Sandy M’s review of Fatal Heat by Lisa Marie Rice
Erotic Romantic Suspense novella published by Avon Impulse 8 Nov 11

I always love heroes written by Lisa Marie Rice. Give me a hero like Max Wright, alpha, determined, strong, but still tender and gentle, and I’m a very happy reader. It then follows she’ll also create the perfect heroine for such a man. Storyline is secondary for me, as is villain – hell, everything else, though she usually gives me something I can sink my teeth into. But it’s all about the hero for me.

Max is a former SEAL, severely wounded in Afghanistan. Taking a former commander’s offer to recuperate at his beach house, Max figures it’s better to wallow there than anywhere else; at least he’ll be alone. His military career may be over, but he’s going to prove the doctors wrong. All it takes is determination and perseverance. He’s walking when they said he wouldn’t, now it’s time to push even further.

What he doesn’t expect is the Cookie Lady, the niece of his commander. She lives next door and leaves a plate a cookies for him after a particularly strenuous exercise routine. And that’s all it takes. From the next moment on, after he gets closer for a better look, he’s taken with Paige Waring. She makes him quite happy and horny – especially because it’s been two years since he’s had any interest in sex during his healing period. She makes his body respond every which way.

Paige is surprised at her reaction to Max. She’s the staid researcher, not a seat-of-your-pants adventurous type. But this very manly SEAL has her thinking outside her lab coat on all counts. When he offers to watch her dog – Max, of all names! LOL I had as much with that as they did – her heart trips a little faster. Within twenty-four hours these two get to know one another very, very well. She’s never done anything like that in her life. With Max, however, she can’t resist the fire and desire in his eyes.

Then out of the blue Paige is kidnapped because of the knowledge she possesses about a work project that has gone terribly wrong. Hoping Max can figure out the clues she leaves behind but fearful he may be too late, Paige holds on the best she can when being “interrogated.” With the help of pet Max, our SEAL goes after his woman, pushes himself beyond all reason, refusing to lose the best thing that’s ever happened to him. This is a man every woman wants in her life.

Of course, because this is a novella, a lot is packed in in a few pages. As usual, Ms. Rice does it just right – just enough alphaness, just enough emotion, plenty of lovemaking, and her SEALS always do that exactly right. Now, however, I’m in the mood for a full-length Rice novel. I never seem to get enough.

Grade: A

Read LynneC’s review here.

Summary:

Former Navy SEAL Max Wright is out of the SEAL Teams forever after being almost killed by an Afghani RPG. He retreats to his former XO’s beach house to lick his wounds. He wants to snarl at the world but finds it hard to snarl at his new neighbor, his XO’s beautiful goddaughter, Paige Waring, who also comes with a ridiculously likable, totally undisciplined dog.

As a plant geneticist, Paige has always been focused on her work, but when she and her dog run into Max, she recognizes the lonely, shattered man behind the rugged exterior. To her mind, sexiness always comes with a white lab coat, not with acres of tanned muscle and a tough mind-set.

When Paige’s work becomes the target of criminals and she’s abducted, Max springs into action. Though still terribly wounded, this tough as nails SEAL goes on his last mission—stopping at nothing to save the woman he loves.

No excerpt found.

C2’s review of Winning the Wallflower (Fairy Tales Series, Book 2.5) by Eloisa James
Historical Romance published by Avon 6 Dec 11

What happens when a recently-engaged (to a gentlemen in trade) wallflower suddenly inherits a fortune? Suddenly her parents have much higher expectations for her marriage possibilities. But what about her current fiance? In Eloisa James new novella, we find out.

Mister Cyrus Ravensthorpe grew up under a cloud of scandal, but he has A Plan to restore his family to their rightful place in society. His plan is proceeding nicely – one important step has just been taken…finding an acceptable bride. Mister Ravensthorpe has recently become engaged to Lady Lucy Towerton.

Lady Lucy considered herself a wallflower. Taller than most of the gentlemen of the ton, she always felt awkward and uncomfortable. Imagine her surprise when the very handsome and wealthy Mister Ravensthorpe asked her father for her hand in marriage! Still, as they spent some time getting acquainted, Lucy realized they never really connected. No real conversation – he didn’t even ask to use her given name – they mostly spent their very proper visits playing Backgammon.

Suddenly Lucy’s life is sent spinning. She finds out she has inherited her great aunt’s fortune. Her parents are very excited because they think Lucy’s chances of finding a noble husband have now increased exponentially. All she has to do is break her engagement to Mister Ravensthorpe. Lucy is reluctant – she has a bit of a crush on Cyrus – and plans with her best friend, Olivia, to be found in a compromising position with her betrothed. No chance of breaking the engagement then!

But you know the old saying about the best laid plans, don’t you, faithful reader? Cyrus arrives at the ball Lucy is attending and hears of her recent good fortune and sees his plan hit a stumbling block. Meanwhile, Lucy’s plan to be caught with her betrothed also doesn’t go as she thinks it will.

Lucy realizes she deserves someone actually interested in her and not someone who sees her as a convenient Available Perfect Noble Lady. Cyrus realizes he might have chosen Lucy for reasons other than the fact she fit into his Plan. But can he convince Lucy?

I really enjoyed this novella. It’s a quick, fun read and doesn’t feel at all rushed or compressed. The story is in no way shorted and it does not feel like a setup for Ms. James’ next full-length book. Cyrus and Lucy are a fun couple and their interactions are lively and sweet. Does it stand alone? Absolutely. Is it worth your $0.99 investment? Most definitely. At this busy time of year, you might not have the available time to invest in a full length book, but this one is just right. Treat yourself!

Grade: A+

Summary:

It Could Only Happen in a Fairytale…

Lady Lucy Towerton
Plain and tall. (According to the lady herself.)
Titled, and irreproachably proper. (According to her fiancé.)

Until, overnight, she becomes

Lady Lucy Towerton
Heiress. (Thanks to an aged aunt’s bequest.)
Belle of the Ball. (So say the fortune hunters of the ton.)

In charge of her own destiny (finally!), Lucy breaks her engagement and makes up her mind to never be proper again…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

LynneC’s review of The Panther’s Lair by Esmerelda Bishop
eBook novella released by Carina Press 28 June 10

The Panther’s Lair is a pleasant read rather than innovative and exciting, and you know how hard it is to write those kind of reviews.

Carina Press books are well edited, competently written and a fair price, but so far I haven’t read one that knocks my socks off. I will, however, be going back for more.

I had a few problems with the heroine’s name – Sydney means “boy” to me, so I had to keep reminding myself that we had a girl here.

The story is anything but original and has all the ingredients of a standard erotic romance. The feisty heroine, the best friend who goads her into action, the dark and sinister club, the mysterious hero with a foreign accent. French in his case, though I did wonder at some of it – he calls her “mon ame soeur,” or “my soul sister” for much of the book, and I wondered why he was calling her his sister while he was boinking her senseless. Maybe “mon ami de coeur” would have worked better for me. But yes, “mon ame soeur” does mean “soul mate” so she’s right in using it as a translation of the word.

Sydney is goaded into visiting The Panther’s Lair by her best friend, who, as is often the case, is a more interesting and lively character than Sydney. Can it be that there’s a story about Paige in the works? She meets dark and sexy Raimond, who strikes her as the perfect candidate for her one night stand. I don’t really like a heroine who thinks so little of herself that she wants a one night stand, and then disappears afterwards for no really good reason. They hit it off, but will he respect her in the morning? So she takes off.

I’m taking a whole point off for not thinking about protection before sex. He doesn’t because shapeshifters don’t, and she doesn’t because she’s carried away. Even though her friend gave her a pack and warned her to be careful. So Sydney acts like sex Barbie and forgets, and Raimond doesn’t treat her with the respect he could have used and just goes at it. With a complete stranger. I didn’t like that she didn’t assert it for her health, because of course she didn’t know about the shapeshifter bit before they go at it. It’s pretty obvious to the reader, though, from the name of the club to the way Raimond’s eyes flash yellow when he’s excited. I don’t buy it.

And she has anal sex then dresses afterwards. Erm – she’s going to be in a bit of a mess, what with the lubricant and all, so, ick. Shower would have been nicer.

The baddie, because there is one, is Teh Ebul. And he gets worse. He’s a typical cardboard villain, obviously only there to provide someone for Raimond to save her from, if you see what I mean. And it’s obvious that he will, so there’s very little tension in that part of the book. It’s always a problem, when you read a romance, because you know that the hero and heroine are going to survive, and end up together, so building that kind of danger is difficult, and it doesn’t really work here.

