I’m Laura J and I love to read.

Well, it hasn’t always been that way. Thanks to an overzealous teacher back in third grade, who made us only read non-fiction historical or biographies, my reading experience was pretty much nil. Fortunately, a good friend of mine told me about a book she thought I should try. That book was Mary Janice Davidson‘s Undead and Unwed. I’m sad to admit, but it took me about three months to finish the book. By the time I finished, though, I was grabbing up all her other books and lots of others. I was hooked on reading again. A dream come true for my mom whose second home my entire life was the public library.

I love reading contemporary romances, erotic romances, and some cozy mysteries. I definitely want a “happily ever after” in the books I read. I also love my books to have some comedy in them. I don’t like heavy suspense at all. I can get that from the evening news. I have read a couple of historicals, but don’t really care for them.

Some of my favorite authors are LuAnn McLane, Janice Maynard, Karen Kelley, Bonnie Edwards, and Leslie Kelly.

When I’m not reading I’m busy transporting three active kids here, there, and everywhere. Of course, I usually have a book in the car with me, which annoys the heck out my oldest child. I am also married to a pretty fantastic guy who puts up with a lot of, “I’ll start supper just as soon as I finish this chapter.” I was a clog dancer for about six and a half years and during breaks we would read and discuss books. I’m a pre-school gymnastics instructor, swimming instructor, lifeguard, and manage a concession stand. That sounds like a lot, but it’s all at the same place. I also am the photographer for our local parks department. I also volunteer with a parade for one of the country’s largest festivals and I volunteer with our church to set up a stage where our preschoolers get their bible lessons.

LauraJ’s review of The Bite Before Christmas by Heidi Betts
Paranormal Romance published by Brava 28 Sep 10

She’s written historical westerns, funny and sexy knitting stories, and has several Desire books to her name (and another one coming out soon. YAY!) and now she’s entering into the paranormal world with vampires. And not just any kind of vampires, she’s giving us funny, sexy, “sparkle” free vampires (another YAY!).

The first of the three stories features Conner Drake who just wants to have a normal, traditional Christmas, complete with all the decorations. Unfortunately, his two younger siblings can’t seem to get into the spirit of the holidays and seem to stop at nothing to ruin his mood.

Thanks to good friend and matchmaker, Angelina Ricci’s recommendation to hire event coordinator, Jillian Parker to spruce up Drake Manor for the holidays, Conner hopes to bring his brother and sister around so that can finally enjoy a traditional Christmas, something they haven’t done in a long time. Jillian is a bit nervous around vampires, but quickly becomes someone the Drake family needs to bring them back together.

I really enjoyed this story (my second favorite of the three). Ms. Betts not only delivers a funny and sexy story but also tackles (slightly) the idea of prejudices and also family dysfunction. Jillian has never spent time around vampires and is a little uneasy about working so closely with one, but from the story you get that Jillian, while knowing that she could really bring in some much needed income, she is also someone who wants to learn first hand if the prejudices are warranted.

Conner is a traditionalist when it comes to family and holidays, but his two younger siblings want no part of any of that. They rebel at every opportunity and flaunt they vampire status every where. It provides some moments of very funny battle of wits (if you are a parent of teenagers, you will be able to relate).

The second story (and my favorite) is about Vivian Harrison who is madly in love with her boss Sean Spice. When she learns some devastating news about Sean, things go from great working relationship to really great (as in HOT, HOT, HOT) but very inappropriate boss/employee relationship. Afterwards, Vivian spills her guts to Angelina who takes it upon herself to make all of Vivian’s dreams come true. Unfortunately for Sean, it’s going to take a lot of convincing by Vivian (who is not at all happy with Angelina’s meddling ways) that life is the best gift of all.

I LOVED this story and it’s my favorite of the three. This is the one that had me really laughing out loud in several places. Sean’s reaction to his “change” is absolutely hilarious. Vivian is put in a very tight spot with having to break the news to Sean and convincing him this really isn’t such a bad thing given the alternative. She goes through a whole range of emotions while dealing with Sean and with Angelina’s meddling, but she never comes across as anything but likable.

The third story features Angelina and her very hunky vampire, cop boyfriend of many, many years. Every year Angelina has hoped and wished for Ian Hart to come around and finally ask her to marry him. She knows that are meant to be together for eternity but thinks that Ian is just happy with the status quo. Another holiday season and no question popping, Angelina begins to wonder if things would be different if they weren’t vampires with an eternity to spend together. She falls asleep and when she wakes up things just don’t seem the same. For one, they aren’t vampires anymore.

Since I’m not a huge fan of suspense (and there is a little in this story), this was my least favorite of the three, but I still really enjoyed Angelina and Ian’s story. It still has several very funny parts, especially when Angelina realizes something weird is going on. Ian is definitely the strong, silent, sexy type. **grin** Through most of the story he comes across as the strong, silent type. Without giving anything away (at least I hope) I couldn’t help but love his soft, tender and romantic side.

We get to know Angelina throughout the book and other stories as a great friend who cares deeply about others finding happiness, especially her closest friends (Conner and Vivianne). She appears to be a very strong person in the first two stories so it was nice to see her more vulnerable.

The only thing I can say negative about this book/stories is they weren’t long enough (luckily we will be getting another vampire book from her next year!!)! I really, really loved it and if you have read other books by Ms. Betts and enjoyed her writing and characters, you will love this one too. If you have never picked up a book by her, then I highly recommend you try this one and then go back and pick up her other books as well. You won’t be disappointed.

Grade: A

Summary:

“All I Vant For Christmas”

Millionaire vampire Connor Drake loves trimming the tree, baking gingerbread cookies, and hanging the mistletoe for Christmas, but his Goth and gloomy vampire siblings won’t have anything to do with it. Enter Angelina, who sends party planner Jillian Parker to the rescue. But when Jillian—who’s mortal–discovers that she’s decking the halls for a family of vampires, will she run…or will Connor have a beautiful woman to share the holidays with?

“A Vampire in Her Stocking”

When Vivian learns that her secret crush, Nick, is terminally ill, she is heartbroken. Confiding in Angelina, Vivian refuses to turn Nick into a vampire. Deciding to play Santa, Angelina changes Nick and leaves him wrapped in a red bow on Vivian’s doorstep…

“It’s A Wonderful Bite”

Although Angelina is happy with her longtime lover, Ian, she’s ready for a commitment. After drinking eggnog and watching It’s a Wonderful Life on Christmas Eve for the (literally) four millionth time, Angelina falls into a dream where she is mortal, and Ian is involved with someone else. Talk about the nightmare before Christmas! But Santa must have checked his list twice, because this Christmas Angelina’s wishes are about to come true…

Read an excerpt.

This just in…

I’m very excited because one of my favorite authors has a new book coming out in just a few days!

The Bite Before Christmas will be released by Kensington Brava on September 28th. This is Ms. Betts first venture into the paranormal world of vampires and her first release with Brava. All three stories take place around the Christmas holiday and I’m sure will not only be sexy, but will be the light hearted humor that Ms. Betts known for.

You can check out a couple of excerpts here and here.

Vampires and Christmas? Who knew!

In Heidi Betts-s collection of holiday novellas, vampires turn to Angelina Bertolli-vampire matchmaker extraordinaire-to help them find that special someone to curl up with under the mistletoe

--All I Vant For Christmas-

Connor loves trimming the Christmas tree, baking gingerbread cookies, and hanging the mistletoe. But his vampire siblings won-t help. His friend Angelina sends party planner Jillian to the rescue. But when Jillian, who-s mortal, discovers she-s decking the halls for a family of vampires, will she run-or will Connor have a beautiful woman to share the holidays with?

-A Vampire in Her Stocking-

When Vivian learns that her secret crush Nick is terminally ill, she-s heartbroken. Confiding in Angelina, Vivian refuses to turn Nick into a vampire. Deciding to play Santa, Angelina changes Nick and leaves him wrapped in a red bow on Vivian-s doorstep-

-It-s A Wonderful Bite-

Although Angelina is happy with her boyfriend Sergio, she-s ready for a commitment. After drinking eggnog and watching It-s a Wonderful Life on Christmas Eve, Angelina falls into a dream where she is mortal and Sergio isn-t interested in her. Talk about the nightmare before Christmas! But Santa must have checked his list twice because this Christmas Angelina-s wishes are coming true-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grade: A+

Summary:

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

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

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

LauraJ’s review of I Love This Bar by Carolyn Brown
Contemporary Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Jun 10

I was a little hesitant to pick up this book. I had tried to read her earlier release, Lucky in Love, and could not just get into the book. I knew others had loved it, but after a week I put it down and never picked it up again. The title of this book caught my attention (one of my favorite Toby Keith songs), so I checked out the blurb on the back and it sounded kind of cute. I didn’t, however, pick it up right away. After a few days of trying to find something I wanted to read and striking out, I went back and decided to give this book a shot.

Daisy O’Dell owns a bar simply named the Honky Tonk. She inherited it from a woman whose only rules for Daisy were to offer cold beer, good music and no men in the apartment that was attached to the bar. She’s had enough of men as far as relationships go, so those rules should be simple enough to follow. Simple enough until she runs into cowboy Jarod McElroy, literally.

Jarod is in town to take care of his crotchety uncle who is suffering from Alzheimer’s and can no longer run his ranch. Jarod and his uncle butt heads constantly over this and that and needing a break, he ends up at the Honky Tonk. He’s has been engaged three times and has vowed never to get tangled up again. Barmaids are number one on the list of no-no’s and female bar owners even higher. But, when his uncle mistakes Jarod and Daisy for being married, they can’t help but play along to settle the mind of an old man.

It took me a little time to get into the story. Ms. Brown uses a writing style that was one I’ve not encountered before. Most of the books I have read, the transition between the characters’ point of view are obvious, however there were what seem like sudden shifts between them and I would have to back up a little to figure out when it shifted. After a couple of chapters, though, I figured out the rhythm of the story and I was glad I stuck with it. There were a couple of places that seemed rushed or that part of the story was lacking but not really enough to take away from the whole story.

The h/h are enjoyable but it’s the secondary characters that kept me glued to the story. Jarod’s uncle Emmett, identical triplet brothers, a woman named Chigger, who dresses like a prostitute, and a couple of old pool hustlers were just as much a part of the story as the h/h. Pretty much every character Toby mentions in the song comes through the Honky Tonk at some point. Small town American life at its best, its worst and every where in between.

I’m looking forward to the next book in the series (Hell Yeah- August 2010, closely followed by two more books in the series after that) and I won’t be so hesitant to read it.

Grade: B
Summary:

She doesn’t need anything but her bar…
Daisy O’Dell has her hands full with hotheads and thirsty ranchers until the day one damn fine cowboy walks in and throws her whole life into turmoil…

He’s looking for a cold drink and a moment’s peace…
Instead he finds one red hot woman. She’s just what he needs, if only he can convince her to come out from behind that bar, and come home with him…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

LauraJ’s review of Some Like it Scot byDonna Kauffman
Contemporary Romance published by Brava 1 Jun 10

I’m not one for surprises. I like to know what is going to happen (books/movies/Christmas) and really if someone spoils something for me, I don’t care (I won’t however, spoil ending for others). I read the end of books first (not this one, though. E-readers make it a bit harder). So it caught me totally off guard when I found out that Ms. Kauffman had released a book with a Scottish Hero, in a kilt no less. I LOVED her earlier books Bad Boys in Kilts and The Great Scot. The books were fun, sexy and set in a location that I really, really want to visit someday. So after finding out that this book was coming out (only days before its release), I pre-ordered for my Nook and downloaded right before going on vacation. Once I started reading I found I couldn’t wait to get out of the Disney parks and back to our resort so I could sit on our balcony and read.

