Sandy M’s review of Wrangled and Tangled (Blacktop Cowboys, Book 3) by Lorelei James
Contemporary Western Erotic Romance published by NAL Trade 1 Nov 11

After reading Lorelei James’ Rough Riders series and now this new Blacktop Cowboys series, you’d think I wouldn’t be surprised anymore at how Ms. James is able to, book after book, turn out characters who worm their way into my heart, make me laugh, make me burn, and just give me a good time from page to page. I keep thinking there’s going to be that first time one of her books isn’t going to work for me for one reason or another – I mean, it happens all the time. Right? Well, it hasn’t happened yet in all the James books I’ve read, and at this point? I don’t think it’s ever going to happen.

In this book we actually get two romances for the price of one, and Ms. James doesn’t skimp on either of them. We know from the previous book that Janie, Abe’s ex-wife, is back in Muddy Gap, working on the Split Rock Ranch project for Renner Jackson. As we pick up here with these two, sparks and barbs have been flying ever since Abe has discovered she’s back. With a lot of lust and love thrown in, though neither one will admit the love part right now, this couple has a lot to work through and has to look at each other differently from before. Abe has done a lot changing since Janie left years ago, things he couldn’t see when they’d argue about them. It takes an attempt on Janie’s life to get her back on the ranch and eventually in Abe’s bed. Just for sex, mind you. But little by little Janie sees those differences in Abe, especially those that have filled out the man, in more ways than one, and made him more irresistible than ever.

Renner, in the meantime, is having a heck of a time with his financial person, Tierney Pratt, daughter of the man he’s had to borrow money from to get Split Rock up and running. The woman is constantly giving him hell at every turn, but how he loves turning the tables on her and riling her up. But Tierney does her own share of riling Renner up too. This couple is just plain old fun from the moment they’re together on the page, walking that fine line between business associates at each other’s throats to lovers who burn up the sheets something fierce. It does take them a bit to hit those sheets, though. See, Tierney has a secret, one she’s not sure Renner’s going to like all that much. Oh, she couldn’t be more wrong.

Abe and Janie have to learn each other all over again, even in the bedroom. Afraid his sexual appetites would have made her leave him anyway, he’s now happy to hear she wants to delve into the unknown with him. I like how it’s Abe this time around who forces issues between them, questioning and taking nothing for granted as he did before. Janie is the one who is off balance this time, not sure if she should walk back into her old life. But she has no choice when Abe forces her to stay with him until the mystery surrounding her accident is solved. Even when it is, she still can’t walk away.

I have to say Renner and Tierney have an edge over Abe and Janie for me. I love their bedplay, even though Abe and Janie are smokin’ up those aformentioned sheets. When Tierney finally learns how to please Renner in bed, in her office, wherever the cowboy demands, their lovemaking is definitely intense, but it also has a sweetness about it. Maybe it’s Tierney’s inability to keep her thoughts to herself, blurting out what it is she wants to know from Renner. She’s unabashedly ecstatic to be loving and a loved by a man like this sexy cowboy. And Renner is damn sexy. And he’s humbled that someone like Tierney could love him.

Each couple has their moment when things don’t work out as they’d hoped. Having two couples like this, you wonder if perhaps one of them may not make it to the end of the book. Will Abe and Janie come to the resolution that eluded them the first time? Can Renner and Tierney overcome being on opposite sides in business to have a life together?

There’s returning secondary characters from the local salon who are a hoot to read. Especially when Tierney is among them for the first time. I have to say I laughed out loud quite a number of times during this book. Ms. James does a sensational job of balancing the fun and funny with the erotic and romantic, something a lot of erotic authors have a difficult time doing. One secondary character we will all love to hate is Tierney’s father. Arrogant SOB. Thank goodness Tierney has learned some great lessons on this journey of self-experimentation in life and love where that man is concerned.

As erotic romance readers have come to expect from one of the industry’s best, Lorelei James once again gives us characters who tug at the heart, get us overwhelmingly hot and bothered, give us a few chuckles, and just generally make us happy. What more can you ask for?

Grade: A+

Summary:

Wrangling a sweet-talkin’ cowboy can be dangerous business…

The West was not so wild for Janie Fitzhugh. Living with her rancher husband, Abe Lawson, in rural Wyoming nearly broke her spirit, so she left. But eight years later, she returns to Muddy Gap to take a job at a new resort. When an unexpected danger arises, Abe seizes the chance to protect Janie and prove he’s a changed man.

Janie’s employer at the Split Rock Ranch and Resort, Renner Jackson, has gotten himself tangled up in a devil’s bargain trying to finish the construction. His new partner’s daughter, Tierney Pratt, is a spoiled daddy’s girl and off-limits–no matter how drop-dead gorgeous she is. But Tierney’s got her own secret reasons for keeping the rough-and-tumble cowboy at a distance.

When things get down and dirty at the resort, Abe and Renner must saddle up and fight to rope in the women they can’t imagine living without…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Hidden Embers (Dragon’s Heat, Book 2) by Tessa Adams
Paranormal Romance published by NAL Trade 5 Apr 11

Ah, dragons. What’s not to love about such creatures, especially when they’re written as alpha and sexy as Tessa Adams writes them. She paints a wonderful picture of the beautiful New Mexico desert and night skies, along with graceful, soaring dragons, all surrounded by an evil that is killing these magnificent creatures one at a time.

But the way this book starts out is how I wish more romances would, instead of stringing the reader along until the hero and heroine finally come together. Now, that’s not to say that being strung along isn’t the way to go. There’s just more of that out there than there is of bringing the characters together right off the bat and using sexual tension and conflict in a totally different way. In this case, it works like you wouldn’t believe.

Quinn is his clan’s healer, and he’s been fighting a sickness that’s getting the better of him with every death of friends and family. The most recent victim is his youngest brother, Michael, who always wore a smile, joked and laughed, made life bright and fun for those around him. Michael is the last of Quinn’s family to be taken by this unknown disease, and when Phoebe, the heroine from the first book and the clan’s soon-to-be queen, suggests bringing in another doctor to help, it’s just too much for him at this point in time. Shifting into his dragon, he takes to the skies at breakneck speeds, flying until he just can’t anymore. Finally coming down from his flight of grief, Quinn goes another route to drown his guilt and sadness, in the bottom of a glass at a bar who knows where. Quinn sure doesn’t.

Jazz is still recuperating from injuries suffered in a bombing that occurred at one of the sites she was working at in her capacity with the Center for Disease Control, but she’s going stir crazy. Jumping at the chance to do some kind of research and work, Jazz heads to New Mexico to help her friend Phoebe with an intriguing and dire problem. One last stop before her destination changes everything for her, however. Instant attraction to the handsome man in the bar where she goes for help when her car breaks down smacks her silly, and she ends up spending the night with him. One hot, sizzling, raw, and intense night. The likes of which she’s never experienced before.

What makes these first scenes between Quinn and Jasmine even more enjoyable to read is the fact they don’t know who each other is, not until it’s too late for Quinn when he realizes Jazz is his mate and too late for Jazz when she bugs out early the morning after, scared witless of her reaction to this man who pulls at her in more ways than one. Also scared to allow a man control over her ever again. That only leads to heartache and pain. Of course, once Jasmine reaches New Mexico and she’s thrown in the middle of the clan’s medical crisis, she learns her Quinn is the same as the healer who’s at the end of his rope, she’s flabbergasted, amazed, and turned on. And she pretty much stays that way most of the time when the man is near. But Jazz does have her moments, instigating a few lovemaking sessions of her own.

The mystery surrounding the lethal disease that’s hit the Dragonstar clan is insidious and everyone is stumped, having very few leads to conquer it. They do believe a rival clan is behind it all, but that theory is also at a standstill with no evidence to follow. The reader is lead through part of the story in a traitor’s POV, and finally Quinn and his dragon brothers realize the evil in their midst. When the clan is physically attacked by their enemy, the ensuing fight scenes are action packed and fatal, even to those in dragon form. I really love those scenes with dragons flying, claws slashing, and fire nearly scorching the sky.

This is one of the better dragon series I’ve read. Ms. Adams is almost as good at giving her human characters dragon/animal/beast characteristics as Nalini Singh is in her shifter books, and if you’ve read those, you know that’s not an easy fete. And the emotion coming from Quinn in his grief flows from the page right into you, baring his feelings from his core. Those scenes in which Jazz lets her guard down for Quinn and his grief are some of the best in the story.

