This just in…

Her fans never doubted it for one second!

International publisher Samhain Publishing® recently announced that author Lorelei James has been ranked on the New York Times Bestseller list and the USA Today Bestseller list.

~ She’s on the NYT list for eBooks (15), the combined New York Times print/ebook Bestseller list (29), and the USA Today Bestseller list (81) for eBooks and print books with her eBook romance, Cowboy Casanova. The novel is only available in eBook format at the present time.

~ “This remarkable achievement will come to no surprise to Lorelei’s passionate fan base,” said Christina Brashear, president of Samhain Publishing. “With this, her twelfth book in her Rough Riders series, Lorelei continues to appeal to both long-time and brand new readers. We’re proud to be a part of her success.”

~ The rank of 15 on the New York Times Bestseller list for eBooks is the highest ranking to date for a digital-first publisher.

~ The New York Times’ eBook bestseller lists in fiction and nonfiction are compiled from weekly data from publishers, chain bookstores, independent booksellers and online retailers, among other sources.

~ The USA Today Bestseller list is different from the NYT model, in that it combines both eBook and traditional print books in the same list.

~ Congrats, Lorelei!

Consider yourself flashed.

Sandy M’s review of Cowboy Casanova (Rough Riders, Book 12) by Lorelei James
Contemporary Western  Erotic Romance published by Samhain 6 Dec 11

Oh. My. God. Is it hot in here or is it just me?? You’ll know exactly what I mean once you get immersed in this sexy, hot, sweaty, erotic, down ‘n dirty ride, the lastest in Lorelei James’ Rough Riders series. Ben McKay is a man you don’t mess with. Well, unless you want to be dominated. And like his heroine, Ainsley, I wouldn’t mind that one bit.

Ainsley is finally bucking up to find out what it is she needs in the bedroom. Her ex-husband didn’t like the way she wanted to spice up their very vanilla sex life, so after a few hurled insults and shitty behavior on his part, she got rid of him. So here she is at the Rawhide Club, an exclusive niche where Doms and subs come for privacy and to quench their thirst for a lifestyle most folks wouldn’t understand. Her jerk of an ex-husband sure didn’t, and she’s at least curious and willing to learn.

Getting out of Sundance to keep his sexual appetites private, Ben McKay is a founding member of the club, where his dominant side can be free without fear of discovery, criticism, or reprisal. When he spies Ainsley, Ben knows without a doubt the woman is not a Domme. She’s a submissive through and through, and he’s determined to prove it to her.

Spending two nights introducing new sexual delights to Ainsley is not enough for Ben, however. He wants more and extracts a promise from her to join him again the next weekend. But imagine his surprise when he runs into her in Sundance. At the local bank. Where she’s the president. There’s not much that gets Ben hotter than the dichotomy of seeing Ainsley in her pinstripe suit and business-like heels and then having her spread before him to give her pleasure in ways she’s never known. Instead of a weekend, they work out an arrangement for Ainsley to be Ben’s sub for the next thirty days.

And what a month it is. They go from deep lust with a bite of pain and passionate pleasure to misunderstandings that push Ben to show Ainsley how wrong she is in her assumptions when it comes to the relationship they’ve carved out for themselves, from laughter and smiles and kisses to lessons of sweet torture, all which frees Ainsley when she gives up control to Ben. It’s been the time of their lives.

Suddenly, however, things being to go wrong for them. Ben needs cash to buy the land next to his property he and his family have wanted for years. Thinking to keep it a secret so the deal doesn’t go south, he goes to Ainsley for a loan instead of his own bank. Ainsley is every inch the businesswoman, though, and puts down new rules for them: she files his loan application, their relationship is over. Ben has yet to acknowledge to himself what Ainsley truly means to him, so he goes through with the deal and watches her walk away, knowing they’re both sunk if anyone finds out about any aspect of their time together, including what she’s done for him at the bank.

So Ben heads back to the Rawhide club to continue his life, but the place doesn’t hold the same appeal without Ainsley. Participating only at the request of other members, his cousin Dalton sees it all and is horrified watching Ben in his element. Now Ben will have to live through his family knowing about this side of him, stand by while they’re embarrassed and disgusted by how he’s chosen to live.

Now, I have to say that there’s been very few Dom/sub books I’ve liked over the years. And because most don’t work for me, I haven’t read that many in a while. Yes, I know it’s predominantly because I don’t “get” the appeal, the need to give up control, to be submissive. But where all those other authors have miserably failed in this genre, Lorelei James thoroughly succeeds. Because she creates characters who are so extremely likeable and vulnerable, sexy, fun-loving, and real, and because she pulls me into their lives before introducing their sex life, because sex in her books is not in any way gratuitous, what they do behind closed doors works for me. I like Ainsley. She’s open and honest and fun, and she pushes Ben’s buttons. Of course, as with most of James’ heroes, I love Ben. He’s a cowboy to die for, a man of few words, and, without a doubt, uber dominant. So when he introduces Ainsley to his toys, when he disciplines her, punishes her, ultimately pleasures her as well as himself, I don’t roll my eyes or blurt out “You’ve got to be kidding!” or any number of other things as I’ve done in the past with other books. I enjoy both of these characters immensely, in and out of the bedroom.

I also like the fact that Ms. James gives a clear understanding to the reader why Ainsley likes giving up control. This has always been a sticking point in those previous books. “Just because” doesn’t cut it. At least not for me. For most authors that’s just a ploy just to write sex, sex, sex, but I want a story to go along with all that sex, and there’s very few authors who can do that and also give you a balanced and enjoyable book. Lorelei James has done just that and then some in Cowboy Casaova.

It doesn’t matter one bit what topic she chooses to write for her characters. Her books are always well-though out; entertaining, even despite that topic; loads of fun; steamy as hell; and full of honest, sexy characters who embody family and love and romance.

Grade: A

Summary:

His rough touch makes her lose control…

In Sundance, Wyoming, you can’t throw a boot without hitting a McKay cowboy, so Ben McKay is used to fading into the background. Except on weekends, when he’s Bennett, imposing Dom at The Rawhide Club, surrounded by a bevy of female subs eager for the attention of his long…whip.

As for the curvy brunette eying him from across the room? He’ll eat his Stetson if she’s the experienced Domme she claims to be. Bennett offers her a deal—he’ll let her call the shots for one night. But the next night he gets to prove to her how freeing it’ll be when he takes the reins.

Ainsley Hamilton is amazed by how well Bennett read her every secret yearning during that one explosive weekend—and she’s stunned when they come face to face in their everyday lives as rancher and new bank president. Now Ben’s urging her to explore her submissive side outside the club, and there’s something in his commanding gaze that makes it too easy to let him take control—of her desires and her pleasure.

Can Ben help Ainsley overcome her fear that a relationship built on dark sexual appetites won’t survive the light of day?

Read an excerpt. (click excerpt tab)

Other books in this series:

Veena’s review of Artistic Vision (Gray Court, Book 3) by Dana Marie Bell
Paranormal Romance published by Samhain 22 Nov 11

“The child of Dunne will one day perform an act that will change our world,” prophesied the seer.

Is Shane Joloun Dunne this child of prophecy? He’s a talented artist who sees visions, possibilities of the future which he shapes into sculptures made of precious and semi-precious metals, jewels, and glass which he conjures from the earth using his magical abilities.

Akane Russo is the daughter of the seer and a dragon. She lost her father as a baby and has been brought up by her mother, who has not been able to give her the family that she craves.  She becomes one of Robin’s blades, a sort of secret service agent working for the Gray Court.  She meets Shane when she is assigned to guard him and fights her attraction to him as he teases, irritates, and tantalizes her with small meaningful gestures like hot chocolate, family love, and relationships.  However, one night she is fed “gold” in a drink that acts as an aphrodisiac, and like a homing pigeon she heads back to Shane where she marks him as her mate.

In the Gray Court series, Dana Marie Bell has painted a fictional world which consists of fae, vampires, dragons, brownies, leprechauns, and all manner of mythical creatures good and evil.  There is a white Queen Gloriana, a Gray court with a high King Oberon and a black queen.   There are evil plots and magical creatures, interesting battles which provide the background for the passion and humor which form the core of the developing relationship between Shane and Akane.

This is Book 3 in the series, and the author has done an excellent job of developing the characters from the previous books, including the other members of the Dunne family who have been featured in Books 1 and 2.  Also well developed is the character of Robin Goodfellow, who’s the primary character in the next book.  I really enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to Robin’s story.

Grade: A

Summary:

Desire is the raw material. Lust is the spark…and love will sculpt their destiny.

Akane Russo, one of the Hob’s top Blades, can’t wait for her current assignment to end. She’s been tasked with
protecting Sidhe hybrid Shane Dunne from the Malmayne clan’s scheme to kidnap him once again. But no one—not
even her Seer half—warned her she’d have to protect herself from his heated gaze. Or that her dragon half would find
him an irresistible puzzle.

Shane knew his destined bride would never come to him willingly, but she’s stuck with him and he plans to use her
predicament to his advantage. It’s only a matter of time before she succumbs to what they both want. Their Claiming will
be beautiful beyond even his wildest imaginings—and his wild, free dragoness will finally see herself as he sees her.

Then his unique, hybrid-borne visions reveal a new danger. The prophecy of the Child of Dunne can only be fulfilled
down a path he must travel alone. To a place so dark and dangerous that not even his truebond’s flame may be bright
enough to lead him home.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

This just in…

More freebies from Samhain!

~ Call Me by Lena Matthews available October 1 to October 31 for your Kindle or your Nook.

~ Sold to the Highest Bidder by Donna Alward available October 1 to October 14 in Kindle and Nook formats.

~ Nine-tenths of the Law by L.A. Witt available October 15 to October 28, also in Kindle and Nook formats.

~ Please be mindful of the dates, they change throughout the month!

Consider yourself flashed.

Sandy M’s review of The King’s Mistress by Sandy Blair
Historical Romance ebook published by Samhain 26 Jul 11

Well, as far as this reader is concerned, Kensington/Zebra made a huge blunder when they decided not to continue with Sandy Blair’s Castle Blackstone series a few years ago. Their loss is Samhain’s gain. I’m excited Ms. Blair’s books are back on the shelves, so to speak, this time around in ebook so more readers can enjoy her work. Instead of her humor-filled Scottish paranormal romances, we get a lovely story woven into and around the fabric of Scottish history.

Britt MacKinnon is King Alexander’s captain of the guard and has been sent to fetch Greer Armstrong, his sire’s favorite bed partner, back to Edinburgh Castle for the King to continue with his bedroom antics, which he should be participating in with his queen so that Scotland will not be caught without an heir. So instead of taking what opportunities he can to keep the man on the straight and narrow, Britt finds himself on horseback galloping across country toward a woman he never really liked during the time she spent at the castle.

In the meantime, Geneen, Greer’s twin sister, has just learned that Greer is carrying the heir to the throne. Knowing Greer’s life would be in jeopardy if the queen ever found out about her condition, Gen believes the only way to make everything right and safe is to pretend to be her twin, convince the court she is not pregnant, which won’t be difficult since Gen isn’t with child, and then hightail it to Ireland, which is where she’s sending Greer to have the babe and keep them both out of harm’s way.

That’s when the knock on the door comes and Britt enters her life, though he doesn’t realize he has the wrong woman in tow when they begin their trek back to the King. And that’s what I love about Ms. Blair’s characters – they’re intelligent and they work things out without having to be smacked over the head. Britt is a wee bit confused why he’s suddenly attracted to this woman, when he wanted nothing to do with her before. Something isn’t quite right where this Greer is concerned, things just don’t add up. By the time they reach the castle, he has it all figured out, and he’s the only one who knows what Gen is up to and why she’s doing it.

Though Gen’s plan sounds good and may work, as life is wont to do, things just don’t go as she wants. It’s the Queen she has to fear, lies and deceit and immediately being thrown into the dungeon without anyone’s knowledge. Fortunately, Britt figures out what’s happened and knows he has to be diligent in watching over Gen while she’s at the castle. But it’s only the beginning of the Queen’s machinations while trying to save herself from being tossed away like leftover garbage from breakfast, now that she’s on her own with only a few loyal servants to help her. While I can understand her angst and wanting to keep her life as she knows it, I just couldn’t bring myself to sympathize with her, even knowing she’s a real character from history. Or maybe that’s why I didn’t side with her, a real person going to such lengths and then some when she is no longer entitled to her station, especially the depth of her lies. Although I know a person did what they had to in her day and age. Still doesn’t sit well.