I guess I didn’t believe it because this sexy shapeshifter falls for an ordinary girl, and why would he? She’s not particularly bright or beautiful, she’s reticent until they get to the sex and he’s probably had dozens like her. The soul mate stuff has always struck me as cheating, unless there’s real conflict with the joining, and then it can get interesting. Not so here, he just recognizes her as his soul mate and goes for it. No explanation why she should be his, she just is. In this story, there was very little keeping them apart. He sees her, goes “mine” and she is. A few minor hobbles in the road are easily overcome.

But it’s nicely written, well edited and although predictable, a pleasant read.

Grade: C

Summary:

Sydney Chase may have sworn off relationships—but she still has needs. So she heads to the Panther’s Lair in search of sex: no strings, no emotions. The club owner, dark, mysterious Raimond Decoudreau, is exactly what she’s looking for—his French accent alone makes her hot. Fortunately, his mouth has other sinful talents, as well…

After just one night with Sydney, Raimond knows she’s his. And when the time is right, when she loves him in return, he’ll reveal his deepest secret. For now, he’ll enjoy pleasuring her in the most intimate of ways.

But when Sydney’s life is threatened, Raimond’s instincts take control, and she gets a glimpse at the beast within…

Read an excerpt.

Ash’s review of Break by Tarra Blaize
Paranormal romance novella eBook released by Samhain 25 May 2010

I’ve always appreciated a hero, or heroine, who does what they need to do without drowning in guilt . Break has that with Gethin, a hot blood demon. While he is a good guy, he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty. I love demons as heroes, but sometimes I am just sick of the fact that they always seem to hate themselves, or they aren’t really all that bad. Gethin is the breath of fresh air I needed, he doesn’t suffer from endless guilt. For that alone, I loved this book. Add in a realistic heroine who holds her own, and Terra Blaize has gotten a new fan in me.

There is never a doubt that Gethin can do some awful things. We don’t know at first whether he is good or bad, but we know he will do what he has to and he is not afraid to get his hands dirty. I appreciated that more than I thought I would.

He doesn’t let his attraction to Layla get in the way once he believes she has betrayed him, and then once he believes her, he does everything he can to protect her and her brother. I loved Gethin. I wish more heroes were as delicious as he is. He’s a good demon with a bad side and he isn’t ashamed of it.

I also really liked Layla. Tarra Blaize was able to create a heroine who is tortured but strong, and my heart ached for her at times. She has gone through some horrible things, but she seems to come out stronger for it. I enjoyed every part of her and Gethin’s relationship, from the start to the finish.

I don’t think it is easy for an author to write a novella that feels like a full-length novel. I never felt like I was missing something or that Break was lacking in any way.

I would love to read more by Tarra Blaize, and if she can do this with a short story, I would like to see what she can do with a longer one.

Grade: B

Summary:

Don’t bother looking for trouble. It’ll find you.

An Angels and Demons story.

Layla Roads’ life is a laundry list of irony. Trailer trash. High school dropout. Beautiful liar. Highly skilled computer hacker. And one additional, extraordinary gift: the ability to see the demons and angels engaged in a ferocious battle on the urban streets at night.

When kidnappers hold her brother, Layla finds herself up to her neck in a plot to bring down a powerful blood demon. A crude, sexual, violent demon who kills without flinching, pushes her buttons, and looks at her with too-knowing eyes. What’s worse is she feels an answering tug of desire.

It doesn’t take Gethin long to figure out he has a pretty traitor on his hands—and that she’s being blackmailed. As a lone human female her quest to save her brother is hopeless—just like the attraction between them. For even if Gethin helps her save all she holds dear, she can never be his…

Read an excerpt.

Limecello’s review of Too Hot to Print by Stephanie Bond
Contemporary romance released by Harlequin Blaze 1 Jan 10

I have to say, I was somewhat disappointed with this story. I felt that it was more a brief than a novella, and rather mislabeled. I’ll explain more below. However, I do want to point out the very proper and pleasing use of “too” and “to” – so kudos to Stephanie Bond and Harlequin for that one!

I realize that this is a novella, and it’s clearly stated on the cover. Nevertheless, I thought it was a bit short for a novella, and it was more what I would have been expecting in a Spice Brief, than a Harlequin Blaze. It was very short on romance, and aside from the fact that you’re led to believe the characters might give it a go in the end, there isn’t really a happy ending either. (I think the reader is more to assume the characters will get together, than know so.)

Gabrielle Pope and Henry Wells aren’t very developed. Both are strangers to each other, and the reader, unfortunately. Insight into Gabrielle is almost better given by the secondary characters.

Rather than emotions and close interaction, it really seemed to be impersonal sexual encounters. I’m having a tough time quantifying this story. I think had this been marketed as a Spice Brief, it would have gotten an average grade, in the C range. However, as it was sold as a Harlequin Blaze… sadly I was left wanting. There was also something a bit cold about Henry, and slightly pathetic about Gabrielle. Her obsession with being [or not being] an “old spinster librarian” seemed to be the point most expounded.

I do have to say props to Ms. Bond for posting an excerpt on her website.

Grade: D+

Summary:

How much sex is too much sex?That’s what librarian Gabrielle Pope is wondering. Thanks to a chance encounter with sexy-as-sin Henry Wells, she’s indulging in sensual acts she’s never even dreamed of. And she’s loving every minute of it…

Unfortunately, Henry’s not a local—he’s only in town on a seven day business trip. So Gabrielle has to decide—does she go back to searching for Mr. Right, or give in and totally indulge with Mr. Right Now. Because if this is going to be the best sex of her life, she’s can’t waste a single minute of it….

Read an excerpt here.

Lynne Connolly‘s review of Rot by Michele Lee
Horror fiction novella released by Skullvines Press Aug 2009

Rot isn’t my usual kind of read. It isn’t a romance, or at any rate, not a genre romance. It does contain romantic elements, though and it’s an interesting and well written novella. 

Dean is caught up in what is essentially a mystery, after his cushy job at Silver Springs is compromised and he discovers the dark side of zombie farming. It’s a chase and discovery book, as Dean and his zombie sidekick, Patrick, delve into the mystery.

Dean is an engaging character, at first a little too cynical for his own good, but what he uncovers in the course of the story makes him even more disgusted with his world and what he discovers. The story is episodic, with little sense of a central whole, but it holds together well, and I’ve always been fond of the picaresque.

The book is a first person narration and we do get a good sense of Dean’s character and his motivations. The tone is hard-boiled, but Lee is no Hammett. Where Hammett’s cynical descriptions vividly describe his world and metaphors are often used to describe hidden traits of his characters, Lee’s Dean says what he sees.

I could have done with a little more description, especially at first, to centre me in the world. As the chapters went on, it became clearer, but when I was first plunged into a world where bringing people back from the dead was commonplace, I was a little lost. There is little explanation of how people were brought back and what philosophical implications that might have for society as a whole, but this would have been a very different kind of book if that were the case.

I have to admit that zombies aren’t my thing, but I picked this up willing to give it a try. The most sympathetic characters are the dead ones, but their rate of rotting seemed to be somewhat erratic at times. However, I did enjoy the story.

On the whole a different and engaging read.

Grade: C+

Summary:

Zombies Can Be Such a Burden

So you’ve raised your loved ones from the dead, but had no idea how difficult it would be to care for them.

No problem! Silver Springs is a warm, peaceful facility equipped to handle all your zombie needs. Their friendly staff will ensure they have a safe environment with daily exercise and raw meat.

Rest easy knowing they’re in good hands… as they rot.

In Michele Lee’s Rot, you won’t find an apocalypse or Romero-style flesh-eaters. This is far more disturbing.

In a world where certain people can will others back from death, Silver Springs Specialty Care Community caters to the undead for those who aren’t quite ready to let go (zombie milk available by special arrangement at the home office).

Dean, retired from the military and looking for an easier life, runs security at this zombie herding farm, but he learns that dark injustice is not unique to war. There’s a rotten core to Silver Springs. Now, Dean and a quickly-decaying corpse named Patrick are on the hunt for a woman they both love and lost to a lucrative business that specializes in greed, zombies and never having to say goodbye.

Read an excerpt here.

Sandy M’s review of Kiss and Kin by Kinsey Holley
Paranormal Romance novella ebook released by Samhain 23 Jun 09

I initially chose this book to review for two reasons: it’s a werewolf story and I love me some shifting wolves, and the heroine is a court reporter. Same as me. So, needless to say, I was quite curious as to what was between the covers of this book. Then my curiosity was piqued even further when I read the dedication page in which Ms. Holley dedicates this book to her two sisters-in-law to whom she said one night, while they all sipped champagne on the porch, that she could write a paranormal romance novel. I was delighted by two of these ideas on one hand and, on the other for the third, well, let’s just say I didn’t see the point.