I’m looking forward to every future book that comes along in this series.

Grade: A+

Summary:

Deep in the New Mexico desert there is a secret race on the brink of extinction—the pure-blood shapeshifters of the Dragonstar clan. And they have one last, desperate hope for survival…

Quinn Maguire is a powerful Dragonstar healer at a tragic loss, unable to cure the insidious disease killing off his people. Yet even in such dire circumstances the conservative Quinn is secretly disapproving of the alternative: Dr. Jasmine Kane, enlisted by the head of the Dragonstar clan to help abort the virus. She is a wild card. She is an outsider. She is human.

Decked out in black leather and a tough attitude, Jasmine clashes with Quinn in more ways than one. And when destiny chooses her for his Mate, he doesn’t know whether to rejoice or rebel. Because while Jasmine makes him burn hotter than any woman—dragon or human—ever has, their differences make a relationship impossible.

But when a rival infiltrates the clan and attacks Jasmine, Quinn becomes desperate. Jasmine is now the first human to be infected with the disease—and Quinn must do everything he can to find a cure, and save the woman he has grown to love.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Blood on Silk (Awakened by Blood, Book 1) by Marie Treanor
Urban Fantasy published by NAL Trade 7 Sep 10

I’ve finally found that good vampire story I’ve been looking for lately. I’ve been putting vampire book after vampire book aside, they just didn’t pique my interest. But after receiving a couple of emails featuring Blood on Silk, I was intrigued enough to begin reading. I’m so very glad I did.

What I like the most is Ms. Treanor has given us her different take on the usual vampire story. While staking is still a way to kill a vampire, our hero, Saloman, is an Ancient, one of the last, and more than mere staking has to be done to kill him. His betrayers, the few who are left three hundred years later, are finding they should have taken that extra step now that he’s been awakened by Elizabeth Silk, who is working on a thesis concerning vampire lore in the Romanian mountains and who just happens to be a descendant of Saloman’s former lover – and one of his betrayers. But when the time comes for him to take his awakener’s life, her blood making him stronger than ever, he hesitates and allows Elizabeth to live.

However, Elizabeth plays a good game when it comes to her life or her death. Having first to deal with the fact that vampires are real, shattering her non-belief in such things, she suddenly gives in to Saloman’s sexual demands – though, if she’s honest, she’s as turned on and wants him as much as he wants her – she pulls off the unexpected and walks away intact. To fight another day. And she takes the fighting seriously, learning all the right moves from local vampire hunters. Elizabeth’s new goal is to eliminate Saloman, but the closer she moves in that direction the more confused she becomes, because she also still desires the creature and time after time buckles under that desire when with him. And those scenes are intense and sizzling hot. Saloman has a lot of time to make up for when it comes to sex.

There’s several times during the book I wondered when Elizabeth was really going to chuck everything and go where she belongs – with Saloman. Then I have to remember to tell myself this is an urban fantasy, this story will be strung out over a number of books. ACK! I normally don’t like urban fantasy because I’m one of those readers who likes my HEA tied up with a big, red bow at the end of a book. But Ms. Treanor keeps the intrigue, the mystery, the betrayal, the on-edge desire and so much more going  page after page, along with the allure of Saloman, that this time I really don’t care I’m being baited from book to book. Especially when I read the excerpt at the end of this book for the next in the series – something I usually don’t do – and the intrigue and Saloman’s enticing magnetism is still there even in those few pages. I’m hooked!

So much happens in this book. This is only a very top-of-the-iceberg review. Be sure to pick it up soon, because the next one, Blood Sin,  is due out in April. BoS is definitely worth a day on the couch with no interruptions until it’s read, and I know Blood Sin will be the same.

Grade: A-

Summary:

Scottish academic Elizabeth Silk is spending the summer in Romania researching historical superstitions for her PhD. While she is tracing local folktales, one subject in particular sparks her imagination. His name is Saloman, legend’s most powerful vampire, a seductive prince staked centuries ago. Now, in the ruins of a castle crypt, Elizabeth discovers the legends are real. Her blood has awakened him. Her innocence has aroused him. But Elizabeth unleashes more than Saloman’s hunger.

An army of vampire hunters has amassed to send Saloman back to hell. Sworn to help – yet fearing Saloman’s deadly blood lust – Elizabeth seeks to entrap him, offering her body as bait. But something stronger than dread, more powerful than revenge, is uniting Elizabeth to her prey. Caught between desire and rage, Elizabeth must decide where her loyalties lie…and what the limits are to a yearning she can no longer control.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Corralled (Blacktop Cowboys, Book 1) by Lorelei James
Contemporary Western erotic romance published by NAL Trade 3 Aug 10

None of you who know how much I love Lorelei James’ work will be surprised to learn I love this book. As usual, Ms. James has written a strong heroine and two — count’em, two! — handsome and alpha heroes who I’m now in love with. Her storyline is interesting, taking us behind the scenes of the rodeo in the different areas the characters deal with. And her love scenes are just as intense as ever.

Lainie is usually a straight-up, follow-the-rules kind of gal. She’s feeling guilty lately because she’s seeing two men at the same time, both cowboys on different rodeo circuits where she’s a med tech. But her best friend tells her to keep on keepin’ on and enjoy herself. She figures the men will never find out since they don’t perform or play in the same circles. Lainie’s in for a surprise, though, when Hank, the bullfighter, catches her and Kyle, the bullrider, together. Seems they’re best friends and neither of them wants to give Lainie up. So they compromise. Why not share her? Two men after my own heart.

Since Lainie’s having problems with her boss and he’s forcing a vacation on her, she decides why not, indeed. She’s ready to be double-teamed while the trio is on the road for the Cowboy Christmas arduous string of summer rodeos. Another surprise pops up for her when the guys don’t do much double-teaming. They begin a silent and intent competition of sexual exploits to keep Lainie wanting to come back to one instead of the other. But there’s still plenty of their threesome to keep things exciting between them, until Lainie finally demands her complete double-teaming. While I enjoyed those exploits, when Hank and Kyle come together and seriously tease Lainie how they’re going to take her, she’s not the only woman to bonelessly melt in anticipation.

Even as hot and fun as all the sex is, I like that these characters take the time to learn about one another during their travels. They’re each at a crossroads in their lives and need to figure out where they go from here. The competition between Hank and Kyle can only have one winner. Kyle wants to win, but what to do with Lainie in the long run? Hank wants to win equally as much, but as far as he’s concerned Lainie is someone he’ll keep near him for some time to come. I have to admit, I wasn’t sure I’d like how Ms. James may have come up with a solution for our heroes and heroine. How could she choose which one to pair with Lainie? I worried for nothing. Her solution is absolutely perfect.

I also like the behind-the-scenes look at Hank’s occupation of a bullfighter. This is something not really written about, especially in romance. It’s a serious job and Hank is an expert at it. You feel the tension every time he has to fight a bull to save those riders from being gored or stomped on by those angry animals. Of course, the sex is smokin’ hot, as only Ms. James can write such scenes. The secondary characters are also pretty terrific. Tanna, Lainie’s best friend, is a barrel racer and loves a good time. Celia, Hank’s sister, and Abe, his brother, take care of the ranch while he rodeos. They also give him hell when needed. I’m hoping they each get a book of their own.

Lorelei James has given her fans a new series they’re going to embrace as fully as her McKay family series. Blacktop Cowboys are now in my blood.

Grade: A+

Summary:

Sports therapist Lainie Capshaw has been rehabilitating injured cowboys long enough to know that a charming western drawl combined with a fine physical form doesn’t mean you fall for the man.

So no one is more surprised than Lainie when she finds herself involved with not one, but two different men: Hank Lawson, a bullfighter, and Kyle Gilchrist, a bull rider. Lainie feels guilty about her two-timing, but it doesn’t keep her from doubling her fun-that is until Hank catches her with Kyle.

She’s shocked that Hank isn’t mad. But she’s more shocked to learn Hank and Kyle are hometown buddies. But when the men offer to share her-in every way-she knows that she’s going to have to choose the one man who can give her the ride of her life.