Therefore, as you can now guess, I’m usually not one who likes to read books dealing with an historical timeline and its characters. I mean, there’s only so much you can do with that history, especially if the story is following real people. Ms. Blair has chosen to weave Britt and Geneen into all the actual facts surrounding King Alexander and Scottish politics of the time, and she does it so very successfully. I enjoyed these two characters from the beginning. Once they trust each other, the attraction truly begins, and the romance between them is fraught with danger, but they hold steady as long as possible before the past does what the Queen fails to do.

I like that Britt faces that past head on, after realizing he can’t leave Gen behind, no matter where his life is headed. He needs her. Going home to face the family he hasn’t seen in years is more difficult than he’d ever thought, but he’s determined to tie up all loose ends to bring Geneen into his life permanently. And, let me tell you, Britt is in for one heck of a welcome home, nothing left as it was when he walked away years before.

This is a wonderfully written and very romantic story. Ms. Blair has a keen knack for detail and dialogue, leading you straight into 13th century Scotland like you belong there. Her characters talk the talk and walk the walk, never misstepping to pull the reader out the story to question what’s going on. They are charming and strong-willed characters who will pull you into their lives right off the bat, giving you the opportunity to see firsthand how they live, love, and survive with determination and pride, never relinquishing hold of their integrity.

If you’ve not read Sandy Blair before now, you’re just in time to enjoy one very talented Scottish historical author.

Grade: A+

Summary:

The long way home could be the shortest road to ruin.

The king of Scotland is in a snit. Which means Britt MacKinnon, proud captain of the king’s guard, has an onerous task: fetch Alexander’s favorite paramour back to the royal bed—now. Never mind that the crown should be about the business of getting a legitimate heir. Especially since England’s Edward I would love nothing more than to seize an empty Scottish throne.

When the handsome soldier appears on her doorstep, Geneen Armstrong has to think quickly. Her twin lies abed in her cottage, pregnant with the king’s bastard. If the barren queen learns the truth, the foolish girl’s life won’t be worth a farthing.

She must somehow transform her graceless, plain-spoken self into her vivacious, talented sister. Then, after the court is convinced she carries no child, use her herbal knowledge to sour the king’s taste for her sister’s company—for good.

By the time Britt realizes this unusually articulate, ungodly stubborn woman is the wrong woman, tendrils of attraction have already tightened into a bond. A bond that will be tested when the king’s unexpected death puts Scotland’s very destiny at stake—and unleashes an ever-tangling web of court intrigues, secrets…and lies.

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of Finding Forgiveness (Poconos Pack, Book 1) by Dana Marie Bell
Paranormal Romance ebook published by Samhain 5 Jul 11

I’ve read a few of Dana Marie Bell’s shifter books, as well as her Gray Court series, and I’ve enjoyed them all so far. Therefore, I was looking forward to this shifter book. Unfortunately, a lot of elements in this book just don’t work for me, especially because the one reason I read shifter books – the shifting itself – is nearly nonexistent.

On top of that, while m/m stories are not my favorite reads, I’m always open to trying whatever an author is offering in the genre, with the hopes I can perhaps find a gem among all the other offerings out there. There are very few authors, to me, who can do same sex stories well, so any time I can add a new name to my short list, I’m happy to give them a chance. Though Ms. Bell has the sex element of this genre down pat, what’s missing is the romance and the love, which I don’t feel all that often between these characters.

I do like the packs that Ms. Bell has created in her series. She utilizes all pack positions other than Alpha, and I feel that adds a lot to understanding pack dynamics. So I’m a little confused as to why Ben, the Marshall of the pack – the one who feels any and all pain of the pack and its members – does no investigation, asks no questions, just assumes his mate  – his mate! – is an alcoholic because of the fuzziness, the dizziness, the headaches Dave frequently experiences. His excuse is his father was an alcoholic and he just can’t go through living that kind of life again. Okay, I can understand that, but I sure don’t get why he’d turn his back on his mate with no word whatsoever, no chance of explanation. Doesn’t compute.

Dave is the Beta of the pack, second only to the Alpha, so he’s got huge responsibility. He suffers from migraines, the type that makes him ill at times. I know Ms. Bell wanted to showcase the hazards and damage of migraines, and, for the most part, she does do a good job. I have a good friend who suffers from them – not as badly as Dave but close – and I do sympathize with the man. Closing himself in a dark room with cold compresses and praying for the oblivion of sleep is exactly what friend has to do to combat her pain. This part of the book is done very well.

Ben and Dave have known each other and known they’re mates for years, since they were teenagers. It’s Ben who avoids and stays away from Dave because of his erroneous assumptions, but Dave is mystified as to why because Ben refuses to talk to him about his feelings. Dave’s wolf is also suffering without his mate, thus a huge trigger for the migraines he suffers from to go along with the stressors of his position. Dave’s latest bout is quite severe, which finally sheds light on Ben’s attitude and reasons for his avoidance. Hurt that his mate would do such a thing, Dave decides to go on his long-awaited vacation to Walt Disney World. While there he’ll also look for another mate, because it’s Gay Pride Week and he should have a sea to choose from.

Okay, where to start now. I feel Dave should have sat down with Ben once he learns of Ben’s error. He’s doing the same thing to Ben by not talking to the man that Ben has done to him for years. No lesson learned there, especially, as I’ve said, when it’s his mate. Ben does try to make up for the hurt he’s caused, leaving little love tidbits in his wolf form for his mate. But Dave doesn’t get this, prefers it if Ben would do the same only in human form. Well, that’s sucky. The man is trying and all he gets is criticism and no acknowledgment. And this little bit of Ben running around in his wolf form is the only shifting in the entire book. That’s why I read this type  of books. I want the shifting as much as possible.

Next, I don’t feel Ms. Bell has stayed true to Dave’s character. He may be a gay character but he’s also a shifter, a wolf, the Beta of his pack. When at WDW there’s moments when he acts like a girl. Not a child, which is what I’d expect of any adult who’s never been to the Magic Kingdom (hell, I’m that way myself when I go to Disneyland!), but much too girlie, and I just can’t take my heroes being any sort of feminine. Throwing a sheet over his head when in bed and bantering with Ben, just like a woman would do, no. Just flat-out no.

Also, there’s really not any romance between Dave and Ben once they reconcile. It’s fine to have them still acts like guys, boys will be boys type of thing, but when it comes to the bedroom and all that goes with it, love and tenderness and caresses and all that, it’s just not there. Love is love, and I expect the same romance I get in any H/h romance in all other romance genres. These two are supposed to be in love, together forever, but I never feel that. And Ben doesn’t grovel nearly enough for his years-old treatment of Dave. And what little groveling there is, it’s not loving enough for the forgiveness that is needed.

So I am a bit disappointed in this book. I like it a little better than Ash, though. I’m giving a couple of points for the realism of the migraine issue and the consistency of the pack dynamics and the secondary pack characters. If those had been missing, I don’t want to think about what my grade would have been then.

Grade: C-

Read Ash’s review here.

Summary:

To forgive is divine…if he can pin his lover down long enough to beg for it.

Ben Malone’s role as Marshall attunes him to every nuance of the pack’s wellbeing—which means he’s forced to feel every one of his mate’s hangovers. It’s the one reason Ben will never claim Dave Maldonado. Being alone is better than being with someone who lives in a bottle.

Dave was destined to be a pack Alpha until his first migraine hit at age fifteen, the day he caught his future mate holding hands with another boy. In the nine agonizing years since, he’s contented himself as Beta, but never learned to live with the pain and confusion of Ben’s rejection.

Dave’s worst attack yet sends him to the hospital—and brings them both face to face with the misunderstanding that’s kept them apart all these years. It’s too late, though. Dave is headed for Gay Pride Week at Disney World with one goal in mind. Forget Ben Malone.

Ben’s got a problem with that. Only one man is destined to hold his David. And he’ll give anything, even his last shred of pride, to win forgiveness—and the right to finally claim his mate.

Read an excerpt.

Ash’s review of Finding Forgiveness (Poconos Pack Book  1) by Dana Marie Bell
Erotic Paranormal Romance ebook published by Samhain 05 Jul 11

I don’t know what it is lately, but the Samhain books I’ve been reviewing have all been duds. Throughout the whole book I wanted Dave to get rid of Ben. Since it’s their romance, that’s not really a good thing.

I could not stand Ben and that is my biggest issue with Finding Forgiveness. As the pack Marshall he can feel everyone’s pain, and so he automatically assumes Dave is an alcoholic because he has headaches. There are no other signs to support it, but Ben is convinced. Even his excuse is weak and I feel that the thing that made him so sure of Dave drinking should have been how he knew he wasn’t. If Ben is used to being around an alcoholic, then I think he should know how to tell the difference between a hangover and a headache. From the start I disliked him, and it never changed.

Dave is an okay character, and if he is with someone else he could have been great. I don’t like that he goes to gay pride week at Disney World in order to find another mate, which apparently can happen but is rare. I guess if you are going to get another one, Disney World is a good place to look. Then when Ben goes there to claim him, Dave is 100 percent sure he is dreaming. It’s just…weird.

Their romance just felt…unromantic. The emotion between them is lacking. Ben should have had to grovel longer, and I think the whole headache issue went on for too long. It took years for Ben to find out the truth, and he finds it out from the alpha pair, Rick and Belle, when they finally decide to act like they care. I feel that if Rick and Belle care for Dave as much as they say they do, they would try to find out what the problem is sooner.

As for everything else, I don’t think this should be labeled Book 1 of a new series. The pack alpha has already had his own book, as have other characters we meet. It made me feel like I’m missing a lot of stuff. Not sure if I will be reading any more by this author.

Grade: D+

Summary:

To forgive is divine…if he can pin his lover down long enough to beg for it.

Poconos Pack, Book 1

Ben Malone’s role as Marshall attunes him to every nuance of the pack’s wellbeing—which means he’s forced to feel every one of his mate’s hangovers. It’s the one reason Ben will never claim Dave Maldonado. Being alone is better than being with someone who lives in a bottle.

Dave was destined to be a pack Alpha until his first migraine hit at age fifteen, the day he caught his future mate holding hands with another boy. In the nine agonizing years since, he’s contented himself as Beta, but never learned to live with the pain and confusion of Ben’s rejection.

Dave’s worst attack yet sends him to the hospital—and brings them both face to face with the misunderstanding that’s kept them apart all these years. It’s too late, though. Dave is headed for Gay Pride Week at Disney World with one goal in mind. Forget Ben Malone.

Ben’s got a problem with that. Only one man is destined to hold his David. And he’ll give anything, even his last shred of pride, to win forgiveness—and the right to finally claim his mate.

Read an excerpt.

This just in…

Samhain Publishing is offering three terrific ebooks at no charge during the month of July!

~ Starting July 1 and running through July 31, you’ll have plenty of time to get your copies, but watch the dates – each one has a different ending date!

~ Giving Chase by Lauren Dane is available July 1 to July 31 both for Kindle and the Nook.

~ Lord Demon’s Delight by Gia Dawn is available July 1 to July 14, again in both Kindle and Nook formats.

~ And Lights, Camera…Monsters by Lila Dubois is available July 15 through July 28 at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

~ Happy reading!

Consider yourself flashed.

Sandy M’s review of Chasin’ Eight (Rough Riders, Book 11) by Lorelei James
Contemporary Western Romance erotic ebook published by Samhain 28 Jun 11

Dammit! I went and did it again! I read this latest addition to Lorelei James’ Rough Riders series too fast. Way, way too fast. I wanted to make it last, but since it hasn’t happened so far, I have a feeling it will never happen whenever I read about those McKay boys.

I always mention the emotion that Ms. James writes in her books, it’s what draws me back each time to read her next, along with her charming and intriguing characters. Well, and the lovin’ too. While I’ve chuckled here and there over the time of reading this series, I don’t recall laughing out loud like I do with Chase and Ava. I thoroughly enjoyed this couple, from the moment they meet through their getting to know one another and then working through the changes they need to go through to come out on the other side of the new life they find for themselves, whole and intact.

Both Chase and Ava are going through their own scandals in their very different worlds. Chase is a bull rider. He’s been on the circuit for years and has gotten a tad complacent, he’s falling in the standings, not performing his best, and now has been suspended from his rodeo association after pissing off a main and very generous sponsor. Swearing off women, which has gotten him into more than enough trouble lately, and determined to get back to basics to figure out why his riding is off, Chase heads home, staying in his cousin Kane’s trailer, not wanting the rest of the family to know what he’s up to just yet.