This is the first of what looks like three books in a new series by Ms. Kauffman (maybe, hopefully more?). Three boyhood friends live on a small island off the mainland of Scotland. Their local economy depends on flax and the custom made baskets woven from the flax thread produced there. It is a community of tradition and one tradition that has Graham MacLeod scrambling to either convince the people of Kinloch to end, marry a girl from the other predominant family, the MacAuley or give up his clan leadership to the next in line from the other family, Iain MacAuley, a man who has not ever set foot on Kinloch with motives that are unclear as to why he would want to be laird of this island.

Graham’s two best friends, Roan and Shay, seem very eager to help him get him married off. They know the marriage pact made between to the two families 400 years old may be old fashioned and antiquated but, why fix what’s broken. Roan has located the perfect woman for Graham in Annapolis, Maryland. Roan informs him that he needs to leave now since his time is limited in meeting Katie MacAuley and convincing her to marry him within 40 days. Problem is Roan neglects to tell him how limited.

Katie has been under the thumb of her family and her father’s business partners families since before she was born. She is considered more an asset to the business than a loved member of the family. She has never stood up to her overbearing, business minded family until Graham presents himself, complete in full Scottish regalia, and an opportunity to escape from under the control of her family.

Graham and Katie are both in similar situations. He’s being forced into a marriage he doesn’t feel is necessary nor will help the clans he is inherited to oversee. Katie is forced into a “business arrangement” that is for appearances only. Both are willing to go along with these plans, but reluctantly and hoping that others will see that it’s wrong. When Graham offers Katie an offer of marriage with a way out to help him she agrees seeing it as a way out and a way to take control of her own life. Soon, though, Graham realizes that he is doing the same thing to Katie that her parents have done to her and tells Katie that she can stay on at Kinloch for time to think and if she no longer wants to go on with the marriage arrangement she is free leave. But for some reason, neither of them can stay away from each other. When they try to withdrawal from each other’s lives there is an emptiness and a sense that it’s very wrong. Both have visions of them together, dreams that are the same and also very intense.

Graham and Katie are wonderful, strong characters. Despite the situation that both are faced with both individually and together they only want the best for each other. Graham is willing to give up his “title” so that Katie is not put in another situation where she feels like she’s just a business asset, while Katie understands Graham’s position he’s forced into by tradition. I love the respect that they have for each other. Either one could have pushed each other in one direction or the other but they didn’t.

The secondary characters are wonderful adding to the story only a little but also setting the stories up for the future books.

Since one of the very first books I read by Ms. Kauffman was her books set in Scotland it was so good to see her write more. I’m really looking forward to Roan and Shay’s stories. So I guess some surprises aren’t so bad after all.

Grade: A

Summary:

THERE GOES THE BRIDE…

She’s cautious, careful—and about to lose control of her future to a marriage of inconvenience. So, what can reluctant bride Katie McAuley do? Easy—let a modern-day Prince Charming spirit her away for a month to his Scottish castle. There she can take refuge from her overbearing family and finally figure out what she really wants. But the more Katie sees of Graham MacLeod, the harder it’s getting to keep their arrangement strictly business…

As MacLeod clan leader, Graham had always placed duty to his heritage and people before everything else. Now with Katie as his “betrothed,” he’s finally satisfied a ridiculously outdated Marriage Pact to wed a McAuley descendant, letting him focus on more pressing matters, like preventing a ruthless relative’s takeover of his home island. If he could just keep Katie’s courage and honesty at arm’s length, not to mention their all-too-sizzling attraction…

**The next book in the series is Off Kilter and due to be released January 2011 and will feature Graham’s best friend Roan. I can’t wait!!*

Read an excerpt.

LauraJ’s review of Dating Outside Your DNA by Karen Kelley
Contemporary Romantic Comedy released by Kensington Brava 24 Nov 09.

I have to admit right up front, I’m a bit disappointed. I have loved every one of these books. The characters are so fun and in each book there are several times I would laugh out loud (I did learn after the first one that these books are not good to read in public). I should clarify that I’m not disappointed in the book, no not at all. I loved it, but I’m disappointed because this is the last book in this series. I’m going to miss Ms. Kelly’s quirky characters from this series. The heroes all tough seemingly alpha males brought to their knees by alien woman who has a very low tolerance of both alcohol and chocolate.

In this latest book, Roan Hendrix is a special agent who is on leave after being shot in the line of duty. Thinking he is going to be put back on full duty he is called in to his boss’ office only to learn that the only way to get back to duty is to train a half human half Nerakian woman named Lyraka. Grudgingly he accepts. While he knows that the woman of Nerak have very different abilities, he is no where near prepared for Lyraka’s abilities. He’s much like the other heroes of this series, a tough guy, doesn’t need a woman, especially one as much trouble as Lyraka is, but quickly falls for her.

Lyraka’s half human, half Nerakian born on earth where she has spent her entire life because her mother chose to be exiled rather than give up her daughter. Lyraka was raised in a commune and her mom was very protective of her, sheltering her and keeping her as far away from humans as she could. Because of her heritage, Lyraka’s abilities are different and stronger than full blood Nerakians. It’s Roan job to help her learn to control them so that she can become a an elite member of the agency. While Roan is pretty much like the other heroes, I did find Lyraka a bit different. Her struggles to fit in were different than the other heroines because she didn’t really fit in on either side (human or Nerakian). I liked her tenacity and the fact that she made her own path. The worse kind of heroines in my book are the whiny, “woe is me”, too stupid to live kind and Lyraka was none of these.

What I liked most about this book and the others was taking the alpha hero and putting him up against a heroine that throws his whole world upside down. Roan is the most knowledgeable about what he’s getting into with Lyraka the other previous heros of this series, but still, like the others has his world turned upside and inside out.

Now this book did have more suspense in it than the previous books and I’m not a fan of suspense but Ms. Kelly still made it light and fun and the villain was so dastardly (yeah, I’m using that word because he reminded me of Snidely Whiplash from the old Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoon) and he got his due in a very comical way. While not my favorite in this series (that honor goes to the first book Close Encounters of the Sexy Kind) I still really, really enjoyed this book.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Set Phasers To Sizzle…

Special agent Roan Hendrix is a straight shooter with weapons and women, so he doesn’t appreciate it when his boss throws him a curve. But what a curve. A half-human, half-Nerakian who needs a one-on-one crash course in how best to channel her powers. And while Roan’s usually a master at separating business from pleasure, one glance into Lyraka’s green eyes is enough to spark scorching fantasies of seriously close encounters with the tall, tanned temptress…

Lyraka’s trying not to mind the way Mister Macho Special Agent keeps barking orders, but it’s impossible to ignore Roan’s rough-and-ready appeal. The sensitive ponytail guys Lyraka grew up with didn’t have a clue how to handle her outsized sex drive, but Roan looks like he’d be up to the task in every way. Better still, he never got the memo that Lyraka’s human side makes her—ahem—”special talents” even greater than the average Nerakian’s….

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

LauraJ’s review of How to Tame a Modern Rogue by Diana Holquist
Contemporary Romance released by Grand Central 4 Aug 09

I rely heavily on blurbs on the back of books to get me hooked on a story. This is an author that I have been told by many I should try because I would probably like her books and I do have several of her older books on my TBR shelf. So with those recommendations and from the blurb on the back of the book I decided I should give this book a try. The premise was intriguing so I figured, why not.

When I start reading a book, I can usually figure out whether or not I’m going to like it by the end of the first chapter, but even if it’s not totally captured my attention after the first chapter then I will try to read a bit more. After the first chapter, I almost gave up. I tend to like my stories with more dialogue or at least a good balance of dialogue to go along with the plotting and the inner thoughts of the characters.

This story, in the beginning, to me spent to much time in the characters minds (especially the heroine‘s). I like knowing what the characters are thinking, but I want them to interact with the other characters as well and in this first chapter, I didn’t get this. But I thought I’m going to give it a bit more. I was intrigued by a couple of the characters and I didn’t want to give up on them too quickly.

The first character that caught my attention was the heroine’s grandmother, Granny Donny. When we first meet her, she is in a carriage, dressed in clothing like a duchess would have worn in the early 1800s. Suffering from what appears to be some sort of dementia, she meets Sam Carson, who is in the process of trying to dodge a former lover. She is convinced that Sam is a Duke and a will be a perfect match for her granddaughter the Princess. I absolutely loved her.

Sam Carson while a bit of a modern day rogue was very kind and respectful to Granny Donny and I think that is why I liked him so much. He didn’t treat her like she was crazy or weak-minded. He played along with her, but didn’t take advantage of it. Despite the outward appearance of being a player, he had a very kind and understanding heart, not to mention lots of patience with Ally when I’m not so sure she deserves it.

Ally took me some time to start to like and even by the end, I’m not too sure I really liked her all that much. I believe she was a smart woman, but lacked common sense. There seemed to be a lot of “what about me” or “what I am I going to do” moments with her. She was in the process of moving from the east coast to the west when “something went wrong” with Grandma Donny. Ally was so focused on her own “deadline” that through most of the story she looked like a spoiled brat. I don’t know if her “protecting” of Granny Donny was for Granny Donny’s benefit or for Ally’s inheritance. Ally does grow up a bit and redeems herself some towards the end of the story, but not enough for me to really start to like her.

Overall, I liked this story. I loved or liked most of the characters including Granny Donny‘s “coachman” Mateo who has his own secrets and Ally’s friend June, all of whom have to work to get Ally to wake up and get over her whiny-ness and realize it’s not all about Ally.

I also liked the premise of this story. Too many times these stories end up being time travel stories, which I don‘t like, but Ms. Holquist did a nice job of keeping this contemporary while adding in the historical side to it. I also think she a good job of writing Granny Donny’s character. Mental issues with the older generation today are becoming more prevalent, but still so many don’t want to acknowledge it and I thank Ms. Holquist for writing it so well.

Grade: C+

Summary:
.
Commitment-phobic Sam Carson has only dated model-gorgeous women. But one stolen kiss from a plain-Jane schoolteacher and he’s hell-bent on stripping away her floral dresses and teaching her the art of being bad. If only her good-girl ways didn’t make him want to be a better man…
.
Ally Giordano is at the end of her rope. Her beloved grandmother actually believes that she’s living in her favorite romance novel in Regency England and Ally doesn’t have the heart to set her straight. But now Granny Donny’s last wish is for a retreat to the country and Ally can’t refuse her…until she demands that Sam accompany them. And though his smiles turn her knees into jelly, Ally knows better than to trust a playboy…and she definitely knows better than to try to change one. Or does she?
.
Read an excerpt here.

 LauraJ’s review of Loves Me, Loves Me Knot by Heidi Betts
Contemporary Romance released by St. Martin’s Press 4 Aug 09

I could be the only person who does this, but have you ever wanted a book so bad that come hell or high water you were going to get it? Now for those of you that have wanted a book that badly, have you actually had to go through hell or wade through high water to get it? I have and believe me when I say it was worth it. See on August 4th, 2009 this book was released along with eight inches of rain in one hour.

Yes, eight inches of rain in an hour causes a lot of problems, cars washing away, basements flooded, police telling folks not to go out unless it’s an emergency and in some places saying they will arrest you if you are out and there is no emergency. So I’m trying very hard to come up with what would sound plausible to a police officer if he should happen to catch me on the road and I came up with nada.

So I go to plan B. Check with the bookstore that is located right next to my husbands work and it looks like plan B is going to work as they have a copy in the store and it is placed on hold for me. Simple plan really, husband picks up book and brings home, I’m happy. Except guess who forgets to pick up book? Yeah, that would be the one sleeping in the doghouse that night.

On to plan C. I hear from someone that they got a copy of the book at Meijers (for those who don‘t know what Meijers is, it‘s kind of like Wal-Mart). There is one down the road from my house and the ban on driving unless it’s an emergency has been lifted. All I can say now is they better have a copy of this book or someone is going to be in the doghouse a lot longer than just one night. Yes, I want to read this book.