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of by Dark Embers (Dragon’s Heat, Book 1) by Tessa Adams
Paranormal Erotic Romance published by NAL Trade 6 Jul 10

Well, I’ll get it out in the open first thing. I’ve wanted to read this book because the cover caught my eye. I mean, come on. What healthy female wouldn’t like this cover, for heaven’s sake? I didn’t even bother checking to see what the book was about beforehand. I had the chance to pick it up, so I did, no questions asked. Then I found out it’s dragons.

And then as I got into the story, no doubt about it, this is my kind of book. Total alpha hero, intelligent (throughout the story too!) heroine who stands up to him, different and unique storyline, great secondary characters — and DRAGONS! — I love every word.

Having the King of the Dragonstars thrust upon him after the deaths of his parents and brother, Dylan had done his best to lead his people and keep them safe. But he’s failed. At least in his mind. His sister has also just died of a mysterious illness that has struck his clan, taking so many loved ones away, and he’s determined to find a cure but so far all research as been for naught.

He’s learned of a human scientist who’s been working on a cure for lupus. She’s dedicated and she’s focused, doesn’t stop until she has her answers. So overriding his clan’s concerns about involving humans, Dylan heads for Harvard, where he won’t leave without the woman in tow. He needs her more than his ancient alma mater does.

Phoebe and her research have just gotten the axe at Harvard. No more grants to fund her studies. Now it’s up to her to find another university or corporation who will help, but it’s too late in the year, all moneys have already been earmarked. Then in walks a stranger who at first scares her silly but who then piques her curiosity and her libido.

Dylan makes Phoebe an offer she can’t refuse, and she finds herself in New Mexico, given free rein in a spectacularly equipped lab. But she knows something’s not quite right after running tests on Dylan’s people. She just can’t put her finger on what it is, and Dylan so far has evaded her questions.

Needless to say, Dylan is hesitant to tell Phoebe about him and his inner beast. He’s been hunting for eons for his mate to secure the royal bloodline of his clan, but all female shifters he’s loved and left have not been his destiny. His attraction to Phoebe is immediate and fierce, especially to his dragon, who claws and tears at Dylan to escape to get his hands on the woman.

Phoebe at first is, of course, very doubtful of Dylan’s claims, but when he shifts before her into a beautiful, strong, and lethal predator, she wonders what else otherworldly could be out there. Riding on Dylan’s back through the New Mexico night is an experience she’ll never forget once she returns home.

Geez,I could go on and on because so much happens in this book, and I haven’t even mentioned the love scenes yet. It’s hot. And then some. Very powerful and very explosive between these two. One touch and both of them are lost for the moment until sated. Ms. Adams does a great job of describing Dylan’s dragon as it tries to get to Phoebe. That dragon is the only one who figures out Phoebe is Dylan’s mate. Smart beast.

Of course, there is an enemy clan and once they’re introduced, all hell breaks loose. There’s emotion galore throughout this book, all culminating at the end when things really go wrong and Dylan finally takes matters into his owns hands for him, not his clan.

I’m very anxiously awaiting the next book in this series. All characters I’ve met so far will make fantastic heroes. If you like dragon shifters, go get this book. Now!

Grade: A+

Summary:

King Dylan MacLeod is one of the last pure-bred dragon shapeshifters in existence—and ruler of a dying race, the Dragonstar clan. It falls to him to protect his people—and their ancient magic. He has one more duty: to provide an heir.

Like all dragons, Dylan can only procreate with his destined mate—for whom he’s searched for five hundred years. His dark, rampant sexual appetite has earned him quite the reputation, all in the pursuit of his one true match.

But his search is delayed when a deadly disease sweeps through the Dragonstars, and Dylan must venture to the human world to find a cure. He tracks down renowned biochemist Phoebe Quillum, never imagining the beautiful scientist will be the mate he’s been seeking for centuries. But no sooner do they meet then Phoebe and Dylan are besieged by an obsessive, overpowering sexual desire.

Their passion turns to something truer—and they know in their souls and bodies that they’re in too deep to get out. And when Phoebe is kidnapped by Dylan’s oldest enemy, he must risk everything to reclaim the only woman he’s ever loved, or his clan will be wiped out forever.

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of Passionate Pleasures (The Pleasures, Book 5) by Bertrice Small
Contemporary Erotic Romance published by NAL Trade 3 Aug 10

I remember reading Bertrice Small when I was a teenager. She’s one of those authors a lot of us cut our romance teeth on all those years ago. Her Skye O’Malley series was a favorite back then. So, needless to say, I was a tad curious when I received Passionate Pleasures to review, especially when I realized it’s erotica. I wanted to see how it goes when old school meets new school in the world of erotic romance. Sigh. I’m sorry to say it didn’t go well at all, not only in the erotic elements but also other areas as well.

I’ve not read any other books in this series. I really don’t think that would have made a difference to the bottom line of my review. There are a few relatively major issues that I have a feeling show up in each book. Since the summary below gives you an idea of the storyline, with the exception of not hinting there’s paranormal elements included, I’ll just go to right to those major issues. However, be warned, this is a long review. I just couldn’t help myself.

There’s two elements where it seems Ms. Small is still writing like she did in the 1970s and 1980s. One is dialogue. Most of it is stilted and awkward, and people just don’t talk to one another how a lot of these characters in PP do. In fact, several times during conversations in this story, I kept thinking Stepford Wives. That’s how some of it read, like an automaton, no feeling, no emotion, or the way too much emotion for the situation. There are a few times in the book that work well, but they’re just overshadowed by those that don’t.

Along this same line, there are a lot of inconsistencies when it comes to how the characters speak. An example is the hero, Tim Blair, at one point when talking about an expectant mother used the word preggers. A very up-to-date, today word. Later, however, he uses the phrase “scare the dickens out of me,” and with the inclusion of the rest of that conversation, it just didn’t sound like the same character who I’d been reading about. And it’s not an isolated instance.

To take it a step further, the erotic nature concerning the dialogue is at times very prim sounding between the characters and then in the throes of passion, what is supposed to sound erotic just doesn’t. It’s plastic, wooden, out of character, however you’d like to say it. Very Stepford.

Next is head hopping. Granted, this isn’t done to the extent it was in our romances of old, but it’s still there and it’s blatant. It pulled me out of the story every time. Changing point of view at will never bothered me in the ’70s — I didn’t know any better at the time. But it’s a new age today of both writers and readers who do know better, and this problem is very noticeable in this book when it occurs. Literally a different point of view from a person who isn’t even in the room.

Then there’s a few things I just didn’t like, period. I wouldn’t like them in any book, not just this one. They leave me irritated. First is consistency. A couple of examples.

When Tim is unpacking in his new home in Egret Point, he opens a box of books to place on his bookshelves and he notices a problem. He then goes in to some memory about his father, I believe, and we’re never told what the problem is. Ever. Not just at that point where the problem is immediate, it’s never brought up again. Now I’m wondering about that for pages.

Next, Kathryn is in the middle of one of her fantasies with The Channel, having a rough evening with a barbarian, Temur, who sort of rescues a young girl being roughed up by his men. I say sort of because he diffuses the problem by taking the girl himself to show the boys how it’s done so she’ll cooperate and let every one of them have his way with her. Later when Temur and Kathryn are alone in his room, he orders her as his slave to bathe him, and she does a good job of it, cleaning every body part, no exclusion whatsoever. But within a few paragraphs she’s anxiously awaiting to see what his penis looks like because she didn’t get a good look at it in his earlier demonstration to his men. Huh? The woman, just moments before, had her hands all over that man in the bath.

And since I just mentioned the fantasies Kathryn programmed into The Channel for her daily quota of sex, I’ll just say each of these fantasies are just silly. Way too silly for romance and definitely for erotica. And for a mature woman who wants either just straight sex, rough sex, whatever. It feels like these are just included to get some of the erotica requirements needed.

Another problem I have is being hit over the head with things that make me think the author doesn’t have much faith in her readers’ intelligence. I only have to be told something once and I get it. It’s in the old brain and you don’t have to keep at me about it. The worst example of this is using Kathryn’s full name throughout the book where it just isn’t needed. Ever again. A few times in the beginning is sufficient. I don’t need it thrown at me over and over and over.