Ava is an actress from Los Angeles and has had moderate success. Enough that she’s plenty recognizable by the masses. She’s been blindsided by the latest paparazzi report her boyfriend is gay, his picture with his new boyfriend plastered all over news rags throughout the country. She needs to get away from the City of Angels to regroup and figure out what she really wants to do now. So she contacts her friend Ginger, who recently married Kane McKay. And guess where she’ll be staying while visiting the newlyweds? I love that scene when Chase and Ava first meet in the McKay secret love nest.

Chase has been driving for hours, so he’s exhausted when he finally makes it to Kane’s. He’s so wiped out, all he does is wash the travel grime from his face and then he heads to bed. But sleep eludes him as he suddenly comes into contact with a soft and moving someone, who also reacts by jumping out of the bed quicker than lightning. Ava strikes a martial arts pose and threatens her intruder, and with the ensuing dialogue, which is hilarious, the fun with these two begins.

I especially love the truth or lie scenes. OMG, I laughed till I cried. And then I kept laughing. And while the later Twinkie scene is sexy as all get-out, I had a huge, huge grin on my face the entire time. I’m getting ahead of myself here, but this couple is just plain old fun and good times. And you ain’t read anything till you come to the mechanical bull. Oh. My. Heavens. Whew! Now let’s get back on track…

After they work their living arrangements out, Ava agrees to tag along with Chase when he starts his riding “lessons” with Cash Big Crow and Chase’s cousin Colby and then accompanies Chase for his objective of getting on as many bulls as possible from rodeo to rodeo until he finds out his fate concerning his current predicament. Ava begins to videotape Chase’s rides and before too long, his problem is pinpointed and their rodeo adventure begins. This journey throws a few eye-openers out to both Chase and Ava concerning their future and each other.

Doing her best to convince Chase to break his vow of no women for a month, Ava flirts and cajoles, all to no avail. After a few hot kisses Chase always backs off, leaving them both frustrated. Until Ava goes too far one night, bringing in another man to make Chase jealous. Our cowboy may be a mite sensitive when it comes to his non-McKay height of five-seven, but never piss him off. And he does get pissed off, just as Ava wants, and she finally gets more than she could ever imagine. And then some. Chase takes his brother’s advice about loving a woman, and if you think this cowboy was sexy before, he’s off the charts now.

Chase is like all those McKay men when makin’ love. Intense, playful, demanding, slow, fast and furious, and now generous. He thought he’s always been generous in bed, but Ava makes all the difference in the world. And once they get a true taste of one another, there’s no stopping them. They burn up the sheets any and every chance they get, which is a lot, I’m happy to tell you.

Of course, this journey can’t be all hearts and flowers and gettin’ nekkid. Tragedy strikes and Chase takes a blow that he more than likely would have sloughed off before, let alone allow it to affect him as it does now. It changes him, just as most of this introspective trek has changed him and how he looks at his life in and out of the rodeo. Ava also has her share of introspection and realizations as to how she’s lived and interacted with others, mostly because of the new project she’s working on through her photography and videography of their trip. Even as they come out on the other side of such tragic events, there’s more seeming betrayal close at hand, and our fun-loving couple end up on the skids with their hearts broken.

What I love about Chase and Ava is their lightheartedness, their banter and laughter as they get to know each other. Even then they talk to one another. They don’t let things fester and infect the relationship. This continues once they become intimate and even on through their sadness and later their anger. It goes without saying, of course, that the sex scenes are smokin’ hot and will leave you hot and bothered, due to the fact those scenes are vintage Lorelei James. No one does it better. ‘Cept maybe a McKay.

And Chapter 29! Oh my gosh, Chapter 29. Out-of-the-blue twist that had me gasping out loud. I cannot wait to see what happens next!

I have no idea how many more books are going to be in this series. I’m hoping a few more at least. I’ll never tire of these McKay boys.

Grade: A

Summary:

She wants it. He’s got it. And the chase is on.

Bull rider Chase McKay has finally landed in a pile too big to charm his way out of. Caught with his pants down, he finds himself bucked right off the PBR tour until he can get his act together.

Hollywood actress Ava Cooper became the tabloids’ favorite target when her longtime boyfriend was outed as gay. She needs a place to lay low and a chance to prove to herself that she can satisfy a red-blooded man between the sheets. The sexy, rugged cowboy she finds holed up in her Wyoming hideaway seems like the answer to her every fantasy.

But Chase has sworn off women. Forever. Or at least a month. Whichever comes first.

When they take to the road to get Chase more hands-on bull riding experience, they have every intention of keeping their hands off each other. But the two headstrong stars quickly end up riding a hot and heady rodeo circuit all their own—until the press gets wind of their affair. When the dust clears and the lights of the paparazzi fade, are they ready to give up chasing the dream for a chance of finding forever?

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Dinca’s review of Brand New Me (Konigsburg Series, Book 4) by  Meg Benjamin
Contemporary Romance published by Samhain 7 Dec  10

This is the fifth book in Meg Benjamin’s series set in the small town of Konigsburg, Texas, and the first one I have read. I seem to be on a new author experience lately, which is turning out to be a wonderful adventure. I look forward to picking up the first four stories that take place in Konigsburg.

Thomas Ames is trying to make a go of his bar, the Faro, that he won in a poker game. Being an outsider in a small town is a major drawback. Even having the best beer and food doesn’t have much pull over the bar owned by the local guy. Then he hires a down-and-out new girl in town who wants to rent part of his building for a coffee house.

Deirdre Brandenburg has the misfortune of being the daughter of a prosperous man, who equates everything with the all-mighty dollar – including who his daughter will marry, which brings us to the ex-boyfriend who wants in on the money, and his solution to the problem is to be as devious and obnoxious as he can get.

I have to hand it to Meg Benjamin. She does a great job on the characters. The Faro has a true family of friends. Apparently Tom and Deirdre are both new to this series, so I will have to backtrack and read about the others. I do look forward to more of the lives and tales in this small Texas town. There seems to be equal parts romance, character building, villains, and town support. The biting Iguana is a nice touch.

It’s very well written and no grammatical or typographical errors jumped out at me to spoil the story.

Grade: A

Summary:

If any man wants more than a dance with her, they’ll have to get past him…

Deirdre Brandenburg has an MBA and a dream to become the coffee supplier for Konigsburg’s growing restaurant industry. What she doesn’t have is money,
courtesy of her billionaire father’s scheme to make her come home. All she needs is three months until her trust fund kicks in. Until then, she needs a job.

Hiring the new girl next door is a no-brainer for ex-gambler Tom Ames. He’s already succeeded in making his bar, The Faro, a growing tourist draw. Deirdre’s
beauty will pull in the locals—particularly every red-blooded male in the Hill country. As he watches her transform from tentative business wonk to confident,
sassy barmaid, he realizes he wants first crack at her heart.

When Big John Brandenburg sends Deirdre’s ex-boyfriend to drag her home, the plan backfires, leaving Tom’s bar in shambles and Deirdre kidnapped by a band of loony Texas secessionists.

Things are looking pretty bleak—except the good people of Konigsburg have no intention of giving Deirdre up, either. Even if it takes every Faro employee, every last Toleffson, and one cranky iguana to give the honky-tonk lovebirds a chance at forever.

Warning: Contains dirty dancing, hot summer sex, a honky-tonk makeover, and one nippy iguana.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of A Forever Kind of Love by Shiloh Walker
Contemporary Romance ebook short story published by Samhain 26 Apr 11

I’m fast coming to the conclusion that I could read a Shiloh Walker book every day of the week. I’d never get the same or similar story twice. I’d be drawn into the lives of her characters from the very beginning, knowing their lives will have to survive a turmoil so emotional, the ride will affect me just as much as it does them. That’s the main pull for me when I read one of her books. I want that emotional punch. I want to feel the despair so that the unparalleled joy and the love that comes out on the other side is so much more satisfying for and appreciated by the reader.

Chase left town the day after his high school graduation. He needed to get out, change his destiny so he wouldn’t end up like his father in their small town. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, it just wasn’t for Chase. In his haste to make tracks, however, he left Zoe behind. The one person who meant the world to him. But selfishly he needed to find himself more than he needed her at that time. Now he’s back in town with the hope that Zoe still lives here and may be available. Chase realizes and regrets his mistakes, but he’s ready to make amends if she’s ready to give him the chance.

Things don’t go as Chase hopes, though. Zoe isn’t available. She’s married to his best friend, a huge kick in the gut for Chase. Especially when he sees them together and sees their love. He’s run into them over the months he’s been home but hasn’t had a chance to really talk to Zoe. Until the day he finds her sitting in the rain, staring at nothing. Seeing her home, worried about her and no sight of her husband, Chase stays with her until Roger comes through the door.

And the tragedy has started. Zoe and Roger go through the unimaginable. It’s heartbreaking and so very moving. Chase puts aside his want of Zoe as best he can to help out, but it’s hell on him too seeing two of the people he loves most in a non-winning struggle. And when Chase gets a taste of his own medicine, his hope seemingly dies a slow death.

When I got to the one and only love scene in this book, I realized that’s all we get. I didn’t miss not having more, and what’s given is at just the right moment. More emotion on top of such emotion already. That’s what I love about Ms. Walker’s stories. You’re so involved in the feelings and other sensations that you don’t see what you’re missing until it’s too late and it just doesn’t matter. You’ve gotten so much more instead.

This is a sad but beautiful story of second chances, friendship, and a love that’s meant to last forever. Ms. Walker has broken my heart once again and then saved it at the very last minute. My faith in her is forever sealed.

Grade: A

Summary:

You can always come home. Second chances come a little harder.

Chase and Zoe were the high school golden couple. Football captain, cheerleader, prom royalty.

After graduation, though, Chase couldn’t resist the urge to experience life outside their small town. He didn’t exactly expect Zoe to wait twelve years for him, but now that he’s back, he finds some small part of him hoping she did.

It’s no big surprise she’s married. The kick in the face is she married his best friend.

Zoe was devastated when Chase left, but she’s filed those bittersweet memories under “Moved On”. She loves her life, and loves her husband. She has all she needs. And Chase keeps an honorable distance.

One cold, wet, miserable day, tragedy turns Zoe’s world upside down. Chase never expected her to simply fall into his arms, but a man can dream. Except his dream doesn’t include the fact that this time, she’s the one hitting the road…and he’s the one left behind.

Read an excerpt.

Dinca’s review of  The Real Deal (Kiel Brothers, Book 1) by Niki Green
Contemporary Western Romance ebook published by Samhain 5 May 09

In this short story you will find a lot of sex. The characters are either thinking about sex, having sex, or wanting to have sex. Although sex is great, I was looking for a little more story line.

As a belated present to his brother, Nick Kiel borrowed his older brother’s ID and took his younger brother to ‘The Garden Club’, a strip joint two hours away from home. They receive the surprise of their life when one of the strippers turns out to be none other than their older brother’s long lost-love, Willa Tate. They promise Willa they will keep it a secret if she will let them know she’s all right from time to time.

When Willa up and left, Chase could not get her out of his mind or his heart. He still longs for her every day and night. When he borrows his brother’s truck, he finds not only a brochure for The Garden Club with a picture of Willa in the lineup, but a call from her to Kick’s phone laying on the seat.

Willa gets the next shock of her life when Chase waits for her in her dressing room. After the brief encounter Chase kidnapps her and takes her back to the ranch. Has sex and lived happily ever after.

Needless to say this is a short story. Quick and to the point or to sex, as the case may be. If that is what you are looking for, go for it. I’m disappointed after reading Book 2 of the Kiel brothers. There’s little information on why Willa left, and, other than great sex, why Chase would want her back. Book 2 has more information on Chase and Willa than their own story. This could have spun out into a really good tale. I learned nothing about their personalities.  If I had not read Book 2 first, I would not have known how good a tale Niki Green can spin. This is not one of her best offers, but I still look forward to Book 3 of the Kiel Brothers.

Grade: C

Summary:

He held the reins to her heart once—and this time he won’t let go.

A Wild Ride story.

Willa Tate left Millbrook, Texas, years ago—along with her future, her fiancé and her heart. Now, as one of the headlining acts at a hot burlesque club, she looks into the crowd, sees a familiar face staring up at her—and her past comes crashing back.