Since it’s been six months since the first book in this trilogy has been released I have been on pins and needles (thankfully and lucky for my husband, I was able to buy the book that night) waiting to see what was going to happen with the next couple, Jenna and Gage. In the first book, Tangled Up in Love, we first meet the couple. They are divorced, but still it’s very obvious to everyone but themselves, and Jenna’s aunt Charlotte, that they are still in love.

When they divorced it had been over children. Jenna wanted them Gage did not. He is an undercover cop who has seen the worse and it has pretty much left him without any hope that there is good out there. Thanks to some good margaritas and some scheming good friends, Jenna sets out to have the child she wants from the only man she wants to have a child with.

With the deed done, Jenna lets her friends Ronnie and Grace know that the plan has worked so far. Problem is Gage overhears the conversation. He is of course outraged and tells Jenna that he plans on sticking to her until they know for sure whether or not she’s pregnant. Now if they can just keep things between them sexual (and protected sexual at that), everything will just be fine. Well you know what they say about those best laid plans.

This is such a great cast of characters I don’t know where to start, but since this is Jenna and Gage’s story, I’ll start with them.

I love them, although they weren’t my top couple from the first book, I quickly found I really liked their story. It’s not often that you see a reunion story of a divorced couple. I think I’ve only read one or two myself so I like this unique take on it. There marriage ended because of a lack of communication which is probably the cause of a large number of failed marriages. Gage had to submerge himself in his work and because of that he lost touch with part of reality, the part where there are good people.

This is not a “I had a bad childhood, woe is me kind of story. Both he and Jenna actually came from families that loved each other, not perfectly, but their upbringing were still nothing like the things Gage saw in carrying out his job. By shutting Jenna out of his life and letting her go he thought he was protecting her from the evils that he saw so regularly on the job. Gage is a man who doesn’t express much even to his best friends, Dylan and Zack. I really liked watching him emerge from his cocoon to express those feelings to Jenna and to learn to have faith again in the world around him. He still has work to do and it’s going to take a while (something I like–I really hate when things wrap up nice and neat in a few pages). No one can change overnight, but he is well on his way.

Jenna is the quiet one of the three best friends. She is also the niece to Charlotte. I did kind of expect her to be more whiny, but she’s not. Even though she is the “quiet” one of the group, she has no problem standing up to Gage when he tries to be all alpha male. She ended up being a much tougher person that I expected. She has been putting on a brave face and trying to move on for nearly a year well aware that things are definitely over with him. At least she keeps telling herself that. She’s dated, but no one has come close to what she felt for Gage and she is okay with that. What she is not okay with is being deprived of the child that she and Gage had always wanted until he became disillusioned with the world. He is the only one that she would ever want to father her child.

Aunt Charlotte is such a lovable lady. She believes that an antique spinning wheel that belonged to her mother and grandmother is enchanted and the yarn that is spun on it will bring the person who uses it their true love. She makes a special yarn for Jenna hoping to get her over her sadness for loosing Gage and help her find a new true love. If anyone remembers the show Facts of Life and the lovable Mrs. Garret you have Aunt Charlotte.

Dylan and Ronnie from Tangled Up in Love are back and are still blissfully happy. Zack and Grace who we also met in Tangle (and who I think are going to be my favorite couple of the three couples) are still engaged (another unique aspect of these books that I haven’t read in any before), but something happens and things get a bit rocky for the two. What happens with these two in this story are some of the funniest moments in the book and another reason that I can’t wait to read their story.

These books are exactly the kinds of stories I want to read. They are sexy, funny and have characters that could easily be real. They are characters that jump off the pages from the very beginning and keep you engrossed until the end when they finally get their happy ending. Loves Me, Loves Me Knot is a keeper book for me. It’s a book that I know I will re-read more than once, going to it like comfort food when I’m in need of a story that will leave me feeling happy.

Grade:A

Summary:
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THIS IS KNOT YOUR AVERAGE LOVE STORY
.
Jenna Langan knows what she wants, and as she tells her best friends after their weekly knitting group, she doesn’t need a man to give it to her…only a few of his best swimmers. And just because her marriage to undercover vice cop Gage Marshall ended badly doesn’t mean he can’t still give her the baby she’s always wanted. In fact, she’s willing to bet a couple of her favorite hand-knit boas that she can tie him up in knots he’ll definitely enjoy…
.
BUT TRUE LOVE IS MORE THAN JUST SKEIN DEEP
.
An unexpected seduction is one thing, but stud service? No, thank you. Gage had his reasons for pulling the plug on his happily ever after with Jenna, and nothing that’s happened since their divorce has changed his mind. That is, until Jenna got it into her head to tie him up and drag him down. Now he has no choice but to stick around until he knows for sure if his ex-wife is pregnant. But the more time he spends with Jenna, the more his resolve begins to unravel…
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Read an excerpt here and a deleted scene here.

Other books in this series:

 LauraJ’s review of Flirting With Temptation by Kelley St. John
Contemporary Romance released by Forever 1 Feb 09

If I keep having luck with books from authors I haven’t read before but have on my tbr shelf, I’m going to clear away a lot of unread books. This is the second book I’ve read in a week that I’ve coming saying “Wow, I can’t believe I haven’t read anything by her yet”. I guess I need to come out from under my rock more often, huh.

This was a fun story that I read through very quickly thanks to great pacing and such fun characters. The heroine, Babette kind of reminded me of, well, me. I don’t think I’ve quite decided what I want to be when I grow up, I change my hair color frequently, and back in the day, I changed boyfriends to match my hair color – not the changing of boyfriends anymore since I’ve long outgrown that and met “The One” – much like Babette does. Luckily for her, Babette does discover that she has a talent for repairing broken relationships and opens a business selling her self as the Love Doctor. The business is going well and her track record is 100% until a new client walks in, one who can help Babette’s business grow quickly and in a big way if she is successful and wants her to repair a broken relationship with the client’s former fiancé who also happens to be Babette’s ex-boyfriend (of sorts), Jeff.

After making a few changes and with some encouragement from her Grandmother – Granny Gert tells her numerous times that Babette needs to get some gumption and go after what she wants – Babette heads to Florida to approach Jeff and convince him to talk to his ex-fiancé. Jeff is still a bit bitter by not only his recent break-up, but also his break-up with Babette. To him all women have wandering eyes and he wants nothing to do with either of these two woman from his recent past. Something that is very understandable when you learn how the break-ups occur.

Jeff is still attracted to Babette (as she is to him) but still tries to resist. He offers her a proposal, one he is sure will get rid of both women for good. He tells Babette that if she can make it one week without flirting then he will talk to his ex-fiancé with no promises of reconciliation (because there won’t be any). Determined to be successful himself with getting rid of both women, Jeff tries his best to set Babette up to fail. The problem is Jeff is failing miserably at resisting Babette who in return is doing quite well at resisting the urge to flirt.

The hero and heroine in this story are great and I loved their easy, sexy banter. But it was the secondary characters that gave me lots of laughs. From Babette’s Grandmother who is having Babette track down an old friend she has her eye on to the senior citizens in the retirement community next to Jeff’s condo, they added so much to the story. They show that it doesn’t matter what age are, you can still be young at heart.

There is another book previous to this one featuring Babette’s sister Clarise who appears in this one, but this book can easily stand alone unless you are one of those sticklers who has to read books in order. I’ll be going back to read that one as well as checking out he rest of Ms. St. John’s backlist. Can’t wait for more and next time I won’t be waiting as long to pick them up to read.

Grade: B+

Summary:
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She’s playing it cool.
.
Wild child Babette Robinson doesn’t do relationships, but she does have a knack for helping other people with theirs. When she opens her own match-mending business and dubs herself “The Love Doctor”, she becomes the biggest name in Birmingham, She even attracts teh attention of socialite Kitty Carelle, who hires her to fix her broken engagement to Jeff Eubanks-Babette’s ex!
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He’s turning up the heat.
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Three years ago, Jeff and Babette’s chemistry was off the charts, but though she basked in his sexy charm and wicked with, she couldn’t commit to a deeper relationship. Convinced that all women have wandering eyes, Jeff issues a challenge: He’ll do as Babette asks and talk to Kitty, if Babette abstains from all flirting for one whole week. With Jeff doing his best to make her melt in his arms, will this sassy vamp be able to save her business? And after tempting nights, will she want to give up the man she once tossed away.
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Read an excerpt here.

Other books in this series:

LauraJ’s review of Jinxed by Inez Kelley
Contemporary Romantic Comedy released by Samhain Publishing on June 9, 2009.

I think every woman wants to find a man who is “perfect” (and it’s okay if your idea of perfect is different than mine, etc) and in this light-hearted romance I think Ms. Kelley has managed to get at least several “perfect man” qualifications on most women’s checklists in the hero Francis “Jinx“ Sullivan. Yes that is his name and how he got the name is quite cute, especially if you are the older sister of younger brothers.

Seriously, Jinx is the dream man we all want. He is handsome, has a great job, has money, says all the right things, is patient, kind to children, he’s funny and charming, takes care of those he cares about, and he willingly shops for feminine products for the woman of his dreams. He has suffered pain in the past and when he meets Frances “Frannie“ Sullivan, he believes that he has been given a second chance at love and he is willing to give a reluctant (very reluctant) Frannie all the time she needs to realize that she is “the one” for him.

Frannie, however, believes that Jinx is “a few fries short of a happy meal” (also a fruit loop, nut job, whacko and a few other terms used to describe crazy people). How could someone possibly fall in love at first sight and then propose marriage almost immediately (don’t worry, I’m not giving away any plot spoilers–it happens very early in the story)? Frannie feels that she is just plain, ordinary and someone like Jinx could never fall in love with her. She thinks that, just like her ex-husband, Jinx will get bored with her eventually and move on leaving her to nurse another broken heart. Eventually Frannie begins to fall for him, but she still thinks she can guard her heart. Break his before he breaks hers. But Jinx hangs in there, trying patiently to wait for Francis to come around and believe that he does truly love her.

Like I said, Jinx is the perfect hero, but really not in a overly obnoxious way. Frannie is also very likeable. You can understand her hesitation about getting in a relationship. Her ex-husband (we see him through “flashbacks” of things he said to her) was emotionally abusive and Frannie hasn’t gotten past that yet. Frannie keeps from Jinx why she is so hesitant about getting serious with him. He wants it all with her, but he never pushes her to reveal why she is so hesitant, but waits patiently for her to open up to him.

Although at first the story was lively and upbeat, it hit a spot that seemed to be a little long and dragged a bit, but soon I didn’t care because I really enjoyed Jinx and Frannie. Towards the end I also thought Ms. Kelley was going to let me down with the ending, but I’m very happy to say after reading it, she handled the ending very well.

I hope I see more books like this one by Ms. Kelley in the future.

Grade: B-

Summary:

     When opposites attract, they are screwed three ways from Sunday.

Frannie learned the hard way that a McHottie doesn’t always equal marriage material. She’s happy with her vanilla life. She has friends, a career and a double-D-powered vibrator. Then Fate shoves her, literally, into Prince Charming’s lap. His declaration of love at first sight is cute—and spikes her bullcrap meter into the red zone.

She’s more than willing to give in with her body. But she’s barricaded her heart behind castle walls—and permanently welded the gates shut.

Tragedy taught Jinx that time is too precious to waste, so when a series of uncanny coincidences thrusts Frannie into his life, he holds on tight. He knows she thinks he’s several fries short of a Happy Meal, but he’s determined to breach the fortress around her heart and give her a Happily Ever After.

Even if he has to carry her fanny-first into his kingdom.

Read an excerpt here.