Along the same line, Tim keeps thinking or commenting about Kathryn’s “round breasts.” As compared to what? Square? Readers need that same description each and every time a hero pays attention to the heroine’s breasts. We know they’re round and he does too.

I also feel that Ms. Small makes Kathryn, who is an intelligent, confident, and independent woman, and Tim, a charming, educated man, seem rather brainless at times. I take issue with the fact that Kathy believes at 48 she’s too old to date, too old to get married, too old to do any number of things. She’s only three years older than I am. I certainly didn’t like the intimation I’m too old for those same things. I do like the fact that an older hero and heroine are featured, because you don’t see that too often in romance, then they’re knocked down for the very thing that’s unique about them, and it’s too bad they’re portrayed in such a way.

It’s also too bad because I actually like these characters. They’re just in the wrong romance novel. I know Ms. Small is trying to show Tim as an upstanding citizen, school principal, all-around good guy but he’s also what you don’t expect in the bedroom, especially with his sex toys and dirty words. The dichotomy just didn’t work the way it should have.

Oh, Kathy’s also five years older than Tim and has several thoughts or conversations off and on about that. I don’t see the problem. It’s not like they’re at an age that such a gap would make a difference, so I didn’t get the point in talking or thinking about it more than once, and it is more than once. They’re both responsible adults who have lived a good life up to this point, so who cares? There are other more important things to think about.

And the zinger for me, Kathy replies to Tim’s uh-oh moment of forgetting to use a condom with “Not a snowball’s chance in hell. I’m too old,” referring to the likelihood she could be pregnant. For a savvy woman of today’s world, even in small town America, that’s a very narrow, uneducated, and misinformed attitude to have. And Tim’s response to Kathryn at that point?  “I’ll take your word for it.” Please. He’s a middle school principal, a responsible male. Again, it’s just not true to their characters, their intelligence has taken a hike.

As far as my curiosity about the erotica element, I’ve decided there’s a  huge gap between authors from yesteryear and erotic authors of today. Stringing naughty words together and throwing in “Fuck me! Fuck me!” during lovemaking doesn’t make it erotic and it certainly isn’t sexy or romantic, and that happens a lot in this book. I never felt Tim and Kathy truly had an erotic connection in their love scenes. It’s simply intercourse with the F-word being interjected a number of times. It would have been more erotic to have a tender but very intense scene, then add a couple of those explicit phrases whispered back and forth, instead of all the screaming and playing with toys.

Having them playact a version of Kathy’s fantasy from The Channel doesn’t make it erotic either, especially when it didn’t work the first time around. It just feels like a case of a good veteran author trying her hand at one of today’s most popular genres and falling short.

On the other side of the coin, they do have a couple of tender moments and those are so much more enjoyable, more in line with who they are.

I came very close to not even trying to finish this book after the second chapter, but thought I’d better give it a fair shake.  There are a few nice moments in this book, I even laughed out loud once, but there’s too few of those instances to combat all this other stuff. Needless to say, I don’t have any desire to read the other books in this series.

Obviously, this novel didn’t work for me on so many levels. And I will more than likely get some flack from a few of Ms. Small’s readers about my opinion. That’s okay. If it worked for you, that’s great. As much I remember loving this author’s work years ago, I kind of wish this one had worked for me. Alas, it’s just not meant to be.

Grade: F

Summary:

Some think librarians are stuffy, narrow-minded prudes-but that’s not true of Kathryn St. John. She runs Egret Point’s library and is very involved in her community, even down to keeping them up with the latest trends. One major trend she turned the local ladies on to is the interactive network The Channel. It’s there that Kathryn extends her occupational passions into the bedroom by playing out her favorite pieces of medieval English literature. Kathryn is quite satisfied with the princes, musketeers, and highwaymen her personas seduce in The Channel. But her seductions spill out into the real world and reach Timothy Blair, new to Egret Point. He wants to satiate both of their desires, but how can he possibly compete with fantasy lovers? That is unless he can create a wicked plot twist that even Kathryn couldn’t think up in her wildest dreams…

No excerpt found.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Highland Surrender by Dawn Halliday
Historical Romance published by NAL Trade 6 April 10

Cam has had a time of it. He lost the woman he loved to his best friend in Highland Obsession, and since that time he’s been in England looking for a suitable wife. He thinks he’s found her. And she is suitable. If he wants to live in a passionless marriage.

Cam soon finds out he can’t live without passion, however. He does try to rein in his desires and appetites and learn from his past obsessive experience when it comes to women; thus, his stint in England that brings Elizabeth to Camdonn Castle. He also wants to earn the respect of his people again, so he has to follow through with this life he’s now chosen.

For Elizabeth, Cam’s proposal couldn’t have come at a better time. She’s always longed for freedom and her dream is about to come true. Escaping the clutches of her uncle will finally come to pass when the marriage takes places in a few weeks. And, boy, does she need to get away from that jerk. Talk about one evil character. That man is something else.

What neither of these characters know is that they’re about to come face to face with that one person who will give them the passion they think they can trade for. Nearing Camdonn Castle, their party is attacked. Cam races after the fleeing highwaymen and Elizabeth is left alone on the side of the trail when she falls from the carriage without anyone noticing until it’s too late.

Cam is unsuccessful in vanquishing the attackers and is left for dead in the forest, where he is later found by Ceana McNab, the local healer who everyone fears. Elizabeth is rescued by Robert MacLean, a groom from the castle who has tried to keep the peace among Cam’s people while he’s been away for months on end.

Ceana comes from a long line of healers who have lived with the curse of losing their beloveds, so she’s sworn never to love or marry again. But taking care of Cam while he heals puts her to the test. Their attraction is immediate, passion flares between them. They both do an admiral job of staying away from each other, even despite stolen glances and sizzling kisses. That, of course, can only last so long.

Keeping his secret close to the vest has kept Robert on Camdonn lands for a number of years now, but once Elizabeth comes to him in the stables, wants to be with the groom instead of the earl, he bears his soul but refuses to betray the only family he has left.

But all of these characters can only hold out so long against their passionate natures. Secrets are learned, those passions are let free, betrayals forgiven, and lives begin to be joyously lived. I really like how they don’t let the wrong thing get in the way of their happiness; they look at everything as it is and as it could be, as it should be, and make the right decisions.

I like this book even better than Highland Obsession, especially since I wasn’t sure that I’d continue to like Cam after his maniacal behavior in that story. But when he realizes how much he has to lose, and it’s a lot, he surrenders. And wins big time.

Grade: A

Summary:

When passion sweeps away all reason…

Determined to put his roguish past behind him, the Earl of Camdonn arranges to marry the proper Lady Elizabeth. But when an accident lands the Earl in the expert hands of a beautiful Highland medicine woman, all well-laid plans are thrown to the wind- and, just as in the old days, his passions run high…

Ceana MacNab has terrible luck with men. Resigning herself to the healing arts, she has steeled her heart against love. Then fate sends Cam her way. Even though he’s a well-bred Earl-and Ceana a low-born Highlander-their all-consuming passion may lead the way to lasting bliss.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Highland Obsession by Dawn Halliday
Historical Romance published by NAL Trade 4 Aug 09

I haven’t had such an up-and-down, love/hate ride with a book in the longest time that I had with this one! My reactions covered anger, disbelief, are you kidding me, and forgiveness. And that was all for the author. My reactions and emotions concerning the characters and storyline came later.

I’m a huge Highlander fan. I love reading Scottish historicals and those big, handsome, alpha Highlanders are my favorite heroes. Therefore, when Cam, the Earl of Camdonn, reveals his obsession with the heroine, Sorcha, and acts on that obsession by kidnapping her on her wedding night, well, suffice it to say I was not a happy reader. On top of that, come to find out the groom on this wedding night, Alan, the MacDonald laird, is Cam’s best friend. Double whammy in the honor department for Cam for being a jerk. Which I didn’t like. Cam is a good guy, an honorable Highlander. I take my Highlanders very seriously. A little anger at this point.

Sorcha and Cam did have a thing going on before Alan came back from England to take his rightful place as laird, but it was all over with by the time Alan asked for her hand. She doesn’t tell Alan about her past with Cam, however; even fakes being a virgin on their wedding night because she takes her vows seriously and is intent on making a good wife for Alan. So she doesn’t want him to know she’s not as innocent as he’s expecting, though she also hates lying to him. But all goes well between them. Until Cam bursts through the door. Now disbelief sets in.