Chase Kiel has some hard questions for the former love of his life. He spent forever looking for her, and now he wants answers—even if he has to throw her over his shoulder and drag her back to Millbrook to get them.

He’d find it a hell of a lot easier if the chemistry weren’t still there. If they didn’t still fit together like keg of dynamite and fuse. If he didn’t want not only his answers…but her heart.

Chase is still certain he and Willa belong together—and convincing Willa of it will be his pleasure.

Warning: This title contains explicit, powder-keg-hot sex, language that ain’t fit for your mama’s ears, and a hot cowboy with a Texas-sized heart.

No excerpt available.

Other books in this series:

Dinca’s review of Ride (Studs in Spurs, Book 3) by Cat Johnson
Contemporary Western Romance published by Samhain 28 Dec 10

I found reading this tale very entertaining.  Chase is quite an interesting and charming character. He is not only rookie of the year in bull riding, but it appears to be the same in the bedroom too. Until he meets Leesa, a stripper who is a rookie too.

Leesa thinks Chase is a godsend when she hears her boss put a hit out on her life. When she is trying to escape the bad guys, she runs into Chase at an autograph signing and goes up to his room with him for his birthday party.

Chase and Leesa wake up to find a marriage license with their names on it and matching wedding rings. Trying to do the right thing, they take off together and start getting to know each other.  They arrive at his parents’ farm and stay in separate rooms, since they plan on getting a divorce when his uncle, who is a lawyer, gets back into town.

Lessa never confesses anything to Chase about the hit men after her, and I would have liked to have had the hero’s take on this aspect of their relationship. It would also have increased the word count and made the book longer and more interesting. I feel a lot is left unsaid the way the book ends.

I also would have liked to see more in the book on Chase’s little town and how his parents respond to Leesa. Oh, and why even bother mentioning a little sister if all she does is run down the hall and watch television. I feel she needs to be more a part of the story if she’s mentioned.

In the beginning, I felt there are too many rodeo characters by name to keep track of, but once past this the storyline is great. I like the story enough to look up the other books in the series and read them. Because of the fast and, I feel, unfinished ending and the loose characters, I am going to give this one a B.

Grade: B

Summary:

What happens in Vegas…sometimes follows you home.Pro bull rider Chase Reese knew things move faster than an eight-second ride in Las Vegas. He just never expected to be driving home with a national championship under his belt and a wedding band on his left hand with no clue how it got there.

Yet he can’t complain about the stripper bride beside him. From the moment his buddies bought him a lap dance from her, her trembles told him there was more to her than stiletto heels.

Leesa Santiago has met the perfect guy. Her timing couldn’t be worse though. If it was just their explosive sex, she could walk away. But from the moment her lap dance brought her this close to his baby blues, she was hooked. She can’t lie that she couldn’t be happier to bear his name—or guiltier that she’s using it and his Oklahoma farm to hide out from mob hit men.

That’s before Chase’s family gets involved. And his determination to do the right thing pushes her to do the one thing that will keep him safe. Break his heart.

Do cowboy boots mix with stripper heels? And can a love that started out on the wrong foot end up on the right one? That’s the risk you take waking up in Vegas.

Read an excerpt. (Click Excerpt tab)

Other books in this series:

Hooked – 2011

Ash’s review of Be Careful What You Wish For by Nick Howard
Fantasy Romance short story published by Samhain 11 Jan 11

Well…I don’t really have anything good to say about Be Careful What You Wish For. I was looking for something fun and I got something bland.

Gawain never even notices Lilly until she wishes for it, so the entire time I had a hard time believing any of what he says. Nothing about him stands out to me.  Lilly herself is also uninteresting, she has no personality and it’s no wonder she has to make a wish in order to get a man. I know it’s a short story, but not enough time was spent on their development.

Be Careful What You Wish For just feels very stiff and awkward. There is no passion or love or much of any feeling in what they say or do. Everything is done in protocol, even the supposed erotic scenes.  Lilly calmly goes along with everything, because the law says it’s okay. Gawain is trying to win her over, but he talks about spanking her as if he is commenting on the weather.

When I read a novella, I’m looking for a quick, fun read, something that leaves me wanting more.  Unfortunately that doesn’t happen, and the blurb ends up being more exciting than the story.

Grade: D

Summary:

Fairy Godmothers don’t always know what’s best. Or do they?

“If love is pain, I want to be hurt!”

It must have been her distress over being dumped by Sir Justin that made Princess Lilly less than precise expressing her wish to her Fairy Godmother. Otherwise, she would not have ended up the indignant prisoner of Sir Gawain, a vile knight who wouldn’t know how to properly treat a princess if the instructions whacked him upside his armored helm.

She should be angry, but she has no one to blame but herself, and no way out. The Kidnapping of Damsel Laws are very specific—once she is taken, she has no choice but to submit to his seduction. Every kiss, caress…and spanking.

Still, she’s determined not to make it easy for him. If he thinks he will bend her to his delicious…no, barbaric intentions, he has a serious flaw in his logic. Yet as he carefully executes his plan of exquisitely pain-laced pleasure, she finds her body responding quite against her will. And her mind racing with immoral thoughts that threaten her jealously guarded virtue.

Until there is a very small, tiny, remote possibility that Sir Gawain might win her hand…

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of Noble Blood (The Gray Court, Book 2) by Dana Marie Bell
Paranormal Romance published by Samhain 18 Jan 11

Dana Marie Bell had me sold on this story from the first page when we’re introduced to Jaden Blackthorn, a lost vampire soul who refuses to feed from others, even from animals, in particular the scared cat that is as pitiful as Jaden himself at that point in time as he hides in an alley to keep anyone he comes across safe. He’s been turned against his will and has yet to feed – and kill, according to his sire – a human. He will never give in to that darkness. What he needs is kindness and understanding, and suddenly out of nowhere, just as his need is at its pinnacle, salvation comes to him. The emotion running through this initial scene had me instantly in love with Jaden and Duncan.

Duncan Malmayne, heir to the Seelie Sidhe lord and heir to the Malmayne clan, reaches out to Jaden, at risk to himself due to Jaden’s condition and nearly lost state of mind. But Ducan somehow knows what Jaden needs and he doesn’t hesitate to offer it all. Thus begins their long-lasting and close friendship, a friendship of bond brothers where either would do anything for the other, no matter what.

During this time Jaden has fallen for Moira Dunne, who is half leprechaun and half Sidhe and the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. But he’s blindsided when he learns Duncan and Moira are true bonds. He tries to be noble and step aside, making it easy for all three of them and keep the friendship intact. He misses them both, but his absence is for the best.

Though Duncan and Moira are happy in their new life while awaiting their ceremony, there’s something not quite right. Duncan is restless, pacing the floor, just not himself. Thinking it must because of other Malmaynes trying to steal leadership of the clan from Duncan, causing him all kinds of havoc, they finally realize it’s mate sickness and immediately contact Jaden to join them to complete their tribond.

I absolutely love Jaden. He’s sexy and smoldering and loves to have fun. His sense of humor is contagious, making you smile when he’s in snooping mode as one of Oberon’s Blades or just having some fun for the hell of it. Duncan is every inch the lord he’s been groomed to be, vowing to keep his clan safe at all costs. Of course, Moira has it made with two such men in her life. She’s feisty and independent and holds her own with them. And the love scenes are hot and sizzling. The first such scene is one of those mind benders for the characters and the reader – Duncan and Moira make love while Jaden merges with them in their minds, feeling and touching just the same as they do. Hot, hot, hot.

Along with Duncan’s power-hungry family, we also get a lot of interaction with Moira’s family, and what fun they are. I especially like Shane and Akane, and their story is going to be something else all together, I can just feel it. If you’re new to this series, I would suggestion you read Dare to Believe first. There’s a lot of players involved, so you’d just be better off starting at the beginning.

I really like this book even better than the first in the series. The characters evolve with more depth and emotion and the storyline is more involved, things don’t at all turn out as you’d expect. Be prepared for m/m scenes, however. I’m usually not a fan of this subgenre, a good majority of authors just not able to do it justice, but Ms. Bell gives the reader such emotion between Duncan and Jaden that it all works beautifully.

This series is getting better as each book comes along, so it’s high anxiety waiting for the next one.

Grade: A

Summary:

Nobility has its privileges…and its price. Sometimes it just sucks.

For Lord Duncan Malmayne, it was love at first sight with his true bond, the lovely half Sidhe, half-leprechaun Moira Dunne.
Yet something is missing from his relationship with the fiery redhead, something that prevents him from completing the
Claiming and making Moira his forever.

As problems multiply in what should be a magical, idyllic time, the depression weighing on Moira’s Sidhe heart signals a
potentially devastating condition. Mate sickness. Her instinct tells her what’s missing: Jaden Blackthorn, Gray Court vampire,
Duncan’s bond brother and closest friend—who tactfully withdrew from their lives after Duncan declared his love.

Jaden is both heartbroken and elated that the two people he loves most in the world are together. It’s best he cut off all
contact to give them space to complete the Claiming. But trouble is brewing in the Malmayne clan, and when Jaden’s forced
back into their lives by the Hob, their extremely rare tribond clicks with a reaction that’s swift, sensual and all-consuming.

But not everyone looks upon it as a blessing. In fact, the price of their love could be a potentially fatal shift of power…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Turn It Up (Turner Twins, Book 2) by Vivian Arend
Contemporary Romance published by Samhain 8 Feb 11

I’ve never been a fan of older women/younger men storylines. However, Ms. Arend may change my mind about them, after reading this touching story.

Natasha is thirty-four, has a couple of failed relationships behind her, has decided she doesn’t need a man to be happy, and is making plans to have a baby all by her lonesome before she turns thirty-five. She’s turned down Max’s overtures over the years, feeling their age difference – he’s twenty-four – is to much of a hurdle for a relationship to work. Max, however, feels differently. He’s been in love with Tasha for so long, asking her out the first time when he was seventeen, so he’s bided his time, knowing the opportunity he’s waited for will finally show itself. Max gets lucky when Natasha and her friends tie a big one while celebrating and he does the honors of driving them all home.

In her drunken haze, Tasha lets it slip about her baby plans,and Max runs with his newly-inspired idea. I did enjoy his unique take on a marriage proposal. It’s Tasha he has to convince. She’s mortified he knows about her plans and tries to talk him out of his idea about marriage, but to no avail. The man won’t let her be, going all logical on her with that genius brain of his. He ultimately wins and she agrees to marry Max, with some conditions, of course. Max has other ideas along that line, but that can wait for now. He’s about to have all his dreams come true.

Because of her past, Tasha does try to keep their relationship on a “friendly” basis, and Max goes along with that for now, deciding he has to romance her and seduce her into the life he wants with her. In the meantime, she’s also worried about how his family will take their sudden about-face concerning each other. All but one, her best friend and Max’s cousin, are happy for them. Lila gives Tasha every argument that she’s given herself since Max proposed and there’s no talking to Lila about the issue with her spewing disgust and anger. She’s hurtful and unmovable in her position about their May-December relationship. Tasha hates losing her friend, but she now has a chance at the life she’s wanted for a while, so she leaves the poison behind, along with her broken heart.

I think it’s the fact that Max is highly intelligent, went through high school by the age of fourteen and college by the age of  seventeen and then immediately living on his own, has a highly successful technology business, he’s not the typical twenty-four year old that gives me the belief in him and this story. He knows his mind and knows how to be patient and make things work for himself. That maturity goes hand in hand with maturity in the bedroom. Max gives as well as he receives and Tasha blossoms beautifully in the light of his love. They also work together to make everything ready for the baby’s arrival, and I like the scenes when Max shows Tasha how serious he is about becoming a father, not only in word but in deed, and when he caresses her belly with love in his eyes, the reader ends up with a lump in the throat just as each of them does.

I’m also usually not a fan of a heroine stringing out her fears until the very last minute before she realizes her love has grown and has to tell the hero before it’s too late, but Ms. Arend even does that quite well here. It works in the long run and I didn’t find myself becoming irritated like I normally do. And Tasha does wait a tad too long before all hell breaks loose!

All in all, this is a very enjoyable story, more than the “I want to have a baby before I’m too old” business. I am a little confused that the first book in the series, Max’s twin Maxy’s story, seems to take place before this book, just by reading its blurb. Only thing I can imagine is perhaps parts of both stories take place at the same time. Guess I’ll have to find out and read Turn It On soon!

