life story. The characters have already met and are established as a couple, but their story is moving. Caroline’s first-person narrative brings a surprising immediacy to the story that made me identify with her, despite the craziness of the premise. I was rooting for her to accept what she was offered, and I was glad she did. I was left feeling satisfied with the direction of the romance, and I moved on to the next story with a smile on my face. This is hands down the best story in the anthology, and completely worth the price of admission alone.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Caroline has been meeting Alan at sunset for months. The hot sex they’ve been enjoying started out mindless and anonymous, just the way she wanted it. Little by little, they’ve gotten to know and care for each other. Caroline fears the changes in their relationship she can’t seem to prevent.

Alan wants Caroline in his life. He sets out to seduce her with his voice, his hands, his body. He’s no longer satisfied with sex in the shadows and wants more. Can he make Caroline feel the same?

Read an excerpt.

Surrender Dorothy by Anna J. Evans
Contemporary Paranormal Romance

This was a cute paranormal with an interesting setup. Stephen must convince Gelsey to become handfasted to him and perform a midsummer rite in order to save her from the dark magic that has always taunted her.

“Let’s have sex to save the world” stories are fun. And this is no exception. Ms. Evans ratchets the tension up expertly, and even though the outcome is pretty obvious (this being a romance anthology) I was still on the edge of my seat wondering if they would or wouldn’t. And there is a nice grovel scene near the end. This isn’t my favorite, but it is a fun story.

Grade: B

Summary:
Sexy men, magic, and mayhem…oh my!

Gelsey is grateful to land a gig as costume mistress for a theatre. She simply wants to hide from the dark forces that pursue her. She never plans on falling for the sexy, surly Tin Man, the character every Wizard of Oz fan knows has no heart.

Stephen has finally found the woman destined to be his. Now only one night of danger, a little sex magic and Gelsey’s stubborn refusal to admit she’s his stand in his way. But Stephen won’t give up. He’ll have Gelsey, giving her such pleasure she’ll have no choice but to surrender.

No excerpt available.

The Debutante by Samantha Kane
Historical Erotic Romance

OK, let’s be honest. This story was the entire reason I bought this anthology, because I am a slavering Samantha Kane fangirl. Seriously, I would read her grocery lists as long as there was hot sexoring going on between the bread and the eggs. So I knew I’d like this story, and I did. Viscount Lethbridge meets debutante Clarissa at a house party, and, after seeing her from afar, decides he wants her. Naturally, he has a BFF/partner in sexual escapades and he’s determined that the lovely Clari will want them both.

Unlike other of Ms. Kane’s stories, there’s no M/M involvement between the two partners, and I don’t entirely know that I bought their habit of sharing women as a result. I did like that by the end of the story I never felt that the third member of their triad was simply being cast aside. That said, I do prefer Ms. Kane’s longer works, and so I’m not especially convinced of the romantic connection between the three characters. But the sex was hot, and the characterization well-done as always, and Ms. Kane manages to write the sorts of rescue fantasy type stories that hit me especially right, so I’d still recommend the story.

Grade: B

Summary:
Dominic, Viscount Lethbridge, is struck by debutante Clarissa Welliston’s voluptuous form and arresting, unusual features. In spite of her innocence, he wants her. But first he needs to discover if she can embrace his sexual appetites.

Clarissa wants a man between her thighs, desperately. When Viscount Lethbridge pursues her, she finds the love and passion she’s longed for in the dark, seductive pleasures he desires.

Read an excerpt.

Overall, this wasn’t a bad anthology. None of the stories failed to work for me, though I had my favorites. The Moore and the Kane stuck out, though at least in the latter case this isn’t one of her best stories. I’d recommend buying the anthology for those two stories in particular, then reading the Cooper and Evans stories.

Final Grade: C+

Gwen’s review of In Odd We Trust (Odd Thomas Series) by Dean Koontz and Queenie Chan, illustrated by Queenie Chan
Paranormal fiction graphic novel released by Del Rey 24 Jun 08

I have a deep and abiding love of graphic novels, manga, and anime.  It stems mostly from my almost slavish appreciation for good art.  These “new” images (what I believe stem originally from ukiyo’e) can be mind-bogglingly beautiful images.  When the drawing is done well, a good story is a bonus to me – I’m just there to soak up the images.  What I’m saying is I don’t need much plot to enjoy a good comic strip or cartoon if the art is good.  With this first Odd Thomas graphic novel, I can see aspirations, but I’m not sure if the delivery is there.  Read on to see what worked, or not…

I have never read any of Koontz’s Odd Thomas books.  The premise is interesting – he’s something of a male “Ghost Whisperer” with an edge and a spatula.  I can’t decide whether the Odd books are YA, though; based on this graphic novel, it feels like one.  The plot is a little simplistic – girl in trouble with a stalker, Odd saves her and puts the guy in jail.

However, the delivery of this thin plot is left even more anemic with the art.  In a manga/g-novel, quite a lot of emotion can be conveyed in a character’s facial expressions, but Chang’s characters seemed oddly wooden.  Their expressions seem to sway between amusement and a weird stunned expression.  That’s about it.  It’s a shame there wasn’t more variety.  And I could have wished more time had been spent on the backgrounds. It would have been nice to see the houses and environs of Pico Mundo a bit more stylistically rendered – it was all so up and down with no interest.

It also felt like large parts of the story were edited out of the g-novel for purposes of space or pacing.   Something else that left it a bit on the weak side.

So, in all, I can’t say I recommend this graphic novel to fans of the series. I think you’ll be disappointed unless you’re a diehard fan and just want to buy everything you can that’s Odd Thomas or Dean Koontz related.

Grade: D

Summary:

“Meet a young man named Odd . . . who helps the dead get even.”

From the infinite imagination of #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz comes the suspenseful graphic-novel debut of a natural-born hero with a supernatural twist.

Odd Thomas is a regular nineteen-year-old with an unusual gift: the ability to see the lingering spirits of the dead. To Odd, it’s not such a big deal. And most folks in sleepy Pico Mundo, California, are much more interested in the irresistible pancakes Odd whips up at the local diner. Still, communing with the dead can be useful. Because while some spirits only want a little company . . . others want justice.

When the sad specter of a very frightened boy finds its way to him, Odd vows to root out the evil suddenly infecting the sunny streets of Pico Mundo. But even with his exceptional ability-plus the local police and his pistol-packing girlfriend, Stormy, backing him-is Odd any match for a faceless stalker who’s always a step ahead . . . and determined to kill again?

Read an excerpt (scroll down to the thumbnails).

Other books in the series (mass market release dates where available):

P.S. Yes, my avatar is a graphic of a portion of Faye Valentine‘s face – some of her hair, her right eye, and right eyebrow.  I realize it looks a little like a Rorschach.

Gwen’s review of Sam’s Creed (Hell’s Eight, Book 2) by Sarah McCarty
Historical erotic romance released by Spice 24 Jun 08

This is the second book in McCarty’s “erotic adventure” series based on eight men who grew up together – orphans and homeless.  They’ve stuck together thru some pretty grim circumstances that has made them all respected and feared men.  None more so than our hero, Sam.  These eight men will, I presume, find a type of salvation in the women they pick.  Heaven knows they deserve it/them. 

So far, McCarty’s Hell’s Eight heroes and heroines are all very complex characters.  Nothing is straight forward – no alpha just for the sake of being an alpha, there’s always a past involved; and the women are normally quite tortured or at risk. There’s nothing simple about them and their lives are never the facile, easy existence we have today.  It’s all quite true to the rugged “frontier” living of the times. This complexity leads to some interesting drama and major bad guys.

I did feel that Sam came to recognize his love for Isabella a bit quickly after he saw the quality of her family ranch – which she inherited from her father (an interesting twist that I wonder if would have happened in that day).  A quick capitulation that made me look a bit askance at his motives. Do I think he’s the right man for ‘Bella?  Absolutely.  But I also think that he’s smart and quick to recognize a good thing.

– SPOILER ALERT! — I also found it interesting that our hero and heroine never do manage to make it to a bed for their, shall we say, athletic bouts of lovemaking.  Their whole intimate relationship is spent, literally, in the saddle or the out of doors, which, when you think about it is an interesting statement for two such self-contained characters.  — END SPOILER ALERT –

It’s no great surprise that there’s an HEA at the end. It’s a lovely one, and one I hope to see more of as time goes on in the other Hell’s Eight entries.  McCarty has given us another smokin’ hot erotic romance with this book with some complex characters I want to see again.  I can’t wait for the next one coming April 2009.

I recommend this book to any fans of erotic romance, historical westerns with steam, and McCarty’s writing.

Grade: B

Read reviews of this and other books in the series by clicking on the Hell’s Eight series tag.

Summary:

Known for making up his own rules of right and wrong, Texas Ranger Sam “Wildcard” MacGregor takes what he wants when he wants it, especially when it comes to women. But seduction is the last thing on his mind the moment he stumbles across an Hispanic beauty crouching in fear beside a burned-out wagon. And it doesn’t take long before he realizes the woman the townsfolk call “cursed” is hiding secrets too dangerous to face alone.

Isabella may look feminine and unassuming, but she’s hell in a bodice with gunslinging skills to match any man’s. But though she knows not to give Sam her heart as readily as she offers him her lush body, Isabella is certain she sees in Sam what he can barely glimpse in himself-a virtuous man dropped deep into a hard country bent on breaking him. A man who, under it all, craves a passionate woman willing to risk everything…

Read a regular excerpt and a very spicy excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Book 3, Tucker’s Claim, April 2009

Gwen’s review of Spectre (Zoë Martinique, Book 2) by Phaedra Weldon
Contemporary urban fantasy released by Ace Trade 3 Jun 08

Attention authors! If you’re going to do first person, you may as well go all out and make it a conversation between the reader and your main character. Get personal, colloquial, and current.  I normally read first person POV with a very “hairy eyeball” (tm, Zoë Martinique) but Spectre won me over.  I felt like the character was sitting in the room telling me her story.  (Side note: Can anyone tell me why urban fantasies all seem to be first person POV?  Saintcrow, Harrison, Liu, etc., etc.  What’s up with that?) 

Weldon’s style reminds me of The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold.  Naturally, the two books are dramatically different in temperament, but because of the pacing and style, I felt very connected to both the girl in Bones and to Weldon’s indomitable heroine, Zoë.  Of course, I would have liked to get more head hopping with Spectre to learn more about the backstory and WTF is going on with the twisty, convoluted plot – but I didn’t mind the lack of perspective so much.  I just enjoyed the ride Zoë gave me.  She’s a funny, natural, “normal” (as much as a Wraith could be), and irreverent character.  A kick-ass heroine who wears bunny slippers.