I do like Sorcha very much. She sticks to her guns, tells Cam there’s no way there can be anything between them now that she’s married, though she still does have feelings for him. She tries to escape him to return to her husband, but Cam locks her in his bedchamber, hoping she’ll eventually capitulate. But while in his cups, he allows the opportunity for Sorcha to finally escape and she makes her way back to Alan, who, of course, has been dishonored though she tells him nothing happened between her and Cam. How can he ever believe her again since he’s found out she lied about being a virgin. But he doesn’t toss her out as most men would have done. Cam, however, is now thinking of taking Sorcha again when he discovers her gone. Are you kidding me?

In between all of this, the clans are readying for war, which both Alan and Cam want to stay out of as long as possible. To regain his honor, Alan challenges Cam to a duel, hating the fact it’s come to this with the man who’s been like a brother to him for two decades. It’s about this time that Cam comes to his senses and realizes what he’s done to his best friend and to the woman he would also like to call a friend. He accepts Alan’s challenge and is the one who ends up injured in a mishap during the duel. Alan never wanted to kill Cam, he wanted just enough blood to reclaim his honor. Thinking he’s dying, Cam asks for forgiveness from them both and receives it without question. He got the same from me.

I couldn’t believe the ups and downs as far as emotion in this book, which, of course, is the point the author wants when writing and putting her soul out there for the world to see. I’m very glad Ms. Halliday gave honor back to my Highlander in this book. Yes, he was a jerk at one point, but he redeems himself quite nicely. There’s still plenty that goes on after all of this, most notably a test that Alan puts both Sorcha and Cam through, which they fail miserably. But they all own up to it and make peace the only way they can. Next up is Cam’s book and I have a feeling it’s going to be just as bumpy a ride as this one is.

Grade: B

Summary:

In the Scottish Highlands, two warriors are about to clash over a woman of passion…

They were the unlikeliest of friends debauching their way through London: The Earl of Camdonn, a nobleman of vast wealth and power, and Scottish laird Alan MacDonald, a respected Jacobite with ambitions of his own.

But their friendship is destroyed when Alan marries the beautiful Sorcha Stewart—only to witness Cam kidnap her from their bedroom. Then Alan learns the truth: his bride was not an innocent. She took a lover before him—his friend—who taught her the ways of pleasure.

Now, Alan will do anything to get his wife back. Cam fights to redeem his honor, even as he refuses to give up his desire. Torn between love and duty, Sorcha must watch as the two men she desires go to war over her. And when the battle lines are drawn, all three lovers are lured into a triangle of forbidden passions…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Limecello’s review of Free Pass by Elizabeth Scott
Contemporary Erotic romance published by NAL on 2 Dec 08

I really like Elizabeth Scott’s books – I’ve read her previous two as well. But I will say she’s exceedingly hard to find through Google searches (you generally get the YA author).  Though I didn’t like what I saw of the trailer (granted they’re not my favorite thing anyway).   Free Pass is similar to Ms. Scott’s other books in that she focuses on three couples and their stories. Free Pass differs, however, in that she has the men taking a much more prominent role. That, and it isn’t an anthology. The stories aren’t separated, and everything is set out as one book. Nevertheless, each chapter focuses on one couple at a time, so I’m not sure if I would have preferred the other format. Regardless, Ms. Scott has published yet another terrific, and steamy work.

The premise of this book is that the women want to preempt the typical “seven year itch” by allowing their husbands one fling to get rid of the urge. As aforementioned, Free Pass is about three different couples. Here, the women are friends because they workout together. One comes up with the outrageous idea, and convinces her friends to do the same. Initially the characters are all resistant to the “free pass,” but it slowly insinuates itself and tempts each of them with the possibilities.

Cherisse and Wesley are your typical “small town” couple. They live in Minnesota, but have gone to Miami for a vacation.  Here, they feel free to let loose, and go on with their flings because “what happens in Miami, stays in Miami.” Cherisse and Wesley are actually my favorite couple in Free Pass. They’re both incredibly personable and endearing. Cherisse is refreshingly normal, and Wesley is quite down to earth as well. It’s clear they have a strong bond, and their relationship is going well, they simply want an adventure.

Cherisse ends up finding herself a lifeguard-cum-waiter-cum-actor, while Wesley hooks up with a hair model who also works in a book store. Their “flings” are very different from the type of person their spouse is, and somehow, Ms. Scott manages to craft the situation so Cherisse and Wesley feel closer to each other after each has sex with a stranger.

The same occurs with the other couples: Debra and Gordon, as well as Melanie and Thomas.

Debra and Gordon go to Greece, and meet a pair of wild Russians. The scenes were entertaining, though I felt some of the characterizations were a bit too much at times. Debra and Gordon play the wide-eyed naive Americans, and the Russians are extremely outrageous. Yuri and Katya’s diction just started to irritate me at times, but it wasn’t too distracting. Debra and Gordon decide to use their “passes” with their new foreign friends. I enjoyed the descriptions of the town, and was impressed by the vastly different situations Ms. Scott created for the Debra and Gordon with their respective Russian indiscretions.

Melanie and Thomas have the most unique experience. Melanie was the one who came up with the free pass idea – but she and Thomas are the one couple that don’t exactly go through with it.  Richard, a nice traveling businessman, is the man Melanie chooses, and what I liked about this pairing was how much depth Ms. Scott gave Richard. (I hope he’ll have a happy ending in her next book.)

It was interesting and impressive how Ms. Scott managed to take such a taboo subject, and create a romance. Free Pass is effectively a book where three couples cheat on each other, juxtaposing two discordant ideas. (Though the question also is – is it really cheating when your spouse knows? And even more, allows it?) However, she takes the concept of making something forbidden normal, and follows the couples’ relationships from there. Cherisse, Wesley, Debra, Gordon, Melanie, and Thomas all realize what they have together is truly special, and not something they can find with anyone else. While one might think doing such a thing would tear the couples apart, their foundations are strong enough to withstand it, and the result is an extremely sexy book with a surprising and satisfying amount of romance.

They’re not separate, so I’m not giving different grades, but it’s floating in the ether between an A- and a B+. I definitely recommend this book for readers who are looking for something well-written and new, and especially for those who like a lot of heat in their books.

Grade: B+

Summary:

These three couples have shared good times with each other as friends. But as they celebrate their seven-year anniversaries, they’re planning to share some even better times-with strangers…

Vacationing in Miami, Cherisse and Wesley are up for more than sunbathing, when Wesley spies a naughty lady through his telescope and Cherisse focuses her gaze on the lifeguard. Meanwhile, Melanie passes on the hot men at her health club and chooses a private workout with an out-of-towner. When her husband accidentally walks in on them, it’s anything goes. And at their rental in Greece, Debra and Gordon discover a Russian couple making love in a private show just for them. For the restless Americans it’s quite a come-on-and an irresistible invitation…

No excerpt available.

Gwen’s review of The Captive Heart (The Border Chronicles, Book 3) by Bertrice Small
Historical romance released by NAL Trade 7 Oct 08

Those of you who know me know I cut my historical romance teeth on Bertrice Small and Roberta Gellis.  Both authors occupy a special place in the bookcase in my heart.  Now, imagine my frustration and disappointment when I pick up one of their recent books and discover my tastes have completely changed!  I felt like wailing, “Say it ain’t so, Joe!”  So here is not so much a review of the book as a review of how my tastes have changed. 

Now, I’m not completely naive.  I know Small is Queen of Purple Prose.  What I didn’t realize was how completely amethyst, violet, lilac, heliotrope, and royal her purple could be.  My notes on this book say it all, “GAH! Purple prose x 100.  semen = “love juice” HAHAHAHA!!” I had a very difficult time keeping a straight face thru the love scenes.  Sometimes I just plain laughed myself silly.  Now, I know this makes me seem like I’m not a fan.  I am a fan!  I just have grown to prefer more straight-forward language in romance novels.

My next note says, “Unnecessary historical details x 50.  Ridiculous plot twists x 10.  Meandering plot. Wandering story arcs. All strung together like a grade school construction paper chain – one that’s been put together with clumpy, smelly school paste, dull blunt nose scissors, and a kindergartner.”  I think I must have been having a bad day.  Anyone who knows Small’s writing knows she writes in these big sweeping story arcs that encompasses not only her characters’ story, but the story of the times.  I guess I’ve come to better appreciate a more intimate story – one that stays focused on the lead couple and their immediate environs.  I have history reference books for the bigger picture – I don’t want my romance novel to be one.

What all this boils down to is I have changed.  Not significantly, but enough that I’ll leave the Small’s to my hazy, pleasant memories and stay focused on what I like now.

I can recommend this book to fans of Small’s writing.

Grade: D no, C  no D  okay C

Summary:

The year is 1461, and the winds of war rage across England, uprooting Alix Givet, the daughter of Queen Margaret’s physician, and the rest of Henry VI’s court. Alix’s plight becomes bleaker still when, out of duty to her queen, and to her ill, widowed father, she’s locked into a loveless marriage to a cruel Northumbrian. But when her luck changes, Alix has another chance to flee-this time to save herself. Escaping north over the border into Scotland, she throws herself at the mercy of a dark and brooding laird who might provide the everlasting love of her dreams-if she can warm his cold heart.

No excerpt found on author’s or publisher’s site.

Other books in the series:

LauraD’s review of The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider’s Guide by J.R. Ward
Paranormal Romance reference released by NAL Trade 7 Oct 08

If you aren’t yet familiar with J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood, then I’ve gotta ask: where have you been? Whether you’ve read the books or not, whether you like the books or not, Ward created both a phenomenon and a train that won’t stop rolling. When she announced on her website that a “compendium” about the Brotherhood would be released before her hardback debut next year, I was one of many Khool-Aid drinkers eager to find out more about the alternate world she’s created.

The Insider’s Guide manages to be both a treat to fans, and disappointing as well. It opens with the lovely novella “Father Mine”, a continuation of Zsadist and Bella’s story. If like me, you are a fan of that particular couple, then “Father Mine” is pure cake and ice cream. It focuses on Zsadist’s inability to deal with being a new father, and shows him making some peace with his past. Ward is quite open about her love of Zsadist, and it shows in a well-paced story that combines action, emotional development, and a pretty hot love scene.

“The Brotherhood Dossiers” include a questionnaire “answered” by the respective character, and then an “interview”– actually short stories in which Ward inserts herself as the interviewer. Readers familiar with the author’s message board — probably the most unique romance fan community ever — will recognize the style. It provides a fun opportunity to catch up with where favorite characters are in their private lives. Also at the end of each character’s section are notes on that particular novel, and “craft notes” pertaining to both that specific book and Ward’s writing practice in general. I appreciated that she acknowledged the almost universal dislike of the ending of “Lover Unbound”, and she touches on the homoerotic nature of the Butch/Vishous relationship as well.

Also included are a letter from Ward “to writers”, the original proposal for Dark Lover, and a few deleted scenes from the books — well worth reading even if they didn’t work in the context of the original novel. Then the Guide moves into what I frankly found to be pure filler. “Kicks and Giggles” are Ward’s favorite dialogue quotes from the novels. “The Brothers on the Board” are verbatim “appearances” that Ward’s characters have made on her message board, and they are still available there. Also available on the website, “Slices of Life”– short stories featuring the Brothers. Finally, Ward is interviewed by her own characters — again, a first person short story.

I closed An Insider’s Guide having enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with old favorites, but without any additional insight to the characters. As a fan, I had hoped Ward would expand on both her mythology and her world building. I was disappointed that she chose to devote so much of the book to material previously published on her message board — close to 150 pages of a trade paperback is a lot of recycling.

Grading this one is hard. “Father Mine,” the novella, is totally A+ material. (I believe the novella to be available by itself as an eBook.) The “Dossiers” and interviews were pure fan candy, and I’m sure Ward’s cellies are pleased to have a bound edition of the message board material. It’s interesting to have insight into Ward’s writing process, and she has a self-deprecatory voice that serves her well as she discusses her craft. Balancing the great, the good, and the filler, I’m saying…

Grade: B-

Read more news, reviews, and information by clicking on the Black Dagger Brotherhood series tag.

Summary:

This is a book no Black Dagger Brotherhood fan should miss-an insider’s guide that will seduce readers as powerfully as the sexy band of Brothers and the world they live in. And also included is an original short story about stars Zsadist and Bella!

This comprehensive guide features insider information on the Brotherhood, their dossiers, stats, and special gifts. Readers will savor interviews with their favorite characters, deleted scenes, exciting material from the J.R. Ward message board and the answers to their burning questions. They’ll learn what it’s like for J.R. Ward to write each installment of the series, and in a fascinating twist, read an interview with the author-conducted by the Brothers. Plus readers will get a sneak peek at the much anticipated next book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Lover Avenged.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series (all dates are mass market paperback release, except for Lover Avenged, which releases hardcover next May):

			Lover Avenged

Holly‘s review of Master: An Erotic Novel of the Count of Monte Cristo by Colette Gale
Erotic Romance published by NAL Trade 6 May 08

I’m a huge fan of The Count of Monte Cristo. I believe I first read the novel by Alexandre Dumas when I was a freshman in high school and it really resonated with me. Since then, I’ve re-read it at least once a year. So when I heard (almost a year ago) that Colette Gail was going to write an erotic accounting of the novel, well, I just had to read it, didn’t I?

I’m sure all of you are familiar with the tale by now: Edmond Dantes was falsely imprisoned on charges of treason on suspicion of plotting to help Napoleon escape from exile. He spent 14 hellish years in a French prison, dreaming of none other than his one true love Mercedes. He escapes prison to find she’s married to her cousin – one of the men responsible for his imprisonment. He becomes convinced he’s an avenging angel and sets out to exact revenge on all of those who betrayed him.

This version isn’t much different in plot from the original, but it’s written a lot dirtier. Fernand, Mercedes’ husband, is gay and needs certain perversions in order to get off. He becomes violent when he’s unable to perform, and Mercedes has spent years being abused by him – both physically and sexually. I think there’s a little something for everyone in this novel: bondage, voyeurism, menage.

Mercedes and Edmond are still as attracted to each other as they were 20 years before and the sexual chemistry between them was well done and believable. I didn’t feel like the author threw in sex scenes just for the sake of having them, either. All the scenes were believable and served to move the plot forward.

Overall a well written, emotionally charged erotic novel that very closely resembled the original in plot and tone. Highly recommend.

Grade: A

From the author of Unmasqued comes a bold and erotic retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo.

Dantes spent years imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. Now he’s returned to Paris in the guise of the Count of Monte Cristo, seeking vengeance on those who sent him to jail. But his plan also includes a different kind of revenge—on the woman he has never forgotten, the lover he has made it his mission to possess. So unfolds an erotic battle of wills in the most electrifying game of love ever played between man and woman, master and slave.

Read an excerpt.

Lawson’s review of Red-Hot and Royal by Susanna Carr
Contemporary romance released by NAL Trade 3 Jun 08

I don’t know what it is, but I have a thing for prince stories. Maybe it’s my own unwise crush on Prince William or love of happily ever after fairy tales, but a prince story can usually drag me in. This book has not one, not two, but three sexy princes who have sworn off commitment to be playboys and run away from love. A friend of theirs, Prince Hugo, has just gotten married and in the international spotlight Zain, Rafael and Santos are next.

Where do these princes go next but the United States, of course. This could be an anthology, but the stories are intertwined instead of separated, in an attempt to give the impression that it all happens about the same time, over about a month. Though rather sweet, the stories are rather short and don’t give enough time to get to know the characters in depth to accept their endings.

Zain is a prince from a desert kingdom steeped in astrology. He’s got a prophecy attached to him that his destined bride will give him a kiss at midnight on his birthday. Lauren Ballinger kisses Zain, but runs away. She’s kissed him due to a time capsule, a dead friend, and a wish list. Yeah, it is rather flimsy, especially when Lauren keeps turning Zain down because she’s always had her dreams shot down and just wants to survive.

Rafael has come to a small liberal arts university outside of D.C. to stop his brother Luca from getting involved with someone unsuitable. Shayla Pendley is Luca’s tutor and always willing to help fellow students in their love lives. Luca convinces Shayla to be a gold digger so his real girlfriend Cathy will look good to his family. Rafael figures things out and decides to go after Shayla himself.

Santos is a prince from an island country with an obsession with the beach. Kylee Dawes has been hired as his image consultant to turn him into someone who is a Prince Charming type to help his country in business and politics. Santos likes his laid back ways and doesn’t want to be confined by a suit while Kylee is working hard to hide her own wild beach past. Santos likes to be the wild, almost barbarian surfer dude and does everything he can to get Kylee to let out her wild child.

The princes were ok, Rafael was the best of the three. Santos came across as a spoiled, whiny child and Zain was way too brainwashed by his desert country’s astrological culture. The women all wanted to be modern, but what came across in the end was the desire to be rescued by the handsome prince and put in the lap of luxury. Lauren was way too scared of doing something outside her plans since her childhood dreams shattered, Shayla was scared to leave the world she knew at the university and being the reliable one and Kylee was uptight and just couldn’t handle letting Santos be who he was rather than who she wanted him to be.

If the stories had been longer perhaps these issues could have been worked out better and there is a good feeling in each of them, but not enough substance to overcome the character’s flaws and give a good backing to the idea that these three couples could find their happily ever after.

Grade: D

Kylee, Lauren, and Shayla are modern-day ordinary women who would never meet the requirements for fabled princesses. Damsels in distress? Definitely not. Fairest in the land? They wish. Pure as snow? Not even close. Now, these three women are about to get to know the wild side of royalty—and inspire three princes to cast the crown aside and bare it all. Their encounters are royally erotic—and the happily ever after they reach is not exactly the fairytale ending you’d expect. It’s much, much hotter. One thing’s for sure: These princes never had it so good…

Limecello’s review of Seven Nights of Sin by Lacey Alexander
Contemporary Erotic Romance released by NAL Trade 1 April 08

I’d heard a lot of buzz about this book, so when I found it in my mailbox, I was very excited. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as I thought I would, but it does have a fantastic ending.

Strange, that the conflict in this book was so mundane, so real and plausible… but I felt it was unrealistic. For her age, the heroine, Brenna, seemed way too clueless. She’s from Centerville, Ohio! I know where that is! They produce a lot of NFL players Just because she’s not slutty, or promiscuous, doesn’t mean she doesn’t know sex exists. The wide eyed bambi feel didn’t so much breathe life to the character, as annoy the reader (read: me). Brenna was also excessively awed by Vegas. It’s not like it’s Stonehenge or St. Peter’s Basilica.

I got extremely impatient with the heroine. In fact, she’s an idiot. I realize it’s tough to make a life change, but she was too uncertain. If she’s determined to start her new life, she needs to stick with it. Otherwise, the book did pick up around the Second Night, Chapter 4. The book itself doesn’t have that great a plot. Who am I kidding, effectively, it’s not really there. What saves this book, is the how almost unbelievably compatible Brenna and Damon are. This book is hot. There’s a problem, however, when you only like the heroine during a sex scene. Good thing that’s about 80% of the book so you don’t walk away thinking she’s useless.

The hero, Damon, seemed to have a limited vocabulary, “Jesus God” being a favorite phrase. He said it whenever he was surprised during sex, or turned on – and, that was a lot. I’m not sure if I simply don’t read enough books like this, but … the hero always fell asleep after sex. Pretty much immediately. It was a bit surprising this was mentioned so many times, since it’s such a point of contention among couples, women getting annoyed by the guy who just rolls off and falls asleep.

Most of the interaction with characters outside of Brenna and Damon had me rolling my eyes. I finally got what was really bothering me around chapter four, night five – it reads like a high school fantasy. A super geek part of me questioned one of the last, encounters, shall we call them, at a club named Caligula’s. With all the excess of the Roman empire, Ms. Alexander chose to use the emperor named “little boots” – and one who was nuts and made his horse consul. Not very sexy. The classics scholar in me was also annoyed by the description of the club, but I put it aside. There was a lot of chin lowering as well. If the action wasn’t sexual, the characters were lowering their chins. Any and all of them.

Still, the chemistry between Brenna and Damon really draws you in. Ironically, I found myself really liking the book when it was ending. In fact, I didn’t feel very invested, until Brenna and Damon “broke up.” I’m wondering if there will be a sequel telling Kelly and Anthony’s story. I’m sure someone will know.

The last section of the book really clinched it for me. While I struggled to read the earlier sections of the book, Brenna and Damon finally developed into three dimensional characters, and I enjoyed watching their relationship take root.

Grade: C-

     Summary:

     A sizzling novel about seven steamy nights in Sin City, each one hotter than the last…

     Brenna Cayton doesn’t need a man. At least that’s what she keeps telling herself. Then her boss sends her on a business trip to Vegas to make sure Damon Andros-the sexiest man in the entire music industry-doesn’t live up to his bad boy image. But before she knows it, business turns to extreme pleasure as Damon brings out her naughty side, fulfilling every one of her wildest fantasies. Now, she has just seven sultry nights to commit every sin in the book. Because once Damon discovers her dirty little secret, he’ll surely never indulge their lust again…

     Read an excerpt here.

Sandy M’s review of The Hot Line by Cathryn Fox
Contemporary erotic romance published by NAL Trade 3 Mar 2008

This. Book. Is. Hot!

In this single-author anthology, get ready for three stories about the friends of soon-to-be-married couple Cassie and Nick. Cassie’s three down-home best friends from Iowa find the men who make their fantasies come true at the hand’s of Nick’s firefigher brothers. The theme of heat and fire weaves through the stories to incinerate each couple’s vulnerabilities and inhibitions. Be sure to have a fan blowing full blast to take care of the heatwave that will overwhelm you!

Fever: Mitch and Sara

Summary:  Reporter Sara Jack has the Fever to do a story on The Hot Line. There’s no better man to help with research than Mitch Adams. The solid stud is all pro, but in Sara he’s met a woman willing to fulfill one of his fantasies—if they’re ready to accept what comes next.

Right off the bat we find Sara daydreaming about hunky, sexy Mitch and he’s a man who burns a woman up with only a glance. Sara is a small-town girl and not used to the ways of the big city and Nick warns Mitch away from her so she won’t get hurt by a vacation fling. But Sara can’t get the firefighter and all his heat-inducing attibutes off her mind. Mitch does his best to ignore the beauty, but it’s impossible. When her call comes through The Hot Line, he’s the one to take care of her. These two lovers simply smoulder so that you can barely turn the pages! Little does Mitch know that Sara is looking to secure her dream job at Entice in Chicago and he’s her story. And he’s not very happy when he finds out…

Siren: Dean and Jenna

Summary: The Siren has sounded and shy lingerie designer Jenna Powers is finally ready for a real man to tamp her desires, break through her inhibitions, and show her the naughty side of love. Enter Dean Beckman—again and again.

Jenna is the vulnerable one of the group. She suffers from after effects of being teased in school about her weight. Although she has turned into a beautiful woman with extra lush curves any many would love to get his hands on, she still hides her body whenever possible. Dean is drawn to Jenna and knows there’s a hot babe underneath all that bagginess and and when she calls The Hot Line admist an emergency, he’s determined to find out why she keeps herself hidden. Jenna’s inhibitions are burned to a crisp when Dean introduces her to the fantasies she thought she’d never realize. And the surprise is also on Dean, he falls fast and hard for this blazing sexy woman he’s taught to let go and revel in her body.

Flash Fire: Brady and Megan

Summary:  For sous chef Megan Wagner, a Flash Fire has the sparks to change her life—especially with someone like Brady Wade to put it out. In and out of uniform, he’s driving her wild, but her fear of commitment could drive him away…

Brady knew from the moment he saw Megan she’s the one for him. Unfortunately, her first marriage has made Megan man shy. If things look too good to be true, they probably are has become her mantra. But the more she learns about one of the nice guys — and his body — Megan has to admit maybe this time she might get lucky. Her luck is something I’d love to have, let me tell you. Brady bends over backward to show Megan all men aren’t alike by giving her the little things women love, along with hot and lusty nights. But will it be enough for Megan to forget the past and want the fire Brady offers for the rest of her life?