LauraJ’s review of Taking Chloe (The Vaughan Series, Book 3) by Anne Rainey
Contemporary Erotic Romance released by Samhain Publishing 2 Jun 09

This is the third installment for the Vaughn Series by Ms. Rainey and I was very excited to see this brother, Merrick, get his story. I had even looked back to see if I had missed his story. I loved the other two stories (Touching Lace and Taking Candy), where Merrick and his wife, Chloe, appeared.

In this story, Merrick and his wife Chloe have been married for two years, but over the last several months Chloe has felt that she has been alone, abandoned by Merrick for his work. She has tried talking to him but he is always at work or when he comes home late he goes to be immediately. She decides that she must do something drastic to get his attention, so she packs her bags and waits for Merrick to come home to tell him she is moving out.

While waiting for him to change out of his work clothes so they can talk, he falls asleep. Chloe leaves without talking to him knowing if she doesn’t that she will chicken out and Merrick will continue to ignore her and their marriage. Merrick goes after her in shock that Chloe has left him and convinces her to give him one week to prove that they belong together.

The story is full of emotion. Merrick is trying to build a successful business and doesn’t realize that it is costing him his marriage to the love of his life. He loves Chloe and will do every thing to save their marriage. While he is a very alpha type male, he is also very vulnerable and it makes him more real.

Chloe doesn’t let Merrick off the hook easily and while she gives in to the week of pleasure that Merrick gives her, she knows it can’t be saved with sex alone. She want’s Merrick there both physically and emotionally. I liked that Chloe didn’t give in easily and felt it made her character stronger and more real.

Ms. Rainey continues to write wonderful, emotional and very sexy stories. I can’t wait to read the next one.

Grade: A

Summary:
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The only way to keep what he has…is to surrender everything.
.
     The Vaughn Series, Book 3
.
Merrick Vaughn couldn’t be happier with his life. His business is jumping and his marriage to the love of his life is about as good as it gets. At least, that’s what he thinks…until Chloe announces she wants to separate.
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Stunned doesn’t begin to cover it, but it quickly becomes clear that she’s dead serious. And if he doesn’t take action, as in now, he’s going to lose the only woman he’s ever loved.
.
The last thing Chloe wants is a divorce, but she can’t go on living with a virtual stranger who spends all his time—and hers—behind a desk. It’s tearing her apart, and taking a break to sort out her thoughts seems her only recourse.
.
Then Merrick offers a wicked proposition: go to Hawaii with him for one week’s vacation. After that, if he hasn’t successfully changed her mind, he’ll let her go. No questions asked. There’s only one caveat. She must agree to give him complete control.
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Chloe’s intrigued and scared. One week in paradise might bring them closer—or be their ultimate undoing.
.
Warning: This story contains graphic language, a touch of voyeurism, anal sex, and husband-and-wife lovin’ in lots of sinful positions. Have your significant other handy!
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Read an excerpt here.

Other books in this series:

LauraJ’s review of How to Seduce a Texan by Karen Kelley
Contemporary Romantic Comedy released by Brava 1 Jun 09

Karen Kelley has done it again. She has once again written a fun, funny and just plain entertaining story, which is exactly what I want and needed. When I read a book I want to be entertained. I want to escape from the reality of my world and laugh, smile and relax. While this story is not as quirky as some of her other books, such as the Planet Nerak series (which I do enjoy) I still found myself laughing at the situations that the hero and heroine got into.

Nikki “the barracuda” Scott is a reporter who always gets her story. Her nickname is “the barracuda” because she always gets her story. Usually she goes after crooked politicians, but this time it’s a fluff piece about a football player who has gone into hiding after a failed engagement. She’s even willing to put up with the very “rugged” conditions she’s been placed in. Everyone is after this story and it could mean big things for her career if she gets it. I loved Nikki’s determination to stick with things even though it seemed she was not the type for it.

Cal is in hiding at his brother’s ranch (and his) in Texas. He’s tired about being hounded by the press over his “engagement” breakup. Although he never really enjoyed living on the ranch he figures staying and helping out his brother for a few weeks will to let the media stuff die down and he can return to the city.

When he answers the phone and finds himself very interested in the woman on the other end he thinks things are looking up on the ranch only to have that excitement fizzle when he learns from his friend that she is a reporter looking to get a story on him. Cal decides if it’s a story that Nikki wants she is going to have to earn it. He puts her through a lot, including staying in a supposedly haunted house that has seen better days. I could have hated Cal for being so mean to Nikki, but he didn’t really make her do anything that would have been anything but typical ranch work. He was hoping to scare her off, but through it all you could see Cal’s appreciation for her determination.

Thanks to Ms. Kelley for once again giving me a fun, funny and sexy story.

Grade: B+

Summary:
.
Ghost Of A Chance
.
Reporter Nikki “The Barracuda” Scott will sink her teeth into anything. So when her editor sends her to get the lowdown on bad boy football star Cal Braxton, Nikki’s game to rough it on his family ranch. She just isn’t prepared for exactly how rough. Still, the nasty outhouse, noisy animals, and resident ghost won’t put Nikki off…especially once she sets eyes (and hands, and mouth) on her subject. If there’s a juicy story here, Nikki intends to devour it…
.
So, the lady thinks she’s gonna get the scoop on him? Cal’s had his fill of scheming females—hell, his conniving ex-fiancee is the very reason he’s hiding out. Then again, if all journalists were as hot as Nikki, he might consider being more open with the press. Too bad she won’t be around for long. If the chores and “rustic” conditions don’t frighten Nikki off, her haunted accommodations surely will. Tough it turns out Nikki doesn’t scare easily. Now Cal’s the one who’s scared—of falling hard…
.
Read an excerpt here.

LauraJ’s review of All Tied Up (Pleasure Inn, Book 1) by Cathryn Fox
Contemporary Erotic Romance novella released by Samhain Publishing 19 May 09

How does she do it? Cathryn Fox is able to create stories in a short amount of space and you still feel like you have read a regular full length novel. I have heard authors say that it’s much harder for them to write a novella than a novel because they have so much they want to say or they need to say to convey the entire story. In all the novella’s I have read by Ms. Fox I have never left feeling that I have missed any part of the story.

Now this is the first of what I’m assuming is going to be at least 3 stories.  There are two other characters that are introduced in this book that you can tell have their stories waiting in the wings and so there are “parts” missing but nothing that I know won’t be resolved in these other books, assuming of course, I’m right about the next two. As for the hero and heroine in this story I do feel that I got their whole story.

Lindsey, Candace, and Anna are three long time best friends who own their own interior decorating business. They are offered a job to fix up rooms in an old Victorian Manson in the town of Mason Creek for a woman who wants to turn the home into a place for lovers to indulge their fantasies. Each girl is asked by the owner to design her room based on her deepest fantasy.

In this first story, Lindsey decides to decorate her room in a BDSM theme. While she is trying to figure out how to make everything work and fit into the small room, the home’s owner introduces her to Brad is a handyman she has brought in for Lindsey to consider hiring to tear down a wall to make the room larger. Sparks fly immediately between the two despite the fact that both Lindsey and Brad have had relationships in the past that have made them wondering if there is “the one” for them. Lindsey has had several relationships where the men take from her without giving her anything in return but heartache. Brad is tired of women only wanting to bed him and not get to know him.

The story does have a bit of a paranormal tone to it with the two secondary characters, Pamina and her cat, Abra, who “guide” the girls who have given up on men to finding their heroes.

I don’t know how long I’m going to have to wait for the next two stories, but I hope it’s not too long.  The was a great, fast, and very sexy read and I’m looking forward to seeing how Candace and Anna’s stories play out.

Grade: A

Summary:
.
Interior decorator Lindsay Bell jumped at the chance to help restore the old inn at Mason Creek. What could be more fun than letting her imagination run wild on an unlimited budget? Eagerly she plans to turn her assigned room into a fantasy BDSM playground.
.
All she expected from her newly hired handyman was to help her tear down a support wall. She certainly didn’t expect Brad Caldwell to be so drop-dead gorgeous in a tool belt. When he proves to be a steady, hardworking, stand-up guy—unlike the men she’s dated—Lindsay has a new and wicked idea.
.
To take her new creation on a test drive down the road of their deepest, darkest, most delicious desires—and seduce her way into his heart.
.
Warning: Smokin’ hot sex with creative use of toys, and a dash of magic.
.
Read an excerpt here.

Laura J’s review of Casual Hex (The Hex Series, Book 3) by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Contemporary Paranormal Romantic Comedy released by Onyx Publishing 3 Mar 09

When I first started reading again, a friend recommended most of the books I picked up. She knew I liked romantic comedies, but for some reason she never told me about Ms. Lewis-Thompson’s nerd books. Nope, I discovered those all on my own. Wandering around the book section at Wally World I saw Nerds Gone Wild, picked it up, read the back cover blurb and threw it in my cart. I started reading it a couple of days later and loved her quirky sense of humor.

I started grabbing any book of hers I could and finally got caught up on the Nerd Series. She became an automatic buy for me and I was really excited when I learned that she would start a new series set in a fictional town in my home state of Indiana. The first book in the series is Over Hexed which was released in 2007, followed a year later by Wild & Hexy. Casual Hex is the third book in this very fun series and I’m really hoping that we will get a few more in this series (even though it looks like she is starting a new series).

Dorcas and Ambrose, are a matchmaking witch and wizard who have been sent to Big Knob, Indiana as punishment for a spell gone wrong. After helping to match two other couples (Sean and Maggie from Over Hexed and Jeremy and Annie from Wild & Hexy) they decide to help shy, plain Jane and somewhat under confident Gwen Dubois find her true love, while they continue to help George the dragon get his golden scales so they can return to their real home in Sedona.

Gwen is the owner of a flower shop in Big Knob and after a “discovery” of a plant by Dorcas and Ambrose she contacts French botanist Jean “Marc” Chevalier. After conversing through emails for several weeks Marc decides to meet Gwen in person and check out this plant. He was going to a conference in Chicago and Big Knob was only a few hours drive from there. They seemed to have hit it off on line and both were hoping that once they met in person the attraction would be the same or even better.

The problem is, unknown to Dorcas and Ambrose, Queen Beryl, Fairy Queen, has ordered her son Prince Leo to Big Knob to show he can be something other than a rich, spoiled, playboy. Prince Leo must help Gwen build up her confidence and help her feel more sexy. If Leo can accomplish this then he will become the ruler of the fairies. He is able to do this (of course after putting the “job” off for a couple of months while he has his fun) by entering into Gwen’s dreams and becoming what he thinks her fantasy man is. He makes love to her in her dreams and while it’s real to him, Gwen awakes thinking she only had a very vivid dream. It freaks her out when her “fantasy” shows up in Big Knob and complicates things a bit with Marc.

I have fallen in love with all the characters of this series, so I won’t go much in to the secondary characters other than saying that Ambrose and Dorcas still continue to be a couple of my very favorite secondary characters. Marc is a fantastic hero and like many of Ms. Lewis Thompson’s heroes he’s both nerdy and sexy and it works. He falls somewhere between an Alpha and Beta hero. His flaw is he is a bit overprotective of his sister trying to push her in a direction he thinks best, which Gwen helps him to recognize and fix. Gwen is a bit of a nerd herself and lacks confidence in herself. She doesn’t believe in anything that is not black and white.

A secondary hero is the fairy prince Leo. While Leo may help Gwen with her confidence a little she sure does a number on his, but Leo needs this as he is a bit full of himself.

While I’m really hoping for more Hex books, it seems as if this may be the last one. Ms. Lewis Thompson has a new series coming in February 2010, Blonde With a Wand (and a second one in March 2010, Chick With a Charm -YAY! for not having to wait too long between books) that will have Dorcas and Ambrose helping others find their true loves. This wasn’t my favorite of the three (that goes to Over Hexed), but I still really enjoyed it.