There is a love interest in the shape of a police detective named Daniel — a love interest that never really seems right for our heroine.  Then there’s another leading man in her life that she loves to hate and that she has some serious chemistry with, named Joe.  There’s a potential for an interesting love triangle  in the next book (Joe is also a cop and, interestingly, Daniel’s ex-partner as well as a witch).

The overall story arc is a bit muddled near the end.  Perhaps that’s because I didn’t read Book 1 of the series (yes, yet another series I caught on Book 2), but I was following everything fine up until the “big reveal” of who and what was behind the killings in Spectre.  The sheer number of organizations and characters involved in the craziness that tied off all the various sub-arcs was a bit bewildering.  I finally had to just go with it — it was either that or re-read large portions of the book and I didn’t feel like it.

If you’re up for a romping fun time with some urban fantasy kick-assedness, and a unique first-person approach, I highly recommend this book.  If you liked Book 1, I have a feeling you’re going to adore this Book 2.  I’m looking forward to Book 3, Phantasm, (perhaps released in June 2009?) and hope we hear more about it soon.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Zoë Martinique hasn’t been your ordinary still-single-but-looking twentysomething girl ever since she learned she has the extraordinary ability to travel outside of her body at will. As if that wasn’t weird enough, she gained additional powers that not only freak her out but have done damage to her budding relationship with Atlanta Homicide detective Daniel Frasier.

Zoë and Daniel are thrown back together when she’s drawn into the investigation of a series of bizzare murders (the sort where body parts are missing). She hopes to help Daniel stop the killer-one she’s sure is from the darkest levels of the astral plane-without letting him find out about her special abilities.

Then danger strikes close to home when Zoë’s mom disappears-and Zoë must use all the powers at her command to save her, even though she knows doing so miight permanently ruin her love life and turn her into something no longer entirely human…

No excerpt to be found.  (hint hint author – need to post an excerpt on your site)

Other books in the series:

Sandy M’s review of Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 6) by J.R. Ward
Contemporary Paranormal Romance released by Signet 3 Jun 08

Yeah, I’m so behind in reading all the blockbusters of this past summer.  But you know what?  I kinda like that I am behind because I got to hear all the hullabaloo about what everyone thought about this book, especially the whiners out there, before I finally jumped into it.  I can tell you right now, all those whiners are so off base about this one, it’s not even funny.

I don’t know how many posts I saw all over the net that said “I’ll never read another book in this series again” after they’d finished Lover Enshrined.  Please.  If you’re a serious reader, if you’re a true fan of this series, this book is a damn good book and it stays right on course with what we’ve come to expect from J.R. Ward.  You don’t want to read another book in this series, you go right ahead, whiner.  It’s your loss.

Even the parts I thought I might not like after reading those net posts I loved.  Back then I thought I’d be disappointed that the storyline follows the three young males, John, Qhuinn, and Blaylock, more than ever before — only because I love those Brothers so.  I wanted more about them and only them, but I really enjoyed every bit in this book about those three young friends.  What’s between those three is what friendship is about.  I should never have doubted Ward for one iota of a second.   That won’t happen again, I can tell you that.

Now the lack of romance allegations.  I’ll agree with those up to a point.  The fact is Phury could not have sustained any type of love at this point in his life.  He had to straighten himself out first.  He had to do it.  Both Z and Wrath tried their way to get him back on the straight and narrow, but nothing worked; hence Wrath’s drastic measures.  And Cormia needed time on this side of her sanctuary to realize her feelings for Phury.  If they’d done anything before either of these circumstances came to pass, it just wouldn’t have worked.

I confess, I was a little upset at Wrath’s solution to his Phury problem, but Ward pulled it all together for me at the end so that my ire was calmed a tad.  I’m still not 100% that I like the new situation, but I think the next book will help me out on that better.  But it all worked because Phury did things his way and he did them the best he could considering all he’d been through over his lifetime.  In a way he’s nearly as innocent (in more ways than one!) as Cormia when it comes to life, despite all he’s lived while with the Brotherhood.  They both had a specific journey to follow and they both had to come out on the other side on their own terms to get them where they needed to be in the end — together.  Worked for me just fine.  Feel me?

I’m sure I’m part of the majority when I say I don’t care for the Lessers.  They’re just plain evil and slimy.  But I have to say that the new twist we’re given with the Omega was interesting and it gives a whole new light on upcoming books with a new and different enemy in town.  They did cause a lot more destruction in this book, but it was fascinating to watch it all unfold.

All in all, there’s not much wrong with this book.  We all have our own pet peeves about certain aspects of it, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s in keeping with the spirit of the series and the characters.  It’s pure escapism and that’s why I read.  So who gives a rat’s ass if something isn’t done in a particular “true” or “real” way as we know it in life?  Hell, it’s not real life, people!  Lighten up, sit back, and enjoy it for what it is and let go of all those hangups on what you think should be happening in the series.  Ward gives us 150% every time, and I know each one of those Brothers would agree with that.

Grade: A+

Read LauraD’s, Gwen’s, and Limecello’s reviews.  Read all sorts of news, reviews, and information by following the Black Dagger Brotherhood series tag or the Lover Enshrined tag.

Summary:

Fiercely loyal to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of the race, becoming the male responsible for keeping the Brotherhood’s bloodlines alive. As Primale of the Chosen, he is to father the sons and daughters who will ensure that the traditions of the race survive and that there are warriors to fight those who want all vampires extinguished.

As his first mate, the Chosen Cormia wants to win not only his body but his heart for herself- she sees the emotionally scarred male behind all his noble responsibility. But while the war with the Lessening Society grows more grim, and tragedy looms over the Brotherhood’s mansion, Phury must decide between duty and love.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Duke Pretender by Sharon Lanergan
Historical Romance ebook published by Cerridwen Press 26 Jun 08

I started out liking this book.  Unfortunately, this is one of those books where it doesn’t take long for all the little things that irritate you to add up and nearly spoil the entire story.  If there had been but a few of those, it wouldn’t have been so bad, of course.  But there’s just too many to overlook, too many that send the majority of your enjoyment right out the window.

The premise of mistaken identity isn’t a new one, especially when it comes to a second son impersonating his older brother, the duke.  In this case it’s the heroine, Angela, who makes the mistake of thinking the gentleman she’s just met is the Duke of Stratford.  She’s the vicar’s daughter from Lower Pennington, a small village that no one in London has ever heard of.  When her father is taken ill, Angela travels to the city to do a little of his charity work on the docks and while there runs into the usual ruffians.

It’s Jack Thorndike who comes to her rescue and she’s immediately smitten with him.  Fortuitously Jack losses a glove in her carriage when dropping him off at home, a large mansion on the really good side of town, which only cements her erroneous thoughts of his rank in society.  Returning his glove a week later, Angela is more than sure this man is the one for her.

This is the first little something that just didn’t ring true in the story for me.  Angela is a vicar’s daughter.  She’s been up brought up more chaste than any other debutante in the country.  But she comes on to Jack like she’s done it numerous times before.  Even if it is love at first sight for her, this is just a little too much, especially considering she’s only met the man twice in a week’s time.  She shouldn’t even know how to come on to him, let alone actually do it.

This happens several times throughout the book, one of which Jack finally tells her she’s not the woman for him because he believes she deserves better than the likes of him.  At this point another of those little details pops up.  They go back and forth between being angry at one another because of the current situation to moon-eyed and in lust in the blink of an eye.  There was just too much ping-ponging going on in too short a time span to make it believable and it ended up sounding silly than anything else.

Jack is the best part of the story.  Although he keeps saying he’s going to tell Angela the truth, something comes up and he gets sidetracked, pulled into the lives of the folks in Lower Pennington.  (They called it LP and for some reason that just plain irked me.)  Jack has always been compared to his drunk of a father, a man no one liked, so he’s of the belief if he’s going to have to live with the accusations he might as well live the life.  He’s not a total rake, but he’s had his fun.

Thus, because he so admires his older brother, Simon, hero of Duke’s Project, he basks in the respect and kindness of those calling him Your Grace.  He has every intention of telling the truth to everyone, not just Angela, and then hightailing back to London, but he becomes so ensconced in their lives – and finds that’s exactly what he’s been looking for — that he just can’t get the word out whenever he tries.  We know, of course, eventually the truth will come out and not when he wants it to, and this is when he realizes he’s made the biggest mistake of his life and he’s going to lose Angela.  Personally, I don’t think Angela deserves Jack.  I do have to give her kudos for her helpfulness and sincerity she gives her neighbors and friends, but it’s just a little too late to make her any more likable for me.

The other little details that ruined the book for me is the author’s use of words not appropriate for the situation.   An example:

Jack stumbled into Mrs. Franklin. All three ladies quickly put out their gloved hands to steady him.
“Really, Your Grace, have you been drinking this morning? And on a Sunday?” Mrs. Plimpton asked primly.
“No, of course not.” Jack blinked and took a step back, out of the range of their grabbing talons. “Ladies, please. What is this about?”

These three secondary characters are respected elderly women of the village and are just concerned about Jack at this point, reaching out to steady him when he stumbles, just as anyone nearby would do. Having him take a step back so their “grabbing talons” can’t reach him makes them sound like those little old ladies who pat you death when they haven’t seen you for years — or worse. They were being kind but are made to sound predatory or something equally out of character. And this type of thing happens several times throughout the book, which forced me to stop and think about it each time and I just ended up irritated with it all.

I did like all of the secondary characters and we are given an unlikely culprit for the mystery that intrigues and envelopes the village and its occupants.  I just wish Angela had been a little more demure, especially considering the backdrop for the story is 1815 England.  I think Ms. Lanergan’s writing will improve over time and these kinks will be worked out.  Until then, for me there’s just too many of those dreaded little details keeping this book from being a truly enjoyable read.

Grade: D+

Summary:

The endless balls and soirees have Jack Thorndike seeking adventure in the darkest parts of London, moving perilously closer to becoming the reprobate his father was. Until the daughter of a country vicar mistakes him for a duke.

Angela Ainsley believes fate intervened when Jack rescued her. If only she can convince him.

It was never Jack’s intention to pretend to be his brother, the Duke of Stratford, and when Angela invites him to her quaint village, he cannot refuse. Before he knows it, Jack purchases a home in the village. When one of the locals is murdered, Angela and the villagers look to their new neighbor, the Duke of Stratford, to investigate the crime, with Angela acting as his assistant, of course.