Besides being erotic and hot, hot, hot, humor abounds in this book. After I finished the first section, I figured the laughs would die down, but Ms. Fox had me laughing out loud with each new story. The play on words is just terrific throughout the book. The lovemaking is hard and fast, sweet and beautiful, and never ending. I enjoyed how the men took over each time to let these women know first how much they want them for being women, then making their fantasies come true, and lastly showing them that love is the bottom line and they belong together.

These are three men who are every woman’s dream. And then some.

Grade: A

Book Summary:

     Burning up inside? Feeling that fire down below?  Call The Hot Line… Dial 555-HEAT

     It’s The Hot Line, an on-call service that dispatches totally authentic, fully equipped firemen to explore the secret fantasies of women in need. What an irresistible dare for three best friends feeling the heat…

     Read an excerpt.

Devon’s review of A Fiend In Need by Maureen Child
Contemporary paranormal romance released by NAL Trade 4 Mar 08

This book contains: a snarky, flippant narrator; multiple Buffy/Angel references; the overuse of the word “hoo-hah” as a euphemism for girl parts; several possible love interests; and, no HEA in sight.

If these things make you want to groan and gnash your teeth, consider yourself warned.

I enjoyed this book more than I originally thought I would, due to some of the elements above. Somewhere along the way, I found myself involved in the adventures of Cassidy Burke: single mom, house cleaner, and Demon Duster. Apparently all the women in her family become Demon Dusters on their thirty second birthday, and yes, there can only be one.

The discovery that her Southern California hometown is beset by demons, and that it is her duty to rid the world of them, has overloaded Cassidy’s already full plate. She has a sixteen year old daughter, a business, a grumpy demon mentor, a sexy demon lover, and her first love/baby daddy is back in town. While the tone and humor sometimes grated, I did enjoy Cassidy’s relationships with her daughter, best friend and mentor/trainer. She was an every-woman type figure, able to kick ass while worrying about her daughter’s upcoming cheerleading tryout. I found her to be well-fleshed out and refreshing.

The romantic/sexual elements were the weakest part of the book. I double checked and, according to the back cover and Amazon, this is classified as a paranormal romance. Definitely misleading. Cassidy juggles a tenuous relationship with night-club owning demon named Devlin, lingering feelings for local cop/former lover named Logan, and the magical attentions of male faery named Brady. Although I didn’t feel like I missed that much by skipping the first book, More Than Fiends, when it came to the romance, I wished I had read it. Because I wasn’t feeling any of these men or relationships. They all seemed kind of pushy and shady, and there was no chemistry.

This was all complicated by the fact that the book was in first person, which distances the reader from the hero because we’re never in his head. I also find sex scenes written in the first person to be weak, because we are told everything rather than shown. I didn’t need to hear quite so much about what was going on with Cassidy’s hoo-hah at any given moment.

Despite being riddled with a number of paranormal clichés, A Fiend in Need was a pleasant read. It kept my interest, and I’d be interested in reading the next, mostly to find out if any of the romances get interesting. If you like your paranormals light, or with a chick-lit flavor, you might enjoy this one. It is also noteworthy for a realistic heroine with as many human responsibilities as paranormal ones.

Grade: C+

From the back cover:

It’s only been a month since single mom Cassie Burke unexpectedly became the hottest demon killer in town-and already there’s a price on her head and a website calling for her murder.

Then a sizzling hunk of a faery shows up on her porch in need of protection. Cassie’s happy to help because, after all, he is an expert love slave. Plus, he gets along great with her teenage daughter-a heroic feat in itself.

After a few not-quite-chaste nights, Cassie knows why Queen Vanessa wants him back so badly-and why she’s planning an all-out attack on her. Suddenly Cassie’s wondering if she can fend off an entire city of demons-and if a little faery tail is even worth it…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Read more from Devon at Is That a Stake In Your Pocket?

Nikki’s review of Bad Girl by Maya Reynolds 
Contemporary erotic romance released 4 Sep 07 by NAL Trade

Sandy Davis watches out for people. As a matter of fact, she’s gotten in the habit of watching out for everyone in the building across the street from her condo… through their windows, with her telescope. She feels responsible for them, in a way. And if she happens to see some of their intimate moments and slide her hand into her panties, well, nobody knows but her. Or so she thought.

Vice officer Zeke Prada starts out just planning to scare Sandy straight without having to report her. He’s attracted to her more than he thought, though, and soon he’s going much farther than he had planned. Another thing he hadn’t planned was her getting involved with the evil bad guy he was there to watch in the first place.

Zeke is a really cool hero. He’s a good guy who’s a little on the naughty side. He makes Sandy feel sexy and he has a taste for the things she wants to do. He brings out the bad girl in her. Which is where I come to one of my problems with the book.  He can have a kinky side in his private life but I think he’s a little too easy going about the chance of getting caught with his pants down (literally). He could get in a lot more trouble than the story implies if he gets caught having sex in public. But I decided to let this slide since he is so sexy and this is erotica, after all.

My other problem is with the heroine. Sandy makes some really bad choices. The kind of choices that will bring on the rant that she’s “TSTL”. That’s kind of harsh but having the heroine make stupid decisions to further the plot felt cheap and made me mad.

But the book is just so dang sexy! And Sandy and Zeke actually had the chemistry the book claimed they had. So often the author tells us it’s there but I just never feel it. They had enough to make me believe their HEA. So, I say read it but don’t expect the suspense plot to hold up to too much scrutiny. It’s fun and hot, if a little light.

Grade: B-

From the back cover:

A sizzling new voice in erotica offers a hot debut novel of sex and suspense.

Being bad can be so good. All it takes is the right man. By day, Sandy Davis is a dedicated social worker. By night, she’s found an unlikely pastime: spying on her neighbors’ erotic encounters. She tells herself that it’s harmless, until one night she finds herself on the receiving end of such a fantasy-and an anonymous phone call from a peeping stranger who calls himself Justice, and whispers, “You’ve been a bad girl.” The arousing predicament turns into a sensual dance between the adventurous pair. But when a third player enters their sexy game, the fun turns to something darker and more dangerous.

Read an excerpt.

Alicia Thomas’s review of To Have and to Hold (Wyckerley Trilogy Book 2) by Patricia Gaffney
Historical romance republished 4 Mar 2003 (orig. 1995) by NAL Trade

Blurb:

Suave, cynical, and too handsome for his own good, Sebastian Verlaine never expects to become a magistrate judging the petty crimes of his tenants and neighbors. Nor can the new Viscount D’Aubrey foresee that when a fallen woman appears before him, he’ll find himself beguiled against all reason to alter her terrible fate…

Rachel Wade has served time in prison for her husband’s violent death, but she soon discovers that freedom has its own price. For no one will offer her a second chance but a jaded viscount who needs a housekeeper. Scorned by the townspeople of Wyckerley as D’Aubrey’s mistress, tempted beyond her will by the devilish lord, Rachel risks all she had to claim a life of her own…and a love that will last for all time.

Excerpt.

To Have and to Hold is my first book by Patricia Gaffney. I didn’t read it on recommendation. I didn’t even notice it is the second in a trilogy until after I had read it. (It stands alone just fine, by the way.) I picked it up because it is a paperback and I’m trying to clear out space. I’m buying, almost exclusively, ebooks. I got a pleasant surprise, though the book itself wasn’t always a pleasant experience.

Rachel was eighteen years old when she was married to an older, abusive man. After one week he was murdered. At the beginning of this book she has been out of prison for a little while and has been picked up for vagrancy because no one will give her a job.

Sebastian Verlaine is a bored aristocrat who has spent his entire life in self centered pursuit of entertainment.  He decides to take Rachel as his housekeeper, couching it in the guise of helping her but he only wants to seduce her. From the beginning, it is clear between them that this is his intent, although it isn’t said.

Sebastian isn’t a nice guy. He isn’t pushing her in order to break her free of her fear. When he finds out she’s been sexually abused, he’s intrigued and curious about what happened to her. Her fear of him alternately entices and repulses him. He is the darkest hero I’ve ever read (beating all of the Anne Stuart heroes I’ve read, hands down). He’s been a spoiled bully all of his life and doesn’t intend to stop now.

The book is so painful to read, for such a long time, that I often wondered, “Why am I still reading this?” But I’m glad I pressed on. I won’t give any spoilers, here, but Gaffney pulls off the redemption of Sebastian. I’ll answer spoiler questions in the comments if anyone wants.

Grade: B