Grade: B

Summary:
.
Gwen Dubois lives in Indiana, but her heart is in France with Marc Chevalier. Now he’s come to Big Knob to show Gwen the real meaning of amour and coax her back to Paris. But stiff competition is coming from another part of the world, if not exactly this world. Prince Leo of the Atwood fairy kingdom has his own plans for Gwen.
.
As Marc and Leo battle for Gwen’s affections, Big Knob’s resident matchmaking witch and wizard move in to help true love triumph in the best way they know how: with a little magic. But when the rivalry puts Gwen in danger, the men in her life are asked to prove their love in ways no one could have imagined.
.
Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

 LauraJ’s review of Tangled Up In Love (Chicks With Sticks, Book 1) by Heidi Betts
Contemporary Romantic Comedy released by St. Martin’s 3 Feb 09

I have been looking forward to this book for months. In fact I have been looking forward to it ever since Ms. Betts announced on her blog that she had sold a romantic comedy trilogy to St. Martin’s Press. When the release day finally got here and I got my hands on my copy of the book I became a bit nervous. Was this book going to live up to the hype I had for it in my mind? I can now answer that with a resounding YES!

I got the book in my hands and made the mistake of starting to read it while sitting at a very long traffic light. Bad idea, Laura, BAD IDEA! From the very first sentence this book this grabbed me and had me laughing, snickering, and even snorting (not a pretty sound, but at least I was not in public when it happened).

If you have ever seen the musical “Annie Get Your Gun” (stage or movie version) , you know the song “Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better.” Veronica “Ronnie” Chasen and Dylan Stone are a modern day version of Annie Oakley and Frank Butler. In both cases, the main characters are both rivals and then lovers. During the song Annie and Frank bicker back and forth that one is better than the other and challenge each other to do harder shooting tricks. Fortunately for Dylan, Ronnie doesn’t challenge him to any shooting matches involving guns, but their challenges to each other do push them past their comfort zones.

For Ronnie she has to bungee jump, go white water rafting and get a tattoo. Dylan is given the tasks of mountain climbing, getting his legs waxed and sent to a biker bar dressed in… well you really need to read that part for yourself. After Dylan’s challenge to Ronnie to get the tattoo she know she has to come up with something that will finally stump him and she will get to keep his precious award trophy. Thanks to her friends, they come up with the perfect plan to hopefully put Dylan “the jackass” Stone in his place and make him finally admit there is something that men just can’t do as well as woman. What Ronnie doesn’t count on is that Dylan will walk into her favorite knitting place during her weekly knitting group night to ask for help.

With the help of quirky, but lovable knitting group member Charlotte (Jenna‘s aunt, alpaca farm owner, and has a “special spinning wheel“ that is said to have some magical powers with the yarn it creates), Ronnie gets “pushed” into giving Dylan private knitting lessons. She agrees but only gives him the very basics in help. As she spends time alone with Dylan, Ronnie learns that he might not be the “jackass” she thought he was.

Besides Dylan, Ronnie and Charlotte, Ms. Betts has created a fantastic cast of characters. Gage and Jenna (Book 2), who are divorced and still hurting from it, and Zack and Grace (Book 3) who are currently engaged. I’m looking forward to see what happens as I believe this is the first time for me that in a series the hero/heroine of the sequels are together or once were before their book begins. Usually those characters will be introduced in the first book and then become a couple in the later books so I‘m anxious to see how this will play out.

There is also Melanie, who is also member of Ronnie, Jenna, Grace and Charlotte’s knitting group and adds wisdom and insight to the Ronnie’s latest challenge to Dylan and the mysterious and sexy bartender Turk. Don’t know how much we will learn of him, but there is just enough of him in the story to make me curious about him (and maybe a story for him later on?).

The banter between Dylan and Ronnie is hilarious but at the same time you can almost feel the spark of attraction coming off them. Besides their very public challenges, they even challenge each other in the bedroom with some fun and very hot results. Both learn that the other is not what they think the other is like. Apart they bring out the worst in each other, but they finally figure out that together they bring out the best in each other. Dylan teaches Ronnie to be less serious and uptight about things and Ronnie helps Dylan find the confidence he needs to go for his dream and write what he really wants to write.

I’m really looking forward to Jenna and Gage’s story in Loves Me, Loves Me Knot out August 2009. Of all the characters they are the two that have yet to show their personalities (mostly because they are still pining away for each other, but neither will admit it. They so need their HEA). Zack and Grace’s story will follow in February 2010. As a bonus, at the end of each book, there is a knitting pattern. In Tangled Up in Love the pattern is for the scarf that Dylan makes for the challenge issued by Ronnie.

I have read other books by Ms. Betts and have loved them all, but I believe these stories are going to be my favorite by her. Her humor and personality really shows in these books and I really hope she will continue to write romantic comedies after this series ends.

Grade: A+

Summary:
ARE THEY FIT TO BE TIED?

Ever since Dylan Stone beat Veronica Chasen out of a prime position at the Cleveland Herald, they’ve been bitter rivals, engaging in a very public war of words in their competing newspaper columns. They routinely challenge each other to go bungee jumping, white water rafting, or into tattoo parlors to see who will wimp out first. But Veronica’s latest taunt may be Dylan’s toughest assignment yet: She dares him to learn to knit.

OR WILL DESIRE UNRAVEL THEM BOTH?

Dylan is not going to let something his grandmother can do scare him off. He’s man enough to make a scarf—and attend Veronica’s weekly knitting circle. But when the infuriatingly handsome Dylan shows up at the craft shop and charms all the ladies, Veronica begins to get all knotted up in something that feels a lot like love… But will the two ever stop needling each other?

Read an excerpt here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grade: B

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read an excerpt here.

LauraJ’s review of My Favorite Phantom by Karen Kelley
Contemporary paranormal romance released by Brava 1 Jan 09

Karen Kelley has quickly become one of my favorite comedic authors. I know without a doubt that I am going to spend a lot of time laughing and occasionally snorting while reading one of her books. It’s been a couple of books since she has tackled humor with ghosts (Double Dating With the Dead) so I was glad when she penned another ghost story. I was hoping for her to bring back Dixie and Wesley, the ghosts from DDWtD (and I’m still hoping someday she will — hint hint). No Dixie and Wesley in this book, but still a very funny and very entertaining read.

In this newest book, history professor Peyton Cache needs to hire someone to get rid of a ghost that is haunting his house and he needs this done quickly before an important dinner party he is hosting to win a potential grant. He’s up against another professor, a wannabe proper Englishman with a bad fake British accent. He calls Ghost Be Gone the only ghost exterminators in a 500 mile radius.

Kaci Melton arrives at Peyton’s house expecting to find a stodgy old professor and Peyton is anything buy old and stodgy. She doesn’t usually go out to actually rid houses of ghosts, that’s her dad’s job. She runs the back office and invents equipment for her dad, but her dad has gotten in a tight spot with a loan shark named Guido and Kaci is sent by her father to Peyton’s to get rid of the ghost and hide out until her dad is able to payoff Guido. Now as long as she can keep Peyton from finding out that little tidbit and the fact that she is actually afraid of ghosts then everything should be okay.

Almost immediately there is an attraction between Kaci and Peyton and this attraction quickly progresses when after an encounter with Peyton’s ghost Kaci ends up in his bed.

This book took me a little longer to get into (but I really think that was because of my mood), but by the third chapter I was having a hard time putting it down. The last 3 books I have read by Mrs. Kelley have been her alien/Planet Nerak which I loved. They were silly, fun books with outrageous situations. This book also shows off Mrs. Kelley’s gift for humor. She has a way of bring out “zingers” in what would seem like a more serious situation.

Kaci, although afraid of ghosts, knows how important this job is to help her father. She’s very likeable with her quick wit, finds she has a lot more determination and courage than she thought.

Peyton, while not quite the stodgy professor Kaci expects, he’s still seems a little uptight at first. But when Kaci reveals that she is indeed afraid of ghosts, Peyton wants to fire her but Kaci’s determination makes him decide to give her another chance. Peyton has other motives as he finds that he is attracted to her. This man knows how to talk to a woman. The love scenes are very hot thanks to Peyton who is an expert at using words to get Kaci hot and excited.

The secondary characters are Daniel, a co-worker and competing professor for the grant money and Edward the ghost. Daniel will probably remind readers of someone they work with, the one that seems more important and valuable than he really is. Kaci handles him quite nicely. Edward is quite mischievous in his haunting (remember the green ghost at the hotel in “Ghostbusters”?), but didn’t quite grab me as Dixie and Wesley did in DDWtD. I liked their interactions with the main characters and with each other more.

This was a very funny book that will have you laughing out loud in many places and warming up your cold winter nights. I’m not sure when Mrs. Kelley will be coming out with her next new book, but I’ll be waiting for it anxiously.

Grade: B+

Summary:

When professor Peyton Cache bought a big, gloomy, romantic Victorian house, he should have expected a ghost. He certainly got one, the kind that likes to float his undies around and drop slime in the stairwell for fun. But the professor can’t let the rest of the faculty know he’s lost his mind, so he hires a ghost hunter on the down-low. But somehow, when he booked a ghost hunter, he didn’t think that he was getting a live-in leggy blonde with an attitude like a Jersey gangster and a body like a pinup poster…Kaci Melton needs to hide out for a while, and where better to disappear than a haunted house on one of her dad’s ghost-hunting jobs? All she’ll have to do is deal with a crabby old professor for a couple of days and kick out one measly ghost. Two problems: the professor is a tasty young guy with piercing blue eyes, six-pack abs, and a penchant for talking dirty. And the ghost scares the panties off her…actually given the professor, maybe that’s not a problem. But if she can’t tell him the truth – and she can’t – how is she going to get him to keep up all that wonderful sex? Especially when she’s starting to kinda like him…

Read an excerpt here.

LauraJ’s review of Winter Heat by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jade Lee, and Anna DeStefano
Contemporary romance anthology released by Harlequin 13 Jan 09

Vicki Lewis Thompson is an auto-buy for me. Seriously she could write an instruction manual for how to cook Pop-Tarts and I would buy it. So, I guess that makes me a fangirl, huh? As for the other authors in this anthology, I have read one of Jade Lee’s books, a Harlequin Blaze, but Anna DeStefano is a brand new author to me.

All three stories take place at a secluded ski resort in Colorado. The owners who have named the resort Weekend Pass, named because of the time the couple spent together skiing on his weekend passes while he served in the military. In order to promote the resort the hold a poetry contest. Three winning couples will win a weekend at the resort and help promote the resort by doing such things as readings of their poetry and posing for photographs for travel magazines. Unfortunately for the owners the promoters have decided to the ski resort as a hip, party place and have brought in the Queen of parties, Maddy Luv (think Paris Hilton, but prettier and a little smarter). She plays a role in helping the couples find their ways together in each story.

Weekend Fling by Vicki Lewis Thompson

In this story Josh and Tracy are co-workers who enter the contest after their marketing firm looses out to the firm that won the bid to promote Weekend Pass. Knowing that the other firm will mess up the promotion they want to be there to offer up their firm’s services. But once they reach their assigned cabin, Josh and Tracy realize that the owners think that they are already a couple.

I’ve said it before (and I will probably say it again, and again, and again), but friend to lovers stories are my favorite. Josh and Tracy both fight the attraction they have to each other. They don’t want to ruin their working relationship or their friendship. Ms. Thompson keeps us anticipating them finally giving in. I like that it didn’t happen quickly and that we got to watch their inner battles of should I or shouldn’t I. My only complaint with this story is that it was too short, but overall a great story.

Grade: A-

Weekend Tigress by Jade Lee

In Jade Lee’s story Liz is a kindergarten teacher who decided to explore further the way of the tigress. She is given some help from her aunt, a tigress, when she gives her a special comb to wear on her trip to the resort. Liz knows about the way of the tigress and has recently decided to learn more. Matt, a TSA agent and son of the resort owners, knows what the comb means, but is convinced that either Liz is lying or she is out to trap him. So what would a good agent do, but not let her out of his sight.