Grade: B

Summary:

She wants it. He’s got it…and a whole lot more.

Maxwell Turner considers his stubborn and resourceful attitude a plus. After all, it usually gets him what he wants—except for Natasha Bellingham. The long-time family friend may be ten years older than he, but so what? He’s plenty old enough to know they belong together. Now all he has to do is convince her.

Over the past few years Natasha’s love life has degenerated into a series of bad clichés. Her biological clock is ticking—loudly. As a proven architect with her own house-design company, she’s financially ready for a baby. Who says she needs a permanent man in her life for that? She just needs a “donation”.

When Max discovers Natasha’s future plans include artificial insemination, he’s outraged. She wants to get pregnant? No problem. He’s more than willing to volunteer—no turkey basters involved.

But there’s one non-negotiable clause: He wants forever. And he intends to do everything in his power—fair and unfair—to make it happen.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Cowgirls Don’t Cry (Rough Riders, Book 10) by Lorelei James
Contemporary Western Romance published by Samhain 9 Nov 10

Besides sexy, alpha cowboys, the thing I love about this series by Lorelei James is she keeps it real. And it’s not always pretty or nice. We all have those one or two in our family who make things difficult and ugly for other members. So does the McKay family. It’s the heroine, Jessie, who gets the brunt of that ugliness, but there’s plenty of others who have to deal with it too.

Jessie met Luke and Brandt McKay the same night years before. Luke showed interest, Jessie ended up pregnant, they got married. Though he tried to do the right thing, Luke still played around, stomping all over Jessie and her heart. In Shoulda Been a Cowboy, Luke dies, leaving Jessie on her own literally when his father kicks her out of their home. It’s Brandt who stays by her side, helping out when he can.

That’s because Brandt has wanted Jessie since that first night when his brother horned in after Brandt pointed out the woman he was drawn to. So he’s always been in the background, watching Luke turn a strong, vibrant woman into a shadow of herself. Brandt finally has enough of being at Jess’ beck and call after Luke’s death, lets her know how he feels about her and gets shut down for his effort. The only decision he can make at that point is stay away, as much as that will hurt.

Months go by and Brandt now has a small problem. He’s discovered Luke has a child as a result of one of his affairs. The boy’s mother is young and headed to jail, and she has no one to look after her son. So she contacts Brandt to be Landon’s guardian until mom is back on her feet and able to care for him. Knowing it will crush Jessie all over again, he has no choice but to ask her to help him take of her dead husband’s son.

This is where some of the ugliness comes in. Casper McKay, Brandt’s father, is one mean and ornery bastard and has been that way for years. His wife, his sons, his brothers, anyone he comes in contact with gets a taste of his hatred for anything and everything. He’s the one who kicked Jessie out when Luke died, never believing she was good enough for his son. Now with a grandson in the mix, Brandt knows his father will play down and dirty to get his hands on the boy. He’s not about to let that happen, despite knowing his father will take potshots at both him and Jessie along the way. And the man does, big time. Someone needs to put him out of his misery.

So Brandt and Landon move in with Jessie on Jessie’s terms, and you can’t blame her for putting down some rules for herself in such a situation. She’s trying to defend herself, of course, against an innocent child, no matter who’s he is. She knows Landon has the ability to bury himself so deep into her heart she’ll never let him go, and she’s not willing to allow that. It’s very emotional to watch her grow into a mother as Landon grows and learns at her knee.

Brandt is that typical McKay man, very sexual with a loving and giving nature. He’s hoping Jessie will want something more with him and also with Landon, if and when that time comes, even despite her assurance at the end it’s all over and everyone will go their own way. Jess really has a one-two punch when it comes to loving these two McKays currently in her life. As you can imagine, she doesn’t stand a chance. Especially when it comes to the lovin’ Brandt can’t hold back any longer. Whoo-whee, I love me a sexier-than-hell cowboy in bed. Oh, and Jessie does too.

Things get worse before they get better for all concerned. Brandt has issues he needs to get over due to his similarities to his father. Jessie has to come to grips with love all over again, fearful it may turn out just like the last time. It’s a good thing they’ve finally come together. They need each other and they’ll see that before it’s all over with.

Grade: A

Summary:

Jessie McKay has accepted her marriage to Luke McKay wasn’t perfect. After two years of widowhood, she’s ready to kick up her bootheels—until Luke’s younger brother shows up to spoil her fun. But if Brandt thinks she’ll ever take orders from another McKay male, he’s got manure for brains.

Brandt McKay has avoided his sweet, sexy sister-in-law ever since the night he confessed his feelings for her weren’t the brotherly type. Unexpectedly faced with proof of Luke’s infidelity, Brandt is forced to ask for Jessie’s help in taking care of Luke’s young son. Jessie agrees on one condition—she wants Brandt’s boots exclusively under her bed for the duration.

The sexual heat that’s always simmered between them ignites. Brandt is determined to make the temporary situation permanent, proving to Jessie he’s a one-woman man. And Jessie is shaken by feelings she’s sworn never to have again for any man…especially not a McKay.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Shoulda Been a Cowboy (Rough Riders, Book 7) by Lorelei James
Contemporary Western Erotic Romance published by Samhain 1 Jun 10

Jeez, I can’t believe I forgot to write this review back when Shoulda Been a Cowboy released in June. Sigh. Don’t ask me what happened, couldn’t tell ya. What I can tell ya is it’s not because I didn’t enjoy the book or it’s not good or anything along those lines. Far from it. As usual, Lorelei James kept me going from one emotion to another, hot and bothered pretty much in every darned chapter, and yearning for more, more, more when I closed the book. It would’ve been nice to make some noise for Ms. James back in June, but I’ll have to settle for doing that now, because any time talking about these Rough Riders is a good time.

Along with Kane’s book, this is the one I’ve been waiting for. Cam is the only McKay brother who chose not to follow the family footsteps into ranching. He went into the military and that’s where he stayed until injured, losing a leg and the life as he’s always known. Once home, he’s wanted nothing but solitude, keeping the family at bay from his peaceful, uncluttered abode, all with the help of sister Keeley, who also made sure everything medical concerning his doctors, treatment, and whatever else was needed to get her brother settled went like clockwork. Cam is now a local police officer and has been content, considering his circumstances.

I was curious which way Ms. James would go with Cam, either turning to his family for help and support or trying to go it alone. Family is one of the things that keeps me coming back to this series, but this time she went with that McKay pride, Cam not wanting anyone to think him weak or useless, which is what he feels most of the time when faced with those tasks that are now difficult for him. His family does leave him alone, hoping it’s the right thing to do.

But Cam is in for a surprise when he finally gives in to Domini, the woman he’s tried to stay away from so she wouldn’t be saddled with half a man. She’s a strong woman. She’s had to be to get through the hell she lived in the Ukraine before coming to the United States. They’re both scarred, physically and mentally, in the aftermath of their individual adversity. What Domini wants is to give up control, to be dominated, and to receive pleasure at the hands of a man she trusts. Cam.

And when Cam realizes this and gives Domini what she needs, the pages sizzle and burn when these two come together. In true Lorelei James fashion, the lovemaking is hot, intense, pleasurable, and very emotional. However, Domini does put her foot down when it becomes clear Cam has no intention of getting as good as he’s been giving in the bedroom. When necessary, her control is in place and she’s got the steel spine to back it up.

Cam and Domini are thrown a curve when faced with personal tragedies, one leaving a young boy orphaned, Domini the only “family” he has left. Cam steps up to help out in the most magnanimous way, because he’s not about to give Domini the opportunity to walk out of his life. Things in their new life get dicey for a while, but once they truly open up to each other, life can only get better for them.

The McKays finally put their foot down too when it comes to Cam and his desire to hide his disability from them. I love the scene between him and his brothers late in the book when he finally realizes how he’s hurt his family in keeping them out of his life. Mama McKay gets in on it too, and you don’t want to mess with Mama.

I’m very impressed with Ms. James’ consistency and high quality of writing even after seven books in this series. She keeps it fresh, fun, emotional, and burning up no matter which McKay she’s writing about.

If you’ve not read any of these Rough Rider books, well, frankly, you’re missing loads of fun with some sexy, sexy cowboys who know how to love a lady. Ain’t ya curious about what you’ve missed so far?

Grade: A

Summary:

Soldier Cameron McKay has found his niche, and it ain’t ropin’ steers and wearin’ spurs. His deputy sheriff job, plus battle injuries that ended his military career, keep him right where he wants to be: Off the ranch and away from his family’s pity. His darkest war memories are on lockdown, leaving him skeptical he’ll ever find a woman who wants a man who’s less than whole.

Domini Katzinski has had to control every aspect of her life since age eleven, when she was orphaned in the Ukraine. Watching others’ relationships crumble has convinced her to focus on the short-term and find a take-charge man to whom she can relinquish total sexual control. Cam fits the bill: gorgeous, with a brooding vulnerability no one else seems to see. Plus, he has his own handcuffs.

Once Cam gets over his surprise that sweet, shy Domini wants to be dominated, he is back to issuing orders. Their passion is as hot as a rocket-propelled grenade—and if Domini has her way, it’s a one-shot deal. Cam wants more, and launches a full-out sensual assault…until tragedy strikes, forcing him to change tactics as he tries to keep past demons from blowing their future together all to hell…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Shaken by Dee Tenorio
Contemporary Romance short story published by Samhain 19 Oct 10

What a powerful story this is. And the fact it’s a short story makes it that much more poignant and emotional. Shaken is such an appropriate title for this book. Not only do the main characters have the foundation shaken from underneath them, but their belief in everything they shared together is shaken as well by the most unimaginable tragedy.

Grant doesn’t want a divorce. He still loves Julia, has loved her since the day his medical treatment of her mother ended and he asked her to dinner. But if she’s determined to go through with ending their marriage, he’s determined to make sure she’s taken care of, despite her refusal to accept his support. His guilt won’t let him do any less.

All she’s wanted from her husband was for him to share in her grief, her sorrow, her turmoil over losing their daughter. But Julia now realizes he never really cared. He couldn’t have if he’s never shed tear, never mourned their loss, never once helped her through her grief. So getting out is the only thing she can do to survive. She’s taken a position with the Dallas Orchestra, going back to her first love before giving it up for Grant.

We get to know these two in a few pages. You can already feel the anguish they each feel, the despair, the fear. And then you’re thrown into the maelstrom of their passion. Julia has entered the elevator to begin her forlorn trip home when Grant spies her and makes a dash into the compartment before the doors close. His intent is to make her see reason, make her see they can’t lose the one last good thing between them, the one way they still communicate, the one way for them to survive together. Her intent is still to get away so she can heal as much as possible, but she’s not even close to immune to Grant. Her mind tells her one thing, but her body tells her another.

And the world begins to shake. An earthquake tumbles the elevator and them around a bit, coming to a stop along with their passion. Though Grant doesn’t let that deter him. He’s of a mind to have Julia here and now, to have what he’s been missing for the past couple of months she’s been gone. Amid some intense and exquisite lovemaking, Grant and Julia eventually get to the core of what’s between them for too long now.

They both realize that need to come totally clean with one another, and once that happens, my heavens, the fear, the heartache, the guilt, the tears just drop off the pages. I thought my tears would begin with Grant going over the accident and how he tried to save their daughter, but that was more heart-pounding and intense, and though I found myself getting misty-eyed, my tears didn’t come until a tad after that as he describes his daughter, the very same one Julia thought he didn’t love. Grant also finally lets his guilt out at the same time, his need for Julia to forgive him, and when she realizes how he’s hurt all this time without sharing it it all, she then knows how selfish she’s been in her own grief.

The reliving of the crash is palpable from Grant’s point of view. And his grief, his remorse, his sorrow is just as palpable. It’s always said that mothers feel the loss of a child more than a father, but Ms. Tenorio pulls no punches in the pain that Grant goes through as a result of his loss. After such an emotional upheaval in a five by five space, you can only hope this kind of therapy has done its job for this couple.

I didn’t mean to write so much on a short story like this, but I can’t help myself. This is a story you have to read. It pulls at you, it tears you into pieces, it pounds at you, it moves you, and it gives you hope in love and forgiveness.

Read this book.

Grade: A+

Summary:

Thirteen stories up. Two broken hearts. One last chance…

Surgeon Grant Sullivan’s once-perfect life lies in ruins. His daughter is gone—lost in a tragic accident he dare not allow himself to remember—and his beautiful wife now stares at him from across a legal table, insisting she wants nothing from him.

Julia Sullivan lost everything, especially her illusions about her marriage, after the accident. Her grief only seemed to drive Grant farther into his emotional shell—except for the nights he turned to her in silent, furious passion. Unable to live like a ghost in her old life, she’s packed up what’s left of her broken heart and is ready to move on. Alone.

Determined to break their stalemate, Grant follows Julia onto the elevator just in time for an earthquake. Trapped for hours in a building pressure cooker of unspoken pain, he’ll do anything to remind her what she’s leaving behind, as deliciously as he can. But giving her what she needs to save their marriage is the one thing that could destroy his soul.

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of Colters’ Lady (Colters’ Legacy, Book 2) by Maya Banks
Contemporary Erotic Romance ebook published by Samhain 1 Jun 10

Just a few weeks ago I finished Colters’ Woman, so I’ve been curious how Ms. Banks was going to handle the next generation of Colters and their lady. I’m glad to say she’s done a terrific job. While keeping the “tradition” of the Colters alive, we see it come to fruition in a totally different way from Colters’ Woman.

Though the current generation of Colter men grew up as their dads and their dads before them have done, with three fathers and one mother, Seth, Michael, and Dillon never even gave a thought to the fact they’d do the same when it comes to their love lives. They each have gone about their lives separate and apart from the other, not thinking about sharing a wife among them.

And then Seth comes face to face with the woman that will change all of that in an instant. Volunteering at the local soup kitchen, a pair of eyes grab him soul deep. He doesn’t want her on the streets any longer, so he follows her and convinces her to go home with him just for the night and then they’d go from there.

Lily has shut herself off from everything, living on the streets after walking away from an life-altering, soul-wrenching situation, not caring about much. When Seth offers shelter and protection for a night, she can’t keep herself from agreeing, all the while chastising herself for trusting a stranger, anything could happen. But it ends up he offers her a slice of heaven.

Then she meets Seth’s family, and they welcome her with open arms. But it’s his brothers and their reactions to her — and hers to them — that causes her more anxiety and a whole lot of pleasure. For Seth, Michael, and Dillon, it’s a lot of rearranging their lives and commitment to making a relationship with Lily work, especially because they never thought they’d be sharing the one woman that makes them each happy and complete.

When Lily decides she does want a life with these three amazing men, she knows she can’t move forward until she faces her past. And what a past it is. Filled with emotion, anger, guilt, it’s eaten at her for a long time. Even the confrontation she forces is emotion filled — and not at all what she expected.

Ms. Banks has given readers what they’ve come to love about the Colter family but in a very different way than what she’s done in Colters’ Woman. That difference kept me reading and loving these grown-up Colter men just as much as their fathers. And I like the fact she’s given us the entire family throughout the book, giving love and support to our heroes when needed.

I’m really looking forward to Colters’ Daughter, Callie’s book. It will be interesting to see what she does in finding Callie her love. Or loves? Oh, how I hope so. That will be really interesting!

Grade: B+

Summary:

Can their love give her the strength to overcome the tragedy in her past?

When police officer Seth Colter sees the delicate, shabbily dressed beauty in line at the soup kitchen where he’s serving, he’s gut shot over the idea of her being on the streets cold and alone. More baffling is the dark, possessive instinct that tells him she belongs to him.

For Lily Weston, home is a secluded nook in a back alley—until Seth offers her a place to stay. She’s wary of his offer, but even one night out of the cold is too much temptation to resist.

Seth is convinced Lily is his. The problem is, when his brothers lay eyes on her, the same primitive instinct comes roaring to the surface. The Colters never imagined they’d follow the unconventional path of their fathers, but they can’t ignore their mutual need to offer Lily their protection—and their love. But before Lily and the brothers can forge a future together, they must heal the deep wounds of her past.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of One Weekend by Sasha White
Erotic Short Story published by Samhain 5 Apr 10

Because of  one of a reader’s favorite saying — too many books, not enough time — I’ve not not read a huge amount of Sasha White’s books as of yet. That’s not for a lack of want either. The few I have read to date I’ve enjoyed. She’s one of those authors for me who can do most anything and I will end up enjoying it. That definitely happened in One Weekend, especially because I’ve become super picky when it comes to reading menages or m/m stories. Most don’t make the grade for me, but Ms. White has the touch in this short story.

Rick and Mark are best friends, but since Rick and Angie became a couple, Mark only hangs with them now and again. He’s visiting when Angie comes home after work one scorching day. She strips down to her undies before she realizes Rick is not alone on the patio where it’s cool on that hot summer evening. Shrugging, she walks out to join the guys, and the night suddenly gets hotter.

All three of these characters are sexually adventurous, so when talk turns toward Mark joining Rick and Angie in their bed sport for the weekend, they all go for it. A weekend for the three of them has never been hotter. Ms. White makes them sizzle right off the page. But then she goes even further.

I didn’t think I’d like the direction the story was going when it sunk in where Ms. White was heading with Rick and Mark. But I have to say, because she made them really like them first, that made all the difference when Angie gets worked up thinking about the two men together and then seeing it in reality. I didn’t think the sex in these few pages could get any hotter. I was flat out wrong.

And that’s all I’m going to say. It works. Find out if you’re as adventurous as Angie. She’s having the time of her life and then some. I’m glad I joined her. You may too.

Grade: B

Summary:

Three lovers. Two days. One bed…

Angie Wilson is a lucky girl. She loves her job, her life, and her man, Rick Craig. What red-blooded woman wouldn’t revel in the attentions of a good-looking, athletic boyfriend who’s secure enough to encourage her most adventurous appetites?

One of the worst heat waves in memory has hit town, and by Friday Angie is ready to really let loose. Craig and his best friend, Mark, are chilling on the patio with cold beer when she gets home from work, and the three get comfortable. As the night moves on and the talk turns to sex, Angie longs for more than just cool air on her bare skin.

And the heat’s making her just crazy enough to go for it…

Read an excerpt.

Liviania’s review of House of Stone by Vaughn R. Dermot
Gay urban fantasy released by Samhain 22 Jun 2010

In a time when I seem to be frustrated by blurbs more often than not, since they’re usually confusing or give half the book away, the Samhain blurbs are usually entertaining.  House of Stone caught my attention by being about a Fae noble in charge of a slum.  It sounded fun, playing with the expectations of a novel starring a gay faery.  For the most part, House of Stone lived up to that expectation.

The opening scene made me worry about what I was getting into.  It starts with Richard Fireman, the aforementioned Fae noble, working as a porn star.  The scene wasn’t badly written, which kept me going, but it felt like Vaughn R. Dermot was trying hard to be shocking.   Also, Richard acts like a jerk, which isn’t the best introduction to the character.  That does give him something to overcome.

Dermot does develop an interesting mythology throughout House of Stone.  Richard works as a porn star because the Fae are “living dreams” and survive off of the dreams of mortals.  Therefore, they boost those dreams by being patrons of the various arts.  Since Richard is a viscount of the bad part of town, the booming artistic business is porn.  The Fae also don’t get along with demons, who tend to be hard to kill without a magic sword.  But the only way for Richard to get his sword working again may be to kill the demon who killed his father . . . who was supposed to already be dead.

In addition to decent world building, there is character development.  Richard is charming, despite his entitlement, and having to get up and work hard at something instead of just coasting along brings out the better parts of his character.  Simaron, his servant, seems like a pushover at first.  But he’s been keeping secrets, and becomes more and more willing to speak his mind as Richard matures.

The plot is fairly labyrinthine, particularly compared to the other Samhain novels I’ve read.  It works though.  Every revelation makes sense, even if some are awfully convenient.  The weakest parts could have been those involving Richard’s new wife, Jen, since most of the twists involving her are the most obvious.  Those parts tend to work since Jen, while not a dynamic character, is a fun one to read about.  She’s smart and loyal, and turns out to be a better match than Richard could’ve hoped for.

House of Stone is silly at times.  But Dermot keeps things light enough to acknowledge that things are silly and should be that way without veering into hipster irony.  It was fun afternoon reading.  House of Stone seems to be the first book in a series, and I look forward to reading Richard’s continuing adventures.

Grade: B

Summary:
Welcome to the City, where gods run nightclubs, goblins hire out as mercs, sorcerers work their
magic, the Fae hold court over every neighborhood…and humanity is blissfully ignorant of it all.
For minor Fae noble Richard Stone, life is going well. He has a decent fiefdom (okay, it’s a slum), a
budding acting career (okay, so it’s porn), and one of only five magical swords in the City. An arranged
marriage is barely a blip on his worry meter—until his family blade loses its magic. The shame of it puts
his noble standing in jeopardy.
To regain his status, Richard needs help. Fortunately, his new bride is a sidhe knight and his servant
Simaron has, er, his back. Together they embark on a quest to find the demon who slew his father,
investigate a conspiracy that goes to the highest echelons of Fae nobility, and discover a secret family
legacy that could ruin his House.
All while keeping up appearances to a society that demands perfection. And they say a noble’s life is
easy…
Warning: This book contains explicit gay sex, not-so-explicit gay sex, explicitly implied gay sex,
routine breaking of the fourth wall, occasional bouts of Pearl Jam fanboy-ism, and plot. Side effects include
confusion and headaches, and are best avoided by reading the pages therein in numerical order.

Read an excerpt here.

Sandy M’s review of Colters’ Woman (Colters’ Legacy, Book 1) by Maya Banks
Erotic Contemporary Romance published by Samhain 6 Apr 10

Though I keep reading erotic romance and I keep giving fairly low review grades on most of them, there are those few authors out there who know how to write them. Maya Banks is one of those authors. She gives a reader a complete story and doesn’t rely wholly on the erotic to carry her through to the end.

Adam discovers a woman nearly frozen to death on the side of the road near the mountain home he shares with his brothers. The moment he picks her up, holds her in his arms, he knows she’s the one he, Ethan, and Ryan have been waiting for, the one woman who will complete their lives, who will finally give them the family they’ve always wanted.

She’s run from the viciousness of one man into the arms of kindness, gentleness, and lustiness of three handsome men. Holly is afraid to let herself stay with the Colter brothers, knowing she’ll bring danger to their doorstep. But what woman can resist their plea for trust to take care of her, love for a lifetime, and hard bodies to keep her sated to her heart’s content?

Danger does come calling eventually and Holly takes control, resolves the issue her own way and the brothers must wait for the outcome, not knowing if their woman will come home again.

I have to admit I like the story idea behind this book. The Colters, as far back as two generations, have lived this life of three brothers sharing one wife. But it’s more than just sex that you get in most erotic books. You feel the emotions of each character, very distinct with each personality. Love is the main emotion this family has known for years, handed down from each generation, but they run the gamut of every other emotion in between, including, of course, lust and desire.

And these men are quite lusty indeed. This is the only area where I had a nitpick, however. Holly is a virgin. The Colter brothers have very, very healthy appetites in the bedroom. Granted, she goes in with her eyes wide open, but they go full bore with her the first night. One, she should have been exhausted much sooner than she was; two, she shouldn’t have been able to take everything and then some that they doled out to her the first time around with no problem.

But who am I kidding. Women, me included, drool over men like this because they’re well-rounded in all areas of a relationship. Because Ms. Banks gives an interesting story to go along with all that loving, I can overlook little nits like that.  And I certainly did.

I would have liked a little more history, though, on how this lifestyle actually began. We know the brothers’ grandparents lived this way, as well as their parents, but we’re never given anything as to why, how, when, where, and all those little details. It wouldn’t have to be much, just a tidbit or two of the genesis for something so unique that has lasted so long.

There is also a short story, Callie’s Meadow, included at the end of this book. It’s a follow-up eight years into the Colters’ marriage, letting us see how they’re getting along, what’s happened down the road, and a definite surprise for all involved, causing reactions aplenty when the news is revealed.

I enjoyed this so much that I’ve already started the next book in the series, Colters’ Lady. I just couldn’t wait, anxious to find out how the next generation gets through and deals with life and love in the Colter household.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Adam, Ethan and Ryan aren’t looking for women. They’re looking for a woman. One woman they know will share their lives and their beds. They’re losing hope they’ll find her, that is until Adam discovers Holly lying in the snow just yards from their cabin.