Now what once was an innocent omission has turned into an elaborate charade. One he is not sure he should end. If Jack admits he’s been pretending, he may lose Angela. And the feeling of belonging he never knew existed.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Shannon C.’s review of Mercer’s Bayou by Patricia Snodgrass
Horror fiction eBook released by Samhain Publishing 3 Jun 08

I can respect Samhain for deciding that they need to stick with romance, which does sell far better for them, but that does mean that soon I will no longer find fun surprises like Mercer’s Bayou. I hope that Ms. Snodgrass plans on writing more in the future, because if this book is any indication, the woman has talent in spades. 

The setting is Arkansas, in the small town of Tatum, where James Thomas has come to preach. It doesn’t take him long before he starts to notice that there is something evil lurking in the Cold Hanging Tree near the church. Megan Wallace has also arrived in town with her husband Brody to open an exercise studio. The tree disturbs her, and soon, some local gypsies inform her that she must destroy it. Meanwhile, strange, freak accidents begin to occur, and soon Megan and Thomas are thrown into a nightmare that could destroy the town and everything Megan holds dear.

I loved this story. Firstly, the rural Arkansas setting is evoked beautifully. The characters we meet are more than just your typical good ol’ boys, and I thought that the author’s obvious love for the part of the world in which she lives in real life came through in her writing.

The plot was gripping. Not everyone could pull off a story about a possessed tree and the evil holy roller Christians that surround it without giving major offense to someone. But I was riveted, particularly once the story moved away from Megan and Thomas and focused on some of the other town denizens. Ms. Snodgrass, as I said earlier, has a way of lovingly drawing characters, and she made me care about and fear for the people she created as the plot rapidly approached a climax.

This book isn’t for everyone. There’s a lot of violence, and a fair bit of gore, and I suspect some readers won’t exactly be thrilled with Ms. Snodgrass’s portrayal of Christianity, but for me, I was totally captivated. If I have quibbles, it’s that Megan’s being chosen as the one who had to destroy the tree wasn’t entirely explained to my satisfaction. But I can live with that, because I was carried along completely from the beginning to the end of the story.

Grade: A-

Summary:

Some wounds never heal. Some come back—to kill you.

Scarred in body and spirit, Reverend James Kilpatrick Thomas has accepted a job as pastor of a small community church in Mercer’s Bayou, Arkansas. In this peaceful small town, he prays for spiritual renewal—not just for his congregation, but for his own shredded soul.

Megan and Brody Wallace also seek personal renewal when they leave their hectic lives in Austin, Texas to live a slower paced life on the bayou. After several painful, failed pregnancies, they hope that they’ll find life here a soothing balm.

But an ancient evil grows just outside the church cemetery. And after more than a century of sleep, it’s ready for a deadly revival of its own.

Read an excerpt.

LauraD’s review of Peach Blossom Pavilion by Mingmei Yip
Fiction published by Kensington 1 Jun 08

Peach Blossom Pavilion is graced with a lovely cover, complete with the intriguing promise that “Behind its doors, a world of sensuality and intrigue awaits…..” Seemingly, the author intends to provide a Chinese companion of sorts to Memoirs of a Geisha — the story of an impoverished Chinese girl forced into prostitution, who after learning the “fine arts of womanhood” becomes a valuable courtesan. Oops.

Precious Orchid is thirteen when she is sold to a house of prostitution; her father has been executed for a crime he did not commit, and her mother leaves her to become a Buddhist nun. At the Peach Blossom Pavilion, the young girl is slowly but surely educated in both the fine arts and in her new life as sex worker. The young prostitutes are highly competitive, striving to become the most popular and sought after, but Precious Orchid rises to become a ming ji, one of the most accomplished and revered courtesans. After years at the Pavilion, Precious Orchid runs away with a female lover; over the rest of the novel she encounters bandits, a Taoist monk, the all-female Golden Phoenix opera troupe, a Buddhist temple where she reunites with her mother, and finally to America with one of her former clients.

Perhaps meant to be operatic in scope, the story is pure soap opera instead. Precious Orchid is our narrator, and seems to view herself as a constant victim striving to rise above her tragic circumstances. However, when the novel begins she is naive and foolish; later she becomes self-serving and more than once abandons a person who truly cares for her-and is caring for her-with no backward glance. I came to view her as something of a Chinese Blanche duBois, always depending on the kindness of others. The author intended her as a strong character, but at no time during the novel did she take control of her own life; or even take responsibility for it.

Another issue I had was the “poetic” language the novel is written in. I cannot claim any knowledge of Chinese culture or language; perhaps the book reads as if it were a literal translation, but what is surely intended as poetic reads as purple as Barney the Dinosaur. For instance, when the madame is questioning Precious Orchid about a sexual encounter she believes PO may have had:

“When you slept with him, did he touch your golden gate? Did he insert his jade stalk into your cinnabar crevice?”

I wanted to have a personal drinking game; every time the words “jade stalk” appeared, I got to do another shot. I would have died of alcohol poisoning within chapters had I followed through.

Lest the cover or blurb give anyone the idea that there is eroticism to be found within, think again. Physical abuse, rape, suicide; these aren’t my idea of sensuality.

Mingmei Yip has written 5 books in Chinese; Peach Blossom Pavilion is both her first English work and her first fictional novel. No doubt intended to be a sweeping epic, I found it to be overwritten, and simply too much story of a heroine that I never managed to like. I admit though that there is a bit of campy pleasure to be found in Precious Orchid’s tale, and that’s why it’s getting a D instead of an F.

Grade: D

Summary:

In a sunny California apartment, a young woman and her finance arrive to record her great-grandmother’s reminiscences. The story that unfolds of Precious Orchid’s life in China, where she rises from a childhood of shame to become one of the most successful courtesans in the land, is unlike any they’ve heard before….

When Precious Orchid’s father is falsely accused of a crime and found guilty, he is executed, leaving his family a legacy of dishonor. Her mother is banished to a Buddhist nunnery and she is abandoned to the “care” of a relative in Shanghai.

At first, life at Peach Blossom Pavilion feels like a dream. Surrounded by exotic flowers, murmuring fountains, colorful fishponds, and jade-green bamboo groves, Precious Orchid sees herself thriving. She is schooled in music, literature, paining, calligraphy, and to her innocent surprise, the art of pleasuring men. For the beautiful Pavilion hides its darker purpose as an elite house of prostitution. And even as she commands the devotion of China’s most powerful man, Precious Orchid never gives up her determination to escape the Pavilion, be reunited with her long-lost mother, avenge her father’s death, and find true love. As the richest, most beautiful and celebrated Ming Ji or “prestigious courtesan” in all of China, she just might have her way even if it comes with a devastating price…”

Read an excerpt.

Limecello’s review of Mr. November by Lori Foster
Contemporary romance released by Harlequin Temptation 1 Nov 01, repub’d 1 Jun 08 in anthology, Heartbreakers

Lori Foster has been writing romances for some time now, and a number of her books are being re-published. Mr. November is one of them. I’ve read the other two (Caught in the Act and Treat Her Right) in the trilogy of sorts, and found Mr. November very enjoyable. I’m glad I finally got my hands on this story.

Amanda Barker is an interesting heroine – she’s young, but doesn’t act her age, considering she’s carried years of guilt and the weight of lives on her shoulders. She’s a sympathetic character, but I didn’t feel as bad for her as I might have, because it got a bit excessive. I can understand irrational responses to terrible situations, but I don’t want it to reach irritating proportions in a character. Still, Amanda was smart and sassy – albeit a bit flat. Nevertheless, Amanda is an admirable person and I wish she’d been included in more stories.

Josh Marshall is a great character. Not only do the heroes generally take the limelight in Ms. Foster’s books, Josh has appeared in a number of her other ones as a favorite. He’s the quintessential bachelor and player. He likes the ladies and they really like him. Still, Josh has no interest in being a beefcake for Amanda’s charity calendar. Josh is pretty easy going and seems superficial, but deep down he’s a great guy. Once he actually interacts with Amanda he realizes he’s falling for her head over heels, and is quite happy to start settling down. Josh has great personality, and is fun to read.

I felt that some of the story was rather weak – specifically Amanda’s insistence on Josh being in the calendar. She was so certain his image would be the one to sell it – then put him as Mr. November. I don’t know about you, but November makes me think turkey, football and pumpkin pie (mmm) – not super hot guys. Ah well, it provides for all the interaction between Josh and Amanda, and it’s a minor point I’m willing to let go of.

Ms. Foster does and excellent job crafting the interaction between Josh and Amanda. The sparks are tangible, and their chemistry is explosive. Amanda and Josh are instantly attracted to each other, though they go about expressing it and dealing with it in entirely different ways. For Josh it’s all too welcome, but for Amanda, she can’t run fast enough. This made the story interesting, and it’s always nice to see a “normal” guy hot in pursuit of a woman he loves.

Another positive was how Ms. Foster writes their relationship. Josh and Amanda clearly feel strongly about each other, and have a definite bond – they also don’t rush things physically, which lends itself to a lot of delicious sexual tension throughout the book. I also appreciated how the reader was able to follow the emotional bonds from inception to happy ending. While Ms. Foster’s writing can at times be a bit formulaic, it didn’t really detract from the plot and I enjoyed the story all the same.

For those of you who have read Caught in the Act and/or Treat Her Right I definitely recommend you read Mr. November. Otherwise, I recommend this book to all fans of Lori Foster, as well as those looking for a short, sweet, and overall lighthearted romance. A definite mood brightener.

Grade: B+

She needed him for a good cause
Amanda Barker had to have firefighter Josh Marshall. With his sexy body, killer smile and incredible reputation as a lady’s man, he’d sell a million of her fund-raising calendars. But Josh wasn’t cooperating, and he wasn’t playing fair…

He needed her for … other good things

If there was one thing Josh knew, it was that where there’s smoke there’s fire. And Ms. Amanda Barker was smokin’. Over and over, he’d refused her requests to post for a calendar, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer. And neither would he when he laid out the rules: he’d agree to meet her needs, if she agreed to meet his…

Read an excerpt here.

This book is currently re-released as part of the anthology Heartbreakers.

Shannon C.’s review of In the Arms of the Wind by Charlotte Boyett-Compo
Romantic suspense eBook released by Ellora’s Cave 6 Jun 08

I tried, I really did, to get through this book. Charlotte Boyett-Compo seems to be one of those authors I really ought to like, but this one not only made no sense, it featured a character I profoundly disliked. It doesn’t help that Sybil warned me I would hate this book. I obviously should have listened to her. 

Firstly, the premise. When I requested this book for review, I thought that the premise of a man sworn to kill the woman he’s attracted to would be compelling. And maybe it could be. But I don’t think it’s the kind of story I’m ever likely to read again. Our “hero” Danny is a police officer who has strong family ties to a criminal element. He claims that all he’s wanted to do is be a cop, but he can’t get out of the family, and for me, that doesn’t speak of angst so much as it does a man who ultimately lacks much of a spine.