This was the steamiest of the three stories. I loved Matt and Liz. He was fighting his desires while at the same time he was convinced that he had a national threat on his hands. Liz is a mild mannered kindergarten teacher who has decided she wants break away from the mild mannered teacher to explore her sexual side. While I’m not sure that it was suppose to be funny, the situations and Matt’s paranoia made me laugh. Very hot, enjoyable story.

Grade: A

Weekend Meltdown by Anna DeStefano

When the third winner of the contest and her guest show up Felicia is not what Tony expected. He had only seen her picture in the promo posters in the resort lobby something about her sparked his interest until she steps out the limo and appears to a high maintenance woman, something Tony is definitely not interested in. Felicia is given a makeover prior to arriving at the resort thanks to her gay best friend and guest for the weekend. She’s not so sure of her makeover, but wants to shed her boring corporate look. Tony’s job is to save the weekend that has turned into a publicity nightmare for the owners not get cozy with one of the guests. But the two are putting off enough sparks to torch the resort. It couldn’t hurt if they doused that fire a little.

I had a little more trouble getting into this story than the first two. I think having not read anything by this author before through me off in the beginning, , but after the second chapter I got hooked. While I had laughs from the first two, this one was a bit more serious, but still not heavy on the seriousness. I think I’m going to be adding more from this author to my tbr pile.

Grade: B+

This is great book to warm you up on these cold winter nights. A three stories were wonderfully written and well connected to each other with the characters from other stories showing up throughout the book. Maddy Luv doesn’t find her love in this story but she does play a prominent part in bringing the couples together especially in the third. I loved that all three authors kept her consistent as the ultimate party girl, but all three also showed her more vulnerable side (to varying degrees). The other main secondary characters are the Walkers who own the resort. We don’t get to see much of them any of the stories, but in each one they also give relationship advice.

Overall Grade: A

Summary:

Unforgettable…  For two cynical best friends who believe beginning an affair would be too much of a cliché…until they decide to share a vacation—and a bed!

Unbelievable…  For a schoolteacher eager to exchange her schoolmarm nature for that of an insatiable tigress and the undercover agent who knows how to bring out her wild side!

And completely mind-blowing!  For a corporate gal looking to shed her office shackles with the one man who can’t afford to get carried away…

Read an excerpt here.

LauraJ’s review of Sun Stroked by Cathryn Fox
Contemporary Erotic Romance released by Penguin Heat 4 Nov 08

I blame Sandy M. Yep, it’s all her fault. No doubt about it. She just kept raving about how good Cathryn Fox’s books were and, well, after several weeks of picking up The Hot Line and then putting it down and then picking it up only to put it down again, I finally bought it. I was intrigued, but managed to hold off a couple of days before reading it. Then once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. I read practically the whole book in one sitting and had to force myself to actually save a little for the next day. Oh, yes! This book was good and it was HOT! Ever since I try to read everything the Cathryn Fox writes (or have gone back to catch up with her previous releases). She is definitely a must read author for me.

In her latest book set on a fictional island, Ms. Fox takes us to the O Spa. A luxury resort that serves a magical elixir that is suppose to make you most ultimate fantasies become reality. Danielle, Lauren and Abby head to the resort prior to Abby’s getting engaged.

Danielle has come to the resort to live out the fantasy of having the man dominate her. She is tired of guys who only care about their pleasure and then leave her wanting more. She’s not looking for any long term commitments, but it would sure be nice to have a guy put her needs first for a change. After a close encounter with a “sea creature,” Ethan wants only to heal and get off this island. He wants to get back to commanding a unit, something he believes is his destiny.

Lauren is tired of men only being with her because she is beautiful. She wants people to see the real her: intelligent, fun, and caring. Her fantasy is to find a man who sees all that. She meets the injured Ryan, on the island recovering from near blindness. His fantasy is to see perfectly again. When Ryan overhears Lauren and Abby talking about their fantasies, he decides that he can give Lauren that fantasy if nothing else.

Abby has her life all planned out and doesn’t really have a fantasy since she thinks she already has everything she’s ever wanted, but goes along the Danielle and Lauren any way. She quickly learns that maybe what she thought she was sure isn’t really the case when she meets Cody. The reclusive military sniper sets her on fire in a way that her soon to be fiancé hasn’t even come close to doing. Abby quickly realizes that sometimes taking a path not planned will lead to greater happiness. Cody is on the island to recover from an unknown injury (if any one caught this let me know, I missed it, but I have an idea what it might have been). He is much happier alone or at least he thinks he is until he meets Abby.

I loved all three stories, but Danielle and Ethan’s was probably my favorite although it was very close with the other two. I love Ms. Fox’s heroes. They are alpha but at the same time they are these wonderful caring and sensitive guys that every girl would like to have. I have to say she probably writes some of the best tortured heroes, at least to me anyway. They are just so darn sexy. The woman of her books are fabulously written. I really hate wimpy, whiney, needy heroines and these three woman are far from any of that although they still have their issues (fear, self doubt, etc.). I love how different each of them are, but how supportive they are of each other.

There is one secondary character to mention, Mr. Malik. He is the owner of the spa and seems to show up just when the hero and heroine need a little help or to be pushed in the direction of their fantasies. He reminded me so much of Mr. Miyagi from “The Karate Kid.”

I really hope Ms. Fox will continue to bring us such wonderfully fun and at the same time very sexy stories.

Grade: A

Summary:
Danielle, Lauren, and Abby have come to this secluded island paradise for a fling, not realizing the spa has a rehabilitation center for injured soldiers—or that their boldest desires are about to be realized…

Interior designer Danielle Carrigan has never told anyone about her desire to be dominated in the bedroom. But after a Sensual Soak with gorgeous weapons’ expert Ethan Sharpe, something tells her that the hardcore military man will be happy to satisfy her yearning…

Used to men fixating on her killer body, Lauren Sampson is thrilled that the stud she encounters by The Pleasure Pool—who’s been visually impaired by an injury—is more interested in what’s beneath the surface. But while Captain Ryan Thomas’s erotic touch fulfills her secret desires, will he also indulge her heart’s desire?

Abby Benton is about to be engaged, but when she is rescued by sniper Cody Lannon and he takes her to The Sunset Sauna, she finds herself tempted by the intensity of his passion. Can the handsome lieutenant teach her about the fiery nature of true love?

Read an excerpt here.

Laura J’s review of Flat-Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy
Contemporary romance published by Berkley Sensation 4 Nov 08

Over the last couple of years there has been a surge in books based around the sport of stock car racing. Harlequin has a line of NASCAR books. Kimberly Raye and Pamela Britton have also released books featuring this very popular sport. Erin McCarthy has now jumped onto the scene with this latest featuring a rookie race car driver and the widow of a former race car driver. 

I’m so glad to that Ms. McCarthy is back to writing her contemporary romances. It’s been two years since her last one (I like her paranormals too, but her contemporaries will always be my favorites). Sybil couldn’t believe it took me a week to read this book, but after waiting for so long, I wanted to savor it for a while and after reading the first chapter I knew I didn’t want to rush through this one.

Having lost her husband to the sport two years ago, Tamara Briggs wants no part of a relationship with another driver. She is the mother of two young children and having them lose another father would not only devastate her children, but her as well. Tamara is one of the few heroines that I have read this year that I truly, truly liked. I have liked others, but Tamara felt like a real person. Her fears were real as well as her determination to move past them and feel like a woman again. It was not easy for her and a lot of that determination came after she met Elec and was able to see how he saw her and that he did mean all the things he was telling her.

Elec.  Well, what can I say about him. He is an amazing hero. Caring, tender, funny, patient, understanding, and, of course, flat-out sexy. He was willing to let Tamara direct the relationship to a point because he knew and understood her fears. While he respected those fears he would still gently nudge her toward a more open relationship with him, but even then, if he sensed her unease, he would back off. Elec is definitely in my top ten heroes for 2008.

I really loved all the characters in this book and I am looking forward to seeing more of them. Just in this book alone there is the potential for several more books (read this as I really WANT more books with these characters). The chemistry between Elec and Tamara was hot but tender at the same time as he slowly made her believe how beautiful she was.

There is a teaser at the end of the book for the next one, but no title and no date as yet when it will be out. So yes, I will be stalking the bookstore and websites looking for the release of the unnamed second book.

Grade: A

Summary:

Independent single mother Tamara Briggs wanted to find a new, sexy, no-strings-attached man—just not one as young as NASCAR driver Elec Monroe. But he sure does get her heart racing. And after she’s tricked into a blind date with him, Tamara gives in to her passion. Things screech to a halt, though, when he asks to meet her children. Whatever happened to wham-bam-thank-youma’am? Suddenly Tamara has to decide how much risk she’s willing to take to experience the power of true love.

Read an excerpt here.

LauraJ’s review of Where There’s A Will by Katriena Knights
Contemporary Romance eBook released by Samhain Publishing 7 Oct 08

I’m a sucker for contemporary romances that take place in Scotland. That was the main reason I picked this book to read. I love the Scottish accent, the beauty of the land there, and how time seems to have stopped. I know that I will probably never get to travel there (pout, hint–just in case hubs actually reads one my reviews), so by reading those books I can at least pretend that I have.

American Chloe has traveled to Scotland to settle the estate in the Scottish village of she has inherited from her uncle. When she arrives, she learns there is a small part of the will that was not to be revealed to her until her arrival, a part that she is unsure if she can fulfill. She must marry a Scot in order to keep the property, if she doesn’t by a specified time the property will be auctioned off. Her uncle even gives a suggestion for a husband a man named Malcolm MacTavish.

Malcolm lives in the small village near his aunt. While he works in the city he prefers the the quiet life of the village, most of the time. When everyone seems to know your business it does make it hard have a relationship. He is immediately attracted to Chloe when he meets her at the airport, but Chloe is from a large city and will never fit into his life in a small town. He’s been down that road before with his former fiancé.

I really enjoyed reading this. Ms. Knights brought Scotland vividly to life through her description of the country and the people who live there. In some books, authors try too hard to capture the Scottish accent that it becomes overwhelming and confusing for readers and sometimes distracting. I never once felt this way in this story. Malcolm will probably end up on my top heroes of 2008. He was gentle, funny, sexy, caring and alpha when he needed to be and he had an accent, who doesn’t love a man with accent. Chloe was a big city girl with a small town heart. She was very likeable and I enjoyed watching her find her place. The secondary characters were fun, especially Malcolm’s aunt Agnes. I loved their “plot” to save Chloe’s uncle’s estate from possible British investors.

I’m really hoping that Ms. Knights will write more contemporary romantic comedies (especially set in Scotland). This was a really fun book and enjoyable book that kept me turning the pages well past my bedtime. Now to convince my husband to take me to Scotland.

Grade: B-

Summary:

The terms of the will seem crazy…until she meets the man to fulfill them.

When Chloe Sullivan’s great uncle dies, leaving her his house and a not-quite castle in the Highlands of Scotland, Chloe’s more than willing to take a vacation across the pond to check it all out. When she gets there, she finds out there’s a catch—if she wants to keep her inheritance, she has to marry a Scot.

And her great uncle even left her a suggestion as to who.

Malcolm MacTavish is taken with the lovely, straightforward Chloe the moment he sees her at the airport. But they can’t enjoy more than a brief fling, since she’s planning to go back to the States. The more he gets to know her, though, the more he wants to try to change her mind.

Until he finds out about the will…

Warning: This title contains a Highland fling (a.k.a explicit sex), Scottish accents and gratuitous jokes about the Loch Ness Monster. 

Read an excerpt here.