Adam knows she’s the one the minute he holds her in his arms, and as soon as his brothers see her, they know it too.  The only problem is convincing Holly of that fact—and protecting her from the danger of her past.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Raising Kane (Rough Riders, Book 9) by Lorelei James
Contemporary Western Romance ebook published by Samhain 23 Jun 10

I think like a lot of fans of this series, I’ve anxiously awaited Kane’s story. He’s a bad boy for sure, he’s had his moments of excesses, fights, plenty of women, and any number of other things, but he’s the hero who’s also chivalrous, take-charge and in control when needed, loves his family and his dog, and has a soft spot for kids. And he’s sexier than hell. He’s a man any woman would give anything for to rub herself all over, up one side and down the other every day of the week. And then do it all over again. Twice. On Sundays. Just as his heroine discovers.

Ginger is an attorney, taking over business from her father, who is now wheelchair-bound and living with her and her son, Hayden. Falling down icy stairs puts her in the hospital instead of behind her desk, and the doc won’t release her unless she’s got someone to take care of her. She’s a little riled at this, since she’s the one who’s always in control and takes care of everyone else. And she can still do that, injured or not.

That’s what she thinks. Kane McKay is about to take that control from her. As much as he’d like that control to include the bedroom, the rules of the Little Brothers program prohibits becoming involved with Hayden’s mother. But the woman needs help and she’s going to get it, whether or not she asks for it. From cooking to cleaning, laundry, helping her invalid father and other surprises, Kane is everywhere he’s needed while Ginger recuperates.

Their attraction grows and finally ignites once Ginger is on her feet again, which is not long with Kane around. These two combust loud and long and over and over again. Sizzling hot love scenes is only one of many erotic and romantic things Ms. James is superb at in her writing. Her heroes are always a man’s man and her heroines a woman’s woman, especially in bed. Ginger is an intelligent, strong, and independent woman, but with Kane her submission is complete and voluntary, knowing he will give her everything she needs behind closed doors.

You also have to love a man who cries when he finds his dog curled up in the snow, the animal knowing it was his time to head to doggy heaven. Then even though they’ve been on the outs lately, Kane’s twin brother Kane offers support, taking care of the emotional task of burying Shep. This family sticks together more than they fight, but now Kane is looking to throw a few punches and finds it with cousin Colt over a bit of ranch business, but all is forgiven later when Kane’s sad news trickles through the family. For the McKays, it doesn’t matter what happens as long as the family stays together, and Ms. James makes sure her fans get a lot of familial love in each book.

I have to go a bit further with the Shep issue, because it involves another of my favorite scenes – Hayden crawls into Kane’s lap when he hears the news to offer comfort. Talk about wrenching your heart out. Simply a wonderful scene.

This latest installment of the series has it all, everything you could want in an erotic romance and everything you could want in a simple, lovely romance. Ms. James makes you shiver in ecstatic, steamy delight on one page and then become misty-eyed with emotion on the next. She makes you hanker for a good old knock-down drag-out one moment and then soothes you with gentleness and kindness within minutes.

I just recommended this series to a friend. She’s reading the books back to back and having a time of it. If you haven’t started on these Lorelei James books yet, don’t fret. Once you start, you won’t stop and it will seem like only moments until you’re caught up. Just try it if you don’t believe me.

Grade: A+

Summary:

She surrendered the reins. Now he’s raising the stakes.

When a patch of ice sends attorney Ginger Paulson head-over-high-heels down a flight of stairs, she has no one to care for her young son and her invalid father—until lethally sexy Kane McKay shows up at the hospital, determined to prove his cowboy chivalry. Past experience has inoculated her against take-charge men, but even Ginger isn’t immune to Kane’s invasive charm and Built Ford Tough body.

For two years rancher Kane McKay has followed the Little Buddies mentoring program’s cardinal rule—hands off his Little Buddy Hayden’s mama. But one look at Ginger’s bruised body and Kane is through watching the stubborn woman take care of everyone but herself. The feisty, curvy redhead needs his help, and he’ll give her the hands-on type whether she likes it or not.

After Kane throws out doctor’s orders and issues his own demands—her full sexual submission—Ginger realizes Kane’s caring nature extends beyond just fulfilling her physical needs.

Can the former hell-raiser convince the gun-shy single mom to look beyond his past…toward a shared future?

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of All or Nothing (The Lonnigans, Book 2) by Dee Tenorio
Contemporary Romance ebook published by Samhain
27 Jul 10

I’ve had a couple of second books of a series outshining the first lately. All or Nothing is in that category for me. And it surprises me, because I wasn’t that thrilled with Lucas in All of You, but Ms. Tenorio turned that around on me and I ended up loving him quite a bit.

In All of You, Kyle and Lucas switch dates and Kyle finds the love of his life.  We pick up in this book as Lucas realizes the woman his brother was to meet is none other than Belinda, who he’s traded barbs and insults with forever and who he’s actually in love with but who wants nothing to do with him.

It’s not that Belinda doesn’t want Lucas. She’s afraid of what a relationship with him will be like, more than likely a copy of her parents’, domestic violence and all. So she’d rather keep him at arm’s length than give her heart to him, only to have it pulverized. Love to her means being battered down in every way imaginable.

But after a mind-blowing night together, Lucas is not going to allow Belinda to push him away anymore. He tosses a wager her way, knowing she won’t be able to resist — all or nothing between them. This is his chance to show her how being together can be for them, and the man does it up right, even if he stumbles a time or two, which is that much more endearing.

Belinda does her best to discourage him, returning his gifts (even the puppy! — which was difficult for her to do), keeping the insults at an all-time high, but Lucas has stamina. I really enjoyed it when Lucas’ bet included her dressing as she used to instead of in her standard goth get-up. Terrific scenes from a friend helping her get ready for their date to Lucas’ reaction to the Belinda he used to know. And there’s a lot of nicely done gems just like that throughout the book.

I’m surprised I didn’t get a little annoyed with Belinda’s poor me attitude, but Ms. Tenorio makes her so likable from the beginning, I felt for her and cheered for her more than being annoyed with her. For what she’d been through, she deserves some happiness, and the only thing I wish is it wouldn’t have taken her so long to see Lucas is that happiness. But she has to do it in her own time.

This is a fun sequel. The banter between Lucas and Belinda is entertaining, while their doubts, vulnerabilities, and Belinda’s past keep you centered on what’s at stake for them. It’s definitely all or nothing.

Grade: B+

Summary:

In this game of love, winning is not an option.

Lucas Lonnigan thinks he’s finally gotten the best of his twin brother, until he discovers his half of a date-swap is none other than metal artist Belinda Riggs. A leather-dipped Goth queen who considers him a cross between a pin cushion and a science project—and the woman he’s loved forever.

Belinda isn’t exactly overjoyed to see him, either. In her opinion, love means becoming a punching bag, and she won’t be anyone’s doormat. Lucas is too dangerously tempting to allow within striking distance of her heart, but that doesn’t stop her from wanting.

After one blazing night of passion, Lucas finds himself locked out of Belle’s life with seemingly no chance to get back in. With nothing left to lose, Lucas makes a final play and appeals to the one thing Belle can’t say no to—a dare. Winner take all.

Lucas may think this crazy game will decide their relationship, but she sees it as her chance to finally set him free—and maybe indulge in the sexiest goodbye of her life…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

I think it might be time to talk about ebooks. Yes, I know, overkill recently, much? But I’ve been in epublishing for 10 years now, and yes, it has been going that long. Longer, actually.

Recently, folks in the industry have been going nuts about ebooks. As if they’re a brand new thing, as if they invented them, for Heaven’s sake. In my legitimate job, one I haven’t done for years, I was a new market analyst, and they always, always follow the same pattern. What differs is the timing and the detail.

A market starts, and barriers to entry are low. That’s things like quality and consistency of product, so that the early products are often of poor quality and have limited distribution. And no, that’s not always. But the early entrants aren’t the companies who win through. Eventually someone comes along who sees that a quality product that is more easily available will sell more. So the NBI and Triskelions give way to the Ellora’s Cave and the Samhains, the Peaudouces to the Pampers (I did work intensively at the beginning of the disposable nappy market. Sorry and all that, but that’s the other new market I have close knowledge about). Then the big boys, the market leaders, whoever they are, get interested. There are always big boys. Because they have more of an understanding of the market, they have more staying power. And because they only provide the market with acceptable quality, they don’t over-specify, they’re more economically viable. They squeeze margins, and they make their regular suppliers take the new product by rewarding them with preferential rates on the existing ones. They have the money for the massive marketing budgets that new products and markets generally require, both directly in advertising and indirectly in news copy, magazine and TV items and the like. More importantly than initial sales, people come back for more. Depressingly these days it’s getting to be the same conglomerates – the Colgate Palmolives, the Penguins, and suchlike. They bland the product out, but they also provide consistency, a steady level of quality, and most importantly, the distribution the product needs to get the highest possible audience. Out of every 50 people who look at a product, who are exposed to it (ie who are told it exists) eventually buy. Along with this are the specialists, known to the trade as the niche markets. Sometimes these can become significant. Also the new market entrants can, if they play it canny, become part of the big game, either by partnering with a big name, or by becoming a predator and buying up the faltering marginal companies, the not-quite-there ones.

Look at any market you like and they follow those guidelines. I know, isn’t it depressing to be so predictable? But we are.

So what does it mean to me, as an author?

Very little. I got into the ebook market for very personal reasons, reasons that are so far from general that I don’t know anyone else who has followed the same pattern. I’m British, but I write American, apparently, and poor health drove me to give up working outside the home. Now I’m reasonably healthy again, the market I used to work in has moved on. But I couldn’t stay at home and do domestic stuff, so I moved from being a SAHM to a WAHM. Ebooks meant I was on a level playing field with my stable-mates. I’ve moved from NBI and the other smaller publishers to Ellora’s Cave, Samhain and Loose-Id, so I have a chance. They’re the most savvy epublishers around right now, and proud they picked me (I was always the last at school in sports lessons when they were picking teams! That kind of trauma lasts a long time, y’all). I’ve proved I’m good enough to get that far, and if the publishers keep their nerve and their identity, I have a chance of surviving. I’m already reconciled to seeing the big companies reinvent the wheel and push ebooks into a new, commercial market, one that will replace the loss of print sales. They’ll still be big boys. When smoking became socially unacceptable, the big tobacco companies changed their names and morphed into entertainment companies, with interests in casinos, holiday resorts and suchlike.

It’s been the making of Amazon. A few years ago, Amazon was making a loss on the book side and accounting for 4% of the market. With their aggressive promotion and bold introduction of the Kindle, they’ve claimed a big portion of the distribution market and increased their presence. How long they can hold on to that remains to be seen, but their key so far has been innovation and opportunity. They had an unparalleled distribution network, and apart from a few glitches, they’ve used it well.

But for me, a working author, it doesn’t mean a huge amount. I can do nothing to change how things go. I can just wave and feebly mention that I’m still here and as the market grows, my voice becomes feebler. All I can do is keep writing the stories I love and hope that someone else loves them, too. When I sit down at my computer every day to write, I don’t think “I’m writing an ebook” or “I’m writing a print book.” I just write books and hope that someone will like them. I keep writing and hope someone, somewhere gets as much pleasure out of reading them as I do writing them. Despite working in marketing for many years, I don’t seem to have the knack of selling myself. Which is why I’ve never thought about self-publishing. Frankly, I don’t have the nerve, or the money to throw at it. Or the time, come to that. I want to write.

It’s been brought strongly home to me that for the next few years at any rate, distribution will be the name of the game. The big publishers have some catching up to do, but they have lots of cash to throw at the problem, thanks in part to the pathetic royalty rate for ebook sales that many offer, or have offered in the past. Hopefully that’s about to change. It would be fantastic to see a publisher who honestly considers itself in partnership with the author do well, but that’s my dream. I can do nothing about it. Pushing myself forward, doing endless “buy my book” promos is self-defeating. Trying to be everywhere all the time is also a bit of a hiding to nothing. People don’t always want the author there all the time, intruding between them and their experience of a book. And if they can’t get hold of the book easily, if it’s not available at their choice of store, online or otherwise, they’ll pass. I can do nothing to affect that.