And his idea of courting the heroine? Letting her know that he’s abused his privileges as a cop by looking up background information on her, which he reveals to her. The heroine, predictably, thinks this is sweet and it cements her lurve. Me, I find my skin crawling and I want to reach into the book and get a restraining order.

The heroine, Kaycee, is your typical romance heroine, by which I mean she is a svelte twenty-something whose mental age is somewhere around 62. She’s fairly unremarkable, although she does try to be smart by installing the best security system she can afford. But that’s still not enough, because she is, after all, dating Danny. As for the two of them together… I guess what they have is chemistry. There seems to be a paranormal connection between the two of them that came out of left field, but when I read the first sex scene, all I could do was laugh helplessly.

I got about a third of the way through the book, and couldn’t finish. I could ignore a lot of things, but the creepiness of the hero makes this one too disturbing for me to even finish.

Grade: DNF

Summary:

Kaycee Connor was in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong man. Listening to her date being assassinated as she hid in his safe room, she would never forget the chilling words that had come from the killer’s lips.

Assigned to investigate the brutal crime, Police Detective Daniel Gallagher took one look at Kaycee and lost his heart. Trembling, terrified, her eyes filled with hurt, she made Danny feel things he had thought died long ago. Wanting to protect her, to keep her out of harm’s way, he’ll do whatever it takes to shield her from danger even if it means going up against a powerful crime family.

Hot passion brews like a hurricane along the Georgia coast as Danny and Kaycee weather the storm of desire flooding through their bodies. While the flashing lightning, lashing winds and driving rain whip their yearning to fever pitch, a treacherous enemy lies in wait to blow the lovers apart.

Reader Advisory: Story includes a non-consensual male/male scene. However, while the scene is non-detailed, the post-emotional aspects are shared with the reader.

Read an excerpt.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Reckless (Faraday Trilogy, Book 1) by Selena Montgomery
Romantic Supense released by Avon 24 Jun 08

Reading Selena Montgomery’s latest romantic suspense has got to be one of the more bizarre reading experiences I’ve had in recent memory. It has a compelling premise, good characterizations, and an interesting suspense thread that kept me eagerly flipping the pages. Then I got to the end and I got very, very angry.

Fresh out of high school Kell Jameson, with friends Fin and Julia, find themselves outside of an abandoned warehouse engulfed in flames, carrying a backpack with $300,000 inside. They’re three black girls, with dubious reputations, all living in the same foster home – so needless to say, they aren’t terribly keen on running to the cops. So the girls split the money and hit the road, vowing to never speak of the night again and only having contact with each other a couple of times a year.

Fast-forward 16 years and her foster mother Mrs. Faraday has called Kell home to Hallden, Georgia. Clay Griffin, a local drug dealer and all around scumbag, has been found murdered, and circumstantial evidence points directly to Mrs. Faraday. Still taking care of foster children, the woman is panicked and calls Kell to help her out. Now a well-known, celebrity defense attorney (think Johnnie Cochran with a better figure and prettier face), Kell does not hesitate to return to Hallden to help Mrs. Faraday, even though going back to the scene of that ill-fated night makes her skin crawl.

Kell quickly runs into Sheriff Luke Calder, who takes one look at her and falls head over heels. He’s smitten, although he’s smart enough to know that Kell is hiding something. She’s a puzzle he’d love to solve, but first he has to find Clay’s killer, and deal with the two skeletons they just dug up at the site of the old warehouse.

I was immediately sucked into this story thanks to the mystery of Clay’s murder, although the romance is extremely problematic. Kell is a consummate liar. Either by omission or straight to your face, it doesn’t matter. She spends this whole story lying. And when she’s confronted by her lies? She clams up and refuses to tell Luke anything. The poor guy practically begs her to be honest with him over the course of the entire story, and yet she still holds back. Call me skeptical, but when there is no trust, how am I as the reader supposed to believe in the romance?

However, I was willing to overlook this. Normally a lying main character is a big issue for me in romance novels, but Montgomery’s writing is compelling; not to mention Luke is a major hunk. I was rolling with it. Then the ending shows up and shreds what remaining goodwill I had left for this book.

Why?

There is no ending! Want to know who murders Clay? Want to know what really happened the night of the warehouse fire? Yeah, so do I! The author leaves the reader hanging. In fact, nothing is resolved. N-O-T-H-I-N-G. Reckless is literally Part I of a three-part saga. I’m amazed it doesn’t say “To Be Continued” at the end of the final chapter.

To say I’m annoyed is a huge understatement. Not only do I not get any closure to the story, but I also feel manipulated into reading the next two books in this series. Essentially, Reckless is 370+ pages of set-up. Nothing is resolved and nothing is finished; which just irritates the hell out of me. I liked this story. I really did. I also understand that writing a series arc that will fit into a trilogy means that some story lines will carry over. I can understand if the author wanted to keep the warehouse fire up in the air for the next two books, but to not solve the murder? To leave the ending so open that the reader is actually left with more unanswered questions?  Yeah, no thanks.  I’m done.

Grade: D

Summary:

Independent, stunning, and smart, Kell Jameson has the life she’s always dreamed about. A partner at a tony Atlanta law firm that represents famous—if guilty—clients, she’s far from her days as a lonely orphan in rural Georgia. But one frantic phone call will bring her back to the place she’s spent years trying to escape. The head of her childhood orphanage has been accused of murder, and Kell is her only hope for freedom.

From the first moment Kell meets Sheriff Luke Calder, tempers and attraction flare. Ruggedly handsome and a stickler for law and order, Luke finds Kell compelling. Unfortunately, she represents his prime suspect. Forced to work together, they dig deep into the town’s scandals . . . but Kell has a secret of her own. She trusts Luke enough to fall in love—but does she trust him enough to reveal the reckless past she’s worked so hard to keep hidden?

Read an excerpt.

Limecello’s review of Below the Belt by Sarah Mayberry
Contemporary romance released by Harlequin Blaze on 1 Jun 08

I’m glad I read this book – because it was one I wasn’t sure about. I really like Sarah Mayberry’s writing, but… boxing? A female boxer? (No, I didn’t watch Million Dollar Baby.) Still, I did pick it up, and the reward was another good Blaze story. (Incidentally Harlequin is having a sale on Blaze books this month.)

Jamie Sawyer is one of the guys for a myriad of reasons. She was hurt a few times in relationships – first her father, then her boyfriend, so she’s adopted a love ‘em and leave ‘em mentality. She’ll hook up with a guy for a purely physical relationship, but once emotions are involved, she drops him. Jamie is also driven to follow in the family business – boxing. She’s on a mission to become the best to right some wrongs, and you have to respect that, despite her bullheadedness and which sometimes prevents her from seeing the big picture, or how potentially harmful her actions are.

Cooper Fitzgerald really makes the book. He’s a former heavyweight champion boxer, forced to retire to prevent further injuries. (Mostly the threat of blindness if he takes another hit to the head.) Cooper is so likable and well, sensible. He knows his career is over, and moves on. He’s opened a gym and has picked up the role of trainer. While he would love to continue fighting, Cooper knows he can’t, and doesn’t waste time with regrets, moping or being sullen. Cooper is extremely positive, and a guy every woman wants. Capable, smart, and sensitive, Cooper actually comes to terms with his emotions well before Jamie does. In fact, I might say that he’s a bit too forgiving.

Below the Belt was interesting, and it was clear that Ms. Mayberry knew what she was talking about. I’ve had some friends who were very engaged with boxing – male and female – but I was never as into boxing as I was while reading this book. The characters, plot, title, everything works together in an extremely clever manner. At no point does the reader feel that Ms. Mayberry is beating you over the head with facts, it’s just all there, and intertwined.

One thing I didn’t like was how closed off Jamie was at points. She was forcing those that loved her to take a difficult position – and causing more harm than good to herself and others. However, she didn’t care. For once, I felt that the heroine didn’t “suffer” enough as it were, in a book. I’m glad that she got her reality check, and things turned around.

There were a number of great parts throughout the book, but I think the ending was my favorite. Below the Belt didn’t end like I thought it would, which was a pleasant surprise. Next, it was nice how Jamie was able to get closure on a number of issues haunting her – and that Cooper was with her every step of the way. Ms. Mayberry has written yet another book that I recommend to all her fans, as well as those who like Blaze books. I’m looking forward to reading her next one, Amorous Liaisons.

Grade: B-

He’s not going down without a fight

To outfit his new gym, trainer Cooper Fitzgerald is looking for fresh boxing talent. Male boxing talent, that is. So what on earth is he thinking by taking on Jamie Sawyer? She’s stubborn, difficult, aggressive – and far too hot for the kind of close contact training requires. But her skill in the ring is turning his professional head.

Too bad his isn’t the only head that’s turning. Jamie and her skimpy little shorts have all the guys forgetting the power she packs in a punch. And when Jamie offers Cooper her irresistible body – no strings attached – he’s down for the count. But can Cooper keep the line between trainer and sex buddy…or is he setting himself up for another knockout?

Read an excerpt here.

Devon’s review of Slow Hands by Leslie Kelly
Contemporary Erotic Romance released by 1 Jun 08

Slow Hands first caught my eye because it shares a title with my favorite song of the past five years or so. The blurb grabbed my attention as well, although it featured one of the hoariest setups in TV movies and romance: the bachelor auction for charity. I live a decidedly suburban mom existence, but I have never heard of one of these happening in real life. I was a bit nervous, because the whole plot seemed to hinge on a Big Misunderstanding (pretty much guaranteed groanworthy). But the ice princess/regular Joe pairing piqued my interest. Would Slow Hands deliver, despite my misgivings? 

Slow Hands was exactly what a Blaze should be: a fun, sexy read that one can polish off in an evening and be happy afterwards. I really enjoyed the characterization in this one. Maddy was indeed an ice princess, hiding a passionate side. It was understandable given her experiences and crazy family members. But she never seemed humorless, quite the opposite. Ms. Kelly pulls off the witty banter well, without it ever seeming forced or overdone. Jake Wallace was a good foil for Maddy—an open-hearted, decent guy who really wants her. I enjoyed Jake’s pursuit of Maddy, and their chemistry was hot.

Some readers may be annoyed by the plot, which hinges on a case of mistaken identity. There were a couple of times where I rolled my eyes, because it was hard to believe that Maddy wouldn’t have said something to Jake. But then, Kelly did something I wasn’t quite expecting. Jake becomes aware of Maddy’s misconceptions but chooses not to enlighten her. Again, some readers might not like his actions during this part of the book, but I didn’t mind, because I thought Maddy kind of deserved it with her behavior. And Jake just really wanted to convince her to love him.