LauraJ’s review of Tequila Truth by Mari Carr
Contemporary Erotic Romance Novella eBook released by Samhain 21 Oct 08

It has taken me a while to actually pick up and read a ménage story. I just didn’t think I would like them. But I’ve been trying to increase my range of reading likes and finally picked one up that was a short story and it was pretty good.  So when this book became available for review, I thought the blurb sounded pretty good and decided to read it.  After reading this book I have a new must read author to my ever growing list. A word of warning when you sit down to read this book you may want to keep a cool drink close by or sit in front of a fan. This book is very hot.

Best Friends Kylie, Colt and Heath have been living together since their freshman year of college. Colt and Heath have been best friends since childhood. Carrying on a tradition started in college, Kylie, Colt and Heath have a game they play to celebrate birthdays. The game they call Tequila Truth requires the celebrating person to ask a question then the others drink a shot of tequila and must answer the question truthfully.

After answering a question posed by Heath six months earlier, Kylie finds herself in a situation that Colt has to rescue her from. After talking with Heath, they decide they need to rescue Kylie from the downward spiral that she is taking as a result of the truths they revealed. In order to do that they offer Kylie a weekend of fulfilling her every fantasy, including having both of them take her at the same time. As the weekend progresses both Colt and Heath find they are falling for Kylie. They both want her forever and are ready to convince Kylie.

Two very different, but still very sexy heroes. Colt is an undercover cop. He’s a little more rough around the edges. Heath is an architect who is a guy you can go to when you need comfort. Where Heath is a “ask questions first, kick butt if necessary” kind of guy, Colt is more “kick butt so they can’t answer the questions.” Separately they are great heroes, but together they are a perfect hero. At one point Kylie refers to Colt as “her big brother and fiercest protector” and Heath as “her best friend and confidant” and this is so true of both guys throughout the entire story. Kylie really is one lucky heroine. She was soft but vulnerable at the same time and I thought she was one of the better heroines written this year in the books I’ve read.

I really didn’t know what to expect when I started reading this story, but whatever expectations I may have had Ms. Carr far exceeded them and has won over a new fan of her writing. She has written a very hot and steamy story, with fantastic characters and I will definitely be looking for more from her.

Grade: A

Summary:

One’s the loneliest number. Two’s company. Three’s a fantasy come true.

The rules of Tequila Truth are quite simple. Shots are poured, a question asked, and only absolute truth can be the answer. Kylie Halston has been playing the game with her roommates, Colt and Heath, since their freshmen year of college.

On his twenty-fifth birthday, Heath poses a question: “What is your ultimate sex fantasy?” While Colt and Heath’s fantasies are too hot for words, it’s Kylie’s sex dream that hits a little too close to home for all of them. Her wish? For a ménage a trois with two men, complete with bondage and a bit of spanking for good measure.

Colt and Heath are only too willing to make Kylie’s fantasies come true and they make a proposal—one no-holds-barred, sexed-up weekend where nothing is off the menu. The only question is, come Monday, will their platonic relationship survive the passion?

Warning, you will need to crank up the air conditioning before reading as this title contains all the following erotic goodies: explicit sex, ménage a trois (m,f,m), anal sex, spanking, bondage, and graphic language. 

Read an excerpt here.

LauraJ’s review of The Watson Brothers by Lori Foster
Contemporary romance single author anthology re-released by Kensington 1 Sep 08

I love Lori Foster’s novella stories. I haven’t read too many of her full length novels, but I have several on my tbr shelf. She’s just one of those authors I can go to if I want a good quick read. I know I’m going to get a fun, hot story every time. This book is a Wal-Mart reprint of novellas featuring Sam, Gil, and Pete Watson [Ed.: couldn't find the book on Wal-Mart's site, oddly enough]. All three stories can be found in the earlier anthologies: Bad Boys on Board (Sam), Bad Boys to Go (Gil) and Bad Boys in Black Tie (Pete). I have to say while I do have all three anthologies on my tbr shelf, I’m glad to have all three brothers in one book.

Story 1: “My House, My Rules”

In the first story, Sam is undercover to catch a mugger targeting drunks but has his cover almost blown when Ariel, thinking she is “saving” Sam gets involved in his bust. Sam has had eyes for Ariel for a long time but has kept a hands off policy for two reasons, she’s too young and she is his brother Pete’s ex-girlfriend. Ariel has made up her mind that it’s Sam she wants, now she has to convince him.

This was probably my favorite of the three stories as I tend to like the alpha male heroes. Sam is defiantly an alpha male and one who has met his match with the feisty, determined Ariel. I loved their interaction, Sam determined to convince Ariel that she can’t handle a man like him, Ariel determined to show him exactly what she can handle.

Grade: A

Summary:

Tough, rugged cop Sam Watson has a reputation for being a hero on the job and delivering mind-blowing pleasure in the bedroom. But the only woman who drives him over the edge is the one who’s completely wrong for him – the sweetly sexy and extremely determined Ariel. When Ariel’s headstrong ways nearly wreck one of Sam’s string operations – ruining her alluring dress in the process – Sam offers her a ride to his place to clean up. But once there, Ariel seems to have her own agenda, and Sam decides it’s time to show the lady that if she wants to play games of seduction, he’ll be calling the shots, turning her every fantasy into a night of unimagined bliss.

Read an excerpt.

Story 2: “Bringing Up Baby”

The second story has middle brother Gil finding out that he has a daughter he knew nothing about, the result of a fling while on a business trip. The mother of the daughter has died and the woman raising her has decided that Gil needs to know so that he can help her protect the little girl. Anabel has raised Nicole since her birth because the mother and Anabel’s friend and roommate had no real interest in doing so. When Nicole’s maternal grandparents want to take custody of Nicole, Anabel goes to Gil with a proposition to keep Nicole in both of their lives.

This was probably the least of my favorite stories. I’m one of those readers that can take or leave kids in a story. As long as they add to the story and not distract I don’t mind them being there. Nicole is a central character in this story and it was a nice change since most stories I have read seem to add them for no real reason other than for the cute factor. The only problem I had with Nicole was that I thought she acted a little for her age. Anabel and Gil are both very likeable and compliment each other well and I enjoyed their story, but it didn’t grab me like Sam and Pete’s story did.

Grade: B

Summary:

Gil Watson has always been the responsible one, running the family business and keeping his brothers out of trouble. Of course there was that one wild night on a business trip… the one that resulted in a daughter he never knew he had. By the time Gil finds out about her, the little girl’s mother is already gone. Gil is determined to do the right thing, even if it means a marriage of convenience with the woman who’s been raising his baby. Anabel Truman is sarcastic, free-spirited, and totally wrong for him. But the sensations she rouses in him feel totally right – stirrings that have nothing to do with being good and everything to do with being very, very naughty. Once Gil gets unbuttoned, there’s no going back.

Read an excerpt.

Story 3: “Good With His Hands”

The final story is about Sam and Gil’s youngest brother Pete. He’s had the hots for his best friend and co-worker for sometime, but not wanting to ruin that friendship he’s kept a hands off policy until now and well Cassidy just doesn‘t seem interested in him for anything other than friendship. Cassidy has secretly lusted after Pete. He’s everything she doesn’t think she wants in a man, but still wants him anyway. She wants a man who is settled in life and Pete and his carefree attitude don’t fit that description. When Cassidy rejects Pete again he decides it’s time to go for it and take their friendship to a new level.

This story takes place five years after the first two. Pete spent the first two stories tormenting his brothers about their love lives and now he finally match. Sam and Gil of course return to payback Pete for teasing in the earlier stories and we are able to catch up with their HEA. I liked him for his fun loving, laid back attitude. He was the perfect hero to lighten up the goal-oriented, Cassidy. She needed to have Pete help her see that it was important to set goals that are what she wants, not what she thinks her parents want.

Grade: B+

Summary:

As next-door neighbors and best friends, Pete Watson and Cassidy McClannahan have a “no sex” relationship. “No sex” equals continuing friendship. “Ohmygodyes” sex equals big problems and probably some serious dish throwing. It may be a rigid rule, but it works. Until Pete decides he wants to push the line. If sensible Cassidy won’t take his hints, he’s ready to transform himself into the perfect “black tie” guy he thinks she wants. And once she’s in his arms, he’ll show her just what else that black tie can do…

Read an excerpt.

I am so glad to have all three stories in one book. You can really see the family dynamics of the Watson family much better. The three brothers are all so different, but it’s a family that laughs together, harasses each other, protects one another, and, most of all, loves each other.

Ms. Foster has several other books re-issued this way and more to come and you can bet I will be picking those up too.

Overall Grade: B+

LauraJ’s review of Driven By Desire by LuAnn McLane
Contemporary Romance released by Signet Eclipse 7 Oct 08

I love Ms. McLane’s southern romantic comedies, but before I tried those I read one of her steamer stories in an anthology and really liked it. I was very excited to see that she was writing steamier stories this time and even more exited that it would be a full length novel. 

In this story Jayden and Alexia were teenage sweethearts. Jayden is a motocross rider who had gone on to be one of the top motocross riders in the world. When Alexia asked Jayden to give up the sport he loves after a near fatal crash. He refuses and both end up going their separate ways.

Ten years later, Alexia moves back home after ending her marriage. While hiking to through the woods she is almost ran over by none other Jayden who is home to help his best friend, and fellow motocross rider, set up a program to introduce riding to young kids to help give them an alternative to negative influences. Seeing Alexia brings back old memories and Jayden realizes that he still loves her and wants her in his life.

Alexia tries to fight her attraction to Jayden not wanting to go back to the same argument that tore them apart. When she can no longer fight her feelings and gives in to the desire, she decides she has to tell Jayden the secret that she has kept for ten years, one that could break apart their new found relationship.

One thing that I love about Ms. McLane’s books is the way she creates beautiful stories about small town life and the characters seem so real. They are people that you care about and want so much to find their happy ending. I always have such a warm feeling when I finish one of her books. Driven By Desire is exactly that way. I loved the characters. Despite what happened in the past Jayden still loved Alexia and he was ready to forgive the past even when he didn’t know the secret that Alexia kept. He knew what he wanted and no obstacle was going to come between them this time.

Alexia is someone I would love to be friends with. I felt her turmoil in trying to decide whether or not to revisit her relationship with Jayden and then the turmoil she had about telling Jayden the secret that could once again take him away from her. There is a secondary romance between Alexia’s sister Brianna and Jayden’s best friend Colin, that is just as hot and steamy as Jayden and Alexia’s.

Ms. McLane is one my must read authors. I hope she continues to write her southern romantic comedies but also hope she will keep bringing out the more steamier stories too.

Grade: A

Summary:

Only one man could make her heart race… Daredevil stunts and dangerous accidents are par for the course in the world of motocross racing. Just ask Alexia Spencer, who almost lost her high school sweetheart in a near-fatal accident. But when she asked him to give up racing, Jayden Michaels rode off without even a goodbye, leaving Alexia heartbroken.

Ten years later, Jayden’s back—determined to prove he’s over Alexia. But it’s impossible to ignore the irresistible woman she’s become. And it isn’t long before Jayden finds himself on Alexia’s doorstep, driven by his insatiable desire, hoping he can tempt the woman he still loves into letting herself feel the heat—and taking a risk with her heart.

Laura J’s review of Long, Slow Ride by Mardi Ballou
Contemporary Erotic Romance eBook short story released by Ellora’s Cave 14 May 08

For awhile, there were several books out by different publishers that were focusing on the older woman/younger man storyline. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read any of them or not, but this one was written by an author whose books I’ve really come to like and thought, why not, I’ll give it a shot. Since it was a short story I wouldn’t be out of a lot time spent reading it if I didn’t like it.