Let me just get the pointless idea for me out of the way, and, really, it’s neither here nor there as far as the book itself. But I’m not sure why Ms. Holley decided to give Lark the profession of court reporter in this story, only because it’s a unique and interesting profession and a little more could have been done with the idea. It was mentioned twice very quickly and then no more. That’s it.

Okay, yeah, it could have been any profession mentioned and it still would have made the same impact, which was hardly any at all in the grand scheme of things. Even if it was just Lark talking to a friend or fellow reporter about a deposition she’d just reported or something similar could have been utilized. So I wish Ms. Holley would have run a little further with it. But, as I said, that has nothing to do with the story and only mention it because I’m so intimately familiar with it all and saw much more potential for it, especially since that’s part of what drew me to the story.

The story and characters are a whole other matter entirely.  Lark is somewhat related to Taran, a Houston PD detective, not by blood but by marriage. She’s known him most of her life and has been in love with him for years now. Because he treats her like a younger snotty sister, she’s never said anything to him about her feelings. She dreams about him quite a bit, though. Erotic dreams, dreams that wake her up and leave her in a frustrated, worked-up sweat.

As fate would have it, Lark is Taran’s mate, but he’s held his tongue about that fact because she’s always looked at him like an older brother, not like someone she’d like to spend heavenly bliss with the rest of their lives. When she gets thrown into the middle of the case he’s currently working on — three local women have disappeared after associating with Eastern European wolves — by being nearly kidnapped by said wolves, the need to protect her rushes to the fore and he demands she stay with him after that close call and until the case is solved.

That’s where things begin to heat up very, very quickly. I loved the scene in which they make love for the first time, partly from fear, partly from adrenaline, partly from a consuming desire. It’s intense, very sexy and hot. Little does Lark know this lovemaking is actually a claiming, something Taran doesn’t share with her when he should, and he pays for that omission the next day when Lark discovers what he’s done. Angry as hell, she leaves him to think things through, to make sure this is what she wants, but more importantly that it’s what he wants instead of what he’s forced into by his very nature.

All the while, of course, the bad wolves are after Lark and it’s up to Taran to keep protecting her. There’s a couple of terrific fight scenes between wolves, made all the better because it’s Taran trying to get to his mate before they do. The secondary characters are well done, especially Nick, the pack alpha, and his assistant T.J., who is also Lark’s best friend. There has to be a story there for those two characters. At least I hope so. They’d make an interesting couple and there’d be a lot of fun just getting to their HEA. I was a little disappointed in the eventual villain. A little convenient and not difficult to figure out.

Other than that, this is a great first book for Ms. Holley. She definitely can write a paranormal romance and does it very well. As an aside, Ms. Holley, please add a Books page to your website. It’s very frustrating not finding a lot of info there about your books, current or future. That’s the main reason a reader goes to your site, and there’s none to be found.

Grade: B+

Summary:
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On the surface, court reporter Lark Manning looks like the luckiest girl in the world, blessed with great friends and a wonderful family. Underneath, she harbors a hopelessly unrequited love for the sexy werewolf everyone thinks of as her cousin. Taran rarely notices her except to condescend or lecture. He’s treated her the same way since she was eight years old, and there’s no reason to think he’ll ever change.
.
Taran Lloyd, a detective in the Houston Police Department’s Shifters Investigations Unit (SHIU), lives for those rare moments he gets to spend around Lark, torturing himself with what he can’t have. Kin only by marriage, she thinks of him as her big brother. He couldn’t bear her pity—or her disgust—if she learned he wants her for his mate.
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When weres from a rival pack attack her, Lark screams out the first name that comes to mind—Taran. Only this sexy alpha can keep her safe until they find out who wants her dead, and why. But keeping her safe means keeping her close. And the closer they get, the harder it gets for these not-really-cousins to honor their commitment to keep their paws off.
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Read an excerpt.

Liviania‘s Quick Quack Reviews of A Bunch of Category Romances by a Bunch of Authors
Paranormal and contemporary romances released Jun-Jul 2009

That’s right, I’m back in the US and all moved into my apartment.  But . . . I’ve got a lot to catch up on.  So here’s some short reviews of various Harlequins I read on vacation.  That’s the lovely thing about eBooks – you can take them anywhere without affecting the weight of your baggage.  [Gwen ed.: we made her save room in her luggage for booze and chocolate souvenirs for us ducks.] 

The Highwayman (Wicked Games, Book 1) by Michele Hauf
Paranormal romance released by Silhouette Nocturne 1 Jul 09

This is my second exposure to Michele Hauf, the first being a Nocturne Bite.  I enjoyed the short story, but found it a bit thin.  It can be hard to develop two characters in a very limited page count.  Luckily, the hero and heroine of The Highwayman get more development, though part of the hero’s reasoning still remains opaque to me.

Aby is a familiar – in the case, a familiar is someone who brings demons into the world through having sex.  Max has a deprivation demon trapped inside of him, making him unable to sleep, orgasm, or feel full.  This has made him a little testy.  But he’s found a way to escape his fate with Aby’s help – but he still plans to kill her afterwards, even after he gets to know her.  I prefer my heroes to be less intent on spilling the heroine’s blood.  Especially when they’re an otherwise reasonable person and the heroine has given them no reason.

Max’s stubborn homicidal tendencies would annoy me more if the plot didn’t work so well.  It moves right along, building the mythology of familiars, revealing Max’s past, and moving the characters to France for the final showdown.  It’s quick and fun, just like a category should be. I look forward to the second book in the miniseries, Moon Kissed, available September 1.

Grade: B

Summary:
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Max Fitzroy, the legendary Highwayman, had slain scores of demons with a razorlike whip and a burning need for revenge. Now, to rid himself of the demon inside him—who’d cursed him with immortality and stolen all sensual pleasures—Max needed a witch’s familiar, the one creature he’d made a career of killing.
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But the Highwayman wasn’t prepared for the familiar named Aby. The sleek and sexy conduit to the demon world saw past his swirling shadow as easily as he scaled the walls she’d erected to protect herself. Max needed Aby to grant him his freedom, and then he needed to slay her. But how could he destroy the only creature he’d desired in centuries?
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Read an excerpt here.

Wild Wolf (The Pack) by Karen Whiddon
Paranormal romance released by Silhouette Nocturne 1 Jul 09

I haven’t read any of Karen Whiddon’s other Pack books, but she quickly sketches out the important parts of her world and moves onto the relationship and plot. Simon is a member of the Pack, charged with finding feral werewolves and deciding whether they can be rehabilitated or need to be put down. Raven is a feral werewolf, living along after a traumatic experience with a mad scientist.

I can buy that feral werewolves are dangerous. Raven manages to fit into wolf society because she is sane – she just doesn’t want to live among humans because of her past. Since she is reasonable and Simon can see it, things have to go terribly awry in order for the plot to have enough excitement. And go awry they do.

Seeing how corrupt this segment of the Pack has become really makes me wonder how Whiddon set this up in the previous novels. It seems like something that was probably building. I love that Wild Wolf gives a sense of the larger world while standing fine on its own. The leads work well together. Both of them are strong, neither deferring to the other. Raven’s got as much alpha instinct as Simon does. It’s a nice change.

Grade: B+

Summary:
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Turning her back on humans because of her ability to shape-shift into a wolf, young and beautiful Raven doesn’t believe she needs anyone. Until the day a darkly handsome man appears near her remote cave…and she watches him turn into a wolf.
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Simon Caldwell has been sent to assess the threat of a new feral wolf prowling the Rockies. But he’s wholly unprepared for his intense attraction to Raven. His investigation is about to take a deadly turn as he and Raven become the hunted. Now their very survival depends on Simon’s ability to win what this wild wolf holds most dear!
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Read an excerpt here.

Return of the Wolf by Karen Whiddon
Paranormal romance novella released by Silhouette Nocturne Bites 1 Jun 09

After finishing White Wolf, I headed happily into this Bite by the same author. Three tries later and I still haven’t finished the sixty or so pages of this story, so I’m giving up. It begins slow, with the hero and heroine fishing together. They’re instantly attracted – Gideon knows she’s his wolf’s mate, and Memphis believes their reincarnated lovers.

I couldn’t sympathize with either of the characters. Memphis especially seems rather dippy. It takes quite a bit to make the destined lovers work, and I wasn’t buying. It didn’t help that I found the beginning boring. Fishing just doesn’t appeal to me.

This may work for others, but for me it’s a pass.

Grade: DNF

Summary:
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When Gideon Aronditis meets his new client Memphis Ayers for a fishing expedition, they both feel an instant attraction–and sense that they’ve met before. For shape-shifter Gideon, the explanation is clear: Memphis is his true mate and destined to be with him. Yet Gideon refuses to accept Memphis’s belief that knew each other in a past life, even though she has seen Gideon in her dreams for years. Can Memphis convince Gideon of the truth, or are they doomed to lose each other once again?
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No excerpt found.