Slow Hands was a fun read. My one previous read by Leslie Kelly was a DNF, but this book revealed a deft hand with the humor. There can be a fine line between amusing and corny and clichéd. In this book, the heroine and hero always remained likeable and sympathetic, despite their not always likeable behavior. The plot could have been super annoying, but held my interest and amused me. I am definitely going to seek out the sequel, Heated Rush, which takes place concurrently.

Grade: B-

The Summary:
This is Maddy Turner’s lucky day. The civilized society girl just bid on sexy rogue Jake Wallace at a charity bachelor auction—and won! But Maddy knows Jake’s dirty little secret. And it should keep her from trying out her new boy toy. Too bad she can’t stop herself from indulging in raw, quite uncivilized sex all the same….

Jake Wallace is utterly bewitched by Maddy—and utterly bewildered. How can this tantalizing woman melt so rapturously under his ministrations one moment, then turn into a haughty queen the next? He’s determined to get to the bottom of Maddy’s agenda. One slow, delicious inch at a time…
Read a excerpt here

Connie’s Quick Quack review of Then You Hide (The Bullet Catchers, Book 6) by Roxanne St. Claire
Contemporary romantic suspense released by Pocket Star 24 Jun 08

Bullet Catcher Wade Cordell is assigned to track down a woman on a Caribbean vacation to get her to meet her birth mother and see if she can help save the woman’s life. Vanessa has known she was adopted and that her birth mother was in jail for murder and wants no part of meeting or helping her and has her own agenda for her vacation and leads Wade on a merry chase.  Vanessa is an extremely strong willed person and hates her birth mother. 

Wade is just as determined to get Vanessa back in time to help her birth mother.  Vanessa is determined to help her friend but someone doesn’t want her to find him or uncover what he found and is trying to hide from.

The Bullet Catchers are a good series and this book was a good read. There are some rather strange characters and some you’ll really like. This series is one to check out.

Grade: B

Summary:

When Bullet Catcher Wade Cordell is offered a cushy assignment to track down a woman on vacation in the Caribbean and persuade her to meet her birth mother, the secret ops sharpshooter decides it’s the perfect antidote to his stressful job. Except spirited and sassy Vanessa Porter isn’t on vacation, she’s on a hunt for a friend who has disappeared. Wade’s news doesn’t faze a woman who swims with the sharks on Wall Street — Vanessa knows she’s adopted and has no intention of meeting or helping the woman who gave her up in a black market scheme. But as it becomes clear that her missing friend is deep in hiding and deeper in trouble, Vanessa strikes a shaky bargain with the sexy bodyguard who’s an expert at finding people who don’t want to be found. How high a price will she have to pay the Bullet Catcher willing to put his life on the line for her? Will she sacrifice her pride . . . her heart . . . even her life?

Other books in this series:

Shannon C.‘s review of Fire Princes’ Bride by Rebecca Airies
Fantasy erotic romance released by Ellora’s Cave 25 Jun 08

Fire Princes’ Bride had a blurb that compelled me, and was a bit of an experiment on my part. It’s obviously part of a series, and I know that I need to get over my compulsive urge to read everything exactly in order, so I picked this book up hoping the conflict would be entertaining and hoping I could follow along without having read prior books. It turns out that I could, although ‘entertaining’ is not precisely the word I would use to describe this book.

The quick and dirty premise is as follows: Callan and Tyral (henceforth referred to as Callantyral for the purposes of this review) are fire elementals. They have many enemies, and they end up magically stranded on a random planet. Along comes Karissa, an ice elemental, who joins them. Lots of fun sexoring is had by all, only Callantyral fail to let her in on the fact that she is their bonded mate. She goes home, but must return to their side, because otherwise her very life is in danger. Not that it’s any safer when she joins her men, because a faction in their realm wants her dead as well.

There was a lot going on in this story, some of which seemed overly convoluted. I didn’t ever really understand what an Aliara was, or why men should bond with their mates when they get to a certain level of power. I don’t know if this was explained in previous volumes of the series, but this was one of those rare times when I really wanted someone to go, “As you know, Bob, when X occurs, that causes Y.” That being said, I was definitely curious about the different kinds of elementals and how they worked, much less what it would be like to have a spirit of your chosen element living inside you. I also never really got why the princes had fangs, which was a detail that kept popping up but didn’t really seem to need to be there.

As for the characters, I had trouble with them. For one thing, Callan and Tyral were pretty much indistinguishable, hence my jumbling them together as Callantyral. The author does this a lot herself, having the men react of one accord. This took away from the dynamics of the romance for me, because essentially I felt like Karissa was with the same guy, but in two bodies, for convenience. Therefore, I didn’t feel the chemistry, and this book failed the litmus test by which I judge such things, since I did at one point fall asleep while reading a sex scene. Not only that, but Callantyral were the worst sort of alphas. There was a lot of “Now, don’t you worry your pretty little head about that.” And whenever Karissa was angry with them, there was a lot of smiling indulgently and metaphorical patting her on the head and patronizing, “Awww, you’re so cute when you’re mad.” If anyone treated me the way those men treated Karissa, there’d be more than just an icy bath in the works for them. There would be two hot alpha men currently… well… not getting any. But that’s just me.

This book pretty much didn’t work for me. I suspect that readers who like M/F/M romances will find this appealing, but there’s no way I can wrap my head around making it plausible, particularly when the men are brothers. There’s enough here that could be interesting, but I can’t recommend a book where the heroes are two halves of the same uber-asshole jerk and the fantasy world-building is too complex for the story it tries to tell.

Grade: D

Summary:
One thing is universal in all the Elemental Realms — women are told when to seek a mate. Because of the power she holds, Karissa knows she will have to embark on that journey far earlier than most women in the Ice Court. But she does not expect to find her betrothed — especially not before her search has even begun. And she certainly does not expect to have two mates — let alone for those mates to be the Princes of the Fire Court.

Twin brothers Tyral and Callan know Karissa is their mate as soon as they see her. They greet her with a carefree playfulness, wanting to give her time, but things quickly heat up between them. The Princes’ biggest challenge, however, proves not to be their opposing Elemental Spirits, but convincing Karissa to submit to their rules.

As Fire and Ice clash in the bedroom, an enemy moves in, plotting to destroy the Fire Princes’ future with their new bride.

Read an excerpt here.

Shannon C.’s review of Pitch Black by Susan Crandall
Romantic suspense novel released by Forever 1 Jun 08

I really like books about troubled kids and the adults that help them. I know a lot of readers are actively repelled by that sort of thing, but I’m not one of them. Stories about mothers, social workers, or concerned human beings doing anything and everything to protect their children just tug at my heartstrings and make my inner budding social worker squeeful. And in Susan Crandall’s romantic suspense debut, she hits everything right.

Madison Wade is a Philadelphia journalist who recently adopted Ethan, a street kid she met who tugged at her heartstrings. They’ve moved to Buckeye, Tennessee, and are just settling in with Madison working as the editor of the local paper. Ethan’s even made some friends, and Madison’s attracted the interest of local sheriff Gabe Wyatt. Then Ethan is invited on a camping trip with his best friend, Jordan, the end of which results in Jordan’s stepfather being murdered. Immediately, suspicion turns on Ethan, and Gabe has to juggle his feelings for Madison with the fact that he doesn’t want to compromise his investigation.

Romantic suspense is usually a hard sell for me, and though I’ll try any new author once, very few of them write romance and suspense in such a way that I believe both. Thankfully, Ms. Crandall absolutely gets it right. The suspense wouldn’t have been nearly as compelling if it weren’t for the romance, and the romance only heightens the degree of suspense. I also liked that I was completely on the wrong track when it came to figuring out who the real killer was. Usually, I guess these things right away, and then spend the rest of the book being frustrated because the characters are too stupid to connect the dots. Thankfully, this didn’t happen, and when the killer was revealed, it only hits the reader a few pages before Gabe and Madison figure it out.

The really compelling thing about this book is that Ms. Crandall writes some great characters. I loved both Madison and Gabe. At first, I thought they would be a little bit typecast–she’s a brisk, city girl. He’s a laid-back Southern boy. But gradually, I connected with them. And I adored Ethan, too. This is no saccharine sweet kid. He’s definitely had it rough, and yet he’s grown into a person with unswerving loyalty and a strong sense of personal integrity. I also really liked the scenes between Madison and Ethan. They start the book already bonded, but their relationship is still sometimes a little tenuous even for both of them.

Madison herself is also refreshingly intelligent. She’s obviously a good journalist, and she doesn’t take any unnecessary risks to uncover the truth. It’s clear exactly what Gabe sees in her, and I loved the scene where she realizes that her life just isn’t complete without Gabe and Ethan in it. As for Gabe, I liked that he was an honorable man, who did a lot of self-examination. He knew what he had to do, and he tried to be conscious of the fact that he definitely had some personal biases during his investigation.

I also have to mention Ms. Crandall’s writing style. She keeps the tension up nicely, and she has a knack for ending chapters on cliff hangers, and feeding both the reader and the characters enough information that the suspense is heightened. She also did a great job of conveying menace and threats to the characters. There were times I was really glad I was reading this in the light of day.

I see from the information about the author that Ms. Crandall will publish another romantic suspense novel in early 2009. If this book is any indication, I will be anxious to read it.

Grade: A-

Summary:
In an effort to give her newly adopted teenage son, Ethan, a fresh start, Philadelphia journalist Madison Wade relocates to a small Tennessee town. When Ethan goes on a camping trip with three other teens and returns without their chaperone, Ethan’s past casts him as suspect in a crime. The secrets Madison uncovers as she tries to clear her son brings danger from unexpected places and puts her at odds with the local sheriff — a man who has been trying to win her heart.

Read an excerpt here

Shannon C.’s review of The Ballad of Jimothy Redwing by Maia Strong
Fantasy gay erotic romance ebook released by Samhain Publishing 10 Jun 08

There are two things that are guaranteed to make me swoon with delight. One is fantasy. The other is a musician hero. This story features both, which made me exceedingly happy. While I did have my fair share of nits to pick, I thought that the world Maia Strong created was interesting and I would visit it again.

Jimothy Redwing, the title character, is a wandering minstrel. On his way to the city of Couvin, where he needs to deliver some important mail, he meets up with Ricky, and the two of them spend a wonderful night full of great sex together. Upon his arrival into the city, Jimothy realizes that his new lover is not what he seems, and he finds himself drawn into various political conspiracies.

I really liked both Jimothy and Ricky. They were likeable young men, and neither of them fit into any specific role. They were both really nice beta guys, and they were cute together. The actual sexoring didn’t entirely work for me, but the romance itself was very sweet.

Aside from our leads, Ms. Strong introduces us to a variety of interesting characters, all of whom were drawn very well, despite the fact that they were sort of peripheral to the main romance. I got the sense that Maeve and Japheth, the owners of an inn where Jimothy stays, had lives outside of what was happening with Jimothy and Ricky. I was also relieved to see that there wasn’t any sequel-baiting going on.

The non-romance plot takes up far more of the story than does the actual romance, but I was fascinated with it. There was a bit of a mystery which I liked, and in the process of solving that mystery, we learn a great deal about Ms. Strong’s world.

Not everything worked quite so well for me, but most of my nits are pretty subjective. I didn’t find much of Jimothy’s poetry especially compelling, for example, and sometimes the way the characters talked didn’t quite seem real. I don’t expect high-falutin’ language in my fantasy, but I felt a bit like I was reading Americans talking in bad British accents while at a ren fair. And some of the offhand comments during and after sex scenes bothered me. I really didn’t need to know, for example, that one character left a three foot rope of ejaculate on the sheets. I mean, ewww. Did we have to be *that* specific? Also, I wasn’t satisfied with the ending. I imagine that Ms. Strong has left herself some room for writing a sequel with more adventures of Jimothy and Ricky, but I’d have liked a less tenuous HEA at the end of this book.

Those things might not bother other people, and though they did detract from my own enjoyment of the story, I still think fans of m/m romance or fantasy romance might enjoy this. I know I’ll definitely be interested in seeing what else Ms. Strong can do.

Grade: B-

Summary:
New lover. New city. New dangers.

Wand’ring Minstrel Jimothy Redwing is used to life on the road, living by the words and music that are his stock in trade. While he’s comfortable finding his way alone, he’s always amenable to a friendly stranger who knows the lay of the land. Ricky Lennox is smart, funny, handsome, and very amenable.

With a place to stay, a sexy new lover, and some local contacts, Jimothy looks forward to delivering the letters in his care—including a message for the local ruler—and earning a little money with his music before moving on.

Ricky’s declaration he’s interested in more than just a one-night tryst starts Jimothy thinking about settling into a life of perfect harmony. But things hit a sour note when he learns his lover’s true identity—and exactly what’s in the epistle to Kanbec’s ruler.

Jimothy’s journey turns out to be far more complicated than he could have dreamed, and as dangerous as any epic ballad. For himself—and for Ricky.

Warning: This book contains a sexy musician, hot nekkid manlove, violence, and nuns dressed in blue.

You can read an excerpt here.

Shannon C.’s review of The Cat: Sons of Destiny, Book 5 by Jean Johnson
Fantasy/paranormal romance released by Berkley 3 Jun 08

As I’ve stated numerous times, I love the Sons of Destiny books. The family dynamic is a lot of fun, the world building just keeps getting better and better, and there’s always a new twist on the romances presented that keep them from becoming too trite.

The premise of these books is that eight brothers are sent to Nightfall Island because of a prophecy foretelling some kind of disaster. Trevan is the fifth of the eight brothers, the reputed ladies man. Living without a woman for the past three and a half years has left him horny and frustrated, and illusions just don’t really cut it for him. He’s all too eager for his verse in the prophecy that exiled the brothers to come true, because then he can get laid.

Enter Amara and Arora. They have their own issues, namely that Arora is pretty much every mage’s wet dream, since she has access to a lot of power. Amara, on the other hand, is a natural shapeshifter, whose job it is to protect her twin. She isn’t always happy about this, and all their fleeing has resulted in her becoming cranky, resentful and paranoid. Naturally, they end up on Nightfall, and naturally, Trevan immediately notices and begins courting the prickly Amara.

While Amara is probably my least favorite heroine to date in this series, just because she’s such a shrew, I really liked her and I couldn’t fault her for being paranoid and resentful. I also thought it made her human to hold on to her resentments as long as she did without apologizing, because it’s something that I think we all do, and honestly, her paranoia and prickliness felt justified. I also liked that she made Trevan work to win her, which is a really nice thing considering that he’s pretty much set on fulfilling his part of the prophecy. Oh, and she calls Kelly on some of her bitchiness. It was *really* nice to see Kelly have some human moments as a result, because my major complaint about her lately is that she’s been sooo perfect and knowledgeable about everything.

As for Trevan, I liked him. He’s one of my favorites out of the brothers, and I liked the progress of his romance, as I said. I definitely felt the chemistry between himself and Amara, and I didn’t realize that makeout scenes could be so hot. I think where I had quibbles was that the actual consumation scene went on just a smidge too long for me, and that was right near the end. But I definitely felt the chemistry and the romance, and I believed in their HEA.

The rest of the characters were fun to visit, although I can’t help but think that the AAR reviewer got it right when she said that sometimes the writing feels sitcom-ish. I definitely got that vibe in places, but it’s something that’s always been present, so I didn’t mind. I also liked the touches of humor, and I have to say that the random gay sailor who makes a minor appearance for about five minutes near the end of the book totally stole the show for me. I wanted to know more about him, and I think if an author can get me wondering about bit characters like that, she’s doing something right.

I still could have wished for a bit less in terms of the building the kingdom from the ground up aspect of the books, because some of those digressions drew the story out unnecessarily. But the world building does keep improving from book to book, and I feel that by the end, I really will understand the whole of the world Ms. Johnson has created.

If you’re just starting out with the sons of Destiny books, I think you could pick this one up without being too lost, but I also highly recommend starting the series in order with The Sword. Though this isn’t my favorite entry in the series, I’m still looking forward to seeing what the next three books bring.

Grade: B

Summary:

New in the national bestselling Sons of Destiny series, hailed by Jayne Ann Krentz as “wildly entertaining.”

Amara is wary of mages––they chased her out of her homeland. Yet there is something about the mage Trevan of Nightfall that Amara can’t resist. But can he be trusted with her most fiercely guarded secret? Courting such a pretty yet prickly outlander won’t be easy, but Trevan is determined to try. She may be fierce, proud, and from a different culture, but after all, he is the Cat, and none but the most fascinating and challenging of women could satisfy him…

Read an excerpt.

You can read my thoughts on other books in this series by clicking on the Sons of Destiny Series tag.

Other books in this series:

LauraD’s review of After the Kiss: The Notorious Gentlemen by Suzanne Enoch
Historical Romance published by Avon 24 Jun 08

I have a conflicted relationship with Suzanne Enoch; I have been unable to get into her contemporary series starring cat burglar-cum-sleuth Samantha Jellicoe, but I love me some historical Enoch. I actually read the first chapter of After the Kiss while sitting in the parking lot of the Big Box store, and since it’s several thousand degrees right now in Texas that says a lot. Sullivan Waring is the bastard son of a nobleman. He has distinguished himself as a soldier and is revered as a horse breeder and trainer by all of Britain. He is, however, full of rage at the rich and titled because of the way his mother was used and cast off by his father-and because his father sold off the inheritance his mother, an artist, left him. He has been robbing the homes of London’s rich, taking back his mother’s paintings. Late one night, making his way out of a townhouse, he encounters Lady Isabel Chalsey. As a way of distracting her, Sullivan “steals” a kiss-not a problem until Isabel recognizes him at a horse auction the next day.

Headstrong and independent, Isabel is determined to find out why Sullivan is robbing houses. She manipulates him into selling her a most inappropriate horse, and into teaching her to ride. What follows is a battle of wills, as two strong individuals attempt to control each other.

At first Isabel seems to be the Paris Hilton of her time, and the author even has several characters acknowledge that Isabel is a darling of the ton. However, Sullivan comes to learn that Isabel is quite capable of thinking for herself, and is a great deal braver than he gives her credit for-she’s actually terrified of horses(with good reason), so being close to one is a big step for her.

Sullivan has good reason for his bitterness; and when he begins to fall for Isabel his illegitimacy falls unusually close to home. His own legitimate half-brother is paying court to Isabel, and planning to marry her. Almost everyone in the book tries to separate the two of them, but Sully and Isabel are fascinated with one another, and so the lies and consequences begin.

I really, really enjoyed this book. Sullivan is a lovely hero; he might not be noble by birth, but he is a gentleman. He doesn’t want to implicate anyone else in his thievery, even though he has friends willing to help him. Isabel has his regard and respect, and taking care of her is his concern; even more so than the noblemen surrounding her.

Isabel took a bit longer to warm up to, because she does start off as a spoiled brat. However, she redeems herself nicely once she opens her eyes and realizes that she’s not going to be happy simply because she is titled and rich. She finds herself to be much braver than she thought she was, and she is transformed.

A good deal of the story’s conflict is the class difference between Sullivan and the rest of the characters. There is an especially painful bit where he confesses his love for Isabel to his best friend, an aristocrat, only to see the disapproval in his friend’s eyes. It’s a topic that doesn’t come up often in historical romance, and I believed in the way the characters dealt with it. One interaction towards the end of the book was a bit too Hollywood HEA for me, but it didn’t detract from my overall buy-in of the ending. I’m looking forward to the next two Notorious Gentlemen stories!

Grade: A

Summary:

A Notorious Gentleman . . . Sullivan Waring wants only two things: his rightful inheritance, and revenge against the man who stole it from him. By day, Sullivan is the most respected horse breeder in England; by night, he plunders the ton‘s most opulent homes to reclaim his late mother’s beautiful paintings. His quest is going swimmingly . . . until the night he’s discovered by Lady Isabel Chalsey. Clad only in a revealing nightdress, she’s an entrancingly different kind of plunder, and how can a thief resist stealing a kiss?

A Curious Lady . . . Surprised by a masked man in her own home, Isabel should be quaking with fear. Instead the sight of the sinfully handsome Sullivan makes her tremble with excitement. Who is this man, and why is he so set on this reckless pursuit? Lady Isabel loves a challenge, and she’ll dare anything to uncover Sullivan’s secret-but she may instead convince him that she is the greatest prize of all.

Read an excerpt.

Shannon C.‘s review of Phantom by Lyndsay Randall
Historical paranormal romance released 27 May 08 by Love Spell

There’s nothing more frustrating for me as a reader than a premise that shows so much potential but ends up failing completely when it’s executed. That’s pretty much exactly what happened with Phantom, which doubly sucks because I know several TGTBTU readers were excited about this book. Read on to learn what didn’t work for me, although if you are the author, you might want to have a shot of something handy.

The premise starts out so very cool. Dax is a phantom, sharing his body with an evil creature that wants to smuggle souls. He’s literally cursed, and the only bright spot in his life is Robyn, a woman betrothed to him since birth. The conflict could have been exciting–will Dax manage not to steal her soul? How will he conquer the phantom lurking inside him? But it’s not, largely because the characters didn’t work for me, and I never really saw much growth in either of them.

Dax, for example, meets Robyn when he’s twelve and she’s seven. He becomes infatuated with her after a five minute conversation, and he thinks to himself that she smells like hope. I kept wondering what exactly hope smelled like, and then I kept picturing Robyn as played by some seven-year-olds I knew and found Dax’s infatuation creepy and misplaced. After five minutes, I wasn’t convinced she became the sole reason for him not succumbing to the darkness. Once Dax and Robyn hook up later, he spends so much time pushing her away and then finding he can’t resist her that I wanted to shout at him to make up his damn mind already.

As for Robyn, well, I didn’t share Dax’s infatuation with her. Honestly, there’s not enough to her except that she’s that lovely combination of TSTL and Mary Sue. She has special gifts, gifts that haven’t developed but which apparently help draw her to the phantom inside Dax. And she is forever tearing off after Dax even when he has good reasons for not wanting her to endanger herself. I also thought after some of the stuff she went through that she was way too quick to trust him under the circumstances. She’s also one of those characters that has stuff happening to her rather than making things happen.

Basically, I felt like both Dax and Robyn never transcended past being “characters in a romance novel”. They don’t react like normal people, they don’t talk like normal people, and the novel itself follows familiar plot patterns. The villains are predictably one-note and cartoonish and not nearly as menacing as they’re supposed to be, and when the major villain is dispatched, it’s rather anticlimactic.

I really wish I could have liked this book, and I think it will appeal to many people. But I actively disliked the characters so much that I couldn’t get invested in anything else that was going on. My advice? Try almost any other historical gothic paranormal. This isn’t even worth seeking out used.

Grade: F

Summary:

Every night at midnight Dax could start to feel the change. The curse that made him less human as the Phantom inside struggled to take over. Then he would hear the ghost riders—their pounding hoofbeats drawing ever nearer, reminding him that he was never safe. Nor were the ones he loved.

As a girl, Robyn had pledged herself to him. But that was a lifetime ago. Now she was a woman. Beautiful. Pure. Every time she was near—her soft skin, her delicate scent—the Phantom wanted to claim her, to bring her body to the greatest heights of pleasure. Then steal her soul. Dax couldn’t allow that to happen. He was supposed to be protecting her. But deep down, he knew her love could save him. If the Phantom didn’t get her first.
Read an excerpt here

Sandy M’s review of In Bed with the Devil (Scoundrels of St. James, Book 1) by Lorraine Heath
Historical Romance released by Avon 24 Jun 08

If you want a beautifully written book with strong characters who push all your emotional buttons and an intriguing storyline every time, you have to read Lorraine Heath. It doesn’t matter what era she chooses as the backdrop for her books, you will lose yourself just in the writing alone and you will fall farther still when her characters entrance you and give you their all.

Lucian Langdon is one of those heroes who wants everything he’s never really had. A home, a wife, love, a family, the respect of the aristocracy. He is an earl, at the top of the social hierarchy, but his past and his reclusiveness has painted him as black as the devil. Even the way in which he became the Earl of Claybourne is under suspicion and no one dares socialize with him and thus put their reputation at risk. Luke himself is guilt ridden after so many years of usurping an old man’s kindness and gullibility, but now that he’s had the luxury his lifestyle gives him, it’s hard to give it up, even if it’s the right thing to do. He’s determined to have what he’s never had the guts to reach for before and has finally decided to ask his long-time friend to marry him, to give him the peace and stability he longs for.

I absolutely adore Lucian. He had a horrendous childhood, orphaned and on the streets, taught how to pick pockets and otherwise steal to stay alive. When the previous Earl gives him the opportunity to stay out of prison for a crime of protection, he grabs on and doesn’t let go. Although he is confident in his abilities and station in life, it’s fascinating to watch him hesitate and let his vulnerability show when he finally does propose marriage.

And then the one woman who has been the only person to have the courage to look him in the eye when everyone else shunned him comes back into his life. He subtly begins to change when he begins to know her better, but he never sees the changes coming until it’s nearly too late. Lady Catherine Mabry is a woman who is quite independent, running her father’s household since his incapacitation sometime ago and with her brother off traisping around America. She’s beautiful, witty, and intelligent – just the kind of woman Luke truly needs. The fact she’s been fascinated with the man for a number of years, ever since the ball where she was the only one in the room with a backbone to acknowledge his presence, helps her go to him with a request that will change them both in a way that could break their spirits if he accepts her bargain.

Lucian, of course, accepts that bargain in exchange for Catherine’s help in teaching his almost-fiance the finer points of aristocrtic life, something the girl doesn’t want, along with not wanting to marry Lucian. The more time they spend together, you see them fall for one another, but whereas Catherine confronts her feelings for Luke to herself, he keeps his denial right up front in the guise of still wanting to marry his lifelong friend and start a family. He holds out so long that I started to get that feeling in the pit of my stomach, that feeling when you know something is wrong and will there be a way to make it right before irreparable harm is done.

The secondary characters are very well written, with most of them being friends of Luke’s from his days on the street, including the woman he intends to marry. The mystery surrounding his past and the way he came into the earldom is intriguing and does keep you guessing for a while. I really enjoyed Luke and Catherine together. She never kowtowed to him, always held her own in every situation, even when she knew it would break her heart. I kept telling Luke to stop looking at Catherine as a means to an end, to see her as the woman she is, the woman for him, but he wouldn’t listen to me for the longest time! Men! Despite all that, he’s now one of my favorite heroes that I’ve read in quite some time.

Ms. Heath strikes with a pretty wicked and emotional pen. This is only my fourth book of hers that I’ve read, the first three being her Texas trilogy, one of which brought forth tears a few times, something very few authors can do when I read. I became an instant fan then. In Bed with the Devil only solidifies my conclusion she’s one of the best out there.

Grade: A+

Summary:

“I’ve always been of the opinion that a woman would be far more satisfied lying in bed with the devil than with a saint.” —Lady Catherine Mabry

They call him the Devil Earl—a scoundrel and accused murderer who grew up on the violent London streets. A proper young lady risks more than her reputation when consorting with the roguishly handsome Lucian Langdon, but Lady Catherine Mabry believes she has no choice. To protect those she loves, she would do anything—even strike a bargain with the devil himself.

Lucian desires respectability and a wife above all else, but the woman of his choosing lacks the social graces to be accepted by the aristocracy. Catherine can help Lucian gain everything he wants. But what she asks for in exchange will put their very lives in jeopardy. When danger closes in, Catherine discovers a man of immense passion and he discovers a woman of immeasurable courage. As secrets from his dark past are revealed, Lucian begins to question everything he knows to be true, including the yearnings of his own heart.

Read an excerpt.

Gwen’s review of When He Was Bad by Shelly Laurenston and Cynthia Eden
Contemporary paranormal romance anthology released by Brava 1 Jun 08

This is my kind of anthology – not too many stories and they’re long enough to be satisfying. With this book, we get two stories that are nice and long giving us time to really get to know the characters – shapeshifter and human alike. With one of the stories, this is a good thing. With the other, not so much. Read on to find out why…

Miss Congeniality by Shelly Laurenston

I LOVED this story. It was charming, quirky, sexy, and completely entertaining. Miss has a very different heroine and a typical alpha hero who loves the heroine’s differences. I laughed out loud several times when the heroine let loose with some of her unusual dialog (internal and external) or irrefutably logical conclusions. There’s steam, but no raunch. I loved the setting (late 1980′s) and that the epilogue (sorry, I love me some epilogues) shows their children. It’s an all around great tale that follows a logical story arc and emotional progression, has nice action and suspense elements, and is tightly written. I suspect any fan of paranormal romance will love Miss.

Grade: A

Summary:

It’s those damn stockings that get me every time. They have this sexy little line down the back and I can’t help but stare at her legs… constantly. And you’d think she’d be all over me like every other female in the Seattle area. I’m young, good looking, and one day I’ll be Alpha Male of my family’s Pack. But Professor Irene Conridge acts like I don’t even exist. How is that possible? Now she’s got enemies coming out of the woodwork and I have to protect her. Why? Because that’s the kind of man I am. Yes, I am that amazing. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that while I work to secure her safety, she’ll be hanging out at my house. That’s hours…days even that I’ve got Irene Conridge right where I want her.

Read an excerpt.

Wicked Ways by Cynthia Eden

I normally really like Cynthia Eden, but I really didn’t like this story. I didn’t believe in the heroine’s sudden acceptance of the hero’s nature and hated her TSTL moments. I didn’t believe in the hero’s acceptance of the heroine’s sudden insertion into the law enforcement sting to catch the bad guy. I just didn’t believe in the premise of the story. Perhaps if the heroine had an inkling before the beginning of the story that there was a whole new paranormal world out there, or perhaps if she had been law enforcement to begin with, I might have believed it. But as it is, it stretched my “suspension of disbelief” too far and it just snapped in two. I enjoyed the hero. But that was about it.

Grade: D+

Summary:

I’m too dangerous for her. I know it, but I can’t get my sexy new neighbor out of my head. When I hear her scream one night, the absolute last thing I expect to see is Miranda Shaw-star of my hottest fantasies-being attacked by a vampire. Now the undead jerk is after her, and I’m the only thing standing between the beautiful lady and a killer who just won’t stop. Well, too bad for him, because that vamp has just made the worst mistake of his afterlife-he’s tangled with a shifter.And Miranda, well, she’s so busy watching out for him that she won’t see me closing in on her-not until it’s too late-and I’m about to show her just how wild I can get…

Read an excerpt (scroll down).

Even with the slight mis-step on the second story, I recommend this book purely on the strength of the first tale, which I almost gave an A+, hoping that everyone would read it. I didn’t only because the paranormal elements might not appeal to everyone and anyone. Nevertheless, I would recommend this book purely on the strength of the first story alone.

Overall Grade: B-

Book Summary:

Two of paranormal romance’s bestselling authors combine their extraordinary talents and set the pages on fire with an after-dark anthology featuring Alpha males so hot, so wild, and so bad, they may just be the best you’ve ever had…

Sandy M’s review of Sam’s Creed (Hell’s Eight, Book 2) by Sarah McCarty
Historical Western Romance published by Harlequin Spice 24 Jun 08

I love alpha men in my romances. Really alpha. The kind that take what they want when they want and know how to love a woman like she’s never been loved before. Of course, another part of my loving these alphas in my romances is seeing them fall for the one woman who stands up to them, makes them shiver with a touch, pulls the emotion from them while never letting them be less than the men they are. Sarah McCarty is doing all that and then some in her Hell’s Eight series. The men of Hell’s Eight grew up together after suffering the loss of their loved ones during a massacre, all feeling guilty about not being able to help save their families and all vowing to never love again to keep the pain of loss at bay. In the intervening years Sam has become a Texas Ranger and is a hard man, a man who kills with no remorse, a man who knows he’s best alone. His loyalty lies with his Hell’s Eight family and he’s content enough with that. Until he meets an Hispanic spitfire by the name of Isabella at the wrong end of a pistol.

She’s bossy. She’s been gently reared, a princess who needs pampering. But she’s also as sexy as all get-out and he’d love to have his hands all over her. But he knows she deserves better, so he’s not about to take her innocence, even though she throws herself at him at every turn. She’s running scared and even his assurances that he won’t let Tejala, the local bandito who everyone fears, get anywhere near her again don’t pacify her. Her answer to her problem is to give her virginity to Sam so Tejala won’t want her any longer. As much as Sam would like that, he just can’t let himself ruin this woman who fascinates, irritates, and tempts him with her fiery nature.

Isabella does her best, however, to push Sam over that sensual, sexual edge. I have to give Sam credit for the length of time he does hold out against her semi-clumsy, innocent wiles. Finally he’s at the end of his rope and there’s no going back for either of them when he snaps. Isabella even pushes him so far for him to lose his control, to show her the true passion between a man and a woman, not the slow and easy foreplay that Sam wants to give her. Isabella is a great match for Sam.

She doesn’t take any guff from him, but she also learns to follow his instructions when danger seeks them out, which happens quite a bit. Although she does save his bacon a couple of times when she ignores his dictates. That pisses him off to no end, but at least he’s still breathing to give her a good talkin’ to.

The quick and snappy banter between these two is a lot of fun. We meet up again with Tucker, another Hell’s Eight brother, and we’re set up nicely for the next book, Tucker’s Claim, due out in April of next year. The only thing that I didn’t get and would have really liked was a visit with Caine and Desi from the previous book, Caine’s Reckoning.

I know the storyline doesn’t allow for that, but I still would have liked it somehow anyway. For most of this book the only two characters we get are Sam and Isabella, which you’d think would get a little boring after a while, but that never happens. Ms. McCarty has a way with these characters and they keep the pages turning as fast as you can flip them.

Grade: A

Summary:

Known for making up his own rules of right and wrong. Texas Ranger Sam “Wildcard” MacGregor takes what he wants when he wants it, especially when it comes to women. But seduction is the last thing on his mind the moment he stumbles across an Hispanic beauty racked with grief crouched beside a burned out wagon. And it doesn’t take long before he realizes the woman the townsfolk call “cursed” is hiding secrets too dangerous to face alone.

Isabella may look feminine and unassuming, but she’s hell in a bodice, with gun-slinging skills to match any man’s. But though she knows not to give Sam her heart as readily as she offers him her lush body, Isabella is certain she sees in Sam what he can barely glimpse in himself— a virtuous man dropped deep into a hard country bent on breaking him. A man who, under it all, craves a passionate woman willing to risk everything…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Shannon C.’s review of Damned, Delicious and Dangerous by Delilah Devlin, Lisa Renee Jones, and Megan Kerans
Paranormal erotic romance anthology released by Aphrodisia 1 Jun 08

Ahh, paranormal erotic romance. It can be the cheesiest thing ever, or it can be a place to escape into a dark, sensual world for a few hours. Two of the three authors in this anthology were ones I’ve heard praise for, so I was eager to try out their work. Sadly, my favorite piece in the anthology wasn’t one written by either of the authors I was hoping to read. 

The Demon Lord’s Cloak by Delilah Devlin

This is a Beauty and the Beast story. Reading it, I was struck with a sense of deja vu. I’ve read this story before countless times and this rendition didn’t stick out. Both the characters were likeable, but I kept getting distracted by the fact that I never really got a good sense of place from the story and kept noticing continuity slip-ups. I also find it annoyingly implausible that a man who keeps getting virgins sacrificed to him had never encountered anyone as innocent as the heroine. I mean, they can’t all have been whores in disguise. And Voletta seems more like an Italian name than a French one. But, like I said, the story itself is pleasant, and I haven’t written off Ms. Devlin yet.

Grade: C-

Summary:
Bound and naked, Voletta has every reason to fear the mysterious man holding her in his arms. Instead his brooding presence intrigues her, his hard body excites her—and his rough touch arouses her…

You can read an excerpt here

Night Sins by Lisa Renee Jones

This offering has the germs of a really good story. In fact, though it started out fairly weakly, it’s grown on me.

I was at first worried that heroine Kayla would merely be a faux strong woman–feisty and TSTL. But though she does have a couple of bad moments, I really liked how she and Ethan, the hero, worked together to solve their problems. I also liked the ending, which promised that their hurdles weren’t entirely over. And what’s more, I believed that Ethan and Kayla had long been attracted to each other.

Unfortunately, a lot of time is spent setting up this world, time I’m not really all that sure we needed to have taken. There was information about the world that never ever came into play, and could have been left out entirely without the reader having lost anything. This built to a very weak start that only picked up as Ms. Jones settled into her story.

Grade: C+

Summary:
In the battle between good and evil, Kayla Ward knows vampires are strictly off limits. But Ethan’s dark sensuality and seductive allure leave her craving hot, passionate sex…

I couldn’t find an excerpt for this story.

The Devil’s Paradise by Megan Kerans

This was my favorite story in the anthology. I really liked the characters and got a sense of who they were. Both of them are a bit cliched–Justice works as a wedding planner, and she’s raising her brother and is completely selfless. Dashiel is a devil doomed to an eternity of torment managing a hotel that works as a last fling for the damned. But they both work. I loved their banter, and their sex scenes are actually pretty hot. I wasn’t totally engaged in the story, but I definitely think it’s the best in the anthology and shouldn’t be missed.

Grade: B

Summary:
Justice Malloy is looking for the perfect place for a wedding reception. What she finds at The Last Resort Hotel is a man whose raw male power promises carnal pleasure like she’s never felt before.

I couldn’t find an excerpt for this story.

With two stories that were just OK and one story that was pretty good, I’d recommend this anthology to paranormal fans who want something light to read, or fans of the three authors. Casual readers should definitely pick up the Kearns story but could probably give the others a pass.

Overall Grade: C+

Summary:
Men of darkness, men of passion.trapped by temptation and bound by desire. No woman can refuse their erotic invitation for sexual pleasure. “The Demon Lord’s Cloak” by Delilah Devlin Bound and naked, Voletta has every reason to fear the mysterious man holding her in his arms. Instead his brooding presence intrigues her, his hard body excites her-and his rough touch arouses her. “Night Sins” by Lisa Renee Jones In the battle between good and evil, Kayla Ward knows vampires are strictly off limits. But Ethan’s dark sensuality and seductive allure leave her craving hot, passionate sex. “The Devil’s Paradise” by Megan Kerans Justice Malloy is looking for the perfect place for a wedding reception. What she finds at The Last Resort Hotel is a man whose raw male power promises carnal pleasure like she’s never felt before.

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

Maddie Stone escaped her past. She cut her ties and made a good life for herself as a concierge for Sky High Air. I haven’t read the rest of the Sky High Air series, but Shalvis introduces everything clearly so that there is no need for familiarity with the two preceding novels. While I liked both Maddie and Brody, Noah and Shayne did not make enough of an impression to cause me to immediately go back and read their stories.

In fact, Maddie not only worked for Sky High, she made herself indispensable to the company. That’s why Brody West tracks her down when she disappears. Well, that and his raging attraction to her. The two shared a kiss after she was shot on the job, and Brody can’t forget it. Now that he’s shown up, he finds not only Maddie but her twin sister Leena. Maddie needs to deal with her past quickly because both she and her sister are in danger. And her sister has her own ideas about how to protect them that don’t mesh well with Maddie’s.

While technically a contemporary romance, Superb and Sexy contains many elements of a romantic suspense novel. It’s just enough to add some action to the story but not enough for the action to overwhelm the central couple. There’s also a secondary couple, featuring Leena and a man named Ben. They’re quite cute together, but all of their backstory occurs offscreen. It’s necessary to keep the book moving, but I would have enjoyed more time with them. I’ve never minded secondary romances, and their comfortable relationship makes a nice contrast to Maddie and Brody’s bickering of love.

Of course, I was doomed to like Maddie and Brody since they do participate in the bickering of love so much. I’m almost always sold on characters who argue, unless it gets too ridiculous. I like this little exchange:

“Are you kidding?” he asked with a low laugh. “When you’re at work, you butt into my life every damn day of the week.”
“Oh, you mean when you’re in your office, all pouting and edgy and barking at the rest of us?”
“Excuse me. Pouting?”
“That’s right. Pouting like a woman over your deep, dark secrets.”

Superb and Sexy manages a nice balance between the darker plot and the sweet romance. There are some truly creepy moments, but Shalvis maintains a light approach on what could be a downer novel. Perhaps my favorite scene is when both couples are finally in one room together. They’re in danger, but it’s very funny. (And without being absurd, for those who are wary of that kind of humor. I enjoy it, but know it isn’t universally liked.)

Of course, the lightness made it easy to read, but it also caused the story to make little impression on me. It was fun reading for an afternoon, but there was nothing to it to make me want to pick up Jill Shalvis’s backlist. I enjoyed the story without being engrossed by it and none of the characters aside from the leads left much of an impression. Superb and Sexy is a well-done romance with some action, but it’s just not much different from many other stories I’ve read.

Grade: B

BUCKLE UP. IT’S GOING TO BE QUITE A RIDE.

Despite his brooding bad-boy attitude, Brody knows life has treated him pretty well. His luxury charter airline, Sky High, has given him financial security and the means to take to the skies whenever things on the ground get complicated. And lately, things have become very complicated, thanks to the insanely passionate, or perhaps just insane, kiss he shared with Sky High’s gorgeous, wisecracking concierge, Maddie. He’s tried to keep his distance, but now Maddie desperately needs help, and it’s triggering protective alpha-male urges Brody didn’t even know he had.

For months, Maddie hid her crush on sexy, exasperating Brody behind a cool, kick-ass exterior and then blew that to smithereens by jumping him in the lobby. Yeah, real smooth. She’s tried to break her ties with Sky High, but Brody won’t let her walk away-especially now that he knows that Maddie and her twin sister Leena are in big-time trouble. To save Leena, Maddie and Brody must pose as husband and wife, and Maddie is amazed that the man she thought was oblivious to her existence knows her very well indeed. But that’s nothing compared to the way she’s about to get to know him-intimately, in depth, and over and over again.

Read an excerpt here.