Yes, I’m pessimistic about my own success or otherwise in the long term, but it’s been a hell of a ride. I’ll keep writing, and I’m grateful for what I have. I’m grateful that people actually thought enough of my work to take me on and publish it. I’ll keep reading and sharing my opinions about what I write. I have learned that I have to be true to myself, and write what I love. Frankly, the money isn’t good enough for me to slog books out that I don’t believe in. But it’s good enough for me to worry about losing it. However, that is so not your problem. If you read my books and enjoy them, tell other people that you did. That would help a lot. Kthx. But not ‘bye.’ I’ll be around for a while, writing. “Scribble, scribble, scribble, eh Mr. Gibbon’? Just as well Gibbon kept on scribbling, or we wouldn’t have had “The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.”

Oh yes, and I should mention that I have a new book out. “Hareton Hall.” I absolutely loved writing it, my editor said it was the best Richard and Rose book so far, and I want to do more. You can get it at Samhain.  I’d love to talk about it, but I’m not sure how that will go down, so I wrote a short story to go with it. You can get “Barbara’s Wedding” for free at Smashwords, or for a dollar at Amazon (they wouldn’t let me put it out as a free read).

Sandy M’s review of Playing for Keeps by Shiloh Walker
Contemporary Romance ebook published by Samhain 13 Jan 09

Yes, I’ve had this ebook tucked away on the computer for a year and a half now. Shame on me. But I’m actually glad. Shiloh Walker is one of those authors whose books I know I’m going to like no matter what, even if there’s the smallest, niggling doubt that creeps into my mind on one page that I may not care for what’s happening.  Then on the very next page she’s sucked me in and I’m lost in the story, the characters, and most of all the emotion.

In this case that little doubt came early on, when during a storm Jacob heads over to Dana’s house to make sure she’s okay, finds her and her lover at the back of the house in the rain, but before he can hightail it out of there, Dana is as plastered to him as her clothes are to her, asking him to join in their play. Jake has always loved Dana, she’s always been a part of his life, and if the only way he can have her is to be part of a threesome, so be it.

What’s wrong with that, you ask, that caused my doubt? I had to read a little further past the threesome bit to learn of Jake’s want, desire, love for Dana. Most of the time when I read menage books, it seems they’re written just because the author can write them, no substance or feeling to them. Well, I felt Jake’s emotion surrounding Dana’s invitation and then his acceptance of it, and Ms. Walker gave me huge amounts of substance and emotion.

And that’s just the beginning between these two characters. The heart of this story is surrounding the unplanned pregnancy when the condom breaks during one of their one-on-one love making scenes. Coming to grips with the situation, happier about it than she thought she’d be, Dana hopes Jake is happy about it too. Of course, he is. He’s always wanted a life with Dana, so this is a dream come true, a new beginning.

Dana ousts the other man in her life, asks Jake to move in with her, and begins to plan for the future. Then one of those awful, horrible moments in life happen and their baby is in danger. The gut-wrenching fear this couple goes through and then later their raw grief and anger is palpable. Dana turns inward with her emotion while Jake wants to be together for comfort and love, but our hearts and minds don’t always work the way we hope and want, and these two find that out in such mind-numbing ways.

What makes this story more poignant is the author’s note at the end. Ms. Walker and her husband went through this very thing (though in a very different way), and you can feel their pain and loss in every word on every page. I hope it was somehow cathartic for Ms. Walker, and I admire her for putting her experience into such a beautiful piece of work. I appreciate it that much more for it.

If you’re a Shiloh Walker fan and haven’t read this one yet, do so soon. This is one story you don’t want to miss.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Jacob has always been part of Dana Cochran’s life. They’ve lived next door to each other for years, they’ve dated on and off and now they see each other through work.

But their timing has just never been right, and when Dana invites Jacob over to play with her and Mason Caldwell…things get complicated.

Doctor Jacob McCoy loves Dana. So much so, that he’s even willing to share her with Mason Caldwell. But a red-hot threesome isn’t all that Jacob wants from Dana.

When tragedy strikes their fledging relationship, Jacob has to convince Dana that pushing him away isn’t the answer.

He wants to be in her life forever. And some things are worth fighting for.

Read an excerpt.

Sandy M’s review of All of You (The Lonnigans, Book 1) by Dee Tenorio
Contemporary Romance ebook published by Samhain 6 Apr 10

I found Ms. Tenorio and her books last year when I was mistakenly given her book Kiss Me Again to review. I’m glad that happened because that book turned out to be a terrific little read. So much so, when the chance came to read her again, I jumped at it.

Jessica is meeting her on-again/off-again boyfriend Lucas Lonnigan for one of their semi-routine relatively boring but companionable dinner dates. This time is going to be different, however, because Jessica has decided to break up with the man. No point in continuing a relationship that isn’t going anywhere. But tonight, there’s something different about Lucas. It’s like he’s become more optimistic, is starting a brand new lease on life.

What she finds out too late is that Lucas really is a different man. His twin brother Kyle has shown up instead, and Kyle is just as affected by Jessica. He’s been thinking lately it’s time to settle down, find a wife, have a family. He’s lived the playboy life long enough and now it’s time for more substance. And now irony is having its way with him. When he finds the one woman he knows is for him, she thinks he’s someone else.

Of course, the proverbial shit hits the fan when Jessica finds out she’s been duped. She wants nothing to do with either brother, re-enforces to herself she’s been right all along love has no place in her life. But Kyle won’t give up. He even latches onto the advice given by Jess’ secretary, Dory — who is a hoot and a half and a very enjoyable character — to finagle his way back into Jessica’s good graces. He does anything and everything to try to make her see how good  they’d be together.

While I really liked the majority of this book, there are a couple of issues that didn’t work for me personally. First is the relationship between Kyle and Lucas. I never got the feeling they share that twin “thing” you always hear about. When they had scenes together, we get arguing and snapping at one another more than anything else, until late in the book when Lucas has cause to really worry about Kyle, as Jessica does. I know this is an issue for me only because I love reading about brothers and I’m just a little disappointed in the way the relationship is portrayed initially. It does get better later, but I just wanted more early on.

Also, though I realize Jessica has her reasons for keeping love at bay, not trusting to let it into her life, her refusal to give in to Kyle went on just a tad too long for me. Even more than three-quarters of the way into the book, she’s balking at Kyle’s efforts to win her over. Even when they enjoy one another intimately. Even when his touches and kisses turn her into jelly. Even somewhat after unforeseen danger comes along, making her look at herself and her/their life differently. I actually got irritated with Jessica because her attitude went on so long.

But other than those two little things, this book is fun, has some action, mystery, and danger thrown in, and all the characters are quite likable, especially Dory’s son, Daniel, and the trouble he brings to town. A nice story of looks can be deceiving, it’s what you have/see on the inside that counts.

Grade: B-

Summary:

He found the right girl…too bad he’s the wrong date.

Kyle Lonnigan can’t say he hasn’t enjoyed the bachelor life. Good times and good money have always come easily to him. But now he wants something more, maybe even—gulp—a wife and family. Always the man with the plan, he consults the expert in boring, his identical twin Lucas, who suggests secretly switching dates for a night. Kyle never expected to meet his dream woman…and now she thinks he’s someone else.

Career-minded Jessica Saunders fully intends to break up with Lucas, but the man who meets her for dinner is soooo delicious, she can’t resist seducing him first. When she learns she’s been duped—worse, that Kyle wants more than a part-time lover— she sends him packing. Jessica doesn’t believe in happily ever after. If her early life taught her anything, it’s to trust no one but herself.

Yet for a man who’s done everything wrong, wants everything she’s not and drives her absolutely insane, Kyle is getting under her skin. And into her bed. And, if she’s not careful…into the heart she thought no longer existed.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Ash’s review of My Avenging Angel by Madelyn Ford
Paranormal Romance ebook published by Samhain 25 May 10

I really wanted to like this story, I love bad-ass angels, but sadly it fell short.

Tori is a witch who summons the Archangel Michael to protect her from the demon who wants to kill her. It started off good. Michael is pissed off at being called, especially by a human, since he dislikes them so much.

Then as soon as he touches her, he realizes she is his soul-mate and he becomes a completely different character. No more pissed off, sexy angel. They are now in love and must figure out a way to kill the bad guy.

It sounds good, but for a novella it just wasn’t exciting. There was hardly any conflict between them, and by the second time they meet, they seem ready to spend the rest of their lives together. It was just too soon and it had me rolling my eyes.

Tori has a huge TSTL moment and by the end of the story, I was tired of her. She isn’t very likable, and at times neither is Michael. The only character I was interested in was one who was named but never even present.

Even the demon, Asmodeus, was uninteresting. He has been looking for Tori since she was a child, to finish what he started by killing her parents. To me he never seemed like a really a big threat, so I didn’t care about him.

For such a short story, I spent the whole time reading it thinking of what I didn’t like about it.

Grade: D-

Summary:

To save her life, he must break a covenant—and lose his heart.

An Angels and Demons story.

It’s Victoria Bloom’s twenty-fifth birthday. But is she out celebrating? Oh, no. She’s in a stuffy old attic with the Three Stooges—a.k.a. her so-called spirit guides. There’s a demon who wants her dead, the same one that killed her mother two decades ago. No worries, say the Stooges. All she has to do is summon an angel. What could go wrong?

Well, plenty when you summon the wrong angel. The next thing Tory knows, she’s got one very bad-ass, pissed-off and sexy Archangel on her hands.

Michael, mighty warrior, leader of an elite team of demon killers, is shaking in his heavenly combat boots. Not because he finds all humans distasteful. But because he’d rather face Lucifer himself than the woman his soul has just recognized as his mate. Binding himself to a mortal, one who will eventually die, is the one path he’s sworn never to follow.

It’s too late now; his fate is sealed. With one touch, she becomes as necessary to him as the air he breathes. He will move heaven and earth to protect her—but against a demon as powerful as Asmodeus, heaven and earth may not be enough…

Warning: This book contains one bad-ass Archangel with a fiery, um, sword, a witch who blows things up, one nasty demon who is trying to kill them both, and ghosts who make interfering their mission. Steamy sex is had, even with the voyeur ghosts—though Tory is still blushing.

Read an excerpt.

Ash’s review of Deals with Demons by Victoria Davies
Paranormal Romance ebook published by Samhain 25 May 10

Deals with Demons has everything I want in a story — a sexy demon who I’d want for myself and a strong kick-ass heroine.

Talia and Devlin already have a past, so there was no awkward first meeting to get through. It has been years since Talia has seen Devlin. She left him when she was 19 thinking he had been cruel to her. Devlin, on the other hand, thinks she left because he had scared her. It is one of those big misunderstandings that are usually annoying, but in this story it works.

As soon as they meet up again, the sparks fly. Devlin is back to help Talia kill the demon who murdered her family. She doesn’t believe he will do anything for free, so he offers a deal. One night in his bed and he will help kill the demon. She takes the deal, and she doesn’t try to deny the fact that she wants to be with him again.

Talia is smart and I really enjoyed reading from her point of view. She doesn’t let her pride stand in her way, and she doesn’t fight her attraction to Devlin. She is a heroine who is a breath of fresh air. I wish all female leads could be like her — strong, confident, and not afraid to show weakness to people who matter.

Devlin is the perfect person for her. He is a demon and a powerful one. He is charming when he should be, sexy all the time, and he doesn’t try to hide anything from Talia. He has a soft spot saved for her, and I only wish for their sake that he had followed her when she left.

The demon who is after Talia also has a presence in the story. He felt evil and he does bad things. He is after Talia and she can admit she is scared. The fight with him adds just the right amount of action.

Deals with Demons flows so smoothly it didn’t feel at all like a short story. Victoria Davies packed so much into it, I felt like I had read a full-length book. I would love to read more by her.

Grade: A-

Summary:

Remembering the past can be painful. Ignoring it can be deadly.

An Angels and Demons story.

In a world filled with magic, demons and death, Talia survives using her inborn ability to sense and track demons. A handy skill for a demon hunter. There’s one demon, though, who’s never far from her mind or her heart, damn his black soul.

Years ago Devlin saved Talia from the murderous demon who killed her family. The memory of him has haunted her ever since the night she fled his home, her body branded with a permanent reminder of his lust—and her humiliation.

Now he’s back at her door with an offer she can’t refuse. He’s found the one who killed her family, and he’ll help her kill the monster. For a price. One last heated night in her arms.

Temptation and the chance for revenge are too much for Talia to resist. However, once bound to Devlin in an unbreakable deal, Talia realizes too late there’s more at stake than the death of her nightmares. Her heart wasn’t supposed to be part of the bargain…but she should have known to expect anything when she made a deal with this demon.

Read an excerpt.