The Illegitimate King (The Castaldini Crown, Book 3) by Olivia Gates
Contemporary romance released by Silhouette Desire 14 Jul 09

I liked the summary of this one, even though I’m not that familiar with the line. Clarissa and Ferruccio would have had love at first sight, if they hadn’t managed to deeply insult each other at first conversation. Ferruccio pursued Clarissa for years, and now has the leverage to make her romance him since she’s trying to convince him to accept the position of king of Castaldini. (Yes, the country name is ridiculous.)

This one had a few problems. Ferruccio could be kind of sleazy and their inability to communicate doesn’t bode well for a future relationship. (That doesn’t prevent a baby-filled epilogue since this is the end of a miniseries. If I were one of the wives, I’d insist on condoms. That many pregnancies takes a toll on the body.) Still, it was a perfect vacation book. It kept me interested and there was definitely sexual tension.

I might skip the first sex scene. It includes such awful descriptions as Ferruccio “feeling like a sword just out of the fire” to Clarissa. Not all of it is that painful, but none of it is sexy. It does get better, but that one scene is truly awful.

If you like family secrets or the other novels in this miniseries, you’ll probably like this one. The Illegitimate King made me want to try to the previous two novels, even with all of it’s problems.

Grade: C+

Summary:
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Once, she’d scorned him. And illegitimate secret prince Ferruccio Selvaggio had sworn he would make her pay. Now, Princess Clarissa D’Agostino was in his power. It was time to teach her a lesson…. The future of the kingdom rested on her. Clarissa knew she had to do whatever it took to convince Ferruccio to accept the crown and save them all. Even if it meant marrying a man who believed the worst of her. Even if it meant giving him her heart.
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Read an excerpt here (click “Read the prologue”).

Endless Summer by Julie Kenner, Karen Anders, and Jill Monroe
Contemporary romance anthology released by Harlequin Blaze 1 Jul 09

Normally I would separate all the novellas, but these are intertwined so I’ll do them as one. I picked up this anthology since I enjoy Julie Kenner’s paranormal books and wanted to try one of her contemporary offerings. It helped that Endless Summer, as the name implies, was a surfing collection. I enjoy surfing stories even though I’ve only been to a beach where you actually could surf once.

I’m not which of the stories was my favorite. I liked Drea, from Jill Monroe’s story, the best of the heroines because of her strong personality. I liked Zach, from Karen Anders’ story, the best of the heroes. Due to an injury, he became overly cautious. It’s a change from the take-charge hero. He’s also not afraid to design clothing. Now that’s a man. Kenner’s Laci and Taylor were a bit more bland. And Laci makes the classic mistake of not explaining why she’s angry. For some reason I want my romantic leads to communicate well even though I know miscommunication is a standard part of life.

But while each story had elements I liked, part of the reason I can’t pick a favorite is that nothing really stood out. While perfectly readable, each story was by-the-numbers – not what the risk-taking heroines deserve. I read these stories just yesterday and they’re already fading from my mind.

Grade: C+

Summary:
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Summer has never been sexier!
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Making Waves by Julie Kenner, Laci Montgomery is determined to be pro surfing’s Golden Girl. Does she need help from her ex—hottie sports promoter Taylor Dutton? No way! Well, not unless she’s on top…
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Surf’s Up by Karen Anders, After a crash meeting in the waves, surfer J. C. Wilcox and entrepreneur Zack Fanning practice daring moves that would make fish blush. But is it just sexy fun in the sun—or are they ready to risk their hearts?
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Read an excerpt here.
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Wet and Wild by Jill Monroe, Daredevil Rookie of the Year Andrea “Drea” Powell needs a sponsor. Superstar pro Kirk Murray needs a flashy new surfer to back. The explosive results heat up the competition…and the bedroom!

Sandy M’s review of Tooth and Claw by Annmarie McKenna
Contemporary Paranormal Romance novella released by Samhain 28 Apr 09

It was the title that first drew me to this ebook. I was curious. Then when reading the blurb, I didn’t get any further than half vampire/half shifter and I knew I wanted to read it. I’m a sucker for both shifters and vamps. so this story seemed like it would be right up my alley. And Id’ never read Annmarie McKenna, though I’d always wanted to. I let destiny take its course.

And I wasn’t disappointed. Ms. McKenna gave me what I love in a hero: dominant, alpha, protects his mate despite her protestations and the fact she can take care of herself. Seth is all of that and then some. It’s been six months since he found his mate in Paxton, who is a police officer and partner with Seth’s best friend. He’s waited to claim her because she hates vampires. Her lover was killed two years before by a rogue vampire, so she wants nothing to do with the man. But Seth has other ideas and when he sets out to seduce her, Paxton doesn’t stand a chance.

He’s even assigned to work with her and Luke on, of all things, tracking down a panty thief. Being near Seth more than ever wears Paxton down and once Seth claims her, marks her as his, she can’t imagine why she denied herself so long. The man and his lovemaking are phenomenal and now she can’t get enough.

The only thing I didn’t like about this book is that it’s a novella. It’s way too short. Ms. McKenna does a good job of packing a lot into it, including some great humor in the way of teasing between the characters and, of course, some hot love scenes, but when it comes to the shifter side of Seth, I definitely wanted more. We only get one shift and though it’s a good one, more of his jaguar would have been terrific. The length of the book also caused the investigation to wrap up a little too quickly and conveniently, but I forgave that considering what I did get.

I have several of this author’s ebooks and I’m looking forward to reading them after this introduction to her work.

Grade: B+

Summary:
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Vampire: (noun) Bloodsucker, murderer, bedpost-notcher, God’s gift to women, fiend.
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Seth Gramble is a prince among his people. Half vampire, half jaguar, he is one of a rare few who can shift into an animal form. Both his halves have found their mate in a female detective determined to lump all vampires in with the rogue who killed her former lover. He’s given her six months to see him differently. He’s done waiting.
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Paxton Tenor wants nothing to do with a blood-sucking fiend, no matter how much he makes her body sing. Nothing good can come of a vampire. A case she’s working on partners her with Seth, and she’s forced to reconsider her hatred. He doesn’t seem at all like the rogue who sucked the life from her boyfriend in cold blood.
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When Seth’s kitty comes out to play, Paxton realizes she’s been stupid to deny herself this man. And when he puts his life on the line to protect hers? All bets are off.
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Warning: Let’s be realistic here people; there’s sex. Who doesn’t want to be coerced into bed by a sexy, God’s-gift-to-women vampire? And when they can be undressed and on you before you can blink—hello. Even if said vampire faints at the sight of his own blood…
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Read an excerpt here.

LauraJ’s review of One On One by Cathryn Fox
Contemporary erotic romance eBook shortstory released by Samhain Publishing 3 Feb 09

I know if I want a good, very steamy, hot, sexy read all I have to do is look for a book by Cathryn Fox. Sandy M.’s review of The Hot Line convinced me to try Ms. Fox’s books and I have been hooked every since. Christian was a secondary in that book and I hoped that someday he would get his own story. Not only did he get his own story, it’s one of my favorite type of stories: friends to lovers.

Christian and Taylor are neighbors and good friends. They get together to watch movies and eat Chunky Monkey ice cream with, but neither one realizes that the other is attracted to them. Taylor thinks that she is pretty much invisible to him as anything but a friend. He always has girls around him. Taylor’s friend offers a suggestion to use to seduce Christian. Christian is a little shocked at Taylor’s odd behavior, not that he is complaining.

I’m going to start with a small complaint (don’t worry, it’s more of a compliment IMHO): the story was too short but that is my only complaint though because the story itself, was very good. Ms. Fox was still able to squeeze a lot into just a few pages and what was there was H-O-T.

Christian had me somewhat curious since his first appearance in The Hot Line. Was he a player, a womanizer or would he be a sweet, tender guy waiting for “the one”? While he does come across as more of the first two in The Hot Line he is really more of the third in this story. He (as well as Taylor) have never acted on their attraction to each for fear of loosing their friendship if things don’t work out. Thanks to Taylor’s friends, who give her push to take the risk, she and Christian find out that they can have both.

I highly recommend this for those who have read The Hot Line and wanted Christian’s story, but if you have not read it, this story will stand well on its own. I also recommend it for anyone who has yet to try one of Ms. Fox’s story. I don’t think you will be disappointed especially if you like really hot stories.

Grade: B+

Summary:
It was just a sexy game. Then things went south…

Taylor Dayton has been holding back a secret from her best friend, firefighter Christian Bain: he’s the only man who can douse the flames inside her. It’s time he noticed her as more than an ice cream and movie pal. What better way to melt the blinders from his eyes than propose an irresistibly sexy grooming session?

Christian can hardly believe the woman from his erotic dreams has just issued a siren call no red-blooded male can resist. He’ll give her what she wants, and when he’s done with her, she’ll need more than a fire hose to cool her down.

When their little game leads them to discover their secret fetishes and fantasies, they realize that this sexy seduction is no longer just a game.

This time, it’s for keeps.

Warning: Hot sex in creative places, may leave reader salivating for more…

Read an excerpt here.

Other Books in the Series:

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.

Sandy M’s review of Mistress Christmas (Wild West Boys Series) by Lorelei James
Contemporary erotic romance eBook novella released by Samhain 23 Dec 08

I’ve really enjoyed Ms. James’ Rough Riders series, which is all about her McKay family members and their ups and downs and tragedies that her fans have come to love.  Now she’s giving us a look at another part of that clan, the West cousins, and Nick West is up first in this delightfully fun Christmas romp.

Holly North is an accountant.  Staid and about as boring as you can get.  She’s about to let loose her wild side, though, and she ends up having the night of her dreams.  Her best friend Ivy owns a strip club, Sugar Plums, and Christmas is their busiest time.  Her Mistress Christmas is out sick, so Holly finally gives in and steps into the role, agreeing to only strut across the stage and chat up the clients.  No dancing.  Which is a good thing since Holly is a little bit of a klutz.  Little does she know that Santa is waiting in the wings and he’s got one heck of a Christmas wish for her.

Determined to get to the bottom of how his friend was ripped off at Sugar Plums after a lap dance, Detective Nick West does some investigating on his own time.  Mistress Christmas is the culprit, but when he gets a glimpse of the sexed-up Mrs. Claus in action, he has more in mind that just handcuffing her.  After his own lap dance, Nick is hooked and when Holly tosses out her Christmas wish of a night sensual and sexual pleasure with the handsomest cowboy she’s ever met, he wastes no time in obliging her.  It’s his secret wish too with this woman who is full of contradictions.

What they don’t bargain for is the feelings that crop up between them during their night of pleasure and they each have other secrets to reveal, but even those good intentions are waylaid for the night to a time when it might be too late.  This is a good-time read that will have you chuckling, then fanning yourself during the great love scenes between these two, and then sighing at the sensitivity and emotion that unexpectedly arises.  The sense of family is also part of this series as it is in the Rough Rider series, which is a main attraction for me.

If you haven’t read Lorelei James, give her a try.  She’s got those sexy cowboys down pat.

Grade: A

Summary:

…All signs point North for not-so-Saint-Nick

In a rare moment of recklessness, mild-mannered accountant Holly North lets her best friend guilt her into filling in as Mistress Christmas at Sugar Plums, a Christmas-themed strip club. Fearing she’ll be recognized—or worse, considered a fraud—she dons a velvet mask along with the Mrs. Claus-meets-dominatrix costume. She’s shocked at how deliciously wicked anonymity feels.

Detective Nick West is determined to discover how his friend was supposedly robbed after a lap dance at Sugar Plums. His visions of revenge vanish faster than a flying sleigh upon his first peek at Mistress Christmas—a leggy brunette with smoky eyes and a lush mouth begging for hours beneath the mistletoe.

Their attraction flares hotter than a fireplace on a cold winter evening, and Nick is only too happy to oblige when Holly blurts out her one Christmas wish…

For a naughty secret Santa to sweep her away for a night of anonymous sexual pleasure.

Warning: This erotic comedy contains naughty holiday innuendo, creative use of garland, sexy love scenes hot as spiced cider, a heroine as sweet as sugared plums, and a wildly romantic hero with a great big…candy cane. 

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of Hot Chocolate and Angel Kisses by T.L. Lawrence and T.D. McKinney
Inspirational Paranormal Romance eBook novella released by Devine Destinies 15 Dec 08

A friend sent me an email about this book.  I was intrigued just by the title alone, and the only other thing I knew about it was it’s not erotica, but just a simple love story that relies on emotion instead of sex.  What I got was a beautiful blend of love and faith, all just in time for our upcoming Christmas season, but also something that should stay in our hearts and minds even after the holidays are over.

Nathan is a herald, an angel of God sent to deliver His messages to humans, to record their deeds for good or ill to await Judgment Day.  But he’s been on this assignment so long that the negativity he sees and hears day after day takes it toll and he must do his recording on a limited basis each day.  The one bright spot he finds in all the shadows and darkness of the human spirit is the young lady at the bakery where Nathan goes each morning for his hot chocolate.  He doesn’t socialize in the human world much, but he loves seeing her every morning even more than he loves his chocolate.

Cassie is a young student working part time, always has smile on her face and is eager to give a helping hand if she spies someone who needs it, and her faith is strong.  She’s attracted to the handsome young man who comes in the shop each morning, but she’s just too shy to speak up to get to know him better.  But with Thanksgiving coming up and a little nudging from her boss, she takes a chance and knocks on Nathan’s door with turkey and stuffing in hand. So begins a lovely friendship that can turn into something so much more.

However, knowing he can never have a relationship with Cassie, Nathan tries to keep his growing feelings in check as he learns about this amazing woman, a woman who sees good everywhere.  When he allows himself to take one innocent liberty too many, he shuts himself away from both her and the One he serves for his reprehensible behavior, and it is Cassie who must then make Nathan hear the message she’s been asked to deliver.

This story is so uplifting, especially during this time of year.  It gives us a look at ourselves in our everyday rush, how we don’t notice one another, how we cause even the smallest, albeit unintentional, slight in that rushing, and it’s given to us from Nathan’s point of view, which is quite interesting considering his origins.  It takes the love and faith of a woman to bring home to him what he’s missing in his assignment, what a lot of us miss in just the same way.

We may not get a herald angel in our lives, but we do get those little blessings, those friendly smiles, that helping hand when needed, all angels in their own way.  This is a delightful way to be reminded of those angels, and I think I’m going to start paying more attention to them when they do come along.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Herald angels aren’t allowed love for the daughters of Man.

Surrounded daily by evidence of mankind’s inhumanity, Nathan finds peace and a ray of brightness only in the purity of a barrista’s smile. Cassie’s warmth, far sweeter than the cup of hot chocolate she sells him each morning, touches even an angel’s heart. Still, they seem fated to be nothing more than customer and shop girl, until, sparked by a simple act of kindness, attraction blooms on a snowy afternoon.

One kiss frees the love in both their souls. But that kiss breaks Nathan’s covenant to guide and succor those for whom he bears a message.

One kiss proclaims their love. There can never be a second.

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of Wicked Garden by Lorelei James
Contemporary Erotic Romance eBook Novella released by Samhain 9 Sep 08

Lorelei James is turning out to be one of my favorite authors for erotic romance.  This is her first book I’ve read that isn’t a western, part of her McKay family series, and I enjoyed it almost as much as I do her sexy cowboys.  Besides the hot and sizzling sex you get in a James book, there’s just something about her characters that always draws me in.  They wear their hearts on their sleeves and you feel every nuance of their emotions, good or bad, leaving you wanting to know what happens to them and if they’ll be okay in the end.

Eden has finally gotten her life together after Billy left her right before the consummation of their young relationship. She runs a city-financed community center for kids and the city wants to shut the money-eater down.  That’s what’s brought Billy back into her life.  And he looks just as good now as he did back then.  Just sexier.  When realizing her feelings for him are cropping up again, she can’t afford to get into a relationship with the man whose word would give the city what they need, she tries to keep it all business.  But Billy has other ideas.

He wants to tell Eden why he left the way he did ten years ago, but every time he tries, Eden shuts him down.  He kicks himself every time he thinks he about it. Seeing her now shows him all he lost.  And he knows if they become involved again she’ll always question his decision concerning the community center, no matter which way he goes on it.  Keeping away from her is not an option, though.  She’s more complex and, of course, sexier all these years later, and seeing her with the center kids gives him an idea of how seriously she takes her job.  Feelings as deep and lust as hot as theirs can’t be stopped, and soon they’re caught up in a passion that will never let them go.

I always so appreciate a good story in any erotic writing and I always get that with Ms. James’ work.  Billy and Eden are great characters, serious when need be, but they still have fun together, as well as great sex.  A complication comes along in the guise of Eden’s friend Jon, a rock star who comes home to recuperate, and part of the relaxing usually includes no-strings sex with Eden.  Oh, but there’s such fun to be had when those three come together.   Another hit for Ms. James!

Grade: A-

Summary:

…One woman’s past and present collide in the ultimate temptation.

Eden LaCroix loved Billy Buchanan ten years ago, but he ran out on her the night of prom. Now he’s back, and Eden thinks a fling will help her move on from their tangled past. She wasn’t counting on Billy’s wicked side—or the return of her sometime lover Jon White Feather—to appeal so strongly to her own dark, hidden desires.