Alone at her co-worker’s wedding, Lori is asked to dance by Jeff, the couple’s chauffeur for the wedding. Lori, hesitant because of the obviously younger, but very sexy Jeff finally agrees. He asks her to wait for him so that he can complete his chauffeur duties and then will take her on a ride in the limo wanting to get to know her better. Lori, agrees believing the fling with the Jeff can’t hurt anything. Jeff falls for Lori quickly and has to convince her that their age difference doesn’t matter.

I really like Ms. Ballou’s writing voice and I like the characters she created for this story. The sex scenes between Jeff and Lori were hot. The chemistry between the characters showed not only during the sex scenes but also when they were just talking and getting to know one another. This biggest disappointment in this story was when I finished reading it. I wished it would have longer, maybe novella length.

Now that I’ve read some of Ms. Ballou’s paranormal stories and a contemporary short story, I’m going to have to check out some more of her books since she’s becoming a must read author for me.

Grade: C+

Summary:

The wedding reception is boring and depressing for Lori Nelson — until she gets asked to dance by the chauffeur. The twenty-something, very hot chauffeur. Lori figures Jeff’s just being polite. But that’s before he takes her in his arms and sets her libido on overdrive…

The moment Jeff meets gorgeous, classy Lori, he falls hard. But much as Lori seems to dig him, she’s hung up on their eleven-year age difference and her own personal baggage.

While Lori convinces herself that she can handle a one-night stand, Jeff is firing up his limo, prepared to take Lori for the ride of her life.

Read an excerpt here.

LauraJ’s review of Perfect Timing by Barbara Elsborg
Contemporary Romantic Comedy eBook released by Ellora’s Cave 30 Apr 08

I am a huge fan of British comedy. I love the quirky characters and the way a very simple situation can lead to something completely off the wall. So I was very excited when I was checking out this book that this author is British and had high hopes that it would be as entertaining as some of my favorite British shows and movies.

Ms. Elsborg did not disappoint at all. In this story, Daisy books a room at a resort hosting a murder mystery party, hoping to meet a man. She thinks that the mystery party is set in the 60’s and packs accordingly, only to find out she misread the information and the mystery party is for the over 60 set. She makes a grand entrance with the help of a sheep and meets the manager of the resort who is quite handsome though he seems to be a bit gruff. Jake has been given 6 months to make the resort profitable. He is competing with his brother Adrian and whoever is the most successful will take over the resort full time from their father. Jake has a reputation with the ladies and his father is hoping that this will settle him down.

Despite the mistake that Daisy has made she decides to make the most of it. Jake helps her by giving her a part, and when she finds out what her role is she is not exactly happy about it. Jake thinks that by giving her this she can just enjoy the weekend…with him.

I laughed so hard throughout this book. Daisy was spunky and tough. She had a rough childhood growing up and has a fear of being locked in small places, which Jake, not knowing, does quite often, leading to more hilarious situations. Jake is determined to prove to his father he is capable of running the resort, and finds he can’t resist Daisy. Jake tries hard to enjoy his time with Daisy while at the same time keeping the weekend’s mystery party running smoothly and profitably. Adrian is trying his best to make sure Jake doesn’t win and his accomplice in this sabotage is pretty easy to figure out. Knowing who it was really had no effect on me and didn‘t ruin any part of the story. Adrian is despicable to the point that I can’t wait to get his story and find the woman that tames him.

I found an interview that Ms. Elsborg did earlier this year where she said that Adrian’s story was under consideration by Ellora‘s Cave. I wish I had some pull because I am really looking forward to more of her books and especially Adrian’s story.

Grade: B

Summary:
When Daisy books a Sixties extravaganza on the internet, she thinks hippies and free love. Only she misses one tiny word in the advertisement and ends up at a weekend for over-sixties at Bedlingham Manor.

When sexy hotel manager Jake casts Daisy as a nun in the murder mystery, she is ready to scream and call the weekend off. But then Jake shows up dressed as a priest and he can’t wait to uncover the red lace beneath the nun costume. Jake and Daisy don’t expect to fall in love but they discover that their weekend of hot sex might be much more than they bargained for.

Bless me, Father, for I have sinned…or I’d really like to.

Read an excerpt here.

Laura J’s review of To Fat and Back by Beverly Rae
Paranormal Romantic Comedy ebook released by Samhain Publishing 5 Aug 08

The “warning” for this book grabbed my attention and since I tend to pick up all the romantic comedies that I can I wanted to read this book. Another plus was that the author Beverly Rae is a new author that I had been wanting to try, but just never got around to reading anything by her. I was expecting a lot of laugh out loud moments, but unfortunately they were few. However I did find characters that I liked and despite the “warning” being somewhat misleading to me I liked this book.

After a rather nasty practical joke by a co-worker Carrie is mortified and fed up. She has lusted after her best friend’s boyfriend, Michael, for some time but when he appears to be a part of that joke she decides to do something and that results in an injury to the object of her lust. An odd neighbor of Michael’s gives him a pill to heal his arm overnight, but that pill has a strange side effect giving Michael a chance to experience being judged by his now large appearance rather than what’s inside. Reluctantly recruited by Carrie to help care for Michael in his time of need is Billy, Carrie’s co-worker and best friend who has loved her for some time.

Carrie is a wonderful character. Many times throughout the book she could have stooped to the level that some of her co-workers did, but didn’t knowing how it made her feel she didn’t. In fact she took it upon herself to try and help Michael feel better about his sudden weight gain by trying to remind him that he is still the same guy on the inside. I really liked her although she was a lot nicer to Michael than he deserved. I also saw Carrie grow more comfortable with herself.

Michael was a jerk and a bit of a surprise ending (at least to me) I didn’t see it coming, got what he deserved. I loved Billy, Carrie’s co-worker, best friend and the man who loves Carrie for who she is on the inside. I found him very patient and encouraging with Carrie.

While I was disappointed that there wasn’t as much humor as I expected based on the “warning”, I did like the emotion that Ms. Rae brought to story and will be checking out some more of her books.

Grade: C

Summary:

True love is better than infatuation.

Carrie Flannagan dreams of Michael the Magnificent, the office hunk. He can have his pick of women, and his pick isn’t Carrie, the office chubby. He’s only got eyes for her best friend, Shiloh of the slender, smokin’ hot body.

When Carrie accidentally-on-purpose breaks Michael’s arm, a self-professed sorceress with a secret agenda of her own gives him a pill to magically heal the bones. That little pill also has an accidental-on-purpose side effect—one that makes him balloon to over three hundred pounds. To Carrie’s surprise and delight, he turns to her for emotional comfort. But those new layers of fat on his body reveal a side of him that wasn’t part of her fantasy.

Billy Whitman will put up with almost anything to be near to Carrie, even if she sees him only as a blend-into-the-background, dependable friend. Even if it means putting up with her fantasies about Michael, and being the clean-up man as Michael’s life falls apart.

For now, he’s willing to bide his time, hoping she will someday see the light—the light of love in his eyes.

Read an excerpt here.

Laura J’s review of Primal Instincts by Cathryn Fox and Lisa Renee Jones
Contemporary Erotic Romance short story eBook released by Harlequin Spice Brief 1 Aug 08

This was my first venture into the Harlequin Spice line, but wanted to read this one because Cathryn Fox is one of my favorite authors. I wasn’t sure really what to expect because I occasionally am disappointed in short stories especially if they are really good. It’s like I’m really getting into the story and the “blam” that’s it, no more, THE END. If’s a not so good story then the author doesn’t have much time to redeem the story that they could in a longer version. In this story we are not only dealing with the fact that it is a short story and the author has only a limited time to create a story where we love the characters, the plot is exciting, the sex is hot and the ending is the HEA we as romance readers crave, but two authors that have to do all this in the same amount of space. This story does it all.

The story begins with Drs. Jordan Brooks and Olivia Markham hiking through the jungles looking for a plant that is rumored that the leaves of a certain flower found only in this jungle could produce certain aphrodisiacal powers. When their group stops a guide approaches the two woman to take them to a secret location where they will learn just how the power of this flower works. At this point the story each woman is taken to a separate location in a cave where they experience the intense power of the flower.

Ms. Fox is one of my must read authors so I knew what to expect from her part of the story but I have not read anything by Ms. Jones and didn’t know what to expect, but I must say that even if I had read something by Ms. Jones before I still wouldn’t be able to tell who wrote what. The story flowed as one and I don’t feel that anything was lost between the two women’s experiences.

Hopefully I’m not giving anything away here but the ending was something that I wasn’t expecting and not something I’m used to in a romance story, but at the same time because of how well the storyline was written it worked and I didn’t feel cheated in any way.

I really hope that these two will work together again in the future. In the mean time I’ll be reading more of their individual works.

Grade: B+

Summary:

The search for a rare flower rumored to possess magical aphrodesical powers had led Drs. Olivia Markham and Jordon Brooks into the remote heart of the Mexican jungle. But a mysterious native tribe dedicated to keeping the Estela flower from reaching the outside world required the two stunning scientists to experience its powers firsthand to convince them of its dangers. Paired with two breathtakingly sexy warriors, Olivia and Jordon drink the sweet essence of the Estela and are overwhelmed by lust so intense it nearly consumes them. Their warrior lovers seem to intuit their deepest, most secret desires, and in their experienced hands, their overpowering hunger is satisfied again and again until, at last, the effects of the drug subside.

LauraJ’s review of What’s A Ghoul To Do? by Mardi Ballou.
Paranormal Romance novella eBook released by Samhain 26 Aug 08

I may have said this in my review of Byte Marks but these are the kind of paranormal romances I love. I would rather the story focus on the romance of the hero and heroine rather than who is trying to get revenge or some type of power struggle. I don’t mind if there is some conflict. Conflict is important in a story, but I have don’t like the ones where I spend more than half of the book reading about the hero and heroine on the run or constantly battling the villain. I know some like those kinds of book, but not me. So if you are looking for a more suspenseful paranormal romance, you won’t find it in this one, but if you are like me, then you will love this book.

Lilith is a demi-ghoul who has not had the best luck at dating. Once her dates find out who she is or rather who her father is they tend to run the other way. She works with her best friend Dominique (heroine from Byte Marks) helping others find their true love. Lilith on the surface seems content that she may never find her true love, but she is hurting. The one thing I like really like about Lilith is despite the fact that she wants true love she won’t settle for someone who doesn’t accept who she is. I hate when heroine’s change or think they have to change for the hero and Lilith doesn’t.

Rafe is the pack leader and has recently learned that in order to strengthen his pack’s credibility he must choose a life mate. Rafe is content to be a bachelor and thinks that as long as he leads the pack in a fair and honest way then not having a life mate should have no impact on his ability to lead. The pack elders disagree and come to Lilith’s and Dominique’s matchmaking business to help Rafe find his life mate. The reluctant Rafe is instantly attracted to Lilith and makes his wishes known to both her and his pack that he wants Lilith. I loved him. Very sexy, very alpha and has no qualms with getting what he wants, which is Lilith as his life mate.

There is a little more suspense in this book, but the focus on this story is the romance between Rafe and Lilith. I am already looking for the next book in the series and hope that Ms. Ballou has even more in the future.

Grade: B

Summary:
She’s the only mate he wants. But love isn’t on the menu.

Fangly, My Dear series

Lilith P. Graves needs to get a life. A social life. This shouldn’t be a problem, since she’s partnered with her best friend in the “Fangly, My Dear” dating service. Problem is, she keeps falling for the wrong guys, and they don’t get more wrong than the super-hot alpha Rafe Graywolf.

With the history of bad blood between her kind and his, the message is clear: Vegetarian demi-ghouls need not apply.

Obeying the call of duty, Rafe took the role of alpha at a rough time for the pack. For the sake of stability, the elders insist he find a mate. Now. A dating service isn’t normally his cut of steak, but he has little time—or choice.

But Lilith…now there’s a choice morsel he could sink his teeth into. Too bad they’re on opposite ends of the ghoul-werewolf social spectrum. Not to mention the food chain…

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in this series: