Ava's Satin Sheets Review of Honeymoon Bite by Sharon Hamilton

Title: Honeymoon Bite

Author: Sharon Hamilton

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Website: http://sharonhamiltonauthor.com/index.html

Length: 264 Pages

Description:

Anne caught her husband cheating with the maid of Honor before their wedding cake was cut. She decided to take her planned and paid for honeymoon in Tuscany, alone. On the evening of what was to be her wedding night, she gets bitten by a female vampire.

Marcus Monteleone has waited three hundred years to find his fated female, only to discover her dying in his arms. He saves Anne's life by turning her, and then works to gain her trust, to cope with being a newly-formed golden vampire.

But when Anne finds out Marcus has not been completely truthful about his past, she vows to live as a human, and shuns the vampire world. Alone and unprotected, she falls prey to the very villainess who took her human soul, and who now takes the only man she’s ever loved.

Which lover will have to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the other before they both are lost?

Review

An excellent paranormal romance that was exciting, romantic, entertaining and very satisfying to read. It had me anticipating what would happen next many times over, so much so I could not put it down and even finished it up in a day. The vampires in this book were different from your average vampire, but I enjoy different variations and changes to the same old stuff. It made for a more unpredictable read and more adventurous to explore! Vampire lovers, any paranormal readers and even those who love the romance genre will enjoy Honeymoon Bite.

Anne is a sweet, trusting and beautiful woman that just desires what many other women do. A happy marriage, family and a loving and loyal husband, alas, it’s not to be this way for poor Anne. The evening of her wedding she finds her husband in an intimate situation with her best friend. Tired of him and his infidelity, she takes the planned honeymoon trip by herself and lands in another situation that no one would ever ask for only to be saved by a man that now haunts her thoughts day and night ever since. Now alive more than ever, she chooses to actually live. She’s stronger, more determined and practically invincible. But her journey for happiness is a long way from her grasp. She has many new cravings and rules that stop her from taking exactly what she wants. Especially when what she wants is from her dream man.

Marcus is a centuries old vampire that has a true warm heart, a romantic soul and a yearning for his fated. When he finally finds her, he’s stricken with grief that his fated, the woman he’s finally found lays injured, close to dying. Determined to keep her alive he makes a quick decision to change her to be like him and hopes with all of his being that she will grow to know, love, trust and respect him as her fated. At times Marcus came off as overly obsessed with Anne, but I guess considering he’s waited as long as he has, it’s warranted. After all, Fate is something that's meant to be and he knows he's a very lucky male to have a chance to experience it.

Lies, deception, unfaithfulness, so many twists and turns in the journey for happiness and contentment between the two main characters. But the chemistry that flows between them is undeniable and something to be cherished, for all eternity :) 

4 Satin Pillows

Heat rating of 4 pillow mints

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Honeymoon-Golden-Vampire-Legacy-ebook/dp/B006QCMD6K/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1324961060&sr=1-2

Alyson's Satin Sheets Romance Review of HEART OF A SOLDIER by Tamara Hoffa

Book:  Heart of a Soldier
Author:  Tamara Hoffa
Publisher:  Boroughs PublishingGroup
Published:  September 21, 2012
Pages:   39
Genre: Contemporary Military Romance
Series: Lunchbox Romances

Boroughs Publishing Group has started a new line of books called 'Lunchbox Romances'. Each story is just long enough to be read during a lunch break and Heart of a Soldier is one of them.

Charlotte Mackenzie (Charlie) lost her husband in a freak car accident and now is up against fears of losing her only child while he's in the military. Evan, her son, wants badly to join the Army so Charlie does her best be supportive and the two of them go to talk to the recruiter, Chief Warrant Officer Jameson Hunter (Jamie). Charlie and Jamie instantly feel an attraction, but Charlie has has to come to terms with both Jamie's Military career and  her feelings for him as a man since she has only been with her late husband.  Will the two of them be able to find a middle ground? Will Charlie discover that the heart of a soldier is worth a second chance at happiness? 

Amazon  |  Goodreads  | Smashwords  |  Barnes & Noble  |


My Review:

...Wrapping his arms around her waist, he kissed her cheek. She inhaled his masculine scent, he smelled of engine grease, citrus hand cleaner and man. She turned in his arms and laid her cheek over his beating heart, treasuring the haven of his embrace...

I love a good military romance and was intrigued by the concept of Lunchbox Romances. I was unsure I could read a book in an hour that would leave me feeling satisfied with the storyline. Let me put you right at ease - Tamara Hoffa knows exactly how to do that! You walk into the story and meet all of the main characters, learn some of their background and the plot takes it from there. While I did not read it at lunch time - it was more like time for dessert - I sure didn't want to put it down, even to go to sleep.

The Good: Charlie and Jamie are both extremely likeable characters and their chemistry is immediate. Charlie became more and more endearing, each time you read her thoughts or heard her express her misgivings, inadequacies, or fears. Don't get me wrong, she is a very capable and strong woman but her concerns make her realistic. Jamie seems to 'get' her, right from the start. I loved what a gentleman he was and how he made Charlie feel...like she was precious to him. Tamara wrote just the right amount of dialog between them and just the right amount of action. The side characters were perfect to help move the story along and the events unfolded seamlessly. This book was a delightful and happy surprise!

The Bad: I guess the only thing I could have wished were different was for the story to have continued. Not because it left me wanting or hanging at the end but because I fell in love with the characters that much. Perhaps Tamara might consider a follow-up book?? (hint, hint)

The Snuggly: Heart of a Soldier had some of the best small romantic gestures and tender, thoughtful dialog of any book I have read in a long time! That alone had my heart going pitter-pat. Then you add the way the character's fell into love with one another and all of the intimate scenes were poignant and beautiful. There is explicit intimacy involved so this is not the book for just anyone.

Final Thoughts: Oh, to have been Charlie during the timeline of the story! This is not just a one trick pony however; the feelings involved cover a large part of the emotional spectrum. You will be so engrossed in reading this book, that if you do read it at lunch time, it is a good thing that it ends after 39 pages or you'd be late getting back for sure! I would not hesitate to recommend this book to lovers of romance everywhere. Heart of a Soldier is well worth your time.

4 Satin Pillows

Heat rating of 4 pillow mints

About Tamara:

Tamara Hoffa lives in central Tennessee, with her husband of 30 years, her three grown children, two grandchildren, 3 dogs and 2 cats. Tamara started reading when she was four years old and has rarely been seen without a book at hand since. At home you will usually find her in “nana’s chair” with her kindle, her laptop or one of her precious, precocious grandson’s in her lap. Tamara is a reviewer, a professional reader and can now add author to her repertoire. Tamara is proof positive that it’s never too late to reach for your dreams.

Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Disclosure of Material Connection: I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for my personal opinions on the subject.  The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

Love 'n Books,

Alyson 

Author: Lauren Pilla

Title: A Vampire for Halloween

Print Length: 51 pages

Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing (October 1, 2012)

 

Alexis is obsessed with Halloween. With her house decked out to the nines no one could possibly disagree. Ghosts and vampires sway against her walls while a scarecrow guards her front yard. Alexis, however has no one to guard her subconscious and is pleasurably invaded by a dark, sexy and mysterious man night after night.

Luke Ellis is a 472 year old vampire who is madly in love with Alexis. He invades her dreams, knowing it’s the only way he can be with her, until he gets the brilliant idea to invite her to his annual Halloween party.

Alexis has heard rumors about the wild parties held at the Ellis mansion and couldn’t wait to attend. What she doesn’t know is her mysterious man is also there… waiting. Will she have a real life encounter with her fantasy man or will her dreams turn into a nightmare?

 

Natalie Gibson's Review:

 

It was enjoyable and cute even from the first page.  Many of us Halloweenaphiles can relate to Alexis.  She starts her decorating in September, late August if she can get away with it.  She immerses herself in all things fall, be it spice tea or roasted pumpkin seeds.  Luke is her dream man.  Quite literally, he is in her dreams.  It is a special ability he has on top of being a vampire.  They meet in the physical when Luke sends Alexis an invite to his annual Halloween party.  It is a culture shock to Alexis, the only human to ever attend, when she is thrown into a world of vampires, werewolves, ghosts and fairies. 

 

Costumes, creepy feelings of being watched, Halloween and fall references...there were a lot of things for October lovers to enjoy.  This was a short story so I will keep my review short.  This one was all about setting and that was done well.  Alexis and Luke fall in love off screen, so to speak, in her dream scape, which is fine, but the story could have been enhanced by extending this and letting the reader see it.  It would also have been nice for there to be more conflict and perhaps another erotic scene. Those are my opinions. Over all, this is a good choice for a quick read around Halloween. 

 

A Vampire for Halloween is awarded 3 Satin Pillows. 

 

Buy Link
http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=420

 

Facebook fan page for SCP
http://www.facebook.com/secretcravingspublishing

 

SCP readers' page
http://www.facebook.com/groups/256038187798868 

~Ava's Satin Sheets Romance review and giveaway of Negotiating Skills by Laurel Cremant~

Title: Negotiating Skills

Author: Laurel Cremant

Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance

Website: http://laurelcremant.com

Length: 78 Pages

Available/Find it On: Amazon, All Romance (ARe), Barnes and Noble and Kobo


Description: Software programmer Veronica James is struggling to make her new business a success. After finally landing a major account, she’s at risk of losing it all when she catches her new client Victor Rossi in a very compromising position. In an effort to regain the upper hand, Rossi insists on some sexy and compromising concessions from her that have Veronica reconsidering her hard fast rule of not mixing business with pleasure.

 

Review

I absolutely LOVED this book! For a short it was extremely satisfying and the build… AMAZING! Negotiating Skills lived up to its title that’s for sure. It’s a very entertaining, fun, funny, intense and exciting read that will be stuck in your mind for some time after you are through reading. Anyone who enjoys a great story with an incredible build to a steamy romance will adore Negotiating Skills :)

Veronica is a smart, snarky, independent, driven and attractive woman that has branched out into her own business and prays for its success. Taking a leap that many women in the field of technology would not, Veronica goes straight for the big guns and applies for a top notch contract with a major company. She has the knowledge, skills and know how to get it she just needs to convince the head honcho Victor that’s she’s capable. Wow is he a looker! That is just the tip of the iceberg after Veronica accomplishes what she’s worked so hard for, she finds the boss man in a bit of a situation that’s meant for no one’s eyes. Things really take off from there!

 Victor is a handsome, smart, successful, confident and caring man. He knows true talent when he sees it. Needing and wanting nothing but the best for his company to get back on track he hires Veronica to set all to rights but wants her to right the aches he gets whenever he’s around her. When he finds her in the room during a rather private moment, he takes it in stride and uses it as much to his advantage as possible. Go Victor!

 The heat, attraction and chemistry flows from the moment Veronica and Victor meet. But business and pleasure are not supposed to go hand in hand. What will it take for one of them to cave and/or one of them to take control? You’re going to have to read to find out ;)

5 Satin Pillows

 

Heat rating of 4 pillow mints

Giveaway Information:

For this giveaway one lucky commenter will win a $15 Amazon gift card and an autographed ebook or kindle copy of Laurel's book. Please make sure to leave your email address along with your comment so we can contact you. Contest ends Sunday November 4, 2012. Good luck! :)

Satin Sheets Romance Reviews - The Beltane Choice By Nancy Jardine

Saturday, October 27, 2012 – Satin Sheets Romance Reviews- The Beltane Choice by Nancy Jardine

 Title:  The Beltane Choice

Author:  Nancy Jardine

Website:  http://nancyjardineauthor.weebly.com

Genre:  Historical Romance

Length:  158 pages

Find It On:

Amazon and Smashwords

AD 71.

Banished from the nemeton, becoming a priestess is no longer the future for Nara, a princess of the Selgovae tribe. Now charged with choosing a suitable mate before Beltane, her plan is thwarted by Lorcan, an enemy Brigante prince, who captures her and takes her to his hill fort. Despite their tribes fighting each other, Nara feels drawn to her captor, but time runs out for her secret quest.

As armies of the Roman Empire march relentlessly northwards, Lorcan intends to use Nara as a marriage bargain, knowing all Celtic tribes must unite to be strong enough to repel imminent Roman attack. Nara’s father, Callan, agrees to a marriage alliance between Selgovae and Brigante, but has impossible stipulations. Lorcan is torn between loyalty to his tribe and growing love for Nara.

When danger and death arrive in the form of the mighty Roman forces, will Nara be able to choose her Beltane lover? 

Angela’s Review:

                The Beltane Choice sets us in Ancient Alba or modern day northern Scotland during the 1^st Century.     The Picts of the north are facing the threat of a Roman invasion as the story begins, as well as the threat of enemy tribes.

                I have read a lot of Scottish Romances and I am a lover of historical romance.  I had to say, I was a bit intimidated about heading to 1^st Century Scotland, and for a romance!   With so little known about the Picts, I wondered if the details of history would be too difficult to follow, as well as being able to keep up with the actual storyline.  I was so wrong!  Ms. Jardine does an amazing job with historical accuracy, while making a strong connection between Lorcan and Nara from the very first page. 

                Lorcan is a sexy, fierce warrior with a heart, though it may take you to the end of chapter one to realize it.   I love the fact that Lorcan isn’t all brawn.  The author is able to show you a different side to this Celtic warrior, as he not only can defend his tribe with his strength, but his intelligence as well. 

Nara’s plight for self-worth touched my heart from the very beginning.  I love how Nancy gave us small bits and pieces of Nara’s past to chew on, and it kept my curiosity well-fed.    It seemed that Nara had been through it all, but still remained steadfast with her loyalty to her tribe.  The only thing I like better than a hero with a sword is a heroine that owns a weapon and knows how to use it.   Nara did not disappoint on this level!  She was every bit a warrior, as Lorcan.

My favorite scene in the book was when Lorcan has to tell his father how he came upon Nara in the first place.  Lorcan retells the story of Nara in a tree, all the while chuckling and smiling the entire time.  When his father admonished him for his misplaced humor, all I could picture was this hulking warrior being cowed by an old man.   It had me laughing out loud.

The connection between Lorcan and Nara was rocky in the beginning, and it was apparent that Lorcan’s guard came down first.   In Nara’s case, Jardine only allowed small fragments of the wall around Nara’s heart fall away, and that kept me turning the pages.   By the end of the book, I was moved by the not only the strong connection, Jardine was able to create between Lorcan and Nara, but of the growing parental relationship between Tully and Nara.   

The Beltane Choice brought to mind the works of Susan King and Michele Willingham.  If you’re looking for a historical romance that oozes sexual tension, has a detailed and compelling historical storyline,  intense fighting scenes that keeps you on the edge of your seat, then you don’t want to miss out on reading The Beltane Choice.   

4 Satin Pillows!

Leave a comment and an e-mail address for a chance to win an ebook of

 The Beltane Choice

               

                 

Satin Sheets Romances Reviews - Naughty Little Secrets By Cassandra Curtis

What do you get when you cross a seemingly shy hairdresser with a gorgeous southern mechanic with a big heart? Naughty Little Secrets is what you get!!

A short novella, it holds your attention throughout with its sexy scenes, fun characters and well-written plot. Ms. Curtis is one to watch. I enjoyed the read and recommend that you get a copy today!

I give her book 5 satin pillows!

Satin Sheets Reviews Aphrodite's Hunt by Jennifer Blackstream

Title: Aphrodite's Hunt

Author: Jennifer Blackstream

Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance

Length: 235 pages

“When a vampire gets involved in a werewolf mating ritual, you know there’s going to be blood . . .”