College took Billy away from Eden, but it’s a mistake he can rectify now that he’s in town to make the final decision on the fate of the community center Eden manages. Except reignited sparks keep getting in the way of his objectivity. The flames only leap higher when Eden’s rock star lover comes home from the road.

Eden considers herself a one-woman man, but in the arms of Billy and Jon she feels truly beautiful for the first time in her life. But does the healing go far enough to prevent her from letting love slip through her hands a second time?

Warning: ain’t nothin’ sweet about this garden of naughty sexual delights, including threesomes, creative use of a weight bench and bonding over bondage. 

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of Empath by Bonnie Dee
Contemporary Erotic Paranormal Romance eBook novella released by Samhain 1 Nov 08

I liked the idea of this book.  And while that part of it worked well and I liked the character for the most part, there were a couple of little things that just weren’t for me.

Jordan has chosen to live alone, away from people because of his empathic abilities.  Just a slight touch zings that person’s feelings through him and after so many years of such onslaughts, he just couldn’t take it any longer.  Being isolated was a better way for him to live.  His best friend is a police detective and when murder touches the heart of Danny’s family, he calls on Jordan for help.

Danny’s brother-in-law was shot in his own home, his autistic son the only witness. Reluctantly agreeing to see what he can do, Jordan is enveloped into the case, wanting to help young Mike deal with this traumatic event and then wanting more with the lieutenant in charge of the case.

Lauren Sadler has pretty much kept to herself for a few years now, concentrating on hardly anything but her job with the police department due to issues in her life, both personal and professional.  She’s skeptical at first when she meets Jordan Langley and is told about his powers, but seeing the results when he talks with Mike and even when he touches her, she becomes a believer. Even though Jordan isn’t that closely related to the case, she knows it’s against policy to become involved with him, she can’t resist the pull of the man.  After one night, however, Lauren is running scared no matter how hard Jordan tries to keep them together.

Both Jordan and Lauren are interesting characters, they each have issues to overcome, one willing to try, one to frightened to try.  I never really connected to Jordan, though.  He just seemed lackluster from the description of him that the author gave.  Now, this is a personal opinion.  I like a hero who stands out — alpha, sexier than hell, terrific lover, whatever.  Jordan’s empathy isn’t enough for a read to fall for him, and when he’s described as lanky with no butt, well, sexy is just out there.

Also, it seemed that Lauren’s belief in Jordan’s ability came a little to easily.  Cops are hard-core skeptical people because of what they do day in and day out.  Even when proof stares them in the face sometimes.  I just felt she needed a little more convincing, especially because of what type of ability she was dealing with.  The ending didn’t quite work for me either.   It was too pat, too easily concluded.  And it just seemed that the reasons given by the culprit were contradictory.

I do like the author’s writing style, and, as I said earlier, the story idea is different and for the most part worked well. This book just wasn’t the right one for me.

Grade: C-

Summary:

A gift or a curse? Jordan Langley’s every touch of other human beings transmits their deepest feelings to him. Detective Lauren Sadler blocks her emotions so she can do her job. When a murder case brings them together, will Lauren yield to the power of the most intimate exchange she’s ever known?

For nearly two years, Jordan has lived like a hermit, avoiding the world that affects him too deeply. He had spent his life dealing with his “gift” of empathy until a traumatic event drove him into seclusion. Now a friend needs his help to reach an autistic boy who has witnessed a murder.

Lauren Sadler, the detective on the case, believes in Jordan’s ability after seeing the results of his touch on the boy. She doesn’t count on how that touch will influence her. In the midst of the investigation, the couple shares a passionate night. But Lauren’s not ready to open up to deep intimacy when her trust in herself has been shattered.

Solving the murder and coming to terms with love will challenge them both, bringing each to a new awareness of what they have to offer each other and the world.

Read an excerpt.

Here’s another blurb from the Samhain site:

How to trust him…when she can’t even trust herself?

A Gifted story.

Jordan Langley thought he could deal with his empathic “gift”—until a traumatic event drove him into seclusion. As a hermit, he can avoid a world that tears his own emotions to shreds. But now a friend needs his help to reach an autistic boy who witnessed a murder.

Detective Lauren Sadler specializes in blocking her emotions so she can do her job. She can’t deny Jordan’s ability to reach the troubled boy, but she hadn’t counted on how his touch affects her.

In the midst of the investigation, Jordan and Lauren break their own rules, sharing a night of passion that shatters all their barriers. Jordan is intrigued by the vulnerability and self-doubt he senses underneath Lauren’s tough exterior.

But Lauren isn’t sure if she’s ready to yield to the power of the most intimate exchange she has ever known. Even if it’s the only way to catch a killer.

Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex using graphic terms. Mind sex…you’ll have to read to find out what that is.

Devon’s review of Future Found (The Singer Series, Book 1) by Mima
Futuristic Erotic Romance Novella ebook released by Samhain 1 Nov 08

I’d better admit up front that when reading the blurb I zeroed in on two phrases: “cybernetic elites”and “he has always loved her from afar.” Technologically enhanced male + slightly obsessed but hopefully not stalkerish=Yes, please! I’ll take it. Then I took a second look, and Tree singer? Shay-non? Tree chi? Mima? Was this really good idea? Given its shorter length, Future Found actually packs quite a bit in, and a lot of it, I liked. Other aspects I found confusing and/or silly. Let’s take a closer look shall we?

This is what I gleaned about the future as it is written in this book. At some point there was a Cataclysm of some sort which had devastating consequences for humanity and the planet. In order to survive and rebuild, humans had to rely heavily on technology, eventually developing an elite ruling class who can survive cybernetic augmentation. Their augmentations help them do all sorts of things. There is also another class, the tree singers, who have an affinity with what little natural resources are left. They use their talents to coax life out of the trees. There are also plain old humans, or nulls, but we don’t find out much about them.

Shay-non (or Shay) is the best tree singer around. She really doesn’t like the Elites, but since they control the trees, she has to work with them. She shows up at Elite Sandor’s compound to sing to his oak, but he tricks her into 24 hours of sex. It has something to do with the fact that sex between tree singers and Elites somehow strengthens their respective chi. Sandor has had his eye on Shay for quite some time, as the key to a bigger plan for bringing faith back to the people. He’s also fallen in love with her, although it is not quite as clear as the blurb would have you believe.

I liked Sandor a lot. He was a strong, talented and thoughtful individual. Shay was a bit of a bitch, but she grew on me. Their romance worked too. I believed in their feelings, despite the brief time frame. However, I found some of the writing and concepts hard to follow. Some of the sex scenes were great, others I had to re-read several times to figure out exactly what was going on.

Sandor’s big plan regarding his tree, as well as how it came to be in his possession, was revealed slowly. It involved his two best buddies and seemed kinda confusing and silly to me, like when they were jerking off on the tree and stuff. Maybe it’s just me. There were definitely some themes going with faith, the environment and life, but it comes down to a six-way in front of a tree. Huh. Huh?

There is an open ending, and I assume this is the first of three connected stories as Sandor finds his friends their partners for the big tree ceremony. I liked the main characters, the romance, and the basics of the setting. Unfortunately, some of the other stuff escaped me. Perhaps a longer length would’ve worked better? I’d love to hear from some one else about Future Found. Although there were issues, I think it may be of interest to fans of the futuristic.

Grade: C+

The Summary:

Tending the Spirit has never been so sexy.

A Claimed story

As a tree singer, it is Shay-non’s duty—and pleasure—to tend the chi of the few remaining trees left after the Cataclysm. Even if it means enduring the life-sucking presence of the greedy cybernetic elites who own them.

But the moment she steps into Elite Sandor’s compound, he throws her world into disarray. Instantly, she finds herself tricked into twenty-four hours as his sexual “guest”, an infuriating prospect. Then he lets her see, but not touch, the magnificent oak in his possession. An oak that shouldn’t exist. For one moment with the tree, she’ll do anything—even submit to Sandor’s attentions.

Sand has waited years for Shay’s unmet sexual needs to weaken her defenses enough to make his move. The time is ripe to begin a spiritual revolution, plus convince the lovely singer he has always loved her from afar—all in one day’s time. A daunting task, especially since her earthy sexuality has him making all sorts of deviations from his plan.

Now that he has her captive, he can only pray. That she’ll agree to help him defy the Council and raise an illegal forest temple.

And that she’ll see past his sensual blackmail into his heart.

Warning: This book includes brief references to m/m and ménage relationships. Some readers may be disturbed by references to a death during sex. There’s also sex involving a tree that will forever make you smile when you hear the term “tree-hugger”.

Read an excerpt.

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.

Sandy M’s review of A Question of Trust (Menage and More Anthology) by Jess Dee
Contemporary Erotic Novella eBook published by Samhain 9 Sep 08

I discovered Jess Dee a few months ago when I read and reviewed her Ask Adam, which I thoroughly enjoyed.  So when this book came up for review, I jumped at the opportunity.  While I liked this one, it just doesn’t compare with Ask Adam.  I’m going to assume maybe that’s because Ask Adam is a full length novel and A Question of Trust is a novella, just less pages to work with. I still enjoyed it, I just wanted a little more time with the characters to flesh out their emotions and the ideas behind this storyline more.

I know the old saying is true, you can’t choose who you fall in love with.  Your heart just zings when you meet “the one” and you’re on your way.  I say that only because Gabe, who is the one Maddie is dating at the beginning of the story, is the type of guy she normally goes for.  Big guy, muscle bound, brawny, and, of course, handsome and great in bed.  The kind of guy I go for too.  She’s enjoyed their time together, especially their lovemaking because plump Maddie isn’t always first choice for the men she meets.  Then Gabe introduces her to Connor, his best friend.

Connor is nothing like Gabe, slim, athletic, definitely handsome, but not the kind of guy she’s usually attracted to.  But he is charming, funny, and she can tell he has a wicked streak.  He’s teasing her to leave Gabe because he thinks she’s the girl of his dreams.  Maddie, of course, doesn’t take him seriously.  They hit it off, but Maddie is quite happy with Gabe for the moment.

Then the innuendos start.  The guys talk about sharing her and all her thoughts then center around a Maddie sandwich, something that makes her shiver with delight but it’s also something she’s sure they’re just joking about.  Until Gabe brings it up, asking her straight out if she’d like to have Connor share their bed.  What would it be like, having two men loving her?  At the same time?

She’s only given a little time to think it over before she realizes that’s exactly what she’d like, and soon she’s in a sexual daze, well sated, and suddenly in love.  Not with Gabe.  Every time Connor touches it feels like home to her, like they were meant to be.  But how can she come between two friends, especially when she finds out they have an agreement about their menages and Connor won’t betray his friend and she can’t ask him to.

The dilemma Maddie finds herself in is an interesting one and that’s why I wish this book had been longer so that idea could have been explored more fully, but Ms. Dee does give a good enough solution to satisfy you by the end of the story.  It’s also an interesting idea of having a woman falling in love with the type of man she normally doesn’t care for.

I personally really liked Gabe, not just because of his looks but for his honesty and sensitivity.  Of course, Connor has the same types of qualities for Maddie to fall for him.  And I wish we’d gotten more of what happens with Gabe. I checked the author’s website but didn’t see anything to tell me whether or not we’ll get another Gabe story.  I sure hope so because even though we’re told what’s he going to do in this book, it’s a little unsatisfying not getting more closure with him.  And he’s worth reading about again just to have him in bed one more time.

Grade: B

Summary:

How do you choose between love and honor?

Madeline Jones is having the time of her life with Gabriel Carter, a man who fulfills every one of her sexual fantasies. She’s sure it can’t get any better than this…until Gabe introduces her to his best friend.

When Connor Regan enters the mix, sparks fly. Suddenly Maddie wants more than just Gabe, she wants Connor, too. The two men seem happy to oblige.

But threesomes have a way of getting complicated. Hearts can be broken. Although Gabe and Connor play by a strict set of rules designed to minimize the damage, true love does not always adhere to the guidelines.

Sometimes, to fulfill the dream of having the love of a lifetime, even the most comprehensive codes of honor have to be challenged.

Read an excerpt.

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:

LauraJ’s review of Servicing Rafferty by Janie Mason
Contemporary Romance Novella eBook released by Samhain 22 Jul 08

I may have mentioned this before, but one thing I love about reading a novella is that I can try out new authors without investing a whole lot of time if I end up not liking the book. Janie Mason is a new author to me, but the premise of the book sounded good so I wanted to give it a try. It’s a friend to lover story (well an employer/friend to lover story), which is my favorite type of romance and it had some humor in it (another plus for me).

Heidi works for Joe “Rafe” Rafferty at his automobile repair shop. Heidi has worked for Rafe since she was 16 and while she was younger she had a typical teenage crush on Rafe, that crush has turned into full blown love and Heidi is ready to take action and make Rafe see her as a woman and not the little girl she used to be.

This was a fun story. Heidi’s tactics to get Rafe to notice her had me laughing out loud several times. I almost felt sorry for him, because he really didn’t know what hit him. He was a bit dense and slow on the uptake sometimes and does a couple of things that made me want to smack him, but overall he was still very likeable.

Once I started reading this story, I couldn’t seem to put it down. Ms Mason had me hooked from the beginning. A lot of times when I finish a novella or short story, I feel like while the story might be really good, it just wasn’t long enough and parts were sacrificed for space. While I was a little sad this story was over, Ms Mason did a great job keeping the story flowing and I didn’t feel like she left anything else. I’m looking forward to reading more from her and hope that she has some longer stories in the future.

Grade: B

Summary:

One night. One set of handcuffs. Can lovers remain friends?

Auto mechanic Heidi Callihan is tired of her boss treating her like one of his younger sisters. After seven years working for Rafe, what began as hero worship has grown into love—not that he’d notice. When an attractive young widow throws herself at him, Heidi’s had enough. It’s time to put herself in the driver’s seat.

Rafe only recently came to think of Heidi as more than his “Little Buddy,” but he’s determined to mask his growing attraction to her. At nine years her senior, he’s certain they’re not right for each other. He was forced to become the head of his family at a young age, and he’s determined not to let her miss out on all the fun of being a young adult.

But Heidi’s about to teach him the definition of determination—and she’s armed with a set of handcuffs. One turbo-charged night later, Rafe is left with a decision: Lose her friendship…or lose her love.

Read an excerpt here.

LauraD reviews Lady Sings the Blues by Mallery Malone (no author site found)
Contemporary romance eBook novella released by Samhain 24 Jun 08

When I read the teaser for this novella, it went into my shopping cart right away. I’d just seen Doyle Bramhall II play at Antone’s, so a sexy story featuring a blues guitarist fit my mood. Lady Sings the Blues is Mallery Malone’s debut, and a sign of good things to come.

Alina Gabriel owns The Scarlet Lady, Atlanta’s hottest blues club. The name is a nod to her former stage name, Miss Scarlett; Alina earned the money for her club by working as an exotic dancer, and still struts her stuff on the bar at the club when the mood and music strike her. Joshua Hanover is a talented blues guitarist, who draws in the crowds nightly and has also drawn Alina’s interest. Joshua wants Alina as well, but he couldn’t care less that she’s the gorgeous Miss Scarlett – Joshua is blind.

Alina is a great character. She is a strong woman who has no problem running her business and is comfortable with her own desires. I appreciated that she’s unapologetic about her former career, even though it’s caused her to be cautious about trusting men. She’s also very honest with herself; when she makes a mistake she acknowledges it and moves on.

Joshua is basically just a nice guy, who’s brilliant at both the guitar and at sex. He treats Alina like a “normal” woman, even bringing her home to mom and dad. There is a 4^th of July party scene that seemed out of place within the novella format, but it does jar the couple out of their love-bubble.

I liked Lady Sings the Blues quite a bit. Both characters were likable, and it was quite hot but not sacrificing story for the sex. I liked the author’s descriptions of the club and the music, and she so made me crave a rainy day! I hope Ms. Malone’s next Samhain title is longer, I think she could do a lot with a longer format. Novellas are tricky, especially when they are as intensely erotic as this title – the author smartly kept her two characters isolated for most of the story and just let them evolve as people instead of trying to throw in a suspense plot or some sort of unnecessary razzle dazzle.

So go put on some blues and read it!

Grade: B+

(I did have one pet peeve, and if backdoor lovin’ bugs you, read no further. I thought, finally, an author who is going to admit that if you have anal sex, you need lube! Alina actually mentions it! But do they use it? Nooooo. Ouch, author, ouch. You try it, I dare you.)

Summary:

Summertime…and the living is steamy in Hotlanta. A Red-Hot Summer story.

Alina Gabriel has hit on the perfect formula to make her club, The Scarlet Lady, the hot spot in Atlanta’s night life. Men flock to see her alter ego, retired exotic dancer Miss Scarlet; and women line up to see Joshua Hanover and his blues band steam up the stage. Alina herself isn’t immune to the blind guitarist’s sensual songs and musical dexterity, but she refuses to be just another notch in his groupie belt.

That is, until Joshua debuts a new song, “Red-Letter Woman”, to entice Miss Scarlet to dance. The song and dance leave them both hot and bothered, and when Alina retreats to her office for personal relief, Joshua joins her and offers to strum her desire. But Joshua wants more than a one-night stand. He’s pushing for an encore, and Alina wonders if it’s her he’s after—or her exotic persona.

Warning: This title contains sensuous solos, decadent duets, dirty dancing, and a man who’s really good with his hands.

Read an excerpt.

A Wallflower Christmas is the story of Rafe Bowman, an American businessman who comes to London to marry an English bride. All the original wallflowers appear in the novel, and at Sybil’s request I’m sharing a clip of a scene between Evie and Sebastian

[Ed note: happy sigh].

Evie has been separated from the notorious Lord St. Vincent, while he has gone to visit his ailing father. In spite of the comfort of familiar friends, Evie is lonely and longing for her wicked husband . . .

[poor evie... doesn't your heart just break for her...]

And now for some what you have been waiting for – the devil himself – Sebastian Lord St. Vincent

E-X-C-E-R-P-T

A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas **Oct 14, 2008**

Back in the comfort of her guest room at Stony Cross Manor, Evie bathed in a small portable tub by the hearth, sighing in relief at the feel of the hot water against her stiff, aching limbs. Sleigh rides, she reflected, were one of those activities that always sounded better in theory than they turned out to be in reality. The seats on the sleigh had been hard and lumpy, and her feet had been cold.

She heard a tap at the door, and the sound of someone entering the room. Since she was shielded from view by a standing fabric screen, Evie leaned back and peek around the screen’s wooden frame.

A housemaid was hefting a dripping metal can with rags tied at the handles. “More hot water, milady?” she asked.

“Y-yes, please.”

Carefully the maid poured the steaming water at the end near Evie’s feet, and Evie sank deeper into the bath. “Oh, thank you.”

“Shall I come back with a warming pan to take the chill from the bed, milady?” The long-handled covered pan was filled with live coals and run between the sheets just before bedtime.

Evie nodded.

The maid left, and Evie stayed in the bath until the heat began to dissipate. Reluctantly she stepped from the tub and dried herself. The thought of going to bed alone—again—filled her with melancholy. She was trying not to pine for St Vincent. But she woke up every morning searching for him, her arm stretched across the empty place beside her.

St. Vincent was the opposite of everything Evie was . . . elegant, dazzlingly articulate, cool and self-possessed . . . and so wicked that it had once been universally agreed he would be an absolutely terrible husband.

No one but Evie knew how tender and devoted he was in private. Of course, his friends such as Westcliff and Mr. Hunt were aware that St. Vincent had reformed his former villainous ways. And he was doing a remarkable job managing the gaming club she had inherited from her father, rebuilding a faltering empire while at the same time making light of the responsibilities he had assumed.

He was still a scoundrel, though, she thought with a private grin.

Standing from the bath, Evie dried herself and donned a velvet robe that buttoned along the front. She heard the door open again. “Back to w-warm the bed?” she asked.

But the voice that answered wasn’t the maid’s.

“As a matter of fact . . . yes.”

Evie stilled at the sound of a deep, silky murmur.

“I passed the maid on the stairs and told her she wouldn’t be needed tonight,” he continued. “‘If there’s one thing I do well,’ I told her, ‘it’s warming my wife’s bed.’”

By this time Evie was fumbling to push the screen aside, nearly pushing it over.

St. Vincent reached her in a few graceful strides, folding her in his arms. “Easy, love. No need for haste. Believe me, I’m not going anywhere.”

They stood together for a long, wordless moment, breathing, holding tight.

Eventually St. Vincent tilted Evie’s head back and stared down at her. He was tawny and golden-haired, his pale blue eyes glittering like gems in the face of a fallen angel. He was a long, lean-framed man, always exquisitely dressed and groomed. But he had not been sleeping well, she saw. There were faint shadows beneath his eyes, and signs of weariness on his face. The touches of human vulnerability, however, only served to make him more handsome, softening what might otherwise have been a gleaming, godlike remoteness.

“Your f-father,” she began, staring at him in concern. “Is he . . .”

St. Vincent cast an exasperated glance heavenward. “He’ll be fine. The doctors can’t find a thing wrong with him, other than indigestion brought on by rich food and wine. When I left, he was leering and pinching the housemaids, and welcoming a score of obsequious relations who want to sponge off him for Christmas.” His hands moved lightly over her velvet-covered back. His voice was very soft. “Have you been a good girl in my absence?”

“Yes, of course,” she said breathlessly.

St. Vincent gave her a disapproving glance and kissed her with a seductive gentleness that sent her pulse racing. “We’ll have to remedy that immediately. I refuse to tolerate proper behavior from my wife.”

She touched his face, smiling as he nipped at her exploring fingertips. “I’ve missed you, Sebastian.”

“Have you, love?” He unfastened the buttons of her robe, the light eyes glittering with heat as her skin was revealed. “What part did you miss the most?”

“Your mind,” she said, and smiled at his expression.

“I was hoping for a far more depraved answer than that.”

“Your mind is depraved,” she told him solemnly.

He gave a husky laugh. “True.”

She gasped as his gentle, experienced hand slipped inside her robe. “What part of m-me did you miss the most?”

“I missed you from head to toe. I missed every freckle. I missed the taste of you . . . the feel of your hair in my hands . . . Evie, my love, you are shamefully overdressed.”

And he picked her up and carried her to bed . . .

© Lisa Kleypas. All rights reserved

Laura J’s review of Byte Marks by Mardi Ballou
Contemporary paranormal romance eBook novella released by Samhain Publishing 13 May 08

I like paranormal romances but I prefer that they are on the lighter side.  I love Mary Janice Davidson and Kimberly Raye’s vampires and even though Charlaine Harris’ Southern Vampires are a little darker and more suspenseful, I still find the humor and mystery outweighs the suspense you find in most paranormals.  This book was definitely for book for those who are like me, the ones who want sexy vampire heroes, some good vampire loving and a good storyline to go along with that.

In this story, Dominique is a witch who has renounced her heritage.  She believes she can get everything she wants by working hard, not by using witchcraft.  She is basically a workaholic with no time for a serious relationship especially after her last one ended badly.  She’s on vacation in San Francisco after being talked into it by her best friend Lilith, a half human-half ghoul.  Lilith takes Dominique out to see the nightlife of San Francisco ending up a bar owned by vampire Antoine Thierry.  A powerful vampire community leader, Antoine likes to keep relationships very simple, in other words, no more than one night and no witches.

Lilith introduces Antoine and Dominique and immediately Antoine finds her appealing, but something is differant about her and he can’t quite figure out what it is.   Dominique can feel Antoine’s vampire gaze try to pull her, but she is able to resist, barely.  When he enters her dreams later, Dominique wonders if the intimate actions were real or a dream.  Antoine knows there is something differant about Dominique, but everytime he comes close to finding out her secret she is able to shut him out.

Later, Dominique, with the help of Lilith comes up with an idea for a new business venture.  A dating service that will match couples with the most up to date computer technology from every background.  They are able to get all the groups on board for this with the exception of the vampires.  Antoine claims that vampires are not in need of a service like this, but Dominique and Lilith still need his support because they know that there are probably some vampires that would like a service like this.  When the woman approach Antoine with their business plan he refuses to help in any way.

When Antoine discovers Dominique’s secret, he is unsure of what to do.  He is so attracted to her and it’s a feeling that despite her being a witch he wants to persue.  Fortunately Antoine is not alone in his feelings.  Dominque knows she is only in town for a short while but with this new business venture she may be staying longer than planned.  She has to decide if she can include Antoine in her plans too.

Antoine was definately the sexy vampire hero that I like in my paranormals.  Dominique is a likeable heroine.  I liked her need to want to make it on her own without the help of her magic, although I would think she could have found a balance for both.  I’m hoping that the next book mentioned as “coming soon” at the end of this book is Lilith’s story.  I’m thinking that some of the secondary characters can be quite interesting giving her background.

Ms. Ballou has written a very good story, with fun and sexy characters and lots of room for more stories from this paranormal world (at least I’m hoping there’s more).

Grade: C+

     Summary:

She’s his match—but he’s not in her business plan.

A Fangly, My Dear story.

Hereditary witch Dominique LaPierre has always refused to use her powers, especially when it comes to business. Until now. Her new company, a computer dating service that hooks up the San Fransisco human and para communities, thrives on crossing that boundary. Business is great despite opposition from the arrogant and conceited Antoine Thierry, a leader in the vampire community. And, to her irritation, she finds she’s got the hots for him.

Antoine doesn’t like or trust witches. Nor does he like the growing power of technology; real vampires, in his view, don’t need it to have a social life. Besides, if he can’t control the game, he doesn’t want to play—except with Dominique. The heat between them could melt down any hard drive. She pushes his buttons on every level, from the board room to the bedroom. But he’s holding out, especially when she looks to him to support her new business.

Antoine wants it all. His way—and his woman.

Warning: This title contains hot sex and lots of it!

     Read an excerpt.