Gia is a werewolf with a mission: to have a submissive mate who will never threaten her dominance. For years she has ruled as the lupa of her pack with just such a mate. Then one night her perfect little arrangement comes to an end when her mate betrays her with another woman. Outraged at the insult to their lupa, the pack calls for one of their most sacred rituals: Aphrodite’s Hunt. For three nights Gia will be the prey, hunted by the eligible males of her pack until one proves himself worthy by finding her and claiming her as his own. If Gia wants to escape the erotic ritual that even her own wolf longs for, she will have to find someone to protect her not only from her pack . . . but from her own carnal desires.

Sorin is a vampire with a secret. Haunted by the macabre sins of his past, he has sworn off blood, determined to stick to a diet of siphoned energy that leaves him too weak to pose a threat. When Gia comes to his door, possessed by a heated desire and desperate to make a deal, Sorin quickly turns her away. But he soon finds out that Gia is not a werewolf used to taking orders. One bloody kiss is all it takes to awaken the beast he has kept trapped inside of him for so long and suddenly Sorin finds himself swept up by a renewed hunger for the warmer things in life.

Now Gia wants out of the deal and Sorin wants . . . her.

Natalie Gibson's Review:

Aphrodite's Hunt was written for readers exactly like me.  If you like paranormal romance with vampires and werewolves, heavy on the erotic with plenty of blood drinking, wolf chasing and dominant males, then this is an excellent choice.  It was a quick and smooth read. The pace was steady but fast.  There was no slow build.  We are introduced to Gia on the worst night of her life.  Her mate has just cheated on her and her pack has called for an archaic (in her mind) ritual in which she must run and be hunted.  The victor will become her new mate.  To make matters worse, there is real magic here and her body betrays her at every turn.  She is aroused by the dominant males that would normally repulse her.  She runs to the only safety she can think of - the local vampire, Sorin.  Sorin is something much more interesting than a mere vampire and his condition complicates matters when all Gia wants to do is hide out in his home until the hunt is over.  Well, that's what she wants until she is actually inside Sorin's home.  Once there she is consumed by the need for him, and resist it though she might, she can't hide her arousal and increased heartbeat from a vampire.  

This book was well done for erotica that skirts the edge of horror.  I would say that a good 60% to 70% of the book was sex or thinking of sex, but maybe that was just me.  When it is not about sex, there is a lot of fighting, scrapping, and chasing (sometimes even those things are about sex).  This was an action packed read that I finished in just two nights. There is quite a bit of blood.  Sorin has lived in denial of his true nature for ages and when Gia comes in he loses all control.  He almost kills her several times, at least one of which is while they are having sex.  There is a lot of gripping of hips until they bruise.  Vampire/Werewolf loving...ah, sweet beautiful agony. 

The characters' back stories were wonderful and the creatures' mythologies were rich. Both main characters do a lot of real growth. They change throughout the story which made for a well rounded read.  Gia was just as strong as Sorin and that worked for me.  I don't enjoy wilting weeping female characters.  This had none of those.  It was well written and well planned.  I did not know what was going to happen next but I knew I had to keep reading.  I plan to read more from Jennifer Blackstream.  I've already bought, read, and reviewed the first in her Revenge in Vein Series.

Aphrodite's Hunt is awarded: 5 Satin Pillows...though, after a night with Gia and Sorin, they would probably be shredded to bits.

Connect with Jennifer Blackstream and check out her works.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Aphrodites-Hunt-ebook/dp/B009GVC91M/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1349835421&sr=8-3&keywords=jennifer+blackstream
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/aphrodites-hunt-jennifer-blackstream/1113017435?ean=2940015608465
Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Aphrodites-Hunt/book-J33XgXU_6kSH5Q84hDmBzg/page1.html?s=Nw4n-bkj2EO1cWNJ7894FQ&r=5
AllRomance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-aphrodite039shunt-946820-139.html

Website: www.jenniferblackstream.com

The author is doing a giveaway of 5 free ebook copies of Aphrodite's Hunt.  Leave a comment with your email address and bingo, you are entered.  Good Luck!

Satin Sheets Romance Review~Always & Forever by Chantel Rhondeau

Author: Chantel Rhondeau

Title: Always & Forever

File Size: 697 KB

Print Length: 302 pages

Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited

Publisher: Chantel Rhondeau (September 3, 2012)

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Language: English

Amazon

Website:       www.chantelrhondeau.com

A suspected murderess flees her former life in search of tranquility, but the past refuses to die, threatening to destroy her newfound happiness.

Lilly Price is an abused woman on the run, but she can’t hide forever. Desperate to escape public scrutiny following accusations that she hired a hit man to kill her fiancé, Lilly hopes to rebuild her life in a new town.

Widowed Zach Woodbridge is in no hurry to find another bride. He longs for a peaceful summer, writing at his lakeside cottage. Things change after an introduction to his grandmother’s intriguing new assistant, Lilly.

When Lilly’s secrets are revealed, can their fragile relationship weather the storm? And when a man from the past wishes to reclaim Lilly, using any force necessary, can she and Zach protect the people they love?

Susan B. Anna’s Review

Captivating, exciting, suspenseful and hot are just a few words I can safely use to describe this book.  Chantel Rhondeau had me enthralled from the very first pages, and I found it extremely difficult to put this one down.

Domestic abuse has always been a touchy subject for me, and I am so glad Chantel depicted it so very well.   

Lily Price and Zach Woodbridge had such an amazing connection, and even though they both had a lot to reflect concerning their past and the ghosts that still haunt them, they proved that true love and devotion can be enough to handle it all with perseverance. 

Lily was an exceptional character and let’s just say that Zach is every woman’s wish come true.  Strong, loving, romantic and so very supportive; not to mention exceedingly hot, Chantel did a perfect job bringing these two together, as well as all the other characters at play like Margaret, Zach’s grandmother, and hopeless romantic and the delusional psychopath Curtis Crandall, who was so easily hated.   I simply enjoyed reading this book very much. 

Chantel Rhondeau is interested in giving away a free Nook or Kindle version of “Always & Forever,”so please leave a comment below to gain entry.  Winner will be chosen by author.  

                                 "Always & Forever" is happily awarded 4 Satin Pillows

SATIN SHEETS ROMANCE REVIEW: "STAINED" By ELLA JAMES

Title:     Stained

Author: Ella James

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

File Size: 363 KB

Print Length: 230 pages

Publisher: Barkley's Books; 5 - 8/15/12 edition (September 14, 2011)

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc. - Kindle & Paperback

After a fire destroys seventeen-year-old Julia's home and kills her foster parents, she chases the half-demon responsible across the country and back, determined to avenge her family and discover why a host of celestial baddies want her dead. With Julia is enigmatic hottie Cayne, who has his own score to settle with the half-demon, and who might be just as dangerous as the creature he and Julia hunt.

Susan B. Anna’s Review

When Julia's foster parents are killed in a fire, and her home destroyed, she is once again orphaned and very much on her own once more.  Scared and still trying to figure out what that thing was that surfaced from her burning house Julia leaves her life behind, ventures out on her own and ends up in an abandoned warehouse, and miles away from the place she once called home.

Days later Julia is jerked awake by a loud thud on the roof, and soon after Cayne crashes through the ceiling and literally falls at her feet.  Unbeknownst to Julia she now has a body guard and Cayne is now forced to help Julia find the half demon responsible for ruining both of their lives. As they embark on a journey to make things right and keep Julia alive, she soon starts falling in love with Cayne and learns why the half demon known as Samyaza destroyed her home and killed her parents, Cayne’s reason for going after him and why she must learn more about her past. 

Stained keeps one interested, and the chemistry and banter between the two is not only comical but also so very refreshing.  As a (YA Paranormal Romance) novel and first of three, “Stolen,” being the second and “Chosen,” being the third, you can bet the plot shall only get better. 

Will Cayne and Julia remain together or will she forever be forbidden from seeing him once she finally meets the rest who are deemed as “Stained?”   Ella was able to keep me interested and  so I will most certainly soon find out.  

"STAINED" IS AWARDED: 3 SATIN PILLOWS